System and method for mounting a support bar for a minimum closure mark of a ride vehicle

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and system for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle. The system comprises a ride seat and a restraint system configured to restrain a passenger in the ride seat. The restraint system comprises a crossbar to be positioned against a passenger, a support bar having a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat, and a flap coupled to a support. The flap is configured to be inserted into or extracted from a slot formed within a seat side structure when the support bar is rotated about the pivot, and to indicate whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap relative to the slot.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0002] The present application claims priority and benefit from U.S. Utility Model No. 17 / 316,583, titled “SUPPORT BAR MOUNTED SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MINIMUM CLOSE INDICATION FOR RIDE VEHICLE,” filed on May 10, 2021, and from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 023,413, titled “SUPPORT BAR MOUNTED SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MINIMUM CLOSE INDICATION FOR RIDE VEHICLE,” filed on May 12, 2020, the whole of which is incorporated herein by reference as fully described below for all applicable purposes and in its whole.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The technology discussed below generally relates to amusement park rides, and more specifically, to a system and method for indicating the minimum closed position of a restraint system to determine whether a passenger is safely restrained in a ride vehicle. Background Technology

[0005] A restraint system is used to safely restrain passengers in amusement park ride vehicles. For example, a restraint system is provided to accommodate seated, standing, or prone passengers. In the case of seated rides, the restraint system may take the form of a crossbar (e.g., a wrap bar, a T-bar, etc.) positioned on the passenger's torso or thighs. In one example, the crossbar may be supported by one or more support bars rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on or near the floor of the ride vehicle very close to the passenger's legs. As such, the crossbar may move toward or away from the passenger as one or more support bars rotate around the pivot toward or away from the passenger.

[0006] Generally, the restraint system allows the crossbar to be pulled toward any relative position toward the passenger, but restricts it from being pressed in the opposite direction until it is unlocked by the operator. If the crossbar fails to be secured in a position sufficiently close to the passenger and the seat, the passenger's body may move past the crossbar, potentially resulting in an unrestrained situation. Therefore, it is important for passenger safety to position the crossbar at a determined location that indicates a minimum safe operating position.

[0007] For some restraint systems, the ride operator requires some type of minimum closed position indicator to ensure that the passenger is properly restrained within the ride vehicle, for example, that the minimum safe operating position of a crossbar restraint has been reached. For most ride vehicles, a physical indicator can be easily mounted on the hood or the ride vehicle floor and / or electrically mounted, allowing the ride operator to determine whether the passenger is properly restrained. However, for ride vehicles without a hood or floor, or for ride vehicles with minimal electrical connections, mounting a non-electric minimum closed position indicator may be difficult, particularly when a limited number of ride vehicle surfaces (e.g., seat backs, seat pans, and / or restraint systems) must be capable of mounting the indicator. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method for mounting a non-electric minimum closed position indicator on a ride vehicle having a limited number of available mounting surfaces, which enables the ride operator to quickly and safely determine whether the restraint system is in the minimum safe operating position.

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects of the present disclosure to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all features considered in the present disclosure, nor is it intended to identify the principal or important elements of any aspect of the invention or to describe the scope of any or all aspects of the invention. The sole purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description that follows.

[0009] The aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle. The system comprises a ride seat and a restraint system configured to restrain a passenger in the ride seat. The restraint system comprises a support bar having a crossbar for positioning against a passenger, a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar, and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat, and a flap coupled to the support bar. The flap is configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from a slot formed within a side structure of the ride seat when the support bar is rotated about the pivot, and to indicate whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap relative to the slot.

[0010] In one example, a system for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a ride seat disposed within the ride vehicle. The ride seat includes a seat pan, a seat back, and a side structure formed between the seat pan and the seat back. The system further includes a restraint system configured to restrain a passenger against at least one of the seat back or the seat pan. The restraint system includes at least one support bar having a crossbar configured to be disposed against the passenger, a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar, and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat, and a flap coupled to the at least one support bar. The flap extends perpendicularly to the orientation of the at least one support bar. Furthermore, the flap is configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from a slot formed within an upper portion of the side structure when the at least one support bar is rotated about the pivot, and to indicate whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap relative to the slot. The system also includes at least one rotary adapter coupled to a second support bar end of at least one support bar. The at least one rotary adapter is configured to rotatably coupled the second support bar end to a pivot. The system also includes at least one hydraulic cylinder coupled to at least one rotary adapter. The at least one hydraulic cylinder is configured to actuate the at least one rotary adapter to rotate at least one support bar around the pivot, thereby causing the crossbar to move toward or away from the passenger.

