Removable seats system with linear horizontal seat displacer

Abstract

The multipurpose room may be converted between a seatless configuration and a seating configuration using a removable seats system by raising a vertically movable platform, displacing a seat member from beneath the vertically movable platform to a rearward position along a linear path and along a horizontal vector using the horizontal seat displacer, displacing the seat member vertically to a position above the vertically movable platform, displacing the seat member toward the vertically movable platform along a linear path and along a horizontal vector using the horizontal seat displacer, lowering the seat member onto the vertically movable platform to an operative position, lowering the vertically movable platform to functionally align with adjacent platforms.

Description

[0001] TITLE: REMOVABLE SEATS SYSTEM WITH LINEAR HORIZONTAL SEAT DISPLACER

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a removable seats system, and more particularly to a removable seats system including vertically movable platforms and seats which may be positioned in either one of an operative position on the platform to allow persons to sit on the seats, and a stored position beneath the platforms, and comprising a seat displacer for displacing the seats between these positions that includes a linear horizontal component.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is known to provide removable seats in multi-functional rooms. For example, some rooms are used both as theatre rooms where rows of seats are provided, and as conference rooms or show rooms where a flat floor surface is required with no fixed seats. To accommodate such hybrid rooms, it is known to provide a removable seats system into the room to allow the seats to be stored or installed according to the daily purpose of the room. Such hybrid rooms are shown in Figure 1 and 2, and will be described in greater detail in the Detailed Description of the Embodiments section.

[0006] One removable seats system 500 of the prior art is shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. It comprises a vertically movable platforms 502 and a fixed platform 503 located rearwardly of vertically movable platform 502. Although with only one vertically movable platform 502 is shown in those figures, removable seats system 500 comprises a number of other vertically movable platforms, as can be seen in Figures 1-2.

[0007] Each vertically movable platform 502 is supported spacedly over ground by a ground-resting platform support and displacement apparatus 504 that engages the platform 502 and that positions the platform 502 in a horizontally successively adjacent although slightly horizontally spaced configuration relative to the other platforms so as to define a small horizontal gap between each two successive platforms. The platform support and displacement apparatus 504 typically comprises motorized linear actuators 504a as lifting mechanisms that use intertwined bands (e.g. such as those sold under the trademark SPIRALIFT ®) or hydraulic cylinders, together with guiding members 504b, the combination of which allows selective guided independent vertical displacement of the platforms 502. The removable seats system 500 also comprises a seat member 508 comprising a number of seats 510, which is associated to a corresponding platform 502. The seat member 508 is carried by the platform 502 by means of a seat supporting structure 512 such that it ismovable relative to the platform 502 between a stored position shown in Figure 3 in which the row of seats 510 is located under the platform 502, through an intermediate position shown in Figure 4 and into an operative position in which the row of seats 510 is located above the platform 502 for allowing persons to sit on the seats 510. Figure 5 shows the row of seats almost in its operative position: it is moved forward compared to Figure 4, such that is located above platform 502, but it will thereafter be lowered to reach its operative position, just slightly e.g. of 5 centimeters or less, until it rests atop platform 502.

[0008] In the prior art system 500, the seat supporting structure 512 includes two seat displacers:

[0009] a) A horizontal seat displacer that comprises one or more pendulum-type linkages 514 that includes motorized interlinked pivot arms, that allow the seat member 508 to swing between its stored position and its operative position. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, this swinging motion of seat member 508 includes a horizontal component H which is desirable to clear platform 502; but also, a vertical component V; and b) A vertical seat displacer that comprises a vertical rail 516 along which the seat member 508 is movable by means of a motorized gear and chain mechanism, as shown in Figure 4.

[0010] In moving seat member 508 between its stored and operative positions, the horizontal displacement is required to allow seat member 508 to clear platform 502 under which it is stored or over which it is operatively installed, to allow the vertical movement shown in Figure 4. The "horizontal displacer" does not displace seat member 508 linearly however: as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, in its swinging motion the seat member 508 follows an arcuate or pendulum-type path, requiring additional vertical clearance or space V between two adjacent platforms 502, or between platform 502 and fixed platform 503, in order to clear the surrounding structures during displacement of the seat member 508. This effectively increases the vertical space required between adjacent platforms 502 when seat member is transferred between its stored and operative positions, and limits how closely successive platforms 502 or 502 / 503 may be positioned relative to one another.

