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From: Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: Bike tech idea for Jeff
Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:07:14 -0800
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On Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:07:05 -0600, AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

>On 1/22/2025 10:52 AM, Frank Krygowski wrote:
>> On 1/22/2025 1:01 AM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:
>>>
>>> The problem with one cable strand or a single loop is that 
>>> it takes
>>> two people to operate.  One to load firewood at the bottom 
>>> of the
>>> hill.  Another to unload the firewood at the top of the 
>>> hill and throw
>>> it into a pile.  That's possible, but I'm trying to avoid 
>>> solutions
>>> that require and extra person.
>> 
>> That is a big problem. I've mentioned before doing work in 
>> the attic of a friend's house, whose workshop and tools were 
>> in the basement-level garage. I realized pretty soon that if 
>> I'd forgotten to bring up a 3 pound hammer, I had to lift 
>> almost 180 pounds up three stories. Most of that load was me.
>> 
>> Seems like we should invent a mechanism that would allow you 
>> to load the wood into some sort of cable-suspended box, let 
>> the motor pull it up, and have the box dump wood onto an 
>> upper porch or whatever in response to a remote command. It 
>> sounds like an interesting challenge.
>> 
>> 
>
>I was thinking along those lines with a box on rails, line 
>secured to the upper outside edge so it tips at the top. I 
>couldn't think of a simple way to tip the box back up for 
>the return.  Complexity makes all this less attractive.

Maybe a backyard roller coaster?  
<https://www.google.com/search?q=backyard%20roller%20coaster&udm=2>
That would take care of any bumps and turns.  If I build it in a
traditional endless loop (or possibly a Mobius strip), I wouldn't need
to worry much about the return trip.  The loop would go around the
house which helps deliver firewood (or junk) to any part or level of
the house.  Maybe I couldn't fund the project by charging for rides.

Tipping the box to unload works well for firewood, but not so well for
groceries or the neighbors kids.  I would also need to buy a neighbors
empty lot because I don't really have enough land for proper turns.  I
built a temporary contraption the eliminated the tipping problem.
Instead of a box carrier on rails, it was a rope loop and two pulleys
suspended about 3 to 6 ft from the ground.  The firewood was placed
inside a canvas bag.  The release mechanism was a slip knot holding
the bag closed.  One the load had been dumped, I could pull on the
release rope to bring the canvas bag down to the start point.  It had
problems mostly because I used springy and stretchy nylon rope but did
show some promise.  I would prefer a box on rails, but the rope,
pulleys, canvas bag and slip knot solution is less complexicated.  

I was also looking at backyard roller coasters and train kits for the
design ideas and construction components.  I haven't looked at specs
yet but it should be possible.  Uphill can be a powered bicycle chain
(similar to the larger amusement park rides).
<https://www.google.com/search?q=amusement%20park%20roller%20coaster%20chain%20lift&udm=2>
<https://rollercoaster.fandom.com/wiki/Roller_Coaster_Wiki>

Locally, we that a famous amusement park with a famous roller coaster:
<https://www.google.com/search?q=santa%20cruz%20giant%20dipper&udm=2>
<https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=giant%20dipper>
We also have an assortment of small businesses who build and service
amusement park rides.  If I get bored with reinventing the wheel, I
might be able to ask them for help (and parts).

The difficult part (for me) will be preventing the local brats from
joyriding the firewood box up and down the hill.  I haven't asked my
insurance agent if my homeowners insurance covers maintaining an
attractive nuisance.  Making the box small and removable should help.

Thanks for the ideas but it might be a few years before I actually
build anything.  As I previously mentioned, the main objective is to
carry about 2.5 cords per year of mostly white oak firewood up about
50 stairs.  That's 5,000 to 6,000 lbs per cord when green or about
3,000 lbs when dry.  
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/MLGS2MyEcMCCwzMK9>
Prior to some medical problems, I was able to do this fairly well. I'm
managing to do it this year, but just barely.  I would much prefer to
recover my strength and continue carrying the firewood up the hill
than resorting to mechanical or electrical assistance.




-- 
Jeff Liebermann                 jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272      http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272
Skype: JeffLiebermann      AE6KS    831-336-2558