Dynamically adjustable adaptive wrap restraint device

Abstract

A restraint system is used to provide a dynamically adjustable fit for the occupant within the vehicle system. The restraint system includes a strap (118) with an adjustable extension length to wrap around the occupant. The tension in the strap (118) is measured and used to adjust the length of the strap (118) to produce different levels of restraint. The level of restraint is related to the occupant's conditions (e.g., height, weight, age, shape, size), the characteristics of the vehicle system (e.g., vehicle configuration), the vehicle's operating parameters (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction of movement), the characteristics of the environment in which the vehicle travels, or any combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement parks. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for securing guests within a ride vehicle of an amusement park ride.

Background Art

[0002] Typically, amusement parks include various attractions that provide unique experiences for guests. For example, an amusement park can include various rides and show performances. As technology continues to advance, the sophistication and complexity of such attractions have also increased. For example, some rides can provide an immersive experience for guests, such as a series of vehicles that can transport passengers through rooms having various features including audio features, video features, and special effects features. Various amusement park rides have been developed that provide unique movements and visual experiences for passengers. For example, theme rides can implement single-rider or multi-rider vehicles that move along a path or utilize a motion base. Often, excitement is generated by changes in the speed or direction of the vehicle as the ride vehicle moves along the ride path or follows a motion routine. For example, the ride path can include many features such as, but not limited to, tunnels, turns, uphill slopes, downhill slopes, and loops. Passengers may experience forces during the operation of the ride while inside the moving ride. Therefore, it is desirable to restrain and secure passengers within the ride vehicle during the duration of the amusement park ride. Different restraint levels may be required depending on the different features along the ride path, and passengers may have different conditions (e.g., physical conditions, height, weight, shape, size). Therefore, currently, improved restraint devices with variability are recognized as desirable.

[0003] Furthermore, it is now recognized that there are cases where passenger groups with various characteristics (e.g., height, weight, shape, size) (e.g., family members including large and small guests (e.g., small children)) may wish to travel together in a multi-passenger vehicle and be restrained by a common restraint system. Therefore, it is desirable to have improved restraint systems that can accommodate such configurations.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce to the reader various aspects of the technology that may be related to the various aspects of the present invention described and / or claimed below. This discussion is intended to provide the reader with background information and facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, these descriptions should be understood not as acceptance of prior art, but rather as being read from the above perspective. [Overview of the project]

[0005] The following outlines some embodiments disclosed herein. These embodiments are merely summaries of some of these embodiments and should not be understood as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In practice, this disclosure may include various embodiments not shown below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a restraint system for a vehicle that provides dynamically adjustable fit. The restraint system includes a lap bar assembly having a prong-type lap bar structure. The lap bar assembly is configured to transition between an open configuration and an engaged configuration. In the open configuration, the prong-type lap bar structure is positioned further away from the vehicle seat than when it is in the engaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the first and second prongs of the prong-type lap bar structure are configured to be positioned around the occupant of the seat in a single locked position for one or more occupants. The restraint system also includes a tensioner restraint system having a strap extending between the first and second prongs of the prong-type lap bar structure. The strap is configured to extend from the tensioner and conform to the occupant when the first and second prongs of the lap bar structure are positioned around the occupant in the engaged configuration of the lap bar assembly.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vehicle system having a restraint system that provides a dynamically adjustable fit. The vehicle system includes a vehicle having a seat for supporting at least one occupant. The vehicle system also includes a lap bar assembly having a neck and a prong-type lap bar structure. The neck is configured such that a first end of the neck is rotatably coupled to the vehicle via a pivot axis, and a second end of the neck is coupled to the prong-type lap bar structure, so that the lap bar assembly rotates around a pivot axis between an open configuration and an engaged configuration. The first and second prongs of the prong-type lap bar structure are configured to be located on either side of at least one passenger in the seat when the lap bar assembly is in the engaged configuration. The restraint system also includes a strap extending between the first and second prongs of the prong-type lap bar structure. The strap is configured to extend from the tensioner so that when the first and second prongs of the lap bar structure are positioned around the occupant in the engaged configuration of the lap bar assembly, the strap extends from the tensioner to fit around the occupant.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method for operating a restraint system in a vehicle environment is provided. The method includes fitting a strap extending from a tensioner and between a first prong and a second prong of a lap bar structure around an occupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes detecting the tension level of the strap using a sensor and receiving data indicating the tension level from the sensor in a processor. The method also includes determining a predetermined range of tension levels via the processor based on occupant conditions, vehicle operating parameters, environmental characteristics, or a combination thereof. In response to determining that the tension level is not within the predetermined range, the method includes adjusting the extension length of the strap from the tensioner to bring the tension level within the predetermined range. The method also includes transmitting a notification indicating that the tension level is within the predetermined range.

[0009] A better understanding of these and other features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be gained by reading the following detailed description while referring to the attached drawings, which show the same elements with the same symbols throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of an open-configuration vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the vehicle system shown in Figure 2, which has an engagement configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a tensioner restraint system in a vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes one or more specific embodiments. For the sake of brevity, this specification does not describe all features of these embodiments. It should be understood that the development of any such implementation found in any engineering or design project will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary by implementation. Furthermore, while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they should be understood by those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure as routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing activities.

[0012] When describing elements of the various embodiments of this disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” mean that there are one, two, or more of these elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be comprehensive and mean that there may be further elements other than those listed. Furthermore, any reference to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” in this disclosure should not be interpreted as excluding the existence of further embodiments, including the features described.

[0013] As used herein, the terms “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” can mean either “in direct connection with” or “in connection via one or more elements.” Furthermore, the term “set” is used to mean either “one element” or “multiple elements.” Additionally, the terms “couple,” “coupling,” “coupled,” “coupled together,” and “coupled with” are used to mean either “directly coupled together” or “coupled together via one or more elements.”

[0014] Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “real time” or “substantially real time” can be used synonymously and are intended to describe actions (e.g., computational actions) performed without human-perceptible interruptions. For example, as used herein, data relating to the system described herein can be collected, transmitted, and / or used in control calculations “substantially” such that data reading, data transfer, and / or data processing steps occur once per second, once every 0.1 seconds, once every 0.01 seconds, or more frequently while the system is running. Similarly, as used herein, the terms “continuous” (“continuous,” “continuously,” or “continually”) are intended to describe actions performed without significant interruptions. For example, as used herein, control commands can be sent to equipment at intervals of 5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, or more, so as to allow adjustment of the equipment's operating parameters without significantly disrupting the closed-loop control of a particular piece of equipment. Furthermore, as used herein, terms such as "automatic," "automated," and "autonomous" are intended to describe actions performed, or designed to be performed, by, for example, a computer system (i.e., solely by the computer system without human intervention).In fact, some of the operations described herein may not be explicitly described as being performed substantially in real time, continuously and / or automatically during the operation of a computer system and / or equipment controlled by a computer system. However, as will be further described herein, these operations will be understood to actually enhance the functionality of the computer system by being performed substantially in real time, continuously and / or automatically during the operation of a computer system and / or equipment controlled by a computer system (for example, by facilitating faster operational decision-making by eliminating the need for human intervention and by improving the accuracy of operational decision-making by eliminating the possibility of human error).

