Abstract:
A press box generally made from a plurality of modules assembled together wherein each module includes a plurality of tubes or beams and columns arranged to form a box-like frame structure. The modules can be connected to one another in a vertical or horizontal arrangement. Roof modules may be secured to the uppermost module and all modules are secured together. Nuts and bolts, welding, or other means can be used to secure connector plates on the box-like frames to corresponding connector plates or to secured adjacent tubes of different press box modules. The box-like modules can include a doorway, electrical wiring, windows, tables, counters, lights, flooring, ceilings, and be accessible by staircase. Balconies may be secured to one side of the modules as desired. The modules may be individually assembled in a first location, transported to a second location and secured to one another to form a press box.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for use in construction of a press box. Press boxes are typically employed at football, soccer, track or racing stadiums. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for constructing such press boxes in modular fashion.  
           [0003]    2. Problems in the Art  
           [0004]    As is noted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,281 to Teron, the construction industry has been relatively slow in adopting new and developing technology. Generally, the construction industry has remained very labor intensive and of a handicraft nature. The end result is that construction projects are still expensive endeavors in terms of both money and time.  
           [0005]    The Teron patent, mentioned above, attempts to overcome the labor and time intensive nature of the construction industry through the use of pre-cast concrete monolithic units. While such units can be cast in a variety of shapes and sizes, each casting forms a solid structural wall that is not easily prone to adaptation. For example, the use of windows or doors requires separate in-fill panels as such cannot be readily integrated into a pre-cast structure of concrete. Therefore, it is desirable to have a modular building system in which various wall structures, including doors and windows, can be easily added.  
           [0006]    In the world of spectator events, press boxes are ideally located above the area of action. For example, in a high school football field setting, the press box is usually situated to one side of the field above all of the bleachers. Many press boxes also have more than one level from which to view the activity of interest. For these and other reasons, it is desirable to have modular units which are stackable without the need for additional supporting structures.  
           [0007]    Whether a press box is used for a football, soccer, track, or other sporting event, several common features are desirable. For example, every press box will need some sort of viewing area as well as a plurality of counters, tables, chairs and other features typically used by the occupants thereof. Because the features of the press box do not tend to vary greatly whether the press box is used for football, soccer, or in conjunction with any other sporting arena, it is desirable to have a modular unit for constructing press boxes that easily incorporates many of the standard and desirable features of press boxes in use today.  
           [0008]    Many arenas in use today are built with the assistance of public funds. Public funding is typically only awarded after a bidding process. During the bidding process, price, efficiency, and quality of the end product are of prime concern. It is therefore desirable to be able to offer a press box and method of constructing the same that minimizes production costs, increases production efficiency, and can be easily adapted to accommodate all of the customers demands. There is therefore a need for an apparatus and method of constructing a press box which avoids these and other problems.  
           [0009]    Features of the Invention  
           [0010]    A general feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which overcomes the problems found in the prior art.  
           [0011]    A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which is easily adaptable for use in many different arenas.  
           [0012]    Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which allows the press box to be easily customized for any particular customers desires.  
           [0013]    A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box, which allows the press box to include windows, doors, balconies, benches, seats and other features at a variety of locations.  
           [0014]    A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box, which uses modular units.  
           [0015]    Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which incorporates modular units that are stackable.  
           [0016]    A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which simplifies the on-site construction process.  
           [0017]    Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which minimizes assembly time.  
           [0018]    A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which minimizes construction costs.  
           [0019]    Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and method for constructing a press box which allows additions to be made to existing structures easily.  
           [0020]    These, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent from the following specification and claims.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0021]    The present invention generally comprises an apparatus and method for constructing a press box through the use of a plurality of press box modules. In one embodiment, a plurality of press box modules are formed offsite. Each press box module generally includes a box-like frame having a number of structural supports built therein. Preferably, each press box module is of a standardized size and shape such that one module may be easily stacked upon another module in a block like fashion.  
           [0022]    When assembled, each module preferably includes a plurality of steel columns or steel tubes at its corners. The steel columns are connected to one another by steel beams which may be secured to the columns through welding, screws, or any other well known method. Each column is preferably topped with a connector plate that acts as both a supporting platform and a means for connecting various modules in a vertical arrangement. Each module also includes a plurality of side beams that provides structural support. Each beam is preferably half of an I-beam or generally C-shaped. This presents the outer edge of the module with a flat surface. By keeping the outer surfaces flat, beams in different modules can be easily connected by including a plurality of corresponding holes in each beam and securing the beams there through. Securement can be performed with nuts and bolts, welding or any other known securing means.  
