Improved Means and Appliances for use in Stage Illusions and the like.
Year: 1892

page_text: Improved Means and Appliances for use in Stage Illusions and
the like.
I, ADELAIDE MORRITT of 39 Brewer Street, London, W. 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 :--
My improved means and appliances consist of a perforated framework provided
at its back with a moving shutter of the same shape and form, and so arranged that
when this shutter is in one position it is entirely hid by the framework, but when it
is slid forward the shutter fully occupies the perforated portions of the framework.
The front of this shutter is entirely covered with a mirror, so that it is very
difficult to distinguish by the eye when the framework is perfectly open and when
the mirrored shutter is closed" and occupies the place of the open spaces. The
framework can be placed at such an angle in respect to an object that when a
similar object is really exposed to actual view through the open framework, the
reflection of the first mentioned object will appear in a similar position upon
the mirrors when the shutter is thrown forward to cover the open space or
spaces.
I propose to use my invention in the construction of trick cabinets and the like
properties used in stage illusions. For preference I construct my framework of
upright stiles and rails, much after the manner of an ordinary square framed door
with several panels, the panels being open and the framework only exposed.
At the back of the framework I construct a similar frame capable of moving in
certain grooves, and this back framework, or shutter as I call it, can be moved
forward to fill up all the vacant spaces in the first framework.
The front part of
the shutter, as before referred to, being covered with some highly reflective
medium. This shutter may be moved either vertically or horizontally in fixed
grooves, or may revolve upon a centre, or in any other manner, to accomplish the
closing up or opening of the perforated spaces. Although I prefer to make my
perforated frame stationary and the reflecting shutter movable it is evident that
the reverse action can be as easily manipulated if found desirable.
In order that my invention may be more clearly understood reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of illustrative drawings in which
Figure 1 is a front elevation and Figure 2 a vertical section of a gate or frame
according to my invention.
Figures 3 and 4 are sectional plans showing the shutter in the open and closed
position, and
Figures 5 and 6 are detail views of the same to a larger scale.
A is the framing provided with upright stiles B and a rail C, chamferred on each
edge of the framing, forming rectangular spaces D of the same width as, or a little
less than, the stiles. Behind this frame is situated the shutter, similarly formed of
vertical stiles E, the front of each being covered with a mirror F, equal in width to
the front rails or openings. This shutter slides to and fro in grooves in the top and
bottom rails of the framing, as shown in Figure 2, and is arranged to slide into either
two positions, one behind the spaces in the frame, and closing them, and the other
behind the front stiles, leaving the spaces open, the frame forming stops to limit
the motion. The stiles E are connected together at top and bottom, and, if desired,
at other points by the horizontal bars G shown in Figure 2.
Instead of employing the wooden stiles E, the mirrors only may be used, without
backing, connected together by cross rails or other suitable means. Square
framing and rectangular perforations are shown, but it is obvious that the framing
may be curved or of any ornamental pattern if desired.
As my improvements are capable of some modifications without departing from

page_text: the principle thereof, I do not limit myself to materials or dimensions or the precise
form or placement of the parts thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
In an apparatus for use in stage illusions and the like, a perforated screen fitted
at back with a sliding shutter, arranged in such a manner that the perforated or
open spaces are entirely covered when the shutter is brought forward, and when
this shutter is fully thrown back, it is entirely hidden by the framework, forming
the perforated or open spaces, the shutter being formed of mirrors or of framing,
having the front portions intended to slide in front of the spaces or perforations
covered with mirrors, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 26th day of July 1892.
G. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.