Title of Invention	TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Abstract	The present invention relates to an improved transportation system which includes a plurality of upright supports (1) which elevate at least one track (2). A plurality of cabs (3) are adapted to move along the track or tracks (2) provided where the cabs (3) suspended from a track (2) so that the centre of mass of the cabs (3) is located below the track (2). A single track (2) provides a pair of rail elements on opposite sides of the track (2) where the first rail element is adapted to support cabs (3) moving in substantially the opposite direction to cabs (3) supported by the second rail element of the same track (2).

Title of Invention

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved transportation system which includes a plurality of upright supports (1) which elevate at least one track (2). A plurality of cabs (3) are adapted to move along the track or tracks (2) provided where the cabs (3) suspended from a track (2) so that the centre of mass of the cabs (3) is located below the track (2). A single track (2) provides a pair of rail elements on opposite sides of the track (2) where the first rail element is adapted to support cabs (3) moving in substantially the opposite direction to cabs (3) supported by the second rail element of the same track (2).

Full Text	WB inventioD relates to improvements to or associatftd with traii8].)i3rtation systems- Specifically ie'prof3ent invfttttioa may be adapted to provide a public transporUilion system vvhioh cm be [jjjplen'Lonled or inslatled in a Icirge range of locations, wWch is cost effeclivo to imptenient, and vhlch ciaa run or semce low volumes of jpassengor number?; If requirc4. leiference tlu^oughout this specificatiOE will also be uiadev to tbe present, invention being used in lie transportation of paisejigers, but those skilled in tiae art f^boald appreciate that .other ?ipplicatioas or cargoes are envisioned and reference to the above only throughout this spftcificiatioc should in no way be seen as liinitiiag. g4CyCfi)R;0TJNi) APT Public transport systems are promotc^d in most mfjjor cities to reduce road congestion and ihe poUutic>u problems causeclby high levels of road vehiok ti.se. ID Som^i instance ro?/d buses axo promoted s£ m alterriative to the public using their own cars for txajtisport within a city. However, buses are relatively largi^ vc^hicles and not very cost efflcient if there ate only a small nucaber of passengers who are prepaiai to use the bus service. Buses are jdsb slow compared to private cavs and are vulnerable to delays caused by toad congestion problems* Buses will still contribute to the air and roise pollution j)roblems faa?d by most cities. One otlier type of public or passenger transportation pystem pioposed for intra-city travel is traiw: md rail networks. However, knovm types of i^ net\v'orks also have a wmber of disadvantages associated with their use, A nail network must use large are^i!^ of land in central locations m well as expensive locomotives md cturiages Ui transport passengers. These two factoii> combined make the confttrucUon, tniji^lementation and raaintenanc?e of a r^ net^'ork an oxp^^nsive proposition. Purthcnnore, large scale rail notworlcs are also limited in the areas of a city In wliich they can transport passengcf^. It nsiay l>e difficult for tlie builders of a r$il nfi^lwork to sei:;ure all the land thev reuuixe to extend 5(vi'ori(J8 out to all dftstinadons of iutewist to the ncti?.'pi:k's passengers, line liigh capital costs jsociatcd with bunding such a network imay also limit tine siz '■ ' . •. ■ 'i ! i ■ ' !' t-l5t»ilt for avaUable funds. ' ' ' ' ' I )^ratc>rs of passenger rail sers'iccs require high nimi\)eip oi volumes of passengor$ to uao tiiek crvicft to be commercially viable. If only a sninU uurnbcr of passengers wish to travel on a iiigl«> ixaiu at one time this wai create slfiniGcdnt oporational costs for tlic service operator. Due o':thesc conceins there h potential for rail network operators (o rei;trict or limit the number of r4ills available to passengers in an attempt to reduce opcfatioiial (X)sts and to boost passenger ■ ! I lulmbei's oa ^cU train. This howevw has the effect of reducing tbt^ convenience of the service 1 ■ of pasiieagers, who become more liJiely to i^ort lo using their own cars for trai;jsporl;atioa. i kp improved trauijiortaljon system that ad dross wl any oji all of the above problems would be of i^ and which could be inipbaicnted or built at low cost would be of advantage. t , It is m object of tiie present invention to address the foregoing pj.'ubJcmf. or at IC'ast to provide the pi]\|blic with a xi^tM choii::e. 3?iirthcr aspftctfl and advantages of the present inventJon will become apparent from the ensuing ddsCTiption that is giveo by way of example only. D]^aX)STjRE OF INVENTION Accorclmg to one aspect of the present invention theie is provided a transportation system which inoludos, a i^lurality of substantially upright supports, and at\| l&WL^i one track elevated by seiid supports* ftud ' ' ■ ■ ' ; ■ ' ': ; I ' '. 1,1 I ' a^luTfilily of cabs adapted to move along said at lea£;t one track, said cabs being suspendM feom a jtraek. so that the centrei of juiuss of said cabs is located fselow the track. (loreiii said «t least one track is formed from a fti;si rail clement md a second rail elcrtient ieatatcd in subfitantially the same directions, Ihc fii^i W element beiny used to support at least ic Ciib moving in substantially the opposite dirc^iioti to at least one second cab supponed by le second rail eleinenih- kCCording to a further aspect of tiie present invention there is piovided a ttwisportation sysiftin ubstantiaUy as described above wherein one side of a cab is linl:,e^ to a track to locate the cab's cntie of oass below thft track Recording to yei another aspect of the present uivenlion there h provided a txaflsportaijOD system lUbstantially as described above wherein the eatiie body of the cab is suspended below the tiacL to?ording to a fuither tispect of the present iavexition there is provided ft transportation system stibstantially as d^5cribed above wheiein each cab includes seating fox ten or less passengers. Airrnriinfi; to aoothof axipe^t ^€ tiiv ^av/^ai mvowiiuu dicie k. ]jr(jviaea a transportation system substaatially as described above which includcE a ssvitcaing i^ystcm adapted to move a cab iiom a track.'8 rail element to m adjacent track's rail element through pivoting a portion of the tail element on which the cab if> movixig towards a rail elemonl of the track to which the cab is to be switched* According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a transportation system substantially as described above wherein the drive system includes a bia^^ing means adapted to move the cenfro of ma5s of the c^h towards tlio track oatci which it is to be switched beforo the rail ol«^ment on which the cab is moving is pivoted towards the adjacent track onto which the cab is to bi^ svntchedi AtJOording to a fmiher tispect of the present iuventiion tl3ere is provided a biasing means for a tr$ii&portadon system subfitantiaily as described above wherein the biasing means includeis a hydiaiilic or pae\unatic ram. iiscbrding to a further aspect of the i^iescul inventiou, mere is proviaeu a tmasportation system 'hicli includfts a control 4y$t&m for a c(ib\ the control system baing adapted to reooive csthiation mformation fxom a user a^id to use tlus deiitiuation informatioa to contiol the route i^hicli th© cab travels along the transportation system, According to a farther a.s])ect of the pteent itwention there IK provident a cransportntion system tuhetjmtxally as described above wherein the control system for n cab includes a currency transfer ;^leme'iit. i : I i ■ > The present invention may be adapted to provide a traiisportation system. Preferably a traasportation system implemented in accordance with the present invention may be used to ttansport passengr.rs or to provide a public passenger trausjxjrtation system, The present ttivoivion may provide sigiiifjcaat advantages in tiiis i^)plication over the prior art due to its ^Uity to satisty passengers needs for a thnely aiid oonvenieut transpoitation service^ ilefen;nce throughout ttiis speclflcatioa will also be made to the present- inveution being used te provide a passenger transportation system bur those skilled in the art should appreciate that other aj^piications are also envisioned, l^orexamplc, it is Also possible for the present invention to be ujsed 1:0 tnm(s;poTt goodf; if required and reference to the transportation of passenger^i only Uiroughout this specification should in no way be i>een as Jindting, la a preferred embodiment the presect bvention indudes a plurality of upright supporti, The^e suppoit» may be used to elevate otlie-r components; of the traiis]X)rtation system and also to suppoit these components and place them out of the "v^^ay of any obstacles that might be euqouiUered at lower elevations* Using upright supports to elevate otiier componenta of the systeiEi also reduces the system's 'kotpnnH" or the a^nount of land actually taken up through iulpletaotttatlon of the present inventiou* Prefembly the upright supports employed are arranged in a lougitudinal array along the length of the tta^^k to be supported. ■ ! jpii^fonibly a sbgle upright support only is used to support one point of the traek. •xtferably the upric^t wtpixjrte used mi^y be oriental^ substautially p&rpendiculw to lii© surface \n wbicli they aie installed. Odentatio^ of the" supports litis way imxhiiises the height at wljdob he miiin components of tlds system may be elevated to. However, those skiljed in ttie art shp\ild ipprcoiate that upright supports used ^^ tonjuncdou with the present invention need \V^ [ jecesr.arily be angled cxdctly perpenidicular to a surface wWch is used to support them, iand referecice to thc!^ above only thxoiighout this specification should m no wa^^ b« sfieu as lijiaalting. In a pr&ferxed embodimftnt Die transportatioa system includc-s a plurality of oabs. A cab nmy be dofmcd as any svt IfiiSi partially endbsed compartment ttat is adapttid to carry or transport pass&tigfers Rnd/or good^;. Tha present invention may be adapted lo transport a pluraUiy of cabs aad h(Hicc passengers or goods residing within the cabs. In a preferred wnbodbnent a cab may form a Mly enclosed cabin. Such n cab may also iiiQlude seating for a small numl^e^ of people. This in turn allowiS the. size of the cabs us«>d to bo reduced, thereby limiting the capital costs required to impl,cment the present invention and also the aesthetic or visual impajca tlifr system will have on its suxj'oundings. In a f\u-tl]cr preferred embodiment s cab may be confij^iued to contain seating, for ten or less peoplci, and preferably nriay contain seating for ei^^^t passengers only. By reducing the ttumber of passengers that can ba liansported by a cab this makes it easier for the cab to be filled at »ny time. Furthermore, the provision of small cabs also allows the fxequency at wbich cabs ti-avel a partlctUar section of the transportation system to he vaiied easily. In times of peek passeitger trafilc large numbers of cabs may bo shuttled tfarougli a particulai art»a, whereas in off-pealf. times the number of cabs passing through may be reduced. In a preferred embodiment the present invej;^49aaia,V iric'ludft af \Ci\t\\ m\^ trarV thst ir AUTrrit«d by ; ■ i' , ■ / :v, ■ 1 ' I the stibstantially upright supports discussed above. A track tmy be proyided to guide end coDtrcl the motions and paflis of cabs through the transportation systeni formed in accordance with tie present invention. Furthetmoice, a trmisportatioD system formed in accordance wilJi the pr»ser:vt invention may also include a plw^ty of tracks &at aBow oabs contalnitig passengds to ■,l i . ■ 1> travel lo many different dwjthiations. Switching sysmmis may IKV provided between faracjcs v^en '■^ . ' : 1 ■ ■ 'if II , ■ ' I ■ [ftcctnt to one anothM to allow cabs to W switched l^Qtwecn tracks to liie^foxe provide sonie rlatiion in potential routes that a slngl^ cab cSn take pfl the transportation systom. ,1 'i ■ a preferred ©mbodimmu tJ^ft ptMcnt Ittvontion may be cottfigmed with 9. nujnber of trecks aere each of tliese trocks arc supported or ebvaied by a plurality of substantially upright ipports. Reference throughout this specification wit aJso be made to the present invention -oUiding a plurality of tracks, but thoSe skilled in the art should appreciate that the invention Lay le configured using a single track If required, Foi example, in such an embodiment the resort invention may be implemented using a single track that luns in a loop or circuU. i a pceferrc By providing tNVo rail elements on either side of the sajiae track tliis will substantially increase the fle:dbUJLty of the tranispottation ey-Sitam with legurd. to the routes that cabs can take along tiic system, and will also substantially hicrease numbers of cabs and volumes of passengers which die aystem can transj^ort at any one time, In a pn^ferred embodiificnt a track may be formed from a ceulTal body poxtion with two pairs of side arms projectiiiE from the body portion to fonn th'^ first and second rdil elements. This design of track provides this component with a linuted or compact width, thereby reducing the envixomaental and aesthetic impact of the system on its surrounding environiiient. Ti^ palts of projecting side arms extending from ihe central bended & fiorttier preferred embodiment onC side of a cab only may be linked to a track to locate the ib's centre of mass below the track. This offset connection scheme for a c4b again assures, that e cab is suspended ftom a track m6 limits th^^ v/idtji or extent of the system and hence its apa;jt on the flurrouBding esnvironment reibrably a track may f:>e linked to a tab thjough a. diiv& system employcjd to pull or push,the ab along the tracks. In such embodiments a strvctuiBl beam or membftt may be mounted on one tde Or edge of a cab with drive system componenli; connft^^ted to Uiis beam, which are in turn onnecited to the track to si^spend the cab from the tnick. D a pxefftrred embodiment cabs supported by a (rack, are euspeuded from the track when mi use. iuspeiiding cabs from m elevated track wiU still elevate each cab abovo the ground but will esitrict the total height of the transportatiou system md the total volume of space (hat it >coupiy eabs. Furthermore, by where possible reducing tlae volume of" space occupied by tjie xansportation system this agab limits the visual inip^ict the system will have on its suixoundings when hisfcalled These coiisiderations are important when the trtmsportation ^ystem is to be mn Lhrougb or installe^i withb an wdsting suburban envlronmeuv where householdere may feel sensitive to their living space being dominated or overshadowed by the elevated track and cabs. In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include a contiol systetri for a cab, where such a csontrol Byetem may be adapted to control the routo or path which the cab take?; along the ttanspoitation system. Such a control system may be unijommunication withother components of the transportation system such as switching systems or elements which are used to move a cab from one track onto an adjacent track to change the pa^ih or the route to be take^i by the cabr I la 6 pr^fenfcd cmbodimftnt a contioV sysiem may \>o adapted to receive cesuuaaoix injotcftation irotti a user. Destmatioa lafocouaioiji may cotisist of a pajiticular street a^fJJV^ss v;hich the iigor wisli&s t.o travel to, a specific roui& to be travellai or a general locality of suburb that th» ussur Wisbes to travel without being specific about a particiilai delivery poiul or localioE. Destination mfo:in.ation may also encompass the user indicating 'the route that tbe-y wish a oab to lals:e to a destination. Such information may be supplied lo tin? coniioi $y^mx using any tj'pa of Isnowu tediiologN* such as for example, computerised keyfjads. toitc^h screens, or voice tecognitbn sysUmSt Thft destirdUon iiicformatioii supplied lo the c-^utiol sy,svcm may bt? used to pilot tho oab aim? a predetermiDWl route to the destination or along a loute indicated by the user. A control system as discussed above may be implemeutod through provision of uny type of digital processixig system that h capable of cotamuoioatiug with imd issuing commands to other elements of the iransportadou system. For exaiiipk., in a preferied embodiniotit the oontj^ol system is adapted to transmit conuol signals to at lee^t one switohing system to movft the ci\^ &om one iraok to an adjacent track. Tliose sldlled In the art should appieoiate that existing information technology systeijis and computer basted t^btiology may be used to implfcmeiit thiis aspG 7hs4'ii ftSiat'ures of a CDntrol system fiubstantially increase tl^e flexibility of the traospottation systeoi and itfi ability to dx>liver pajjsengers to panicu^lar or selopcted destinations." Through the ) control systems linlcs with switching felements or systems it may navigate a path from liie cab's present location \x> t]>& destiiiaiioa indicated by the user. This may be contrastod with tiie existing public triujsportation systems such as buses or tjuins that follow a rout& that oannot be? varied depending on the passengers requirements. In a. l\irther pxeferred embodin^tent such a control systeaii for a cab mfiy also include a cuRtency "' ' ■ ■ ■ ' ! , tmwfor elements A cuirency transfer dement may be uscwi to electionically transfer fuuds from a passenger to a currency account associated with a person or organisation oporaling the trauiijiortation system Preferably sucli a currency transfer element may b^ Implemented'losing kno^wn existing technology euch a& ElHrPOS or credit card systenas or alternatively ttl^ d^&iiwot a 1 , : \{ it'tuiTCncy value from a credit acdiuiit hold by the pass&nger witti the operator of ihc ralifiportatioii system. Such a currency traiisfot clcojcut way gcMtly Inti'case th«* oonveuienc^ of h6 traasportation system for passengops. fts ti^oy do not nu'4 to caoy colas or notes, or sapply iXftotly tl.\e correct change for a fare. j I ■ : 'il'.' ■ i ■ ! i ' ■ ■I ■ ! i' ' ^refoKibly the plurality of upright supports uscxi miiy perfonn edditional fuuctioD& otlior than jiist lie Support of tracks used by the txanspprtatio-a system^ These upright supports may also be u^ed Lo elevflte axid support oilier non-transpbrt related systecis or articles^ such as for example stxcet lightmg systems or power or telw^ommunications cables. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the system oJ' uprights may provide ti basic network of support structures which can be used to also support and elevate other non-traiisptut related compoaeAts if requiied* lu prel'erred embodiment the upright supports used may also iuclude oae or more receptsiales I' iie'.ar the base or the bottom of the support. These receptacles may preferably be used to coutAiii soil ajid to provide coutainers for plants to landiicape the area immediately sunt>undiB^ a ■1 support. Plantings may be provid&d within such w)ulainRrs to soften the visual impact of the suppoit^, ot to disguise or hide the supports. Furthermore, the-^e rDceiJlaeles cAn also form ^ protec'Svc crash barrier for the support involved. Containers filled with earth and platings can create a buffer layer around the base of the suppc^rl, n^incing th& chances of the i^upport being damaged If it is hit by a vehicle it u road crasli. ID a preferred cmbadimeat a cab may include a. drive sj^tem which is adapted to puU or pnsb PI cab along a ndl element- t^ferably such a drive system may be powered by electrical energy. In such iostances the electrical energy used may be supplied by a live wire pickup cable located wittiin or adjacent to the rail element pn which ttie cab is travelling, In m&h inBlanoevs eiectric motor-t may be used to drive the motiipu of a cab, ^t^duci^g tiie i)otontial for a cab to generate npiee whan in operation. i i. ■ ., . '..■,. ■ ■ ■ , i : '■;■ Preferably tbnough tlie u/se of live wire picloip systemfi and electric driving motors tiie majority of the nolee generated tbrcugh the ^potion of a cab may l>e i^oxiiwd from physical contact bcjtwean driving elements of tiie cab at]id a rail elemout of the tiaok. lliiK feature of the invepjtion lay Induce the impact the transportation system Will have on its cnviromnent during its pieralion. By limitang tlie amount of lioise prt)duccd by a moving cab this will go some waly to nduciiug the reluctance of residents withlt\ «i paiticuliu- ar "^ ' ; ;■.■■■■■ Z'y iiimijig through same;. Piwllie^more, if cabs can travel relatively quietly it is possible for the r46sE>ortation system to operate late! at night without complaints from residents within; the ujTouuding area, rhe use of a live wire piciiup power supply eliminates the need for a cai) to cany its own supply )f fuel As the live wire pickup used is ckvaled ^well off the ground this also reduces safety ;)roblftros associated with providiQg uninsulated high voltage power line wifes. hx additioij, the use of elccU'ical driving, motors instead of internal combustion eagineisi eUminales air pollution :^ncems associated with oiseration of the txansportation system* in a p;':efen:ed embodiment a drive system may be composed of or formed from at least one drive catria^fc. One, two or possibly more carriages may be employed in the drive eysteni to link the cab to the track. In a imltier preferred embodmxent i4ie present inventiion may t^e implemented using a drive systcra formed from tv/o sepiar v ■■;.,' The u se of t^'o carriages provides tu'o Suspensions points for a cat» on the traclw When the cab is switched on to another track the first of these catri^ges mov^h the front portion of the cab towaids the new track a shoit diFtance before Uie secoT»d carriage reaches the switching syi^tem used. This promotes a, gradual change in momentum aad hi the ! ■ ' ' ' . lu a preforred embodiment a drive c^age may include a plurality' of v^rtilcdl gwide wbwls wbicfc in use engage witli a side or sidw of a track element. Such guide wheels may be provided > stabilise the motion of the. caJ> in a boriaontal plane th^rciugh cngaeomcm of guide whoels with side or Sides of a trade dcmftnL ' j r'.; ■ ' .■■■.■, ^ .■:■!■ ■ i ■ ■ -, '■■ n A Iftirther preferred embodiment the a drive cattiage may include a drive wbttel aiid a pressure : ;■; . ■■::■ . i' . _ i , ■■ ^ ■ ii vhefel v^hich in use are placed in contact witli the upp^x wid lower surfaces of the track element, • i \.i '■ ' I ■■■.■■■ ■ ■ !'i- LTie driN'd wheel may be rotated by the,s)'£tem l& providpiiie m,otive power used to pull or puaih he cab along the Ireek element, while the pressure v/bcd located on the opposite side of the ' ■ ! ' . ' lack element c-em provide a vertical stabilisation element to the c£.b. Ti.K>sft skilled in the art should ;ilso appreciate that the drive Avheel maj' be loc;ated above the track element Mid \|:a pressure wheel below, ot alternativoly the pressure ^heel may be located above the track element and the ID a preferred embodixnsnt a drive carriage includes a centra] bm wlUi (he ewtiage l:>ei3ig comiect In a preferred embodiment a drive carriage may be formed from or incorporate a central bar which h.