Zip line apparatus
AssigneeAlien Flier LLC
InventorStephen Douglas Brown
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims15
A trolley for traversing a zip line system comprising:
- a frame including at least two wheels rotatably affixed to the frame, the at least two wheels for engaging a top surface of an extended cable of the zip line system, wherein an outer surface of the wheels does not extend past an outer edge of the frame;
- a braking system comprising a brake affixed to the frame for engaging an object supporting the trolley in the zip line system;
- a handle secured to the frame permitting a user to grasp the trolley;
- an adjustable seat secured to the frame via a single fabric webbing strap;
- an actuator for controlling an amount of braking of the zip line system, the actuator comprising a trigger that passes through a slot in the frame that is disposed above the handle adapted to allow a user to engage the actuator with one finger while grasping the handle with two or more fingers;
- wherein the brake may be actuated by the user while grasping the handle of the trolley to control the descent of the user and the trolley along the zip line system;
- and
- wherein the handle is substantially horizontally-centered between the at least two wheels.
A method of carrying a person or object along an extended wire comprising:
- attaching a pulley system to a frame, the pulley system adequate to roll along the wire, the pulley system comprising at least two wheels for engaging the extended wire, wherein an outer surface of the wheels does not extend past an outer edge of the frame;
- attaching a braking system to the frame to control the speed of the person or object along the wire;
- affixing an actuator to the braking system, the actuator comprising a trigger that passes through a slot in the frame that is disposed above the handle adapted to allow a user to engage the actuator with one finger while grasping the handle with two or more fingers
- attaching a seat using a single fabric webbing strap to the frame, the fabric webbing strap being adjustable to change the distance of the seat from the frame;
- and
- attaching a handle to the frame;
- wherein the handle is substantially horizontally-centered between the at least two wheels.
A trolley for traversing a zip line system comprising:
- a frame having a plurality of wheels rotatably affixed to the frame, wheels for resting on and engaging a top surface of an extended cable of the zip line system, wherein an outer surface of the wheels does not extend past an outer edge of the frame;
- a handle comprising a substantially rigid rod protruding perpendicularly from a side of the frame, the handle having a grip thereon;
- a braking system comprising a brake affixed to the frame for engaging an object supporting the trolley in the zip line system, and an actuator, wherein the actuator extends from the frame parallel to the handle, the actuator comprising a trigger that passes through a slot in the frame that is disposed above the handle adapted to allow a user to engage the actuator with one finger while grasping the handle with two or more fingers;
- an adjustable seat secured to the frame via a single fabric webbing strap;
- and
- wherein the handle is substantially horizontally-centered between the at least two wheels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.