Patent Publication Number: US-7722117-B2

Title: Bleacher seat attachment bracket

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/172,171, filed Jun. 30, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/046,366, filed Jan. 28, 2005 and is now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/890,818, filed Jul. 14, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,104,605, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/846,136, filed 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 entire contents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a stadium chair attached to a bleacher in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a partially sectional view of the stadium chair of  FIG. 1 . 
         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. 
         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. 
         FIG. 5  is side, planar view of an alternative attachment clamp. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear, planar view of a securing strap for securing a seat cushion to the frame of the stadium chair. 
         FIG. 7  is a top, planar view of the seat cushion and the securing strap of  FIG. 6 , 
         FIG. 8  is a top, planar view of the seat cushion with alternative securement straps for securing the seat cushion to the frame. 
         FIG. 9  is a side, planar view of a backed bleacher with a backed stadium seat attached. 
         FIG. 10  is front/top planar view of the stadium seat for the backed bleacher. 
         FIG. 11  is a isometric view of a portion of a back cushion of the stadium seat for the backed bleacher. 
         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. 
         FIG. 13  is a side, planer view illustrating a portion of the stadium chair frame and attachment to a bleacher with an attachment clamp. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear perspective view depicting a cushion attached to a portion of a stadium seat, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view showing a cushion, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a back planar view illustrating a cushion, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of a seat cushion according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a rear elevation view of the seat cushion according to  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a front elevation view of the seat cushion according to  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a side elevation view of the seat cushion according to  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the seat cushion according to  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom plan view of the seat cushion according to  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is a partial sectional view taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 24  is a partial sectional view taken along line  24 - 24  of  FIG. 18 , including a zip tie retaining the backrest in an upright orientation. 
         FIG. 25  is a front prospective view of a cushioned seat according to another embodiment of the present invention attached to a bleacher seat; 
         FIG. 26  is a rear prospective view of the seat cushion portion of the cushioned seat of  FIG. 25  removed from the bleacher seat; 
         FIG. 27  is a side elevation view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a top plan view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 28A  is a partial detail cross-section view taken along line  28 A- 28 A of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a rear elevation view of the seat cushion of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevation view of an attachment bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom plan view of the attachment bracket of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a top plan view of the attachment bracket of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a rear elevation view of the attachment bracket of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a side elevation view of the seat cushion and bracket attached to a bleacher of  FIG. 25 . 
     
    
    
     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&#39;s seat, and remove the cushion from the stadium when the patron leaves at the end of the event. 
       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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
       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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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 an 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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
     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. 
       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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 . 
       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. 
     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 . 
     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. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a stadium cushion  200  attached to a backed bleacher  202 , according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the backed bleacher has an separate bleacher back  204  for each seat. The bleacher back  204  is connected to the bench or bleacher  206  by back support elements  208 . 
       FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the stadium cushion  200 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The stadium cushion  200  has a seat cushion  220  and a back cushion  222  that are connected by two connection elements  224 . The connection elements  224 , in one aspect of the invention, are two flexible straps that allow for the respective positions of the two cushions  220 ,  222  to be varied for ease of use and transport. Alternatively, the connection elements  224  can be any known device allowing for flexible connection of the seat cushion  220  and the back cushion  222 . In a further alternative, the connection element  224  can be a one element allowing for flexible connection of the two cushions  220 ,  222 . 
     The back cushion  222  has a seat back attachment element  226 . According to one embodiment, the seat back attachment element  226  is a stretchable strap that stretches along the back side of the back cushion  222  and is connected at each end  228  to the cushion  222 . Alternatively, the seat back attachment element can be any known device for attaching the seat cushion  222  to the seat back  204 . 
     The back cushion  222  also has support attachment elements  230 . According to one embodiment, the support attachment elements  230  are adjustable plastic loops that are connected to the back cushion  222  on opposing sides of the back cushion  222 . In one embodiment, the support attachment elements  230  are similar to zip ties. Alternatively, the support attachment elements  230  are any known devices for attaching the back cushion to the back support elements  208 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts the back of the back cushion  222  and the underside of the seat cushion  220 , according to one embodiment of the present invention. The underside of the seat cushion  220  includes a seat attachment element  240 . According to one embodiment, the seat attachment element  240  is a stretchable strap that stretches along the underside of the seat cushion  220  and is connected at each end  242  to the cushion  220 . Alternatively, the seat attachment element  240  can be any known device for attaching the seat cushion  220  to the bleacher seat  206 . 
