US 12,337,248 B1 · Gravity-powered zip line trolley return system

Abstract

A gravity-powered zip line trolley return system for a zip line system having a zip line cable and a trolley configured to traverse the zip line cable may include a mounting block detachably mountable to the zip line cable of the zip line system. A spool bracket may be supported by the mounting block. A first spool may be supported by the spool bracket. A second spool supported by the spool bracket, wherein the first spool and the second spool are rotationally coupled to each other through a gear reduction ratio mechanism and a drive belt. A trolley return line may be windable on the first spool and connectable to the trolley of the zip line system. The trolley return line may be configured to move with the trolley in a forward movement and to pull the trolley in a backward movement as the first spool rotates. A counterweight suspension element may be windable on the second spool. A counterweight may be attached to the counterweight suspension element. The counterweight suspension element may balance the counterweight against gravity depending on rotation of the gear reduction ratio mechanism with respect to the forward or backward movement of the trolley return line with the trolley.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A gravity-powered zip line trolley return system for a zip line system having a zip line cable and a trolley configured to traverse the zip line cable, wherein the zip line trolley return system comprises:

a mounting block detachably mountable to the zip line cable of the zip line system;
a spool bracket supported by the mounting block;
a first spool supported by the spool bracket;
a second spool supported by the spool bracket, wherein the first spool and the second spool are rotationally coupled to each other through a gear reduction ratio mechanism and a drive belt;
a trolley return line windable on the first spool and connectable to the trolley of the zip line system, the trolley return line configured to move with the trolley in a forward movement and to pull the trolley in a backward movement as the first spool rotates;
a counterweight suspension element windable on the second spool;
and
a counterweight attached to the counterweight suspension element, further the counterweight suspension element balances the counterweight against gravity depending on rotation of the gear reduction ratio mechanism with respect to the forward or backward movement of the trolley return line with the trolley.

5 more elements

a mounting block detachably mountable to the zip line cable of the zip line system, the mounting block having a pair of mating mounting block components configured to be secured to each other and clamped onto the zip line cable of the zip line system;
a spool bracket supported by the mounting block;
a first spool supported by the spool bracket proximate the spool bracket;
a second spool supported by the spool bracket proximate the first spool;
a gear reduction ratio mechanism on the second spool;
a belt drive drivingly coupling the first spool and the second spool to each other via the gear reduction ratio mechanism;
a trolley return line windable on the first spool and connectable to the trolley of the zip line system, the trolley return line configured to move with the trolley in a forward movement and to pull the trolley in a backward movement as the first spool rotates;
a counterweight suspension element windable on the second spool, the counterweight suspension element including at least one webbing strap;
and
a counterweight attached to the counterweight suspension element, further the counterweight suspension element balances the counterweight against gravity depending on rotation of the gear reduction ratio mechanism with respect to the forward or backward movement of the trolley return line with the trolley.

7 more elements

a mounting block detachably mountable to the zip line cable of the zip line system, the mounting block having a pair of mating mounting block components configured to be secured to each other and clamped onto the zip line cable of the zip line system;
a resilient bumper on the mounting block;
a spool bracket supported by the mounting block;
a first spool supported by the spool bracket proximate the spool bracket;
a second spool supported by the spool bracket proximate the first spool;
wherein the first spool has a diameter greater than a diameter of the second spool;
a gear reduction ratio mechanism on the second spool;
a belt drive drivingly coupling the first spool and the second spool to each other via the gear reduction ratio mechanism;
a trolley return line windable on the first spool and connectable to the trolley of the zip line system, the trolley return line configured to move with the trolley in a forward movement and to pull the trolley in a backward movement as the first spool rotates;
a counterweight suspension element windable on the second spool;
and
a counterweight including a counterweight container attached to the counterweight suspension element, further the counterweight suspension element balances the counterweight against gravity depending on rotation of the gear reduction ratio mechanism with respect to the forward or backward movement of the trolley return line with the trolley.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Gravity-powered zip line trolley return system

Life of this patent

Gravity-powered zip line trolley return system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20