[0015] In amusement parks, it is becoming increasingly common to create environments that include scenery, special effects, audiovisual features, and other media elements that enhance the guest experience. Vehicles can be used to transport guests (e.g., passengers, crew) within an environment (e.g., show performance or attraction), allowing guests to interact with the environment or experience an immersive experience within it. Traditionally, lap bar assemblies have been used to secure guests to vehicle rides. However, since guests may have different characteristics (e.g., height, weight, age, shape, size), lap bar assemblies are rigid and may not be suitable for guests based on these different characteristics. Guests may require different restraints based on different characteristics. For example, a guest who is larger than the average guest size (e.g., based on past data) may require larger and / or longer restraints than a guest who is smaller than the average guest size, and guests with different body types may require different restraints, especially if the minimum height requirement for the ride in the environment is low. Therefore, it is desirable to have a restraint system on the vehicle that provides adjustable adaptability to suit the guest.

[0016] As an example of how this embodiment can operate, a scenario in which one or more guests ride in a vehicle along a vehicle path in an environment is described. Conventionally, a lap bar assembly can be used to restrain one or more guests inside a vehicle. Guests may have different conditions (e.g., height, weight, shape, size), and / or different vehicles may have different features or characteristics. For example, some guests may be physically small, and / or some vehicles (e.g., vehicles for small guests, including infants) may have low minimum height requirements. Therefore, the lap bar assembly can be fitted to guests in different ways. Also, the vehicle path can include many features such as tunnels, turns, uphill, downhill, and loops, but is not limited to these, and different features may require different levels of restraint. The lap bar assembly can be designed based on predetermined data (e.g., provided by the vehicle designer) or historical data of guest conditions (e.g., height, weight, shape, size), and may be substantially rigid and not adjustable for guests whose conditions differ from the predetermined data or historical data. Therefore, different guests may experience different forces (e.g., tension, normal force) and / or pressure generated by the lap bar assembly. For example, some people (e.g., larger individuals) may experience greater forces (e.g., tension, normal force) and / or pressure from the lap bar assembly compared to others (e.g., smaller individuals), and may feel uncomfortable when constrained by the lap bar assembly in a particular lap bar assembly configuration (e.g., open configuration, closed configuration). Consequently, some people may not be able to ride certain vehicles with lap bar assemblies designed based on predetermined data (e.g., provided by the vehicle designer) or historical data on the guest's conditions (e.g., height, weight, build, size).

[0017] In another scenario, a group of guests (e.g., family members) with varying conditions (e.g., height, weight, shape, size) may be riding in a multi-passenger vehicle. A shared lap bar assembly can be used to constrain the guest group to the multi-passenger vehicle. Because the conditions of different guests within the guest group (e.g., larger and smaller guests) vary, the shared lap bar assembly may not fit all guests in the group equally well due to these differences, and different guests may experience different forces (e.g., tension, normal force) and / or pressure generated by the shared lap bar assembly. For example, some people (e.g., larger individuals) may experience greater forces (e.g., tension, normal force) and / or pressure generated by the shared lap bar assembly compared to others (e.g., smaller individuals).

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for securing passengers in amusement park ride vehicles using a restraint system having dynamically adjustable fit that can accommodate guests of various conditions. For example, the restraint system may include a tensioner restraint system that provides restraint with adjustable fit. For example, the tensioner restraint system may include straps (e.g., flexible belts, flexible pads, a series of pads, cords, nets, and parallel cords) used to restrain guests in a ride vehicle. The straps may have an adjustable extension length that can be adjusted based on the tension level of the straps. According to this embodiment, in the above scenario, the tensioner restraint system can more reliably and correctly restrain guests and / or groups of guests having various conditions (e.g., height, weight, shape, size). The tensioner restraint system can provide dynamically adjustable fit that can be adjusted based on the various conditions of guests and / or different features along the ride route. The tensioner restraint system may also provide adjustable fit for guests within the same group (e.g., a group including guests of different sizes) using a common restraint assembly.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle system 100 having guests 102 (e.g., passengers, crew) placed inside a vehicle 104 in an environment 106. The vehicle 104 has a lap bar assembly 108 that can transition between an open configuration 90 and an engaged configuration 92. This transition is indicated by an arrow 94.

[0020] The lap bar assembly 108 includes a neck 107 and a pronged lap bar structure 109. The neck 107 is rotatably connected at a first end 96 via a pivot 111 to the vehicle 104, and at a second end 98 connected to the pronged lap bar structure 109. Thus, the lap bar assembly 108 can rotate between an open configuration 90 and an engaged configuration 92 around the pivot 111. In the open configuration 90, the lap bar assembly 108 is positioned away from the seat 110 of the vehicle 104, allowing a guest 102 to enter or exit the seat 110 of the vehicle 104. In the engaged configuration 92, the lap bar assembly 108 is positioned near the seat 110 of the vehicle 104, constraining the guest 102 to the vehicle 104. The lap bar assembly 108 may include one or more prongs 113. The arrangement, size, and / or orientation of the one or more prongs 113 may vary based on one or more containment requirements. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the prongs 113 may include a first prong 112 and a second prong 114, which are positioned around the guest 102 when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92.