[ifii sets of vertical guide wheels and pressure v/het;ls located at either end of such a bar. I One drive wheel mny \K^ located at one end of tlie centr^J bar, or alternatively a pair of guide wheels may bi? provided with one at each end of the bar. lids configuration of the drive oaixi^ge ^ ' i ; again promotes the smooth switching of a cab to an adjaoent track. The displaoement between i ■ ■ '■ ■ the contact points of carriage to the track provides a grsidud change in direction of Tnomcnttixn of the cab over the length of the carriages central bar as the carriage is sv,itched onto an adjacent track, : ,; 'D In a preferred embodiment the drive system may also include a biasing means whioli is adapted 10 move the centre trm^ of tiK cab towfic:ds the track ontp which it is to be sv^itched before tfce ' ■ ! ' ■' i cab is actually switched over. Such a biasmg means may be piovidod lo allow amooth transiticiis for passengers during switching as the moitiienVum of the cub changes. Such a biasing means laay also allow cabs to be switched smoothly aiicj at hi&h speeds* ^ati5 or to extend its width to pn^h the fcab out iifrom tlio rail element from which \|lt Is I ■' : ■ : ■ -i ■ ■ ■ ■ ; ! ' . 1 . : : :■■■ '^' impended. . ,1 , , '^ I '!' !■■; ■ :: ■'■■'■ , ■ ^' ■■. ■ ' 1 a further embodiment a biasing means for a drive isystem nj^ay be located between comix>nents f a drive Bystem for the cab littkcd to a rail clement, md a Unking connWJtor connected bet^\|veen tie dxivft system compojients and the c^, where this Imkmg connector is piyotably connected to he drive system components. In such an embodim«pt c^xiension of the biasmg means will pivot he m:ain body of the cab out away from the drive system via the linking connector and diei^fore }iv6t ;he cab's centre of mass out and away fiom the mH element on which the cab Is suspended before the cab is switched on to an adjacent tmck. tti a pjeferred embodiment a biasing means may be formed from or incorporates a hydraulic ram as the extendible element required. The driving shaft cri' such a ram can be flushed out or ptiUed mwards to apply the biaising force required to the cab during switc:lihig, hi a f refen'ed embodiment ifae present invention may include a switching system which is adapted to move a cab from one-track rail element to sin adjacent tracks rftil filr^mwt. Such a switching system may be adapted to varj^ the j?otential routes that a cab may travel over the transportation system. A switching system may be located at each point along the track network of the transportation system where adjacent track,? come in ciose proximitj'i to or mtersect with one another. ThiK providt^ great flexibility in the operation of the tra^ispprtaUon system- In some embodmiemts cabs may sknply run along a set route within a tiaclf network of the transportatlojj system, whereas in other instanoe^ passengers may provide ii;istiiictious or de$tinntioi\|i hifonpaation to tiie compo:aent6 of the cab to indicate where they wish to travel, m^ from this information the cab ■ ■ '{ I ; ' may {K> txanttfcired through the use of Bwitchhig systenx^j to the tracks which will lead to the 1 ■'" ■, ' ■ I'. I ■ I I pasbwijjer selected destination. In a preferred ejribodimeut the switching system may bead^ipted to pivot a setotion or oompoi;^Bnt of a track's tftU element towards or into contact with the rail elemeut of an adjacent traoJc Hae Ill a fiirthof pitsfem^ embodimstit a switching system may include at ha^l one drive CQKipo)ticnt which is adapted to pmh one end of a seciioi3 of lail ^leoieat outwards towarfiB aa adjacent track ," ■ ' ■ ' ■ ■ i' I ' '. I and also pull the same section of rail eliment away from said ad(jacent track. .■'■■. ■ ' ' Foir example, in DDC Instance such a diiving oomponciit m&y consist of or iaclude a plurality of panels that are pivotably attached to one another at t^eit adjacent odges. On ■ ' ' I, may also be attached to a panel or panels where this ddve rod or jodi; axe adapted to pnshithe pivotably attached paneb so tliat the)' Will lie substsmtiiLlly in the same plane. Such a drive rod or rods may also be us«l to puU the panels so they wiU lie substantially paxailel to one aootiier. These panels and drive rod ot rods may be located Ir^etv^^een the interior side of a section of \|-dl element to be pivoted outwards and tiie main body of the track at the paitieular poitit on the netwoilc A drive rod used may be- act-uated to push the pivotably ooiinec^ied panels into the sajne plfltae which will thereby place a pivoting force- on one point of the inner face of the section of rail element involved. This pivoting force will pivot the end of tli^ lall element section outwards diereb;/ switching a cab onto an adjacent tracL Onoc the cab has been switched the drive rod or rods may then be pulled bajckwatds to puU all the panels so that they will lie substantially parallel with o:ie another to compact up into a small volume^ liet^veen ftie section of rail ebn).em and the mmx body of the track- in a fblither preferred embodiment the switching system may also i;>dude a second delve pompoQ&nt or drive aim to provide a pushing or pulling foia^ in a dir&odon stibstontially perpendicular to force applied by the drive rod connectecl to the pivoting panels discussed above. Such S- drive arm can assist in starting the motion of Ihe switching system, just as the switch begins to open or close. Such a drive arm can provide an initial steong force used to get the panels moving, with the drive rod or rods directly connected to these panels assisting in ithis ootiQU oncfi the panels are moving. Such a drive arm may be locaied above or below, or 1:0 pne gide ot the pivotiiig panels employed and can be foimed from any form of extendible \| or liveable oomponcttts. For example, \|n one further pincferred embodiment such a (irivfc ana of a witoliing system may be formed from a hydraulic or pnesumatlc ram, rho ]piresent invention provides many potential advantftg&s over existing prior ut transportation ■..■., ■ \ ■ ■ ' ■ > 1' lysl^as. ' . )■ ' rhe preBoni invention may be implemented at relatively low capital cost due to the pm&U scai\|e at ^hicb the cabs discussed above are constructed. Purtiiem)ore, as small, cabs are used this also reside ts tbe overall sir-e of the upright supports and txiioks ner-ded, thereby xeduciDg the enviKniTlWtfJl nr fip.^thruc impact of ftib roflu],tiftg tritiSijiityi.lum on the area in which it is to be installed. > .1.; By allowing only a relatively Binall number of passengers to be. carried in each cab this provides the syiiitem with ^ignificwii flexibility Vfith regard to how it will transport hurge numbens of passengers. At off peak times only a small uuniber of c«bs amy be in cJxoulation on the system, whorejis during peak flow or at rush hour times the majority of cabs in existence for the system may bc^ in circulation along Fame. A control means and /5Witching systems discussed alcove for cabs also allows a gjtat doipree of flexibility wUh regard to whei'e a pardcular cab car. travel on the ti^sportation system. By aUowiiLg passengers to specify their end destination end, with appropriate swlticbes made to tiie tracks lequired aoab caa deliver passengers close to thieir speciOed destination. Further aspects of the prei?ent invention will become apparent fmm tl>e following description tba is giver by way of example only and wltl^ reference to the accompanying drawings in which: l^tpi^p ;^.g^lb show 6nd views pf components tfcie traDfiportation sye^m configured ^ accordance with one embodime^nt; and i ,1 I I ' ■ ■ ' ' ilgiaSj;^* fihowB a side view of a number of upright fiupportft and B track used in f^ ■ ! ■■'A- ■ ■ ' . ■ ' ' i ' same embodimjEjiit shown with respect to Figiixes la,lb» anid ;! ilfiatSLi shows a plan View oi a c-aD coanguroa in accoroanco vMfh ifte embodimMt of the pix«eat invention shown in Figure* 1 ft, lb» Mid r^i\|qi)ffi4^.4b shovv cross section end and side views of u cab aiui traffic as configured in h fmlher omboditaeni of tb& pres&nt iiivcMilicitv m(\ ' '■ ■ i I ^ Fifii3.\|c 5 shows a cross section cud vifeiw of a drive ctiiriage used iHjtbe ' ' ' ■ ■ ■ 1 ; . , ' ' , ' I ■ ' I cmbodiDi&nt of the piesent inveijiUon shouii with respect {;o PigiJi'es 4a ' i and 4b, and • , ' . . i ■ Figtj,ty£,6a.6b>6c show the progr&ss of a £;higle 'drive carriage of a cab when moved with a i I ■ switching systc^m configured in accordance with a ftirfher enibodiment, and Pieurg 7 shows side and top schematic views of components use^d to implemeui a swilohing system in accordant witli another embodimont of the present iiiventiovu Figure S shows the action of a biasing laieans 'm an end view of the system. Shown with respect to Fipre ^EST MOPES FOR CARRYING OTTT THTC INVlSISrCIQN Hgures U and lb show two cross section end views of components used to implement a, i I i ■ ' ■ tTanspon:^on system configured in awjordance witli one embodiment of tl)e pfesent invention. i ; In suoli an instance the transportation system may inolude a number of BU^sstantially upright I ■ I ■ KUppori-fi 1 which are used to eievate and support at lea:it one track 2. Prcf Hiidli ti aok 2 Is provided to support and suspend a mimtper of oabs 3, which in the embodiment shown ere used to cany passengers. Preferably each tro^'^k 2 is adapted to sppport and su5pnd :■ ' , ■ 1 ■ ! ... two cabs only - wilth these oibs hi uso travelling in opposite directians t6 one another- To ibVB 'fliis aim tha traOk, may tje formw^,.ftein or mciu^^J. a iirai roi ciemeu,! wia a second tm want (not shovm io Flgiircs I A,ib) whitish arc positioned on oppositeiid&s of the iraok, foimod. l)S 3 easy then run along the opposite sides of the track m dUferent directions. ;\| ■, I ■ ■ ' ', ; . ' ' ' i, ■ I, ■ , ', I cett&im points along the length of the track 2 livftre may also be- provided passengoi; stations j\|4 dob RIIOW pass&ii\|Tcr& to climb 10 the Jevel of tbc cabiJ and to euter cabs to be tcauspoj:te{l. LO?e Bfenifld in ftie art thould iippi't.iiile Ihui. any conliguratton, an-dngemeul or design of itions «)ay ba used in winjunction \vlth\1iie present invention to allow passengeiR to easily and lickiy (ititor or exit cabs. For example in one embodimttnt a station lufty bft provided as part pf t eeco'id floor of a shopping mall oi other commeiciiil buildinii which will allow paesongers to dt the -tab above tiie first floor of a retail Moa or busiu^ii district. Such buildiajss may ptovids DHvenitMit stations as they i^itcludc areas; ah'oady elevated to t!ie bvel of th^ cabs, igme 1 showsi a side view of a number of substantially upright supports 1 and a track 2 iODflguied in atpcordimce v/ith the same embodiineut shown v,ith rospecc to Figures la^lb. As ibown x.'x Plgtjrft 2 each of the upright «;upports 1 is usod to elevate tho track 2 at a height weiU ibove any obstacleR. structui'es or roadv-'aj's whitr4i coiiLd interfere with the passage of cabB aiottg he tcacl<: t.> Figure 1> fthows a top cross-sectional view of a cab 3 (is coaflgured in dccordAUOe with the omboduaent shown with respeict to Figuros la,lb. The cab 3 vuoludeB att eatiy and an exit doof 5 that li^acji into the ccutie of a fully enclosed cabin. Ttie wib also includes RC^ 6 for eight adtilt people only. By providiug seating for eight people only the materials and Nvork required tc constmct a cab 3 is substantially lt^duee4■ Furthermore, ttie smnU fii^-e of the cab also allows Hit op6»tois of the transportRtion system grt^atw flexibility with regard to whei'e mi vt'hen they cm send cebs to pick up and deliver passengfijre as demand for transportation f luottiates thMJig a '^ M should bi> appreciated by ttwsc akilled in the art tills flexibility may be achieved by provldi» less thari ten seats within a cab, as is illustfated by the exainjjle- shown with respect to ¥igm:o 3. I . : J ■ '. I' I , , :^y : ! . ■ : ■■■ r 1 l^igriies 4ft and A\> Bhow an end cross section and side cross sRctioi) view of i cab and trapk i <:onfi in accomanee with another etobodinient of die pr invention. as can be- s> from Figure 4a the track 2 is formed from or includes on each of its opposite faces a first rail element 7 and a second rail element 8. The first rail elemedt 7 is shown supporting a cab 3 which is adapted to move in a direction orientated substantially out of the page. Conversely the second track element is adapted to support and guide the motion of a cab or cabs moving in the direction orientated substantially into the page. Also shown with respect to Figures 4a and 4b is a pair of drive carriages 9 forming a drive system used to pull the cab 3 along the track 2. Each cab is suspended and driven by two drive carriages 9. Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross section side view of a drive carriage 9 as used in the embodiment illustrated by Figures 4a and 4b. The drive carriage 9 is adapted to engage with and connect to a rail element 8 to support and guide and drive the motion of the cab along the track 2 (not fully shown). The drive carriage 9 includes a framework 10 on which a number of vertical guide wheels 11 are located. The vertical guide wheels 11 engage with vertical flanges formed in the body of each rail element to lock the drive element 9 onto the rail element. This framework also supjjorts and locates a pair of drive wheels 12 and a pair of vertical pressure wheels 13. The end view of Figure 5 shows only the first of the pairs of drive and vertical pressure wheels. The drive wheel 12 is associated with and driven by an electric motor 14 which rotates the drive wheel 12 and hence pulls the drive element 9 and associated cab along the rail element 8. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art the pressure wheel 13 may also be driven by the electric motor 14 if required. Also shown with respect to Figure 5 is a mounting beam 10b which depends from framework 10 incorporated into the drive element. This mounting beam extends past the drive element to other drive elements incorporated into the system and is used to directly connect or Unk a cab to the drive system and associated drive elements. Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the motion of a single drive carriages 9 on the top of a cab as the cab is switched onto an adjacent track. In the instance shown with respect to Figure 6a the cab (not shown) is initially travelling along a first track 2a and is to be switched onto an arfiarftnt trarV Oh To implement the switch of a cab a portion of the track 2a is adapted to pivot outwards towards the second track 2b. This pivoting section of the track 2a is shown as the dotted section 2c. In effect only a portion of the track 2a is used to form the section 2c by pivoting out the section of the rail element of the track on which the cab is travelling. As shown in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c this rail element when pivoted outward guides each drive carriage 9 and the associated cab outwards away from the original track 2a onto the new track 2b. Once the cab has been fully transferred onto the new track 2b, the section of rail element 2c may be pivoted back into line with the main body of the track 2a. Figures 7a,7b show side and top schematic views of elements used to form a switching system as described with respect to Figures 6a, 6b and 6c. The switching system 15 incorporates a pair of panels 16 connected together via a hinge element 17 along their adjacent edges. Connected to the hinge 17 is a drive rod 18a that can apply a pushing or pulling force to the hinge 17. In the situation shown with respect to Figures 7a and 7b the drive rod 18a is used to push the panel 16 so that they will lie substantially in the same plane. This will in tum pivot outwards the rail element 8 from main body of a track 2. Conversely when the rail element 8 is to be pivoted back in close proximity to the main body of the track 2, the drive rod 18a may be used to push or pull the panels so that they will lie substantially parallel to one another within a relatively small volume. This will in tum pull the rail element 8 back into contact with the main body of the track 2. ' In some embodiments a switching system may also include a drive arm 18b forming a pushing or pulling element (such as a pneumatic or hydraulic ram) which is attached to one end'of the rail element 8. The opposite end of such an arm 18b engages with the main body of the track or other associated components to start the rail element 8 moving outwards to switch a cab or back inwards after a cab has been switched. Figure 8 shows the action of a biasing means introduced into the drive system for a cab. Such a biasing means can pivot or tiU the cab as shown by the ghosted cab outline in Figure 8 to smooth out momentum changes during cab switching. A biasing means, implemented in the embodiment shown by a hydraulic ram 20 is introduced between a drive system carriage and a connecting lever pivotably connected to the carriage and directly connected to a top mounting bar on the roof of the cab. The hydraulic ram is sited on the drive carriage and pushes against this pivoting lever to move the cab as shown with respect to Figure 8 before the cab reaches a switching system. Prior movement of the cab before it is switched smoothes momentum changes in the cab and therefore provides a smoother ride for the cab's passengers. ' , Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE: 1. A transportation system which includes, a plurality of substantially upright supports, and at least one track elevated by said supports, and a plurality of cabs adapted to move along said at least one track, said cabs being suspended from a track so that the centre of mass of said cabs are located below the track, wherein said at least one track is formed &om a first rail element and a second rail element orientated in substantially the same directions, the first rail element being used to support at least one cab moving in substantially the opposite direction to at least one second cab supported by the second rail element 2. A transportation system as claimed in claim 1 which includes a single upright support only to support one point of a track. 3. A transportation system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a track is formed from a central body portion with two pairs of side arms projecting from the body which form the first and second rail elements. 4. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein one side of a cab is linked to a track to locate the cab's centre of mass below the track. 5. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the entire cab is suspended below the track. 6. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein a cab includes seating for ten or less passengers. 7. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein a cab provides a fully enclosed cabin. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim which includes a switching system adapted to pivot a portion of a rail element on which the cab is moving towards a rail element of a track to which the cab is to be switched to. A transportation system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the switching system includes at least one drive component adapted to push one end of the rail section towards an adjacent track and to puU said pivoted track section away from said adjacent track. A transportation system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the drive component includes a plurality of panels attached to one another at adjacent edges which are movable to orientate the panels substantially parallel or perpendicular to one another to pivot a portion of the track element towards or away from an adjacent track. A transportation system as claimed claim 10 wherein the drive component includes at least one driving rod or at least one driving arm adapted to push and pull the panels into substantially parallel or perpendicular alignment with one another. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim which includes a drive system adapted to pull or push a cab along a rail element. A transportation system as claimed in claim 12 wherein said drive system is powered by electrical energy. A transportation system as claimed in claim 13 wherein a live wire pickup system distributed within or adjacent to the track rail elements is used to supply electrical energy to the drive system. A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the drive system includes a pair of drive carriages disposed along one side of a cab. A transportation system as claimed in claim 15 wherein a drive carriage includes a pluraUty of vertical guide wheels which in use engage with a side or sides of a track element. A transportation system as claimed in any of the claims 15 or 16 wherein a drive carriage includes a drive wheel and a pressure wheel which in use are placed in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of a track element. A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein a drive carriage includes a central bar with the carriage being connected to a drive element at two points along the length of said central bar. A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18 wherein the drive system includes a biasing means adapted to move the centre of mass of the cab towards an adjacent track to which the cab is to be switched before the rail element on which the cab is moving is pivoted towards the adjacent track to which the cab is to be switched. A transportation system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the biasing means is located between the drive system for a cab linked to a rail element, and a Unking connector between a drive system and cab, said linking connector being pivotably connected to the drive system. A transportation system as claimed in claim 20 wherein extension of the biasing means pivots the main body of the cab out away from the drive system and associated rail element which the cab is suspended from. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein there is provided one or more receptacles at the base of the supports adapted to contain soil and plants. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim which includes a control system for a cab adapted to receive destination information from a user, where said destination information is used by the control system to control the route which the cab travels along the transportation system. A transportation system as claimed in claim 23 wherein destination information includes a street address. A transportation system as claimed in claim 23 wherein destination information encompasses a path or route which a passenger of the cab wishes the cab to. A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the control system is adapted to transmit control signals to at least one switching system to move the cab from one track to an adjacent track. A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein the control system includes a currency transfer element. A transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples. A method of implementing a transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples. A transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A method of implementing a transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

