Year: 1897

page_text: I, HENRI BINARD of 40 Avenue des Klauwaerts, Brussels, Belgium, Painter, 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:
The present invention consists of a disconnectible and incombustible diorama and
constructed in such a way as to present a great extent of painted canvas lighted
according to the principles of the diorama, and capable of containing a large number
of spectators at a time, owing to the great extent of its circulating passages.
In the annexed drawing which is given as an example
Fig. 1 represents a front elevation view of the diorama,
Fig. 2 shows a vertical section of the diorama according to a plane passing through
its axis.
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the diorama, supposing the roof to be taken away.
The diorama is composed of a circular or polygonal metallic construction (Fig. 3)
constituted by small pillars A A (Fig. 2) and forming in a plane, three annular,
concentric surfaces, separated by two other annular concentric spaces constituting the
circulating passages for the visitors. The arrangement of these pillars or columns
divides these surfaces into a succession of dioramic compartments 1, 2, 3, till 51,
Fig. 3 forming the three annular spaces before-mentioned.
Each compartment is consequently formed by four columns. It is covered with a
sheet-iron roof T, one half of which B is open in order to give light to the canvas
Figs. 2 & 3 and provided with a shade C hiding the top of the canvas and forming
a light-reflector as well as a false ceiling.
The concentric passages like those which radiate towards the centre to join the
first, as will be seen hereafter, are covered with a sheet-iron roof D, D which is
convex at the top and supplied with a gutter E at each side.
The visitors' passage leads, without interruption from the entrance to the exit in
the direction of the arrows Fig. 3; it can contain a large number of persons changing,
ad infinitum.
Three additional passages F, F are constructed according to two diameters at right
angles; they may serve for the speedy evacuation in case of a panic.
In these passages ventilators are arranged.
The number of dioramic compartments, which is 51 in the annexed drawing may
be increased or decreased according to necessity, as may also the whole dimensions of
the diorama.
The entrance of the diorama is composed of an iron construction, also disjointable
and comprising an office for the managers, two ticket-offices and sanitary-rooms.
In the evening the diorama may be lighted by electric lights placed behind the
shade. The circulating passages always remain dark, with the exception of those
arranged in case of panic. The diorama requires no foundation.
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:

page_text: 1. A new kind of diorama composed of concentric galleries in which the public
circulate and one side of which is occupied by the painted canvas.
2. A diorama with concentric galleries lighted by an appropriate roof and divided
into compartments by columns.
3. A diorama with concentric galleries disjointable and incombustible constructed
in iron and being easily and rapidly fitted together or taken to pieces and very easily
transported, consisting of three annular spaces divided into a large number of
dioramic compartments separated by concentric passages, these passages forming a
labyrinth leading the visitors from the entrance to the exit after passing before the
whole extent of painted canvases, these canvases being lighted from the top by
means of an open roof and a shade and by electric lights properly placed in the
evening.
4. A diorama with concentric galleries substantially as described above and
represented in the annexed drawing.
Dated thin 7th day of Cantambor 1907