Lower limb restraint system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380054986.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-29
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-11
AI Technical Summary
The existing amusement park ride facilities lack effective lower limb restraint systems, which makes it difficult for passengers to effectively restrain lower limbs during the ride, affecting safety and comfort.
A lower limb restraint system including a front leg restraint subsystem and a hind leg restraint subsystem is designed, which abuts against the passenger's lower limbs and exerts force to achieve restraint and resistance movement through a padded rod and link mechanism.
Effectively restrain the passenger's lower limbs, improve ride safety and comfort, and ensure that passengers can maintain a stable sitting posture during the ride.
Smart Images
Figure CN119604344A_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 391,152, filed on July 21, 2022, entitled “RIDE VEHICLE LOWER LEGRESTRAINT SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for restraining the lower extremities of visitors to an amusement park attraction. Background Art
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the field that may be related to various aspects of the present technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements are understood in light of this, rather than admitting prior art.
[0004] Amusement park rides typically include restraint systems configured to restrain the upper body and / or waist of a passenger of the ride. However, such rides generally do not include restraint features configured to restrain the lower extremities of a passenger while still allowing the passenger to move their lower extremities. It has been recognized that a new system for restraining the lower extremities of a passenger would be beneficial. Summary of the invention
[0005] Certain embodiments comparable in scope to the originally proposed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the proposed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments proposed below.
[0006] In certain embodiments, an amusement park attraction includes a guest restraint configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction. The amusement park attraction also includes a lower extremity restraint system configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower extremities of the guest relative to the guest restraint when the guest is restrained by the guest restraint of the amusement park attraction. The lower extremity restraint system only partially encloses the one or more lower extremities of the guest.
[0007] In certain embodiments, an amusement park attraction includes a visitor restraint device configured to restrain a visitor of the amusement park attraction. The amusement park attraction also includes a lower extremity restraint system configured to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of a visitor relative to the visitor restraint device when the visitor is restrained by the visitor restraint device of the amusement park attraction. In addition, the lower extremity restraint system includes a front leg restraint subsystem and a rear leg restraint subsystem, the front leg restraint subsystem including a padded front leg bar, the front leg restraint subsystem being configured to be positioned proximate to the one or more lower extremities of the visitor when a force is applied against a front portion of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor, and resisting movement of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor, and the rear leg restraint subsystem including a padded rear leg bar, the rear leg restraint subsystem being configured to be positioned proximate to the one or more lower extremities of the visitor when a force is applied against a rear portion of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor, and resisting movement of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
[0008] In certain embodiments, an amusement park attraction includes a visitor restraint configured to restrain a visitor of the amusement park attraction. The amusement park attraction also includes a lower extremity restraint system configured to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of a visitor relative to the visitor restraint when the visitor is restrained by the visitor restraint of the amusement park attraction. Additionally, the lower extremity restraint system includes one or more padded hooks configured to apply a force against a front portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor. 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, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout, and in which: Figure 1 depicts a side perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 Describes an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A cutaway side perspective view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle of a ride system of FIG. Figure 3 A seat and Figure 2 A side view of a lower limb restraint system of a ride vehicle; Figure 4 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A side view of the front leg restraint subsystem of the lower limb restraint system; Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A perspective view of a seat and lower limb restraint system of a ride vehicle; Figure 6 A seat and Figure 2A side view of another embodiment of a lower limb restraint system for a ride vehicle; Figure 7 A seat and Figure 6 A top view of a hook of a lower limb restraint system; and Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method for utilizing a control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] 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 of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements other than 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 recited features.
[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it is still a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.
[0012] The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for restraining portions of the lower extremities of visitors to an amusement park attraction (e.g., such as a ride vehicle). For example, in certain embodiments, an amusement park ride vehicle may include a visitor restraint device configured to restrain a passenger of the ride vehicle. The amusement park ride vehicle may also include a lower extremity restraint system configured to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of a passenger relative to the visitor restraint device when the passenger is restrained by the visitor restraint device of the amusement park ride vehicle. The lower extremity restraint system only partially surrounds one or more lower extremities of the passenger. Additionally, in certain embodiments, a control system is configured to actuate one or more actuators of the lower extremity restraint system to cause one or more restraint features of the lower extremity restraint system to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of the passenger relative to the visitor restraint device.