WB inventioD relates to improvements to or associatftd with traii8].)i3rtation systems- Specifically ie'prof3ent invfttttioa may be adapted to provide a public transporUilion system vvhioh cm be [jjjplen'Lonled or inslatled in a Icirge range of locations, wWch is cost effeclivo to imptenient, and vhlch ciaa run or semce low volumes of jpassengor number?; If requirc4.
leiference tlu^oughout this specificatiOE will also be uiadev to tbe present, invention being used in lie transportation of paisejigers, but those skilled in tiae art f^boald appreciate that .other ?ipplicatioas or cargoes are envisioned and reference to the above only throughout this spftcificiatioc should in no way be seen as liinitiiag.
g4CyCfi)R;0TJNi) APT
Public transport systems are promotc^d in most mfjjor cities to reduce road congestion and ihe poUutic>u problems causeclby high levels of road vehiok ti.se.
ID Som^i instance ro?/d buses axo promoted s£ m alterriative to the public using their own cars for txajtisport within a city. However, buses are relatively largi^ vc^hicles and not very cost efflcient if there ate only a small nucaber of passengers who are prepaiai to use the bus service. Buses are jdsb slow compared to private cavs and are vulnerable to delays caused by toad congestion problems* Buses will still contribute to the air and roise pollution j)roblems faa?d by most cities.
One otlier type of public or passenger transportation pystem pioposed for intra-city travel is traiw: md rail networks. However, knovm types of i^ net\v'orks also have a wmber of disadvantages associated with their use,
A nail network must use large are^i!^ of land in central locations m well as expensive locomotives md cturiages Ui transport passengers. These two factoii> combined make the confttrucUon, tniji^lementation and raaintenanc?e of a r^ net^'ork an oxp^^nsive proposition. Purthcnnore, large scale rail notworlcs are also limited in the areas of a city In wliich they can transport passengcf^. It nsiay l>e difficult for tlie builders of a r$il nfi^lwork to sei:;ure all the land thev reuuixe to extend

