Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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STADIUM RISER MADE OF EXTRUDED METAL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a modular seating riser for stadia,
to a set of
structural modules for building the same, to a kit and an assembly therefor,
as well as
to a method for building the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known in the art are prefabricated or precast concrete grandstand riser
sections. The
majority of stadiums, both indoor and outdoor, utilize this type of
construction to
support their seating. The usual construction method utilizes a structural
steel or
concrete support structure, although other materials can be used. The
supporting
structure typically consists of vertical column elements that support sloping
raker
beams. The raker beam is erected at the appropriate slope matching the
inclination of
the grandstand and in turn supports the grandstand precast riser sections that
are
fixed to it. The raker beams are parallel in straight seating sections and are
typically
spaced at intervals between 25 to 40 feet but may be spaced at closer or wider
distances. In the corners of most stadiums, the seating areas approximate
curves by
using straight precast riser segments. In these instances, the raker beams are
not
parallel and the spacing between the rakers is variable.
The precast riser sections are "L" shaped sections consisting of a relatively
horizontal
floor section and a vertical back section. The riser sections are designed to
support
both their own dead weight in addition to the weight of the spectators
attending an
event. The riser sections must also be designed to meet certain deflection and
vibration criteria so that the spectators feel comfortable and safe from their
elevated
seat location. The horizontal section may be slightly sloped for drainage and
to
facilitate cleaning between events. This flat floor section creates the space
for the
seating area plus a walkway aisle in front of the seat and may also support
floor
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mounted seat brackets. The vertical section forms the back of the seating area
and
generally has a seat bracket fixed to its surface. Today, most seats are back
mounted
to facilitate cleaning and maintenance between events. In order to minimize
construction and erection time, the riser sections are often constructed as a
double L
or a triple L creating two or three rows of seating respectively.
Typical stadium seats require one or two vertical rows of bolts that attach
the seat
support plate to the back of the riser section. To accomplish this with
concrete risers,
first the location of each bolt has to be measured and marked, holes drilled,
threaded
anchors placed and epoxied into place prior to seat installation. For steel
risers, bolt
location must be measured and marked, holes drilled and one-sided bolts used
to
install the seats. In the case of SPS (Sandwich Plate System) risers, the same
procedure is used as for concrete risers. Additionally in all of the above
cases, if seats
need to be relocated for any reason, such as to install handicap seating, new
bolts
have to be installed. Generally, epoxy anchored bolts are expensive and can
only be
installed in temperatures above freezing.
Precast concrete riser sections are relatively heavy and weigh in the vicinity
of 100
pounds per square foot. Most North American design codes specify that the live
load
to be supported by the riser sections is 60 pounds per square foot. Thus the
supporting structure must be designed to carry a larger proportion of dead
load than
live load resulting in a heavy support structure. Additionally, seismic
lateral forces are
calculated as a percentage of the dead load only, again resulting in large
lateral forces
to be resisted by the structure.
Large stadiums require hundreds of riser units. Precast concrete units must be
poured
in individual forms and necessitate cure time. This results in long
prefabrication times
in order to fabricate a sufficient number of units prior to commencement of
erection.
Also for large grandstands, the uppermost risers require a long crane reach to
deposit
the units. These heavy units require large crane capacities significantly
increasing
crane size and cost. Higher capacity cranes have slower travel speeds again
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increasing erection cost. Moreover, the constant tread width of such precast
concrete
units generally renders an inflexible geometry.
A small percentage of stadiums use prefabricated steel riser sections custom
manufactured from steel plate components. Steel risers have the same form and
shape as the precast concrete risers. Known to the Applicant is US Patent
7,047,699
(KENNEDY), which describes sandwich plate stepped riser made of upper and
lower
metal plates bonded together by an elastomer.
Also known to the applicant is US patent 5,159,788 (MERRICK), which discloses
a
decking system for bleacher-type stadium seating, including a plurality of
extruded
0 metal formed filler boards, foot boards and riser boards, which may be
interlocked with
each other and with a stadium seating substructure. The substructure includes
conventional angle members forming an L shaped support surface for receiving
the
various decking components.
Steel riser sections are much lighter using thin steel plates capable of
resisting the
5 overall load. However these plates must be locally reinforced to minimize
local
deflection and vibration forces resulting in more expensive riser sections
than precast
concrete risers. In some instances a secondary structure is required. In
addition, steel
riser sections require welding to fabricate the section. The welded joints
cause
distortion of the steel plates necessitating costly shop operations to correct
these
0 distortions.
Also known to the Applicant are die-formed aluminum riser sections. These
sections
are however limited in length and require a secondary steel structure to
support the
sections, resulting in cluttering of the space underneath the riser. This
space is usually
used for spectators to circulate within the stadium, and for restaurants and
washrooms
5 areas. Existing aluminum risers are therefore mostly used for small
municipal
stadiums.
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A number of modular structures are known in the field of staircases. For
example,
known to the applicant is US patent 3,608,256 (JEFFERYS), which discloses an
adjustable step construction having cooperating projections and grooves on the
riser
portion in order to adjust the height of each step. Also known to the
applicant is PCT
patent application W090/04692 (MOON et al.), which discloses a staircase made
of a
plurality of tread members which can be adjustably mounted in order to vary
the angle
of the staircase. Moreover, also known to the applicant is European patent
application
82306775.6 (PERRY et al.), which is directed to a staircase cladding adapted
to clad
the nose and the riser of the step. However, these documents are considered to
be
irrelevant with respect to the field of the present invention since the
structures
described therein are not readily suitable for bleacher-type stadium seating
risers
provided in large scale grandstand riser sections.
