Interlocking stadium seating system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6733082
  • Patent Number
    6,733,082
  • Date Filed
    Friday, September 22, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 11, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
An interlocking stadium seating system comprising one-piece molded plastic seating modules having tab and blind rabbets for interlocking adjacent modules when placed in a side-by-side relationship in rows. The seat modules are secured to the common supporting structure by fasteners passing through openings that are disposed through the tabs and blind rabbets. This mean of attachment allows the entire surface of the seat module be used for sitting purpose. Additionally, the openings include sufficient play to allow rotational and translational movement between adjacent interlocked modules thereby enabling the seat modules to be placed in a straight line or at slight angle for adaptation to the existing architecture of the stadium.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates generally to stadium seating, and in particular to individual seat modules that are combined into an interlocking stadium seating system which is applicable for retrofitting an existing stadium or for installation in new construction.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




In the past, primarily because of their lesser cost, many stadiums were fitted with bleacher type seating. Such seating in general does not provide clear demarcation of individual seating spaces. In addition, bleachers are notoriously uncomfortable to sit on for the entire length of an event. As the demand for reserved seating sections rises, facility managers often desire to replace the bleacher seating sections with a more comfortable and individualized seating arrangement which is also adaptive to the existing geometry of the stadium. To that end, many stadiums have installed chair style seating. However, refitting existing bleachers with a lift up or one piece molded chair is not an option for many stadiums because the tread depth of the stepping tier (the tier step on which the seat occupants would normally stand or walk to and from seats within a seating row) would not meet current codes. Also, the cost of individual chair type seating can be prohibitive. Various suggestions to resolve these issues have been offered and have met with varying degrees of success.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,621 issued to Lazaroff et al. discloses a seating arrangement comprising a continuous series of overlapping molded plastic, hollow seat modules. Each module includes two opposing sides with a fastening strip extended out from one side and a recess disposed at the bottom surface of the opposing side. A seating row is built by overlapping the recess of one module over the fastening strip of the adjacent module. The adjacent seat modules are interconnected with fasteners in a straight line arrangement. This seating arrangement made no provision for installation in a curved stadium.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,914 issued to Grandclement discloses a stadium seat for stadium terraces comprising a shell made of plastic material adapted to be affixed to terraces made of masonry. The seat has a downwardly directed front edge, of which the rear face is directed to follow the curvature of the corresponding surfaces of the terrace. After placement on the terrace, each seat is individually attached to the terrace by a screw from the center of the seat. In addition, the seat surface is contoured and designed to allow optimum occupation of the space available to provide added comfort to the occupant. This seat design solves the problem of mounting seats along the curvature of a stadium, but is restricted to mounting at the edge of a solid platform. This restriction is too limiting because a solid platform may not always be available, or such mounting may not meet modern construction codes.




U.S. Pat. No. 3,466,097 issued to Motter offers a modular seating combination which employs a series of seat modules combined and connected into rows by connector modules. Each seat module is designed to accommodate a single person. The seating modules have a compound curved shape and some flexibility to afford added comfort. Such construction satisfies the needs for comfort and regular demarcation of assigned seats, but they are expensive and difficult to install. Additionally, the seat modules are designed to form straight rows, and hence will not conform well to the curvature of seating rows found in many stadium designs.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,949 issued to Sutter et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,199 issued to Lewis each disclose a molded plastic seating module for a single occupant comprising a contoured, upper seating surface, a sloped front surface and a hollow base. The ends of adjacent seats interlock by an insert housing of one seat module that fits tightly within a corresponding open receptacle of an adjacent seat module. Lewis suggests that the interlocking can be further secured by connecting pins inserted through holes provided on the interlocking parts. The system disclosed therein is an improvement for its simplicity of assembly, but is not designed or adapted for mounting to conform to the curvature of stadiums and amphitheaters.




U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,594 issued to Temos discloses a modular stadium seating assembly including side-by-side modular seat units mounted on a support framework by clamping adjacent edge portions of adjacent seat units between a clamp-down member and the support framework. The clampdowns mark the demarcation between seats but also take up surface area, which if left as seating surface, could enhance the seating comfort of the occupant.




