ZIP-LINE BASED SWINGING AMUSEMENT DEVICE

Abstract

A zip-line based swinging amusement device comprises a pair of inverted U-shaped frames 101 is installed on ground surface, hydraulic rod 201 attached with rope 102 via cylindrical hollow member 202, circular plate 204 for facilitating accommodation of an individual over plate 204, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on plate 204 to detect presence and body dimensions of accommodated individual, a motorized hinge joint 208 to tilt for enclosing the individual securely over the plate 204, a pair of electromagnets 209 for providing a reciprocatory motion to disc 205, a motorized pivot joint 210 for providing a linear motion to member 202 with respect to frames 101, a gesture detection sensor for detecting hand gestures made by individual, a cushioned pad 203 for providing a comfortable seating experience to individual, a weight sensor to detect weight of accommodated individual.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a zip-line based swinging amusement device that is able to safely transport individual from one location to another for providing zip-lining experience as well as capable of recognizing the individual's movements to modify the zipline's speed and reduce the risk of injury to the accommodated individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As the popularity of adventure tourism continues to grow, adventurous innovative attractions are likely to remain a staple of outdoor recreation for years to come. Today, zip-line-based swinging amusement tools is found in adventure parks, amusement parks, and tourist destinations found around the world. They offer riders a unique and exhilarating experience that combines the thrill of zip lining with the excitement of swinging through the air. Traditional zip-line based swinging amusement tools is traced back to the concept of rope swings, which have been used for recreation and entertainment for centuries. They were typically found in natural settings, such as forests or mountains, where zip lines could be set up
between trees or across ravines. They were often used for recreational
purposes, providing thrills and excitement for participants of all ages.

[0003] Although the traditional method of providing adventure ride through zip line using rope wings that has proven effective to some extent, but it
comes with inherent limitations. They may lack modern safety features such as
redundant braking, harnesses, and rigorous inspection protocols which poses safety risks for riders, especially if the equipment is not properly maintained
or operated. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of providing adventure ride though zip line where
traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] US6666773B1 discloses a cable suspended between an upper cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the harnessing, loading, and take-off point for the ride, and a lower cable support tower and platform which, together, function as the landing, unloading and unharnessing point of the ride. Multiple, substantially identical trolleys are designed to quickly engage and disengage the cable. The trolley includes a frame of generally I-beam cross section, a generally tubular brake retainer, having a longitudinal slit therein, is welded to an upper rear portion of the frame. A grooved, generally cylindrical brake fabricated from a durable polymeric material is rotatably affixed within the tubular brake retainer. When the trolley is affixed to the suspended cable by sliding the cable into the slit and rotating the brake, the grooved insert rides against the suspended cable and generates friction. US'773 discloses about a cable transport system commonly known as zip lines and, more particularly, to trolleys for downhill zip line systems which are securely attached to the suspended cable and are designed to control maximum descent speed within a safe range. However, the above-mentioned invention lacks in delivering individuals from one place to another place securely for providing zip-line amusement to the individual.

