WO2017029493A1

WO2017029493A1 - Apparatus for simulating a parachute experience

Info

Publication number: WO2017029493A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/052538
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Wood; Matthew Wells
Original assignee: Frontgrid Limited
Priority date: 2015-08-17
Filing date: 2016-08-17
Publication date: 2017-02-23
Also published as: GB201514597D0; GB2542441A; GB2541401A; GB201520739D0

Abstract

An apparatus simulates a parachute experience, the apparatus includes: • a device (10) which controls the descent of a participant; • a pipe (12) inside which the device can descend, the device and at least part of the pipe defining a chamber in use; and • a valve (15) that can be operated to regulate the flow of air into the chamber, wherein the outer periphery of the device is substantially equal to the inner periphery of the pipe such that the device can contact the pipe around substantially the entire inner periphery thereof, and wherein the chamber is at least partially located above the device.

Description

Title: Apparatus for simulating a parachute experience. Description of Invention

This invention relates to apparatus for simulating a parachute experience.

Recreational parachuting activities of the type where a participant jumps out of an aircraft typically require the participant to undergo a series of training exercises, which can not only be costly for the participant in terms of money but also time consuming. Moreover, such recreational parachuting activities require the constant use of an aircraft which has associated therewith noise and air pollution concerns. It is also considered by some people that there is too high a risk of an injury or fatality by participating in such recreational parachuting activities and this means that many people do not get an opportunity to experience the feeling of diving from an aircraft.

Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus that seek to overcome, or at least substantially reduce, the disadvantages discussed above.

In one aspect of the invention, we provide an apparatus for simulating a parachute experience, the apparatus including:

a device for controlling the descent of a participant;

a pipe inside which the device is descendable, the device and at least part of the pipe defining a chamber in use; and

a valve operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber,

wherein the outer periphery of the device is substantially equal to the inner periphery of the pipe such that the device is contactable with the pipe around substantially the entire inner periphery thereof, and wherein the chamber is at least partially located above the device. In a second aspect of the invention, we provide an apparatus for simulating a parachute experience, the apparatus including:

a device for controlling the descent of a participant;

a pipe inside which the device is descendable; and

a braking assembly;

wherein the braking assembly is operable between a first state in which substantially no braking force is applied to the device as the device descends inside the pipe and a second state in which a braking force is applied to the device to at least partially arrest the device inside the pipe.

The pipe of the first and second aspects may include a first portion having a respective passageway along which the device is configured to pass. The pipe may include a successive second portion having a respective passageway along which the device is configured to pass. The passageway of the first portion may be straight and arranged substantially upright and the passageway of the successive second portion may be curved to gradually reduce the speed of the device as the device passes along the second portion.

The second portion may be at least partially open along its length. For example, a section of the second portion may have the general appearance of a half pipe. The second portion may constitute the or a pipe.

In a third aspect of the invention, we provide an apparatus for simulating a parachute experience, the apparatus including:

a device for controlling the descent of a participant;

a first portion having a respective passageway along which the device is configured to pass; and

a successive second portion having a respective passageway along which the device is configured to pass,

wherein the passageway of the first portion is straight and is arranged substantially upright and wherein the passageway of the successive second portion is curved to gradually reduce the speed of the device as the device passes along the second portion.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, we provide a device for controlling the descent of a participant, the device including:

a body having a surface for creating drag to slow the descent of the device as the device moves through an atmosphere; and

a brake member,

wherein the brake member is configured to withstand a braking force applied thereto so as to at least partially arrest the device.

In some embodiments, the brake member may be directly secured or securable to the device. In some embodiments, the brake member may be indirectly secured or securable to the device (e.g. the brake member may be connected to the device by a cord, lanyard, wire or other suitable connection.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, we provide a device for controlling the descent of a participant, the device including:

a sacrificial wear member,

wherein the sacrificial wear member at least partially extends around the outer periphery of the body.

Further features of the five aspects of the invention are set out in the dependent claims thereto which are appended hereto. Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a part of an apparatus;

Figure 5 shows an elevation view from one end of a pipe;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows views of a valve, the valve shown in an open state (a); a partially open state (b); and a closed state (c and d);

Figure 8 shows a part of a valve according to an embodiment;

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a pipe;

Figure 10 shows one embodiment of a braking assembly, the braking assembly shown in a first state;

Figure 1 1 shows the braking assembly of Figure 10, but this time shown in a second state;

Figure 12 shows three braking assemblies in series;

Figure 13 shows a device;

Figure 14 shows a part of the device of Figure 13;

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a part of the device of Figure 13;

Figure 16 shows an elevation view from one end of a pipe according to an embodiment;

Figure 17 shows a side view of the pipe of Figure 16, whereby the valve is shown in an open state;

Figure 18 shows a side view of the pipe of Figure 16, whereby the valve is shown in a closed state;

Figure 19 shows views of a further embodiment of a braking assembly; Figures 20 and 21 show a further embodiment of a braking assembly; and Figure 22 and 23 show a further embodiment of a braking assembly. With reference to figures 1 to 4, some embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus, indicated generally at 1 , for simulating a parachute experience. The apparatus 1 may include a device 10 for controlling the descent of a participant. The apparatus 1 may include a first portion 1 a having one or more passageways along which the device 10 is configured to pass and a successive second portion 1 b having one or more respective passageways along which the device 10 is also configured to pass. The passageways of the first portion 1 a may be straight and arranged substantially upright and the passageways of the successive second portion 1 b may be curved so as to gradually reduce the speed of the device 10 as the device 10 passes through the second portion 1 b.

In some embodiments, the passageways of the first and / or second portions 1 a, 1 b may consist of pipes 12 inside which the device is descendable. The passageways of the first and / or second portions 1 a, 1 b may be formed, at least partially, of transparent, e.g. clear or colourless, material, such as a plastics material or glass. This means that the participant has views of the surroundings as he / she descends within the pipe 12. Therefore, the participant achieves a similar feeling to that which one would feel when parachuting from an aircraft. In some embodiments, the or each pipe 12 may be transparent around the entire periphery thereof. Alternatively, the or each pipe 12 may be transparent only partially around the periphery thereof. For instance, transparent sections may be demarcated by one or more reinforcing members, e.g. steel sections.

