Patent Grant
10220859
Not Applicable.
This application relates to play elements for playgrounds, and in particular, to zip lines for playgrounds.
Communities which install playgrounds often look for new and exciting ways to physically challenge the people that use playgrounds. Such people are typically young children. But, often, older children, such as teenagers, will use playgrounds. The typical playground equipment is often not size appropriate for teenagers or other taller children. It would thus be desirable to provide a playground element which would add fun and excitement to playgrounds, and which could also be used by teenagers and bigger children.
Briefly stated, a zip line is disclosed which comprises a substantially rigid track supported above a ground surface by a plurality of supports, a trolley adapted to move along the track, and a rider support suspended from the trolley. The track is comprised of a plurality of track segments connected together such that adjacent track segments have substantially no freedom of movement relative to each other, and such that a junction between adjacent track segments presents a substantially smooth, continuous, and uninterrupted surface. Each track segment comprises a run and a flange extending from an upper portion of the run. The trolley, as noted, is adapted to move along the track. The trolley comprises a frame having upper wheel mounts. Each upper wheel mount includes a first surface to which at least one first upper wheel is rotatably mounted and a second surface to which at least one second upper wheel is rotatably mounted. The first surface is oriented such that the at least one first upper wheel engages an upper surface of the track run and the second surface is oriented such that the at least one second upper wheel will engage the track flange upon rotational movement of the trolley relative to the track run.
In accordance with one aspect of the trolley, each upper wheel mount comprises an upper wheel bracket, wherein the first surface is defined by a first upper wheel plate and second surface is defined by a second upper wheel plate. The first upper wheel plates can each define an angle of between about 0° and about 60° relative to a vertical axis of the trolley. The second upper wheel plates can be substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the trolley.
In accordance with an aspect of the trolley, the first upper wheels have generally flat peripheral surfaces which define a cylinder, and the first upper wheel plate defines an angle of between about 30° and about 60° relative to a vertical axis of the trolley.
In accordance with an aspect of the trolley, the first upper wheels are generally parallel to the vertical axis of the trolley. In this instance, the first upper wheels have a peripheral surface which is generally angled relative to the axis of the trolley. The peripheral surface of the first upper wheels, for example, can define an arch which corresponds generally to a curvature of the track run, and the upper wheel mounts can be defined by a block.
In accordance with another aspect of the trolley, the trolley can further include at least one lower wheel mount. The lower wheel mount can comprise a lower wheel surface having at least one lower wheel rotatably mounted thereto. The lower wheel has a circumferential surface facing the track run and being slightly spaced from the track run when the first upper wheels are in engagement with the track run.
The at least one lower wheel mount can include right and left lower brackets, and the lower wheel surface can comprise a lower wheel plate on each of the left and right brackets. Each lower wheel has a circumferential surface facing the track run and which is slightly spaced from the track run when the first upper wheels are in engagement with the track run.
The lower wheel mount can comprise a block.
In accordance with an aspect of the trolley, the lower wheel mount surfaces define an angle of between about 30° and about 60° relative to a vertical axis of the trolley.
In accordance with an aspect of the trolley, the rider support is suspended from the lower wheel mount.
In accordance with an aspect of the trolley, the trolley can include a plate extending between a pair of downwardly extending flanges. In this instance, the rider support is suspended from this plate, and the plate extends generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the trolley.
In a variation, the rider support is suspended from a bar suspended from the trolley. This bar is generally perpendicular to the axis of the trolley and has a length greater than a width of the trolley. In one variation, the trolley lower wheel mount can include a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the bracket, and the bar can extend through the flanges. In another variation, the trolley can include a bar connector pivotally connected to the trolley lower wheel mount. In this variation, the lower wheel mount comprises a downwardly extending flange, and the connector comprises a body which receives the bar and at least one flange extending up from the body, whereby the connector flange and the mount flange are pivotally connected together. In this variation, the bar can pivot relative to the trolley in a plane generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the trolley.
