Passenger transport system for the interior cabin of an aircraft
The seating system in aircraft converts seats into a wheelchair using a frame and movable platform, addressing space constraints and enhancing passenger mobility by allowing seamless transitions between seating and wheelchair modes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
The interior space of commercial aircraft is limited, and existing wheelchairs or transfer seats occupy significant space, making movement cumbersome and uncomfortable for passengers with limited mobility, often leading to collisions with seat armrests.
A seating system with a frame and movable platform that allows seats to be detachably fixed to both the frame and the platform, enabling conversion between passenger seating positions and a transport wheelchair, utilizing a height adjuster and wheels for efficient movement.
The system increases usable space within the cabin by converting seats into a wheelchair, providing a safe, efficient, and comfortable transport solution that reduces collisions and enhances mobility for passengers.
Smart Images
Figure 2026102481000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001]
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to passenger conveyance systems used within the interior cabins of aircraft such as commercial aircraft.
Background Art
[0002]
[0002] Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical aircraft includes an interior cabin having passenger seats, one or more galleys, and one or more lavatories.
[0003]
[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 be moved within the interior cabin on a wheelchair or a dedicated transfer seat. These wheelchairs can be referred to as onboard wheelchairs or transfer wheelchairs.
[0004]
[0004] However, the space within the interior cabin of an aircraft is limited. As can be understood, wheelchairs or transfer seats occupy space within the interior cabin.
[0005]
[0005] Further, transfer wheelchairs used on commercial aircraft are configured to move passengers within aisles, and the process of moving a passenger onto a transfer wheelchair is typically substantially physically laborious. This is not always easy and comfortable for the passenger. Further, the aisles within a commercial aircraft are relatively narrow (such as 15 inches wide), and an individual on a transfer wheelchair may easily bump into the armrests of the seats while moving through the aisle.
Summary of the Invention
[0006]
[0006] There is a need for systems and methods to increase the usable space inside the vehicle's cabin. Furthermore, there is a need for systems and methods to position a wheelchair inside the cabin while reducing the space occupied by the wheelchair inside the cabin. Furthermore, there is a need for a simple, safe, efficient, effective, and comfortable transport wheelchair that can be mounted on a vehicle.
[0007]
[0007] In view of these needs, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system including a seating system including a frame, a movable platform, and seats configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame of the seating system and the movable platform. Seats fixed to the frame provide seating positions for passengers. Seats fixed to the movable platform provide a transport wheelchair.
[0008]
[0008] In at least one embodiment, the seating system includes one or more additional seats fixed to the frame. One or more additional seats may be permanently fixed to the frame.
[0009]
[0009] In at least one embodiment, the frame includes one or more fastening studs for securing the seating system to one or more seating tracks on or within the floor.
[0010]
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the seat includes a support bonded to the backrest.
[0011]
[0011] In at least one embodiment, the movable platform includes one or more wheels extending downward from the base. The movable platform may also include a height adjuster. The system may also include one or both of a hand crank or a foot pedal operably coupled to the height adjuster.
[0012]
[0012] The seating system may also include one or more armrests. One or more armrests may remain fixed to the frame when the seat is removed from the frame.
[0013]
[0013] In at least one embodiment, the movable platform includes one or more arms configured to support a seat. One or more arms may be configured to retract or extend.
[0014]
[0014] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods including securing a seat to a frame to provide a passenger seating position, removing a seat from a frame, securing a seat to a movable platform to provide a transport wheelchair, and reattaching a seat to a frame to provide a passenger seating position.
[0015]
[0015] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide vehicles including an interior cabin, which includes a floor having one or more seat tracks and a seating system, as described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0016] [Figure 1]
[0016] A block diagram of a system used inside the cabin of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2]
[0017] An oblique front view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3]
[0018] This shows a perspective view of the interior cabin of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]
[0019] This shows a front view of a seating system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]
[0020] Figure 4 shows a front view of the seat system in one embodiment of the present disclosure, with the seat removed from the frame. [Figure 6]
[0021] An isometric upper side view of a movable platform according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 7]
[0022] Figure 6 shows a side view of the movable platform. [Figure 8]
[0023] A front view of a transfer wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 9]
[0024] A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0017]
[0025] The foregoing summary, as well as the following specific plurality of detailed descriptions, will be more deeply understood by reading with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, it should be understood that an element or step described in the singular following the word "one (a or an)" does not necessarily exclude the plural elements or steps. Further, the reference to "one embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that incorporate the described features as well. Further, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, an embodiment "comprising" or "having" one or more elements with a particular condition may include additional elements without such a condition.
