Seating Arrangement Patents (Class 52/8)
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Patent number: 6000174Abstract: A retractable, stairs-like stand includes plural steps of floor-bases which are moved horizontally between the advanced position where the floor-bases are mutually shifted into a form of stairs and the retracted position where the floor-bases are mutually lined up along the vertical direction, and plural seats fitted onto the floor-bases. The front portions of the respective floor-bases are equipped with parallel link mechanism for parallel moving the seat sections of the seats back and forth between the use-position where the seat sections of the seats are spaced from the floor-bases and the descent position where the seat sections of the seats are adjacent the floor-bases. Fastening mechanisms are disposed for selectively fixing the seat sections to the use-position and the fastening position where releasing the sections from the use-position.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Kotobuki CorporationInventor: Ryokichi Yamazaki
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Patent number: 5996286Abstract: A tiered or platform-type seating unit which, when in a collapsed storage position, can be oriented in an upright position and is provided with support rollers which enable it to be moved about, including permitting passage through doorways. When in use, the unit is vertically rotated 90.degree. to position load-bearing rollers thereof in engagement with a floor. The platform unit includes a base platform having a first raised seating tier fixedly associated along one edge thereof. A second seating tier is positioned adjacent the opposite edge thereof. This second tier is movable from a lower position into an upper position so that this second tier is at an elevation above and spaced rearwardly from the first tier, there being an intermediate aisle therebetween. This aisle stores therein, when the unit is collapsed, a pair of removable platforms which are locked between the first and second tiers when the second tier is collapsed.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventor: Daniel C. K. West
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Patent number: 5979116Abstract: A floor apparatus (1) comprises a support base (8) and a passage base (10), each being rotatable about axes (11, 12) of rotation respectively, the support base (8) having a seat surface (13) mounted with seats (7) and a first selective surface (14), the passage base (10) having a passage surface (16) and a second selective surface (15), and a rotating device (5) for rotating the support base (8) and the passage base (10) about the axes (11, 12) of rotation respectively. The first selective surface (14) or the second selective surface (15) is selected and used depending upon events, thereby improving versatility of a floor surface in accordance with the events.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Hitachi Zosen CorporationInventor: Takeshi Myoga
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Patent number: 5964064Abstract: A theater includes an audience seating area, a stage and at least three projection screens. Multiple film projectors simultaneously project a three dimensional film onto the three projection screens. Three dimensional film elements appear to move seamlessly from one projection screen to the next. In a live action show, actors, stage sets and show action equipment appear to interact with the three dimensional film. The filmed set blends with the stage sets to give dimension and a feeling of depth to the viewing audience. The audience cannot easily distinguish between the real elements and filmed elements thereby intensifying the theater experience.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Universal City Studios, Inc.Inventors: Gary Goddard, Adam Bezark
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Patent number: 5960589Abstract: A modular structure is assembled through a multiplicity of modules aligned in a series of horizontal rows, with each successive row being higher than the preceding row by a given height. Each row is composed of series of adjacent modules of the same height in that row, the modules composed of four vertical posts with adjacent modules sharing the same two intermediate posts between them. In alternating rows, the vertical posts are strengthened by widthwise crossbeams extending from adjacent the top of one vertical post to adjacent the bottom the next vertical post for all widthwise pairs of vertical posts in the given row. Each vertical post is anchored to the ground by being welded to a base plate assembly which in turn in bolted or anchored into the ground or concrete floor. Each module supports a concrete formed bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Stadium Seating ErectorsInventors: Andrew Youngquist, James Lefler, Robert Herrman, Harold K. Matsumoto
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Patent number: 5921031Abstract: A barrier assembly for mounting to the end of a folding bleacher assembly for blocking access to the area under the bleacher seats. The folding barrier panel may be constructed of a heavy-gauge fabric material. The rearward edge of the panel is attached to a stationary connection at the rearward end of the bleacher assembly, and the forward edge of the panel is attached to a moving connection at the forwardmost seat section, so that the panel is pulled out straight when the bleacher assembly is extended. A chain or cable along the lower edge of the panel member is also stretched out straight between the two connections, so as to prevent persons from lifting the lower edge of the panel and passing thereunder. The upper edge of the panel may be attached directly to the rearward edges of the stacked deck sections, or it may be suspended from the deck sections on a series of pendant chains.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Arvel J. Williams
