Improvements relating to Electric Floats for Theatrical Purposes.
Year: 1899

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Electric Floats for Theatrical Purposes.
I, EDWARD WINGFIELD BOWLES, of 28, Victoria Street, in the City of West-
minster, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to the construction of what are termed electric floats,
which are used for theatrical purposes with or without auxiliary gas burners.
In carrying out this invention, the float case is formed with a series of angle
pieces of flattened
shape, one leg being longer than the other These
angle pieces are set at convenient distances apart, and to the shorter legs is
hinged a cover of sheet metal or other material, white flint enamelled or painted.
Secured to the longer leg by a fly-nut and stud, is a reflector, a part of which
is curved, and a part is straight, extending forward, and, in the straight part,
holes are formed to allow the passage of the sockets of incandescent electric
lamps.
The lamp sockets are mounted on blocks of oak or other suitable wood carried
by the angle pieces, and which also contain the necessary terminals
The curved part of the reflector overhangs the lamp bulbs, so that when the
cover is closed over, it will rest on the edge of the reflector thus forming a box
on which the lamps are enclosed, and protected from mechanical injury.
To prevent earth or short circuit between the lamp socket and the reflector,
insulating pieces extending through the holes between the socket and reflector
are employed.
The gas attachment is placed in front of the electric attachment. in such a way
that the reflector will serve for the gas as well as the electric light, and the cover
will close it all in when shut down.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements relating to Electric Floats for Theatrical Purposes.
I, EDWARD WINGFIELD BOWLES, of 28, Victoria Street, in the City of West-
minster, Civil Engineer, 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 the construction of what are termed electric floats,
CD 017

page_text: which are used for theatrical purposes, with or without auxiliary gas burners,
the objects of, the invention being to provide an easily removable reflector sheet,
and one which so surrounds the lamp socket, that no light is lost in the socket,
or allowed to penetrate downwards, and to protect the lamps, and thus avoid the
accumulation of dirt in the float, and the continual breakage of the lamps when
not in use
In the accompanying drawings, I have shown the invention adapted to foot-
lights, but the invention, in its general construction is equally adapted for side
lights, battens, etc.
A represents the facia of the stage, and B the stage timbers, on which the
floor is laid
Immediately behind the facia, I secure, in any convenient position, angle
irons C, to which the float is attached
At the point D I hinge to the angle irons C, a cover of metal E, which may
be white enamelled or painted on its underside. When the lights are in use,
this cover lies flat ou the stage, as shown, but when the lights are off, this cover,
which may be turned over to the dotted position, will rest against the edge of
a reflector.
Fis the reflector, which is formed of sections shaped as shown in the drawing,
and this reflector is secured to the angle iron C by bolts and nuts G, or in any
other convenient manner, which will permit of the reflector being easily removed,
if necessary
In the straight portion, this reflector has holes punched to receive the lamp
sockets H, and these holes may either be left raw, or bushed with insulating
material J, to prevent earth or short circuit between the lamp socket and the
reflector
The lamp sockets are mounted on blocks of oak or other suitable wood K,
and which also carry the necessary terminals
The attachments for lighting by gas, L, are placed in front of the electric
attachments, and may consist of main, pilot, and flash pipes, but the use is purely
optional, and they form no part of the present invention.
The reflector will however serve for the gas, and the cover will close every-
thing in, as in a box, when not in use.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said in-
vention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
clann 19
1 The construction of what is termed an electric float, as herein shown and
described.
2 In an electric float, the use of a detachable reflector of the form herein
shown and described.
3. In an electric float, the combination of a reflector of the form shewn, with
a hinged cover, as and for the purpose set forth.
4. Forming a box to protect the electric lamps and gas attachments for stage
purposes, of a reflector of suitable shape, and a hinged cover as set forth.
Dated this 7th day of November 1899.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.