[0011] There is therefore a need for a removable seats system in which the seat member can be displaced between its stored position and operative positions in a more compact manner, and in particular in which the horizontal displacement of the seat member can be performed along a linear path, without imparting an arcuate or pendulum-type motion requiring additional vertical clearance between adjacent platforms.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a removable seats system comprising a plurality of vertically movable platforms, a ground-resting platform support and displacement apparatus configured to vertically displace each of the platforms, at least one seat member associated with a corresponding one of the platforms, each seat member comprising one or more seats, a seat supporting structure carrying the seat member, and a seat displacement mechanism carrying the seat supporting structure and configured to move the seat member between a stored position located beneath the corresponding platform and an operative position located above the corresponding platform.

[0013] The seat displacement mechanism comprises a horizontal seat displacer configured to displace the seat member along a linear path and along a horizontal vector relative to the corresponding platform, and a vertical seat displacer configured to displace the seat member along a vertical path.

[0014] In one embodiment, the horizontal seat displacer displaces the seat member exclusively along a horizontal vector, thereby maintaining the seat member at a substantially constant vertical elevation while displacing the seat member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the horizontal seat displacer comprises a scissor linkage. The scissor linkage may include first and second bars pivotally connected to one another and operatively coupled between a vertical rail and a post fixed relative to the corresponding platform. A horizontal motor may be operatively coupled to the scissor linkage to actuate the horizontal seat displacer.

[0016] In one embodiment, the vertical seat displacer comprises at least one vertical rail fixed relative to the corresponding platform, at least one bracket engaged with the vertical rail and fixed to the seat supporting structure, and a vertical motor operatively coupled to the bracket to move the bracket along the vertical rail.

[0017] In one embodiment, adjacent platforms are horizontally spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. In the operative position of the seat member, the seat supporting structure extends from beneath the corresponding platform to above the corresponding platform through the gap.

[0018] In one embodiment, the seat supporting structure comprises an upper seat support member on which the one or more seats are mounted, a lower seat support member, and a plurality of support arms extending between and connecting the upper seat support member and thelower seat support member. The support arms may be configured to extend through the gap between adjacent platforms when the seat member is in the operative position.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of converting a multipurpose room between a seatless configuration and a seating configuration using a removable seats system according to the first aspect. The method comprises raising a vertically movable platform, displacing a seat member from beneath the platform to a rearward position along a linear path and along a horizontal vector using the horizontal seat displacer, displacing the seat member vertically to a position above the platform, displacing the seat member toward the platform along a linear path and along a horizontal vector using the horizontal seat displacer, lowering the seat member onto the platform to an operative position, and lowering the platform to align with adjacent platforms.

[0020] In one embodiment, the step of displacing the seat member along the linear path is carried out exclusively along a horizontal vector such that the seat member remains at a substantially constant vertical elevation during the step. In one embodiment, the step of displacing the seat member along the linear path comprises actuating a scissor linkage. In one embodiment, the method further comprises actuating a horizontal motor operatively coupled to the scissor linkage to displace the seat member along the linear path.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the enclosed drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view of a multipurpose room equipped with a removable seats system according to the present invention, showing the room in its theatre room configuration. The multipurpose room of Figure 1 is also similar to the one used for prior art systems such as the one shown in Figures 3-5;

[0024] Figure 2 is a partial schematic side elevation, at an enlarged scale, of the room of Figure 1; Figures 3, 4 and 5 are schematic side elevations illustrating a prior art removable seats system in which a seat member is displaced relative to a platform, including by a swinging or pendulum-type arcuate motion as sequentially shown in Figures 4 and 5;

[0025] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a removable seats system according to the present invention, showing one vertically movable platform with its corresponding seat member, together with a rearwardly adjacent fixed platform panel and floor;

[0026] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area circumscribed by line VII of Figure 6;Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the removable seats system of Figures 6 and 7 , taken from the rear and with the fixed platform panel being removed;

[0027] Figure 9 is similar to Figure 8, but taken from a different angle from the rear;

[0028] Figures 10a and 10b are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line X-B of Figure 10a of the removable seats system in a seatless room configuration with the vertically movable platform and the fixed platform panel being coplanar. Figures 10a and 10b are collectively referred to as "Figure 10" in the present specification;

[0029] Figures 11a and lib are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line Xl-B of Figure 11a of the removable seats system with the vertically movable platform raised. Figures 11a and lib are collectively referred to as "Figure 11" in the present specification;

[0030] Figures 12a and 12b are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line Xll-B of Figure 12a of the removable seats system with the seat member being moved rearwardly. Figures 12a and 12b are collectively referred to as "Figure 12" in the present specification;