In accordance with an aspect of the track, the track segment runs are hollow at least at opposite ends of each run, and the connector comprises a body having an outer surface sized and shaped correspondingly to the hollow ends of the track runs such that the connector can be snuggly received in the hollow ends of adjacent track runs. The connector further includes a flange extending about the body and having a width approximately equal to the thickness of the hollow ends of the track run, such that, when the track is assembled, end surfaces of the track runs substantially abut opposite sides of the connector flange.
In accordance with an aspect of the track, the track supports comprise a main support member comprising a generally vertical section extending upwardly from the ground and a generally horizontal section connected to the generally vertical section. The track is suspended from the generally vertical section such that the track is below the generally vertical section of the support. The generally vertical and horizontal sections of the main support can be connected by a curved section.
In accordance with an aspect of the track, the supports can further comprise a second generally vertical leg spaced from the generally vertical section of the main support, with the second generally vertical leg extending upwardly from the ground to engage the main support.
In accordance with an aspect of the track, the support includes a track mounting bracket and at least selective track segments include a track mounting portion. The mounting bracket and track segment mounting portion have holes positioned to be aligned, whereby the track segments are connected to the bracket by means of fasteners.
In accordance with an aspect of the track, the track can include a stop at at least one end thereof.
In accordance with an aspect of the track, the track segments are formed to be straight, curving left, curving right, curving up or curving down.
Corresponding reference numerals will be used throughout the several figures of the drawings.
The following detailed description illustrates the claimed invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the claimed invention, including what we presently believe to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the claimed invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The claimed invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
A zip line assembly 10 is shown generally in
The track 12 is made from a plurality of track segments 18 (
Track segments can be provided that are straight, which curve up, which curve down, which curve to the left or right, and which can define either a vertical or a horizontal wave. Further, the vertical waves can be upwardly or downwardly extending waves; and the horizontal waves can extend to the right or left. The various track segment shapes allows for a designer to produce a zip line assembly of any desired shape and size. For example, as seen in
Turning to
As best seen in
The trolley 16 is shown enlarged in
The lower wheel brackets 44 each have a wheel plate 44a which extends between the two end plates 42. The wheel plates 44a are angled relative to a vertical axis A of the frame 40, and can define an angle of between about 30° and 60°, and preferably about 45°, relative to the vertical axis A. A lower wheel 50 is rotatably mounted to each wheel plate 44a. The lower wheels 50 are sized, as seen, to extend beyond the upper edge of the wheel plate which is proximate the track run 18a. The trolley 16 is shown with a single lower wheel 50 mounted to the wheel plate 44a approximately midway between the ends of the wheel plate 44a. The lower wheels 50 will not be weight bearing wheels, and thus, a single wheel on each lower wheel plate 44b is sufficient. However, two or more lower wheels could be provided on the lower wheel plate, if desired.
A rider support S, such as a flexible seat as shown in
The upper wheel brackets 46 similarly extend between the end plates 42. The upper wheel brackets 46 each have a wheel plate 46a which extends between the two end plates 42. The wheel plates 46a are angled relative to a vertical axis A of the frame 40, and can define an angle of between about 30° and 60°, and preferably about 45°, relative to the vertical axis A. First upper wheels 56 are rotatably mounted to each upper wheel plate 46a, and include a generally flat peripheral surface 56a which defines a cylinder. The first upper wheels 56 are sized, as seen, to extend beyond the lower edge of the wheel plate which is proximate the track run 18a. As seen in
The wheel brackets 44, 46 can be mounted between the end plates 42 in any desired manner. For example, the wheel plates can be provided with tongues 60 (
An alternate trolley embodiment is shown in
The upper wheel mount 47′ for the trolley 16′ is formed from a pair of generally rectangular blocks, each having an upper surface 46a′ which is generally perpendicular to the axis A of the trolley and an inner surface 46b′ which is generally parallel to the axis A of the trolley. First upper wheels 56′ are rotatably mounted to the inner surface 46b′ of the upper wheel bracket 46′. As can be appreciated, the first upper wheels 56′ will be generally parallel to the track flange 18b, and will bear straight down on the track run 18. To improve the contact of the first upper wheel 56′ with the track run, the peripheral surface 56a′ of the first upper wheel 56′ approximates the curvature or shape of the run 18a. The track run 18a is shown to be generally circular in cross-section. Hence, the peripheral surface 56a′ of the first upper wheel 56′ defines or approximates an arc which generally corresponds to the curvature of the track run 18a. As seen, the arc of the peripheral surface 56a′ approximates a slope of about 45° relative to the axis of rotation of the first upper wheel 56′. Thus, the peripheral surface 56′ of the first upper wheel could, alternatively be flat and sloped and define an angle of about 45° relative to the axis of rotation of the first upper wheel 56′. The second upper wheels 58 are generally identical to the second upper wheels 58 of the trolley 16. However, the upper wheel bracket 46′ includes a semi-circular recess 46c′ extending into the upper surface 46a′ and which opens to the inner surface 46b′. The second upper wheels 58 are rotatably mounted in the recesses 46c′ of the bracket 46′ and are generally perpendicular to the axis A of the trolley 16′ and to the flange 18b of the track.
