System and method for adaptive modular seating configurations with efficient storage and transport mechanics

Abstract

The invention pertains to an adaptive seating system optimized for efficient storage and transport. Comprising a series of interlocking modular portions, each unit includes a horizontal platform and multiple perpendicular seating posts. Removable seating structures attach to these posts, ensuring flexibility in configuration. Between consecutive seating posts, steps of varying heights create a successive rise in elevation, facilitating a stadium seating effect. To enhance portability, specific modular units incorporate casters, with select ones designed to tilt back 90 degrees for easy maneuverability. This system offers versatile seating arrangements adaptable to different audience sizes and venue constraints. When storage or reconfiguration is required, the modular design ensures ease of assembly, disassembly, and compact storage, catering especially to venues with limited space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adaptive modular seating system comprising:
 a first modular portion comprising:
 a first frame configured to support a first set of seats, wherein the first set of seats are vertically positioned at varying heights with the lowest height proximate a first side and the highest height proximate a second side, and wherein the first frame comprises a first set of steps, 
 a first latching mechanism configured to couple the first modular portion with adjacent modular portions, and 
 a first set of casters operatively coupled to a vertical member of the first frame, the vertical member proximate the second side; 
   a second modular portion comprising:
 a second frame configured to support a second seat, wherein the second seat is vertically positioned at a height higher than the first set of seats of the first modular portion, and wherein the second frame comprises a second step, 
 a second latching mechanism configured to couple the second modular portion with adjacent modular portions, and 
 a second set of casters operatively coupled to a horizontal member of the second frame; and 
   a third modular portion comprising:
 a third frame configured to support a third seat, wherein the third seat is vertically positioned at a height higher than the second seat of the second modular portion, and wherein the third frame comprises a third step, 
 a third latching mechanism configured to couple the third modular portion with adjacent modular portions, and 
 a third set of casters operatively coupled to a horizontal member of the third frame. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , the first set of seats, the second seat, and the third seat further comprising a seat base and a seat back, wherein the seat back is removably coupled to the seat base. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , the first set of seats, the second seat, and the third seat further comprising a seat base cushion operatively coupled to the seat base. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , the first set of seats, the second seat, and the third seat further comprising a seat back cushion operatively coupled to the seat back. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein at least two of each of the first set of casters, the second set of casters, and the third set of casters are configured to swivel in a completely circular motion. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least two of each of the second set of casters and the third set of casters are configured to be locked to prevent movement of the second modular portion and the third modular portion. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , the second modular portion comprising a second latching flap, the second latching flap configured to be in a first position or a second position. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , the first position of the second latching flap defining a top surface of the second latching flap to be flush with a top surface of the second step, wherein the first position allows the second modular portion to operatively couple to adjacent modular portions. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , the second position of the second latching flap defining a top surface of the second latching flap to contact a top surface of the second step, wherein the second position allows the second modular portion to be stored or transported. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein transporting the second modular portion comprises moving the second modular portion through a door. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , the third modular portion comprising a third latching flap, the third latching flap configured to be in a first position or a second position. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , the first position of the third latching flap defining a top surface of the third latching flap to be flush with a top surface of the third step, wherein the first position allows the third modular portion to operatively couple to adjacent modular portions. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , the second position of the third latching flap defining a top surface of the third latching flap to contact a top surface of the third step, wherein the second position allows the third modular portion to be stored or transported. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein transporting the third modular portion comprises moving the third modular portion through a door. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first modular portion is configured to be transported through a door, wherein configuring the first modular portion for transport through the door comprises rotating the first frame by approximately 90 degrees or until the first set of casters are in contact with a surface. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of steps, the second step, and the third step comprise a coating material configured to promote friction between a user's shoe and the coating material. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus comprising a modular portion configured to couple to adjacent modular portions, the modular portion comprising:
 a frame comprising:
 a horizontal platform extending from a first side to a second side, 
 two support posts, the support post proximate the second side configured to support a seat, 
 a step, and 
 a latching flap; 
   the seat comprising a seat base and a seat back; and   a set of casters operatively coupled to a bottom surface of the horizontal platform.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , the seat back configured to be removably coupled to the seat base. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , the latching flap configured to be in a first position or a second position,
 the first position defining a top surface of the latching flap configured to be flush with a top surface of the step,   the second position defining the top surface of the latching flap configured to contact the top surface of the step,   wherein the first position configures the modular portion to be operatively coupled with an adjacent modular portion; and   wherein the second position configures the modular portion to be stored and transported.   
     
     
         20 . A method for transporting a modular portion through a door,
 the modular portion comprising:
 a horizontal platform extending from a first side to a second side; 
 two support posts, the support post proximate the second side configured to support a seat; 
 a step; 
 a latching flap configured to be in a first position or a second position,
 the first position defining a top surface of the latching flap configured to be flush with a top surface of the step, and 
 the second position defining the top surface of the latching flap configured to contact the top surface of the step; 
 
 the seat comprising:
 a seat base, and 
 a seat back, the seat back configured to be removably coupled from the seat base; and 
 
 a set of casters operatively coupled to a bottom surface of the horizontal platform; 
   removing the seat back from the seat base;   configuring the latching flap to be in the second position; and   transporting, via the set of casters, the modular portion through a door.