GB2349901A

GB2349901A - Foldaway tiered seating

Info

Publication number: GB2349901A
Application number: GB0007958A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Charles Owens
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-13
Filing date: 2000-04-03
Publication date: 2000-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-03
Also published as: GB0007958D0; GB2349901B; GB9908275D0

Abstract

The fold-a-way seating system comprises a module of up to four units that are arranged in tiers 6, 18, 36, 40, each unit bears at least one row of seats 10, 12, 34. The lowest tier 6 has transport wheels 8 supporting it on the ground. Each successive tier 18, 36, 40 is connected by hinge means 20. The tiers can by the hinge means be folded down on them selves to form a transportable square array fig 2a. Legs 32, 38 preferably support the upper tiers and at least the top tier has rail guards 42.

Description

-11 1 2349901 FOLDAWAY TIERED SEATING The present invention relates to

foldaway tiered seating, that is to say a seating system which may be stored and/or moved in a folded condition but which can be deployed into a tiered array of seating.

It is known that numerous meetings, conventions, recitals, concerts, sporting events and the like are held each year, many at venues which are multi-functional and comprise a room or hall with no or little permanent seating. Seating formed from linked together stacking or folding chairs is often employed. However, this method does not provide for adequate viewing sight lines unless an elevated stage is used.

Other venues incorporate proprietary seating systems which fold/retract against the wall when not in use. These arrangements provide good viewing but are often limited in layout, take up space when not in use and are labour intensive to deploy. Some other seating systems can be towed away to a storage area near to the venue, but because of weight and size cannot be removed easily to another venue. Further venues make use of demountable seating systems which can be erected to great height and with infinite layouts possible, but these systems are expensive to purchase or rent, comprise a multitude of component parts, require expert erection teams and erection is time consuming.

It Is an object of the present invention to provide a seating system which is modular, foldable, light in weight, mobile, easily erectible and demountable by unskilled labour and which can be transported between venues on low cost transport. The system of the invention should incorporate all components required to satisfy safety legislation and loading requirements for a prefabricated demountable grandstand system.

According to the present invention, there is provided a seating system comprising a module of up to four units arrangeable in tiers with each unit bearing at least one row of seating, the lowermost unit being supported by the ground or by transport wheels, and hinge means to hingedly connect each successive upper unit to a rear edge of the preceding unit.

Preferably each said hinge means comprises an intermeshing hinge mechanism part of which is formed integrally with each unit.

In this case, part of said hinge mechanism is formed integrally with a rear upper comer edge of a lower unit and another part of said hinge mechanism is formed integrally with a front lower corner edge of an upper unit.

Advantageously, leg means are provided to support each upper unit.

Safety rails may be provided on a least the uppermost unit.

3 The rows of seating may be provided with seating back means which are foldable into contact with said seating.

Second and subsequent modules may be linked to said module and together to form a multiple modular seating system.

An embodiment of the invention will now be more particularly described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a single modular unit of seating in erected mode; Figure 2a is the first of a series of side views of the seating unit in various stages of erection, in this case showing the unit folded ready for transportation; Figure 2b shows the seating unit in a first phase of erection; Figure 2c shows the seating unit in a second phase of erection; Figure 2d shows the seating unit in a fully erected state; Figure 3 shows a seating unit arranged in the phase required to pass through a standard doorway; Figure 4 is a side view showing a partially occupied seating systern; and Figures Sa and 5b show deck components which form a hinge joint.

Referring now to the drawings, the tiered seating system incorporates rows of seats or benches 2 separated by cross aisles 4 allowing access to the seats. As may be seen from Figure 4, each cross aisle is of sufficient width as to allow people to gain access to their seats whilst other seats along the row are occupied, 4 The seating system comprises a base platform 6 incorporating wheels 8 preferably directed longitudinally of the axis of the platform, and a row of seats 10 or a bench 12. The seat or bench 10 or 12 may incorporate a backi-est 14 which is designed such that it may be folded down onto the seat squab 16 during transport.

A second platform unit 18 is rotatably attached to the base platform 6 by a hinge 20. As shown more clearly in Figures 5a and 5b, the hinge may be formed from the first platform side member 22 which incorporates a gear tooth profile 24 adapted to mesh with a corresponding gear tooth profile of the second platform 18. A plurality of links 26 are spaced at intervals along the platform side member and are connected to pivot shafts 29 within cylindrical apertures formed through the platform side members 22 and the links 26. This arrangement of hinge 20 ensures that there are no projections from the sides of the folded seating unit which may cause damage to walls or doors whilst the unit is being moved.

The hinge 20 is arranged such that the second platform unit 18 is rotatably attached to the base platform 6 and allowed to rotate through a right angle. The second platform incorporates a leg 32 which is retractable into the inside of the second platform 18 when not in use, and a seat/bench 34 similar to that on the base platform.

A third platform unit 36 identical to the second platform unit except that a longer leg 38 is incorporated, is similarly rotatably attached to the second platform unit. Further similar units may be incorporated until the desired number of rows is achieved. The rearmost platform unit 40 will not normally incorporate a cross aisle, but will incorporate a rear guard rail 42.

Its support leg may be so long that it cannot be held within the inside of the rearmost platform and therefore other storage arrangements may be required.

The system is delivered to the venue folded as shown in Figure 2a, and is wheeled into position. Should the unit be required to pass through a single width door-way then the unit is partially unfolded into the disposition shown in Figure 3. When in position the unit is unfolded progressively as shown in Figures 2b, 2c and 2d. The support legs are arranged such that they are easily deployed from the stowed position.

Subsequent units may be positioned alongside the first unit and may be connected one to another for added security. These units can now be unfolded to form a continuous length of seating. Gangways may be incorporated at intervals using seating modules with pairs of seats removed and end access may be provided using step units, not shown, positioned at the ends of the rows. Additional side and rear safety barriers may be incorporated.

The seating system is constructed of lightweight components, typically light alloys, plastics materials and laminated timber, and is capable of being erected by persons of normal physique and of limited skills. The system of hinges ensures that most of the weight of the seating system is carried by the wheels and hinges and that only a small proportion of the weight is borne by the erector until the leg can be deployed.

6

Claims

1. A seating system comprising a module of up to four units arrangeable in tiers with each unit bearing at least one row of seating, the lowermost unit being supported by the ground or by transport wheels, and hinge means to hingedly connect each successive upper unit to a rear edge of the preceding unit.

2. A seating system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said hinge means comprises an intermeshing hinge mechanism part of which is formed integrally with each unit.

3. A seating system as claimed in claim 2, wherein part of said hinge mechanism is formed integrally with a rear upper corner edge of a lower unit and another part of said hinge mechanism is formed integrally with a front lower comer edge of an upper unit.

4. A seating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein leg means are provided to support each upper unit.

5. A seating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising safety rails on at least the uppermost unit.

6. A seating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one row of seating is provided with seating back means which is foldable into contact with said seating.

7 7. A seating system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which second and subsequent modules may be linked to said module and together to form a multiple modular seating system.

8. A seating system substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of accompanying drawings.