Abstract:
A removable seating system includes a mounting receptacle, a seat, and a retractable coupling device coupled to the seat. The retractable coupling device couples the seat to the mounting receptacle when inserted into the mounting receptacle. The retractable coupling device disengages the seat from the mounting receptacle when retracted from the mounting receptacle. The retractable coupling device retracts into the seat when the seat is disengaged from the mounting receptacle. The system further includes a mounting face in the mounting receptacle and a mounting slot in the mounting face. The retractable coupling device includes a rotating bolt that couples the seat to the mounting receptacle by entering the mounting slot, rotating, and engaging the underside of the mounting face. The rotating bolt disengages the seat from the mounting receptacle by rotating so as to become aligned with the mounting slot and retracting from the mounting slot and into the seat.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The apparatus described herein generally relates to the field of seating, and more specifically, to the field of removable venue seating. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Entertainment and hosting venues often have seating for audiences attending performances. Venue seating should maximize seating capacity for a given amount of floor area while remaining comfortable and safe for guests. The seating should also be installed in a manner that permits foot-traffic of guests within rows for their convenience, comfort, and safety. Some venue seating must be configured to be handicapped-accessible. Venue seating tends to be sturdily constructed because of the heavy use and long service life it must typically endure. Venue seating must also be sturdily constructed to withstand indifferent treatment by patrons and ensure patron safety. 
         [0003]    Typical venue seating is configured in modular rows of several seats—several of these rows are used to fill the venue with seating. These and other common venue seating systems are “permanently” installed; meaning that although they can be removed and reinstalled, doing so is time and labor intensive. For this type of setup, removal and reinstallation of the seating is impractical for a single event, or even a series of events over a short period. Furthermore, it may be difficult to arrange modular rows of seating in a way that maximizes seating capacity for a particular venue. For example, it may be difficult to achieve curved rows with this type of seating system. 
         [0004]    Sometimes it is desirable to remove seating from a venue for a performance or event that is better suited for a bare floor (angled, flat, or tiered). For example, if the owner of a medium-sized performing arts theater with permanent seating has an opportunity to host a big-ticket rock concert, the owner cannot convert the floor-space into a bare floor to maximize ticket sales. Thus, the owner of that venue would probably have to decline such an event opportunity for inability to generate sufficient revenue for the performers. In another example, a place of worship may want to host a dance event for its congregation in its normal worship space; removable seating would be necessary to accommodate this event. Situations like this could be significant factors affecting the revenue generating potential and versatility of a venue. 
         [0005]    Portable chairs, particularly if they are designed to be stackable, address many of the issues raised above. However, stackable chairs are almost invariably uncomfortable and lack a professional appearance. Furthermore, they are typically not as rugged as permanent seating installations. They also tend to be less space efficient, because the chairs may not be shaped for efficient abutment. This is especially true where curved rows of seats are desired. Even if an efficient seating arrangement is achieved, the chairs will quickly shift out of position and the arrangement will waste more space over time. The migration of the chairs may also affect foot-traffic and handicapped mobility as the rows become deformed, crooked, and narrow in portions. In order to overcome these problems, the chairs must be regularly rearranged—perhaps before every event. The movement of the chairs may damage the floor and the chairs over an extended period. 
         [0006]    Chairs are also less safe and more likely to be stolen due to their mobility. Because they are often less sturdily built, they are more likely to collapse after extended use or if overloaded. In the event of a fire or mass panic, many of the chairs could be knocked over resulting in unwanted obstructions and additional injuries. The additional obstruction caused by the chairs may induce or worsen a stampede. A seating system with permanent seating is highly preferable for most entertainment venues, particularly for safety reasons. 
         [0007]    What is desired is a venue seating system that maximizes the versatility of a venue in which it is installed, while retaining the comfort, safety, and professional appearance of permanent venue seating. To accomplish this end, the seating must be easily removed and installed. Specifically, each seat should be capable of being installed and removed in a very short period of time by a single individual or small group of people without the use of tools. What is even more desirable is a system where the seats are fungible and do not have to be reinstalled in the same location from where they were removed. This is especially crucial given the raw number of seats that must be removed and installed, and the short amount of time a venue may have to convert its seating arrangement. 
