Abstract: A telescoping seating system has a plurality of row assemblies which may be extended for use or retracted to nested relation for storage. Each row assembly includes a pair of floor wheel channels. A post is mounted to each wheel channel; and a deck (which may include a riser beam) is connected between the tops of the posts. The invention enables the understructure configuration of all row assemblies to be similar. In a preferred form, the posts extend upwardly and they are inclined inwardly so that all posts on each side of the structure are parallel, and the connection between the posts and decks are in vertical alignment on each side. Thus, all row assemblies have a uniform center span. End cantilever spans beyond the posts are also equal for all row assemblies.

Abstract: A plurality of telescoping tubes form a rail assembly which is pivotally connected at its lower end to a post, a sleeve is slidably received in the uppermost tube which is provided with an upper stop ring and a lower ring to limit the motion of the sleeve. A link is pivotally connected between the sleeve and an upper post. Thus, as the seating system is extended for use or retracted for storage, the handrail also extends and retracts. A stop element on the link limits the position of the link in the extended position so that the axes of upper and lower rail assemblies are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the posts are inclined forwardly so that the rail assemblies are vertical in the storage position.

Abstract: In a telescoping seating system with folding handrails, the posts for the handrails are mounted to the side of the seating row sections; and the posts are inclined at an acute angle relative to the vertical. Upper and lower telescoping rail assemblies are both pivotally mounted by means of a vandalproof lock at the inner side of the posts so that the upper rail assembly is located directly above the lower one. Architectural end rails may be mounted to the top and bottom posts, if desired, using the same locking hardware.