In the illustrated embodiments, the passageways of the first portion 1 a consist of pipes 12 and the passageways of the second portion 1 b consist of curved slides 120 having generally semi-circular cross sections, e.g. in the form of a half-pipe. Accordingly, the passageways of the second portion 1 b are open along their lengths which has the advantage that the participant can safely and easily exit a passageway, for example, by sitting up once stationary. In the illustrated embodiments, the apparatus 1 consists of four pipes 12 arranged adjacent one another. Each pipe 12 leads to a respective slide 120. This arrangement enables a higher throughput of parachute drops than an apparatus having fewer pipes 12. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may include greater or fewer numbers of pipes 12.

In some embodiments, the or each slide 120 need not be in the form of half- pipe and instead may be in the form of a fully enclosed pipe. Indeed, a slide 120 may be an extension of the corresponding first portion 1 a.

The or each pipe 12 may be supported by a supporting structure 13. The supporting structure 13 may be up to approximately 50 to 100 metres in height. The supporting structure 13 may include an elevator or stairs (not shown) to enable participants to ascend to the top. The supporting structure 13 may be a standalone structure designed solely for this purpose. Alternatively, the supporting structure 13 may consist of an existing building, such as a hotel. The supporting structure 13 may be located upon an existing building. Each participant may be issued with a device 10 which is typically connected to the participant by a harness. Participants ascend the supporting structure 13 and then enter a pipe 12 via a door or airlock 131 . It is envisaged that a safety belt will be connected to the participant's harness to prevent the participant from falling down the pipe 12. The safety belt may be connected to the device 10, for example from an apex of the device 10. In some embodiments, a platform may be positioned in the pipe 12 upon which the participant may stand in order to access the pipe's interior. The participant may then be lifted above the platform, for instance by retracting the safety belt, so that the platform may be removed from the pipe 12 to allow the participant to descend inside the pipe 12. The or each pipe 12 is configured so that it can be closed off from atmosphere at an upper end 12a thereof. The or each pipe 12 is typically open to the atmosphere at a lower end 12b thereof, so that the participant and the device 10 can exit the pipe after descending. The device 10 is configured such that the outer periphery 101 thereof is substantially equal to the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12. Therefore, the outer periphery 101 of the device 10 is contactable with the pipe 12 around substantially the entire inner periphery 121 thereof. Accordingly, the device 10 and at least part of the pipe 12 define a chamber 14 once the device has been entered into the pipe 12. The chamber 14 is substantially sealed from the atmosphere. The chamber 14 is at least partially located above the device 10 once the device 10 has been entered into the pipe 12. In some embodiments, the entire chamber 14 may be located above the device 10. The device 10 may include a rigid body, which may be biased outwardly so as to provide increased contact (i.e. a better seal) between the device 10 and the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12. Specific aspects of the device 10 will be explained in more detail below. The apparatus 1 may include a valve 15 operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber 14. The valve 15 may be located at or approximate to the upper end 12a of the pipe 12. The valve 15 may be operable between a closed state in which air is prevented from flowing into the chamber 14 and an open state in which air is permitted to flow into the chamber 14. The valve 15 may be set to the closed state when a participant and the device 10 enter a pipe 12.

The participant (and hence the device 10) may be lowered in the pipe 12 by the safety belt. Accordingly, the volume of the chamber 14 will increase as the device 10 is lowered. Since little or no air is permitted to enter the chamber 14 through the valve 15 (or elsewhere) the pressure within the chamber 14 will begin to decrease as the volume therein increases. Provided that the seal between the device 10 and the pipe 12 remains airtight this will result in a pressure difference across the device 10 from one side to the other. The pressure in the pipe 12 below the device 10 will be higher than the pressure in the chamber 14. Thus, there will become a point at which the device 10 is unable to descend further in the pipe 12 due to the high pressure acting on the device 10 from below. At this point the participant is effectively being held in the pipe 12 by a partial vacuum located above the device 10 and is ready to be dropped.

A descent may be initiated by switching the valve 1 5 from the closed state to the open state permitting air flow into the chamber 14 from atmosphere to increase the air pressure within the chamber 14, and thereby allowing displacement of the device 10. At or around the time that the valve 15 is switched from the closed state to the open state the safety belt may be configured to release the participant. Accordingly, when released, the participant will descend to the bottom of the pipe 12 and experience a similar feeling as one would feel when jumping from an aircraft. The device 10 remains in contact with the pipe 12 as it descends to the bottom of the pipe 12. The device 10 includes a surface for creating drag to control the descent of the participant as the device 10 moves through the pipe 12. However, there is no mechanical pressurisation / evacuation above or below the device 10 to control the descent of the participant (for instance, no fans or pumps are required to control movement of the device 10). Instead, the invention solely relies upon the partial vacuum created within the chamber 14 to control the descent of the device 10.

The valve 15 need not be set to the closed state prior to release of the participant. In some embodiments, the participant may be suspended by the safety belt (i.e. via the harness or the device 10). The participant may be suspended from the upper end 12a of the pipe 12 by a release mechanism, such as an actuatable hook, rod or sear. The valve 15 may be set to an open or closed state as the participant enters the pipe and is suspended. Once the participant is safely positioned the release mechanism may be actuated (electro- mechanically or hydraulically or pneumatically) to release the participant so that the descent commences. In some embodiments, the valve 15 may be operable between more than one open state, whereby the rate of air permitted to flow into the chamber 14 is different in each of the open states. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because, for example, the speed or acceleration of the device 10 can be altered during a descent. For instance, a participant may wish to descend in the pipe 12 at a first rate for a first predetermined period and then at a second rate for a second predetermined period, the second rate being greater or less than the first rate. This may be achievable by adjusting the valve 15 during the descent of the participant. It is also to be appreciated that the weight and / or shape of one participant may differ from another. Therefore, participants will descend at different rates to one another due to variations in mass and / or aerodynamic profiles. To ensure that all participants descend at a rate defined by predetermined upper and lower limits the quantity of air flowing into the chamber 14 may be controlled and this may be achievable by adjusting the valve 15.