Another illustrative embodiment of the trolley is shown in
As with the frames 40 and 40′, the frame 140 comprises two end plates 142 spaced apart by a lower wheel mount 143 and an upper wheel mount 147. The lower wheel mount 143 is comprised of two lower wheel brackets 144 and the upper wheel mount 147 is comprised of two upper wheel brackets 146. The end plates 142 have inner and outer edges 142a, 142b, respectively, and end edges 142c. The inner edges 142a of the end plates are shaped complimentarily to the shape of the track segment run portion 18a so as to define a gap of substantially constant size between the track run and the plate inner edge. The end plates 42 do not fully surround the track run 18a, but extend more than half-way around the run. Thus, for example, the inner edge 42a defines an arc of between about 250° and 300°, and preferably about 270°. The outer edge 142b of the end plate is shown to be concentric with the inner surface 142a. However the outer edge 142b could have any desired shape.
The lower wheel brackets 144 each have wheel plate 144a which extends between the two end plates 142. The wheel plates 144a are angled relative to a vertical axis A of the frame 140, and can define an angle of between about 30° and 60°, and preferably about 45°, relative to the vertical axis A of the trolley. Two lower wheels 150 are rotatably mounted to each wheel plate 144a. The lower wheels 150 are sized, as seen, to extend beyond the upper edge of the wheel plate which is proximate the track run 18a.
A rider support S, such as a flexible seat, can be suspended from the trolley in any desired manner. In the trolley 116, a flange 144b extends downwardly from each wheel plate 144a. As seen, the flanges 144b are generally vertical (i.e., generally parallel to the axis A) and define a slot 144b-1 which is also generally perpendicular to the axis A of the trolley. A bar 152 extends between the two flanges 144b and is received in the slots 144b-1 of the flanges 144b. The bar 152 has slots 152b that are positioned on the bar to be received in the slots 144b-1 of the flanges 144b. A support bar 157 is suspended below the trolley bar 152 by means of a pair of linked U-brackets 156 and a disk 158 which is suspended from the U-brackets. The support bar 157 passes through openings in the disks 158. The seat S is suspended from the bar 157 by means of a flexible members (i.e., ropes, chains, cords, etc.) suspended from opposite ends of the bar 157. The bar 157 extends beyond the sides of the trolley. The mounting of the bar 157 from the trolley 116 allows for the bar to sway side-to-side relative to the trolley and back-and-forth relative to the trolley. Further, the bar 157 can rotate relative to the disks 158.
