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freefallillusion1 Elite user Cincinnati, OH 446 Posts |
Let's see if anyone has run into a similar problem-
I'm building a flying carpet type illusion for a client. The prop is wheeled out and a dog hops up onto the carpet at the beginning. The problem here is that when the dog jumps up, the whole prop wants to "skateboard" from the momentum. So, most of the time, that would be fixed by locking casters. BUT- the problem with that is the base, by it's design, has to very low to the ground with the casters almost built up inside. So, there would be no way to reach the lever to lock the casters once the prop had been wheeled out into position. What I need is a way to lock this prop to the ground without relying on locking casters. The back edge of the base is never seen. This allows freedom for building some type of mechanism on that edge, and I was thinking some type of "spike" that would push straight down into the ground, only not an actual spike but a rubber tipped "leg"??? Anyone ever face this problem before? Thanks! Phil |
George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
You might want to look into toggle clamps. They're made to hold down stuff on workbenches, but in the theater world they're often used to keep castered platforms from moving. Try woodcraft.com or your local large hardware store.
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
ClintonMagus Inner circle Southwestern Southeast 3997 Posts |
Could you do something as simple as placing some sort of small "chocks" behind two of the wheels? Quick, easy, and low cost...
Things are more like they are today than they've ever been before...
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Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
Hey, Phil:
Reverse your thinking: Instead of fixed casters with a locking mechanism, use moving casters that lock into place. Thus, the base is stationary EXCEPT when the casters are moved into roll-about position, enabling movement as desired. The casters could either descend or swing into position. Take a look at Delta or ShopFox machinery dollies for a little inspiration. Leland |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
First option, and an existing product: caster cups.
Another option, if it can be done on the stage you will be using, is to have stop blocks that the carpet's platform can be wheeled up to. If not possible to attach to the floor, think of a long stop block (wide enough to be in contact with two adjacent casters) that is designed like an automotive wheel block, or even a piece of angle steel. Ideally, this should somehow "bite" the stage floor, and that would depend on the type of floor. A rubberized coating, like the bottom of a close-up pad, should grip a smooth floor, while a pronged surface would bite into carpeted floors... just so it doesn't skid when hit with a sideways force. This could be a separate piece simp[ly dropped into place, or attached to one side, designed to flip down. In the latter case, doing so would slightly raise the two casters on the same side, and substitute rubberized "feet", that won't skid, let alone roll.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
Ricardo_magician Regular user 101 Posts |
Hi my idea would be you can get like a push down clamp for doors so you can have them in any position and you press down the clamp and it locks to the ground and to release it you push a little lever on the side sorry but not sure what they are called.
cheers |
MagicMatthews Regular user Sydney, Australia 174 Posts |
How about having the castors come up like landing gear?
Don't get even... Get odd!
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Magic1man New user 87 Posts |
I have seen warehouse ladders that roll to where you need them, and then by stepping on a foot bar the wheels pivot out the way. Google 'warehouse ladders' and you can see some examples.
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pixsmith Regular user 184 Posts |
Look at a theatrical supply house for a wagon lock. They are designed to do exactly what you want, and there are several styles. In the theater they are used to keep wagons (rolling platforms) in place once they are on their spikes. Norcostco is a good place to check, as well as theater house. Find a good stagecraft book and it will tell you about all the different kinds that are available.
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cupsandballsmagic Inner circle 2705 Posts |
Couldn't you just stand on the base for the split second the dog jumps on?
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David Garrity Special user 525 Posts |
These might help with the problem you are having: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/pro......oor+lock
Sincerely, David
David Garrity
www.MagicalArtist.com Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DavidGarrityMagic |
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