[0013] Figure 1A side perspective view of an embodiment of an amusement park ride system 10 is depicted, which includes a ride vehicle 14 (or other type of amusement park attraction, as described herein) that accommodates (or otherwise constrains) one or more passengers 12 (or other visitors to the amusement park, as described herein). In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 travels along a ride path 16. The ride path 16 can be any surface on which the ride vehicle 14 travels. In some embodiments, the ride path 16 can be a track. The ride path 16 may or may not specify the path traveled by the ride vehicle 14. That is, in some embodiments, the ride path 16 can control the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and / or orientation) of the ride vehicle 14 as it advances, similar to a train on a train track. In other embodiments, there may be a system for controlling the path taken by the ride vehicle 14. For example, the ride path 16 may be an open surface that allows the passenger 12 to control certain aspects of the movement of the ride vehicle 14 via a control system located on the ride vehicle 14. Alternatively or additionally, the control system may be located on an open surface such that the passenger 12 may control the open surface to maneuver the ride vehicle 14 along a target trajectory.
[0014] In addition, the ride system 10 may include ride vehicles 14 that may accommodate any number of ride passengers 12. For example, the illustrated embodiment shows five ride vehicles 14, each of which accommodates two ride passengers 12. In other embodiments, the ride system 10 may include any number of ride vehicles 14. For example, the ride system 10 may include two, four, ten, twenty, or any number of ride vehicles 14, and each ride vehicle 14 may accommodate a variety of ranges of passengers 12. For example, a first ride vehicle 14 may accommodate two passengers, a second ride vehicle 14 may accommodate four passengers 12, a third ride vehicle 14 may accommodate six passengers 12, and the other ride vehicles 14 may accommodate any suitable number of passengers 12.
[0015] In some embodiments, as described in more detail herein, the ride vehicle 14 may include a restraint system 18. In some embodiments, the restraint system 18 may be positioned above the thigh surface of the passenger 12 so that the restraint system 18 applies a force on the thigh surface of the passenger 12 to secure the passenger 12 to the ride vehicle 14. In some embodiments, the restraint system 18 includes a torso safety belt that is pulled over the shoulders of the passenger to secure his upper body relative to the corresponding seat. In addition, as described in more detail herein, the restraint system 18 may include a lower limb restraint system 20 to secure the passenger's feet, ankles, and lower limbs (e.g., below the knee, also referred to herein as calves) relative to the corresponding seat. As used herein, the term "lower limbs" may include any other part of the passenger's leg below the knee of the foot, ankle, calf, or leg. In other words, the term "lower limbs" as used herein may refer to any part of the leg below the knee of the leg.
[0016] It should be noted that although the embodiments described herein are primarily directed to a ride vehicle 14 of an amusement park's ride system 10 that includes a restraint system 18 configured to restrain a passenger 12 relative to the ride vehicle 14, in other embodiments, the restraint system 18 may be configured to restrain other visitors of the amusement park relative to other types of amusement park attractions in the amusement park (including, but not limited to, amusement park shows in which visitors may be restrained relative to certain positions of the amusement park show, amusement park experiences in which visitors may experience certain movements during the experience (which may not themselves be characterized as a "ride"), etc.
