Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of attaching a stadium chair, formed by a seat back and a seat portion having first and second support members, to a bleacher including an upper seating surface supported by a frame member and having a front face. The method includes the steps of positioning the stadium chair on the upper seating surface of the bleacher such that a seat portion support member is in close proximity to the frame member; securing the stadium chair to the front face of the bleacher by engaging a bracket carried by the stadium chair with the front face of the bleacher; and coupling a bleacher attachment device carried by the stadium chair to the bleacher, such that the stadium chair may be secured to the bleacher by the bleacher attachment device when the frame member of the bleacher forms an attachment obstruction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/380,281, filed on Apr. 26, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/046,366, filed on Jan. 28, 2005, now abandoned, which, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/846,136, filed on May 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,360, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/348,785, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,667, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to chairs. More specifically, the present invention relates to chairs and chair-backs that are attachable to or useable with stadium seating, such as bleachers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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 
       [0006]    The present invention is a stadium chair that can be semi-permanently affixed to a bleacher. In one embodiment, the stadium chair includes a tubular or cylindrical frame having front brackets that loop over a front edge of a bleacher. The frame includes a seat portion and a back portion. A flexible member is slid over or otherwise secured to the back portion thereby providing a seatback. A cushion is placed over the seat portion of the frame and a rear portion of the cushion is secured to the frame to prevent the cushion from being easily removed. 
         [0007]    An attachment bracket is coupleable to the back portion of the frame. The attachment bracket can be configured to be secured to the frame by frictional engagement. The attachment bracket includes one or more threaded throughbores, to which an attachment clamp can be secured with a threaded member, such as a bolt or various other attaching mechanisms. The attachment clamp is thus used to secure the stadium chair to the bleacher. 
         [0008]    The use of an attachment bracket in this manner provides many advantages. One such advantage is that the frame itself can remain a very simple structural member. In one embodiment, the frame is simply a bent tubular or cylindrical member. Another advantage is that with the attachment bracket secured to the seat back (i.e., somewhat further from and higher than the bleacher that than the seat portion of the frame) additional leverage can be developed which makes attachment to the bleacher even more secure. Another advantage is that the attachment bracket (while allowing for more to be used) only requires a single, centrally positioned attachment clamp to be used. Thus, a single clamp can be used to secure the stadium chair to the bleacher. Alternatively, providing multiple attachment points (e.g., throughbores) allows the seat to be positioned in a desired location (e.g., over a seat designation number) despite having various obstructions located below the seat. That is, various frame or support members may preclude the use of a given attachment point. Having multiple attachment points simply allows an alternative attachment point to be utilized so that the seat can be placed wherever desired. 
         [0009]    One context where the present invention may be used is in providing designated, comfortable seating to select patrons in a stadium seating arrangement. For example, the stadium may rent the present stadium chairs to any patron who so chooses. In such a scenario, stadium personnel would most likely secure all of the stadium chairs 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 seats 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. 
         [0010]    While providing these and other advantages, the securement of the stadium chairs to the bleachers does place a burden on the stadium personnel (either before each event where such chairs are used or initially during a given season or time period if the chairs will be allowed to remain in place over time) especially when a large number of chairs will be attached. Thus, the attachment bracket having a single, centrally disposed clamp optimizes installation by allowing for an extremely fast yet secure attachment. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a stadium seat is provided that includes a seatback and a cushion that are coupled together by one or more flexible members. This type of stadium seat is for use with a backed bleacher. The seat back includes a bracket that can be secured to the existing bleacher back. The flexible members allow the seat cushion to be placed onto the seat portion of the bleacher. 
         [0012]    The present invention, in another embodiment, is a stadium chair having a frame with a seat portion and a back portion, the seat portion including a bracket for engaging a first portion of a bleacher, the back portion supporting a backrest. Also included is an attachment bracket coupled with the back portion of the frame and a clamp coupleable to the attachment bracket and engageable with a second portion of the bleacher for adjustably securing the stadium chair to the bleacher. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, the present invention is a stadium chair for use with a bleacher having an upper seating surface. That chair has a frame including a first generally U-shaped bracket for engaging a front face of a bleacher; a second generally U-shaped bracket for engaging the front face of the bleacher; a seat portion including a first support member coupled with the first generally U-shaped bracket and a second support member coupled with the second generally U-shaped bracket, wherein the seat portion is configured to engage the upper seating surface of the bleacher; a back portion having a first upright member coupled with the first support member and a second upright member coupled with the second support member; and a cross member interconnecting the first upright member and the second upright member. 
