Passenger transport system for aircraft interior cabins

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a passenger transport system and method, the passenger transport system including a seat system with a frame, a mobility platform, and a seat configured to be removably fixed to the frame or mobility platform. The seat provides a passenger seating position when fixed to the frame. The seat provides a wheelchair transfer position when fixed to the mobility platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples disclosed herein generally relate to passenger transport systems used in the interior cabins of aircraft, such as commercial aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between different locations. Typical aircraft include an interior cabin with passenger seats, one or more galley facilities, and one or more lavatories.

[0003] Wheelchairs can be used to assist individuals with limited or impaired mobility within the interior cabin of an aircraft. For example, an individual can move within the cabin in a wheelchair or a specialized transfer seat. These wheelchairs may be referred to as onboard wheelchairs or transfer wheelchairs.

[0004] However, space inside the aircraft cabin is limited. As is understandable, wheelchairs or transfer seats occupy space inside the cabin.

[0005] Furthermore, while transfer wheelchairs used on commercial aircraft are configured to move passengers within the aisle, the process of moving a passenger onto the transfer wheelchair itself often requires considerable physical effort, which may not always be easy or comfortable for the passenger. Additionally, aisles on commercial aircraft can be relatively narrow (e.g., 15 inches wide), and individuals in transfer wheelchairs may easily bump into the armrests of their seats while moving across the aisle. Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is a need for systems and methods to increase the available space within the interior compartments of vehicles. Furthermore, there is a need for systems and methods for arranging wheelchairs within the interior compartments while simultaneously reducing the space occupied by the wheelchairs. Additionally, there is a need for a simple, safe, efficient, effective, and comfortable transfer wheelchair that can be used within vehicles.

[0007] In view of these needs, certain embodiments of this disclosure provide a passenger transport system including a seat system with a frame, a moving platform, and a seat configured to be removably fixed to the frame or the moving platform. When fixed to the frame, the seat provides a passenger seating position. When fixed to the moving platform, the seat provides a wheelchair transfer position.

[0008] In at least one instance, the seating system includes one or more additional seats fixed to the frame. The one or more additional seats may be permanently fixed to the frame.

[0009] In at least one instance, the frame includes one or more fixing studs for securing the seating system to one or more seating tracks on or within the floor.

[0010] In at least one instance, the seat includes a support member attached to the backrest.

[0011] In at least one instance, the mobile platform includes one or more wheels extending downward from the base. The mobile platform may also include a height adjuster. The system may also include one or both of a hand crank and a foot pedal operatively coupled to the height adjuster.

[0012] The seating system may also include one or more armrests. When the seat is removed from the frame, the one or more armrests may remain fixed to the frame.

[0013] In at least one instance, the mobile platform includes one or more arms configured to support a seat. These arms may be configured to retract and extend.

[0014] Certain instances of this disclosure provide a method comprising: securing a seat to a frame to provide a passenger seating position; removing the seat from the frame; securing the seat to a mobile platform to provide a transfer wheelchair; removing the seat from the mobile platform; and reattaching the seat to the frame to provide a passenger seating position.

[0015] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a vehicle including an interior compartment and a seating system as described herein, the interior compartment including a floor with one or more seat tracks. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system for use in the interior cabin of a vehicle, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 A frontal perspective view of an aircraft according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 An interior perspective view of an aircraft interior compartment according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 A front view of a seating system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 Examples according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 A front view of the seating system, with one seat removed from the frame.

[0021] Figure 6 An isometric side top view of a mobile platform according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A side view of the mobile platform.

[0023] Figure 8A front view of a transfer wheelchair according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude a plurality of elements or steps. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise" or "contain" one or more elements having a specific condition may include other elements that do not have that condition.

[0026] Examples of this disclosure allow passengers with disabilities to seamlessly transition from airport terminals to seating positions within the aircraft's interior cabin. In at least one example, a seat within a commercial aircraft can be removed from a seating system and removably coupled to a mobility platform, thereby providing a transfer wheelchair that can be used to move passengers within and outside the interior cabin, such as within an airport terminal. Passengers can use the same seat at a designated seating position within the interior cabin, and it can also be used for movement within and outside the interior cabin. Therefore, examples of this disclosure allow passengers, such as those with mobility impairments, to easily and efficiently move into and out of the interior cabin.

