Patent Application
20240368909
The present disclosure relates to risers in theaters, and more specifically, to extending risers installed in theaters.
Movie theaters began retrofitting their theaters to offer motorized reclining chairs in the past few decades. This is in contrast to the traditional theater chairs that are close together and offer only a slight lean backward, if any at all.
Existing theaters retrofit their theaters to include new motorized, reclining seating, while new theaters are being built with this new motorized, reclining seating. For existing theaters, typically every other row is taken out and an L-shaped platform remains (or an L-shaped platform is installed). New reclining chairs are then placed on these L-shaped platforms and mounted. This platform is also called a “riser.” This permanent mounting allows the chairs to be motorized and offers a variety of reclining and other options.
These new chairs are large, and while they can be retrofitted in theaters, the fit is not exact. The chairs sit on the existing risers of the theaters with a lot of unusable space behind and in front of the chairs. Typically, a railing is placed behind each row of chairs in order to block off the empty space that has now been created by the addition of the new chairs. This leaves an unused gap between the back of the chair and the railing, while also leaving a minimal walking aisle and leg room.
There exists a need for a system that allows for a better fit for retrofitting theaters with new chairs.
The present disclosure provides an extendable seating platform, comprising a series of riser extenders, wherein each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises a plate; and a series of guardrails, wherein each guardrail of the series of guardrails comprises a horizontal member and at least one vertical cross member, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on a series of L-shaped seating platforms each comprised of a vertical wall and a horizontal wall, wherein the vertical wall and horizontal wall of each L-shaped seating platform are arranged in a step manner, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on every other horizontal wall such that each riser extender is level with the horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, wherein the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below each riser extender and extends vertically above the height of the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly above, wherein each horizontal member is disposed on the distal end of the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail, and wherein each riser extender is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail that is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
None of the prior art fully addresses the problems resolved by the present invention. The present invention overcomes these limitations contained in the prior art.
Certain embodiments of the invention have other steps or elements in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. The steps or element will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description when taken with reference to the accompanying figures, if any.
The best mode for carrying out the invention will be described herein. The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the following description, numerous specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. To avoid obscuring the present invention, some well-known system configurations, and process steps are not disclosed in detail. The figures illustrating embodiments of the system, if any, are semi-diagrammatic and not to scale and, particularly, some of the dimensions are for the clarity of presentation and are shown exaggerated in the drawing figures.
Alternate embodiments have been included throughout, and the order of such are not intended to have any other significance or provide limitations for the present invention.
For expository purposes, the term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of the present apparatus, regardless of its orientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms, such as “above”, “below”, “bottom”, “top”, “side”, “higher”, “lower”, “upper”, “over”, and “under”, are defined with respect to the horizontal plane, as shown in the figures, if any. The term “on” means that there is direct contact among elements.
Elements in the figures that are numbered with an apostrophe (′) or multiple apostrophes (″), such as 102, 102′, and 102″ and 103, 103′, and 103″, mean they are identical pieces. In the case of horizontal walls 102, 102′, and 102″ and vertical walls 103, 103′, and 103″, these are identical pieces that comprise L-shaped seating platform 101 arranged in a descending, step manner. All corresponding pieces may be referred to as a “series”, as in a series of riser extenders 201″ which refers to any number of riser extenders that are each substantially the same but disposed on different parts (levels) of the L-shaped seating platform 101. The term “series of L-shaped seating platforms” may be used to refer to any number of horizontal walls and vertical walls arranged in a step manner creating any number of L-shaped seating platforms.
The present invention provides an extendable seating platform, comprising a series of riser extenders, wherein each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises a plate; and a series of guardrails, wherein each guardrail of the series of guardrails comprises a horizontal member and at least one vertical cross member, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on a series of L-shaped seating platforms each comprised of a vertical wall and a horizontal wall, wherein the vertical wall and horizontal wall of each L-shaped seating platform are arranged in a step manner, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on every other horizontal wall such that each riser extender is level with the horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, wherein the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below each riser extender and extends vertically above the height of the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly above, wherein each horizontal member is disposed on the distal end of the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail, and wherein each riser extender is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail that is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
In one embodiment, each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises an arm disposed outwardly from one end of the plate forming an L-shape, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on every other horizontal wall such that the plate of each riser extender is level with each horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, and wherein the arm of each riser extender is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of the guardrail that is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
In one embodiment, each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises an arm disposed outwardly from one end of the plate forming an L-shape, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on every other horizontal wall such that the arm is disposed on the vertical wall such that the plate of each riser extender is level with the horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, and wherein each riser extender is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail that is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
In one embodiment, each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises a first arm and a second arm disposed outwardly in the same direction on opposite ends of a plate forming a U-shape, wherein the first arm is disposed on the vertical wall such that the plate of each riser extender is level with the horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, and wherein the second arm is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of the guardrail that is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
In one embodiment, each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises a first arm and a second arm disposed outwardly in opposite directions on opposite ends of a plate forming a Z-like shape, wherein the first arm is disposed on the vertical wall such that the plate of each riser extender is level with the horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, and wherein the second arm is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of the guardrail that is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides an extendable seating platform, comprising a series of riser extenders, wherein each riser extender of the series of riser extenders comprises an arm disposed outwardly from one end of a plate forming an L-shape; and a series of guardrails, wherein each guardrail of the series of guardrails comprises a horizontal member and at least one vertical cross member, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on a series of L-shaped seating platforms each comprised of a vertical wall and a horizontal wall, wherein the vertical wall and horizontal wall of each L-shaped seating platform are arranged in a step manner, wherein the series of riser extenders are disposed on every other horizontal wall such that the plate of each riser extender is level with each horizontal wall and extends partially over the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, wherein the arm of each riser extender is attachably connected to the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below, wherein the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail is disposed on the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below each riser extender and extends vertically above the height of the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly above, and wherein each horizontal member is disposed on the distal end of the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail.
