Theatre Catalog (1953-54)

New Introductions During 1952 Some Thumbnail Descriptions of Selected Products With Interesting Possibilities BRIEF: Space permits only cursory presentations of some . . . and only those that seem to have unusual idea value are here outlined ... The objective in this survey is to give the industry some recorded fact about available products and supplies that may not warrant fuller analysis of specific surveys of their own, FOR DRIVE-IN THEATRES Outdoor Vacuum An item from the Atwater-Strong Company which drive-in operators might look into as an addition to their maintenance equipment, is the “Mulch-Vac” sweeper. According to the manufacturer, this new device vacuums, cuts, and bags the debris left by crowds, such as peanut and popcorn boxes and _ bags, cigarettes, chewing gum, food, and candy wrappers. Made of sturdy construction, it is claimed that the vacuum has been used regularly seven days a week, six hours a day. Easy to handle, the sweeper is self-propelled, uses a six-horse power Wisconsin gasoline engine, has _ threefoot wide pick-up, and it can be used on grass, dirt, loose stone, or hard surface areas, Auto Window Screen Production of window screens in three sizes to fit all makes and styles of automobiles except convertibles, was recently announced by the Gig Manufacturing Company. The Gary Insect Guard, known as “Gig” affords insect-free car ventilation throughout the summer months, it is claimed, and is said to be especially valuable at outdoor theatres. Made of durable screen fabric, each “gig” comes complete with adhesive 272 borders for applying the screen to either the inside or outside of the window frame in a matter of seconds. When not in use, they can be folded and conveniently stored in a space as small as the glove compartment, according to the manufacturer. Debris Cart Poblocki and Sons, recently put on the market a “Handy Andy” utility carrier designed to speed up the daily cleanup in drive-ins. The cart is a light, all steel carrier easily pulled from ramp to ramp, where its 24-inch metal basket stands ready to receive the debris, When filled it can quickly be pulled to rubbish burning area. If desired, refuse can be burned in the basket which is easily demountable, while the worker continues with a second basket on the cart. The open construction of the basket allows fire to burn within freely, yet does not require watching, it is claimed. In addition, the cart is available with a utility platform 24 by 24 inches, for general cartage within the theatre. Crates of soft drinks, film, ete., can be conveniently loaded for short hauls. Safety Jacket A jacket having reflectorized Scotchlite strips which will shine brightly when hit by automobile headlights, has been designed for the safety of drive-in perpersonnel, and is being distributed by the Dawo Corporation. Tailored smartly with two slash pockets, full zipper front and fitted back, the jackets are made of water-repellent poplin, and have two stripes of the reflectorized material on the front, placed diagonally, and one _ horizontal strip in the back. They not only protect the wearer by making him visible in the darkness, but also give a uniformity of appearance to drive-in employees so that they can be readily distinguished from patrons. Plastic Hose Sprinkler Produced by the A. M. Andrews Company, Inc., this new lightweight Vinylite plastic hose sprinkler should prove to be useful in outdoor theatres. The 50foot sprinkler hose weighs about one and THEATRE CATALOG 1953-54