FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13] TITLE: “A REMOVABLE SEAT ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE”
Name and Address of the Applicant:
TATA MOTORS PASSENGER VEHICLES LIMITED; an Indian company having a registered address at Floor 3, 4, Plot-18, Nanavati Mahalaya, Mudhana Shetty Marg, BSE, Fort, Mumbai, Mumbai City, Maharashtra, 400001, India.
Nationality: Indian
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to seating arrangements or seating systems of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a removable seat assembly for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Passenger vehicles in general and cars in particular are commonly classified into eight type of categories including A-segment (such as mini hatchbacks), B-segment (such as small hatchbacks), C-segment (such as small sedans and family cars), D-segment (such as sedans and mid-sized family cars), E-segment (such as executive luxury cars), Multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Crossovers. While A, B and C segment cars generally include two rows of seats for passenger accommodation, cars under D segment, E segment, SUVs, MPVs and crossovers may include a third row of seats, in addition to a first and a second row of seats. The second row of seats are positioned behind the first row of seats and are usually referred to as middle row of seats by virtue of being positioned in the middle of passenger cabin. The third row of seats are positioned behind the second row of seats and are usually referred to as rear row of seats by virtue of being positioned at a rear portion of the passenger cabin.
[003] Access to the rear row of seats, for ingress and egress of passengers, is generally provided via rear doors or via a backdoor of the vehicle. In some vehicles, the rear row of seats may be configured as foldable seats, such that a backrest portion of the seat may be folded over a base portion of the seat, for creating space for storage and for passenger resting purposes. The rear row of seats may also be configured to be slidable, to vary legroom between middle and rear rows of seats, and for creating additional space for storage. To enable such selective sliding, the seats may be integrated with a sliding mechanism coupled to floor of the vehicle. However, the existing sliding mechanisms are generally bulky, consumes additional

cabin space (space on floor of vehicle), and may require skilled person for operation.
[004] Further, in some vehicles, the rear row of seats may be configured as removable seats. That is, the rear row of seats may be removed from the floor of vehicle, for creating space for storage and for passenger resting purposes. To enable such selective removal, the seats may be integrated with a coupling arrangement (or a locking arrangement) that may be selectively coupled and decoupled, from the floor of the vehicle. The coupling arrangement generally includes a plurality of brackets, attachments, resilient members, and fasteners, whereby making the seats bulky and heavy. Similar to the existing sliding mechanisms, the conventional coupling arrangements are bulky, consumes additional cabin space, and may again require skilled person for operation. In addition, some conventional coupling arrangements mandate requirement of additional/customized tools for operating the coupling arrangements, during removing and reinstalling of the seats. Moreover, the rear row of seats when removed from the vehicle, are generally stored in folded condition, and are redundant in such folded condition. That is, the seats cannot be used for any other purposes, when removed from the vehicle.
[005] The existing configurations of removable seats are cumbersome to operate and requires considerable amount of effort by the passenger/user. Further, heavy and bulky nature of the above-described configuration of the removable seats, negatively affects fuel efficiency of the vehicle and may reduce mileage due to additional weight. In some cases, more than one person may be required to accomplish actions of selective removal and reinstallation of the seats. Accordingly, there is a need for removable seat configurations that are user-friendly and are easier to operate.
[006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the above-described configurations of the removable seats.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[007] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a removable seat assembly for a vehicle as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the removable seat assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a removable seat assembly (also referred to as the ‘assembly’ hereinafter) for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a frame configured to be coupled to a seat of the vehicle. A latching unit is coupled to the frame. The latching unit is configured to selectively engage with a first anchor point defined on a floor of the vehicle. The assembly further includes at least one clamping element mounted to the frame. The at least one clamping element is configured to selectively engage with a second anchor point defined on the floor of the vehicle. The assembly further includes a first bracket and a second bracket fixed to the frame. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket is defined with at least one slot. The assembly further includes a first channel and a second channel positioned parallel to the first bracket and the second bracket, respectively. Each of the first channel and the second channel is defined with at least one slot. The assembly further includes a first linkage mechanism disposed between the first channel and the first bracket. Also, a second linkage mechanism is disposed between the second channel and the second bracket. At least a portion of the first and second linkage mechanisms is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot defined in the first bracket, the second bracket, the first channel, and the second channel, for elevating the seat when disengaged from the first and the second anchor points.
[009] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first linkage mechanism is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot of the first channel and the first