5(vi'ori(J8 out to all dftstinadons of iutewist to the ncti?.'pi:k's passengers, line liigh capital costs
jsociatcd with bunding such a network imay also limit tine siz '■ ' . •. ■ 'i ! i ■ ' !'
t-l5t»ilt for avaUable funds.
' ' ' ' ' I
)^ratc>rs of passenger rail sers'iccs require high nimi\)eip oi volumes of passengor$ to uao tiiek crvicft to be commercially viable. If only a sninU uurnbcr of passengers wish to travel on a iiigl«> ixaiu at one time this wai create slfiniGcdnt oporational costs for tlic service operator. Due o':thesc conceins there h potential for rail network operators (o rei;trict or limit the number of r4ills available to passengers in an attempt to reduce opcfatioiial (X)sts and to boost passenger
■ ! I
lulmbei's oa ^cU train. This howevw has the effect of reducing tbt^ convenience of the service
1 ■
of pasiieagers, who become more liJiely to i^ort lo using their own cars for trai;jsporl;atioa.
i
kp improved trauijiortaljon system that ad dross wl any oji all of the above problems would be of i^ and which could be
inipbaicnted or built at low cost would be of advantage.
t , It is m object of tiie present invention to address the foregoing pj.'ubJcmf. or at IC'ast to provide the
pi]|blic with a xi^tM choii::e.
3?iirthcr aspftctfl and advantages of the present inventJon will become apparent from the ensuing ddsCTiption that is giveo by way of example only.
D]^aX)STjRE OF INVENTION
Accorclmg to one aspect of the present invention theie is provided a transportation system which inoludos,
a i^lurality of substantially upright supports, and at| l&WL^i one track elevated by seiid supports* ftud
' ' ■ ■ ' ; ■ '
': ; I ' '.
1,1 I '
a^luTfilily of cabs adapted to move along said at lea£;t one track, said cabs being suspendM feom a jtraek. so that the centrei of juiuss of said cabs is located fselow the track.

