SUSPENDED FRAME STRUCTURES

Abstract

The disclosure provides a frame assembly for suspending a rider from a trolley moving along a rail in a longitudinal direction. The frame assembly includes a bar fixedly mounted to the trolley transverse to the longitudinal direction. The frame assembly also includes a frame including: a horizontal segment positioned above a location for the rider; at least one vertical segment extending from the horizontal segment; and a substantially horizontal platform suspended from the vertical segment. The frame assembly also includes a pivot assembly including a first portion coupled to the trolley and a second portion coupled to the horizontal segment. The pivot assembly includes at least two axis of rotation between the first portion and the second portion. The frame assembly also includes a sway limiter connected between the bar and the horizontal segment limiting a range of movement of the pivot assembly.

Description

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure generally relates to amusement rides. In particular, the present disclosure relates to frame structures that are suspended from a rail.

BACKGROUND

Various track based rides are known for entertainment purposes. Track based rides are often constructed at an amusement park or other venue. Roller coasters typically include a vehicle that carries a plurality of passengers along the track. Passengers generally sit on a seat in the vehicle and are locked into position by safety bars. A zip-line generally suspends a rider wearing a harness from a trolley moving along a cable. A zip-coaster generally combines attributes of a roller coaster and zip line to allow a rider to travel suspended from a rail, thereby allowing multi-dimensional travel. A zip-line or zip-coaster may include handles for the rider to hold as a trolley moves, but generally offer the rider little control of their position. Riders may become tired attempting to support themselves on the handles as the ride exerts various forces on the riders.

In an amusement park, riders may be charged a general admission fee or a per ride price. Long lines may form for popular rides. In either case, riders prefer a shorter wait for the rides. Accordingly, throughput or the number of riders that can use a ride in a given time is an important consideration for amusement rides.

In view of the foregoing, improvements to amusement rides that provide greater control of position for riders, while maintaining safety and providing reasonable throughput rates are desirable.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an aspect, the disclosure provides for a suspended frame assembly for an amusement ride. The suspended frame assembly allows riders to position themselves on a platform supported by the frame. For safety, the rider is secured to the frame via an adjustable harness assembly. The frame is suspended from a trolley riding on a rail via a pivot assembly that allows at least two directions of movement. For example, the frame may sway front to back and side to side. Accordingly, the rider may experience gravitational and centrifugal forces and react to such forces rather than being held in a fixed position. Sway limiters may limit the range of motion of the frame with respect to the trolley, which may maintain the general orientation of the frame and prevent the frame from moving in unsafe or uncomfortable orientations.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a frame assembly for suspending a rider from a trolley moving along a rail in a longitudinal direction. The frame assembly includes a bar fixedly mounted to the trolley transverse to the longitudinal direction. The frame assembly also includes a frame including: a horizontal segment positioned above a location for the rider; at least one vertical segment extending from the horizontal segment; and a substantially horizontal platform suspended from the vertical segment. The frame assembly also includes a pivot assembly including a first portion coupled to the trolley and a second portion coupled to the horizontal segment, wherein the pivot assembly includes at least two axis of rotation between the first portion and the second portion. The frame assembly also includes a sway limiter connected between the bar and the horizontal segment limiting a range of movement of the pivot assembly. In an aspect, the frame assembly includes an adjustable harness connector slidably mounted along the vertical segment for attaching a harness.

These and other aspects of the invention will become more fully understood upon a review of the detailed description, which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advances thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates perspective view showing an exemplary suspended frame according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary suspended frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the exemplary suspended frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exemplary suspended frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary harness assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the suspended frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary pivot assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing an exemplary suspended frame according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the exemplary suspended frame of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the exemplary suspended frame of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary pivot assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary harness assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the exemplary suspended frame of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary pivot assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary pivot assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a vehicle frame according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary suspended frame assembly 100. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the frame assembly 100, FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the frame assembly 100, FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly 100, and FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the frame assembly 100. The frame assembly 100 generally includes a frame 120 suspended from a rail 102 via a trolley 104 and a pivot assembly 110. The trolley 104 moves along the rail 102 in a longitudinal direction. The frame 120 may support at least one rider on a platform assembly 140. In an aspect, the frame 120 includes a harness assembly 130 for securely retaining the rider on the frame 120 while allowing some degree of movement. In an aspect, the frame assembly 100 may allow a rider to assume a position used in another activity while traveling along the rail 102. For example, the illustrated frame assembly 100 may allow a rider to stand on the platform assembly 140 in a surfing position. Although various exemplary frames and arrangements are provided, it should be appreciated that the disclosed frames may be adapted to simulate other activities such as, but not limited to: horseback riding, motorcycle riding, wakeboarding, bicycling, unicycling, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, waterskiing, and jet-skiing. For example, a saddle, seat, handles, foot bindings, or other fixtures simulating sporting equipment may be included in the platform assembly 140 to simulate the desired activity.

