Improvements in and relating to Stages for 'Theatrical and other *Performances, Spectacles, or the like.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application,: 22nd. Sept., 1894
Complete Specification Left, "6th June, 1895--Accepted, 20th July, 1895
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Stages for 'Theatrical and other
*Performances, Spectacles, or the like.
1, IMRE KIRALFY, of 38 New Bridge Street, in the City of London, Dramatic
Author, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to stages for theatrical and other performances, spectacles
or the like, and comprises the improvements hereinafter described.
In many spectacular performances it is customary to divide the grounds, theatre,
or other building or places in which or where the performance or entertainment
takes place, into three parts, first, the stage proper, which is on one side of the
proscenium, second, what I will call an "arena "that is to say an area in which a
part of the performance may or may not take place and which may be covered with
tan or other material for example when an equestrian performance is to be given or
which may contain water for aquatic spectacles or effects, and third, the auditorium
where the spectators are seated. In some cases for example in a hippodrome or
circus the stage proper is dispensed with, and the building is divided into two
parts, namely, the "arena and the auditorium or seating accommodation for the
public.
66
دو
One object of my invention is to provide in such buildings, grounds, or places as
those above mentioned or in any hall, building or place suitable for show or
exhibition purposes, means for expeditiously converting the arena or space
between the public and the stage into a temporary stage which may either be or
form the stage proper or be used in conjunction with a permanently fixed or
movable stage when such is provided.
Another object of my invention is to provide on a stage which itself may or may
not be movable as hereinafter explained, auxiliary stages of uniform or varying
beights which can be moved relatively to or independently of the lower stage and
to each other.
According to one method of carrying out my invention where a stage proper
forms part of the building as in the first case above mentioned, I mount the same
on wheels adapted to roll on suitable tracks if desired, or I provide other suitable
means of supporting the same, so that when desired the said stage may be very
readily and quickly moved from its ordinary position into another position in which
it covers a part or the whole of the "arena." The stage may be indivisible but
I preferably make the same in sections of suitable size capable of being handled
with case, and the said sections may fit together at their edges so that when in
position a complete stage is formed.
I sometimes move only a part of the stage, that is to say a certain number of
sections, so as to cover the whole or a part of the "arena," forming lines or
figures. of different designs with them, this depending on the performance to be
given or the effects 1. desire to obtain, and on the relative sizes of the stage proper
and the "arena."
According to another method of carrying out my invention; where the building
is.divided into two parts only, namely, the arena and the-atiditoriam, or where
the stage proper is desired to be used in conjunction with the stage covering a part
or the whole of the arena, or where it is desired to cover a portion of the arena
which is of greater area than the stage proper, I provide an auxiliary stage
preferably made in sections which when not in use is contained underneath the
auditorium or underneath the stage proper or partly under the auditorium and

page_text: partly under the stage proper. The various sections of the auxiliary stage are
mounted on wheels which may roll on suitable tracks if desired or are otherwise
adapted to be moved as hereinabove described. Said auxiliary stage or a suitable
number of sections of the same can when required, be moved out so as to cover the
whole or a portion of the "arena." There will in general be spaces between the
various sections of the auxiliary stage on account of the supports of the auditorium
or the stage proper and when this is the case I provide doors or
66 traps" for
covering said spaces when the stage is in use. I preferably furnish said " traps
with automatic mechanism which closes the same as soon as the stage is in position
covering the arena and which opens the same to make room for the above mentioned
supports when the sections are withdrawn from the arena. Each door or "trap" is
preferably made of a number of sections and these may be arranged to close and
open in succession if desired.
"
The sections may be of any suitable shape for example in the case of a circus
they may form sectors of a circle in plan so as to cover, if desired, the entire
ring."
66
I sometimes arrange that the proscenium when such is provided shall be moved
with stage either independently or with the side sections thereof and I sometimes
provide the proscenium with wings which enclose any open spaces there may be at
the side of the stage after it is moved and with a movable border to follow the
proscenium pieces as they move.
It will be understood that either or both stages may be used in all respects like
an ordinary stage and that scenery and all the necessary machinery for working the
same, full stage sets with people in action, animals and full set scenes may be set up
thereon when required or while the same is or are moving.
I sometimes provide on the stage proper, which may or may not be movable, or
on the auxiliary stage, other stages or platforms adapted to he moved thereon, said
stages or platforms being made in sections of suitable size and capable of being
moved independently or not as required together with any persons animals or things
that may be thereou for the purpose of spectacular effect.
