Improvements in Apparatus for Stage and other Public Performances.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 15th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 15th Dec., 1894
COMILELE DE MULTICATION.
Improvements in Apparatus for Stage and other Public
Performances.
I JOHN SELBINI of Venetia Cottage, Brixton Hill, S.W. Artiste, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
employed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention relates to an improved apparatus for use on the stage, circus
ring, or other suitable track, and is intended to provide an arrangement by which
an acrobatic performance of an attractive appearance is produced.
In this apparatus I employ two bicycles of ordinary construction, but made of
considerable strength, fitted at the head with a suitable support by which the frame
hereinafter described is carried.
This frame is of rectangular form, and is made from metal tubing as light as is
consistent with the required strength. To the upper end of this frame the trapeze
is fitted on which a performer may perform any acrobatic feats commonly done on
the trapeze.
In performing two riders ride round the stage or ring on the bicycles, holding
up the frame at the same time, while during their ride another performer uses the
trapeze.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings in which Fig. 1 is a front view of the
complete apparatus, Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, and Fig. 3 is a
detail view.
A, A are the bicycles which as shown are of the ordinary front driving
description, but are preferably strengthened at the head and front fork. On
the head is fixed a stout hook or support B projecting at the front, and serving
to carry the frame C. This frame is as shown of rectangular form having a
horizontal bar c at top and stays c¹ at the corners to strengthen it. From the
middle of the cross bar is extended a trapeze D which is preferably made so
as to be easily detached, being carried by the hooks d on to which it is hooked
by means of loops or eyes. The drawings show the apparatus in position for
use without the performers, the bicycle riders working in the usual manner but
holding up the frame with one hand.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1) An improved apparatus for stage and other acrobatic performances, consisting
of two bicycles placed side by side at some distance from each other, a frame
connected to the two bicycles, and a trapeze suspended from the frame at some
listance above the ground, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2) An improved apparatus for stage and other acrobatic performances, consisting
of two bicycles and a frame fitted with a trapeze at the centre carried by a
stout hook or pin on each bicycle head over which the end of the tubular frame
s placed, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

page_text: (3) The improved apparatus for stage and other acrobatic performances
constructed and operated substantially in the manner described and shown in the
accompanying drawings and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 15th day of November 1894.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.