With reference to figures 5 to 8, some embodiments of the invention may include a valve 15 of the kind which includes two parts 151 , 152, the first part 151 defining an aperture 153 for permitting flow of air into the chamber 14 (airflow is indicated by the arrows in figure 6), the second part 152 being movable relative to the first part 151 to change the size of the aperture 153 of the first part 151 , thereby controlling the quantity of air that passes through the valve 15.

With reference, in particular to figure 7, in some embodiments the second part 152 may define an aperture 154, the aperture 154 of the second part 152 being demarcated by a pair of edges 152a, 152b that diverge from one another such that the aperture 154 has a tapered configuration. Having edges 152a, 152b that diverge away from one another means that the size of the aperture 153 can be accurately regulated by making small changes in the relative positions of the first and second parts 151 , 152.

In an alternative embodiment (shown in figure 8), the second part 152' may define plural apertures 154a'-d', the size of at least two apertures 154a'-d' of the second part 152' being different to each other. In some embodiments, the apertures 154a'-d' of the second part 152' may gradually decrease in size across the second part 152'. The size of the aperture 153 of the first part 151 is, therefore, adjustable by changing the position of the first part 151 relative to the second part 152' to align a selected one of the apertures 154a'-d' of the second part 152' with the aperture 153.

In some embodiments, the first part 151 of the valve 15 may constitute a section of the pipe 12 (for instance the upper end 12a of the pipe 12) and the second part 152, 152' of the valve may be arranged adjacent thereto. The second part 152, 152' of the valve 15 may be located outside the chamber 14 so that it is more accessible for servicing, for example.

In some embodiments (not shown), the second part 152, 152' of the valve 15 may constitute a section of the pipe 12 and the first part 151 may be arranged adjacent thereto. For instance, in such embodiments, the first part 151 of the valve 15 may be located outside the chamber 14. The apparatus 1 of some embodiments may include an actuator 16 configurable to switch the valve 15 between the open and closed states. The actuator 16 may be driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, thermally or magnetically. In the illustrated embodiments, the actuator 16 is a mechanical servomotor. The actuator 16 includes a piston 161 connected (either directly or indirectly) to the second part 152, 152' and is configured to adjust the position of the second part 152, 152' relative to the first part 151 so as to control the size of the aperture 153. Clearly, as the size of the aperture 153 is increased the quantity of air flowing into the chamber 14 will increase. Accordingly, the rate of descent of the device 10 will increase. On the other hand, the quantity of air flowing into the chamber 14 will decrease as the size of the aperture 153 is decreased. Accordingly, the rate of descent of the device 10 will decrease. In theory, provided that the chamber 14 remains sealed from atmosphere, the descent of the device 10 will stop in the event that the aperture 153 is closed.

Figure 7a depicts the valve 15 in an open state, in which the opening 153 of the first part 151 is aligned with the opening 154 of the second part 152. Figure 7b depicts the valve 15 in a partially open state, in which the opening 153 of the first part 151 is partially aligned with the opening 154 of the second part 152. Figures 7c and 7d depict the valve 15 in a closed state, in which the opening 153 of the first part 151 is not aligned with the opening 154 of the second part 152. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may include sensors 18 for detecting in which of the open or closed states the valve 15 is configured.

In some embodiments, and with particular reference to figures 16 to 18, the apparatus 1 may include a valve 15 based on the same concept as that already discussed above with respect to figures 5 to 8 but envisaged to be more practical in terms of simulating a "real-life" parachuting experience. In such embodiments, the upper end 12a of the pipe 12 may constitute the first part 151 of the valve 1 5 and the second part 152 of the valve 15 may be in the form of a "lid" that can be moved (e.g. raised / lowered) with respect to the first part 151 .

Movement of the second part 152 may be effected by one or more actuators 16 connected to the first part 151 . The or each actuator 16 may include a piston rod 161 which is connected to the second part 152 so as to move the second part 152 relative to the first part 151 . As best appreciated in figure 16, the upper end 12a of the pipe 12 has a "tri-lobed" outline, whereby each of the lobes can accommodate one of the three actuators 16. The actuators 16 may be spaced equally about the perimeter of the pipe 12.

In other embodiments it is envisaged that there may be fewer or greater than three actuators 16 and as a consequence it is not essential that the pipe 12 has a "tri-lobed" outline when viewed in plan. In some embodiments, the pipe 12 may have fewer or greater than three lobes.

In some embodiments, no lobes may be present at all - for example, the pipe 12 may have a flange (not shown) located at or about the upper end 12a thereof. The or each actuator 16 may be fixed to or accommodated by the flange.

The or each actuator 16 need not be connected to the first part 151 . For instance, in some embodiments the or each actuator 16 may be connected to the second part 152 and the associated piston rod 1 61 may be connected to the first part 151 in order to effect relative movement of the first and second parts 151 , 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuators 16 are pneumatically driven actuators. In alternative embodiments the actuators 16 may be hydraulically, mechanically, electrically, thermally or magnetically driven. In some embodiments there may be one or more guides 162 for guiding and supporting the second part 152. The second part 152 may include a corresponding number of apertures 1520 for receiving respective guides 162. The or each guide 162 may be in the form of a rod which, in use, extends through a corresponding aperture 1520 of the second part 152.

It is to be appreciated that in the embodiment of figures 16 to 18 the aperture 153 which permits airflow (indicated by the arrows in figure 17) into the chamber 14 is much greater than that shown in the previous embodiments. By opening the aperture 153 to such an extent it is considered that the pipe 12 becomes fully open and this may result in simulations that even more closely resemble a real-life parachuting experience when compared to the previous embodiments.

