Compound trapeze and method of using same

Abstract

A secondary pivot adapted to interrupt the periodic motion of a trapeze so as to cause the trapeze performer to experience rotational acceleration is disclosed. The term “secondary pivot” is defined to mean a selectively engageable pivot interposed at preselected intermediate positions along the respective lengths of the suspension lines of the trapeze between their points of suspension and the trapeze bar. A compound trapeze which includes a secondary pivot is also disclosed. Methods which include a step of restraining the periodic motion of a trapeze so as to cause the trapeze performer to experience rotational acceleration are also disclosed.

1 . A compound trapeze comprising: 
 a) a trapeze having a bar and suspension lines; and    b) a secondary pivot;    wherein the secondary pivot is adapted to selectively interact with the suspension lines at respective locations thereof which are intermediate between the bar and the respective suspension points of the suspension lines to interrupt the periodic motion of the trapeze so as to cause a performer swinging on the trapeze to experience rotational acceleration.    
   
   
       2 . The compound trapeze of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary pivot is fastened to the suspension lines.  
   
   
       3 . The compound trapeze of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary pivot includes a restraining line adapted to selectively interrupt the periodic motion of the trapeze, wherein the restraining line is adapted to selectively interact with the suspension lines at respective locations thereof which are intermediate between the bar and the respective suspension points of the suspension lines so as to cause a performer swinging on the trapeze to experience rotational acceleration.  
   
   
       4 . The compound trapeze of  claim 3 , wherein the restraining line is operatively connected to the suspension lines.  
   
   
       5 . The compound trapeze of  claim 3 , wherein the secondary pivot further includes an anchor, wherein the restraining line is operatively connected to the anchor.  
   
   
       6 . The compound trapeze of  claim 3 , wherein the length of the restraining line is dynamically adjustable.  
   
   
       7 . The compound trapeze of  claim 1 , wherein the secondary pivot comprises a plurality of restraining lines, and each of the plurality of restraining lines is adapted to selectively interact with a suspension line at a location thereof which is intermediate between the bar and the suspension point of the suspension line so as to cause a performer swinging on the trapeze to experience rotational acceleration.  
   
   
       8 . The compound trapeze of  claim 7 , wherein the secondary pivot includes an anchor and at least one of the plurality of restraining lines is operatively connected to the anchor.  
   
   
       9 . The compound trapeze of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the plurality of restraining lines has a dynamically adjustable length.  
   
   
       10 . A secondary pivot for use with a trapeze, the secondary pivot comprising a restraining line adapted to selectively interrupt the periodic motion of the trapeze, wherein the restraining line is adapted to selectively interact with the suspension lines of the trapeze at respective locations thereof which are intermediate between the trapeze bar and the respective suspension points of the suspension lines so as to cause a performer swinging on the trapeze to experience rotational acceleration.  
   
   
       11 . The secondary pivot of  claim 10 , further comprising an anchor, wherein the restraining line is operatively connected to the anchor.  
   
   
       12 . The secondary pivot of  claim 10 , wherein the secondary pivot comprises a plurality of restraining lines, and each of the plurality of restraining lines is adapted to selectively interact with a trapeze suspension line at a location thereof which is intermediate between the trapeze bar and the suspension point of the suspension line so as to cause a performer swinging on the trapeze to experience rotational acceleration.  
   
   
       13 . The compound trapeze of  claim 12 , wherein the secondary pivot includes an anchor and at least one of the plurality of restraining lines is operatively connected to the anchor.  
   
   
       14 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 a) providing a trapeze having a bar and suspension lines;    b) swinging by a performer on the trapeze; and    c) restraining the periodic motion of the trapeze at locations on the suspension lines that are intermediate between the bar and the suspension points of the suspension lines, the restraining causing the performer to experience rotational acceleration.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising a step of the performer performing a stunt after the performer begins to experience said rotational acceleration.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising a step of dynamically adjusting the length of a restraining line that is operably connected to the suspension lines and wherein the step of restraining includes selectively making the restraining line taut.