[0021] The lap bar assembly 108 incorporates a tensioner restraint system 116 that provides adjustable restraint to the guest 102. For example, the tensioner restraint system 116 includes a strap 118 (such as a flexible belt, flexible pad, series of pads, cord, net, and parallel cords, etc.), and a first portion 120 of the strap 118 extends between a first prong 112 and a second prong 114 of the pronged lap bar structure 109. The tensioner restraint system 116 can also include a tensioner 122, and the strap 118 is extendable from the tensioner 122 and has an adjustable extended length. The tensioner 122 can have an elastic coupler 123 that fixes the strap 118 to the lap bar assembly 108. For example, the tensioner 122 can have a spool assembly 119, and a portion of the strap 118 can be wound around the spool assembly 119. The tensioner 122 can be capable of storing a portion of the strap 118 (e.g., a portion of the strap 118 can be wound around the spool assembly 119), and can have a tension management system 129 (such as a biasing feature) that pulls the strap 118 back to the tensioner 122 or releases the strap 118 from the tensioner 122. When not engaged with the guest 102, such as when the tensioner restraint system 116 is in the open configuration 90, the strap 118 can be substantially taut between the first prong 112 and the second prong 114. When the lap bar assembly 108 transitions to the engaged configuration 92, the strap 118 can at least partially wrap around the guest 102 and / or its surroundings, and / or extend from the tensioner restraint system 116 such that the first portion 120 elongates to conform to the guest 102. The dynamic aspect of this lap bar assembly 108 (specifically, the tensioner restraint system 116) according to this embodiment facilitates providing a desired amount of engagement tailored to any of a variety of different body sizes of the guest 102.

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 110 includes multiple seats. In this embodiment, a guest 102 (e.g., an adult) and a further guest 103 (e.g., a child, or another guest relatively smaller in size than guest 102) are shown seated in the vehicle 104 within the environment 106. The vehicle 104 has a lap bar assembly 108 shown in the open configuration 90. The lap bar assembly 108 includes a neck 107 and a prong-type lap bar structure 109. The neck 107 is configured such that the lap bar assembly rotates between the open configuration 90 and the engaged configuration 92 around a pivot axis 111, with a first end 96 of the neck 107 rotatably coupled to the vehicle 104 via the pivot axis 111 and a second end 98 of the neck 107 coupled to the prong-type lap bar structure 109. As described above, in the open configuration 90, the lap bar assembly 108 is positioned further away from the seat 110 than in the engaged configuration 92. In engagement configuration 92, the lap bar assembly 108 restrains the guest 102. As in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the prongs 113 can include more than two prongs. For example, the prongs 113 can include a first prong 112, a second prong 114, and a third prong 115, and when the lap bar assembly 108 is in engagement configuration, two prongs (e.g., the first prong 112 and the second prong 114) are positioned around the guest 102. Other combinations of prongs (e.g., the second prong 114 and the third prong 115) can be positioned around any further guests 103 in adjacent portions of the seat 110. The arrangement, size, and / or orientation of the prongs 113 can vary based on one or more accommodation requirements.

[0023] Vehicle 104 can be equipped with a tensioner restraint system 116 that, in cooperation with the lap bar assembly 108, provides an adjustable restraint for the guest 102. For example, the tensioner restraint system 116 can include a single strap 118 (such as a flexible belt, flexible pad, series of pads, cord, net, and parallel cords, etc.) or multiple straps 118. A first portion 120 of the strap 118 can extend between the first prong 112 and the second prong 114 of the lap bar assembly 108. The strap 118 can extend from a tensioner 122 (such as a spool assembly 119) and can have an adjustable extended length. The tensioner 122 can use an elastic coupler 123 to fix the strap 118 to the lap bar assembly 108. The tensioner 122 can be attached inside the lap bar assembly 108 (such as inside the first prong 112 or the second prong 114). The tensioner 122 can store a portion of the strap 118 (for example, a portion of the strap 118 can be wound around the spool assembly 119) and can use a tension management system 129 (such as a biasing feature) to retract the strap 118 to the tensioner 122 or release the strap 118 from the tensioner 122. A second portion 121 of the strap 118 that can be retracted to the tensioner 122 can extend between the second prong 114 and the third prong 115 of the lap bar assembly 108.

[0024] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 may be components of the same strap 118 extending from the same tensioner 122, but in other embodiments, such features may extend from different tensioners and / or be components of different straps, as shown in Figure 80 of Figure 2. Figures 80A, 80B, 80C and 80D show different embodiments of the lap bar assembly 108. For example, in Figure 80A, two tensioners may be used in the lap bar assembly 108, with the first tensioner 122A attached to the first prong 112 and the second tensioner 122B attached to the third prong 115. In Figure 80A, the first portion 120 may extend from the first tensioner 122A and the second portion 121 may extend from the second tensioner 122B, and the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 may be components of different straps. In Figure 80B, a third tensioner 122C can be used in the lap bar assembly 108, attached to the second prong 114, from which the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 can extend. In Figure 80C, two tensioners can be used in the lap bar assembly 108, with the first tensioner 122A attached to the first prong 112 and the third tensioner 122C attached to the third prong 115. In Figure 80C, the first portion 120 can extend from the first tensioner 122A and the second portion 121 can extend from the third tensioner 122C, and the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 can be components of different straps. In Figure 80D, three tensioners can be used in the lap bar assembly 108, with the first tensioner 122A attached to the first prong 112, the second tensioner 122B attached to the third prong 115, and the third tensioner 122C attached to the second prong 114.In Figure 80D, the first portion 120 may extend from the first tensioner 122A and / or the third tensioner 122C, and the second portion 121 may extend from the second tensioner 122B and / or the third tensioner 122C (for example, both the second tensioner 122B and the third tensioner 122C may control the second portion 121 so that its length increases), and the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 may be components of different straps.

[0025] Furthermore, although Figure 1 shows three prongs (for example, a first prong 112, a second prong 114, and a third prong 115), the lap bar assembly 108 may have more than three prongs. Figure 2 shows two guests being restrained by a shared lap bar assembly 108 and tensioner restraint system 116, but in other embodiments, the lap bar assembly 108 and tensioner restraint system 116 (or multiple lap bar assemblies 108 and tensioner restraint systems 116) may restrain fewer than two or more guests.