[0018]
[0026] The plurality of embodiments of the present disclosure enable a passenger with a disability to seamlessly transfer from a terminal within an airport to a seating position within an aircraft's interior cabin. In at least one embodiment, a seat within a commercial aircraft is detachable from a seat system and detachably coupled to a movable platform, thereby providing a transfer wheelchair that can be used to move a passenger within the interior cabin, as well as outside of the interior cabin (such as within an airport terminal). The same seat can be used by a passenger both within an assigned seat position within the interior cabin and for movement within and outside of the interior cabin. Thus, the plurality of embodiments of the present disclosure enable a passenger (such as a passenger with low mobility) to easily and efficiently enter and exit the interior cabin.
[0019]
[0027] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system 100 for use within an interior cabin 102 of a vehicle 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle 104 is a commercial aircraft. In at least one other example, the vehicle 104 can be a land-based vehicle such as a bus or train, a water-based vehicle, or a spacecraft.
[0020]
[0028] The system 100 includes a seat system 106 within the interior cabin 102. The seat system 106 includes one or more seats 108 fixed to a frame 110 via one or more couplers 112. In at least one embodiment, the seat system 106 includes three or more seats 108. In that case, one or more of the seats 108 are removably fixed to the frame 110 via the (one or more) couplers 112. As a further example, one of the three seats 108 (such as an aisle-side seat) is removably fixed to the frame 110 via a coupler 112, while the remaining two seats are permanently fixed to the frame 110 without a coupler. The (one or more) couplers 112 can include one or more latches, detents, clasps, rails, clips, springs-biased fasteners, etc. They selectively enable the seat 108 to be fixed to and removed from the frame 110.
[0021]
[0029] The frame 110 is fixed to one or more seat tracks 114 on or within a floor 116 within the interior cabin 102. As an example, the frame 110 includes a base. The base can include legs that can be fixed to the seat track 114. In at least one embodiment, fixed studs 118 (such as shear studs) extend downwardly from the lower surface of the frame 110 (such as from the legs). The fixed studs 118 are fixedly held within the seat track 114. The seat track 114 is configured to be fixedly coupled to the fixed studs 118 to secure the seat system 106 in place within the interior cabin 102.
[0022]
[0030] A seat (or more) 108 includes a support 120 configured to support a seated passenger. For example, the support 120 is or includes a pan, basin, cushion, etc. on which the passenger sits. A backrest 122 is coupled to the support 120. The backrest 122 may be configured to swivel relative to the support 120. A seat (or more) 108 may also include one or more armrests swivelably fixed to the support 120 and / or the backrest 122.
[0023]
[0031] System 100 also includes a movable platform 124. The movable platform 124 can be housed in a closet, galley, compartment, etc., within the interior cabin 102. The movable platform 124 includes a base 126 having one or more wheels 128. The one or more wheels 128 allow the movable platform to roll on a floor 116, such as within a passage in the interior cabin 102. The wheels 128 extend downward from the base 126 and are configured to support the movable platform 124 so that it can roll on the floor 116.
[0024]
[0032] In at least one embodiment, the movable platform 124 also includes a height adjuster 130 coupled to the base 126. The height adjuster 130 may be supported on the opposite side from the wheels 128 of the base 126. In at least one embodiment, the height adjuster 130 includes a scissor jack. The scissor jack may be operated by a hand crank 132, a foot pedal 134, etc., operably coupled to the height adjuster 130. In another embodiment, the height adjuster 130 includes a hydraulic bottle jack that can be operated by a foot pedal. In yet another embodiment, the height adjuster 130 includes a motor, such as an electric motor, operably coupled to one or more arms, pistons, bellows, etc. Alternatively, the movable platform 124 does not include the hand crank 132 and / or the foot pedal 134. Also, alternatively, the movable platform 124 does not include the height adjuster 130.