There therefore remains a need for a stadium seating system that optimally utilizes the space available for seating purposes and can be mounted in curved sections of stadiums. The present invention is directed toward meeting this need.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention is a modular seating system for use in a tiered stadium. Each seat module is of a one piece molded plastic construction, having interlocking means for assembly in a side-by-side relationship in rows with each seat module attached through the interlocking means to a support understructure. The interlocking means comprise tabs and blind rabbets, and each interlocking means contain openings for receiving fasteners. The openings on the tabs include sufficient play to allow lateral and rotational movement when assembling the seating system in order to accommodate the geometry of existing stadium, in particular, curved sections of the stadium. Additionally, the interlocking design and method of attachment allow the entire width of the upper surface to be available for seating purposes.




The seating system of the present invention provides unique features enabling stadium management to solicit donations and display advertisements. A recessed area is molded onto the back surface of each seat module for receiving donor or advertising plates as a fund raising avenue. An end cap adapted for attachment to the end of each seating row also provides a space for the placement of advertisement plates or other emblems such as a full multicolor logo. The seat module may be further characterized by its ergonomic design. The sitting surface uses complex curves and rounded edges to reduce sitting stresses. For added comfort, the bottom of the seat modules also incorporates curved surfaces that mate with the top when it is deflected downward by the weight of an occupant. In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention is characterized by its “wood bench-type” appearance. Each seating module is shaped to provide a wood slat appearance and the seat surface has a wood grain texture. Bolts with large, visible heads may be used to enhance the appearance of wood bench seating. Furthermore, the seat modules are available in different dimensions and colors for adaptation to specific requirements of individual stadiums.




It is therefore a principal object of this invention to provide improved individual stadium seats that satisfy all current U.S. National construction codes at an affordable price.




Another object of the present invention is to provide stadium seating which is designed for optimum utilization of the space available. The interlocking design and mounting system of this invention allows the full width allocated for each seat to be used for sitting. Additionally, the interlocking design simplifies installation by eliminating the need for a separate clampdown for each seat.




An additional object of this invention is to provide stadium seating which can be mounted to conform to the curvature of stadiums and amphitheaters to give a pleasing, gentle curve along the length of a row.




A further object is to provide stadium seating which can be fitted to existing common supporting understructures of varying widths and depths.




A yet further object is to provide donor or advertising plates on the back of each seat as a fund raising avenue. This option is not available on prior art designs.




A still further object is to provide a modular seating system which is adaptable to different mounting environments and hence gives some flexibility during installation.




Related objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reference to the following figures and detailed description.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an interior seat module of the present invention.





FIG. 2

is a top plan view of the interior seat module of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 3

is a bottom plan view of the interior seat module of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 4

is a right side elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 5

is a left side elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 6

is a front elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 7

is a back elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


1


.





FIG. 8

is a sectional view taken along line


8





8


in FIG.


3


.





FIG. 9

is a sectional view taken along line


9





9


in FIG.


3


.





FIG. 10

is a perspective view of an aisle seat module of the present invention.





FIG. 11

is a top plan view of the aisle seat module of FIG.


10


.





FIG. 12

is a bottom plan view of the aisle seat module of FIG.


10


.





FIG. 13

is a sectional view taken along line


13





13


in

FIG. 11







FIG. 14

is a top plan view of an interior seat module of

FIG. 1

interlocking, at a first side, with another interior seat module of

FIG. 1 and

, at a second side, with an aisle seat module of FIG.


10


.





FIG. 15

is a sectional view taken along lines


15





15


in

FIG. 14

of the interlocking system assembled, and additionally showing the attachment to an existing aluminum bleacher.





FIG. 16

is a top plan view of an end cap for placement at the end of a seating row adjacent an aisle.





FIG. 17

is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an interior seat module of the present invention.





FIG. 18

is a top plan view of the interior seat module of FIG.


17


.





FIG. 19

is a bottom plan view of the interior seat module of FIG.


17


.





FIG. 20

is a right side elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


17


.