         [0014]    The stadium chair further includes a seat cushion configured to rest on top of the seat portion; a backrest having an interior portion for receiving a portion of the first upright member, a portion of the second upright member and the cross member so that the backrest spans between the first upright member and the second upright member; and an attachment bracket coupled to the back portion of the frame and interconnecting the first upright member and the second upright member, the attachment bracket including at least one threaded throughbore. Also included is a clamp including a first section and a second section perpendicular to the first beam, wherein the clamp is coupleable to the attachment bracket via a threaded member passing through the first section and engaging the threaded throughbore. 
         [0015]    The present invention also provides a method of attaching a stadium chair to a bleacher. The method comprises positioning a frame over an upper surface of the bleacher so that a generally U-shaped bracket of the frame engages a front portion of the bleacher; coupling a single clamp to a medially disposed throughbore on an attachment bracket attached to a back portion of the frame with a threaded member; placing a flange of the clamp below a lower surface of the bleacher; and securing the clamp to the attachment bracket by rotating the threaded member. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the present invention is a stadium seat for a backed bleacher comprising a seat cushion; a back cushion coupled to the seat cushion by a flexible member; and an attachment clamp for securing the back cushion to a back of the bleacher. 
         [0017]    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. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a stadium chair attached to a bleacher in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a partially sectional view of the stadium chair of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a portion of a frame of the stadium chair of  FIG. 1  along with an attachment bracket useful in securing the stadium chair to a bleacher. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a side, planar view illustrating a portion of the stadium chair frame and the attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is side, planar view of an alternative attachment clamp. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a rear, planar view of a securing strap for securing a seat cushion to the frame of the stadium chair. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a top, planar view of the seat cushion and the securing strap of  FIG. 6 , 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a top, planar view of the seat cushion with alternative securement straps for securing the seat cushion to the frame. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher with a backed stadium seat attached. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is front/top planar view of the stadium seat for the backed bleacher. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a isometric view of a portion of a back cushion of the stadium seat for the backed bleacher. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a side, planar view of a back cushion bracket for securing the stadium seat for the backed bleacher to the back rest portion of the bleacher. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a side, planer view illustrating a portion of the stadium chair frame and attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a stadium chair  10  attached to a bleacher  12  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bleacher  12  can take many forms. As illustrated, the bleacher  12  may be an elongated plank-like member having a planar upper seating surface  14 , a lower surface  16 , a front face  18  and rear face  20 . The bleacher  12  may be made from various materials including wood or aluminum. As illustrated in phantom, the bleacher  12  may also include a recess  22  having one or more lips  24  and one or more ribs (not shown) to provide additional structural support. 
         [0032]    The stadium chair  10  rests on the upper seating surface  14  and is secured to both the front face  18  and rear face  20  of the bleacher. The particular configuration of the bleacher  12  may affect which particular securement members (described more fully below) should be used. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stadium chair  10  includes a frame  26 . As illustrated, frame  26  is formed from a tubular or cylindrical member that is appropriately bent at predetermined angles to form the frame structure. The frame  26  could 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 frame  26  is formed via bending or as a pre-shaped component (e.g., molded, cast, injection molded). As illustrated, the frame  26  is a single component forming a first generally U-shaped bracket  46  having a first face engaging member  50  and a first lower surface engaging member  54 . Likewise, the frame  26  includes at an opposite end a second generally U-shaped bracket  48  having a second face engaging member  52  and a second lower surface engaging member  56 . 
         [0034]    The frame  26  includes a first horizontal member  36  and a second horizontal member  38  which rest atop the upper seating surface  14  when the stadium chair  10  is positioned as illustrated. The horizontal members  36 ,  38  define a seat portion  34  of the frame  26 . Depending from the horizontal members  36 ,  38  and extending upwards (as illustrated) is a back portion  32  of the frame  26  that is defined by a first upright member  40  and a second upright member  42 . The first and second upright members  40 ,  42  are optionally interconnected by an upright cross member  60 . The upper section of back portion  32  may be angled backwards or away from bleacher  12 . 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 backrest  28  to the frame  26 . That is, backrest  28  is a flexible member having an interior cavity allowing the backrest  28  to be slipped over the back portion  32 . The angle can increase the tension of the backrest  28 , making it more secure. In addition, clips (not shown) or other attachment members can be used to temporarily or permanently secure the backrest  28  to the frame  26 . 
         [0035]    A seat cushion  30  is placed atop the seat portion  34  of frame  26 . The seat cushion  30  provides a comfortable seating surface for the patron. The cushion  30  and backrest  28  can 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 cushion  30  and/or the backrest  28  can include a desired amount of padding or cushioning to achieve a desired size, shape and degree of comfort. 