(loreiii said «t least one track is formed from a fti;si rail clement md a second rail elcrtient ieatatcd in subfitantially the same directions, Ihc fii^i W element beiny used to support at least ic Ciib moving in substantially the opposite dirc^iioti to at least one second cab supponed by le second rail eleinenih-
kCCording to a further aspect of tiie present invention there is piovided a ttwisportation sysiftin ubstantiaUy as described above wherein one side of a cab is linl:,e^ to a track to locate the cab's cntie of oass below thft track
Recording to yei another aspect of the present uivenlion there h provided a txaflsportaijOD system lUbstantially as described above wherein the eatiie body of the cab is suspended below the tiacL
to?ording to a fuither tispect of the present iavexition there is provided ft transportation system stibstantially as d^*5cribed above wheiein each cab includes seating fox ten or less passengers.
Airrnriinfi; to aoothof axipe^t ^€ tiiv ^av/*^ai mvowiiuu dicie k. ]jr(jviaea a transportation system substaatially as described above which includcE a ssvitcaing i^ystcm adapted to move a cab iiom a track.'8 rail element to m adjacent track's rail element through pivoting a portion of the tail element on which the cab if> movixig towards a rail elemonl of the track to which the cab is to be switched*
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a transportation system substantially as described above wherein the drive system includes a bia^^ing means adapted to move the cenfro of ma5s of the c^h towards tlio track oatci which it is to be switched beforo the rail ol«^ment on which the cab is moving is pivoted towards the adjacent track onto which the cab is to bi^ svntchedi
AtJOording to a fmiher tispect of the present iuventiion tl3ere is provided a biasing means for a tr$ii&portadon system subfitantiaily as described above wherein the biasing means includeis a hydiaiilic or pae\unatic ram.

iiscbrding to a further aspect of the i^iescul inventiou, mere is proviaeu a tmasportation system 'hicli includfts a control 4y$t&m for a c(ib\ the control system baing adapted to reooive csthiation mformation fxom a user a^id to use tlus deiitiuation informatioa to contiol the route i^hicli th© cab travels along the transportation system,
According to a farther a.s])ect of the pteent itwention there IK provident a cransportntion system
tuhetjmtxally as described above wherein the control system for n cab includes a currency transfer
;^leme*'iit. i
: I i ■ >
The present invention may be adapted to provide a traiisportation system. Preferably a traasportation system implemented in accordance with the present invention may be used to ttansport passengr.rs or to provide a public passenger trausjxjrtation system, The present ttivoivion may provide sigiiifjcaat advantages in tiiis i^)plication over the prior art due to its ^Uity to satisty passengers* needs for a thnely aiid oonvenieut transpoitation service^
ilefen;nce throughout ttiis speclflcatioa will also be made to the present- inveution being used te provide a passenger transportation system bur those skilled in the art should appreciate that other aj^piications are also envisioned, l^orexamplc, it is Also possible for the present invention to be ujsed 1:0 tnm(s;poTt goodf; if required and reference to the transportation of passenger^i only Uiroughout this specification should in no way be i>een as Jindting,
la a preferred embodiment the presect bvention indudes a plurality of upright supporti, The^e suppoit» may be used to elevate otlie-r components; of the traiis]X)rtation system and also to suppoit these components and place them out of the "v^^ay of any obstacles that might be euqouiUered at lower elevations* Using upright supports to elevate otiier componenta of the systeiEi also reduces the system's 'kotpnnH" or the a^nount of land actually taken up through iulpletaotttatlon of the present inventiou*
Prefembly the upright supports employed are arranged in a lougitudinal array along the length of
the tta^^k to be supported.
■ ! jpii^fonibly a sbgle upright support only is used to support one point of the traek.

•xtferably the upric^t wtpixjrte used mi^y be oriental^ substautially p&rpendiculw to lii© surface \n wbicli they aie installed. Odentatio^ of the" supports litis way imxhiiises the height at wljdob he miiin components of tlds system may be elevated to. However, those skiljed in ttie art shp\ild ipprcoiate that upright supports used ^^ tonjuncdou with the present invention need \V^ [ jecesr.arily be angled cxdctly perpenidicular to a surface wWch is used to support them, iand referecice to thc!^ above only thxoiighout this specification should m no wa^^ b« sfieu as lijiaalting.
In a pr&ferxed embodimftnt Die transportatioa system includc-s a plurality of oabs. A cab nmy be dofmcd as any svt IfiiSi partially endbsed compartment ttat is adapttid to carry or transport pass&tigfers Rnd/or good^;. Tha present invention may be adapted lo transport a pluraUiy of cabs aad h(Hicc passengers or goods residing within the cabs.
In a preferred wnbodbnent a cab may form a Mly enclosed cabin. Such n cab may also iiiQlude seating for a small numl^e^ of people. This in turn allowiS the. size of the cabs us«>d to bo reduced, thereby limiting the capital costs required to impl,cment the present invention and also the aesthetic or visual impajca tlifr system will have on its suxj'oundings.
In a f\u-tl]cr preferred embodiment s cab may be confij^iued to contain seating, for ten or less peoplci, and preferably nriay contain seating for ei^^^t passengers only. By reducing the ttumber of passengers that can ba liansported by a cab this makes it easier for the cab to be filled at »ny time. Furthermore, the provision of small cabs also allows the fxequency at wbich cabs ti-avel a partlctUar section of the transportation system to he vaiied easily. In times of peek passeitger trafilc large numbers of cabs may bo shuttled tfarougli a particulai art»a, whereas in off-pealf. times the number of cabs passing through may be reduced.
In a preferred embodiment the present invej;^49aaia,V iric'ludft af \Ci\t\\ m\^ trarV thst ir AUTrrit«d by
; ■ i' , ■ /
:v, ■ 1 ' I
the stibstantially upright supports discussed above. A track tmy be proyided to guide end coDtrcl the motions and paflis of cabs through the transportation systeni formed in accordance with tie present invention. Furthetmoice, a trmisportatioD system formed in accordance wilJi the pr»ser:vt invention may also include a plw^ty of tracks &at aBow oabs contalnitig passengds to
■,l i . ■ 1>
travel lo many different dwjthiations. Switching sysmmis may IKV provided between faracjcs v^en
'■^ . ' : 1 ■ ■ 'if
II , ■ ' I ■

