Improvements in and relating to Theatrical Stage Curtains of the kind generally known as Tableaux Curtains.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Feb., 1896-Accepted, 21st Mar., 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Theatrical Stage Curtains of the
kind generally known as Tableaux Curtains.
I, EDWARD LYTTON of 3 Bedford Street, Strand, in the County of Middlesex,
Theatrical Acting Manager, do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention relates to theatrical stage curtains of the kind generally known as
"tableaux curtains" and its chief object is to provide means to ensure that the
curtains will completely meet or slightly overlap, no matter at what speed they are
closed or are allowed to close.
In carrying these improvements into effect the two parts which form the complete
curtain are suspended from their upper edges in the usual or any suitable manner.
To a convenient part of each curtain, preferably the inner lower corner, is attached
one end of a jointed rod or arm the other end of which is hinged or pivoted to
the side of the proscenium or to the stage. A cord, chain or the like is attached
to the inner end of each jointed arm or to an adjacent part of the curtain which is
opened and closed by means of these cords.
In order that my invention may be more readily understood I have hereto
appended two sheets of drawings which illustrate a curtain provided with my
improved opening and closing devices, and to which I hereinafter make reference.
Figure 1 illustrates the curtain in its closed condition and
Figure 2 shews it open.
Figure 3 is an illustration of the curtain when in an intermediate position
between open and closed.
In all the figures the curtain is viewed from the stage or behind.
As will be seen by referring to the drawings, each curtain consists of two
parts A and B which are suspended by their upper edges in any convenient manner
from the top of the proscenium. In their closed position they completely meet or
slightly overlap each other. Hinged to the proscenium, one on each side, or to a
convenient part of the stage are two jointed arms or rods C, D, the free ends
of which are respectively connected to the curtains A and B, preferably at or near
their lower inner corners. To the same or to adjacent parts of the curtains, or to
their attached jointed arms, cords E F are fastened, and extend diagonally across
the curtains, passing through the retaining rings G. Each of these cords may be
operated separately to open or close the curtains but it is preferred to lead one of
them over the top of the proscenium and to join it to the other, so that they may
be operated simultaneously by the cord E which may pass over a drum and be
counterweighted.
In describing how the curtains are opened and closed, we will refer to one part A
only, it being understood that the other part B, is operated in the same manner and
at the same time.
The arm C consists of two links c and d hinged together at e.
The free end of
the part d is pivoted to the side of the proscenium or to the stage at f and the free
end of the other part c is secured to the inner lower corner of the curtain at g.
The cord E is also attached to this end of the rod or to an adjacent part of the
curtain. When the curtain is in the position illustrated by Figure 1 and the
cord E' is pulled, the cord E is moved and the jointed arm C begins to rotate upon

page_text: its pivot thus raising the inner, lower corner of the curtain. During the firet
part of the movement the partc acts to a great extent solely as a link or con-
necting rod to transmit the movement of the cord to the part d. When the latter,
however has assumed a position which in the form shewn is approximately vertical
"but which is governed by the relative lengths of the parts e and d, the continued
movement of the cord causes the part c also to rotate upon its pivote and thus
raise the curtain-bodily. The outer edge of the curtain is furnished with rings or
runners which slide upon the cord or wire h but other and equivalent retaining
devices may be employed if desired. The cord E runs through the rings G attached
to the curtain. The closed and open positions of the curtains and their jointed
arms are shewn respectively in Figures 1 and 2 and their intermediate position in
Figure 3, where the part d has reached its extreme position and the part e is
commencing to lift the curtain. The jointed arm is prevented from moving too far
by a stop, and the two halves are preferably prevented from more than coming into
line with each other.
With this arrangement the complete closing or overlapping of the curtains is
ensured irrespective of the speed at which they are allowed to close. The jointed
arm C descends carrying the curtain with it, until the end which is attached to the
curtain at g has reached its lowest position. The arm C tends to straighten by its
own weight and as the outer end cannot fall any further owing to its attachment
to the curtain or its contact with the stage, any further movement must be in an
approximately horizontal path. The curtains may if desired be arranged to just meet
but it is preferred to make them slightly overlap as illustrated in Figure 1, and for
this purpose
the two arms are arranged slightly out of line with one another. The
outer ends of the arms may engage with a fixture upon the stage.
The downward or closing movement of the arms is preferably limited by stops
which may conveniently be attached to or combined with the cord E. It is of
great importance that the arms C and D be capable of movement in a vertical
plane only. For this purpose the different hinges or joints are made very strong
and long and so as only to permit movement in the required direction.
Figure 3 shews an arrangement by means of which the curtains and their attached
arms or rods may be raised to any extent or be lifted bodily into the flies as for
instance when it is desired to replace the "tableaux curtain" by an ordinary drop
curtain. The upper edges of the curtain are fastened to a removable batten or
beam I and the jointed arms are hinged to bands, clamps, or the like H mounted
upon vertical rails or rods J so as to be capable of sliding but not of rotating
thereon, and provided with a locking screw. When it is desired to remove the
curtain it is only necessary to lift the batten and raise the attached curtains and
the jointed arms, the hinges of the latter sliding upon the rail J. If desired the
clamps and vertical rods may be substituted by small carriages and rails, the jointed
arms being hinged to the carriages, or any other equivalent or suitable sliding device
which will not permit of rotary motion may be employed. In order to prevent
jamming of the sliding device it may be necessary to attach the ferrule, carriage or
the like directly to the batten by a chain, cord or light rod K.
In the drawings a plain curtain is shewn but it will of course be understood that
draped curtains may be similarly used. The jointed arms, too, are shewn hinged
in about the middle of their lengths, but this hinge may be placed nearer one end
or the other.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In tableaux curtains the combination with each part of the curtain of a
jointed arm constructed arranged and operated substantially as and for the purpose
herein before described and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
2. The hereinbefore deseribed system of cords and jointed arms designed for the
purpose of opening and closing tableaux curtains, constructed and arranged

page_text: substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
3. Tableaux curtains, suspended from a batten or the like, provided with jointed
arms by means of which and suitable cords, the curtains may be opened and closed,
and arranged so that the curtains and their accessories may be drawn up bodily
above the proscenium, constructed and operated substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 11th day of February A.D. 1896.
W. E. HEYS & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.