         [0008]    The seating system must be sufficiently rugged for the demands of venue seating. Although the seating must be easy to remove intentionally, it must be difficult to remove accidentally for guest safety. It is also preferable for the method of removal not to be immediately obvious to (and preferably go unnoticed by) a majority of the venue patrons. Furthermore, the seating must be convenient to transport and store once removed from the venue. It would also be desirable for the seating to be capable of functioning as seats when removed from the venue. It would also be desirable to have a removable seating system that minimizes damage to the floor they are mounted on, both during use and during temporary installation/removal. Finally, it is important, particularly when a dance floor is desired, to leave a very smooth, finished floor without residual mounting hardware protruding from the surface when the seating is temporarily removed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    A removable seating system includes a mounting receptacle, a seat, and a retractable coupling device coupled to the seat. The retractable coupling device couples the seat to the mounting receptacle when inserted into the mounting receptacle. The retractable coupling device disengages the seat from the mounting receptacle when retracted from the mounting receptacle. The retractable coupling device retracts into the seat when the seat is disengaged from the mounting receptacle. The system further includes a mounting face in the mounting receptacle and a mounting slot in the mounting face. The retractable coupling device includes a rotating bolt that couples the seat to the mounting receptacle by entering the mounting slot, rotating, and engaging the underside of the mounting face. The rotating bolt disengages the seat from the mounting receptacle by rotating so as to become aligned with the mounting slot and retracting from the mounting slot and into the seat. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a seating system according to one embodiment in a mounted configuration. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the seating system of  FIG. 1  in a resting configuration. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a partially schematic isometric view of the seating system of  FIG. 1  in a dismounted configuration with a stand in the foreground. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partially schematic isometric view of the seating system of  FIG. 1  is resting on a stand. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a partially schematic isometric blown-up view of one embodiment of the coupling hardware on the seat and the mounting hardware on the floor of the seating system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a partially schematic isometric blown-up view of the mounting hardware on the floor from the seating system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the pedestal of the chair from the seating system of  FIG. 1  in a mounted configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a front view of the pedestal of the chair from the seating system of  FIG. 1  in a mounted configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of the disassembled coupling device and pedestal of the chair from the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of the coupling mechanism and base of the chair, along line X from  FIG. 9 , from the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a stack of stands from the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a partially schematic isometric blown-up view of one embodiment of the coupling device on the seat and the mounting hardware on the floor for use with the seating system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a cross-section view of one embodiment of the coupling device and pedestal of the chair for use with the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is an isometric disassembled view of one embodiment of the pedestal and coupling device comprising a lockout mechanism for use in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a blown up isometric view of the upper linkage for the coupling device shown in  FIG. 14 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a blown up isometric view of the upper linkage shown in  FIG. 15 , rotated 90 degrees. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is an isometric view of the pedestal of the chair with the lockout coupling device from  FIG. 14  showing the possible positions of the selector. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a blown up and partially exposed isometric view of the pedestal for use in the system in  FIG. 1  comprising the lockout coupling device from  FIG. 14  and the selector in a lower, sideways, and unlocked configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a blown up and partially exposed isometric view of the pedestal for use in the system in  FIG. 1  comprising the lockout coupling device from  FIG. 14  and the selector in a lower, partially forward, and partially locked configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a blown up and partially exposed isometric view of the pedestal for use in the system in  FIG. 1  comprising the lockout coupling device from  FIG. 14  and the selector in a lower, partially forward, and partially locked configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a blown up and partially exposed isometric view of the pedestal for use in the system in  FIG. 1  comprising the lockout coupling device from  FIG. 14  and the selector in an upper, forward, and locked configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  shows the seating system  100  according to one embodiment in a mounted configuration. Seating system  100  comprises a seat  120 , a mounting system, and a floor  110 . Seat  120  features selector  150  which is used to selectively mount seat  120  to floor  110 . Seat  120  also features a base flange  140  for providing structural support and rigidity to the coupling between floor  110  and seat  120 . Base flange  140  provides support for seat  120  when seat  120  is mounted to floor  110 , because it engages floor  110  over a broad area. This allows for a wider contact between seat  120  and floor  110  which makes seat  120  less prone to tipping in any direction relative to floor  110 . Furthermore, base flange  140  prevents damage to floor  110  by spreading the load of seat  120  over a wider area on floor  110 . Base flange  140  is aligned with alignment guide  130  when seat  120  is mounted to floor  110 . In  FIG. 1 , selector  150  is in a sideways position which corresponds to seat  120  being mounted to floor  110 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows the normal, installed configuration for seat  120 . Thus, this is the configuration that would be encountered by patrons to the venue in which seat  120  was installed.  FIG. 1  also features the seat  120  with the pivoting lower seat in a lowered position. This position facilitates a seated patron. It should be noted here that the selector  150  is relatively inconspicuous in its mounted, sideways position. Thus, it is unlikely that the typical patron will notice the selector  150  or infer its purpose. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is seating system  100  with seat  120  in a resting configuration. Selector  150  is oriented in a forward position which corresponds to seat  120  being mounted to floor  110 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is seating system  100  with seat  120  in a dismounted configuration and further includes a stand  320  in the foreground.  FIG. 4  shows seat  120  resting on stand  320 . As demonstrated in  FIG. 4 , the pivoting lower seat may assume a raised position, when not in use, to broaden walkways between rows of seats (when mounted to floor  110 ) or to reduce the seat&#39;s size for storage (when mounted to stand  320 ). Seat  120  is in the dismounted configuration and has been lifted off of floor  110 . This removes the coupling device on seat  120  from the mounting receptacle  300  located on floor  110 . Seat  120  is then moved onto stand  320 . In this embodiment, stand  320  has cover holder  330  that holds receptacle cover  310  when not in use. Receptacle cover  310  is used to cover mounting receptacle  300  when seat  120  is not mounted thereon. This leaves a smooth, finished floor surface when seat  120  is removed. Having a smooth, finished floor surface is advantageous for safety, functional, and aesthetic reasons. This is especially true where a dance floor is desired once the seating is removed. In this embodiment, cover holder  330  comprises a magnet and receptacle cover  310  is comprises a magnetic material. Thus, receptacle cover  310  is held onto cover holder  330  by magnetic force. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  shows the coupling hardware on seat  120  and the mounting hardware on floor  110  in seating system  100 . In this embodiment, cover holder  330  comprises a hole in floor  110 . Receptacle cover  310  comprises cover dowel  530  that is inserted into cover holder  330  for storage. Cover holder  330  is located in floor  110  such that receptacle cover  310  occupies a portion of the area of floor  110  covered by base flange  140 . Receptacle cover  310  protrudes from floor  110  when stowed in cover holder  330 . Thus, base flange  140  comprises cover slot  510  to provide clearance for receptacle cover  310  when both seat  120  and receptacle cover  310  are mounted to floor  110 . 
         [0036]    The coupling device comprises a rotating bolt  500 . Rotating bolt  500  is inserted into mounting receptacle  300  to couple seat  120  to floor  110 . In this embodiment, the coupling device comprises rotating bolt  500  and mounting receptacle  300  comprises a mounting face  540  and a mounting slot  550 . Rotating bolt  500  is inserted into mounting slot  550  and rotated such that rotating bolt  500  engages mounting face  540  and holds seat  120  to floor  110 . Alignment guide  130  allows a user to line up rotating bolt  500  with mounting slot  550 . When a user visually aligns alignment guide  130  with the front of base flange  140 , this results in rotating bolt  500  being aligned with mounting slot  550 . 
