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Title:
APPARATUS WITH A CABLE-DRIVEN VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORTING A PERSON OR CARGO OVER AN OBSTACLE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/213926
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus for transporting a person or cargo includes a rigid member defining a transport path that has a pair of vertically extending portions, connected at their upper ends by a horizontally extending portions. A vehicle for carrying the person or cargo, is engaged with the at least one member and movable along the transport path. A first winch is provided for winding a first cable segment attached to the vehicle, whereupon the first cable segment pulls the vehicle in a forward direction along the transport path. A second winch is provided for winding a second cable segment attached to the vehicle, whereupon the second cable segment pulls the vehicle in a reverse direction along the transport path.

Inventors:
NAKHEI-NEJAD MOHAMMAD (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2018/050602
Publication Date:
November 29, 2018
Filing Date:
May 23, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
NAKHEI NEJAD MOHAMMAD (CA)
International Classes:
B61B9/00; B61B1/00; B61B3/00; B61B12/00; E01B25/14; E01B25/22
Domestic Patent References:
WO1999004875A11999-02-04
Foreign References:
US3786942A1974-01-22
US3627292A1971-12-14
US8147344B22012-04-03
US4378860A1983-04-05
US4170310A1979-10-09
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
YOO, Edward (CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for transporting a person or cargo, the apparatus comprising:

(a) at least one rigid member defining a transport path compri

(i) a first vertically extending portion;

(ϋ) a second vertically extending portion; and

(iii) a horizontally extending portion connecting an upper end of the first vertically extending portion to an upper end of the second vertically extending portion;

(b) a vehicle for carrying the person or cargo, wherein the vehicle is engaged with the at least one member and movable along the transport path;

(c) a first cable segment attached to the vehicle, and a first winch for winding the first cable segment, whereupon the first cable segment pulls the vehicle in a forward direction along the transport path; and

(d) a second cable segment attached to the vehicle, and a second winch for

winding the second cable segment, whereupon the second cable segment pulls the vehicle in a reverse direction along the transport path.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first counterweight engaged with the first cable segment to increase tension in the first cable segment and thereby assist the vehicle moving upwardly along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path, and resist the vehicle moving downwardly along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein:

(a) the first counterweight defines a first aperture sized to allow through passage of the first cable segment as the first winch winds or unwinds the first cable segment; and

(b) the first counterweight engages the first cable segment via a first obstruction larger than the first aperture, and attached to the first cable segment at a position between the first winch and the first counterweight such that the first counterweight engages the first cable segment only when the vehicle moves along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path.

The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a second counterweight engaged with the second cable segment to increase tension in the second cable segment and thereby assist moving the vehicle upwardly along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path, and resist the vehicle moving downwardly along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path.

The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

(a) the second counterweight defines a second aperture sized to allow through passage of the second cable segment as the second winch winds or unwinds the second cable segment; and

(b) the second counterweight engages the second cable segment via a second

obstruction larger than the second aperture, and attached to the second cable segment at a position between the second winch and the second counterweight such that the second counterweight engages the second cable segment only when the vehicle moves along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises:

(a) at least one wheel that rolls along the at least one member for moving the

vehicle along the transport path;

(b) an axle on which the at least one wheel is mounted; and

(c) a portion of the vehicle for carrying the person or cargo, wherein the portion of the vehicle is pivotally attached to the axle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein:

(a) the apparatus further comprises a guide track in fixed relation to the member; and

(b) the vehicle further comprises at least one wheel that rolls along the guide track; wherein the guide track is shaped to maintain the vehicle in a constant orientation as the at one wheel rolls along the guide track.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a single cable comprises the first cable segment and the second cable segment, and wherein the vehicle is attached to the single cable between the ends of the single cable.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising rollers attached to the at least one

member for guiding the first cable segment and the second cable segment.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transport path further comprises a first curved portion connecting the upper end of first vertically extending portion to the horizontally extending portion, and a second curved portion connecting the upper end of the second vertically extending portion to the horizontally extending portion.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one wheel that rolls along the at least one member for moving the vehicle along the transport path.

The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the member comprises a member having an I- shaped cross section comprising a flange, wherein the wheel rolls on the flange.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one member comprises a first member and a second member parallel to the first member, wherein the first member and the second member collectively define the transport path for the vehicle.