bracket. Further, at least a portion of the second linkage mechanism is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot of the second channel and the second bracket.
[0010] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a cross-link positioned between the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism.
[0011] In an embodiment, each of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism includes a first link and a second link. The first link includes a first pin slidably accommodated in the at least one slot of the first channel and the second channel. The second link is pivotally connected to the first link. Further, the second link includes a second pin slidably accommodated in the at least one slot of the first bracket and the second bracket. Slidable displacement of said pins (i.e., the first pin and the second pin) pivotally displaces the first link and the second link relative to the first channel and the second channel.
[0012] In an embodiment, pivotal displacement of the first link and the second link elevates the frame relative to the first channel and the second channel.
[0013] In an embodiment, the assembly comprises at least one locking unit coupled to at least one of the first channel and the second channel. The at least one locking unit is selectively operable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, to arrest and release sliding displacement of the first pin included in the first link.
[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a removable seat assembly is disclosed. The method includes operating a latching unit to an unlatched condition, to disengage a frame from a first anchor point. The method further includes disengaging at least one clamping element from a second anchor point. The method further includes operating at least one locking unit, to slidably displace a first pin included in a first link of a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism. Slidable displacement of the first pin pivotally displaces the first link and the second link relative to the first channel and the second channel. The method further includes elevating the frame relative to the

first channel and the second channel to elevate a seat coupled to the frame of the vehicle. The method further includes locking the at least one locking unit to arrest sliding displacement of the first pin included in the first link.
[0015] In an embodiment, slidable displacement of the first pin in a first direction elevates the frame relative to the first channel and the second channel.
[0016] In an embodiment, slidable displacement of the first pin in a second direction lowers the frame relative to the first channel and the second channel.
[0017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0018] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0019] Figure 1a and 1b illustrate a perspective view and a side view of a removable seat assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates another perspective view of the assembly of Figure 1 (without a seat included in the assembly).
[0021] Figures 3 illustrates a side view of the assembly of the Figure 2.

[0022] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a perspective view and a side view of a locking unit included in the assembly of the Figure 1.
[0023] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a perspective view and a side view of the assembly of the Figure 1, in a folded condition (retracted condition).
[0024] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of operating the removable seat assembly of the Figure 1.
[0025] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and the method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0027] Before describing detailed embodiments, it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure resides in a removable seat assembly (referred to as the ‘assembly’ hereinafter) for a vehicle. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the assembly, and the vehicle including the assembly of the present disclosure. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the

disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[0028] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0029] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device, assembly, mechanism, system, and/or the method. The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[0030] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a car/four-
wheeled vehicle, however, the removable seat assembly, seating
arrangement/system resulting from employing such assembly, and aspects and
features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. One skilled in the
art would appreciate that the assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure may
be used in any vehicle, where such vehicle may include, but not be limited to, light
duty vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like. Also, such
assembly may be employed in any other seating arrangements and furniture’s that
are used in domestic setups, commercial setups, and the like.
[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a removable seat assembly (also referred to as the ‘assembly’ hereinafter) for a vehicle. The assembly includes a frame configured to be coupled to a seat of the vehicle. A latching unit is coupled