[0031] Figures 13a and 13b are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line Xlll-B of Figure 13a of the removable seats system with the seat member being raised above the platform. Figures 13 and 13b are collectively referred to as "Figure 13" in the present specification;

[0032] Figures 14a and 14b are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line XIV-B of Figure 14a of the removable seats system with the seat member being moved frontwardly toward the platform. Figures 14a and 14b are collectively referred to as "Figure 14" in the present specification; and

[0033] Figures 15a and 15b are respectively a perspective view and a cross-sectional side elevation taken along line XV-B of Figure 15a of the removable seats system with the seat member being lowered into its operative position on the platform and with the vertically movable platform being lowered to align with the adjacent fixed platform panel in a theatre room configuration. Figures 15a and 15b are collectively referred to as "Figures 15" in the present specification.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a multipurpose room 25 configured in a theatre room configuration where theatre seats are installed in bleacher configuration to accommodate a seated attendance. Room 25 can alternately be configured in a free floor configuration (not shown in the drawings) wherein all theatre seats are stored under the platforms to allow the room to have a flat, free floor surface that can be used for examples of dinner events, shows or any other desired venue wherein the theatre seats are not required.

[0035] Room 25 of Figures 1-2 is shown in association with the invention depicted in Figures 6-15, but is similar to that of the prior art system shown in Figures 3-5.

[0036] More particularly, room 25 comprises a front stage portion 26 and a main room portion 27, the latter provided with a removable seats system 30 according to the present invention. Removable seats system 30 comprises a number of vertically movable platforms 32 which collectively form a floor for people in main room portion 1 to stand on. Platforms 32 can be installed at selected elevations and a number of seat members 34 can be selectively installed atop the platforms 32 or stored under platforms 32. Each platform 32 may carry one or more seat member 34. If seat members 34 are installed on platforms 32, then room 25 is said to be in its theatre room configuration wherein attendees may be seated on seat members 34. Platforms 32 may then be installed for instance in a gradually rising bleacher configuration away from the front stage portion 26 as shown in Figure 2. If seat members 34 are removed from atop the platforms 32 and are stored under platforms 32 instead (not shown in Figures 1-2), then room 25 is said to be in its free floor configuration. Platforms 32 may then be installed for instance at a same elevation to form a flat floor surface, e.g., to receive a standing attendance or to install dinner tables and chairs, or for any other desired purpose wherein seat members 34 are not required. Each seat member 34 includes one or more seats 35, e.g., a seat member 34 will typically comprise a row of theatre seats.

[0037] Figures 1-2 also show that a rear fixed platform panel 37 is provided where seat members 34 that are not part of removable seats system 30 are installed.

[0038] Skirts 28 may optionally depend from the front edge of each platform 32 to fill the vertical space between two successive platforms 32 when they are elevated at different heights to form a gradually rising theatre room bleacher configuration.

[0039] Platforms 32 are curved, meaning that their front and rear edges are curved. They are more precisely arcuate, and even more particularly their front and rear edges form an ellipse or acircle segment, with their concavity facing the front stage portion 26. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), platforms 32 are straight.

[0040] Figures 6-15 show one vertically movable platform 32 and the rear fixed platform 37 of the removable seats system 30 according to the present invention. While only a single platform 32 is shown for convenience in Figures 6-15, it is understood that removable seats system 30 can, and normally will, include several movable platforms 32 as shown in Figures 1-2.

[0041] Figures 10-15 -that will be detailed later in this specification - show the displacement of the rearmost platform member 32 relative to the rear fixed platform panel 37 to allow the seat member 34 corresponding to this platform 32 to be moved between its stored and operative positions. As mentioned in the Brief Description of the Drawings section, reference to "Figures 10-15", individually or collectively, herein refer to respective corresponding pairs of Figures 10a and 10b (Figure 10), 11a and lib (Figure 11), 12a and 12b (Figure 12), 13a and 13b (Figure 13), 14a and 14b (Figure 14), and 15a and 15b (Figure 15).

[0042] With reference to Figures 6-9, the structure of the vertically movable platform 32 of removable seats system 30 and of its corresponding seat member 34 will now be detailed. Platform 32 is shown to move relative to fixed platform panel 37, but it is understood that other platforms 32 and their seat members 34 work in the same way, except that they will be positioned adjacent and will move relative to another platform 32 instead of relative to fixed platform panel 37. Fixed platform panel 37 is supported spacedly over ground 38 by a fixed supporting wall 40.

