Abstract: A compact braking system for zip-line that brakes a sliding car including an anti-return trapping device that traps the sliding car preventing its return by a zip-line cable and a braking device that transfers and dissipates the energy of the arrival impact of the slide car without the use of one or more cables and/or elements external to it and without the activation of any operator.

Abstract: A lift assist and transfer assembly for lifting and moving a component through a travel distance is described. The assembly includes an overhead rail mounted to a ceiling of a work environment. The rail has a first end and a second end, corresponding to a loading area and a work area defining the travel distance. A carriage is slidably attached to the rail for supporting the component and a pneumatic cylinder element at the second end of the rail is attached an overhead fixture of the ceiling. The pneumatic cylinder element is biased into a retracted position and extends to an extended position upon actuation to move the second end of the rail downward. The carriage slides along the rail from the first end to the second end upon actuation of the cylinder to displace the second end of the rail such that the rail has a downward slope.

Abstract: The zip line rail system can be connected to a challenge course, a zip line, a zip track system, or any combination thereof. The zip line rail system of the present invention can have two rails that a member slide's two wheels rollably engage with, and the zip line rail system can be configured in any of a variety of directions.

Abstract: A line bypass system includes a support structure including a first support portion and a second support portion spaced apart from the first support portion. The support structure includes an attachment portion that attaches the first support portion to the second support portion. The first support portion and the second support portion define a first opening on a first side of the attachment portion and a second opening on a second side of the attachment portion. The first opening movably receives a first guide wire and the second opening movably receives a second guide wire.

Abstract: A cable in suspension (clear span) supports a trolley. At the upper end, a launch block fixed to the cable registers the trolley in all directions, including a safety release link holding the trolley near the launch block. After release and descent with a rider, the trolley strikes an attenuator of distributed springs and spacers. The spring stack absorbs momentum from the trolley, but a leash limits recoil “bounce” after reversing the trolley. A second, recoil, leash resists recoil by capturing a subset of the springs between respective ends of itself and the first leash. The doubly leashed trolley will oscillate to a stop in an equilibrium position.

Abstract: For travel on a cable, the zipline trolley includes a wheel, a brake, a frame, a hanger, and a lower slot. The wheel is disposed on a proximal end of a frame. The wheel includes a groove that receives a cable at a lower portion of the wheel and a wheel bearing. The brake is disposed on a distal end of the frame. The brake is connected to a given lever point and includes a groove along a brake bottom that receives the cable. The frame includes an array of lever points disposed between the brake and the wheel. The hanger is connected to a given lever point and suspends a weight. The weight applies a force about the wheel to the brake to control a rate of descent of the device along the cable. The lower slot receives the cable.

Abstract: A descender device is disclosed for enabling a controlled descent of a load along a tether. The device comprises a frame having a front and rear side, and a first and second aperture disposed therein for receiving a tether. The first and second aperture extend between the front and rear side of the frame and the tether being arranged to pass between the first and second apertures substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The device further comprises a control bar disposed within the first aperture. The control bar extends across the first aperture and is constrained to move in a plane of the aperture, substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar. In use, the tether is arranged to loop around the control bar within the second aperture and the free ends of the tether are arranged to extend out from the first aperture, away from the front side of the frame.

Abstract: A trolley for traversing a zip line includes a first load-bearing sheave rotatably mounted to one or more side plates, and a second load-bearing sheave rotatably mounted to the one or more side plates and rearward of the first sheave. The trolley also includes an anchor point on the trolley for attaching a payload. When the trolley decelerates, forces acting on the payload create a downward load on the first sheave and the second sheave.

Abstract: A canopy tour system may include multiple track lines extending between associated upper and lower stations for loading, launching, receiving, and unclipping, respectively, riders of trolleys on the zip lines. A system of mechanical and electronic interlocks provides safety for users in remote locations, enabling individual riders to operate trolleys, including attaching and dis-attaching the trolleys from various track lines, unattended by other workers or employees of the canopy tour operation. Mechanical interlocks assure that a trolley cannot be properly engaged with a launch block on a track line until all such interlocks are properly closed. A master computer may communicate through a network, with all stations to verify and identify times and locations of users.

