Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle displaceable along aerial conductors of an electricity transmission line. The vehicle includes a body having arms. Each arm has a first end pivotably mounted to the body and a second distal end. A motorized wheel is mounted to each arm to engage one of the conductors to displace the vehicle. Support rotors have at least two blades. Each blade has an arm portion extending from the support rotor and a contact portion extending from the arm portion to engage one of the conductors to temporarily support the vehicle. An arm displacement mechanism engages the arms, and is operable to displace the arms in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the vehicle to move the arms together and apart.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subjective point-of-view recording device (60), which includes: a harness (10) attached to the body of a user; a camera (30) including at least one lens (305, 310) oriented in a direction, the camera being connected to the harness by a positionable arm running along the back of the user, and positioned above the user for point-of-view recording in said direction, the positionable arm including a rod for placing in position on the articulated harness with a rod for supporting the camera and at least one damper of the movement between the positioning rod and the supporting rod; and a means for stabilizing (20) the camera relative to the harness placed between the positionable arm and the camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wind park (10) comprising wind turbines arranged in a convex polygon comprising straight sides (3, 4, 5) connecting vertices of the polygon. A node wind turbine (1a, 1b, 1c) of a first type is located at each vertex of the polygon. One or more intermediate wind turbine (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) of a second type is/are located along each side (3, 4, 5) of the polygon between two node wind turbines. The polygon forms an interior area (A) within the sides (3, 4, 5). The interior area (A) is free of turbines of the first and second type.

Abstract: A carrier mechanism for walking on a line includes a carrier platform constituted by a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate and a longitudinal movable plate, a walking apparatus, a clamping apparatus, a driving apparatus, and a self-balance control apparatus configured to adjust a posture of the carrier mechanism. The longitudinal movable plate is slidably arranged on the second mounting plate fixedly connected to the first mounting plate in parallel. The walking apparatus includes at least two sets of walking wheels arranged along a walking direction. The clamping apparatus is slidably arranged on the lower side of the longitudinal movable plate. The driving apparatus includes a first driving apparatus configured to drive the walking wheels to roll, and a second driving apparatus configured to drive the longitudinal movable plate to move. The clamping apparatus is driven by the longitudinal movable plate to clamp or release a to-be-inspected target.

Abstract: A lift system comprises a rail (1) and a carriage assembly (2) comprising a seat (21) or platform (21) for supporting a person to be conveyed along the rail (1), drive means arranged to engage the rail (1) and controllable to drive the carriage assembly (2) along the rail (1), energy storage means arranged to power the drive means, input means operable by a user to provide an input signal indicative of a desired movement of the carriage assembly (2) along the rail (1), and control means arranged to receive the input signal and control the drive means in response to the input signal. The system includes charging means arranged to charge the energy storage means when the carriage assembly (2) is at a first charging position on the rail (1).

Abstract: This new utility patent application discloses a self-balanced swiveling obstacle-crossing robot for transmission lines comprising a front running gear, a rear running gear, a front weight-shifting mechanism, a rear weight-shifting mechanism, a swiveling mechanism and a controller.

Abstract: A cable transportation system extends along a track and has two haul cables driven respectively by respective motors and having respective mutually aligned end portions; a vehicle with two clamping devices configured to attach the vehicle to the haul cables; a passenger station at the end sections of the haul cables; two control cams arranged respectively at the end sections of the haul cables; and two actuators configured to bring the control cams into an operating position to open the clamping devices and into a resting position in which they do not interfere with the clamping devices, the control cams being spaced apart by a distance equal to the distance between the clamping devices in such a way that when the clamping device is at the control cam, the clamping device is at the control cam.

Abstract: A cable transportation installation, including an aerial hauling cable, a vehicle having an attachment device to attach the vehicle to the hauling cable, a structure on which at least one sheave is mounted movable between a first position in which the at least one sheave is in contact with the hauling cable and a second position in which the at least one sheave is separated from the hauling cable, and at least one actuating device coupled to the at least one sheave and configured to exert a first force on the at least one sheave in order to move the at least one sheave to the first position, and to exert a second force on the at least one sheave in order to move the at least one sheave to the second position.

