WO2018154303A1

WO2018154303A1 - System for launching and anchoring a line

Info

Publication number: WO2018154303A1
Application number: PCT/GB2018/050461
Authority: WO
Inventors: Trajan DIMSEY
Original assignee: Dimsey Trajan
Priority date: 2017-02-22
Filing date: 2018-02-22
Publication date: 2018-08-30
Also published as: GB201702878D0; GB2561813A

Abstract

A system for launching and anchoring a line comprises a line (1000), a line thrower (500) for launching a first portion of the line, and a line catcher (300) comprising a closable aperture for catching and anchoring the first portion of the line. The line thrower (500) is configured to launch the first portion of the line (1000) through the closable aperture, and the line catcher (300) is actuatable to close the closable aperture to catch and anchor the first portion of the line as it passes through the closable aperture. A method of launching and anchoring a line is also provided, comprising the steps of providing a line (1000) and a closable aperture, launching the line, such that a portion of the line passes through the closable aperture, and closing the aperture to catch and anchor the line.

Description

System for Launching and Anchoring a Line

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a system for launching and anchoring a line, a line thrower, a line catcher, and a method of launching and anchoring a line. In particular the invention relates to a system for launching and anchoring a line that allows a user to swing from the line.

Background

Line throwers are devices that launch a line or rope across a gap. Typically, a weighted end or portion of the line is fired using an explosive charge or pneumatic pressure and an opposing end or portion of the line is anchored by or near to the line thrower. Line throwers are commonly used on vessels to project a line to allow mooring to shore or to adjacent vessels. A line thrown by a line thrower is typically retrieved and anchored manually.

The end of a line launch by a line thrower may be tipped with a grappling hook to catch on a protuberance such as a branch or ledge to allow a certain degree of automatic anchoring. The risk of a grappling hook slipping precludes such a device being used safely should a person desire to launch and anchor a line and use that line to swing across a gap.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a system for launching and anchoring a line, a line thrower, a line catcher, and a method of launching and anchoring a line, as defined in the appended independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Preferred or advantageous features of the invention are set out in the dependent subclaims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for launching and anchoring a line, the system comprising a line, a line thrower for launching a first portion of the line, and a line catcher comprising a closable aperture for catching and anchoring the first portion of the line. The line thrower is configured to launch the first portion through the closable aperture, and the line catcher is actuatable to close the closable aperture to catch and anchor the first portion of the line as it passes through the closable aperture. The line may comprise rope, string, cord, cable, or any other suitable material. The first portion of the line may be an end of the line or may be a folded section of line. The first portion may comprise or be coupled to a weight to facilitate launching of the line. The term line thrower may be synonymous with a rope launcher and encompasses any suitable device for launching a portion of a line.

Preferably the line catcher may be positioned remotely from the line thrower, in use, so that a line may be thrown, or launched, from the line thrower, and then be caught and anchored by the line catcher at a predetermined position.

The line thrower is preferably portable, so that it may be aimed at a target at which the line should be launched. Particularly preferably, the line thrower may be aimed at the line catcher, in use, so that the line is launched towards the line catcher, and the first portion of the line passes through the closable aperture.

The closable aperture of the line catcher may comprise any form of opening which can be closed to trap a line passing through the opening. For example, the aperture may be an opening entirely enclosed by a frame member, or it may be a slot defined between two arms. The aperture may be closable by reducing the radius of the aperture, by moving the sides of the frame or the arms together, by otherwise collapsing the frame defining the aperture, or by moving or obscuring the aperture so that a line can no longer pass through the aperture. The aperture of the line catcher may advantageously allow the line catcher to reliably catch and anchor, or secure, any line that passes through the aperture. The aperture may also be configured to be advantageously large in area, so as to catch lines passing through a large area. For example, the aperture may have an area of at least 1 square metre (m²), or at least 2 m², or 3 m², or 5 m². The size of the aperture may be adjustable, and/or the line catcher may comprise more than one aperture, so as to increase the effective area over which a line may be caught and anchored.

The use of a line catcher that is configured to catch and anchor a line may advantageously make the system of the present invention usable for a number of applications. The system may, for example, have applications in stuntwork or wirework in film or theatre productions. The system may also be advantageous for launching and anchoring lines for indoor or outdoor rock climbing or other activities or outdoor pursuits, such as slacklining or tightrope walking. The system may also have applications in the construction industry, where it may be advantageous in setting up pulley systems and/or temporary elevators.

