A recreational ride employs a suspended tensioned static cable that allows the user to gravitationally ride, harnessed to a rolling device attached to the cable, from an upper cable support structure to a lower cable support structure at a speed that is preset, based on the difference in elevation between the upper and lower cable support structures, and that is not controlled by the user during the ride. An additional static safety cable and a terminal braking system provide an extra measure of safety for the rider in the event of failure of a primary brake contained within the rolling device or of failure of the riding cable itself.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application incorporates the subject matter of and claims priority from U.S. provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/328,149 filed Oct. 10, 2001.
A trolley for traveling along a cable. The trolley may include a frame having a first end, a second end, and a rail positioned between the first and second ends. A brake pad may connect to the frame. A sheave mount may also connect to the frame and include a sheave for rolling along the cable. A carriage may connect to the frame and include a user mount for suspending a user. The carriage may selectively travel along the rail through a continuous range of motion to control a braking force generated by the trolley between the brake pad and the cable.
A trolley retrieval system for transporting or returning trolleys from a finish area back to a start area for traveling along a cable. The systems may include a cable held in suspension between the first and second supports. A retrieval line may be suspended in a closed loop extending from proximate the first support to proximate the second support. A trolley for traveling along the cable may be selectively connectable to the retrieval line. A motivator may selectively circulating the retrieval line around the loop. A controller may control operation of the motivator.
A rail assembly is built from three parallel cylindrical members, wherein a first rail provides support for a large wheel. The large wheel has an axle protruding from each side, wherein the outbound side has a frame attached to the axle and a seat attached to the frame. The rail side of the axle connects to a second rail acting as a pilot/guide for the travel of the large wheel. A third rail and interconnections provide structural rigidity for the rail assembly. The riders fly through a roller coaster layout sitting only in a seat, facing the passing environment head on at high speeds, thereby experiencing a free flight sensation. A people mover embodiment adds a motor to the wheel to move the wheel along a relatively flat layout. An optional flip means functions to selectively engage the axle with the rotating large wheel (nominally via a reduction gear) to flip the riders 360.degree.. Optionally a group of large wheels can be coupled together to form a train.