           [0023]    In another embodiment, construction is further simplified by using steel tubing for both the columns and beams. The added strength associated with the use of steel tubing allows construction of the modules to be done with minimal reinforcing materials. This allows for an open cross-section and thereby provides limitless opportunity for walk ways, placement of doors, windows, benches, electrical fittings and other desirable interior appointments. Using a plurality of steel tubing also minimizes the variety of materials needed, allowing for increased efficiency in both ordering and construction. These modules, formed primarily of steel tubing, can be secured to one another using welding, nuts and bolts or any other known securing means.  
           [0024]    Using either of the above mentioned embodiments, the modules can be rapidly assembled and stacked to form a press box of any desirable shape or size. Because easily modifiable framing elements are used instead of pre-cast structures, various elements are easily added to a press box module. For example, door jambs can be created using L-arm structural steel members, aluminum framing, or wood. In a similar fashion, window sills can be arranged to accommodate a variety of window sizes and shapes without the need to alter the pre-existing box frame. Each of these elements may be secured to the box frame through tack welding of the pieces directly or of suitable connector pieces.  
           [0025]    Each box frame also preferably includes flooring at a pre-determined and consistent level in each box frame. The flooring is generally formed from a plurality of flooring joist secured between the flooring beams by plurality of connector tabs. The flooring joist may be made of wood or metal or even adapted to support concrete slabs. In a similar manner, ceiling joist preferably run along the top of the box frame.  
           [0026]    After the flooring construction is completed, a variety of built-in componentry can be added. For example, if the customer desires a countertop underneath the window or viewing area, a counter can be pre-installed. Additionally, electrical conduit including a plurality of electrical boxes and switchboxes at desired locations may be inserted before wall finishing is completed  
           [0027]    On the top of the uppermost press box module, it is typically desirable to include a roof structure. The roof structure or roof module may be formed from either a column and beam or the steel tubing arrangement. In the column and beam arrangement, the roof module preferably includes a plurality of connector plates corresponding to the connector plates on the top of the press box module. This allows for nut and bolt connections to be easily made. Alternatively, in the steel tubing arrangement, the roof module may be easily welded to the tubing of the press box module below. Either arrangement can be secured together and to the corresponding box module below using any known method.  
           [0028]    Pre-assembling the roof module allows it to be easily connected with minimal onsite customization. Each roof module may include a roof that is angled at a pre-determined level and generally includes a plurality of roofing beams or additional tubes having connector tabs secured thereto. Between the roofing beams or tubes are a plurality of roofing struts that support the actual roofing material. By connecting the roof beams or tubes between two roof columns or additional tubes of varying heights, the roof angle can be controlled.  
           [0029]    Additional structures may be added to the outside of the press box modules, including a staircase for upper level access, and balconies if outdoor viewing is desirable. Both the balconies and the staircases may be easily bolted or otherwise connected to each press box module as desired. Balconies may be preinstalled before all of the modules are assembled into the final press box. Once modules are assembled or stacked, a balcony accessible in one module may be supplementally supported through a beam connection to a lower module. Additional structural supports may be used throughout the modules, including gusset plates with corresponding bracing rods. These keep the modules in tension and therefore minimize the amount of structural flex that may be inherent in each box frame.  
           [0030]    Once all of the individual modules are assembled, standard finishing materials such as drywall, carpeting, lighting, etc. may be applied to give the interior of the press box the desired appearance. Further, after module assembly is complete, siding material may be added to give the outside of the press box a finished appearance. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    The various features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the same wherein references made to drawings including:  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular press box in assembled form as would be installed at an arena.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 is a front view of the press box module assembly of FIG. 1.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the press box module assembly showing individual modules separated from one another.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the press box module assembly showing individual modules separated from one another.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 is a side view of a typical roof tube, ceiling tube or flooring tube to which connector tabs have been installed.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall of one embodiment of a press box module in finished form.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between one embodiment of the roof module and one embodiment of the press box module.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flooring installed in a press box module. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of the modular press box  10  installed in conjunction with a series of bleachers  12  at a stadium  14 . The press box  10  is preferably made from a variety of steel structures, including steel tubes, beams, columns, L-arm members, plates, brackets, rods, etc. Alternatively, other materials, such as aluminum, wood, composites, or plastic materials may be substituted as desired so long as the strength and integrity of the press box  10  is not compromised. As is shown in FIG. 1, the press box  10  is built up of a variety of press box modules  16 . The modules  16  may be arranged to provide an elongated structure with one or more floors as shown.  
         [0041]    A typical press box  10  is placed in an elevated position to allow the members of the press, announcers, coaching staff, and other individuals the desired advantage point. Any number of press box modules  16  may be used until the desired height is reached. Alternatively, the press box modules  16  and the press box  10  in its entirety may be elevated on a supporting platform or base structure, so long as the desired advantage point is reached. A preferred supporting platform (not shown) is constructed of steel beams or columns which are reinforced using a plurality of gusset plates and bracing rods. As the typical vantage point is an elevated one, stairs  18  may be secured to one or more press box modules  16  so that access to the press box  10  may be had from ground level. Alternatively, an elevator (not shown) may be assembled and secured as desired.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIG. 2, each press box module  16  may include a balcony  20  secured thereto. Each press box module  16  may be designed to include its own balcony  20 , to have no balcony  20 , or to have a balcony  20  that connects with the balconies  20  of other modules  16 . Also shown in FIGS.  1 - 4  are a plurality of roof modules  22 . By stacking the individual press box modules  16  in the desired arrangement and securing roof modules  22  on the uppermost press box module  16 , the desired final shape of the press box  10  can be realized.  
         [0043]    As many sporting events have a very limited off-season time period, it is desirable to keep on-site assembly time to a minimum. By using preformed press box modules  16  in conjunction with preformed roof modules  22 , on-site assembly time can be easily managed and minimized. Thus, a module press box  10  can be easily assembled during the off-season time available causing minimal inconvenience to the purchasing customer.  
         [0044]    As is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the modules  16  may be formed by creating a box-like frame structure. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates that square steel tubing, preferably ¼ inch think, 8 inch by 8 inch steel tubing, is using to form a plurality of columns  24  placed at the corners of the box-like frame structure. Each of the columns  24  are connected to one another through the use of a plurality of beams  26 . The beams  26  are preferably generally C-shaped as shown. A cross-sectional view of one such beam  26  is shown in FIG. 6.  
         [0045]    Additionally, beam support brackets (not shown) may be secured between the beam  26  and the column  24  to provide additional structural strength if needed. The support brackets are preferably steel plates that are simply welded in place once the beam  26  has been secured to the column  24 . The beam  26  may be secured to the column  24  through welding, bracketry, or any other known method. Additionally, when it is known a customer will not desire to passthrough the beam  26  and column  24  arrangement, i.e. that it will be a solid wall, additional bracing materials may be employed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of gusset plates  32  are secured to the corners of the beam  26  and column  24  assembly. A central gusset plate  32  allows a plurality of bracing rods  30  to be connected to enhance the rigidity of the overall wall formed by the beams  26  and columns  24 .  
         [0046]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the press box module  16  using steel tubing  25  in place of the columns  24  and beams  26  as shown in FIG. 4. Using 8 inch by 8 inch {fraction (1/4)} inch thick steel tubing allows for construction of press box modules  16  without the need for additional bracing materials. This arrangement maximizes the interior space of the press box module  16  while minimizing construction time and cost.  
         [0047]    A wall formed by either the beams  26  and columns  24 , as shown in FIG. 3, or the tubing  25 , as shown in FIG. 4, may also be fitted to include a variety of additional elements. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a doorjamb  34  has been installed. The door jamb  34  generally includes a plurality of L-arm or other bracketry  40  arranged to accommodate the desired door size. The doorjamb  34  is generally made by using a header  36  and retaining member  38  which can be spot welded into place or alternatively screwed into the tubes  25  or beam  26  and post  24 . Alternatively, the bracketry  40  can be arranged merely to accommodate the desired opening between rooms in the press box  10 .  
         [0048]    Typically one module will become one room in the press box  10 . However, the open wall provided by the beam  26  and column  24  arrangement or the tube  25  arrangement, allows multiple modules  16  to be assembled to form one room. Alternatively, rooms may be broken up in any desired fashion.  
         [0049]    Additionally, other features may be added to the press box module  16 . A counter  42 , shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 may be installed in any desired location. As is shown in FIG. 6, it is usually desirable in a press box  10  to have a counter  42  close to a window  52 . The counter  42  can be secured directly to the flooring  58  such that the countertop  56  abuts against the window wall. As is also shown in FIG. 6, the flooring  58  is generally secured to the beam  26  through the use of an L-arm bracket  40 . The L-arm bracket  40  is preferably a steel member that is supplementally supported through one or more support tabs  66 , generally shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0050]    Referring again to FIG. 3, electrical conduit  46  as well as corresponding electrical boxes  48  and switch boxes  50  may be placed as desired throughout the box-frame structure of any press box module  16 . Preferably, the electrical and countertop work is not performed until the floor  58  has been formed.  
         [0051]    The floor  58  is generally secured in the same manner as the deck or balcony  20 . As is shown in FIG. 6, the flooring  58  or balcony  20  is formed by initially welding a plurality of support tabs  66  to the inside of C-shaped beam  26 . Next, an L-arm bracket  40  is welded or otherwise secured to the beam  26  and support tabs  66 . Preferably, an aluminum deck structure or concrete slab  58  is secured to the L-arm brackets  40  through the use of a puddle weld, cement screws or other securing means. When this arrangement is to be used for a flooring section, the aluminum deck or concrete slab  58  provides a solid surface over which carpet, tile, or other desired flooring material may be placed. As is also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, flooring support joists  80  may be secured in a similar fashion. The flooring beams  82 , also the bottom beams  26  or bottom tubes  25 , may be fitted with a plurality of flooring connector tabs  84  to accommodate a plurality of transversely placed flooring joists  80 . The flooring connector tabs  84  are preferably secured to the flooring beams  82  or bottom beams  26  or tubes  25  through welding, though any other securing method may be used.  
         [0052]    Preferably, the flooring tabs  84  have a plurality of holes therein that correspond to a plurality of holes in the flooring joists  80 . This allows the flooring joists  80  to be rapidly assembled into proper position using nuts and bolts, though any type of securing method may be used. The flooring joists  80  thereby provide additional support to the decking or flooring material  58  previously discussed. Ceiling joists  86  may be similarly installed between ceiling beams  88 , the upper most beams  26  or upper most tubes  25 , using ceiling connector tabs  90 .  
         [0053]    Alternatively, the flooring  58  may be secured on top of I-beam flooring joists  80  and the flooring beams  82  made from bottom tubes  25  as is shown in FIG. 8. The shape of the steel tubing  25  provides for additional support for the flooring  58  eliminating some of the additional supports required for the beam  26  and column  24  arrangement. A C-channel member  83  having a flat outer edge may be place to meet the end of the flooring  58 . This provides a finished outer surface that may be easily adapted for finishing materials.  
         [0054]    Referring again to FIG. 6, a window  52  may be installed into a wall of the press box  10  by employing smaller C-shaped steel bracketry to form a window seal  44 . Wood framing  54  may be used to ensure a weather tight fit of the window  52 . Again, the open area format of the beam  26  and column  24  wall arrangement or the tube  25  wall arrangement allows a wide variety of shapes and sizes for the window  52 . Once the window  52  has been installed, closure plates, typically provided by a siding supplier, can be employed to ensure the wall is weather tight.  
         [0055]    During assembly of the beam  26  and column  24  arrangement of the individual press box modules  16  and referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of connector plates  70  are preferably placed on the upper and lower portions of the columns  24  or at other alternative locations as desired. Preferably, the connector plates are 14 inch square, ¼ inch thick steel plates that have a plurality of holes therein. Each connector plate  70  is identical such that the connector plates  70  from one module  16  may easily align with the connector plates  70  of another module  16 . In order to minimize assembly time and ease installation, the connector plate  70  are substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of the columns  24 . It is in this access area that hangs over the column  24 , that holes may be placed.  
         [0056]    As is also shown in FIG. 7, when the roof module  22  or any other module  16  is formed in the beam  26  and column  24  arrangement, they may be assembled by matching up the holes in the connector plates  70  and securing the upper connector plate  70  to the lower connector plate  70  with a plurality of bolts  64  and nuts  62 . As is also shown in FIG. 7, the column  24  may include an additional bracket or gusset plate  32  to which bracing rods  30  may be installed as previously discussed. This allows the columns  24  to put pressure on the beams  26 , thereby strengthening the overall rigidity of the entire box-frame press box module  16 .  
         [0057]    As the connector plates are used to secure the various press box modules  16  together in a vertical arrangement, so the beams  26  can be used to secure the press box modules  16  in a horizontal arrangement. As is shown in FIG. 7, the beams  26  of the press box module  16  include a plurality of holes through which bolts  64  and nuts  62  can be secured.  
         [0058]    Alternatively, when the tube  25  arrangement of the press box module  16  is used, the modules may be simply stacked on top of one another or side by side and then they are preferably welded together, preferably using a {fraction (1/4)} inch stitch weld every 2 inches. Any other connection means including welding, screws, etc. can be employed to secure one press box module  16  to another press box module  16  in a vertical arrangement. Thus, it can be seen how the various press box modules  16  can be added to form a press box  10  of any shape or size.  
         [0059]    As is shown in FIG. 3, the roof module  22 , consists generally of two pairs of roof columns  76 . One pair of roof columns  76  is at a pre-determined height with the other pair of roof columns  76  being at a slightly greater height. In this manner, the roof module  22  can have a roof of any desired slope. In between the roof columns  76 , roof beams  74  are placed. As is shown, the roof beams  74  are similar to the ceiling beams  88  and flooring beams  82  in that a plurality of connector tabs  78  are welded thereto. The outer ends of the roof beams  74  have been mitered to correspond with the desired slope of the roof. In between the roof beams  74  are a plurality of roofing struts  72 . The roofing struts  72  are secured to the connector tabs  78  through the use of screws, bolts and nuts, welding, or any other connective means.  
         [0060]    Alternatively, the roof module  22  may be formed using steel tubes  25  as is shown in FIG. 4. The roof columns and beams are formed of steel tubes  74  cut to the desired length and angled or mitered to provide the desired roof shape. As is shown in FIG. 5, the connector tabs  78  are placed on the tubes  25  in the same manner as the connector tabs  84  and  90  for the flooring and ceiling respectively.  
         [0061]    After each of the press box modules  16  are completed in the desired fashion and assembled to form the press box  10 , finishing materials, such as carpeting, siding, insulation, drywall, paint, wallpaper, lighting, etc. may be installed according to the customer&#39;s specifications. The manner of installing all of these elements over an existing steel frame structure is well known in the art.  
         [0062]    By making the internal framework in modular form, the entire process may be expedited while still providing the customer with a high quality, customizable end product. It is preferred that the individual press box modules  16  are prefabricated as much as possible at the shop or first location. This would include building in almost all of the electrical systems, heating and ventilation systems, flooring systems, doors, benches and countertops as desired. Once assembly of the individual press box modules  16  is completed to the extent possible, the modules are transported to the construction site or second location. Preferably, the modules  16  are loaded onto a semi-truck trailer for transport. By using the box-frame styles mentioned herein, the size of the individual press box modules  16  can be limited to the height and width allowed to travel down interstate highways without the need for special permits or warning vehicles.  
         [0063]    At the construction site, the individual modules  16  are unloaded and placed into the desired position. They are then secured together as previously discussed and staircases  18 , balconies  20 , and other exterior appointments are added. The roof modules  22  are added and the exterior finishing, including roofing and siding may be completed. The final interior appointments and well-known press box components, including lights, sound systems, computers, chairs, wall finishing materials, and any other customer desired appointments can be added on site to produce the press box  14  desired by the customer. In this manner, it can be seen that the modular approach to building a press box  10  saves time, money and minimizes inconvenience for the customer.  
         [0064]    The modular press box  14  also allows for additions to be easily made. After completing a full press box  14 , individual modules  16 ,  22  can be added by simply removing the exterior appointments to expose the steel beam, column or tube. Then additional modules can be connected in the usual fashion and exterior appointments reattached to form a new and expanded press box  14 .  
         [0065]    A general description of the present invention as well as a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been set forth above. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will recognize and be able to practice additional variations in the methods and systems described which fall within the teachings of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications and additions are deemed to be within the scope of the invention which is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.