[0027] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system 100 for use within an interior compartment 102 of a vehicle 104, according to an example of this disclosure, is shown. In at least one example, the vehicle 104 is a commercial aircraft. As another example, the vehicle 104 may be a land-based vehicle (such as a bus, train carriage, etc.), a water-based vehicle, or a spacecraft.

[0028] System 100 includes a seating system 106 within an interior compartment 102. Seating system 106 includes one or more seats 108 secured to frame 110 via one or more connectors 112. In at least one instance, seating system 106 includes three or more seats 108, wherein one or more seats 108 are removably secured to frame 110 via one or more connectors 112. As another example, one of the three seats 108 (such as an aisle seat) is removably secured to frame 110 via connector 112, while the remaining two seats are permanently secured to frame 110 without connectors. The one or more connectors 112 may include one or more latches, pawls, latches, rails, clips, spring-biased fasteners, etc., that allow seats 108 to be selectively secured to and removed from frame 110.

[0029] The frame 110 is secured to or within one or more seat rails 114 on or within the floor 116 of the interior compartment 102. As an example, the frame 110 includes a base that may include legs that can be secured to the seat rails 114. In at least one example, retaining studs 118 (such as shear studs) extend downward from a lower surface of the frame 110 (such as from the legs). The retaining studs 118 are securely held within the seat rails 114. The seat rails 114 are configured to be securely coupled to the retaining studs 118 to hold the seat system 106 in place within the interior compartment 102.

[0030] One or more seats 108 include a support 120 configured to support a seated passenger. For example, the support 120 is or includes a disc, recess, cushion, or similar object on which the passenger sits. A backrest 122 is coupled to the support 120. The backrest 122 may be configured to pivot relative to the support 120. One or more seats 108 may also include one or more armrests pivotally attached to the support 120 and / or the backrest 122.

[0031] System 100 also includes a mobile platform 124 that can be stored in the nearest galley facilities, compartments, etc., within the interior compartment 102. The mobile platform 124 includes a base 126 having one or more wheels 128 that allow the mobile platform to roll on a floor 116, such as within a passageway of the interior compartment 102. The wheels 128 extend downward from the base 126 and are configured to roll over the mobile platform 124 on the floor 116.

[0032] In at least one embodiment, the mobile platform 124 also includes a height adjuster 130 coupled to a base 126. The height adjuster 130 can be supported on the base 126 relative to the wheels 128. In at least one embodiment, the height adjuster 130 includes a scissor jack that can be operated using a hand crank 132, a foot pedal 134, etc., operatively coupled to the height adjuster 130. As another example, the height adjuster 130 includes a hydraulic cylinder jack that can be operated using a foot pedal. As yet another example, the height adjuster 130 includes a motor (such as an electric motor) operatively coupled to one or more arms, pistons, bellows, etc. Alternatively, the mobile platform 124 does not include a hand crank 132 and / or a foot pedal 134. Furthermore, alternatively, the mobile platform 124 does not include a height adjuster 130.

[0033] In operation, one or more of the seats 108 (including support 120 and backrest 122) can be removed from the frame 110. For example, one or more connectors 112 can be disengaged to remove one or more seats 108 from the frame 110. The one or more seats 108 are then removably secured to the mobility platform 124. For example, one or more connectors 112 of the seats 108 are removably secured to the reciprocating structure of the height adjuster 130 and / or the base 126. The seats 108 coupled to the mobility platform 124 provide a transfer wheelchair, which is also the same seat 108 used on the seat system 106 during flight in the commercial aircraft. The seats 108 are removably secured to both the frame 110 of the seat system 106 and the mobility platform 124. In this way, a separate and distinct transfer wheelchair is not required. Instead, the smaller, more compact mobility platform 124 is configured to be removably coupled to the seats 108. When seat 108 is attached to mobile platform 124, height adjuster 130 can be operated, for example via hand crank 132 and / or foot pedal 134, to move support 120 to a height that ensures the arm of the passenger sitting on support 120 is above the level of the armrests of other seats in the adjacent aisle.