Abstract: A conveying device includes: a main movement body; a main conveying mechanism that conveys the main movement body; and a controlling device that controls operation of the main conveying mechanism including a plurality of winches attached to the main movement body and multiple cables one wound around each winch; each winch includes a cylindrical drum rotatable about an axis line thereof and driving device that rotates the drum, and is wound around corresponding one of the drums of the respective corresponding winches helically in an axis direction of the drums multiple times, and have distal ends supported by supporting bodies corresponding to the respective winches; and the controlling device conveys the main movement body to an arbitrary position on a conveying path between the supporting bodies corresponding to the respective winches by controlling operation of a driving device of each winch disposed on the main movement body.

Abstract: Device for supporting and guiding an aerial carrying-hauling cable of a cable lift installation, said device including a beam supporting a plurality of rotary sheaves designed to press on the cable to guide it when it is running, each rotary sheave being associated with a damping connection articulated around a pivot to form an individual module fixed individually to the beam, the different individual modules being staggered at regular intervals along the beam.

Abstract: An entertainment figure system includes an entertainment figure having an attachment point, a bogie coupled to a track and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via a cable and a winch coupled to the cable. The bogie is configured to translate along the track and the winch is configured to adjust a length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a distance between the attachment point and the bogie.

Abstract: An aerial rope tramway or slope hoist system suitable for use in an open pit mine or similar application. According to an embodiment, the aerial slope hoist system comprises an upper station and a lower station. The upper station is configured in proximity to a surface section of the open pit and the lower station is configured at a lower section of the open pit mine. According to an embodiment, the upper station comprises first and second towers and the lower station comprises first and second towers. The towers are configured to support respective ends of first and second suspension cable assemblies. Each of the suspension cable assemblies is configured to support and carry a trolley or skip. The system comprises a hoist configured to move the respective trolleys in opposite directions. The towers for the lower station are configured to be moveable and provide the capability to break down the system and/or lengthen or reduce the span of the system.

Abstract: An evacuation hauling system for transporting evacuation litters during an emergency. The hauling system includes a drive line forming a pathway between a first station and a second station, and a drive system operable by a drive prime mover to move the drive line between the first and second stations. An evacuation litter is detachably coupled to the drive line and is moveable along the pathway between the first and second stations as the drive line is moved. The hauling system may include a pulley supporting the drive line to maintain a separation between a transport leg of the pathway from the first station to the second station, and a return leg of the pathway from the second station to the first station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating aerial vehicles in water-based locations. The systems and methods include a plurality of landing stations. Each landing station of the plurality of landing stations is coupled to at least one of: another landing station or an underwater mooring point. The systems and methods also include an aerial vehicle coupled to a tether mooring point by a tether. The aerial vehicle is configured to land on at least one landing station of the plurality of landing stations.

Abstract: A de-icing apparatus for a flexible conductor, for example a suspended power line, is supported for longitudinal displacement along the conductor. The apparatus has a frame, a motor driven wheel on the frame for rolling engagement along the conductor and at least one guide element supported on the frame so as to be arranged to engage the conductor so as to cause at least one flexion in the conductor when the frame is suspended from the conductor by engagement of the drive wheel and said at least guide element on the conductor. The propagation of the flexion along the conductor cause ice and snow collected on the conductor to be loosened and fall from the conductor.

Abstract: In a continuously moving cableway installation (9), a haul rope (13b) extends as a closed loop defining a transportation path (12). Suspended vehicles (14) can be connected to the rope by means of automatic coupling devices (24). Along the rope path, passenger stations (10) are provided, each providing ramps (22) to cause the clamping or release of the automatic coupling devices (24), fixed power supply conductors (30), and overhead rails (28). Mounted on board each vehicle (14) are: a motor-driven trolley (20), an electrical contact (30a) to contact one of the power supply conductors (30) in the passenger stations (10), an electric power battery (43), and an electric motor (42) with driving wheels (40) associated thereto, which are suitable for rolling on the overhead rails (28) in order to move the vehicle within and proximate to the passenger stations.