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Patent number: 5921032Abstract: A convertible sports and exhibition facility includes stadium and arena configurations. Playing fields or surfaces are provided for both the stadium and arena configurations, with at least a portion of the stadium playing field being removable to provide a lower playing surface in the arena configuration. A seating system includes opposite pairs of end and side seating sections. The stadium configuration end seating sections become the arena configuration side seating sections and portions of the stadium side seating sections become the arena end seating sections when the facility is converted from a stadium configuration to an arena configuration. The facility includes a roof with an adjustable-height ceiling portion with a raised stadium position and a lowered arena position. The facility also includes circulation, structure and support systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Hellmuth Obata & Kassabaum, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Labinski
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Patent number: 5916091Abstract: The invention is an end curtain for gymnasium seating which has a generally triangular piece of flexible fabric which is secured to the wall of the gymnasium at the back end of the seating, and which is attached to the lower front end of the seating. The fabric has a cable or sturdy cord which is enclosed in a seam of the fabric along its longest (hypotenuse) side. The cable or cord in the hypotenuse side of the fabric is connected to the side edge of the seating by a plurality of looped hangers which pass through the fabric and around the cable or cord. This way, the weight of the fabric, chains, cables and or cords is distributed among the many hangers. Also, the looped hangers are adapted to not bind the cable or cord tightly. This way, the cable or cord in the seam of fabric along the hypotenuse side has enough give or travel through the many hangers to be flexible and not bind up or tear out at any particular hanger location.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: William L. Schultz
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Patent number: 5890323Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of a modern theater for providing live entertainment performances. The theater comprises an auditorium which is defined in part by a modular central core which encloses a defined space. The theater further comprises a modular stage and a two-tier balcony module. The central core module, the stage and the balcony module are each supported by independent foundations and load bearing columns. The balcony module includes an upper level with open seating and a lower level with enclosed suites. The suites are designed so as not to adversely affect the acoustics of the theater. The theater also has two side wing modules for increasing the seating capacity of the theater and other modular structures abutting the central core module. The theater also includes partitions for closing part of the side wing modules and a novel jack system for supporting the acoustic panels forming the partitions when the panels are in their extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Inventor: Robert M. Errato
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Patent number: 5850712Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of a modern theater for providing live entertainment performances. The theater comprises an auditorium which is defined in part by a modular central core which encloses a defined space. The theater further comprises a modular stage and a two-tier balcony module. The central core module, the stage and the balcony module are each supported by independent foundations and load bearing columns. The balcony module includes an upper level with open seating and a lower level with enclosed suites. The suites are designed so as not to adversely affect the acoustics of the theater. The theater also has two side wing modules for increasing the seating capacity of the theater and other modular structures abutting the central core module. The theater also includes partitions for closing part of the side wing modules and a novel jack system for supporting the acoustic panels forming the partitions when the panels are in their extended position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Inventor: Robert M. Errato
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Patent number: 5845434Abstract: According to the present invention, a multiplicity of compartments are horizontally and vertically arranged, allowing spectators on seats in the compartments to enjoy the view of an image projected on a screen installed outside the compartments and to enjoy the realistic effects, without bothering or being bothered by the neighbors.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Inventor: Masahiko Hayashi