         [0036]    In use, the frame  26  is positioned so that the first and second generally U-shaped brackets  46 ,  48  loop over the front face  18  of the bleacher  12 . The shape of the generally U-shaped brackets  46 ,  48  and the overall rigidity of the frame  26  thus prevent the stadium chair  10  from tipping either forwards or backwards. An attachment bracket  44  is positioned on the back portion  32  of the frame  26 , between the first and second uprights  40 ,  42 . The attachment bracket  44  provides additional strength and rigidity to the overall frame assembly. An L-shaped attachment clamp  62  is releasably secured to the attachment bracket  44  and is positioned so that a portion thereof is below the bleacher  12 , in contact with lower surface  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, as attachment clamp  62  is tightened against attachment bracket  44 , attachment clamp  62  frictionally engages bleacher  12 , effectively clamping stadium chair  10  to the bleacher  12 . In this manner, stadium chair  10  is prevented from being tilted forwards or backwards; sliding forwards or backwards (e.g., off the bleacher  12 ), lifted vertically; and if sufficient tension is applied, from sliding horizontally along upper surface  14 . Thus, a defined location on the bleacher  12  is presented that provides a comfortable, backed seating position to a patron. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the attachment bracket  44 . The attachment bracket  44  is preferably a rigid member made of suitably strong material such as metal. For example, attachment bracket  44  could be stamped, cast, bent or otherwise fabricated from steel, aluminum or the like. Attachment bracket  44  is a channeled member having some degree of depth or thickness. At opposing ends, a first tab  70  and a second tab  72  are provided. The tabs  70 ,  72  may be bent around upright member  40 ,  42  respectively to secure the attachment bracket  44  to the frame  26 . Other methods of attachment such as bolting, crimping, clamping, welding, or the like may also be used to secure the attachment bracket  44  to the upright members  40 ,  42  of the frame  26 . As the tabs  70 ,  72  are bent around upright members  40 ,  42 , they form channels  74 ,  76  that ultimately receive and frictionally engage the upright members  40 ,  42 . Thus, the attachment bracket is securely attached to a given position on the back portion  32  of the frame  26 . 
         [0038]    The attachment bracket  44  is provided with one or more threaded throughbores  78 ,  80 ,  82 . If multiple clamps  62  are to be attached they may be balanced by utilizing left and right threaded throughbores  80 ,  82 . If only one clamp  62  is to be used, it may normally be secured to central threaded throughbore  78  or alternatively to any throughbore that is unobstructed. That is, the seat  10  may be positioned as desired and the multiple throughbores  78 ,  80 ,  82  provide 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 bleacher  12 ), 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. 
         [0039]    By utilizing an attachment bracket  44 , frame  26  can be made as a relatively simple and straightforward component. That is, the frame  26  can be easily and readily produced as can the attachment bracket  44 . These two components can be quickly and easily joined to produce a complete frame assembly. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  illustrates how attachment clamp  62  is secured to attachment bracket  44  and how clamp  62  engages bleacher  12 . A threaded member such as bolt  84  is passed through an upper portion of clamp  62  so as to engage one of the threaded throughbores  78 ,  80 ,  82  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Rotating the bolt  84  causes the clamp  62  to abut and engage the attachment bracket  44 , in the known way. Thus, by tightening the bolt  84 , the clamp  62  is secured; this in turn effectively secures the chair  10  to the bleacher  12 . As shown, the clamp  62  is spaced from the rear face  20 ; however, these two portions could be in contact. Likewise, as illustrated, clamp  62  contacts the lower surface  16 ; however, a small gap could also be present. 
         [0041]    In a particularly efficient arrangement, one of the clamps  62  could be loosely attached to each of the chairs  10  prior to installation on the bleachers. Thus, the installer could position the chair  10 , pivot the clamp into place, tighten the bolt  84  with a wrench or the like and the chair  10  is 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 clamp  62  to the attachment bracket  44 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the throughbore  78 ,  80 ,  82  need not be threaded. Rather, a threaded member  84  (e.g., a bolt) could be passed therethrough and secured with a fastener  87 , 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 and example, the bolt head may be positioned underneath the seat cushion  30  so that the wing nut would be exposed from behind the chair  10 . Additionally, the clamp  62  could be secured to attachment bracket  44  via any other attachment clamps, levers, connectors or brackets that would allow the clamp  62  to be appropriately tensioned against the attachment bracket  44  with a desired degree of manipulation. 
         [0042]    As mentioned above, some bleachers  14  may have lips  24  and recesses  22  ( FIG. 1 ). In such a case, a J-clamp  86 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , can be utilized. That is, the J-clamp  86  is secured to the attachment bracket  44  instead of the L-shaped attachment clamp  62 . The J-clamp  86  includes a lip  88  that is received within recess  22  an may abut lip  24 . The J-clamp provides additional security when attaching the seats  10 . 
         [0043]    With the use of either type of clamp  62 ,  86  the attachment of the stadium chair  10  to the bleacher  12  is 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 chairs  10 , reduce vandalism, reduce accidental damage, and prevent theft. Also, the chairs (if left over time) need only be positioned once. 