The upper wheel brackets 146 similarly extend between the end plates 142. The upper wheel brackets 146 each have a first wheel plate 146a which extends between the two end plates 142. The first wheel plates 146a are angled relative to a vertical axis A of the frame 140, and can define an angle of between about 30° and 60°, and preferably about 45°, relative to the vertical axis A. First upper wheels 156 are rotatably mounted to each first upper wheel plate 146a, and include a generally flat peripheral surface 156a which defines a cylinder. The first upper wheels 156 are sized, as seen, to extend beyond the lower edge of the first upper wheel plates. In use, the first upper wheels will ride on the track run and will support the weight of the rider. Therefore, the trolley preferably includes more than one first upper wheel 156. Two first upper wheels 156 are shown, but more could be used if desired. A wall 146b extends upwardly from each wheel plate 146a such that the wall 146b is generally parallel to the vertical axis A (and thus to the track flange 18b). A second upper wheel plate 146c is mounted to the wall 146b and extends inwardly from the wall 146b toward the track flange 18b. As shown, the second wheel plate 146c is generally perpendicular to the axis A. The second upper wheel plate 146c includes end members 146c-1 which extend downwardly from the ends of the plate 146c against the outer surface of the frame end members 142. Thus, the end members 142 are effectively sandwiched between the first wheel plates 146a and the second wheel plate end members 146c-1. A pair of upper wheels 158 is rotatably mounted to the second wheel plate 146c. The second wheels 158 are sized to extend beyond the inner end of the second wheel plate 146c, such that, if the trolley rotates about the track run 18a, the second upper wheels will engage or ride on the track flange 18b to thereby prevent more than a determined amount of rotation of the trolley about the track 18. As seen, the first upper wheels 156 and second upper wheels 158 are arranged such that the first upper wheels 156 are surrounded by the second upper wheels 158. The relative arrangement of the lower and upper wheels could be altered, if desired, such that the upper wheels are surrounded by the lower wheels, or such that the wheels alternate along the length of the upper wheel bracket.
A plate 159 extends between the flanges 144b above the bar 152. The plate 159 is provided with side flanges 159a which are bolted (or otherwise secured) to the flanges 144b to secure the plate 159 in place on the trolley 116. The plate 159 extends substantially the length of the trolley frame 140 and the width of the trolley frame between the flanges 144b. As such, the plate 159 will close the bottom of the trolley 116. When the housing 141 is mounted to the frame 140, there may be a gap between the housing shell halves. The plate 159 will thus close this gap at the bottom of the housing to reduce the possibility of riders from getting fingers caught in the frame.
In use, a rider will be suspended from the trolley 16, 16′, 116 and will be moved along the track 12. As noted above, the primary contact between the trolley and the track will be by the first upper wheels 56, 56′, 156 which ride on an upper portion of the track run 18a. When the trolley travels over the top of a “hill” in the track, if due to momentum the first upper wheels 56, 56′, 156 disengage from the track run 18a, the lower wheels 50, 150 will engage the underside of the track run 18a. Hence, the vertical movement of the trolley 16, 16′, 116 relative to the track 12 is limited. Further, the interaction of the track flange 18b and the second upper wheels 58, 58′, 158 will limit the degree to which the trolley 16, 16′, 116 can rotate about the track run 18a. These limits in the vertical (or radial) and rotational movement of the trolley relative to the track contributes to a smoother ride for the rider.
Additionally, as noted above, the connections between the track segments 18 are tight or rigid, such that adjacent track segments are substantially fixed in alignment relative to each other and such that there will be substantially no movement of one track section relative to an adjacent track section. Further, the connector 20 provides a smooth connection between adjacent track segments 18, such that the transition of the trolley from one track segment 18 to another will be substantially smooth. Therefore, there will be substantially no gaps between track segments that will interfere with the travel of the trolley along the track.
As can be seen from the foregoing, a zip line assembly is disclosed in which the track is formed from rigidly connected track segment and can be formed to substantially any desired pattern. The zip line trolley is designed to facilitate easy travel over the track, yet substantially limit the degree to which the trolley can rotate relative to the track and to limit the degree to which the trolley can become disengaged from the track.
As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For example, because the lower wheels are not weight bearing wheels, the trolley could be constructed with a single lower wheel bracket, rather than two lower wheel brackets. In this instance, the single lower wheel bracket would be a plate formed and positioned such that the plane of the lower wheel is generally aligned with the axis A of the trolley, and the rotational axis of the lower wheel is generally perpendicular to the axis A. Although the track run 18a is shown as a tube, it could be formed in other manners as well. For example, the run 18a could be a generally flat member defining grooves or channels in which the upper wheels ride. These examples are merely illustrative.
This application claims priority to U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/247,580 which was filed on Oct. 28, 2015 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20170120935 A1 | May 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 62247580 | Oct 2015 | US |