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Patent number: 5829201Abstract: An amusement attraction has a theater with an audience seating area. The audience seating area faces a projection screen and a film presentation is projected onto the projection screen. The audience seating area contains seats that are arranged in rows. The seats are supported on seat drop units that vertically shift the seats. The theater also contains wheelchair platforms that are installed between some of the seats. The wheelchair platforms are also capable of moving in a vertical direction. During a predetermined sequence in the film presentation, an explosion takes place on the projection screen, and the seats and the wheelchair platforms drop suddenly to simulate the theater floor being blown out. In this manner, the audience, including members of the audience who are physically disabled, is provided with a participatory theater experience.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Universal City Studios, Inc.Inventors: James Schelter, Frank Masi
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Patent number: 5822928Abstract: A theatre designed to provide an intimate environment for an audience, particularly for watching 3-D motion pictures. The theatre has an auditorium with a sloped seating deck and audience entry/exit points on opposite sides, generally at an intermediate level of the deck. The entry/exit points are generally at ground level with the portion of the deck below those points in an excavated pit. A ground level lobby connects to the access points by aisles outwardly of opposite sides of the auditorium and a projection room is provided above the lobby.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Imax CorporationInventors: Ian Maxwell, G. Eric Jacques, Ilidio Paulo Coito
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Patent number: 5822929Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Interkal, Inc.Inventors: Melvin J. Guiles, Kenneth A. Ahrens
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Patent number: 5794383Abstract: A multi-purpose stadium includes a seating system which is reconfigurable between seating configurations corresponding to different playing fields, for example, football and baseball. Reconfiguration of the seating system is accomplished by removing removable seating sections, raising or lowering vertically movable seating sections, sliding or shifting horizontally movable seating sections and rotating groups of seating sections which form rotatable extensions of seating wings of a seating bowl formed by the seating system. The stadium includes a circulation system with concourses at various levels for providing access to the seating system. Bridges are provided for connecting parts of the concourses which are separated when the seating system is reconfigured.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Labinski
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Patent number: 5752350Abstract: A modular support system useable for a pool or spa is disclosed. A prefabricated pool or spa stairs may be supported by utilizing a plurality of stiffeners each extending along the length of the bottom of a step of the prefabricated stairs. Within the stiffeners are a plurality of openings within which posts may be inserted. The posts contact the bottom surface of the top side of each stiffener to support the stiffener and a load placed upon the step supported by the stiffener. The stiffener is constructed to help minimize deflection of the step when a load off is placed thereon. A locking mechanism may be used to lock each post within into the opening. If desired, only posts supporting the top step may be placed upon a stable surface and the remaining posts, after insertion into their respective openings, may remain hanging above the stable surface. Concrete may be poured on the stable surface to embed each of the posts therein.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Imperial Pools, Inc.Inventor: John V. Maiuccoro
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Patent number: 5673518Abstract: A deck assembly is provided for retrofitting bleachers having a plurality of rows of seats and a foot board supported by a plurality of floor support members located between adjacent rows of seats. The deck assembly includes an elongate walkway panel adapted to be supported by the floor support members between adjacent rows of seats. The walkway panel includes a first elongate edge and a spaced apart second elongate edge. A toe riser including an upstanding flange extends along and upwardly from the first elongate edge of the walkway panel. The flange of the toe riser is adapted to extend from the first elongate edge of the walkway panel toward a forward row of seats. A heel riser having an upstanding flange extends along and upwardly from the second edge of the walkway panel. The flange of the heel riser is adapted to extend from the second elongate edge of the walkway panel toward an adjacent rear row of seats.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: E.T. Paddock Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Eugene T. Paddock
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Patent number: 5660000Abstract: A movable two-fold seating assembly includes an upright support structure, a forward seating section pivoted to the support structure, and a rearward seating section pivoted to the structure. Forward and rearward frame structures are pivoted to the free ends of the seating sections for supporting the same on the ground. The frame structures are folded to underlie their respective seating sections, and the seating sections are folded about opposing sides of the upright support structure. The entire seating assembly is transportable in the folded condition by lowering ground engaging wheels to the ground from a base structure of the upright support, and lifting the forward end of the assembly as by a forklift.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Inventor: James R. MacIntyre