[0011] In one example, a method for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises placing a ride seat within the ride vehicle. The ride seat comprises a seat pan, a seat back, and a side structure formed between the seat pan and the seat back. The method further comprises restraining the passenger with respect to at least one of the seat back or the seat pan. Restraining comprises rotating at least one support bar around a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat. The at least one support bar comprises a first support bar end coupled to a crossbar to be placed against the passenger and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to the pivot. Rotating at least one support bar around the pivot causes the crossbar to move toward or away from the passenger. Restraining also comprises inserting a flap coupled to at least one support bar into a slot formed within an upper portion of the side structure, or extracting the flap from the slot, when at least one support bar is rotated around the pivot. The present method also includes indicating whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining a passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap for the slot, and indicating whether the crossbar has exceeded a maximum closed position for restraining a passenger based on the position of a second marking on the flap for the slot. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a passenger transport vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of a travel path for a ride vehicle. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a front perspective view of a passenger carrier according to the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a rear perspective view of a passenger carrier according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a perspective view of a part of a restraint system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a first drawing showing a restraining system that has not reached a minimum closed position according to the view of the present disclosure, and a second drawing showing a restraining system that has reached a minimum closed position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of a restraint system according to another aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle according to the aspects of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] The detailed description below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein may be implemented. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a complete understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be implemented without such specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are illustrated in block diagrams so as not to obscure these concepts. While aspects and embodiments are described in this application by illustration of some examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may occur in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovative embodiments described herein may be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging arrangements.

[0014] The aspect of the present disclosure relates to amusement park ride vehicles, such as automated guided vehicles used for entertainment purposes. Specifically, the aspect of the present disclosure relates to a ride vehicle restraint system, and more specifically, to a system and method for indicating a minimum closed position of a restraint system to determine whether a rider / passenger is safely restrained in the ride vehicle. In the aspect, a visual indicator for indicating a minimum closed position of a restraint system is mounted non-electrically on a ride vehicle having a limited number of available mounting surfaces.

[0015] An amusement park may use a passenger transport ride vehicle to provide an immersive entertainment experience to amusement park guests. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a passenger transport ride vehicle (100). The ride vehicle (100) may include a base (112) and an arm (114). The configuration of the ride vehicle (100) is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. The base (112) may include a plurality of drive units (118) that enable the ride vehicle (100) to follow an intended path. The base (112) may further include a central column (120) to which a turntable (122) of the arm (114) is rotatably mounted. The arm (114) may include a lower arm portion (114a) and an upper arm portion (114b) that are pivotally connected to each other. The lower arm portion (114a) is additionally pivotally connected to the turntable (122). Together, the pivotable connection between the lower arm portion (114a) and the upper arm portion (114b), the pivotable connection between the lower arm portion (114a) and the turntable (122), and the rotatable connection between the arm (114) and the central column (120) allow the arm (114) to move in multiple directions as indicated by the arrows (124, 126, 128).

[0016] The ride vehicle (100) may further include a passenger carrier (116). The passenger carrier (116) includes a plurality of ride seats (130) mounted in a parallel orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the passenger carrier (116) is provided with, for example, two seats (130), but is not intended to be limited as the passenger carrier (116) may support additional seats (e.g., a total of four seats). Each seat (130) is provided with a restraint system (132) configured to ensure that the rider / passenger (134) remains on the seat (130) when the passenger carrier (116) is moved by the arm (114), and additionally, when the arm (114) and the passenger carrier (116) are moved by the base (112). The passenger carrier (116) is pivotally connected to the upper arm portion (114b) and is movable relative to the arm (114) as indicated by the arrow (136).

[0017] It is recognized that the passenger carrier arrangement of the ride vehicle (100) described above is an example of one of many different passenger carrier arrangements that may be used by the ride vehicle (100) for entertainment purposes. In one exemplary arrangement, the seat (130) may be mounted on the base (112) and the omitted arm (114) of the ride vehicle (100).