         [0037]    Buttresses  560  are welded to lower guide  570  and pedestal  160  and provide a brace therebetween. Buttresses  560  provide structural support to the coupling device. This ensures that the seat does not flex when torque is applied along the axis of the coupling mechanism. Buttresses  560  also allow the seat&#39;s loads to be transferred from the coupling device and base flange  140 , and vice versa. Thus, buttresses  560  result in a stronger seat and a stronger coupling between seat  120  and floor  110 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows mounting hardware on floor  110  in seating system  100 . In this embodiment, cover holder  330  is a bore in floor  110 . Receptacle cover  310  also comprises cover dowel  530  which allows it to engage mounting slot  550  in mounting receptacle  300  and cover holder  330 . Cover extractor  600  comprises a magnet and a dowel. A user grasps the dowel and couples the magnet to receptacle cover  310 , which comprises a magnetic material. The user then lifts cover extractor  600  and receptacle cover  310 , engages cover dowel  530  in cover holder  330 , and decouples cover extractor  600  from receptacle cover  310  to stow receptacle cover  310 . Cover extractor  600  may be stored on stand  320 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show pedestal  160  of seat  120  from seating system  100 . Pedestal  160  comprises the coupling device and mounting hardware that mounts seat  120  to floor  110 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  shows the disassembled coupling device, seat pedestal  160 , and mounting receptacle  300 . Seat  120  comprises height adjuster  900  that adjusts the separation between upper linkage  930  and lower linkage  940 . This adjusts the length of the coupling linkage; thereby adjusting the separation between seat  120  and mounting receptacle  300  when seat  120  is mounted thereon. Height adjuster  900  can also ensure a snug coupling between seat  120  and floor  110 . Height adjuster  900  is a bolt with a hex head in this embodiment. The hex head is exposed and flush with selector  150 , so that a user can easily access it. The user rotates height adjuster  900  by inserting a hex key and rotating. This allows a user to easily adjust the height of seat  120  relative to floor  110 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a cross-section view of coupling device, chair pedestal  160 , and mounting receptacle  300 . As height adjuster  900  is rotated, the threads thereon cause upper linkage  930  and lower linkage  940  to either separate or merge. Because height adjuster  900  is a threaded bolt being adjusted by a hex key, it is capable of precise height adjustment. This separation is maintained once set by a user. Lower linkage  940  is coupled to spring brace  970 . Retractor spring  920  surrounds lower linkage  940  and applies force between spring brace  970  and lower guide  570 . The coupling device comprises height adjuster  900 , upper linkage  930 , lower linkage  940 , rotating bolt  500 , and spring brace  970 . 
         [0042]    When rotating bolt  500  is rotated such that it no longer engages mounting receptacle  300 , lower linkage  940  is forced upward, retracting rotating bolt  500  into pedestal  160 . Once rotating bolt  500  is retracted into pedestal  160 , the bottom of pedestal  160  has a smooth, flat surface that engages floor  110 . This allows a user to slide seat  120  on floor  110  once seat  120  has been dismounted from mounting receptacle  300 . Sliding seat  120  over floor  110  does not damage floor  110  because bottom of pedestal  160  has a smooth, flat surface. Preferably, only base flange  140  is in contact with floor  110  once rotating bolt  500  is retracted. 