     In use, the stadium cushion  200  is configured to be used with several types of stadium seating. That is, the stadium cushion  200  can be attached to a bleacher seat with separate seat backs as shown in  FIG. 14 . The seat back attachment element  226  is stretched over the seat back  204  by positioning the back cushion  222  such that the seat back  204  is slid between the seat back attachment element  226  and the back cushion  222 . The seat back attachment element  226  thereby stabilizes and maintains the position of the back cushion  222  in relation to the seat back  204 . 
     In addition, the stadium cushion  200  according to one embodiment can be further attached to a stadium seat via the support attachment elements  230 . Each element  230  can be attached to a back support element  208  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The back cushion  222  is thereby further stabilized. 
     Further, the stadium cushion  200  according to one aspect of the present invention is further attached to the stadium seat using the seat attachment element  240  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The seat attachment element  240  is stretched over the seat  206  by positioning the seat cushion  220  such that the seat  206  is slid between the seat attachment element  240  and the seat cushion  220 . The seat attachment element  240  thereby stabilizes and maintains the position of the seat cushion  220  in relation to the seat  206 . 
     Alternatively, the stadium cushion  200  could also be attached to any club seat as described herein. In a further alternative, the stadium cushion  200  is intended to be attachable to several other types of stadium seating. 
     Shown generally in the drawings is an additional alternative embodiment of a seat cushion  310  that is suitable for attachment to a bleacher  312  (shown in phantom lines), or other similar base portion. As will be seen in the drawings and following description, the seat cushion  310  is adapted for quick and convenient attachment to a bleacher  312  in a semi-permanent fashion to provide a comfortable seat that provides padding and back support for a user. 
       FIG. 17  is an isometric view of a seat cushion  310  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The top portion of a bleacher  312  is indicated in phantom lines. It should be appreciated that the seat cushion  310  could be modified to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of bleachers, or other support structures. The seat cushion  310  includes a bottom portion  314  and a back portion  316 . The bottom cushioned portion  314  provides a padded surface on which a user may sit, and the back portion  316  provides a backrest to provide support for a user&#39;s back. 
     The bottom portion  314  is a padded cushion. It may include a covering  320  surrounding and protecting a pad  322  (not visible in  FIG. 17 , see  FIG. 24 ). The covering  320  may 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 coverings  320  may include nylon fabric, vinyl, canvass, rubber, and the like. It may be desired to match the coloring of the covering  320  with the color of the bleacher  312 , or with the color scheme of a school or team. The covering  320  could be decorated with a logo, name, or other image, if desired. The pad  322  is included to provide a comfortable cushioning layer between a user and a bleacher  312 . The pad  322  may 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 bleacher  312 . It should be wide enough to provide a comfortable space for a user to sit. The pad  322  may be generally flat, or may be contoured to match a user&#39;s anatomy. 
     The back portion  316  includes a central cushioned portion  324  between two riser portions  326 . The central cushioned portion  324  is formed similarly to the bottom portion  314  described above. It has a covering  320  around a pad  322  (not shown in  FIG. 17 , see  FIG. 24 ). The riser portions  326  provide support and stability to the central cushioned portion  324 . The bottom portion  314  and the back portion  316  are preferably joined together in a hinged or pivotal relationship, near a back end of the bottom portion  314  and a bottom end of the back portion  316 . 
     A gusset  328  is provided near the top of each riser  326 . This gusset  328  serves as an attachment point for a flexible belt  318 . A similar triangular gusset  330  is provided near the front of the bottom portion  314 , and serves as an attachment and reinforcement point for the flexible belt  318  to the bottom portion  314 . The gussets  328  and  330  are preferably made of a strong, flexible material similar to the covering  320 . They may be attached to the covering  320  of their respective cushioned portions  314  and  316  by sewing, riveting, adhesive or other fastening mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. Alternatively, the gussets  328  and  330  may be formed from the same piece of material as their respective coverings. The lower gusset  330  is provided with an eyelet  332 , which is preferably in the form of a reinforced grommet made of metal or plastic. 