[ftcctnt to one anothM to allow cabs to W switched l^Qtwecn tracks to liie^foxe provide sonie
rlatiion in potential routes that a slngl^ cab cSn take pfl the transportation systom.
,1 'i ■
a preferred ©mbodimmu tJ^ft ptMcnt Ittvontion may be cottfigmed with 9. nujnber of trecks aere each of tliese trocks arc supported or ebvaied by a plurality of substantially upright ipports. Reference throughout this specification wit aJso be made to the present invention -oUiding a plurality of tracks, but thoSe skilled in the art should appreciate that the invention Lay le configured using a single track If required, Foi example, in such an embodiment the resort invention may be implemented using a single track that luns in a loop or circuU.
i a pceferrc By providing tNVo rail elements on either side of the sajiae track tliis will substantially increase the fle:dbUJLty of the tranispottation ey-Sitam with legurd. to the routes that cabs can take along tiic system, and will also substantially hicrease numbers of cabs and volumes of passengers which die aystem can transj^ort at any one time,
In a pn^ferred embodiificnt a track may be formed from a ceulTal body poxtion with two pairs of side arms projectiiiE from the body portion to fonn th'^ first and second rdil elements. This design of track provides this component with a linuted or compact width, thereby reducing the envixomaental and aesthetic impact of the system on its surrounding environiiient. Ti^ palts of projecting side arms extending from ihe central bended

& fiorttier preferred embodiment onC side of a cab only may be linked to a track to locate the ib's centre of mass below the track. This offset connection scheme for a c4b again assures, that e cab is suspended ftom a track m6 limits th^^ v/idtji or extent of the system and hence its apa;jt on the flurrouBding esnvironment
reibrably a track may f:>e linked to a tab thjough a. diiv& system employcjd to pull or push,the ab along the tracks. In such embodiments a strvctuiBl beam or membftt may be mounted on one tde Or edge of a cab with drive system componenli; connft^^ted to Uiis beam, which are in turn onnecited to the track to si^spend the cab from the tnick.
D a pxefftrred embodiment cabs supported by a (rack, are euspeuded from the track when mi use. iuspeiiding cabs from m elevated track wiU still elevate each cab abovo the ground but will esitrict the total height of the transportatiou system md the total volume of space (hat it >coupiy eabs. Furthermore, by where possible reducing tlae volume of" space occupied by tjie xansportation system this agab limits the visual inip^ict the system will have on its suixoundings when hisfcalled These coiisiderations are important when the trtmsportation ^ystem is to be mn Lhrougb or installe^i withb an wdsting suburban envlronmeuv where householdere may feel sensitive to their living space being dominated or overshadowed by the elevated track and cabs.
In a preferred embodiment the present invention may include a contiol systetri for a cab, where such a csontrol Byetem may be adapted to control the routo or path which the cab take?; along the ttanspoitation system. Such a control system may be unijommunication withother components of the transportation system such as switching systems or elements which are used to move a cab from one track onto an adjacent track to change the pa^ih or the route to be take^i by the cabr I

la 6 pr^fenfcd cmbodimftnt a contioV sysiem may \>o adapted to receive cesuuaaoix injotcftation irotti a user. Destmatioa lafocouaioiji may cotisist of a pajiticular street a^fJJV^ss v;hich the iigor wisli&s t.o travel to, a specific roui& to be travellai or a general locality of suburb that th» ussur Wisbes to travel without being specific about a particiilai delivery poiul or localioE. Destination mfo:in.ation may also encompass the user indicating 'the route that tbe-y wish a oab to lals:e to a destination. Such information may be supplied lo tin? coniioi $y^mx using any tj'pa of Isnowu tediiologN* such as for example, computerised keyfjads. toitc^h screens, or voice tecognitbn sysUmSt Thft destirdUon iiicformatioii supplied lo the c-^utiol sy,svcm may bt? used to pilot tho oab aim? a predetermiDWl route to the destination or along a loute indicated by the user.
A control system as discussed above may be implemeutod through provision of uny type of digital processixig system that h capable of cotamuoioatiug with imd issuing commands to other elements of the iransportadou system. For exaiiipk., in a preferied embodiniotit the oontj^ol system is adapted to transmit conuol signals to at lee^t one switohing system to movft the ci\^ &om one iraok to an adjacent track. Tliose sldlled In the art should appieoiate that existing information technology systeijis and computer basted t^btiology may be used to implfcmeiit thiis aspG 7hs4'ii ftSiat'ures of a CDntrol system fiubstantially increase tl^e flexibility of the traospottation systeoi and itfi ability to dx*>liver pajjsengers to panicu^lar or selopcted destinations." Through the ) control systems linlcs with switching felements or systems it may navigate a path from liie cab's present location \x> t]>& destiiiaiioa indicated by the user. This may be contrastod with tiie existing public triujsportation systems such as buses or tjuins that follow a rout& that oannot be? varied depending on the passengers* requirements.
In a. l\irther pxeferred embodin^tent such a control systeaii for a cab mfiy also include a cuRtency
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tmwfor elements A cuirency transfer dement may be uscwi to electionically transfer fuuds from a passenger to a currency account associated with a person or organisation oporaling the trauiijiortation system Preferably sucli a currency transfer element may b^ Implemented'losing kno^wn existing technology euch a& ElHrPOS or credit card systenas or alternatively ttl^ d^&iiwot a
1 , : \{

it'tuiTCncy value from a credit acdiuiit hold by the pass&nger witti the operator of ihc
ralifiportatioii system. Such a currency traiisfot clcojcut way gcMtly Inti'case th«* oonveuienc^ of
h6 traasportation system for passengops. fts ti^oy do not nu'4 to caoy colas or notes, or sapply
iXftotly tl.\e correct change for a fare. j I
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^refoKibly the plurality of upright supports uscxi miiy perfonn edditional fuuctioD& otlior than jiist lie Support of tracks used by the txanspprtatio-a system^ These upright supports may also be u^ed Lo elevflte axid support oilier non-transpbrt related systecis or articles^ such as for example stxcet lightmg systems or power or telw^ommunications cables. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the system oJ' uprights may provide ti basic network of support structures which can be used to also support and elevate other non-traiisptut related compoaeAts if requiied*
lu prel'erred embodiment the upright supports used may also iuclude oae or more receptsiales
I'
iie'.ar the base or the bottom of the support. These receptacles may preferably be used to coutAiii
soil ajid to provide coutainers for plants to landiicape the area immediately sunt>undiB^ a
■1
support. Plantings may be provid&d within such w)ulainRrs to soften the visual impact of the suppoit^, ot to disguise or hide the supports. Furthermore, the-^e rDceiJlaeles cAn also form ^ protec'Svc crash barrier for the support involved. Containers filled with earth and platings can create a buffer layer around the base of the suppc^rl, n^incing th& chances of the i^upport being damaged If it is hit by a vehicle it u road crasli.
ID a preferred cmbadimeat a cab may include a. drive sj^tem which is adapted to puU or pnsb PI cab along a ndl element- t^ferably such a drive system may be powered by electrical energy. In such iostances the electrical energy used may be supplied by a live wire pickup cable located wittiin or adjacent to the rail element pn which ttie cab is travelling, In m&h inBlanoevs eiectric motor-t may be used to drive the motiipu of a cab, ^t^duci^g tiie i)otontial for a cab to generate
npiee whan in operation. i
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Preferably tbnough tlie u/se of live wire picloip systemfi and electric driving motors tiie majority
of the nolee generated tbrcugh the ^potion of a cab may l>e i^oxiiwd from physical contact
bcjtwean driving elements of tiie cab at]id a rail elemout of the tiaok. lliiK feature of the invepjtion

lay Induce the impact the transportation system Will have on its cnviromnent during its pieralion. By limitang tlie amount of lioise prt)duccd by a moving cab this will go some waly to nduciiug the reluctance of residents withlt\ «i paiticuliu- ar "^ ' ; ;■.■■■■■ Z'y
iiimijig through same;. Piwllie^more, if cabs can travel relatively quietly it is possible for the r46sE>ortation system to operate late! at night without complaints from residents within; the ujTouuding area,
rhe use of a live wire piciiup power supply eliminates the need for a cai) to cany its own supply )f fuel As the live wire pickup used is ckvaled ^well off the ground this also reduces safety ;)roblftros associated with providiQg uninsulated high voltage power line wifes. hx additioij, the use of elccU'ical driving, motors instead of internal combustion eagineisi eUminales air pollution :^ncems associated with oiseration of the txansportation system*
in a p;':efen:ed embodiment a drive system may be composed of or formed from at least one drive catria^fc. One, two or possibly more carriages may be employed in the drive eysteni to link the cab to the track.
In a imltier preferred embodmxent i4ie present inventiion may t^e implemented using a drive systcra formed from tv/o sepiar v ■■;.,'
The u se of t^'o carriages provides tu'o Suspensions points for a cat» on the traclw When the cab is switched on to another track the first of these catri^ges mov^h the front portion of the cab towaids the new track a shoit diFtance before Uie secoT»d carriage reaches the switching syi^tem used. This promotes a, gradual change in momentum aad hi the ! ■ ' ' ' .
lu a preforred embodiment a drive c^age may include a plurality' of v^rtilcdl gwide wbwls wbicfc in use engage witli a side or sidw of a track element. Such guide wheels may be provided

> stabilise the motion of the. caJ> in a boriaontal plane th^rciugh cngaeomcm of guide whoels with
side or Sides of a trade dcmftnL ' j
r'.; ■ ' .■■■.■, ^ .■:■!■ ■ i ■ ■ -, '■■
n A Iftirther preferred embodiment the a drive cattiage may include a drive wbttel aiid a pressure
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vhefel v^hich in use are placed in contact witli the upp^x wid lower surfaces of the track element,
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LTie driN'd wheel may be rotated by the,s)'£tem l& providpiiie m,otive power used to pull or puaih he cab along the Ireek element, while the pressure v/bcd located on the opposite side of the
' ■ ! ' . '
lack element c-em provide a vertical stabilisation element to the c£.b. Ti.K>sft skilled in the art should ;ilso appreciate that the drive Avheel maj' be loc;ated above the track element Mid |:a pressure wheel below, ot alternativoly the pressure ^heel may be located above the track element and the ID a preferred embodixnsnt a drive carriage includes a centra] bm wlUi (he ewtiage l:>ei3ig comiect In a preferred embodiment a drive carriage may be formed from or incorporate a central bar which h.[ifii sets of vertical guide wheels and pressure v/het;ls located at either end of such a bar. I One drive wheel mny \K^ located at one end of tlie centr^J bar, or alternatively a pair of guide
wheels may bi? provided with one at each end of the bar. lids configuration of the drive oaixi^ge
^ ' i
; again promotes the smooth switching of a cab to an adjaoent track. The displaoement between
i ■ ■ '■ ■
the contact points of carriage to the track provides a grsidud change in direction of Tnomcnttixn of the cab over the length of the carriages central bar as the carriage is sv,itched onto an adjacent track,
: ,; 'D
In a preferred embodiment the drive system may also include a biasing means whioli is adapted 10 move the centre trm^ of tiK cab towfic:ds the track ontp which it is to be sv^itched before tfce
' ■ ! ' ■' i
cab is actually switched over. Such a biasmg means may be piovidod lo allow amooth transiticiis for passengers during switching as the moitiienVum of the cub changes. Such a biasing means laay also allow cabs to be switched smoothly aiicj at hi&h speeds*

