Acrobatic elevated-path amusement device

Abstract

An amusement device enables an acrobatic user ( 105 ) to traverse an elevated path. It comprises a user-accessible platform ( 110 ) at the beginning of the elevated path; a frame extending the length of the elevated path; and a plurality of swings attached to the frame along the length of the elevated path. Each swing is held in a user-accessible position by a counterweight ( 131 ) such that a user exiting the platform to a first swing can employ gravity to move to each successive swing along the elevated path. Each swing returns to the user-accessible position by gravity acting on the counterweight ( 131 ) when the user has exited the swing.

1 . An amusement device enabling a user to traverse an elevated path having a length with a beginning and an end comprising:
 (a) a frame to support and form an elevated path;   (b) a platform at the beginning of the elevated path, said platform being accessible to a user;   (c) a plurality of swings each rotatably attached to the frame along the length of the elevated path, wherein each swing is held in a user-accessible position by a counterweight such that a user exiting the platform to a swing can employ gravity to move to each successive swing along the elevated path, and wherein each swing returns to its user-accessible position by gravity acting on the counterweight when the user has exited the swing.   
   
   
       2 . The amusement device of  claim 1  further comprising one or more obstacles near the end of the elevated path and positioned such that a user on a swing must surmount the obstacle to complete traverse of the elevated path. 
   
   
       3 . The amusement device of  claim 2  wherein the one or more obstacles are marked with distance indicators to enable a user to measure the distance that can be achieved by the user after leaving a swing. 
   
   
       4 . The amusement device of  claim 1  wherein the frame is an inflatable structure such that when inflated it supports the plurality of swings and at least one user. 
   
   
       5 . The amusement device of  claim 1  wherein the structure of a swing serves as a means for moving the user in an arc and is selected from a group consisting of:
 (a) a bar having an approximate straight shape;   (b) a bar having an approximate U-shape;   (c) a bar having an approximate rectangular shape;   (d) a double bar each with horizontal extension hand-holds; and,   (e) hollow core rope with a rigid bar insert.   
   
   
       6 . The amusement device of  claim 1  wherein the swings are each rotatably attached to the frame by rigging having a swivel joint at or near the connection between a swing and the rigging. 
   
   
       7 . The amusement device of  claim 1  wherein the counterweight is selected from a group consisting of a weight offset from the plane of the swing; a spring acting on the swing, a weight-operated pulley system, and a water fillable container operated by a constant flow of water. 
   
   
       8 . An amusement device enabling a user to swing out from an elevated position and compete for distance comprising:
 (a) a platform at the beginning of the elevated position, said platform being accessible to a user;   (b) a frame extending above the elevated position; and,   (c) a swing rotatably affixed to the frame and held in a user-accessible position near the platform by a counterweight such that a user exiting the platform to the swing can employ gravity to move in an arc such that a user exiting the swing can intersect a series of obstacles, and wherein the swing returns to its user-accessible position by gravity acting on the counterweight when the user has exited the swing.   
   
   
       9 . The amusement device of  claim 8  wherein the obstacles are vertical air bags marked with indicators to enable a user to measure the distance achieved by the user after leaving the swing.