TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to stage equipment, particularly to stage lifts, scenery lifts, traps, trap doors, revolves, and turntables. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method that combines a stage lift, a stage trap door mechanism, and a stage turntable.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Stage lift systems are usually utilized in entertainment venues, theatres, or concert halls for lifting and supporting a stage or part of a stage and further for lifting equipment from a lower level of a stage to an upper level of a stage. Stage lifts may be hidden on a lower level beneath a stage and are usually covered with a trap door. When equipment or performers are to be transferred from a lower level up to a stage, the trap door may be opened and performers and/or equipment may be lifted onto the stage by utilizing a stage lift. Some venues may include a stage equipped with a turntable, which is basically a stage or part of a stage capable of being rotated about a rotational axis perpendicular to a plane of stage. Such rotational movement of a stage or part of a stage may provide many benefits, such as being able to set up multiple sets on a single stage and then transition among them by rotating the stage or part of the stage. A stage lift system and a stage turntable may be utilized together, where a stage lift may be utilized for lifting performers and equipment onto and off the turntable.

[0003] In practice, a stage lift, and a stage turntable along with a stage trap door associated with them must be carefully coordinated such that people and equipment may be lifted onto a turning stage or off a turning stage through a trap door without any interference between functionalities of the stage lift, the stage trapdoor, and the stage turntable. There is therefore a need for an assembly or mechanism that may allow for coordinating a stage lift with a trap door of a turning stage, such that all lifting, locking, and rotating motions and functions may be performed seamlessly and automatically.

SUMMARY

[0004] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present disclosure and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of the present disclosure may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description and the drawings.

[0005] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a stage lift and turntable mechanism. An exemplary mechanism may include a rotatable platform that may be mounted on a stage. An exemplary rotatable platform may be configured to rotate about a rotational axis parallel with a normal axis of the stage. An exemplary rotatable platform may include an opening. An exemplary mechanism may further include a trap door assembly that may include a first braced frame, and a plurality of lock assemblies that may be mounted on an exemplary braced frame. An exemplary mechanism may further include a stage lift that may be mounted below an exemplary stage. An exemplary stage lift may include a second braced frame that may be configured to allow for an exemplary first braced frame to sit over an exemplary second braced frame. An exemplary stage lift may further include a lift actuator that may be coupled to an exemplary second braced frame. An exemplary lift actuator may be configured to drive a translational motion of an exemplary second braced frame along an exemplary normal axis from a loading position to an unloading position. An exemplary stage lift may further include a lock actuator that may be mounted on an exemplary second braced frame. An exemplary lock actuator may be configured to be coupled to at least one of the plurality of lock assemblies responsive to an exemplary trap door assembly being placed over an exemplary stage lift. An exemplary lock actuator may be configured to actuate at least one of the plurality of lock assemblies into locked/unlocked positions.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary loading position may correspond to an exemplary trap door assembly being positioned below an exemplary stage, and an exemplary unloading position may correspond to an exemplary trap door assembly being positioned within an exemplary opening. An exemplary top surface of an exemplary trap door lying a flush with a top surface of an exemplary rotatable platform.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, each lock assembly of the plurality of lock assemblies may include a main shaft that may be rotatable about a rotational axis. An exemplary rotational axis may be parallel with a longitudinal axis of an exemplary main shaft. Each lock assembly of the plurality of lock assemblies may further include a rotatable main link that may be mounted on and rotatable with an exemplary main shaft about an exemplary rotational axis. [0008] In an exemplary embodiment, each lock assembly of the plurality of lock assemblies may further include a first lock bar that may be coupled to a first end of an exemplary rotatable main link by utilizing a first double -pivot drive link and a second lock bar that may be coupled to a second end of an exemplary rotatable main link by utilizing a second double -pivot drive link. An exemplary first lock bar and an exemplary second lock bar disposed on opposing sides of an exemplary main shaft.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary first lock bar and an exemplary second lock bar may be configured to assume translational motions along a sliding axis perpendicular to an exemplary rotational axis responsive to an exemplary main shaft rotating about an exemplary rotational axis.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary lock actuator may include a drive arm that may be extended between a proximal end of an exemplary drive arm and a distal end of an exemplary drive arm. An exemplary proximal end of an exemplary drive arm may be pivotally coupled to an exemplary second braced frame. An exemplary lock actuator may further include a jack that may be pivotally coupled to an exemplary second braced frame from a first end of an exemplary jack. An exemplary jack may be pivotally coupled to a middle attachment point on an exemplary drive arm from an opposite second end of an exemplary jack. An exemplary middle attachment point may be positioned on an exemplary drive arm between an exemplary proximal end of an exemplary drive arm and an exemplary distal end of an exemplary drive arm.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary lock actuator may further include a protruded coupling member that may be mounted on the distal end of an exemplary drive arm. An exemplary protruded coupling member may be configured to be receivable within an exemplary recessed portion of an exemplary coupling member of an exemplary first lock bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic sectional perspective of a stage lift and turntable mechanism associated with a stage, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate schematic side views of a stage lift and turntable mechanism, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a trap door mounted on a lift platform, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates a lower perspective view of a trap door, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a lock assembly, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a lock actuator, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded perspective view of a drive arm engaged with a coupling member, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates a second lock bar in a locked state of a lock mechanism, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates a second lock bar in an unlocked state of a lock mechanism, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for operating a stage lift and turntable mechanism, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present disclosure, as o its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following discussion.

