EP3472017A1 - Second-generation binary track safety traverse system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle (58) for supporting harnessed riders on a gravity binary track system, and composed of a central element (79) carrying lower rollers (108, 110) to contact a lower line; an upper element (78) hinged to the central element and forming an upper cavity through which a rope can run, and carrying upper rollers (104, 106) located to contact an upper line, the upper cavity having a generally horizontal slot extending to the outside for passing through a continuous belay; and a lower element (80) hinged to the central element and forming a lower cavity through which a rope can run, the lower cavity having a generally horizontal slot extending to the outside for passing through a continuous belay.

Description

SECOND-GENERATION BINARY TRACK SAFETY TRAVERSE SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the transport of human passengers in forests and other natural areas where environmental impact is counter indicated and a more particularly to a second-generation binary track safety traverse system.

In U.S. Patents Nos. 8,505,462, and 9,045,146, a first-generation binary track safety traverse system is disclosed. In particular, such first-generation binary track safety traverse system includes a wide selection of configurations for the designer without being limited necessarily by the environment as to where it is possible to install by increasing the range of angles of attack in the installation. In general, such first-generation binary track safety traverse system includes a series of suspended platforms in trees, towers, and/or walls between which a rail is anchored at both ends and human passengers slide from a higher platform to a lower one while tethered to a pulley vehicle.

Such first-generation binary track safety traverse system includes an ultra- strong polymer cable that is much stronger and quieter than steel cable, as well as being an insulator rather than a conductor of electricity. A single cable is strung around an anchor pulley to create an upper flexible rail and a lower flexible rail. By using only 1 cable with an anchor pulley, the rails are self-equalizing, i.e., loads on both rails are continuously distributed equally between the two rails. The user vehicle unit is slidingly attached to both the upper rail and to the lower rail. A first tether is fixed to the upper rail and to a first base. A second tether is fixed to the lower rail and to the first base. Both tethers are located between the user vehicle unit and the anchor pulley. By such arrangement, the vehicle slide will not fall if either the upper rail or the lower rail breaks. Inherent shortcomings to this first generation binary track system described in U.S. Patents No. 8,505,462, and 9,045,146 system, however, have proven to be several starting with outside variations in environment and participant weight, as well as wind, sun, and temperature, which interject an infinite combination of variables into the system, which affect, for example, velocity and deceleration characteristics of the system, which are difficult to compensate for through traditional angle and tension adjustments currently used. Therefore, systems adjusted to a fixed optimum angle during installation probably will no longer be optimum on a consistent and predictable basis, as weather, wear, and weight of passenger are constantly changing.

The second problem with zip lines as a business model is that the original concept was a guided tour through the canopy of the rainforest with a 6 to 1 participant/guide ratio. It has since morphed into a thrill ride where literally boatloads of participants are being driven through systems as fast as humanly possible at the lowest possible price. This has created an environment where the industry, as a whole, has become unsustainable and dangerous. This disclosure will advance the safety and throughput of passengers, so that the tour operator will still make a sufficient margin to remain in business. BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed is a vehicle (58) for supporting harnessed riders on a gravity binary track system, and composed of a central element (79) carrying lower rollers (108, 1 10) to contact a lower line; an upper element (78) hinged to the central element and forming an upper cavity through which a rope can run, and carrying upper rollers (104, 106) located to contact an upper line, the upper cavity having a generally horizontal slot extending to the outside for passing through continuous belay anchoring assemblies (60, 62) (70,72) (130,132,134); and a lower element (80) hinged to the central element and forming a lower cavity through which a rope can run, the lower cavity having a generally horizontal slot extending to the outside for passing through continuous belay anchoring assemblies (60) (70,72) (130,132,134).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present method and process, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of both ends of the disclosed second-generation binary track safety traverse system;

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the lower end of the second-generation binary track safety traverse system showing the safety brake system;

Fig. 2A is a sectional view taken along line 2A-2A of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of an intermediate support post showing the continuous belay system;

Fig 4 is sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig 5A is an exploded view of the locking system for the vehicle carriage; Fig 6 is an end view of the vehicle carriage in an opened position;

Fig 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 3

Fig 8 is an isometric view of the vehicle carriage;

Fig 9 is a side view of the vehicle carriage;

Fig 10 is a top view of the vehicle carriage;

Fig 1 1 is a sectional view taken along line 1 1 -1 1 of Fig. 10 with the vehicle carriage with the dual hand brakes in a "ready to be engaged" position and cams released position to stop travel of the vehicle carriage rearward when the carriage is vertical;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 1 1 -1 1 of Fig. 10 with the vehicle carriage with the dual hand brakes released for movement of the vehicle carriage along the dual lines in any orientation with cams locked open;

Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a vehicle carriage brake "rail-splitter" assembly in a closed condition; and

Fig. 14 is an isometric view of a vehicle carriage brake "rail-splitter" assembly in an open condition splitting the dual lines for stopping a vehicle carriage.