[0043] Vertically movable platform 32 is supported spacedly over ground 38 by a ground-resting platform support and displacement apparatus 42 that engages vertically movable platform 32 and that positions vertically movable platform 32 in a horizontally successively adjacent although slightly horizontally spaced configuration relative to fixed platform 37 and relative to the frontwardly located adjacent platform 32 (not shown in Figures 6-15, but shown in Figures 1 and 2).

[0044] Platform support and displacement apparatus 42 comprises vertical linear actuators in the form of motorized spiral band actuators 44 of known construction, that each rest on and are fixed to the ground 38. Any other type of known linear actuator could be used instead, such as hydraulic cylinders. Vertically movable platform 32 is mounted to linear actuators 44 by means of vertical posts 48. Linear actuators 44 and vertical posts 48 vertically support vertically movable platform 32 and linear actuators 44 may be extracted or retracted tovertically displace vertically movable platform 32 between a lower position shown in Figures 10 and 15, and an upper position shown in Figures 6-9 and 11-14.

[0045] Platform support and displacement apparatus 42 also comprises guide members 46 that guide vertically movable platform 32 in its vertical displacement and help to stabilize it, i.e., to prevent undesirable horizontal movement of vertically movable platform 32.

[0046] Vertically movable platform 32 comprises an elongated movable platform panel 60 on which persons may stand and on which seat member 34 may be installed as described further below. Movable platform panel 60 is curved, meaning more particular that its front and rear edges are curved. This curved shape may be that of an arc of a circle, of an ellipse, or otherwise. It could even be formed of a series of discrete straight edges that collectively form the equivalent of a curve. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), platform 32 is straight.

[0047] Fixed platform panel 37 has a shape that corresponds to that of panel 60, i.e. its front edge is curved to match the curved rear edge of movable platform panel 60.

[0048] Fixed platform panel 37 and movable platform panel 60 are horizontally adjacent albeit very slightly spaced-apart such that a small horizontal gap 61 exists between the rear edge of movable platform panel 60 and the front edge of fixed platform panel 37 - see Figures 1, 10 and 15. The front edge of platform panel 60 is also curved to match the curved rear edge of the frontwardly adjacent platform panel 60. A gap 61a (Figure 1) also exists between the platform panels 60 of each consecutive pair of vertically movable platforms 32 of removable seats system 30. Gaps 61, 61a technically exist at all times, i.e., there is a small horizontal distance between the vertically movable platforms 32 and between platform 32 and fixed platform 37 at any vertical position of movable platform panels 60, but gaps 61, 61a are particularly apparent and relevant when movable platform panels 60 are vertically aligned with each other and / or with fixed platform panel 37 as seen for example in Figures 10 and 15; or even in a position such as in Figure 2 where the platform panels 32 are not installed at a same elevation in the bleacher configuration of room 25. In the present specification, platforms 32 are said to be "functionally aligned" when platform panels 60 of different platforms 32 are aligned with each other and / or with fixed floor panel 37 to form either a flat horizontal floor such as in Figures 10 and 15; or more generally in any position where platforms 32 / fixed platform 37 form a functional floor configuration, including for example as shown in Figure 2 where the room 25 is in an operative bleacher type theatre roomconfiguration with the platform panels 60 / fixed floor panel 37 not being actually vertically aligned but still forming a usable floor.

[0049] Platform panel 60 is fixed to and carried by a number of short platform transverse bars 62 that extend radially from the front curved edge of platform panel 60 to its rear curved edge. Platform transverse bars 62 are in turn carried by a curved steel profile 68 by means of attachment bars 64. The curved shaped of steel profile 68 essentially matches the curve of platform panel 60 such that it longitudinally extends along and underneath platform panel 60. Steel profile 68 is fixedly attached to and carried atop vertical posts 48 and is also fixed atop a vertical support 69 that is in turn fixed atop guide member 46. A brace 69a also links the top of guide member 46 to steel profile 68.

[0050] Seat member 34 includes a number of individual seats 35 that each comprise a seat backrest and a seat platform that is pivotable towards and away from the backrest. As is often the case in theatre rooms, the seat platform is spring-biased towards the backrest to allow people to circulate more easily within the aisles formed between each consecutive row of seats while no one sits on the seats 35. The seat platform may be forced to a horizontal position away form the backrest against a spring's effect, to allow a person to sit on the seat. Seat member 34 may extend for a fraction of the length of a platform 32 as shown in Figure 1, or could alternately extend for about the entire length of a platform 32. Seat member 34 is curved to generally match the shape of platform panel 60.