[0026] In one embodiment, one or more sensors 99 (e.g., force or torque sensors, pressure sensors, touch sensors, resistance sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors) can be used to monitor the normal force level in each part of the strap 118 (e.g., a first part 120, a second part 121), and the tensioner restraint system 116 can use the force levels measured by one or more sensors 99 to control the operation of the tensioner 122. For example, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration, part 120 of the strap 118 extending between the first prong 112 and the second prong 114 of the lap bar assembly 108 wraps around the guest 102, providing adjustable restraint to the guest 102. The force level in the first part 120 of the strap 118 can be varied depending on the guest's conditions (e.g., height, weight, shape, size). For example, if the exposed length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 (for example, before the wrap bar assembly transitions to the engagement configuration) is not sufficient to wrap around the guest 102 without applying a pressure higher than a threshold to the guest 102, the first portion 120 of the strap 118 may need to be stretched or extended (for example, from a biased spool) to fit around the guest 102. A relatively consistent pressure can be applied by using a biased spool mechanism, or a continuously increasing pressure application can be employed. For example, an elastic version of the strap 118 or a calibrated version of the tensioner 122 can gradually increase the force applied as the strap 118 extends (for example, stretches or unwinds). The pressure can be measured directly (for example, by a pressure sensor) or based on the amount the strap 118 extends. One or more sensors 99 can measure the force level in the first section 120, and the tensioner restraint system 116 can adjust the length of the first section 120 of the strap 118 based on the value of the force level in the first section 120.If the force level in the first portion 120 is higher than a predetermined maximum value (for example, provided by the vehicle designer or determined based on historical data), the first portion 120 of the strap 118 can extend away from the tensioner 122 to keep the force level below the predetermined maximum value. Thus, the corresponding force applied to the guest 102 by the first portion 120 can be controlled to be less than the value corresponding to the predetermined maximum force level in the first portion 120. If the existing length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 before the lap bar assembly transitions to the engagement configuration is such that the force level in the first portion 120 of the strap 118 is lower than a predetermined minimum value (for example, provided by the vehicle designer or determined based on historical data) when it wraps around the guest 102, the biasing feature of the tensioner 122 can pull the first portion 120 of the strap 118 back to the tensioner 122, raising the force level above the predetermined minimum value. Therefore, the corresponding force applied to the guest 102 by the first part 120 can be controlled to be greater than a value corresponding to a predetermined minimum force level in the first part 120. The predetermined range of the force level (e.g., between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum) can be related to the conditions of the guest 102, the characteristics of the vehicle system 100 (e.g., the configuration of the vehicle 104), the operating parameters of the vehicle 104 (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction of movement), the characteristics of the environment 106, or any combination thereof. If the force level in the strap 118 cannot be adjusted to fall within a predetermined range of force levels (e.g., below or above a threshold), the tensioner constraint system 116 can output an alert. For example, if the guest has a particular shape in which the force level in the first part 120 may not be able to be adjusted to below a predetermined maximum value even if the maximum length of the first part 120 is extended from the tensioner 122, the tensioner constraint system 116 can output an alert (e.g., to the operator) to indicate such a situation.In another example, if a guest has a certain size or shape such that the force level in the first portion 120 cannot be adjusted to a predetermined minimum value even when the maximum length of the first portion 120 is pulled back to the tensioner 122, the tensioner restraint system 116 may output an alert (e.g., to the operator) to indicate such a situation. This working mechanism is also applicable to adjusting the force level in the second portion 121 of the strap 118. The force level in the first portion 120 may differ from the force level in the second portion 121 based on the conditions of the corresponding guest (e.g., guest 103). In some embodiments, the force level in the first portion 120 may be the same as the force level in the second portion 121.

[0027] In one embodiment, one or more sensors 124 (e.g., force or torque sensors, touch sensors, resistance sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors) can be used to monitor the tension level in each portion of the strap 118 (e.g., first portion 120, second portion 121), and the tensioner restraint system 116 can use the tension level measured by one or more sensors 124 to control the operation of the tensioner 122. For example, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration, portion 120 of the strap 118 extending between the first prong 112 and the second prong 114 of the lap bar assembly 108 can wrap at least partially around the guest 102 and / or its surroundings, providing adjustable restraint to the guest 102. The tension level of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 can be varied depending on the guest's conditions (e.g., height, weight, shape, size). For example, if the existing length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 before the wrap bar assembly transitions to the engagement configuration is insufficient to wrap around the guest 102 without applying tension to the first portion 120, the first portion 120 of the strap 118 may need to be stretched to fit around the guest 102. In such a situation, the tension level of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 has a non-zero value. One or more sensors 124 measure the tension level in the first portion 120, and the tensioner restraint system 116 adjusts the length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 based on the value of the tension level in the first portion 120. If the tension level in the first portion 120 is higher than a predetermined maximum value (e.g., provided by the vehicle designer or determined based on historical data), the first portion 120 of the strap 118 can be extended from the tensioner 122 to keep the tension level below the predetermined maximum value.If the existing length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 before the wrap bar assembly transitions to the engagement configuration is such that the tension level in the first portion 120 of the strap 118 is lower than a predetermined minimum value (e.g., provided by the vehicle designer or determined based on historical data) when it wraps around the guest 102, the biasing feature of the tensioner 122 can pull the first portion 120 of the strap 118 back to the tensioner 122 to raise the tension level above the predetermined minimum value. The predetermined range of the tension level (e.g., between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum value) can be related to the conditions of the guest 102, the characteristics of the vehicle system 100 (e.g., the configuration of the vehicle 104), the operating parameters of the vehicle 104 (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction of travel), the characteristics of the environment 106, or any combination thereof. If the tension level in the strap 118 cannot be adjusted to fall within a predetermined range of tension levels (e.g., lower or higher than a threshold), the tensioner constraint system 116 may output an alert. For example, if a guest has a size that makes it impossible to adjust the tension level in the first section 120 to a predetermined maximum value, even when the maximum extendable length of the first section 120 is extended from the tensioner 122, the tensioner restraint system 116 can output an alert (e.g., to the operator) to indicate this situation. In another example, if a guest has a size that makes it impossible to adjust the tension level in the first section 120 to a predetermined minimum value, even when the maximum extendable length of the first section 120 is pulled back to the tensioner 122, the tensioner restraint system 116 can output an alert (e.g., to the operator) to indicate this situation. This operating mechanism is also applicable to adjusting the tension level in the second section 121 of the strap 118. As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the tension level in the first section 120 can differ from the tension level in the second section 121 based on various guest conditions. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6-7, the tension level in the first section 120 can be the same as the tension level in the second section 121.

[0028] In one embodiment, the vehicle 104 may include guest condition sensors 125 (e.g., weight sensors, force or torque sensors, motion sensors, image sensors, touch sensors) used to measure the guest's conditions (e.g., physical conditions, height, weight, shape, size). The tension levels at different parts of the strap 118 can be adjusted according to the corresponding guest conditions. For example, the tension level experienced by a first guest may be different from that of a second guest having a different size than the first guest. Thus, the tensioner restraint system 116 can provide adjustable restraint based on the guest's conditions.