Abstract: A transport system includes a main cable, a track assembly, and a conveyance assembly, wherein the track assembly is suspended from the main cable to allow unimpeded translational movement of the conveyance assembly along the track assembly. In another aspect according to the present invention, the track assembly has a track changing assembly that includes a track changing section rotatably coupled to a primary track section for selective alignment of the track changing section to any one of a plurality of exit track sections. A method of conveyance along a suspended track includes suspending a main cable between natural or artificial support structures, suspending a track assembly from the main cable, and mounting a conveyance assembly on the suspended track assembly to provide unimpeded translational movement of the conveyance assembly along the track assembly.

Abstract: Emergency egress systems carry multiple riders simultaneously accessing zip line catenary from higher, inaccessible, working locations to lower, safer areas. Hangers above the track line suspend trolleys to avoid weighting the catenary unduly at the high end, which might otherwise alter (reduce) clearance distances and safety of riders above a launch platform (deck). Catenary shape is controlled against approaching a launch deck by sequencing the release from the hangers of each trolley to roll along the catenary with its own rider. Autonomous braking, inter-trolley bumpers, and vertical stabilizers enable each rider to quickly occupy a seat (harness, etc.) and launch onto the track line, unconcerned with riders ahead or behind until underway. Multiple trolleys may thus load, launch, and in close proximity on a single line, regardless of the total weight of multiple riders.

Abstract: A system adapted for supporting workflow in a three-dimensional space which provides, among other things, hands-free control and adjustment of lighting within the three-dimensional space. The system of the present invention is also adapted for delivering, tracking, and retrieving tools in the three-dimensional space. The system of the present invention includes various subsystems, which are referred to herein as modules, that both act independently and co-dependently, as will be described in greater detail below, in conjunction with a central control computer module. The modules consist, in an exemplary embodiment, of the cable robot module, the central computer module, the imaging module, the illumination module, and the object manipulator module.

Abstract: An electric vehicle for routing inspection of power transmission lines, includes a body; a running mechanism mounted to the body, comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel connected by a cross beam and rolling on the cable; an obstacle sensor and a cam rotatably mounted to the cross beam, the cam rotating to roll onto the cable after an obstacle is detected on the cable such that the front wheel is raised to a position above the cable, and the cam continuing rolling on the cable after the front wheel passes the obstacle such that the front portion of the cross beam falls back downwards and the front wheel then falls back onto the cable, a hanging seat rotatably hanging to the body and a control device at least partially disposed in the hanging seat and comprising a braking device.

Abstract: A belt-conveying aerial system comprising: a pair of top fixed load-bearing ropes, which are parallel to one another and are set at a distance apart from one another in a transverse direction; a pair of bottom fixed load-bearing ropes; and a belt conveyor comprising a plurality of modules, which are aligned along the load-bearing ropes, are fixedly connected to the load-bearing ropes, and guide a belt for conveying materials; the modules being connected to the load-bearing ropes via an installation vehicle having a supporting top carriage mobile on the top load-bearing ropes, a pair of resting platforms suspended from the top carriage, and, for each bottom load-bearing rope, at least one pair of wheels, which are rotatable in contact with the respective bottom load-bearing rope and are set upstream and downstream of the corresponding module.

Abstract: This invention is a gravity powered Dual Cable Zipline Trolley Transfer System comprising, a dual cable zipline trolley and dual cable zipline transfer unit which work in conjunction of each other. The trolley comprises tandem wheels that traverse over the dual cables and are pivoted in the center to allow the trolley to pass smoothly over the transfer unit, which is suspended on support structures. Unlike the traditional zipline which has a path between two stations, this system is designed to allow the participant to travel in a continuous uninterrupted path without the need to detach from one cable to another in order to sustain the journey beyond the station. The transfer unit is lengthened to create curves both horizontal and vertical. This invention eliminates the menacing sag in the cable that occurs over distance.