[0051] Seat member 34 is carried by a seat supporting structure that includes an elongated curved upper seat support member 70 on which seats 35 are fixed. Upper seat support member 70 is linked to an elongated curved lower seat support member 72 by spaced-apart, discrete seat support arms 74. Each support arm 74 is formed of an elongated thin plate that is attached at both ends respectively to upper seat support member 70 and to lower seat support member 72.

[0052] Removable seats system 30 further comprises a seat displacement mechanism 80 that comprises a vertical seat displacer 82 and a horizontal seat displacer 84.

[0053] Vertical seat displacer 82 comprises a vertical rail 86 that is engaged by a bracket 92 that is fixed underneath lower seat support member 72. A vertical motor 98 that is fixed to bracket 92 allows, by a suitable transmission mechanism in the form of a gear and chain mechanism 103, to move the corresponding brackets 92 along rails 86 and, consequently, to move seat member 34 relative to platform panel 60 vertically between a lower position shown inFigures 10 and 15 in which seat member 34 is located entirely lower than platform panel 60; and an upper position shown in Figures 6-9 and 11-14 in which seat member 34 is located entirely higher than platform panel 60.

[0054] Although the drawings show a single set comprising a rail 86, bracket 92, vertical motor 98 and gear and chain mechanism 103, more than one such sets could be provided to move each seat member 34 in coordination.

[0055] Horizontal seat displacer 84 comprises a post 110 that is attached to and downwardly depends from steel profile 68, and scissor linkages 104 each composed of first and second bars 106, 108 that are each pivotally attached to each other at a central portion thereof. One extremity of first bar 106 is pivotally attached to an upper part of vertical rail 86, while its opposite extremity pivotally engages a lower part of a post 110 within a slot 112 provided therein to allow a vertical sliding attachment of that pivoting extremity of first bar 106 to post 110. One extremity of second bar 108 is pivotally attached to an upper part of post 110, while its opposite extremity pivotally engages a lower part of vertical rail within a slot 114 provided therein to allow a vertical sliding engagement of that pivoting extremity of bar 108 to vertical rail 86.

[0056] A horizontal motor 116 is fixed to and downwardly depend from steel profile 68 and engages scissor linkage 104 to control its scissor-like deployment by means of a transmission arm 118, which results in a corresponding horizontal displacement of seat member 34 between a front position shown in Figures 10-11 where it is positioned to be vertically under platform panel 60, i.e. between the front and rear edges of platform panel 60; and a rear position shown in Figures 6-9 and 12-13 where it is positioned entirely behind the rear edge of platform panel 60. In Figures 14-15, seat member is moved frontwardly almost to its frontmost position, but not quite, as described below.

[0057] The scissor linkage 104 is configured such that the horizontal seat displacer 84 displaces the seat member 34 along a linear path and along a horizontal vector relative to the corresponding platform panel 60. According to this embodiment, During displacement by the horizontal seat displacer 84, the seat member 34 undergoes substantially no vertical component of motion.

[0058] In one alternate embodiment (not shown), the linear path could be inclined instead of entirely horizontal; but it would include a horizontal vector in any event, and it would remain linear also, specifically avoiding a swinging or pendulum type of motion, and also avoiding a rotating motion of the seat member.The horizontal motor 116 constitutes drive motors for the horizontal seat displacer 84 and is operatively coupled to the scissor linkages 104 to generate the linear horizontal displacement of the seat member 34.

[0059] More than one set of scissor-type linkages 104 with corresponding motors 116 and transmission arms 118 may be provided to move each seat member 34, although only one set is visible in the drawings.

[0060] In use, removable seats system 30 may adopt a theatre room configuration shown in Figures 1, 2 and 15, where rows of seats are accessible for seating purposes, and a seatless room configuration shown in Figure 10 where a flat floor surface devoid of seats is provided. The "seatless" qualifier refers to the area located above platform panel 60 where no seat member 34 is then present.

[0061] More particularly, in the seatless room configuration shown in Figures 10, vertically movable platform 32 is vertically positioned such that its platform panel 60 is functionally aligned with the fixed platform panel 37 of fixed platform 36, and with the platform panels 32 of other platforms (not shown in Figures 6-15) such that their upper surfaces form a functional floor surface that is devoid of any theatre seats and is thus usable for any other desired purpose. Although gaps 61 and 61a exist between movable platform panel 60 and fixed platform panel 37 and between the platform panels 60 of different platforms 32, they are narrow enough to be nigh unnoticeable. In this configuration, seat members 34 are located in their front and lower position, and are stored and concealed under a corresponding movable platform panel 60 such that a person standing on movable platform panel 60 does not see seat member 34.