[0024] The present disclosure is directed to exemplary embodiments of a stage lift and turntable mechanism that includes a lockable trap door mounted on an exemplary stage lift. An exemplary lockable trap door may be positioned on an exemplary stage lift similar to a top platform of an exemplary stage lift, on which people and equipment may be loaded. An exemplary stage lift may then be utilized for lifting people and equipment on top of lockable trap door up to a position where lockable trap door is positioned within a through hole within stage turntable. Here, an exemplary lockable trap door may be locked in place on an exemplary stage turntable and an exemplary stage lift may be lowered down. Such configuration of lockable trap door, turntable, and stage lift may allow for both utilizing an exemplary lockable trap door as a lifting platform and as a trap door that locks in place within an opening on an exemplary stage turntable.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrate a schematic sectional perspective view of a stage lift and turntable mechanism 100 associated with a stage 102, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, mechanism 100 may include a stage lift assembly 104 that may be mounted below stage 102 and a turntable mechanism 106 that may be mounted on stage 102. In an exemplary embodiment, stage 102 may be a stage in an amphitheater, a concert hall or other similar venues. In an exemplary embodiment, turntable mechanism 106 may include a rotatable platform 107 mounted on a portion or on an entire surface of stage 102. In an exemplary embodiment, rotatable platform

107 of turntable mechanism 106 may be configured to be rotatable about a normal axis 108 of rotatable platform 107 relative to stage 102. As used herein, a normal axis of a surface may refer to an axis perpendicular to the surface. For example, normal axis 108 may be perpendicular to a surface or a plane of rotatable platform 107 and passing through a center point of rotatable platform 107. For example, for a circular rotatable platform 107, normal axis

108 may be perpendicular to the circular plane of rotatable platform 107 and may pass through center point of the circular plane of rotatable platform 107.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, such rotational motion of rotatable platform 107 of turntable mechanism 106 may allow for setting up different sets on stage 102 and then going through different sets by simply rotating rotatable platform 107. In an exemplary embodiment, turntable mechanism 106 may further include an actuation mechanism coupled to rotatable platform 107, where the actuation mechanism may be configured to drive a rotational motion of rotatable platform 107 about normal axis 108. For simplicity, the actuating mechanism of turntable mechanism 106 is not illustrated.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, turntable mechanism 106 may further include a through hole or opening 110 on rotatable platform 107 that may provide access between an upper side of stage 102 and the space bellow stage 102. Such access from above stage 102 to lower side of stage 102 through opening 110 of turntable mechanism 108 may allow for transferring set equipment 112 from a storage area 114 below stage 102 onto stage 102.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, stage lift assembly 104 may include a trap door 116 mounted on a lift platform 118, where lift platform 118 may be configured to be moveable up and down along an axis parallel with normal axis 108. In an exemplary embodiment, trap door 116 may be moveable with lift platform 118 from storage area 114 towards opening 110 of turntable mechanism 108. In practice, responsive to opening 110 being positioned above stage lift assembly 104, trap door 116 may be lifted by utilizing lift platform 118 and may be positioned within opening 110. Responsive to trap door 116 being positioned within opening 110, trap door 116 may be detached from lift platform 118 and may be locked into position within opening 110. When locked in position within opening 110, trap door 116 may be rotatable with rotatable platform 107, which will be discussed.