     Belt  318  is preferably adjustable in length. As such, the belt  318  may be formed by two separate straps connected by a buckle  334 . 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 belt  318  acts as a flexible constraint element for restraining the back portion  316  from rotating beyond a desired angle with respect to the bottom portion  314 . The belt  318  should be made from a thin, flexible material that is sufficiently strong to maintain the desired angle between the bottom portion  314  and the back portion  316  when a user sitting on the bottom portion  314  leans back against the back portion  316 . The preferred material is a nylon belt, but other materials may be acceptable as well. 
     An attachment clamp  336  is used to fasten the seat cushion  310  to the bleacher  312 . A patch  338  may be applied at the rear bottom of the back surface of the bottom portion  314  in order to protect and reinforce the covering  320  against contact with the attachment clamp  336 . A loop  340  may be provided on the back surface of the bottom portion  314  in alignment with and above the attachment clamp  336 . A zip tie  375  (see  FIG. 24 ) or other fastener (not shown) may be threaded through the loop  340  to connect it with the attachment bracket  336  in order to maintain the back portion  316  in a generally upright orientation. 
       FIG. 18  is a rear view of the seat cushion  310  shown in  FIG. 17 .  FIG. 19  is a front view of the seat cushion  310  shown in  FIG. 17 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in use, the seat cushion  310  rests flat against the top surface of a bleacher seat  312 . Specifically, the bottom surface of the bottom portion  314  rests on top of the bleacher  312 . As seen in  FIG. 18 , attachment clamp  336  includes a rear jaw  342  that extends below and engages the bleacher  312 . A front jaw  344  extends all the way to the front of the bleacher  312 , and is visible in both  FIGS. 2 and 3 . A threaded fastener  346  is used to join the two jaws  342  and  344  together. Preferably the jaws  342  and  344  are made from steel bent into the desired shape. The jaws  342  and  344  should be durable, rigid, and resistant to corrosion. 
     The features of the attachment clamp  336  are best seen in  FIGS. 20 and 24 . With reference to  FIG. 20 , it can be seen that the rear jaw  342  is a generally L-shaped bracket that includes a vertical leg  348  and a horizontal leg  350 . In use, the rear jaw  342  wraps around and engages a rear portion of the bleacher  312 . With further reference to  FIG. 20 , it can be seen that the front jaw  344  is a bracket with a somewhat serpentine cross section. It has a rear vertical leg  352 , a long horizontal leg  354 , a front vertical leg  356 , and a front horizontal leg  358 . Threaded fastener  346  engages a threaded receiver  360  to fasten the rear jaw  342  to the front jaw  344 , and thereby clamp the bleacher  312  between the jaws  342  and  344 . The threaded receiver  360  may be a loose nut. More preferably, the threaded receiver  360  is fixed, as by welding, to the rear vertical leg  352  of the front jaw  344 . It should be appreciated that the orientation of the threaded fastener  346  and the threaded receiver  360  could be reversed, though the orientation shown is preferred for ease of access to the head of the threaded fastener  346 , and so that the end of the threaded fastener  346  does not extend into an area between bleachers  310  where people may be walking and catch their legs on the exposed end. In the preferred orientation shown, patch  338  reinforces and protects covering  320  from snagging or wearing from contact and rubbing with the end of the threaded fastener  346  and the front jaw  344 . The rear vertical leg  352  of the front jaw  344  extends higher than the vertical leg of the rear jaw  342 , and includes a slot  362  near its top end. It should be appreciated that the relative heights of the rear vertical legs  348  and  354  reversed, and the slot  362  could be provided in the rear jaw  342  as an alternative. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 22 , the bottom surface of the bottom portion  314  includes a belt  364  with a loop  366  formed about midway across the width of the seat bottom portion  314 . The loop  366  is formed in the shown embodiment by leaving a central portion of the belt  364  loose, or unstitched, from the bottom surface of the bottom portion  314 . The loop  316  is used to attach the seat  310  to the attachment clamp  336 . Specifically, the front jaw  344  is threaded through the loop  366  until the loop  316  is in the position shown in  FIG. 20  on the long horizontal leg  354 . 
