US Patent 9393890 Aisle-operated locking mechanism for movable seat

A movable seat for a transit vehicle has a folding seat cushion that moves between a use position oriented to support a passenger and a storage position. The seat is supported by at least one pedestal that can be mounted in a vehicle for movement with respect to the vehicle, for example to provide space for a mobility aid. The pedestal has a locking mechanism and a lock activator that places the locking mechanism in a locked position to prevent movement of the seat. The seat also has a release mechanism that in one orientation maintains the locking mechanism in a locked position and in a second orientation unlocks the locking mechanism and also prevents placement of the folding seat cushion to the use position when unlocked.