Lower leg restraint system

Abstract

The systems and methods presented herein include an amusement park attraction (14) having a guest restraint device (30) configured to restrain a guest (12) of the amusement park attraction (14). The amusement park attraction (14) also includes a lower leg restraint system (20) configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs (46) of the guest (12) against the guest restraint device (30) while the guest (12) is restrained by the guest restraint device (30) of the amusement park attraction (14). The lower leg restraint system (20) can partially or fully surround one or more lower legs (46) of the guest (12). Also, in some embodiments, a control system (32) is configured to actuate one or more actuators (86, 110, 126) of the lower leg restraint system (20) to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs (46) of the guest (12) against one or more restraint features (66, 102, 116) of the lower leg restraint system (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit thereof to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 391,152, entitled "RIDE VEHICLE LOWER LEG RESTRAINT SYSTEM", filed on July 21, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement parks. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for restraining the lower legs of guests of amusement park attractions.

Background Art

[0003] This section is for introducing the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is considered to be helpful in showing the background circumstances to the reader and facilitating a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should not be construed as admitting prior art, but should be understood to be read from the above perspective.

[0004] Often, amusement park ride vehicles include restraint systems configured to restrain the upper body portion and / or the waist of the passengers of the ride vehicle. However, such ride vehicles generally do not include restraint features configured to restrain the lower legs of the passengers in a state where the passengers can move their lower legs. A new system for restraining the lower legs of passengers is recognized as being beneficial.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some embodiments within the same scope as the subject matter of the original claims are summarized below. These embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather merely show an overview of the possible forms of the subject matter. In fact, the subject matter can include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments shown below.

[0006] In some embodiments, the amusement park attraction includes a guest restraint device configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction. The amusement park attraction also includes a lower leg restraint system configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs of the guest against the guest restraint device while the guest is restrained by the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction. The lower leg restraint system only partially surrounds one or more lower legs of the guest.

[0007] In some embodiments, the amusement park attraction includes a guest restraint device configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction. The amusement park attraction also includes a lower leg restraint system configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs of the guest against the guest restraint device while the guest is restrained by the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction. Further, the lower leg restraint system includes a front leg restraint subsystem including a padded front bar disposed adjacent to one or more lower legs of the guest and configured to resist movement of one or more lower legs of the guest when a force is applied to a front portion of one or more lower legs of the guest, and a rear leg restraint subsystem including a padded rear bar disposed adjacent to one or more lower legs of the guest and configured to resist movement of one or more lower legs of the guest when a force is applied to a rear portion of one or more lower legs of the guest.

[0008] In some embodiments, the amusement park attraction includes a guest restraint device configured to restrain a guest of the amusement park attraction. The amusement park attraction also includes a lower leg restraint system configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs of the guest against the guest restraint device while the guest is restrained by the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction. Further, the lower leg restraint system includes one or more padded hooks configured to apply a force to a front portion of one or more lower legs of the guest.

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood by reading the following detailed description while referring to the accompanying drawings that use the same symbols to denote the same elements throughout.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] It should be noted that in the original text, there is no "Figure 4" and "Figure 7" in the description of the drawings, but in the translation, in order to make the reference relationship of the drawings complete and clear, corresponding "Figure 4" and "Figure 7" are added according to the general logical order of the drawings. If there are special requirements or corrections for this, please adjust according to the actual situation.When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, articles such as "a," "an," and "the" are meant to mean that these elements are present one or two or three or more. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist. Also, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the recited features.