The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one member further comprises a third member parallel to the second member, wherein the second member and the third member collectively define a second transport path for a second vehicle.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a door for loading and unloading the person or cargo from the vehicle.

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first motor for actuating the first winch, and a second motor for actuating the second winch.

The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a first braking mechanism for controlling winding or unwinding of the first cable segment by the first winch, and a second braking mechanism for controlling winding or unwinding of the first cable segment by the second winch. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the braking mechanisms are powered by a battery, and the motors are powered by a power source other than the battery.

The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a switch mounted in the vehicle for controlling the braking mechanisms.

Description:
APPARATUS WITH A CABLE-DRIVEN VEHICLE

FOR TRANSPORTING A PERSON OR CARGO OVER AN OBSTACLE

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to transport apparatuses, including in particular transport apparatuses for transporting a person or cargo over and across a street, a roadway, or any other obstacle.

Background of the Invention

[0002] A conventional overpass for people to cross a roadway includes a pair of stairs, elevators or escalators on either side of the roadway, connected by a bridge spanning over the roadway. However, such an overpass may be time-consuming, expensive, and difficult to construct, especially in a crowded area. Also, such an overpass requires people to expend energy to walk up the stairs and across the bridge.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to apparatuses and related methods for transporting a person or cargo (e.g., vehicles, or other goods) over and across an obstacle (e.g., a street, a roadway, a railway, a river, or terrain with an elevation change such as a valley).

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention comprises an apparatus for transporting a person or cargo. The apparatus comprises at least one rigid member defining a transport path comprising: a first vertically extending portion; a second vertically extending portion; and a horizontally extending portion connecting an upper end of the first vertically extending portion to an upper end of the second vertically extending portion. The apparatus further comprises a vehicle for carrying the person or cargo, wherein the vehicle is engaged with the at least one member and movable along the transport path. The apparatus further comprises a first cable segment attached to the vehicle, and a first winch for winding the first cable segment, whereupon the first cable segment pulls the vehicle in a forward direction along the transport path. The apparatus further comprises a second cable segment attached to the vehicle, and a second winch for winding the second cable segment, whereupon the second cable segment pulls the vehicle in a reverse direction along the transport path.

[0005] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a first counterweight engaged with the first cable segment to increase tension in the first cable segment and thereby assist the vehicle moving upwardly along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path, and resist the vehicle moving downwardly along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path. The first counterweight may define a first aperture sized to allow through passage of the first cable segment as the first winch winds or unwinds the first cable segment. The first counterweight may engage the first cable segment via a first obstruction larger than the first aperture, and attached to the first cable segment at a position between the first winch and the first counterweight such that the first counterweight engages the first cable segment only when the vehicle moves along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path. The apparatus may further comprise a second counterweight engaged with the second cable segment to increase tension in the second cable segment and thereby assist moving the vehicle upwardly along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path, and resist the vehicle moving downwardly along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path. The second counterweight may define a second aperture sized to allow through passage of the second cable segment as the second winch winds or unwinds the second cable segment. The second counterweight may engage the second cable segment via a second obstruction larger than the second aperture, and attached to the second cable segment at a position between the second winch and the second counterweight such that the second counterweight engages the second cable segment only when the vehicle moves along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path.

[0006] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the vehicle comprises: at least one wheel that rolls along the at least one member for moving the vehicle along the transport path; an axle on which the at least one wheel is mounted; and a portion of the vehicle for carrying the person or cargo, wherein the portion of the vehicle is pivotally attached to the axle. The apparatus may further comprises a guide track in fixed relation to the member, and the vehicle may further comprise at least one wheel that rolls along the guide track, wherein the guide track is shaped to maintain the vehicle in a constant orientation as the at one wheel rolls along the guide track.

[0007] In one embodiment of the apparatus, a single cable comprises the first cable segment and the second cable segment, wherein the vehicle is attached to the single cable between the ends of the single cable.

[0008] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises rollers attached to the at least one member for guiding the first cable segment and the second cable segment.

[0009] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the transport path comprises a first curved portion connecting the upper end of first vertically extending portion to the horizontally extending portion, and a second curved portion connecting the upper end of the second vertically extending portion to the horizontally extending portion. [0010] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the vehicle comprises at least one wheel that rolls along the at least one member for moving the vehicle along the transport path. The member may comprise a member having an I-shaped cross section comprising a flange, wherein the wheel rolls on the flange.