[0018] The passenger transport ride vehicle (100) of the type described above is typically used in an amusement park to provide an immersive entertainment experience to amusement park guests. The ride vehicle may move through a themed environment related, for example, to a movie or video game. The themed environment may include elements such as, for example, scenery, props, animated characters, audio effects, visual effects, pyrotechnic effects, and olfactory effects. As the ride vehicle (100) moves through the themed environment, the movement of the vehicle, as well as the movement of the arm (114) and passenger carrier (116), is synchronized with the themed environment elements to provide an immersive entertainment experience. As described in more detail below, because it is important that the rider / passenger is safely restrained in the ride vehicle, a system and method are provided for indicating the minimum closed position of the restraint system to determine whether the rider / passenger is actually safely restrained.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example of a travel path (200) for a ride vehicle (e.g., ride vehicle (100)). The travel path (200) has a starting point (A) and an ending point (B) and extends in a winding manner between the starting point (A) and the ending point (B). In some respects, the travel path (200) may be in the form of a closed loop so that the ride vehicle circulates around the travel path (200). The starting point (A) may be defined by a passenger boarding point of the path (200), and the ending point (B) may be defined by a passenger disembarking point of the path (200).

[0020] From an perspective, the ride vehicle may be configured to travel a portion of the path (200) between the starting point (A) and the ending point (B) at a constant speed. At predetermined points along the travel path (200), the ride vehicle may perform dynamic movement operations. These dynamic movement operations may include, for example, lateral translation, spin, spiral turn, sliding in the direction of the ride vehicle's movement or in the opposite direction, periods of rapid acceleration and deceleration, transition to reverse, sharp turns, or a combination thereof.

[0021] To provide the desired immersive entertainment experience to the passenger in the ride vehicle, the movement of the ride vehicle base (112), arm (114), and passenger carrier (116) is closely synchronized with the aforementioned elements of the theme environment. Therefore, it is important to securely restrain the passenger in the seat (130) to prevent the passenger from being displaced from the seat (130) (e.g., passing through the restraint system) due to the dynamic movement operation of the ride vehicle (100).

[0022] FIG. 3 is a drawing (300) illustrating a front perspective view of a passenger carrier (316) according to an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing (400) illustrating a rear perspective view of a passenger carrier (316) according to an aspect of the present invention. The passenger carrier (316) may be equivalent to the passenger carrier (116) illustrated in FIG. 1 and, therefore, may be coupled to an arm (114) of a ride vehicle (100). Furthermore, the passenger carrier (316) illustrated in FIG. 3 is provided with, for example, four seats (330), but is not intended to be limited as the passenger carrier (316) may support more or fewer seats.

[0023] In view, each seat (330) may include a seat back (350), a seat pan (352), and one or more side structures (354) formed between the seat back (350) and the seat pan (352). Additionally, each seat (330) is provided with a restraint system (332) configured to restrain a rider / passenger (334) within the seat (330) (e.g., with respect to the seat back (350) and / or seat pan (352)) when the passenger carrier (316) is moved by the arm (114) and / or base (112) of the ride vehicle (100). The restraint system (332) may include a crossbar (340) (e.g., a wrap bar, a T-bar, etc.) positioned against the torso or thigh of the rider / passenger (334). In view, it may be manufactured from a rigid material, a soft material (e.g., a foam pad), or a combination thereof. The restraint system (332) further comprises one or more support bars (342) (e.g., restraint tubes) to which the crossbar (340) is attached. In particular, the support bar (342) has a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar (340) and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to the pivot (430) (as shown in FIG. 4). The pivot (430) may be mounted on the rear-upper portion of the seat (330) behind the seat back (350) close to the passenger's head and shoulders.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the restraint system (332) also includes one or more rotary adapters (442) and one or more hydraulic cylinders (444). Each support bar (342) is attached to each rotary adapter (442) which is mounted on the pivot (430). In this regard, the rotary adapter (442) may be considered as part of the support bar (342). Each rotary adapter (442) engages with each hydraulic cylinder (444). Thus, when activated, one or more hydraulic cylinders (444) actuate one or more rotary adapters (442) to rotate one or more support bars (342) around the pivot (430), thereby causing the crossbar (340) to move / rotate downward (450) toward the torso / thigh of the passenger (334) or upward (452) away from the torso / thigh of the passenger (334) as the support bar (342) rotates. In this regard, the passenger carrier (316) may include one hydraulic cylinder (444) for each rotary adapter (442) to which a support bar (342) is attached. Thus, for each seat (330) having one crossbar (340) attached to two support bars (342) each coupled to two rotary adapters (442), two hydraulic cylinders (444) may be provided to rotate each of the two support bars (342) around the pivot (430).