[0012] Hereinafter, one or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In order to briefly describe these embodiments, not all implementation features may be described in this specification. It should be understood that in any such implementation development found in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve a developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary depending on the implementation. Furthermore, although such development efforts can be complex and time-consuming, they are to be understood as routine endeavors of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for restraining the lower legs of guests of amusement park attractions (e.g., ride vehicles, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, an amusement park ride vehicle can include a guest restraint device configured to restrain a passenger of the ride vehicle. The amusement park ride vehicle can also include a lower leg restraint system configured to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs of a passenger against the guest restraint device while the passenger is restrained by the guest restraint device of the amusement park ride vehicle. The lower leg restraint system only partially surrounds one or more lower legs of the passenger. Also, in some embodiments, a control system is configured to activate one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system to restrain a portion of one or more lower legs of a passenger against the guest restraint device at one or more restraint features of the lower leg restraint system.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a ride system 10 in an amusement park that includes a vehicle 14 (or other type of amusement park attraction as described herein) that holds (or otherwise restrains) one or more passengers 12 (or other guests of the amusement park as described herein). In some embodiments, the vehicle 14 moves along a ride path 16. The ride path 16 can be any surface on which the vehicle 14 moves. In some embodiments, the ride path 16 can be a track. The ride path 16 can either determine or not determine the path along which the vehicle 14 moves. That is, in some embodiments, the ride path 16, similar to a train on a track, can control the movement (e.g., direction, speed, and / or orientation) of the vehicle 14 as the vehicle 14 moves forward. In other embodiments, there can also be a system that controls the path followed by the vehicle 14. For example, the ride path 16 can be an open surface that allows a control system in which the passenger 12 is present on the vehicle 14 to control a particular aspect of the movement of the vehicle 14. In addition to or instead of this, a control system can be present on the open surface and allow the passenger 12 to control the open surface to operate the vehicle 14 on a target trajectory.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle system 10 can include a vehicle 14 that can accommodate any number of vehicle passengers 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there are shown five vehicles 14, each of which can accommodate two vehicle passengers 12. In other embodiments, the vehicle system 10 can include any number of vehicles 14. For example, the vehicle system 10 can include two, four, ten, twenty, or any number of vehicles 14, and each vehicle 14 can accommodate a variety of ranges of passengers 12. For example, the first vehicle 14 can accommodate two passengers, the second vehicle 14 can accommodate four passengers 12, the third vehicle 14 can accommodate six passengers 12, and further vehicles 14 can accommodate any suitable number of passengers 12.

[0016] In some embodiments, the vehicle 14 can include a restraint system 18 as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, by disposing the restraint system 18 above the knees of the passenger 12, the restraint system 18 can apply a force to the knees of the passenger 12 to fix the passenger 12 to the vehicle 14. In some embodiments, the restraint system 18 includes a torso harness that covers the shoulders of the passenger and fixes the upper body of the passenger to the corresponding seat. Also, as described in more detail herein, the restraint system 18 can include a calf restraint system 20 that fixes the feet, ankles, and calves (e.g., below the knees, also referred to as the calves herein) of the passenger to the corresponding seat. As used herein, the term "calf" can include the foot, ankle, calf, or any other part below the knee of the passenger's leg. In other words, as used herein, the term "calf" can mean any part below the knee of the leg.

[0017] Note that the embodiments described in this specification mainly relate to the vehicle 14 of the amusement park ride system 10 including a restraint system 18 configured to mainly restrain the passenger 12 with respect to the vehicle 14. However, in other embodiments, the restraint system 18 can be configured to restrain other guests in the amusement park with respect to other types of amusement park attractions in the amusement park, including, but not limited to, amusement park shows where guests can be restrained with respect to a specific location, and amusement park experiences where guests can experience specific movements that may not necessarily be considered "rides" themselves.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle 14 of the ride system 10 of FIG. 1. While the vehicle 14 is moving along a ride path 16 oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 (e.g., the direction of movement), the passenger 12 sits (or is otherwise restrained) inside the vehicle 14 and can be secured via a restraint system 18 (including, for example, a lower leg restraint system 20). In some embodiments, the restraint system 18 (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20) can apply a force to the passenger 12 along the longitudinal axis 22, the transverse axis 24, the vertical axis 26, or any combination thereof. For example, the restraint system 18 can apply a force that secures the torso of the passenger 12 to the seat 30 and the backrest 28 (or other types of guest restraint devices as described herein). For example, the passenger 12 can sit (or be otherwise restrained by the vehicle 14) inside the vehicle 14 such that their back is pressed against the backrest 28 via the restraint system 18. Also, as described in more detail herein, the lower leg restraint system 20 can also apply a force that secures the lower legs of the passenger 12 (e.g., the feet, ankles, and calves) to the seat 30.

[0019] In some embodiments, the vehicle system 10 includes a control system 32. In some embodiments, the control system 32 includes one or more vehicle controllers 34. For example, in some embodiments, each vehicle 14 can be associated with a respective vehicle controller 34. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller(s) 34 can include a central controller that controls a number of vehicles 14. The vehicle controller(s) 34 can include a processor 36, a memory device 38, and a storage device 40.