[0011] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the at least one member comprises a first member and a second member parallel to the first member, wherein the first member and the second member collectively define the transport path for the vehicle. The at least one member may further comprises a third member parallel to the second member, wherein the second member and the third member collectively define a second transport path for a second vehicle.

[0012] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the vehicle comprises a door for loading and unloading the person or cargo from the vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a first motor for actuating the first winch, and a second motor for actuating the second winch. The apparatus may further comprising a first braking mechanism for controlling winding or unwinding of the first cable segment by the first winch, and a second braking mechanism for controlling winding or unwinding of the first cable segment by the second winch. The braking mechanisms may be powered by a battery, and the motors may be powered by a power source other than the battery. The battery allows the braking mechanism to remain functional even if the power source fails, such as in the event of an emergency. The apparatus may further comprise a switch mounted in the vehicle for controlling the braking mechanisms. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] In the drawings shown in the specification, like elements may be assigned like reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the emphasis instead placed upon the principles of the present invention. Additionally, each of the embodiments depicted are but one of a number of possible arrangements utilizing the fundamental concepts of the present invention.

[0015] Figurel shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention, when used to transport people over an obstacle in the form of a roadway.

[0016] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention, when used to transport an automobile over an obstacle in the form of a roadway. [0017] Figure 3 shows a transverse view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 4 shows a transverse view of another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention having two separate transport paths, each for a different vehicle.

[0019] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle having a cabin for holding passengers, in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle in relation to a member defining a transport path, in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle in relation to a pair of members defining a transport path, in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. [0022] Figure 8 shows an inner side view of an embodiment of a member defining a transport path, a guide track and a vehicle, in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a cable in the form of a belt having a rectangular cross-section, as may be used in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a cable in the form of a steel wire having a circular cross-section, in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first winch in relation to a first end of a member defining a transport path, a first cable segment in the form of a belt, and a counterweight, in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first winch in relation to a first end of a member defining a transport path, and a first cable segment in the form of a wire, and a counterweight, in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a counterweight, in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention, when the vehicle is at an initial position along the transport path.

[0029] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 14, when the vehicle is at an intermediate position along the transport path.

[0030] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 14, when the vehicle is at a final position along the transport path. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment

[0031] Overview. Figures 1 and 2 show perspective view of embodiments of the apparatus (20) of the present invention, when used for transporting people (Figure 1) and when used for transporting an automobile (Figure 2) over an obstacle in the form of a roadway (23). The invention is not limited by the nature of the person or cargo being transported, the presence of the obstacle, or the nature of the obstacle (if any). Figure 3 shows a transverse view of the embodiment of the apparatus (20) shown in Figure 1.

[0032] In these embodiments, the apparatus (20) generally includes a pair of rigid members (8a, 8b) that define a transport path. In this embodiment, the apparatus (20) also has an elevated pedestrian platform (21) connecting a pair of stairs (24a, 24b) at opposite ends of the apparatus (20). The transport path accommodates a vehicle (22), the motion of which is driven by a pair of cable segments, a pair of winches and associated motors, a pair counterweights, and additional components, all of which are described in further detail below.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a transverse view of another embodiment of the apparatus (20) of the present invention having three members (8a, 8b, 8c) defining two separate transport paths, each for a different vehicle (22). The following description of the parts of the apparatuses (20) in Figure 1 and 2 are applicable to each of the transport paths of the apparatus (20) shown in Figure 4.

[0034] Rigid member(s). The apparatus (20) includes at least one rigid member (8) that defines a transport path - that is, a path along with the vehicle (22) travels to transport the person or cargo carried by the vehicle (22). [0035] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus (20) has two members (8a, 8b) in parallel with each other to collectively define a transport path for one vehicle (22a, 22b). In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the apparatus (20) has three members (8a, 8b, 8c), with each of the peripheral members (8a and 8c) defining with the intermediate member (8b) a separate transport path for one of two vehicles (22a, 22b). In other embodiments (not shown), the transport path may be defined by a single member (8).