[0029] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrate schematic side views of stage lift and turntable mechanism 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, stage lift assembly 104 may further include an actuating mechanism 120 coupled to lift platform 118, where actuating mechanism 120 may be configured to drive a translational motion of lift platform 118 along normal axis 108. In an exemplary embodiment, when stage lift assembly 104 is positioned below opening 110 of turntable mechanism 108 such that trap door 116 is aligned with opening 110, performers and equipment (122) similar to equipment 112 may be loaded onto lift platform 118 over trap door 116. Then, actuating mechanism 120 may be configured to urge lift platform 118 to lift trap door 116 and loaded people and equipment (122) up to a point where trap door 116 may be positioned within opening 110 and loaded people and equipment (122) may be positioned above turntable mechanism 106 and over stage 102, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. In an exemplary embodiment, actuating mechanism 120 may be configured to urge lift platform 118 to move trap door 116 up and down along normal axis 108 in a direction shown by arrow 109. Then, in an exemplary embodiment, trap door 116 may be locked in position within opening 110 by utilizing a locking mechanism 124. In an exemplary embodiment, locking mechanism 124 may be configured to removably attach trap door 116 to edges of opening 110, as will be described. In an exemplary embodiment, when trap door 116 is locked in position within opening 110, responsive to actuating mechanism 120 lowering lift platform 118, trap door 116 may be detached from lift platform 118 and stay in position within opening 110, as illustrated in FIG. 2C. Here, trap door 116 may be rotatable with rotatable platform 107 of turntable mechanism 106 about normal axis 108. Such configuration of trap door 116 may allow for both utilizing trap door 116 as a platform above which people and equipment may be loaded and lifted onto stage 102 and as a trap door that may cover opening 110 and may be rotatable with rotatable platform 107 of turntable mechanism 106.