FIG. 21

is a left side elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


17


.





FIG. 22

is a front elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


17


.





FIG. 23

is a back elevation view of the interior seat module of FIG.


17


.





FIG. 24

is a sectional view taken along line


24





24


in FIG.


19


.





FIG. 25

is a sectional view taken along line


25





25


in FIG.


19


.





FIG. 26

is a top plan view of an interior seat module of

FIG. 17

interlocking, at a first side, with another interior seat module of

FIG. 17 and

, at the second side, with an aisle seat module of FIG.


10


.





FIG. 27

is a sectional view taken along lines


27





27


in

FIG. 26

of the interlocking system assembled, and additionally showing the attachment to an existing aluminum bleacher.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT




For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any such as alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates are also included.




An embodiment of the interlocking seating system of the present invention as shown in

FIGS. 1-15

consists of interior seat modules


10


(FIG. I) and aisle seat modules


60


(

FIG. 10

) mounted on a support understructure. The interior seat module


10


is used in all seat positions except as the end seat at the right end of each row (as viewed facing the front edge of the row), where an aisle seat module


60


is used. The seat modules can be of any depth (front to back) and width (left to right) to fit the existing architecture of the stadium. The embodiment as shown is 12 inches (12″) deep and approximately 18″ wide. In another embodiment of the present invention, the seat modules are 10″ deep. These narrower seat modules are designed for use on a narrow common supporting structure where the use of deeper seat modules may cause the available egress to not meet existing building codes. Except for the differences in the seat dimension, all other features included in the illustrated embodiments are included in the narrower seat modules. Thus, the above description of the specific features concerning the 12″ seat modules


10


,


60


are also applicable to the narrower seat modules. It will be appreciated that the features of the present invention may be incorporated into seats having any depth dimension.




The seat modules


10


,


60


may be formed from any materials having sufficient strength, durability and moldability, and are preferably formed from polymer plastics, for example, high or low density polyethylene. In one embodiment, the seat modules are of one-piece construction molded from a linear low density polyethylene plastic polymer.




Referring to

FIGS. 1-5

, interior seat module


10


comprises a hollow body member of generally rectangular shape having a top


20


, a bottom


30


, a right side


40


, a left side


45


, a front


50


, and a back or rear


55


, which collectively enclose an interior cavity


11


(see FIG.


8


). The interior seat module


10


includes interlocking or engaging means. The interlocking means include openings adapted to receive fasteners for securing the interlocked seat modules


10


,


60


to a supporting understructure. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement means comprise a tab


12


protruding from the right side


40


and a blind rabbet


14


recessed into the left side


45


. Blind rabbets


14


are adapted to receive tab


12


of an adjacent seat module


10


.

FIGS. 4 and 5

give an end-on perspective of tab


12


and blind rabbet


14


, respectively. The openings included in blind rabbets


14


are apertures


16


. Apertures


16


further include counterbores


17


to allow the heads of fasteners to lie flush with or below top surface


20


of seat module


10


. The openings included in tab


12


are elongated apertures or slots


15


and


13


disposed through its front and back portions, respectively. Elongated apertures


13


and


15


are larger than apertures


16


to allow lateral movement of adjacent seat modules relative to each other. In addition, the elongation of elongated aperture or slot


13


is preferably longer than elongated aperture or slot


15


to allow adjacent seat modules to rotate at a slight angle (if necessary) in order to create a curved row of seats. Tab


12


includes a top surface


22


upon which a rib


23


is disposed. When mounted, rib


23


impinges into the contacted surface of blind rabbet


14


into which it fits, thus providing frictional resistance to movement of the installed seat modules


10


,


60


.