[0020] Note that the vehicle system 10 can also include a base station controller 42 that can facilitate the control of the control system 32. The base station controller 42 can also include a processor 36, a memory device 38, and a storage device 40. In some embodiments, the vehicle controller(s) 34 and the base station controller 42 can be communicatively coupled via respective transceivers 44 that enable wireless communication over any suitable protocol. In other embodiments, the base station controller 42 and the vehicle controller(s) 34 can be communicatively coupled via a wired (e.g., terrestrial communication) connection. The vehicle controller(s) 34 and / or the base station controller 42 can serve as quality checkpoints that monitor the state of the vehicle system 10. For example, the base station controller 42 can receive data from the vehicle controller(s) 34 and sensors on the vehicle 14, etc., and determine whether the restraint system 18 (e.g., including the lower leg restraint system 20) is in a locked configuration or an unlocked configuration. Further, an operator of the base station controller 42 can manually control, among other suitable aspects of the vehicle system 10, the speed of the vehicle 14 and the duration of the ride cycle of the vehicle 14.

[0021] One or both of the processors 36 of the vehicle vehicle controller 34 and the base station controller 42 (singular or plural) can be used to execute software such as software for locking and unlocking the restraint system 18 (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20). Further, the processor(s) 36 (singular or plural) can determine the start time and end time associated with the boarding cycle of the vehicle vehicle 14. The processor(s) 36 (singular or plural) can include a plurality of microprocessors, one or more "general-purpose" microprocessors, one or more dedicated microprocessors, and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or combinations thereof. For example, the processor(s) 36 (singular or plural) can include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors.

[0022] The memory device(s) 38 (singular or plural) can 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 (singular or plural) can store various information and can be used for various purposes. For example, the memory device(s) 38 (singular or plural) can store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) executed by the processor(s) 36, such as instructions to lock the restraint system 18 (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20) and instructions to unlock the restraint system 18 (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20).

[0023] Also, the storage device(s) 40 (singular or plural) (e.g., non-volatile storage) can include read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or combinations thereof. The storage device(s) 40 (singular or plural) can store data (e.g., maintenance data, position data associated with the vehicle vehicle 14, and vehicle duration data), instructions (e.g., software or firmware for locking and unlocking the restraint system 18 including the lower leg restraint system 20 and operating the vehicle vehicle 14 differently), and any other suitable information.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the restraint system 18 can include a lower leg restraint system 20 that can hold a portion of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 (e.g., the foot 48, ankle 50, calf 52, shin 54, etc.) in place relative to the seat 30 of the vehicle 14, as will be described in more detail herein. As will be described in more detail herein, a control system 32 (e.g., a vehicle controller 34 and / or a base station controller 42, singular or plural) can control the locking and unlocking of the lower leg restraint system 20 to lock and unlock a portion of the lower leg of the passenger 12 while held in place relative to the seat 30 of the vehicle 14. Also, as will be described in more detail herein, the restraint system 18 can include one or more sensors 55 configured to detect the positioning of a particular body part of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 (and / or backrest 28) of the vehicle 14, and the control system 32 can use data regarding the positioning of the particular body part of the passenger 12 to correctly lock / unlock the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 (and / or backrest 28) of the vehicle 14.

[0025] Note that the embodiments described herein mainly relate to a restraint system 18 configured to restrain the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 (and / or backrest 28) of the vehicle 14, but in other embodiments, the restraint system 18 can be configured to restrain other standing, kneeling, and prone guests to other types of guest restraint devices in addition to the seated ergonomic systems described herein.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a side view of the seat 30 and the lower leg restraint system 20 of the vehicle 14 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 can include a front leg restraint subsystem 56 and a rear leg restraint subsystem 58, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 being disposed adjacent to the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 and configured to resist movement of the lower leg 46 when a force is applied to a front portion 60 (e.g., the shin, etc.) of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12, and the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 being disposed adjacent to the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 and configured to resist movement of the lower leg 46 when a force is applied to a rear portion 62 (e.g., the calf and heel, etc.) of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 and hold the lower leg 46 in place relative to the seat 30 of the vehicle 14. As will be appreciated, the front and rear leg restraint subsystems 56, 58 do not completely surround the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 and thus only partially surround the lower leg 46, allowing lateral movement (e.g., left and right movement) of the lower leg 46.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of the front leg restraint subsystem 56 of the lower leg restraint system 20 of FIG. 3. Further, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the seat 30 of the vehicle 14 and the lower leg restraint system 20 of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 can include one or more linkages 64 connected to a front leg bar 66 configured to be fixed to a front portion 60 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12. Specifically, as shown in the illustration, in some embodiments, one or more linkages 64 can be configured to pivot about a floor pivot joint 68 (e.g., within or near the floor 70 of each vehicle 14) at or near a first axial end 72 of the linkage 64. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, one or more linkages 64 can be configured to move the front leg bar 66 from a stowed position 74 (e.g., also shown in FIG. 5) where the front leg bar 66 is received within a storage chamber 76 incorporated into the floor 70 of each vehicle 14, through an intermediate position 78, to a restraint position 80 where the front leg bar 66 is fixed to the front portion 60 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, one or more actuators 86 associated with the one or more linkages 64 can be configured to move the front leg bar 66 between various positions of the one or more linkages 64. In some embodiments, the one or more actuators 86 can include a cam-based mechanical actuator. However, in other embodiments, the one or more actuators 86 can include any suitable actuator capable of actuating the one or more associated linkages 64, such as other types of mechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, electromechanical actuators, electrohydraulic actuators, and other suitable types of actuators.

