EP1108100B1 - Large capacity collapsible stand with bleachers easy to install - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a stand borne by a frame (1) and divided into three groups: one central group (6) of bleachers constituting the hinge element between the front group (9) and the rear group (10). The central group (6) is articulated about a horizontal longitudinal pin (11) and is mobile by the effect of an actuator (25). The front group (9) is articulated about a pin (12) at the central group (6) lower end and the rear group (10) is articulated about a pin (15) at the rear end of an arm (20) integral with the central group (6) rear end. The groups are collapsed in the shape of a Z. Each of the group comprises a matching support, either a support integral with the trailer frame (1), or, in the case of the front group (9) with legs (13) provided with rollers (14) forming a support directly on the ground. The efforts related to the unfolding or collapsing movements are compensated and balanced by the movement of the roof (31), which roof (31) is linked by means of a connecting rod (36) to the pivot pin (15) interposed between the central group (6) and the rear group (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a step gallery of the folding type, likely to be used for events of all kinds, sports, shows or other.

These stands can be fixed, attached to a site; they can also be itinerant, mounted on a chassis, forming a trailer.

Grandstands are described in particular in documents GB-A-2206364, EP-A-789118, FR-A-2599074 and 2646816.

These stands have terraces divided into three groups: one central group generally fixed relative to the chassis and a front group as well as a rear group, each articulated with respect to the central group.

This material is subject to the conventional constraints of all material rolling. It must comply with the standards established in terms of road gauge.

But to be of real interest, this material must also offer a sufficient number of comfortable seats.

In addition, this material must be able to be implemented easily, that is to say not require the intervention of several people, nor require complicated operations which, if neglected, could lead to safety of spectators.

The present invention provides a step gallery according to claim 1 who answers all these constraints and which, by a simplified implementation and, by a reduction of the number of tasks performed by the operator, presents, in the end, a more great security for users.

Compared to the aforementioned documents, the tribune according to the invention presents the advantage of performing automatic and simultaneous deployment of groups of bleachers in particular.

According to an advantageous arrangement of the invention, the central group of steps in position normal seat, is carried, on the one hand, by its axis of articulation and connection with the chassis and, on the other hand, by means of a support arranged on said chassis, located under said group, in its lower front part, i.e. its downstream part.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the group before steps, in deployed position, that is to say in normal sitting position, is carried by its axis of articulation and connection with the front end of the central group and by feet located at its lower front end, which feet are of preferably in the form of rollers to guide said front group on the ground during deployment or folding.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the rear group of stands, in position normal seat, is carried by its axis of articulation and connection at the level of the rear end of the central group and by a system of pads integral with the chassis, arranged on the bank of the latter, which pads cooperate with ski-shaped structures arranged under the floor of said rear group.

These arrangement and distribution of the supports make it possible to obtain in position deployed, a stable floor automatically, without having to implement or to use complementary organs.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the axis of articulation of the central group of bleachers is arranged substantially at the central part of the chassis the trailer, above the plane of the frame or floor which acts as a support for the bleachers, approximately halfway between this plane and the plane passing through seat seating.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the group's axis of articulation rear is arranged behind the axis of articulation of the central group on the chassis, substantially at the plane passing through the seat base, which articulation axis of the rear group moves during deployment or folding, around said axis of articulation which allows the group to pivot central to the chassis, at a radius which is slightly less than the half the distance separating the said articulation axis from the central group, from the edge of the chassis where said rear group is located.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, maneuvering groups of bleachers is preferably carried out by means of at least one jack of the type hydraulic for example, powered either by an electric hydraulic power plant, either a hand pump; which cylinder is interposed between the chassis, articulated in shore on the back side of the bleachers and it is hinged at its other end on the rear lower part of the central unit, pivoting the latter around its axis of articulation relative to the chassis.

In the deployed position, the central unit can be locked by suitable means such as, for example, pins positioned between the articulation arm of said central group and the chassis structure.