[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a trap door 300 mounted on a lift platform 302, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates a lower perspective view of trap door 300, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, trap door 300 may be similar to trap door 116 and may be detachably mounted on lift platform 302 that may be similar to lift platform 118. In an exemplary embodiment, trap door 300 may include a first braced frame 304 that may include a plurality of male couplers (306a-306d) mounted on opposite ends of first braced frame 304. For example, first braced frame 304 may be a rectangular frame that may include plurality of male couplers (306a-306d) mounted on four corners of the rectangular frame. In an exemplary embodiment, each male coupler of plurality of male couplers (306a-306d) may include a half cone protruded along normal axis 108 from first braced frame 304. For example, male coupler 306a may include a half cone 308 that may be bolted on first braced frame 304.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, lift platform 302 may include a second braced frame 310 that may include a plurality of female couplers (312a-312d) mounted on opposite ends of second braced frame 310. For example, second braced frame 310 may be a rectangular frame that may include plurality of female couplers (312a-312d) mounted on four corners of the rectangular frame. In an exemplary embodiment, each female coupler of plurality of female couplers (312a-3126d) may include a conical hole. For example, female coupler 312a may include a coupling member 314 with a conical hole 316 that may be bolted on second braced frame 310. In an exemplary embodiment, each male coupler on first braced frame 304 may correspond to a female coupler on second braced frame 310. In an exemplary embodiment, each male coupler on first braced frame 304 may be configured to be received within a female coupler on second braced frame 310 and thereby removably couple first braced frame 304 and second braced frame 310. For example, male coupler 306a may be configured to be received within corresponding female coupler 312a, male coupler 306/; may be configured to be received within corresponding female coupler 3126, male coupler 306c may be configured to be received within corresponding female coupler 312c, and male coupler 306d may be configured to be received within corresponding female coupler 312d.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, such coupling of corresponding male couplers (306a- 306d) and female couplers (312a-312d) may allow for placing first braced frame 304 on second braced frame 310 without any unwanted relative translational or rotational movements between first braced frame 304 and second braced frame 310. In an exemplary embodiment, corresponding male couplers (306a-306d) and female couplers (312a-312d) may not be limited to conical protrusions and corresponding conical holes and may have any other possible corresponding shapes that may fit in each other. In practice, when first braced frame 304 of trap door 300 is placed over second braced frame 310 of lift platform 302, respective male couplers (306a-306d) on first braced frame 304 may be fitted within and thereby engaged with respective female couplers (312a-312d) on second braced frame 310. Here, the weight of trap door 300 exerts a constant force on respective male couplers (306a-306d) and female couplers (312a-312d) and ensures a firm coupling between first braced frame 304 and second braced frame 310. Such configuration of male couplers (306a-306d) on first braced frame 304 and female couplers (312a-312d) on second braced frame 310 may allow for trap door 300 to sit on top of lift platform 302 without being attached to lift platform 302.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, first braced frame 304 may further include a first plurality of rubber cushions 318 mounted along a longitudinal axis 322 of first braced frame 304 on each lateral side of first braced frame 304. In an exemplary embodiment, second braced frame 310 may further include a corresponding second plurality of rubber cushions 320 mounted along a longitudinal axis 324 of second braced frame 310 on each lateral side of second braced frame 310. In an exemplary embodiment, each rubber cushion of first plurality of rubber cushions 318 on first braced frame 304 may correspond with and may sit on a respective rubber cushion of second plurality of rubber cushions 320 on second braced frame 310 in response to trap door 300 being placed over lift platform 302.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, trap door 300 may further include a plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d) that may be mounted below first braced frame 304. In an exemplary embodiment, lift platform 302 may further include a lock actuator 328 that may be mounted on second braced frame 310 and may be coupled to at least one of plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d). In an exemplary embodiment, lock actuator 328 may be configured to actuate at least one of plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d) into locked or unlocked positions. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d) may be interconnected by a plurality of lock rods (330«-330c) such that actuation of at least one of plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d) into locked or unlocked positions may lead to the actuation of the rest of plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d) into locked or unlocked positions, as will be discussed. For example, lock assembly 326c may be configured to be removably coupled to lock actuator 328, where lock actuator 328 may be configured to actuate lock assembly 326c into locked or unlocked positions. In response to lock assembly 326c being actuated into locked or unlocked positions, remaining lock assemblies of plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d), which are interconnected by utilizing lock rods (330a-330c) may follow lock assembly 326c and may be accordingly actuated into locked or unlocked positions.