Zip Track and System

Abstract

A zip track system that is integrally connected to a challenge course so that a user can traverse one portion of the challenge course, and then can slide down the zip track system via a zip track to any other desired location.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A course track system comprising: a plurality of zip tracks, each zip track having a wheel support surface which extends from a higher end of the zip track to a lower end of the zip track, with the higher end arranged above one platform and the lower end arranged above another platform, a plurality of puck tracks connected to the zip tracks, each puck track having a puck support surface and a puck track opening which extends through the puck support surface, a moveable member displaceable along the puck tracks and the zip tracks, the moveable member comprising a puck and a rotating member, wherein the puck is disposed above the puck support surfaces when the moveable member is displaced along the puck tracks, and the rotating member is disposed above the wheel support surfaces when the moveable member is displaced along the zip tracks, wherein the lower end of one zip track is connected to the higher end of another zip track by a respective puck track extending therebetween.

3. The course track system of claim 2, wherein the puck tracks overlap with the zip tracks through at least a section thereof such that when the moveable member is moved into the higher end of each zip track, the puck of the moveable member is disposed above the puck support surface of the respective puck track and the rotating member is disposed above the wheel support surface of the respective zip track in the section.

4. The course track system of claim 2, wherein the rotating member is disposed downwardly from the puck on the moveable member.

5. The course track system of claim 2, wherein the wheel support surface has a zip track opening which extends therethrough.

6. The course track system of claim 5, wherein the moveable member includes a first wheel and a second wheel arranged on opposing sides of the moveable member, with the first wheel and the second wheel being disposed above the wheel support surface on opposite sides of the zip track opening when the moveable member is displaced along each zip track.

7. The course track system of claim 5, wherein the puck track opening and the zip track opening are vertically aligned.

8. The course track system of claim 2, wherein the zip tracks are attached to structures which support the platforms and the puck tracks connecting the zip tracks.

9. The course track system of claim 8, wherein the structures are challenge courses, towers, or a combination thereof.

10. The course track system of claim 2, wherein the lower ends of multiple zip tracks are connected to the higher ends of multiple zip tracks by respective puck tracks extending therebetween.

11. The course track system of claim 2, wherein the puck is lifted off the puck support surface when the rotating member is moved onto the wheel support surface at the first ends of the zip tracks.

12. The course track system of claim 2, wherein one or more zip tracks comprise a non-linear slope between the first and second ends thereof.

13. A course track system comprising: a first structure supporting a first puck track, a second structure supporting a second puck track, a third structure supporting a third puck track, wherein each puck track has a puck support surface and a puck track opening which extends through the puck support surface, a first zip track with a higher end connected to the first puck track and a lower end connected to the second puck track, a second zip track with a higher end connected to the second puck track and a lower end connected to the third puck track, wherein each zip track has a wheel support surface which extends from the higher end to the lower end thereof, and a moveable member displaceable along the puck tracks and the zip tracks, the moveable member comprising a puck and a rotating member, wherein the puck is disposed above the puck support surfaces when the moveable member is displaced along the puck tracks, and the rotating member is disposed above the wheel support surfaces when the moveable member is displaced along the zip tracks, wherein the puck tracks overlap with the zip tracks through at least a section thereof such that when the moveable member is moved into the higher end of each zip track, the puck of the moveable member is disposed above the puck support surface of the respective puck track and the rotating member is disposed above the wheel support surface of the respective zip track in the section.

14. The course track system of claim 13, wherein the rotating member is disposed downwardly from the puck on the moveable member.

15. The course track system of claim 13, wherein each wheel support surface has a zip track opening which extends therethrough.

16. The course track system of claim 15, wherein the moveable member includes a first wheel and a second wheel arranged on opposing sides of the moveable member, with the first wheel and the second wheel being disposed above the wheel support surface on opposite sides of the zip track opening when the moveable member is displaced along each zip track.

17. The course track system of claim 15, wherein the puck track opening and the zip track opening are vertically aligned.

18. The course track system of claim 13, wherein the structures are challenge courses, towers, or a combination thereof.

19. The course track system of claim 13, wherein the structures support platforms underneath the ends of the zip tracks.

20. The course track system of claim 13, wherein the puck is lifted off the puck support surface when the rotating member is moved onto the wheel support surface at the first ends of the zip tracks.