By ny invention I am enabled to give in the same building or place, with or
without intermission, theatrical performances, and spectacular, aquatic, equestrian,
or other entertainments of various descriptions.
I can also obtain very novel and pretty spectacular effects, for example I may
arrange by moving both stages forward that the performance shall take place in
front of a lake on which real boats and water pieces are set up instead of using
painted scenery, or on which an aquatic spectacle or entertainment is provided; or
I may have either or both of the stages surrounded or partly surrounded with water
on which part of the performance takes place.
Dated this 22nd day of Sentember 1804
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Stages for Theatrical and other
Performances, Spectacles, or the like.
I, IMRE KIRALFY, of Power House, Cromwell Road, in the County of London,
late of 38 New Bridge Street, in the City of London, Dramatic Author, 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 invention relates to stages for theatrical and other performances, spectacles
or the like, and comprises the improvements hereinafter described.

page_text: "
In many spectacular performances it is customary to divide the grounds, theatre,
or other building or place in which or where the performance or entertainment
takes place, into three parts, viz. first, the stage proper, which is on one side of the
proscenium; second, a space that may be conveniently termed an
arena," that is
to say, an arena in which a part of the performance may or may not take place and
which may be covered with tan or other material when an equestrian performance
for example is to be given or which may contain water for aquatic spectacles or
effects; and third, the auditorium where the spectators are seated. In some cases,
for example in a hippodrome or circus, the stage proper is dispensed with, and the
building is divided into two parts only, namely, the "arena" and the auditorium or
seating accommodation for the public.
One object of my invention is to provide in such buildings, grounds, or places as
those above mentioned or in any hall, building or place suitable for show or
exhibition purposes, means for expeditiously converting the " arena into a
temporary stage which may either be or form the stage proper or be used in
conjunction with a permanently fixed or movable stage when such is provided.
Another object of my invention is to provide on a stage which itself may or may
not be movable as hereinafter explained, auxiliary stages or carriages of uniform or
varying heights which can be moved relatively to or independently of the main
stage and to or of each other.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan of a movable stage constructed in sections in
accordance with my invention.
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic rear elevation of the same.
Figure 3 is a broken diagrammatic vertical transverse section of the movable
stage and arena drawn to a larger scale.
Figure 4 is a front elevation of a portion of one side of the main stage and of
several sections of a lower movable stage intended to cover the arena wholly or
partially when drawn out; a portion of the main stage is made in separately-
movable sections mounted on wheels.
Figure 5 is a front elevation drawn to a still larger scale of one of the movable
sections of the main stage and one of the sections of the lower stage and shows also
other movable stages or platforms on the main stage as hereinafter described.
Figure 6 is a side elevation of the stages shown in Figure 5.
Like letters of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the main stage; B is a lower stage underneath the main stage; the said
stages are capable of being drawn out to cover the "arena either wholly or
partially as may be desired.
For convenience in manipulation, the stages are made in sections indicated by the
rectangles in Figure 1; one of the sections of the main stage and another of the
lower stage are clearly illustrated by Figures 5 and 6. The sections are movable
independently of each other as hereinafter described. In the example shown in
Figure 4 the sectional construction of the main stage is confined to the central
portion thereof, the extreme sides of the stage being permanently fixed as will be
clearly seen from said figure. This particular arrangement is however not an essential
feature of my invention, as the whole of the main stage may be fixed or the whole
may be movable or any part or parts thereof may be movable and the remainder
fixed. The sections of the main stage fit closely together at the sides so that a
continuous stage is formed.
Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 the section of main stage there shown
comprises a floor carried by four uprights or standards A2 which are tied together
near their lower ends by longitudinal beams A³. The whole is mounted on
wheels A, A journalled in wheel brackets A', A³ secured to the said beams A³.
A, A are rails or tracks on which the wheels travel. A', A' are stays to ensure
the necessary rigidity of the sections.
. The sections of the lower stage are made of such width that they will pass under

page_text: the main stage between the standards A. Each section comprises a floor carried
by transverse and. longitudinal beams B1, B2 mounted on wheels B³, B³ journalled
in wheel brackets B, B:secured to the beams B. The wheels B B travel on
rails or tracks B° B. B'Bare strengthening stays.
At each side of each lower stage section hinge a plank B so that when: the
lower stage is drawn out from under the main stage; the spaces between adjacent
sections of the lower stage may be closed. by lowering the said hinged planks.
Springs may be provided for automatically lowering the said hinged pieces as soon
as they are clear of the standards A*.
