Vehicle restraint system and method

Abstract

The amusement park ride vehicle includes a restraint system. The restraint system includes a first conforming component configured to be positioned on a first lower body portion of a guest. The restraint system further includes a back-knee component configured to be positioned behind the guest's legs. The restraint system further includes a linkage configured to move the first conforming component, the back-knee component, or a combination thereof to secure the restraint system to the guest. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 652,839, filed April 4, 2018, entitled "Vehicle Restraint System and Method," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] (Technical field) FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement park rides. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ride restraint systems and methods for amusement park rides. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the prior art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described below. This description is believed to be helpful in providing background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Amusement parks include various features that provide a unique experience for each park guest. Some features can include ride vehicles that can travel along a particular path. The path can include elements that can enhance the guest's experience as the ride vehicle travels along the path. Restraint systems can be used to restrain the park guest to the ride vehicle during the park ride. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An improved restraint system would be useful. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Specific embodiments described herein are summarized below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented only to provide the reader with an overview of these specific embodiments, and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the present disclosure can encompass various aspects that may not be described below.

[0007] In one embodiment, an amusement park ride vehicle includes a restraint system. The restraint system includes a first conforming component configured to be positioned on a first lower body portion of a guest. The restraint system further includes an under-knee component configured to be positioned under the guest's legs. The restraint system further includes a linkage configured to move the first conforming component, the under-knee component, or a combination thereof to secure the restraint system to the guest.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method includes activating a first conforming component included in a restraint system of an amusement ride vehicle and configured to be positioned on a lower body of a guest. The method further includes activating a behind-knee component included in the restraint system and configured to be positioned behind a leg of the guest. The method further includes detecting whether the first component, the behind-knee component, or a combination thereof, is secured to the guest.

[0009] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system having one or more ride vehicles that may be located within an amusement park, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a restraint system included in the vehicle system of FIG. 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the restraint system of FIG. 2 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is a right side perspective view of the ride vehicle embodiment of FIG. 1 showing a park guest mid-straddle as the park guest boards the ride vehicle, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view of an embodiment showing the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with a park guest fully seated in the ride vehicle, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the restraint system of FIG. 1 in a partially closed position, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the restraint system of FIG. 1 in a fully closed, locked position, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 2 is a right side perspective view of a guest straddling the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with the vehicle restraint system in a locked position prior to disembarking from the ride vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 2 is a right side perspective view of a guest straddling the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with the vehicle restraint system in a partially open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a left side view of a guest straddling the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with the vehicle restraint system in a fully open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of a guest straddling the ride vehicle of FIG. 1 with the vehicle restraint system in a fully open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 2 is a flow chart of a process suitable for securing a guest within the ride vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 2 is a flow chart of a process suitable for unlocking a restraint system for the ride vehicle of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described herein. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's particular goals, which may vary from implementation to implementation, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Moreover, it should be understood that such a development effort may be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0012] Certain ride vehicles position the amusement park guest in an upright, straddled riding position when the ride vehicle represents a horse. An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a ride restraint system that restrains the amusement park guest at the lower body while allowing free movement of the upper body and arms. The restraint system may include a conforming component shaped to encircle the thigh, knee, and / or shin of one or both legs of the amusement park guest, and a behind-the-knee component used in combination with the conforming component to provide a restraint that secures the lower body to the ride vehicle. The restraint system may be suitable for use with a variety of amusement park guests of various ages and sizes, including adults and children.

[0013] In certain embodiments, a park visitor may sit astride the ride vehicle and then manually engage the restraint system to position one or more compliant components over the thigh, knee, and / or shin regions and behind the knee region. A linkage may engage the compliant and behind the knee components to move together as a group according to certain biometric techniques described in detail below. When the restraint system closes on the lower body portion, one or more pressure sensors may detect the pressure exerted by certain restraint system components and lock the restraint system in place once a desired pressure is achieved. Once the desired pressure is achieved in the restraint system, a controller may then launch the ride vehicle with the passenger restrained by the techniques described herein. By providing a restraint system that may include a moveable compliant shape and behind the knee components positioned by a linkage, the techniques described herein may provide a restraint system to a park visitor that enhances park rides by allowing upper body and arm movement while supporting and restraining the visitor during the ride. The restraint system described herein not only restrains amusement park guests, but also allows for containment of the guest to ensure there is no accidental self-exodus from the ride before or after departure from the boarding / dropping off locations.

