This invention relates to an amusement ride including a support structure for supporting a user therefrom and a release assembly configurable to release a user from the support structure. In some embodiments, this invention includes a virtual reality assembly configurable to cause the release assembly to release the user. In some embodiments, the release assembly may release the user upon receiving a command from a source other than a virtual reality assembly. Many types of amusement ride are known. Typically, amusement rides are provided with carriages in which a user is fastened. The amusement ride may have images which a user can aim at with a gun to score points.

Skydiving simulators are also known that are designed to train people to skydive safely. The simulators are often provided with a harness to which a user is attached. Toggles may be provided which a user can manipulate to simulate controlling a parachute.

In the entertainment industry there is a desire for an entertainment ride (i.e. an amusement ride) in which a user can experience the feel of skydiving / parachuting with an element of jeopardy and away from the confines of a training simulator.

Embodiments of this invention seek to provide such an amusement ride.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an amusement ride including: a support structure for supporting a user therefrom;

a release assembly configured to adopt a first configuration in which a user is held relative to the support structure and a second configuration in which a user is released from and moves relative to the support structure; and a virtual reality assembly configured to generate and send a signal, wherein the release assembly is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration upon receiving the signal from the virtual reality assembly. The release assembly may further include:

at least one connector directly or indirectly connectable to a user;

an actuator; and

a controller,

wherein the actuator causes the or each connector to disconnect from a user when the controller receives the signal from the virtual reality assembly.

The or each connector may be directly or indirectly connectable to a user at a point of connection, the point of connection being located on or adjacent a user.

The or each connector and a user may be indirectly connected via a harness worn by a user.

The release assembly may further include:

a surface on which the user is supported when the release assembly adopts the first configuration;

an actuator; and

a controller,

wherein the actuator causes displacement of the surface to provide an exit path through which a user is released when the controller receives the signal from the virtual reality assembly. The amusement ride may further include a movement device for moving a user relative to the support structure whilst the release assembly adopts the first configuration. The movement device may be operable to raise and/or lower a user relative to the support structure upon receiving the or a signal from the virtual reality assembly. Alternatively or additionally, the movement device may be operable to raise and/or lower a user relative to the support structure upon receiving a signal from elsewhere, e.g. from a central controller within the amusement ride.

The virtual reality assembly may include any one or a combination of a controller, a visual display unit, an input device and an audio device. The controller of the virtual reality assembly may be in wired or wireless communication with the or a controller of the release assembly and/or a central controller.

The input device may include any one or a combination of a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a joy stick, a control pad and a toggle, such as a steering toggle.

The input device may be in wired or wireless communication with the controller of the virtual reality assembly.

The support structure may include:

a first part; and

a second part which is movable relative to the first part,

wherein the user is connectable to the second part and the second part is movable so as to follow a continuous path. The amusement ride may further include a fall arresting assembly for arresting the fall of a user released from the support structure.

The fall arresting assembly may include any one or a combination of a slide, a cushioned surface, a spring biased surface, a ball pool and a water pool.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an amusement ride including:

a first support structure for supporting a user therefrom, the first support structure being moveable between first and second positions and for transporting a user between respective first and second locations;

a first release assembly associated with the first support structure and configured to adopt a first configuration in which a user is held relative to the first support structure and a second configuration in which a user is released from and moves relative to the first support structure; and

a controller configured to generate and send a signal,

wherein the first release assembly is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration once the first support structure has adopted the second position and upon receiving the signal from the controller.

The amusement ride may further comprise:

a second support structure for supporting a user therefrom, the second support structure being moveable between third and fourth positions and for transporting a user between respective third and fourth locations;

a second release assembly associated with the second support structure and configured to adopt a first configuration in which a user is held relative to the second support structure and a second configuration in which a user is released from and moves relative to the second support structure, wherein the second release assembly is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration once the second support structure has adopted the fourth position and upon receiving the or a signal from the controller.

The amusement ride may be configurable such that the second support structure adopts the fourth position whilst the first support structure adopts the first position.

The second and fourth locations may be the same location. The first support structure and / or the second support structure may be pivotably moveable relative to a body.

