Shiftable Seating Section Patents (Class 52/9)
  • Patent number: 12084881
    Abstract: A control system guides and supports the deployment of a folded, collapsed bleacher system. The control system includes a hydraulic device implemented as a piston-cylinder combination anchored at one end to the trailer frame carrying the stowed bleacher and anchored at another end to an undercarriage support member of the bleacher. The movement of the piston exerts a tandem pivoting action on the front and rear bleacher sections, which deploys and opens the bleacher system to a level, seating-ready configuration. A weight detection module senses the approach of a free-fall condition of the bleacher system during deployment and increases the applied resistance of the piston-cylinder combination, controlling the rate of descent of the bleacher system to avoid free-fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: BahaWex Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bahamonde, Andrew Hall
  • Patent number: 12030416
    Abstract: A handle for a recreational vehicle is described that includes a handrail and a support arm. The handrail has a proximal end configured to be pivotably coupled relative to structure of a recreational vehicle and an opposite distal end. The support arm has a first end configured to be pivotably coupled relative to structure of a recreational vehicle and an opposite second end slidingly coupled relative to the handrail. With this configuration, the handrail can be pivoted from a storage position extending along the recreational vehicle and a use position extending outwardly from the recreational vehicle causing the second end of the support arm to slide towards the distal end of the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: MORRYDE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spencer, Ryan Mason
  • Patent number: 11846116
    Abstract: A method for assembling a theater and a theater. The method includes assembling a modular auditorium on a surface within a building structure by providing a plurality of nominal inventory portions. Each nominal inventory portions includes a prefabricated base portion, and a prefabricated tier section for assembly to the base portion. The prefabricated base portion is positioned on a ground surface of a public performance space. The prefabricated tier section is fastened to the prefabricated base portion to form a self supporting structure that does not require lateral support from a building structure other than the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Ager, Ewart Richardson
  • Patent number: 11732485
    Abstract: An adjustable support for supporting a raised floor above a ground surface through a post is described herein. The adjustable support generally includes a base threadably engaged to a post engagement structure, where rotation of the post engagement structure relative to the base brings the post engagement structure into supportive contact with the bottom end of the post. The base includes a large diameter bottom plate that is able to distribute the load of the raised floor over a large ground area to prevent unacceptable compaction of the soil that would cause sinking. Buttress threads are configured to bear the load of the raised floor and enable the adjustable supports to be permanently installed. Because the adjustable support is made of a polymer material, it resists rotting and deterioration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Jeremy Livermore
  • Patent number: 11697941
    Abstract: A handrail system that is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a stairwell such that at least a portion of a hand railing may be in an upright position or a lowered position. In an upright position, the system provides a complete top-to-bottom handrail. In the lowered, stowed position, the upper railing portion is conveniently stowed away within the stairwell. In a bulkhead embodiment, a full handrail is provided in the upright, use position and the upper railing is stowed within the bulkhead when the bulkhead doors are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Barta
  • Patent number: 11659929
    Abstract: A double action seating unit to be mounted to a nose of a platform is described. The double action seating unit includes a seat assembly, a back assembly and at least two stanchion. Each stanchion has a front bracket, a rear bracket, a stanchion tube and two pivot straps. The front bracket attaches the seat portion to the stanchion, the rear bracket attaches the stanchion to the nose of the platform and the stanchion tube attaches the back assembly to the stanchion. Each pivot strap connects an associated stanchion tube, the rear bracket and the front bracket. The double action seating unit can move between a use configuration and a storage configuration. The two pivot straps cause the seat assembly and the back assembly to simultaneously rotate when the double action seating unit moves between the use configuration and the storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Hussey Seating Company
    Inventors: James Paradis, John Fisher, Paul-Jacob Michael Richmond
  • Patent number: 11589719
    Abstract: A retractable platform for use in conjunction with a toilet seat configured to be compact when in the retracted position. The retracted platform becomes a generally leveled standing platform when engaged in the opened position providing a stable platform for a child to stand on and turn around to position oneself to sit on a toilet seat. When the platform is in the retracted position, it allows an adult to sit on a toilet seat without any obstruction from the stool to their legs or feet. A cut out on its front panel receive adult-sized feet so the platform in the retracted position does not have to be physically moved when an adult needs to use the toilet. The retracted platform can be easily moved to assist a child needing a vertical advantage in a different location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Ronald Frank Luque, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11498684