As used herein, a pipe is said to be "fully open" when the area that defines the aperture 153 is equal to or greater than the area of a cross section of the pipe 12. For example, in embodiments whereby the pipe 1 2 has a diameter of 1 m the aperture 153 is said to be fully open when the second part 152 is raised above the first part 151 by approximately 250 mm or more. The reasoning for this is as follows. The area of a circle is equal to n² so the cross sectional area of a circular pipe having a 1 m diameter is 0.79 m². The area that defines the aperture 153 is equal to the length of the aperture multiplied by the height of the aperture. The length of the aperture is equal to the circumference of the pipe, i.e. 3.14 m for a pipe having a 1 m diameter and the height of the aperture 153 is the integer that we are seeking to determine. When the area of the circle is equal to the cross sectional area of the pipe the height of the aperture is the area of the circle divided by the length of the aperture (i.e. 0.79 m² / 3.14 m for a pipe having a diameter of 1 m), and this is equal to 0.25 m (i.e. 250 mm).

As explained with respect to previous embodiments, the valve 15 may be operable between more than one different open state, so as to control the volume of air that is permitted to flow into the chamber 14 and hence control the descent of the participant. For instance, the second part 152 may be raised above the first part 151 by approximately 250 mm or more for a first predetermined period (which may be from 5 to 60 seconds). During the first predetermined period the valve 15 may be fully open and the device 10 - and hence participant - descends at a relatively rapid rate. The second part 152 may then be lowered to, say, 50 mm above the first part 151 for a second predetermined period (which may be from 5 to 60 seconds). The height to which the second part 152 is lowered will depend on a number of factors including (but not limited to) the mass / aerodynamic profile of the participant or even the type of experience that the participant is seeking. The aperture 153 is smaller during the second predetermined period than during the first predetermined period; therefore, less air flows into the chamber 14 during the second predetermined period and the participant's descent slows.

The apparatus 1 clearly offers flexibility. For instance, it could be possible to lower the second part 152 to, say, 1 mm above the first part 151 to slow the participant's descent even further. In some cases a participant may not wish to descend at different speeds during the experience. Therefore, it could be possible to partially open the aperture 153 (say, by raising the first part 151 approximately 5 mm above the second part 152) so that the participant slowly drifts the length of the pipe 12 in a controlled manner without significant variations in speed / acceleration. In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may include a switch (not shown), for instance a reed switch, for sensing the position of the or each actuator 16 and thereby enabling accurate position control of the valve 15. For instance, the switch may allow for accurate relative positioning of the first and second parts 151 , 152 so as to accurately control the size of the aperture 153.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may include a second valve (not shown) in addition to valve 15. The second valve may include at least one associated aperture for controlling airflow from atmosphere into the chamber 14. It is envisaged that the second valve may operate to "fine tune" the rate of air flowing into the chamber 14.

With reference to figure 9, in some embodiments the pipe 12 may have a channel 18 which extends substantially along the length thereof. The channel 18 may be located externally with respect to the pipe 12. The channel 18 may be in communication with the internal volume of the pipe 12 substantially along the length thereof. The pipe 12 may include a pair of facing edges 122a, 122b that define a gap between the channel 18 and the internal volume of the pipe 12. The pair of facing edges 122a, 122b may, therefore, extend substantially along the length of the pipe 12.

With reference to figures 10 to 12, in some embodiments the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17 operable between a first state (shown in figure 10) in which substantially no braking force is applied to the device 10 as the device 10 descends inside the pipe 12 and a second state (shown in figure 1 1 ) in which a braking force is applied to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10. The braking force may be applied either directly or indirectly to the device 10. In some embodiments, at least part of the braking assembly 17 may be located within the channel 18. In such embodiments the channel 18 may be configured to receive a brake member 105 associated with a respective device 10 or participant. Typically, during the point at which a participant is entering a pipe 12 the brake member 105 (associated with the participant or participant's device 10) is inserted into the channel 18. The brake member 105 is configured to descend inside the channel 18 alongside the device 10 which descends inside the pipe 12. The brake member 105 may exit the channel 18 as the participant exits the pipe 12.

The braking assembly 17 provides a failsafe. For instance, in the event of a component failure, an accident, a participant becomes panicked or begins to descend at a speed / acceleration greater than a predetermined limit, the braking assembly 17 may be triggered to apply a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest (such as stop) the device 10 inside the pipe 12. The braking assembly 17 may be configurable to apply a braking force to the brake member 105 descending in the channel 18. The braking assembly 17 may be triggered either automatically by the apparatus 1 or by user intervention. To be clear, the braking assembly 17 is only intended for use in emergency situations or when the apparatus 1 is being tested. The braking assembly 17 is not intended to be used during normal operation of the apparatus 1 . The primary arresting mechanisms for the device 10 during normal operation are intended to be the partial vacuum created in the chamber 14 and also the slide finish.

The braking assembly 17 may include a pair of braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b, each braking surface 171 a, 171 b being held by a respective carrier 172a, 172b. The braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b may include a high resistant braking material. The braking assembly 17 may also include a brake actuator 173 and one or more resiliently biasing members 174 associated with each braking surface 171 a, 171 b. Each brake actuator 173 may be driven mechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, thermally or magnetically. In the illustrated embodiments, the brake actuators 173 are pneumatically driven actuators. The actuators 173 may include a piston 175 connected to the respective braking surface 171 a, 171 b. The piston 175 may be connected either directly or indirectly to the respective braking surface 171 a, 171 b. The braking assembly 17 may include a housing 176. The actuators 173 may be configurable to adjust the position of one or both of the respective braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b relative to the housing 176.