As seen in

FIG. 1

, the interior seat module


10


is contoured according to ergonomic principles to provide maximum support and comfort and reduce sitting stresses on the occupant. The top surface


20


is sculpted with complex curves both in the antero-posterior direction and in the lateral direction perpendicular thereto. These curved surfaces provide better support to the occupant and hence reduce stress on the lower back and upper legs. As seen in

FIGS. 4

,


5


, and


6


, the top edge


51


of the front


50


of the interior module


10


has a complex waterfall curve for reducing peak pressure under the occupant's leg. Another feature of the seat modules


10


,


16


which adds comforts to the occupant is disposed within troughs


32


. As seen in

FIGS. 3

,


8


and


9


, troughs


32


extend front to back across the bottom surface


30


and into enclosed interior cavity


11


and act as a stop when the top


20


is deflected downward by the weight of the occupant. Referring to

FIG. 9

, the longitudinal profile of the bottom of the trough is not flat. Disposed within troughs


32


are elongated raised convex sections


33


having corresponding concave surfaces


36


within the enclosed interior cavity


11


. So, when top


20


is deflected downward meeting concave surfaces


36


, the contour of concave surfaces


36


conform better to the body shape, thus providing added comfort to the occupant.




The interior seating modules


10


can also optionally be styled to have a “wood bench-type” appearance. The grooves


27


,


28


, as shown in

FIG. 1

, already simulate gaps between wood boards and wood grain texture can be disposed upon the top surface


20


to achieve the appearance. To complete the appearance of wood bench seating, bolts with large heads may be used to attach the seat to the understructure.




To avoid accumulation of water on the surface of the seat module


10


, a drain


24


is provided to enable water to leave the contoured seat surface


20


. Referring to

FIG. 2

, drain


24


is located in a low spot of the contoured seat surface


20


just below groove


27


. A pair of notches


26


cut into the side of the groove


28


direct water from groove


28


to run downwardly and be received by drain


24


, thereby allowing water that lands on the seating surface


20


to escape.




Referring to

FIG. 3

, the interior seating module


10


also incorporates structural features or reinforcement means, such as shallow cylindrical depressions


31


and


34


, dimples


35


, and troughs


32


disposed on the bottom


30


of interior seat module


10


, to provide added strength and rigidity. Shallow cylindrical depression


31


, encircling drain


24


on the bottom surface


30


, is designed to add structural rigidity to drain


24


. Shallow cylindrical depressions


34


disposed on bottom surface


30


, near the back


55


, a location where most of the stress from the weight of the occupant would be, are designed to add strength to interior seating module


10


. Dimples


35


, disposed on the bottom surface


30


near the junction where tab


12


protrudes from the right side


40


, add structural rigidity to the junction between tab


12


and the seat proper. Troughs


32


extend front to back across the bottom surface


30


and are also designed to add structural rigidity to the entire interior seat module


10


.




Referring to

FIG. 1

, a recessed area


52


, located centrally at top edge


51


of front surface


50


of each interior seat module


10


, is provided for displaying a seat number. Recessed area


52


is preferably tilted slightly toward top surface


20


for easy viewing.




The seating system of the present invention also provides unique features enabling stadium managers to solicit donations and display advertisements. As seen in

FIG. 7

, a recessed area or space


56


on back


55


of each interior seat module


10


provides a space for donor or advertising plates (not shown). Recessed area


56


is tilted slightly upwards (toward top surface


20


) for easy viewing of the plates. The ability to recognize a donor makes each seat a potential fundraiser; likewise, the opportunity to display advertisements also provides revenue potential. This option is not currently available on other products within this market.





FIGS. 10-13

show an aisle seat module


60


having a top


62


, a bottom


85


, a right side


72


, a left side


74


, a front


76


, and a back


78


, which collectively enclose an interior cavity


68


(FIG.


13


). Referring to

FIG. 12

, aisle seat module


60


includes interlocking means comprising two blind rabbets


64


and


66


opposingly disposed on the left and right sides, respectively, when viewing from the front of aisle seat module


60


. In this illustrated embodiment of the interlocking seating system, the left blind rabbet


64


is adapted to interlock with tab


12


of an interior seat module


10


placed immediately to its left. The right blind rabbet


66


is adapted to mount on the supporting understructure as described hereinbelow.




Except for the difference in interlocking means discussed above, all other features included in the two seat modules


10


,


60


are the same. Thus, the above description of specific features on the interior seat module


10


is also applicable to aisle seat module


60


.