[0014] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a ride system 10 that may be located within an amusement park. As shown in FIG. 1, the ride system 10 may include one or more ride vehicles 12, representing horses located within an enclosure 14, such as, for example, a carousel ride. Amusement park guests 16 may enter the ride 14 and then climb aboard and straddle the ride vehicles 12. Each ride vehicle 12 may include a ride restraint system 18, which may have one or more compliant components (e.g., a first compliant component 20 and a second compliant component 22) that restrain a lower body portion of each amusement park guest 16. It should be noted that while in the illustrated embodiment, two compliant components 20, 22 are shown restraining each leg of the amusement park guest 16, in other embodiments, the restraint system 18 may include a single compliant component or three or more compliant components that restrain each leg of the amusement park guest 16. The illustrated embodiment of the restraint system 18 also illustrates a back-knee component 24 that can be used to provide restraint for the back of each leg of the amusement park guest 16 .

[0015] In use, the park guest 16 is seated in the ride vehicle 12 and can then manually initiate closure of the restraint system 18, as described in more detail below. The components 20, 22, 24 move toward and contact the lower body of the park guest 16. As the components 20, 22, 24 contact the lower body (e.g., legs) of the park guest, they also contact one or more sensors 26, e.g., pressure sensors disposed on one or more of the components 20, 22, 24. A control system 28 can be communicatively connected to the sensors 26 to sense certain information, such as pressure between body parts and the components 20, 22, 24. The control system 28 can then activate one or more actuators 30 to lock the components 20, 22, 24 when a desired pressure (or pressure range) is reached. The actuators 30 can include hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, linear actuators, positioners, and the like. At a desired pressure or pressure range, the components 20, 22, 24 can adequately secure the amusement park guest 16 in place. Once the amusement park guest 16 is secured, for example, the sensor 26 provides an indication of a predetermined pressure to the control system 28, which can then launch the ride vehicle 12 to begin the park ride. The restraint system 18 can allow free movement of the guest's arms, and more generally, the upper body, as the ride vehicle 12 moves, for example, via the carousel 14. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the sensor 28 may not be used.

[0016] The control system 28 may be located inside or outside the enclosure 14. The control system 28 may include a memory 34 having instructions stored therein for controlling one or both of the ride vehicle 12 and the restraint system 18. Additionally, the control system 28 may include a processor 32 configured to execute the instructions. For example, the processor 32 may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the memory 34 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), optical drive, hard disk drive, or solid state drive. Additionally, the actuators 30 may include actuators, such as electric motors, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, etc., used to move the vehicle 12 during a park ride.

[0017] 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the restraint system 18 having one compliant component 50 per leg, each compliant component being positioned over the top of the leg of the visitor when the visitor is seated in the ride vehicle 12. More specifically, each compliant component 50 is shown being positioned over the thigh, knee, and upper shin of the visitor's leg. A behind-the-knee component 52 is also shown. As described above, the visitor 16 can enter the enclosure 14, sit astride the ride vehicle 12, and then manually deploy the restraint system 18 to secure himself or herself within the ride vehicle 12 with his or her lower body. More specifically, while seated, the visitor can use the handle 54 to pull inward toward the body along axis 55. It should also be noted that closure of the restraint system 18 can be accomplished by the control system 28 or a combination of the park guest 16 and the control system 28 (e.g., pulling on the handle 54 activates the control system 28, which then automatically closes the restraint system 18). As the conforming component 50 moves downward toward the leg, the linkage 56 also moves the behind-the-knee component 52 upward toward the knee.