Abstract: An apparatus has a first truck that includes a frame. A roller is rotatably attached to the frame and a lever arm is pivotably connected to the frame. The lever arm includes a load point, a magnet, and a non-ferrous conductive material. A biasing element biases the lever arm into a first angular position. A load applied to the load point drives the lever arm against a biasing force of the biasing element, and towards a second angular position.

Abstract: A flying effects choreography system provides visualizations of flying effects within a virtual environment. The system allows choreographers to define a sequence of waypoints that identify a path of motion. A physics engine of the system may then calculate position data for a performer or other element attached to a free-swinging pendulum cable, as the performer and pendulum cable move along the path of motion. In this manner, the position data describes the motion of the performer, including the pendulum effect or swing of the performer on the pendulum cable. The position data may be used to generate one or more visualizations that show the performer's motion, including the pendulum effect. The choreographer may review the visualizations and make modifications any number of times, until a desired flying effect is produced, without having to physically implement the flying effect in the real world.

Abstract: An aerial cableway transport installation, comprising: two vehicles each equipped with a detachable clamp to detach the vehicle from and couple the vehicle to the aerial cableway; one coupling device of the vehicles to the aerial cableway; one flexing pillar of the aerial cableway; detection means of a first vehicle coupled to the aerial cableway passing over said pillar, the detection means being configured to transmit at least one coupling signal when passing is detected; and control means of said coupling device connected to the detection means and configured to command coupling of at least a second vehicle to the aerial cableway on receipt of said coupling signal.

Abstract: An auto reset zip line assembly comprising a cable running along the circumference of two pulleys that are spaced apart forming a closed loop is provided. A pair of rigid frames are fixedly coupled to the cable at an equal distance from each other. The pulley includes a wheel having a rim that has a continuous trough along the circumference to retain the cable. The wheel is rotatably mounted on a shaft and the shaft is mounted to a hosing. The pulleys include a mechanism to suspend a zip line assembly between two vertical supports. The auto reset zip line assembly further comprises a braking mechanism and a pair of guarding plates coupled to the housing to prevent derailing and entangling of the cable. The invention is advantageous by providing a safe zip line assembly that obviated the need of returning a trolley to the starting point of the zip line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.

Abstract: A cable riding transporter having one or more drive sheaves in rolling contact with the upper side of a suspended cable and including a motor operatively engaging at least one of the drive sheaves for propelling the retriever along the cable and including a control for operating the motor and its direction of rotation and mechanism to interconnect the transporter with a load, such as a zip line trolley.

Abstract: In a bearing unit of a cable sheave of a cableway system, the cable sheave is arranged on a shaft which is mounted in bearings in a bearing framework. An inner ring or an outer ring of at least a first bearing is connected to the shaft. The outer ring or the inner ring of the first bearing is connected to an inner ring or an outer ring of a second bearing and is mounted in the bearing framework via the second bearing.

Abstract: A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.

Abstract: A charging apparatus is used for charging a storage battery. This charging apparatus includes a body connected to a power source, a connector connected to the storage battery, an electric cable connecting between the body and the connector, a support member provided in the body, and a holding member provided in the body. The electric cable includes a held member at a predetermined position in an intermediate portion of the electric cable. The support member supports the connector. The holding member detachably holds the held member.

Abstract: Provided herein is a caterpillar for cable mobile robot and a cable mobile robot using the same, the caterpillar for cable mobile robot and cable mobile robot including a case; a plurality of first rotating members configured to rotate and distanced from one another inside the case; a second rotating member configured to rotate and provided between the first rotating members; a belt member mounted to the first rotating members and the second rotating member; and a tension adjuster located between the second rotating members and the first rotating member, and configured to support the belt member at its lower part so that the tension of the belt is adjusted.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a camera transport device for movingly supporting a camera from a suspension line and various example cable camera systems. In some examples, the camera transport device includes a cart module, a motor transportation module, a pan/tilt module including a panning assembly and a tilting assembly, and at least one gear train configured to drive rotation of the panning assembly and pivot of the tilting assembly. In some further examples, the camera transport device selectively includes one of an open configuration cart or a closed configuration cart for engaging with the suspension line.

