Seat restraint system and method for ride vehicle

Abstract

A seat restraint system 16 includes an over-shoulder (OTS) restraint 18 and a knee restraint 20. The above-knee restraint 20 includes an above-knee restraint housing 44 defining an interior space 48 and having an opening through the above-knee restraint housing 44; a rail 52 provided in the inner space 48; and a movable assembly 42 engaged with the track 52 and configured to move along the track. The movable assembly 42 includes an extension 46 passing through the opening from the interior space 48 to an exterior space outside the knee restraint housing 44. The movable assembly 42 also includes an engagement feature 40 coupled to the extension 46 and configured to couple to the OTS restraint 18 in an engaged configuration.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 340,280, filed on May 10, 2022, entitled “SEAT RESTAINT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RIDE VEHICLE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Background Art

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may relate to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below and / or claimed. This discussion is considered to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be read from this perspective and not as an admission of the prior art.

[0004] Entertainment venues, such as theme parks and amusement parks, have been built to provide visitors with a variety of immersive experiences. These entertainment venues may include various movable ride vehicles for rides (e.g., roller coasters), show attractions, games, etc. Conventional systems may employ restraints that are configured to restrain visitors within seats in the ride vehicle while the ride vehicle is in motion. Unfortunately, restraints in conventional systems may be uncomfortable, complex to operate, complex to manufacture, and / or expensive to manufacture. Restraints in other conventional systems, such as automobiles, may include the same or similar disadvantages. Therefore, it is now recognized that there is a need for improved seat restraints. Summary of the invention

[0005] The following summarizes certain embodiments that are commensurate in scope with the original claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but these embodiments are only intended to provide a brief overview of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure can include various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, a seat restraint system includes an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint and an above-the-knee restraint. The above-the-knee restraint includes an above-the-knee restraint housing that defines an interior space and has an opening through the above-the-knee restraint housing; a track that is disposed in the interior space; and a movable assembly that is engaged with the track and configured to move along the track. The movable assembly includes an extension that extends from the interior space through the opening to an exterior space outside the above-the-knee restraint housing. The movable assembly also includes an engagement feature that is coupled to the extension and configured to couple to the OTS restraint in an engaged configuration.

[0007] In one embodiment, an above-knee restraint of a seat restraint system includes an above-knee restraint shell defining an interior space and having a slot through a surface of the above-knee restraint shell; a track disposed in the interior space; and a movable assembly engaged with the track and configured to move along the track. The movable assembly includes an extension extending from the interior space through the slot in the surface of the above-knee restraint shell to an exterior space outside the above-knee restraint shell. The movable assembly also includes an engagement feature coupled to the extension and configured to couple to an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint of the seat restraint system.

[0008] In one embodiment, a ride vehicle includes a seat configured to receive a passenger, an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint, and an above-the-knee restraint. The above-the-knee restraint includes a track, a movable assembly engaged with the track and configured to move along the track, and an extension coupled to the movable assembly. The extension includes an engagement feature configured to couple to and decouple from the OTS restraint. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a ride vehicle on a track according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the ride vehicle having seats and a seat restraint system;

[0011] Figure 2 According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A top view of an over-the-knee restraint of a seat restraint system;

[0012] Figure 3 According to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 2 The line 3-3 in Figure 2 A side cross-sectional view of an above-knee restraint;

[0013] Figure 4 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, Figure 2 The line 4-4 in Figure 2 a front cross-sectional view of an above-knee restraint; and

[0014] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation according to one aspect of the present disclosure Figure 1 A process flow chart of a method of a seat restraint system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of the actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many decisions with specific implementations must be made to accomplish the developer's specific goals, such as meeting system-related and business-related restrictions, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be appreciated that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will remain a routine task of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0016] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the listed features.

[0017] The present disclosure generally relates to a seat restraint system for a ride vehicle. A ride vehicle including a seat restraint system can be used in an entertainment venue's ride facilities (e.g., a roller coaster) and / or a show attraction. The seat restraint system operates to restrain passengers within a seat of the ride vehicle, for example, when the ride vehicle is in motion. The seat restraint system can include an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint configured to be mounted on the shoulders of a passenger and an above-the-knee restraint configured to extend across the passenger's knee area. According to this embodiment, the OTS restraint and the above-the-knee restraint can be coordinated together to provide passenger fixation (e.g., upper and lower passenger body fixation that is beneficial for certain types of ride facilities). The above-the-knee restraint includes features that facilitate coupling with the OTS restraint in different positions or configurations to facilitate coordinated restraint of passengers of different body sizes by the OTS and the above-the-knee restraint.

