Zip line attraction and methods

Abstract

A zip line attraction and methods are provided. The zip line attraction includes a tower and a stopping point. One or more cables extend between the tower and the stopping point. At least one end of the cable can change in elevation to allow users to travel from the tower to the stopping point, and back to the tower from the stopping point without disconnecting from the cable.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A zip line attraction, comprising:
 a first tower extending from a base surface;   a stopping point;   at least one cable extending away from the first tower to the stopping point, and operable to carry a user thereon; and   wherein the stopping point comprises a platform configured for floating in a body of water.   
     
     
         2 . The zip line attraction of  claim 1 , wherein the first tower includes at least one platform and a cable connection point for connection of the at least one end of the at least one cable. 
     
     
         3 . The zip line attraction of  claim 2 , further comprising an adjustment arrangement operably coupled to the cable connection point to move the cable connection point relative to the base surface such that the at least end of the at least one cable is movable in elevation relative to the base surface. 
     
     
         4 . The zip line attraction of  claim 3 , wherein the cable connection point is mounted to the at least one platform. 
     
     
         5 . The zip line attraction of  claim 4 , wherein the cable connection point includes a cross beam having a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a top surface of the at least one platform. 
     
     
         6 . The zip line attraction of  claim 5 , wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a cable and pulley system, wherein the cable and pulley system comprises a first pulley assembly mounted proximate the at least one tower, a second pulley assembly mounted on the at least one tower, and a cable routed from the first pulley assembly through the second pulley assembly and connected to the platform. 
     
     
         7 . The zip line attraction of  claim 6 , wherein the first pulley assembly is rotatable in a first direction to pay out the cable to lower the elevation of the cable connection point, and wherein the first pulley assembly is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to increase the elevation of the cable connection point. 
     
     
         8 . The zip line attraction of  claim 1 , wherein the platform of the stopping point includes at least one float attached thereto. 
     
     
         9 . The zip line attraction of  claim 8 , wherein at least one anchoring element is connected to the stopping point and is configured to anchor the stopping point in the body of water. 
     
     
         10 . The zip line attraction of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one anchoring element includes a plurality of anchoring elements. 
     
     
         11 . A tower for a zip line attraction for conveying a user from a starting point to a stopping point, comprising:
 a support structure extending from a base surface;   at least one platform connected to the support structure and defining the starting point;   a movable cable connection point positioned adjacent the support structure and movable in elevation relative to the base surface; and   an adjustment arrangement operably connected to the movable cable connection point to selectively change the elevation thereof relative to a stopping point in spaced relationship to the support structure such that a user can travel from the starting point to the stopping point and from the stopping point to the starting point.   
     
     
         12 . The tower of  claim 11 , wherein the cable connection point is mounted to the at least one platform. 
     
     
         13 . The tower of  claim 12 , wherein the cable connection point includes a cross beam having a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a top surface of the at least one platform. 
     
     
         14 . The tower of  claim 13 , wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a cable and pulley system, wherein the cable and pulley system comprises a first pulley assembly mounted proximate the at least one tower, a second pulley assembly mounted on the at least one tower, and a cable routed from the first pulley assembly through the second pulley assembly and connected to the platform. 
     
     
         15 . The tower of  claim 16 , wherein the first pulley assembly is rotatable in a first direction to pay out the cable to lower the elevation of the cable connection point, and wherein the first pulley assembly is rotatable in a second direction opposite the first direction to increase the elevation of the cable connection point. 
     
     
         16 . The tower of  claim 13 , wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a hydraulic cylinder operatively attached to the at least one platform to raise and lower the at least one platform. 
     
     
         17 . The tower of  claim 13 , wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a plurality of rollers mounted on the at least one platform and connected to the support structure, wherein one or more of the plurality of rollers is connected to a drive arrangement for rotating the one or more plurality of rollers to cause the at least one platform to move relative to the vertical member. 
     
     
         18 . The tower of  claim 11 , wherein the adjustment arrangement comprises an adjustment carriage, the adjustment carriage providing the cable connection point, and wherein the at least one platform includes multiple platforms, the adjustment carriage operably mounted to the first tower to selectively position the cable connection point adjacent each one of the multiple platforms. 
     
     
         19 . The tower of  claim 18 , wherein the adjustment carriage includes a plurality of rollers connected to the support structure. 
     
     
         20 . A method of operating a zip line attraction, comprising:
 connecting a user to a cable that is connected at a first end to a tower and at a second end to a stopping point, the stopping point positioned in a body of water;   sending the user from the tower to the stopping point along the cable;   changing the elevation of the first end of the cable; and   returning the user to the tower from the stopping point along the cable.