[0028] Also, in some embodiments, one or more linkages 64 of the front leg restraint subsystem 56 can be coupled to the front leg bar 66 at or near a second shaft end 82 of the linkage 64 (e.g., on the opposite side of the first shaft end 72). As described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, the front leg bar 66 can be configured to pivot about a bar pivot joint 84 formed at or near the second shaft end 82 of the linkage 64 so that it can be comfortably positioned relative to the front portion 60 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12. Also, as described in more detail herein, the front leg bar 66 can be padded to promote comfort and prevent a hard surface from contacting the front portion 60 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 can include a first linkage 88 coupled to a back seat wall 90 within the seat 30 of the vehicle 14. Specifically, as shown, in some embodiments, the first linkage 88 can be configured to pivot about a wall pivot joint 92 at or near a first shaft end 94 of the first linkage 88. Also, in some embodiments, the first linkage 88 can be configured to pivot about a main pivot joint 96 of the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 at or near a second shaft end 98 of the first linkage 88 (e.g., on the opposite side of the first shaft end 94).

[0030] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the hind leg restraint subsystem 58 can also include a first linkage 88 and a second linkage 100 coupled to the hind leg bar 102. Specifically, as shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the second linkage 100 can be configured to pivot about a main pivot joint 96 at or near a first axial end 104 of the second linkage 100. Also, in some embodiments, the second linkage 100 can be configured to pivot about a bar pivot joint 106 of the hind leg restraint subsystem 58 at or near a second axial end 108 of the second linkage 100 (e.g., on the side opposite the first axial end 104). Also, the second linkage 100 can be coupled to the hind leg bar 102 at the bar pivot joint 106.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first and second linkages 88, 100 of the hind leg restraint subsystem 58 can be configured to move the hind leg bar 102 from a stowed position where the hind leg bar 102 is received within the seat 30 of the respective vehicle 14 to a restraint position where the hind leg bar 102 is secured against the posterior portion 62 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5). Specifically, in some embodiments, an actuator 110 (e.g., coupled to the floor 70 of the respective vehicle 14) moves the main pivot joint 96 downwardly (as indicated by arrow 112), causing the first shaft end 94 of the first linkage 88 and the second shaft end 108 of the second linkage 100 (e.g., coupled to the rear seat wall 90) to move away from each other, such that the hind leg bar 102 is configured to move relative to the posterior portion 62 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 in the restraint position (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5). Conversely, the actuator 110 can move the main pivot joint 96 upwardly (e.g., as indicated by arrow 112), causing the first shaft end 94 of the first linkage 88 and the second shaft end 108 of the second linkage 100 (e.g., coupled to the rear seat wall 90) to move towards each other, such that the hind leg bar 102 is configured to move away from the posterior portion 62 of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 and be received within the seat 30. In some embodiments, the actuator 110 can be a piston-based hydraulic actuator. However, in other embodiments, the actuator 110 can be any suitable actuator capable of actuating the first and second linkages 88, 100, such as another type of hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, an electro-hydraulic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator, or other suitable actuator.

