this invention relates to the use of suspended materials as a backdrop for photography or stage productions . the suspended materials may be stored on a spool device . such spool devices may include tubes or spindles constructed of metal , of cardboard , of plastic or other lightweight and inexpensive materials . the spool device may also include means for attaching the tube or spindle to a lifting device . such attachment means may include a pair of interconnectable coupling devices , one fixed to the spool and the second attached to the lifting device .