[0017] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 1 is a cutaway side perspective view of an embodiment of a ride vehicle 14 of a ride system 10 of FIG. 1. When the ride vehicle 14 travels along a ride path 16 oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 22 (e.g., a direction of travel), a passenger 12 may be seated inside (or otherwise restrained by) the ride vehicle 14 and secured via a restraint system 18 (e.g., including a lower extremity restraint system 20). In certain embodiments, the restraint system 18 (e.g., including a lower extremity restraint system 20) may apply forces to the passenger 12 along the longitudinal axis 22, the lateral axis 24, the vertical axis 26, or any combination thereof. For example, the restraint system 18 may apply a force that secures the torso of the passenger 12 to the seat 30 and the backrest 28 (or other types of passenger restraints as described herein). For example, the passenger 12 may be seated in (or otherwise restrained by) the ride vehicle 14 such that the back of the passenger 12 is pressed against the backrest 28 via the restraint system 18. Additionally, as described in greater detail herein, the lower extremity restraint system 20 may apply a force that secures the lower extremities (eg, feet, ankles, calves, etc.) of the occupant 12 relative to the seat 30 .
[0018] In some embodiments, the ride system 10 includes a control system 32. In some embodiments, the control system 32 includes one or more ride vehicle controllers 34. For example, in some embodiments, each ride vehicle 14 may be associated with a corresponding ride vehicle controller 34. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle controller(s) 34 may include a central controller that controls many of the ride vehicles 14. The ride vehicle controller(s) 34 may include a processor 36, a memory device 38, and a storage device 40.
[0019] It is noted that the ride system 10 may also include a base station controller 42, which may facilitate control of the control system 32. The base station controller 42 may also include a processor 36, a memory device 38, and a storage device 40. In some embodiments, the ride vehicle controller(s) 34 and the base station controller 42 may be communicatively coupled via respective transceivers 44, which implement wireless communication across any suitable protocol. In other embodiments, the base station controller 42 and the ride vehicle controller(s) 34 may be communicatively coupled via a wired (e.g., landline) connection. The ride vehicle controller(s) 34 and / or the base station controller 42 may be used as a quality checkpoint, thereby monitoring the condition of the ride system 10. For example, the base station controller 42 may receive data from sensors on the ride vehicle controller(s) 34, the ride vehicle 14, etc., to determine whether the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower extremity restraint system 20) is in a locked configuration or an unlocked configuration. Additionally, an operator of the base station controller 42 may manually control the speed of the ride vehicle 14 , the duration of a ride cycle of the ride vehicle 14 , and other suitable aspects of the ride system 10 .
[0020] The processor(s) 36 of one or both of the ride vehicle controller(s) 34 and the base station controller 42 may be used to execute software, such as software for locking and unlocking the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower extremity restraint system 20). In addition, the processor(s) 36 may determine the start and end times associated with a ride cycle of the ride vehicle 14. The processor(s) 36 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more "general purpose" microprocessors, one or more special purpose microprocessors, and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor(s) 36 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.
[0021] The memory device(s) 38 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory device(s) 38 may store a variety of information and may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the memory device(s) 38 may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for execution by the processor(s) 36, such as instructions for locking the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower limb restraint system 20), unlocking the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower limb restraint system 20), etc.
[0022] In addition, the storage device(s) 40 (e.g., non-volatile storage) may include read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard disk, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) 40 may store data (e.g., maintenance data, location data associated with the ride vehicle 14, and ride duration data), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for locking and unlocking the restraint system 18 (including the lower limb restraint system 20) and otherwise operating the ride vehicle 14), and any other suitable information.
[0023] like Figure 2 As shown in , as described in more detail herein, the restraint system 18 may include a lower extremity restraint system 20, whereby portions of a lower extremity 46 of the occupant 12 (e.g., foot 48, ankle 50, calf 52, shin 54, etc.) may be held in place relative to a seat 30 of the ride vehicle 14. As described in more detail herein, a control system 32 (e.g., ride vehicle controller(s) 34 and / or base station controller 42) may control locking and unlocking of the lower extremity restraint system 20 to lock portions of the lower extremity of the occupant 12 and unlock portions of the lower extremity of the occupant 12 from being held in place relative to the seat 30 of the ride vehicle 14. In addition, as described in more detail herein, the restraint system 18 may include one or more sensors 55 that are configured to detect the positioning of certain body parts of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 (and / or backrest 28) of the ride vehicle 14, wherein the control system 32 uses data related to the positioning of certain body parts of the passenger 12 to properly lock / unlock the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 (and / or backrest 28) of the ride vehicle 14.
