Continuous safety or belay system

Abstract

A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction. points.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A continuous safety system for coupling a user to an amusement attraction comprising:
 a first track;   a second track that is separate from the first track;   a junction box that accepts the first track and the second track, the junction box including a transition surface; and   a safety mechanism having a support plate, the safety mechanism configured to couple with the user and travel along the first track, the support plate configured to cooperate with the transition surface of the junction box, wherein the safety mechanism is configured to be moveable between the first track and the second track within the junction box based on the support plate cooperating with the transition surface.   
     
     
         2 . A method for transferring a trolley on a first track to transfer to a second track comprising the steps of:
 bringing the first track and the second track within a first predetermined distance of one another;   engaging a first latching mechanism coupled with the first track with a second latching mechanism coupled with the second track;   engaging the trolley with the second latching mechanism;   disengaging the first latching mechanism from the second latching mechanism; and   separating the first track from the second track by a second predetermined distance.