Abstract

A towing system comprises towers arranged relative to a skiing surface; a pulley on each tower; and a motor effecting rotation of at least one pulley. A cable passes along the pulleys and forms a closed loop between the towers. A towing element is coupled to the cable for towing a user along the skiing surface. The towing system features a rigid member extending along its axis from a tower to a support surface spaced from the tower so as to form an angle with the support surface thereby holding the tower upright. The rigid member is arranged to have tension therein along its axis at the angle with an adjustable length along the axis for tensioning the cable. Also, the rigid member is substantially rigid when its adjustable length is set so as to resist movement of the tower from its set working position. Furthermore, the towing system features a measuring device arranged to measure tensile force in a tensioned member of the towing system for determining tension in the cable.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61B 12/00 - Component parts, details, or accessories for rope railways or power-and-free systems not provided for in groups
• B61B 11/00 - Ski-lift, sleigh-lift or like trackless systems with guided towing cables only
• A63C 11/10 - Apparatus for towing

Abstract

A towing system comprises towers arranged relative to a skiing surface; a pulley on each tower; and a motor effecting rotation of at least one pulley. A cable passes along the pulleys and forms a closed loop between the towers. A towing element is coupled to the cable for towing a user along the skiing surface. The system features a number of innovations. A rigid member is arranged to hold a tower upright and has tension therein for tensioning the cable. A support assembly supporting the pulley is arranged for pivotal motion relative to the tower for adjusting a plane within which the pulley rotates. Guide rollers properly guide the cable over each pulley. The pulley comprises angular track portions which are removable independent of one another. Panels partially enclosing the support assembly are movable into a position to define a platform for supporting objects and people thereon during maintenance.

IPC Classes  ?

• B61B 11/00 - Ski-lift, sleigh-lift or like trackless systems with guided towing cables only
• A63C 11/00 - Accessories for skiing or snowboarding