to the frame. The latching unit is configured to selectively engage with a first anchor point defined on a floor of the vehicle. The assembly further includes at least one clamping element mounted to the frame. The at least one clamping element is configured to selectively engage with a second anchor point defined on the floor of the vehicle. The assembly further includes a first bracket and a second bracket fixed to the frame. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket is defined with at least one slot. The assembly further includes a first channel and a second channel positioned parallel to the first bracket and the second bracket, respectively. Each of the first channel and the second channel is defined with at least one slot. The assembly further includes a first linkage mechanism disposed between the first channel and the first bracket. Also, a second linkage mechanism is disposed between the second channel and the second bracket. At least a portion of the first and second linkage mechanisms is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot defined in the first bracket, the second bracket, the first channel, and the second channel, for elevating the seat when disengaged from the first and the second anchor points.
[0032] The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle and the entire seating arrangement/system are not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity.
[0033] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a front perspective view and a side view, of a removable seat assembly (100) (also referred to as the ‘assembly’ hereinafter) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the assembly (100) of the present disclosure is described in the context of a bucket seat (also referred to as ‘tumble seat’) used in vehicles, such description may not be viewed as a limitation of the assembly (100). Rather, the assembly (100) of the present disclosure may be employed in both bench seat and bucket seat types used in vehicles. The term ‘bucket seat’ as used herein refers to a seat contoured to hold one person, and such bucket seat is distinct from a bench seat configured to fit

multiple people. Further, Figure 2 illustrates another perspective view of the assembly (100), but without a seat included, for illustrating constructional aspects and elements included in the assembly (100).
[0034] Referring to Figures 1a, 1b, and 2, the assembly (100) includes a frame (1) configured to be coupled to a seat (2) of the vehicle. The seat (2) may include a base (3) configured to seat a passenger and a backrest (4) configured to provide posture support to the seated passenger. The backrest (4) may be pivotally connected to a rear portion of the base (3) such that the backrest (4) may be selectively pivotable relative to the base (1). The frame (1) may be configured to be coupled to the base (3) of the seat (2). In an embodiment, the frame (1) may be a hollow cylindrical member, such as a tube, shaped and structured to support the base (3) of the seat (2). In the embodiment, the frame (1) may be made of at least one of a metallic material and a composite material. In another embodiment, the frame (1) may also be a solid cylindrical member, such as a rod, shaped and structured to support the base (3) of the seat (2). The frame (1) may also include a pair of attachment members (5) provided at a rearward portion of the frame (1). The attachment members (5) may be configured to be coupled to at least one of the base (3) and the backrest (4) of the seat (2). The attachment members (5) may be defined with one or more apertures configured to accommodate fastening elements, for coupling the frame (1) to at least one of the base (3) and the backrest (4) of the seat (2). In addition to the attachment members (5), the frame may include additional features configured to enable coupling of the frame (1) to at least one of the base (3) and the backrest (4) of the seat (2).
[0035] Further, Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the assembly (100) of the present disclosure. As depicted in Figure 3, the assembly (100) includes a latching unit (6) provided on the frame (1) of the assembly (100). The latching unit (6) is coupled to the frame (1) of the assembly (100). The latching unit (6) may be a floor latch configured to secure the assembly (100) to the floor of the vehicle. The latching unit (6) is configured to selectively engage with a first anchor point (not shown in Figure 3) defined on a floor of the vehicle. The assembly (1) is secured to floor of