Abstract: A vehicle which is intended to travel along a downward sloping cable, which is suspended between two supports having a change in elevation. Preferably, the vehicle includes a fuselage, a trolley assembly, a translation system, a seat, a counterweight system, and at least one wing. The trolley assembly is attached to the cable. This connection allows the vehicle to travel along the cable. A counterweight system is included in order to balance the weight of the rider sitting in the seat below the fuselage. This allows the vehicle to easily rotate, via rotary joint, around the cable while traveling along the line. Preferably, the rider can induce roll by either activating ailerons or by rotating one of the wings about the lateral axis in order to increase the lift on one side of the aircraft depending on whether the wings are fixed.

Abstract: There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.

Abstract: The zip line rail system can be connected to a challenge course, a zip line, a zip track system, or any combination thereof. The zip line rail system of the present invention can have two rails that a member slide's two wheels rollably engage with, and the zip line rail system can be configured in any of a variety of directions.

Abstract: A portable zip line tower is provided. The portable zip line tower comprises a tower structure having a major longitudinal axis. The tower structure is configurable into a first configuration wherein the major longitudinal axis is generally parallel to ground and a second configuration wherein the major longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to ground. At least one platform mounted at least partially within an interior space of the tower structure and the tower structure is configured for mobile transportation in the first configuration.

Abstract: A device that is movable along a track defined by a cable has a main frame including a pair of side walls and a transverse connector by which the side walls are joined together. A pair of pulleys is disposed between the side walls, with the pulleys being engagable with a cable and rotatable for movement of the device along the cable. A fitting by which handles are removably attachable to the main frame is secured between the side walls, and aligned receptacles in the side walls provide for reception of hardware to preclude disengagement of the cable from the pulleys during use.

Abstract: A cable in suspension (clear span) supports a trolley. At the upper end, a launch block fixed to the cable registers the trolley in all directions, including a safety release link holding the trolley near the launch block. After release and descent with a rider, the trolley strikes an attenuator of distributed springs and spacers. The spring stack absorbs momentum from the trolley, but a leash limits recoil “bounce” after reversing the trolley. A second, recoil, leash resists recoil by capturing a subset of the springs between respective ends of itself and the first leash. The doubly leashed trolley will oscillate to a stop in an equilibrium position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zip-line ride system. The zip-line ride system may consist of a tower and an anchor connected by a cable. The anchor may be fixed or temporary, allowing for a zip-line ride that may be portable. The zip-line ride system may also allow for an adjustment to the height, length, tension, or any combination of all three, of the cable.

Abstract: A zip line attraction and methods are provided. The zip line attraction includes a tower and a stopping point. One or more cables extend between the tower and the stopping point. At least one end of the cable can change in elevation to allow users to travel from the tower to the stopping point, and back to the tower from the stopping point without disconnecting from the cable.

Abstract: The lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane are the six Simple Machines of the Classical era. Over 2000 years ago a man from Syracuse used them to create a way to move water against the pull of gravity. The Archimedes' screw is still a standard for simple efficiency. In homage to those early machines and the dreamers who built them, the Human Flying Apparatus provides a carriage, wheels and an axle, a harness, and a braking and steering_system and, in specific embodiments, thrusters, all suspended from a single rail, which allows a human being to soar in simulated flight that is_safe, sustained, and suitable for all skill levels. “For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.

Abstract: A high-speed magnetic trolley that utilizes an eddy current brake that may reduce the speed of a person in a harness traveling on a relatively steep zip line cable, making it possible to reach a landing brake at a reasonable speed and becomes easy to adjust an amount of braking force needed to reach a desired speed by taking off or adding more magnets without throwing one or more aluminum wheels out of balance. The high-speed magnetic trolley produce an eddy current that generates an opposing magnetic field, which then resists rotation of one or more aluminum wheels providing braking force.