The tiered grandstand according to the invention can be used with simply bleachers, in the open air. It can also include a roof and, in in this case, the roof can help to balance the efforts necessary for deployment or folding of the various constituent groups of the bleachers.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the roof of the grandstand is carried by side posts telescopic, which roof is movable vertically by means of connecting rods interposed between the mobile posts and an articulation motor axis located at level of the rear group connection with respect to the front group of steps.

According to a preferred arrangement, the motor axis of each connecting rod is located on a crank which is integral with the rear group of steps, which axis rotates around the rear articulation axis interposed between the central group and the rear group and is substantially in alignment with this axis rear and central axis, or in the extension of these two axes when the bleachers are in the deployed position, either in between when the said bleachers are in the folded position.

This arrangement improves the movement of the roof and the amplitude of its vertical displacement.

According to another advantageous arrangement of the invention, the roof has an awning at its front, which awning is articulated on the front bank of said roof. Its operation is carried out either by means of a cable-like tie rod interposed between the chassis and a arm perpendicular to the surface of said awning under the latter, in line with its articulation on the front edge of the roof, when said awning is in position normal open, either by a gas spring and, in this case, a pair of shrouds keeps the awning in the open position.

The rostrum may also include conventional organs of security. Thus, the rear group of steps can include a railing arranged on the bank at the rear, which railing can extend up to the level of the roof by means of a canvas or the like for example.

Laterally, the grandstand may include, integral with the chassis, guardrails or guardrails which extend over its entire width, foldable or associated either with the rear group or with the front group as appropriate. Each rear side railing may also have a tab which allows interlock on the central part of the side railing.

• la figure 1 représente, schématiquement, vue de côté, en position normale déployée, une tribune à gradins selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente schématiquement, vue de côté, la tribune lors de l'opération de repliement ou de déploiement ;
• la figure 3 représente, toujours vue de côté, la tribune en position normale repliée pour son transport ;
• la figure 4 représente le châssis de la tribune vu en bout de la remorque ;
• la figure 5 représente le groupe central de gradins vu de côté, dissocié du châssis ;
• la figure 6 représente le groupe arrière de gradins vu de côté également et dissocié du châssis et du groupe central ;
• la figure 7 représente, schématiquement, en perspective, les organes de liaison entre le groupe central et le groupe arrière de gradins ;
• la figure 8 représente, schématiquement, les garde-fous ou balustrades disposés latéralement de chaque côté des gradins ;
• la figure 9 représente une vue de côté de la tribune à gradins selon l'invention, en position normale déployée, montrant une variante de réalisation sur certains détails ;
• la figure 10a et 10b représentent la structure et le mouvement des organes constitutifs au niveau de chaque extrémité latérale du groupe central, pour la manoeuvre du toit ;
• la figure 11 représente, d'une façon plus détaillée, le système de patins permettant l'appui et le guidage du groupe arrière ;
• la figure 12 représente, de façon schématique, vu de dessus, la tribune à gradins avec ses trois groupes et la position des différents systèmes d'articulation des groupes entre eux.

The invention will be further detailed with the aid of the following description and the appended drawings, given by way of indication and in which:

• Figure 1 shows, schematically, side view, in the normal deployed position, a step gallery according to the invention;
• Figure 2 shows schematically, side view, the platform during the folding or deployment operation;
• Figure 3 shows, still viewed from the side, the grandstand in the normal position folded for transport;
• FIG. 4 represents the chassis of the platform seen at the end of the trailer;
• FIG. 5 represents the central group of steps seen from the side, dissociated from the chassis;
• Figure 6 shows the rear group of steps also seen from the side and dissociated from the chassis and the central group;
• Figure 7 shows, schematically, in perspective, the connecting members between the central group and the rear group of steps;
• Figure 8 shows, schematically, the railings or balustrades arranged laterally on each side of the steps;
• FIG. 9 shows a side view of the tiered grandstand according to the invention, in the normal deployed position, showing an alternative embodiment in certain details;
• FIGS. 10a and 10b represent the structure and the movement of the constituent members at each lateral end of the central group, for the operation of the roof;
• FIG. 11 represents, in a more detailed manner, the system of pads allowing the support and the guiding of the rear group;
• Figure 12 shows, schematically, seen from above, the step gallery with its three groups and the position of the different systems of articulation of the groups between them.