Abstract: A cable traversing camera carrying device is provided having a manifold and a camera carriage coupled to the manifold. The manifold includes a first side plate and a second side plate. The manifold also includes two idler pulleys coupled between the first and second side plates located at opposing sides of the manifold and adjacent the top side of manifold. The manifold further includes a drive pulley coupled between the first and second side plates operatively engaged by a remotely activated and controlled motor. The drive pulley is located in a middle portion of the manifold below a line defined between axes of the two idler pulleys. The two idler pulleys and the drive pulley are adjustable to adjust the tension in a cable operatively extending through and engaging the idler pulleys and the drive pulley.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of mechanical engineering and describes an automatically adjustable system of traverse rails with multiple characteristics that extend the useful life of the sustain by a minimum factor of four while providing redundant security backup to the rails allowing human passengers to move from one place to another in and easy and safe manner with a minimum of noise and vibration while providing the owner of the system benefits of lower maintenance cost and less exposure to financial risk. Also the system can be installed in a multitude of natural places without the need to cut or damage the environment. Using the same components this system offers other configuration options to increase the possibilities of installing a system with desirable characteristics over a greater number of inclinations. Combining the various components starting with a smooth rail as in FIG. 1 with the self-equalizing system FIG.

Abstract: A cableway system for the transport of persons or goods has two pairs of track cables, which extend between two terminal stations, such as a valley station and a mountain station. Transport vehicles, such as gondolas, are moved along the track cables by at least one traction cable. The track cables run in a curved path in the region of at least one tower and the traction cable is guided in the region of the at least one tower via carrying rollers. At least some of the carrying rollers for the traction cable, which are located in the region of the at least one tower, are adjustable in terms of their position in relation to the two track cables.

Abstract: A multiple cable zip line ride is provided. The ride includes a support structure with a cross beam mounted to the support structure for routing and mounting of a plurality of cables of the zip line ride. The cables are mounted to the cross beam such that multiple users can travel simultaneously in the same direction along the cables. The cross beam provides for the mounting of additional safety cables and tensioning devices.

Abstract: A zip line or trolley system kit for propelling a person or an object using gravity along an extended cable line suspended between two trees or towers. The zip line system having a frame with one or more wheels, an adjustable length seat, a handle and a braking system for slowing the speed of descent of the zip line system. The trolley system having at least two wheels spaced apart at a suitable distance to increase ride smoothness and improve sliding of the zip line system along the extended cable. An actuator of the braking system allows for the rider to control of the speed of descent of the zip line system.

Abstract: A suspended flying rig system including a plurality of cables attached to a load support. In response to retraction and/or deployment of at least one of the plurality of cables, motion is provided generally within a three-dimensional working space to the load support. The motion includes at least six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The Radio Controlled Pulley includes a support line, a platform suspended from the support line, a propulsion system configured to cause the platform to move along the support line the propulsion system affixed to said platform, and having an optional control system for commanding said propulsion system.

Abstract: An aerial transport installation with back-and-forth movement includes two carrying-hauling ropes extending in two individual closed loops between two end terminals separated from one another by an intermediate station which is provided with a double pulley. The latter is provided with two grooves having different groove root diameters, such that the ratio of the diameters is equal to the ratio respectively of the axial distance between the first bull-wheel and the double pulley and of the axial distance between the second bull-wheel and the double pulley. The speeds of the vehicles are also different in the two loops.

Abstract: In a bearing unit of a cable sheave of a cableway system, the cable sheave is arranged on a shaft which is mounted in bearings in a bearing framework. An inner ring or an outer ring of at least a first bearing is connected to the shaft. The outer ring or the inner ring of the first bearing is connected to an inner ring or an outer ring of a second bearing and is mounted in the bearing framework via the second bearing.