The line catcher may advantageously be configured to pull in the line to remove any slackness. Once the line has been caught by the line catcher, the line catcher may anchor the line by pulling in the line until the line is taut. The line catcher may be configured to pull in the line until a predetermined tension is achieved. The line catcher may be configured so that, in use, the line catcher may pull in the line in only one direction, so that the line may be pulled towards the line catcher, but not away from the line catcher. This feature may advantageously remove slack from the line during use, so that, during rock climbing for example, the length of the line may be reduced as a user climbs towards the line catcher. This may act as a safety feature in the event of a fall.

A particularly preferred application of the system of the present invention is to allow a user to swing from a line, in the style of a rope-swing. In this preferred embodiment, a line catcher is arranged above a user at a distance from the user's position. The user may then aim the line thrower at the line catcher, and launch a line from the line thrower such that the line is caught and anchored by the line catcher. The user may then swing from the line, with the anchoring point (the line catcher) of the line acting as a pivot point for the swing. In a particularly preferred embodiment described further below, a plurality of line catchers and line throwers may be provided so that the user may perform a series of graceful swings, one after the other, perhaps in imitation of a comic book hero.

Preferably a second portion of the line is attachable to the line thrower, or to a user. The second portion of the line may be an end portion, preferably an end portion distant from the first portion. The length of line between the first portion of the line and the second portion of the line must be at least as great as the distance between the line catcher and the line thrower. The attachment of the line to the line thrower or the user may advantageously allow the first portion of the line to be caught by the line catcher while the second portion of the line remains attached to the line thrower or the user. This may then allow the line to be used as a safety line, which may be pulled into the line catcher to make the line taut. The attachment of the line to a user may also allow a user to swing from the line without requiring them to hang onto the line using their own physical strength.

Preferably the line thrower is configured to be wearable by a user, such that the user may launch a line from their position at any given time. In a particularly preferred embodiment the line thrower is configured to be mounted on a user's forearm. This may advantageously allow the user to aim the line thrower quickly and accurately by pointing their arm in the direction that they wish to launch a line. Mounting the line thrower on a user's forearm may also advantageously mean that the user's weight may be transferred onto the line through the user's arm, for example during a swing, regardless of the user's hand strength. This may be preferable, for example, compared to a hand-held line thrower which the user would need to hang on to during a swing. Having the line thrower worn by, or mounted on the forearm of, the user may also be convenient if the user were to have a fall during use, as the user would naturally have their hands free, reducing the chance of injury.

The line thrower may comprise a barrel for receiving the first portion of the line. The barrel may be configured to receive a projectile coupled to the first portion of the line, so that the line thrower may launch the projectile from the barrel, such that the first portion of the line is also launched. The projectile may advantageously be shaped to fit the barrel, and may be weighted so that when the projectile is launched, the momentum of the projectile causes the first portion of the line to follow the path of the projectile, so that the line is launched through the air behind the projectile.

In a preferred embodiment, the line thrower is configured to launch the line by exhausting compressed gas through the barrel. This may advantageously allow the line thrower to be reused by reloading the line thrower with compressed gas, and the lack of moving parts may give the line thrower a long lifetime. The line thrower may comprise a launch switch, the line thrower being configured to launch the line in response to a signal from the launch switch. This launch switch may be wearable by a user, allowing the user to launch a line when the user desires.

Preferably the second portion of the line is releasably couplable to the line thrower. In a preferred embodiment, the line thrower comprises an openable catch to which the second portion of the line is releasably couplable. Particularly preferably, the system comprises a release switch configured to release the second portion of the line from the line thrower. The release switch may be particularly useful when swinging from a line, as the user may release the line on demand, for example once they have completed their swing and/or launched another line. There are a large number of emergency/quick release mechanisms used by parachutists, kite- surfers, and in the equestrian world, that can release a line under load and which may be usable with the present invention, for example those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,805,336 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,605. U.S. Pat. No. 855,368 discloses a snap hook that uses a compression spring to keep the jaws closed in its default state. The user then pulls back a latch or collar that allows the jaws to fly open, and release the line.

The system may additionally comprising a harness wearable by the user, in which the line thrower and/or the second portion of the line is attachable to the harness so that, in use, the user's weight may be transferred to the line through the harness. Preferably the second portion of the line is releasably couplable to the harness, and may be released using the release switch.