the vehicle, by engaging the latching unit (6) with the floor of the vehicle. The term ‘floor’ of the vehicle, as used herein refers to the chassis or the body frame of the vehicle, over which the assembly (100) is mounted upon. The term ‘first anchor point’ as used herein refers to an element/feature defined on the body frame of the vehicle, about which the assembly (100) is secured to the body frame of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the term ‘first anchor point’ includes at least one hook or a coupling bracket (24) defined on the body frame of the vehicle, as illustrated in Figure 5a. In the illustrative embodiment, the latching unit (6) is provided at the rearward portion of the frame (1) and is provided intermediate the pair of attachment members (5) of the frame (1). However, the latching unit (6) may also be provided at a frontward portion of the frame (1) and may be provided at the vicinity of the pair of attachment members (5). In another embodiment, more than one latching unit (6) may be provided on the frame (1) of the vehicle, where such latching unit (6) is provided on opposite edges of the frame (1).
[0036] The latching unit (6) may be configured to be operated between an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. In the engaged condition, the assembly (100) is firmly secured/locked to the floor of the vehicle. In the disengaged condition, the assembly (100) may be disengaged from the floor of vehicle, allowing for the assembly (100) to be displaced relative to the floor of the vehicle. Further, as illustrated in Figure 3, the latching unit (6) may include a lever (7) configured to operate the latching unit (6). The lever (7) may be configured to be hand operated by a user, for operating the latching unit (6) between the engaged condition and the disengaged condition. In an embodiment, operation of the latching unit (6) may be regulated by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the vehicle.
[0037] Referring now to Figure 2, the assembly (100) further includes at least one clamping element (8) mounted to the frame (1). As depicted in the illustrative embodiment, two clamping elements (8) may be provided on the frame (1). The clamping element (8) may be configured to selectively engage with a second anchor point (not shown in the Figure 2) defined on the floor of the vehicle. The term ‘floor’ of the vehicle, as used herein refers to the chassis or the body frame of the

vehicle, over which the assembly (100) is mounted upon. The term ‘second anchor point’ as used herein refers to attachment hooks or coupling brackets configured to be engaged with the clamping element (8). Similar to the first anchor point, the second anchor point is also defined on the body frame of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the clamping element (8) may be a C-hook or a C-shaped coupling brackets (25a, 25b), as shown in Figure 5a, configured be engaged with the second anchor point of the vehicle. The second anchor point may have a profile and configuration that is complementary to the profile and configuration of the clamping element (8), to facilitate engaging and disengaging of the clamping element (8) from the second anchor point defined on the floor of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the clamping element (8) may be defined with an aperture configured to facilitate securing of the clamping element (8) to the frame (1). The aperture may have a diameter that allows securing of the clamping element (1) to the frame (1) by interference fit. In another embodiment, the clamping element (8) may be integrally formed as part of the frame (1). In yet another embodiment, the clamping element (8) may be welded to the frame (1).
[0038] Further, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the assembly (100) includes a first bracket (9) and a second bracket (10) fixed to the frame (1). Each of the first bracket
(9) and the second bracket (10) is defined with at least one slot (9a, 10a). The first
bracket (9) and the second bracket (10) may be provided on opposite edges of the
frame (1), as illustrated in the Figure 2. The first bracket (9) and the second bracket
(10) may be fixed to the frame (1) by welding. Alternatively, the first bracket (9)
and the second bracket (10) may be fixed to the frame (1) by fastening. In an
embodiment, the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10) may be integrally
formed as part of the frame (1).
[0039] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the assembly (100) further includes a first channel (11) and a second channel (12). The first channel (11) is positioned parallel to the first bracket (9), with a distance therebetween. The second channel (12) is positioned parallel to the second bracket (10), with a distance therebetween. Further, as illustrated in the Figure 2, each of the first channel (11) and the second

channel (12) is defined with at least one slot (11a, 12a). In an embodiment, the at least one slot (11a, 12a) of the first channel (11) and the second channel (12) may be positioned substantially parallel to the at least one slot (9a, 10a) of the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10).
[0040] The assembly (100) further includes a first linkage mechanism (13) disposed between the first channel (11) and the first bracket (9), as depicted in Figure 2. Further, a second linkage mechanism (14) is disposed between the second channel (12) and the second bracket (10). The first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) are positioned substantially parallel and opposite to each other, with a distance therebetween. The distance between the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) is substantially equal to the length of the portion of the frame defined between the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10). A cross-link (15) is positioned between the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14), for providing structural strength/rigidity and for maintaining the distance between the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14). Further, at least a portion of the first linkage mechanism (13) is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (11a, 9a) of the first channel (11) and the first bracket (9). Further, at least a portion of the second linkage mechanism (14) is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (12a, 10a) of the second channel (12) and the second bracket (10).
[0041] In an embodiment, first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) are scissor linkage/scissor lift mechanisms configured to elevate the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). Each of the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) includes a pair of links (elongate members) that are linked together in a criss-cross 'X' pattern, and accordingly, the same is also referred to as ‘X-linkage’ mechanism.
[0042] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, each of the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) includes a first link (13a, 14a) and a second link (13b, 14b). The first link (13a, 14a) includes a first pin (13c, 14c) slidably