[0029] In one embodiment, the vehicle system 100 may have operating sensors 126 used to monitor the operating parameters (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction of movement) of the vehicle 104 in the environment 106. The operating sensors 126 may be located on the vehicle 104 or within the environment 106. The tension level of the strap 118 can be adjusted according to the operating conditions of the vehicle 104. For example, when the vehicle 104 is stationary or moving at a speed lower than a predetermined minimum (e.g., related to the environment 106), the tension level in the strap 118 can be adjusted to fall within a predetermined range for low-speed operation. When the vehicle 104 is moving or accelerating at a speed or acceleration higher than a predetermined maximum (e.g., related to the environment 106), the tension level in the strap 118 can be adjusted to fall within a predetermined range for high-speed operation. The predetermined ranges for low-speed operation and the predetermined ranges for high-speed operation may be essentially the same, different, or different with overlapping values, depending on the conditions of the vehicle system 100, vehicle 104, environment 106, and guest 102.

[0030] In one embodiment, a predetermined range of tension levels (e.g., between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum value), the corresponding weight of the guest 102, the corresponding size of the guest 102, the corresponding characteristics of the vehicle system 100, the corresponding operating parameters of the vehicle 104, and / or the corresponding characteristics of the environment 106 can all be stored together in a lookup table 127 associated with the vehicle system 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, the tensioner restraint system 116 may include a locking system 128 for locking the strap 118 in place. For example, the locking system 128 can lock a first portion 120 of the strap 118 at a desired extension length extending between the first prong 112 and the second prong 114 of the lap bar assembly 108. For example, after the extension length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 has been adjusted by the tensioner restraint system 116 to be within a predetermined range when the lap bar assembly is in an engaged configuration, the locking system 128 may be activated automatically or by an operator (for example, based on the tension level of the first portion 120) to prevent the length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 from being adjusted until the locking system 128 is released (for example, automatically or by an operator). The locking system 128 may operate to prevent the guest 102 from adjusting the length of the first portion 120 of the strap 118 after the locking system 128 has been activated. For example, the locking system 128 may require a key for operation. The locking system 128 can be released automatically or by an operator (for example, upon receiving a signal). For example, the locking system 128 can be released when it is necessary to adjust the tension level in the strap 118 based on sensor feedback or the like. The locking system 128 can also be released during certain special events when a guest 102 needs to disembark from the ride vehicle 104, such as when an obstruction occurs in the environment 106 or in certain special attractions / shows (for example, when something is detected on the ride track or attraction route). The operator can release the locking system 128 when deemed appropriate or necessary, such as when the guest 102 wishes to disembark from the ride vehicle 104 and circumstances permit. The locking system 128 can be released in the environment 106 before the ride vehicle 104 has finished, and the tension level of the strap 118 can be dynamically adjusted based on various characteristics in the environment 106.Other parts of the strap 118 (e.g., a second part 121) can also be locked after the tensioner restraint system 116 has adjusted the length of the corresponding part to fall within a desired (e.g., predetermined) range. The locking system 128 can be operated to lock the respective lengths of each part of the strap 118 simultaneously, or (e.g., in a vehicle with multiple tensioners) to lock the corresponding lengths of at least two parts of the strap 118 individually.

[0032] A controller 130 can be used to receive and analyze data from one or more sensors 124. For example, the controller 130 can be used to command adjustment of the tension level of the first part 120 of the strap 118 based on data received from one or more sensors 124. The controller 130 can also be used to activate / deactivate the locking system 128. The controller 130 can include various types of components that can help the controller 130 perform various types of computer tasks and operations. For example, the controller 130 can include a communication component 132, a processor 134, memory 136, storage 138, input / output (I / O) ports 140, and a display 142, etc.

[0033] The communication component 132 can be a wireless or wired communication component that facilitates communication between the controller 130 and various other controllers and devices via a network or the internet. For example, the communication component 132 may include a transceiver, a receiver, and / or a transmitter to facilitate communication with the controller 130. For example, the communication component 132 can enable the controller 130 to retrieve data from various data sources. The communication component 132 can use various communication protocols, such as Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), TCP / IP protocol, Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA) protocol, Database Change Protocol (DCP), HTTP protocol, other suitable current or future protocols, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the communication component 132 may also be controller-independent (e.g., a wireless communication component).

[0034] The processor 134 can process instructions for execution within the controller 130. The processor 134 may include a (single or multiple) single-threaded processor, a (single or multiple) multi-threaded processor, or both. The processor 134 can process instructions stored in memory 136. The processor 134 may also include a (single or multiple) hardware-based processor, each containing one or more cores. The processor 134 may include a (single or multiple) general-purpose processor, a (single or multiple) dedicated processor, or both. The processor 134 may be communicatively coupled to other internal components (such as the communication component 132, storage 138, I / O port 140, and display 142).

[0035] The memory 136 and storage 138 may be any preferred manufactured article that can function as a medium for storing processor executable code or data, etc. These manufactured articles may represent a computer-readable medium (e.g., any preferred form of memory or storage) that can store processor executable code used by the processor 134 to perform the techniques of this disclosure. The applications used herein may include any preferred computer software or program that can be installed on the controller 130 and run by the processor 134. The memory 136 and storage 138 may represent a non-temporary computer-readable medium (e.g., any preferred form of memory or storage) that can store processor executable code used by the processor 134 to perform the various techniques described herein. Non-temporary simply means that the medium is tangible and not a signal. For example, the memory 136 and / or storage 138 may store a lookup table 127.

[0036] The I / O port 140 can be an interface that can be coupled to input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, joystick), sensors, and other peripheral components such as input / output (I / O) modules. The display 142 can act as a human-machine interface (HMI) for depicting visualizations related to software or executable code processed by the processor 134. In one embodiment, the display 142 can be a touch display that can receive input from an operator of the controller 130. The display 142 can be any preferred type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In another embodiment, the display 142 can be provided in conjunction with a touch-sensitive mechanism (e.g., a touch screen) that can function as part of the control interface of the controller 130. In yet another embodiment, the display 142 may be controller-less (e.g., wireless display). Note that the components described above for the controller 130 are examples, and the controller 130 may include more or fewer components than those in the illustrated embodiment.