In the illustrated embodiment of the interlocking seating system of the present invention, the seat modules


10


,


60


are installed over aluminum bleachers. Referring to

FIG. 14

, seat modules


10


,


60


are assembled into rows by sliding blind rabbet


14


of one interior seat module


10


over tab


12


of an adjacent interior seat module


10


. Upon reaching the end seat position, an aisle seat module


60


is used. The length of the rows can be adjusted. Each pair of seat modules can be pushed together or pulled apart due to the elongation of the elongated apertures


13


and


15


. This overall length adjustment can be substantial considering the adjustment gain between two seat modules is multiplied by the total number of seat modules


10


,


60


in the row. The placement of the seat modules


10


,


60


can also deviate from a straight line. Due to the difference between the elongation of elongated apertures


13


and


15


, each pair of seat modules


10


can be placed at a slight angle relative to each other. When the individual seat modules are mounted in this way, the overall effect produces a pleasing gentle curve along the entire length of a row and accommodates installation in curved sections.




Referring to

FIG. 15

, at each interlocking junction, apertures


16


of one interior seat module


10


are aligned with elongated apertures or slots


13


and


15


of the adjacent interior seat module


10


. Two bolts


18


, passing through the aligned apertures


13


,


15


and


16


, secure the seat modules


10


to the existing aluminum bleacher


79


with a receiving nut


80


. It may be appreciated that installation of the seating system is extremely simple, requiring only the securing of two bolts


18


for each seat module


10


,


60


. The head of the bolt


18


completely fits within the counterbore


17


, thus leaving the entire upper surface of the seat module for sitting.




To provide a finished look to the seating rows, end caps


82


are provided. End cap


82


is adapted for attachment to the common understructure adjacent to the aisle of each seating row. End cap


82


provides a space for the placement of lettering plate to display row numbers, and also for advertisement plates or other emblems such as a full multicolor logo. As seen from

FIG. 16

, the surface of end cap


82


is sculpted with rises


84


and depressions


86


to define areas for receiving the plates and emblems. End cap


82


is preferably made of aluminum, but other suitable materials may be used.




The present invention further contemplates a second embodiment of an interior module


110


as depicted in

FIGS. 17-25

. All aspects of this second embodiment of interior seat module


110


is the same as interior seat module


10


except, instead of elongated slots


13


,


15


defined through tab


12


, tab


112


is clipped at both corners and defines a pair of notches


115


. Referring to

FIGS. 17-19

, interior seat module


110


comprises a hollow body member of generally rectangular shape having a top


120


, a bottom


130


, a right side


140


, a left side


145


, a front


150


, and a back or rear


155


, which collectively enclose an interior cavity


111


(see FIG.


24


). Interior seat module


110


includes interlocking or engaging means comprising a tab


112


protruding from the right side


140


and a blind rabbet


114


recessed into the left side


145


. Blind rabbets


114


are adapted for receiving tab


112


of an adjacent seat module. Defining through blind rabbits


114


and tabs


112


are openings which are adapted to receive fasteners


118


for securing the interlocked seat modules


110


to a supporting understructure, for example, the aluminum bleacher


79


described hereinabove.





FIGS. 20 and 21

give an end-on perspective of tab


112


and blind rabbet


114


, respectively. The opening defined through blind rabbet


114


are apertures


116


(FIG.


19


). Apertures


116


include counterbores


117


which allow the heads of fasteners


118


to lie flush with or below top surface


120


of seat module


110


. The opening defined through tabs


112


are notches


115


located at both corners of tabs


112


. Notches


115


allow lateral and rotational movement of adjacent seat modules relative to each other, specially allowing adjacent seats to rotate at an angle (if necessary) in order to create a curved row of seats. In contrast with interior seat module


10


, in which the length of the elongated apertures


13


and


15


limits the degree of rotation between adjacent seat modules


10


, notches


115


of interior module


110


have no confining boundaries, thus allowing a larger degree of rotational freedom between adjacent seat modules


110


. Seat modules


110


thus can be adapted for placement in a stadium having a tight curvature. Tab


112


further includes a top surface


122


upon which a rib


123


is disposed. When adjacent seat modules


110


are positioned and mounted, rib


123


impinges into the contacted surface of the blind rabbet


114


into which it fits, thus providing frictional resistance to movement of the installed seat modules.