[0018] The OTS restraint may include a first belt or bar mounted on a first shoulder of the passenger and a second belt or bar mounted on a second shoulder of the passenger so that the passenger's head is located between the first belt or bar and the second belt or bar. The first belt or bar and the second belt or bar may be rigid or semi-rigid and may include foam or foam-like materials that are comfortable when in contact with the passenger. In one embodiment, the OTS restraint is vertically actuated from a first OTS restraint position (e.g., a raised position) and a second OTS restraint position (e.g., a lowered position), in which the OTS restraint is raised away from (e.g., positioned above) the passenger, and in the second OTS restraint position, the OTS restraint is lowered above the passenger so that the passenger's head is located between the first belt or bar and the second belt or bar.

[0019] According to the present disclosure, the seat restraint system includes a knee restraint (e.g., leg press bar) configured to engage an OTS restraint to restrain a passenger in a seat of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the knee restraint is actuated (e.g., horizontally actuated, left-right actuated) between a first knee restraint position (e.g., retracted position) that facilitates the passenger to enter the seat of the vehicle and a second knee restraint position (e.g., extended position) that is configured to enable the knee restraint and the OTS restraint to engage. In fact, the knee restraint may include an engagement feature, such as a buckle or a lock, which is configured to engage an additional engagement feature of the OTS restraint, such as a lock or a buckle. The knee restraint may also engage another aspect of itself or the body of the vehicle for additional fixation. Because over time, the size and / or shape of the various passengers occupying the seat in the vehicle may be different, so the position (e.g., horizontal position) of the engagement feature corresponding to the knee restraint may be different for each passenger. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, an over-the-knee restraint includes aspects configured to enable movement of an engagement feature relative to an occupant in a seat and / or another feature of the over-the-knee restraint.

[0020] In one embodiment, the above-knee restraint includes an above-knee restraint shell that defines an interior space. For example, the above-knee restraint shell can be the interior of a hollow leg press rod. A track, a movable component that engages with the track and is configured to move along the track, and a first portion of an extension included in the movable component are disposed within the interior space defined by the above-knee restraint shell. In addition, the above-knee restraint shell includes a surface having an opening or groove passing therethrough. In other words, the opening or groove defines a passage from the outside of the above-knee restraint to the interior space via the shell. The extension of the movable component extends from the interior space through the opening or groove in the surface of the above-knee restraint shell and into the exterior space outside the above-knee restraint shell. Therefore, the second portion of the extension is disposed in the exterior space and includes an engagement feature (e.g., a buckle or a lock) of the above-knee restraint disposed therein or coupled thereto.

[0021] In one embodiment, the movable assembly includes a ring around the track, wherein the above-mentioned extension and at least one wheel (e.g., three wheels, six wheels, twelve wheels) are coupled to the ring. The wheel engages the track and enables the movable assembly to move relative to the track and along the track. For example, in an embodiment using three wheels, the first wheel is arranged at a first circumferential position on the ring, the second wheel is arranged at a second circumferential position on the ring, and the third wheel is arranged at a third circumferential position on the ring. The first circumferential position is spaced apart from the second circumferential position by a first circumferential distance, the second circumferential position is spaced apart from the third circumferential position by a second circumferential distance, and the third circumferential position is spaced apart from the first circumferential position by a third circumferential distance. The first circumferential distance, the second circumferential distance and the third circumferential distance can be substantially equal (e.g., within the engineering tolerance range). In this way, the wheels of the movable assembly are equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction. By means of the above-mentioned features, the load on the movable assembly can be stabilized and / or the movement of the movable assembly relative to the track can be improved.