The use of a harness may advantageously allow the user's weight to be transferred to the line independently of the strength of the user, for example when swinging on the line, or in the event of a fall when the system is being used during climbing. This may

advantageously allow a user to swing from a line, even if the user is not sufficiently strong to bear their own weight through their arms. For example, with a suitable harness there is no reason a person with disabilities that affect arm strength could not swing across a gap using this equipment. If a line-release and line-launcher is placed on both shoulders arms need not be required in order to swing.

The harness may advantageously comprise an arm strap configured to attach a forearm- mounted line thrower to the harness, so that the user's weight may be transferred to the line through the arm strap. This may be particularly useful where the second portion of the line is coupled to the line thrower, as the user's weight may be transferred from the harness, through the arm strap to the line thrower, and through the line thrower to the line, all without creating a strain on the user's body. The length of the arm strap is preferably adjustable to fit users of different sizes.

Particularly advantageously, the harness may comprise one or more foot loops configured to receive the user's feet, so that the user's weight may be transferred to the line through the foot loops. The presence of foot loops may be particularly useful when swinging from the line, and may advantageously allow the user to "stand" in the harness, so that the user's weight is transferred from their feet to the foot loops, through the harness and onto the line without the user needing to support their weight using their upper body. The system may additionally comprise sensing means such as a sensor configured to sense when the line has been launched, or when the first portion of the line has passed or is passing through the aperture, and a controller programmed to close the aperture in response to a signal from the sensor. The sensing means may be or comprise, for example: i) a microphone or acoustic sensor for detecting the sound of the line thrower upon launching a line; ii) a vibration sensor on a sheet of material placed positioned relative to the line catcher such that it is able to detect the impact of the line once it has passed through the aperture; iii) one or more optical sensors on the line catcher, sensing the line as it passes through the aperture; or iv) a transmitter configured to send a wireless signal from the line thrower to a wireless receiver connected to the line catcher. Advantageously, two or more of these methods may be used together for redundancy.

In a preferred embodiment, a loop of string defines the aperture of the line catcher, and the line catcher is actuatable to close the aperture by winding the loop of string onto a reel. The term reel refers to any component onto which string or rope can be wound, for example a drum or bobbin. Preferably, an actuator such as a motor causes the reel to rotate in order to wind in the loop of string. In use, the first portion of the line passes through the loop of string before the loop is wound onto the reel, so that the line is caught by the loop and also wound onto the reel to be anchored.

Once the first portion of the line has passed through the loop of string, pulling the loop of string onto the reel causes the line to be drawn onto the reel along with the loop of string. The line may then be anchored by winding it around the reel.

The loop of string may comprise a loop of rope, cord, or other material, such that the string forms the perimeter of the loop, with an opening (or aperture) formed in the centre of the loop. Preferably the loop is non-rigid.

In this embodiment, the aperture may be closed by collapse of the loop as it is wound onto the reel. Before the line is caught, the loop of string is arranged in an open configuration, in which the loop is held open such that a line may pass through it. On actuation to close the aperture, however, a portion of the loop is pulled away and wound onto the reel, causing the loop to collapse inwardly to a closed configuration as the rest of the loop is wound onto the reel. The line cannot pass through the loop once it is wound onto the reel, so the loop may be termed "closed", even though the length of string forming the loop is not altered by winding the loop onto the reel. The size of the aperture may advantageously be varied by altering the size of the loop of string, without any other change in the line catcher apparatus. The line catcher may comprise a motor configured to rotate the reel along a central axis, so that the loop of string may be wound rapidly onto the reel when the line passes through the aperture.

Using a loop of string to form an aperture, and closing the loop by winding it onto a reel so that the aperture is obscured, is a mechanically simple and reliable way to repeatedly catch and anchor a line. The line catcher may also be easily resettable by unwinding the loop of string from the reel, and replacing it in its open configuration.

Preferably the line catcher is actuatable to wind the loop of string and the first portion of the line around the reel through at least one, or at least two, or at least three turns of the reel, so that the first portion of the line is anchored on the reel by the capstan effect. That is, the reel may function as a capstan according to the capstan equation, so that a relatively smaller holding force exerted on the first portion of the line may support a relatively larger load force, such as the weight of a person, applied to the line.