[0025] The effectiveness of the restraint system (332) may be limited by the ability to position the crossbar (340) in a position sufficiently close to the seat back (350) and / or seat pan (352) to prevent the rider / passenger (334) from moving past the crossbar (340) due to the ride induction force. In this regard, the restraint system (332) allows the crossbar (340) to be pulled toward any relative position toward the rider / passenger (334), but restricts it from being pressed in the opposite direction until the crossbar (340) is unlocked by the driver. Failure to secure the crossbar (340) in a position sufficiently close to the rider / passenger (334) and the seat back (350) / seat pan (352) may create a situation where the passenger's body can move past the crossbar (340) and thus be unrestrained. This may be the case for a passenger with a specific body type that the seat (330) cannot safely accommodate (e.g., a small, large, short, or tall body), or for a case where the restraint system (332) does not operate properly (e.g., a broken or malfunctioning locking mechanism). Therefore, it is important for the safety of the passenger that the crossbar (340) is positioned at a determined location to indicate a minimum safe operating position. An aspect of the present disclosure relates to indicating the minimum closed position of the restraint system (332) so that the rider / passenger (334) is properly restrained within the seat (330), that is, the minimum safe operating position of the crossbar (340) is reached, so that the ride operator can ensure this.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a drawing (500) illustrating a perspective view of a portion of a restraint system (332) according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the restraint system (332) further comprises a minimum closed position indicator (or flap) (504) coupled (e.g., bonded or bolted) to a rotary adapter (442) and / or a support bar (342) as described above. The flap (504) extends perpendicularly to the orientation of the rotary adapter (442) and / or the support bar (342). Furthermore, the flap (504) may be formed of metal, or any other hard material that retains its shape when the flap (504) is used (e.g., inserted into or extracted from a slot).

[0027] In view, the upper side portion of the seat (330) (e.g., the upper portion of the side structure (354)) includes a slot (506) for receiving a flap (504). Thus, when a hydraulic cylinder (444) acts the rotary adapter (442) to cause the support bar (342) to rotate around the pivot (430) (and, when the crossbar (340) is moved in the downward direction (450) or the upward direction (452), the flap (504) also rotates / moves together with the support bar (342) to be inserted into or extracted from the slot (506). In view, the lower portion of the flap (504) is marked by a marking (508) that is visually different from the rest of the flap (504) (i.e., the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking (508)). For example, the marking (508) may be a specific color (e.g., red), while the remainder of the flap (504) is a different color (e.g., green). In another example, the marking (508) may be a pattern of various lines and / or shapes, while the remainder of the flap (504) is a solid pattern, or vice versa. In particular, the above example for distinguishing the marking (508) from the remainder of the flap (504) is not intended to be limited, as any other method for visually separating the flap portion may be implemented.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a first drawing (600) showing a restraint system (332) that has not achieved a minimum closed position according to the aspects of the present disclosure, and a second drawing (650) showing a restraint system (332) that has reached a minimum closed position. In the aspects, the position of the marking (508) and / or the amount of space occupied by the marking (508) on the flap (504) is predetermined based on the minimum safe operating position / minimum closed position of the crossbar (340) to safely restrain the passenger (334) (e.g., safely prevent the passenger (334) from moving past the crossbar (340) by the ride induction force) when the crossbar (340) engages with the passenger (334)'s torso / thigh. When the crossbar (340) is lowered over the passenger (334) and the flap (504) is inserted into the slot (506), the flap (504) may indicate whether the restraint system (332) / crossbar (340) is minimally closed to safely restrain the passenger (334) according to the position of the marking (508) on the slot (506).

