New or Improved Reversible Stage for Theatres, Circuses, and the like.
Year: 1898

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
New or Improved Reversible Stage for Theatres, Circuses, and the
like.
I, EDUARD WULFF, of 1, Valnokgasse 4, Budapest, Hungary, Circus Manager,
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 :-
In theatres, circuses, and other public exhibitions where scenery with changing
decorations is employed, the fixing of the decorations and the preparation of the
stage, taxes the patience of the public, and, in consequence of the hasty preparation,
the decorations are only exhibited in an incomplete condition.
The object of the present invention is to obviate these inconveniences, and for
this purpose I employ a construction and arrangement of stage which permits of
the latter being turned on an axis, so that while a performance or scene is being
carried on on the upper surface of the stage, the decoration for the next following
performance or scene can be fixed to the under surface of the stage. When the
first scene or performance is finished and the curtain is let down, the stage is turned
on its axis and fixed in the horizontal position so that the next scene can be
proceeded with without delay.
In the accompanying two sheets of drawings Figure 1 is an elevation, and Figure 2
a plan of a stage constructed in accordance with the invention. Figure 3 is a
side, and Figure 4 a front view of one of the bolts used for securing the stage in
position.
The stage C is constructed with a free space B beneath to enable it to be turned
round on the axis A on which it is mounted. The axis A. which rests in bearings
V V on the columns T T, is turned by worm or other suitable gearing properly
proportioned to the weight of the stage.
The platform C of the stage consists of longitudinal and cross bars covered on
both sides with boarding D or other suitable covering.
For the purpose of fixing the stage in its horizontal position bolts E are arranged
round its periphery, and hinged supports F for supporting, the intermediate part.
The number of bolts E and supports F may be varied according to the size of the
stage.
The bolts E are guided in supports G, H, below the moulding or skirting
surrounding the stage, the movement of the bolts being limited by guide pins L L
projecting through slots 1 I. These bolts are also furnished at their outer ends
with slots M through which are passed levers O pivotted at N, so that by operating
these levers O the bolts are pushed under the platform C and thereby support the
same at its periphery.
The supports F serve to sustain the middle part of the platform. They are
pivotted in sole pieces P, and are fixed in the vertical position in any suitable way
that will effectually prevent their becoming displaced. They are preferably
provided at their upper ends with horizontal plates which serve as bearers for the
bottom of the stage.
In light stages the supports F may be dispensed with and the bolts E only
emploved

page_text: The arrangement shown in the drawings is given by way of example only, and I
desire to have it understood that I do not limit myself to the precise details shown
and described, as they may be varied without departing from the nature of the
invention.
In circus representations where the arena can be converted into a water basin in
the well known manner, the quick outflow of the whole of the water is rendered
possible by a canal provided with a suitable fall, placed close to the circumference
of the stage and so arranged that on the stage being turned, the whole of the water
is delivered into it and conveyed away.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :
First. A reversible stage for theatres, circuses and the like, which consists of a
platform rotatable on an axis, for the purpose of enabling the under surface to be
decorated or prepared while a performance is going on on the upper surface, the
stage being fixed and held in the horizontal position by means of bolts, or by bolts
and supports, substantially as described.
Second. In a reversible stage of the kind herein described, the means for
supporting the stage plate in a horizontal position, which consists of bolts E guided
in supports G, H, limited as to, motion by pins and slots, and provided with
actuating levers 0 which pass through slots M in the bolts, substantially as
described.
E. WULFF,
Per W. H. BECK,
Agents, 115, Cannon Street, London, E.C.