    Abstract: A seat with self-stowage capability is provided. The seat includes a seat pan lever which is rotatable between stowed and open positions, a fixed seat structure and an elastic assembly. The fixed seat structure includes an annulus. The elastic assembly includes a damper and an arc-spring disposable within the annulus to permit first rotations of the seat pan lever from the stowed position to the open positions and to urge second rotations of the seat pan lever from the open positions to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sreekanth Koti Ananda Rao, Pradeep Acharya
  • Patent number: 11035138
    Abstract: Apparatus for securing adjacent tiers of a retractable bleacher to prevent relative vertical movement between the adjacent tiers when the retractable bleacher is fully extended are described. The retractable bleacher includes a first engagement member that is secured to a first decking tier, a second engagement member secured to a second adjacent decking tier. The first engagement member and the second engagement member are configured and cooperative to prevent relative vertical movement of the second decking tier with respect to the first decking tier when the retractable bleacher is fully extended in the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Hussey Seating Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Leighton, Chi-lam Yau
  • Patent number: 10584505
    Abstract: A rolling support for bleachers apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of wheel arrangements, each wheel arrangement including a strut to which a wheel is rotatably mounted, the strut pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The wheel arrangement also includes a spring biasing the strut for movement towards the extended position, a trigger arm pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a spring biasing the trigger arm for movement towards the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventor: Jimmy D'Joos
  • Patent number: 9790698
    Abstract: A seating system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. Further, at least one of the plurality of seating risers is a powered seating riser configured to deploy and retract the plurality of seating risers. The powered seating riser includes a belt drive system. Additionally, the plurality of seating risers are adjustable between a lowered position and a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Rogers Athletic Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua William Koch, Timothy John Hockemeyer, Brian Staten
  • Patent number: 9650796
    Abstract: A telescopic and retractable bleacher system and handrail that stows with the bleacher system. The bleacher system is adapted to move between an open position in which seating is available for use and a closed position in which rows of seating surfaces are vertically stacked. The system includes handrails adapted to move between a use position when the system is in the open position and a stowed position when the system is in a closed position. A post of the handrail includes a cam and a cylinder surrounding the post includes a cam slot. A ramp on a surface of the aisle step engages the post and raises the post within the cylinder as the bleacher system is moved into the open position. As the post is raised in the cylinder, the corresponding cam and cam slot cause rotation of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Inventor: Rodney J. Klingenberg
  • Patent number: 9642464
    Abstract: A bleacher seating system provides a seatback locking and release mechanism to allow for rapid simultaneous repositioning of the seat backs in each row of seating. The system includes a plurality of seats arranged in a row and coupled to a forward edge portion of a deck via seat mounting brackets in the form of parallel plates each defining a gap therebetween. Each of the seats includes a seat portion and a back portion that is pivotable between an upright use position and a collapsed storage position. An elongate actuator bar is rotatably supported in respective bores formed in the plates, and seatback brackets are positioned in the gaps for pivotably coupling the back portions to respective seat mounting brackets. Release members extend from the elongate actuator bar and are disposed in the gaps for selective engagement with pivot-lock elements of the seatback brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventor: Tyler N. Magnus
  • Patent number: 9624682
    Abstract: A unified multiple-use stadium has multiple fields or other areas for putting on various types of sporting events or other performances sequentially or simultaneously. A racetrack surrounds the fields or other areas. A unifying structure in the center of the stadium allows for simultaneous viewing of different areas and sporting events. Walkways extend from the unifying structure and between bleachers for the different fields or other areas. A drag strip and return area extend in one direction from the unifying structure. Exterior bleachers surround the racetrack. The types of fields and areas can vary, but can include a grass field, a dirt field, a sand and water area, and a concrete pad. There may be additional areas for extending these areas. The interior bleachers are transforming bleachers that can be lowered into the ground or raised to tapered or fully extended positions to accommodate different types of sporting events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: John Paul Jamison
  • Patent number: 9326610
    Abstract: The telescopic seating systems, and foldable chairs and related components for use within telescopic seating systems, of the present disclosure may incorporate occupant support elements within a space between a top surface of a seat frame structure and a bottom surface of the seat frame structure. Springs may be attached to the top surface of the chair frame structure and configured to extend into the space. Alternatively, or additionally, a chair cushion may extend into the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventors: Frederick Jacobs, Matthew Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9234362