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a lock assembly 400, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, lock assembly 400 may be structurally similar to lock assembly 326c and may be configured to be coupled to lock actuator 328. In an exemplary embodiment, lock assembly 400 may include a main shaft 402 that may be rotatable about a rotational axis 404 perpendicular to longitudinal axis 322. In an exemplary embodiment, rotational movement of main shaft 402 about rotational axis 404 may be facilitated by mounting main shaft 402 between two bearings mounted on first braced frame 304 forming single-axis joints 406 between first braced frame 304 and main shaft 402. Such coupling of main shaft 402 to first braced frame 304 by utilizing single-axis joints 406 may allow for main shaft 402 to be rotatable about rotational axis 404 relative to first braced frame 304 of trap door 300.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, lock assembly 400 may further include a rotatable main link 408 that may be mounted on main shaft 402 and may be rotatable with main shaft 402. In an exemplary embodiment, main shaft 402 may pass through a central hole within rotatable main link 408 and thereby may be fixedly attached to rotatable main link 408. In an exemplary embodiment, rotatable main link 408 may extend along an axis perpendicular to rotational axis 404 between a first end 410 and a second end 412. In an exemplary embodiment, first end 410 and second end 412 of rotatable main link 408 may be symmetrically positioned on opposing sides of main shaft 402 with respect to rotational axis 404.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, lock mechanism 400 may further include a first lock bar 414 and a second lock bar 416 disposed on opposing sides of lock mechanism 400 with respect to rotational axis 404. In an exemplary embodiment, lock mechanism 400 may further include a first lock guide 418 and a second lock guide 420 disposed on opposing sides of lock mechanism 400 with respect to rotational axis 404. In an exemplary embodiment, first lock guide 418 and second lock guide 420 may be attached and fixed relative to first braced frame 304. In an exemplary embodiment, first lock bar 414 may be slidably received and moveable within first lock guide 418, and second lock bar 416 may be slidably received and moveable within second lock guide 420 along a sliding axis 422 perpendicular to rotational axis 404. In an exemplary embodiment, first lock guide 418 may include two interconnected plates 436 forming a first rectangular passage 438 therebetween, and similarly, second lock guide 420 may include two interconnected plates 440 forming a second rectangular passage 442 therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, first rectangular passage 438 may be configured to allow for first lock bar 414 to be slidably disposed therewithin and second rectangular passage 442 may be configured to allow for second lock bar 416 to be slidably disposed therewithin. Such coupling of first lock bar 414 and second lock bar 416 with first braced frame 304 by utilizing respective first lock guide 418 and second lock guide 420 may allow for first lock bar 414 and second lock bar 416 to be slidably moveable relative to first braced frame 304 along sliding axis 422 without any unwanted lateral or rotational movements.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, first lock bar 414 may be coupled to first end 410 of rotatable main link 408 by utilizing a first double-pivot drive link 424 and second lock bar 416 may be coupled to second end 412 of rotatable main link 408 by utilizing a second doublepivot drive link 426. In an exemplary embodiment, first double-pivot drive link 424 may be mounted between rotatable main link 408 and first lock bar 414 by utilizing a first pair of pin joints 428 at opposing ends of first double -pivot drive link 424. In an exemplary embodiment, second double-pivot drive link 426 may be mounted between rotatable main link 408 and second lock bar 416 by utilizing a second pair of pin joints 430 at opposing ends of second double-pivot drive link 426. In an exemplar embodiment, rotational movement of rotatable main link 408 may be transferred to first lock bar 414 through first double-pivot drive link 424 urging first lock bar 414 to assume a sliding translational movement within first lock guide 418 along sliding axis 422, and similarly, rotational movement of rotatable main link 408 may be transferred to second lock bar 416 through second double-pivot drive link 426 urging second lock bar 416 to assume a sliding translational movement within second lock guide 420 along sliding axis 422. Sliding movements of first lock bar 414 and second lock bar 416 may be in a direction shown by arrow 421.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, main shaft 402 may be configured to be coupled to a couple of lock rods, such as lock rod 330a and lock rod 330/; by utilizing a couple of flanges (432a, 4326) mounted on opposing ends of main shaft 402. Such coupling of main shaft 402 to lock rods may allow for transferring rotational movement of main shaft 402 to main shafts of adjacent lock mechanisms, such as lock mechanisms 326b and 326d.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, lock mechanism 400 may further include a coupling member 434 that may be mounted on one of first lock bar 414 and second lock bar 416. Here, coupling member 434 is attached to second lock bar 416, where coupling member 434 may be configured to couple lock mechanism 400 to lock actuator 328, as will be discussed.