21. The course track system of claim 13, wherein one or more zip tracks comprise a non-linear slope between the first and second ends thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of one embodiment of the present invention of three challenge courses or towers connected with zip tracks;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a pictorial side view of one embodiment of the present invention of the zip track connected to towers or portions of a challenge course;

[0056] FIG. 3 is a pictorial side view of one embodiment of the present invention of the zip track connected to towers or portions of a challenge course;

[0057] FIG. 4 is a pictorial side view of one embodiment of the present invention of the zip track connected to towers or portions of a challenge course;

[0058] FIG. 4B is a pictorial cross sectional view of a portion of the zip track of FIG. 4;

[0059] FIG. 5 is a pictorial side view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] FIG. 6 is a pictorial top view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of a zip track connected to a challenge course, and as part of the element use of the challenge course;

[0062] FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a cross section of the puck track;

[0063] FIG. 9 is a pictorial cross sectional view of line A-A of FIG. 7;

[0064] FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of a zip track of the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 11 is a pictorial sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 12 is a pictorial sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an embodiment of a braking means according to the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of an entrance zone of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 14 is another pictorial view of the entrance zone of the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 15 is an internal pictorial top view of the entrance zone of the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 16 is a pictorial sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention with the magnets in the wheel support;

[0071] FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of a side view from FIG. 16;

[0072] FIG. 18 is a pictorial sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention with the magnets below the wheel support; and

[0073] FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a side view from FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0075] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “rightwardly,” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the system and designated parts. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives, and similar words. Also, “connected to,” “secured to,” or similar language includes the definitions “indirectly connected to,” “directly connected to,” “indirectly secured to,” and “directly secured to.”

[0076] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention 10. FIG. 1 illustrates three different challenge courses 160 having a zip track 20 connected to each of the challenge courses 160. Alternatively, any end of a zip track may be connected to a tower. A tower or challenge course 160 may be referred to herein as a structure 165.

[0077] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment having a zip track 20 connected to a platform 170 of the challenge course 160. The zip track 20 can be configured so that it has a lower end 190 connected to one challenge course 160 or platform 170, and a higher end 200 connected to another challenge course 160 or another platform 170, which allows gravity to be the impetus or force to assist in moving the user from the higher end 200 to the lower end 190.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the zip track 20 may have a support means 180 to help support the zip track 20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the support means 180 may be a support beam 210. Or as illustrated in FIG. 3, the support means 180 may be a trestle 220. As further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 are two zip tracks 20 connected to two challenge courses 160, one zip track 20 is descending from left to right, and the other is ascending from left to right. There can of course be more than two zip tracks 20 going from one challenge course 160 or platform 170 to another challenge course 160 or another platform 170.

[0079] FIG. 4 illustrates a zip track 20 extending from one challenge course 160 to another challenge course 160 wherein the support means 180 is a truss 230. The truss 230 may have two beams disposed above the zip track 20 connected to the zip track 20.

[0080] Support means 180 are not always necessary, but may be when the span of the zip track 20 is greater than a predetermined distance.

[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention 10 whereby the zip track 20 is not linear, but has a downward or upward curved portion 240. There may be more than one downward or upward curved portion 240. Here, the zip track 20 may have a non-linear slope.

[0082] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the present invention 10 wherein the zip track 20 may have a leftward or rightward curved portion 250. In this embodiment, the zip track 20 curves at least one of either leftwardly or rightwardly.

[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment whereby the zip track 20 has a higher end 200 and a lower end 190 on the same challenge course 160. The user may stand on a platform 170 before descending or after descending. In a further embodiment the zip track 20 may allow one to descend to exit the challenge course 160. In one embodiment the zip track 20 may be above an element of the challenge course 160.

[0084] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a body 100 that may have a body member 280 that can extend from a fastener 120 downwardly to a lanyard 290 connected to a safety harness 295 worn by a user (see FIGS. 10 and 18). A puck 270 may be secured to the body 100 so that the puck 270 can slide within a puck track 260. The puck track 260 may have a puck-track opening 300. The body 100 may extend downwardly from the fastener 120 through the puck-track opening 300. The puck track 260 may be used within the challenge course 160 when the zip track 20 is not used as a means to move about the challenge course 160.