In the illustrated embodiments, and when the braking assembly 17 is in the first state, the brake actuators 173 are configured to overcome the force of the resiliently biasing members 174. In the event of an emergency, for example, the braking assembly 17 may be triggered to switch to the second state, in which the resiliently biasing members 174 are configured to overcome the force of the brake actuators 173 to adjust the position of one or both of the respective braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b relative to the housing 176. For instance, the actuators 173 may vent pressure so that the force of the resiliently biasing members 174 becomes dominant. The braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are mounted relative to the housing 176 about a pivot axis 177. The braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b may be pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176 about a first end thereof such that the ends of the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b distal from the first ends are arranged closer to one another than at the first ends when the braking assembly 17 is in the second state, as depicted by figure 1 1 . As will be appreciated from figure 1 1 , the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are configured to engage the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 descends inside the channel 18. Due to the fact that the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176 the braking force applied to the brake member 105 will increase as the brake member 105 descends which has the advantage that a gradual arrest is applied to the device 10. Of course, the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b need not be pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176. For instance, in some embodiments (not shown), one or both braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b may be movable laterally relative to the housing 176 such that the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b are arranged closer to one another when the braking assembly 17 is in the second state than when the braking assembly 17 is in the first state. In this embodiment the distance between the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b is substantially constant along the length of the braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b at any given time.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 1 may include a detector 19 configured to detect the speed or acceleration of the device 10 and for generating a signal indicative of the speed or acceleration of the device 10. The apparatus 1 may also include a controller 20 for receiving the or a signal from the detector 19. The detector 19 and controller 20 may be hardwired or wireless. The controller 20 may be configured to trigger a change in the state of the braking assembly 17 from the first state to the second state when the speed or acceleration of the device 10 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

In some embodiments, the detector 19 may include a single sensor configured to detect the speed or acceleration of the device 1 0 when the device 10 reaches a specific location along the pipe 12. In alternative embodiments, the detector may include an array of sensors spaced along the length of the pipe 12 for detecting the speed or acceleration of the device 10 at various different locations along the pipe 12.

With reference to figure 12, in some embodiments the apparatus 1 may include more than one braking assembly 17 having associated therewith respective braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b. In such embodiments, the braking assemblies 17 may be arranged in series. If present, the controller 20 may be configured to trigger each pair of braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b successively so as to gradually arrest the device 10. The braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b of each braking assembly 17 may be pivotably mounted relative to the housing 176 or mounted to move laterally relative to the housing 1 76. Braking assemblies 17 arranged in series that are triggered successively also offer an advantage that a gradual arrest may be applied to the device 10.

In some embodiments there may be no requirement to locate the braking assembly 17 within the channel 18.

In some embodiments, the braking assembly 17 may take a different form to that shown in figures 10 to 12. The braking assembly 17 need not include a pair of braking surfaces 171 a, 171 b for applying a braking force to the device 10. Instead, the braking assembly 17 may include, for example, a brake governor located above a respective pipe 12. The device 10 may be suspended from the brake governor and permitted to descend within a pipe 12 until a predetermined speed or acceleration is reached, at which point the brake governor may trip and at least partially arrest the descent of the device 10 in the pipe 12.

The brake governor may be an inertia governor or a centrifugal governor. In some embodiments, the brake governor need not be located above the pipe 12.

With reference to figure 19, in some embodiments the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17' in the form of an inertia governor 170'. In figures 19a-c various images are shown in which the braking assembly 17' applies a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10 inside the pipe 12. Figures 19d and 19e are cross sectional views along respective lines B-B and C-C of figure 19a.

The inertia governor 170' may include a body 178' and a brake cable 179' wound around a part of the body 178'. The inertia governor 170' may include a connecting part 180' which may be connected to a free end of the brake cable 179'. The connecting part 180' is configured to receive and catch and hold the brake member 105 in the event of an emergency, so as to apply the braking force to the device 10. In effect, the body 178' acts a mass to counter the momentum of the device 10. In some embodiments, the braking assembly 17' may include a brake actuator 173' for controlling movement of the connecting part 180'. For instance, the brake actuator 173' may control movement of the connecting part 180' via, for example, a piston 175'. It is envisaged that the braking assembly 17' will be configured such that the connecting part 180' is located adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 during operation of the apparatus 1 such that the connecting part 180' can receive the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 exits the channel 18 so as to utilise the inertia governor 170' to apply the braking force. In the event that no emergency is detected during a descent the braking assembly 17' may be operable to move the connecting part 180' away from its location such that the brake member 105 is not received by the connecting part 180', thereby applying no braking force to the device 10. Movement of the connecting part 180' may be effected by the brake actuator 173'. The connecting part 180' may be moved by the brake actuator 173' to adopt its location adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 ready for the next descent.

The inertia governor 170' may be mounted to the apparatus 1 , for example the pipe 12. In some embodiments the inertia governor 170' may be free standing (i.e. not directly connected to the apparatus 1 ).

With reference to figures 20 and 21 , in some embodiments the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17" in the form of a ram 170". Figure 20 shows the braking assembly 17" prior to applying a braking force to the device 10 and figure 21 shows the braking assembly 17" applying a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment the ram 170" is a pneumatic ram but other rams are envisaged, such as hydraulic rams and so forth. The ram 170" may include a cylinder 1701 " having a piston 1702" extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the free end of the piston 1702" may include one or more guides or rollers 1703" which provide a guide or channel for the brake cable 179". The brake cable 179" may be connected at one end to a connecting part 180". The other end of the brake cable 179" may be anchored (for example, anchored to the cylinder 1701 "). In effect, the ram 17" acts to counter the momentum of the device 10 because, in use, the piston 1702" acts against a fluid (e.g. a gas or a hydraulic fluid) to dissipate the momentum of the device 10.

Operation of the braking assembly 17" is similar to that previously described with respect to the other braking assemblies 17, 17'. For instance, a brake actuator 173" may control movement of the connecting part 180" via, for example, a piston 175". It is envisaged that the braking assembly 17" will be configured such that the connecting part 180" is located adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 during operation of the apparatus 1 such that the connecting part 180" can receive and hold the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 exits the channel 18 so as to utilise the ram 170" to apply the braking force. In the event that no emergency is detected during a descent the braking assembly 17" may be operable to move the connecting part 180" away from its location such that the brake member 105 is not received by the connecting part 180", thereby applying no braking force to the device 10. Movement of the connecting part 180" may be effected by the brake actuator 173". The connecting part 180" may be moved by the brake actuator 173" to adopt its location adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 ready for the next descent.

With reference to figures 22 and 23, in some embodiments the apparatus 1 may include a braking assembly 17"' in the form of ram 170"'. Figure 22 shows the braking assembly 17"' prior to applying a braking force to the device 10 and figure 23 shows the braking assembly 17"' applying a braking force to the device 10 to at least partially arrest the device 10.