[0018] The linkage 56 may include biometric technology adapted to move the conforming components (e.g., 20, 22, 50) in conjunction with the behind-the-knee components (e.g., 24, 52) such that they press against their respective body parts regardless of the size of the amusement park visitor. For example, adult visitors generally have a greater anatomical length between the top surface of the knee and the behind-the-knee side compared to child visitors. The linkage allows for the desired placement of one or more conforming components relative to the behind-the-knee components (e.g., 24, 52) regardless of size. That is, as shown, when the conforming component 50 contacts the knee of an adult visitor, the behind-the-knee component 52 is likely to be in a suitable position to contact the behind-the-knee area of ​​the adult visitor. Similarly, when the conforming component 50 contacts the knee of a child visitor, the behind-the-knee component 52 is likely to be in a suitable position to contact the behind-the-knee area of ​​the child visitor.

[0019] As pressure is applied to the respective lower body regions by the conforming and / or behind-the-knee components, one or more pressure sensors 26 can provide pressure measurements to a control system 28 to determine if a desired pressure or pressure range has been reached. The control system 28 can then lock the restraint system 18 to prevent further movement of the conforming and behind-the-knee components. The control system can also control automatic closure of the restraint system by closing the conforming and / or behind-the-knee components. Thus, the restraint system 18 can be classified as an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) restraint Class 3 or Class 4.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the conforming components 50 are shaped to encase the knees, thighs, and shins of a park patron. The conforming components 50 can be, for example, cast, extruded, or 3D printed from a variety of materials, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), phthalate-free polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, silicone, polyamide, various types of plastics, metal, and the like. Also shown in the drawings are a pair of foot paddles 58 that can be used as foot rests. In one embodiment, the foot paddles 58 can be adjustable independently of the components of the restraint system 18, such as the conforming components 20, 22, 50 and the back-of-the-knee components 24, 52. In other embodiments, the foot paddles 58 can move in conjunction with the components of the restraint system 18, such as the conforming components 20, 22, 50 and the back-of-the-knee components 24, 52. In yet other embodiments, the foot paddles 58 may not be used. In some embodiments, stairs may be used to aid in boarding the ride vehicle 12 .

[0021] The conforming components can also include removable and replaceable shells 60. For example, the vehicle can be customized with shells of different colors, shells having different finishes (e.g., armored shells, shells with different patterns, etc.) The conforming components 20, 22, 50, behind-the-knee components 24, 52, and / or foot paddles 58 can include foam padding as shown in FIG.

[0022] More specifically, Figure 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a restraint system with a conforming component 50 shown having foam padding 70 for cushioning the interface between the inner side of the conforming component 50 and the thigh, knee and lower shin regions of the amusement park guest. Similarly, the back-knee component 52 is shown having an outer foam padding 72 adapted for cushioning the interface with the back-knee region of the amusement park guest 16. In use, the foam padding 70, 72 can provide a high level of comfort during the park ride. High comfort can also be provided by the movable seat 74, which can move in a horizontal plane to allow the amusement park guest 16 to more comfortably fit the ride vehicle 12, and in use, the amusement park guest 16 can adjust his / her seating position by moving the movable seat 74 along an axis 76 after boarding the ride vehicle 12. Once the movable seat 74 is in the desired position, the park visitor 16 can lock the movable seat 74 and then adjust the restraint system 18 by means of the conforming component 50 and the behind-the-knee component 52. As described above, the park visitor 16 can grasp the handle 54 and move it along the axis 78 to engage or otherwise close the restraint system 18. The conforming component 50 and the behind-the-knee component 52 can then move relative to one another to secure the park visitor 16 in place.

[0023] As the conforming component 50 moves relative to the knee-behind component 52, the distance between the conforming component 50 and the knee-behind component 52 can vary until a distance D is reached. In one embodiment, the distance D can be achieved when the conforming component 50, the knee-behind component 52, or a combination thereof, presents a desired pressure as measured by a sensor 26 disposed in the conforming component 50, the knee-behind component 52, or a combination thereof. The distance D can also represent a biometric measurement of the distance between the front and back of a person's knee for various anatomical structures. That is, the distance D for a child is less than the distance D for an adult. However, the linkage 56 can move the knee-behind component 52 a particular amount or ratio (e.g., a ratio of 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, etc.) relative to the conforming component 50 such that when the conforming component 50 contacts the seated visitor 16 at the knee surface, the knee-behind component 52 approaches or even contacts the back of the knee of the seated visitor 16. This ratio can be obtained, for example, by varying the anatomical dimensions of the knee region.

