Zip track system

Abstract

An extension mechanism for a zip track system within a playground environment is provided. The extension system comprises a crossover unit configured to attach to a zip track. The crossover unit comprises a crossover arch, configured to couple to the zip track. The crossover unit also comprises a support pole configured to couple to an end of the crossover arch, such that the support pole does not obstruct a path of movement under the zip track. The extension mechanism also comprises a connection mechanism configured to connect the crossover unit to the zip track system such that the crossover unit distributes the weight of the track through the crossover arch and the crossover support poles.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An extension mechanism for a zip track system within a playground environment, comprising:
 a crossover unit. configured to attach to a zip track, the crossover unit comprising:
 a crossover arch, configured to couple to the zip track; and 
 a support pole configured to couple to an end of the crossover arch, such that the support pole does not obstruct a path of movement under the zip track; and 
   a connection mechanism configured to connect the crossover unit to the zip track system such that the crossover unit distributes the weight of the track through the crossover arch and the crossover support poles.   
     
     
         2 . The extension mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the connection mechanism is further configured to connect the crossover units to the top of a track of the zip track system. 
     
     
         3 . The extension mechanism of  claim 1 , and wherein the extension system comprises a plurality of crossover units and connection mechanisms spaced evenly along the zip track. 
     
     
         4 . The extension mechanism of  claim 2 , wherein the connection mechanism comprises welding the crossover unit to the top of the track. 
     
     
         5 . The extension mechanism of  claim 2 , wherein the connection mechanism comprises bolting the crossover unit to the top of the track. 
     
     
         6 . The extension mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the connection mechanism is configured to couple to a coupling point where a first track portion couples to a second track portion. 
     
     
         7 . The extension mechanism of  claim 1 , and further comprising a second support pole coupled to a second end of the crossover arch such that both the support pole and second support pole are substantially perpendicular to a ground of the playground environment. 
     
     
         8 . An extendable zip track system for installation in a playground environment, comprising:
 a first end and a second end;   a track extending between the first and second end, the track suspended above a ground of the playground environment, wherein the first end connects to a decline portion, wherein the decline portion also connects to a straight portion, wherein the straight portion also couples to an incline portion, and wherein the incline portion also couples to the second end;   a trolley, moveably coupled to the track, wherein the trolley is configured to move along the track, from the first end to the second end; and   a seat, configured to support a user of the extendable zip track system, wherein the seat is coupled to the trolley and is configured to move below the track and above the ground.   
     
     
         9 . The track cable system of  claim 8 , and further comprising:
 an extension mechanism configured to couple to the track such that the extension mechanism is on an opposite side of the trolley, wherein the extension mechanism is configured to support a portion of the weight of the track.   
     
     
         10 . The track mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein the seat is trolley is configured to move along the track underneath the extension mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . The track mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein the extension mechanism comprises an arch connected to two support poles. 
     
     
         12 . The track mechanism of  claim 11 , wherein the arch couples to the track at substantially a midpoint of the arch. 
     
     
         13 . The track mechanism of  claim 9 , wherein the track comprises a first track portion and a second track portion, wherein the first and second track portions are mechanically coupled by a flange. 
     
     
         14 . The track mechanism of  claim 13 , wherein the extension mechanism is positioned substantially at a coupling point between the first and second track portions. 
     
     
         15 . The track cable system of  claim 9 , wherein the extension mechanism is a first extension mechanism, and wherein the track cable system further comprises a second extension mechanism, wherein the second extension mechanism is coupled to the track at a coupling point between the first extension mechanism and the second end. 
     
     
         16 . A zip track system for a playground, comprising:
 a track with a first and a second end;   a raised platform located at the first end;   a seat configured to moveably couple to the track, wherein the seat is configured to travel along the track, above a ground of the playground; and   an extension system, coupled to the track at a point between the first and second end, the extension system configured to support a weight of a portion of the track, wherein the extension system comprises;
 a crossover unit configured to couple to the track at a coupling point; and 
 a support structure configured to couple, at a first point, to the crossover unit and, at a second point, to a ground of the playground, wherein the support structure is configured such that the seat moves along the track in an unobstructed path. 
   
     
     
         17 . The zip track system of  claim 16 , wherein the seat comprises a safety feature configured to maintain a rider within the seat. 
     
     
         18 . The zip track system of  claim 16 , and further comprising a second extension system coupled to the track at a second coupling point, wherein the second coupling point is between the first end and the extension system. 
     
     
         19 . The zip track system of  claim 16 , and further comprising at least one inclined portion of track and at least one declined portion of track, wherein both the inclined and declined portions are located between the first end portion and the second end portion. 
     
     
         20 . The zip track system of  claim 19 , and further comprising a straight portion of track, wherein the first end portion connects to the declined portion of track which further connects to the straight portion of track which further connects to the inclined portion of track which further connects to the second end portion.