Method and means for assisting a person to, into and out of a seat in a confined space

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus for assisting a person to transfer into or out of a seat in a row of seats. The apparatus comprises at least two inflatable structures for positioning on respective seats in the row and a substantially rigid transfer means arranged to be supported between the inflatable structures.

1 . Apparatus for assisting a person to transfer into or out of a seat in a row of seats, said apparatus comprising at least two inflatable structures for positioning on respective seats in the row and a substantially rigid transfer means arranged to be supported between the inflatable structures.  
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least two inflatable structures are connectable to a single air supply.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least one of said inflatable structures is fitted with a non return valve.  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said apparatus comprises means for connecting said at least two inflatable structures to a single air supply line.  
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said transfer means comprises at least one board.  
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said transfer means comprises a buffer means.  
   
   
       7 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said buffer means comprises a roll of material.  
   
   
       8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said apparatus further comprises at least one rigid board support structure for assisting support of at least one board when the board is arranged between the at least two inflatable structures.  
   
   
       9 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 8  wherein at least one rigid board support structure is collapsible.  
   
   
       10 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the apparatus further comprises a support means to assist movement of a person relative to the apparatus.  
   
   
       11 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the support means comprises at least one platform.  
   
   
       12 . Apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the support means comprises telescopic legs.  
   
   
       13 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further comprises portable air supply.  
   
   
       14 . A method of assisting a person to transfer into or out of a target seat in a row of seats, comprising the steps of placing an inflatable structure on the target seat, placing at least one other inflatable structure on a second seat, inflating said structures, and arranging a substantially rigid transfer means between the inflatable structures to provide a transfer surface between the second seat and the target seat.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said method comprises the step of lowering a person into the target seat by deflation of said inflatable structure.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said method comprises the step of lowering a rigid board support structure on a third seat located between the target seat and the second seat.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16  wherein said method comprises the step of placing the rigid board support structure on each of one or more seats located between the target seat and the second seat.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said method comprises the step of extending at least one board between two adjacent inflatable structures only.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein the method further comprises the step of providing a support means to assist movement of a person relative to the apparatus.  
   
   
       20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . (canceled)