Cable-traversing trolley adapted for use with impact braking

{
  "publication_number": "US10046745B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Cable-traversing trolley adapted for use with impact braking",
  "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.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A trolley for traversing a cable in a first direction, comprising: a first sheave rotatably mounted to one or more side plates; a second sheave rotatably mounted to the one or more side plates and rearward of the first sheave relative to the first direction; a single anchor point in at least one of the one or more side plates for attaching a payload, wherein the anchor point is formed as an aperture defined at least partially within at least one of the one or more side plates beneath the first sheave and below the cable when the trolley is installed so that weight of the payload is predominantly borne by the first sheave from the single anchor point; and a handle and arm assembly mounted to the one or more side plates at a pivot located between the first sheave and the second sheave and above the cable when the trolley is installed, wherein the handle and arm assembly is freely rotatable about the pivot.",
    "2. The trolley of claim 1 further comprising: at least one hook on an upper surface of the trolley and located forward of the first sheave.",
    "3. The trolley of claim 2, wherein the at least one hook is adapted to connect to a launch mechanism.",
    "4. The trolley of claim 2, wherein the at least one hook comprises a first hook located forward of the first sheave and a second hook located rearward of the second sheave.",
    "5. The trolley of claim 1, wherein the first sheave and the second sheave are rotatably mounted between two side plates and the trolley further comprises: at least one impact surface on the trolley between the two side plates and forward of the first sheave adapted to impact a brake when traveling in the first direction.",
    "6. The trolley of claim 1 further comprising a catch adapted to engage a brake when the trolley is decelerating, the catch comprising: a forward ramp portion adapted to deflect a brake bar; and a rearward facing hook portion adapted to engage a brake bar.",
    "7. The trolley of claim 1 further comprising at least one trolley anchor point located on at least one of the one or more side plates between the first sheave and the second sheave and above the cable when the trolley is installed.",
    "8. The trolley of claim 1 further comprising a catch on an upper surface of the trolley and located forward of the first sheave, the catch is adapted to engage a brake when the trolley is decelerating."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Zip lines, alternatively written as “ziplines” or “zip-lines,” refers to a form of entertainment in which a rider traverses a wire or other cable from one point to another. Typically, the traverse is powered by gravity, with the rider traveling from the high end of the zip line to the low end. Zip lines have become popular vacation activities and are becoming increasing common attractions at amusement parks, theme parks and vacation spots.\n\nGrowth in commercial, recreational zip lines have been significant in recent years, a trend that appears will continue for the foreseeable future. The growth of the industry has coincided with higher rider speeds, longer descents - and much greater danger and risk to participants. With demand for greater speed also comes a need for safely braking participants. In essence, demand has significantly outpaced the technology to ensure safety to riders.\n\nRolling trolleys are widely utilized for conveying loads from one location to another via rope, cable, track, or structural member (for example, I-beam, tube steel, steel bar etc). Historically, in order to brake a load that is travelling on such a system, a wide range of terminal braking systems have been deployed, such as gravity (a system in which an elevated finish slows a load), to compression or extension springs (a spring mounted to absorb a load), to weighted displacement systems (weights on a line), or manual belay systems.",
  "cpc": [
    "B60T 11/046",
    "A63G 21/22",
    "B61H 9/02",
    "F16D 63/008"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60T 7/10",
    "A63G 21/22",
    "B60T 11/04",
    "B61H 9/02",
    "F16D 63/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Trublue LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "John McGowan"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2015-03-20",
  "publication_date": "2018-08-14",
  "grant_date": "2018-08-14",
  "priority_date": "2014-03-20",
  "application_number": "US-201514664286-A",
  "family_id": "54141326",
  "cited_by_count": 8,
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}