accommodated in the at least one slot (11a, 12a) of the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). The second link (13b, 14b) is pivotally connected to the first link (13a, 14a). The second link (13b, 14b) is pivotally connected to the first link (13a, 14a). As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, an intermediate point of the second link (13b, 14b) is pivotally connected to the intermediate point of the first link (13a, 14a) to enable pivoting of the first link (13a, 14a) and the second link (13b, 14b) relative to each other. Further, the second link (13b, 14b) includes a second pin (13d, 14d) slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (9a, 10a) of the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10), respectively. Slidable displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) and the second pin (13d, 14d) (in the slots in which the pins are accommodated therein) pivotally displaces the first link (13a, 14a) and the second link (13b, 14b) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). Further, slidable displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) and the second pin (13d, 14d) (in the slots in which the pins are accommodated therein), elevates the frame
(I) (and thereby the seat (2)) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel
(12). In other words, pivotal displacement of the first link (13a, 14a) and the second
link (13b, 14b) (which is caused by sliding displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c)
and the second pin (13d, 14d) in the slots in which said pins are accommodated
therein), elevates the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second
channel (12). The seat (2) may be elevated relative to the first channel (11) and the
second channel (12), when disengaged from the first and the second anchor points.
[0043] Referring now to Figure 3, the assembly (100) further includes at least one locking unit (16) (outlined in Figure 3) coupled to at least one of the first channel
(11) and the second channel (12). In the illustrative embodiment depicted in Figure
3, the locking unit (16) is coupled to the first channel (11). Alternatively, the locking
unit (16) may be coupled to the second channel (12). In an embodiment, each of the
first channel (11) and the second channel (12) may be provided with the locking
unit (16). Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a perspective view and a side view of the
locking unit (16), in accordance with an embodiment by the present disclosure. The
locking unit (16) includes a connecting rod (17) with profile and configuration as

depicted in the Figures 4a and 4b. The connecting rod (17) may be pivotally coupled to the first channel (11) at pivot point (18). The connecting rod (17) may be defined with an engaging portion (19) configured to engage with the first pin (14c). The locking unit (16) is selectively operable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, to arrest and release sliding displacement of the first pin (14c) included in the first link (14a).
[0044] The locking unit (16) is operated from the locked condition and to the unlocked condition, by applying force at an actuation point (20) depicted in Figures 4a and 4b. Application of force at actuation point (20) pivotally displaces the engaging portion (19) relative to the pivot point (18), in the direction depicted by pointer (21). Such pivotal displacement of the engaging portion (19) releases the first pin (14c), to enable sliding displacement of the first pin (14c) in the slot (12a), whereby causing pivotal displacement of the first link (14a). Further, by virtue of the pivotal connection between the first link (14a) and the second link (14b), pivotal displacement of the first link (14a) causes corresponding pivotal displacement of the second link (14b), which further causes sliding displacement of the second pin (14d) accommodated on the slot (10a) of the second bracket (10). Such slidable displacement of the first pin (14c) and the second pin (14d) (in the slots accommodated therein), combined with the pivotal displacement of the first link (13a, 14a) and the second link (13b, 14b), enables raising and lowering of the frame (1) (and thereby the seat (2)) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). Slidable displacement of the first pin (14c) in a first direction (depicted by pointer 22 in Figure 2), elevates the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). On the other hand, slidable displacement of the first pin (14c) in a second direction (depicted by pointer 23 in Figure 2) lowers the frame relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
[0045] In an embodiment, the locking unit (16) may be a spring-loaded locking unit (16). In such embodiment, the engaging portion (19) and the actuation point (20) is configured to return to their initial position (i.e., in a direction that is reverse to the direction depicted by the pointer (21)), by virtue of spring force. The engaging