[0024] It should be noted that while the embodiments described herein are primarily directed to a restraint system 18 configured to restrain an occupant 12 relative to a seat 30 (and / or backrest 28) of a ride vehicle 14, in other embodiments, the restraint system 18 may be configured to restrain other guests to other types of guest restraints in addition to the seated ergonomic system described herein while the guest is standing, kneeling, in a prone position, etc.
[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of the seat 30 and the lower limb restraint system 20 of the ride vehicle 14. Figure 3 As shown in , in certain embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 may include a front leg restraint subsystem 56 and a rear leg restraint subsystem 58, whereby the front leg restraint subsystem 56 is configured to be positioned proximate to the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against a front portion 60 (e.g., shin, etc.) of the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12 and resist movement of the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12, and the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 is configured to be positioned proximate to the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against a rear portion 62 (e.g., calf, heel, etc.) of the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12 and resist movement of the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12 to hold the lower extremity 46 in place relative to the seat 30 of the ride vehicle 14. As will be appreciated, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 and the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 do not completely surround the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12, thereby allowing lateral movement (e.g., side to side movement) of the lower extremity 46, because they only partially surround the lower extremity 46.
[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side view of the front leg restraint subsystem 56 of the lower limb restraint system 20. In addition, Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the seat 30 and lower limb restraint system 20 of the ride vehicle 14. Figure 5 As shown in , in some embodiments, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 may include one or more linkage mechanisms 64 connected to a front leg bar 66 that is configured to be fixed against the front portion 60 of the lower limb 46 of the passenger 12. Specifically, as shown, in some embodiments, one or more linkage mechanisms 64 may be configured to pivot about a floor pivot joint 68 at or near a first axial end 72 of the linkage mechanism 64 (e.g., within or near the floor 70 of the corresponding ride vehicle 14). Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, one or more linkage mechanisms 64 may be configured to move the front leg bar 66 from a stowed position 74 (eg, also as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5) moves through the intermediate position 78, where the front leg bar 66 is stowed in the stowed position 74 within a storage compartment 76 built into the floor 70 of the corresponding ride vehicle 14, and moves to the restraining position 80, where the front leg bar 66 is secured against the front portion 60 of the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12. Figure 4 As shown in , in some embodiments, one or more actuators 86 associated with one or more linkage mechanisms 64 may be configured to cause one or more linkage mechanisms 64 to move the front leg rod 66 between various positions. In some embodiments, one or more actuators 86 may include a cam-based mechanical actuator. However, in other embodiments, one or more actuators 86 may include any suitable actuator capable of actuating one or more associated linkage mechanisms 64, such as other types of mechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, electromechanical actuators, electro-hydraulic actuators, and other types of suitable actuators.
[0027] Additionally, in certain embodiments, one or more linkage mechanisms 64 of the front leg restraint subsystem 56 may be coupled to the front leg bar 66 at or near a second axial end 82 (e.g., opposite the first axial end 72) of the linkage mechanism 64. As described in more detail herein, in certain embodiments, the front leg bar 66 may be configured to pivot about a bar pivot joint 84 formed at or near the second axial end 82 of the linkage mechanism 64 so that the front leg bar 66 may be comfortably placed against the front portion 60 of the lower extremity 46 of the occupant 12. As also described in more detail herein, the front leg bar 66 may be padded to promote comfort and prevent hard surfaces from contacting the front portion 60 of the lower extremity 46 of the occupant 12.
[0028] like Figure 3 As shown in , in some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 may include a first linkage 88 that is coupled to a rear seat wall 90 within the seat 30 of the ride vehicle 14. Specifically, as shown, in some embodiments, the first linkage 88 may be configured to pivot about a wall pivot joint 92 at or near a first axial end 94 of the first linkage 88. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first linkage 88 may also be configured to pivot about a main pivot joint 96 of the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 at or near a second axial end 98 of the first linkage 88 (e.g., opposite the first axial end 94).