         [0043]    Because base flange  140  has a wide diameter, the seat can be slid across floor  110  while remaining stable and not tipping or falling. The wide diameter of base flange  140  also prevents damage to floor  110  by spreading the weight of seat  120  over a broad area of floor  110 . It is also advantageous for a user that seat  120  is in a stable condition resting on the floor  110  while dismounted because the user can leave seat  120  standing on floor  110  and attend to other tasks involved in removing seat  120 . For example, the user may retract rotating bolt  500 , slide seat  120  off of mounting receptacle  300 , temporarily leave seat  120  in a standing position, and place receptacle cover  310  into mounting receptacle  300 . A user working alone has the option of performing this task, or any other two-handed task, while seat  120  is not mounted to floor  110  or stand  320 . Allowing the user flexibility in the manner of seat removal and assembly can speed up the process for each individual user. Furthermore, if a user becomes distracted while seat  120  is dismounted, seat  120  is automatically in a stable standing condition and will not automatically fall over, potentially damaging seat  120  and floor  110 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 11  shows a stack of stands for use with seating system  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , seat  120  can be coupled to stand  320  once removed from floor  110 . This allows for easy transport and use of seat  120 , because stand  320  comprises wheels  1100 . Once seat  120  is mounted to stand  320 , seat  120  can function as a conventional rolling chair. Stand  320  comprises mounting receptacle  300  that is similar to mounting receptacle  300  in floor  110 . Thus, seat  120  is mounted to stand  320  in the same manner as seat  120  is mounted to floor  110 . Stand  320  also comprises cover holder  330  which is used to stow receptacle cover  310 . Therefore, when a user removed seat  120  from floor  110 , a receptacle cover  310  is conveniently available for installation on mounting receptacle  300  in floor  110 . As can be seen in  FIG. 11 , stand  320  is easily stackable with other stands  320 . Stands  320  are mounted by mating the mounting receptacles  300  on each stand. This allows for convenient storage and transportation of stands  320 , especially because the lowest stand  320  on the stack will have a set of wheels  1100 , which allows the entire stack to be rolled. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show one embodiment of the coupling hardware on seat  120  and mounting receptacle  300  on floor  110 . In this embodiment seat  120  comprises a sleeve  1200  comprising alignment slots  1220 . Mounting receptacle  300  comprises a void  1230  and studs  1210 . Sleeve  1200  is inserted into void  1230  in such a way that alignment slots  1220  engage studs  1210 . Rotating bolt  500  rotates and engages studs  1210 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . This couples seat  120  to floor  110 . The engagement of both alignment slots  1220  and rotating bolt  500  create a very sturdy coupling between seat  120  and mounting receptacle  300 . Alignment guide  130  allows a user to line up sleeve  1200  with void  1230  and align alignment slots  1220  with studs  1210 . When a user visually aligns alignment guide  130  with the front of base flange  140 , this results in proper alignment between the coupling device and mounting receptacle  300 . 
         [0046]    Sleeve  1200  has an outer dimension which matches the inner dimension of the void in mounting receptacle  300 . This creates a snug fit which provides mechanical support between mounting receptacle  300  and seat  120 . Thus, the coupling system of this embodiment is capable of supporting the seat with little, if any, additional buttressing. This type of coupling system may be advantageous for heavier seats or heavy duty applications. This embodiment also has the advantage of making it nearly impossible for a user to inadvertently install seat  120  in the wrong position—alignment slots  1220  and studs  1210  only engage in two possible positions (with seat  120  facing forward in the correct position or completely backward). 
         [0047]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of the coupling hardware on seat  120 . In this embodiment a lockout system prevents the coupling mechanism from rotating unless rotating bolt  500  is fully extended from pedestal  160 . In this embodiment, pedestal cover plate  950  comprises lock tab  1400  protruding into its center bore. Upper guide  960  comprises guide notch  1410  to provide clearance for lock tab  1400 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show upper linkage  930  from the embodiment with a lockout system. In this embodiment, upper linkage  930  comprises a linkage annular groove  1600 , a lock slot  1620 , and lock cams  1610  on either side of lock slot  1620 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 17  shows the operation of the coupling device in this embodiment. As can be seen in  FIG. 17 , selector  150  and the rest of the coupling device can only be lifted (withdrawing rotating bolt  500 ) when selector  150  is in a dismounted or resting, forward position. 
         [0050]      FIG. 18  shows the internal workings of the coupling device in the embodiment with the lockout system. In  FIG. 18 , the coupling device is in a mounted configuration corresponding to selector  150  being in a sideways position. In this configuration, lock tab  1400  is disposed in linkage annular groove  1600 . Selector  150 , upper linkage  930 , and the coupling device as a whole are free to rotate with lock tab  1400  in annular groove  1600 . The coupling device is held in the lower position (corresponding to the coupling device and rotating bolt  500  being extracted from the bottom of pedestal  160 ) by annular groove  1600  and lock tab  1400 . In this position, the coupling device and selector  150  are in an unlocked configuration because they are free to rotate. 
