Passenger restraint pawl and ratchet assembly with positive engagement

摘要

A passenger restraint system is provided for use in vehicles such as ride vehicles used in theme and amusement park rides. The restraint system includes a passenger restraint such as a lap bar, a belt, or an over-the-shoulder restraint includes a locking mechanism for selectively latching the restraint in a desired position. The locking mechanism includes a ratchet connected to the passenger restraint and mounted so as to rotate with movement of the passenger restraint. The locking mechanism also includes a pawl, which is a two piece assembly that includes: (1) a pivotally mounted upper portion; and (2) a pawl arm extending outward from the upper portion. In some embodiments, a first end of the pawl arm is pivotally coupled with the upper portion, and a second end of the pawl arm, distal to the second end, includes a tooth for engaging teeth on a surface of the ratchet.

主权项

1. A restraint apparatus for use in vehicles such as ride vehicles used in theme and amusement park rides, comprising:
a passenger restraint; and a locking mechanism, comprising:
a ratchet wheel connected to the passenger restraint and mounted to rotate with movement of the passenger restraint; anda pawl comprising a pivotally mounted upper portion and a pawl arm extending outward from the upper portion, wherein a first end of the pawl arm is pivotally coupled with the upper portion and wherein a second end of the pawl arm, distal to the first end, includes a tooth for engaging a plurality of teeth on a surface of the ratchet wheel, wherein the first end of the pawl arm comprises a contact surface, wherein the upper portion comprises a contact surface positioned to abut the contact surface of the pawl arm during the pivoting of the pawl arm, wherein one of the contact surfaces is nonplanar, and wherein the one of the contact surfaces that is nonplanar is beveled from a center point at an angle of less than about 45 degrees, whereby a gap is present on one side of the center point during the pivoting of the pawl arm relative to the upper portion of the pawl.