[0034] As described herein, seat 108 can be detached from frame 110 of seat system 106, which is secured to seat rail 114. In at least one instance, mobility platform 124 has one or more components configured to disengage seat 108 from frame 110. For example, mobility platform 124 includes one or more arms extending from base 126, configured to engage one or more connectors of a plurality of connectors 112 to selectively detach seat 108 from frame 110 and attach seat 108 to frame 110. When mobility platform 124 is separated from seat 108 (e.g., when seat 108 is secured to frame 110), mobility platform 124 can be stored within interior compartment 102, such as in a trolley compartment within galley facilities, closets, etc. Seat 108 secured to mobility platform 124 provides a transfer wheelchair that can roll across the aisle and leave the interior compartment to reach the boarding bridge.

[0035] The transfer wheelchair, including a seat 108 removably attached to the mobile platform 124, is configured to move within the interior compartment 102, such as by being pushed by a crew member, with the individual seated on support 120. The height adjuster 130 is configured to move between a folded position (where the seat 108 is at its lowest level) and a fully extended position (where the seat 108 is at its highest level), and all levels in between.

[0036] As described herein, system 100 includes a seating system 106, which includes a frame 110. System 100 also includes a mobility platform 124 and one or more seats 108 configured to be removably attached to both the frame 110 and the mobility platform 124 of the seating system 106. The one or more seats 108 attached to the frame 110 provide a seating position for a passenger. The one or more seats 108 attached to the mobility platform 124 provide a transfer wheelchair.

[0037] Figure 2 A front perspective view of an aircraft 200 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Aircraft 200 is... Figure 1 Examples of vehicles 104 shown. For example, aircraft 200 includes a propulsion system 212 with engines 214. Optionally, propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than shown. Engines 214 are carried by wings 216 of aircraft 200. In other examples, engines 214 may be carried by fuselage 218 and / or tail 220. Tail 220 may also support horizontal stabilizer 222 and vertical stabilizer 224.

[0038] The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 200 defines an interior compartment 230, which includes a cockpit or flight deck, one or more work areas (e.g., galley facilities, carry-on baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and economy class areas), one or more lavatories, etc. As described herein, the aircraft 200 includes systems 100 as shown and described herein.

[0039] Alternatively, instead of airplanes, the systems and methods described herein can be used with a variety of other modes of transportation, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train carriages, ships, spacecraft, etc.

[0040] Figure 3 An interior perspective view of an aircraft interior compartment 230 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The interior compartment 230 includes outer side walls 232 and a ceiling 234. Windows 236 are formed within the outer side walls 232. A floor 238 supports multiple rows of seats 240. Figure 3 As shown, row 242 may include three seats 240 on either side of aisle 243. However, row 242 may include more or fewer seats 240 than shown. Furthermore, interior compartment 230 may include more aisles than shown.

[0041] Figure 4 A front view of a seating system 106 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The seating system 106 includes three seats 108a, 108b, and 108c fixed to a frame 110. The seating system 106 may also include armrests 140. In at least one example, only seat 108a (such as an aisle seat) is removably attached to the frame 110, while the other two seats 108b (such as a middle seat) and seat 108c (such as a window seat) are permanently attached to the frame 110. Seats 108a fixed to the frame 110 provide passenger seating positions 142 (e.g., designated seating positions) within the interior compartment 102 of the vehicle 104. Optionally, one or both of seats 108b and 108c may also be removably attached to the frame 110.

[0042] Figure 5 Examples according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 4 A front view of the seating system 106, wherein seat 108a is removed from frame 110. Seat 108a is removable from frame 110 and configured to be removably fixed to mobile platform 124 (in Figure 1 (As shown in the figure). The armrest 140 can remain fixed to the frame 110 and can be removed without being attached to the support 120 and backrest 122 of the seat 108a. Alternatively, the armrest 140 can be removed along with the support 120 and backrest 122 of the seat 108a.