Figure 1 shows, schematically, the step gallery according to the invention in the normal deployed position, forming a seat with eight rows of seats.

This grandstand is fitted on a trailer which includes a chassis general 1 mounted on wheels 2. This chassis 1 has a pair of supports 3 and 4 on which the general frame or floor 5 of the stands rests.

The floor 5 is in fact divided into three parts, each of said parts comprising a group of bleachers; so we find a central group 6 which has three rows of seats 7, a front group 9 which has three also rows of seats 7 and a rear group 10 which includes only two rows of seats 7.

The central group 6 is articulated and integral with the chassis 1 by means of a longitudinal axis 11. This axis 11 is located at the rear upper part of the group central 6 and substantially in the center of the chassis 1, above the level of the floor 5 of said central group 6, below the level of the seats or rather under the level of the general seating plan. It is located approximately halfway between these two levels.

In the normal seating position, the central group 6 is supported by its hinge pin 11 and rests at its lower downstream part on the support 3 integral chassis 1.

The front group 9 is articulated and linked to the central group 6 by means of a longitudinal articulation axis 12 parallel to axis 11. This articulation axis 12 is located at the front end of the floor of the central group 6 and at the end rear of the front group floor 9.

At its lower front end, the front group 9 has feet support 13 which are preferably provided with rollers 14 in contact with the ground. These feet are adjustable according to need by means not shown, of the screw jack type.

The rear group 10 is articulated and connected to the central group 6 by means a hinge pin 15 which is located at its front part, as shown in the different figures, above the level of the floor 5.

The axes 15 and 12 are located on either side of the central axis 11.

The rear group 10 rests on the support 4 arranged on the bank; this support 4 is integral with the chassis 1 of the trailer. This support 4 is located approximately in the center under the rear group when it is in position deployed seat as shown in Figure 1. This support 4 includes a skate-like structure, detailed below in connection with FIG. 11, which cooperate with ramps in the form of skis 16, arranged under the floor 5 of the rear group 10. Thus, the rear group 10 is supported, in position normal deployed seat, by its axis 15 and by the support 4.

FIG. 7 shows, schematically, the steps of the central group 6 and rear group 10 showing in particular the articulation structures around axis 11 for central group 6 and around axis 15 which is located between said group 6 and said rear group 10.

These arm-shaped articulation structures are distributed over the length of the trailer and are three or four, or more depending on needs, that is to say according to the load expected on the stands.

In fact, each articulation structure fitted out on the central group 6 is in the form of a yoke 17 which is engaged on a post 19 secured to the chassis 1, as shown in Figure 4. There are as many posts 19 than screeds 17. The screed 17 is extended by means of arms 20 towards the rear of the upper part of the central group 6. These arms 20 carry the axis 15 and form with the tab 21 of the rear group 10, a kind of hinge allowing this rear group 10 to be articulated on the central group 6.

In FIG. 4 which shows the chassis 1 forming the base of the grandstand, we find the support 3 on which the central group 6 and the skate system 4 on which slides the underside of the rear group 10. Support 3 and the skate system 4 are located on either side of the posts 19 which carry the central group 6 by the axis 11.

Figure 5 shows the central group 6 alone. Found on the portion of floor 5, the three rows of seats 7. At the lower front end of the floor 5 we find the axis 12 on which the front group 9 is articulated.

At the upper rear end of the floor 5, there is the yoke 17 with the hinge pin 11, which yoke extends rearward, by means arms 20, to the hinge axis 15.