It should be understood that my invention is independent of the particular
construction of these sections, and the above are merely given as examples.
The several sections forming each line extending from front to back of the stage
are connected together so as to move in unison. They may however be disconnected
when desired for special purposes:
For drawing the lower stage from under the main stage to cover the "arena" D
nore or less as may be required and also for drawing forward the movable sections
of the main stage I provide a suitable driving shaft C Figures 1 and 2 at the
back of the stage. On this shaft are mounted a number of rope-pulleys C',
one opposite each line of sections. C², C² are ropes passing around the. said
pulleys and attached to the lower stages for drawing the stages in and out.
Referring to Figure 3 the rope is seen to be secured to the stage at C³, it then
passes under a guide pulley at.C, around a pulley C at the front of the arena D
which may be filled with water, then back over a guide pulley C and another
guide pulley at C and around the driving pulley C and so back to the stage
at (3. Thus by rotating the pulley C in one direction the stages will be drawn
out over the arena, and by rotating it in the opposite direction the stages will be
drawn back again. One such system of pulleys is provided for each line of stages.
The pulleys C may be hidden under the seats of the auditorium. The same
mechanism can be arranged to draw the main stage out-and in either independently
of the lower stage or simultaneously therewith.
The shaft C is driven by any suitable engine or motor: I provide for coupling.
and uncoupling the pulleys C! so that one or more of them may be rendered
inoperative when the stages to which they are appropriated are to be kept
stationary while the others- move.. In this way the whole or parts of the "arena
may be covered by the. stage in such a manner as to form lines or figures of
different designs, depending on the performance to be given or the effects to be
obtained and on the relative sizes of the stage proper and the "arena"
.
Upon the main staged sometimes place other stages or carriages E as shown
in Figures 5 and 6 of any suitable size and shape. These are mounted on
wheels E that, travel on rails E2 and can therefore be moved very readily to
and fro together with any person animals or things that may be thereon for
the purpose of spectacular effect.. I preferably provide in the floors of these
carriages othen carriages F mounted on casters F. Normally the carriages E
travel on the rails: E2, and when it is desired to move the carriages across the rails
it is necessary to raise them until the wheels E¹ are clear of the rails E3 and all
the weight is borne by the casters. F'. This 1 do by means of suitable levers
provided for the purpose and having their fulcra on the carriages F. When
the wheels. E are clear of the rails E2 and the carriages are resting on, the
casters, the said carriages can be moved in any direction on the main stage.
The lower stage B may be arranged under the auditorium instead of under the
main stage, or a part may be under the auditorium and a part under the main stage.
The sections may be of any. suitable. or desired shape, for example in the case of a
circus they may form sectors of a circle in plan so as to cover if desired the entire.
ring.
I sometimes arrange. that the proscenium when such is used shall be moved
with the main stage either independently of or with the side seotious thereof
when the. said sections are movable, and I sometimes provide the proscenium

page_text: with wings which enclose any open space there may be at the side of the stage
after it is moved, and also with a movable border to follow the proscenium pieces
as they move.
It will be understood that either or both stages may be used in all respects like
an ordinary stage and that scenery and all the necessary machinery for working
the same, full stage sets with people in action, animals and full set scenes may be
set up thereon when required or while the same is or are moving.
By my invention I am enabled to give in the same building or place, with or
without intermission, theatrical performances, and spectacular, aquatic, equestrian,
or other entertainments of various descriptions.
I can also obtain very novel and pretty spectacular effects, for example I may
arrange by moving both stages forward that the performance shall take place in
front of a lake on which real boats are used and water pieces are set up in lieu of
painted scenery, or on which an aquatic spectacle or entertainment is provided; or
I may have either or both of the stages surrounded or partly surrounded with water
on which part of the performance takes place.
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 :-
1. A movable stage or stages for wholly or partially covering the space herein-
before referred to as the 66
arena when the same is to be used for exhibition or
"
show purposes, substantially as described.
2. The combination, with a main stage, which may be fixed or movable or
partially movable, of a movable stage constructed in sectious and adapted for
covering wholly or partially the "arena or space between the auditorium and the
main stage, substantially as described.
"
3. The combination with a fixed or movable main stage of other stages or carriages
mounted thereon and movable relatively to or independently of the main stage,
substantially as, and for the purpose, specified.
4. The said stages or carriages constructed substantially as described with
reference to Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings for the purpose specified.
5. The various stages constructed and combined substantially as described with
reference to the drawings, and operated as, and for the purpose, specified.
Dated this 6th day of June 1895.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45 Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.