Seat restraint system and method for ride vehicles - Patents.com

Abstract

The seat restraint system includes an over-the-shoulder restraint (OTS) and a lap restraint. The lap restraint includes a lap restraint housing defining an interior space and having an opening therethrough, a track disposed in the interior space, and a moveable assembly configured to engage with and move along the track. The moveable assembly includes an extension from the interior space through the opening to an exterior space outside the lap restraint housing. The moveable assembly also includes an engagement feature coupled to the extension and configured to be coupled to the OTS restraint in an engaged configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 340,280, entitled "SEAT RESTAINT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RIDE VEHICLE," filed May 10, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Entertainment facilities, such as theme parks and amusement parks, have been created to provide a variety of immersive experiences for guests. These entertainment facilities may include a variety of movable ride vehicles employed in rides (e.g., roller coasters), show attractions, games, and the like. Conventional systems may employ restraints configured to restrain guests within a seat of the ride vehicle when the ride vehicle is in motion. Unfortunately, the restraints in conventional systems may be uncomfortable, complicated to operate, complicated to manufacture, and / or expensive to manufacture. Restraints in other conventional systems, such as automobiles, may include the same or similar drawbacks. Thus, it is currently recognized that an improved seat restraint is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Certain embodiments falling within the scope of the initially claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0005] In one embodiment, the seat restraint system includes an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint and a lap restraint. The lap restraint includes a lap restraint housing defining an interior space and having an opening therethrough, a track disposed in the interior space, and a moveable assembly configured to engage and move along the track. The moveable assembly includes an extension from the interior space through the opening to an exterior space outside the lap restraint housing. The moveable assembly also includes an engagement feature coupled to the extension and configured to be coupled to the OTS restraint in an engaged configuration.

[0006] In one embodiment, a lap restraint of a seating restraint system includes a lap restraint housing defining an interior space and having a slot through a surface thereof, a track disposed within the interior space, and a moveable assembly configured to engage and move along the track. The moveable assembly includes an extension extending from the interior space through the slot in a surface of the lap restraint housing to an exterior space outside the lap restraint housing. The moveable assembly also includes an engagement feature coupled to the extension and configured to be coupled to an over the shoulder (OTS) restraint of the seating restraint system.

[0007] In one embodiment, a ride vehicle includes a seat configured to receive an occupant, an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint, and a lap restraint. The lap restraint includes a track, a moveable assembly configured to engage and move along the track, and an extension coupled to the moveable assembly. The extension includes an engagement feature configured to engage and disengage from the OTS restraint.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be further understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view of a ride vehicle on a track, the ride vehicle having a seat and a seat restraint system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of a lap restraint of the seat restraint system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the wrap restraint of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a front cross-sectional view of the wrap restraint of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of operating the seat restraint system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation will be described herein. It will be appreciated that, as with any engineering or design project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system and business related constraints. It will be further appreciated that such a development effort may be complex and time consuming, but will be a routine exercise of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0011] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. In addition, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to a seating restraint system for a ride vehicle. A ride vehicle including the seating restraint system may be employed in an entertainment facility ride (e.g., a roller coaster) and / or a show attraction. The seating restraint system operates to restrain an occupant in a seat of the ride vehicle, for example, while the ride vehicle is in motion. The seating restraint system may include an over the shoulder (OTS) restraint configured to fit the occupant's shoulders and a lap restraint configured to extend across the occupant's knee region. The OTS restraint and the lap restraint may cooperate with each other in accordance with an embodiment of the invention to provide occupant immobilization (e.g., upper and lower occupant body immobilization beneficial for certain ride types). The lap restraint includes features that allow for coupling with the OTS restraint in different positions or configurations to facilitate cooperative restraint by the OTS and lap restraints for occupants of various sizes.