[0037] Furthermore, the vehicle system 100 may include network functions to facilitate data communication within the vehicle system 100 and with external devices. The network may include transceivers, receivers, and / or transmitters to facilitate data communication with the controller 130. For example, data collected by sensors (e.g., one or more sensors 124, a guest condition sensor 125, a motion sensor 126, and other sensors on the vehicle 104 and / or in the environment 106) (e.g., force data, pressure data, size data, image data, video data, sound data, position data, and weight data) can be transmitted to the controller 130 via the network 144. Furthermore, external data (e.g., data on a specific user, local weather / news) can also be collected from a remote system and transmitted to the controller 130 via the network 144. However, in some embodiments, data collected by sensors (e.g., one or more sensors 124) can also be transmitted directly from the sensors to the controller 130. In practice, according to this embodiment, the controller 130 can communicate directly and / or via the network 144 with sensors or other devices.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle system 100 when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92. As shown in Figure 3, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 118 can wrap at least partially around the guest 102 and / or guest 103 and / or their surroundings. In addition to or instead of this, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 188 can also fit the guest 102 and / or guest 103. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 of the strap 118 wrap around the knees of the guests 102 and 103, but in other embodiments, the first portion 120 and the second portion 121 of the strap 118 can wrap around other body parts of the guest (e.g., chest, arms, or legs), and / or each portion can wrap around a number of corresponding body parts of the guest, as described in Figures 4 to 6. In such embodiments, the lap bar assembly 108 can be replaced with a shoulder or torso bar assembly that can operate in the same manner as in the configurations shown in Figures 1 to 3, or that can translate to the engagement configuration 92 (e.g., rotate downward from above the head, translate slidably, translate linearly).

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the prongs 113 include two prongs, a first prong 112 and a second prong 114. The arrangement, size, and / or orientation of the prongs 113 can be varied based on one or more accommodation requirements. When the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration, the first prongs 112 and the second prongs 114 can be positioned around the guest 102. When the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration, a first portion 120 of the strap 118 extends between the prongs 112 and the second prong 114 of the lap bar assembly 108 to at least partially wrap around the guest 102. The strap 118 can extend from a tensioner 122 (e.g., spool assembly 119) and may have an adjustable extension length. The tensioner 122 can be mounted inside the lap bar assembly 108 (e.g., the first prong 112 or the second prong 114). One end 145 of the strap 118 can be coupled to the seat 110 at a first position 146, and a third portion 148 of the strap 118 can extend between the second prong 114 and the first position 146. The third portion 148 can be pulled back to the tensioner 122 (or another tensioner 122) which can be mounted inside the lap bar assembly 108 (e.g., inside the first prong 112 or the second prong 114) or the seat 110. The third portion 148 can at least partially wrap around certain body parts (e.g., chest, arms, or legs) of an additional guest 103, and can at least partially wrap around multiple body parts (e.g., arms and chest) when the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration. Therefore, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 118 can at least partially wrap around guest 102 and / or guest 103 and / or their surroundings. In addition to or instead of this, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 118 can also fit over guest 102 and / or guest 103.

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system 100. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the ride system 100 may include only the second prong 114. When the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration, the second prong 114 can be positioned between the guest 102 and an additional guest 103. The position, size, and / or orientation of the second prong 114 can be varied based on one or more accommodation requirements. A third portion 148 of the strap 118 can at least partially wrap around a specific body part (e.g., chest, arms, or legs) of an additional guest 103, and can at least partially wrap around multiple body parts (e.g., arms and chest) when the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration. The third portion 148 can extend from a tensioner 122 (e.g., spool assembly 119) and may have an adjustable extension length. The tensioner 122 can be mounted inside the seat 110 or inside the second prong 114. One end 150 of the strap 118 can be coupled to the seat 110 at a second position 152, and a fourth portion 154 of the strap 118 can extend between the second prong 114 and the second position 152. The fourth portion 154 can at least partially wrap around a specific body part of the guest 102 (e.g., chest, arms, or legs), and can at least partially wrap around multiple body parts (e.g., arms and chest) when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engaged configuration. The fourth portion 154 and / or the third portion 148 can be pulled back to the tensioner 122 or another tensioner 122 (e.g., inside the second prong 114 or inside the seat 110). Thus, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engaged configuration 92, the strap 118 at least partially wraps around the guest 102 and / or guest 103 and / or around them. In addition to or instead of the above, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 118 may also be fitted to guest 102 and / or guest 103.

[0041] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the ride system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the ride system 100 may include only a first prong 112. The arrangement, size, and / or orientation of the first prong 112 may vary based on one or more accommodation requirements. The ends 145 of the strap 118 can be coupled to the seat 110 at a first position 146. A fifth portion 156 of the strap 118 may extend between the first prong 112 and the first position 146. The fifth portion 156 of the strap 118 may at least partially wrap around certain body parts (e.g., chest, arms, legs) of the guest 102 and further guests 103, and may at least partially wrap around one or more body parts (e.g., arms and chest) when the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration. The strap 118 may extend from a tensioner 122 (e.g., spool assembly 119) and may have an adjustable extension length. The tensioner 122 can be mounted inside the lap bar assembly 108 (e.g., the first prong 112). Also, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 118 wraps at least partially around guest 102 and / or further guest 103 and / or their surroundings. In addition to or instead of this, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration, the strap 118 can also fit over guest 102 and / or further guest 103. In Figure 6, the same fifth portion 156 of the strap 118 can wrap at least partially around guest 102 and further guest 103. Thus, the tension level in the fifth portion 156 is the same for guest 102 and further guest 103. As described above, the corresponding forces applied to guest 102 and further guest 103 by the fifth portion 156 can be related to the corresponding body shape and / or size of guest 102 and further guest 103, respectively. Therefore, if guest 102 and further guest 103 have different body shapes, the corresponding forces applied to guest 102 and further guest 103 by the fifth part 156 may be different.Therefore, the tension level of the fifth section 156 can be adjusted to fall within a range that is favorable for both guest 102 and further guest 103.

[0042] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the prongs 113 include two prongs, a first prong 112 and a third prong 115. The arrangement size and / or orientation of the prongs 113 can be varied based on one or more accommodation requirements. A sixth portion 158 of the strap 118 can extend between the first prong 112 and the third prong 115. The sixth portion 158 of the strap 118 can at least partially wrap around a guest 102 and further guests 103 around a specific body part (e.g., chest, arms, or legs), and can wrap around multiple body parts (e.g., arms and chest) when the lap bar assembly 108 is in an engaged configuration. The strap 118 can extend from a tensioner 122 (e.g., a spool assembly 119) and may have an adjustable extension length. The tensioner 122 can be mounted inside the lap bar assembly 108 (e.g., the first prong 112 or the third prong 115). Thus, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 118 can at least partially wrap around the guest 102 and / or further guest 103. In addition to or instead of this, when the lap bar assembly 108 is in the engagement configuration 92, the strap 188 can also fit the guest 102 and / or further guest 103. In Figure 7, the same sixth portion 158 of the strap 118 can at least partially wrap around the guest 102 and further guest 103. Thus, the tension level of the sixth portion 158 is the same for the guest 102 and further guest 103. As described above, the corresponding forces applied to the guest 102 and further guest 103 by the sixth portion 158 can be related to the corresponding body shape and / or size of the guest 102 and further guest 103, respectively. Therefore, if guest 102 and further guest 103 have different body shapes and / or sizes, the corresponding forces applied to guest 102 and further guest 103 by the sixth part 158 ​​may differ. Thus, the tension level of the sixth part 158 ​​can be adjusted to fall within a range that is favorable for both guest 102 and further guest 103.