portion (19) and the actuation point (20) return to their initial position and remain in the initial position, in absence of any force acting on the actuation point (20). In an embodiment, the locking unit (16) may be a cam based locking unit (16) or a cam operated locking unit (16).
[0046] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a perspective view and a side view of the assembly (100), in a folded condition (retracted condition) of the assembly (100). The term ‘folded condition’ as used herein refers to the condition in which the assembly (100) is accommodated in the vehicle. In the folded condition, at least a portion of the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) may be accommodated in the first channel (11) and the second channel (12) (in a compressed state of the linkage mechanism), and the frame (1) may be in contact with the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). Further, Figure 1a illustrates a perspective view of the assembly (100), in an extended condition of the assembly (100). The assembly (100) may be operated from the folded condition to the extended condition and vice versa, by slidably displacing the first pin (14c) in a first direction (depicted by pointer 22 in Figure 2) and in a second direction (depicted by pointer 23 in Figure 2), respectively.
[0047] Figure 6 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of the method (200) of operating a removable seat assembly (100) of a vehicle.
[0048] The order in which the method (200) is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method (200). Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method (200) without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0049] As depicted at block 201, the method (200) includes operating a latching unit to an unlatched condition, to disengage a frame from a first anchor point.

[0050] As depicted at block 202, the method (200) further includes disengaging at least one clamping element (8) from a second anchor point.
[0051] As depicted at block 203, the method (200) further includes operating at least one locking unit (16), to slidably displace a first pin (13c) included in a first link (13a) of a first linkage mechanism (13) and a second linkage mechanism (14). Slidable displacement of the first pin (13c) pivotally displaces the first link (13a) and the second link (13b) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
[0052] As depicted at block 204, the method (200) further includes elevating the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12) to elevate a seat (2) coupled to the frame (1) of the vehicle.
[0053] As depicted at block 205, the method (200) further includes locking the at least one locking unit (16) to arrest sliding displacement of the first pin (13c) included in the first link (13a). Slidable displacement of the first pin (14c) in a first direction (depicted by pointer 22 in Figure 2), elevates the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12). On the other hand, slidable displacement of the first pin (14c) in a second direction (depicted by pointer 23 in Figure 2) lowers the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
[0054] In an embodiment, configuration of the assembly (100) of the present disclosure enables easy removal and installation of seats in the vehicle. The assembly (100) of the present disclosure overcomes drawbacks associated with the existing configurations of removable seats, which are cumbersome to operate and requires considerable amount of effort by the passenger/user. The actions of selective removal and reinstallation of the assembly (100) may be accomplished by a single person and does not mandate requirement of additional tools and skill for performing the same. The assembly (100) of the present disclosure addresses the problem of redundancy of seats when removed from the vehicle, as the assembly

(100) may be used for seating of passengers in outdoor conditions. The assembly (100) may be used for seating of passengers in outdoor conditions, such as, but not limited to, outdoor camping, in beaches, and when there is a vehicle breakdown and the like. The assembly (100) may be removed from the vehicle and may be easily transported for maintenance and servicing purposes.
[0055] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ECU may be a centralized control unit, or a dedicated control unit associated with the assembly (100). The ECU may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The ECU may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the like.
[0056] Further, in some embodiments, the processing unit may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive,

redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid state drives, and the like.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at

least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
REFERRAL NUMERICALS

Particulars Numerical
Frame 1
Seat 2
Base 3
Backrest 4
Attachment members 5
Latching unit 6
Lever 7
Clamping element 8
First bracket 9
Slot 9a
Second bracket 10
Slot 10a
First channel 11
Slot 11a
Second channel 12
Slot 12a
First linkage mechanism 13