[0025]
[0033] During operation, one or more of the seats 108 (including the support 120 and backrest 122) are detached from the frame 110. For example, one or more of the couplings 112 can be disengaged to detach one or more of the seats 108 from the frame 110. The seats 108 are then detachably secured to the movable platform 124. For example, one or more of the couplings 112 of the seats 108 are detachably secured to the reciprocating structure of the height adjuster 130 and / or base 126. The seats 108 coupled to the movable platform 124 are the same seats 108 used in the seating system 106 during flight of a commercial aircraft, while simultaneously providing a transport wheelchair. The seats 108 are detachably secured to both the frame 110 of the seating system 106 and the movable platform 124. This method eliminates the need for separate, detached transport wheelchairs. Instead, a more compact movable platform 124 is configured to detachably couple with the seats 108. When seat 108 is coupled to the movable platform 124, the height adjuster 130 can be operated, for example, via a hand crank 132 and / or foot pedal 134, to move the support 120 to a height that ensures the following: that the arms of a passenger seated on support 120 are above the height of the armrests of other seats adjacent to the aisle.
[0026]
[0034] As described herein, the seat 108 is detachable from the frame 110 of the seating system 106. The frame 110 is fixed to the seat track 114. In at least one embodiment, a movable platform 124 has one or more parts configured to disengage the seat 108 from the frame 110. For example, the movable platform 124 includes one or more arms extending from the base 126. One or more arms are selectively configured to engage with one or more couplings 112 to detach the seat 108 from the frame 110 and to reattach the seat 108 to the frame 110. When the movable platform 124 is detached from the seat 108 (for example, when the seat 108 is fixed to the frame 110), the movable platform 124 can be stored in the interior cabin 102, such as in a cart compartment within a range such as a galley or closet. The seat 108 fixed to the movable platform 124 can roll through an aisle and provide a transport wheelchair that can roll away from the interior cabin to the jet bridge.
[0027]
[0035] The transport wheelchair, including a seat 108 detachably fixed to a movable platform 124, is configured to move within the internal cabin 102, for example, by a crew member pushing the transport wheelchair while the individual is seated on a support 120. A height adjuster 130 is configured to move the seat 108 between a folded position where it is at its lowest level (height), a fully extended position where it is at its highest level, and all levels in between.
[0028]
[0036] As described herein, system 100 includes a seating system 106 including a frame 110. System 100 also includes a movable platform 124 and one or more seats 108 configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame 110 of the seating system 106 and the movable platform 124. The one or more seats 108 fixed to the frame 110 provide seating positions for passengers. The one or more seats 108 fixed to the movable platform 124 provide a transport wheelchair.
[0029]
[0037] Figure 2 shows a perspective front view of an aircraft 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 200 is an example of the vehicle 104 shown in Figure 1. The aircraft 200 includes, for example, a propulsion system 212 including engines 214. Optionally, the propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than those shown. The engines 214 are supported by the wings 216 of the aircraft 200. In several other embodiments, the engines 214 may be supported by a fuselage 218 and / or a tail section 220. The tail section 220 may also support horizontal stabilizers 222 and vertical stabilizers 224.
[0030]
[0038] The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 200 defines an interior cabin 230, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work areas (e.g., a galley, a crew baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and coach areas), one or more lavatories, etc. As described herein, the aircraft 200 includes system 100 as illustrated and described herein.
[0031]
[0039] Alternatively, instead of aircraft, the systems and methods described herein may be used in a variety of other vehicles such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and trains, ships, and spacecraft.
[0032]
[0040] Figure 3 shows a perspective interior view of an aircraft interior cabin 230 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 230 includes an outboard wall 232 and a ceiling 234. A window 236 is formed within the outboard wall 232. A floor 238 supports rows of seats 240. As shown in Figure 3, a row 242 may include three seats 240 on either side of the aisle 243. However, a row 242 may include more or fewer seats 240 than shown. Furthermore, the interior cabin 230 may include more aisles than shown.
[0033]
[0041] Figure 4 shows a front view of a seating system 106 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The seating system 106 includes three seats 108a, 108b, and 108c fixed to a frame 110. The seating system 106 may also include an armrest 140. In at least one embodiment, only seat 108a, such as an aisle seat, is detachably coupled 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 fixed to the frame 110. The seat 108a fixed to the frame 110 provides passenger seating positions 142 (e.g., assigned seating positions) within the interior cabin 102 of the vehicle 104. Optionally, one or both of seats 108b and 108c may also be detachably coupled to the frame 110.
[0034]
[0042] Figure 5 shows a front view of the seating system 106 of Figure 4 with the seat 108a removed from the frame 110, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The seat 108a is detachable from the frame 110 and is configured to be detachably fixed to the movable platform 124 (shown in Figure 1). As shown, the armrest 140 may remain fixed to the frame 110 and may not be detachable together with the support 120 and backrest 122 of the seat 108a. Optionally, the armrest 140 may be detachable together with the support 120 and backrest 122 of the seat 108a.