Thus there is a need for an improved riser unit and/or seating riser that
performs as
well as a concrete riser from a spectator viewpoint, is lighter in order to
reduce the
weight of the supporting structure and the lateral seismic forces, that span
across a
considerably long distance, that can be manufactured and assembled in a
relatively
short time frame and that is lighter to reduce the equipment cost and erection
time and
effort.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a riser section and/or riser
assembly
that satisfies at least one of the above-mentioned needs.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above object is
achieved
with a set of structural modules for building a modular seating riser on which
seats of a
bleacher-type stadium are mounted, each of the structural modules being a
metal
extrusion having an elongated shaped body with two opposite lateral edges, the
set
comprising: a first module having a female tensioned catch-connector provided
along
at least one of the lateral edges thereof; and a second module having a male
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tensioned catch-connector provided along at least one of the lateral edges
thereof, the
male and female tensioned catch-connectors having complementary configurations
for
mating and interlocking together, the first and second modules being operable
between an unassembled configuration, wherein the female and male catch-
5 connectors are disconnected, and an assembled configuration, wherein the
female and
male catch-connectors are interlocked together and frictionally tensioned
against one
another to form a structural permanent joint.
In the context of the present invention, the term "structural" means used in
or
necessary to building, capable of bearing the weight of a building structure
or a part of
I 0 a structure that bears a weight, or the structural piece used for such a
part.
In the context of the present invention, the term "module" means a
standardized, often
interchangeable component of a system or construction that is designed for
easy
assembly or flexible use.
Moreover, the term "modular" means relating to or based on a module or
modulus, or
designed with standardized units or dimensions, as for easy assembly and
repair or
flexible arrangement and use.
In the context of the present invention, the term "extrusion" means a material
having
been pushed or drawn through a die of the desired cross-section, or an object
or
material produced by extruding (i.e. shaped by forcing it through a die).
?0 In the context of the present invention, the term "catch-connector" means a
fastener
being configured to join with another complementary catch-connector and to
interlock
therewith once joined, typically by virtue of a hooking or blocking system
formed
between the two fasteners, mutually locking the catch-connectors together.
Moreover,
the expression "tensioned catch-connector" means that the catch-connector is
biased
'_5 and/or exerts a force, so as to form, once connected to the other
complementary
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catch-connector, a structural joint, by virtue of a biasing force, a tension,
a mechanical
stress or a friction force created between the two catch-connectors.
In the context of the present invention, the term "interlocking" means
uniting/joining
closely as by hooking or dovetailing, or connecting the modules together so
that these
modules affect each other in motion or operation.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular
seating riser
for mounting seat rows of a bleacher's type stadium, the modular seating riser
comprising: at least a first and a second structural module, each of the first
and second
structural modules being a metal extrusion having an elongated shaped body
with two
0 opposite lateral edges, the first module having a female tensioned catch-
connector
provided along at least one of the lateral edges thereof, and the second
module having
a male tensioned catch-connector provided along at least one of the lateral
edges
thereof, the male and female tensioned catch-connectors having complementary
configurations for mating and interlocking together, the first and second
modules being
5 operable between an unassembled configuration, wherein the female and male
catch-
connectors are disconnected, and an assembled configuration, wherein the
female and
male catch-connectors are interlocked together and frictionally tensioned
against one
another to form a structural permanent joint.
Preferably, an other lateral edge of at least one of the first and second
modules is
D provided with a lock-connector and the modular seating riser further
comprises : at
least one third structural module having an elongated shaped body with a first
and a
second opposite lateral edge, a first lock-connector provided along the first
lateral
edge, the first lock-connector of the third module and the lock-connector of
the other
lateral edge of the at least one of the first module and second modules having
5 complementary configurations for mating and interlocking together.
Preferably, the
other lateral edges of both the first and second modules are each provided
with the
lock-connector. Preferably, the third module comprises a second lock-connector
provided along the second lateral edge thereof, the first lock-connector of
the third
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module and the lock-connector of the other lateral edge of the first module
having
complementary configurations for mating and interlocking together and the
second
lock-connector of the third module and the lock-connector of the other lateral
edge of
the second module having complementary configurations for mating and
interlocking
together.
Preferably, the first and second modules, in the above-mentioned embodiments,
have
inner cellular sections defined by first and second space-apart walls
interconnected by
transversal ribs and wherein the female catch-connector comprises a pair of
inward
female sloping-arms, each extending from a respective one of the first wall
and the
second wall inward a cellular section, the female sloping-arms sloping toward
one
another at a substantially identical first angle with respect to the first and
second walls
respectively, and the male catch-connector comprises a pair of outward male
sloping-
arms, each extending from a respective one of the first wall and the second
wall
outward a cellular section, the male sloping-arms sloping toward one another,
each at
a substantially identical second angle with respect to the first and second
walls
respectively, the second angle being inferior to the first angle for wedging
the male
catch-connector within the female catch-connector and each male sloping-arm
having
a male contact surface provided with a locking stub to engage a respective end
of the
female sloping-arm and lock the male catch-connector within the female catch-
!0 connector.
Preferably, the female tensioned catch-connector, in the above-mentioned
embodiments, extends substantially laterally with respect to the body of the
first
module and the male tensioned catch-connector extends substantially laterally
with
respect to the body of the second module such that when the first and second
modules
15 are in the assembled configuration, a substantially planar riser module
assembly is
formed. Preferably, the substantially planar riser module assembly defines a
floor
section of the modular seating riser.