[0013] The OTS restraint may include a first strap or bar over a first shoulder of the occupant and a second strap or bar over a second shoulder of the occupant such that the occupant's head is located between the first and second straps or bars. The first and second straps or bars may be rigid or semi-rigid and may include foam or a foam-like material that is comfortable when in contact with the occupant. In one embodiment, the OTS restraint is vertically actuated from a first OTS restrained position (e.g., a raised position) in which the OTS restraint is raised away from (e.g., above) the occupant and a second OTS restrained position (e.g., a lowered position) in which the OTS restraint is lowered onto the occupant such that the occupant's head is located between the first and second straps or bars.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a seat restraint system includes a lap restraint (e.g., a lap bar) configured to engage an OTS restraint to restrain an occupant within a seat of a ride vehicle. In one embodiment, the lap restraint is actuated (e.g., horizontally actuated, laterally actuated) between a first lap restraint position (e.g., a stowed position) that facilitates entry of the occupant into the seat of the ride vehicle and a second lap restraint position (e.g., an extended position) that is configured to allow engagement between the lap restraint and the OTS restraint. In fact, the lap restraint may include an engagement feature, such as a buckle or latch, configured to engage with an additional engagement feature of the OTS restraint, such as a latch or buckle. The lap restraint may also engage with another aspect of itself or the body of the ride vehicle for additional securement. Because various occupants occupying seats of a ride vehicle over time may vary in size and / or shape, the location (e.g., horizontal location) of the engagement feature corresponding to the lap restraint may vary from occupant to occupant. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, a lap restraint includes aspects configured to allow movement of an engagement feature relative to a seat occupant and / or another feature of the lap restraint.

[0015] In one embodiment, the wrap restraint includes a wrap restraint housing that defines an interior space. For example, the wrap restraint housing may be the interior of a hollow wrap bar. The track, the movable assembly configured to engage with and move along the track, and a first portion of an extension included in the movable assembly are disposed within the interior space defined by the wrap restraint housing. Furthermore, the wrap restraint housing includes a surface having an opening or slot therethrough. In other words, the opening or slot defines a passageway through the housing from the exterior of the wrap restraint to the interior space. The extension of the movable assembly extends from the interior space through the opening or slot in the surface of the wrap restraint housing to an exterior space outside the wrap restraint housing. Thus, a second portion of the extension is disposed in the exterior space and includes an engagement feature (e.g., a buckle or latch) of the wrap restraint disposed or coupled thereto.

[0016] In one embodiment, the movable assembly includes a ring surrounding the track, and the extensions and at least one wheel (e.g., 3 wheels, 6 wheels, 12 wheels) are coupled to the ring. The wheels engage the track and allow the movable assembly to move relative to and along the track. In one embodiment using three wheels, for example, a first wheel is disposed at a first circumferential position on the ring, a second wheel is disposed at a second circumferential position on the ring, and a third wheel is disposed at a third circumferential position on the ring. The first circumferential position is spaced a first circumferential distance from the second circumferential position, the second circumferential position is spaced a second circumferential distance from the third circumferential position, and the third circumferential position is spaced a third circumferential distance from the first circumferential position. The first circumferential distance, the second circumferential distance, and the third circumferential distance can be substantially equal (e.g., within engineering tolerances). In this way, the wheels of the moveable assembly are equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction. The load on the moveable assembly can be stabilized and / or the movement of the moveable assembly relative to the track can be improved by the above-mentioned features.

[0017] It should be noted that the use of the term "ring" does not necessarily imply a circular or closed shape. In fact, a ring may include a square, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or other shape. The geometric terms used herein and in reference to some of the disclosed components should not be interpreted as implying that the shape of the component strictly conforms to the mathematical characteristics that define the geometric term. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the ring may completely surround the track, while in other embodiments, the ring may not completely surround the track. For example, the ring may include a gap between two wheels of the moving assembly. These and other features will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is employed in the wrap restraint for the moveable assembly. For example, the locking mechanism is actuatable between an unlocked position, in which the moveable assembly is permitted to move along the track, and a locked position, in which the moveable assembly is prevented from moving along the track. Thus, an occupant in a seat of the ride vehicle (or another person, such as an operator of the ride vehicle) can move the moveable assembly along the track via an extension protruding from an opening or slot in the wrap restraint housing until the engagement feature of the wrap restraint is in a centered position relative to the occupant. After the engagement feature of the wrap restraint is centered, the engagement feature of the wrap restraint can be coupled to the engagement feature of the OTS restraint. Additionally, the locking mechanism can be actuated to a locked position such that movement of the moveable assembly (e.g., after the wrap restraint and OTS restraint are coupled) is prevented. These and other features are described in more detail below.