Abstract: A zipline braking system comprising a zipline cable and a destination supporting member; a rider carrier coupled to the zipline cable for movement towards the destination supporting member, such movement generating kinetic energy; a damper having a posterior end and an anterior end and connected to the destination supporting member at the posterior end; a tension line; a connection member coupled to the zipline cable and configured to engage the rider carrier; a stopping member coupled to the zipline cable and the tension line; and the tension line for transferring the kinetic energy to the damper upon the connection member engaging the stopping member in movement to the destination supporting member.

Abstract: A brake and capture system for zip lining are disclosed. The brake has a housing with first and second ends. Inside the brake are a number of fixed guide plates, each with an angled slot. A number of wheels are mounted are movably mounted within the housing so as to be guided by the angled slots. When the brake is struck by a trolley with sufficient momentum, the wheels within the brake are driven inwardly by the angled slots, into rolling engagement with the zip line, to slow the trolley. The trolley and brake may be provided with complementary engaging structures, such that the brake may be sent out on the zip line to capture the trolley if it has insufficient momentum.

Abstract: A brake for a trolley which travels atop a zip line is presented. The brake includes a brake body having a brake body with a top plate and two side plates extending downward from the top plate, the top plate having an underside which faces the zip line. One or both of the side plates may contain an aperture for accepting a rigid member which secures the trolley to the brake body. A brake pad is preferably positioned on the underside of the top plate. Exemplary embodiments may contain a brake extension which connects with the brake body and extends downward towards the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to 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 or trolley system may include an easily installable support harness assembly, a braking system and a removable seat fixture to provide for the zip line system to be completely portable to be carried, installed and taken down in remote locations.

Abstract: Invention is a recreation system that mimics flight without danger from stalling foil 19; invention's inability to hit ground is because it is secured to zip line 10 by pendulum cable 12 to carriage 11. Invention's participant stands on foil 19 and us their body movements to control foil 19 axes of pitch, roll and yaw, which gives rider 360° of movement with horizontal swivel 16, and foil 19 being able to rotate at where mast 17 attaches to foil 19 at shaft collar 24; forward motion for foil 19 provided by gravity while suspended below zip line 10. To enhance sensation of flight invention's participant can use foil 19 to capture, retain energy with elastic energy device 14 by using foil 19 to produce downforce that participant can control retention and release with foil 19. Participant can also attain lift with foil 19 by controlling its angle of attack.

Abstract: A zipline braking system comprising a zipline cable and a destination supporting member; a rider carrier coupled to the zipline cable for movement towards the destination supporting member, such movement generating kinetic energy; a damper having a posterior end and an anterior end and connected to the destination supporting member at the posterior end; a tension line; a stopping member coupled to the zipline cable and the tension line; and the tension line for transferring the kinetic energy to the damper upon the rider carrier engaging the stopping member in movement to the destination supporting member.

Abstract: An improved zip line trolley allowing a rider control of his or her speed while traversing along a suspended cable. The trolley comprises front and back wheels conjoined via left and right trolley plates and a handle bar. Front and back hand brake levers are mounted onto the handle bar. When front and back hand brake levers are squeezed by the rider, they create a constricting force which applies friction to the suspended cable via brake pads. This frictional force slows the rider's speed to his or her desired rate and brings the rider to a safe stop at a precise location along the suspended cable. The rider is able to quickly and easily remove the trolley from the suspended cable and transport it to another.

Abstract: Improvements in a braking system for a zip line are presented. Braking occurs when a zip line rider makes contact with a braking carriage that slides along the zip line. The braking carriage pulls on a rope. The rope pulls on a length of chain in a chain reservoir to slide and lift the claim through the chain reservoir. The chain reservoir is an elongated tube that is mounted at an angle. As the zip liner moves further into the landing platform they lift a continuing greater amount of chain from the chain reservoir. The angle of the chain reservoir, coefficient of friction between the chain and the chain reservoir affects the pull-back. After the zip liner comes to a complete stop they remove the carriage from the zip line and gravity returns the brake mechanism. Minimum pull-back makes removal of the cable trolley easier.

Abstract: An apparatus and system whereby a first member can move along a cable track and then on a glide track to then move in another direction and back on a glide track. The first member has a secondary retention system disposed therein.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a cylinder having a closed end and a piston slidably mounted in the interior. A braking cable is secured to the piston and routed through an opening in the closed end of the cylinder to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include a relief valve to release compressed air from the cylinder, so that the braking force may be controlled.