[0035]
[0043] Figure 6 shows an isometric upper side view of a movable platform 124 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows a side view of the movable platform 124 of Figure 6. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, in at least one embodiment, the movable platform 124 includes four wheels 128 extending downward from a base 126.
[0036]
[0044] As shown in the illustration, one or more arms 150 (for example, two arms 150) are fixed to the upper part 152 of the height adjuster 130. The arms 150 are configured to extend outward from the upper part 152. The arms 150 are configured to engage with (one or more) couplings 112 to selectively detach the seat 108a from the frame 110 (shown in Figures 4 and 5), attach the seat 108a to the arm 150, and detach the seat 108a from the arm 150 and reattach the seat 108a to the frame 110. For example, the arms 150 engage with one or more detents, spring-driven clips, latches, etc. of the coupling 112 to selectively detach the seat 108a from the frame 110, fix the seat 108a to the arm 150, and detach the seat 108a from the arm 150 and reattach the seat 108a to the frame 110.
[0037]
[0045] In at least one embodiment, the arm 150 may be configured to retract and extend, for example, via a hand crank 132 and / or a foot pedal 134. For example, the arm 150 may be fixedly attached to the seat 108a (shown in Figures 4 and 5) and may extend along the direction indicated by arrow A to fit below the coupling 112 (shown in Figure 1) and to fit onto the coupling 112 in order to fixedly support the seat 108a. In a further embodiment, the arm 150 is configured to reach one side of the seat 108a and unlock the seat 108a from the frame 110. Furthermore, the arm 150 may retract along the direction indicated by arrow A to disengage from the coupling 112 in order to reattach the seat 108a to the frame 110.
[0038]
[0046] In at least one embodiment, when the movable platform 124 is stored, one or more of the height adjusters 130, base 126, and / or wheels 128 are configured to fold, collapse, compress, etc., in order to reduce the size of the movable platform 124. Optionally, the movable platform 124 may not be configured to reduce its size.
[0039]
[0047] Figure 8 shows a front view of a transport wheelchair 160 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The transport wheelchair 160 includes a seat 108a fixed to a movable platform 124. Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the seat 108a is configured to be selectively detachable from the frame 110 of the seating system 106 and mounted on the movable platform 124 in order to provide the transport wheelchair 160. The seat 108a is also configured to be selectively detachable from the movable platform 124 and mounted on the frame 110 in order to provide a passenger seating position (e.g., an assigned seating position) within the internal cabin 102 of the vehicle 104.
[0040]
[0048] The height of seat 108a can be adjusted by a height adjuster 130. For example, the height adjuster 130 can be operated to raise seat 108a. This ensures that at least a portion of the support 120 is above the height of the armrest of the aisle seat in the interior cabin.
[0041]
[0049] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 to 9, in 300, seat 108a is fixed to the frame 110 of seat system 106 to provide a passenger seat position 142 within the interior cabin 102 of a vehicle 104 (such as an aircraft 200). In 302, it is determined whether the passenger needs to be transported into, out of, or within the confines of the interior cabin 102. If not, the method proceeds from 302 to 304, in which case seat 108a is maintained in the passenger seat position 142 on the frame 110.
[0042]
[0050] However, when a passenger is to be transported, the method proceeds from 302 to 306, in which the seat 108a is removed from the frame 110. Next, in 308, the seat 108a is secured to the movable platform 124 to provide a transport wheelchair 160.
[0043]
[0051] In step 310, it is determined whether the passenger is to be transferred to the seat position. If not, the method proceeds to step 312, in which the seat 108a (supporting the passenger) is maintained on the movable platform 124.
[0044]
[0052] However, if a passenger is to be transferred to a seat position in 310, the method proceeds from 310 to 314, and the seat 108a is removed from the movable platform 124. The method then returns to 300, where the seat 108a is secured to the frame 110, providing the passenger seat position 142. The passenger seat position 142 provides an assigned seat position for the passenger while traveling aboard the vehicle 104 (such as during a flight of the aircraft 200).
[0045]
[0053] Furthermore, this disclosure includes several embodiments as defined below.
[0046]
[0054] Article 1. It is a system, Seat system including frame, Movable platform, and The seat system comprises seats configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame and the movable platform of the seating system, The seat fixed to the frame provides a seating position for passengers. The system provides a transport wheelchair, with the seat fixed to the movable platform.
