Kabuki stage setting release device

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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein like numbers of reference refers to similar parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is an isometric bottom, front and right side view of my Kabuki device.

FIG. 2 is an isometric top, rear and left side view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an orthographic right side view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an orthographic left side view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an orthographic front view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an orthographic rear view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isometric top, front and right side view of the solenoid, base and lever arm of my Kabuki device with the box beam body removed.

FIG. 8 is an isometric top, front and left side view of the mechanism of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged isometric bottom, front and right side view of the mechanism of FIG. 7 partially cutaway to show the lever arm axle detail.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-section view of the device of FIG. 3 taken along line 10-10 thereon in the direction indicated by the arrows thereon.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the circuitry of my Kabuki device with a cable jumper interconnecting the device to a controller.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing circuitry of plural series interconnected Kabuki devices test lights both interconnected in parallel with a controller and a power source.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the power indicator test light circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As used herein, the term “forward”, its derivatives, and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the Kabuki device closest to first end 11b. The term ∓rearward”, its derivatives, and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the device closest to second end 11c. The term “top”, its derivatives and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the device carrying hinged scaffold clamp 12. The term “bottom”, its derivatives and grammatical equivalents refer to that portion of the device defining slot 24.

The term “stage setting” includes curtains, partitions, screens, backdrops, banners and other similar sheet-like flexible structures used in stage performances and product introduction displays. Stage settings commonly are moved from a pre-established position by reason of the force of gravity, or in other directions by biasing means.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, my Kabuki device has a peripherally defined rigid box body 11 defining medial chamber 11a (FIG. 10) and having first rearward end 11b and second forward end 11c. A transverse slot 24 communicating through the box body 11 to chamber 11a is defined in the bottom 11e of the body 11, spacedly adjacent first rear end 11b, through which a sector of metal ring 72 (FIG. 10 not shown) that is attached to a stage setting (not shown) is inserted. Releasable fasteners 11d secure first end cover 20 and second end cover 21 to body 11 and also positionally secure base 40 carrying solenoid 30 (FIGS. 7-8) in medial chamber 11a. Finger hole 26 is defined in the first rearward end cover 20 to communicate with chamber 11a to allow an operator to insert a finger therethrough to manually manipulate pivoting lever arm 55 (FIG. 5) to load the Kabuki device with metal ring 72.

A hinged scaffold clamp 12 is releasably fastened to the top portion of the body 11, spacedly adjacent the first end 11b, by nut-bolt type fastener 14. The hinged scaffold clamp 12 has base portion 12a with a lower planar surface to fit upon top 11f of body 11 and an upper arcuate surface to fit upon a cylindrical support. The base portion 12a carries arcuate pivoting portion 12b by means of hinge axel pin 13 extending between interconnecting hinge portions of the scaffold clamp portions 12a and 12b formed in their forward end portions. The pivoting portion 12b extends rearwardly and downwardly only to an arcuate distance spacedly adjacent to base portion 12a to define a gap therebetween and terminates with a radically outwardly extending fastening ear 12c. The fastening ear 12c defines the medial notch 27 in its outer end portion to fastenably receive threaded clamp bolt 15 pivotally carried by the forward end portion of base portion 12a of scaffold clamp 12. Wing nut 17 carried by the clamp bolt 15 releasably closes and fastens the scaffold clamp 12 on a support structure (not shown) by securing together the opposing portions 12a, 12b of the scaffold clamp 12. Safety wire 18, carried by base portion 12a and formable into a loop thereabout, carries releasable connector 19 at the non-secured end portion to fasten about a support structure to provide safety redundancy in securing the body 11 to the support structure (not shown).

Holes 22, 23 are defined in each side portion of the body 11 spacedly adjacent second rearward end 11c to releasably carry first wiring plug connector 31 and second wiring plug connector 34, respectively, therein. Annular recesses 32, 35 are formed in the body 11 about each hole 22, 23 so that the first and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 are recessed into the body 11 for protection from damage.

