Abstract: A modular backdrop system and related methods of assembly and use for photography are described herein. The system includes a modular wall formed from a fixed frame and a plurality of removably attachable modules where: at least one module has a first height H1 and a first width W1, at least one module has a second height H2, different from the first height H1, and a second width W2 approximately equal to the first width W1, at least one module has a third height H3 approximately equal to the sum of H1 plus H2 and a third width W3 different from the second width H2, and at least one module has the first height H1 and the third width W3.

Abstract: A visual background simulation allowing a user to create a wave simulation. The visual background simulation is composed of a sheet with at least three sides laid out flat on a surface and attached to the surface on one side. A player takes hold of the portion of the sheet opposite the side attached to the surface and lifting their arm high in the air runs towards and eventually past the attached side. This allows the sheet to billow and catch the air. Once past the attached side, the player may lower their arm and trap the air in a “tube” formed by the sheet and the surface.

Abstract: A display retraction assembly for a multi-display visualization device is provided comprising a first track in a first vertical plane, a second track in a second vertical plane offset from the first track, a display support member operably connected to the first track and second track and a display connected to the display support member wherein the display is movable simultaneously with the display support member along the first track and second track.

Abstract: A method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: A channel member, a modular floor structure, and a method capable of positioning an object on a substantially planar surface is disclosed. Movement of a movable band within an interior channel of the channel member permits movement of an object outside of the interior channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for expanding the apparent range of movement of actors during a stage performance, from a stage platform to a background display, or from a background display to a stage platform. The appearance of the live actors on the stage platform and images of the live actors on the background display is the same. Timing, location and movement of the live actors on the stage platform is integrated with images of the actors on the background display. The integration of the live actors and images appears to an audience that an actor has moved from stage platform to the background display, or from the background display to the stage platform.

Abstract: A channel member, a modular floor structure, and a method capable of positioning an object on a substantially planar surface is disclosed. Movement of a movable band within an interior channel of the channel member permits movement of an object outside of the interior channel.

Abstract: A system and method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: A method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.

Abstract: A track dog with removable parts. Embodiments describe one or more of the following features. In one embodiment, the size of the receiver for the knife shaped piece can be variable. Another embodiment describes an improved technique of holding the cable that is run under the floor. Yet another embodiment describes a device where the cable attachment mechanism are set in a location that line up with the openings in the floor to allow tightening without opening the floor. Another aspect describes a special through hole so that cable can be run through the device, e.g., to connect to another track dog.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for determining a multi-dimensional sound signature for a location within a hypothetical space, comparing the multi-dimensional sound signature to a known multi-dimensional sound signature, and modifying the hypothetical space such that the similarity between the multi-dimensional sound signature for the location within the modified hypothetical space and the known multi-dimensional sound signature is increased.

Abstract: A Kabuki device to positionally maintain and release a stage setting responsive to electric current from a power source. A box-like body, defining a medial chamber with a slot communicating therewith, carries a solenoid in the chamber. A movable solenoid arm communicates with a spring biased lever arm that pivots on an offset axle to provide mechanical advantage to one end of the solenoid arm. One metal ring interconnected to the stage setting is inserted through the slot and is positionally maintained by a ring support pin carried by the pivoting lever arm. A finger hole defined in one end of the body allows manual manipulation of the lever arm for resetting. Jumper cables having plural electrical leads allow a plurality of devices to be interconnected in series in multiple predetermined groupings.

Abstract: A folding display apparatus includes: first and second forms; and at least one flexible connector strip interconnecting the first and second forms and carrying indicia thereon in a preselected pattern. The apparatus is moveable between a first position in which the first and second forms collectively define a face bearing a first image composed from the indicia; and a second position in which the first and second forms collectively define a second face bearing a second image composed from the indicia.

Abstract: A device having multiple support members telescopically contained therein, with each member having a set of lights, a set of curtains and various compartments for numerous stage accessories and allows for quick change of the lights and curtains that are used for different sized stage settings.

Abstract: A convertible stadium includes an exhibition area, a seating area and an outer sidewall in which is defined in large opening, preferably located so as to provide favorable outdoor views to the occupants of the stadium. A movable wall member is advantageously position so as to be able to open or close the large opening. When the movable wall member is in a first, retracted position spectators will be provided with a view of the outdoors and a great deal of outdoor air and sunlight. When outdoor conditions are unfavorable for an intended event within the stadium, however, the movable wall member may be repositioned in order to partially or fully close the opening. Such unfavorable conditions may include undesirable sun position, an undesirable amount of wind or humidity; or unfavorable temperatures.

Abstract: A stage element movement assembly includes a first cable in a tunnel below the stage deck and extending in a first path in a first direction. A first dog is secured to the first cable for movement therewith in the tunnel, and an engagement member is engaged with the first dog and will extend upwardly through a slot in the stage deck for engagement with the stage deck for engagement with the stage element to be moved. A second cable is provided for disposition in a tunnel below the stage deck in a second path in a direction at an angle to the direction of the first cable and crosses below the first cable. Linearly spaced cable guide rollers on opposite sides of the cable crossing cause the cable to move downwardly to pass below the first cable and thereafter be moved upwardly to the plane of its original path. Engagement elements are secured to the cable in spaced relationship and a crossing dog having spaced engagement elements are engaged with the engagement elements on the second cable.