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Patent number: 5611174Abstract: According to the present invention, an image projected on a dome shaped screen or reproduced on an image producing apparatus of a dome shape can be viewed through windows of spectator compartments with highly realistic and panoramic effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Inventor: Masahiko Hayashi
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Patent number: 5605025Abstract: A deck assembly is provided for retrofitting bleachers having a plurality of rows of seats and a foot board supported by a plurality of floor support members located between adjacent rows of seats. The deck assembly includes an elongate walkway panel adapted to be supported by the floor support members between adjacent rows of seats. The walkway panel includes a first elongate edge and a spaced apart second elongate edge. A toe riser including an upstanding flange extends along and upwardly from the first elongate edge of the walkway panel. The flange of the toe riser is adapted to extend from the first elongate edge of the walkway panel toward a forward row of seats. A heel riser having an upstanding flange extends along and upwardly from the second edge of the walkway panel. The flange of the heel riser is adapted to extend from the second elongate edge of the walkway panel toward an adjacent rear row of seats.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: E. T. Paddock Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Eugene T. Paddock
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Patent number: 5517789Abstract: To assure that each spectator sitting on his seat enjoys a performance in a theater or the like at his desired height, a floor height adjusting mechanism is mounted on each of a plurality of movable platforms constituting a variable floor height telescopic multi-staged spectator seating system. Usually, the floor height adjusting mechanism is constructed in the form of a threaded shaft driving unit which is composed of a motor, a threaded shaft adapted to be rotationally driven by the motor, and a support column fixedly secured to each movable platform. The lowermost end of the support column is operatively connected to the lowermost end of the threaded shaft for rotatably holding the threaded shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha KotobukiInventor: Noboru Sugiyama
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Patent number: 5469669Abstract: A permanently fixed theater construction comprises a ground level lobby and a projection screen which are opposite ends of the construction. A seating region on a support floor is angled downwardly from the lobby into a pit towards the projection screen. An entrance to and an exit from the seating region are both provided at floor level through the lobby. There is a projection room with a projector in the lobby and the projection room includes a projection window above floor level of the lobby facing the projection screen. The projector itself is movable from a first set up and maintenance position at the floor level to a second operating position level with the projection window. The projector when moved to the operating position projects large format film to the screen.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1993Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Inventor: Lloyd Alter
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Patent number: 5459964Abstract: A foldup grandstand, in which the rows of seats telescope into an unfolded position with the rows of seats available for the spectators, or into a folded position in which the rows of seats are nested one above the other. A series of frames with wheels support the seats, and a V-shaped pieces and frame aligned with a centering finger on an adjacent frame to join the two frames together. The finger has a bent shape and a special head which facilitates its alignment with the V-shaped piece. A self-locking element, rollers, ballast, drivers, cable drives, and an immobilization or locking members are also parts of the grandstand mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: ETS. DoubletInventor: Luc Doublet
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Patent number: 5433670Abstract: A compact theater for use with a simulator system includes a motion base moveable only along three mutually orthogonal displacement axes by means of displaceable actuators. A projector and screen are included for providing a sequence of audio signals and visual images to the occupants. A motion base controller generates actuator drive signals. A system controller provides the command signals to the motion base controller in synchronization with the presentation of the audio-visual images. The system controller generates the motion base command signals such that the displacement of the motion base is synchronized to the presentation of the audio signals and visual images. The motion base is characterized by a reduced height when fully retracted such that, when configured with the projector and screen, the total height is less than conventional simulators, enabling the present theater to be housed within buildings of a standard commercial height.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Ridefilm CorporationInventor: Douglas Trumbull