     The back portion  316  and the bottom portion  314  are connected in a hinged or pivotal relationship. In the embodiment shown, a hinge  372  is formed by the covering  320 . Specifically, as seen in  FIG. 24 , a single piece of material is used form the covering  320  for both the back portion  316  and the bottom portion  314 . A gap, or space, is left between the pads  322  of the back  314  and bottom  314  portions within the covering  320 . This gap provides a flexible portion that acts as a hinge  372 . Alternatively, the back portion  316  and bottom portion  314  could be formed separately and joined together by a separate hinge structure. 
     The hinge portion  372  of the embodiment shown includes a pair of openings  370  visible in  FIG. 22 . These openings  370  are preferably reinforced by metal or plastic grommets or eyelets. These openings  370  provide additional attachment points for fasteners, as well as providing drainage ports for water that could otherwise collect in the hinge portion  372 . 
     The back portion  316  includes a pair of riser portions  326  on opposite ends, as seen in the top view of  FIG. 21 . The riser portions  326  provide support for the central cushioned portion  324  that acts as an ergonomic back rest. The riser portions  326  may be formed from any suitable structure that provides vertical and lateral support for the central cushioned portion  324 . In the embodiment shown, riser inserts  368  are sewn within pockets formed in the covering  320 , as shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 23 . These riser inserts  368  may be formed from relatively rigid materials such as hard plastic, wood, or metal. 
     There are no cross members across the back portion  316 . Instead, the entire structural support for the back portion  316  is provided by the riser portions  326 , the pad  322 , and flexible belts  318 . 
     Attachment of the seat cushion  310  to the bleacher  312  is accomplished as follows. First, the seat cushion  310  is connected to the attachment clamp  336  by threading the front jaw  344  through the loop  366  in belt  364  on the bottom surface of the bottom portion  314 . The front jaw  344  may then be placed in engagement with the bleacher  312  in the desired location with the front portion of the bleacher  312  retained by the front horizontal leg  358  and front vertical leg  356  of the front jaw  344 . The long horizontal leg  354  should rest on the top surface of the bleacher  312  and should run generally from the front of the bleacher  312  to the rear of the bleacher  312  in a generally perpendicular alignment. The rear jaw  342  can then be secured to the front jaw  344  by inserting threaded fastener  346  though the rear jaw  342  into the threaded receiver  360  and then tightening the threaded fastener  346 . A wrench may be used to provide additional leverage in tightening the threaded receiver  360 . The bleacher  312  should be securely captured between the front jaw  344  and the rear jaw  342 , thereby fastening the attachment clamp  336  to the bleacher  312 . The seat cushion  310  is secured to the clamp  336  by virtue of loop  366  being retained by the long horizontal leg  354 . To further secure the seat cushion  310  to the clamp  336 , a zip tie, or similar attachment may threaded between loop  340  on the rear of the back portion  316  and the slot  362  near the top of the vertical leg  348  of the rear jaw  342 . 
     The belts  318  can be adjusted to limit the distance the back portion  316  will pivot rearward. Typically a user will adjust the belts  318  so that the back portion  316  will not pivot much beyond a perpendicular orientation. When not in use, the belts  318  may be shortened to that the back portion  316  retained close to the bottom portion  314  in a closed storage position. In this closed storage position the back portion  316  covers and protects a portion of the bottom portion  314  from rain, dust, and sun exposure to improve the life of the bottom portion  314 . The overall profile of the seat cushion  310  is also lowered in the closed storage position, to reduce the strain caused by wind. 
     When the seat cushion  310  is in place on the bleacher  312 , it allows a user to sit more comfortably than on a plain bleacher  312 . The bottom portion  314  provides cushioning and the back portion  316  provides support for the user&#39;s back. Because there are no hard cross members spanning across the back portion person&#39;s walking, sitting, or standing in the aisle behind the seat cushion  310  need not worry about banging their shin or other part of their leg on a hard cross-member. 
     The seat cushion  310  may be easily removed from the bleacher  312  for storage. It is contemplated that users may leave the seat cushion  310  in place on the bleacher  312  during an entire season, and then remove the seat cushion  310  during the off season. Of course, user&#39;s may choose to leave the seat cushion  310  attached more or less permanently, or may be removed after each event. To remove the seat cushion  310 , the threaded fastener  346  is loosened, typically with a wrench, and the jaws  342  and  344  of the clamp  336  are spread apart and disengaged from the bleacher  312 . 