[0041] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a lock actuator 500, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, lock actuator 500 may be structurally similar to lock actuator 328. In an exemplary embodiment, lock actuator 500 may include a drive arm 502 that may be pivotally coupled to second braced frame 310. In an exemplary embodiment, lock actuator 500 may further include a jack 504 that may be pivotally coupled to second braced frame 310 from one end and may be pivotally coupled to drive arm 502 from the other opposite end. In an exemplary embodiment, jack 504 may be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric jack that may be configured to drive a pivotal movement of drive arm 502 about a pivot axis 503 perpendicular to both rotational axis 404 and sliding axis 422. In an exemplary embodiment, lock actuator 500 may further include a protruded coupling member 506 that may be mounted on a distal end 505 of drive arm 502 and may be configured to engage with coupling member 434 of lock mechanism 400, as will be discussed.

[0042] FIG. 5B illustrates an exploded perspective view of drive arm 502 engaged with coupling member 434, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, coupling member 434 may include a recessed portion that may be adapted to allow for protruded coupling member 506 to be received within coupling member 434, and thereby engage coupling member 434. Such engagement of coupling member 434 with protruded coupling member 506 may couple lock actuator 500 and lock assembly 400. In an exemplary embodiment, in response to drive arm 502 pivoting about pivot axis 503, protruded coupling member 506 may urge second lock bar 416 to assume a translational sliding motion along sliding axis 422. Such sliding motion of second lock bar 416 may be transferred to first lock bar 414 via second double-pivot drive link 426, rotatable main link 408, and first double-pivot drive link 424. In an exemplary embodiment, protruded coupling member 506 is merely placed within recessed portion of coupling member 434 without being attached to coupling member 434. Such configuration of protruded coupling member 506 and coupling member 434 may allow for trap door 300 to be completely removeable from lift platform 302. [0043] FIG. 6A illustrates second lock bar 416 in a locked state of lock mechanism 400, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B illustrates second lock bar 416 in an unlocked state of lock mechanism 400, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, jack 504 may extend out and urge drive arm 502 to pivot about pivot axis 503 in a clockwise direction, which in turn urges second lock bar 416 and accordingly, first lock bar 414 to be retracted along sliding axis 422 towards main shaft 402 and put lock mechanism 400 into an unlocked state similar to FIG. 6A. In another example, jack 504 may be retracted in and urge drive arm 502 to pivot about pivot axis 503 in a counterclockwise direction, which in turn urges second lock bar 416 and accordingly, first lock bar 414 to be extended along sliding axis 422 away from main shaft 402 and put lock mechanism 400 into a locked state similar to FIG. 6B.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, drive arm 502 may include a proximal end 508 that may be attached to a cross-brace member 510 of second braced frame 310 by utilizing a pivot joint 512. In an exemplary embodiment, such coupling of proximal end 508 of drive arm 502 and cross-brace member 510 of second braced frame 310 may allow for drive arm 502 to be pivotable about pivot axis 503. In an exemplary embodiment, drive arm 502 may further be coupled to a distal end 514 of jack 504 by utilizing a pin joint 516 mounted between proximal end 508 and distal end 505 of drive arm 502. In an exemplary embodiment, a proximal end 518 of jack 504 may further be pivotally coupled to an elongated side beam 520 of second braced frame 310.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, when lock mechanism 400 is in a locked state, first lock bar 414 and second lock bar 416 may extend out and protrude from sides of first braced frame 304 and may engage respective receptacles or edges of opening 110 of rotatable platform 107. In other words, when lock assemblies (326a-326d) are in locked state, respective lock bars of each lock assembly of lock assemblies (326a-326d) may extend out and protrude from sides of first braced frame 304 and may engage respective receptacles or edges of opening 110 of rotatable platform 107.