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Patent number: 5400556Abstract: A step system for swimming pools comprises a unitary stair module including a stair shell formed of plastic sheet material and a plurality of elongated rigidizing members which are encapsulated within the plastic sheet material of the stair shell, and support braces for supporting the unitary stair module. A method of manufacturing the unitary stair module of the step system is disclosed and comprises encapsulating each of the rigidizing members in the plastic sheet material of the stair shell by vacuum forming.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1992Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Pacific Industries, Inc.Inventor: James Favaron
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Patent number: 5349789Abstract: An elevationally adjustable folding stage has a frame which folds along a center of the stage from a storage position to a use position. Stage panels of interchangeable widths form a stage surface and are reversible and interchangeable. The stage may also support additional panels between stages extending therefrom to form an extended stage surface. The stage has a roller assembly which lifts the stage up so that rollers engage the floor for rolling between storage and use locations. Connectors between the frame and the stage offer quick connection without additional pieces. Connectors also provide for inserting risers to raise the height of one panel of the stage relative to the other. In addition to the risers, multi-panel supporting bases may be used to support the panels extending from the edges of the stage between stages.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1992Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: Sico IncorporatedInventors: Gary W. Andert, Rollin D. Botts, Andrew J. Shea
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Patent number: 5337471Abstract: A method for constructing a seat for a wooden deck. Right triangular metal braces are attached between the deck floor and respective risers. At the deck floor, the braces are attached to anchor brackets which are secured to a cross stringer beneath the deck floor boards. The risers are attached to the perimeter of the deck via side brackets. The braces attach directly to their respective risers. Planks are then attached to the top sides of the braces and across the risers to form the seat portion and back portion, respectively, of the deck seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Inventor: Francis X. Graney
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Patent number: 5325640Abstract: An elevationally adjustable folding stage has a frame which folds along a center of the stage from a storage position to a use position. Stage panels form a stage surface and are reversible and interchangeable. The stage may also support additional panels between stages extending therefrom to form an extended stage surface. The stage has a roller assembly which lifts the stage up so that rollers engage the floor for rolling between storage and use locations. Connectors between the frame and the stage offer quick connection without additional pieces. Connectors also provide for inserting risers to raise the height of one panel of the stage relative to the other. In addition to the risers, multi-panel supporting bases may be used to support the panels extending from the edges of the stage between stages. The panels between the stages may be stored on the stage while in the use or folded position by hook members which rotate from a storage to a use position to retain the additional panels.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1991Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: Sico IncorporatedInventors: Thomas J. Luedke, Randy G. Aagaard, Carl A. Niemi, Andrew J. Shea
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Patent number: 5277001Abstract: A telescopic grandstand is provided including a central support structure and two sets of interconnected telescopic grandstand seating tiers. One set of tiers is located adjacent one side of the support for telescopic movement between a closed position adjacent the vertical upright portion of the support and an open use position wherein the tiers of the set form a stepped configuration which extends outwardly from the adjacent side of the support and downwardly from the top of the vertical portion of the support. The second set of telescoping seating tiers is similarly located adjacent the other side of the vertical portion of the support. The entire unit is movable in directions normal to the sides of the vertical portion of the support, and means are provided for rotating the unit about a vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1991Date of Patent: January 11, 1994Assignee: Hussey Seating CompanyInventor: James F. Bryant
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Patent number: 5159788Abstract: An improved closed decking system for bleacher-type stadium seating. The decking system includes a plurality of extruded metal formed fillerboards, footboards, and riserboards which including means for interlocking with each other and with a stadium seating understructure so as to permit installation to be accomplished entirely from above the understructure.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1991Date of Patent: November 3, 1992Assignee: Dant CorporationInventor: Bruce C. Merrick
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Patent number: 5050353Abstract: A staging and seating understructure which provides a base frame for a multiplicity of support panels. The base frame consists of a series of vertical cross frames, usually having different levels, each cross frame being connected to another cross frame by collapsible gates at each end which fold inwardly to allow movement of the cross frames close toward each other wherein the entire base frame assembly may be stored compactly.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1990Date of Patent: September 24, 1991Assignee: Stageright CorporationInventors: Orley D. Rogers, Kenneth E. Staten, Calvin K. Randall