Interior seat module


110


may be installed together with aisle seat module


60


over a supporting structure. Referring to

FIG. 26

, the seat modules


110


,


60


are assembled into rows by sliding the blind rabbet


114


of one interior seat module


110


over tab


112


of an adjacent interior seat module


110


. Upon reaching the end seat position, an aisle seat module


60


is used. The length of the rows can be adjusted. Each pair of seat modules can be pushed together or pulled. Preferably, the two adjacent seat modules


110


are so placed that rib


123


of tab


112


of the first seat module


110


is within contact of the underside of blind rabbet


114


of the second seat module


110


, allowing rib


123


to bite into the underside of blind rabbet


114


when the fasteners


118


are tightened, thus maintaining the two adjacent seat modules


110


,


60


in their relative position. This overall length adjustment can be substantial considering the adjustment gain between two seat modules is multiplied by the total number of seat modules


110


,


60


in the row. The placement of the seat modules


110


,


60


can also deviate from a straight line. The notch design allows adjacent modules


110


,


60


to be placed at an angle relative to each other. When the individual seat modules are mounted in this way, the overall effect produces a pleasing gentle curve along the entire length of a row and accommodates installation in curved sections. Furthermore, due to the openness of notch


115


, the adjacent seat modules


110


,


60


have a high degree of rotational freedom relative to each other, and seat modules


110


are suitable for placement in a stadium having tight curvatures. Preferably, the adjacent seat modules


110


,


60


are placed so that rib


123


of tab


112


is in contact with the underside of blind rabbet


114


such that when mounted, rib


123


can bite into blind rabbet


114


and fix the position of the adjacent seat modules


110


,


60


.




Referring to

FIG. 27

, at each interlocking junction, apertures


116


of one interior seat module


110


are aligned with notches


115


of the adjacent interior seat module


110


. Two bolts


18


, passing through the aligned apertures


116


and notches


115


, secures the seat modules


110


to the existing aluminum bleacher


79


with a receiving nut


80


. It may be appreciated that installation of the seating system is extremely simple, requiring only the securing of two bolts


118


for each seat module


110


,


60


. The head of the bolt


118


completely fits within the counterbore


117


, thus leaving the entire upper surface of the seat module for sitting.




It will be understood that while an existing aluminum bleacher has been selected for the illustrative purposes in

FIGS. 15 and 27

of this description, the use of this invention is not to be construed as being limited in this regard. This seat has been designed to be mounted on existing wood planks or to be mounted for a new installation on an aluminum beam mounting system. Additionally, it is contemplated that the seating modules can be adapted for use with substantially any support structure that can be utilized in stadiums and the like.




While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, these are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only one preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.