Base 40 (FIGS. 7, 8) is carried in the medial chamber 11a of body 11 and secured therein with plural releasable fasteners 11d (FIGS. 1, 2) extending through holes (not shown) defined in the body 11. Base 40 is formed of nonconductive, nonmagnetic material such as wood or plastic, to a generally rectilinear configuration having first forward end 40a, second rearward end 40b, first elongate lateral edge 40c and second elongate lateral edge 40d. An “L” shaped lever block bracket 48 that defines medial slot 47 is fastened to base 40, adjacent the first forward end 40a, with plural releasable fasteners 49a. Similar opposed lever blocks 46 are fastened to the lever block bracket 48 at each opposing side of the notch 47 with releasable fasteners 49b so that lever slot 50 is defined between the two spacedly adjacent lever blocks 46. Each lever block 46 defines an aligned lever arm axle hole 52 extending transversely therethrough and a triangular recess 53 (FIG. 9) in a bottom corner portion adjacent the lever slot 50 and first forward end portion 40a of the base 40. The triangular recesses 53 (FIG. 9) defined in each lever block 46 and the lever slot 50 therebetween define generally trapezoidal ring chamber 51 with a shorter top (not shown) oriented toward the top of the body 11 and longer base that communicates with the slot 24 defined in the bottom of the body 11. The trapezoidal configuration of the ring chamber 51 positionally centers a sector of metal ring 72 that is inserted therein during loading of the Kabuki device.

As seen in FIG. 9 pivoting lever arm 55, having upper end portion 55a and a lower end portion 55b, is pivotally carried in the lever slot 50 on a lever arm axle 56 (FIGS. 9, 10). The lever arm axle 56 extends transversely through the lever arm 55 spacedly adjacent the lower end portion 55b so that mechanical advantage is provided to lower end portion 55b relative to movement of upper end portion 55a. Laterally extending portions of lever arm axle. 56 are carried in similar opposed arm axle holes 52 defined in the lever blocks 46. In the preferred embodiment, the position of lever arm axle 56, through lever arm 55, provides a three-to-one mechanical advantage between opposing end portions 55a, 55b of lever arm 55. Ring support pin 57 is carried at lower end portion 55b of lever arm 55 to extend perpendicular to lever arm axle 56 rearwardly into and across ring chamber 51 at first forward end 40a of base 40.

Pulling solenoid 30 having body 30a and movable arm 30b is releasably fastened to the top surface of base 40 between the first and second edge portions 40c, 40d and adjacent the second end portion 40b by mounting brackets 42 and plural releasable fasteners 43, extending therebetween. Movable arm 30b extends forwardly from body 30a and is drawn rearwardly toward body 30a when electric current is supplied to a coil (not shown) within body 30a. Connection plates 38 carried on opposing lateral portions of arm 30b journal solenoid chain connecting bolt-nut combination 45 extending therebetween at forward end portions distal from body 30a. Chain links 44 interconnects solenoid chain connecting bolt-nut combination 45 and chain connecting pin 58 at upper end portion 55a of lever arm 55 so that movement of the solenoid arm 30b is communicated to upper end portion 55a of lever arm 55.

As shown in FIG. 8, spring 59 communicates between one lever block 46 and solenoid chain connecting bolt-nut combination 45. Fastening screw 60 positionally secures the forward end portion of the spring 59 to the one lever block 46 to bias arm 30b to a forwardly extended position. When in the forwardly extended position, solenoid arm 30b pivots the lever arm 55 into a position whereat ring support pin 57, carried at lower end portion 55b of lever arm 55, extends rearwardly into and across ring chamber 51 so that metal ring 72 may be positionally maintained in the ring chamber by support pin 57.

First and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34, preferably are Neutrik Model NL4MP distributed by Neutrik USA, Inc., of 195 Lehigh Ave., Lakewood, N.J. 08701-4527, each having generally cylindrical plug bodies 31a, 34a, defining medial plug receptacles 31b, 34b carries plural spaced electrical contacts and having fastening flanges 31b, 34b thereabout defining plural fastener holes 31d, 34d. First and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 are releasably carried, in a recessed position, in holes 22, 23 defined in side portions of the body 11 and are positionally secured by releasable fasteners 33 engaged in holes 31d, 34d defined in flanges 31b, 34b and extending through body 11.