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Preferably, the above-mentioned third module defines a vertical wall section
(also
referred to herein as "back section").
Preferably, there is provided an elongated stadium riser section made of
extruded
metal and having an L shaped cross-section formed with a floor section and a
back
section extending substantially at a right angle to each other and a
structural snap fit
joint (i.e. the "structural permanent joint") joining the floor section and
the back section.
Preferably, the floor section has an outer edge and an inner edge and the back
section
has a top edge and a bottom edge. The inner edge of the floor section is
preferably
provided with either a male or a female snap fit joint component mating
respectively to
0 a female or male snap fit joint component provided at the bottom edge of the
back
section.
Still preferably, the riser further comprises an additional back section
extending at right
angle from the outer edge of the floor section in opposite direction to the
back section
described above, the additional back section being joined to the outer edge of
the floor
5 section with an overlapping screwed joint.
Preferably, the floor section comprises at least two floor subsections
extending side-
by-side to each other. The at least two floor subsections comprise an outer
floor
subsection, an inner floor subsection and a structural snap fit joint joining
an inner
edge of the outer floor subsection to an outer edge of the inner floor
subsection.
0 According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit
for forming a
stadium riser, the kit comprising: a plurality of elongated floor sections
made of
extruded metal, each floor section having an edge provided with either a male
or
female snap fit joint component; and a plurality of elongated back sections
made of
extruded metal, each back section having an edge provided with a female or
male
5 snap fit joint component mating to the corresponding male or female snap fit
joint
component of the floors sections.
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According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method
for
building a modular seating riser on which seats of a bleacher-type stadium are
mounted, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of sets
of
structural modules, as described above; (b) assembling at least the first and
second
modules of each set by interlocking, for each set, the female catch-connector
of the
first module with the male catch-connector of the second module, thereby
forming a
plurality of corresponding riser assemblies; and (c) connecting the plurality
of said riser
assemblies in a successive arrangement by mounting each riser assembly onto a
preceding one of said riser assemblies.
Preferably, the connecting of step (c) comprises: providing at least one third
module,
as described above; and connecting at least one successive pair of said riser
assemblies via one of the at least one third module, by mating, for each of
the at least
one successive pair, the first lock-connector of the corresponding third
module with the
first module of a preceding riser assembly of said pair and the second lock-
connector
of the corresponding third module with the second module of a succeeding riser
assembly of said pair.
In the context of the present invention, the term "in a successive
arrangement" means
provided in a sequential or serial order.
In the context of the present invention, the term "mounting" means connecting
or
?0 joining, either directly or by means of an intermediate or auxiliary
element.
In the context of the present invention, the expression "preceding" means
provided
before in term of order, sequence or position and the expression "successive"
means
following in term of order, sequence or position.
Preferably, there is further provided a method for building a stadium riser,
the method
15 comprising the steps of: (a) providing a kit as described above; (b)
snapping together a
floor section and a back section forming an L shaped riser section; (c)
stacking a
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plurality of L shaped riser sections by joining the outer edges of the floor
sections to
the top edges of the back sections with overlapping screwed joints.
The structural permanent joint (also referred to herein as "snap fit joint")
advantageously provides a structural connection so that the floor and back
sections
5 function as a single piece.
Preferably, the riser sections are produced from extruded aluminum. The snap
fit joint
is designed so that the snap fit interlocking joint components are extruded
with a
permanent offset such that after they are pressed together, permanent bending
stresses in the arms of the interlocking components create a permanent lock.
10 Advantageously, this snap fit joint develops large friction forces
sufficient to overcome
any horizontal shear forces between the components. The large clamping force
produces a structural connection enabling the components to function as a
single
piece in flexural bending. A simple nesting joint permits interconnection of
the riser
units in the field.
Moreover, the modular nature of the stadium riser provides flexibility in the
design, with
just a few different components, thereby allowing to provide a wide range of
possible
sizes and configurations of risers.
Objects and other advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent
upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred
embodiments
10 thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to
the
accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stadium riser assembly, formed by a floor
and a
back section, according to a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG.2 is a side view of an outer floor subsection of the stadium riser
assembly of
FIG.1
FIG.3 is a side view of an inner floor subsection of the stadium riser
assembly of
FIG.1
FIG.4 is a side view of a back section of the stadium riser assembly of FIG.1
FIG.5 is an enlarged side-view of a structural snap fit joint of the floor
subsections of
the stadium riser assembly of FIG.1
FIG.6 is an enlarged side view of a structural snap fit joint joining the
floor and back
sections of the stadium riser assembly of FIG.1
FIG.7 is a cross section view of a modular stadium riser according to another
aspect
of the invention, the modular stadium riser being shown partially.
FIG.8 is an enlarged view of an overlapping screwed joint of the modular
stadium
riser of FIG.7.
FIG.9 is an enlarged view of a female sloping-arm of a female snap fit joint
component of the outer floor subsection of the stadium riser section of FIG.1
?0 FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a male sloping-arm of male snap fit joint
component of
the inner floor subsection of the stadium riser section of FIG.1
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stadium riser assembly according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
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FIG. 12 is a side view of an inner floor subsection of the stadium riser
assembly of
FIG.11.
FIG. 13 is a side view of an outer floor subsection of the stadium riser
assembly of
FIG.11.
FIG. 14 is a side view of a wall section of the stadium riser assembly of
FIG.11.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a stadium riser assembly according to yet
another
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a side view of a wall section of the stadium riser assembly of
FIG.15.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a modular seating riser, according to an
embodiment
of the present invention, the modular seating riser being shown partially.
FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of a modular seating riser according to
yet
another embodiment of the present invention, the modular seating riser being
shown partially.
FIG. 19 is a side view of an intermediate floor subsection of the modular
stadium riser
of FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is a side view of an outer floor subsection of the modular stadium
riser of
FIG. 18.
FIG. 21 is a side view of a barrier section of the modular stadium riser of
FIG. 18.
?0 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given
similar
reference numerals. To preserve the clarity of the drawings, some reference
numerals
have been omitted, if they were already identified in a preceding figure. The
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embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions
shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred
embodiments
only given for exemplification purposes only.
In the context of the present description, the expression "catch-connector"
includes all
types of connectors allowing to interlock with another complementary catch-
connector
and thus includes connectors of clip-type, snap-fit type and/or the like, as
exemplified
herein. Moreover, the expression "lock-connector" generally includes any type
of
fastening connector provided on a component and allowing a connection with
another
compatible component, including for example catch-connectors and snap-fit
connectors, as well as other suitable fastening mechanisms, such as, for
example, a
nesting assembly as described herein. For these reasons, in the present
description,
the expressions "catch-connector" and "snap fit joint component", or even
"lock-
connector" (in some cases) as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or
compound words thereof may be used interchangeably, as can be easily
understood
by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, the expressions "snap fit joint",
"structural
joint", "structural permanent joint", as well as any other equivalent
expressions and/or
compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person
skilled in the art. Moreover, the expressions "male" and "female" may be used
interchangeably, when referring to "catch-connector" and "snap-fit joint
component", as
can be easily understood.
Also in the context of the present description, the expressions "stadium riser
section",
"riser module assembly" and "modular seating riser", as well as any other
equivalent
expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The
same
applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "back section",
"back
riser", "vertical section", "vertical riser section" or even "third module"
(in some cases),
as well as for "screwed joint" and "nesting connection", or even for "floor
section",
"inner floor subsection", "outer floor subsection", "intermediate floor
subsection", "first
module", "second module" and "third module", as the case may be. Similarly,
the
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expressions "structural module assembly", "level", "row" and/or other mutually
equivalent terms may also be used interchangeably when referring to the levels
of a
seating stadium riser, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in
the accompanying drawings comprises components, and although the preferred
embodiment of the structural modules, the modular seating riser and
corresponding
parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical
configurations
as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and
geometries are
essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive
sense, i.e.
should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is
to be
understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other
suitable
components and cooperations therein between, as well as other suitable
geometrical
configurations, may be used for the structural modules and/or modular seating
riser
according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as
can be
easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Broadly described, there is provided a set of structural modules for building
a
structurally sound modular seating riser on which seats of a bleacher-type
stadium are
mounted, each of the structural modules being a metal extrusion having an
elongated
shaped body with two opposite lateral edges.
'.0 As better illustrated in Figure 1, the set of structural modules 1
comprises a first
module 3 having a female tensioned catch-connector 30 provided along at least
one 5
of the lateral edges thereof, and a second module 6 having a male tensioned
catch-
connector 28 provided along at least one 8 of the lateral edges thereof, the
male and
female tensioned catch-connectors 28, 30 having complementary configurations
for
5 mating and interlocking together. The first and second modules 3, 6 are
operable
between an unassembled configuration, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, wherein the
female and male catch-connectors 28, 30 are disconnected, and an assembled
configuration, as shown in Figure 1, wherein the female and male catch-
connectors 28,
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30 are interlocked together and frictionally tensioned against one another to
form a
structural permanent joint 19.
Preferably, there is provided a single elongated L shaped stadium riser
section 15
consisting of a floor section 12 and a back section 14. The floor section 12
has an
5 outer edge 20 and an inner edge 22 and the back section 14 has a top edge 24
and a
bottom edge 26. The inner edge 22 of the floor section 12 is preferably
provided with
either a male 28 or a female 30 snap fit joint component (i.e. male and female
tensioned catch-connector) mating respectively to a female 30 or male 28 snap
fit joint
component provided at the bottom edge 26 of the back section 14. Thus, the
floor
10 section 12 and back section 14 may correspond to the aforementioned first 3
and
second modules 6, respectively, or visa versa, that is to say, the floor
section 12 and
back section 14 may alternatively correspond to the second 6 and first 3
modules
respectively.
Preferably, still with reference to Figure 1, the floor section 12 comprises
at least two
15 floor subsections 16, 18 extending side-by-side to each other. The at least
two floor
subsections 16, 18 comprise an outer floor subsection 16, an inner floor
subsection 18
and a structural snap fit joint 19 (i.e. structural permanent joint) joining
an inner edge
32 of the outer floor subsection 16 to an outer edge 34 of the inner floor
subsection 18.
Accordingly, the outer floor subsection 16 and inner floor subsection 18 may
'.0 correspond to the aforementioned first 3 and second 6 modules,
respectively, or visa
versa, that is to say, the inner floor subsection 18 and outer floor
subsection 16 may
alternatively correspond to the second 6 and first 3 modules, respectively.
Preferably, the inner floor subsection 18 is connected via a snap fit joint 19
(i.e.
structural permanent joint) to the outer floor subsection 16 at its outer edge
34 and to
5 the bottom edge 26 of the back section 14 at its inside edge, which
corresponds to the
inner edge 22 of the floor section 12.
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Still with reference to Figure 1, the outer floor subsection 16 and the inner
floor
subsection 18 of the riser section 15 are preferably extruded in the form of
cellular
sections. The hollow cells 9 increase the transverse and longitudinal flexural
strength
of the outer and inner floor subsections 16, 18 by increasing their depth and
sectional
modulus while minimizing the area of extruded metal or aluminum.