[0024] The drawings also show foot paddles 58, which may also include foam padding 80 (e.g., internal foam padding). The foot paddles 58 may move independently of the restraint system 18 or may move in conjunction with other components (e.g., conforming component 50, behind-the-knee component 52) ​​as part of the restraint system 18 to support the feet of the park guest. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot paddles 58 are shown movable through an axis 82. Once the foot paddles 58 are in a desired position, the park guest 16 and / or the control system 28 may also lock them in place via actuators 30.

[0025] It may be convenient to show the sequence in which the amusement park guest 16 may enter the ride vehicle 12 and then lock the restraint system 18 into place. Accordingly, Figures 4-7 show various positions in the sequence in which the amusement park guest 16 may enter the ride vehicle 12 and then close the restraint system 18. Referring to Figure 4, this is a right-side perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 12, showing the amusement park guest 16 mid-straddle while riding the ride vehicle 12 having the restraint system 18. Although the drawing shows the amusement park guest 16 entering the ride vehicle 12 from the right side, the amusement park guest 16 may alternatively enter the ride vehicle 12 from the left side. In the illustrated embodiment, the conforming component 50 and the back-of-the-knee component 52 (not shown) are deployed in a fully "open" position, resulting in easy entry into the ride vehicle. Also, note that the drawings show park guest 16 using his right hand to hold onto upper handle 90 for additional support as he enters ride vehicle 12.

[0026] 5 is a right-side perspective view of an embodiment of the ride vehicle 12 in which amusement park guest 16 is fully seated within the ride vehicle 12. More specifically, the amusement park guest 16 is seated astride the ride vehicle 12 while holding the upper handle 90, with the conforming component 50 and the knee-back component 52 still deployed in a fully open position. When the amusement park guest 16 is ready to close the restraint system 18, the amusement park guest 16 can hold and pull on one or both handles 54, as shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, FIG. 6 is a right-side perspective view of an embodiment of the restraint system 18 in a particular closed position, with the conforming component 50 having moved along the channel 100 closer to the knee area of ​​the amusement park guest 16.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a right side perspective view of an embodiment of the restraint system 18 with the conforming component 50 and the behind-the-knee component 52 (not shown) in a closed position. More specifically, in FIG. 7, the conforming component 50 is fully positioned over the knee, thigh, and shin of the park guest. As described above, the control system 28 can sense the pressure of the conforming component 50, the behind-the-knee component 52, and combinations thereof, and lock the components 50, 52 in place when the pressure is within a predetermined measurement or range. The control system 28 can then launch the ride vehicle 12 with the park guest 16 secured in place based on pressure signals from the one or more sensors 26.

[0028] It may be convenient to show the order in which the park guest 16 and / or the control system 28 may unlock the restraint system 18 and then exit the ride vehicle 12. Accordingly, FIGS. 8-11 show various positions in the order in which the restraint system 18 may be unlocked prior to the guest 16 exiting the ride vehicle 12. More particularly, FIG. 8 is a right-side perspective view of the guest 16 arriving at the boarding / exiting location prior to exiting the ride vehicle 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint system 18 is shown having three components per leg, more particularly the components 20, 22, 24 shown with respect to FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint system 18 is shown in a locked position, for example when arriving at the boarding / exiting location after completing a park ride. Thus, the conforming component 20 is shown to secure the thigh of the park guest, the conforming component 22 is shown to secure the shin of the park guest, and the back-of-the-knee component 24 is shown to secure the back-of-the-knee.