[0032] Note that FIGS. 3-5 are shown having a specific number of linkages 64, 88, 100 and other articulating devices, but in other embodiments, other numbers of linkages and / or other articulating devices may be used such that the front and rear leg restraint subsystems 56, 58 provide any number of degrees of freedom to the restraint features 66, 102 of the lower leg restraint system 20.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the seat 30 can include a window 114 through which the rear leg bar 102 can pass as it moves between the stowed position and the restraint position. In some embodiments, the rear leg bar 102 can be padded, similar to the front leg bar 66 of the front leg restraint subsystem 56, to promote comfort and prevent a hard surface from contacting the rear portion 62 of the passenger's lower leg 46. In some embodiments, the window 114 can be an elastic surface (e.g., similar to lumbar adjustment of an automotive seat) through which the rear leg bar 102 can pass.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the seat 30 and the lower leg restraint system 20 of the vehicle vehicle 14 of FIG. 2. As shown, in some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 can include hooks 116 disposed on both sides of the seat 30. In some embodiments, each hook 116 extends forward from a retracted position (e.g., within the seat 30) (e.g., as shown by arrow 122), rotates approximately 90 degrees (e.g., as shown by arrow 124), and then slightly retracts (e.g., as also shown by arrow 122) to a restraint position for restraining the respective lower legs 46 of the passengers 12. It can be arranged at the shaft end 118 of the rod 120 configured as described above. As a result, after the vehicle cycle, each hook 116 and rod 120 can extend slightly forward, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and then retract to a stowed position to allow the passenger 12 to exit the vehicle vehicle 14. The 90-degree rotation described herein can be approximately 90 degrees (e.g., 85 degrees to 95 degrees, 86 degrees to 94 degrees, 87 degrees to 93 degrees, 88 degrees to 92 degrees, and 89 degrees to 91 degrees, etc.). It should be understood that each hook 116 only partially surrounds the respective lower legs 46 of the passengers 12 when in the restraint position.

[0035] In some embodiments, each hook 116 and associated rod 120 can be associated with respective actuators 126 that extend the associated hook 116 and rod 120 forward, rotate them, then slightly retract them to the restraint position, and then extend the associated hook 116 and rod 120 slightly forward, rotate them approximately 90 degrees, and then slightly retract them to the stowed position as described above. In some embodiments, the actuator 126 can be a pneumatic actuator. However, in other embodiments, the actuator 126 can be any suitable actuator capable of actuating the respective hook 116 and rod 120, such as a hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electric actuator, an electro-hydraulic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator, or other suitable actuator.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a top view of one of the seat 30 and the hook 116 of the lower leg restraint system 20 of FIG. 6. Although only one hook 116 is shown in FIG. 7, it will be understood that the lower leg restraint system 20 can include two hooks 116, one for each lower leg 46 of the passenger 12. As shown, in some embodiments, the seat 30 can include a recess 128 that extends into the seat 30 and is generally formed to receive each lower leg 46 of the passenger 12. Also, in some embodiments, the recess 128 can have a seat pad 130 for comfort purposes. It will be understood that the recess 128 that extends into the seat 30 can also be used in other embodiments described herein (e.g., shown in FIGS. 3 - 5). Also, in some embodiments, the hook 116 can include a pad 132 (e.g., on the inner surface of each hook 116) for comfort purposes.

[0037] As will be described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, the vehicle controller 34 of the vehicle 14 and / or the base station controller 42 of the control system 32 shown in FIG. 2 can be configured to control various features of the restraint system 18 described herein (e.g., including the lower leg restraint system 20). For example, in some embodiments, the vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 can send control signals to the actuators 86, 110, 126 to enable the actuators 86, 110, 126 described herein to operate the lower leg restraint system 20 described herein.

[0038] Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 can transmit control signals to the various actuators 86, 110, 126 described herein based at least in part on feedback received from various sensors 55 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) integrated into any of the various features of the seat back 28, the seat 30, and the restraint system 18 described herein (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20). For example, in some embodiments, as described in further detail herein, the sensors 55 can detect that the body portions of the passenger 12 are properly positioned relative to the seat 30 and the restraint system 18 (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20) such that the various features of the restraint system 18 (including, for example, the lower leg restraint system 20) can be actuated to a restraint position. The sensors 55 can include force or pressure sensors integrated into the seat back 28 and / or the seat 30 (including, for example, the recess 128 of the seat 30). Also, in some embodiments, the sensors 55 can include force or pressure sensors integrated into the various restraint features (including, for example, the front leg bar 66, the rear leg bar 102, and the hook 116 described herein) that can detect when the restraint features are in contact with a particular body portion of the passenger 12 (e.g., the lower leg 46) such that the vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 can stop an increase in force or pressure when contact with the body portion occurs. Also, in some embodiments, the sensors 55 can include proximity sensors integrated into the various restraint features (including, for example, the front leg bar 66, the rear leg bar 102, and the hook 116 described herein) that can determine the proximity of the restraint features to a particular body portion of the passenger 12 (e.g., the lower leg 46) such that the vehicle controller 34 and / or the base station controller 42 can stop an increase in force or pressure when contact with the body portion occurs.