Figure 6 shows the rear group 10 alone. We find in the part before the floor 5, the legs 21 which extend vertically to the axis 15. Under the floor 5 there is also the ski-shaped support structure 16 which cooperates with the shoe system 4 arranged on the shore on the chassis 1. The rear group 10 has two rows of seats 7 and its rear end may include, as shown in Figure 6, a body guard 22 which extends vertically when the group is in the normal sitting position. This railing rear 22 can be completed laterally with returns or railings 23 which are fixed and tilt at the same time as the group back.

A tab 24 disposed on the side railing can allow to hang the latter on the railings or fixed side railings of the central part, detailed below.

The operation of unfolding or folding the stands is carried out at means of at least one jack 25 as shown in FIG. 1. This jack 25 is articulated on the chassis 1, on the shore, i.e. on the side of the trailer, under the support 4, around an axis 26 and the end of its rod is articulated around a axis 27, on the rear end of the central group 6, at its lower part.

The cylinder 25 is preferably a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. It is operated by the operation either from a hand pump or from a motor-pump unit not shown.

Note, in Figure 2, the action of the cylinder 25 on the central group 6 and the front and rear groups. The central group 6 pivots around the axis 11 and, in its movement, this central group 6 leads on the one hand, the group before 9 by through the hinge pin 12 and, on the other hand, the rear group 10 by through the hinge pin 15 which is located at the end of the arm 20 secured of said central group 6.

The different groups fold back forming a Z-structure; the face lower of the front group 9 folds down on the bottom of the central group 6, and the above the rear group 10, that is to say the part with the seats 7, folds down on top of said central group 6.

When folding or deploying, the front group 9 is also guided, at its front end, by the rollers 14 which are in contact with the ground.

During its movement, the rear group 10 is guided by means of its skis 16 and slides on the skate system 4 which is integral with the chassis 1.

At the end of the race, as shown in Figure 3, the front groups 9 and rear 10 are housed in the overall dimensions of the trailer, that is to say in a normal road congestion. The folding of the floor 5 is presented under the shaped like a Z, seen from the side, i.e. seen at the end of the trailer.

During the folding of the steps that is to say when passing from Figure 1 in Figure 3, we note that the axis 12 which provides the link between the group central 6 and the front group 9 moves on an arc 29 centered on axis 11, from bottom to top. The axis of articulation 15 located between the central group 6 and the rear group 10 moves on an arc of a circle 30 also centered on axis 11 and from top to bottom.

To balance and compensate for efforts related to deployment or folding, the mechanism uses the weight of the cover, as shown Figures 1 to 3.

Indeed, the grandstand may include a cover consisting of a roof central 31 which can be extended by means of an articulated awning 32 longitudinally along the shore at the front part of said roof, around an axis 33.

The central roof 31 is carried by telescopic side posts 34. These posts 34 are mobile, guided in drums 35 integral with the chassis 1 of the trailer.

These posts are arranged on either side of the steps, that is to say the front and rear of the trailer.

The posts 34 are each connected via a connecting rod 36, to the axis of articulation 15 which ensures the connection between groups 6 and 10. Each connecting rod 36 is for example articulated at one of its ends on the axis 15 and, at its upper end, on an axis 37 integral with the post 34.

Thus, when the jack 25 acts on the central group 6, to make it pivot around its axis 11, each connecting rod 36 follows the movement of the axis 15 in going up or down as appropriate and causes, in its movement, the corresponding post 34 via its axis 37.

The canopy 32 has at least one arm 39 which extends, as shown in figure 1, square, under the hinge pin 33. This arm 39 comprises at its end 40, hooking means with a tie rod or cable 41 whose other end, located at the chassis 1 of the trailer, is fixed on said chassis appropriately, not shown in the figures.

Thus, during the step folding operation, as shown Figure 2, the roof 31 descends as well as the canopy 32, which has the effect, thanks to the pulling, to allow tilting of said awning 32 about its axis 33. The awning 32 closes on the group before 9 as and measurement of the integration of this group in the dimensions of the trailer, as shown in figure 3.

At its rear, the grandstand may include between the railing 22 and the roof 31, a protective fabric 42 as shown schematically in thin mixed lines figure 1.