[0022] It should be noted that the use of the term "ring" does not necessarily imply a circle, or even a closed shape. In fact, the ring may include a square, rectangle, triangle, ellipse, or any other shape. The geometric terms used herein and in connection with certain disclosed components should not be interpreted to mean that the shapes of the components strictly adhere to the mathematical properties defining the geometric terms. In addition, while in some embodiments the ring may completely surround the track, in other embodiments the ring may not completely surround the track. For example, the ring may include a break between two wheels of the movable component. These and other features will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is used in the knee restraint relative to the movable component. For example, the locking mechanism can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which the movable component is allowed to move along the track, and in the locked position, the movable component is prevented from moving along the track. Therefore, a passenger in a seat of a ride vehicle (or other people, such as an operator of the ride vehicle) can move the movable component along the track via an extension protruding from an opening or slot in the housing of the knee restraint until the engagement feature of the knee restraint is located at the center of the passenger. After centering the engagement feature of the knee restraint, the engagement feature of the knee restraint can be coupled to the engagement feature of the OTS restraint. In addition, the locking mechanism can be actuated to a locked position so that the movement of the movable component is prevented (for example, after the knee restraint and the OTS restraint are coupled). These and other features are described in detail below.

[0024] Now continue to look at the attached picture. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 on a ride track 12, the ride vehicle 10 having seats 14 and seat restraint systems 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride vehicle 10 includes two instances of the seats 14 and seat restraint systems 16, although any number of instances of the seats 14 and seat restraint systems 16 may be employed. For clarity, the seats 14 and seat restraint systems 16 are referred to in the singular hereinafter with respect to the drawings.

[0025] As shown, the seat restraint system 16 includes an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint 18 and an over-the-knee restraint 20. The OTS restraint 18 includes a first member 22 (e.g., a rod, a strap, or a webbing) and a second member 24 (e.g., a rod, a strap, or a webbing). The first member 22 and the second member 24 are spaced apart from each other so that the head 26 of the passenger 28 can be located between the first member 22 and the second member 24. In addition, for the purpose of restraining the passenger 28, the first member 22 and the second member 24 can be rigid and / or semi-rigid and can include external foam, foam-like or cushioning materials that are comfortable when contacting the passenger 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the OTS restraint 18 is disposed in an engaged configuration in which the OTS restraint 18 is pulled down over the passenger 28 and engaged with the over-the-knee restraint 20. The OTS restraint 18 can also move along a first axis 30 or in a plane (e.g., a vertical plane) formed by the first axis 30 and the second axis 36. Thus, the OTS restraint 18 is actuatable (e.g., vertically actuatable, actuatable from top to bottom) between an engaged configuration (or lowered position) and a disengaged configuration (or raised position) in which the OTS restraint 18 is raised directly above and / or above the head 26 of the occupant 28. The OTS restraint 18 also includes an engagement feature 32, such as a plate, buckle, or latch, that is configured to engage the above-the-knee restraint 20, as described in detail below.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the knee restraint 20 is coupled to the base 34 of the ride vehicle 10. In addition, the knee restraint 20 can be actuated relative to the base 34 along the third axis 38 or in a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by the second axis 36 and the third axis 38. Other configurations and corresponding actuations are also possible. For example, the knee restraint 20 can be inclined so that it is actuated by a plane that forms an angle with the plane defined by the second axis 36 and the third axis 38. Additionally or alternatively, the path of actuation of the knee restraint 20 may not be curved. In fact, the knee restraint 20 may include a curved shape, and the actuation of the knee restraint 20 may follow a corresponding curved path. In addition, the curved path of the knee restraint 20 may be different based on the size of the passenger 28 on which the knee restraint 20 is actuated. In any case, the knee restraint 20 can be actuated left and right (e.g., horizontally), while the OTS restraint 18 can be actuated from top to bottom (e.g., vertically). In other words, actuation of the above-knee restraint 20 may be transverse to actuation of the OTS restraint 18 .