Abstract: An amusement attraction provides a set transformation effect. The audience watches a presentation in a viewing area. A moveable, open-bottomed flying set piece is located at a raised position above the viewing area. The flying set piece is hidden from the audience when the audience enters the viewing area. The flying set piece is attached to an overhead rigging system. A drive system lowers the flying set piece from the raised position above the viewing area to a lowered position such that the flying set piece surrounds the audience in the viewing area. The audience perceives that they have been transported back to different location within the attraction.

Abstract: A mobile scenery arrangement is provided which is easy to assemble and dismantle, and which can easily be transported, stored and used with uniform curtains and a uniform set of back-drops for the same performance. The mobile scenery arrangement includes a tubular construction forming a substantially vertical left side and a substantially vertical right side, the left and right sides being joined to at least one upper front curtain rod and at least one upper rear back-drop rod via corner members. At least one of the ends of the front curtain rod and the rear back-drop rod is provided with a cord-tensioning device arranged to steplessly stretch a cord between the two ends of the rod. The cord is arranged to displaceably carry curtains or a back-drop.

Abstract: A mobile scenery arrangement is provided which is easy to assemble and dismantle, and which can easily be transported, stored and used with uniform curtains and a uniform set of back-drops for the same performance. The mobile scenery arrangement includes a tubular construction forming a substantially vertical left side and a substantially vertical right side, the left and right sides being joined to at least one upper front curtain rod and at least one upper rear back-drop rod via corner members. At least one of the ends of the front curtain rod and the rear back-drop rod is provided with a cord-tensioning device arranged to steplessly stretch a cord between the two ends of the rod. The cord is arranged to displaceably carry curtains or a back-drop.

Abstract: Stage effects are moved by a computer which has stored data indicative of individual stage effects to be moved, their start and finish positions, the speed of movement, and timing and order of movement. The computer controls drive assemblies for moving the effects by a program which, while the program is running, displays on the monitor data concerning movement of the effects and enables the operator to modify at least some of the data previously established.

Abstract: There is described a powered stage wagon comprising a chassis; rolling support structure mounted on the chassis for engagement with a surface over which the stage wagon is to move; and first drive member mounted on the chassis and in engagement with the surface. The drive member is adapted so as to be capable of being orientated in a first direction with respect to the chassis. The stage wagon also comprises second drive member mounted on the chassis and spaced from the first drive member. The second drive member is again in engagement with the surface and capable of being orientated in a second direction with respect to the chassis. Input member are provided for receiving details of a position to which the stage wagon is to move as are computing member for calculating a travel path to enable the stage wagon to move to the position. Finally control member are provided for controlling the first and second drive member so as to move the stage wagon along the travel path.

Abstract: A modified theatrical counterweight apparatus (10) in a double or single purchase counterweight system (12) consists of an improved counterweight arbor carriage (50), for holding a plurality of improved counterweights (56). The improved counterweights (56) are stored on two elongate arbor bars (48), which when released will slide down into the improved counterweight arbor carriage (50). The improved counterweight arbor carriage (50) when obtaining the proper amount of the improved counterweights (56), will now slide down the elongate arbor bars (48) to raise a piece of scenery (34) with a batten (36) up from a stage (14), via lift lines (38) and an operating line (42).

Abstract: A background screen in accordance with this invention creates an illusion of a predetermined background at the rear of an entertainment stage by using three-dimensional background elements and projected images. In one embodiment, a background element includes projectionable material suitable to receive a detailed image and image replacement material to correct any loss of image detail. In another embodiment, image replacement material covers the entire background element. A two-dimensional display screen is also mounted on a frame of the background screen to display additional elements and details not in the background elements. The background screen is positioned on a stage in a theater, between a proscenium and a projector.

Abstract: A portable assembly for storing, setting up, and rapidly changing elements of different theatrical scenes includes a pair of anchoring members respectively locatable at opposite ends of a stage area, and an elongated stationary track mountable solely at its opposite ends by the anchoring members so as to extend in an arched configuration over the stage area. The portable assembly also includes members connectable to the elements of scenes and movably mountable to the arched track for interconnecting the elements of scenes successively in a row and supporting the scenes from the track for movement along the track to and from centerstage and offstage areas. Further, the portable assembly includes panels locatable adjacent to the anchoring members and the opposite ends of the arched track for hiding offstage the anchoring means and the ones of the elements of scenes supported by the arched track but not presently being displayed at the centerstage area.

Abstract: A support structure for mounting and rollably supporting stage backdrop panels and the like is disclosed. A base frame includes a plurality of caster mounting members, with each mounting member rotatable relative to the base frame about an individual mounting member axis. A plurality of casters are rotatably carried by each mounting member, each caster being offset from the axis of its respective mounting member. Several of the mounting members can be attached to the base frame by telescoping fittings, allowing the height of the base frame to be adjusted without disengaging the casters from rollable engagement with the stage floor.