First link 13a
Second link 13b
First pin 13c
Second pin 13d
Second linkage mechanism 14
First link 14a
Second link 14b
First pin 14c
Second pin 14d
Cross-link 15
Locking unit 16
Connecting rod 17
Pivot point 18
Engaging portion 19
Actuation point 20
Pointers 21, 22, 23
Coupling bracket 24
C-shaped coupling brackets 25a, 25b

Removable seat assembly 100
Method of operating a removable seat assembly 200
Method steps 201-205

We claim:
1. A removable seat assembly (100) for a vehicle, the removable seat assembly
(100) comprising:
a frame (1) configured to be coupled to a seat (2) of the vehicle;
a latching unit (6) coupled to the frame (1), to selectively engage with a first anchor point defined on a floor of the vehicle;
at least one clamping element (8) mounted to the frame (1), the at least one clamping element (8) is configured to selectively engage with a second anchor point defined on the floor of the vehicle;
a first bracket (9) and a second bracket (10), fixed to the frame (1), wherein each of the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10) is defined with at least one slot (9a, 10a);
a first channel (11) and a second channel (12) positioned parallel to the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10), wherein each of the first channel (11) and the second channel (12) is defined with at least one slot (11a, 12a); and
a first linkage mechanism (13) disposed between the first channel (11) and the first bracket (9), and a second linkage mechanism (14) disposed between the second channel (12) and the second bracket (10), wherein at least a portion of the first and second linkage mechanisms (13, 14) is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (9a, 10a, 11a, 12a) defined in the first bracket (9), the second bracket (10), the first channel (11), and the second channel (12), for elevating the seat (2) when disengaged from the first and the second anchor points.
2. The removable seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
at least a portion of the first linkage mechanism (13) is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (11a, 9a) of the first channel (11) and the first bracket (9); and
wherein at least a portion of the second linkage mechanism (14) is slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (12a, 10a) of the second channel (12) and the second bracket (10).

3. The removable seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a cross¬link (15) positioned between the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14).
4. The removable seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the first linkage mechanism (13) and the second linkage mechanism (14) comprises:
a first link (13a, 14a), the first link (13a, 14a) including a first pin (13c, 14c) slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (11a, 12a) of the first channel (11) and the second channel (12); and
a second link (13b, 14b) pivotally connected to the first link (13a, 14a), the second link (13b, 14b) including a second pin (13d, 14d) slidably accommodated in the at least one slot (9a, 10a) of the first bracket (9) and the second bracket (10);
wherein slidable displacement of said pins (13d, 14d) pivotally displaces the first link (13a, 14a) and the second link (13b, 14b) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
5. The removable seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein pivotal displacement of the first link (13a, 14a) and the second link (13b, 14b) elevates the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
6. The removable seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprises at least one locking unit (16) coupled to at least one of the first channel (11) and the second channel (12), wherein the at least one locking unit (16) is selectively operable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, to arrest and release sliding displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) included in the first link (13a, 14a).
7. A method (200) of operating a removable seat assembly (100), the method (200) comprising:

operating (201), a latching unit (6) to an unlatched condition, to disengage a frame (1) from a first anchor point;
disengaging (202), at least one clamping element (8) from a second anchor point;
operating (203), at least one locking unit (16), to slidably displace a first pin (13c, 14c) included in a first link (13a, 14a) of a first linkage mechanism (13) and a second linkage mechanism (14), wherein slidable displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) pivotally displaces the first link (13a, 14a) and the second link (13b, 14b) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12);
elevating (204), the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12) to elevate a seat (2) coupled to the frame (1) of the vehicle; and
locking (205), the at least one locking unit (16) to arrest sliding displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) included in the first link (13a, 14a).
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein slidable displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) in a first direction elevates the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein slidable displacement of the first pin (13c, 14c) in a second direction lowers the frame (1) relative to the first channel (11) and the second channel (12).
10. A vehicle comprising a removable seat assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.