[0043] Figure 8 shows a method 200 that can be used to operate the tensioner restraint system 116. In block 201, the strap 118 can be unlocked (for example, at a load station). In block 202, the controller 130 can receive data from one or more sensors 124 indicating the tension level of each part of the strap 118 (e.g., a first part 120, a second part 121). In block 203, the controller 130 can receive data from one or more sensors 99 indicating measured pressure levels in each part of the strap 118 (e.g., a first part 120, a second part 121). The controller receives guest conditions (guest 102, further guest 103) from guest condition sensor 125 and / or other resources (e.g., storage 138, database, external resources), operating parameters of vehicle 104 from motion sensor 126, and may also receive data related to the configuration of vehicle 104 (e.g., from storage 138, database, external resources), data related to the environment 106 (e.g., characteristics of environment 106, local weather / news), etc. In block 204, the controller can analyze the data collected in block 202 and determine a corresponding predetermined range of tension levels in each part of the strap 118 based on the corresponding guest conditions, characteristics of the vehicle system 100 (e.g., configuration of vehicle 104), operating parameters of vehicle 104 (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction of movement), characteristics of the environment 106, or any combination thereof. In block 205, the controller can analyze the data collected in block 203 and determine a corresponding predetermined range of pressure levels in each part of the strap 118 based on the conditions of the corresponding guest, the characteristics of the vehicle system 100 (e.g., the configuration of the vehicle 104), the operating parameters of the vehicle 104 (e.g., speed, acceleration, direction of movement), the characteristics of the environment 106, or any combination thereof.The controller 130 can determine a corresponding predetermined range of tension or pressure levels in a portion of the strap 118 by implementing a lookup table 127 or by using a predetermined algorithm. In block 206, the controller 130 can compare the measured pressure levels in each portion of the strap 118 with the corresponding predetermined range. If the measured pressure levels in a portion of the strap 118 are not within the corresponding predetermined range, the controller 130 can determine in block 207 whether the extension length of the strap 118 can be adjusted. If the controller 130 determines that the extension length of the strap 118 can be adjusted, in block 208, the length of the corresponding portion of the strap 118 can be adjusted based on the measured pressure level (e.g., by pulling it out from or back into the tensioner 122). If the controller 130 determines that it may not be possible to adjust the extension length of the strap 118, it can send an alert in block 209. For example, if the time required to adjust the extension length of the strap 118 is longer than a threshold, the controller 130 may determine that it is not possible to adjust the extension length of the strap 118. In block 210, the controller 130 can compare the measured tension level in each part of the strap 118 with a corresponding predetermined range. If the measured tension level in a part of the strap 118 is not within the corresponding predetermined range, the controller 130 can repeat blocks 202-208. In block 211, once the tension and pressure levels in all parts of the strap 118 have been adjusted to fall within the corresponding predetermined range, the controller 130 can send a notification (e.g., to the vehicle system operator) indicating the state of the tension and pressure levels, and in block 212, the locking system 128 can be activated to lock the corresponding lengths of each part of the strap 118.

[0044] Furthermore, the references to “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and “sixth” in parts 120, 121, 148, 154, 156, and 158 are merely for the purpose of facilitating explanation and distinction, and these terms may be synonymous.

[0045] While only some features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that are part of the actual spirit of the invention.

[0046] The claimed technologies described herein refer to and apply to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical, but which certainly improve the art. Furthermore, if any of the claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as "...means for (performing) (a function)" or "...steps for (performing) (a function)," such elements should be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. On the other hand, any claim containing elements designated in any other form should not be interpreted in accordance with 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 90 Open structure 92 Engagement configuration 94 Transition 96 First end of the neck 98 The second end of the neck 100 Vehicle Systems 102 Guests 104 Vehicles 106 Environment 107 Neck 108 Wrap Bar Assembly 109 Prong-type wrap bar structure 110 seats 111 Swivel axis 112 First Prong 113 Prong 114 Second Prong 116 Tensioner Restraint System 118 Straps 119 Spool Assembly 120 First part of the strap 122 Tensioner 123 Elastic coupler 129 Tension Management System

Claims

1. A restraint system for vehicles, The seats of the vehicle, which include one or more seats, A lap bar configured to transition between an open configuration and an engaged configuration, The lap bar is equipped with, One or more prongs, including a first prong, configured such that the lap bar is positioned around one or more occupants of the seats of the vehicle, A restraint device comprising one or more straps that fit around at least a portion of each of the one or more occupants when the lap bar is in the engagement configuration, A restraint system including a restraint system.

2. The device comprises a first tensioner and a first strap among the one or more straps, wherein the first tensioner is The first strap of the one or more straps is connected to the seat of the vehicle, and extends from the first tensioner to the first prong of the one or more prongs, The first prong of the one or more prongs is connected, and the first strap of the one or more straps extends from the first prong of the one or more prongs to the seat of the vehicle. The restraint system according to claim 1.

3. The device comprises a second tensioner and a second strap among the one or more straps, wherein the second tensioner is The second strap of the one or more straps is connected to the seat of the vehicle, and extends from the second tensioner to the first prong of the one or more prongs. The first prong of the one or more prongs is coupled to the second strap of the one or more straps, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the seat of the vehicle. The second strap of the one or more straps is connected to the seat of the vehicle, and extends from the second tensioner to the second prong of the one or more prongs. The second prong of the one or more prongs is connected, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the seat of the vehicle. The first prong of the one or more prongs is coupled to the second strap of the one or more straps, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the second prong of the one or more prongs, The second prong of the one or more prongs is coupled, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the first prong of the one or more prongs. The restraint system according to claim 2.

4. It comprises a first tensioner, the first tensioner is The first seat among the one or more seats is connected, and the first strap among the one or more straps extends from the first tensioner to the first prong among the one or more prongs, The first prong of the one or more prongs is coupled, and the first strap of the one or more straps extends from the first tensioner to the first seat of the one or more seats. The restraint system according to claim 1.