[0029] For example, referring to the first drawing (600) of FIG. 6, if any part of the marking (508) is exposed outside the slot (506) (e.g., if the marking (508) is visible to the ride operator), the flap (504) then indicates that the restraint system (332) has not reached the minimum closed and / or minimum safe operating position. When the ride operator sees a visual indication that the minimum closed has not been achieved (e.g., when seeing the marking (508)), the ride operator may quickly determine that the passenger (334) is not of a body type that can be safely accommodated in the seat (330) / passenger carrier (316) (e.g., the passenger (334) is too large to ride safely), or that the restraint system (332) is not functioning properly and prevents the passenger (334) from riding in the ride vehicle. Alternatively, referring to the second drawing (650) of FIG. 6, if no part of the marking (508) is exposed outside the slot (506) (e.g., the entire marking (508) is inserted into the slot (506) and thus the marking (508) is not visible to the ride operator), the flap (504) then indicates that the restraint system (332) has reached a minimum closed and / or minimum safe operating position. When the ride operator sees the visual indication that the minimum closed position has been achieved (e.g., the marking (508) is completely hidden from view in the slot (506)), the ride operator may quickly determine that the passenger (334) is a body type that can be safely accommodated in the seat (330) / passenger carrier (316) and that the passenger (334) can be allowed to ride in the ride vehicle.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a drawing (700) illustrating a perspective view of a portion of a restraint system (332) according to another aspect of the present disclosure. In one aspect, in addition to the lower portion of the flap (504) indicated by the marking (508) as described above, the upper portion of the flap (504) may also be visually different from the remainder of the flap (504) (i.e., the upper marking (708) or the central portion of the flap not occupied by the marking (508)) and, in some aspects, may be indicated by an upper marking (708) that is visually different from the marking (508). For example, the upper marking (708) may be a specific color (e.g., red), while the central portion of the flap (504) is a different color (e.g., green). In another example, the upper marking (708) may be a pattern of various lines and / or shapes, while the central portion of the flap (504) is a solid pattern, or vice versa. In this regard, the position of the upper marking (708) and / or the amount of space occupied by the upper marking (708) on the flap (504) may be predetermined based on the maximum safe operating position / maximum closed position of the crossbar (340) to safely restrain the passenger (334) (e.g., safely prevent the passenger (334) from moving past the crossbar (340) by the ride induction force) when the crossbar (340) engages with the passenger (334)'s torso / thigh. When the crossbar (340) is lowered over the passenger (334) and the flap (504) is inserted into the slot (506), the flap (504) may indicate whether the restraint system (332) / crossbar (340) goes beyond the maximum closed position to safely restrain the passenger (334) according to the position of the upper marking (708) relative to the slot (506).

[0031] For example, when any part of the upper marking (708) is inserted into the slot (506), the flap (504) indicates that the restraint system (332) has moved beyond the maximum safe operating position. When the ride operator sees the visual indication that the restraint system (332) has moved beyond the maximum safe operating position, the ride operator may quickly determine that the passenger (334) is not of a body type that can be safely accommodated in the seat (330) / passenger carrier (316) (e.g., the passenger (334) is too small to ride safely), or that the restraint system (332) is not functioning properly and is preventing the passenger (334) from riding in the ride vehicle. Alternatively, if the entire upper marking (708) is exposed outside the slot (506) and the entire marking (508) is inserted into the slot (506) (e.g., if the marking (508) is not visible to the ride operator), the flap (504) then indicates that the restraint system (332) is within the maximum safe operating position and has also reached the minimum closure (minimum safe operating position). When the ride operator sees the visual indication that the restraint system (332) is within the maximum safe operating position and has reached the minimum closure, the ride operator may quickly determine that the passenger (334) is a body type that can be safely accommodated in the seat (330) / passenger carrier (316) and that the passenger (334) can be allowed to ride in the ride vehicle.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process (800) for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle according to the aspects of the present disclosure. As described below, some or all of the exemplified features may be omitted in specific embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, and some exemplified features may not be required for the implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process (800) may be performed by the ride system / vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1 through 7. In some examples, the process (800) may be performed by any suitable device or means for performing the function or algorithm described below.

[0033] In block (802), the system places a ride seat (e.g., ride seat (330)) within a ride vehicle (e.g., ride vehicle (100)). The ride seat includes a seat pan (e.g., seat pan (352)), a seat back (e.g., seat back (350)), and a side structure (e.g., side structure (354)) formed between the seat pan and the seat back.

[0034] In block (804), the system restrains a passenger (e.g., passenger (334)) with respect to at least one of the seat back or seat pan.

[0035] In block (806), restraining the passenger involves rotating at least one support bar (e.g., one or more support bars (342)) around a pivot (e.g., pivot (430)) mounted on the rear-upper portion of the ride seat. The at least one support bar includes a first support bar end coupled to a crossbar (e.g., crossbar (340)) to be positioned toward the passenger, and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to the pivot. Rotating at least one support bar around the pivot causes the crossbar to move toward the passenger (e.g., toward the downward direction (450)) or away from the passenger (e.g., toward the upward direction (452)).

[0036] In block (808), restraining the passenger further comprises inserting a flap (e.g., flap (504)) coupled to at least one support bar into a slot (e.g., slot (506)) formed within the upper part of the side structure when at least one support bar is rotated about a pivot, or extracting the flap from the slot. In view, the flap extends perpendicularly to the orientation of at least one support bar.