Preferably the reel may be controllable to wind in the line until the line is taut, so that there is no slack line between the user and the line catcher. The reel may be configured to wind in the line until it senses that a predetermined load force has been applied to the line. If the line is not taut, the sudden transfer of a user's weight onto the line may put extreme stresses on the line, causing the line to break. Winding in slack line may therefore allow the line to function as a safety line for climbing, or it may allow a user to swing on the line. The line catcher may comprise one or more arms configured to support the loop of string in an open configuration until the loop is wound onto the drum.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of lines. The line thrower may be configured to launch a plurality of lines, and/or the system may comprise a plurality of line throwers for launching the plurality of lines. Preferably the system additionally comprises a plurality of line catchers each configured to catch and anchor the first portion of a line.

The plurality of line catchers are preferably arranged to be spaced apart, such that, in use, a user can swing between adjacent line catchers. Particularly preferably, the plurality of line catchers are arranged to be held above the level of the line thrower and a user, so that the user may launch a line upwards to be caught and anchored by a line catcher above the user's head. Preferably the user may launch a line from a position that is below and laterally spaced from a line catcher, so that after the line is caught and anchored by the line catcher, the user may swing from the line.

Preferred Embodiment

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for allowing a user to swing from a line, the system comprising a first line thrower for launching a line, a line having a first portion that may be launched by the line thrower, and a first line catcher comprising a closable aperture for catching and anchoring the first portion of the line. The first line thrower is configured to launch the first portion of the line so that the first portion of the line may pass through the closable aperture, and the first line catcher is actuatable to close the aperture to catch the first portion of the line, so that the line is anchored.

The system also comprises a second line thrower for launching a second line, a second line, and a second line catcher for catching and anchoring the second line.

A second portion of each line is releasably attached to the corresponding line thrower. The first and second line throwers are each advantageously configured to be mounted on a user's forearms, such that the first line thrower may be worn, for example, on the user's left forearm, and the second line thrower on their right forearm.

The system further comprises a harness wearable by the user, comprising two arm straps configured to attach to the first and second forearm-mounted line throwers. The first line catcher is arranged to be positioned vertically above, and laterally spaced from, a user's starting position, and the second line catcher is arranged to be positioned at the same height as, but laterally spaced from, the first line catcher.

In use, the user may swing by aiming the first line thrower at the first line catcher, launching the line so that it passes through the closable aperture of the first line catcher and is anchored, and swinging from the first line. The starting position of the user, and the positions of the first and second line catchers, are preferably chosen so that the user's swing carries them towards the second line catcher. When the user is approaching the apex of their swing, they may then perform a second swing by aiming the second line thrower at the second line catcher, and launching the second line so that it passes through the closable aperture of the second line catcher and is anchored. Once the second line has been anchored, the user may then release the first line and swing from the second line. Alternatively, the user could release the first line and fly through the air for a short moment before launching and anchoring the second line. In other words, the user may release the first line before or after the second line is caught and anchored. Further lines, line throwers and line catchers may provided, so that a user may swing from line catcher to line catcher along a predetermined course.

The line throwers and line catchers usable in this embodiment may comprise the features described in relation to any other aspect of the invention.

Line Thrower According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line thrower for launching a line, comprising a barrel for receiving a first portion of the line, and

a compressed gas chamber connected to the barrel. The line thrower is actuatable to launch the line by exhausting compressed gas from the compressed gas chamber through the barrel. The line thrower is configured to be wearable by a user. Particularly preferably the line thrower is configured to be mounted on a user's forearm.

In a preferred embodiment, the line thrower additionally comprises a launch switch, the line thrower being configured to launch the line in response to a signal from the launch switch.

The line thrower may be couplable to a second portion of the line, such that when the first portion of the line is launched from the line thrower, the second portion of the line remains attached to the line thrower. Particularly preferably the line thrower is releasably couplable to the second portion of the line, and the line thrower comprises a release switch configured to release the second portion of the line from the line thrower.

Line Catcher

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a line catcher for catching and anchoring a line, the line catcher comprising a closable aperture through which a first portion of the line may pass. The line catcher is actuatable to close the aperture to catch and anchor the line. The line catcher may additionally comprise a sensor configured to sense when the first portion of the line has passed through the aperture, and a controller which is programmed to close the aperture in response to a signal from the sensor.