[0027] In some embodiments, the base 34 includes a container configured to receive a portion of the knee restraint 20 when the knee restraint 20 is actuated from an engaged configuration (e.g., above the thigh of the occupant 28 and / or engaged with the OTS restraint 18) to a disengaged configuration. Thus, the container can accommodate the knee restraint 20 (or a portion thereof) when not being used to secure the occupant 28. Certain examples of the present disclosure relate to a retracted position of the knee restraint 20 (e.g., a position that allows the occupant 28 to enter the seat 14) and an extended position of the knee restraint 20 (e.g., a position where the knee restraint 20 can engage with the OTS restraint 18). Additionally or alternatively, a hinge can be used at the base 34 and configured to enable horizontal actuation of the knee restraint 20 described above. Thus, the knee restraint 20 can be actuated by different amounts depending on the size and / or shape of the occupant 28 disposed in the seat 14. For at least these reasons, the location of an engagement feature 40 (such as a plate, latch, or buckle) of the above-knee restraint 20 for coupling with the OTS restraint 18 can vary based on the size and / or shape of the occupant 28 and the corresponding degree or amount to which the above-knee restraint 20 is actuated to straddle the occupant 28.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, the above-knee restraint 20 includes a movable assembly 42 configured to enable the engagement feature 40 of the above-knee restraint 20 to move relative to the above-knee restraint housing 44 so that the engagement feature 40 can be centered relative to the occupant 28. The movable assembly 42 can include, for example, the engagement feature 40 and an extension 46 extending from the engagement feature 40 through a slot or opening (not shown) in the above-knee restraint housing 44 and into an interior space 48 defined by the above-knee restraint housing 44. The movable assembly 42 can also include a wheel assembly 50 coupled to the extension 46 and disposed within the interior space 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel assembly 50 engages a track 52 disposed in the interior space 48 of the above-knee restraint housing 44 so that the wheel assembly 50 can move along the track 52. For example, the passenger 28 (or another person, such as an operator of the ride vehicle 10 ) may move the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52 by pulling on the extension 46 and / or the engagement feature 40 coupled to the extension 46 .

[0029] Once the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 is centered over the passenger 28, the passenger 28 (or another person, such as an operator of the ride vehicle 10) may couple the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 to the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18. In one embodiment, a button 54 disposed on the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 may be used to activate a release mechanism to disengage the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 from the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18. In another embodiment, the button 54 and associated release mechanism are disposed on the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18, or a different disengagement feature may be employed.

[0030] Additionally, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the OTS restraint 18 and / or the above-knee restraint 20 may include additional features (e.g., ratchet assemblies, hydraulic assemblies, pneumatic assemblies, etc.) that enable actuation of the OTS restraint 18 and / or the above-knee restraint 20 (e.g., as previously described, on the various axes 30, 36, 38). In some embodiments, the additional features (e.g., ratchet assemblies, hydraulic assemblies, pneumatic assemblies, etc.) function to maintain the position of the above-knee restraint 20 and the OTS restraint 18 in the engaged configuration. In fact, the coupling of the engagement feature 40 of the above-knee restraint 20 and the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18 may serve as redundancy for the additional features described above.

[0031] As can be understood from the following figures, the knee restraint 20 can include a locking mechanism configured to lock the movable component 42 of the knee restraint 20 in place. For example, once the movable component 42 is centered relative to the passenger 28 and / or the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 is coupled with the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18, the locking mechanism can lock the knee restraint 20 in place. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can be activated in response to the coupling of the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 and the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18. In addition, when the button 54 is pressed to disengage the knee restraint 20 and the OTS restraint 18, the locking mechanism can be actuated to an unlocked position so that the movement of the movable component 42 is allowed. Generally, the above features are configured to enable the passenger 28 to easily and comfortably move the engagement feature 40 of the knee restraint 20 so that the engagement feature 40 can be coupled with the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18.

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of an above-knee restraint 20 of the seat restraint system 16 of FIG. 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the above-knee restraint 20 includes an above-knee restraint housing 44 that defines an interior space 48 of the above-knee restraint 20. Figure 2 , the interior space 48 is visible through a slot 70 (or opening) disposed in a surface 72 (e.g., an upper surface) of the above-knee restraint housing 44. The slot 70 enables the movable assembly 42 to move along the third axis 38. That is, the slot 70 provides a passage for the extension 46 to pass through the surface 72 of the above-knee restraint housing 44 along the third axis 38, and the extension 46 is Figure 1 exemplified in and in Figure 2 4. The illustrated perspective view is disposed behind (or below) the engagement feature 40. In some embodiments, the sliding plates 73, 74 are disposed in the slot 70 and are configured to slide (e.g., telescope) in response to movement of the movable assembly 42 such that the slot 70 is covered by the sliding plates 73, 74. In one embodiment, a brush or other feature may be disposed at the end of the sliding plates 73, 74 and configured to contact the extension 46. This may operate to prevent material (e.g., dust and debris) from entering the slot 70 while still allowing movement of the movable assembly 42 within the slot 70. In other embodiments, the slot 70 is open so that features within the interior space 48 defined by the above knee restraint housing 44 may be viewed from the exterior area 76, as described in more detail below.