[0005] US10023207B2 discloses a zip line or trolley system kit for propelling a person or an object using gravity along an extended cable line suspended between two trees or towers. The zip line or trolley system may include an easily installable support harness assembly, a braking system and a removable seat fixture to provide for the zip line system to be completely portable to be carried, installed and taken down in remote locations. Though in US'320 discloses about a trolley for guiding a person or an object using gravity along an extended cable line suspended between two spaced apart objects such as trees or towers. However, the above-mentioned invention does not focus on detecting the gestures made by the individual for adjusting the speed of the zipline in order to prevent any chances of injury to the individual.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of delivering the individual from one place to another safely however these devices lack in recognizing the individual's movements to modify the zipline's speed and reduce the risk of injury to the accommodated individual.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable to safely transport the individuals from one location to another in order to enjoy zip-lining entertainment. Additionally, the device should be potent enough of recognizing the gestures made by the individual to modify the zipline's speed and minimize the risk of harm to the accommodated individual.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of delivering individuals from one place to another place securely for providing zip-line amusement to the individual.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the gestures made by the individual for adjusting the speed of the zipline in order to prevent any chances of injury to the accommodated individual.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a zip-line based swinging amusement device that is able to safely transport individual from one location to another for providing zip-lining experience as well as capable of recognizing the individual's movements to modify the zipline's speed and reduce the risk of injury to the accommodated individual.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a zip-line based swinging amusement device comprises a pair of inverted U-shaped frames installed on a ground surface placed at a distance from each other, frames are connected with each other via an elastic rope to form a zip-line, a hydraulic rod is installed with a circular plate for facilitating accommodation of an individual over the plate, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is installed on the plate to detect presence and body dimensions of the accommodated individual, a motorized hinge joint is configured with the rod to tilt for enclosing the individual securely over the plate.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a pair of electromagnets is configured at base portion of the member and the disc in view of providing a reciprocatory motion to the disc, a motorized pivot joint is configured between the member and rope for providing a linear motion to the member with respect to the frames, a gesture detection sensor is arranged on the frame for detecting hand gestures made by the individual, a cushioned pad is configured on the rod and the plate for providing a comfortable seating experience to the individual, a weight sensor is installed on the plate to detect weight of the accommodated individual.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a zip-line based swinging amusement device and;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a cylindrical hollow member associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a zip-line based swinging amusement device that is equipped to safely transport individual from one location to another in order to enjoy zip-lining entertainment as well as capable of recognizing the gestures made by the individual to modify the zipline's speed and minimize the risk of harm to the accommodated individual.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a zip-line based swinging amusement device is illustrated, comprising a pair of inverted U-shaped frames 101 is installed on a ground surface, the frames are connected with each other via an elastic rope 102.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, an isometric view of a cylindrical hollow member associated with device is illustrated, comprising a hydraulic rod 201 is attached with the rope 102 via a cylindrical hollow member 202, a cushioned pad 203 is configured on the rod 201 and the plate 204, a circular plate 204 is installed with the free end of the rod 201, a disc 205 is housed within the member 202 via a link 206, a curved-shaped flap 207 is attached with the rod 201 via a motorized hinge joint 208, a pair of electromagnets 209 is configured at the base portion of the member 202, a motorized pivot joint 210 is configured between the member 202 and the rope.

[0024] The proposed device includes a pair of inverted U-shaped frames 101 is installed on a ground surface placed at a distance from each other. The frames 101 are connected with each other via an elastic rope 102 in a manner to form a zip-line based amusement between the frames 101.

[0025] A hydraulic rod 201 is attached with the rope 102 via a cylindrical hollow member 202. The free-end of the rod 201 is installed with a circular plate 204 for facilitating accommodation of an individual over the plate 204. The hydraulic rod 201 is powered by a hydraulic unit. The hydraulic unit comprises of hydraulic oil compressor that sucks oil from hydraulic tank via the actuation of electric pump that is regulated by the microcontroller. The electric pump comprises of a turbine to produce a partial vacuum to draw the hydraulic oil out of the hydraulic tank. The turbine is then regulated by the microcontroller in order to increase the pressure of the hydraulic oil. This pressure, in turn, pushes the hydraulic oil out of the pump in a compressed form and down the pipes that is stored in the oil cylinder and store the compressed oil in oil cylinders and then the compressed oil gets dispensed out via electronic valves that are operated by the microcontroller in order to actuate the piston, that assist in extension and retraction of the rods 201 for facilitating the accommodation of the individual over the plate 204.

[0026] Then, a disc 205 is housed within the member 202 and attached with the rope 102 via a link 206. Further, a cushioned pad 203 is configured on the rod 201 and the plate 204 for providing a comfortable seating experience to the individual while swinging from one frame to another. Then, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is configured on the plate 204 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings to detect presence and body dimensions of the accommodated individual.

[0027] The imaging unit comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to detect the dimensions of the individual. The AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encrypted with the processor linked with the imagining module to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images captured by the camera enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0028] The camera, herein captures images of the individuals with the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals. The captured data is now pre-processed via the processor to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information present in the images. The imaging unit is capable of analysing the individuals and providing real-time updates or alerts about the individuals based on predefined rules or criteria. Herein, the microcontroller based on extraction of the data from the captured images to detect presence and body dimensions of the accommodated individual.