Preferably a loop of string defines the aperture of the line catcher. Particularly preferably, the line catcher is actuatable to close the aperture by winding the loop of string onto a reel or drum, such that, in use, the first portion of the line passes through the loop of string before the loop is wound onto the reel, so that the line is caught by the loop and wound onto the reel to be anchored. The line catcher may advantageously be configured to wind the loop of string and the first portion of the line around the reel through at least one, or at least two, or at least three turns of the reel, so that the first portion of the line is anchored on the reel by the capstan effect.

The line catcher may additionally comprise one or more arms configured to support the loop of string in an open configuration until the loop is wound onto the reel.

Method of Launching and Anchoring a Line According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of launching and anchoring a line, the method comprising the steps of providing a line and a closable aperture, launching the line, such that a portion of the line passes through the closable aperture, and closing the aperture to catch and anchor the line.

The method may comprise the additional step of providing a line thrower, such that the line is launched from the line thrower. Preferably the line thrower is worn by a user.

Preferably the method comprises the first step of attaching a first portion of the line to a user, or to the line thrower. There may also be the further step of releasing the first portion of the line from the user or the line thrower after the rope is anchored.

Preferably, the method comprises the steps of providing a first closable aperture vertically above, and laterally spaced from, a user's position, attaching a line thrower to the user, and launching and anchoring a first line in the first aperture, so that the user may swing from the first line.

The method may comprise the additional steps of providing a second closable aperture laterally spaced from the first aperture, launching and anchoring a second line in the second aperture, and releasing the first line, preferably once the second line is anchored, so that the user may swing from the second line.

Alternatively, the user could release the first line before launching and anchoring the second line, so that the user flies through the air for a short moment. In other words, the user may release the first line before or after the second line is caught and anchored.

Features described with reference to one aspect of the invention may equally be applied to other aspects of the invention. In particular, it should be clear that features described in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be applied to the second and third aspects of the invention, and features described in relation to the fourth aspect of the invention may form part of a method of using an apparatus according to any of the first, second and third aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a line thrower in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a line catcher in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the line catcher of Figure 2; and

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a user wearing a harness and two line throwers according to the present invention.

Detailed Description Line Thrower

Figure 1 shows a forearm-mountable line thrower 500 which stores compressed air in a reservoir 1 . The line thrower is configured to launch a projectile 5, attached to a first portion of a line 1000, by rapidly exhausting compressed air through the barrel 2 when the solenoid valve 3 is opened. The line thrower is mountable on the user's forearm using straps 200.

A length of line 1000 is coiled in the magazine 4. A first end of the line is attached to the projectile 5, which is loaded into the line thrower by inserting it into the barrel 2. The other end of the line is attached to the jaws 6 of a line release mechanism. When the user mounts the line thrower on their forearm they can launch a line by clicking the trigger switch 7, which is wearable on the user's finger. The trigger switch is connected to an electronic control box 9 that houses batteries and circuitry for controlling the launching sequence. In another embodiment, multiple line release mechanisms can be fitted on a single line thrower, with multiple barrels and line magazines.

Line Release Mechanism

Unlike the quick release mechanisms of the prior art, such as disclosed by US 855,368, the line release mechanism of the present invention uses an extension spring 10 which allows the jaws 6 to open in its default state, instead of closing them. A sear 1 1 then prevents the latch 12 from springing open until the solenoid 8 has pivoted 13 the sear out of the way. The extension springs can then slide the latch back, allowing the jaws to open about pivot 14 and release the line 1000.

The solenoid 8 is operable using the trigger switch 7, which doubles as both a launch switch and a release switch.

Line Catcher

A line catcher 300 according to the present invention may be mounted on the ceiling of a large building, structure or natural feature. As shown in Figure 2, a loop 15 of string on the line catcher is arranged to be held apart so as to form an aperture, ready for the line launched by the line thrower to pass through it. The loop is lightly attached to the loop supports 20 so that it can slip off and be wound onto the reel or drum 30 through the funnel 40 when the electric motor 50 is turned on for a short burst.

The line catcher 300 uses an electronic sensor and a controller to detect the correct time to close the loop. In use, the line that has been launched from the line thrower passes through the loop of string 15 is pulled through the funnel 40 by the rapidly closing loop of the line catcher and is wound onto the drum 30. Three wraps of the line around the drum is sufficient to lock the line onto the drum using the capstan effect so that it cannot slip.

