Elevated cableway for observation of nature

Abstract

A fixed, elevated cableway having a plurality of intermediate supports for transport of persons for nature observation is described. One or more self-powered trolleys may travel simultaneously on a common cable span between two intermediate supports. Intermediate supports may join separate cable spans and/or allow tight turns. The trolley possesses one or more speed-governing devices, locks to the support cable and to intermediate supports. Combined features produce a slow-speed elevated cableway having minimal impact on the environment while providing improved installation flexibility for the purpose of nature observation.

1 . An elevated cableway system for personal conveyance therealong, said system including:
 a plurality of spaced cable supports defining the system configuration, said cable supports each including a cable support station elevated above ground;   stationary cable connected to said supports and extending in a continuous closed loop along said system configuration from one support station to another, thereby forming a cableway path along said system;   a trolley including a drive wheel pulley in rolling engagement on said cable for movement therealong;   a passenger carriage suspended from said trolley for movement therewith along said cable and around said loop;   and drive means, operable from said passenger carriage, to drive said trolley along said stationary cable.   
   
   
       2 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , in which said drive means is a passenger-operated pedal and chain mechanism operatively connected to said trolley. 
   
   
       3 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , in which said drive means is an electric motor operatively connected to said trolley. 
   
   
       4 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , in which said drive means is an internal combustion engine operatively connected to said trolley. 
   
   
       5 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , further including clutch means, operable from said passenger carriage, to releasably lock said drive wheel to said cable. 
   
   
       6 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , further including brake means, operable from said passenger carriage, to reduce trolley speed on said cable. 
   
   
       7 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , said cable including a plurality of cable sections joined together at said cable support stations for continuity of said loop, said cable support stations adapted to change direction of said cableway path. 
   
   
       8 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , including a plurality of said trolleys drivable along said cable independently of each other. 
   
   
       9 . A system as defined in  claim 1  where the intermediate support(s) allow a tight turn. 
   
   
       10 . An elevated cableway system for personal conveyance therealong, said system including:
 a plurality of spaced cable supports defining the system configuration, said cable supports each including a cable support station elevated above ground;   stationary cable connected to said supports and extending in a continuous closed loop along said system configuration from one support station to another, thereby forming a cableway path along said system;   a trolley including a drive wheel pulley in rolling engagement on said cable for movement therealong;   a passenger carriage suspended from said trolley for movement therewith along said cable and around said loop;   drive means, operable from said passenger carriage, to drive said trolley along said stationary cable;   said system including plural interconnected loops of said cable for separate cableway paths for trolley travel.   
   
   
       11 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , in which said drive means is a passenger-operated pedal and chain mechanism operatively connected to said trolley. 
   
   
       12 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , in which said drive means is an electric motor operatively connected to said trolley. 
   
   
       13 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , in which said drive means is an internal combustion engine operatively connected to said trolley. 
   
   
       14 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , further including clutch means, operable from said passenger carriage, to releasably lock said drive wheel to said cable. 
   
   
       15 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , further including brake means, operable from said passenger carriage, to reduce trolley speed on said cable. 
   
   
       16 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , said cable including a plurality of cable sections joined together at said cable support stations for continuity of said loop, said cable support stations adapted to change direction of said cableway path. 
   
   
       17 . A system as defined in  claim 10 , including a plurality of said trolleys drivable along said cable independently of each other. 
   
   
       18 . A system as defined in  claim 10  where the intermediate support(s) allow a tight turn.