The ram 170"' is a pneumatic ram but other rams are envisaged, such as hydraulic rams and so forth. The ram 170"' may include a cylinder 1701 "' having a piston 1702"' located therein. The brake cable 179"' may be connected at one end to a connecting part 180"'. The other end of the brake cable 179"' may be connected (either directly or indirectly) to the piston 1702"'. As with the previous embodiment, the ram 17"' acts to counter the momentum of the device 10. In use, the piston 1702"' may act against a fluid (e.g. a gas or a hydraulic fluid) to dissipate the momentum of the device 10.

A brake actuator 173"' may control movement of a connecting part 180"' via, for example, a piston 175"'. It is envisaged that the braking assembly 17"' will be configured such that the connecting part 180"' is located adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 during operation of the apparatus 1 such that the connecting part 180"' can receive and hold the brake member 105 as the brake member 105 exits the channel 18 so as to utilise the ram 170"' to apply the braking force. In the event that no emergency is detected during a descent the braking assembly 17"' may be operable to move the connecting part 180"' away from its location such that the brake member 105 is not received by the connecting part 180"', thereby applying no braking force to the device 10. Movement of the connecting part 180"' may be effected by the brake actuator 173"'. The connecting part 180"' may be moved by the brake actuator 173"' to adopt its location adjacent the exit aperture of the channel 18 ready for the next descent.

In some embodiments (not shown) the braking assembly may take the form of a counterweight, whereby the counterweight is utilised to dissipate the momentum of the device instead of or in addition to the braking surfaces, brake governors or rams described herein. With reference to figures 13 to 15, some embodiments of the present invention include a device, indicated generally at 10, for controlling the descent of a participant. The device 10 may include a body 101 having a surface 102 for creating drag to slow the descent of the device 10 as the device 10 moves through an atmosphere. The device 10 may include one or more rigging lines 103 having ends 103a for connecting the device 10 to a participant (typically via a harness).

In some embodiments, the body 101 may take the form of a parachute canopy. The rigging lines 103 may run through the surface of the body 101 up to an apex 104 thereof (indicated by the dashed line in figure 13). The rigging lines 103 may extend downwardly from the apex 104 and through the body 101 . Ends 103b of the rigging lines 103 may also be connected to the participant (typically via the harness).

However, the device 10 need not take the form of a parachute canopy. For instance, in some embodiments (see figure 4, for example), the device 10 may take the form of a piston. The crucial factor is that the device 10 includes a surface 102 for creating drag to slow the descent of the device 10 as it moves through an atmosphere as it is this that produces the feeling of diving from an aircraft.

As discussed above, the device 10 may include a rigid (e.g. reinforced) body 101 . In some embodiments, the body 101 may include one or more rigid sections 106 that give the body 101 a substantially constant shape. The or each rigid section 106 may be biased outwardly so that the body 101 remains in contact with the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12 as the device 10 descends inside the pipe 12, having the advantage that a good seal is provided between the device 10 and the pipe 12. The or each rigid section 106 may be biased outwardly of the body 101 by virtue of the material from which the sections 106 are formed or arranged. For instance, the or each rigid section 106 may be pre-tensioned to provide the outward force. Alternatively, a resilient member (e.g. a spring) may be provided behind the or each rigid section 106. The device 10 may include a brake member 105. The brake member 105 may include a wear resistant surface capable of withstanding a braking force applied thereto so as to at least partially arrest the device 10.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the brake member 105 may be configured (i.e. shaped) so as to cooperate with (e.g. be received by or receive) at least a portion of the connecting part 180', 180", 180"'.

In some embodiments (not shown), the device 10 may include two or more brake members 105. Each brake member 105 may be spaced evenly about a perimeter of the body 101 . In such embodiments, the or each pipe 12 may include two or more channels 18 also evenly spaced about the perimeter of the pipe 12 and for receiving a respective brake member 105. Accordingly, each channel 18 may have incorporated therein one or more braking assemblies 17. One advantage of this configuration is that, in the event of an emergency, braking forces will be applied evenly to the device 10 at different locations about the perimeter thereof, meaning that the participant is less likely to jerk from side-to-side as he / she comes to a standstill. Moreover, the device 10 is less likely twist during normal use by having this arrangement. With reference to figure 15, the or each brake member 105 may be secured mechanically to the body 101 . For instance, the or each brake member 105 may include a pin (not shown) or any other appropriate fastening means such as threaded portion 105a for engaging with a corresponding threaded portion 105b. However, in some embodiments (not shown), the or each brake member 105 may be integrally formed with the body 105 or secured to the body 105 by a lanyard. In some embodiments, the or each brake member 105 may be indirectly secured to the device 10. For instance, the brake member(s) 105 may be secured to the participant's harness via a lanyard.

It will be appreciated that the channel 18 is in open communication with the chamber 14 and, therefore, air may leak from atmosphere into the chamber 14 via the channel 18 and this could result in undesirable consequences. For instance, it may become challenging to control (i.e. slow) the descent of the device 10 using the valve 15 if the pressure within the chamber 14 is being equalised via a leakage through the channel 18. Therefore, it is desirable that the or each brake member 105 is located adjacent the outermost periphery of the body 101 as this will have the effect of sealing the chamber 14 from atmosphere.

The or each brake member 105 may be at least partially coated in a sealant, such a silicone, to improve this sealing effect.

The or each brake member 105 may take the form of a solid block. Alternatively, the brake member(s) 105 may include two outer surfaces that are biased outwardly from one another. For instance, the two outer surfaces may be held relative to one another by a housing and adjacent one or more spring members. One or more rollers may be provided on the outer surfaces of the brake member(s) 105.

In some embodiments, the brake member(s) 105 may include one or more wheels pivotably mounted to a support. Since the device 10 is configured to provide a seal with the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12 it follows that the device 10 will be subjected to friction and wear. Therefore, the device 10 may include a shim 107 located between the body 101 and the or each brake member 105 for protecting the outer surface of the body 101 from wear, e.g. from contact with facing edges 122a, 122b.