As seen in FIG. 11 first and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 are wired in series electrical communication with each other and with the solenoid 30 of the associated Kabuki. Common lead 80 interconnects with first wiring plug connector 31 with the solenoid 30 and with the second wiring plug connector 34 providing a common ground for the solenoid 30. Power lead 81 communicates in series with first wiring plug connector 31, solenoid 30 and second wiring plug connector 34. Upon actuation electric current is transmitted from switchable controller 74, through power cable 81 to first wiring plug connector 31, solenoid 30 and second wiring plug connector 34. The electric signal causes solenoid 30 to actuate, pulling solenoid arm 30b and upper end portion 55a of lever arm 55 toward solenoid body 30a which responsively pivots lower end portion 55b of lever arm 55 forwardly to release metal ring 72 from ring support pin 57 and allow the metal ring 72 to move from the ring chamber 51.

As shown in FIG. 12, plural pass through power leads 82 may be used in a wiring harness for multiple Kabuki devices to create groups of Kabuki devices that act uniformally within the group but independently of other groups. FIG. 12 shows two such groups of Kabuki devices 11 and 11a. Pass through power lead 82 interconnects first wiring plug connector 31 and second wiring connector 34, but bypasses solenoid 30. Plural pass through power leads 82 may be used in a wiring harness to allow the creation of plural sub-groups also known as channels, of series interconnected Kabuki devices which can be independently actuated by passing current from controller 74 through the appropriate pass through lead 82.

Each Kabuki device is provided with a visible identifier (not shown), such as a unique number, color or letter identifying power lead 81 that communicates with the solenoid 30 for that particular Kabuki device 11, 11a. The visible indicator allows an operator to group Kabuki devices into channels that may be actuated at the same time in response to the same electrical signal.

Each jumper cable 83 has a plug connector 84, preferably the aforesaid Neutrik NL4FC, at each opposing end portion. Each plug connector 84 is generally cylindrical, carries plural electrical contacts (not shown) and is configured to operatively engage with receptacles 31c, 34c of first and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 carried by the body 11. Each plug connector 84 has a known locking protrusion (not shown) that engages with a cooperating groove (not shown) defined in the first and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 to prevent inadvertent disconnections and ensure that plug connectors 84 and first and second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 are properly aligned for operative engagement and interconnection. The alignment ensures the electrical connections are predictable using visual indicators (not shown) on the body 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, jumper cable 85 is used to operatively interconnect a first Kabuki device to the controller 74 by engaging one plug connector 84 of the cable jumper 83 to a mating receptacle (not shown) on the controller 74, and engaging the second plug connector 84 of the jumper cable 85 with one of the wiring plug connectors 31, 34 of the Kabuki device. Similar jumper cables 85 may be used to interconnect plural Kabuki devices in a series circuit with jumper cables 85 operatively engaging and extending between adjacent Kabuki devices (FIG. 12).

Power indicator test light 71 (FIGS. 12 and 13) is used to test the continuity of a series circuit having plural interconnected Kabuki devices. The power indicator test light 71 may operatively engage with any wiring plug connectors 31, 34 but preferably interconnects with the last Kabuki device in a series circuit that is most distal from controller 74. Power indicator test light 71 has light bulb 71a that illuminates when electric current is supplied to it. Light bulb 71a is in electrical communication with the common ground lead 80 and power test lead 83 so that when electrical power is supplied through the power test lead, light bulb 71a will light if the common ground lead circuit 80 through a series connected Kabuki devices is completed. The illumination of light bulb 71a provides visual evidence of the circuit integrity without operating the solenoids 30 of the Kabuki device to release stage settings they may be supporting.

Having described the structure of my Kabuki stage setting release device, its operation may be understood.