[0029] The conforming component 20 can include a shape (e.g., a curved shape) suitable for encircling the thigh. Similarly, the conforming component 22 can have a shape suitable for encircling the shin area. In the illustrated embodiment, the behind-the-knee component 24 is a "wing-like" component and has a shape suitable for encircling the upper calf of the leg. Also shown is a handle 110 that can be used to open and close the restraint system 18.

[0030] Once the park ride is completed, the restraint system 18 may be deployed to the open position shown in Figure 9. As shown, the conforming components 20, 22 and the back-of-the-knee component 24 are shown in a partially open position. As mentioned above, the park guest 16 may grasp the handle 110 to initiate the release of the restraint system 18, or the control system 28 may automatically release the restraint system 18 based on the arrival and subsequent stopping of the ride vehicle 12.

[0031] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the restraint system 18 with the compliant components 20, 22 and the behind-the-knee component 24 shown in a fully open position. Additionally, the sensors 26 may include proximity and / or position sensors, such as limit switches, photoelectric switches, relay switches, Hall effect switches, etc., that may provide an indication to the control system 28 that the components 20, 22, and 24 are currently in their respective open positions. Thus, the control system 28 may derive that the components 20, 22, and 24 are all in the open position during the disembarkation maneuver. As illustrated, the compliant components 20, 22 and the behind-the-knee component 24 are in a fully deployed open position, allowing the amusement park guest 16 to exit the ride vehicle 12. FIG. 11 illustrates a left rear perspective view of an embodiment of the components 20, 22, and 24, also all shown in a fully open position. The amusement park guest 16 may then exit the ride vehicle 12 from either the right or left side.

[0032] 12 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 150 that may be suitable for closing the restraint system 18. The process 150 may be implemented as computer code or instructions executable by the processing unit 32 of the control system 28 and stored in the memory 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the process 150 may actuate the compliant components (e.g., 20, 22, 50) and the behind-the-knee components (e.g., 24, 52) to close the restraint system 18 (block 152). For example, the actuator 30 may be actuated by the control system 28 to close the components of the restraint system 18.

[0033] The process 150 may detect pressure applied by one or more components (e.g., 20, 22, 24, 50, 52) of the restraint system 18 (block 154), which pressure is applied when one or more components contact the park guest 16. For example, the control system 28 may receive a sensor signal representative of the applied pressure from the sensor 26. If a desired pressure or pressure range is reached (decision 156), then the process 150 may deactivate the components of the restraint system 18 (block 158). It is understood that the sensor 26 may include other sensor types, such as redundant pressure sensors as well as proximity sensors. The process 150 may then launch the ride vehicle 12 so that the park guest 16 can experience the park ride (block 160).

[0034] 13 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a process 200 that may be suitable for releasing the restraint system 18. The process 200 may be implemented as computer code or instructions executable by the processor 32 of the control system 28 and stored in the memory 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the process 200 may actuate the compliant components (e.g., 20, 22, 50) and the behind-the-knee components (e.g., 24, 52) to release the restraint system 18 (block 202). For example, the actuator 30 may be actuated by the control system 28 to release the components of the restraint system 18.

[0035] The process 200 may next detect the positions of the components of the restraint system 18 (block 204). For example, the control system 28 may receive sensor signals from the sensors 26 representative of the position of each of the components 20, 22, 24, 50, 52. As noted above, some of the sensors 26 may be position sensors, such as limit switches, photoelectric switches, relay switches, Hall effect switches, etc., that may provide the control system 28 with an indication of the position of one or more of the components 20, 22, 24, 50, 52.

[0036] Once the fully open position of components 20, 22, 24, 50, 52 is achieved (decision 206), then the process 200 may deactivate the components of the restraint system 18 (block 208). It is understood that the proximity sensors 26 may include redundant proximity sensors. By incorporating the technology described herein, amusement park guests may be securely restrained in ASTM restraint Class 3 or 4 while allowing free movement of the upper body and arms.