[0043] Figure 6 An isometric side top view of a mobile platform 124 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 Side view of mobile platform 124 in the image. (Reference) Figure 6 and Figure 7 In at least one instance, the mobile platform 124 includes four wheels 128 extending downward from the base 126.

[0044] As shown, one or more arms 150 (e.g., two arms 150) are secured to the top 152 of the height adjuster 130. The arms 150 are configured to extend outward from the top 152. The arms 150 are configured to engage one or more connectors 112 to selectively remove the seat 108a from the frame 110 (in... Figure 4 and Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram) and attaching the seat 108a to the arm 150, and removing the seat 108a from the arm 150 and reattaching the seat 108a to the frame 110. For example, the arm 150 is configured to engage one or more pawls, spring-biased clips, latches, etc. of the connector 112 to selectively remove the seat 108a from the frame 110 and secure the seat 108a to the arm 150, and remove the seat 108a from the arm 150 and reattach the seat 108a to the frame 110.

[0045] In at least one instance, arm 150 can be configured to retract and extend, for example, via hand crank 132 and / or foot pedal 134. For instance, arm 150 can extend in the direction indicated by arrow A to engage downwards and / or extend to connector 112 (in... Figure 1 (as shown in the image) to be securely attached to seat 108a (in Figure 4 and Figure 5 (As shown in the figure) and securely supports the seat 108a. As a further example, the arm 150 is configured to extend into one side of the seat 108a and unlock the seat 108a from the frame 110. In addition, the arm 150 can retract in the direction indicated by arrow A to disengage from the connector 112, thereby reattaching the seat 108a to the frame 110.

[0046] In at least one instance, one or more of the height adjuster 130, base 126, and / or wheels 128 are configured to fold, retract, compress, etc., to reduce the size of the mobile platform 124, such as when the mobile platform 124 is stowed. Alternatively, the mobile platform 124 may not be configured to reduce its size.

[0047] Figure 8 A front view of a transfer wheelchair 160 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The transfer wheelchair 160 includes a seat 108a fixed to a mobile platform 124. Reference Figures 1 to 8 Seat 108a is configured to be selectively detached from frame 110 of seat system 106 and attached to mobility platform 124 to provide transfer wheelchair 160. Additionally, seat 108a is configured to be selectively detached from mobility platform 124 and attached to frame 110 to provide a passenger seating position (e.g., a designated seating position) within interior compartment 102 of vehicle 104.

[0048] The height of seat 108a can be adjusted by height adjuster 130. For example, height adjuster 130 can be operated to raise seat 108a so that at least a portion of support 120 is higher than the level of the armrest of the aisle seat in the interior cabin.

[0049] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Reference Figures 1 to 9 At step 300, seat 108a is secured to frame 110 of seat system 106 to provide passenger seating position 142 within interior compartment 102 of vehicle 104 (such as aircraft 200). At step 302, it is determined whether it is necessary to transfer a passenger to, from, or within interior compartment 102. If not, the method proceeds from step 302 to step 304, at which point seat 108a is held in passenger seating position 142 on frame 110.

[0050] However, if a passenger needs to be transferred, the method proceeds from step 302 to step 306, where the seat 108a is removed from the frame 110. Next, in step 308, the seat 108a is secured to the mobile platform 124 to provide a transfer wheelchair 160.

[0051] At step 310, it is determined whether the passenger will be transferred to a seat. If not, the method proceeds to step 312, where the seat 108a (which supports the passenger) is held on the moving platform 124.

[0052] However, if the passenger is to be transferred to a seat at step 310, the method proceeds from step 310 to step 314, where seat 108a is removed from the moving platform 124. The method then returns to step 300, where seat 108a is secured to frame 110 to provide passenger seating position 142. Passenger seating position 142 provides a designated seating position for passengers during travel on vehicle 104 (such as flight of aircraft 200).