At least one Kabuki device is releasably fastened to a supporting structure (not shown), such as a scaffolding rod that has not yet been raised into position. Hinged scaffold clamp 12 is opened by loosening wing nut 17 and pivoting clamp securing bolt 15 out of notch 27 defined in pivoting portion 12b of clamp 12. A portion of the scaffolding rod is positioned between pivoting portion 12b and base portion 12a of scaffold clamp 12, clamp securing bolt 15 is pivoted back into notch 27 and wing nut 17 is tightened to secure scaffold clamp 12 and the Kabuki device to the scaffolding. If more than one Kabuki device is to be used for the same stage setting drop, each Kabuki device being used should have the same visual indicator (not shown) and must have the same jumper cable 85 interconnection thereon so that every Kabuki device in the circuit will be identifiable and actuate in response to receipt of the same electric signal.

The stage setting, having one or more spaced metal rings 72 along an edge portion for support, is positioned adjacent to Kabuki devices. The operator inserts a finger through finger hole 26 defined in first end cover 20 and pushes upper end portion 55a of lever arm 55 rearwardly to overcome the biasing of spring 59. As upper end portion 55a of lever arm 55 moves rearwardly, lower end portion 55b of lever arm 55 pivots forwardly so that the ring support pin 57 is withdrawn rearwardly from the ring chamber 51. The adjacent metal ring 72 attached to the stage setting (not shown) is partially inserted into slot 24 defined in the bottom portion of body 11 and into ring chamber 51. The trapezoidal configuration of ring chamber 51 positionally centers metal ring 72 in ring chamber 51. The operator releases pressure on upper end portion 55a of lever arm 55 causing spring 59 to move the lower end portion 55b of lever arm 55 rearwardly so that ring support pin 57 extends into and across ring chamber 51 and through a medial portion of metal ring 72. The described process is repeated for each Kabuki device to be used in the stage setting drop group.

Jumper cables 85 having plug connector 84 at each opposing end are positioned between adjacent Kabuki devices. A protrusion (not shown) on each plug connector 84 is aligned with a groove (not shown) defined in each first and second wiring plug connector 31, 34 and plug connectors 84 are engaged with the wiring plug connectors 31, 34. Upon engagement, plug connectors 84 are rotated axially into a locking position that positionally maintains the interconnection of connectors 84 and 31, and connectors 84 and 34. The locking position establishes operative electrical communication between the electrical contacts carried by plug connectors 84 and first and second wiring connectors 31, 34 and establishes an operative series electrical circuit therebetween. The above described process is repeated for each Kabuki device in the series circuit. A similar jumper cable 85 is used to interconnect the first Kabuki device in the series circuit with controller 74 (FIG. 11).

Power indicator test light 71 may be interconnected with the first or second wiring plug connectors 31, 34 of the Kabuki device most distant from controller 74. Light bulb 71a of power indicator test light 71 will illuminate when an electrical signal is transmitted through the power test lead 83 which verifies the integrity of the electrical connections without actuating solenoids 30.

After the interconnection of jumper cables 85 to the Kabuki devices the scaffolding may be raised into operative position. Upon cue, switches 86 on the controller 74 are activated to transmit electric power through jumper cables 85 and to the interconnected Kabuki devices causing solenoids 30 to actuate and release the desired stage setting.

The foregoing description of my invention is necessarily of a detailed nature so that a specific embodiment of the best mode may be set forth as is required, but it is to be understood that various modifications of details, and rearrangement, substitution and multiplication of parts may be resorted to without departing from its spirit, essence or scope.

Claims

1. a Kabuki device for releasably positionally maintaining a stage setting having at least one metal ring at an edge portion for support, comprising in combination: An elongate box-like body having first and second opposed longer surfaces and defining a medial chamber with a slot in the first surface communicating with the medial chamber and means on the second surface to releasably fasten the body to a support structure;a solenoid carried by the body within the medial chamber and operatively communicating through a switch with an external electric power source to move an arm of the solenoid responsively to an electric signal;a lever arm pivotally carried by the body within the medial chambers and having a first end portion pivotally connected to the solenoid arm and a second end portion carrying a ring support pin for motion across the slot defined in the body;biasing means maintaining the lever arm at a position whereat the ring support pin extends across the slot to positionally maintain the metal ring of the stage setting in the medial chamber,two wiring plug connectors carried on the body in electrical series communication with each other, with the solenoid and through a switch with the power source; anda finger hole defined in a third end surface of the body to allow access to the lever arm overcome the biasing means to place the at least one metal ring of a stage setting in fastenable position in the body slot.