The drawings will be described in greater detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The traverse line configuration in the drawings is simple in that it has but two runs; yet, it illustrates the principles of the disclosure, as many more runs can be added in accordance with this disclosure. An upper launch station, 10, is where the rider gets on the zip line tour. Upper launch station 10, consists of a tower that includes an upstanding generally vertical pole, 12, and a lower platform assembly, 14, which includes a deck, 16, having a railing, 18, supported by a series of 6 vertical poles, typified by a pole, 20. Deck 16 is accessed via a stairway, 22. Once the rider ascends stairway 22 to deck 16, an operator employee, can fit the rider into a harness assembly or the rider could have been fitted with the harness assembly prior to ascending stairway 22. It will be appreciated that a variety of methods for gaining access to lower platform assembly 14 can be envisioned for the tour operator to provide for use by the rider. For example, deck 16 could be accessed using a rock climbing wall or other means, as disclosed in PCT application CA2014/051 196. It further will be appreciated that the illustrated poles can be replaced with one or more of trees, cliffs, and sufficiently high ground for gravity to propel the rider down the course.

The dual lines are attached at the upper end or beginning of the tour into a securing assembly, 24. It is at this point that the vehicle carriage assembly (described in detail below) is secured to the dual lines. A rope, 26, is attached to the harness worn by a rider, 28, at one end, around an upper pulley assembly, 30, and back down to a mechanical powered spinnaker assembly, 32, where a tour worker, 34, grasps the lower end of rope 26 for pulling rider 28 up to an upper platform, 34, from which the zip line commences. A hole has been cut in upper platform 34 through which rider 28 gains access to upper platform 34, although other configurations of upper platform 34 can be envisioned by an experienced course designer. Pulley assembly 32 desirably can rotate only in one direction so that a loss of grasp of rope 26 by tour worker 35 does not cause rider 28 to fall downwardly. Another safety feature is that the vehicle carriage used by rider 28 can only move in one direction (forward) along the dual lines of the course. The design and features of the vehicle carriage also will be detailed below. A second tour worker, 35, stands on upper platform 34 to assist rider 28, if needed, and to ensure safety of rider 28, as the first run of the tour commences. This also provides another opportunity for tour worker 35 to check that the harness is properly secured to rider 28.

The dual line is connected to pole 12 by a continuous belay, so that the rider does not need to disengage the vehicle carriage in order to transition from a vertical ascent to a horizontally downward descent along the dual lines. In fact, a continuous belay attachment may be used at all intermediate positions of the zip line tour until its termination.

In the illustrative tour in Fig. 1 , a single intermediate stop is shown, but it is illustrative of one or more such intermediate stops that may be used on a multi-run zip line tour, challenge course, or similar sporting/amusement adventure. Again, an intermediate post, 36, carries about its upper end an intermediate platform, 38, atop which another tour worker, 40, is stationed for providing any needed assistance for rider 28. As stated, a continuous belay attachment system, 42, carries the dual lines and will be described in detail below.

The tour terminates at a lower platform, 44, atop which a further tour worker,

46, is stationed. While the novel vehicle carriage incorporates a dual safety brake operable by the rider, safety still dictates that a braking system, 48, be used. Braking system 48 is carried by a lower pole, 50, and will be described in detail below. Referring additionally to Fig. 2, a speed (velocity) sensor, 52, also is carried by lower pole 50 and senses the speed at which rider 28 is approaching the terminus of the tour. If the sensed speed or velocity is deemed unsafe (too fast), braking system 48 may be automatically engaged by being in continuous communication with sensor 52 or may be engaged manually by tour worker 46. In either event, the speed of rider 28 is slowed to a sufficiently slow rate so that rider 28 can safely stop and stand atop lower platform 44 whereat the vehicle carriage can be unlocked by tour worker 46, as described in further detail below, or passed off the end of the line after the splitter closes.

Steel cable has a greater resistance to braking than does synthetic line construction; thus, it may be advisable to replace the ultimate 25 feet or so of the synthetic line with steel cable, such as the case for the split cable section approaching lower pole 50. Fig. 2A illustrates a zero relief connector, 53, whose placement is seen in Fig. 2 with the run being a synthetic cable, 55, uphill of zero relief connector 53 and a steel cable, 57, downhill thereof. In particular, wedges, 59 and 61 , connect synthetic cable 55 with steel cable 57. Wedge 59 is swaged on steel cable 57, while wedge 61 tightens the wedge pair onto synthetic cable 55, optionally using an epoxy or other adhesive. The overall diameter of zero relief connector 53 is around ½ inch. This construction also will facilitate replacement of the synthetic cable with but a loss of a few inches of steel cable during such replacement operation. It should be observed that the synthetic cable is made from an inner core and an outer sheath, that may be removed so that the core is inserted into the connector to maintain the overall diameter at connector 53 the same as the diameter of both the steel cable and synthetic cable.