     Shown generally in  FIGS. 25-34  is an embodiment of a cushioned seat  410  that is suitable for removable attachment to a bleacher seat  412  or similar base. The cushioned seat  410  is adapted for quick and convenient attachment to a bleacher  412  in a semi-permanent fashion to provide a comfortable seat that provides padding and back support for a user. The cushioned seat  410  is well-suited for attachment to the bleacher even in instances where a portion of the bleacher may be obstructed. 
       FIG. 25  shows the cushion seat  410  attached to a bleacher seat  412 . The cushion seat  410  could be modified to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of bleacher, or other support structures. The cushion seat  410  includes a seat cushion  414  and an attachment bracket  416  that is used to attach the seat cushion  414  to the bleacher seat  412 . The seat cushion  414  includes a backrest  418  and a bottom cushion  420 . As seen in  FIG. 25 , when the cushion seat  410  is attached to the bleacher  412 , the bottom cushion  420  provides a padded surface on which a user may sit, and the backrest  418  provides a support for a users back. Flexible straps  422 , which may be nylon belts or the like, restrain the backrest  418  to provide support when a user leans back against the backrest  418 . Buckles  438  may be used in order to adjust the length of the flexible straps  422 , and thereby the angle of the backrest  418  relative to the bottom cushion  420 . 
       FIG. 26  shows the seat cushion  414  removed from the bleacher  412 . The bottom cushion  420  may include a covering  424  that surrounds and protects a pad  425  (see  FIG. 28A ). The covering  424  may 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 covering  424  may include nylon fabric, vinyl, canvass, rubber, leather, and the like. It may be desirable to match the coloring of the covering  424  with the color of the bleacher  412 , or with the color scheme of a school or team. The covering  424  could be decorated with a logo, name, or other image. The pad provided within the covering  424  may 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 bleacher  412 , 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&#39;s anatomy. The pad may be sewn or bonded within the covering  424 , or the covering  424  may be provided with a zipper or other closable opening into which the pad may be inserted. The backrest  418  is flexibly connected with the bottom cushion  420 , for example by fabric hinges  426 . Fabric hinges  426  may be provided by strips of fabric that are attached, as by sewing, rivet, adhesive, or other known methods at corresponding portions of the bottom cushion  420  and backrest  418 . The backrest  418  may be formed with an open area  428  between the hinges  426 . This open area  428  is useful for providing a space for a portion of the attachment bracket  416  without interference with the backrest  418 . 
     The bottom of the bottom cushion  420  is provided with a rear loop  430  and a pair of front loops  432 . These loops  430  and  432  act as an attachment mechanism to capture portions of the attachment bracket  416  in order to attach the cushion seat  410  to the attachment bracket  416 . The loops  430  and  432  may be formed by any suitable flexible durable material that is suitable for receiving and capturing the attachment bracket  416 . For example, the loops  430  and  432  may be formed by fabric belts that are sewn, or otherwise adhered to the bottom of the bottom cushion  420 . In the preferred embodiment shown, the rear loop  430  expands across the entire, or nearly entire, width of the bottom cushion  420 . The front loops  432  are offset from each other and are preferably provided near the outer edges of the bottom surface of the bottom cushion  420 . The front loops  432  may be formed from a single belt that is stitched or otherwise attached to the bottom of the bottom cushion  420  with two loops formed. Alternatively, the front loops  432  may be formed as a single loop similar to the rear loop  430 . The advantage to having two front loops  432  is that is helps maintain the cushion seat  410  more securely in place against sliding or twisting on the attachment bracket  416 , as will be described in more detail below. 
     The rear surface of the backrest  418  may be provided with a pocket flap  434  in order to form a pocket on the back of the backrest  418 . Preferably, the pocket flap  434  will be formed from a transparent material, such as clear plastic or vinyl, so that written materials may be seen and read through the pocket flap  434 . As best seen in detail  FIG. 28A , a card  436  with information, such as row and seat number may be inserted into the pocket  434  so 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 cushion  420  and backrest  418  may be similar to that described above relative the seat cushion  310 . For example, gussets  328  may be used to connect the flexible straps  422  to the bottom cushion and backrest  418 . Buckles  438  may be used to adjust the length of the flexible straps  422 . 