^ati5 or to extend its width to pn^h the fcab out iifrom tlio rail element from which |lt Is
I ■' : ■ : ■ -i ■ ■ ■ ■ ; ! ' . 1 . : : :■■■ '^'
impended. . ,1 , , '^ I '!'
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1 a further embodiment a biasing means for a drive isystem nj^ay be located between comix>nents
f a drive Bystem for the cab littkcd to a rail clement, md a Unking connWJtor connected bet^|veen
tie dxivft system compojients and the c^, where this Imkmg connector is piyotably connected to
he drive system components. In such an embodim«pt c^xiension of the biasmg means will pivot
he m:ain body of the cab out away from the drive system via the linking connector and diei^fore
}iv6t ;he cab's centre of mass out and away fiom the mH element on which the cab Is suspended
before the cab is switched on to an adjacent tmck.
tti a pjeferred embodiment a biasing means may be formed from or incorporates a hydraulic ram as the extendible element required. The driving shaft cri' such a ram can be flushed out or ptiUed mwards to apply the biaising force required to the cab during switc:lihig,
hi a f refen'ed embodiment ifae present invention may include a switching system which is adapted to move a cab from one-track rail element to sin adjacent tracks rftil filr^mwt. Such a switching system may be adapted to varj^ the j?otential routes that a cab may travel over the transportation system.
A switching system may be located at each point along the track network of the transportation system where adjacent track,? come in ciose proximitj'i to or mtersect with one another. ThiK providt^ great flexibility in the operation of the tra^ispprtaUon system- In some embodmiemts cabs may sknply run along a set route within a tiaclf network of the transportatlojj system, whereas in other instanoe^ passengers may provide ii;istiiictious or de$tinntioi|i hifonpaation to tiie
compo:aent6 of the cab to indicate where they wish to travel, m^ from this information the cab
■ ■ '{ I ; '
may {K> txanttfcired through the use of Bwitchhig systenx^j to the tracks which will lead to the
1 ■'" ■, ' ■ I'.
I ■ I I
pasbwijjer selected destination.
In a preferred ejribodimeut the switching system may bead^ipted to pivot a setotion or oompoi;^Bnt of a track's tftU element towards or into contact with the rail elemeut of an adjacent traoJc *Hae

Ill a fiirthof pitsfem^ embodimstit a switching system may include at ha^l one drive CQKipo)ticnt
which is adapted to pmh one end of a seciioi3 of lail ^leoieat outwards towarfiB aa adjacent track
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I ' '. I
and also pull the same section of rail eliment away from said ad(jacent track.
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Foir example, in DDC Instance such a diiving oomponciit m&y consist of or iaclude a plurality of
panels that are pivotably attached to one another at t^eit adjacent odges. On ■ ' ' I,
may also be attached to a panel or panels where this ddve rod or jodi; axe adapted to pnshithe pivotably attached paneb so tliat the)' Will lie substsmtiiLlly in the same plane. Such a drive rod or rods may also be us«l to puU the panels so they wiU lie substantially paxailel to one aootiier.
These panels and drive rod ot rods may be located Ir^etv^^een the interior side of a section of |-dl element to be pivoted outwards and tiie main body of the track at the paitieular poitit on the netwoilc A drive rod used may be- act-uated to push the pivotably ooiinec^ied panels into the sajne plfltae which will thereby place a pivoting force- on one point of the inner face of the section of rail element involved. This pivoting force will pivot the end of tli^ lall element section outwards diereb;/ switching a cab onto an adjacent tracL Onoc the cab has been switched the drive rod or rods may then be pulled bajckwatds to puU all the panels so that they will lie* substantially parallel with o:ie another to compact up into a small volume^ liet^veen ftie section of rail ebn).em and the mmx body of the track-
in a fblither preferred embodiment the switching system may also i;>dude a second delve pompoQ&nt or drive aim to provide a pushing or pulling foia^ in a dir&odon stibstontially perpendicular to force applied by the drive rod connectecl to the pivoting panels discussed above. Such S- drive arm can assist in starting the motion of Ihe switching system, just as the switch begins to open or close. Such a drive arm can provide an initial steong force used to get the panels moving, with the drive rod or rods directly connected to these panels assisting in ithis ootiQU oncfi the panels are moving. Such a drive arm may be locaied above or below, or 1:0 pne gide ot the pivotiiig panels employed and can be foimed from any form of extendible | or

liveable oomponcttts. For example, |n one further pincferred embodiment such a (irivfc ana of a witoliing system may be formed from a hydraulic or pnesumatlc ram,
rho ]piresent invention provides many potential advantftg&s over existing prior ut transportation
■..■., ■ \ ■ ■ ' ■ > 1'
lysl^as. '
. )■ '
rhe preBoni invention may be implemented at relatively low capital cost due to the pm&U scai|e at
^hicb the cabs discussed above are constructed. Purtiiem)ore, as small, cabs are used this also
reside ts tbe overall sir-e of the upright supports and txiioks ner-ded, thereby xeduciDg the
enviKniTlWtfJl nr fip.^thruc impact of ftib roflu],tiftg tritiSijiityi.lum on the area in which it is
to be installed. >
.1.;
By allowing only a relatively Binall number of passengers to be. carried in each cab this provides the syiiitem with ^ignificwii flexibility Vfith regard to how it will transport hurge numbens of passengers. At off peak times only a small uuniber of c«bs amy be in cJxoulation on the system, whorejis during peak flow or at rush hour times the majority of cabs in existence for the system may bc^ in circulation along Fame.
A control means and /5Witching systems discussed alcove for cabs also allows a gjtat doipree of flexibility wUh regard to whei'e a pardcular cab car. travel on the ti^sportation system. By aUowiiLg passengers to specify their end destination end, with appropriate swlticbes made to tiie tracks lequired aoab caa deliver passengers close to thieir speciOed destination.
Further aspects of the prei?ent invention will become apparent fmm tl>e following description tba is giver by way of example only and wltl^ reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
l^tpi^p ;^.g^lb show 6nd views pf components tfcie traDfiportation sye^m configured ^
accordance with one embodime^nt; and i
,1 I I ' ■ ■ '
' ilgiaSj;^* fihowB a side view of a number of upright fiupportft and B track used in f^
■ ! ■■'A- ■ ■ ' . ■ ' ' i '
same embodimjEjiit shown with respect to Figiixes la,lb» anid ;!

ilfiatSLi shows a plan View oi a c-aD coanguroa in accoroanco vMfh ifte
embodimMt of the pix«eat invention shown in Figure* 1 ft, lb» Mid
r^i|qi)ffi4^.4b shovv cross section end and side views of u cab aiui traffic as configured in
h fmlher omboditaeni of tb& pres&nt iiivcMilicitv m(\ '
'■ ■ i I ^
Fifii3.|c 5 shows a cross section cud vifeiw of a drive ctiiriage used iHjtbe
' ' ' ■ ■ ■ 1 ; . , '
' , ' I ■ ' I
cmbodiDi&nt of the piesent inveijiUon shouii with respect {;o PigiJi'es 4a
' i
and 4b, and • ,
' . . i ■
Figtj,ty£,6a.6b>6c show the progr&ss of a £;higle 'drive carriage of a cab when moved with a
i I ■
switching systc^m configured in accordance with a ftirfher enibodiment, and
Pieurg 7 shows side and top schematic views of components use^d to implemeui a
swilohing system in accordant witli another embodimont of the present iiiventiovu
Figure S shows the action of a biasing laieans 'm an end view of the system. Shown
with respect to Fipre
^EST MOPES FOR CARRYING OTTT THTC INVlSISrCIQN
Hgures U and lb show two cross section end views of components used to implement a,
i I i ■ ' ■
tTanspon:^on system configured in awjordance witli one embodiment of tl)e pfesent invention.
i ;
In suoli an instance the transportation system may inolude a number of BU^sstantially upright
I ■ I ■
KUppori-fi 1 which are used to eievate and support at lea:it one track 2. Prcf Hiidli ti aok 2 Is provided to support and suspend a mimtper of oabs 3, which in the embodiment shown ere used to cany passengers. Preferably each tro^'^k 2 is adapted to sppport and su5pnd
:■ ' , ■ 1 ■ ! ...
two cabs only - wilth these oibs hi uso travelling in opposite directians t6 one another- To