[0019] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a ride vehicle 10 on a ride track 12, where the ride vehicle 10 has a seat 14 and a seat restraint system 16. In one illustrative embodiment, the ride vehicle 10 includes two instances of the seat 14 and the seat restraint system 16, although any number of instances of the seat 14 and the seat restraint system 16 may be employed. For clarity, the seat 14 and the seat restraint system 16 are referred to in the singular hereinafter and with respect to the drawings.

[0020] As shown, the seat restraint system 16 includes an over the shoulder (OTS) restraint 18 and a lap restraint 20. The OTS restraint 18 includes a first member 22 (e.g., a bar, strap, or belt) and a second member 24 (e.g., a bar, strap, or belt). The first member 22 and the second member 24 are spaced apart from one another such that a head 26 of an occupant 28 can be positioned between the first member 22 and the second member 24. Additionally, the first member 22 and the second member 24 may be rigid and / or semi-rigid for purposes of restraining the occupant 28 and may include an exterior foam, foam-like, or padded material that is comfortable upon contact with the occupant 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the OTS restraint 18 is placed into an engaged configuration in which the OTS restraint 18 is pulled down onto the occupant 28 and engages the lap restraint 20. The OTS restraint 18 is also movable along a first axis 30 or within a plane (e.g., a vertical plane) formed by the first axis 30 and the second axis 36. The OTS restraint 18 is thus actuatable (e.g., vertically actuatable, top-to-bottom actuatable) between an engaged configuration (or lowered position) and a disengaged configuration (or raised position) in which the OTS restraint 18 is raised 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, configured to engage the lap restraint 20, as described in more detail below.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the wrap restraint 20 is coupled to a base 34 of the ride vehicle 10. Additionally, the wrap restraint 20 is actuable relative to the base 34 along a third axis 38 or within a plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) defined by the second axis 36 and the third axis 38. Other configurations and corresponding actuations are possible. For example, the wrap restraint 20 can be angled such that it is actuated through a plane that is angled with the plane defined by the second axis 36 and the third axis 38. Additionally or alternatively, the actuation path of the wrap restraint 20 need not be curvilinear. In fact, the wrap restraint 20 can include a curvilinear shape and actuation of the wrap restraint 20 can follow a corresponding curvilinear path. Additionally, the curvilinear path of the wrap restraint 20 can vary based on the size of the occupant 28 for whom the wrap restraint 20 is being actuated. In any event, the wrap restraint 20 can be actuated from side to side (e.g., horizontally), while the OTS restraint 18 can be actuated from top to bottom (e.g., vertically). Stated another way, actuation of the wrap restraint 20 may be transverse to actuation of the OTS restraint 18 .

[0022] In some embodiments, the base 34 includes a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the wrap restraint 20 when the wrap restraint 20 is actuated from an engaged configuration (e.g., on the lap of the occupant 28 and / or in engagement with the OTS restraint 18) to a disengaged configuration. The receiving portion can thus accommodate the wrap restraint 20 (or a portion thereof) when not being used to secure the occupant 28. Particular instances of the present disclosure refer to a stowed position of the wrap restraint 20 (e.g., a position in which the occupant 28 is permitted to enter the seat 14) and an extended position of the wrap restraint 20 (e.g., a position in which the wrap restraint 20 can engage with the OTS restraint 18). Additionally or alternatively, a hinge can be employed at the base 34 and configured to allow for the above-mentioned horizontal actuation of the wrap restraint 20. Thus, the wrap restraint 20 can be actuated in various amounts depending on the size and / or shape of the occupant 28 positioned in the seat 14. For at least these reasons, the location of the engagement features 40 of the wrap restraint 20 for engaging with the OTS restraint 18, such as a plate, latch, buckle, etc., can vary based on the size and / or shape of the occupant 28 and the corresponding degree or amount to which the wrap restraint 20 is actuated over the occupant 28.

