Patent ID: 6666773
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: A63G,F16D

Abstract:
A zip line transport system comprising:upper and lower support towers; a cable suspended between said upper and lower support towers; at least one trolley comprising: a frame; a generally tubular brake retainer having a central axis and first and second open ends secured to a rear portion of the frame, said brake retainer having a primary longitudinal slit in a lateral portion thereof, said primary longitudinal slit extending from said first open end to said second open end; a generally cylindrical abrasion-resistant brake rotatably and concentrically installed within said tubular brake retainer, said brake having a linear longitudinal groove through which the cable passes as the trolley moves along the cable, a bottom portion of said linear groove sliding against a lower surface of said cable, said longitudinal groove being both centered about a plane passing through the central axis, and alignable with the primary longitudinal slit, said cable being insertable through said primary longitudinal slit and into the longitudinal groove, said cable being locked within said brake retainer by arcuate rotation of said brake; and a pulley rotatably mounted above a middle portion of said frame, said pulley having both a circumferential groove that rides on the upper surface of the cable, and an axis of rotation that is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the central axis, said pulley being spaced from said brake said brake retainer so that a gap at least equal to the diameter of the cable exists therebetween; and a lever arm adjustment bracket affixed to a front portion of said frame, said bracket being positionable fore and aft to adjust an amount of pressure between the bottom portion of the longitudinal groove and the lower surface of said cable.