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Patent number: 5036635Abstract: A building system composed of space-filling convex and non-convex saddle zonogons which fit together periodically and non-periodically into a variety of orderly and irregular looking space structures including saddle zonohedra, single-, double- and multi-layered structures, multi-directional space-filling structures and curved space labyrinths. The saddle zonogons are derived from the infinite class of plane zonogons, and the saddle zonohedra from the infinite class of plane-faced zonohedra. The surfaces of the saddle polygons could be continuously curved surfaces of faceted polygonal surfaces derived from minimal surfaces. The curved surfaces could be flexible membranes or nets in tension used by themselves or in combination with space frames, or stiff shell-like surfaces, and the edges could be hinged or fixed to others.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1989Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Inventor: Haresh Lalvani
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Patent number: 4926590Abstract: Staging particularly for use in group photography comprises spaced support assemblies each comprising a rearwardly inclined truss member 151 supported by a first pair of legs 156, 157 arranged in a inverted-V configuration. The truss member 151 carries support brackets 155 for decking members (not shown) which bridge the truss assemblies in a stepped configuration. A bracing bar 158 joins the lower ends of the legs 156, 157, from which a pair of tie bars 159, 160 extend to the front end of the truss member 151. The upper end of the truss member is supported by a second pair of legs 165, 166 which are also arranged in an inverted-V configuration, and the lower ends of these legs are connected to the lower ends of the first pair of legs 156, 157.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1989Date of Patent: May 22, 1990Inventor: Benjamin J. Harris
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Patent number: 4918880Abstract: In combination with a horizontal deck arrangement supported above ground level and having a facia member attached to and extending below the deck along at least a portion of the periphery thereof, a seat and safety rail assembly comprises a plurality of brackets spaced along and attached in upstanding relationship to the facia member.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1989Date of Patent: April 24, 1990Inventor: Wayne R. Carney
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Patent number: 4908999Abstract: Staging particularly for use in group photography comprises spaced support assemblies 1, 2. Each support assembly comprises a rearwardly inclined truss member 3, 4 supported by a respective pair of legs 5, 6 arranged in an inverted-V configuration. Each truss carries a series of support brackets 14 to which decking members 15 are connected for pivotal movement in vertical and horizontal planes enabling the support assemblies to adopt different attitudes. The feet of the legs 5, 6 and the lower ends of the trusses swivellably stand on ground plates 13. The lower ends of the legs 5, 6 are pivotally coupled to a bracing bar 9 and their upper ends are pivoted together enabling the legs to be adjusted in length for coarse levelling of the support assemblies. A tie rod 11 joins the bracing bar 9 to the lower end of the respective truss 3, 4.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1988Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignee: B. J. Harris (Oxford) LimitedInventor: Benjamin J. Harris
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Patent number: 4879848Abstract: A viewing structure comprising a plurality of parallel arched frames, pivotally mounted at their ends on the ground, each frame having a front portion, a top portion and a rear portion. The front portion is generally arcuate, with straight top and rear portions joined by a further arcuate portion. The top portion inclines upward and rearward and support pillars are mounted on each top portion, spaced apart along the top portion. Seating members are mounted on the pillars and flooring members are provided between the pillars. The spaces between arches can be filled by fabric panels. The clear space beneath the structure can be used for food concessions, washrooms and other uses.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1988Date of Patent: November 14, 1989Assignee: Clamshell Partners, Ltd.Inventors: Kenneth Gardner, Rowland D. Hunt
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Patent number: 4790594Abstract: A modular stadium seating assembly includes side-by-side modular seat units mounted on a support framework fastened to a support structure of a stadium. The seat units are mounted on the support framework by clamping adjacent edge portions of adjacent seat units between a clamp-down member and the support framework. Upright backrest supports supporting backrest modules above the seat units are connected to and supported by corresponding clamp-down members. The backrest supports include generally U-shaped sidewardly open slots for mating with and supporting corresponding side portions of backrest modules. Top caps are fastenable over the U-shaped slots to secure backrest modules into backrest supports. The supporting framework for a seating section is fastened to the stadium support structure at mount locations which are positioned in a line extending between corresponding mount locations in top and bottom rows of a seating section.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1988Date of Patent: December 13, 1988Assignee: Contour Seats, Inc.Inventor: Ulis J. Temos