[0029] If still Figure 3As shown in , in some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 may also include a second linkage 100 that is coupled to the first linkage 88 and coupled to the rear leg rod 102. Specifically, as shown, in some embodiments, the second linkage 100 may be configured to pivot about the main pivot joint 96 at or near a first axial end 104 of the second linkage 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second linkage 100 may also be configured to pivot about a rod pivot joint 106 of the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 at or near a second axial end 108 (e.g., opposite the first axial end 104) of the second linkage 100. Additionally, the second linkage 100 may be coupled to the rear leg rod 102 at the rod pivot joint 106.
[0030] In some embodiments, the first linkage 88 and the second linkage 100 of the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 may be configured to move the rear leg bar 102 from the stowed position to the restrained position (eg, Figure 3 and 5 ), in the stowed position, the rear leg bar 102 is stowed within the seat 30 of the corresponding ride vehicle 14, and in the restraint position, the rear leg bar 102 is secured against the rear portion 62 of the lower limb 46 of the passenger 12. Specifically, in some embodiments, the actuator 110 (e.g., coupled to the floor 70 of the corresponding ride vehicle 14) may be configured to cause the main pivot joint 96 to move downward (e.g., as shown by arrow 112), so that the first axial end 94 of the first linkage 88 (e.g., coupled to the rear seat wall 90) and the second axial end 108 of the second linkage 100 move away from each other, thereby causing the rear leg bar 102 to move into the restraint position and against the rear portion 62 of the lower limb 46 of the passenger 12 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 and 5 ). Conversely, the actuator 110 may also be configured to cause the main pivot joint 96 to move upward (e.g., as shown by arrow 112), so that the first axial end 94 of the first linkage 88 (e.g., coupled to the rear seat wall 90) and the second axial end 108 of the second linkage 100 move toward each other, thereby causing the rear leg bar 102 to move away from the rear portion 62 of the lower limb 46 of the passenger 12 to stow the rear leg bar 102 within the seat 30. In some embodiments, the actuator 110 may be a piston-based hydraulic actuator. However, in other embodiments, the actuator 110 may be any suitable actuator capable of actuating the first linkage 88 and the second linkage 100, such as another type of hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, an electro-hydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, or other suitable actuators.
[0031] It should be noted that although Figure 3-5The system is shown as having a specific number of linkage mechanisms 64, 88, 100 and other articulation devices, but in other embodiments, other numbers of linkage mechanisms and / or other articulation devices may be used so that the front leg restraint subsystem 56 and the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 provide any number of degrees of freedom for the restraint features 66, 102 of the lower limb restraint system 20.
[0032] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the seat 30 may include a window 114 through which the rear leg bar 102 may move when the rear leg bar 102 moves between the stowed position and the restraint position. Similar to the front leg bar 66 of the front leg restraint subsystem 56, in some embodiments, the rear leg bar 102 may be padded to promote comfort and prevent hard surfaces from contacting the rear portion 62 of the lower extremity 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the window 114 may be a resilient surface through which the rear leg bar 102 may move (e.g., similar to a lumbar adjustment in a car seat).
[0033] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 1 and 12. A side view of another embodiment of a seat 30 and a lower extremity restraint system 20 of a ride vehicle 14. As shown, in some embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 may include hooks 116 disposed on opposite lateral sides of the seat 30. In some embodiments, each hook 116 may be disposed at an axial end 118 of a rod 120 that is configured to extend forward (e.g., as indicated by arrow 122) from a retracted position (e.g., within the seat 30), rotate approximately 90 degrees (e.g., as indicated by arrow 124), and then retract slightly rearward (e.g., also as indicated by arrow 122) to a restraining position to restrain a corresponding lower extremity 46 of an occupant 12. Then, after a ride cycle, each hook 116 and rod 120 may be extended slightly forward, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and then retracted rearward to a stowed position to enable the occupant 12 to exit the ride vehicle 14. The 90 degree rotation described herein may be approximately 90 degrees (e.g., within 85 and 95 degrees, within 865 and 94 degrees, within 87 and 93 degrees, within 88 and 92 degrees, within 89 and 91 degrees, etc.) It should be appreciated that each hook 116 only partially surrounds the corresponding lower limb 46 of the passenger 12 when in the restraining position.