Referring now to Figure 4, a third module 13, such as a back section 14 may be
extruded as a solid section, preferably made of aluminum. It may also be
extruded as a
hollow cellular section, as better illustrated in Figure 11, similarly to
outer and inner
floor subsections 16, 18. The vertical riser section may be extruded as two or
more
separate pieces, each piece or subsection being a solid section or a hollow
cellular
section, also similar in form to the floor subsections 16 and 18. In such a
case, the two
back subsections may be joined together to form a back riser section 14. The
back
section 14 is usually a single piece but for steep seating areas, it may
advantageously
consist of a plurality of subsections, such as for example, upper and lower
subsections. The above-mentioned third 13 module will be explained more in
detail
further below.
Any one of the structural modules 3, 6, 13 including the outer and/or inner
floor
subsections 16, 18, as well as the back section 14 may be provided in the form
of a
solid component (i.e. meaning not hollow or not cellular, in the context of
the present
?0 description) or semi-solid component, as can be easily understood.
Moreover, any one
of the structural modules 3, 6, 13 may be provided with a single hollow cell,
depending
on the width of the module, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in
the art.
The cellular section(s) may contain insulation material in order to reduce
sound
transmission and reverberation. For example, such insulation material may
include
?5 ultra lightweight concrete, which is fire resistant, sealing, thereby
preventing leakage of
fluids into the cavities (i.e. cells) and reduces vibration. Any other
suitable insulating
material or sealant may alternatively be used, as can be easily understood.
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17
Referring now to Figures 1 to 6 and 11 to 14, the aforementioned first and
second
modules 3, 6, or even the aforesaid third module 13, may have inner cellular
sections 9
defined by first and second space-apart walls 10 interconnected by transversal
ribs 11.
Moreover, the female catch-connector 30 preferably comprises a pair of inward
female
sloping-arms 44, each extending from a respective one of the first wall and
the second
wall 10 inward a cellular section 9. The female sloping-arms 44 slope toward
one
another, each at a substantially identical first angle 51 with respect to the
first and
second walls 10, respectively. Similarly, the male catch-connector 28
preferably
comprises a pair of outward male sloping-arms 38, each extending from a
respective
one of the first wall and the second wall 10 outward a cellular section 9. The
male
sloping-arms 28 slope toward one another, each at a substantially identical
second
angle 50 with respect to the first and second walls 10 respectively. The
second angle
50 is inferior to the first angle 51 for wedging the male catch-connector 28
within the
female catch-connector 30. Moreover, each male sloping-arm 38 has a male
contact
surface 39 provided with a locking stub 40 to engage a respective end 45 of
the female
sloping-arm 44 and lock the male catch-connector 28 within the female catch-
connector 30.
The above tensioned catch-connectors 28, 30 may be any connector or fastener
configured to interlock with another complementary catch-connector, that is to
say, it
can not easily disconnect therefrom and further forming a structural joint, by
virtue of a
biasing force, tension or friction created between the two catch-connectors.
Thus, with further reference to Figure 10, the structural snap fit joint 19
may comprise
a male snap fit joint component 28 that is pressed into a receiving female
snap fit joint
component 30. The male component 28 has two sloping-arms 38, as previously
mentioned, each sloping-arm being preferably of solid thickness. The end of
each arm
38 has a locking stub 40 protruding on the contact surface 39, which engages
with the
female component 30. The locking stub 40 has a locking face 42 that is
preferably
perpendicular to the sloping-arm 38 and is of a length to ensure that the male
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18
component 28 cannot slide out once it has been installed, as better shown in
Figures 5
and 6. Furthermore, the end of the locking stub 40 preferably has a rounded
surface
52 to allow it to glide smoothly along the portion of the female component 30
that it
contacts as the male component 28 is pressed in.
As previously mentioned, and with further reference to Figure 9, the female
component
30 also has two sloping-arms 44, each being preferably of solid thickness. The
side of
the female component 30 that is in contact with the male component 28 (i.e.
"female
contact surface" 47 is preferably smooth and straight. The end 45 of each arm
preferably has a locking stub 46 (also referred to herein as the "blocking
stub") on the
opposite side of the contact surface 47, which, as explained, corresponds to a
side of
the arm which engages with the male component 28. The outside edge of the
locking
stub face 48 is perpendicular to the sloping-arm 44 of the female component
30, for
mating with the corresponding locking stub 40 of the male component 28.
As also mentioned, the slope angle 50 of the sloping-arm 38 of the male
component 28
is made smaller than the corresponding slope angle 51 of the sloping-arm 44 of
the
female component 30. Thus a significant pressure is required to force the male
component 28 into the female component 30. The difference in angle is such
that after
the locking stubs 40, 46 have come into contact, a large permanent pressure
exists
between the male 28 and female 30 components. This contact pressure develops
?0 large friction forces between the male 38 and female 44 arms resisting any
movement
in the longitudinal direction of the joint 19. This pressure is designed to be
significantly
larger than the horizontal shear forces developed by the longitudinal bending
of the
riser due to its dead load and anticipated live load. Additionally, the joint
19 acts as a
moment connection in the transverse direction of the riser, thus exploiting
the full depth
?5 of the inner 18 and outer 16 floor subsections. Figure 6 shows a snap fit
joint 19 being
utilized to connect the back section 14 to the inner floor subsection 18.
Similar joints
would be used to connect the back subsections should they be produced in two
or
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19
more pieces. Of course, other configuration of structural snap fit joint
components
could be used.