[0062] To transform removable seats system 30 from its seatless configuration to its theatre room configuration, the following steps occur:

[0063] (a) vertically displacing the platform 32 upwardly relative to the ground 38;

[0064] (b) displacing the seat member 34 rearwardly by actuating the horizontal seat displacer 84 to move the seat member 34 along a linear horizontal path. In an alternate embodiment, this path could be inclined, for instance towards the rear but also upwardly, and not be entirely horizontal, while still being linear;

[0065] (c) vertically displacing the seat member 34 upwardly relative to the platform panel 60 by actuating the vertical seat displacer 82;

[0066] (d) displacing the seat member 34 frontwardly by actuating the horizontal seat displacer 84 to move the seat member 34 along a linear horizontal path. In an alternate embodiment,this path could be inclined, for instance towards the front but also downwardly, and not be entirely horizontal, while still being linear;

[0067] (e) vertically displacing the seat member 34 downwardly relative to the platform panel 60 by actuating the vertical seat displacer 82; and

[0068] (f) vertically displacing the platform 32 downwardly relative to the ground 38.

[0069] More particularly, the displacement of seat member 34 comprises:

[0070] • As shown sequentially in Figures 10 and 11, linear actuators 44 are actuated to raise vertically movable platform 32 from its lower to its upper position, with seat member 34 being carried by vertically movable platform 32 in this vertical displacement. Movable platform panel 60 and seat member 34 become vertically spaced above fixed platform panel 37;

[0071] • As also shown sequentially in Figures 11 and 12, horizontal seat displacer 84 is thereafter actuated to displace seat member 34 linearly from its front to its rear position. Seat member 34 is then located rearwardly of the rear edge of movable platform panel 60;

[0072] • As sequentially shown in Figures 12 and 13, vertical seat displacer 82 is actuated to displace seat member 34 form its lower to its upper position. Seat member 34 is then located higher than movable platform panel 60;

[0073] • As sequentially shown in Figures 13 and 14, horizontal seat displacer 84 is actuated to displace seat member 34 linearly frontwards, away from its rear position, until seat support arms 74 abut against the rear edge of movable platform panel 60. Upper seat support member 70 is then located above movable platform panel 60 while lower seat support member 72 is located under movable platform panel 60;

[0074] • As sequentially shown in Figures 14 and 15, vertical seat displacer 82 is actuated to lower seat member 34 away from its upper position until upper support member 70 abuts against the upper surface of movable platform panel 60. Support feet are preferably provided under upper support member 70 to abut against movable platform panel 60. Seat member 34 is then in its operative position relative to its corresponding vertically movable platform 32; and

[0075] • As also sequentially shown in Figures 14 and 15, linear actuators 44 are actuated to lower vertically movable platform 32 from its upper to it lower position. Movable platform panel 60 becomes functionally aligned with fixed platform panel 37 once again, e.g. at a same horizontal level - although, as mentioned above, they could also be positioned at a different height to create a bleacher configuration. Seat member 34 remains in its operative position, installed above movable platform panel 60, usable by persons to sit. Supports arms 74extend through gap 61 between movable platform panel 60 and fixed platform panel 37. More particularly, in the operative position of the seat member 34, the seat supporting structure comprising the upper seat support member 70, the lower seat support member 72 and the support arms 74 extends from under the movable platform panel 60 to over the movable platform panel 60 through the gap 61 or 61a.

[0076] In one embodiment, the step of lowering seat member 34 away from its upper position until upper support member 70 abuts against the upper surface of movable platform panel 60, further includes forcing upper support member 70 against movable platform panel 60 so as to apply a prestress on the seat support member (the seat support member comprises the combination of upper support member 70, lower support member 72 and support arms 74). This prestress of the seat support member 70, 72, 74 against vertically movable platform 32 helps prevent seat member 34 from moving relative to movable platform panel 60, particularly when persons sit on it.

[0077] It is noted that although the above-described displacement of seat member 34 from its stored to its operative position has been explained with the movement of vertically movable platform 32 relative to fixed platform 37, the same steps may allow to move a seat member 34 from its stored to its operative position atop its platform 32 where platform 32 is adjacent to another platform 32. The rear edge of the movable platform panel 60 is then located functionally adjacent to the front edge of the rearwardly adjacent movable platform panel 60 such that the gap 61a is formed between two movable platform panels 60, with the seat support arms 74 then extending within that gap 61a.