Abstract: A shuttle member for a horizontal lifeline system having at least one elongate line attached between at least two anchorage points. The shuttle member includes: a body having: (i) an upper portion configured for attachment to the line by at least partially surrounding the line; (i) an intermediate portion that, together with the upper portion, defines at least one passage slit that is sized such that the elongate line cannot pass therethrough; and (iii) an attachment portion configured for attachment of at least a portion of a lanyard. A shuttle member arrangement and a passing method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transport system includes a main cable, a track assembly, and a conveyance assembly, wherein the track assembly is suspended from the main cable to allow unimpeded translational movement of the conveyance assembly along the track assembly. In another aspect according to the present invention, the track assembly has a track changing assembly that includes a track changing section rotatably coupled to a primary track section for selective alignment of the track changing section to any one of a plurality of exit track sections. A method of conveyance along a suspended track includes suspending a main cable between natural or artificial support structures, suspending a track assembly from the main cable, and mounting a conveyance assembly on the suspended track assembly to provide unimpeded translational movement of the conveyance assembly along the track assembly.

Abstract: An overhead installation for transporting people in an urban environment includes two carrying cables, which sag in curved manner and are spaced apart from one another, on which the rollers of the vehicle without a hanger arm run. Jacks with vertical displacement, controlled by a central unit, are placed in the connection between the rollers and the vehicle so as to reduce transmission of undesirable movements, resulting from the sag of the cables, to the car of the vehicle.

Abstract: A line bypass system is provided having a guide wire. The line bypass system has a support structure defining a first channel, into which a first wire portion of the guide wire is received. The support structure has a second channel, extending parallel to the first channel, into which a second wire portion of the guide wire is received. The first channel is dimensioned to facilitate engagement of a robot with the first wire portion and the second channel is dimensioned to facilitate engagement of a robot with the second wire portion as the robot traverses the support structure.

Abstract: A driving wheel of a robot moving along a wire includes an inner wheel in which a rotation axis being driven to rotate by a motor is fitted, an outer wheel formed to surround the inner wheel and seated on the wire, and a shock absorbing support to elastically connect and support the inner wheel and the outer wheel between the inner wheel and the outer wheel, and a shock being transmitted is absorbed by allowing a relative movement of the inner wheel and the outer wheel by the elastic movement of the shock absorbing support. A robot moving includes a robot body, the driving wheel, a motor to drive the driving wheel by rotating the rotation axis, a connecting arm to connect and support the driving wheel and the robot body.

Abstract: A control system and a method for a back-and-forth cable system is provided. The cable system includes a running cable, a first pulley and a second pulley, the pulleys being located at both ends of a course for guiding the running cable. A controllable motor assembly drives of the pulleys and a carrier is connected to the running cable, for pulling or towing a boarder. The control system includes first and second tracking devices to generate first and second tracking signal indicative of the rotation of the pulleys. Two limit positions along the course are stored in storing means and a controller has inputs to receive the first and the second tracking signals and inverts rotation of the controllable motor assembly when the two positions of the carrier detected go beyond either one of the two limit positions.

Abstract: A cableway installation including a travel cable, a vehicle suspended therefrom, boarding and disembarking points, an aerial carrier configured to support and drive the travel cable, a mobile conductor disposed on the vehicle, a fixed conductor disposed on the aerial carrier adjacent to the travel cable and in an area proximate to at least one of the boarding and disembarking points, the fixed conductor including a first fixed contact element connected to a low voltage electric supply and a first plurality of flexible conductive contact wires extending from the fixed conductor along a longitudinal length of at least one side of the travel cable, where the mobile conductor is disposed so as to the contact the first plurality of flexible conductive contact wires and establish electrical contact with the first fixed contact element and with the low voltage electric supply when the vehicle is transported between the boarding and disembarking points.

Abstract: An elevated bicycle-based transportation system comprises a bicycle, a front suspension member, connected to a front portion of the bicycle and having on the upper end a rolling, sliding, or gliding member, a rear suspension member, connected to a rear portion of the bicycle and having on the upper end a rolling, sliding, or gliding member, and an overhead track, which is a supporting member substantially horizontal in orientation, on which the rolling, sliding or gliding members of the suspension members rest. When suspended in this way, the bicycle can be ridden along the overhead track. When the suspension members are not suspended from the overhead track, the bicycle can be used in the normal manner, and at least one of the suspension members can be retracted, collapsed, folded, pivoted, detached, or otherwise modified by a simple operation, to be made less prominent.