[0023] In accordance with the present disclosure, the wrap restraint 20 includes a moveable assembly 42 configured to permit relative movement of an engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 with respect to a wrap restraint housing 44, the engagement feature 40 may be centered with respect to the occupant 28. The moveable assembly 42 may define, 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 wrap restraint housing 44 and into an interior space 48 defined by the wrap restraint housing 44. The moveable assembly 42 may 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 wrap restraint housing 44 such that the wheel assembly 50 can move along the track 52. For example, the occupant 28 (or another person, such as the operator of the ride vehicle 10) can 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.

[0024] Once the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 is centered on the occupant 28, the occupant 28 (or another person, such as the operator of the ride vehicle 10) may couple the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 with the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18. In one embodiment, a button 54 located on the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 may be employed to activate a release mechanism for disengaging the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 from the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18. In one embodiment, the button 54 and associated disengagement mechanism are located on the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18, or a separate disengagement feature may be employed.

[0025] Additionally, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the OTS restraint 18 and / or wrap 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 wrap restraint 20 (e.g., in the various axes 30, 36, 38, as discussed above). In some embodiments, the additional features (e.g., ratchet assemblies, hydraulic assemblies, pneumatic assemblies, etc.) act to maintain the position of the wrap restraint 20 and OTS restraint 18 in an engaged configuration. In fact, the combination of the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 and the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18 can function as redundancy with the additional features discussed above.

[0026] As will be appreciated in view of the subsequent figures, the wrap restraint 20 may include a locking mechanism configured to lock the moveable assembly 42 of the wrap restraint 20 in place. For example, the locking mechanism may lock the wrap restraint 20 in place when the moveable assembly 42 is centered with respect to the occupant 28 and / or the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 is engaged with the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be actuated in response to the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 and the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18 mating. Additionally, when the button 54 is pressed to disengage the wrap restraint 20 and the OTS restraint 18, the locking mechanism may be actuated to an unlocked position such that movement of the moveable assembly 42 is permitted. In general, the features described above are configured to allow the occupant 28 to easily and comfortably move the engagement feature 40 of the wrap restraint 20 such that the engagement feature 40 can mated with the engagement feature 32 of the OTS restraint 18.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the lap restraint 20 of the seat restraint system 16 of FIG. 1. In one illustrated embodiment, the lap restraint 20 includes a lap restraint housing 44 that defines an interior space 48 of the lap restraint 20. The interior space 48 is visible in FIG. 2 through a slot 70 (or opening) disposed in a surface 72 (e.g., an upper surface) of the lap restraint housing 44. The slot 70 allows movement of the moveable assembly 42 along the third axis 38. That is, the slot 70 provides a passage along the third axis 38 through the surface 72 of the lap restraint housing 44 for the extension 46 illustrated in FIG. 1 and disposed rearward (or below) of the engagement feature 40 in the illustrated perspective view of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, sliding plates 73, 74 are disposed within the slot 70 and configured to slide (e.g., extend and retract) in response to movement of the moveable assembly 42 such that the slot 70 is covered by the sliding plates 73, 74. In one embodiment, brushes or other features may be disposed on the ends of the sliding plates 73, 74 and configured to contact the extensions 46. This may operate to prevent material (e.g., dirt and debris) from entering the slot 70 while still allowing movement of the moveable assembly 42 within the slot 70. In one embodiment, the slot 70 is open to allow features within the interior space 48 defined by the wrap restraint housing 44, described in more detail below, to be visible from an exterior area 76.

