Zipline braking system

Abstract

A zipline braking system comprising a zipline cable and a destination supporting member; a rider carrier coupled to the zipline cable for movement towards the destination supporting member, such movement generating kinetic energy; a damper having a posterior end and an anterior end and connected to the destination supporting member at the posterior end; a tension line; a connection member coupled to the zipline cable and configured to engage the rider carrier; a stopping member coupled to the zipline cable and the tension line; and the tension line for transferring the kinetic energy to the damper upon the connection member engaging the stopping member in movement to the destination supporting member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Applications 61 / 893,537 and 61 / 912,847, filed Oct. 21, 2013 and Dec. 6, 2013, respectively. The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to ziplines, and more specifically to a zipline braking system for decelerating a zipline rider as the rider reaches the end of the zipline.BACKGROUND[0003]Ziplines allow riders to travel from one point to another. They are used for various purposes, including as thrill rides and tourist attractions. Ziplines generally include two supports and a cable suspending between the two. There is generally an area on each support, usually a platform, to allow riders to embark and disembark from the zipline. Harnesses and pulleys are used for transporting and providing support to the zipline riders.[0004]Several different zipline braking systems have been adopt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a braking system for zipline rider cars that uses a damper and a tension line to decelerate the car in a safe manner. The system includes a connection member that engages the rider car and a primary stopping member that asserts a force in a direction away from the destination supporting member. A secondary stopping member engages the damper and a tension line is tied to the primary stopping member and the secondary stopping member. When the rider car moves towards the destination supporting member, the connection member engages the rider car and the primary stopping member moves towards the destination supporting member, pulling the tension line and causing the secondary stopping member to move towards the destination supporting member and compress the damper, resulting in a braking system that decelerates the rider car safely.

Problems solved by technology

As such, these systems are susceptible to human errors.

In addition, zipline riders often complain that present braking systems cause pain to their necks or backs due to the dramatic speed decrease upon a zipline rider reaching the end of the zipline.

Some braking systems also create a loud crashing sound that is not appealing to zipline riders.

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