The device 10 may include one or more sacrificial wear members 108, wherein the or each sacrificial wear member 108 at least partially extends around the outer periphery of the body 101 . The or each sacrificial wear member 108 may protect the body 101 from general wear against the inner periphery 121 of the pipe 12.

The or each sacrificial wear member 108 may be releasably attached to the body 101 , e.g. via hook and loop fasteners. The sacrificial wear member(s) 108 may be formed from a textile material (such as felt) or from rubber or PVC. The sacrificial wear member(s) have the advantage of improving the seal between the device 10 and the pipe 12. It is envisaged that existing sacrificial wear member(s) 108 would be replaced periodically with new sacrificial wear member(s) 108.

As will be appreciated, embodiments of the invention provide a safer, more convenient and cheaper alternative to skydiving from an aircraft. It is envisaged that apparatus 1 according to the invention may be installed on sites close to cities making it convenient for thrill seekers to participate without having to travel significant distances and / or incur costs and / or time in attending training exercises, as is the case for conventional parachuting from an aircraft. The present invention also has environmental benefits, in that it removes the need for aircraft and hence the noise and air pollution associated therewith. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 . An apparatus for simulating a parachute experience, the apparatus including:

a device for controlling the descent of a participant;

a valve operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber,

wherein the outer periphery of the device is substantially equal to the inner periphery of the pipe such that the device is contactable with the pipe around substantially the entire inner periphery thereof, and wherein the chamber is at least partially located above the device.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the valve is operable between a closed state in which air is prevented from flowing into the chamber and an open state in which air is permitted to flow into the chamber.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the valve is operable between more than one open state and wherein the rate of air permitted to flow into the chamber is different in each of the open states.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve includes two parts, the first part defining an aperture for permitting the flow of air into the chamber, the second part being movable relative to the first part to change the size of the aperture of the first part.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second part defines an aperture, the aperture of the second part being demarcated by a pair of edges that diverge from one another such that the aperture has a tapered configuration.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second part defines plural apertures, the size of at least two apertures of the second part being different to each other.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the apertures of the second part gradually decrease in size across the second part.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first part of the valve constitutes a section of the pipe and the second part of the valve is arranged adjacent thereto.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second part of the valve constitutes substantially one end of the pipe.

10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second part of the valve is located outside the chamber.

1 1 . An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10, including an actuator configurable to switch the valve between the open and closed states.

12. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 1 1 , including sensors for detecting in which of the open or closed states the valve is configured.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve is located at or approximate to an upper end of the pipe.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein one of the first and second parts includes at least one guide and the other of the first and second parts includes a corresponding aperture or rebate for receiving at least a part of the guide.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, including a further valve operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, including a braking assembly operable between a first state in which substantially no braking force is applied to the device as the device descends inside the pipe and a second state in which a braking force is applied to the device to at least partially arrest the device.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, including:

a detector configured to detect the speed or acceleration of the device and for generating a signal indicative of the speed or acceleration of the device; and

a controller for receiving the signal from the detector,

wherein the controller is configured to trigger a change in the state of the braking assembly from the first state to the second state when the speed or acceleration of the device reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the detector includes a sensor or an array of sensors spaced along the length of the pipe.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the braking assembly includes a brake actuator and a resiliently biasing member, the brake actuator being configurable to overcome the force of the resiliently biasing member when the braking assembly is in the first state, and wherein the force of the resiliently biasing member is configured to overcome the brake actuator when the braking assembly is in the second state.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the braking assembly includes a pair of braking surfaces, each braking surface being held by a respective carrier.

21 . An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe includes at least one channel which extends substantially along the length thereof and wherein the or a braking assembly is at least partially located within the channel(s).

22. An apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein at least one braking surface of the pair is movable relative to a housing such that the braking surfaces are arranged closer to one another when the braking assembly is in the second state than when the braking assembly is in the first state.

23. An apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein at least one braking surface of the pair is pivotably mounted relative to a housing about a first end thereof such that the ends of the braking surfaces distal from the first ends are arranged closer to one another than the braking surfaces at the first ends when the braking assembly is in the second state.

24. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the apparatus includes more than one braking assembly.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the or a controller is configured to trigger each braking assembly successively so as to gradually arrest the device.

26. An assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the braking assembly includes a brake governor and wherein the device is suspended from the brake governor.

27. An apparatus for simulating a parachute experience, the apparatus including:

a device for controlling the descent of a participant; a pipe inside which the device is descendable; and

a braking assembly;

28. An apparatus according to claim 27, including:

a controller for receiving the signal from the detector,

29. An apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the detector includes a sensor or an array of sensors spaced along the length of the pipe.

30. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the braking assembly includes a brake actuator and a resiliently biasing member, the brake actuator being configurable to overcome the force of the resiliently biasing member when the braking assembly is in the first state, and wherein the force of the resiliently biasing member is configured to overcome the brake actuator when the braking assembly is in the second state.

31 . An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the braking assembly includes a pair of braking surfaces, each braking surface being held by a respective carrier.

32. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 31 , wherein the pipe includes at least one channel which extends substantially along the length thereof and wherein the or a braking assembly is at least partially located within the channel(s).

33. An apparatus according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein at least one braking surface of the pair is movable relative to a housing such that the braking surfaces are arranged closer to one another when the braking assembly is in the second state than when the braking assembly is in the first state.

34. An apparatus according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein at least one braking surface of the pair is pivotably mounted relative to a housing about a first end thereof such that the ends of the braking surfaces distal from the first ends are arranged closer to one another than the braking surfaces at the first ends when the braking assembly is in the second state.

35. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the apparatus includes more than one braking assembly.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the controller is configured to trigger each braking assembly successively so as to gradually arrest the device.

37. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the braking assembly includes a brake governor and wherein the device is suspended from the brake governor.

38. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the braking assembly includes any one of an inertia governor, a centrifugal governor, a hydraulic ram or a pneumatic ram.

39. An apparatus according to any one of claims 27 to 38, wherein the valve and at least part of the pipe define a chamber in use, the apparatus including:

a valve operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber,

40. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the valve is operable between a closed state in which air is prevented from flowing into the chamber and an open state in which air is permitted to flow into the chamber.