[0053] Furthermore, this disclosure includes examples pursuant to the following provisions:

[0054] Clause 1. A system comprising:

[0055] Seating system, including frame;

[0056] Mobile platforms; and

[0057] The seat is configured to be removably fixed to the frame or moving platform of the seating system.

[0058] The seats, when fixed to the frame, provide a seating position for passengers, and

[0059] The seat provides a transfer wheelchair when it is fixed to the mobile platform.

[0060] Clause 2. The system pursuant to Clause 1, wherein the seating system includes one or more additional seats fixed to the frame.

[0061] Clause 3. In accordance with the system of Clause 2, one or more additional seats are permanently fixed to the frame.

[0062] Clause 4. A system pursuant to any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the frame includes one or more fastening studs on one or more seat tracks that secure the seating system to or within the floor.

[0063] Clause 5. A system pursuant to any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the seat includes a support attached to the backrest.

[0064] Clause 6. A system pursuant to any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the mobile platform includes one or more wheels extending downward from the base.

[0065] Clause 7. The system pursuant to Clause 6, wherein the mobile platform also includes a height adjuster.

[0066] Clause 8. The system pursuant to Clause 7 also includes one or both of a hand crank and a foot pedal operatively connected to the height adjuster.

[0067] Clause 9. A system pursuant to any of Clauses 1-8, wherein the seating system further includes one or more armrests.

[0068] Clause 10. A system pursuant to any of Clauses 1-9, wherein one or more armrests remain fixed to the frame when the seat is removed from the frame.

[0069] Clause 11. A system pursuant to any of Clauses 1-10, wherein the mobile platform includes one or more arms configured to support the seat.

[0070] Clause 12. In a system pursuant to Clause 11, one or more arms are configured to retract and extend.

[0071] Clause 13. A method for a system, comprising:

[0072] Seating system, including frame;

[0073] Mobile platforms; and

[0074] The seat is configured to be removably fixed to the frame or moving platform of the seating system.

[0075] The method includes:

[0076] Secure the seats to the frame to provide seating for passengers;

[0077] Remove the seat from the frame;

[0078] Secure the seat to the mobile platform to provide wheelchair transfer;

[0079] Remove the seats from the mobile platform; and

[0080] The seats were reattached to the frame to provide seating for passengers.

[0081] Clause 14. A means of transport comprising:

[0082] Interior compartments, including floors with one or more seat tracks;

[0083] A seating system located within an interior cabin, the seating system including a frame, wherein the frame includes one or more retaining studs for securing the seating system to one or more seat tracks;

[0084] A mobile platform, located within an internal compartment, comprising one or more wheels extending downwards from a base; and

[0085] A seat, including a support member attached to a backrest, wherein the seat is configured to be removably fixed to a frame or moving platform of a seating system.

[0086] The seats, when fixed to the frame, provide seating for passengers within the interior cabin, and

[0087] The seat provides a transfer wheelchair when it is fixed to the mobile platform.

[0088] Clause 15. A vehicle under Clause 14, wherein the seating system includes one or more additional seats fixed to the frame.

[0089] Clause 16. Vehicles pursuant to Clause 14 or 15, wherein the mobile platform also includes a height adjuster.

[0090] Clause 17. The vehicle under Clause 16 also includes one or both of a hand crank and a foot pedal that are operatively connected to the height adjuster.

[0091] Clause 18. A vehicle pursuant to any of Clauses 14-17, wherein the seating system further includes one or more armrests, and wherein the one or more armrests remain fixed to the frame when the seat is removed from the frame.

[0092] Clause 19. A vehicle pursuant to any of Clauses 14-18, wherein the mobile platform further includes one or more arms configured to support a seat.

[0093] Clause 20. A vehicle pursuant to Clause 19, wherein one or more arms are configured to retract and extend.

[0094] As described herein, examples of this disclosure provide systems and methods for increasing the available space within the interior compartments of a vehicle. Furthermore, examples of this disclosure provide systems and methods for arranging a wheelchair within the interior compartments while simultaneously reducing the space occupied by the wheelchair within the interior compartments. Additionally, examples of this disclosure provide a simple, safe, efficient, effective, and comfortable transfer wheelchair that can be used within a vehicle.