    Abstract: In a rostrum, comprising a rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of frame units; the frame units comprising at least a first frame unit, a second frame unit which is retractable in a retraction direction from an extended position into the first frame unit, and a third frame unit, which is retractable in the retraction direction from an extended position into the second frame unit, a latching mechanism is provided which is configured so that the third frame unit cannot be retracted from the extended position into the second frame unit until the second frame unit has been retracted from the extended position into the first frame unit. A respective deck is engaged with each respective frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: STEELDECK INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Matthew Parker
  • Patent number: 9194144
    Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. Each of the plurality of seating risers includes a respective deck to support a seat, such as a seating bench, at least partially forward of said deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: STAGERIGHT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy Hockemeyer
  • Patent number: 9115505
    Abstract: A bleacher seating system provides a seatback locking and release mechanism that allows for rapid simultaneous repositioning of the seat back portions in each row of seating to aid in setting up and collapsing sets of seating rows. The locking and release mechanism may be actuated to substantially simultaneously unlock all seat back portions in a row from a single location. The bleacher seating system may be readily set up or collapsed by a single operator, such as by manually or remotely unlocking and locking the seat back portions in rows so that the seat backs may be pivoted between raised and lowered positions. In addition, deck nosemount clamps allow for increased walking space behind the seats and a particularly compact seating storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventor: Tyler N. Magnus
  • Publication number: 20150121771
    Abstract: A seating system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a riser including a tiltable deck. Another seating system according to the present disclosure includes, among other things, a drive system for moving a riser. The drive system includes a sprocket configured to engage a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua William Koch, Brian Staten, Todd Alan Swarts, Timothy John Hockemeyer
  • Publication number: 20150113884
    Abstract: A telescopic and retractable bleacher system and handrail that stows with the bleacher system. The bleacher system is adapted to move between an open position in which seating is available for use and a closed position in which rows of seating surfaces are vertically stacked. The system includes handrails adapted to move between a use position when the system is in the open position and a stowed position when the system is in a closed position. A post of the handrail includes a cam and a cylinder surrounding the post includes a cam slot. A ramp on a surface of the aisle step engages the post and raises the post within the cylinder as the bleacher system is moved into the open position. As the post is raised in the cylinder, the corresponding cam and cam slot cause rotation of the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Rodney J. Klingenberg
  • Publication number: 20150013236
    Abstract: A rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of frame units (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) which can be stacked with respect to one another, at least one support member being provided for directly supporting at least two of the frame units when stacked so that they can be lifted together. The at least one support member is preferably in the form of a flat plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: STEELDECK INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Nigel Matthew Parker
  • Publication number: 20140318029
    Abstract: Provided is a system for controlling a seat effect for a facility of showing pictures, and particularly, a user on a rear line may easily and safely control an effect provided to the user himself/herself even while a seat is in motion operation at the time of showing pictures by controlling an effect synchronized with pictures by relaying control information inputted from the user on the rear-line seat by using an effect controlling device of a front-line seat, in the facility of showing pictures, which provides the effect (for example, a water shot, an air shot, or a scent) synchronized with the pictures to the user on the rear-line seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: CJ 4D PLEX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Sung Choi, Jin Yong Park
  • Publication number: 20140259967
    Abstract: A motion simulator is provided with a motion simulator accommodation that is dynamically mounted to a fixed datum or platform and is positioned facing a presentation. The motion simulator is provided with one or more access fitting which may be used to assist a person to enter the motion simulator accommodation. At least one of the motion simulator accommodation and the access fitting is movable with respect to each other from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, the access fitting is less perceptible during the presentation than in said first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Simex Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ferguson, Sal Agosta, Alex Gil
  • Publication number: 20140235362
    Abstract: An entertainment venue can include one or more theaters, including a toroidal or other immersive display screen (which immerses the audience in a contiguous projection surface), a moving stage, and an audience area. Audience seating in the theater faces outwardly in an “inverted-theater-in-the-round” arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: DreamLight Holdings Inc., formerly Known as A Thousand Miles, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Fox, Albert Vass
  • Patent number: 8782959
    Abstract: A riser assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first skin. A second skin is spaced from the first skin. A core is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A framework is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A portion of the framework is positioned laterally outside the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Stageright Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Staten, Orley David Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140020307
    Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another, and at least one of the seating risers is a powered seating riser configured to deploy and retract the seating risers. Further included is a control pendant. The powered seating riser is drivable in response to said control pendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: StageRight Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Koch, Brian Staten
  • Patent number: 8607931
    Abstract: An accommodation ladder includes a body having opposite sides, an upper, and rear and bottom surfaces. The body is formed of a compressible material, such as dense foam material, and the upper surface of the body forms a staircase with a plurality of steps. Spaced stanchions extend upwardly from the staircase and stanchion pipes extend through the body and receive lines therethrough to secure the body to a marine structure. The spaced stanchions are adapted to accommodate a plurality of releasable safety lines therebetween. A method of facilitating access between adjacent first and second marine structures includes arranging the staircase accommodation ladder between the structures, the accommodation ladder being a fender between such structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Manson Construction Co.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Grey
  • Publication number: 20130305620
    Abstract: A riser assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first skin. A second skin is spaced from the first skin. A core is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A framework is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A portion of the framework is positioned laterally outside the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Stageright Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Staten, Orley David Rogers
  • Patent number: 8505245
    Abstract: The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Miroslav Valerjevitsh Bobryshev, Irina Evgenjevna Bobrysheva
  • Patent number: 8484903
    Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. A roller guide assembly guides movement of the risers, and a lock assembly locks a lower level riser relative to a higher level riser when in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Stageright Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Koch, Timothy Hockemeyer
  • Patent number: 8474191
    Abstract: A motion simulator theater equipped with a passenger carrying apparatus. Passengers move into a boarding space where they board the passenger carrying apparatus, while the passenger carrying apparatus is in a first or boarding position. The theater may be designed so that when in the boarding space, the passengers see no indication that they are in a motion simulation theater. After the passengers have boarded, the carrying apparatus is moved into a second or viewing position, where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on a screen. This movement may be achieved by lifting or lowering the passenger carrying apparatus from cables or chains attached to a lifting system near the top of the theater. In this design, the movement is substantially vertical. The passenger carrying apparatus typically has multiple rows of seats, which may tilt front to back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Falcon's Treehouse, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Patent number: 8438786
    Abstract: A flexible venue system includes a system that can be configured in multiple ways depending on the type of event being hosted. This system can be applied in whole or in part to telescopic seating platforms or similar structures which may include multiple usable tiers, movable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and the potential for at least one partially retracted configuration. The system may include any or both of a program support system integrated into or assembled to the system prior to retraction; and vertically adjustable seating configurations for use with the platform systems. The present invention is intended to aid in venue changeover and reduce overall cost, instructions and labor required to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventors: Frederick D. Jacobs, Michiel P. van de Ven, Dennis V. Rupar, Jonathan D. Emery, Joshua A. Bordewyk, Ivan J. Furbish
  • Patent number: 8407943
    Abstract: A bleacher seating system provides a compact, automatically extending and retracting set of seating rows, where each seating row can be set at two or more different heights or slopes to provide different sightlines for spectators of different events. The bleacher seating system may be extended, retracted, raised, and lowered by a single operator, and may be retracted into a compact storage configuration, such as a configuration that is only about two seating rows in depth. The seating rows are independently raised and lowered by lift mechanisms, which include lock mechanisms to stabilize and lock each seating row at the different preselected heights. Optionally, a controller is provided for coordinating the powered extension, retraction, raising, lowering, and locking sequences of the seating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Irwin Seating Company
    Inventors: Joe B. Sudkamp, Steven R. Madden, Mark N. Middleton
  • Patent number: 8347556
    Abstract: A spectator venue having a performance area and spectator area is disclosed. The spectator area is generally divided into to portions, a stationary seating area and a dynamic seating area, both of which overlook the performance area. In the performance area, a spectator event occurs, such as a sports game or music concert. In the dynamic seating area, a plurality of seats are provided on a series of dynamic seating platforms. The dynamic seating platforms move along a track to various viewing locations during the course of the spectator event to provide multiple vantage points of the performance area from each seat. The distance and timing of movement of the dynamic seating platforms is based on various criteria, including occurrences during the spectator event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas R. Stelmaszek, Shin Takeda