Figure 3 shows that the drum 30 is fixed onto the driveshaft 70 using a locking pin 80. The driveshaft is connected to a one-way bearing 90 mounted in the bearing block 100. A ratchet and pawl mechanism can achieve the same effect of allowing the drum to wind in the launched line but then lock in place, for example when the user applies their weight to the line.

The drum 30 is powered for slightly longer than necessary to only close the loop and achieve the capstan effect. The drum also takes up the slack in the launched line. If the user is 12m from a line catcher and they fire a 14m line, for example, the line catcher winds in the excess. The launched line is immediately taut, which prevents dynamic loads on the line. The sequence of closing the loop, locking the launched line onto the drum and taking the slack up in the line happens in one short burst of the motor.

Swinging from a Line As described in the Summary of the Invention, the system of the present invention is particularly useful for allowing a user to swing from a rope, preferably from several ropes in sequence.

In such a system, at least two line catchers 300 are provided, with each line catcher mounted on a raised structure, for example a scaffold. The two line catchers may advantageously be arranged to be approximately 4 metres above the ground, and approximately 6 metres apart. A user may wear two line throwers 500, with one mounted on each forearm, a helmet, and a body harness 400, as shown in Figure 4.

Harness

The body harness 400 shown in Figure 4 is particularly suitable for swinging from a line, as the harness supports all of the user's weight when the user swings from a line. The arm strap 1 10 of the body harness connects to the forearm-mounted line thrower using the quick-release belt buckle 13 on the line thrower. Instead of the crotch straps found on most body harnesses, these have been replaced with foot loops 120 that start from the waist and run under the foot, like a stirrup. Knee straps 130 keep the foot loops close to the leg when the knee is bent.

The foot loop is adjusted at the hip buckle 140 for each user's leg length and the arm strap is also adjusted for length using the forearm belt buckle 13. By tightening these straps to the correct length, the forearm-mounted line thrower is prevented from sliding up towards the hand and slipping off the forearm when swinging. There is no handle on the line thrower for the user to hold. There is a direct connection from the line thrower down to the user's feet, so using the harness is like standing on a rope swing rather than swinging from the arms. System in Use

In use, the user may start from a raised position approximately 4 metres from the first line catcher, and can swing by aiming the first line thrower at the first line catcher, launching the line so that it passes through the closable aperture of the first line catcher and is anchored, and swinging from the first line. The length of the line is slightly less than the distance between the line catcher and the ground, so that once the line has been wound onto the drum, the user may swing below the first line catcher without touching the ground. The starting position of the user, and the positions of the first and second line catchers, are preferably chosen so that the user's swing carries them below the first line catcher in an arc, and towards the second line catcher.

When the user has passed beneath the first line catcher and is approaching the apex of their swing, they may then perform a second swing by aiming the second line thrower at the second line catcher, and launching the second line so that it passes through the closable aperture of the second line catcher and is anchored. Once the second line has been anchored, the user may safely release the first line and swing from the second line.

Additional lines, line throwers and line catchers may be added to the system, so that the user may link together a sequence of swings.

Claims

1. A system for launching and anchoring a line, the system comprising:

a line;

a line thrower for launching a first portion of the line; and

a line catcher comprising a closable aperture for catching and anchoring the first portion of the line;

wherein the line thrower is configured to launch the first portion through the closable aperture, and wherein the line catcher is actuatable to close the closable aperture to catch and anchor the first portion of the line as it passes through the closable aperture.

2. A system according to claim 1 , in which the line thrower is configured to be

wearable by a user.

3. A system according to claim 2, in which the line thrower is configured to be mounted on a user's forearm.

4. A system according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, in which the line thrower comprises a barrel for receiving the first portion of the line, and in which the line thrower is configured to launch the line by exhausting compressed gas through the barrel.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, in which the line thrower comprises a launch switch, the line thrower being configured to launch the line in response to a signal from the launch switch.

6. A system according to any preceding claim, in which a second portion of the line is releasably couplable to the line thrower.

7. A system according to claim 6, in which the line thrower comprises an openable catch to which the second portion of the line is releasably couplable.

8. A system according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a release switch configured to

release the second portion of the line from the line thrower.

9. A system according to any of claims 2 to 8, additionally comprising a harness wearable by the user, in which the line thrower is attachable to the harness so that, in use, the user's weight may be transferred to the line through the harness.