2. the Kabuki device of claim 1, wherein: the lever arm pivots on an axle that provides mechanical advantage to the end of the lever arm carrying the ring support pin.

3. the Kabuki device of claim 1, wherein: the wiring plug connectors each have a common ground lead communicating with the solenoid, a power supply lead communicating with the solenoid and at least one power test lead that does not communicate with the solenoid.

4. the Kabuki device of claim 1, wherein: the body defines a ring chamber communicating with the slot defined in the body and configured to center a metal ring inserted therein through the slot defined in the body.

5. the Kabuki device of claim 1, wherein: at least one wiring plug connector carried by the body is a Neutrik Model NL4MP.

6. the Kabuki device of claim 1, further comprising: a jumper cable having opposed ends each carrying a plug connector for releasable electrical engagement with wiring plug connectors carried by two bodies.

7. a Kabuki device for releasably positionally maintaining a stage setting having at least one metal ring at an edge portion for support and releasing the stage setting in response to an electric current from a power source, the Kabuki device comprising in combination: An elongate box-like body having an upper and lower surface and defining a medial chamber with a slot defined in the lower surface communicating with the medial chamber and means on the upper surface to releasably fasten the body to a support structure;a solenoid carried by the body within the medial chamber operatively communicating through a switch with an external electric power source to move an arm of the solenoid responsively to the electric signal;a lever arm pivotally carried by the body within the medial chamber and having a first end portion pivotally connected to the solenoid arm with a link and a second end portion carrying a ring support pin for motion across the slot defined in the body, the lever arm pivotally carried on an axle that provides mechanical advantage to the second end portion of the lever arm;a ring chamber, defined in the body adjacent the second end portion of the lever arm and about the ring support pin, communicating with the slot defined in the body and configured to center therein the at least one metal ring inserted through the slot for positional maintenance on the ring support pin;a spring biasing the lever arm to a position whereat the at least one metal ring attached to the stage setting is positionally maintained in the ring chamber by the ring support pin;two similar wiring plug connectors carried by the body in electrical series interconnection with each other, the wiring plug connectors each having a common ground lead communicating with the solenoid, a powered lead communicating with the solenoid, a powered test lead and at least one powered through lead that does not communicate with the solenoid;a finger hole defined in one end of the body spacedly adjacent the lever arm to allow access to the lever arm to manually overcome the spring biasing of the lever arm to allow placement of the at least one metal ring of the stage setting in fastenable position in the body slot.

8. a Kabuki system for releasably positioning and positionally maintaining a stage setting having a plurality of metal rings at an edge portion for support comprising in combination: a plurality of Kabuki devices of claim 1 interconnected in at least one group having common ground leads connected in series with each other and a power source and power leads connected in series with each other and through a switch with a power source;a power indicator test light interconnected in series between a common ground lead of a Kabuki device and through a switch to a pass through power lead so that the power indicator test light illuminates to show continuity of the common ground leads though the Kabuki devices when power is applied to the pass through lead without activating the solenoids of any of the series interconnected Kabuki devices.

9. the Kabuki system of claim 8 wherein plural groups of Kabuki devices having serially interconnected ground leads in serially interconnected power leads for all groups connected through switches in parallel with a power source and each serially interconnected group of Kabuki devices having a power indicator test light interconnected in series between the common ground lead of the Kabuki devices most distal from the power source in each series connected group and a pass through power lead indicating through a switch to the power source so that the power indicator light lead series interconnected group of Kabuki devices will illuminate power supplied through the pass through power lead to indicate continuity of the interconnection of jumper cables with each group of series interconnected Kabuki devices without activating the solenoids of any Kabuki devices.