[0028] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wrap restraint 20 of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. As previously mentioned, the wrap restraint 20 includes a wrap restraint housing 44 that defines an interior space 48 of the wrap restraint 20, a surface 72 of the wrap restraint housing 44, and a slot 70 (or opening) disposed in the surface 72. The wrap restraint 20 also includes a moveable assembly 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 wrap restraint housing 44. Thus, the extension 46 includes a first portion 77 within the interior space 48 defined by the wrap restraint housing 44 and a second portion 79 within an exterior region 76 outside the wrap restraint housing 44. The wheel assembly 50, which will be described in more detail below, is configured to enable movement of the moveable assembly 42 along a track 52 of the wrap restraint 20 (eg, along the third axis 38).

[0029] In one embodiment shown, the wheel assembly 50 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). Additionally, 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 such that the ring 80 surrounds the track 52. In one embodiment, the ring 80 may include a break at a circumferential location, such as between the second wheel 84 and the third wheel 86, such that the ring 80 does not completely surround the track 52. Additionally, although three of the wheels 82, 84, 86 are shown in FIG. 3, any number of wheels may be employed (e.g., six wheels, twelve wheels, etc.). For example, in one embodiment, three additional (e.g., a fourth wheel, a fifth wheel, and a sixth wheel) wheels may be disposed rearward or forward of the illustrated wheels 82, 84, 86. That is, the illustrated first wheel 82 and the fourth wheel (rearward of the first wheel 82) may be disposed at a first circumferential location, the illustrated second wheel 84 and the fifth wheel (rearward of the second wheel 84) may be disposed at a second circumferential location, and the illustrated third wheel 86 and the sixth wheel (rearward of the third wheel 86) may be disposed at a third circumferential location.

[0030] As shown, the wheels 82, 84, 86 are configured to engage the track 52 and enable movement of the moveable assembly 42 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. The first circumferential distance 88, the second circumferential distance 90, and the third circumferential distance 92 are substantially equal (e.g., within engineering tolerances) in the illustrated embodiment. The illustrated locations of the wheels 82, 84, 86 of the wheel assembly 50 and the distances 88, 90, 92 between the wheels 82, 84, 86 may improve loading of the wheel assembly 50 and movement of the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52 as compared to conventional systems. In one embodiment, the distances between the various wheels of the wheel assembly 50 may vary.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the wheels 82, 84, 86 includes a corresponding locking mechanism 94, 96, 98. The locking mechanisms 94, 96, 98 are operable 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 may be friction stops that contact a side of the respective wheel 82, 84, 86 such that, in the locked position, rotation of the respective wheel 82, 84, 86 (and thus movement along the track 52) is prevented. In one embodiment, the locking mechanisms 94, 96, 98 (or a single locking mechanism) may include one or more friction stops that directly contact the track 52, thereby preventing movement of the wheel assembly 50 along the track 52.

[0032] 4 is a front cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wrap restraint 20 of FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. As previously mentioned, the wrap restraint 20 includes a wheel assembly 50 configured to engage and move along the track 52 to allow movement of the moveable assembly 42 (and thus the engagement features 40 of the wrap restraint 20) 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 mentioned, the ring 80 of the wheel assembly 50 may be disposed around (e.g., surrounds) the track 52 and centered on the track 52 with respect to the third axis 38 (e.g., 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 portion of the ring 80.

[0033] 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 200 for operating the seat restraint system 16 of FIG. 1. For example, as previously described, the seat restraint system 16 of FIG. 1 may be employed to restrain an occupant within a seat of a ride vehicle. In one illustrated embodiment, the method 200 includes actuating (block 202) an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint from a raised position to a lowered position. That is, the OTS restraint is actuated from a raised position to a lowered position such that the OTS restraint is positioned over the occupant's shoulders. The OTS restraint may be actuated from the raised position to the lowered position automatically (e.g., via a control feature of the ride vehicle) or manually (e.g., by the occupant or the ride vehicle operator).