10. A system according to claim 9, in which the harness comprises an arm strap

configured to attach a forearm-mounted line thrower to the harness, so that the user's weight may be transferred to the line through the arm strap.

1 1. A system according to claim 9 or 10, in which the harness comprises one or more foot loops configured to receive the user's feet, so that the user's weight may be transferred to the line through the foot loops.

12. A system according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising sensing means configured to sense when the line has been launched or sensing means configured to determine when the first portion of the line passes through the aperture, and an actuator configured to close the aperture in response to a signal from the sensor.

13. A system according to any preceding claim, in which a loop of string defines the aperture of the line catcher, and in which the aperture is closed by winding the loop of string onto a reel.

14. A system according to claim 13, in which the line catcher is actuatable to wind the loop of string and the first portion of the line around the reel through at least one, or at least two, or at least three turns of the reel, so that the first portion of the line is anchored on the reel.

15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, in which the line catcher comprises one or more arms configured to support the loop of string in an open configuration until the loop is wound onto the reel.

16. A system according to any of claims 2 to 15, comprising a plurality of lines, each line capable of being separately launched.

17. A system according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of line throwers for launching the plurality of lines.

18. A system according to claim 16 or claim 17, comprising a plurality of line catchers each configured to catch and anchor a

first portion of a line.

19. A system according to claim 18, in which the plurality of line catchers are arranged to be spaced apart, such that, in use, a user can swing between adjacent line catchers.

20. A line thrower for launching a line, comprising:

a barrel for receiving a first portion of the line; and

a compressed gas chamber connected to the barrel;

wherein the line thrower is actuatable to launch the line by exhausting compressed gas from the compressed gas chamber through the barrel, in which the line thrower is configured to be wearable by a user.

21. A line thrower according to claim 20, in which the line thrower is configured to be mounted on a user's forearm.

22. A line thrower according to claim 20, or 21 , additionally comprising a launch switch, the line thrower being configured to launch the line in response to a signal from the launch switch.

23. A line thrower according to any of claims 20 to 22, in which the line thrower is

couplable to a second portion of the line.

24. A line thrower according to claim 23, in which the line thrower is releasably

couplable to the second portion of the line, and the line thrower comprises a release switch configured to release the second portion of the line from the line thrower.

25. A line catcher for catching and anchoring a line, comprising:

a closable aperture through which a first portion of the line may pass;

wherein the line catcher is actuatable to close the aperture to catch and anchor the line.

26. A line catcher according to claim 25, additionally comprising sensing means

configured to sense when the first portion of the line has passed through the aperture, and an actuator which is configured to close the aperture in response to a signal from the sensing means.

27. A line catcher according to claim 25 or 26, in which a loop of string defines the

aperture of the line catcher, and in which the line catcher is actuatable to close the aperture by winding the loop of string onto a reel.

28. A line catcher according to claim 28 in which the line catcher is configured to wind the loop of string and the first portion of the line around the reel through at least one, or at least two, or at least three turns of the reel, so that the first portion of the line is anchored on the reel.

29. A line catcher according to claim 27 or 28, additionally comprising one or more arms configured to support the loop of string in an open configuration until the loop is wound onto the reel.

30. A method of launching and anchoring a line, the method comprising the steps of: providing a line and a closable aperture;

launching the line, such that a portion of the line passes through the closable aperture; and

closing the aperture to catch and anchor the line.

31. A method according to claim 30, comprising the additional step of providing a line thrower, such that the line is launched from the line thrower.

32. A method according to claim 31 , in which the line thrower is worn by a user.

33. A method according to claim 30, 31 or 32, comprising the first step of attaching a first portion of the line to a user, or to the line thrower.

34. A method according to claim 33, comprising the step of releasing the first portion of the line from the user or the line thrower after the rope is anchored.

35. A method according to any of claims 31 to 34, comprising the steps of:

providing a first closable aperture vertically above, and laterally spaced from, a user's position; attaching a line thrower to the user; and

launching and anchoring a first line in the first aperture;

so that the user may swing from the first line.

36. A method according to claim 35, comprising the additional steps of:

providing a second dosable aperture laterally spaced from the first aperture; launching and anchoring a second line in the second aperture; and releasing the first line;

so that the user may swing from the second line.