[0037] In block (810), the system indicates whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining a passenger based on the position of the marking on the flap for the slot (e.g., marking (508)). In one aspect, the position of the marking and the amount of space occupied by the marking on the flap are predetermined based on the minimum closed position of the crossbar for restraining a passenger. In another aspect, the portion of the flap occupied by the marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking. For example, the portion of the flap occupied by the marking may be marked in a certain color (e.g., red), and the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking may be marked in a different color (e.g., green). In another example, the portion of the flap occupied by the marking may be a pattern of various lines and / or shapes, and the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking may be a solid pattern, or vice versa.

[0038] From one perspective, the system may indicate that the crossbar has not reached the minimum closing position when any part of the marking is exposed outside the slot. From another perspective, the system may indicate that the crossbar has reached the minimum closing position when the entire marking is inserted into the slot.

[0039] In block (812), the system optionally indicates whether the crossbar has exceeded the maximum closed position for restraining a passenger based on the position of the second marking on the flap for the slot (e.g., the upper marking (708)). In one aspect, the position of the second marking and the amount of space occupied by the second marking on the flap are predetermined based on the maximum closed position of the crossbar for restraining a passenger. In another aspect, the portion of the flap occupied by the second marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the second marking (upper marking (708)) or the marking (marking (508)).

[0040] From one perspective, the system may indicate that the crossbar has moved beyond the maximum closed position when any part of the second marking is inserted into the slot. From another perspective, the system may indicate that the crossbar is within the maximum closed position and has reached the minimum closed position when the entire second marking is exposed outside the slot and the entire marking is inserted into the slot.

[0041] In this disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used to mean “provided as an example or illustration.” Any embodiment or aspect described as “exemplary” in this specification is not to be interpreted as being more desirable or advantageous than any other aspect of this disclosure. Likewise, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. In this specification, the term “combined” is used to refer to a direct or indirect combination between two objects. For example, if object (A) is in physical contact with object (B) and object (B) is in contact with object (C), objects (A and C) may still be considered combined with each other even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, even if the first object is not in direct physical contact with the second object, the first object may be combined with the second object.

[0042] One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8 may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or may be implemented as multiple components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The devices, apparatus, and / or components illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8 may be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein may also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0043] It should be understood that the specific order or arrangement of steps in the disclosed method is an example of an exemplary process. It is understood that the specific order or arrangement of steps in the method may be rearranged according to design preferences. The appended method claims represent elements of various steps in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or arrangement shown unless specifically cited herein.