[0034] The method 200 also includes actuating the lap restraint from an open position (e.g., a retracted or extended position) to an extended position on the occupant's lap (block 204). As previously discussed, actuation of the lap restraint may be transverse to actuation of the OTS restraint. For example, the lap restraint may be actuated horizontally between the retracted and extended positions and the OTS restraint may be actuated vertically between the raised and lowered positions. Additionally or alternatively, the lap restraint may be actuated in a direction or plane that extends transversely to additional directions or planes that define actuation of the OTS restraint. The lap restraint may be actuated automatically (e.g., via a control feature of the ride vehicle) or manually (e.g., by the occupant or the ride vehicle operator) from the stowed position to the extended position.

[0035] Method 200 also includes actuating a moveable assembly of the wrap restraint relative to the occupant and / or a housing of the wrap restraint (block 206) such that an engagement feature of the wrap restraint is generally centered relative to the occupant. For example, as previously described, the wrap restraint may include a track and a moveable assembly that is moveable along the track. The engagement feature of the wrap restraint may engage with (or form part of) the moveable assembly. Thus, the moveable assembly may be moved (e.g., via the occupant or via an operator of the ride vehicle) such that the engagement feature is generally centered relative to the occupant.

[0036] The method 200 also includes coupling an engagement feature of the wrap restraint to an engagement feature of the OTS restraint (block 208). As previously mentioned, the engagement feature may include a buckle and latch, or any other suitable engagement feature configured to couple the wrap restraint and the OTS restraint. Engagement or mating of the engagement features of the wrap restraint and the OTS restraint may be permitted when the wrap restraint is in the extended position and the OTS restraint is in the lowered position.

[0037] The above-described systems and methods facilitate centering of engagement features of a lap restraint employed in a ride vehicle and enable the engagement features to be mated with corresponding engagement features of an over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraint. Among other technical advantages, one presently disclosed embodiment improves seat restraint system comfort, ease of operation for the operator, ease of manufacture, and cost as compared to prior embodiments.

[0038] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes which fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0039] The techniques presented and claimed herein refer to and apply substantial objects and specific embodiments of a practical nature that clearly improve the technical field of the present invention, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or theoretical in nature. Moreover, when any claim appended to the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] [function]" or "step for [performing] [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10 Vehicles 12 Vehicle Truck 14 seats 16 Seat restraint system 18 Over the Shoulder (OTS) Restraints 20 Wrap Restraints 22 First Component 24 Second member 28 Crew 26 Head

Claims

1. 1. A seat restraint system comprising: Over-the-shoulder (OTS) restraints; Wrap restraints, Equipped with The wrap restraint includes: a wrap restraint housing defining an interior space and having an opening therethrough; a track disposed in the interior space; a moveable assembly configured to engage the track and move along the track; an extension of the movable assembly extending from the interior space through the opening to an exterior space outside the wrap restraint housing; an engagement feature of the moveable assembly coupled to the extension and configured to be coupled to the OTS restraint in an engaged configuration; A seat restraint system comprising:

2. The movable assembly includes: a ring coupled to the extension and disposed circumferentially about the track in the interior space; a plurality of wheels coupled to the ring and engaged with the track; The seat restraint system of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 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 location spaced a first circumferential distance from the first circumferential location; a third wheel coupled to the ring at a third circumferential location spaced a second circumferential distance from the second circumferential location and a third circumferential distance from the first circumferential location; Including, the first circumferential distance, the second circumferential distance, and the third circumferential distance are substantially equal; 3. The seat restraint system of claim 2.

4. 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 location; and a sixth wheel coupled to the ring at the third circumferential location; and Including, 4. The seat restraint system of claim 3.