[0034] In some embodiments, each hook 116 and associated rod 120 may be associated with a corresponding actuator 126, which may cause the associated hook 116 and rod 120 to extend forward, rotate, and then retract slightly rearward to a restrained position, and then cause the associated hook 116 and rod 120 to extend slightly forward, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and then retract rearward to a stowed position as described above. In some embodiments, the actuator 126 may be a pneumatic actuator. However, in other embodiments, the actuator 126 may be any suitable actuator capable of actuating the corresponding hook 116 and rod 120, such as a hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electro-hydraulic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, or other suitable actuator.
[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A top view of the seat 30 and one of the hooks 116 of the lower limb restraint system 20. Figure 7 Only one hook 116 is shown in the figure, but it will be appreciated that the lower extremity restraint system 20 may include two hooks 116, one for each lower extremity 46 of the occupant 12. As shown, in some embodiments, the seat 30 may include a recess 128 extending into the seat 30, which is generally shaped to receive the corresponding lower extremity 46 of the occupant 12. In addition, in some embodiments, the recess 128 may have a seat pad 130 for comfort purposes. It will be appreciated that the recess 128 extending into the seat 30 may be used in other embodiments described herein (e.g., in Figure 3-5 ). Additionally, in certain embodiments, the hooks 116 may further include a pad 132 (eg, on an inner surface of each hook 116) for comfort purposes.
[0036] As described in greater detail herein, in certain embodiments, the ride vehicle controller 34 and / or Figure 2 The base station controller 42 of the control system 32 shown in FIG. 1 may be configured to control various features of the restraint system 18 described herein (e.g., including the lower extremity restraint system 20). For example, in certain embodiments, the ride vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 may send control signals to the various actuators 86, 110, 126 described herein to enable the actuators 86, 110, 126 to actuate the lower extremity restraint system 20 described herein.
[0037] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the ride vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 may send control signals to the various actuators 86, 110, 126 described herein based at least in part on feedback received from various sensors 55 that are integrally incorporated into the backrest 28, the seat 30, and any of the various features of the restraint system 18 described herein (e.g., including the lower extremity restraint system 20). Figure 2 ). For example, in certain embodiments, as described in more detail herein, the sensor 55 may include a force sensor or pressure sensor integrally incorporated into the backrest 28 and / or the seat 30 (e.g., including in the recess 128 of the seat 30) that can detect the position of a body part of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 and the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower extremity restraint system 20) so that various features of the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower extremity restraint system 20) can be actuated to a restrained position. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the sensor 55 may include a force sensor or pressure sensor integrally incorporated into various restraint features (e.g., including the front leg bar 66, the rear leg bar 102, and the hook 116 described herein) that can detect when a restraint feature contacts certain body parts of the passenger 12 (e.g., the lower extremity 46) so that the ride vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 can stop increasing force or pressure when the restraint feature contacts the body part. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the sensors 55 may include proximity sensors integrally incorporated into various restraint features (e.g., including the front leg bar 66, rear leg bar 102, and hook 116 described herein) that may determine the proximity of the restraint features relative to certain body parts of the passenger 12 (e.g., the lower extremities 46) such that the ride vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 may cease increasing force or pressure when the restraint features come into contact with the body part.
[0038] Thus, the embodiments described herein include various techniques for restraining portions of the lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 of the ride vehicle 14 in which the passenger 12 is seated, without completely enclosing the lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 (e.g., enabling the lower extremities 46 to move in at least one lateral direction). For example, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 includes a seat 30 that is configured to be seated by (or otherwise restrain) the passenger 12 of the ride vehicle 14. Additionally, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 includes a lower extremity restraint system 20 that is configured to restrain portions 60, 62 of one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 when the passenger 12 is seated in the ride vehicle 14.
