The invention relates to a vertically movable framework to receive weights for counterbalancing stage curtains and the like and more particularly to the type of counterweight carriage which is guided in its vertical movements.
In theaters where curtains and scenery are moved vertically, counterweight arbors or carriages are utilized to counterbalance the weight of the curtain or scenery or whatever may be moved vertically onto and from the stage. Conventional counterweight carriage designs currently used in the stage and theater industry have tops and bottoms of the arbors which are of cast iron manufacture. Frequently the techniques of casting result in inaccuracies in the alignment of the top of the arbor with the back plate which occasion additional time on the job for grinding, realignment and shimming as may be necessary. Further, inaccuracies in the carriage construction may add friction and poor performance in the guidance of the counterweight assembly. It thus has been evident for some time that an improved counterweight carriage assembly is needed which will provide an effective relatively frictionless means for raising and lowering stage curtains and the like and which at the same time can be installed without undue labor cost or a high skill level requirement. It has occurred to the inventor that the existing problems may be solved through a proper design utilizing heavy duty aluminum extrusions adaptable to a variety of conditions encountered in various theaters.