[0033] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The line 3-3 in Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an above-knee restraint 20. As previously described, the above-knee restraint 20 includes an above-knee restraint housing 44 that defines an interior space 48 of the above-knee restraint 20, a surface 72 of the above-knee restraint housing 44, and a slot 70 (or opening) disposed in the surface 72. The above-knee restraint 20 also includes a movable component 42 that includes an engagement feature 40, an extension 46 coupled to (or having) the engagement feature 40, and a wheel assembly 50. As shown, the extension 46 extends through the slot 70 in the surface 72 of the above-knee restraint housing 44. Thus, the extension 46 includes a first portion 77 that is located within the interior space 48 defined by the above-knee restraint housing 44 and a second portion 79 that is located in an exterior region 76 that is exterior to the above-knee restraint housing 44. The wheel assembly 50, described in more detail below, is configured to enable the movable component 42 to move along a track 52 (e.g., along the third axis 38) of the above-knee restraint 20.

[0034] The wheel assembly 50 in the illustrated embodiment includes a ring 80 coupled to the extension 46 and wheels 82, 84, 86 coupled to the ring 80. In some embodiments, the wheels 82, 84, 86 may include bearings (e.g., ball bearings). In addition, other low friction devices may be used and coupled to the ring 80 to facilitate movement along the track 52. As shown, the ring 80 extends completely around the track 52 so that the ring 80 encircles the track 52. In another embodiment, the ring 80 may include a break at a circumferential location, such as between the second wheel 84 and the third wheel 86, so that the ring 80 does not completely encircle the track 52. In addition, although in Figure 3 86, but any number of wheels (e.g., six wheels, twelve wheels, etc.) may be employed. For example, in one embodiment, three additional (e.g., fourth, fifth, and sixth) wheels may be disposed behind or in front of the illustrated wheels 82, 84, 86. That is, the illustrated first wheel 82 and fourth wheel (behind the first wheel 82) may be disposed at a first circumferential position, the illustrated second wheel 84 and fifth wheel (behind the second wheel 84) may be disposed at a second circumferential position, and the illustrated third wheel 86 and sixth wheel (behind the third wheel 86) may be disposed at a third circumferential position.

[0035] As shown, the wheels 82, 84, 86 are configured to engage the track 52 and enable the movable assembly 42 to move along the track 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wheel 82 is disposed at a first circumferential position on the ring 80, the second wheel 84 is disposed at a second circumferential position on the ring 80, and the third wheel 86 is disposed at a third circumferential position on the ring 80. The first circumferential position of the first wheel 82 is a first circumferential distance 88 from the second circumferential position of the second wheel 84, the second circumferential position of the second wheel 84 is a second circumferential distance 90 from the third circumferential position of the third wheel 86, and the third circumferential position of the third wheel 86 is a third circumferential distance 92 from the first circumferential position of the first wheel 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the first circumferential distance 88, the second circumferential distance 90, and the third circumferential distance 92 are substantially equal (e.g., within an engineering tolerance range). Relative to conventional systems, the illustrated locations of the wheels 82, 84, 86 of the wheel assembly 50 and the distances 88, 90, 92 therebetween may improve the loading of the wheel assembly 50 and the movement of the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52. In some embodiments, the distances between the wheels of the wheel assembly 50 may be different.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, each wheel 82, 84, 86 includes a corresponding locking mechanism 94, 96, 98. The locking mechanisms 94, 96, 98 can be actuated between an unlocked position, in which movement of the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52 is permitted, and a locked position, in which movement of the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52 is prevented. For example, the locking mechanisms 94, 96, 98 can be friction stops that contact the sides of the respective wheels 82, 84, 86 in the locked position such that rotation of the respective wheels 82, 84, 86 (and thus movement along the track 52) is prevented. In another embodiment, the locking mechanisms 94, 96, 98 (or a single locking mechanism) can include one or more friction stops that directly contact the track 52, thereby preventing movement of the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52.

[0037] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 The line 4-4 in Figure 22 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an above-knee restraint 20. As previously described, the above-knee restraint 20 includes a wheel assembly 50 configured to engage a track 52, move along the track 52, and enable the movable assembly 42 (and thus the engagement feature 40 of the above-knee restraint 20) to move along the third axis 38. In the illustrated cross-sectional perspective view, the wheels 82, 84 of the wheel assembly 50 are shown, while the wheel 86 of the wheel assembly 50 is not shown. As previously described, the ring 80 of the wheel assembly 50 is disposed about (e.g., surrounds) the track 52 and can be centered on the track 52 relative to the third axis 38 (e.g., the longitudinal axis). For example, as shown, the distance 100 between the upper portion of the ring 80 and the third axis 38 is substantially equal (e.g., within engineering tolerances) to the distance 102 between the lower portions of the ring 80.