Referring now to Figs. 3-6, dual lines, 54 and 56, are seen carrying a vehicle carriage, 58. As illustrated in Fig. 3, vehicle carriage 58 moves in a direction from left to right. Continuous belay attachment system 42 consists of a leading or upper bracket assembly, 60, and a trailing or lower bracket assembly, 62. As used herein, upper refers to a higher elevation, while lower refers to a lower elevation with the ride running by gravity from a higher or upper elevation to a lower elevation. As vehicle carriage 58 confronts leading bracket assembly 60 (Fig. 4), horizontal upper and lower arms, 64 and 66, each of which holds lines 54 and 56, respectively, by a tubular clip permit vehicle carriage 58 to continue to move down the dual lines and around intermediate pole 36.

Vehicle carriage 58 then confronts trailing bracket assembly 62 carried by intermediate post 36 and which serves one entirely different additional function than leading bracket assembly 60. Trailing bracket assembly 62 carries a sprocket on its vertical arm, which carries a chain, 68, whose ends are capped by a pair of horizontally extending tubular clip assemblies, 70 and 72, that capture, respectively, dual lines 54 and 56. Upper clip assembly 70 is like the tubular clips carried by leading bracket assembly 60 in that the dual lines are free to move. Lower clip 72, however, as seen in Fig. 7, has a pair of wedges, 74 and 76, pushed thereinto for tightly securing line 56. Self-equalization of line 56 is achieved by chain 68 and its ability to move about the sprocket carried by lower bracket assembly 62.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 5A, and 6, a top element, 78, and lower element, 80, pivot open about a central element, 79, to open vehicle carriage 58 so that dual lines 54 and 56 can be secured. A semicircular cutout, 81 (Fig. 6), along the bottom surface of top element 78 along with a semicircular cutout, 83, along the top surface of central element 79 capture upper line 54 when top element 78 is closed. Similarly, a semicircular cutout, 85, along the bottom surface of central element 79 along with a semicircular cutout, 87, along the top surface of lower element 80 capture lower line 56 when bottom element 80 is closed. The surfaces of these circular tubes for lines 54 and 56 may be polished, coated with a friction reducing material, and/or other treatment to reduce friction when vehicle carriage slides along the dual lines.

A locking mechanism for elements 78 and 80 with central element 79 is shown in Figs. 5 and 5A. An elongate hole formed through a downwardly extending front leg of element 78 and upwardly extending front leg of element 80 and into central element 79. Each hole carries a spring, 82, in element 78 and, 84, in element 80 that push against, respectively, pins, 86 and 88, that also are found in central element 79 and through each extending leg of element 78 and 80, respectively, to prevent rotation of elements 78 and 80. A key, 90, can be inserted into the two elongate holes to push pins 86 and 88 inwardly and away from the extending legs of each element 78 and 80, and permit rotation of element 78 by a piano-type hinge, 92, in element 80 by a piano-type hinge, 94, in element 80. An elongate slot, 89, in pin 86 and slot, 91 , in pin 88 have retaining pegs, 96 and 98, respectively, for in which the pins move and for retaining the pins. Without key 90, vehicle carriage 58 will stay secured to dual lines 54 and 56. This safety feature prevents rider 28 from unadvisedly detaching vehicle carriage 58 with consequent increase in harm.

Continuing the description of vehicle carriage 58, reference is made to Figs. 8-12. A dual braking system for the rider is provided by an upper brake lever, 100, and lower brake lever, 102, that rider 28 squeeze, respectively, against central element 79 to apply pressure to upper line 54 and lower line 56. Both levers can be easily grasped by one hand of the rider for slowing down and/or stopping the rider's descent. Rollers, 104 and 106, in upper element 78 engage upper line 54, while rollers, 108 and 110, in central element 79 engage lower line 56.

Upper element 78 also carries a pair of eccentric pieces, 112 and 114, which are connected by a bar, 116. In similar fashion, lower element 80 also carries a pair of eccentric pieces or cams, 116 and 118, which are connected by a bar, 120. While vehicle carriage 58 is in a horizontal orientation, as shown in Fig. 12, eccentric pieces, 116 and 118 ride along upper line 54. However, when carriage 58 is in a vertical orientation, as shown in Fig. 1 1 , eccentric pieces 116 and 118 connected by a bar, 120, rotate counter-clockwise to press against line 54 and prevent movement of vehicle carriage 58 in the reverse direction. Simultaneously therewith while vehicle carriage 58 is vertical, eccentric pieces, 122 and 124, in lower element 80 and connected by a bar, 128, rotate clockwise to press against line 56 and prevent movement of vehicle carriage 58 in the reverse direction. Such mechanisms permit rider 28 to ascend as shown in Fig. 1 and not slide downwardly. Such mechanism also permit rider 28 to only descend along the extent of the tour.

