Abstract: A deployable bleacher arrangement has deployed and un-deployed states and is provided with a plurality of seating level members, each arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. Each seating level member is disposed beneath an immediately superior seating level member in stacked relation when in the un-deployed state. In the deployed state, each seating level member is disposed beneath and forward of an immediately superior seating level member. A plurality of seats are disposed in side-by-side relation on a seating level member. Each of the seats has a bottom portion coupled to the associated seating level member for accommodating a user. The seat bottom has forward and rear portions and is arranged parallel to the associated seating level member.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structure that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment The backstop portions are arrangement in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height and an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with an edge portion that precludes a discontinuity on the walking surface of tile seating structure. Structural integrity and strength of the riser portion is enhanced by forming same as a multi-fascia structure having a reinforcing corrugation therebetween. A curved back portion along the lowermost edge serves as a termination and additionally adds strength to the backstop arrangement.

Abstract: A deployable seating arrangement employs a plurality of seating level members that are arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. When the deployable seating arrangement is in an undeployed state, the seating level members are disposed substantially directly beneath one another in stacked relation. When in a deployed condition, each seating level member is disposed beneath and forward of an immediately superior seating level member in stepped relation. Each of the seating level members has associated therewith a plurality of L-shaped frame elements that are formed of vertical and horizontal portions. A roller is installed at the upper end of the vertical portion for engaging with the underside of the horizontal portion of an immediately superior seating level member. A drive arrangement having a wide track motor drive urges the seating level members, which are installed on a plurality of respective wheeled frame arrangements, into deployed and undeployed states.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structures that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment. The backstop portions are arranged in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height an an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with a flange element that extends transversely therefrom and which engages with a top surface of the seating level. Preferably, the engagement portion forms a forwardmost edge termination. A fastening portion is arranged intermediate of the engagement portion and the riser portion of the backstop member.

Abstract: A telescopic seating system with aisle rails in the form of discrete and lightweight uprights. A telescopic seating system, such as a bleacher system or a platform seating system, is equipped with a series of uprights, which are easily movable to positions whereby the seating system can be retracted. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and movable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. The noses of the decks upon which rows of seating are mounted have sockets which receive the lower end of each upright and support the uprights in the aisles of the seating system. Because the uprights are lightweight, discrete and easily moveable, the tendency to use the seating system without installing the handrails is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A railing system for a telescopic seating arrangement, such as bleacher systems and platform seating systems. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and readily stowable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. Brackets carried by the nose of decks receive a plate affixed to the lower end of each upright. The brackets which support the uprights have a low profile so that the seating system is readily useable if the uprights are not installed. The lightweight and easily stowed uprights of this railing system eliminate the factors which lead to use of a seating system without handrails.

Abstract: A deployable telescopic seating structure employs a backstop arrangement to prevent users and operators from coming into contact with structure that may cause injury, such as interengaging metal elements that limit the extent of deployment. The backstop portions are arrangement in the aisle region of the telescopic seating structure and have an overall height that is responsive to the height of one seating level above another, or in another embodiment, to the difference between such height and an intermediate step. The backstop arrangement has an engagement portion with a flange element that extends transversely therefrom and which engages with a top surface of the seating level. Preferably, the engagement portion forms a forwardmost edge termination. A fastening portion is arranged intermediate of the engagement portion and the riser portion of the backstop member.

Abstract: A railing system for a telescopic seating arrangement, such as bleacher systems and platform seating systems. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and readily stowable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. Brackets carried by the nose of decks receive a plate affixed to the lower end of each upright. The brackets which support the uprights have a low profile so that the seating system is readily useable if the uprights are not installed. The lightweight and easily stowed uprights of this railing system eliminate the factors which lead to use of a seating system without handrails.

Abstract: A seating system capable of being put into a variety of configurations which include wheelchair locations. The seating arrangement is made up of two-chair and three-chair units in which at least one fixed chair is included within each unit. Stowable chairs are attached by hinges to the fixed chairs and can be moved from stowed positions behind the fixed chairs to use positions between the fixed chairs. Latches are used to hold the stowable and fixed chairs in a row while in their use positions. Hinges allow planar horizontal rotation of the stowable chairs to their stowed positions.

Abstract: A fire-resistant seating component. In a first embodiment, seat backs and pans are equipped with an enclosure containing a fire-retardant material which can flow out of early-release openings in the enclosure. The enclosure comprises at least one meltable zone which causes dispensation of the fire-resistant material at a temperature which is below the ignition temperature of the seating component. The enclosure is located at the lower portion of either a seat pan, a seat back, or both, so that burning rubbish such as paper cups and similar flammable debris disposed under a seat can be extinguished by the fire-retardant material as it flows vertically downward into the space beneath the seat. In a second embodiment, interior spaces within a seating component are coated or filled with non-combustible material to reduce the transfer of heat and the spread of fire. Such material may completely occupy the interior space within the component, or the material may simply coat the interior surfaces of the component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular seating unit comprised of a plurality of chairs carried by a plurality of pedestals. The pedestals at each end of the seating unit have two casters which are movable into and out of operative position. The pedestal base may be attached to a floor by threaded bolts which are resiliently and retractably mounted to the base. Threaded bolts are supported by a coil spring which holds the bolt in an upward position to prevent damage to the threads at the end of the bolt. Threaded inserts built into the floor are color coded and are arranged in patterns which allow for placement of the seating units in various arrays. Plug-like devices are used to protect the threaded inserts and to keep debris out of the insert.

Abstract: A fire-resistant seating component. In a first embodiment, seat backs and pans are equipped with an enclosure containing a fire-retardant material which can flow out of early-release openings in the enclosure. The enclosure comprises at least one meltable zone which causes dispensation of the fire-resistant material at a temperature which is below the ignition temperature of the seating component. The enclosure is located at the lower portion of either a seat pan, a seat back, or both, so that burning rubbish such as paper cups and similar flammable debris disposed under a seat can be extinguished by the fire-retardant material as it flows vertically downwardly into the space beneath the seat. In a second embodiment, interior spaces within a seating component are coated or filled with non-combustible material to reduce the transfer of heat and the spread of fire. Such material may completely occupy the interior space within the component, or the material may simply coat the interior surfaces of the component.

Abstract: A telescopic multi-tier riser assembly formed from a plurality of telescopic multi-tier riser modules positioned in side-by-side relationship. Each said riser module is of a telescopic multi-tier construction and includes top and bottom platforms and at least one intermediate platform. The platforms are telescopically movable relative to one another between an open position wherein the individual platforms project forwardly in a step-like manner and a closed position wherein the platforms are vertically supported one above the other. The platforms each have a side-to-side width which is substantially less than its front-to-back length, which width comfortably accommodates only a single chair on the respective platform.

Abstract: A telescoping gymnasium seating unit including a plurality of movable upright frames respectively sized and movable between a first position wherein the frames are nested one in the other when fully telescoped and a second position wherein the frames are unnested. Each of the frames has a seating member thereon with an upwardly facing horizontal planar-like seating surface. Each of the seating members on each of the frames is vertically offset from a seating member on a mutually adjacent frame in the second position of the frames. The seating members are vertically spaced one above the other when the frames are in the first position and have a vertical spacing therebetween. Low friction devices are secured to the seating members and extend downwardly therefrom and engage the next seating member located therebelow when the frames are in the first position to maintain the vertical spacing therebetween uniform when vertical loads are applied to the seating members when the frames are in the first position.