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Patent number: 4747238Abstract: Portable terrace installation with seats, including one or more sections, each section comprising a pair of sloping joists and a number of upright seating beam pillars connected to the sloping joists. A corresponding number of parallel and horizontal seating beams connected to the pillars are provided and extend between opposite beam pillars on the pair of joists. Each seating beam has opposite ends and has a height which is greater than its width. A flat floor surface extends between the seating beams and is connected to the joists, and a number of free standing trestles are provided for supporting the joists. A first connecting element is provided on the side of the beam pillar facing the seating beam, with the first connecting element extending essentially vertically along that side.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1986Date of Patent: May 31, 1988Assignee: Sit Down AktiebolagInventors: Ulf Wikstrom, Ruben Madsen
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Patent number: 4686799Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a theatre design having the following: a permanent stage; a tiered arrangement of enclosed individual suites formed in an arcuate pattern, each individual suites having an unobstructed viewing area of the stage and each individual suite being entirely encloseable with respect to the other suites; a series of tiered rows of open-air gallery seating facing the stage, arranged in arcuate pattern below the tiered arrangement of individual suites; a first entrances adjacent to, and for, the gallery seating; and a second lobby type entrance for, and nearest the individual suites, separate from the entrance for, and nearest the individual suites, separate from the entrance for the gallery seating.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1986Date of Patent: August 18, 1987Inventor: John P. Kwake
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Patent number: 4631874Abstract: A bleacher structure for spectators comprising a system of interconnected upright posts crossbeams, and diagonal stiffening members with channel beam seats and footrests locked into the structure by means of tab members in the crossbeams and clips bolted to the crossbeams.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1985Date of Patent: December 30, 1986Inventor: Jewell C. Griffin, Jr.
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Patent number: 4438603Abstract: Modular seating units (100) made from rotationally molded plastic which mount to a gradine (G) and join laterally, forming bench seating. Each seating unit (100) comprises two plastic pedestals, either of end configuration (12) or intermediate configuration (14), or a combination thereof, mounted by bracket means (24, 34) to a gradine (G) such as may be found in a stadium, and a plastic bench section (10), supported in a generally horizontal orientation between each pair of pedestals. The seat sections are spanned by reinforcing bars (32) which mount into channels (30) on the underside of the seat sections (10). Each seating unit (100) may include an independently mounted backrest unit (200), which comprises two mounting brackets (44) affixed to a gradine (G), or to reinforcing bars (32), supporting a rotationally molded plastic backrest section (38), by being affixed to a reinforcing bar (52) which mounts into a channel (50) in the back side of the backrest section (38).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1982Date of Patent: March 27, 1984Inventor: Martin J. Durkan, Jr.
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Patent number: 4345406Abstract: A bleacher structure for spectators comprising a system of interconnected upright posts, cross beams, and diagonal stiffening members with channel beam seats and channel beam footrests locked into the structure by means of hook members on the channel beams cooperating with slots in the upright posts and the cross beams.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1979Date of Patent: August 24, 1982Assignee: Jewell C. Griffin, Jr.Inventor: Larry L. Motley
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Patent number: 4307914Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat for terraces in a stadium or the like, comprising, in its front part, a downwardly directed front edge, of which the rear face is perpendicular to the lower face of the seat to strictly follow the shape of the corresponding surfaces of the terrace, while, substantially at the center of the horizontal part of the seat, there is provided at least one reinforced orifice adapted to receive a screw for fixing the seat to the terrace, the screw being rendered inviolable by a cover. This seat may be used for equipping stonework terraces for stadiums, open-air theaters, various auditoriums.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1979Date of Patent: December 29, 1981Assignee: Grosfillex S.A.R.L.Inventor: Charly Grandclement
