Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.