The first support structure and / or the second support structure may include at least one arm from which a bar extends generally perpendicularly, wherein a user is supported by the bar.

The or each arm may be pivotably connected to the body.

The length of the or each arm may be variable, such as telescopic.

The first release assembly and / or the second release assembly may include: at least one connector directly or indirectly connectable to a user;

an actuator; and

a controller,

wherein the actuator causes the or each connector to disconnect from a user when the controller of the respective release assembly receives the or a signal from the controller.

The controller may constitute a component of a virtual reality assembly. The controller may be actuatable by a participant user of the ride and / or by a central controller, e.g. programmed to release the user once a pre-determined time period has elapsed. The or each connector may be directly or indirectly connectable to a user at a point of connection, the point of connection being located on or adjacent a user.

The or each connector and a user may be indirectly connected via a harness worn by a user.

The first and / or second release assembly may include:

a surface on which a user is supported when the respective release assembly adopts the first configuration;

an actuator; and

a controller,

wherein the actuator causes displacement of the surface to provide an exit path through which a user is released when the controller of the respective release assembly receives the or a signal from the controller.

The amusement ride may further include a movement device for moving a user relative to the first support structure and / or the second support structure whilst a user is held relative thereto. The movement device may be operable to raise and / or lower a user upon receiving the or a signal from the controller or a signal from elsewhere, e.g. a central controller.

The amusement ride may further include a fall arresting assembly for arresting the fall of a user released from the first support structure and / or the second support structure. The fall arresting assembly may include any one or a combination of a slide, a cushioned surface a spring biased surface, a ball pool and a water pool. 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 is a front view of a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a side view of the embodiment of figure 4;

Figure 6 is a diagram of communication controls in accordance with the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention shown in a first position; Figure 8 is another perspective view of the embodiment of figure 7 shown moving between the first position and a second position;

Figure 9 is another perspective view of the embodiment of figure 7 shown in the second position;

Figure 10 is a side view of a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 12 is a diagram of communication controls in accordance with the invention.

With reference to figures 1 to 6, there is shown an amusement ride, generally indicated at 1 . The amusement ride 1 includes a support structure 10 for supporting a user therefrom. Plural users are shown. The amusement ride 1 includes a release assembly 12. The release assembly 12 is configured to adopt a first configuration, in which a user is held relative to the support structure 10, and a second configuration, in which a user is released from and moves relative to the support structure 10. The amusement ride 1 also includes a virtual reality (VR) assembly 14. The VR assembly 14 may be battery and / or mains powered. The VR assembly 14 is configured to generate and send a signal. The release assembly 1 2 is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration upon receiving the signal from the VR assembly 14. In some embodiments, the release assembly 12 may include at least one connector 18 that is directly or indirectly connectable to a user. The or each connector 18 may include a mechanical connector. By this we mean that the or each connector 18 may include a component that is mechanically moveable between first and second conditions which correspond to the first and second configurations of the release assembly 12. In other words, when in the first condition a user may be held relative to the support structure 10 and when in the second condition a user may be released from and move relative to the support structure 10. The release assembly 12 may include an actuator 20 for actuating the or each connector 18 between the respective first and second conditions. In some embodiments, the actuator 20 may be an electromagnetic actuator. The release assembly 12 may include a controller 21 . The controller 21 may be configured to cause the actuator 20 to actuate the or each connector 18 on receiving the signal from the VR assembly 14.

In some embodiments the or each connector 18 and a user may be indirectly connected via a harness 22 worn by a user. Multiple harnesses 22 may be provided so that multiple users may be supported from the support structure 10. In some embodiments, the harness 22 may include impact protection, e.g. a back, chest and / or hip protector and so forth.

The or each connector 18 may be directly or indirectly connectable to a user at a point of connection 24. The or each connector 18 may be provided with one or more points of connection 24. The or each point of connection 24 may be located on or adjacent the user. In particular, the or each point of connection 24 may be located on the harness 22. Providing one or more points of connection 24 may be advantageous as it enables the user to be moved between different orientations on the amusement ride, e.g. from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation, and may also make the amusement ride safer. For instance, providing the point of connection 24 on or adjacent the user may be advantageous insofar as it reduces the amount of trailing components that are attached to the user once the user has been released from the structure 10. Reducing the number of trailing components is safer as it reduces the probability of the user becoming snagged and/or injured by the trailing components whilst descending.