  • Publication number: 20120317889
    Abstract: A motion simulator theater equipped with a passenger carrying apparatus. Passengers move into a boarding space where they board the passenger carrying apparatus, while the passenger carrying apparatus is in a first or boarding position. The theater may be designed so that when in the boarding space, the passengers see no indication that they are in a motion simulation theater. After the passengers have boarded, the carrying apparatus is moved into a second or viewing position, where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on a screen. This movement may be achieved by lifting or lowering the passenger carrying apparatus from cables or chains attached to a lifting system near the top of the theater. In this design, the movement is substantially vertical. The passenger carrying apparatus typically has multiple rows of seats, which may tilt front to back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Publication number: 20120311936
    Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. A roller guide assembly guides movement of the risers, and a lock assembly locks a lower level riser relative to a higher level riser when in a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua Koch, Timothy Hockemeyer
  • Publication number: 20120297695
    Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: FALCON'S TREEHOUSE, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Patent number: 8296999
    Abstract: A bleacher system comprises: a support structure mounted on wheels; two or more tiers mounted on the support structure, each tier including multiple girders at spaced intervals that are operably connected to the support structure, each girder supporting a plurality of seat supports and a plurality of foot board supports, with seat planks then secured to the seat supports and foot planks secured to the foot board supports in each tier; and at least one actuator operably connected to and extending between the support structure and a selected tier, such that extension of a rod of the hydraulic actuator causes the selected tier to pivot from a transport position into a deployed position, while also causing a corresponding movement of the remaining tiers from the transport position into the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Century Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Uhl
  • Patent number: 8225555
    Abstract: A motion simulator theater equipped with a passenger carrying apparatus. Passengers move into a boarding space where they board the passenger carrying apparatus, while the passenger carrying apparatus is in a first or boarding position. The theater may be designed so that when in the boarding space, the passengers see no indication that they are in a motion simulation theater. After the passengers have boarded, the carrying apparatus is moved into a second or viewing position, where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on a screen. This movement may be achieved by lifting or lowering the passenger carrying apparatus from cables or chains attached to a lifting system near the top of the theater. In this design, the movement is substantially vertical. The passenger carrying apparatus typically has multiple rows of seats, which may tilt front to back, optionally with actuators behind the seats to create the impression of forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Falcon's Treehouse, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Publication number: 20120144757
    Abstract: An example of the disclosed seating system includes a plurality of seating risers configured to telescope relative to one another. Each of the plurality of seating risers includes a respective deck to support a seat, such as a seating bench, at least partially forward of said deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Hockemeyer
  • Publication number: 20120124914
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile folding choral riser having lift-assist and stability mechanisms. In particular, the choral riser includes a gas cylinder that provides a force tending to extend the cylinder to assist in folding the riser into a storage position, the cylinder providing substantially no force to resist rapid extension thereof. In addition, the choral riser preferably includes a back railing linkage that permits independent raising and lowering of a back railing member when the choral riser is in a use or partially folded position but constrains the back railing member to a raised position when the choral riser is in an at least substantially fully folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremias C. Rivera, JR., Doss Samikkannu, Gregory Hanusiak, Zelio Ferrarini
  • Publication number: 20120102845
    Abstract: Removable stand and method for constructing a removable stand. The method comprises constructing a support structure of posts and trusses that are positionable between the posts, and positioning a floor element on the support structure. Herein the floor element comprises a plurality of floor levels positioned behind each other and positioned at a distance in height and/or is the floor element, before it is positioned on the support structure, provided with at least one seat and/or bench and/or is floor element provided with connection means for connecting at least one seat and/or bench thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Carolus Adrianus Josephus Van Stokkum
  • Publication number: 20110302850
    Abstract: A theater (54) can be divided into a plurality of booths (64) by booth partition walls (68). By moving the booth partition walls (68), the plurality of booths (64) are combined to form a combined theater (66). When the theater (54) is divided in the plurality of booths (64), each booth (64) provides a booth picture in which images of visitors seated in the booth (64) are incorporated as characters. The combined theater (66) provides a combined-theater picture with the use of screens (70) of all the booths (64). Each booth (64) provides a default picture when a fault occurs in the function of generating a booth picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicants: DENTSU INC., NA-RU CORPORATION, DENTSU TEC INC.