Abstract: A zip line attraction and methods are provided. The zip line attraction includes a tower and a stopping point. One or more cables extend between the tower and the stopping point. At least one end of the cable can change in elevation to allow users to travel from the tower to the stopping point, and back to the tower from the stopping point without disconnecting from the cable.

Abstract: A brake and capture system for zip lining are disclosed. The brake has a housing with first and second ends. Inside the brake are a number of fixed guide plates, each with an angled slot. A number of wheels are mounted are movably mounted within the housing so as to be guided by the angled slots. When the brake is struck by a trolley with sufficient momentum, the wheels within the brake are driven inwardly by the angled slots, into rolling engagement with the zip line, to slow the trolley. The trolley and brake may be provided with complementary engaging structures, such that the brake may be sent out on the zip line to capture the trolley if it has insufficient momentum.

Abstract: Described herein is a motion dampening system for dampening the motion of a moving object. The system includes a tension member with a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is positionable to contact the moving object. The system also includes a tubular element that is configured to receive the second portion of the tension member. The tubular element contains a compressible substance. The system further includes a piston that is movable within the tubular element. The piston is coupled to the second portion of the tension member and sealingly divides the tubular element into first and second sections. Contact between the moving object and the first portion of the tension member moves the piston within the cylinder to compress the compressible substance in the first section and to create a vacuum in the second section.

Abstract: A continuous assist braking and control system (10) operable to control the movement, speed and acceleration of a zipline rider (32) traversing a zipline (12). A brake line (40) is entrained around first and second reels (50, 52), and suspended above the zipline (12). The rider (32) is tethered to the brake line (40). A brake (56) is coupled to at least one of the reels (50, 52). When the brake (56) is disengaged, the brake line (40) is pulled along with the rider (32) as the rider (32) traverses the zipline 12). When the brake (56) is engaged, the reels' rate of rotation is slowed, thereby slowing the brake line (40) and the rider (32). When the brake (56) is engaged to stop the reels' rotation, the brake line (40) is brought to a stop, thereby arresting the motion of rider (32).

Abstract: A trolley having a trolley upper portion; a trolley wheel carriage secured to the trolley upper portion; and a trolley lower portion extending downwardly from said trolley upper portion, allowing the trolley to be displaced along a box to box cable.

Abstract: An amusement ride apparatus includes a suspended cable and a carriage that supports a user. The carriage is supported on and movable along the suspended cable. Additionally, the apparatus includes a load/unload mechanism that includes a tethering portion and a retractor. The tethering portion is removably coupleable to at least one of the suspended cable and carriage. The retractor is selectively operable in a first mode to retract the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to lower the carriage relative to the platform from a raised position to a lowered position and in a second mode to extend the tethering portion when removably coupled to the at least one of the suspended cable and carriage to raise the carriage relative to the platform from the lowered position to the raised position.

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 system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A high-speed magnetic trolley that utilizes an eddy current brake that may reduce the speed of a person in a harness traveling on a relatively steep zip line cable, making it possible to reach a landing brake at a reasonable speed and becomes easy to adjust an amount of braking force needed to reach a desired speed by taking off or adding more magnets without throwing one or more aluminum wheels out of balance. The high-speed magnetic trolley produce an eddy current that generates an opposing magnetic field, which then resists rotation of one or more aluminum wheels providing braking force.

Abstract: A trolley braking system for smoothly reducing the speed of a rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope approaching a landing platform comprises a cylinder having a closed end and a piston slidably mounted in the interior. A braking cable is secured to the piston and routed through an opening in the closed end of the cylinder to a braking block, which is slidably mounted on the cable between the trolley and the landing platform. The system may also may also include a relief valve to release compressed air from the cylinder, so that the braking force may be controlled.