[0037] As described above, the ride system of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical effects useful for enhancing a guest's experience during operation of the ride system within an amusement park. For example, an embodiment of the ride system may include a restraint system adapted to secure a guest seated astride a ride vehicle, such as a ride vehicle representing a horse. The restraint system may secure the guest's lower body while leaving the arms and upper body unobstructed. The restraint system may include a conforming shape adapted to fit around body parts, such as the knee, thigh and / or shin regions of each leg. The restraint system may also include a behind-the-knee component adapted to secure a portion of each leg from behind. The control system may detect when the restraint system is in place and when the restraint system is fully open with one or more sensors.

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

[0039] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that positively improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). On the other hand, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 10 Vehicle System 12 Vehicles 14 Enclosure 16 Amusement park visitor 18 Restraint Systems 20 Conformance Components 22 Compliant Components 24 Back of knee components 26 Sensors 28 Control System 30 Actuator 32 Processing equipment 34 Memory

Claims

1. 1. An amusement park ride vehicle having a restraint system, the restraint system comprising: a first conforming component configured to be placed over a portion of the guest's lower body; a behind-the-knee component that is movable and configured to be positioned behind the guest's leg, the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component configured to remain in contact with the guest upon activation of the restraint system; a sensor configured to send a signal to a control system indicative of pressure applied to a portion of the guest's lower body by the first conforming component or pressure applied to the guest by the behind-the-knee component; a linkage, the control system configured to control the linkage and move the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component in response to the signal to secure the restraint system to the guest, the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component configured to be movable in response to the signal transmitted by the sensor; A vehicle comprising:

2. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first conforming component includes a portion positioned over the guest's thigh, a portion positioned over the guest's knee, a portion positioned over the guest's shin, or a combination thereof.

3. The ride vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the restraint system comprises a second compliant component configured to be positioned over another portion of the guest's lower body that is different from the portion of the lower body.

4. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to control the linkage to move the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component to a desired position, the desired position being achieved when a desired pressure is reached between the first conforming component and the guest, between the behind-the-knee component and the guest, or a combination thereof.

5. 5. The ride vehicle of claim 4, wherein the restraint system includes an actuator configured to move the first compliant component and the behind-the-knee component, and the control system is configured to operate the actuator based on the signal.

6. 10. The ride vehicle of claim 1, wherein the restraint system comprises a handle configured to be manually actuated by the guest to open the restraint system, to close the restraint system, or a combination thereof.

7. The ride vehicle of claim 6 , wherein said handle is disposed on said first compatible component.

8. 8. The ride vehicle of claim 7, wherein the first compliant component is mechanically coupled to the behind-the-knee component by the linkage such that actuation of a handle causes movement of the first compliant component and movement of the behind-the-knee component.

9. The ride vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first conforming component has a shape configured for positioning over a lap region of the guest.

10. 2. The ride vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a second conforming component configured to be positioned over another portion of the guest's lower body different from the portion of the lower body, and the linkage is configured to move the first conforming component, the back-of-knee component and the second conforming component to secure the restraint system to the guest.

11. 1. A restraint system for an amusement park ride, comprising: a first conforming component configured to be placed over a portion of the guest's lower body; a behind-the-knee component that is movable and configured to be positioned behind the leg of the guest, the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component configured to remain in contact with the guest upon activation of the restraint system; a sensor configured to send a signal to a control system indicative of pressure applied to the guest by the first conforming component, or pressure applied to the guest by the behind-the-knee component, or both; a linkage, the control system configured to control the linkage and move the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component in response to the signal to secure the restraint system to the guest, the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component configured to be movable in response to the signal transmitted by the sensor; A system comprising:

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured to control the linkage to move the first conforming component and the behind-the-knee component to a particular position, the particular position being based on pressure applied by the first conforming component, the behind-the-knee component, or a combination thereof.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising an actuator configured to move the conforming component and the behind-the-knee component, the control system configured to actuate the actuator based on the signal.

14. 12. The system of claim 11, comprising a handle configured to be manually actuated by the guest to open the restraint system, to close the restraint system, or a combination thereof.

15. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a second conforming component configured to be positioned over another portion of the guest's lower body different from the portion of the lower body, and the linkage configured to move the first conforming component, the back-of-knee component and the second conforming component to secure the restraint system to the guest.

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