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method 700 for operating a stage lift and turntable mechanism, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, method 700 may be performed by a stage lift and turntable mechanism similar to stage and turntable mechanism 100.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, method 700 may include a step 702 of associating a stage lift with a rotatable platform of a stage, where the rotatable platform may include an opening, a step 704 of removably placing a trap door assembly on the stage lift, a step 706 of loading people and equipment onto the trap door assembly, a step 708 of lifting the trap door assembly along a translational axis parallel with a normal axis of the rotatable platform from a loading position below the stage to an unloading position within the opening of the rotatable platform, a step 710 of locking the trap door assembly to the rotatable platform, and a step 712 of lowering the stage lift.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, step 702 of associating a stage lift with a rotatable platform of a stage may involve mounting a stage lift similar to stage lift assembly 104 below rotatable platform of a stage similar to rotatable platform 107 of stage 102. In an exemplary embodiment, step 702 of associating a stage lift with a rotatable platform of a stage may involve mounting the stage lift below a rotatable platform with an opening similar to opening 110 of rotatable platform 107.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, step 704 of removably placing the trap door assembly on the stage lift may involve placing a trap door similar to trap door 300 on top of a stage lift similar to lift platform 302. Here, removably placing the trap door on the stage lift may refer to placing the trap door on the stage lift without attaching the trap door to the stage lift. For example, a trap door similar to trap door 300 may simply be placed over or sit over a stage lift similar to lift platform 302. To this end, first braced frame 304 of trap door 300 may be placed over second braced platform 310 of lift platform 302 and plurality of male couplers 306 of first braced frame 304 may sit within plurality of female couplers 312 of lift platform 302 under the weight of first braced frame 304. As mentioned before, first plurality of rubber cushions 318 on first braced frame 304 and second plurality of rubber cushions 320 on second braced frame 310 may allow for trap door 300 to be smoothly placed over lift platform 302. [0051] In an exemplary embodiment, 706 of loading people and equipment onto the trap door assembly may involve loading people and equipment such as performers and equipment 122 onto a trap door assembly similar to trap door (116, 300). To this end, the trap door assembly must be moved by utilizing the stage lift to the loading position. For example, trap door 116 is in the loading position as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, step 708 of lifting the trap door assembly along the translational axis may involve lifting a trap door assembly similar to trap door 116 from a loading position as illustrated in FIG. 2A to an unloading position as illustrated in FIG. 2B along the translational axis that is parallel with normal axis 108. As used herein, the unloading position within the opening of the rotatable platform may refer to a position of the trap door assembly where the trap door assembly is positioned within the opening of the rotatable platform. For example, in the unloading position illustrated in FIG. 2B, it is evident that in the unloading position, trap door 116 is positioned within opening 110, such that a top surface 117 of trap door 116 may substantially lie a flush with a top surface 111 of rotatable platform 107. [0053] In an exemplary embodiment, actuating mechanism 120 may be coupled to lift platform 118 by utilizing a plurality of rack-and-pinion mechanisms, where pinions may be urged to assume a rotational movement by actuating mechanism 120 and rotational movements of pinions may be transformed into translational movement of lift platform 118 by racks 125 attached to lift platform 118.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, step 710 of locking the trap door assembly to the rotatable platform may involve utilizing a plurality of lock assemblies mounted onto the trap door assembly to lock the trap door assembly to the rotatable platform. For example, plurality of lock assemblies (326a-326d) of trap door 300 may be utilized for locking trap door 300 within opening 110 of rotatable platform 107. To this end, the stage lift may be equipped with a lock actuator that may be coupled to at least one of the plurality of lock assemblies mounted under the trap door, where the lock actuator may actuate the plurality of lock assemblies into locked positions. For example, when trap door 116 is lifted and positioned within opening 110, locking mechanism 124 that may be structurally similar to plurality of lock assemblies (326a- 326d) may be actuated by lock actuator 328 that may be mounted on lift platform 302 to lock trap door 116 to edges of opening 110 or corresponding receptacles attached to rotatable platform 107 or edges of opening 110. [0055] Referring to FIG. 2C, in an exemplary embodiment, step 712 of lowering the stage lift may involve urging the stage lift to move down back to the loading position. For example, lift actuator 120 may urge lift platform 118 to move down back to the loading position. Since trap door 116 is locked in position, trap door 116 may not move down with lift platform 118. Here, trap door 116 may be rotatable with rotatable platform 107.

[0056] In practice, when more people or equipment are to be moved onto the stage or when people or equipment need to be moved off the stage, the stage lift may be moved to the unloading position one more time, where the trap door assembly will one more time sit on the stage lift. Here, the locks of the trap door may be opened to allow for the trap door assembly to completely sit on the stage lift and then the stage lift may be moved downward. Since the trap door assembly is not locked into the stage, the trap door assembly may as well move downward with the stage lift. In exemplary embodiments, such coupling of the trap door assembly with the stage lift and the stage turntable mechanism may allow for easily switching the functionality of the trap door assembly between a lifting platform and a trap door closing off the opening within the rotatable platform of the stage.

[0057] The embodiments have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0100] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0101] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. [0102] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not to the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0058] Moreover, the word "substantially" when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic, e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element. Further use of relative terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, “down”, and “side-to-side” are used in a relative sense to the normal orientation of the apparatus.