[0095] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. Orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that upper is lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0096] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements “configured to” perform a task or operation are specifically structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to that task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform a task or operation are not “configured for” performing the task or operation used herein.

[0097] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the different embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as identifiers and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the appended claims are not drafted in the format of “means plus function” and are not intended to be interpreted on the basis of Section 112(f) of Chapter 35 of the United States Code, unless and until such limitation of claims expressly uses the phrase “means for…” followed by a functional statement without further structure.

[0098] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to implement various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A passenger transport system (100), comprising: Seating system (106), including frame (110); Mobile platforms (124); as well as The seat is configured to be removably fixed to the frame (110) or the mobile platform (124) of the seat system (106). The seat, when fixed to the frame (110), provides a passenger seating position (142), and The seat provides a transfer wheelchair (160) when it is fixed to the mobile platform (124).

2. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The seating system (106) includes one or more additional seats (108) fixed to the frame (110).

3. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more additional seats (108) are permanently fixed to the frame (110).

4. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The frame (110) includes one or more fixing studs (118) for securing the seating system (106) to or within one or more seating tracks (114) on or within the floor (116, 238).

5. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The seat includes a support (120) connected to the backrest (122).

6. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The mobile platform (124) includes one or more wheels (128) extending downward from the base (126).

7. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 6, wherein, The mobile platform (124) also includes a height adjuster (130).

8. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 7 further includes one or both of a hand crank (132) and a foot pedal (134) operatively coupled to the height adjuster (130).

9. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The seating system (106) also includes one or more armrests.

10. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 9, wherein, When the seat is removed from the frame (110), the one or more armrests remain fixed to the frame (110).

11. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The mobile platform (124) includes one or more arms (150) configured to support the seat.

12. The passenger transport system (100) according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more arms (150) are configured to retract and extend.

13. A method for a passenger transport system (100), comprising: Seating system (106), including frame (110); Mobile platforms (124); as well as The seat is configured to be removably fixed to the frame (110) or the mobile platform (124) of the seat system (106). The method includes: The seat is secured to the frame (110) to provide a passenger seating position (142). Remove the seat from the frame (110); The seat is secured to the mobile platform (124) to provide a transfer wheelchair (160). Remove the seat from the mobile platform (124); and The seat is reattached to the frame (110) to provide the passenger seating position (142).

14. A means of transport (104), comprising: The interior compartments (102, 230) include a floor (116, 238) with one or more seat tracks (114). A seating system (106) located within the interior compartment (102, 230) includes a frame (110) wherein the frame (110) includes one or more fixing studs (118) for securing the seating system (106) to one or more seat rails (114). A mobile platform (124), located within the internal compartments (102, 230), wherein the mobile platform (124) includes one or more wheels (128) extending downward from a base (126); and The seat includes a support (120) connected to a backrest (122), wherein the seat is configured to be removably fixed to the frame (110) or the mobile platform (124) of the seat system (106). The seat, when fixed to the frame (110), provides a passenger seating position (142) within the interior compartments (102, 230), and The seat provides a transfer wheelchair (160) when it is fixed to the mobile platform (124).

15. The means of transport (104) according to claim 14, wherein, The seating system (106) includes one or more additional seats (108) fixed to the frame (110).

16. The means of transport (104) according to claim 14, wherein, The mobile platform (124) also includes a height adjuster (130).

17. The vehicle (104) according to claim 16 further includes one or both of a hand crank (132) and a foot pedal (134) operatively connected to the height adjuster (130).

18. The means of transport (104) according to claim 14, wherein, The seating system (106) also includes one or more armrests, wherein the one or more armrests remain fixed to the frame (110) when the seat is removed from the frame (110).

19. The means of transport (104) according to claim 14, wherein, The mobile platform (124) also includes one or more arms (150) configured to support the seat.

20. The means of transport (104) according to claim 19, wherein, The one or more arms (150) are configured to retract and extend.

Images