41 . An apparatus according to claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the valve is operable between more than one open state and wherein the rate of air permitted to flow into the chamber is different in each of the open states.

42. An apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 41 , wherein the valve includes two parts, the first part defining an aperture for permitting the flow of air into the chamber, the second part being movable relative to the first part to change the size of the aperture of the first part.

43. An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the second part defines an aperture, the aperture of the second part being demarcated by a pair of edges that diverge from one another such that the aperture has a tapered configuration.

44. An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the second part defines plural apertures, the size of at least two apertures of the second part being different to each other.

45. An apparatus according to claim 44, wherein the apertures of the second part gradually decrease in size across the second part.

46. An apparatus according to any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the first part of the valve constitutes a section of the pipe and the second part of the valve is arranged adjacent thereto.

47. An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the second part of the valve is located outside the chamber.

48. An apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 47, including an actuator configurable to switch the valve between the open and closed states.

49. An apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 48, including sensors for detecting in which of the open or closed states the valve is configured.

50. An apparatus according to any one of claims 39 to 49, wherein the valve is located at or approximate to an upper end of the pipe.

51 . An apparatus for simulating a parachute experience, the apparatus including:

a device for controlling the descent of a participant;

52. An apparatus according to claim 51 , wherein one or both of the first and second portions is a pipe inside which the device is descendable.

53. An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the valve and at least part of the pipe define a chamber in use, the apparatus including:

a valve operable to regulate the flow of air into the chamber,

54. An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the valve is operable between a closed state in which air is prevented from flowing into the chamber and an open state in which air is permitted to flow into the chamber.

55. An apparatus according to claim 53 or claim 54, wherein the valve is operable between more than one open state and wherein the rate of air permitted to flow into the chamber is different in each of the open states.

56. An apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the valve includes two parts, the first part defining an aperture for permitting the flow of air into the chamber, the second part being movable relative to the first part to change the size of the aperture of the first part.

57. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the second part defines an aperture, the aperture of the second part being demarcated by a pair of edges that diverge from one another such that the aperture has a tapered configuration.

58. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the second part defines plural apertures, the size of at least two apertures of the second part being different to each other.

59. An apparatus according to claim 58, wherein the apertures of the second part gradually decrease in size across the second part.

60. An apparatus according to any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein the first part of the valve constitutes a section of the pipe and the second part of the valve is arranged adjacent thereto.

61 . An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the second part of the valve is located outside the chamber.

62. An apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 61 , including an actuator configurable to switch the valve between the open and closed states.

63. An apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 62, including sensors for detecting in which of the open or closed states the valve is configured.

64. An apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 63, wherein the valve is located at or approximate to an upper end of the pipe.

65. An apparatus according to any one of claims 53 to 64, including a braking assembly operable between a first state in which substantially no braking force is applied to the device as the device descends inside the or a pipe and a second state in which a braking force is applied to the device to at least partially arrest the device.

66. An apparatus according to claim 65, including: a detector configured to detect the speed or acceleration of the device and for generating a signal indicative of the speed or acceleration of the device; and

a controller for receiving the signal from the detector,

67. An apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the detector includes a sensor or an array of sensors spaced along the length of the pipe.

68. An apparatus according to any one of claims 65 to 67, wherein the braking assembly includes a brake actuator and a resiliently biasing member, the brake actuator being configurable to overcome the force of the resiliently biasing member when the braking assembly is in the first state, and wherein the force of the resiliently biasing member is configured to overcome the brake actuator when the braking assembly is in the second state.

69. An apparatus according to any one of claims 65 to 68, wherein the braking assembly includes a pair of braking surfaces, each braking surface being held by a respective carrier.

70. An apparatus according to any one of claims 52 to 69, wherein the pipe includes at least one channel which substantially extends along the length thereof and wherein the or a braking assembly is at least partially located within the channel(s).

71 . An apparatus according to claim 69 or claim 70, wherein at least one braking surface of the pair is movable relative to a housing such that the braking surfaces are arranged closer to one another when the braking assembly is in the second state than when the braking assembly is in the first state.

72. An apparatus according to claim 69 or claim 70, wherein at least one braking surface of the pair is pivotably mounted relative to a housing about a first end thereof such that the ends of the braking surfaces distal from the first ends are arranged closer to one another than the braking surfaces at the first ends when the braking assembly is in the second state.

73. An apparatus according to any one of claims 65 to 72, wherein the apparatus includes more than one braking assembly.

74. An apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the or a controller is configured to trigger each braking assembly successively so as to gradually arrest the device.

75. An apparatus according to any one of claims 65 to 70, wherein the braking assembly includes a brake governor and wherein the device is suspended from the brake governor.

76. A device for controlling the descent of a participant, the device including:

a brake member,

wherein the brake member is configured to withstand a braking force applied thereto so as to at least partially arrest the descent of the device.

77. A device according to claim 76, including a sacrificial wear member, wherein the sacrificial wear member at least partially extends around the periphery of the body.

78. A device for controlling the descent of a participant, the device including:

a sacrificial wear member,

wherein the sacrificial wear member at least partially extends around the periphery of the body.

79. A device according to claim 77 or claim 78, wherein the sacrificial wear member is releasably attached to the body.

80. A device according to claim 78 or claim 79, including:

a brake member,

81 . A device according to any one of claims 76 to 80, including two or more brake members.

82. A device according to claim 81 , wherein each brake member is spaced evenly about the periphery of the body.

83. A device according to any one of claims 76 to 82, wherein the or each brake member is secured mechanically to the body.

84. A device according to any one of claims 76 to 82, wherein the or each brake member is secured to the body by a lanyard.

85. A device according to any one of claims 76 to 82, wherein the or each brake member is integrally formed with the body.

86. A device according to any one of claims 76 to 85, including a shim located between the body and the or each brake member and for protecting the body from wear.

87. A device according to any one of claims 76 to 86, wherein the body includes one or more rigid sections.

88. A device according to claim 87, wherein the or each rigid section is biased outwardly of the body.

89. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

90. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

91 . Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.