An Improved Device for Adjusting Wires and the like in Acrobatic Performances.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd N.v., 1892-Accepted, 31st Jec., 1892
An Improved Device for Adjusting Wires and the like in Acrobatic
Performances.
I, OTTO MENOTTI, of 12 Adderley Street, Liverpool, Wire Walker Artist, 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 :-
This invention relates to an improved device for adjusting wires and the like in
acrobatic performances, by means of which the wire or rope used in rope walking,
skating or cycling, can be raised or lowered at one or both ends during the per-
formance to suit the performer in the various feats. In performing different feats,
such as walking and skating, the wire or rope (hereinafter referred to as a wire)
has frequently to be changed in position, one end being raised, causing the wire
to slope slightly, and with the present arrangements considerable time and trouble
are entailed in doing this.
In carrying out my invention I employ a vertical bar of suitable length and
supported in the usual manner by stays from convenient parts of the building in
which the apparatus is placed. Around the bar is placed a short sleeve or collar
which can be slidden up or down to the required height. To this collar is con-
nected the wire, so that its end is raised or lowered by moving the collar. This
may be done by cords attached to it, one passing through a ring over a pulley at
the top of the bar, to raise the collar, and the other, passing directly downwards, to
lower it. The cords are held by an assistant underneath, who manipulates then as
required. The collar may, of course, be moved by cords from above, the pulley or
ring being placed at the lower end. Should it be desired to fix the collar in
position securely, a small set screw may be employed, which firmly secures it to the
bar. A spring may be employed, which brings the collar back to the lowest position
whenever released, one cord only being employed to raise it. A small platform or
other device used in connection with such appliances, may also be raised in
conjunction with the wire, if desired.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying drawing, which is a side elevation of the device with wire and
supporting stays.
The
A is the vertical bar or rod, supported by the stays a, furnished with adjusting
couplings a¹ for regulating the tension on the wire B. On the rod A is placed the
sleeve or collar C to which the wire B is attached in any suitable manner.
cord D for raising this collar, and the cord E for lowering it are attached to it and
pass in an upward and downward direction respectively.
One or both cords may pass over pulleys to the stage or to other convenient position
in the hall, where an assistant is situated. The line D may take the form of an
indiarubber band which serves as a spring for returning the collar to its lower
position. In order to secure the collar in position the set screw c may be employed.
which can be inserted and withdrawn by the performer or assistant when required.
but this is not necessary if the raising cord be held. The performer may raise
and lower the collar himself, fixing it with the set screw, thereby dispensing with
the cords.
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) A device for raising and lowering the end of a wire for verforming purnoses.

page_text: required position by a set screw or cord, to which the wire B is attached, sub-
stantially as ce cribed.
(2) In a device of the kind described, the combination of a vertical rod A.
supported by stays a, carrying a sliding collar C, to which the wire B is attached,
raised and lowered by the cords D and E, substantially as described and shown and
for the purposes specified.
(3) The improved device for raising and lowering the end of a wire used for
acrobatic performances, substantially as described and illustrated in the accom
panying drawing.
Dated this 22nd day of November 1892.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.