5. It is further equipped with a second tensioner, the second tensioner being, The second seat among the one or more seats is connected, and the second strap among the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the first prong among the one or more prongs. The first prong of the one or more prongs is connected to the first prong, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the first prong to the second seat of the one or more seats. The second seat of the one or more seats is connected, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second seat of the one or more seats and the second prong of the one or more prongs. The second prong of the one or more prongs is connected, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the second seat of the one or more seats. The first prong of the one or more prongs is coupled to the second strap of the one or more straps, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the second prong of the one or more prongs, The second prong of the one or more prongs is coupled, and the second strap of the one or more straps extends from the second tensioner to the first prong of the one or more prongs. The restraint system according to claim 4.

6. It comprises a first tensioner, the first tensioner is The first seat among the one or more seats is connected, and the first strap among the one or more straps extends from the first tensioner through the first prong among the one or more prongs to either the second prong among the one or more prongs or the second seat among the one or more seats. The first prong of the one or more prongs is connected, and the first strap of the one or more straps extends from the first tensioner through the second prong of the one or more prongs to either the third prong of the one or more prongs or the second seat of the one or more seats, The first prong of the one or more prongs is coupled to the first strap of the one or more straps, and the first strap of the one or more straps extends from the first tensioner to the second prong of the one or more prongs. The restraint system according to claim 1.

7. It comprises one or more tensioners, and at least one of the one or more tensioners is A spool around which a portion of each of the one or more straps is wound, A biasing feature configured to pull each of the one or more straps toward the spool, The restraint system according to claim 1, including the following:

8. The restraint system according to claim 7, wherein each of the one or more straps extends from a first tensioner among the one or more tensioners and, in an engagement configuration, fits at least partially around at least a first occupant among the one or more occupants and at least a second occupant among the one or more occupants.

9. The restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the lap bar includes a second prong of the one or more prongs and a third prong of the one or more prongs, and at least one of the one or more prongs includes a tensioner, and in the engagement configuration, the first prong of the one or more prongs and the second prong of the one or more prongs are configured to be at least partially positioned around the first occupant of the one or more occupants of the seat, and the first prong of the one or more prongs and the third prong of the one or more prongs are configured to be positioned around the second occupant of the one or more occupants of the seat.

10. The restraint system according to claim 9, comprising a single strap that engages with each of the first prong of the one or more prongs, the second prong of the one or more prongs, and the third prong of the one or more prongs.

11. The restraint system according to claim 9, wherein each of the one or more prongs includes a tensioner, the first prong of the one or more prongs and the second prong of the one or more prongs.

12. The restraint system according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor system configured to detect the tension level of at least one of the one or more straps.

13. One or more tensioners, A tension management system configured to control at least one of the one or two or more tensioners to adjust the extension length of at least one of the one or two or more straps based on the tension level of the at least one of the straps, The restraint system according to claim 12, comprising:

14. The restraint system according to claim 12, further comprising a locking system configured to lock at least one of the one or two or more straps in place in response to the tension of at least one of the one or two or more straps being within a specified range.

15. The restraint system according to claim 14, wherein the defined range is selected based on the weight of at least one of the one or more occupants, the size of at least one of the one or more occupants, the characteristics of the vehicle, the operating parameters of the vehicle, the characteristics of the environment in which the vehicle travels, or any combination thereof.

16. The restraint system according to claim 15, wherein the defined range is stored in a lookup table along with corresponding values ​​for the weight of at least one of the one or more occupants, the size of at least one of the one or more occupants, the characteristics of the vehicle, the operating parameters of the vehicle, the features in the environment in which the vehicle travels, or any combination thereof.

17. The restraint system according to claim 14, wherein the extension length of at least one of the one or two or more straps is not adjustable while that strap is locked by the locking system.

18. The restraint system according to claim 12, wherein the sensor system includes a weight sensor, a force or torque sensor, a motion sensor, an image sensor, a touch sensor, or any combination thereof.

19. The restraint system according to claim 1, further comprising an alert system configured to send an alert when a tension sensor detects that the tension value of at least one of the one or more straps is lower than a threshold when the lap bar is in the engagement configuration.

20. The restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more straps include a flexible belt, a flexible pad, a series of pads, a cord, a net, a parallel cord, or any combination thereof.

21. It is a vehicle system, A vehicle including seats configured to support at least one passenger, A lap bar assembly comprising a neck and a prong-type lap bar structure, wherein the first end of the neck is coupled to a vehicle and the second end of the neck is coupled to the prong-type lap bar structure, such that the lap bar assembly is configured to operate between an open configuration and an engaged configuration. A first prong of one or more prongs of the prong-type lap bar structure, and a second prong of the one or more prongs of the prong-type lap bar structure, are configured to be located on both sides of the at least one passenger in the seat when the lap bar assembly is in the engagement configuration. A strap extending between the first prong and the second prong, and configured to extend from the tensioner so as to extend from the tensioner and at least partially conform to the area around the at least one passenger when the first prong and the second prong move to a position corresponding to the engagement configuration of the lap bar assembly, A vehicle system equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

22. The aforementioned neck is The first end of the neck is rotatably coupled to the vehicle via the pivot axis, so that the lap bar assembly rotates between the open configuration and the engaged configuration about a pivot axis, The first end of the neck is slidably coupled to the vehicle such that the lap bar assembly is configured to translate between the open configuration and the engaged configuration. The vehicle system according to claim 21.

23. The vehicle system according to claim 21, wherein the tensioner includes an elastic coupler for securing the strap to the lap bar assembly.

24. The vehicle system according to claim 21, comprising a sensor system configured to detect the tension level in the strap, and a tension management system configured to control the tensioner to adjust the extension length of the strap based on the tension level in the strap.

25. A method for operating a restraint system in a vehicle environment, The method involves fitting straps at least partially around one or more occupants positioned within the seats of a vehicle, The strap extends from the tensioner and between the first prong and the second prong of the wrap bar structure, or The strap extends from the tensioner and between the first prong and the seat of the vehicle. To make it compatible, Detecting the force level in the strap using one or more sensors, One or more processors receive data indicating the force level from at least one of the one or more sensors, A predetermined range of the force level is determined via at least one of the one or two or more processors based on the conditions of at least one of the one or two or more occupants, the operating parameters of the vehicle, the characteristics of the vehicle environment, or any combination thereof. In response to determining that the force level is not within the predetermined range, the extension length of the strap from the tensioner is adjusted to adjust the force level to fall within the predetermined range. Sending a notification indicating that the force level is within the predetermined range, A method that includes this.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the force level includes a tension level or a pressure level.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein the one or more sensors include a torque sensor, a touch sensor, a resistance sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, or any combination thereof.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the conditions relating to vehicle parameters.

29. The method according to claim 25, wherein the conditions include the size of the strap.

30. The method according to claim 25, comprising monitoring the period of time required to adjust the force level to fall within the predetermined range.

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