[0029] After that, the microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 208 is configured with the rod 201 and attached with a curved-shaped flap 207 to tilt for enclosing the individual securely over the plate 204. The hinge typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the unit, while the moving component is connected to the other part that needs to tilt for enclosing the individual securely over the plate 204.

[0030] A pair of electromagnets 209 is configured at the base portion of the member 202 and the disc 205 in view of providing a reciprocatory motion to the disc 205. The electromagnet comprises of a conducting coil, when the electric current is passed across the coil that result in generation of the magnetic field around the coil and that results in the generation of the magnetic force due to which the electromagnet gets energized. When the current release, the electromagnet gets de-energized. The energization and de-energization of the electromagnet for providing a reciprocatory motion to the disc 205.

[0031] Upon, actuation of a motorized pivot joint 210 is configured between the member 202 and the rope 102 for providing a linear motion to the member 202 with respect to the frames 101 in order to provide a linear swinging motion to the plate 204 along with the accommodated individual, thus providing zip-line amusement to the accommodated individual. The pivot joint 210 is a mechanical component that allows rotary movement around a single axis, wherein the pivot joint 210 is powered by a (Direct Current) motor that is capable of converting the electric current provided from an external force into mechanical force for providing the required power to the pivot joint 210 for providing rotational movement around the single axis to the member 202 with respect to the frames 101 in order to provide a linear swinging motion to the plate 204 along with the accommodated individual.

[0032] Thereafter, a gesture detection sensor is arranged on the frame that works in synchronization with the imaging unit for detecting hand gestures made by the individual for increasing/decreasing speed of the plate 204 suspending from the cable. The gesture detection sensor used herein is preferably a Kinect sensor which uses imaging unit and combination infrared sensors, microphones to track the movements/gesture of the individual. The Kinect sensor uses an infrared (IR) emitter and an IR camera to project a grid of invisible infrared light onto the individual standing in front of it. When the light hits the individual's body, it bounces back to the sensor.

[0033] The Kinect sensor captures the reflected infrared light and measures the time of taken by light to travel to the individual's body and back to the sensor. By using the known speed of the light, the microcontroller calculates the distance between itself and each point of the individual's body in the field of view and thus a depth map is created, which is essentially a three-dimensional representation of the scene, where each pixel corresponds to a specific distance from the sensor for detecting hand gestures made by the individual for increasing/decreasing speed of the plate 204 suspending from the cable.

[0034] Then, the microcontroller compares the individual-made gestures with pre-saved gestures stored in a database is linked with the microcontroller, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates working of the pivot joint 210 and electromagnets 209 for increasing/decreasing the speed of the plate 204. Further, the microcontroller via the imaging unit detects misbalancing of the plate 204, the microcontroller regulates working of the pivot joint 210 and the electromagnets 209 for reducing the swinging speed of the plate 204, thereby preventing any chances of injury to the accommodated individual.

[0035] After preventing any chances of injury to the accommodated individual, a weight sensor is integrated on the plate 204 to detect weight of the accommodated individual. The weight sensor comprises a weight transducer that convert weight of the individual into an electrical signal that exert a downward force on the weight sensor. Within load cell of the sensor, there are strain gauges that deform slightly due to weight. The deformation causes changes in electrical resistance within the strain gauges. The sensor then calibrates the resistance to detect weight of the accommodated individual.

[0036] If the detected weight exceeds a pre-defined threshold range, the microcontroller generates a wireless audio notification on a computing unit accessed by a concerned authority regarding the detected weight of accommodated individual. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit.

[0037] The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to display the alert in the computing unit regarding the detected weight of accommodated individual.