     The details of the bracket  416  are best shown in  FIGS. 30-34 . The bracket  416  includes a front jaw  442  and a rear jaw  444 . The front jaw  442  has a front portion that includes a pair for elongated front jaw members  446  bent to form J-shaped hooks  448  at their front ends. The rear ends of the front jaw members  446  are bent upwardly at tabs  450  which are fixed on to angle flange  452  that spans between the two front jaw members  446 . The elements of the bracket  416  may 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 members  446  are affixed to the angle flange  452  by weldments (not shown). 
     The angle flange  452  includes an upwardly turned lip  454 . A plurality of passageways  456  are provided through the lip  454 , such that the passageways  456  are rearwardly disposed. The passageways  456  may be smooth bores, or may be threaded. It is preferred that at least three passageways  456  be provided such that a variety of laterally offset attachment points are provided for the rear jaw  444 . 
     The rear jaw  444  has a unitary construction with a hook  458  formed at a lower portion. In the embodiment shown, the hook  458  is J-shaped, but could be L-shaped, or formed in other shapes for engaging the rear portion of the bleacher  412 . The upper portion of the rear jaw  444  includes an aperture (not shown) through which an attachment member  460  may pass. The attachment member  460  may be threaded as a bolt or similar member. The threaded attachment member  460  may include a head  462  for receiving a tool such as a flat or phillips head screw driver, or an allen wrench. Alternatively, the head  462  could 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 cushion  414  by patrons. A threaded nut  466  may provided for threaded engagement with the attachment member  460 , or a plurality of nuts  466  be welded or otherwise adhered to the front face of the lip  454  in alignment with each passageway. 
     The laterally offset passageways  456  are of particular importance because they provide for multiple attachment locations for the rear jaw  444 . This can be important because the bleacher seat  412  may include attachment hardware  464  (see  FIG. 34 ) or the like to fasten the bleacher seat  412  to the stadium. This attachment hardware  464  may obstruct or impede location of the rear jaw over some span of the angle flange  452 . By including more than one attachment location in the form of the laterally spaced passageways  456 , the rear jaw  444  may be attached an unobstructed location. 
     In use, the elongated members  446  of the front jaw  442  are threaded through the front and rear loops  430  and  432  on the bottom of the bottom cushion  420 . This securely fastens the seat cushion  414  to the bracket  416 . The front jaw  442  and seat cushion  414  are then attached to the bleacher seat  412  by hooking the front hooks  448  of the front jaw over the front portion of the bleacher seat  412  and setting the elongated members  446  and the bottom cushion  420  on the upper surface of the bleacher  412 . The rear jaw  444  is this used to securely mount the front jaw  442  and seat cushion  414  to the bleacher  412  by hooking the lower hook  458  under the rear portion of the bleacher seat  412  and bringing the aperture in the rear jaw  444  into alignment with one of the passageways  456  in the upwardly turned lip  454  of the front jaw  442  and inserting the attachment member  460 . The attachment member  460  should be secured in place, for example by rotating the threaded member  460  against a threaded female nut  466  until tight in order to draw the front  442  and rear  444  jaws tightly together. If the location of the rear jaw  444  at one or more of the passageways  456  is obstructed, for example by attachment hardware  464  (see  FIG. 34 ) for the bleacher  412 , a passageway  456  at an unobstructed location should be selected. The open portion  428  provided at the lower portion of the backrest  418  is advantage as it avoids interference between the attachment member  460  or nut  466  and the backrest  418 . 
     The angle of recline for the backrest  418  relative to the bottom cushion  420  may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the flexible straps  422 , if desired. This a user may customize the seat cushion  414  to suit their preferences. 
     An information card  436 , with seat number information may be inserted into the pocket  434 . This permits a user to determine their assigned seat, even if the seat cushion  414  covers the markings on the bleacher  412 . Furthermore, the same seat cushion  414  may be removed and moved to a different location and the old card  436  may be replaced with a new card  436  in the pocket  434 . 
     The upwardly extending lip  454  provides support against rearward movement of the bottom cushion  420  relative to the bleacher  412 . 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&#39;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.