[0044] The preceding description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and general principles defined in this specification may apply to other aspects. Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects depicted in this specification, but should be given full scope consistent with the language of the claims, and references to singular elements mean "one or more" rather than "one and only one" unless specifically stated otherwise. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more. Phrases referring to "at least one" in a list of items refer to any combination of such items, including a single element. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b, and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this specification, which are known to those skilled in the art or will be known thereafter, are expressly incorporated by reference into this specification and are intended to be incorporated by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this specification is intended to be devoted to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly cited in the claims. Unless a claim element is explicitly referred to using the phrase “means for doing something,” or in the case of a method claim, unless a claim element is referred to using the phrase “step for doing something,” a claim element is not interpreted in accordance with 35 USC§112(f).[Exemplary Embodiment] (Embodiment 1) A system for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle, comprising: a ride seat disposed within the ride vehicle and including a seat pan, a seat back, and a side structure formed between the seat pan and the seat back; and a restraint system configured to restrain a passenger with respect to at least one of the seat back or the seat pan, wherein the restraint system comprises at least one support bar having a crossbar configured to be disposed with respect to the passenger, a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar, and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat; and a flap coupled to the at least one support bar and extending perpendicularly to the orientation of the at least one support bar, wherein the flap is configured to be inserted into or extracted from a slot formed within an upper portion of the side structure when the at least one support bar is rotated around the pivot as a shim, and to indicate whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap relative to the slot. System. (Embodiment 2) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the position of the marking and the amount of space occupied by the marking on the flap are predetermined based on the minimum closing position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. (Embodiment 3) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flap is configured to indicate that the crossbar has not reached the minimum closing position when any part of the marking is exposed outside the slot. (Embodiment 4) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flap is configured to indicate that the crossbar has reached the minimum closing position when the entire marking is inserted into the slot. (Embodiment 5) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the part of the flap occupied by the marking is visually different from the part of the flap not occupied by the marking.(Embodiment 6) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 5, wherein the portion of the flap occupied by the marking is indicated by a predetermined color, and the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking is indicated by a different color. (Embodiment 7) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the flap is further configured to indicate whether the crossbar exceeds the maximum closing position for restraining the passenger based on the position of the second marking on the flap relative to the slot. (Embodiment 8) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the position of the second marking and the amount of space occupied by the second marking on the flap are predetermined based on the maximum closing position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. (Embodiment 9) A passenger restraint system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the flap indicates that the crossbar exceeds the maximum closing position when any portion of the second marking is inserted into the slot, and the entire second marking is exposed outside the slot. A passenger restraint system configured to indicate that the crossbar is within the maximum closed position and has reached the minimum closed position when the entire marking is inserted into the slot. (Embodiment 10) A passenger restraint system in Embodiment 7, wherein the portion of the flap occupied by the second marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the second marking or the marking. (Embodiment 11) A passenger restraint system in Embodiment 1, wherein the restraint system comprises at least one rotary adapter coupled to a second support bar end of at least one support bar and configured to rotatably coupled the second support bar end to the pivot, and at least one hydraulic cylinder coupled to the at least one rotary adapter, wherein the at least one hydraulic cylinder acts the at least one rotary adapter to rotate the at least one support bar around the pivot so that the crossbar moves toward or away from the passenger.(Embodiment 12) A method for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle, wherein a ride seat is placed within the ride vehicle, the ride seat comprises a seat pan, a seat back, and a side structure formed between the seat pan and the seat back; wherein the method of placing the passenger restrains the passenger with respect to at least one of the seat back or the seat pan, the method of restraining the passenger comprises rotating at least one support bar around a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat, wherein the at least one support bar comprises a first support bar end coupled to a crossbar placed against the passenger and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to the pivot, and the rotation of the at least one support bar around the pivot causes the crossbar to move toward or away from the passenger; wherein the method of restraining the passenger comprises inserting a flap coupled to the at least one support bar into a slot formed within an upper portion of the side structure or extracting the flap from the slot when the at least one support bar is rotated around the pivot. A passenger restraint method comprising indicating whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap relative to the slot. (Embodiment 13) A passenger restraint method in Embodiment 12, wherein the flap extends perpendicularly to the orientation of the at least one support bar. (Embodiment 14) A passenger restraint method in Embodiment 12, wherein the position of the marking and the amount of space occupied by the marking on the flap are predetermined based on the minimum closed position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. (Embodiment 15) A passenger restraint method in Embodiment 12, wherein indicating indicates that the crossbar has not reached the minimum closed position when any part of the marking is exposed outside the slot.(Embodiment 16) A passenger restraint method according to Embodiment 12, wherein the indication comprises indicating that the crossbar has reached the minimum closing position when the entire marking is inserted into the slot. (Embodiment 17) A passenger restraint method according to Embodiment 12, wherein the portion of the flap occupied by the marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking. (Embodiment 18) A passenger restraint method according to Embodiment 12, further comprising indicating whether the crossbar exceeds the maximum closing position for restraining the passenger based on the position of the second marking on the flap relative to the slot. (Embodiment 19) A passenger restraint method according to Embodiment 18, wherein the position of the second marking and the amount of space occupied by the second marking on the flap are predetermined based on the maximum closing position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. (Embodiment 20) A passenger restraint method according to Embodiment 18, wherein the A passenger restraint method comprising indicating that when any part of the second marking is inserted into the slot, the crossbar has moved beyond the maximum closed position, and when the entire second marking is exposed outside the slot and the entire marking is inserted into the slot, the crossbar is within the maximum closed position and has reached the minimum closed position.