As previously mentioned, each female sloping-arm 44 preferably has a female
contact
surface 47 devised to engage with the male contact surface 39 of a
corresponding one
of the male sloping-arms 38 and the end 45 of each of the female sloping-arms
44
comprises a blocking stub 46 protruding from a surface opposite the female
contact
surface 47 for interlocking with a corresponding one of the locking stubs 40
of the male
sloping-arms 38. The locking stub 40 preferably has a rounded surface 52 to
glide
along the female contact surface 47.
The above-described female sloping-arms 44 and male sloping-arms 38 may be
provided in a number of various configurations, as can be easily understood by
a
person skilled in the art. Indeed, as exemplified in the embodiment
illustrated at
Figure 1, each sloping-arm 38, 44 is preferably resilient, in order to be
compressed
during assembly, i.e. when sliding the male catch-connector 28 into the female
catch-
connector 30, and to further exert a biasing force against the corresponding
opposite
sloping-arm, when the male catch-connector 28 and female catch-connector 30
are
assembled. It is to be understood that one of the sloping-arms 38, 44, for a
given pair
of complementary sloping-arms, may be substantially inflexible. Moreover,
though in
the exemplified embodiments, the sloping-arms 38, 44 of each catch-connector
28, 30
?0 extend symmetrically with respect to the central axis defined between the
sloping-arms
38, 44. Thus, it is to be understood that the sloping-arms 38, 44 of a given
catch-
connector may be asymmetrically disposed, in size and/or angle. Moreover, the-
above-
described catch-connector 28, 30 may be provided with only one sloping-arm or
more
than two sloping arms and/or other similar components, without departing from
the
?5 scope of the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person
skilled in the
art. Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with
reference to
Figures 11 to 14, the female component may be provided with a substantially
solid
sloping-arm. More particularly and as better illustrated in Figure 12,
according to this
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particular embodiment, the female sloping-arm 44 is formed by an inverted-V
shaped
protrusion extending along the corresponding wall 10 of the structural module
3, so as
to form a notch which provides the above-mentioned end 45 of the female
sloping-arm
44 for catching the male component 28. Similarly, the male component 28 may
5 alternatively be provided with a substantially solid sloping-arm. Indeed,
the male and
female components may be provided in any suitable shape, size and
configuration as
long as they can be suitably engaged, locked and tensionally interconnected.
In view of the above, the female tensioned catch-connector 30 and the male
tensioned
catch-connector 28 may each extend substantially laterally with respect to the
body of
10 the corresponding module such that when the first and second modules 3, 6
are in the
assembled configuration, a substantially planar riser module assembly 15 is
formed, as
better illustrated in Figure 5. Such a substantially planar riser module
assembly 15
preferably defines a floor section 12 of the modular seating riser 2. The
substantially
planar riser module assembly 15 may alternatively define a wall section 14
(also
15 referred to herein as "back section"), as already mentioned.
Moreover, the female tensioned catch-connector 30 may extend substantially
perpendicularly with respect to the body of the first module 3 and the male
tensioned
catch-connector 28 may extend substantially laterally with respect to the body
of the
second module 6 such that when the first 3 and second 6 modules are in the
20 assembled configuration, a substantially corner riser module assembly 15 is
formed,
as previously mentioned, as exemplified in Figure 6.
A similar substantially corner riser module assembly 15 may also be formed
with a first
module 3 having a female catch-connector 30 extending substantially laterally
with
respect to the body of the corresponding first module and the male tensioned
catch-
connector 28 extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the body
of the
corresponding second module 6, as can be easily understood by a person skilled
in
the art. Indeed, the male 28 and female 30 catch-connectors may each extend or
be
oriented at any suitable angles with respect to the body of the corresponding
module 3,
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21
6, (for example, each at 45 degree angles) such that, when assembled together,
a
substantially perpendicular angle results, as can be easily understood.
Typically, such
a corner riser module assembly provides a wall section 14 or portion thereof,
and a
floor section 12 or portion thereof. Alternatively, such a corner riser module
assembly
15 may provide a floor section 12 or portion thereof, with a barrier section
84, typically
for a lowermost row of a modular seating riser, as exemplified in Figures 17
and 18,
and as better explained further below.
Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, at least one of the structural modules 3,
6, 13, for
example the above-mentioned third module 13, which corresponds to a vertical
section
14 of the riser in this particular embodiment, is preferably provided with an
opening 62
for receiving a seat fastener, such as a bolt, to attach a seat thereto,
generally by
securing the seat support plate to the vertical riser section 14. Preferably,
the opening
62 includes a slot 64 (or "groove") oriented longitudinally with respect to
the body of
the structural module 13 for adjustably positioning the seat fastener
therealong.
Preferably a pair of continuous slots 64 or grooves extend in parallel along
the vertical
section 14 of the riser module assembly 15,, the pair of slots 64 being
laterally spaced
apart with respect to the vertical section 14 in order to receive upper and
lower
fasteners of a row of seats, each seat typically requiring one or two vertical
rows of
bolts to attach the seat support plate to the vertical riser section. The
slots 64 may
extends along the entire length of the structural module, as exemplified in
Figure 15, or
they may be delimited within the structural module 13. Moreover, a plurality
of slots 64
may be provided adjacently along the structural module 13, as can be easily
understood. Furthermore, the above-described opening 62 and/or slot 64 may be
provided, alternatively or additionally, along a floor section 12 of the riser
2, in order to
?5 provide fastening means to mount one or more seat to the floor section 12.