[0039] In some embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 includes a front leg restraint subsystem 56 that is configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities 46 of the occupant 12 and resist movement of one or more lower extremities 46 of the occupant 12 when a force is applied against the front portion 60 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the occupant 12. In some embodiments, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 includes a padded front leg bar 66 that is configured to apply a force against the front portion 60 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the occupant 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 includes one or more linkage mechanisms 64 that are configured to rotate about a floor pivot joint 68 of the ride vehicle 14 to move the padded front leg bar 66 against the front portion 60 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the occupant 12.
[0040] In some embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 includes a rear leg restraint subsystem 58 that is configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 and resist movement of one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against the rear portion 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 includes a padded rear leg bar 102 that is configured to apply a force against the rear portion 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 includes a first linkage 88 and a second linkage 100 that are coupled to each other at the main pivot joint 96 to move the padded rear leg bar 102 against the rear portion 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, the seat 30 includes a window 114 through which the padded rear leg bar 102 can move to contact the rear portion 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12.
[0041] In some embodiments, the lower limb restraint system 20 includes one or more hooks 116, one or more hooks 116 are configured to be positioned adjacent to one or more lower limbs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against the front portion 60 of the one or more lower limbs 46 of the passenger 12, and resist the movement of the one or more lower limbs 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks 116 are configured to extend forward from the retracted position, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and retract slightly backward to apply force against the front portion 60 of the one or more lower limbs 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks are padded. In addition, in some embodiments, the seat 30 includes one or more recesses 128 extending into the seat 30, which are shaped to receive one or more lower limbs 46 of the passenger 12.
[0042] In some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 also includes a control system 32 (e.g., the ride vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42) configured to actuate one or more actuators 86, 110, 126 of the lower extremity restraint system 20 to cause the one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of the lower extremity restraint system 20 to restrain the portions 60, 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30. Additionally, in some embodiments, the ride vehicle 14 also includes one or more sensors 55 configured to detect a force, pressure, or proximity of the one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 relative to the portions 60, 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12. The control system 32 is configured to actuate the one or more actuators 86, 110, 126 of the lower extremity restraint system 20 based at least in part on the detected force, pressure, or proximity.
[0043] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart of a method 134 for utilizing a control system 32 (e.g., a ride vehicle controller 34 and / or a base station controller 42) as described herein. In some embodiments, the method 134 includes detecting, via one or more sensors 55 of a ride vehicle 14 (or other type of amusement park attraction), a force, pressure, or proximity of one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of a lower extremity restraint system 20 relative to a portion 60, 62 of one or more lower extremities 46 of a passenger 12 (or other guest) of the ride vehicle 14 (block 136). Additionally, in some embodiments, the method 134 includes actuating, via the control system 32, one or more actuators 86, 110, 126 of the lower extremity restraint system 20 based at least in part on the detected force, pressure, or proximity to cause the one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of the lower extremity restraint system 20 to restrain the portion 60, 62 of one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 relative to a seat 30 (e.g., or other type of guest restraint device) of the ride vehicle 14 (block 138).
[0044] In some embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 includes a front leg restraint subsystem 56 configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against a front portion 60 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12, and to resist movement of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 includes a rear leg restraint subsystem 58 configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against a rear portion 62 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12, and to resist movement of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lower extremity restraint system 20 includes one or more hooks 116 configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied against a front portion 60 of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12, and to resist movement of the one or more lower extremities 46 of the passenger 12.
[0045] Although only certain features of the disclosed embodiments have been shown 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.
[0046] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties that significantly improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [the function] ..." or "steps for [performing] [the function] ...", it is intended that such elements should be interpreted under 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 under 35 U.S.C. §112(f).
Claims
1. An amusement park attraction, comprising: a guest restraint device configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction; as well as A lower extremity restraint system is configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor relative to the visitor restraint when the visitor is restrained by the visitor restraint of the amusement park attraction, wherein the lower extremity restraint system only partially surrounds the one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
2. An amusement park attraction according to claim 1, wherein the lower extremity restraint system includes a front leg restraint subsystem, which is configured to be positioned adjacent to one or more lower extremities of the visitor and resist movement of one or more lower extremities of the visitor when force is applied against a front portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
3. The amusement park attraction of claim 2, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes a padded front leg bar configured to apply a force against a front portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
4. The amusement park attraction of claim 3, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes one or more linkage mechanisms configured to rotate about a pivot joint in the floor of the amusement park attraction to move the padded front leg bars against a front portion of one or more lower limbs of the visitor.