[0078] In one embodiment, in the theatre room configuration, each successive movable platform panel 60 is positioned lower than the position of the rearwardly adjacent movable platform panel 60 so as to form gradually rising rows of seats, e.g., bleachers, as suggested in Figure 2. The gap 61a between each pair of movable platform panels 60 remains present to allow the support arms 74 to extend therethrough, including for instance between the rear edge of the platform panel 60 and the skirt 28 of the rear adjacent platform 32. The functional alignment of the platforms 32 is then not a vertical alignment, as mentioned above.

[0079] Removing seat member 34 from atop movable platform panel 60 in the theatre room configuration to store it below movable platform panel 60 in the seatless room configuration, can be accomplished in the opposite order than the installation of seat member 34 on movable platform panel 60, as sequentially shown from Figure 15 down to Figure 10: vertically movable platform 32 is raised to its upper position (Figure 15 to Figure14), seat member 34 is lifted above movable platform panel 60 (also Figure 15 to Figure 14), seat member 34 is moved backward away from the movable platform panel rear edge (Figure 14 to Figure 13), seat member 34 is lowered until it is lower than platform panel 60 (Figure 13 to Figure 12), seat member 34 is moved horizontally underneath platform panel 60 (Figure 12 to Figure 11), and finally vertically movable platform 32 is lowered until platform panel 60 is functionally aligned with fixed platform panel 37 (Figure 11 to Figure 10).

[0080] One advantage of the removable seats system 30 according to the present invention relies on the use of a seat displacement mechanism 80 that allows the seat member 34 to be moved between a stored and concealed position under movable platform panel 60 and an operative position above movable platform panel 60 where seat displacement mechanism 80 includes a first seat displacer that allows displacement along a linear path, and more particularly and advantageously along a horizontal vector, namely, horizontal seat displacer 84; and a second seat displacer that allows a displacement also along a linear path, and more particularly along a vertical vector, namely, vertical seat displacer 82. The use of two distinct seat displacers 82, 84 that each move seat member 34 linearly along transverse vectors allows for a more compact system 30 compared to the prior art pivoting systems. In particular, the linear displacement provided by the horizontal seat displacer 84 avoids any need for additional vertical clearance between adjacent platforms 32 or between a platform 32 and the fixed platform panel 37, compared to prior art systems that includes pivotal, rotating or pendulum-type movements.

[0081] The scissor linkage 104 is particularly advantageous in displacing seat member 34 along a linear vector. Scissor linkage 104 provides a linear displacement of seat members 34, which requires less space to clear the surrounding equipment, in particular the rearwardly adjacent platform 37 or 32. The scissor linkage 104 is configured to constrain the displacement of the seat member 34 to a linear path. In one embodiment, as suggested above, this linear path could be inclined instead of horizontal, for instance towards the rear and upwardly when moving the seat member from its frontward to its rearward position.

[0082] In one embodiment (not shown), the seat member is stored and concealed under an adjacent platform, to the front or to the back of the platform on which it is installed, instead of under the platform on which it is installed. The horizontal and vertical seat displacers are then attached to the adjacent platform and would allow the seat member to move from its stored position under the adjacent platform, to its operative position atop its correspondingplatform. While in the operative position of the seat member atop its corresponding platform, the support arms would extend between the seat member's corresponding platform and the adjacent platform under which it is stored, as they would remain carried by the horizontal / vertical seat displacers.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMSreceived by the International Bureau on 22 June 2026 (22.06.2026) 1. A removable seats system comprising:a plurality of vertically movable platforms;a ground-resting platform support and displacement apparatus configured to vertically displace each of said vertically movable platforms;at least one seat member associated with a corresponding one of said vertically movable platforms, each seat member comprising one or more seats;a seat supporting structure carrying said seat member; anda seat displacement mechanism carrying said seat supporting structure and configured to move said seat member between:a) a stored position located beneath said corresponding vertically movable platform, andb) an operative position located above said corresponding vertically movable platform,wherein said seat displacement mechanism comprises:i) a horizontal seat displacer configured to displace said seat member along a linear path and along a horizontal vector relative to said corresponding vertically movable platform, wherein displacement of said seat member by said horizontal seat displacer is constrained to said linear path only between said stored position and said operative position thereby avoiding the additional vertical clearance associated with an arcuate displacement path, andii) a vertical seat displacer configured to displace said seat member along a vertical path.