In some embodiments, the release assembly 12 and / or the harness 22 may include a seat in which the user is seated. The seat may provide an advantage of protecting the user, e.g. from friction, when descending. In other embodiments, the release assembly 12 may include a surface 19 on which a user is supported when the release assembly 12 is in the first configuration. Using such a surface 19 can mean that the connectors 18 and / or harnesses 22 described in previous embodiments are not necessary, which can have the effect of increasing user throughput. The surface 19 may form a part of a container or a capsule inside which a user is located, for example standing upright. Multiple containers or capsules may be provided so that multiple users may be supported from the support structure 10. The controller 21 may be configured to cause the actuator 20 to move the surface 19 to provide an exit path through which the user is released on receiving the signal from the VR assembly 14. For instance, the surface 19 may form at least a part of an underside of the container or capsule and the actuator 20 may cause the surface 19 to move to provide an opening in the container or capsule through which the user exits the container or capsule. This may produce a more dramatic falling effect for the user to experience.

The amusement ride 1 may include a movement device 26 for moving the user relative to the support structure 10 whilst the release assembly 12 adopts the first configuration. The movement device 26 may include a winch and / or a moveable gib.

The movement device 26 may be operable to move a user relative to the support structure 10 upon receiving the or a signal from the virtual reality assembly 14. Alternatively or additionally, the movement device 26 may be operable to move a user relative to the support structure 10 upon receiving a signal from elsewhere, e.g. from a central controller 39. The movement device 26 may move users so that they experience the act of freefalling and / or parachuting. In some embodiments, the movement device 26 may be utilised to load users onto the amusement ride 1 . The movement device 26 may be operable to raise or lower users relative to the support structure 10. The movement device 26 may also be operable to move the user laterally, for example forward, backward, left or right, relative to the support structure 10. This may be advantageous to provide feedback from user inputs, described in more detail later.

The virtual reality assembly 14 may include an input device 28. The input device 28 may include any one or a combination of a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a joy stick, a control pad and a toggle, e.g. a steering toggle.

The virtual reality assembly 14 may further include any one or a combination of a visual display unit (VDU) 30, an audio device 36 and a controller 38. The input device 28, VDU 30, audio device 36 and controller 38 may be in wired or wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) communication with each other. Any one or a combination of the components of the VR assembly 14 (e.g. the VDU 30, the audio device 36, the controller 38 and the input device 28) may be provided on the user (e.g. on the harness 22) or elsewhere (e.g. on the support structure 10). The VDU 30 may be provided as a headset which the user wears. Additionally or alternatively, the VDU 30 may be provided as a screen to which a user can view. Images/video that the VDU 30 displays may, advantageously, be panoramic so that the images/video viewed by the user change as they adjust the position of their head.

The audio device 36 may include any one or a combination of speakers or headphones.

The VR assembly 14 may run a parachuting and / or skydiving simulation or a game with which a user interacts, e.g. using the input device 28. The controller 38 may be configured to generate and send signals to the controller 21 of the release assembly 12. The controller 21 may be configured to generate and send signals to the controller 38. The controllers 21 , 38 and / or the central controller 39 may be in wired or wireless (e.g. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) communication with each other.

The movement device 26 may be configured to generate and / or receive signals from one or both controllers 21 , 38 and / or the central controller 39. The support structure 10 may include a first part 32 and a second part 34 which is movable relative to the first part 32. The user may be connectable to the second part 34 and the second part 34 may be movable so as to follow a continuous path, e.g. in the form of a carousel. In particular the second part 34 may be provided as a conveyer system which is generally oval or racetrack shaped, i.e. obround. This may be advantageous as it may increase user throughput without increasing the footprint of the ride. In some embodiments, the second part 34 may instead be stationary relative to the first part 32, as shown in figures 4 and 5. The amusement ride 1 may include a fall arresting assembly 42 for arresting the fall of a user released from the support structure 10.

The fall arresting assembly 42 may include any one or a combination of a slide, a cushioned surface, a spring biased surface, a ball pool and a water pool.

