US1839410A - Portable bleacher construction - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 5, 1932. 1.. M. POST 1,839,410

PORTABLEMBLEACHER CONSTRUCTION Filed April 11, 1929 ;8 a? 4 1?? if 2? I I nz/enzw:

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ATTORNEY.

Patented Jan. 5, 1932 PATENT oFFicE LGREN M. POST, DECEASED, LATE OF DETROIT, MIC I-IIGAN', BY GEORGIANA W. POST,

EXEGUTRIX, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN PORTABLE BLEACHER CONSTRUCTION Application filed April 11, 1929. SeriaI No. 354,413.

The object of this invention is to provide verse rivets passing through apair of forked a portable bleacher construction of simple, durable, and inexpensive construction.

.A further object of the invention is to provide a portable bleacher construction which may be readily set up or dismantled without using bolts, screws or the like. In the ordinary portable bleacher construction numerous bolts and lag screws are used. These bleachers are usually used, and often stored, outdoors, and are therefore exposed to the weather which causes the threads on the bolts to rust. The structure is not only weakened b this rustin but is also rendered ver difficult to dismantle.

* Still a further object of the invention is to provide a portable bleacher construction which shall consist of a plurality of stringers having their forward ends resting on the ground and their intermediate portions and rear ends resting on a plurality of acks, detachably connected to the stringer. The bleacher assembly consists of two or more of these stringer and jack assemblies, joined by a plurality of seat boards and foot boards.

Suitable seat board rests and foot board hangers are secured to each stringer to support these seat boards and foot boards.

With this structure, there is no need of cross bracing between the stringer and jack assemblies, as each assembly is internally braced, independent of the other units. The seat boards and foot boards are only used to carry the weight of those persons occupying the bleacher.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a portable bleacher construction having a diagonal stringer supported by a plurality of jacks, each jack being composed of a pair ofstrutmembers, secured together at their upper ends and also to the stringer, and having their lower ends spaced apart and secured to a thrust rod which extends rearwardly from the forward end of the stringer.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a portable bleacher construction having diagonal stringers to which are secured individual seat board rests and foot board hangers, each of these rests and hangers being secured to the stringer by a pair of transends on the rest or hanger which straddles the stringer.

Some bleacher constructions have a stringer with seat board rests and foot board hangers composed of strap iron, bent to a U shape, and secured to the edges of. the stringer by lag screws, which extend into the stringer.

The stringer used in practically all portable bleachers is a wooden beam. The disadvantage of this construction is that the lag screws soon rust and loosen in the stringers. and thereby become unsafe.

In this structure, the ends of the seat board rests, and foot board hangers are forked and straddle the stringer. A rivet is riveted through these forked ends and through the stringer, so that the load on the seat board rests and foot vboard hangers are carried by transverse rivets extending through the stringers. There are no screws which can become loose in the wood, and even though the holes in the stringers, through which the rivets extend, become enlarged a little, by decay, .the strength of the structure is materially decreased. Of course, these stringers could be made entirely of steel to overcome the objection just mentionedyhowever, this method com-- pares favorably with the old strap iron and wood stringer construction in cost, and has the long life and dependability of the steel construction.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide an improved jack comprising two compression struts, joined at their upper ends,,their lower ends being spaced and secured to a jack tie. The center portion of this jack tie is provided with means whereby a tension rod may be secured thereto against lateral movement of this rod. The upper end of this. jack is secured to the stringer, while the lower end is secured to the tension rod. It will thus be seen that the jacks are prevented from slipping in relation tofthe stringer both at their upper and lower ends, to thereby insure a firm support from the jacks.

With these and other objects in view,=the invention consists infthe construction, coinnot bination, and arrangement of the various parts of my improved device, as described in the specification, claimed in the claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of one of the stringer and jack assemblies.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of one of the jacks.

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view ofthe method of joining the upper ends of the jacks to the stringer. v

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of one of the improved foot rest hangers. I

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one of the seat board rests.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the combined foot board hanger and tension rod anchor. 20

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the tension rod assembly.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the tension rod hook, and

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the jack hook, a portion of the tension rod being shown to better illustrate the construction.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, the reference numeral 10 has been used to indicate a stringer having the improved seat board rests and foot board hangers secured thereto. This stringer 10 consists of a rectangular shaped beam placed on edge with 7 its forward end resting on the ground. A

plurality of. jacks of graduated sizes support the remainder of the stringer.

A plurality of seat board rests are secured to the upper edge of the stringer-10. The seat board rests proper consist of an inverted U shaped member 11 having a short rear leg and a long front leg, each ofthese legs being provided with a clevis 12 at their lower ends.