[0036] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the members (8) have an inverted U-shape that form a bridge over the roadway (23). The transport path has two vertically extending portions placed on opposite sides of the roadway (23), and an elevated horizontally extending portion that connects the upper ends of the vertically extending portions and spans over the roadway (23). In these embodiments, the upper ends of the vertically extending portions are connected to the horizontally extending portion by curved portions, which allow the vehicle (22) to transition gradually between the vertically and horizontally extending portions as the vehicle (22) travels along the member (8). In other embodiments (not shown), the members (8) may define transport paths of different shapes. [0037] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, and Figures 6 and 7, the members (8) are formed by structural steel members with I-shaped cross-sections - that is, a web spanning depth-wise and connected at each end to a web spanning width-wise. The use of members (8) having I-shaped cross-sections accommodates placement of the vehicle (22) and cables (13, 15), as described in further detail below. In other embodiments, the member (8) may have different configurations. [0038] Pedestrian platform and stairs. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the apparatus (20) includes one or more elevated pedestrian platforms (21) adjacent to the elevated horizontally extending portion of the transport path. The pedestrian platform (21) is connected to stairs (24a, 24b) at opposite ends of the apparatus (20). The pedestrian platform (21) and stairs (24a, 24b) allow persons to cross the roadway (23) by walking rather than by using the vehicle (22). In an emergency, they also serve as an evacuation route from the vehicle (22) to the ground level.

[0039] Vehicle. Each transport path is associated with a vehicle (22) that carries the person or cargo. The vehicle (22) is engaged with at least member (8) and moves along the transport path.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle (22) having a cabin (1) for holding passengers. The cabin (1) may have doors (not shown) for ingress and egress of passengers to and from the cabin (1). In other embodiments (not shown), the portion of the vehicle (22) that carries the person or cargo may have different forms, depending on the person or cargo to be transported. Figure 6 shows a side view of the vehicle (22) in relation to one of the members (8), and the cable segments (13a or 15a, and 13b or 15b). Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the vehicle (22) in relation to two members (8a, 8b).

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7, the vehicle (22) has two pairs of wheels (9), each of which are rotatably mounted a T-connection on either side of an axle (6). The wheels (9) roll along a flange of a different one of the members (8a, 8b) to move the vehicle (22) along the transport path. Arms (7) allow the cabin (1) to hang from and pivot about the axle (6) so that the cabin (1) maintains an upright orientation even when the vehicle (22) transitions between the horizontally extending portion and the vertically extending portions of the transport path.

[0042] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of a vehicle (22) in relation to the curved portion of a member (8b) where the transport path gradually transitions from the horizontally extending portion to one of the vertically extending portions. In this embodiment, the vehicle (22) has a pair of horizontally spaced apart upper wheels (30, 31), and a lower wheel (32) in addition to the wheels (9) as shown in Figure 5. A set of guide tracks (33, 34, 35) are provided in fixed relation to the member (8b). For example, the guide tracks (33, 34, 35) may be attached to the member (8b) or to the platform (21) (as shown in Figure 1). A similar set of wheels and guide tracks are provided in relation to the opposing member (8a). In this embodiment, the guide tracks include a curved upper track (33), a curved lower track (34), and a curved intermediate track (35). The intermediate track (35) converges at its upper end with the upper track (33), and converges at its lower end with the lower track (34). When the vehicle (22) travels along the horizontally extending portion of the member (8b), as shown in Figure 8, both of the upper wheels (30, 31) roll within the upper track (33), and the lower wheel (32) rolls within the lower track (34). As the vehicle (22) continues to move to the right in Figure 8, the first upper wheel (30) continues to roll along the upper track (33), while the second upper wheel (31) rolls along the intermediate track (35). The guide tracks (33, 34, 35) are shaped to maintain the vehicle (22) in a constant orientation and counteract any swaying motion of the vehicle (22) about the axle (6) (as shown in Figure 7), as the vehicle transitions between the horizontally extending portion and the vertically extending portions of the transport path. [0043] Cable segments. As used herein, the term "cable" refers to any type of member that is capable of transmitting a tension force, while being sufficiently flexible to be wound and unwound by a winch. As non-limiting embodiments, a "cable" may include a member conventionally referred to a cable, rope, wire, belt, and the like. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a cable in the form of a belt (13) having a rectangular cross-section. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a cable in the form of a steel wire (15) having a circular cross-section.