[0039] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein include various techniques for restraining a portion of the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 of the vehicle 14 on which the passenger 12 is seated without completely surrounding the lower leg 46 of the passenger 12 (e.g., while allowing at least one lateral movement of the lower leg 46). For example, in some embodiments, the vehicle 14 includes a seat 30 configured to seat (or otherwise restrain) the passenger 12 of the vehicle 14. Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle 14 includes a lower leg restraint system 20 configured to restrain a portion 60, 62 of one or more of the lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 relative to the seat 30 while the passenger 12 is seated on the seat 30 of the vehicle 14.

[0040] In some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 includes a front leg restraint subsystem 56 disposed adjacent to one or more of the lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 and configured to resist movement of one or more of the lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied to a front portion 60 of one or more of the lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 includes a padded front bar 66 configured to apply a force to a front portion 60 of one or more of the lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. Also, in some embodiments, the front leg restraint subsystem 56 includes one or more linkages 64 configured to pivot about a floor pivot joint 68 of the vehicle 14 to move the padded front bar 66 relative to a front portion 60 of one or more of the lower legs 46 of the passenger 12.

[0041] In some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 is disposed proximate to one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 and is configured to resist movement of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied to a rearward portion 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12, and includes a rear leg restraint subsystem 58. In some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 includes a padded rear leg bar 102 configured to apply a force to a rearward portion 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. Also, in some embodiments, the rear leg restraint subsystem 58 includes first and second linkages 88, 100 coupled to each other at a main pivot joint 96 to move the padded rear leg bar 102 relative to a rearward portion 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. Also, in some embodiments, the seat 30 includes a window 114 through which the padded rear leg bar 102 can pass to contact a rearward portion 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12.

[0042] In some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 includes one or more hooks 116 disposed proximate to one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 and configured to resist movement of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied to a forward portion 60 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks 116 are configured to extend forward from a retracted position, rotate approximately 90 degrees, and retract slightly to apply a force to a forward portion 60 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. In some embodiments, the one or more hooks are padded. Also, in some embodiments, the seat 30 includes one or more recesses 128 extending into the seat 30 and formed to receive one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vehicle 14 also includes a control system 32 (e.g., vehicle controller 34 and / or base station controller 42) configured to activate one or more actuators 86, 110, 126 of the lower leg restraint system 20 to restrain portions 60, 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 with respect to the seat 30 by one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of the lower leg restraint system 20. Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle 14 also includes one or more sensors 55 configured to detect the force, pressure, or proximity of one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of the lower leg restraint system 20 to portions 60, 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. The control system 32 is configured to activate one or more actuators 86, 110, 126 of the lower leg restraint system 20 based at least in part on the detected force, pressure, or proximity.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 134 of using a control system 32 (e.g., vehicle controller 34 and / or base station controller 42) described herein. In some embodiments, the method 134 includes detecting (block 136), via one or more sensors 55 of the vehicle 14 (or other type of amusement park attraction), the force, pressure, or proximity of one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of the lower leg restraint system 20 to portions 60, 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of a passenger 12 (or other guest) of the vehicle 14. Also, in some embodiments, the method 134 includes, via the control system 32, activating one or more actuators 86, 110, 126 of the lower leg restraint system 20 to restrain portions 60, 62 of one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 with respect to a seat 30 (e.g., other type of guest restraint device) of the vehicle 14 by one or more restraint features 66, 102, 116 of the lower leg restraint system 20 based at least in part on the detected force, pressure, or proximity (block 138).

[0045] In some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 includes a front leg restraint subsystem 56 that is disposed proximate to one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 and is configured to resist movement of the one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied to a front portion 60 of the one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. Also, in some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 includes a rear leg restraint subsystem 58 that is disposed proximate to one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 and is configured to resist movement of the one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied to a rear portion 62 of the one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12. Also, in some embodiments, the lower leg restraint system 20 includes one or more hooks 116 that are disposed proximate to one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 and are configured to resist movement of the one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12 when a force is applied to a front portion 60 of the one or more lower legs 46 of the passenger 12.

[0046] Although only some features of the disclosed embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is 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.

[0047] The technology described and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible articles and specific examples of a practical nature that surely improve the art and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claim appended hereto includes one or more elements designated as "means for [performing a function]" or "steps for [performing a function]", such elements are to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim that includes elements designated in any other form, such elements are not to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Description of Reference Numerals

[0048] 10 Vehicle system 12 Passenger 14 Vehicle 16 Vehicle route 18 Restraint system 20 Lower leg restraint system 22 Longitudinal axis 24 Transverse axis 26 Vertical axis 28 Backrest 30 Seat 32 Control system 34 Vehicle controller 36 Processor 38 Memory device 40 Storage device 42 Base station controller 44 Transceiver 46 Lower leg 48 Foot 50 Ankle 52 Calf 54 Shin 55 Sensor

Claims

1. It is an amusement park attraction, A guest restraint device configured to restrain guests of the aforementioned amusement park attraction, A lower leg restraint system configured to restrain one or more portions of the lower legs of the guest with respect to the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction while the guest is restrained by the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction, Equipped with, The lower leg restraint system partially surrounds one or more of the guest's lower legs, and includes a front leg bar configured to apply force to the anterior portion of the guest's one or more lower legs, the front leg bar being configured to move from a storage position in which the front leg bar is housed in a storage chamber to a restraint position in which the front leg bar is fixed to the anterior portion of the guest's one or more lower legs. Amusement park attractions.

2. The amusement park attraction according to claim 1, wherein the lower leg restraint system includes a front leg restraint subsystem positioned in close proximity to the one or more lower legs of the guest and configured to resist the movement of the one or more lower legs of the guest when the force is applied to the front portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest.

3. The amusement park attraction according to claim 2, wherein the front leg bar is padded and configured to apply the force to the front portion of the guest's one or more lower legs.

4. The amusement park attraction according to claim 3, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes one or more linkages configured to rotate around a floor pivot joint of the amusement park attraction to move the front leg bar relative to the anterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest.

5. The amusement park attraction according to claim 1, wherein the lower leg restraint system includes a rear leg restraint subsystem positioned in close proximity to the one or more lower legs of the guest and configured to resist the movement of the one or more lower legs of the guest when a force is applied to the rear portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest.

6. The amusement park attraction according to claim 5, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes a padded rear leg bar configured to apply the force to the rear portion of the guest's one or more lower legs.

7. The amusement park attraction according to claim 6, wherein the hind leg restraint subsystem includes a plurality of linkages connected to each other by at least one pivot joint to move the hind leg bar relative to the posterior portion of the guest's one or more lower legs.

8. The amusement park attraction according to claim 6, wherein the guest restraint device includes a window through which the rear leg bar can move to contact the rear portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest.

9. The amusement park attraction according to claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to activate one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system to restrain one or more portions of the lower legs of the guest to the guest restraint device with respect to one or more restraint features of the lower leg restraint system.

10. The amusement park attraction according to claim 9, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect the force, pressure, or proximity of the one or more restraint features to the portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest, wherein the control system is configured to activate the one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system at least partially based on the detected force, pressure, or proximity.

11. It is an amusement park attraction, A guest restraint device configured to restrain guests of the aforementioned amusement park attraction, A lower leg restraint system configured to restrain one or more portions of the lower legs of the guest with respect to the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction while the guest is restrained by the guest restraint device of the amusement park attraction, Equipped with, The lower leg restraint system is, A front leg restraint subsystem comprising a padded front leg bar positioned in close proximity to the guest's one or more lower legs and configured to resist the movement of the guest's one or more lower legs when a force is applied to the anterior portion of the guest's one or more lower legs, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem comprises one or more linkages configured to rotate around a floor pivot joint of the amusement park attraction to move the padded front leg bar relative to the anterior portion of the guest's one or more lower legs, A rear leg restraint subsystem including a padded rear leg bar positioned in close proximity to the one or more lower legs of the guest and configured to resist the movement of the one or more lower legs of the guest when a force is applied to the rear portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest, including, Amusement park attractions.

12. The amusement park attraction according to claim 11, wherein the hind leg restraint subsystem includes a plurality of linkages connected to each other by at least one pivot joint to move the padded hind leg bar relative to the posterior portion of the guest's one or more lower legs.

13. The amusement park attraction according to claim 11, wherein the guest restraint device includes a window through which the padded rear leg bar can move to contact the rear portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest.

14. The amusement park attraction according to claim 11, further comprising a control system configured to activate one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system to restrain one or more portions of the lower legs of the guest to the guest restraint device with respect to one or more restraint features of the lower leg restraint system.

15. The amusement park attraction according to claim 14, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect the force, pressure, or proximity of the one or more restraint features to the portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest, wherein the control system is configured to activate the one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system at least partially based on the detected force, pressure, or proximity.

16. The amusement park attraction according to claim 11, wherein the one or more linkages are configured to move the padded front leg bar from a storage position in which the padded front leg bar is stored in a storage chamber to a restraining position in which the padded front leg bar is fixed to the front portion of the one or more lower legs of the guest.

17. The amusement park attraction according to claim 11, wherein the lower leg restraint system partially surrounds only one or more of the guest's lower legs.

18. It is a vehicle, The seats of the aforementioned vehicle are configured to accommodate passengers, A lower leg restraint system configured to restrain one or more of the lower legs of the passenger to the seat while the passenger is seated in the seat, Equipped with, The lower leg restraint system partially surrounds one or more of the passenger's lower legs. Vehicle.

19. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the lower leg restraint system includes a front leg restraint subsystem configured to apply force to the anterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes a padded front leg bar configured to apply the force to the front portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

21. The vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes one or more linkages configured to rotate around a floor pivot joint of the vehicle to move the padded front leg bar relative to the anterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

22. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the lower leg restraint system includes a rear leg restraint subsystem configured to apply force to the rear portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

23. The vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes a padded rear leg bar configured to apply the force to the rear portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

24. The vehicle according to claim 23, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes first and second linkages connected to each other at a principal pivot joint to move the padded rear leg bar relative to the posterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

25. The vehicle according to claim 23, wherein the seat includes a window through which the padded rear leg bar can move to contact the rear portion of the passenger's one or more lower legs.

26. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the lower leg restraint system includes one or more hooks configured to apply force to the anterior portion of one or more of the lower legs of the passenger.

27. The vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the one or more hooks are configured to extend forward from a retracted position, rotate about 90 degrees, and retract slightly in order to apply the force to the anterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

28. The vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the one or more hooks are padded.

29. The vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the seat includes one or more recesses extending within the seat, which are formed to receive one or more of the passenger's lower legs.

30. The vehicle according to claim 18, further comprising a control system configured to activate one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system to restrain one or more of the passenger's lower legs to the seat using one or more restraint features of the lower leg restraint system.

31. The vehicle according to claim 30, comprising one or more sensors configured to detect the force, pressure, or proximity of the one or more restraint features to the portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger, wherein the control system is configured to activate the one or more actuators of the lower leg restraint system at least partially based on the detected force, pressure, or proximity.

32. It is a vehicle, The seats of the aforementioned vehicle are configured to accommodate passengers, A lower leg restraint system configured to restrain one or more of the lower legs of the passenger to the seat while the passenger is seated in the seat, Equipped with, The lower leg restraint system is, A foreleg restraint subsystem including a padded foreleg bar configured to apply force to the anterior portion of the passenger's one or more lower legs, A rear leg restraint subsystem including a padded rear leg bar configured to apply force to the rear portion of the passenger's one or more lower legs, including, Vehicle.

33. The vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the front leg restraint subsystem includes one or more linkages configured to rotate around a floor pivot joint of the vehicle to move the padded front leg bar relative to the anterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

34. The vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the rear leg restraint subsystem includes first and second linkages coupled to each other at a principal pivot joint to move the padded rear leg bar relative to the posterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

35. The vehicle according to claim 32, wherein the seat includes a window through which the padded rear leg bar can pass and move to contact the rear portion of the passenger's one or more lower legs.

36. It is a vehicle, The seats of the aforementioned vehicle are configured to accommodate passengers, A lower leg restraint system configured to restrain one or more of the lower legs of the passenger to the seat while the passenger is seated in the seat, Equipped with, The lower leg restraint system includes one or more padded hooks configured to apply force to the anterior portion of the passenger's one or more lower legs. Vehicle.

37. The vehicle according to claim 36, wherein the one or more padded hooks are configured to extend forward from a retracted position, rotate about 90 degrees, and retract slightly in order to apply the force to the anterior portion of the one or more lower legs of the passenger.

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