The clevises 12 straddle the upper edge of the stringer 10, and an eye 13 is provided in the forked ends of these clevises so that suit? able rivets '14 may extend through one earof the clevis then through the stringer 10 and then through the other ear of the clevis where it is securely riveted, to thereby permanently-secure the seat board rests to the stringer.

An car 15 extends upwardly from each leg of the rest 11 to form a channel shaped retaining member which secures a seat board 16 against lateral movement. The seat board rests 11 are secured to the upper edge of the stringer at .spaced intervals. A plurality of foot board hangers 17 are hung from theloweredge of the stringer 10.

The foot board hangers consist of a U. shaped member, having upwardly extending arms 18 and 19. The upper ends of these arms areforked at 20 and 21, respectively, and are secured near the loweredge-of the stringer 10 by'rivets 22.1

- The construction of these stringers. is

unique in that no screws, bolts, or nuts are used to secure the seat board rests and foot board hangers to the stringers.

The jacks used with the improved device consist of a pair of struts 23, secured together at their upper ends by means of a rivet 24. A notch is formed in these adjacent ends to receive the stringer 10 and is given the reference numeral 25. he lower ends of the struts 23 are spaced apart and secured to a jack tie 26 by suitable rivets 27. The center portion of the jack tie 26 is bowed forward- 1y at 28, for a purpose which will hereinafter be described.

A'pair of blocks 29 are secured to the stringer 10 on either side thereof, adjacent to one of the foot board hangers, and each stringer lOrests in a notch 25 of the jacks so. that the jacks will be secured between a block 29 and a foot board hanger 17.

A special combined foot board hanger and tension rodanchor 30 is provided for the first foot board. This anchor consists of a U shaped member, having an upwardly extending rear arm 31 and a pair of upwardly extending arms 32. Each of these arms are secured to the stringer 10 at their upper ends by clevises similar to the forks 20 and 21 of the foot board hangers 17.. The rear arm 31 of the anchor 30 is provided with an offset 33, to which a tension hook may be removably secured.

' Atension rod 34 of angular section is pro vided with a tension hook 35, secured to its forward end, and a plurality of jack hooks 36, secured thereto at spaced intervals by means of rivets 38. The jack hooks 36 are so proportioned that the bowed portion 28 of the jack ties 26 may extend into these hooks.

The general procedure in setting up the bleacher is to first mount the stringer 10 on the jacks. The forward portion of the stringer 10 is placed on the ground, and the rear end slants diagonally upwardly, consequently, the jacks increase in size toward the outer end of the stringer. Then the tension rod 34 is hooked in the offset 33 of the anchor with the rod extending between the struts 23 and over the ack ties 26. The lower ends of the jacks are then moved rearwardly to a diagonal position, with the jack ties 26 secured in the jackhooks 36. The jacks are thus prevented from further movement rearwardly. The rod 34 is prevented'from lateral movement by the bowed portion 28 of the jack tie 26.

It may be thusseen that the jacks are anchored at their lower ends by the tension rod 34, and at their upper ends by blocks 29 and foot board hangers 17.

Two or more of these stringer assemblies, just described, are set up and the seat boards 16 are placed on the seat board rests 11, between the ears 15. Foot boards 37 are suspended between the foot board hangers 17.

Each stringer and jack assembly is a separate unit from the other assemblies, and is in no way connected thereto except by the foot boards 37 and seat boards 16. As many of these assemblies as desired may be set up forming continuous rows of seat boards and foot boards.

Many advantages arise from the use of the improved construction, and it may be well to point out that there have been provided seat board rests and foot board hangers which are permanently secured to a wooden stringer in such a manner that no screws or bolts are used.

A further advantage results in that both the upper and the lower ends of each jack are secured to the stringer, to thereby prevent either end of the jack from slipping. A tension rod is also provided which connects the forward end of the stringer with the lower end of each jack, and means has been provided to prevent lateral displacement of this tension rod.

Some changes may be made in the arrangement, combination, and construction of the various parts of the improved device without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is the intention to cover by the claims such changes as may reasonably be included within the scope therein.

What is claimed is:

1. In a portable bleacher construction, a

diagonal stringer, a plurality of seat board rests secured to the upper edge of said stringer, a plurality of foot board hangers secured to the lower edge of said stringer, a plurality of jacks each comprising a pair of struts extending downwardly from said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support, a jack tie connecting the lower ends or said strut, a forwardly offset portion formed in the center portion of each jack tie, a tension rod extending from the forward end of the stringer to position adjacent to each jack tie, and a plurality of hooks formed on each tension rod adapted to co-act with each offset portion, said offset portions preventing lateral displacement of the tension rod.