A conveyer device 44 may be provided adjacent the fall arresting assembly 42 to permit users to be conveyed away from the fall arresting assembly 42 once their fall has been arrested. In some embodiments, it is envisaged that a user will be supported from the support structure 10, for example by at least one connector 18 or on a surface 19. The user will be exposed to a virtual reality environment, for example by visualising a skydive, parachute jump, paragliding, base jumping, wingsuit flying, aircraft travel or being involved in gameplay using the VDU 30. The user may control the input device 28 in order to actuate the movement device 26. The VR assembly 14 will generate and send a signal to the release assembly 12, e.g. from the controller 38 to the controller 21 , when an event is triggered in the virtual reality environment. The event may be that the user lands safely, fails to lands safely, completes a predetermined time period, collects or fails to collect a predetermined number of points. Many other types of event may be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. Upon receipt of the signal the controller 21 causes the actuator 20 to disconnect the or each connector 18 or cause displacement of the surface 19 so that the user is released from and moves relative to the support structure 10. The user may freefall under gravity or with the aid of a slide until coming to a stop.

Some embodiments do not comprise the VR assembly 14. In such embodiments, the release assembly 12 may be configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration upon receiving a signal from a location that is not a VR assembly (such as from a controller 39 elsewhere). For instance, the release assembly 12 may be configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration upon receiving a signal from the controller 39. Therefore, the controller 21 may be configured to cause the actuator 20 to actuate the or each connector 18 upon receiving the signal from the controller 39. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 21 may be configured to cause the actuator 20 to move the surface 19 to provide an exit path through which the user is released on receiving the signal from the controller 39. The controller 39 may be programmable to release the user once a pre-determined time period has elapsed. In some embodiments, the controller 39 may be actuatable (either as part of a VR assembly or not) by a participant user of the ride. For instance, once a user has been moved around the carousel from a first location to a second location, the user may actuate the controller 39 in order to release him / herself. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 39 may be programmed to release the user once a pre-determined time period has elapsed. For instance, if the user fails to release him / her-self after a given time the user may be released automatically in any event. This may have the effect of improving the "dare" element of the ride and / or improve user participation.

In some embodiments, the movement device 26 may be operable to move a user relative to the support structure 10 upon receiving a signal from the controller 39.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention will now be described. It is to be appreciated that features of the first aspect of the invention may be incorporated into embodiments of the second aspect of the invention (and vice versa) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Features in common with the first aspect of the invention have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 100.

With reference to figures 7 to 12, embodiments of the second aspect of the invention will be described. An amusement ride embodying a second aspect of the invention is shown generally at 100.

The amusement ride 100 includes a first support structure 1 10 for supporting a user therefrom. The first support structure 1 10 is moveable between first and second positions. The first support structure 1 10 is for transporting a user between respective first and second locations 1 1 1 , 1 13. The amusement ride 100 includes a first release assembly 1 12 associated with the first support structure 1 10. The first release assembly 1 12 is configured to adopt a first configuration in which a user is held relative to the support structure 1 10 and a second configuration in which a user is released from and moves relative to the first support structure 1 10. The amusement ride 100 includes a controller 139 configured to generate and send a signal. The first release assembly 1 12 is configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration once the first support structure 1 10 has adopted the second position and upon receiving the signal from the controller 139.

Referring to figure 10, the amusement ride 100 may further comprise a second support structure 210 for supporting a user therefrom. The second support structure 210 may be moveable between third and fourth positions. The second support structure 210 may be for transporting a user between respective third and fourth locations 1 14, 1 15. The third and fourth locations 1 14, 1 15 may substantially correspond with the third and fourth positions.

The amusement ride 100 may include a second release assembly 212 associated with the second support structure 210. The second release assembly 212 may be configured to adopt a first configuration in which a user is held relative to the second support structure 210 and a second configuration in which a user is released from and moves relative to the second support structure 210. The second release assembly 212 may be configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration once the second support structure 210 has adopted the fourth position and upon receiving the or a signal from the controller 139. The second release assembly 212 may be similar to the first release assembly 1 12. The second release assembly 212 may operate in a similar way to the first release assembly 1 12. The second release assembly 212 may be identical to the first release assembly 1 12. The second release assembly 212 may operate in the same way as the first release assembly 1 12. The amusement ride 100 may be configurable such that the second support structure 210 adopts the fourth position whilst the first support structure 1 10 adopts the first position.