[0038] Figure 5 It is a graphic operation Figure 1 A process flow chart of one embodiment of a method 200 for a seat restraint system 16. For example, as previously described, Figure 1 The seat restraint system 16 can be used to restrain a passenger in a seat of a ride vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 200 includes actuating an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint from a raised position to a lowered position (block 202). That is, the OTS restraint is actuated from a raised position to a lowered position so that the OTS restraint is disposed above the shoulders of the passenger. The OTS restraint can be actuated from a raised position to a lowered position automatically (e.g., via a control feature of the ride vehicle) or manually (e.g., by a passenger or operator of the ride vehicle).

[0039] The method 200 also includes actuating the knee restraint from an open position (e.g., a retracted position or a withdrawn position) to an extended position above the passenger's thigh (frame 204). As previously described, the actuation of the knee restraint can be transverse to the actuation of the OTS restraint. For example, the knee restraint can be actuated horizontally between the retracted position and the extended position, and the OTS restraint can be actuated vertically between the raised position and the lowered position. Additionally or alternatively, the knee restraint can be actuated in a direction or plane extending transverse to an additional direction or additional plane defining the actuation of the OTS restraint. The knee restraint can be actuated from the retracted position to the extended position automatically (e.g., via a control feature of the ride vehicle) or manually (e.g., by a passenger or operator of the ride vehicle).

[0040] The method 200 also includes actuating a movable component of the knee restraint relative to the passenger and / or the housing of the knee restraint such that the engagement feature of the knee restraint is generally centered relative to the passenger (block 206). For example, as previously described, the knee restraint may include a track and a movable component movable along the track. The engagement feature of the knee restraint may be attached to (or form a part of) the movable component. Thus, the movable component may be moved (e.g., by the passenger or an operator of the ride vehicle) such that the engagement feature is generally centered relative to the passenger.

[0041] The method 200 also includes coupling the engagement features of the above-knee restraint with the engagement features of the OTS restraint (block 208). As previously described, the engagement features may include buckles and latches, or any other suitable engagement features configured to couple the above-knee restraint and the OTS restraint. The engagement features of the above-knee restraint and the OTS restraint may be allowed to couple or mate when the above-knee restraint is in the extended position and the OTS restraint is in the lowered position.

[0042] The above-described system and method facilitates centering of an engagement feature of an over-the-knee restraint employed in a ride vehicle so that the engagement feature can be coupled to a corresponding engagement feature of an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint. Embodiments of the present disclosure improve the comfort, ease of operation, ease of manufacture, and cost of seat restraint systems relative to conventional embodiments, as well as other technical advantages.

[0043] Although only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0044] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of practical character that demonstrably improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "steps for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements should be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements should not be interpreted in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112(f).

Claims

1. A seat restraint system, comprising: Over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraints; as well as Knee restraints, including: an above-knee restraint shell defining an interior space and having an opening therethrough; A track, the track being arranged in the inner space; a movable assembly engaged with the track and configured to move along the track; an extension of the movable assembly, wherein the extension extends from the interior space through the opening to an exterior space outside the above-knee restraint housing; and An engagement feature of the movable assembly, wherein the engagement feature is coupled to the extension and is configured to couple to the OTS restraint in an engaged configuration.

2. The seat restraint system of claim 1, wherein: The movable component comprises: a ring coupled to the extension and disposed in the interior space and circumferentially around the track; and A plurality of wheels are coupled to the ring and engage the track.

3. The seat restraint system of claim 2, wherein: The plurality of wheels include: a first wheel coupled to the ring at a first circumferential location; a second wheel coupled to the ring at a second circumferential position spaced a first circumferential distance from the first circumferential position; and A third wheel is coupled to the ring at a third circumferential position spaced a second circumferential distance from the second circumferential position and a third circumferential distance from the first circumferential position, wherein the first circumferential distance, the second circumferential distance, and the third circumferential distance are substantially equal.

4. The seat restraint system of claim 3, wherein: The plurality of wheels include: a fourth wheel coupled to the ring at the first circumferential location; a fifth wheel coupled to the ring at the second circumferential position; and A sixth wheel is coupled to the ring at the third circumferential location.