2. In a portable bleacher construction, a diagonally extending stringer adapted to support the foot and seat boards of said bleacher, a ack comprising a pair of struts extending downwardly from the elevated end of said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, a jack tie connecting the lower ends of said struts, said jack tie having an offset portion formed therein intermediate of its ends, a tension rod having one end secured to the lower end of said stringer, and means formed on the other end of the tension rod adapted to co-act with said offset portion, said offset portion preventing lateral displacement of the tension rod.

3. In a portable bleacher construction, a diagonally extending stringer adapted to support the foot-and seat boards of said bleacher, a ack comprising a pair of struts extending downwardlyfrom the elevated end of said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, a jack tie connecting the lower ends of said struts, said jack tie having a forwardly offset portion formed therein intermediate of its ends, a tension rod having one end detachably secured to the lower end of said stringer, and a hook formed on the other end of the rod adapted to co-act with said offset portion, said offset portion preventing lateral displacement of the tension rod.

4. In a portable bleacher construction, a diagonally extending stringer adapted to support the foot and seat boards of said bleacher, ajack comprising a pair of struts extending downwardly from the elevated end of said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, a jacktie connecting the lower ends of said struts, said jack tie havinga forwardly offset portion formed therein intermediate of its ends, an angle section tension rod having one end secured to the lower. end of said stringer, and a hook having a triangular sectioned shank secured within the angle of said tension rod adjacent to its free end, said hook co-acting with said offset portion whereby lateral displacement of the tension rod will be prevented.

5. In a portable bleacher construction, a diagonally extending stringer adaptedto support the foot and seat boards of said bleacher, a plurality of jacks supporting the elevated end ofsaid stringer, each jack comprising a pair of struts secured together adjacent to said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, jack ties connecting the lower ends of each pair of struts, said jack ties each having an offset portion there in aligned with the lower end of the stringer and with each other, and a tension rod having one end secured to the lower end of the stringer, and a plurality of fastening members secured at spaced intervals to said rod adapted to coact with said offset portions whereby the lower ends of said jack ties will be resisted against lateral displacement.

6. In a portable bleacher construction, a diagonally extending stringer adapted to support the foot and seat boards of said bleacher, a plurality of jacks supporting the elevated end of said stringer, each jack comprising a pair of struts secured together adjacent to said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, jack ties connecting the lower ends of each pairof struts, said jack ties each having an offset portion therein aligned with the lower end of the stringer and with each other, and a tension rod having one end secured to the lower end of the stringer, and a plurality of hooks secured to said rod atspaced intervals therealong adapted to co-act with said offset portions whereby the lower ends of said jack ties will be resisted against lateral displacement.

7. In a portable bleacher construction, a

diagonally extending stringer adapted to support the foot and seat boards of said bleacher, a jack comprising a pair of struts extending downwardly from the elevated end of said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, a jack tie connecting the lower ends of said struts, said jack tie having an offset portion formed therein intermediate of its ends, and a tension rod having a hook at each end whereby said rod may be detachably secured to the lower end of the stringer and to said offset portion, the offset portion preventing lateral displacement of the tension rod. v

8. In a portable bleacher construction a diagonally extending stringer having a plurality of foot board hangers fastened to the lower edge'thereof, a jack comprising a pair of struts extending downwardly from the raised end of said stringer to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, a jack tie connecting the lower ends of said struts, said jack tie having a forwardly offset portion formed therein intermediate of its ends, a tension rod extending between the lowermost hanger and said jack tie, and a hook secured to each end of-said tension rod, one hook co-acting with said hanger and the other with said offset portion, said offset portion preventing lateral displacement of the tension rod.

9. In a portable bleaeher construction, a

' diagonalstringer having a foot board hanger secured to the lower edge thereof, a ack comprising a pair of struts extending downwardly to form an inverted V shaped support therefor, the apex of said V being notched to receive said stringer, a jack tie connecting the lower ends of said struts, said tie having a forwardly offset portion formed therein intermediate of its ends, a block secured to said stringer in position spaced lengthwise from said hanger whereby that portion of the stringer between the hanger and the blocl: may be inserted .in said notch to thereby prevent lengthwise movement of the upper portion of the jack on the stringer, and a tension rod having one end secured to the lower end of said stringer with a hook formed on the other end thereof adapted to co-act with said offset portion whereby lateral displacement of the lower end of the'jack is prevented. V

April 5, 1929.

LOREN M. POST, Deceased, By GEORGIANA 7. POST,

Ewecutm'as.

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