[0044] Each transport path is associated with a first cable segment (13a or 15a) and a second cable segment (13b or 15b). The first cable segment (13a or 15a) and the second cable segment (13a or 15a) are attached to the vehicle (22) so that movement of the cable segments is transmitted to the attached vehicle (22). [0045] In the embodiment as shown in Figures 6 and 7, a single cable (13 or 15) includes both the first cable segment (13a or 15a) and the second cable segment (13b or 15b). That is, the first cable segment (13a or 15a) and the second cable (13b or 15b) segment are continuous with each other, and the vehicle (22) is attached to the single cable (13 or 15) between its ends. In such embodiments, the "first cable segment" refers to that portion of the single cable that extends toward a first end of the single cable, while the "second cable segment" refers to that portion of the single cable that extends towards an opposite second end of the same single cable. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the single cable is attached to the vehicle (22) by a fastener that cinches the cable to the axle (6) of the vehicle (22) so as to prevent relative movement between the cable and the vehicle (22). In other embodiments (not shown), the "first cable segment" and the "second cable segment" may be physically discrete from each other. That is, an end of the first cable segment is attached to the vehicle (22), while an end of the second cable segment is attached to the vehicle (22).

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cable (13 or 15) is positioned in the space defined by web and flange of the member (8). Further, rollers (16) are attached to the web of the member (8) to guide the cable (13 or 15), and to avoid friction between the cable (13 or 15) and the member (8), particularly where the member (8) transitions between the horizontally extending portion and the vertically extending portions.

[0047] Winches, motors and braking mechanisms. Each transport path is associated with a first winch (10a) that winds and unwinds the first cable segment, and a second winch (10b) that winds and unwinds the second cable segment. [0048] Figures 11 and 12 show perspective views of embodiments of a first winch (10a) in relation to a first end of the members (8a, 8b), and the first cable segment in a form of a belt (13) and a wire (15), respectively. A second winch (10b) is likewise positioned at the opposite second of the members (8a, 8b) in relation to the second cable segment.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, each winch (10a, 10b) comprises two drums (one for each of a pair of cables) connected together by an axle (11). The first winch (10a, 10b) is associated with a motor (4) that actuates the first winch (10a) and a braking mechanism to slow or stop the rotation of the first winch (10a). Likewise, second winch (10b) is associated with a motor (5) that actuates the second winch (10b) (as shown in Figures 13 to 15) and a braking mechanism to slow or stop the rotation of the second winch (10b). In the embodiment, the motors (4, 5) are powered by a power source installed at the ground level, while the braking mechanism is powered by a separate power source, such as a battery, and controlled by a switch installed in the cabin (1) of the vehicle (22). In embodiments, the motors (4, 5) and the braking mechanism may be electromechanically actuated. In other embodiments, the motors (4, 5) and the braking mechanism may be hydraulically actuated, pneumatically actuated, or actuated by other mechanisms.

[0050] Counterweights. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, the first cable segments (13 or 15) are associated with a counterweight (2). Likewise, the second cable segments on the opposite end of the member (8a, 8b) are associated with a second counterweight (3) (as shown in Figures 13 to 15). The counterweights (2, 3) move along a vertically extending portion of the transport path to increase tension in the cable segments, and thereby assist moving the vehicle (22) upwardly along another vertically extending portion of the transport path, or resist the vehicle (22) moving along the other vertically extending portion of the transport path.

[0051] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the counterweight (2) shown in Figure 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the counterweight (2) has attached rollers (12a, 12b) that roll along the flanges of the I-shaped cross-section of the members (8a, 8b), thus allowing the counterweight (2) to move translationally along the transport path.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the counterweight (2) define apertures (17a, 17b). The apertures (17a, 17b) are sufficiently large to allow through passage of the cable (13 or 15), but sufficiently small to prevent passage of an obstruction (14) (see Figures 10 and 11) attached to the cable (13 or 15). Accordingly, once the cable (13 or 15) moves the obstruction (14) into engagement with the counterweight (2), the cable (13 or 15) and the counterweight (2) will move in unison. In the embodiment, the obstruction (14) is positioned on the cable (13 or 15) between the winch (10) and the counterweight (2) so that the obstruction (14) engages the counterweight (2) only when the vehicle (22) ascends one of the vertically extending portions of the transport path, as explained in further detail below.