The frame assembly 100 is suspended from a rail 102 by a trolley 104. An example of a rail 102 and trolley 104 is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,863,668, which is assigned to the assignee hereof and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Generally, the rail 102 may be suspended from a main cable by one or more cable supports. The rail 102 may be formed by a series of rail sections jointed together at internal connectors. The trolley, 104 may include rollers that contact a top surface of the rail 102. Other rollers may contact a guide fin of the rail 102. The trolley 104 may have limited circumferential movement as the trolley 104 moves longitudinally along the rail 102. The trolley 104 may include a trolley frame that extends under the rail 102. As discussed in further detail below, the frame assembly 100 may be suspended from the trolley 104 via a pivot assembly.

An example pivot assembly 110 includes a bar 112. The bar 112 may be rigidly attached (e.g., welded) to the trolley 104 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rail 102. In an aspect, the bar 112 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and generally parallel to the ground when stopped. As discussed above, the trolley 104 may travel circumferentially about the rail 102, so the bar 112 may change orientation with respect to the ground.

The pivot assembly 110 further includes a pivot point 114. The pivot point 114 may include a load bearing mechanism that supports the weight of the frame 120 while allowing pivoting in at least one dimension. In an aspect, the pivot point 114 may be constructed as a universal joint. The universal joint may allow pivoting in two dimensions (e.g., front to back along the longitudinal direction and side to side transverse to the longitudinal direction). The pivot point 114 may be coupled to the trolley 104 at the trolley frame (e.g. using an attachment plate welded to the trolley frame). The pivot point 114 may be directly connected to the frame 120 (e.g., by welding). Mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts) may also be used to couple the pivot point 114 to the frame.

The pivot assembly 110 may further include a sway limiter 116. The sway limiter 116 may limit pivoting of the frame 120 in one or more dimensions. In an aspect, the sway limiter 116 may be a movement restriction device. An example sway limiter 116 may include a length of tensile material such as, for example, a rope, cord, cable, or wire-rope. The tensile material may be dynamic and/or elastic to allow for a gradual application of restraining force as the frame 120 sways. In another example, the sway limiter 116 may include a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that limits movement while buffering impacts of movements from the trolley 104.

The frame 120 may be a rigid structure formed of bent tubing. The tubing may be, for example, metal or carbon fiber. The frame 120 may support its own weight plus the weight of the at least one rider. The frame 120 may also tolerate forces exerted by movement of the frame 120 along the rail 102. The frame 120, for example, may support a total force up to 5,000 pounds. The frame 120 may include a top segment 122, a vertical segment 124, and a support segment 126. The top segment 122 may be a horizontal section of tubing coupled with the pivot point 114 and the sway limiters 116. For example, the pivot point 114 may be welded to the top segment 122 perpendicularly. The pivot point 114 may also be attached using fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and pins. The top segment 122 may be horizontal when the frame 120 is at rest suspended from the pivot assembly 110. It should be appreciated that as the frame moves along the rail and moves relative to the trolley 104, the top segment 122 may be oriented at various angles relative to the trolley 104. The vertical segment 124 may extend perpendicularly from the top segment 122. As illustrated, the vertical segment 124 may be continuous with the top segment 122 and extend perpendicularly after a bend in the tubing. The support segment 126 may extend between the top segment 122 and the vertical segment 124.

The harness assembly 130 may securely attach a rider to the frame 120. In an aspect, the harness assembly 130 remains attached to the frame 120 when changing riders. In another aspect, one or more components of the harness assembly may be detached along with the rider and replaced with a corresponding component for the next rider. The harness assembly may include a plurality of adjustment holes 132 located on the vertical segment 124. An adjustable harness connection slide 134 may surround the vertical segment 124 and slide vertically to a desired position. In the desired position, the adjustable harness connection slide 134 may be engaged with one or more holes of the plurality of holes 132. For example, the adjustable harness connection slide 134 may include a spring biased pin that engages the selected holes. Accordingly, the distance between the harness assembly 130 and the platform assembly 140 may be adjusted.

The harness assembly 130 may include a harness pivot assembly 136 for allowing the harness assembly 130 to pivot in one or more dimensions. For example, the harness pivot assembly may include a bearing mounted on a shaft. The shaft may extend from the adjustable harness connection slide 134 generally transverse to the vertical segment 124, and the bearing may be coupled to a harness back support 138. The harness pivot assembly 136 may also include a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder to allow gradual movement toward or away from the vertical segment 124. The back support 138 may be a generally flat surface oriented in a vertical plane. For example, the back support 138 may be a plastic, metal, wood, or carbon fiber panel. The back support 138 may be contoured or padded to comfortably support a human back. The back support 138 may support a rider from the tailbone to the shoulders. In an aspect, the back support 138 supports the rider against movement in one direction (e.g., backward) while allowing the rider to bend in other directions (e.g., sideways or forward). In an aspect, the harness assembly 130 allows some degree of vertical translation. For example, the harness pivot assembly 136 may be slidably connected to the adjustable harness connection slide 134 or the back support 138 may be slidably connected to the harness pivot assembly 136.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the harness assembly 130 may further include waist straps 504 extending from the back support 138. The waist straps 504 may extend around a rider's waist and fasten with a buckle 508. One or more leg straps 506 may extend from the bottom of the back support 138 between the rider's legs to the buckle 508. Each of the straps 504, 506 may be provided with an adjustable length. For example, the connection to either the back support 138 or the buckle 508 may allow the straps 504, 506 to be tightened (e.g., using known adjustment devices). In an aspect, the harness assembly 130 may take the form of a seat complete with integrated harness or restraint system. In another aspect, each rider may be provided with a personal harness (e.g., a climbing harness). The personal harness may be attached to the back support 138 at one or more points.

Returning to FIGS. 1-4, the platform assembly 140 may include a platform frame 142 and a platform 144. The platform frame 142 may be coupled to the vertical segment 124. For example, as illustrated, the platform frame 142 extends from a bottom end of the vertical segment 124 though a curved portion. The platform frame 142 curves to a perpendicular orientation relative to the vertical segment 124. As best seen in FIG. 6, the platform frame 142 may include curved portions 602 and 604 extending in a horizontal plane. The curved portions 602 and 604 may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the platform frame 142. In another aspect, the curved portions 602 and 604 may be pivotably mounted on the platform frame 142 to allow a limited degree of movement of the platform angle. The platform 144 may be formed as a textured plastic slab for the rider to stand on. Alternative materials may include fiberglass, wood, steel, perforated steel grating, and plastics. The platform 144 may include features corresponding to a theme for a ride. For example, the platform 144 may resemble a surfboard, wakeboard, or skis. Additional features may be mounted to the platform 144 such as a bicycle seat, saddle, handles, or any other features to match a theme of the ride.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary pivot assembly 700 according to another embodiment of the invention. The pivot assembly 700 may be used with the frame assembly 100 instead of the pivot point 114 and sway limiters 116. The pivot assembly 700 may allow the frame 120 to pivot in two directions, front to back and side to side. The pivot assembly 700 may include a hanger 702 coupled to the trolley frame of the trolley 104. For example, the hanger 702 may be connected to (e.g., welded) the trolley frame below the bar 112. The hanger 702 may be a plate extending downward from the trolley 104. The hanger 702 may include a through hole for receiving a pin 704. The pin 704 may be a straight pin, a bolt, or similar fastener. A bracket 706 may include two parallel plates or projections having holes corresponding to the hole of hanger 702. The pin 704 may be inserted through the bracket 706 and the hanger 702 to form a pivotable connection between the hanger 702 and the bracket 706. The bracket 706 may be attached to a cylindrical bearing 712. The cylindrical bearing 712 may receive the top segment 122 of the frame 120. The top segment 122 may be supported by the cylindrical bearing 712 and rotate within the cylindrical bearing 712. A cap 714 may be connected to the top segment 122 to secure the top segment 122 within the cylindrical bearing 712. The cylindrical bearing 712 may be coupled to the bracket 706. For example, the cylindrical bearing 712 may include a fin 710 mounted between the plates of the bracket 706 using pins 716.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another exemplary suspended frame assembly 800 according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view, FIG. 9 illustrates a front view, and FIG. 10 illustrates a side view. Similar to the frame assembly 100, the frame assembly 800 may be suspended from a rail 102 via a trolley 104. A bar 112 may be attached to the trolley 104. The frame assembly 800 may include a pivot assembly 810. The frame assembly 800 may include a frame 820 having a generally rectangular shape formed by a horizontal segment 822, vertical segments 824, and a platform frame 842. The frame 820 may support a platform assembly 840. A rider may stand on the platform assembly 840 in the center of the frame 820 and be supported via harness assembly 830.

The pivot assembly 810 may include a universal joint pivot 814 coupled to the trolley 804 via a U-joint attachment plate 812. The universal joint pivot 814 may be coupled at an opposite end to the frame 820 at a horizontal segment 822. The pivot assembly 810 may further include sway limiters 816, which may be similar to the sway limiters 116. The sway limiters 816 may be coupled to the horizontal segment 822 at opposite ends. As best seen in FIG. 11, the universal joint pivot 814 may include a top shaft 1102 and a bottom shaft 1104. Each shaft may include a pair of arms. A pin 1106 may pass through the arms of the top shaft 1102 and a pin 1108 may pass through the arms of the bottom shaft 1104. In an aspect, the pin 1108 may include an enlarged portion 1110 including a hole that accommodates the pin 1106. A universal joint may allow a broad range of movement without introducing additional stress into the system. The sway limiters 816 may be connected to respective holes 818 in the bar 112. The U-joint attachment plate 812 may be connected to the bar 112 (e.g., welded).

The frame 820 may be formed from bent tubing. In an aspect, the horizontal segments 822, vertical segments 824, and a central member of the platform frame 842 may be formed from a continuous length of tubing. The tubing may be bent between each segment over a curve such that each segment is perpendicular to the adjacent segments. As best seen in FIG. 13, the vertical segments 824 may bend under the platform 844 to form the platform frame 842. The platform assembly 840 may further include curved tubes 846 and 848 connected to the platform frame 842. In an aspect, the curved tubes 846 and 848 may be pivotably coupled (e.g., via a bearing) the platform frame 842 to allow the platform 844 to tilt. Similar to the platform 144 discussed above, the platform 844 may be formed as a textured plastic slab for the rider to stand on. Alternative materials may include fiberglass, wood, steel, perforated steel grating, and plastics. The platform 844 may include features corresponding to a theme for a ride. For example, the platform 844 may resemble a surfboard, wakeboard, or skis. Additional features may be mounted to the platform 844 such as a bicycle seat, saddle, handles, or any other features to match a theme of the ride.

The harness assembly 830 may include a plurality of locking holes 832, which may be similar to the plurality of holes 132. The locking holes 832 may be located on each of the vertical segments 824. The harness assembly 830 may further include an adjustable harness connection slide 834 located on each of the vertical segments 824. The adjustable harness connection slides 834 may surround the vertical segments 824 and slide vertically along the vertical segments 824. The adjustable harness connection slides 834 may include a spring biased pin that engages selected holes of the locking holes 832 in a similar manner as described above regarding the harness connection slide 134.

The harness assembly 830 may further include harness safety tethers 836. Each harness safety tether 836 may be coupled at one end to a respective adjustable harness connection slide 834 and at the other end to a harness 838. Accordingly, the harness 838 may be suspended between the vertical segments 824 at an adjustable height. The height may be adjusted to accommodate riders of various Weights. In another aspect, the harness assembly 830 may take the form of a seat with an integrated seatbelt restraint system.

As best seen in FIG. 12, an exemplary harness 838 may include a waist strap 1202 that is fastened by a buckle 1204. The exemplary harness 838 may further include leg loops 1206 attached to the waist strap 1202 via straps 1208. The harness safety tethers 836 may connect to the waist strap 1202. In use, the adjustable harness connection slides 834 may be lowered to a minimum height and the rider may step into the harness 838. The harness 838 may be fastened using the buckle 1204 and adjusted to a correct tightness. The adjustable harness connection slides 834 may then be raised to a height slightly above the rider's hips. The rider may grasp the vertical segments 824. The harness 838 may retain the rider on the platform 840 while still allowing the rider to sway forward and back. In another aspect, the harness 838 may be detached from the safety tethers 836 for each user. Each rider may be provided with an individual harness. The safety tethers 836 may be attached to the individual harness worn by the rider and the height of the adjustable harness connection slides 834 may be adjusted to the rider's height.

FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary pivot assembly 1400. The pivot assembly 1400 may be used with the frame assembly 800 in place of the pivot assembly 810. The pivot assembly 1400 may be mounted to the bar 112 and sway limiters 816 described above. The pivot assembly 1400 may include a carabiner 1402 or other closable linkage. The carabiner 1402 may connect the bar 112 and a tether 1404. The tether 1404 may be a rope, chain, steel rope, or other material strong enough to support the frame and rider. The tether 1404 may connect to the carabiner 1402 using a loop in the tether 1404 of a direct attachment through the tether 1404. The tether 1404 may include a loop 1406. The loop 1406 may pass through a hole in a fin 1408 of a bearing 1410. The bearing 1410 may be supported via the fin 1408, the eye-bolt 1404 and the carabiner 1402. The bearing 1410 may retain the horizontal segment 822 of the frame 820. Flanges 1412 may be connected to the horizontal segment 822 and retain the horizontal segment 822 within the bearing 1410. The sway limiters 816 may be connected to the bar 112 and the horizontal segment 822. The pivot assembly 1400 may allow pivoting in two directions, front to back and side to side. The pivot assembly 1400 may allow the frame assembly 800 to be removed from the trolley 104 at the carabiner 1402, for example, to inspect, service, or repair the frame assembly 800.

FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary pivot assembly 1500 according to an embodiment of the invention. The pivot assembly 1500 may be used with the frame assembly 800. For example, the pivot assembly 1500 may be used in place of the pivot assembly 810. In some aspects, the pivot assembly 1500 may be similar to the pivot assembly 700, but adapted for use with the frame assembly 800. The pivot assembly 1500 may allow the frame 820 to pivot in two directions, front to back and side to side. The pivot assembly 1500 may include a hanger 1502 coupled to the trolley frame of the trolley 104. For example, the hanger 1502 may be connected to (e.g., welded) the trolley frame below the bar 112. The hanger 1502 may be a plate extending downward from the trolley 104. The hanger 1502 may include a through hole for receiving a pin 1504. The pin 1504 may be a straight pin, a bolt, or similar fastener. A bracket 1506 may include two parallel plates or projections having holes corresponding to the hole of hanger 1502. The pin 1504 may be inserted through the bracket 1506 and the hanger 1502 to pivotably attach the hanger 1502 to the bracket 1506. The bracket 1506 may be attached to a cylindrical bearing 1512. The cylindrical bearing 1512 may receive the horizontal segment 822 of the frame 820. The horizontal segment 822 may be supported by the cylindrical bearing 1512 and rotate within the cylindrical bearing 1512. Flanges 1514 may be connected to the horizontal segment 822 to secure the horizontal segment 822 within the cylindrical bearing 1512. The cylindrical bearing 1512 may be coupled to the bracket 1506. For example, the cylindrical bearing 1512 may include a fin 1510 mounted between the plates of the bracket 1506 using pins 1516.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a vehicle frame 1600 according to an aspect of the disclosure. The vehicle frame 1600 may allow multiple passengers to travel along the rail 102. The vehicle frame 1600 may be supported on the rail 102 by one or more trolleys 104. In an aspect, the vehicle frame 1600 may be supported by at least two trolleys 104 arranged in tandem along the rail 102. Each trolley 104 may be coupled to a pivot assembly 1602. The pivot assembly 1602 may be implemented as any of pivot assembly 110, 700, 810, 1400, or 1500. In an aspect, pivot assembly may pivot in only one direction (e.g., side-to-side) to maintain the alignment between trolleys 104. For example, the pivot assembly 1602 may include a plurality of plates arranged on a single shaft. The vehicle frame 1600 may include one or more outer frames 1610 connected by lateral supports 1612 to form an outer shell of the vehicle frame 1600. The outer frame 1610 may be covered with a large mesh (e.g., wire or plastic) that allows a rider to view surroundings while providing protection against a rider or object leaving the vehicle frame 1600. The outer frames 1610 may support flooring 1614, which may include, for example, a plastic, metal, fiberglass, or wooden platform. One or more seats frames 1620 may be supported on the outer frame 1610 and flooring 1614. The seat frames 1620 may be constructed of tubing. Each seat frame 1620 may include legs 1622, a back 1624, and arms 1626. The seat frames 1620 may be covered with panels, fabric, padding, or any other features for comfort. The seat frames 1620 may serve as mounting locations for rider restraints such as harnesses, seat belts, or restraint bars. In an example variation, the seat frames 1620 may be arranged back-to-back in the vehicle frame 1600. The outer frame 1610 may have a generally trapezoidal shape. In another example variation, the seat frames 1620 may be arranged facing each other in the vehicle frame 1600. The outer frame 1610 may have a generally trapezoidal shape.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspect, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application.

Claims

1. A frame structure for suspending a rider from a trolley moving along a rail in a longitudinal direction, comprising: a bar fixedly mounted to the trolley transverse to the longitudinal direction;a frame including: a horizontal segment positioned above a location for the rider,at least one vertical segment extending from the horizontal segment, anda substantially horizontal platform suspended from the vertical segment;a pivot assembly including a first portion coupled to the trolley and a second portion coupled to the horizontal segment, wherein the pivot assembly provides at least two axes of rotation between the first portion and the second portion; anda sway limiter connected between the bar and the horizontal segment limiting a range of movement of the pivot assembly.

2. The frame structure of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable harness connection slidably mounted to the vertical segment.

3. The frame structure of claim 2, further comprising a harness assembly coupled to the adjustable harness connection.

4. The frame structure of claim 3, wherein the harness assembly includes a back support oriented in a vertical plane and pivotably mounted to the adjustable harness connection.

5. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the pivot assembly is a hanger and the second portion is a bracket coupled to the hanger via a pin, wherein the bracket includes a cylindrical bearing retaining at least a portion of the horizontal segment.

6. The frame structure of claim 5, wherein the horizontal segment extends from each end of the cylindrical bearing and a vertical segment extends from the horizontal segment on each side of the cylindrical bearing.

7. The frame structure of claim 5, wherein the horizontal segment extends from one end of the cylindrical bearing to the vertical segment and another end of the horizontal segment includes a cap that abuts the cylindrical bearing.

8. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly comprises a universal joint coupling the first portion to the second portion.

9. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly comprises a closable linkage coupling the bar to a tether, wherein the tether passes through an opening in the second portion of the pivot assembly.

10. The frame structure of claim 9, wherein the second portion of the pivot assembly includes a cylindrical bearing retaining at least a portion of the horizontal segment.

11. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein the sway limiter is one of: a length of tensile material, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

12. The frame structure of claim 1, wherein further comprising a fixture simulating sporting equipment mounted on the horizontal platform.

13. The frame structure of claim 12, wherein the fixture is one of: a saddle, a seat, a handle, or a foot binding.

14. The frame structure of claim 1, further comprising: a second bar fixedly mounted to a second trolley riding on the rail, the second bar transverse to the longitudinal direction;a second pivot assembly coupling the second trolley and the horizontal segment;a sway limiter connected between the second bar and the second horizontal segment limiting a range of movement of the second pivot assembly.

15. The frame structure of claim 14, wherein the horizontal segment includes a plurality of lateral supports connecting two outer frames.

16. The frame structure of claim 14, wherein the outer frames include the at least one vertical segment.

17. The frame structure of claim 14, further comprising at least two seats mounted in tandem to the substantially horizontal platform.

18. A transport system comprising: a support mechanism;a track assembly supported by the support mechanism to allow unimpeded translational movement of a trolley along the track assembly in a longitudinal direction; andat least one frame structure suspended from the trolley, comprising: a bar fixedly mounted to the trolley transverse to the longitudinal direction; a frame including: a horizontal segment positioned above a location for the rider,at least one vertical segment extending from the horizontal segment, anda substantially horizontal platform suspended from the vertical segment;a pivot assembly including a first portion coupled to the trolley and a second portion coupled to the horizontal segment, wherein the pivot assembly provides at least two axes of rotation between the first portion and the second portion; anda sway limiter connected between the bar and the horizontal segment limiting a range of movement of the pivot assembly.

19. A frame structure for suspending a rider from at least two trolleys moving along a rail in a longitudinal direction, comprising: at least two horizontal segments oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction, coupled to a respective one of the at least two trolleys, and positioned above a location for the rider;at least one vertical segment extending from each horizontal segment;a substantially horizontal platform suspended between the vertical segments; anda harness assembly positioned above the substantially horizontal platform.