ibVB 'fliis aim tha traOk, may tje formw^,.ftein or mciu^^J. a iirai roi ciemeu,! wia a second tm
want (not shovm io Flgiircs I A,ib) whitish arc positioned on oppositeiid&s of the iraok, foimod.
l)S 3 easy then run along the opposite sides of the track m dUferent directions. ;| ■,
I ■ ■ ' ', ; . ' ' ' i,
■ I, ■ , ', I
cett&im points along the length of the track 2 livftre may also be- provided passengoi; stations j|4 dob RIIOW pass&ii|Tcr& to climb 10 the Jevel of tbc cabiJ and to euter cabs to be tcauspoj:te{l. LO?e Bfenifld in ftie art thould iippi't.iiile Ihui. any conliguratton, an-dngemeul or design of itions «)ay ba used in winjunction \vlth\1iie present invention to allow passengeiR to easily and lickiy (ititor or exit cabs. For example in one embodimttnt a station lufty bft provided as part pf t eeco'id floor of a shopping mall oi other commeiciiil buildinii which will allow paesongers to dt the -tab above tiie first floor of a retail Moa or busiu^ii district. Such buildiajss may ptovids DHvenitMit stations as they i^itcludc areas; ah'oady elevated to t!ie bvel of th^ cabs,
igme 1 showsi a side view of a number of substantially upright supports 1 and a track 2 iODflguied in atpcordimce v/ith the same embodiineut shown v,ith rospecc to Figures la^lb. As ibown x.'x Plgtjrft 2 each of the upright «;upports 1 is usod to elevate tho track 2 at a height weiU ibove any obstacleR. structui'es or roadv-'aj's whitr4i coiiLd interfere with the passage of cabB aiottg he tcacl<: t.> Figure 1> fthows a top cross-sectional view of a cab 3 (is coaflgured in dccordAUOe with the
omboduaent shown with respeict to Figuros la,lb. The cab 3 vuoludeB att eatiy and an exit doof 5
that li^acji into the ccutie of a fully enclosed cabin. Ttie wib also includes RC^ 6 for eight adtilt
people only. By providiug seating for eight people only the materials and Nvork required tc
constmct a cab 3 is substantially lt^duee4■ Furthermore, ttie smnU fii^-e of the cab also allows Hit
op6»tois of the transportRtion system grt^atw flexibility with regard to whei'e mi vt'hen they cm
send cebs to pick up and deliver passengfijre as demand for transportation f luottiates thMJig a '^
M should bi> appreciated by ttwsc akilled in the art tills flexibility may be achieved by provldi»
less thari ten seats within a cab, as is illustfated by the exainjjle- shown with respect to ¥igm:o 3.
I . : J ■ '. I' I
, , :^y : ! . ■ : ■■■ r 1
l^igriies 4ft and A\> Bhow an end cross section and side cross sRctioi) view of i cab and trapk i <:onfi in accomanee with another etobodinient of die pr invention. as can be- s>
from Figure 4a the track 2 is formed from or includes on each of its opposite faces a first rail element 7 and a second rail element 8. The first rail elemedt 7 is shown supporting a cab 3 which is adapted to move in a direction orientated substantially out of the page. Conversely the second track element is adapted to support and guide the motion of a cab or cabs moving in the direction orientated substantially into the page.
Also shown with respect to Figures 4a and 4b is a pair of drive carriages 9 forming a drive system used to pull the cab 3 along the track 2. Each cab is suspended and driven by two drive carriages 9.
Figure 5 shows an enlarged cross section side view of a drive carriage 9 as used in the embodiment illustrated by Figures 4a and 4b. The drive carriage 9 is adapted to engage with and connect to a rail element 8 to support and guide and drive the motion of the cab along the track 2 (not fully shown). The drive carriage 9 includes a framework 10 on which a number of vertical guide wheels 11 are located. The vertical guide wheels 11 engage with vertical flanges formed in the body of each rail element to lock the drive element 9 onto the rail element. This framework also supjjorts and locates a pair of drive wheels 12 and a pair of vertical pressure wheels 13. The end view of Figure 5 shows only the first of the pairs of drive and vertical pressure wheels. The drive wheel 12 is associated with and driven by an electric motor 14 which rotates the drive wheel 12 and hence pulls the drive element 9 and associated cab along the rail element 8. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art the pressure wheel 13 may also be driven by the electric motor 14 if required.
Also shown with respect to Figure 5 is a mounting beam 10b which depends from framework 10 incorporated into the drive element. This mounting beam extends past the drive element to other drive elements incorporated into the system and is used to directly connect or Unk a cab to the drive system and associated drive elements.
Figures 6a, 6b and 6c show the motion of a single drive carriages 9 on the top of a cab as the cab is switched onto an adjacent track. In the instance shown with respect to Figure 6a the cab (not shown) is initially travelling along a first track 2a and is to be switched onto an arfiarftnt trarV Oh

To implement the switch of a cab a portion of the track 2a is adapted to pivot outwards towards the second track 2b. This pivoting section of the track 2a is shown as the dotted section 2c. In effect only a portion of the track 2a is used to form the section 2c by pivoting out the section of the rail element of the track on which the cab is travelling. As shown in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c this rail element when pivoted outward guides each drive carriage 9 and the associated cab outwards away from the original track 2a onto the new track 2b. Once the cab has been fully transferred onto the new track 2b, the section of rail element 2c may be pivoted back into line with the main body of the track 2a.
Figures 7a,7b show side and top schematic views of elements used to form a switching system as described with respect to Figures 6a, 6b and 6c. The switching system 15 incorporates a pair of panels 16 connected together via a hinge element 17 along their adjacent edges. Connected to the hinge 17 is a drive rod 18a that can apply a pushing or pulling force to the hinge 17. In the situation shown with respect to Figures 7a and 7b the drive rod 18a is used to push the panel 16 so that they will lie substantially in the same plane. This will in tum pivot outwards the rail element 8 from main body of a track 2. Conversely when the rail element 8 is to be pivoted back in close proximity to the main body of the track 2, the drive rod 18a may be used to push or pull the panels so that they will lie substantially parallel to one another within a relatively small volume. This will in tum pull the rail element 8 back into contact with the main body of the track 2. '
In some embodiments a switching system may also include a drive arm 18b forming a pushing or pulling element (such as a pneumatic or hydraulic ram) which is attached to one end'of the rail element 8. The opposite end of such an arm 18b engages with the main body of the track or other associated components to start the rail element 8 moving outwards to switch a cab or back inwards after a cab has been switched.
Figure 8 shows the action of a biasing means introduced into the drive system for a cab. Such a biasing means can pivot or tiU the cab as shown by the ghosted cab outline in Figure 8 to smooth out momentum changes during cab switching.

A biasing means, implemented in the embodiment shown by a hydraulic ram 20 is introduced
between a drive system carriage and a connecting lever pivotably connected to the carriage and
directly connected to a top mounting bar on the roof of the cab. The hydraulic ram is sited on
the drive carriage and pushes against this pivoting lever to move the cab as shown with respect
to Figure 8 before the cab reaches a switching system. Prior movement of the cab before it is
switched smoothes momentum changes in the cab and therefore provides a smoother ride for the
cab's passengers. ' ,
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:
1. A transportation system which includes,
a plurality of substantially upright supports, and
at least one track elevated by said supports, and
a plurality of cabs adapted to move along said at least one track, said cabs being suspended from a track so that the centre of mass of said cabs are located below the track,
wherein said at least one track is formed &om a first rail element and a second rail element orientated in substantially the same directions, the first rail element being used to support at least one cab moving in substantially the opposite direction to at least one second cab supported by the second rail element
2. A transportation system as claimed in claim 1 which includes a single upright support only to support one point of a track.
3. A transportation system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein a track is formed from a central body portion with two pairs of side arms projecting from the body which form the first and second rail elements.
4. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein one side of a cab is linked to a track to locate the cab's centre of mass below the track.
5. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the entire cab is suspended below the track.
6. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein a cab includes seating for ten or less passengers.
7. A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein a cab provides a fully
enclosed cabin.

A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim which includes a switching system adapted to pivot a portion of a rail element on which the cab is moving towards a rail element of a track to which the cab is to be switched to.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the switching system includes at least one drive component adapted to push one end of the rail section towards an adjacent track and to puU said pivoted track section away from said adjacent track.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the drive component includes a plurality of panels attached to one another at adjacent edges which are movable to orientate the panels substantially parallel or perpendicular to one another to pivot a portion of the track element towards or away from an adjacent track.
A transportation system as claimed claim 10 wherein the drive component includes at least one driving rod or at least one driving arm adapted to push and pull the panels into substantially parallel or perpendicular alignment with one another.
A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim which includes a drive system adapted to pull or push a cab along a rail element.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 12 wherein said drive system is powered by electrical energy.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 13 wherein a live wire pickup system distributed within or adjacent to the track rail elements is used to supply electrical energy to the drive system.
A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the drive system includes a pair of drive carriages disposed along one side of a cab.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 15 wherein a drive carriage includes a pluraUty of vertical guide wheels which in use engage with a side or sides of a track element.

A transportation system as claimed in any of the claims 15 or 16 wherein a drive carriage includes a drive wheel and a pressure wheel which in use are placed in contact with the upper and lower surfaces of a track element.
A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein a drive carriage includes a central bar with the carriage being connected to a drive element at two points along the length of said central bar.
A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18 wherein the drive system includes a biasing means adapted to move the centre of mass of the cab towards an adjacent track to which the cab is to be switched before the rail element on which the cab is moving is pivoted towards the adjacent track to which the cab is to be switched.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 19 wherein the biasing means is located between the drive system for a cab linked to a rail element, and a Unking connector between a drive system and cab, said linking connector being pivotably connected to the drive system.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 20 wherein extension of the biasing means pivots the main body of the cab out away from the drive system and associated rail element which the cab is suspended from.
A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim wherein there is provided one or more receptacles at the base of the supports adapted to contain soil and plants.
A transportation system as claimed in any previous claim which includes a control system for a cab adapted to receive destination information from a user, where said destination information is used by the control system to control the route which the cab travels along the transportation system.
A transportation system as claimed in claim 23 wherein destination information includes a street address.

A transportation system as claimed in claim 23 wherein destination information encompasses a path or route which a passenger of the cab wishes the cab to.
A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein the control system is adapted to transmit control signals to at least one switching system to move the cab from one track to an adjacent track.
A transportation system as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26 wherein the control system includes a currency transfer element.
A transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.
A method of implementing a transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

A transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
A method of implementing a transportation system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

496-chenp-2003-abstract.pdf

496-chenp-2003-claims duplicate.pdf

496-chenp-2003-claims original.pdf

496-chenp-2003-correspondnece-others.pdf

496-chenp-2003-correspondnece-po.pdf

496-chenp-2003-description(complete) duplicate.pdf

496-chenp-2003-description(complete) original.pdf

496-chenp-2003-drawings.pdf

496-chenp-2003-form 1.pdf

496-chenp-2003-form 26.pdf

496-chenp-2003-form 3.pdf

496-chenp-2003-form 5.pdf

496-chenp-2003-other documents.pdf

496-chenp-2003-pct.pdf

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Patent Number

209214

Indian Patent Application Number

496/CHENP/2003

PG Journal Number

38/2007

Publication Date

21-Sep-2007

Grant Date

22-Aug-2007

Date of Filing

08-Apr-2003

Name of Patentee

SHRI. CHAPMAN LAWRENCE HUGH

Applicant Address

59 Felton Mathew Avenue, St Johns, Auckland

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	CHAPMAN, Lawrence, Hugh	59 Felton Mathew Avenue St Johns Auckland 1005

PCT International Classification Number

B61B 13/04

PCT International Application Number

PCT/NZ2001/000184

PCT International Filing date

2001-09-07

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	506819	2000-09-08	New Zealand