[0085] A rotating member 90 may be rotatably secured to the body 100 downwardly from the puck 270. There may be two rotating members 90 rotatably secured to the body 100 via an axle 310. The rotating member 90 may be secured to the axle 310, and the axle may be rotatably secured to the body 100. Alternatively, the rotating member 90 may be rotatably secured to the axle 310, and the axle 310 may be rotatably or non-rotatably secured to the body 100.

[0086] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the zip track 20 may have a puck track 260 secured upwardly from a wheel support 40 so that the rotating member 90 can roll on the wheel support 40 to eliminate any downward force on the puck 270. The body 100 may extend through a zip track opening 130 which extends through the wheel support 40. This configuration of the zip track 20 can allow the body 100 to move from the puck track 260 to the zip track 20.

[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the zip track 20 showing the body 100, the rotating member 90 and puck 270.

[0088] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the zip track 20 where the body 100 may be rolling along the rotating member 90 contacting the wheel support 40.

[0089] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the zip track 20 where the vertical distance 320 may be greater than a predetermined distance so that the puck 270 is in contact with a puck support 330, and the rotating member 90 is not in contact with the wheel support 40. This configuration allows the body 100 to slow down due to the friction between the puck 270 and the puck support 330. The zip track 20 may be connected to a frame 110. This is one example of the braking means 420 that may be utilized.

[0090] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment of an exchange 340 of the present invention 10. The exchange 340 may have an entrance zone 350 where the body 100 may enter the challenge course 160 or zip track 20.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the body 100 may follow a path 380 away from the entrance zone 350 to an intersection 400. The intersection 400 may be a Y-shaped intersection that allows the user to continue to the challenge course 160, or the user can exit by taking the exit path 410, through a one way gate or back stop 360. The backstop 360 may be secured to the exchange 340 at a fixed side 390, and may bias to allow the body 100 to move through the path 380 in one direction, but not the opposite direction. To exit the exchange 340, the user would have to move the body 100 in the direction of the exit path 410, also having a one way gate 360.

[0092] FIGS. 16 and 18 illustrate embodiments of another braking means 420 that may be used in the zip track 20. In these embodiments, the zip track 20 may have a magnet 430 or a plurality of magnets 430 whereby when the body 100 is moving along the zip track 20, an eddy current is created to slow down the body 100, or to prevent the body 100 from obtaining an undesirable speed. In one embodiment the magnet 430 may be disposed within the wheel support 40 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). In another embodiment, the magnet 430 may be disposed below the wheel support 40 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). FIG. 16 also illustrates another embodiment of the puck track 260.

[0093] FIG. 17 illustrates the side view of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 also illustrates one version of the puck 270 where the side profile may have a circular shaped surface 440.

[0094] The zip track system 10 may have a zip track 20 upon which the body 100 may be movably displaced as the rotating member 90 of the member 100 may move, become displaced, or roll relative to the zip track 20. The zip track 20 may be shaped to accommodate the shape of a rotating member 90. For example, the zip track 20 may have a wheel support 40 that allows the rotating member 90 to roll upon the wheel support 40 that may be disposed within the zip track 20.

[0095] The zip track 20 being secured to a frame 110 via one or more fasteners 125 (see FIGS. 9 and 11). In one embodiment the wheel support 40 may be secured to a plate 50.

[0096] The body 100 extending downwardly through the puck track opening 300, and downwardly through the zip track opening 130 (see FIG. 9).

[0097] Another embodiment includes a wheel support 40 without a rotating member 90 that still allows the member 100 to move, become displaced, or slide within the zip track 20 (not shown).

[0098] In one embodiment there are two rotating members 90 having a center to center distance substantially the same as the wheel support center to center distance (not shown).

[0099] The zip track 20 may be oriented with one end higher than the other, so that the user can slide down from the higher end 200 to the lower end 190, and then while traversing the other portions 80 of the challenge course 160, the member 100 moves with the challenge course track (see FIG. 7).

[0100] In another embodiment, the present invention 10 may have telescoping zip tracks 20 (not illustrated), which can extend outwardly for a longer zip track, or may retract inwardly for a shorter track.

[0101] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.