5. a latch on the engagement feature; and a buckle coupled to the OTS restraint, the latch and the buckle configured to mate such that the wrap restraint is coupled to the OTS restraint in the engaged configuration; and The seat restraint system of claim 1 , comprising:

6. a buckle of the engagement feature; a latch coupled to the OTS restraint, the buckle and the latch configured to mate such that the wrap restraint is coupled to the OTS restraint in the engaged configuration; and The seat restraint system of claim 1 , comprising:

7. the OTS restraint is configured to be vertically actuated between a first position in which the OTS restraint is lowered toward the wrap restraint and a second position in which the OTS restraint is raised away from the first position; the wrap restraint is configured to be horizontally actuated between a third position in which the wrap restraint is engageable with the OTS restraint and a fourth position in which the wrap restraint is retracted from the third position.

2. The seat restraint system of claim 1.

8. The OTS restraint device is A first member; a second member spaced from the first member a distance adapted to receive an occupant's head between the first member and the second member; and The seat restraint system of claim 1 , comprising:

9. the OTS restraint comprises a plate coupled to the first member and the second member; the plate is configured to engage the engagement feature of the wrap restraint to couple the wrap restraint to the OTS restraint in the engaged configuration.

9. The seat restraint system of claim 8.

10. a locked position in which the moveable assembly is locked in place on the track; and an unlocked position in which movement of the moveable assembly is permitted along the track; and a locking mechanism configured to be actuated between 2. The seat restraint system of claim 1.

11. 1. A lap restraint for a seat restraint system, comprising: a wrap restraint housing defining an interior space and having a slot extending through a surface thereof; a track disposed in the interior space; a moveable assembly configured to engage the track and move along the track; an extension of the movable assembly extending from the interior space through the slot in the surface of the wrap restraint housing to an exterior space outside the wrap restraint housing; an engagement feature of the movable assembly coupled to the extension and configured to be coupled to an over the shoulder (OTS) restraint of the seat restraint system; A wrap restraint device comprising:

12. The movable assembly includes: a ring coupled to the extension and disposed in the interior space about the track; a plurality of wheels coupled to the ring and engaged with the track; The wrap restraint of claim 11 , comprising:

13. 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 location spaced a first circumferential distance from the first circumferential location; a third wheel coupled to the ring at a third circumferential location spaced a second circumferential distance from the second circumferential location and a third circumferential distance from the first circumferential location; Including, the first circumferential distance, the second circumferential distance, and the third circumferential distance are substantially equal; 13. The wrap restraint of claim 12.

14. The wrap restraint of claim 11 , wherein the engagement feature comprises a buckle or latch.

15. The wrap restraint housing comprises: a retracted position in which the coupling between the engagement feature of the wrap restraint and the OTS restraint is interrupted; and an extended position that permits the coupling between the engagement feature of the wrap restraint and the OTS restraint; The wrap restraint of claim 11 , configured to be actuated between.

16. a locked position in which the moveable assembly is locked in place relative to the track; and an unlocked position in which the movable assembly is movable along the track; and a locking mechanism configured to be actuated between 12. The wrap restraint of claim 11.

17. A vehicle, a seat configured to receive an occupant; an over-the-shoulder restraint (OTS) configured to be actuated relative to the seat; a lap restraint configured to be actuated relative to the seat; Equipped with The wrap restraint includes: Trucks and a moveable assembly engaged with the track and configured to move along the track; an extension coupled to the moveable assembly and having an engagement feature; Equipped with The engagement feature includes: Attached to the OTS restraint, decoupled from the OTS restraint; It is configured as follows: Vehicle vehicle.

18. the wrap restraint comprises a wrap restraint housing defining an interior space within which the track, the moveable assembly, and the first portion of the extension are disposed; the wrap restraint housing includes a surface having a slot extending therethrough; the extension extends through the slot such that a second portion of the extension is disposed in an exterior space outside the wrap restraint housing, the second portion including the engagement feature.

20. The ride vehicle of claim 17.

19. The movable assembly includes: a ring disposed around the track; a plurality of wheels coupled to the ring and engaged with the track; 20. The ride vehicle of claim 17, comprising:

20. The ride vehicle of claim 17 , wherein the engagement feature comprises a buckle or latch.

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