The
aforesaid first and second modules may each be provided with at least one
opening 62
or slot 64, preferably to cooperate and provide, for example, a pair of
longitudinal slots
64 along the vertical 14 or floor section 12, when assembled.
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22
These slots 64 or openings 62 thus facilitate the installation of stadium
seating or
benches. As previously explained, typical stadium seats require one or two
vertical
rows of bolts that attach the seat support plate to the back of the riser
section. Thus, a
Tee bolt (also referred to as "T head bolt" or "planar bolt") or other similar
types of
fastener may be installed in the slot with the Tee head being positioned in
parallel with
respect to the length of the slot and then rotated to keep it in place as the
seat is
installed. The seat or bench is slid to its correct location and the Tee bolt
is then
tightened. Seat configurations can thereby easily be changed, such as the
mounting of
a wider seat or placing of a bench for an obese person or the installing of a
special
seat or removing of seats for a handicapped person (for example, for a season
ticket
holder). Seat spacing can be changed by loosening the bolt and sliding the
seat. The
installation of seats using such a slot thereby, does not require any
measuring, drilling
or installation of an epoxied anchor, as generally required for seat
installations on
conventional stadium risers. Seats may thus be easily and quickly installed
and
uninstalled, resulting in time and cost savings. It is to be understood that a
standard
method of mounting seats may also be applied according to embodiments of the
present invention.
Referring now to Figures 17 and 18, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a modular seating riser 2 for mounting seat rows
of a
bleacher's type stadium, comprising at least a first 3 and a second 6
structural module,
as described hereinabove. Preferably, a plurality of sets of structural
modules 1 is
provided, each set being assembled from two or three structural modules 3, 6,
13, or
subsections 16, 18, 90, so as to form a floor section 12a, 12b, 12c
corresponding to a
row of seats or a level of the modular seating riser 2. Each successive pair
of floor
?5 sections 12a, 12b, 12c being connected, preferably by a third module 13 or
wall
section 14a, 14b, 14c, in order to interconnect each of the floor sections 12
and thus
provide the multi-level modular seating riser 2.
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More particularly, shown in Figure 17, with further reference to Figures 19 to
21, is a
three-level portion of a modular seating riser 2, according to an embodiment
of the
present invention. In this particular embodiment, the lowermost level
corresponding to
a first level 15a of the modular seating riser 2, is made of a floor section
12a having a
first module 3a (i.e. inner floor subsection 18a) and a second module 6a (i.e.
outer
floor subsection 16) being connected via another module 6'a forming an
intermediate
floor subsection 90a. Indeed, the intermediate floor subsection 90a is
provided in the
form of a cellular structural module, similar to the ones described herein,
having a
female catch-connector 30 along an inner edge 8' thereof and a male catch-
connector
28 along an outer edge 68' thereof, in order to mate and interconnect with
corresponding catch-connectors of inner floor 18a and outer floor 16a
subsections,
respectively, and form a permanent structural joint 19 along each lateral edge
8', 68'
thereof. Moreover, in this lowermost level 15a, the outer floor subsection 16a
is
connected at a top face 78 thereof to a third module 13'a, having the form of
a vertical
barrier section 84 being connected by a catch-connector joint 19. The inner
floor
subsection 18a is similarly connected at a top face 78 thereof to another said
third
module 13a, provided here in the form of a wall section 14a. In this
embodiment, the
wall section 14a is a solid, planar member, having a catch-connector 28 at a
lowermost
edge 26 for connecting to the first structural module 3a. The wall section 14a
further
?0 defines a blade-like upper edge 24 which connects to the floor section 12b
of a
succeeding level 15b, via a nesting connection 36, as better illustrated in
Figure 7.
Indeed, the blade-like edge 24 is received in an overlapping screw joint
connector 56
provided along the outer edge 20 of the second module 6b (or outer floor
section 16b)
of the succeeding structural module assembly 15b (i.e. floor section 12b with
wall
section 14b), as better illustrated in Figure 8. The aforementioned nesting
connection
36 will be described more in detail further below.
Still referring to Figure 17, the next structural module assembly 15b
corresponds to the
second level of the modular seating riser 2. This second level 15b comprises a
floor
section 12b being made of two structural modules 3b, 6b (outer floor
subsection 16b
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24
and inner floor subsection 18b) and a third module 13b forming a wall section
14b
similar to that of the first level 15a. The wall section 14b of this second
level 15b is
thus configured to connect to another floor section 12c of another succeeding
level
15c.
Accordingly, the said another succeeding level (i.e. third level of the
modular seating
riser 2) corresponding to a third structural module assembly 15c (i.e. floor
section 12c
with wall section 14c), is connected to the wall section 14b of the second
structural
module assembly 15b at the second level. Similarly, this third level 15c also
comprises
a floor section 12c being made of two structural modules 3c, 6c (outer floor
subsection
16c and inner floor subsection 18c) and a third module 13c forming a wall
section 14c
similar to that of the first 15a and second 15b levels. The wall section 14c
of this third
level 15c is also configured to connect to another floor section of a
subsequent level
assembly, however no such subsequent level is shown in Figure 17.
Referring now to Figure 18, there is shown another similar multi-level portion
of a
modular seating riser 2, according to another embodiment of the present
invention. In
this particular embodiment, the wall sections 14a, 14b and 14c are made of a
cellular
extrusion and are each further provided with a pair of slots 64 therealong, as
previously described. Also, the third level 15c in Figure 18 is shown
partially, namely
the outer floor subsection 16c having a catch-connector 28 for mating with
another
complementary catch-connector of another module (not illustrated).
