This invention relates to a bleacher and its support system in which the slope of its understructure is a combination of a shallow pitch section and a steep pitch section. A unique longitudinal support beam is used for both the shallow pitch and steep pitch sections.
Sporting and exhibition venues or facilities often include temporary or portable bleacher-style seating systems to provide spectators with unobstructed views of a sporting event or other activity taking place at the venue. Certain types of events call for different types of bleacher seating such as, for example, a relatively steep slope for the spectators of a hockey game or any outdoor events, and a relatively shallow slope for the spectators of a basketball game or any indoor events.
Variable riser seating system in which the slope of its understructure is variable to provide variable sight lines for multiple stadium/arena configurations have been developed. However, the known prior art systems generally are a complex structure that requires many moving parts. The complexity brings into question the reliability and economy of such systems.
The present invention provides a bleacher seating system comprising a unique longitudinal support beam (universal beam). The unique longitudinal support beam (universal beam) is used for both the shallow pitch and steep pitch sections. The bleacher support system also include a transitional beam. The universal beam has a first surface with a shallow pitch support frame bracket attached to the first surface. The beam also has a second surface, opposite the first surface, with a steep pitch support frame bracket attached to the second surface. The bleacher setup starts with a starter beam every time. The starter beams are unique for shallow pitch and stepper pitch. The longitudinal beam (universal beam) is connected to the starter beam on both pitch cases. The universal beams are supported by a saddle and the saddles are sitting on top of the scaffolding. When you want to change the pitch from shallow to stepper pitch use the transition beam. The transition beam will connect to the end of universal beam and the other end will be connected starter side of universal beam. The stepper pitch setup you have to turn the beam upside down. The beams are connected by insert. The two adjacent universal beams are connected by a universal support frame. The universal support frame will provide the supporting structure for the walking platform and the space for the seat frame.
The two pitch beam is for a bleacher support system in which the slope of its understructure is a combination of a shallow pitch section and a steep pitch section. The unique longitudinal support beam (Universal beam) is used for both the shallow pitch and steep pitch sections.
The universal beam has a first surface with a shallow pitch support frame bracket attached to the first surface. The beam also has a second surface, opposite the first surface, with a steep pitch support frame bracket attached to the second surface. When the first surface is the top of the beam, the beam provides a shallow pitch. When the second surface is the top of the beam, the beam provides a steep pitch.
This dual pitch (2P) bleacher provides less under structure and more efficient use of scaffold. When changing from one slope to other slope all the parts are self adjustable. There is no need to manually adjust any of the components.
In a preferred embodiment, the shallow pitch support beam forwardly extends from the transition beam and the steep pitch support beam rearwardly extends from the transition beam.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.
The drawings show the components of the pitch specific, bleacher seating system of this invention. The components include a starter beam, a universal beam and a transition beam. The universal beam is used with both shallow pitch and the steep pitch. Also shown are a shallow pitch frame bracket and a steep pitch frame bracket. See
The following details various arrangements and configurations of the pitch specific, bleacher seating system of this invention.
This Dual Pitch (2P) bleacher can start with a shallow pitch and gradually convert to a steeper pitch. Less under structure and more efficient use of scaffold. The scaffold grid is 8 ft×8 ft or 2.5 M×2.5 M—one bay covers 64 sq ft of flooring VS AB Elite with grid of 5 ft×10 ft so only 50 sq ft is covered per bay. This new design covers 22% more area than the AB Elite which translates to less understructure per seat. Increased to 15 seats per bay VS AB Elite's 12 seats per bay. More leg room per seat. The run of each bleacher step is 32″ VS the AB Elite at only 30″. The seat and the aisle are floating (not fixed to the beam). This gives you flexibility to change the aisle size and location of the seats. When you change from one slope to other slope all the parts are self-adjustable. No need to manually adjust any of the components.
Possibilities for future product development include front walkway with ADA compliant access, reverse the current offering and start with a steeper pitch and transition to a shallow pitch, develop a new Tip-Up Seat design, and develop a frame to accommodate bench seating and different brand seats.
The understructure can consist of a ring system, a cup lock system, and any system scaffolding with METRIC verticals. The scaffold understructure grid is 8 ft×8 ft or 2.5 M×2.5 M. Fewer horizontal required for understructure than AB Elite. 8 ft or 2.5 M for both parties. 5 ft 4 in or 0.83 M for transition beam bay.
The 2P shallow pitch has a 32″ deep step (run)×6½″ rise (11.6° slope). The 2P steeper pitch is a 32″ deep step (run)×13⅛′ rise (22.3° slope). AB Elite pitch has a 30″ deep step (run)×9.84″ rise (18″ slope).
Universal beams utilized at 0.5 M pitch. Universal beams utilized at 1.0 M pitch. 8 ft horizontals are utilized at both pitches. Transition beams, and 5′ 4″ horizontals utilized for a smooth transition eliminating intermediate walkways.
The above detailed description of the present invention is given for explanatory purposes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the whole of the foregoing description is to be construed in an illustrative and not limitative sense, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims.
The present patent application is based upon and claims the benefit of provisional patent No. 62/422,720, filed Nov. 16, 2016. The disclosure of Ser. No. 62/422,720, filed Nov. 16, 2016 is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62422720 | Nov 2016 | US |