Claims

Claim 1 A system for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle comprises: a ride seat disposed within the ride vehicle and comprising a seat pan, a seat back, and a side structure formed between the seat pan and the seat back; and a restraint system configured to restrain a passenger with respect to at least one of the seat back or the seat pan, wherein the restraint system comprises at least one support bar having a crossbar configured to be disposed with respect to the passenger, a first support bar end coupled to the crossbar, and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat; and a flap coupled to the at least one support bar and extending perpendicularly to the orientation of the at least one support bar at the position coupled to the at least one support bar, wherein the flap is inserted into or extracted from a slot formed within an upper portion of the side structure when the at least one support bar is rotated about the pivot, and indicates whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap relative to the slot when the flap is inserted into the slot. Passenger restraint system configured. Claim 2 A passenger restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the marking and the amount of space occupied by the marking on the flap are predetermined based on the minimum closing position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. Claim 3 A passenger restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the flap is configured to indicate that the crossbar has not reached the minimum closed position when any part of the marking is exposed outside the slot. Claim 4 A passenger restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the flap is configured to indicate that the crossbar has reached the minimum closed position when the entire marking is inserted into the slot. Claim 5 In claim 1, the portion of the flap occupied by the marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking in the passenger restraint system. Claim 6 A passenger restraint system according to claim 5, wherein the portion of the flap occupied by the marking is indicated by a predetermined color, and the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking is indicated by a different color. Claim 7 A passenger restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the flap is further configured to indicate whether the crossbar exceeds a maximum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a second marking on the flap relative to the slot when the flap is inserted into the slot. Claim 8 A passenger restraint system according to claim 7, wherein the position of the second marking and the amount of space occupied by the second marking on the flap are predetermined based on the maximum closed position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. Claim 9 A passenger restraint system according to claim 7, wherein the flap is configured to indicate that the crossbar has exceeded the maximum closed position when any part of the second marking is inserted into the slot, and that the crossbar has reached the minimum closed position when the entire second marking is exposed outside the slot and the entire marking is inserted into the slot. Claim 10 In claim 7, the portion of the flap occupied by the second marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the second marking or the marking, in a passenger restraint system. Claim 11 A passenger restraint system according to claim 1, wherein the restraint system comprises at least one rotary adapter coupled to a second support bar end of at least one support bar and configured to rotatably coupled the second support bar end to the pivot, and at least one hydraulic cylinder coupled to the at least one rotary adapter, wherein the at least one hydraulic cylinder acts the at least one rotary adapter to rotate the at least one support bar around the pivot so that the crossbar moves toward or away from the passenger. Claim 12 A method for restraining a passenger in a ride vehicle, comprising: placing a ride seat within the ride vehicle, wherein the ride seat comprises a seat pan, a seat back, and a side structure formed between the seat pan and the seat back; placing; restraining the passenger with respect to at least one of the seat back or the seat pan, wherein the restraining comprises rotating at least one support bar around a pivot mounted on a rear-upper portion of the ride seat, wherein the at least one support bar comprises a first support bar end coupled to a crossbar placed against the passenger and a second support bar end rotatably coupled to the pivot, wherein the rotation of the at least one support bar around the pivot causes the crossbar to move toward or away from the passenger; and, when the at least one support bar is rotated around the pivot, inserting a flap coupled to the at least one support bar into a slot formed within an upper portion of the side structure or extracting the flap from the slot, wherein the flap is in the slot A passenger restraint method comprising indicating whether the crossbar has reached a minimum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a marking on the flap for the slot when inserted inside. Claim 13 A passenger restraint method according to claim 12, wherein the flap extends in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the at least one support bar at a position where the flap is coupled to the at least one support bar. Claim 14 A passenger restraint method according to claim 12, wherein the position of the marking and the amount of space occupied by the marking on the flap are predetermined based on the minimum closing position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. Claim 15 A passenger restraint method according to claim 12, wherein the above indication indicates that the crossbar has not reached the minimum closed position when any part of the marking is exposed outside the slot. Claim 16 A passenger restraint method according to claim 12, wherein the above indication indicates that the crossbar has reached the minimum closed position when the entire marking is inserted into the slot. Claim 17 In claim 12, a passenger restraint method in which the portion of the flap occupied by the marking is visually different from the portion of the flap not occupied by the marking. Claim 18 A passenger restraint method according to claim 12, further comprising indicating whether the crossbar exceeds the maximum closed position for restraining the passenger based on the position of a second marking on the flap relative to the slot when the flap is inserted into the slot. Claim 19 A passenger restraint method according to claim 18, characterized in that the position of the second marking and the amount of space occupied by the second marking on the flap are predetermined based on the maximum closing position of the crossbar for restraining the passenger. Claim 20 A passenger restraint method according to claim 18, wherein the above indications indicate that the crossbar has exceeded the maximum closed position when any part of the second marking is inserted into the slot, and indicates that the crossbar is within the maximum closed position and has reached the minimum closed position when the entire second marking is exposed outside the slot and the entire marking is inserted into the slot.

Images