Riser extender 201 consists of a plate and is disposed on L-shaped seating platform 101 such that it extends horizontal wall 102′ outwardly over horizontal wall 102. Guardrails comprise horizontal member 203 and at least one vertical cross member 202. The at least one vertical cross member 202 is disposed on horizontal wall 102, close to the backs of chairs 204. Horizontal member 203 is disposed on the distal end of the at least one vertical cross member 202. Riser extender 201′ is shown such that it extends horizontal wall 102″ outwardly over horizontal wall 102″.
When installed, riser extenders 201 and 201′ form a solid walking floor.
A series of riser extenders and guardrails are disposed on a series of L-shaped seating platforms 101 in a descending manner. Thus, a railing is placed on every other of the series of horizontal walls 102, and the series of riser extenders 201 are disposed such that they extend every other of the series of horizontal walls 102 in relation to the railings.
Chairs 204 comprise theater chairs that are typically used to be retrofitted onto existing L-shaped seating platforms. Chairs 204 typically have an L-shaped frame, such that chair 204 is disposed on horizontal walls 102′ and 102″ and against vertical wall 103′.
Prior to the retrofitting of a movie theater with chairs 204, smaller theater chairs are present, such that each row of these previous theater chairs sat only on one horizontal wall. By adding L-shaped based chairs 204, chairs 204 are disposed on every other set of horizontal walls. Because of this retrofitting, excess, unused space exists behind and in front of chairs 204, while the walking path in front of a row of chairs 204 remains very narrow. The present invention allows the walking path between two rows of chairs 204 to be extended.
In one embodiment of the present invention, riser extender 201 comprises an arm disposed outwardly from one end of a plate forming an L-shape. Riser extender 201 is disposed on horizontal wall 102′ of L-shaped seating platform 101 such that the plate of riser extender 201 is level with horizontal wall 102′ and extends outwardly past vertical wall 103 and extends partially over horizontal wall 102 of the L-shaped seating platform directly below. Riser extender 201 is disposed on horizontal wall 102 via the arm of riser extender 201. This can be repeated over any number of subsequent rows. In this embodiment, the guardrail is disposed on horizontal wall 102 substantially close to the distal end of riser extender 201. The guardrail extends vertically above the height of the arm of riser extender 201. In one embodiment, the arm of each riser extender is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of each guardrail.
In one embodiment of the present invention, riser extender 201 comprises a first arm and a second arm disposed outwardly on opposite ends of a plate forming a U-shape. One the first arm of the riser extender 201 is disposed on vertical wall 103 such that the plate of riser extender 201 is level with horizontal wall 102′ and extends outwardly from horizontal wall 102′ and extends partially over horizontal wall 102 of the seating platform directly below. The second arm of the riser extender 201 is attachably connected to the at least one vertical cross member of the guardrail that is disposed on horizontal wall 102 of the seating platform directly below. In one embodiment, the second arm of each riser extender is attachably connected to the horizontal wall of the L-shaped seating platform directly below.
Any type of suitable connection may be utilized to connect riser extender 201 to L-shaped seating platform 101, such that the riser extender 201 is securably attached. Riser extender 201 may be attached to any of the horizontal wall(s), vertical wall(s), and/or guardrails.
Riser extender 201 may comprise any shape that allows for the proper connection and extension to and of L-shaped seating platform 101.
Riser extender 201 may comprise any material that allows for the proper connection and extension to and of L-shaped seating platform 101.
Riser extender 201 may comprise anything that allows for the proper connection and extension to and of L-shaped seating platform 101.
Guardrails may comprise any number of vertical cross members 202 and/or horizontal members 203. Vertical cross member 202 may comprise one solid piece, and horizontal member 203 may or may not be a separate piece. The series of guardrails may comprise a wall. In one embodiment, plates are disposed on one or both sides of the guardrails to form a solid wall on either or both sides of guardrails.
Riser extender 201 may be adjustable to accommodate the fit of any L-shaped seating platform 101. In this embodiment, riser extender 201 is comprised of an adjustable plate that extends and contracts to fit the desired area. In another embodiment, riser extender 201 comprises one or more arms extending from a plate in any direction. Any of the plate and the one or more arms may be adjustable to fit the L-shaped seating platform 101 as needed.
Riser extender 201 may be securably attached to L-shaped seating platform 101 but still removable.
The connection points for riser extender 201 and guardrails to L-shaped seating platform 101 may comprise any type of secure connection.
The connection points for riser extender 201 to guardrails may comprise any type of secure connection.
Riser extender 201 may comprise connection plates on the distal ends that attach securably to L-shaped seating platform 101 and/or guardrails. The connections plates would provide additional surface area to allow for additional connections to be made to securely attach riser extender 201.
In one embodiment, riser extender 201 is hingeably attached to the guardrail.
In one embodiment, riser extender 201 is hingeably attached to the L-shaped seating platform 101.
In one embodiment, riser extender 201 is one solid piece connecting horizontal wall 102′ and horizontal wall 102′, or any set of subsequent horizontal walls. In this embodiment, riser extender 201 may also attach to vertical wall 103, or any vertical wall between the two horizontal walls. Guardrails would then be attachably disposed on riser extender 201.
The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described herein. The previous embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments would be evident based on the present disclosure, and that system, process, or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In the previous description, numerous specific details and examples are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention may be practiced without these specific details and specific examples. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific best mode, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the included claims. All matters previously set forth herein or shown in the accompanying figures are to be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting sense.