2. The removable seats system of claim 1, wherein said horizontal seat displacer displaces said seat member exclusively along said horizontal vector, thereby maintaining said seat member at a substantially constant vertical elevation while displacing said seat member.

3. The removable seats system of claim 1, wherein said horizontal seat displacer comprises a scissor linkage.

4. The removable seats system of claim 3, wherein said scissor linkage includes first and second bars pivotally connected to one another and operatively coupled between a vertical rail fixed to said seat member and a post fixed to said corresponding vertically movable platform.

5. The removable seats system of claim 4, further comprising a horizontal motor operatively coupled to said scissor linkage to actuate said horizontal seat displacer.

6. The removable seats system of claim 1, wherein said vertical seat displacer comprises: at least one vertical rail fixed relative to said corresponding vertically movable platform; at least one bracket engaged with said vertical rail and fixed to said seat supporting structure; anda vertical motor operatively coupled to said bracket to move said bracket along said vertical rail.

7. The removable seats system of claim 6, wherein said vertical motor drives said bracket through a gear and chain transmission mechanism.

8. The removable seats system of claim 1, wherein adjacent ones of said vertically movable platforms are horizontally spaced apart to define a gap therebetween.

9. The removable seats system of claim 8, wherein, in said operative position of said seat member, said seat supporting structure extends from beneath said corresponding vertically movable platform to above said corresponding vertically movable platform through said gap.

10. The removable seats system of claim 9, wherein said seat supporting structure comprises:an upper seat support member on which said one or more seats are mounted;a lower seat support member; anda plurality of support arms extending between and connecting said upper seat support member and said lower seat support member.

11. The removable seats system of claim 10, wherein said support arms are configured to extend through said gap between adjacent platforms when said seat member is in said operative position.

12. A method of converting a multipurpose room between a seatless configuration and a seating configuration using the removable seats system according to claim 1, the method comprising:raising said corresponding vertically movable platform;displacing said seat member from said stored position beneath said corresponding vertically movable platform to a rearward position along said linear path and along said horizontal vector using said horizontal seat displacer;displacing said seat member vertically to a position above said corresponding vertically movable platform;displacing said seat member toward said corresponding vertically movable platform along said linear path and along said horizontal vector using said horizontal seat displacer; lowering said seat member onto said corresponding vertically movable platform to said operative position; andlowering said vertically movable platform to functionally align with adjacent platforms; wherein each displacement of said seat member by said horizontal seat displacer is constrained to said linear path only, thereby avoiding the additional vertical clearance associated with said arcuate displacement path.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of displacing said seat member along said linear path is carried out exclusively along said horizontal vector, such that said seat member remains at a substantially constant vertical elevation during said step.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said horizontal seat displacer comprises a scissor linkage, and wherein said step of displacing said seat member along said linear path comprises actuating said scissor linkage.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:actuating a horizontal motor operatively coupled to said scissor linkage to displace said seat member along said linear path.STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1)In the ISR, is it considered that Claims 3-5, 14 and 15 have both novelty and inventive step over the prior art. However, it is considered that Claims 1, 2 and 6-13 lack novelty.The present invention is directed to a removable seats system in which the horizontal seat displacer displaces the seat member along a constrained linear path between its stored and operative positions. The linear path may be horizontal or inclined, but remains non-arcuate. As a result, displacement of the seat member avoids the additional vertical clearance associated with arcuate, pivoting or pendulum-type displacement paths, thereby permitting a more compact arrangement of adjacent platforms.The International Written Opinion relies on a passage of WO 2025 / 024920 referring generally to a horizontal seat displacer that may be "linear" or "pivoting". The Applicant respectfully submits that the general reference in WO 2025 / 024920 to a linear seat displacer, without any corresponding detailed description or illustrated embodiment of such a mechanism, should not be understood as a technical disclosure of a mechanism imposing a linear displacement path on the seat member. The detailed description and drawings of WO 2025 / 024920 consistently describe and illustrate a pivoting, pendulum-type displacement mechanism. The problems associated with such a device are detailed in the Background section of the present application, including with reference to Figures 3 -5.The amendments are intended to emphasize the technical characteristics of the present invention by reciting that displacement of the seat member by the horizontal seat displacer is constrained to a linear path and by further reciting the technical effect achieved by such constrained linear displacement, which solves the problems associated with arcuate or pendulum-type displacement paths of the horizontal seat displacer of prior art WO 2025 / 024920.

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