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Patent number: 4285542Abstract: A bracket is connected to a base such as a deck and supports a seat and back joist of a bench-type seat. The bracket includes a quadrangular portion having a top, a bottom, and first and second sides. The bottom is connected to the top surface of the deck, and the top supports a plank which forms the seat of the deck seat. An L-shaped portion extends below the quadrangular portion for supporting the bottom end of a generally upstanding back joist. A loop is attached to the first side and receives and holds the upstanding back joist at a position above its bottom end. Back rest boards are connected between the upstanding back joists to provide the back of the bench-type seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1979Date of Patent: August 25, 1981Inventor: Ives L. Boisvert
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Patent number: 4237661Abstract: A support stand for use with an above ground pool which includes a pair of collapsible, spaced, support standards and a platform spanning the support standards and supported by an arm pivotally connected to each of the two support standards, the arms being braced by a support system of pivotally interconnected brace members; and the standard may include a seat above the platform and a tray below the platform, the latter being to support articles. For shipment and storage, the stand is adapted to collapse into a compact unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1978Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Inventors: George F. Adams, Sr., Mary L. Adams
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Patent number: 4195451Abstract: A transportable stand construction system generally comprised of a plurality of seat modules. The system includes a support frame, support means on the support frame to be spaced from and normally parallel to a surface on which the system rests, and a floor-carrying member which is part of the seat module. Connecting means are arranged adjacent a rear end of the floor-carrying member and are locatable on the support means to position the rear end of the seat module substantially horizontally. The front end of the floor-carrying member is arranged to be supported directly by the surface beneath the system or by support means of a further support frame to be arranged at a lower level than the support means of the first support frame. The system also normally includes modular step members to provide gangways spaced at predetermined distances by a series of the seat modules.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1978Date of Patent: April 1, 1980Assignee: Exhibition Showplace Services LimitedInventor: Barry M. F. Jarvis
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Patent number: 4126354Abstract: An alignment structure for end-to-end positioned multi-channeled seats and footboards such as may be used for seating stadium stands. I-beam shaped inserts positioned in front and rear channels of two end-to-end seat sections (or footboards), and conforming with channel shape, span the joint between the seat sections and extend endwise into each to maintain end-to-end alignment between the seat sections. Each insert is anchored in one or the other of the end-to-end seat sections and permits expansion and contraction displacement movement between the seat sections.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1977Date of Patent: November 21, 1978Assignee: Stadiums Unlimited, Inc.Inventors: David C. DeLong, William O. Shell
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Patent number: 4102087Abstract: A stand construction system which includes a support frame, support means on said support frame to be spaced from a surface on which the system rests, a floor-carrying member, and connecting means adjacent a rear end of said floor-carrying member locatable on said support means to position said rear end substantially horizontally, the floor-carrying member having its front end arranged to be supported directly by the surface or by support means of a further support frame to be arranged at a lower level than the support means of the first said support frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1977Date of Patent: July 25, 1978Assignee: Exhibition Showplace Services LimitedInventor: Barry Michael Frank Jarvis
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Patent number: 4075795Abstract: A theater structure is disclosed in which partons may view a live production on stage or a moving picture from the seats of their automobiles or from seats provided within the theater. The theater is also provided with a restaurant facility. Performances, either live or in the form of moving pictures, may be given at any time, during night or daylight hours and during clear and inclement weather. The theater is provided with an openable roof structure which enables the theater to be opened to the open air during clear nights. However, the theater may be closed during the day for the showing of moving pictures and it may also be closed during inclement weather conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1976Date of Patent: February 28, 1978Inventor: Anthony Thomas
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Patent number: 4058939Abstract: An easily transportable tiered grandstand consisting of a collapsible fluid-tight casing erectable by filling with a fluid and/or solid substances, such as gas and/or water, the casing having a base portion adapted when the casing is erected, to rest on a substantially flat horizontal support surface such as the ground and having a top portion which in the erected position forms a plurality of tiers. Flexible elements are provided internally of the casing connecting the bottom and top portions of the casing and being under tension when the casing is erected. Seats and gangways may be mounted on the top portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1975Date of Patent: November 22, 1977Inventor: Gerard R. Camusot