[0047]
[0055] Article 2. The seating system according to Clause 1, further comprising one or more additional seats fixed to the frame.
[0048]
[0056] Article 3. The system according to Clause 2, wherein the one or more additional seats are permanently fixed to the frame.
[0049]
[0057] Article 4. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 3, wherein the frame comprises one or more fixing studs for securing the seating system to one or more seating tracks on or within the floor.
[0050]
[0058] Article 5. The seat comprises a support connected to a backrest, as described in any one of the clauses 1 to 4.
[0051]
[0059] Article 6. The movable platform is a system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 5, comprising one or more wheels extending downward from a base.
[0052]
[0060] Article 7. The movable platform further comprises a height adjuster, as described in Clause 6.
[0053]
[0061] Article 8. The system according to Clause 7, further comprising one or both of a hand crank or a foot pedal operably coupled with the height adjuster.
[0054]
[0062] Article 9. The aforementioned seating system further comprises one or more armrests, as described in any one of the clauses 1 to 8.
[0055]
[0063] Article 10. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 9, wherein the one or more armrests remain fixed to the frame when the seat is removed from the frame.
[0056]
[0064] Article 11. The system according to any one of the clauses 1 to 10, wherein the movable platform comprises one or more arms configured to support the seat.
[0057]
[0065] Article 12. The system according to Clause 11, wherein the one or more arms are configured to retract and extend.
[0058]
[0066] Article 13. A method for a system, wherein the system is Seat system including frame, Movable platform, and The seat system comprises seats configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame and the movable platform of the seating system, The aforementioned method, To provide a seating position for passengers, the seat is fixed to the frame. Removing the aforementioned seat from the aforementioned frame, In order to provide a transport wheelchair, the seat is fixed to the movable platform. To remove the aforementioned seat from the movable platform (124), and A method comprising reattaching the seat to the frame in order to provide the seating position of the passenger.
[0059]
[0067] Article 14. It is a vehicle, Interior cabin including floor with one or more seat tracks, A seating system within an internal cabin, including a frame, wherein the frame comprises one or more fixing studs for securing the seating system to one or more seat tracks, A movable platform within the aforementioned internal cabin, comprising one or more wheels extending downward from a base, and A seat comprising a support connected to a backrest, wherein the seat is configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame and the movable platform of the seat system, The seats fixed to the frame provide seating positions for passengers in the interior cabin. The vehicle provides a transport wheelchair, with the seat fixed to the movable platform.
[0060]
[0068] Article 15. The vehicle according to Clause 14, wherein the seating system comprises one or more additional seats fixed to the frame.
[0061]
[0069] Article 16. The vehicle according to clause 14 or 15, wherein the movable platform further comprises a height adjuster.
[0062]
[0070] Article 17. The vehicle according to Clause 16, further comprising one or both of a hand crank or a foot pedal operably coupled to the height adjuster.
[0063]
[0071] Article 18. The vehicle according to any one of the clauses 14 to 17, wherein the seating system further comprises one or more armrests, the one or more armrests remaining fixed to the frame when the seat is removed from the frame.
[0064]
[0072] Article 19. The vehicle according to any one of the clauses 14 to 18, wherein the movable platform further comprises one or more arms configured to support the seat.
[0065]
[0073] Article 20. The vehicle according to Clause 19, wherein the one or more arms are configured to retract and extend.
[0066]
[0074] As described herein, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for increasing usable space within the interior cabin of a vehicle. Furthermore, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for arranging a wheelchair within the interior cabin while reducing the space occupied by the wheelchair within the interior cabin. Furthermore, several embodiments of the present disclosure provide a simple, safe, efficient, effective, and comfortable transport wheelchair that can be mounted in a vehicle.
[0067]
[0075] For the purposes of describing the embodiments of this disclosure, various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, downward, center, lateral, horizontal, vertical, and forward may be used, but it should be understood that such terms are used only to refer to the orientations shown in the drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered, such as top becoming bottom or vice versa, or horizontal becoming vertical.
[0068]
[0076] When used herein, any structure, limitation, or element “configured to perform a work or action” is structurally formed, configured, or adapted in particular to correspond to the work or action. For clarity and to avoid misunderstanding, any object that can be modified to perform a work or action is not “configured / set up to perform a work or action” as used herein.