Abstract: A zip line trolley includes a frame assembled from a pair of spaced-apart parallel side plates and an inner beam, which is partially sandwiched between the side plates. The inner beam has a gallery of block-T-shaped cross section which extends its length. A shackle, from which a rider is suspended, can be pinned anywhere within the gallery. A main pulley, which is installed in an upper middle portion of the frame, rotates on a pair of sealed ball bearing races that are pressed on a hollow keyed shaft which slides into opposed grooves machined into each of the side plates. The keyed shaft is bolted between the side plates with a shoulder bolt passing transversely through both side plates. A water-wiping brake pad is pivotally mounted within the frame in front of the main pulley. A bumper is bolted between front portions of the side plates.

Abstract: A zipline trolley system comprises a cable, trolley, launcher, and a catch block. The launcher is fixed on the cable and comprises a substantially cylindrical inner body with a rigid outer body adapted to rotate about the inner body. A return spring attaches the inner body with the outer body. The catch block is also fixed on the cable and comprises a block with left and right retaining arms pivotably connected to the block and adapted to clasp onto the front plate of the frame of the trolley.

Abstract: A trolley for traveling along a cable may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail extending therebetween. A user may suspend from the frame in a harness, leveraging the user's weight about a fulcrum suspended by a sheave rolling along the cable. Opposite the user, across the fulcrum, a brake shoe or pad pivotably connected to the frame may be controlled by a user shifting weight, a trim brake adjustable by the user, or both to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable. Trim braking may be set to stop the trolley on any incline, roll with a constant braking bias, or roll freely. User-weight leveraging may be dynamically adjusted by a user likewise by selectively weighting a harness, weighting a handle and tether to draw the user's weight toward the fulcrum, or both.

Abstract: A trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on a cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe. The apparatus may also provide a manually operated brake handle to allow the rider to selectively apply braking force to reduce the speed of the trolley on the cable as desired.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a rider between two points on a cable or rope, having a plurality of supports configured to suspend the cable or rope between two points of unequal elevation and a trolley for transporting the rider supported by a harness on the cable or rope, the trolley having a mounting plate configured with a connection point to receive the rider's harness, a pulley rotatably mounted to the mounting plate to support the plate on the cable or rope, and a friction shoe mounted on the plate forward of the pulley to contact the upper portion of the cable or rope, wherein the connection point is located beneath the cable or rope between the centers of the pulley and the friction shoe.

Abstract: A zip line trolley includes a frame assembled from a pair of spaced-apart parallel side plates and an inner beam, which is partially sandwiched between the side plates. The inner beam has a gallery of block-T-shaped cross section which extends its length. A shackle, from which a rider is suspended, can be pinned anywhere within the gallery. A main pulley, which is installed in an upper middle portion of the frame, rotates on a pair of sealed ball bearing races that are pressed on a hollow keyed shaft which slides into opposed grooves machined into each of the side plates. The keyed shaft is bolted between the side plates with a shoulder bolt passing transversely through both side plates. A water-wiping brake pad is pivotally mounted within the frame in front of the main pulley. A bumper is bolted between front portions of the side plates.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable relies on a brake to control velocity and net downhill acceleration of the trolley. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. At the downhill end of the ride, the lever actuating the brake is caught and lifted by a capture ring, thus relieving the braking load on the trolley. Also, the trolley engages a comparatively modest, second resistance mechanism, such as, for example, a system of springs, that gradually increases in resistance with distance of motion of the trolley thereagainst, bringing the trolley to a gradual halt.

Abstract: A zipline trolley system comprises a cable, trolley, launcher, and a catch block. The launcher is fixed on the cable and comprises a substantially cylindrical inner body with a rigid outer body adapted to rotate about the inner body. A return spring attaches the inner body with the outer body. The catch block is also fixed on the cable and comprises a block with left and right retaining arms pivotably connected to the block and adapted to clasp onto the front plate of the frame of the trolley.

Abstract: A system comprising a cable held in suspension and a trolley traveling along the cable. The trolley may include a brake pad positioned to contact the cable. The brake pad may include a plurality of segments contacting the cable. A first such segment may be formed from a first material. A second such segment may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material. The sequence, composition, gaps, and the like of the plurality of segments may be selected to provide a desired resistance to wear, frictional coefficient, all-weather braking, and the like.