[0038] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any
electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the
portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0039] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the pair of inverted U-shaped frames 101 is installed on the ground surface placed at the distance from each other. The frames 101 are connected with each other via an elastic rope 102 in the manner to form the zip-line based amusement between the frames 101. The hydraulic rod 201 is attached with the rope 102 via a cylindrical hollow member 202. The free-end of the rod 201 is installed with the circular plate 204 for facilitating accommodation of an individual over the plate 204, wherein the disc 205 is housed within the member 202 and attached with the rope 102 via the link 206. Further, the cushioned pad 203 is configured on the rod 201 and the plate 204 for providing the comfortable seating experience to the individual while swinging from one frame to another. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is configured on the plate 204 and paired with the processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings to detect presence and body dimensions of the accommodated individual. After that, the microcontroller actuates the motorized hinge joint 208 configured with the rod 201 and attached with the curved-shaped flap 207 to tilt for enclosing the individual securely over the plate 204. The pair of electromagnets 209 is configured at the base portion of the member 202 and the disc 205 in view of providing the reciprocatory motion to the disc 205. Then, in synchronization with actuation of the motorized pivot joint 210 is configured between the member 202 and the rope 102 for providing the linear motion to the member 202 with respect to the frames 101 in order to provide the linear swinging motion to the plate 204 along with the accommodated individual, thus providing zip-line amusement to the accommodated individual. Thereafter, the gesture detection sensor is arranged on the frame that works in synchronization with the imaging unit for detecting hand gestures made by the individual for increasing/decreasing speed of the plate 204 suspending from the cable. Then, the microcontroller compares the individual-made gestures with pre-saved gestures stored in the database is linked with the microcontroller, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates working of the pivot joint 210 and electromagnets 209 for increasing/decreasing the speed of the plate 204. Further, the microcontroller via the imaging unit detects misbalancing of the plate 204, the microcontroller regulates working of the pivot joint 210 and the electromagnets 209 for reducing the swinging speed of the plate 105, thereby preventing any chances of injury to the accommodated individual. Further, the weight sensor is integrated on the plate 204 to detect weight of the accommodated individual. If the detected weight exceeds the pre-defined threshold range, the microcontroller generates the wireless audio notification on the computing unit accessed by the concerned authority regarding the detected weight of accommodated individual.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A zip-line based swinging amusement device, comprising:

i) a pair of inverted U-shaped frames 101 installed on a ground surface at a placed at a distance from each other, wherein said frames 101 are connected with each other via an elastic rope 102 in a manner to form a zip-line based amusement between said frames 101;
ii) a hydraulic rod 201 attached with said rope 102 via a cylindrical hollow member 202, wherein free-end of said rod 201 is installed with a circular plate 204 for facilitating accommodation of an individual over said plate 204, wherein a disc 205 is housed within said member 202 and attached with said rope 102 via a link 206;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on said plate 204 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect presence and body dimensions of said accommodated individual, wherein based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 208 configured with said rod 201 and attached with a curved-shaped flap 207 to tilt for enclosing said individual securely over said plate 204;
iv) a pair of electromagnets 209 configured at base portion of said member 202 and disc 205 in view of providing a reciprocatory motion to said disc 205, in synchronization with actuation of a motorized pivot joint 210 configured between said member 202 and rope 102 for providing a linear motion to said member 202 with respect to said frames 101, in order to provide a linear swinging motion to said plate 204 along with said accommodated individual, thus providing zip-line amusement to said accommodated individual; and
v) a gesture detection sensor arranged on said frame that works in synchronization with said imaging unit for detecting hand gestures made by said individual for increasing/decreasing speed of said plate 204 suspending from said cable, wherein said microcontroller compares said individual-made gestures with pre-saved gestures stored in a database linked with said microcontroller, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates working of said pivot joint 210 and electromagnets 209 for increasing/decreasing said speed of said plate 204.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller via said imaging unit detects misbalancing of said plate 204, said microcontroller regulates working of said pivot joint 210 and electromagnets 209 for reducing said swinging speed of said plate 204, thereby preventing any chances of injury to said accommodated individual.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cushioned pad 203 is configured on said rod 201 and plate 204 for providing a comfortable seating experience to said individual while swinging from one frame to another.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is installed on said plate 204 to detect weight of said accommodated individual, and in case said detected weight exceeds a pre-defined threshold range, said microcontroller generates a wireless audio notification on a computing unit accessed by a concerned authority regarding said detected weight of accommodated individual.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hydraulic rod 201 is powered by a hydraulic unit that includes an oil compressor, oil cylinder, oil valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rod 201.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device that is utilized for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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