The second and fourth locations 1 13, 1 15 may be the same location.

Referring generally to figures 7 to 9, in some embodiments the first support structure 1 10 may include at least one arm 154. The or each arm 154 may include a bar 156 which extends generally perpendicularly from the or each arm 154. The first support structure 1 10 may include two arms 154. A bar 156 extends between first ends 158 of the arms 154. A user may be supported on the bar 156. The bar 156 may be pivotably moveable relative to the or each arm 154. The bar 156 may be rotationally moveable relative to the or each arm 154. The bar 156 may be translationally moveable relative to the or each arm 154. The bar 156 may be slidably moveable relative to the or each arm 154. The bar 156 may be moveable in any one or a combination of these ways.

The second support structure 210 may include at least one arm 254. The or each arm 254 may include a bar 256 which extends generally perpendicularly from the or each arm 254. The second support structure 210 includes two arms 254. A bar 256 extends between first ends 258 of the arms 254. A user may be supported on the bar 256. The bar 256 may be pivotably moveable relative to the or each arm 254. The bar 256 may be rotationally moveable relative to the or each arm 254. The bar 256 may be translationally moveable relative to the or each arm 254. The bar 256 may be slidably moveable relative to the or each arm 254. The bar 256 may be moveable in any one or a combination of these ways.

The first support structure 1 10 may be pivotably moveable relative to a body 150. In particular the or each arm 154 may be pivotably moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 154 may be pivotably moveable about a second end 160 of the or each arm 150 which is positioned proximate to the body 150. The first support structure 1 10 may be rotationally moveable relative to the body 150. In particular the or each arm 154 may be rotationally moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 154 may be rotationally moveable about a second end 160 of the or each arm 154 which is positioned proximate to the body 150. The first support structure 1 10 may be translationally moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 154 may be translationally moveable between its first and second ends 160, 158. The first support structure 1 10 may be slidably moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 154 may be slidably moveable between its first and second ends 160, 158. The first support structure may be moveable in any one or a combination of these ways. The second support structure 210 may be pivotably moveable relative to the body 150. In particular the or each arm 254 may be pivotably moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 254 may be pivotably moveable about a second end 260 of the or each arm 250 which is positioned proximate to the body 150. The second support structure 210 may be rotationally moveable relative to the body 150. In particular the or each arm 254 may be rotationally moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 254 may be rotationally moveable about a second end 260 of the or each arm 254 which is positioned proximate to the body 150. The second support structure 210 may be translationally moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 254 may be translationally moveable between its first and second ends 260, 258. The first support structure 1 10 may be slidably moveable relative to the body 150. The or each arm 254 may be slidably moveable between its first and second ends 260, 258. The second support structure 210 may be moveable in any one or a combination of these ways. The length of the or each arm 154 may be variable, e.g. telescopic.

The or each arm 154 may be at the first length when the first support structure 1 10 is in the first position. The or each arm 154 may be at the second length when the first support structure 1 10 is in the second position. The first length may be longer than the second length. Alternatively, the second length may be longer than the first length.

The length of the or each arm 254 may be variable, e.g. telescopic. The or each arm 254 may be at the third length when the second support structure 210 is in the third position. The or each arm 254 may be at the fourth length when the second support structure 210 is in the fourth position. The third length may be longer than the fourth length. Alternatively, the fourth length may be longer than the third length.

