Accessible Public Transportation System

Publication ID: 24-11857088_0002_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Accessible Public Transportation System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857088_0002_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857088_0002_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,088.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to an accessible public transportation system that incorporates an adjustable bench, enabling customization to accommodate passengers with varying mobility needs, thereby enhancing overall accessibility and inclusivity in public transportation vehicles.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for an adjustable bench primarily focused on providing a versatile seating solution for various fitness and exercise activities. However, this invention had limitations in terms of its applicability to other industries. The present inventive concept addresses the need for accessible public transportation systems, which is a pressing concern in today's society. The lack of customizable seating solutions in public transportation vehicles hinders the ability of passengers with mobility impairments to access and utilize these services comfortably and safely. The present inventive concept solves this problem by applying the core technology of the adjustable bench to public transportation vehicles, thereby providing a much-needed solution for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises an adjustable bench installed on a floor of a public transportation vehicle, which is selectively configurable to accommodate passengers with varying mobility needs. The bench can be configured to provide a flat top surface for wheelchair accessibility or a sloped top surface for passengers requiring additional support. The adjustable bench can also be designed to include a storage compartment for passengers with mobility aids. The system can be further customized by installing multiple adjustable benches, each designed to accommodate different types of mobility needs. The inventive concept can be implemented in various public transportation vehicles, including buses, trains, and ferries, to name a few.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims provide a novel application of the adjustable bench technology to public transportation vehicles, which is non-obvious compared to the original patent. The inventive concept's selective configurability to accommodate passengers with varying mobility needs and its customization possibilities for different public transportation vehicles demonstrate a significant inventive step.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adjustable benches with different dimensions, materials, or mechanisms for adjusting the height and slope of the seat. Additionally, the system could be integrated with other accessibility features, such as ramps, elevators, or wheelchair restraints, to provide a comprehensive accessibility solution for public transportation vehicles.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the public transportation industry, where there is a growing need for accessible and inclusive solutions. The target market includes public transportation agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and accessibility solution providers. The inventive concept can also be applied to other industries, such as healthcare, hospitality, and education, where accessibility and inclusivity are essential considerations.

Field of Art

Transportation vehicle design and accessibility engineering, focusing on seating systems and mobility accommodation technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An engineer with expertise in vehicle interior design, accessibility solutions, and adaptive seating mechanisms, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering or transportation design

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's adjustable bench technology provides a clear technical foundation for adapting the design to public transportation vehicles. The core mechanical principles of adjustable seating, slope configuration, and modular design are directly transferable to transportation accessibility solutions. The PTD represents a predictable application of known bench adjustment technologies to a new context of public transportation vehicle design.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Adjustable bench with selectively matable seat and skirt configurations
PTD Variation
Implementing the adjustable bench in public transportation vehicles with mobility-specific configurations
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting known adjustable seating mechanisms to transportation contexts represents a standard design optimization approach with predictable results in accessibility engineering
Source Patent Element
Leg assemblies that are slidably or telescopically height adjustable
PTD Variation
Customizing bench height and configuration for different passenger mobility requirements
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending height adjustment mechanisms to accommodate diverse passenger needs is a logical and foreseeable design evolution using known mechanical techniques
Source Patent Element
Removable seat to access storage compartment
PTD Variation
Integrating storage compartments specifically for mobility aids in transportation vehicle benches
Obviousness Reasoning
Repurposing existing storage design principles for mobility aid storage represents a straightforward application of known technical solutions
Source Patent Element
Wedge-shaped seat design with configurable positioning
PTD Variation
Creating multiple bench configurations to support wheelchair accessibility and passenger support needs
Obviousness Reasoning
Leveraging existing seat geometry to create multiple functional configurations is a predictable design approach within transportation seating engineering
Source Patent Element
Bench with adjustable geometric configurations
PTD Variation
Modular bench system that can be easily installed or removed in different transportation vehicles
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending modular design principles to create adaptable seating systems represents a standard engineering approach to solving diverse transportation accessibility challenges
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857088's teachings, the present publication demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in transportation design would find the disclosed public transportation accessibility bench configurations obvious and predictable extensions of existing adjustable seating technologies, thereby establishing robust prior art against potential future patent claims in this technological domain.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,088
TitleAdjustable bench
Assignee(s)Ombase Ventures Ltd.