[0053] Use and operation. Figures 14, 15, and 16 show successive stages in the use and operation of the embodiment of the apparatus (20) as described above. In these Figures, the members (8), the pedestrian platform (21) and stairs (24a, 24b) have been omitted for clarity. For convenient discussion, paired parts of the apparatus (20) will be nominally designated as being "first" or "second" to refer to parts on the left side and right side, respectively, of Figures 14, 15, and 16.

[0054] Figure 14 shows an initial stage in the use of the apparatus (20). The vehicle (22) is at ground level on the second vertically extending portion of the transport path so that passengers can board the vehicle (22). The first cable segment (13a or 15a) is fully unwound from the first winch (10). The first counterweight (2) is elevated along a first vertically extending portion of the transport path. Further, the first counterweight (2) engages the first obstruction (14) to increase the tension in the first cable segment (13a or 15a) beyond the tension induced by winding by the first winch (10a) so as to assist in the lifting of the vehicle (22) along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path. The second counterweight (3) is at ground level and does not engage the second obstruction (14), which is attached to a portion of the second cable segment (13b or 15b) still wound on the second winch (10).

[0055] Figure 15 shows an intermediate stage in the use of the apparatus (20). By the first winch (10a) winding part of the first cable segment (13a or 15a), and the second winch (10b) unwinding part of the second cable segment (13b or 15b), the vehicle (22) advances towards the horizontally extending portion of the transport path. The first counterweight (2) advances to the ground level, and no longer engages the first obstruction (14), which is attached to a portion of the first cable segment wound on the first winch (10a). Accordingly, the first cable segment (13a or 15a) freely passes through the aperture (17) of the first counterweight (2) as the first winch (10a) continues to wind the first cable segment (13a or 15a). [0056] Figure 16 shows a third stage in the use of the apparatus (20). By the first winch (10a) continuing to wind the first cable segment (13a or 15a), and the second winch (10b) unwinding the second cable segment (13b or 15b), the vehicle (22) advances further along towards ground level of the first vertically extending portion of the transport path. Upon further unwinding, the second cable segment (13b or 15b) passes through the aperture (17) of the second counterweight (3) until the second obstruction (14) engages the second counterweight (3), whereupon the second cable segment (13b or 15b) elevates the second counterweight (3) along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path. In so doing, the second counterweight (3) resists, and thus helps to control, the descent of the vehicle (22) along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path. [0057] At the conclusion of the third stage in the use of the apparatus (20), the vehicle (22) may be moved in a reverse direction along the transport path by the first winch (10a) unwinding the first cable segment (13a or 15a), and the second winch (10b) winding the second cable segment (13b or 15b). The second counterweight (3) is elevated along the second vertically extending portion of the transport path to assist in lifting the vehicle (22) along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path, when the vehicle (22) reverses direction along the transport path. [0058] In an emergency (e.g., loss of power to the motors (4) that drive the winches (10)), passengers onboard the vehicle (22) may activate a switch in the cabin (1) of the vehicle (22) so that the battery powers the braking mechanism to stop the vehicle (22) on the transport path. If the weight of the vehicle (22) and its passengers is less than the weight of the first counterweight (2) or the second counterweight (3), the vehicle (22) will move towards and come to rest on the horizontally extending portion of the transport path, as shown in Figure 15. The passengers can then disembark form the vehicle (22) onto the adjacent pedestrian path, and use the stairs (24) to return to ground level. Conversely, if the combined weight of the vehicle (22) and its passengers exceeds the weight of the second counterweight (3), the vehicle (22) will land at ground level along the first vertically extending portion of the transport path as shown in Figure 16.

[0059] Interpretation. References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the specification. Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect or connect such module, aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any module, element or feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different embodiments, unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility, or it is specifically excluded. [0060] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use of exclusive terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the recitation of claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms "preferably," "preferred," "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

[0061] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated. The phrase "one or more" is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly when read in context of its usage. [0062] The term "about" can refer to a variation of ± 5%, ± 10%, ± 20%, or ± 25% of the value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry a variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can include one or two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of the range. Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and ranges proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the functionality of the composition, or the embodiment.

[0063] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges recited herein also encompass any and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as the individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. A recited range includes each specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.

[0064] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such as "up to", "at least", "greater than", "less than", "more than", "or more", and the like, include the number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken down into sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein also include all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio.