Bleacher seat attachment bracket

A seat cushion for selective attachment to a bleacher seat includes a bracket with a front jaw and a rear jaw. The front jaw includes multiple laterally spaced attachment locations for the rear jaw. A cushioned seat including a cushioned bottom and a flexible connected backrest attaches to the bracket to be held in place on a bleacher. The backrest may include a pocket formed from a transparent material for displaying a card within the pocket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to seat cushions. More specifically, the present invention relates to cushions that are attachable to or usable with stadium seating, such as bleachers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bleacher-type seating is often provided for spectator events such as sporting events, concerts, and the like. Such seating is often provided in a permanent setting, such as a stadium, a semi-permanent setting, such as retractable bleachers in a gymnasium, or on a temporary basis for specific events. Bleachers provide simple, efficient and convenient seating for a large number of spectators; however, bleachers do not necessarily provide the most comfortable seating nor do they typically identify an individual seating location.

To improve the comfort of such seating, patrons sometimes bring their own seats or cushions. While an improvement in comfort, such a solution requires the patron to remember to bring their own device, which is often an afterthought and/or a very easily overlooked consideration when attending an otherwise exciting event. In addition, having spectators hauling their own chairs or cushion into a stadium seating arrangement can be inconvenient and possibly even dangerous to other spectators. That is, walkways are narrow and space is extremely limited so carrying extra items (especially if large, bulky or cumbersome) presents a challenge.

Thus, there exists a need to balance the conveniences and mass seating offered through stadium or bleacher seating with a degree of personal comfort.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, according to one embodiment, is a seat cushion for a removable attachment to a bleacher seat. The seat cushion includes a bottom cushioned portion including a bottom surface for resting on a upwardly facing surface on a bleacher seat. A bracket is provided that includes a front jaw for engaging a front portion of the bleacher seat. The bracket also has a rear jaw for engaging a rear portion of the bleacher seat. A tightening member is provided to draw the front and rear jaws together. The front jaw includes a plurality of attachment openings for receiving the tightening member. The attachment openings are laterally spaced apart such that the tightening member may be selectively connected at a plurality of locations. An attachment element on the bottom surface of the bottom cushioned portion is adapted for attachment to the bracket. The front jaw may include an upwardly turned lip portion to restrain the bottom cushioned portion against rearward movement. The seat cushion may also include a backrest portion flexibly connected to the bottom cushioned portion. Flexible constraints may be used to limit the range of rearward rotation of the back rest relative to the bottom cushioned portion. The flexible constraints may be adjustable length belts. The backrest portion may include a pocket on its back surface. The pocket may be formed from a transparent material.

According to another embodiment, the present invention is a bracket for use in attaching a cushioned seat to a bleacher seat. The bracket includes a front jaw having front portion for engagement with a front portion of a bleacher seat and a rear portion including a plurality of laterally offset passageways. A rear jaw has a rear portion for engagement with a rear portion of the bleacher seat. The rear jaw includes an aperture for alignment with any one of the passageways in the front jaw. An attachment member can bind the front and rear jaws together upon insertion through the aperture and one of the passageways aligned with the aperture.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention is a method of attaching a cushioned seat to a bleacher seat by providing a cushioned seat having a bottom cushioned portion with a bottom surface, the bottom surface including a plurality of loops. A bracket is provided that includes a front jaw having front portion for engagement with a front portion of a bleacher seat and a rear portion including a plurality of laterally offset passageways. The bracket also includes a rear jaw having a rear portion for engagement with a rear portion of the bleacher seat. The rear jaw includes an aperture for alignment with any one of the passageways in the front jaw. The bracket further includes an attachment member for binding the front and rear jaws together upon insertion through the aperture and one of the passageways aligned with the aperture. The front jaw is attached to the cushioned seat by inserting the front jaw into the loops. The front jaw and cushioned seat are attached to the bleacher seat by aligning the aperture in the rear jaw with a selected one of the passageways in the front jaw and inserting the attachment member through the aperture and the selected passageway.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. The use of descriptive terms such as up, down, vertical and horizontal are for illustrative purposes only, are not meant to be limiting, and are used by way of example with respect to the illustrations presented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The cushions of the present invention, according to one embodiment, can be used is to provide designated, comfortable seating to select patrons in a stadium seating arrangement. For example, the stadium may rent the present stadium cushions to any patron who so chooses. In such a scenario, stadium personnel would most likely secure all of the stadium cushions to the bleachers in the appropriate locations before the arrival of the patrons. This provides many advantages. For example, it can provide a source of advertising, by allowing printed matter to be prominently displayed on the stadium cushions awaiting the arrival of patrons. It also allows a particular space or seating location to be physically identified and/or reserved for a particular patron.

Alternatively, the cushions of the present invention are quickly attachable and detachable from the stadium seating such that a patron could bring the cushion to the stadium, attach it to the patron's seat, and remove the cushion from the stadium when the patron leaves at the end of the event.

FIG. 1is an isometric view of a stadium chair10attached to a bleacher12in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bleacher12can take many forms. As illustrated, the bleacher12may be an elongated plank-like member having a planar upper seating surface14, a lower surface16, a front face18and rear face20. The bleacher12may be made from various materials including wood or aluminum. As illustrated in phantom, the bleacher12may also include a recess22having one or more lips24and one or more ribs (not shown) to provide additional structural support.

The stadium chair10rests on the upper seating surface14and is secured to both the front face18and rear face20of the bleacher. The particular configuration of the bleacher12may affect which particular securement members (described more fully below) should be used.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the stadium chair10includes a frame26. As illustrated, frame26is formed from a tubular or cylindrical member that is appropriately bent at predetermined angles to form the frame structure. The frame26could be formed from any suitable material such as metal (e.g., aluminum, steel tubing or steel rod), plastic or the like. The choice of materials will determine whether the frame26is formed via bending or as a pre-shaped component (e.g., molded, cast, injection molded). As illustrated, the frame26is a single component forming a first generally U-shaped bracket46having a first face engaging member50and a first lower surface engaging member54. Likewise, the frame26includes at an opposite end a second generally U-shaped bracket48having a second face engaging member52and a second lower surface engaging member56.

The frame26includes a first horizontal member36and a second horizontal member38which rest atop the upper seating surface14when the stadium chair10is positioned as illustrated. The horizontal members36,38define a seat portion34of the frame26. Depending from the horizontal members36,38and extending upwards (as illustrated) is a back portion32of the frame26that is defined by a first upright member40and a second upright member42. The first and second upright members40,42are optionally interconnected by an upright cross member60. The upper section of back portion32may be angled backwards or away from bleacher12. This provides a more comfortable seat back for patrons by preventing the upper corners from engaging the back of the patron. In addition, the angled portion aides in securing a backrest28to the frame26. That is, backrest28is a flexible member having an interior cavity allowing the backrest28to be slipped over the back portion32. The angle can increase the tension of the backrest28, making it more secure. In addition, clips (not shown) or other attachment members can be used to temporarily or permanently secure the backrest28to the frame26.

A seat cushion30is placed atop the seat portion34of frame26. The seat cushion30provides a comfortable seating surface for the patron. The cushion30and backrest28can be made from any appropriate material such as vinyl, plastic, or the like. If exposed to the environment, the material chosen preferably is suitably durable and/or weather resistant. The cushion30and/or the backrest28can include a desired amount of padding or cushioning to achieve a desired size, shape and degree of comfort.

In use, the frame26is positioned so that the first and second generally U-shaped brackets46,48loop over the front face18of the bleacher12. The shape of the generally U-shaped brackets46,48and the overall rigidity of the frame26thus prevent the stadium chair10from tipping either forwards or backwards. An attachment bracket44is positioned on the back portion32of the frame26, between the first and second uprights40,42. The attachment bracket44provides additional strength and rigidity to the overall frame assembly. An L-shaped attachment clamp62is releasably secured to the attachment bracket44and is positioned so that a portion thereof is below the bleacher12, in contact with lower surface16, as shown inFIG. 2. Thus, as attachment clamp62is tightened against attachment bracket44, attachment clamp62frictionally engages bleacher12, effectively clamping stadium chair10to the bleacher12. In this manner, stadium chair10is prevented from being tilted forwards or backwards; sliding forwards or backwards (e.g., off the bleacher12), lifted vertically; and if sufficient tension is applied, from sliding horizontally along upper surface14. Thus, a defined location on the bleacher12is presented that provides a comfortable, backed seating position to a patron.

FIG. 3is an isometric view of one embodiment of the attachment bracket44. The attachment bracket44is preferably a rigid member made of suitably strong material such as metal. For example, attachment bracket44could be stamped, cast, bent or otherwise fabricated from steel, aluminum or the like. Attachment bracket44is a channeled member having some degree of depth or thickness. At opposing ends, a first tab70and a second tab72are provided. The tabs70,72may be bent around upright member40,42respectively to secure the attachment bracket44to the frame26. Other methods of attachment such as bolting, crimping, clamping, welding, or the like may also be used to secure the attachment bracket44to the upright members40,42of the frame26. As the tabs70,72are bent around upright members40,42, they form channels74,76that ultimately receive and frictionally engage the upright members40,42. Thus, the attachment bracket is securely attached to a given position on the back portion32of the frame26.

The attachment bracket44is provided with one or more threaded throughbores78,80,82. If multiple clamps62are to be attached they may be balanced by utilizing left and right threaded throughbores80,82. If only one clamp62is to be used, it may normally be secured to central threaded throughbore78or alternatively to any throughbore that is unobstructed. That is, the seat10may be positioned as desired and the multiple throughbores78,80,82provide for multiple attachment points. Thus, if one or more attachment points is obscured or occluded by an obstruction (e.g., a frame member of the bleacher12), it is a simple matter to utilize one of the other unobstructed attachment points. Fewer threaded throughbores may be provided, more may be provided, and different configurations could also be utilized as desired.

By utilizing an attachment bracket44, frame26can be made as a relatively simple and straightforward component. That is, the frame26can be easily and readily produced as can the attachment bracket44. These two components can be quickly and easily joined to produce a complete frame assembly.

FIG. 4illustrates how attachment clamp62is secured to attachment bracket44and how clamp62engages bleacher12. A threaded member such as bolt84is passed through an upper portion of clamp62so as to engage one of the threaded throughbores78,80,82illustrated inFIG. 3. Rotating the bolt84causes the clamp62to abut and engage the attachment bracket44, in the known way. Thus, by tightening the bolt84, the clamp62is secured; this in turn effectively secures the chair10to the bleacher12. As shown, the clamp62is spaced from the rear face20; however, these two portions could be in contact. Likewise, as illustrated, clamp62contacts the lower surface16; however, a small gap could also be present.

In a particularly efficient arrangement, one of the clamps62could be loosely attached to each of the chairs10prior to installation on the bleachers. Thus, the installer could position the chair10, pivot the clamp into place, tighten the bolt84with a wrench or the like and the chair10is installed. When installing hundreds or even thousands of chairs at one time, this efficiency is well placed. Alternatively, various other known attachment mechanisms could be used to secure the clamp62to the attachment bracket44. For example, as shown inFIG. 13, the throughbore78,80,82need not be threaded. Rather, a threaded member84(e.g., a bolt) could be passed therethrough and secured with a fastener87, such as a nut, wing nut, cotter pin, or the like. This may, in some cases, allow installation and removal without requiring a separate tool. For example, a wing nut could be manually tightened or loosened by hand. In such an example, the bolt head may be positioned underneath the seat cushion30so that the wing nut would be exposed from behind the chair10. Additionally, the clamp62could be secured to attachment bracket44via any other attachment clamps, levers, connectors or brackets that would allow the clamp62to be appropriately tensioned against the attachment bracket44with a desired degree of manipulation.

As mentioned above, some bleachers14may have lips24and recesses22(FIG. 1). In such a case, a J-clamp86, as illustrated inFIG. 5, can be utilized. That is, the J-clamp86is secured to the attachment bracket44instead of the L-shaped attachment clamp62. The J-clamp86includes a lip88that is received within recess22an may abut lip24. The J-clamp provides additional security when attaching the seats10.

With the use of either type of clamp62,86the attachment of the stadium chair10to the bleacher12is a relatively quick and easy process that results in semi-permanent attachment. That is, the seat cannot be readily removed by a patron (without the aid of a tool such as a wrench). This serves to protect the chairs10, reduce vandalism, reduce accidental damage, and prevent theft. Also, the chairs (if left over time) need only be positioned once.

In furtherance of many of these same goals, it may be desirable to secure the seat cushion30to the frame26.FIGS. 6-7illustrate having a single securement strap90connected to opposite rear corners of the seat cushion30that can be looped around the upright members40,42. This serves to hold the cushion30in the position illustrated and prevent it from being tipped forward. To attach, the cushion30is lowered into place while the strap90is simply slipped over the upright member40,42. Alternatively, the strap90could be openable or removable (e.g., hook and loop type fasteners.FIG. 8illustrates an embodiment where two securing loops92,94are provided. Each loop92,94is placed around one upright member40,42respectively. Again, the individual loops92,94could be slid around the U-brackets46,48of the frame26, or they could be openable (e.g., buttons, hook and loop type fasteners, etc.). With solid loops92,94it would be difficult and perhaps impossible for the seat cushion30to be removed while the frame26is secured to the bleacher, depending of course on how tightly the frame26engages the bleacher12. In those cases where the cushion30could be removed or when using strap90, the relevant straps could be further secured to the frame26and/or attachment bracket44with locking members (e.g., zip ties), if desired.

FIG. 9is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher105with a backed stadium seat110attached. A backed bleacher105is any stadium bleacher or bench type seat provided with a structure to support or abut a patron's back. The example illustrated includes a support member102and a bleacher seat100. A bleacher back104is coupled to the bleacher seat by a back support column106. Any number of arrangements are possible for backed bleacher seats and the back and seat portion may be integral, connected or completely separate.

The backed bleacher stadium seat110includes a seat cushion112which rests on the bleacher seat100to provide cushioned comfort to the patron. A back cushion114is connected to the seat cushion112by one or more flexible members. As illustrated, a first connecting strap116and a second connecting strap118act as the flexible member in this embodiment.

The back cushion114includes a front surface120and an opposing rear surface122that is proximal the bleacher back104. A back cushion bracket124securely couples the back cushion114to the bleacher back support106. One such bracket124is illustrated and is sufficient for attachment; however, more than one bracket124(e.g., spacing two such brackets on opposite ends) may also be utilized to attach the back cushion114. As the seat cushion112is coupled to the back cushion114, the seat cushion is likewise retained proximate to the bleacher105, though having some degree of permissible movement.FIG. 10illustrates the interconnection between the back cushion114and the seat cushion112, which are freely movable with respect to one another to the extent that the flexible connecting straps116,118permit such a range of movement.

The backed bleacher stadium seat110can be attached to most any backed bleacher105to provide cushioned comfort for seating and for back support. As disclosed above, the stadium seat110could also be semi-permanently attached to the bleacher seat105by virtue of the bracket124.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate one embodiment of the stadium seat110allowing for semi-permanent attachment. The rear surface122of the back cushion is provided with an attachment strap130that spans across at least a portion of the rear surface. As illustrated, strap130is provided from one vertical (as illustrated) edge to the opposite edge. This allows maximum adjustability.

A back cushion bracket124includes substantially C-shaped bracket having a strap loop132at one end and a threaded throughbore135at the other end for receiving a locking bolt134. The bracket124is placed over the top portion of the bleacher back104(FIG. 9) and the locking bolt is advanced so as to exert pressure against the bleacher back104and hold the bracket124in place relative to the bleacher back104. The attachment strap130of the cushion114is received by the strap loop132, thus securing the back cushion114. Depending upon the tension exerted, the back cushion may be horizontally slidable relative to the bleacher back104; the amount of such movement being determined by the length and flexibility of the attachment strap30.

In addition to using the stadium seat110on a backed bleacher, the seat110may also be used on a club seat. Club seats are often provided in stadiums and have a seat portion and a back portion forming a chair. The seat portion often folds upwards towards the back portion to allow more space in an aisle. The use of the stadium seat110on a club seat is substantially similar to the use described above. In addition, the seat cushion112may be provided with a strap (not separately shown) that is substantially similar to the attachment strap130provided on the back cushion114(FIG. 11). Such a strap could then be slid under the seat portion of the club seat, serving to retain the seat cushion112in place. This is particularly useful on those club seats that fold upwards, as the seat cushion112need not be repositioned or reattached each time the patron rises and the club seat folds.

FIG. 14is a perspective view of a stadium cushion200attached to a backed bleacher202, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the backed bleacher has an separate bleacher back204for each seat. The bleacher back204is connected to the bench or bleacher206by back support elements208.

FIG. 15is a rear perspective view of the stadium cushion200, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The stadium cushion200has a seat cushion220and a back cushion222that are connected by two connection elements224. The connection elements224, in one aspect of the invention, are two flexible straps that allow for the respective positions of the two cushions220,222to be varied for ease of use and transport. Alternatively, the connection elements224can be any known device allowing for flexible connection of the seat cushion220and the back cushion222. In a further alternative, the connection element224can be a one element allowing for flexible connection of the two cushions220,222.

The back cushion222has a seat back attachment element226. According to one embodiment, the seat back attachment element226is a stretchable strap that stretches along the back side of the back cushion222and is connected at each end228to the cushion222. Alternatively, the seat back attachment element can be any known device for attaching the seat cushion222to the seat back204.

The back cushion222also has support attachment elements230. According to one embodiment, the support attachment elements230are adjustable plastic loops that are connected to the back cushion222on opposing sides of the back cushion222. In one embodiment, the support attachment elements230are similar to zip ties. Alternatively, the support attachment elements230are any known devices for attaching the back cushion to the back support elements208.

FIG. 16depicts the back of the back cushion222and the underside of the seat cushion220, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The underside of the seat cushion220includes a seat attachment element240. According to one embodiment, the seat attachment element240is a stretchable strap that stretches along the underside of the seat cushion220and is connected at each end242to the cushion220. Alternatively, the seat attachment element240can be any known device for attaching the seat cushion220to the bleacher seat206.

In use, the stadium cushion200is configured to be used with several types of stadium seating. That is, the stadium cushion200can be attached to a bleacher seat with separate seat backs as shown inFIG. 14. The seat back attachment element226is stretched over the seat back204by positioning the back cushion222such that the seat back204is slid between the seat back attachment element226and the back cushion222. The seat back attachment element226thereby stabilizes and maintains the position of the back cushion222in relation to the seat back204.

In addition, the stadium cushion200according to one embodiment can be further attached to a stadium seat via the support attachment elements230. Each element230can be attached to a back support element208as shown inFIG. 14. The back cushion222is thereby further stabilized.

Further, the stadium cushion200according to one aspect of the present invention is further attached to the stadium seat using the seat attachment element240as shown inFIG. 14. The seat attachment element240is stretched over the seat206by positioning the seat cushion220such that the seat206is slid between the seat attachment element240and the seat cushion220. The seat attachment element240thereby stabilizes and maintains the position of the seat cushion220in relation to the seat206.

Alternatively, the stadium cushion200could also be attached to any club seat as described herein. In a further alternative, the stadium cushion200is intended to be attachable to several other types of stadium seating.

Shown generally in the drawings is an additional alternative embodiment of a seat cushion310that is suitable for attachment to a bleacher312(shown in phantom lines), or other similar base portion. As will be seen in the drawings and following description, the seat cushion310is adapted for quick and convenient attachment to a bleacher312in a semi-permanent fashion to provide a comfortable seat that provides padding and back support for a user.

FIG. 17is an isometric view of a seat cushion310according to one embodiment of the present invention. The top portion of a bleacher312is indicated in phantom lines. It should be appreciated that the seat cushion310could be modified to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of bleachers, or other support structures. The seat cushion310includes a bottom portion314and a back portion316. The bottom cushioned portion314provides a padded surface on which a user may sit, and the back portion316provides a backrest to provide support for a user's back.

The bottom portion314is a padded cushion. It may include a covering320surrounding and protecting a pad322(not visible inFIG. 17, seeFIG. 24). The covering320may be made of any suitable protective material. Most preferably the material will be flexible, durable, comfortable to sit on, and weather resistant. Preferably, it will not fade excessively, or degrade significantly from prolonged exposure to sunlight, and other elements. Suitable coverings320may include nylon fabric, vinyl, canvass, rubber, and the like. It may be desired to match the coloring of the covering320with the color of the bleacher312, or with the color scheme of a school or team. The covering320could be decorated with a logo, name, or other image, if desired. The pad322is included to provide a comfortable cushioning layer between a user and a bleacher312. The pad322may be made from any suitable cushioning material such as sponge, foam rubber, synthetic stuffing, and the like. It should be thick enough to provide comfortable cushioning, but not so thick as to unduly raise the height of the seating surface. Preferably it is deep enough to cover the entire depth of the bleacher312. It should be wide enough to provide a comfortable space for a user to sit. The pad322may be generally flat, or may be contoured to match a user's anatomy.

The back portion316includes a central cushioned portion324between two riser portions326. The central cushioned portion324is formed similarly to the bottom portion314described above. It has a covering320around a pad322(not shown inFIG. 17, seeFIG. 24). The riser portions326provide support and stability to the central cushioned portion324. The bottom portion314and the back portion316are preferably joined together in a hinged or pivotal relationship, near a back end of the bottom portion314and a bottom end of the back portion316.

A gusset328is provided near the top of each riser326. This gusset328serves as an attachment point for a flexible belt318. A similar triangular gusset330is provided near the front of the bottom portion314, and serves as an attachment and reinforcement point for the flexible belt318to the bottom portion314. The gussets328and330are preferably made of a strong, flexible material similar to the covering320. They may be attached to the covering320of their respective cushioned portions314and316by sewing, riveting, adhesive or other fastening mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, the gussets328and330may be formed from the same piece of material as their respective coverings. The lower gusset330is provided with an eyelet332, which is preferably in the form of a reinforced grommet made of metal or plastic.

Belt318is preferably adjustable in length. As such, the belt318may be formed by two separate straps connected by a buckle334. Other mechanisms for lengthening and shortening the belt will be known to those of skill in the art, for example, a hook and loop fastener such as commonly sold under the trade name Velcro. The belt318acts as a flexible constraint element for restraining the back portion316from rotating beyond a desired angle with respect to the bottom portion314. The belt318should be made from a thin, flexible material that is sufficiently strong to maintain the desired angle between the bottom portion314and the back portion316when a user sitting on the bottom portion314leans back against the back portion316. The preferred material is a nylon belt, but other materials may be acceptable as well.

An attachment clamp336is used to fasten the seat cushion310to the bleacher312. A patch338may be applied at the rear bottom of the back surface of the bottom portion314in order to protect and reinforce the covering320against contact with the attachment clamp336. A loop340may be provided on the back surface of the bottom portion314in alignment with and above the attachment clamp336. A zip tie375(seeFIG. 24) or other fastener (not shown) may be threaded through the loop340to connect it with the attachment bracket336in order to maintain the back portion316in a generally upright orientation.

FIG. 18is a rear view of the seat cushion310shown inFIG. 17.FIG. 19is a front view of the seat cushion310shown inFIG. 17. As can be seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, in use, the seat cushion310rests flat against the top surface of a bleacher seat312. Specifically, the bottom surface of the bottom portion314rests on top of the bleacher312. As seen inFIG. 18, attachment clamp336includes a rear jaw342that extends below and engages the bleacher312. A front jaw344extends all the way to the front of the bleacher312, and is visible in bothFIGS. 2 and 3. A threaded fastener346is used to join the two jaws342and344together. Preferably the jaws342and344are made from steel bent into the desired shape. The jaws342and344should be durable, rigid, and resistant to corrosion.

The features of the attachment clamp336are best seen inFIGS. 20 and 24. With reference toFIG. 20, it can be seen that the rear jaw342is a generally L-shaped bracket that includes a vertical leg348and a horizontal leg350. In use, the rear jaw342wraps around and engages a rear portion of the bleacher312. With further reference toFIG. 20, it can be seen that the front jaw344is a bracket with a somewhat serpentine cross section. It has a rear vertical leg352, a long horizontal leg354, a front vertical leg356, and a front horizontal leg358. Threaded fastener346engages a threaded receiver360to fasten the rear jaw342to the front jaw344, and thereby clamp the bleacher312between the jaws342and344. The threaded receiver360may be a loose nut. More preferably, the threaded receiver360is fixed, as by welding, to the rear vertical leg352of the front jaw344. It should be appreciated that the orientation of the threaded fastener346and the threaded receiver360could be reversed, though the orientation shown is preferred for ease of access to the head of the threaded fastener346, and so that the end of the threaded fastener346does not extend into an area between bleachers310where people may be walking and catch their legs on the exposed end. In the preferred orientation shown, patch338reinforces and protects covering320from snagging or wearing from contact and rubbing with the end of the threaded fastener346and the front jaw344. The rear vertical leg352of the front jaw344extends higher than the vertical leg of the rear jaw342, and includes a slot362near its top end. It should be appreciated that the relative heights of the rear vertical legs348and354reversed, and the slot362could be provided in the rear jaw342as an alternative.

As best seen inFIG. 22, the bottom surface of the bottom portion314includes a belt364with a loop366formed about midway across the width of the seat bottom portion314. The loop366is formed in the shown embodiment by leaving a central portion of the belt364loose, or unstitched, from the bottom surface of the bottom portion314. The loop316is used to attach the seat310to the attachment clamp336. Specifically, the front jaw344is threaded through the loop366until the loop316is in the position shown inFIG. 20on the long horizontal leg354.

The back portion316and the bottom portion314are connected in a hinged or pivotal relationship. In the embodiment shown, a hinge372is formed by the covering320. Specifically, as seen inFIG. 24, a single piece of material is used form the covering320for both the back portion316and the bottom portion314. A gap, or space, is left between the pads322of the back314and bottom314portions within the covering320. This gap provides a flexible portion that acts as a hinge372. Alternatively, the back portion316and bottom portion314could be formed separately and joined together by a separate hinge structure.

The hinge portion372of the embodiment shown includes a pair of openings370visible inFIG. 22. These openings370are preferably reinforced by metal or plastic grommets or eyelets. These openings370provide additional attachment points for fasteners, as well as providing drainage ports for water that could otherwise collect in the hinge portion372.

The back portion316includes a pair of riser portions326on opposite ends, as seen in the top view ofFIG. 21. The riser portions326provide support for the central cushioned portion324that acts as an ergonomic back rest. The riser portions326may be formed from any suitable structure that provides vertical and lateral support for the central cushioned portion324. In the embodiment shown, riser inserts368are sewn within pockets formed in the covering320, as shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 23. These riser inserts368may be formed from relatively rigid materials such as hard plastic, wood, or metal.

There are no cross members across the back portion316. Instead, the entire structural support for the back portion316is provided by the riser portions326, the pad322, and flexible belts318.

Attachment of the seat cushion310to the bleacher312is accomplished as follows. First, the seat cushion310is connected to the attachment clamp336by threading the front jaw344through the loop366in belt364on the bottom surface of the bottom portion314. The front jaw344may then be placed in engagement with the bleacher312in the desired location with the front portion of the bleacher312retained by the front horizontal leg358and front vertical leg356of the front jaw344. The long horizontal leg354should rest on the top surface of the bleacher312and should run generally from the front of the bleacher312to the rear of the bleacher312in a generally perpendicular alignment. The rear jaw342can then be secured to the front jaw344by inserting threaded fastener346though the rear jaw342into the threaded receiver360and then tightening the threaded fastener346. A wrench may be used to provide additional leverage in tightening the threaded receiver360. The bleacher312should be securely captured between the front jaw344and the rear jaw342, thereby fastening the attachment clamp336to the bleacher312. The seat cushion310is secured to the clamp336by virtue of loop366being retained by the long horizontal leg354. To further secure the seat cushion310to the clamp336, a zip tie, or similar attachment may threaded between loop340on the rear of the back portion316and the slot362near the top of the vertical leg348of the rear jaw342.

The belts318can be adjusted to limit the distance the back portion316will pivot rearward. Typically a user will adjust the belts318so that the back portion316will not pivot much beyond a perpendicular orientation. When not in use, the belts318may be shortened to that the back portion316retained close to the bottom portion314in a closed storage position. In this closed storage position the back portion316covers and protects a portion of the bottom portion314from rain, dust, and sun exposure to improve the life of the bottom portion314. The overall profile of the seat cushion310is also lowered in the closed storage position, to reduce the strain caused by wind.

When the seat cushion310is in place on the bleacher312, it allows a user to sit more comfortably than on a plain bleacher312. The bottom portion314provides cushioning and the back portion316provides support for the user's back. Because there are no hard cross members spanning across the back portion person's walking, sitting, or standing in the aisle behind the seat cushion310need not worry about banging their shin or other part of their leg on a hard cross-member.

The seat cushion310may be easily removed from the bleacher312for storage. It is contemplated that users may leave the seat cushion310in place on the bleacher312during an entire season, and then remove the seat cushion310during the off season. Of course, user's may choose to leave the seat cushion310attached more or less permanently, or may be removed after each event. To remove the seat cushion310, the threaded fastener346is loosened, typically with a wrench, and the jaws342and344of the clamp336are spread apart and disengaged from the bleacher312.

Shown generally inFIGS. 25-34is an embodiment of a cushioned seat410that is suitable for removable attachment to a bleacher seat412or similar base. The cushioned seat410is adapted for quick and convenient attachment to a bleacher412in a semi-permanent fashion to provide a comfortable seat that provides padding and back support for a user. The cushioned seat410is well-suited for attachment to the bleacher even in instances where a portion of the bleacher may be obstructed.

FIG. 25shows the cushion seat410attached to a bleacher seat412. The cushion seat410could be modified to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of bleacher, or other support structures. The cushion seat410includes a seat cushion414and an attachment bracket416that is used to attach the seat cushion414to the bleacher seat412. The seat cushion414includes a backrest418and a bottom cushion420. As seen inFIG. 25, when the cushion seat410is attached to the bleacher412, the bottom cushion420provides a padded surface on which a user may sit, and the backrest418provides a support for a users back. Flexible straps422, which may be nylon belts or the like, restrain the backrest418to provide support when a user leans back against the backrest418. Buckles438may be used in order to adjust the length of the flexible straps422, and thereby the angle of the backrest418relative to the bottom cushion420.

FIG. 26shows the seat cushion414removed from the bleacher412. The bottom cushion420may include a covering424that surrounds and protects a pad425(seeFIG. 28A). The covering424may be made of any suitable protective material. Preferably, the material would be flexible, durable, comfortable to sit on, and weather resistant. Preferably, it will not fade excessively, or degrade significantly from prolonged exposure to sunlight, and other elements. Suitable materials for covering424may include nylon fabric, vinyl, canvass, rubber, leather, and the like. It may be desirable to match the coloring of the covering424with the color of the bleacher412, or with the color scheme of a school or team. The covering424could be decorated with a logo, name, or other image. The pad provided within the covering424may be made from any suitable cushioning material such as sponge, foam rubber, synthetic stuffing, and the like. It should be thick enough to provide comfortable cushioning, but not so thick as to unduly raise the height of the seating surface. Preferably it will be deep enough to cover the entire depth of the bleacher412, and will be wide enough to provide a comfortable space for a user to sit on. The pad may be generally flat, or may be contoured to match a user's anatomy. The pad may be sewn or bonded within the covering424, or the covering424may be provided with a zipper or other closable opening into which the pad may be inserted. The backrest418is flexibly connected with the bottom cushion420, for example by fabric hinges426. Fabric hinges426may be provided by strips of fabric that are attached, as by sewing, rivet, adhesive, or other known methods at corresponding portions of the bottom cushion420and backrest418. The backrest418may be formed with an open area428between the hinges426. This open area428is useful for providing a space for a portion of the attachment bracket416without interference with the backrest418.

The bottom of the bottom cushion420is provided with a rear loop430and a pair of front loops432. These loops430and432act as an attachment mechanism to capture portions of the attachment bracket416in order to attach the cushion seat410to the attachment bracket416. The loops430and432may be formed by any suitable flexible durable material that is suitable for receiving and capturing the attachment bracket416. For example, the loops430and432may be formed by fabric belts that are sewn, or otherwise adhered to the bottom of the bottom cushion420. In the preferred embodiment shown, the rear loop430expands across the entire, or nearly entire, width of the bottom cushion420. The front loops432are offset from each other and are preferably provided near the outer edges of the bottom surface of the bottom cushion420. The front loops432may be formed from a single belt that is stitched or otherwise attached to the bottom of the bottom cushion420with two loops formed. Alternatively, the front loops432may be formed as a single loop similar to the rear loop430. The advantage to having two front loops432is that is helps maintain the cushion seat410more securely in place against sliding or twisting on the attachment bracket416, as will be described in more detail below.

The rear surface of the backrest418may be provided with a pocket flap434in order to form a pocket on the back of the backrest418. Preferably, the pocket flap434will be formed from a transparent material, such as clear plastic or vinyl, so that written materials may be seen and read through the pocket flap434. As best seen in detailFIG. 28A, a card436with information, such as row and seat number may be inserted into the pocket434so that patrons know where to sit in case of assigned seating. In addition to, or in place of, the seat and row number, the card may be imprinted with advertising material or other information pertaining to the event being watched from the bleacher seat.

Many of the details of the bottom cushion420and backrest418may be similar to that described above relative the seat cushion310. For example, gussets328may be used to connect the flexible straps422to the bottom cushion and backrest418. Buckles438may be used to adjust the length of the flexible straps422.

The details of the bracket416are best shown inFIGS. 30-34. The bracket416includes a front jaw442and a rear jaw444. The front jaw442has a front portion that includes a pair for elongated front jaw members446bent to form J-shaped hooks448at their front ends. The rear ends of the front jaw members446are bent upwardly at tabs450which are fixed on to angle flange452that spans between the two front jaw members446. The elements of the bracket416may be formed from steel or similar hard material that is bent to shape and treated with a corrosive preventative, such as paint. Other materials may be used such as stainless steel, fiberglass, vinyl, hard plastics, wood, and the like. In a preferred hardened steel version, the front jaw members446are affixed to the angle flange452by weldments (not shown).

The angle flange452includes an upwardly turned lip454. A plurality of passageways456are provided through the lip454, such that the passageways456are rearwardly disposed. The passageways456may be smooth bores, or may be threaded. It is preferred that at least three passageways456be provided such that a variety of laterally offset attachment points are provided for the rear jaw444.

The rear jaw444has a unitary construction with a hook458formed at a lower portion. In the embodiment shown, the hook458is J-shaped, but could be L-shaped, or formed in other shapes for engaging the rear portion of the bleacher412. The upper portion of the rear jaw444includes an aperture (not shown) through which an attachment member460may pass. The attachment member460may be threaded as a bolt or similar member. The threaded attachment member460may include a head462for receiving a tool such as a flat or phillips head screw driver, or an allen wrench. Alternatively, the head462could be formed to include tabs or flanges for hand tightening. According to one aspect of the present invention it is preferred that use of a tool is required to remove the attachment member once tightened in order to prevent easy removal of the seat cushion414by patrons. A threaded nut466may provided for threaded engagement with the attachment member460, or a plurality of nuts466be welded or otherwise adhered to the front face of the lip454in alignment with each passageway.

The laterally offset passageways456are of particular importance because they provide for multiple attachment locations for the rear jaw444. This can be important because the bleacher seat412may include attachment hardware464(seeFIG. 34) or the like to fasten the bleacher seat412to the stadium. This attachment hardware464may obstruct or impede location of the rear jaw over some span of the angle flange452. By including more than one attachment location in the form of the laterally spaced passageways456, the rear jaw444may be attached an unobstructed location.

In use, the elongated members446of the front jaw442are threaded through the front and rear loops430and432on the bottom of the bottom cushion420. This securely fastens the seat cushion414to the bracket416. The front jaw442and seat cushion414are then attached to the bleacher seat412by hooking the front hooks448of the front jaw over the front portion of the bleacher seat412and setting the elongated members446and the bottom cushion420on the upper surface of the bleacher412. The rear jaw444is this used to securely mount the front jaw442and seat cushion414to the bleacher412by hooking the lower hook458under the rear portion of the bleacher seat412and bringing the aperture in the rear jaw444into alignment with one of the passageways456in the upwardly turned lip454of the front jaw442and inserting the attachment member460. The attachment member460should be secured in place, for example by rotating the threaded member460against a threaded female nut466until tight in order to draw the front442and rear444jaws tightly together. If the location of the rear jaw444at one or more of the passageways456is obstructed, for example by attachment hardware464(seeFIG. 34) for the bleacher412, a passageway456at an unobstructed location should be selected. The open portion428provided at the lower portion of the backrest418is advantage as it avoids interference between the attachment member460or nut466and the backrest418.

The angle of recline for the backrest418relative to the bottom cushion420may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the flexible straps422, if desired. This a user may customize the seat cushion414to suit their preferences.

An information card436, with seat number information may be inserted into the pocket434. This permits a user to determine their assigned seat, even if the seat cushion414covers the markings on the bleacher412. Furthermore, the same seat cushion414may be removed and moved to a different location and the old card436may be replaced with a new card436in the pocket434.

The upwardly extending lip454provides support against rearward movement of the bottom cushion420relative to the bleacher412. This helps provided a solid comfortable seating arrangement.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.