5. The amusement park attraction of claim 1 , wherein the lower extremity restraint system includes a rear leg restraint subsystem configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities of the visitor and to resist movement of one or more lower extremities of the visitor when force is applied against a rear portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
6. The amusement park attraction of claim 5, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes a padded rear leg bar configured to apply a force against a rear portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
7. The amusement park attraction of claim 6, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes a plurality of linkage mechanisms coupled to one another by at least one pivot joint to move the padded rear leg bars against rear portions of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
8. The amusement park attraction of claim 6, wherein the guest restraint includes a window through which the padded rear leg bar is movable to contact a rear portion of one or more lower extremities of the guest.
9. The amusement park attraction of claim 1 , wherein the lower extremity restraint system includes one or more hooks configured to be positioned proximate to and resist movement of the visitor's one or more lower extremities when a force is applied against a front portion of the visitor's one or more lower extremities.
10. The amusement park attraction of claim 9, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to extend forward from a retracted position, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and retract slightly rearward to apply a force against a front portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
11. The amusement park attraction of claim 9, wherein the one or more hooks are padded.
12. The amusement park attraction of claim 1, wherein the guest restraint includes one or more recesses extending into the guest restraint, the one or more recesses being shaped to receive one or more lower extremities of the guest.
13. The amusement park attraction of claim 1 , comprising a control system configured to actuate one or more actuators of the lower extremity restraint system to cause one or more restraint features of the lower extremity restraint system to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of the visitor relative to the visitor restraint device.
14. The amusement park attraction of claim 13, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect a force, pressure, or proximity of the one or more restraint features relative to a portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor, wherein the control system is configured to actuate one or more actuators of the lower extremity restraint system based at least in part on the detected force, pressure, or proximity.
15. An amusement park attraction comprising: a guest restraint device configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction; as well as A lower extremity restraint system configured to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of the visitor relative to the visitor restraint device when the visitor is restrained by the visitor restraint device of the amusement park attraction, wherein the lower extremity restraint system comprises: a front leg restraint subsystem including a padded front leg bar configured to be positioned proximate to one or more lower extremities of the visitor and to resist movement of one or more lower extremities of the visitor when a force is applied against a front portion of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor; as well as A rear leg restraint subsystem includes a padded rear leg bar configured to be positioned proximate to and resist movement of the visitor's one or more lower limbs when a force is applied against a rear portion of the visitor's one or more lower limbs.
16. The amusement park attraction of claim 15, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes one or more linkage mechanisms configured to rotate about a pivot joint in the floor of the amusement park attraction to move the padded front leg bars against a front portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
17. The amusement park attraction of claim 15, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes a plurality of linkage mechanisms coupled to one another by at least one pivot joint to move the padded rear leg bars against rear portions of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
18. The amusement park attraction of claim 15, wherein the guest restraint includes a window through which the padded rear leg bar is movable to contact a rear portion of one or more lower extremities of the guest.
19. An amusement park attraction comprising: a guest restraint device configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction; as well as A lower extremity restraint system configured to restrain portions of one or more lower extremities of the visitor relative to the visitor restraint device when the visitor is restrained by the visitor restraint device of the amusement park attraction, wherein the lower extremity restraint system includes one or more padded hooks, the one or more padded hooks configured to be positioned adjacent to the one or more lower extremities of the visitor and resist movement of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor when a force is applied against a front portion of the one or more lower extremities of the visitor.
20. The amusement park attraction of claim 19, wherein the one or more padded hooks are configured to extend forward from a retracted position, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and retract slightly rearward to apply the force against a front portion of one or more lower extremities of the visitor.