Claims
  • 1. An interlocking seating system comprising:a support understructure; a plurality of seat modules, each of said seat modules includes a body member having a first interlocking means and a second interlocking means respectively positioned on a first and an opposing second side of said body member; and, a plurality of fasteners; wherein said first interlocking means is adapted to receive said second interlocking means, thereby allowing adjacent seat modules to interlock and be secured to said support understructure by said fasteners inserted through said interlocked interlocking means; wherein said first interlocking means and said second interlocking means further include openings defined therethrough; and wherein said opening defined through said first interlocking means are of a different size than said opening defined through said second interlocking means to allow lateral and rotational motions between said interlocked adjacent seat modules.
  • 2. An interlocking seating system comprising:a support understructure; a plurality of seat modules, each of said seat modules includes a body member having a first interlocking means and a second interlocking means respectively positioned on a first and an opposing second side of said body member; and a plurality of fasteners; wherein the interlocking means of a first seat module is adapted to receive the interlocking means of a second seat module, thereby allowing two adjacent seat modules to interlock and be secured to said support understructure by said fasteners inserted through said interlocked interlocking means; wherein said plurality of seat modules comprises interior seat modules and aisle seat modules, said interlocking means of said interior seat modules comprise a tab and a blind rabbet, and said interlocking means of said aisle seat modules comprise two blind rabbets, said blind rabbets are adapted to interlock with said tabs; and wherein said blind rabbets and said tabs further include openings defined therethrough, said openings defined through said tabs have a different size than said opening defined through said blind rabbets, thereby allowing lateral and rotational motions between said interlocked adjacent seat modules.
  • 3. The interlocking seating system of claim 2 wherein said body member provides a recessed area for receiving a plate having indicia thereon.
  • 4. The interlocking seating system of claim 3 wherein said recessed area is tilted upward.
  • 5. An interlocking seating system comprising:a support understructure; a plurality of seat modules, each of said seat modules includes a body member having a first interlocking means and a second interlocking means respectively positioned on a first and an opposing second side of said body member; and, plurality of fasteners; wherein the interlocking means of a first seat module is adapted to receive the interlocking means of a second seat module, thereby allowing two adjacent seat modules to interlock and be secured to said support understructure by said fasteners inserted through said interlocked interlocking means; wherein each said body member further comprises reinforcement means for added rigidity, a curved front, a curved top, and a bottom having a concave surface formed therein; and wherein said concave surface engages said curved top when said curved top is deflected downward by weight of an occupant.
  • 6. The interlocking seating system of claim 5 wherein said seat modules are formed of plastic polymers.
  • 7. The interlocking seating system of claim 6 further comprising end caps adapted for placement at an aisle of a seating row, said end caps include positions for receiving numbering and advertising plates.
  • 8. The interlocking seating system of claim 4 wherein said openings defined through said tab of said interior seat module comprise a front elongated slot and a rear elongated slot, and wherein said rear slot is longer than said front slot.
  • 9. The interlocking seating system of claim 4 wherein said openings defined through said tabs of said interior seat modules are notches.
  • 10. A seat module for installation on a support comprising:a one-piece body member having a first and a second engagement member disposed at a first and an opposing second side of said body member, respectively; said first and second engagement members further including openings therethrough for receiving fasteners; wherein an engagement member of a first said seat module is adapted to receive an engagement member of a second said seat module, thereby allowing the interlocking and placement of said first and said second seat modules in a side by side relationship, to be secured to said support by fasteners through said openings; and wherein said interlocked first and second seat modules are adapted to substantially pivot relative to one another; wherein said body member provides a recessed area for receiving a plate having indicia thereon; wherein said first engagement member comprises a tab and said second engagement member comprises a blind rabbet; wherein said tab includes a rib disposed thereon, and said rib impinges a contacted surface of a blind rabbet of an adjacent seat module after assembly, thereby discouraging relative movement between said adjacent seat modules.
  • 11. A seat module comprising:a one-piece body member having a first and a second engagement member disposed at a first and an opposing second side of said body member, respectively; said first and second engagement members further including openings therethrough for receiving fasteners; wherein an engagement member of a first said seat module is adapted to receive an engagement member of a second said seat module, thereby allowing the interlocking and placement of said first and said second seat modules in a side relationship, to be secured to said support by fasteners through said openings; wherein said openings defined through said first engagement member comprises a front slot and a rear elongated slot wherein said rear elongated slot is longer than said front elongated slot; and wherein said openings defined through said second engagement member are apertures.