Finally braking system 48 is shown in a home or rest position in Fig. 13 and in an active position in Fig. 14. Braking system 48 can be actuated pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically. Such actuating system can be housed within a container, 128 (see Fig. 1 ), located adjacent to lower platform 44. Braking system 48 has pair of elongate tubes, 130 and 132, for capturing upper line 54 and a single tube, 134, for capturing lower line 56. Tube 132 clamps down on line 54, while line 54 freely moves through tube 130. Tube 134 can clamp down on line 56. Tube 132 is attached to a movable carriage, 136.

When rider 28 is traveling too fast approaching lower platform 44, carriage 136 is moved upwardly carrying upper line 54 running through tube 130, resulting in lines 54 and 56 being split; thus, reducing the speed of rider 28 eventually to a standstill.

Materials of construction for vehicle carriage 58 desirably will be metal and stainless steel may find advantage for is resistance to corrosion. The same will be true for most other components, except for the rollers housed within vehicle carriage 58, which may be made from plastic to reduce resistance against the lines. The preferred rail composition will be the sheathed plastic rope disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,505,462; although, other composition rail materials could be used, as well as metal or any combination thereof. While the use of poles is shown, either end or any intermediate position of the system could be affixed to a tree, a cliff, or to other relatively stable and immovable locations. While the apparatus, its components, and its use have been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope and essence of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In this application all units are in the metric system and all amounts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Also, all citations referred herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

A vehicle (58) for supporting/securing harnessed riders on a binary track continuous belay system, which comprises a carriage having:

(a) an upper cavity through which a rope can run, and carrying upper rollers (104, 106) located to contact an upper line, the upper cavity having a generally horizontal slot extending to the outside for passing through a continuous belay; and

(b) a lower cavity through which a rope can run, and carrying lower rollers (108, 1 10) to contact a lower line, the lower cavity having a generally horizontal slot extending to the outside for passing through a continuous belay.

The vehicle of claim 1 , which is propelled by gravity.

The vehicle of claim 1 , which includes:

(a) a central element (79) having a portion of the upper cavity and carrying said lower rollers;

(b) an upper element (78) attached to the central element and carrying said upper rollers and a portion of the upper cavity; and

(c) a lower element (80) attached to the central element carrying a portion of the lower cavity.

The vehicle of claim 3, wherein said upper element and said lower element are each hingedly attached to the central element.

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the carriage extends rewardly about its center between the two ropes, carries an upper hand brake lever (100) extending rearwardly, and a lower hand brake lever (102) extending rearwardly, wherein the brake levers can squeeze the ropes between each hand brake lever and the extended center. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein an upper hand brake lever (100) extends from the upper element, a lower hand brake lever (102) extends from the lower element 80, and the central element extends rearwardly for a distance adequate for the brake levers to squeeze the ropes between each hand brake lever and the extended central element.

The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein a pair of cams (1 16, 1 18) are located on either side of the upper rollers and connected by a bar (120), wherein orienting the vehicle vertically rotates the cam pair for the bar to press against the upper rollers to prevent the vehicle from moving downwardly.

The vehicle of claim 7, wherein a pair of cams (122, 124) are located on either side of the lower rollers and connected by a bar (126), wherein orienting the vehicle vertically rotates the cam pair for the bar to press against the lower rollers to prevent the vehicle from moving downwardly.

In a vehicle for supporting harnessed riders on a binary track system, the improvement which comprises providing a hand-operated brake for the harnessed riders to hand actuate for slowing down the vehicle.

The improved vehicle of claim 9, which has a hand-operated brake for each of the two lines forming the binary track system.

The improved vehicle of claim 9, wherein the binary track system is a gravity binary track system.

The improved vehicle of claim 9, which has a cam actuated fall arrest system preventing the vehicle from moving downwardly when the vehicle is oriented in a vertical orientation.

An improved binary track system, the improvement which comprises: a vehicle having hand-operated brake for the harnessed riders to hand actuate for slowing down the vehicle; and

a secondary failsafe braking system prior to end of the binary track system. 14. The improved gravity binary track system of claim 13, wherein one or more intermediate bypass anchor termination systems are incorporated into the infrastructure that supports, aligns, and provides the binary track system with continuous belays. 15. The improved gravity binary track system of claim 13, wherein the secondary braking system separates the two lines for braking the vehicle.

16. The improved gravity binary track system of claim 13, wherein the vehicle is propelled by gravity.