This fabric 42 does not harm the movement of the rear group 10 during folding or deploying maneuvers

Guard rails can be installed at the lateral ends of the grandstand or railings. These balustrades and in particular the fixed central balustrade 43 can be integral with the barrel 35 in which slides the post 34 which supports the roof 31. This fixed balustrade 43 acts as an end wall for the trailer.

It can extend forward so as to form a balustrade 44 which frames the group before 9. This additional balustrade 44 can by example be articulated on the fixed balustrade by means of a hinge pin vertical 45 located at the lower end of the fixed balustrade.

Figure 9 continues, in more detail, with additions and variants, all the elements represented in the form of a functional diagram, figure 1.

Thus, we find the chassis 1 of the trailer, which chassis comprises the supports 3 of the central group 6 and the supports 4 of the rear group 10.

The front group 9, which is articulated around the longitudinal axis 12, on the front end of the central group 6, is guided, during its movement of folding or unfolding, by means of ramps 51 which extend, by example, in the extension of the supports 3. These ramps 51, of which the part located outside the vehicle gauge is removable, avoid a bracing of this group before 9, during deployment in particular.

These ramps 51 are located opposite the rollers 14 which are positioned at the front end of said group.

The canopy 32 is operated, according to a variant, FIG. 9, by means of cylinders 52, of the gas type for example. The stability of the awning 32, in position open, is ensured by means of a pair of shrouds 53 interposed between the chassis and said awning 32, as shown in FIG. 9.

The operation of the roof 31 is carried out as described in connection with the Figure 1 by means of the connecting rods 36, arranged at each end of the trailer.

To improve the deployment of the roof 31, the connecting rod 36 is articulated to a greater distance from the central axis 11 than in the exemplary embodiment of figure 1.

This connecting rod 36 is articulated on an axis 56 which is located at the end of a extension of the legs 21 of the rear group 10.

This extension 57 extends from the axis 15, which axis 15 is the axis longitudinal articulation of the rear group 10 relative to the central group 6.

FIG. 10a shows, in solid lines, the position of the different axes 11, 15 and 56 when groups 6 and 10 are deployed and Figure 10b shows the position of these same axes when the same groups of steps are in folded position.

We note that, in both positions, these axes are practically aligned. In the deployed position, the axis 56 is located beyond the axes 11 and 15 while in the folded position, the axis 56 is located substantially between the axis 11 and axis 15.

We also note, Figures 10, an arrangement on the central post 19 and on the plates 17 of the central group 6 which allows the position to be locked of the central group and therefore of the other groups, front and rear, in normal position deployed. This arrangement is simply made up orifices 58 which allow to house a pin, not shown.

Figure 11 shows the rear support of group 10 of steps. Under the floor 5 of group 10, there is ski 16 which includes a band 59 parallel to the floor 5 and two parts 60 and 61 connected smoothly under the floor.

The strip 59 slides on the pad itself 62, which pad is consisting of a block of fatty polyethylene material, part of which is fitted into an ad hoc hole fitted on the chassis 1.

The ski 16 is guided by lateral cheeks 63, integral with the chassis, which are slightly projecting from the shoe 62.

The amplitude of movement of the ski 16, and in particular of the strip 59, is relatively small, on the order of a few centimeters, on shoe 62, when of the unfolding or folding maneuver.

Figure 12 is a schematic top view of the steps, showing the various seats 7 which are represented in the form of circles.

Each group of stands corresponds to a group of seats. Thus, the front group 9 comprises a group of seats 65 consisting of three rows.

The central group 6 comprises a group of seats 66 also constituted three rows, and the rear group 10 has a group 67 of seats consisting of only two rows, the last row of which may contain a larger number of seats and extend over the entire length of the vehicle.

The front group 9 is articulated, from place to place, around the axis 12, at the front of central group 6.

The central group is articulated with respect to the chassis in several locations, marked A, B and C in Figure 12.