  • 12. A seat module for installation on a support comprising:a one-piece body member having a first and a second engagement member disposed at a first and an opposing second side of said body member, respectively; said first and second engagement members further including openings therethrough for receiving fasteners; wherein an engagement member of a first said seat module is adapted to receive an engagement member of a second said seat module, thereby allowing the interlocking and placement of said first and said second seat modules in a side by side relationship, to be secured to said support by fasteners through said openings; and wherein said interlocked first and second seat modules are adapted to substantially pivot relative to one another; wherein said body member provides a recessed area for receiving a plate having indicia thereon; wherein said first and second engagement members comprise at least one blind rabbet recess in a side of said body member.
  • 13. A seat module for installation on a support comprising:a one-piece body member having a first and a second engagement member disposed at a first and an opposing second side of said body member, respectively; said first and second engagement members further including openings therethrough for receiving fasteners; wherein an engagement member of a first said seat module is adapted to receive an engagement member of a second said seat module, thereby allowing the interlocking and placement of said first and said second seat modules in a side by side relationship, to be secured to said support by fasteners through said openings; and wherein said interlocked first and second seat modules are adapted to substantially pivot relative to one another; wherein said openings further include conterbores adapted to receive heads of said fasteners.
  • 14. A seat module comprising:a one-piece body member having a first and a second engagement member disposed at a first and an opposing second side of said body member, respectively; said first and second engagement members further including openings therethrough for receiving fasteners; wherein an engagement member of a first said seat module is adapted to receive an engagement member of a second said seat module, thereby allowing the interlocking and placement of said first and said second seat modules in a side by relationship, to be secured to a support by fasteners through said openings; wherein said body member provides a recessed area for receiving a plate having indicia thereon; and wherein each said body member further includes reinforcement means to provide added rigidity, a curved front, a curved upper surface, and a bottom having a concave surface formed therein and adapted to receive said curved upper surface when said curved upper surface is being deflected down by weight of an occupant; and wherein said recessed area is tilted upward.
  • 15. A seating system comprising:a support having a plurality of interior seat positions and first and second end seat positions within a sitting row; a plurality of interior seat modules adapted for placement on said interior seat positions and said first end seat position, each of said plurality of interior seat modules comprising a body member having a tab protruding from a first side and a blind rabbet recessed in a second side of said body member; an aisle seat module adapted for placement on said second end seat position, comprising a body member having at least one blind rabbet recess in a side of said body member; a plurality of fasteners for attaching said interior and aisle seat modules to said support; wherein said tabs and said blind rabbets further rabbets further includes openings disposed therethrough for receiving said fasteners, said blind rabbets are adapted to receive said tabs whereby a seating row can be built by pivotably interlocking a plurality of said interior seat modules and capping said plurality of said interlocked interior seat modules with said aisle seat modules, and attaching said interlocked interior and aisle seat modules to said support by said fasteners through said openings; and wherein said body member provides a recessed area for receiving a plate having indicia thereon and wherein said recessed area is tilted upward.
  • 16. A seating system comprising:a support having a plurality of interior seat positions and first and second end seat positions within a sitting row; a plurality of interior seat modules adapted for placement on said interior seat positions and said first end seat position, each of said plurality of interior seat modules comprising a body member having a tab protruding from a first side and a blind rabbet recessed in a second side of said body member; an aisle seat module adapted for placement on said second end seat position, comprising a body member having at least one blind rabbet recess in a side of said body member; a plurality of fasteners for attaching said interior and aisle seat modules to said support; end caps adapted for placement at said end seat position for receiving plates having indicia thereon; and wherein said tabs and said blind rabbets further includes openings disposed therethrough for receiving said fasteners; wherein said blind rabbets are adapted to receive said tabs whereby a seating row can be built by interlocking a plurality of said interior seat modules and capping said plurality of said interlocked interior seat modules with said aisle seat modules; and wherein said interlocked interior and aisle seat modules are attachable to said support by said fasteners through said openings, wherein said body member provides a recessed are for receiving a plate having indicia thereon and wherein said recessed area is tilted upward.
  • 17. The seating system of claim 15 wherein said openings disposed through said blind rabbets are apertures.
  • 18. The seating system of claim 17 wherein said openings disposed through said tabs comprise a front slot and a rear slot, wherein said front and rear slots are larger than said apertures, and said rear slot is longer than said front slot, thereby allowing lateral and angular positions between adjacent seat modules to be adjusted.
  • 19. The seating system of claim 17 wherein said openings disposed through said tabs are notches adapted to allow passage of said fasteners, thereby enabling lateral and angular position between adjacent interlocked seat modules to be adjusted.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/1156298, entitled INTERLOCKING CONTOURED STADIUM SEATING SYSTEM, filed on Sept. 24, 1999. The referenced application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/156298 Sep 1999 US