Patent ID: 8056974

Claim:
A seating assembly comprising, in combination: a plurality of deck portions movable relative to each other between a first position wherein said deck portions are generally stacked vertically one above the other, and a second position wherein each of said deck portions protrude outwardly in tiered fashion forming a bleacher seating support structure; a plurality of seat backs and seat bases, wherein said seat backs are pivotally mounted with respect to said seat bases between a full up position allowing a person to use the seat, and a down position in which said seat backs nest over the top of said seat bases allowing storage of said seating assembly when said deck portions are positioned in said first position; said seat bases comprising a seat structure mounted at said deck portion and substantially fixed relative to said deck portion, said seat structure providing a plurality of seating areas along each deck portion with each of said seating areas having a respective one of said seat backs pivotally disposed thereat; wherein each of said seat backs is pivotally mounted to at least one mounting element disposed at least partially at a rearward portion of said seat structure; wherein at least one of said seat backs and said at least one mounting element comprises a stop element to limit pivotal movement of said seat backs relative to said at least one mounting element at said upright position; and at least one front panel disposed at a forward portion of said seat structure, wherein said front panel extends generally vertically downward along said seat structure and at said forward portion of said seat structure opposite said plurality of seat backs.