The joints A are joints of the type of those shown Figures 10, that is to say joints which include the connecting rods 36 making it possible to maneuver the roof, which roof is guided in the sleeves 35, secured to the vehicle chassis.

The joints marked B correspond to associated joints to the actuating cylinders 25. The articulations marked C, located in the central part of the vehicle, are simple group guidance joints rear compared to the central group.

Similarly, the group before 10 is guided by several joints that are distributed along the length of the hinge pin 12.

These joints are located under the floor 5 and are not all visible in the figure.

Claims (10)

1. A stand with bleachers comprising several groups (6, 9, 10) of bleachers arranged longitudinally on a chassis (1), i.e. parallel to the forward direction of the trailer when it is a mobile stand, which groups are three in number : a central group (6) and front (9) and rear (10) groups hinged on said central group, characterised in that:

   said central group (6) is hinged, at its rear portion, on the chassis (1), around a longitudinal axis (11) located close to the vertical medium plane of said chassis,

   said front group (9) is hinged on the front end of the central group (6), around a longitudinal axis (12), its bottom being intended to collapse onto the bottom of said central group,

   said rear group (10) is hinged on the rear end of the central group (6), around a longitudinal axis (15) located behind and above said hinge pin (11) of the central group (6), whereas the top of the rear group is intended to collapse onto the top of the central group, the latter acting as a hinging element so that the three groups may collapse to form a Z shape,

   said chassis comprises, moreover, complementary bearing means (3, 4, 13), continued with each of said groups, and means enabling to operate the central group (6) to make it toggle around its longitudinal hinge pin (11) between a position where its floor is located in the alignment of the floor of both other groups (9, 10) and the collapsible position where said floors form a kind of Z.
2. A stand with bleachers according to claim 1, characterised in that the chassis (1) comprises a rest (3) provided under the lower section of the central group (6), whereas said central group (6) is intended to be supported, in extended position, by its hinge pin (11) combined with the chassis (1) and by means of said rest (3).
3. A stand with bleachers according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the front group (9) is intended to be supported, in extended position, by the hinge pin (12) by means of which it is linked to the front end of the central group (6), which front group (9) comprises feet (13), located at its front end, which feet are preferably provided with castors (14) which are intended to contact the ground in order to guide said front end or to contact ramps (51) which enable to guide said castors when extending said front group.
4. A stand with bleachers according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the rear group (10) is intended to be supported, in extended position, by the hinge pin (15) interposed between said rear group and the central group (6), which rear group comprises ski-shaped resting means (16), provided under its floor (5), which co-operate with a system of pads (4) integral with the chassis (1) and laid out on the edge of said chassis.
5. A stand with bleachers according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the hinge pin (11) of the central group (6), in relation to the chassis, is provided substantially at the central portion of the chassis (1), above the plane of the floor (5) which serves as a support for the bleachers, substantially halfway between said floor (5) and the plane going through the base plate of the seats (7).
6. A stand with bleachers according to claim 5, characterised in that the axis (15) enabling the rear group (10) to hinge on the central group (6), is provided behind the hinge (11) which is interposed between said central group (6) and the chassis (1).
7. A stand with bleachers according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the operating means of the groups (6, 9 and 10) consist of one or several jacks (25) interposed between the chassis (1) at its edge located under the rear group (10), and an axis (27) arranged under the central group (6), at its rear end, under the axis (11).
8. A stand with bleachers according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it comprises a roof (31) supported by lateral telescopic posts (34), which posts are guided in a central shaft (35) integral with the chassis (1) and are connected by means of rods (36) to a driving axle situated at the link of the rear group (10) relative to the front group (6).
9. A stand with bleachers according to claim 8, characterised in that the roof (31) comprises a canopy (32) hinged around a longitudinal axis (33) located at the front end of said roof, whereas said canopy can be operated either automatically, by means of cables (41) or by means of jacks (52) and intended to be maintained in open position by means of stays (53).
10. A stand with bleachers according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that it comprises, laterally and on its rear portion, banisters or railings (22, 43).

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