The length of the/or each arm 154, 254 may be variable in many ways. For example, the or each arm 154, 254 may be formed of at least a first portion 162, 262 and a second portion 164, 264. The first portion and the second portion may be pivotably arranged with respect to each other. The first portion and the second portion may be rotationally arranged with respect to each other. The first portion and the second portion may be slidably arranged with respect to each other. In particular the second portion may be arranged to telescope with respect to the first portion. The first and the second portions may be arranged to be moveable with respect to each other in any one of or a combination of these ways. The amusement ride 100 may include a fall arresting assembly 142, as described with respect to the first aspect of the invention, for arresting the fall of a user released from the first support structure 1 10 and/or the second support structure 210. In embodiments where there are two pairs of moveable arms 154, 254, as shown in figure 10, the fall arresting assembly 142 may include two slides, e.g. one slide extending between the first and second locations 1 1 1 , 1 13 and a further slide extending between the third and fourth locations 1 14, 1 15. The amusement ride 100 may include one or more platforms 166. The or each platform 166 may provide the first and/or third location 1 1 1 , 1 14 from which the user is transported to the second and/or fourth location 1 13, 1 15. The provision of the platform 166 may be advantageous because it permits at least a part of the arresting assembly 142 to extend underneath the platform 166. This means that the arresting assembly 142 may have a length that is longer than the or each arm 154, 254 of the first or second support structure 1 10, 210 without the or each arm 154, 254 needing to be variable in length.

In some embodiments, the first release assembly 1 12 and / or the second release assembly 212 may include a respective connector 1 18 that is directly or indirectly connectable to a user. The connector 1 18 may operate in the same manner as that of the first aspect of the invention.

The or each connector 1 18 may be directly or indirectly connectable to a user at a point of connection. The point of connection may be located on or adjacent a user.

The or each connector 1 18 and a user may be indirectly connected via a harness worn by a user. In some embodiments, the harness 22 may include impact protection, e.g. a back, chest and / or hip protector and so forth. In some embodiments, the first release assembly 1 12 and / or the second release assembly 212 and / or the harness 22 may include a seat in which the user is seated. The seat may provide an advantage of protecting the user, e.g. from friction, when descending.

In some embodiments, the first release assembly 1 12 and / or the second release assembly 212 may include a controller 121 . The controller 121 may operate in the same manner as that of the first aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, the first release assembly 1 12 and / or the second release assembly 212 may include an actuator 120. The actuator 120 may operate in the same manner as that of the first aspect of the invention.

For instance, the actuator 120 may cause the or each connector 1 18 to disconnect from a user when the controller 121 receives the signal from the controller 139.

In some embodiments, the first release assembly 1 12 and / or the second release assembly 212 may include a respective surface 1 19 on which a user is supported when the respective release assembly 1 12, 212 adopts the first configuration. The surface 1 19 may be actuatable in the same manner as that of the first aspect of the invention.

For instance, the actuator 120 may cause displacement of the surface 1 19 to provide an exit path through which a user is released when the controller 121 of the respective release assembly 1 12, 212 receives the signal from the controller 139.

In some embodiments, the surface 1 19 may form a part of a container or a capsule 122 inside which a user is located, for example standing upright. Multiple containers or capsules 122 may be provided so that multiple users may be supported from the support structure(s) 1 10, 210. For instance, the surface 1 19 may form at least a part of an underside of the container or capsule 122 and the actuator 120 may cause the surface 1 19 to move to provide an opening in the container or capsule 122 through which the user exits the container or capsule 122. This may produce a more dramatic falling effect for the user to experience.

The amusement ride 100 may include at least one movement device 126, as described with respect to the first aspect of the invention, for moving a user relative to the first support structure 1 10 and/or the second support structure 210.

The movement device 126 may be operable to raise and lower a user upon receiving the or a signal from the controller 139.

In some embodiments the controller 139 may form a part of a VR assembly, e.g. as described in respect of the first aspect of the invention. For instance, a signal generated from a trigger within a virtual reality environment may cause the user to become disconnected from the support structure 1 10, 210.

In some embodiments, the controller 139 may be actuatable (either as part of a VR assembly or not) by a participant user of the ride. For instance, once the first support structure 1 10 and / or the second support structure 210 has adopted its respective second and fourth position, the user may actuate the controller 139 in order to release him / her-self. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 139 may be programmed to release the user once a predetermined time period has elapsed after the first support structure 1 10 and / or the second support structure 210 has adopted its respective second and fourth position. For instance, if the user fails to release him / her-self after a given time the user may be released automatically in any event. This may have the effect of improving the "dare" element of the ride and / or improve user participation.

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.