    Inventors: Jun Naito, Akira Hoshino, Mitsunori Kikutake, Hisashi Maruoka, Hisashi Inaba, Masao Takebayashi, Keiji Yanagiya
  • Publication number: 20110219705
    Abstract: A bleacher system comprises: a support structure mounted on wheels; two or more tiers mounted on the support structure, each tier including multiple girders at spaced intervals that are operably connected to the support structure, each girder supporting a plurality of seat supports and a plurality of foot board supports, with seat planks then secured to the seat supports and foot planks secured to the foot board supports in each tier; and at least one actuator operably connected to and extending between the support structure and a selected tier, such that extension of a rod of the hydraulic actuator causes the selected tier to pivot from a transport position into a deployed position, while also causing a corresponding movement of the remaining tiers from the transport position into the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: CENTURY INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Uhl
  • Publication number: 20110214359
    Abstract: An entertainment structure and apparatus principally comprising a 360-degree 2D and/or 3D cinematic theater. Seating for audience members is arrangeable on a circular motion base platform. A compound curved screen may lower from above to surround the theater upon a circular motion base platform, providing seamless media. A 2D/3D projection system is oriented within the structure to provide 2D/3D images on the screen through projection overlap for edge blending. A control system is used to rotate, pitch and roll the motion base platform. The control system can be synchronized with the media presentation. The structure includes a number of variations such as a variety of seating orientations, a stationary screen, a variety of screen configurations, and modular tracking seating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Falcon's Treehouse, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Cecil D. Magpuri
  • Publication number: 20110162288
    Abstract: A foldable seat for a bleacher seating arrangement includes a seat or seat structure fixedly disposed at a deck portion and a seat back pivotally disposed at a rear portion of the seat portion. The seat back is pivotable between an upright position, where a person may sit at the seat structure and may lean back against the seat back, and a folded down position, where the seat back may lay generally on top of or at least partially over the seat structure. The seat back may be pivotally mounted relative to the deck portion and may be substantially freely pivotable between the upright and folded down positions. The bleacher seating arrangement may include a plurality of deck portions that may be retracted to a nested position when the seat backs are in their folded down position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: IRWIN SEATING COMPANY
    Inventor: Larry R. Conner
  • Patent number: 7971395
    Abstract: A multipurpose adjustable panel system having support beams continuously adjustable between zero pitch and a pitch exceeding zero, wherein support beam pitch is influenced by vertical adjustment of support post assemblies and by horizontal spacing of support post assemblies. Multiple mounting fixtures are incorporated to accommodate beam pitch adjustment including pivotable beam support fixtures adjustably and positionably secured along the bottoms of the beams and pivotable panel support node fixtures adjustably and positionably secured along the tops of the beams, the pivotable beam support fixtures and the pivotable panel support node fixtures enabling ready adjustment of the pitch of the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Staging Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S Vigil, Steven J. Zechmeister, Michael R. Hayden
  • Publication number: 20110099915
    Abstract: A bleacher seating system provides a compact, automatically extending and retracting set of seating rows, where each seating row can be set at two or more different heights or slopes to provide different sightlines for spectators of different events. The bleacher seating system may be extended, retracted, raised, and lowered by a single operator, and may be retracted into a compact storage configuration, such as a configuration that is only about two seating rows in depth. The seating rows are independently raised and lowered by lift mechanisms, which include lock mechanisms to stabilize and lock each seating row at the different preselected heights. Optionally, a controller is provided for coordinating the powered extension, retraction, raising, lowering, and locking sequences of the seating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: IRWIN SEATING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joe B. Sudkamp, Steven R. Madden, Mark N. Middleton
  • Publication number: 20110067316
    Abstract: The invention concerns a grandstand, in particular, a transportable grandstand, with step elements (2), which can be pulled out from one another, from an essentially parallelepiped supporting frame, in which they are arranged in a transporting position or resting position, in a horizontal pull-out direction (F), into the usage position, telescope-like, along supporting profiles (3), which are arranged in the lateral end area of the step elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Wolfgang Ortner
  • Patent number: 7900402
    Abstract: A telescopic seating system generally includes an innermost lower riser assembly and successive outer elevated riser assemblies. Each elevated riser assembly includes a dual deck surface and a telescopic leg assembly. Each elevated riser assembly supports a toothed belt drive system which provides the interface between each adjacent elevated riser assembly and the motive force to extend and retract the riser system. In operation, electric motors of the toothed belt drive system on each elevated riser assembly are driven by a controller to extend and retract the telescopic seating system between a fully extended position, a half-deployed position and a storage position. The half-deployed position utilizes the dual deck surface to provide half the seating capacity of each riser at twice the rise between each seating row to thereby accommodate particular venues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Stageright Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Staten, Orley David Rogers