5. The seat restraint system of claim 1, comprising: a lock of said engagement feature; as well as A buckle is coupled to the OTS restraint, wherein the latch and the buckle are configured to cooperate such that the above-the-knee restraint is coupled to the OTS restraint in the engaged configuration.

6. The seat restraint system of claim 1, comprising: a buckle of said engagement feature; as well as A buckle coupled to the OTS restraint, wherein the buckle and the buckle are configured to cooperate such that the above-knee restraint is coupled to the OTS restraint in the engaged configuration.

7. The seat restraint system of claim 1, wherein: the OTS restraint is configured to actuate vertically between a first position in which the OTS restraint is lowered toward the above-knee restraint and a second position in which the OTS restraint is raised away from the first position; and The above-knee restraint is configured to be horizontally actuated between a third position in which the above-knee restraint is engageable with the OTS restraint and a fourth position in which the above-knee restraint is retracted from the third position.

8. The seat restraint system of claim 1, wherein: The OTS restraint comprises: a first component; and A second member is spaced apart from the first member a distance compatible with receiving a head of an occupant therebetween.

9. The seat restraint system of claim 8, wherein: The OTS restraint includes a plate coupled to the first member and the second member; and The plate is configured to engage an engagement feature of the above-knee restraint to couple the above-knee restraint with the OTS restraint in the engaged configuration.

10. The seat restraint system of claim 1, comprising a locking mechanism configured to actuate between a locked position and an unlocked position, In the locked position, the movable assembly is locked in place on the track; In the unlocked position, movement of the movable assembly along the track is permitted.

11. An above-knee restraint of a seat restraint system, the above-knee restraint comprising: an above-knee restraint shell defining an interior space and having a slot extending through a surface of the above-knee restraint shell; A track, the track being arranged in the inner space; a movable assembly engaged with the track and configured to move along the track; as well as an extension of the movable assembly, wherein the extension extends from the interior space through a slot in a surface of the above-knee restraint housing to an exterior space outside the above-knee restraint housing; and An engagement feature of the movable assembly, wherein the engagement feature is coupled to the extension and is configured to couple to an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint of the seat restraint system.

12. The above-knee restraint according to claim 11, wherein: The movable component comprises: a ring coupled to the extension and disposed in the interior space around the track; and A plurality of wheels are coupled to the ring and engage the track.

13. The above-knee restraint of claim 12, wherein: The plurality of wheels include: a first wheel coupled to the ring at a first circumferential location; a second wheel coupled to the ring at a second circumferential position spaced a first circumferential distance from the first circumferential position; and A third wheel is coupled to the ring at a third circumferential position spaced a second circumferential distance from the second circumferential position and a third circumferential distance from the first circumferential position, wherein the first circumferential distance, the second circumferential distance, and the third circumferential distance are substantially equal.

14. The above-knee restraint according to claim 11, wherein: The engagement feature may include a buckle or a latch.

15. The above-knee restraint of claim 11, wherein: the above knee restraint housing being configured to actuate between a retracted position and an extended position, in the retracted position, preventing coupling between the engagement feature of the above-knee restraint and the OTS restraint; In the extended position, coupling between the engagement feature of the above-knee restraint and the OTS restraint is permitted.

16. The above knee restraint of claim 11, comprising a locking mechanism configured to actuate between a locked position and an unlocked position, In the locked position, the movable assembly is locked in position relative to the track; In the unlocked position, the movable assembly is movable along the track.

17. A ride vehicle comprising: a seat configured to receive a passenger; an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint configured to be actuated relative to the seat; as well as an above-knee restraint configured to be actuated relative to the seat, wherein the above-knee restraint comprises: track; a movable assembly engaged with the track and configured to move along the track; and an extension coupled to the movable component and having an engagement feature configured to: coupled to the OTS restraint; and Decouple from the OTS restraint.

18. The ride vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The above-knee restraint includes an above-knee restraint housing defining an interior space, the track, the movable assembly, and the first portion of the extension being disposed within the interior space; The above-knee restraint housing includes a surface having a slot extending therethrough; and The extension extends through the slot such that a second portion of the extension is disposed in an exterior space exterior to the above-knee restraint housing, wherein the second portion includes the engagement feature.

19. The ride vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The movable component comprises: a ring disposed around the track; and A plurality of wheels are coupled to the ring and engage the track.

20. The ride vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The engagement feature may include a buckle or a latch.

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