         [0044]    In furtherance of many of these same goals, it may be desirable to secure the seat cushion  30  to the frame  26 .  FIGS. 6-7  illustrate having a single securement strap  90  connected to opposite rear corners of the seat cushion  30  that can be looped around the upright members  40 ,  42 . This serves to hold the cushion  30  in the position illustrated and prevent it from being tipped forward. To attach, the cushion  30  is lowered into place while the strap  90  is simply slipped over the upright member  40 ,  42 . Alternatively, the strap  90  could be openable or removable (e.g., hook and loop type fasteners.  FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment where two securing loops  92 ,  94  are provided. Each loop  92 ,  94  is placed around one upright member  40 ,  42  respectively. Again, the individual loops  92 ,  94  could be slid around the U-brackets  46 ,  48  of the frame  26 , or they could be openable (e.g., buttons, hook and loop type fasteners, etc.). With solid loops  92 ,  94  it would be difficult and perhaps impossible for the seat cushion  30  to be removed while the frame  26  is secured to the bleacher, depending of course on how tightly the frame  26  engages the bleacher  12 . In those cases where the cushion  30  could be removed or when using strap  90 , the relevant straps could be further secured to the frame  26  and/or attachment bracket  44  with locking members (e.g., zip ties), if desired. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher  105  with a backed stadium seat  110  attached. A backed bleacher  105  is any stadium bleacher or bench type seat provided with a structure to support or abut a patron&#39;s back. The example illustrated includes a support member  102  and a bleacher seat  100 . A bleacher back  104  is coupled to the bleacher seat by a back support column  106 . Any number of arrangements are possible for backed bleacher seats and the back and seat portion may be integral, connected or completely separate. 
         [0046]    The backed bleacher stadium seat  110  includes a seat cushion  112  which rests on the bleacher seat  100  to provide cushioned comfort to the patron. A back cushion  114  is connected to the seat cushion  112  by one or more flexible members. As illustrated, a first connecting strap  116  and a second connecting strap  118  act as the flexible member in this embodiment. 
         [0047]    The back cushion  114  includes a front surface  120  and an opposing rear surface  122  that is proximal the bleacher back  104 . A back cushion bracket  124  securely couples the back cushion  114  to the bleacher back support  106 . One such bracket  124  is illustrated and is sufficient for attachment; however, more than one bracket  124  (e.g., spacing two such brackets on opposite ends) may also be utilized to attach the back cushion  114 . As the seat cushion  112  is coupled to the back cushion  114 , the seat cushion is likewise retained proximate to the bleacher  105 , though having some degree of permissible movement.  FIG. 10  illustrates the interconnection between the back cushion  114  and the seat cushion  112 , which are freely movable with respect to one another to the extent that the flexible connecting straps  116 ,  118  permit such a range of movement. 
         [0048]    The backed bleacher stadium seat  110  can be attached to most any backed bleacher  105  to provide cushioned comfort for seating and for back support. As disclosed above, the stadium seat  110  could also be semi-permanently attached to the bleacher seat  105  by virtue of the bracket  124 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate one embodiment of the stadium seat  110  allowing for semi-permanent attachment. The rear surface  122  of the back cushion is provided with an attachment strap  130  that spans across at least a portion of the rear surface. As illustrated, strap  130  is provided from one vertical (as illustrated) edge to the opposite edge. This allows maximum adjustability. 
         [0050]    A back cushion bracket  124  includes substantially C-shaped bracket having a strap loop  132  at one end and a threaded throughbore  135  at the other end for receiving a locking bolt  134 . The bracket  124  is placed over the top portion of the bleacher back  104  ( FIG. 9 ) and the locking bolt is advanced so as to exert pressure against the bleacher back  104  and hold the bracket  124  in place relative to the bleacher back  104 . The attachment strap  130  of the cushion  114  is received by the strap loop  132 , thus securing the back cushion  114 . Depending upon the tension exerted, the back cushion may be horizontally slidable relative to the bleacher back  104 ; the amount of such movement being determined by the length and flexibility of the attachment strap  30 . 
         [0051]    In addition to using the stadium seat  110  on a backed bleacher, the seat  110  may 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 seat  110  on a club seat is substantially similar to the use described above. In addition, the seat cushion  112  may be provided with a strap (not separately shown) that is substantially similar to the attachment strap  130  provided on the back cushion  114  ( FIG. 11 ). Such a strap could then be slid under the seat portion of the club seat, serving to retain the seat cushion  112  in place. This is particularly useful on those club seats that fold upwards, as the seat cushion  112  need not be repositioned or reattached each time the patron rises and the club seat folds. 
         [0052]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.