         [0051]    In  FIGS. 19 and 20 , selector  150  has been rotated approximately 85 degrees forward. In this position, lock tab  1400  is beginning to engage lock cam  1610  on upper linkage  930 . Lock cam  1610  allows for upper displacement of the coupling device. Retractor spring  920  forces the coupling mechanism upward as lock tab  1400  slides against lock cam  1610 . In this position, the coupling device and selector  150  are in partially locked configuration because although they are free to rotate, rotating away from lock slot  1620  requires overcoming resistance. 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 21 , selector  150  is facing fully forward (or 90 degrees forward). In this position, lock tab  1400  is no longer engaging lock cams  1610 . Lock tab  1400  is free to move up and down lock slot  1620  when selector  150  is in this position. Normally, retractor spring  920  forces the coupling device into an upward position. However, a user can push downward to override retractor spring  920  and bring lock tab  1400  into linkage annular groove  1600 . When lock tab  1400  is in lock slot  1620 , it prevents the coupling device or selector  150  from rotating. In this position, the coupling device and selector  150  are in a locked configuration because they can not rotate. 
         [0053]    In embodiments without the lockout hardware, a user could mistakenly rotate selector  150  to the sideways (mounted) position while rotating bolt  500  is within pedestal  160  (with the coupling device in an upper position). This is possible because retractor spring  920  causes rotating bolt  500  to normally be withdrawn from mounting receptacle  300 . The result a potentially unsafe condition where seat  120  and selector  150  appear mounted to floor  110  while actually only resting over mounting receptacle  300 . A patron could attempt to sit on seat  120  in this condition and fall over. 
         [0054]    In embodiments with the lockout hardware, as shown in  FIGS. 14-21 , this unsafe situation is less likely to occur. In those embodiments, in order to mount this seat  120  onto floor  110 , a user must place rotating bolt  500  over mounting receptacle  300 , fully depress selector  150  against the force of retractor spring  920  (thereby fully inserting rotating bolt  500  into mounting receptacle), and rotate selector  150  (thereby engaging rotating bolt  500  against mounting face  540 ). As discussed above, lock tab  1400  must be disposed within annular groove  1600  to facilitate selector rotation—and it can only be in annular groove  1600  when the coupling mechanism is fully depressed. A user cannot rotate selector  150  when it is an upper position, and the coupling device will automatically assume the upper position because of retractor spring  920 . Thus, it is impossible for a user to rotate selector  150  into a sideways position, without extracting rotating bolt  500 . If selector  150  is in a sideways position and rotating bolt  500  is protruding from the bottom of pedestal  160 , seat  120  will not stand up properly unless it is properly mounted in mounting receptacle  300 . The protruding rotating bolt  500  prevents the bottom of pedestal  160  from having a smooth, flat surface, which seat  120  needs to rest on floor  110 . Therefore, whether or not selector  150  is rotated sideways, the user will have a visual indication of whether seat  120  is mounted properly. It is highly unlikely that a user would mistakenly fail to mount this embodiment of seat  120  to floor  110 , or stand  320 , without noticing. 
         [0055]    The coupling systems described herein have the advantages of being robust and compact while allowing for height adjustment of the seats once installed. Having separate hardware for height adjustment and mounting facilitates a stronger mount, easy and precise height adjustment, and reliable height setting retention. Height adjustability allows seats  120  to be removed from a first location on floor  110  and reinstalled in a second location on floor  110 . If seat  120 &#39;s height is an improper height in the second location, a user can adjust the height. This may be necessary, for example, to make a row of reinstalled seats match in height. The system is further advantageous because seats  120  can be easily used and stored when removed; once seats  120  are placed on stands  320 , they can be easily rolled or used as a conventional mobile chair. The systems are sufficiently robust to withstand safe use in a typical venue. Furthermore, the systems allow seats  120  to be easily removed from floors  110 . A single user without the assistance of tools can remove one of the seats  120  in less than 15 seconds. Finally, the coupling systems are designed to prevent installer error and improve safety by giving visual and tactile feedback to an installer indicating whether the seats are mounted. 
         [0056]    Although the invention has been described with reference to embodiments herein, those embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. Modifications to those embodiments or different embodiments may fall within the scope of the invention.