[0069]
[0077] The above description should be understood as illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the embodiments (and / or their forms) described above can be used in combination with one another. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt the teachings of the various embodiments of this disclosure to specific situations or materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The dimensions and types of materials described herein are for the purpose of defining the parameters of the various embodiments of this disclosure, but these embodiments are not restrictive in any way and are illustrative. Many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reviewing the above description. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by referring to the appended claims and the entire scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the forms for carrying out the invention herein, the words “including” and “in which” are used as plain English synonyms for “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those objects. Moreover, the following limitations on the claims are not written in means-plus-function form and are not intended to be interpreted under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless or not explicitly used with the phrase “means for” followed by a description of a function lacking further structure.
[0070]
[0078] The descriptions herein, using examples, disclose various embodiments of the Disclosure, including the best mode, and enable those skilled in the art to perform various embodiments of the Disclosure, including the construction and use of any device or system, and the execution of any incorporated methods. The patentability of the various embodiments of the Disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can imagine. Such other examples are intended to be included in the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that differ only slightly from the language of the claims.
Claims
1. System (100), A seating system (106) including a frame (110), Movable platform (124), and The seat system (106) includes a seat configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame (110) and the movable platform (124), The seat, fixed to the frame (110), provides the passenger's seating position (142). The seat fixed to the movable platform (124) provides a transport wheelchair (160) in the system (100).
2. The seating system (106) comprises one or more further seats (108) fixed to the frame (110), the system (100) according to claim 1.
3. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the one or more additional seats (108) are permanently fixed to the frame (110).
4. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (110) comprises one or more fixing studs (118) for fixing the seating system (106) to one or more seating tracks (114) on or within the floor (116, 238).
5. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a support (120) coupled to a backrest (122).
6. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the movable platform (124) comprises one or more wheels (128) extending downward from the base (126).
7. The system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the movable platform (124) further comprises a height adjuster (130).
8. The system (100) according to claim 7, further comprising one or both of a hand crank (132) or a foot pedal (134) operably coupled to the height adjuster (130).
9. The seating system (106) further comprises one or more armrests, the system (100) according to claim 1.
10. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more armrests remain fixed to the frame (110) when the seat is removed from the frame (110).
11. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the movable platform (124) comprises one or more arms (150) configured to support the seat (120).
12. The system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the one or more arms (150) are configured to retract and extend.
13. A method for a system (100), wherein the system (100) is A seating system (106) including a frame (110), Movable platform (124), and The seat system (106) includes a seat configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame (110) and the movable platform (124), The aforementioned method, To provide a passenger seating position (142), the seat is fixed to the frame (110), To remove the aforementioned seat from the frame (110), In order to provide a transport wheelchair (160), the seat is fixed to the movable platform (124), To remove the aforementioned seat from the movable platform (124), and A method comprising reattaching the seat to the frame (110) in order to provide the passenger's seat position (142).
14. Vehicle (104), An interior cabin (102, 230) including a floor (116, 238) having one or more seat tracks (114), A seating system (106) within the internal cabin (102, 230) including a frame (110), wherein the frame (110) is provided with one or more fixing studs (118) for fixing the seating system (106) to one or more seat tracks (114), A movable platform (124) within the internal cabin (102, 230), the movable platform (124) having one or more wheels (128) extending downward from the base (126), and A seat comprising a support (120) coupled to a backrest (122), wherein the seat is configured to be detachably fixed to both the frame (110) and the movable platform (124) of the seat system (106), The seat fixed to the frame (110) provides a seating position (142) for a passenger in the interior cabin (102, 230). The vehicle (104) provides a transport wheelchair (160) with the seat fixed to the movable platform (124).
15. The vehicle (104) according to claim 14, wherein the seating system (106) comprises one or more further seats (108) fixed to the frame (110).
16. The vehicle (104) according to claim 14, wherein the movable platform (124) further comprises a height adjuster (130).
17. The vehicle (104) according to claim 16, further comprising one or both of a hand crank (132) or a foot pedal (134) operably coupled to the height adjuster (130).
18. The vehicle (104) according to claim 14, wherein the seating system (106) further comprises one or more armrests, the one or more armrests remaining fixed to the frame (110) when the seat is removed from the frame (110).
19. The vehicle (104) according to claim 14, wherein the movable platform (124) further comprises one or more arms (150) configured to support the seat (120).
20. The vehicle (104) according to claim 19, wherein the one or more arms (150) are configured to retract and extend.