The modular seating risers 2 shown in Figures 17 and 18 comprise a plurality
of
structural riser assemblies 15a, 15b, 15c in order to form a multi-level riser
section 2.
As can be easily understood, a plurality of floor sections 12, as described
herein, are
typically linked by vertical sections 14, in order to build the modular
seating riser 2.
Thus, the other lateral edge 66, 68 of the first module 3 and/or second module
6 is
preferably provided with a lock-connector 53. Such a lock-connector 53 may
include
the above-described catch-connector 28, 30 (or snap fit component) or any
other
suitable fastening connector, such as the above-mentioned nesting connection
36.
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Preferably and in the particular embodiments discussed herein, the vertical
section 14
is provided by at least one of said third structural module 13, as mentioned
above,
having an elongated shaped body. The third module 13 or wall section 14 is
provided
with a first 70 and a second 72 opposite lateral edge, to connect, via a first
lock-
5 connector 74 provided along the first lateral edge 70 thereof, with one of
the first 3 and
second 6 modules. The first lock-connector 74 of the third module 13 and the
lock-
connector 53 of the other lateral edge 66, 68 of the first module 3 and/or
second 6
module have complementary configurations for mating and interlocking together.
For
example, the barrier section 84 (i.e. third module 13'a) described above and
illustrated
10 in Figures 17 and 18, has a male catch-connector 28 (i.e. lock-connector
74) along a
lower edge thereof (i.e. first lateral edge 70'a) for connecting with the
outer floor
subsection 16a (second module 6a) of the first level 15a of the modular
seating riser 2.
The upper edge 72'a of the barrier section 84 is trimmed. Indeed, any of the
structural
modules described herein may be provided with a trim edge, that is to say, not
15 provided with a connector. Indeed, the modular seating riser 2 or a portion
thereof,
when assembled, may comprise unattached or delimiting components, namely at
the
lowermost and uppermost levels thereof, as can be easily understood, which may
or
may not have such a trim edge.
As also exemplified, the above-described wall sections 14a, 14b, 14c (i.e.
third module
20 13a, 13b, 13c) also each have a male catch-connector 28 (i.e. lock-
connector 74)
provided along a lower edge (i.e. first lateral edge 70a, 70b, 70c) thereof
for
connecting, in this case, with an inner floor subsection 18, (i.e. first
modules 3a, 3b,
3c, respectively). Moreover, the illustrated wall sections 14a, 14b, 14c
further comprise
a connector 76 provided along an upper edge thereof (i.e. second lateral edge
72a,
25 72b, 72c for connecting with a succeeding floor section 12 (i.e. second
modules 6b,
6c, respectively) of the modular seating riser 2. Thus, the third module 13
may
comprise a second lock-connector 76 provided along the second lateral edge 72
thereof. More particularly, the first lock-connector 74 of the third module 13
and the
lock-connector 53 of the other lateral edge 66 of the first module 3 have
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26
complementary configurations for mating and interlocking together. Moreover,
the
second lock-connector 76 of the third module 13 and the lock-connector 53 of
the other
lateral edge 68 of the second module 6 have complementary configurations for
mating
and interlocking together.
Preferably, referring further to Figures 11 to 14, the first and second lock-
connectors
74, 76 of the third module 13 both extend substantially laterally with respect
to the
body of the third module 13 and the lock-connectors 53 provided along the
other lateral
edge 66, 68 of both the first and second modules 3, 6 extend substantially
perpendicularly with respect to the body of the first module 3 and second
module 6,
respectively, such that when the first or the second module 3, 6 is assembled
with the
third module 13, a substantially corner riser assembly 15 is formed.
Though the above-described third module 13 typically corresponds to a vertical
section
14, 84 of the modular seating riser 2 or to a portion thereof, and more
particularly to a
linking wall section 14, it is to be understood, that the above-described
third module 13
may be used in any suitable configuration in cooperation with the other
structural
modules 3, 6, 13. Moreover, this third module 13 may be embodied by an
assembly of
submodules. More particularly, in the case where the third module 13 defines a
riser
wall section 14, this wall section 14 may include any suitable number of wall
subsections, such that the resulting wall section 14 forms the above-described
third
?0 module 13. The same applies to the assembly of first 3 and second 6
modules, as can
be readily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed and for example,
if the first
3 and second 6 modules define a floor section 12, it is to be understood, that
they may
be connected by any suitable numbers of intermediate floor subsection 90, in
order to
extend the floor section and/or increase structural support therein. As can
also be
'.5 easily understood, the third module 13 may alternatively correspond to
another floor
subsection 12, for example, with reference to Figures 17-18, the inner floor
subsection
3a and the intermediate floor subsection 90 may correspond to the first 3 and
second
6' modules, respectively, while the outer floor subsection 16a may correspond
to a
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27
third module 13. Moreover, any one of the above-mentioned lock-connectors 53
may
include the above-described catch-connector or snap connector, male 28 or
female 30,
as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
As described with reference to Figures 17 and 18, and with reference now to
Figures
2, 3, 7 and 8, the first 3b and second 6b modules have a top face 78 opposite
to a
bottom face 80 and the lock-connector 53 provided along the other lateral edge
66b of
the first module 3b extends from the top face 78 thereof whereas the lock-
connector
53 provided along the other lateral edge 68b of the second module 6b extends
from
the bottom face 80 thereof. Thus, when the first 3b and second 6b modules are
0 assembled together and each of the first 3b and second 6b modules are also
respectively assembled with two of the third module 13a, 13b, a substantially
stepped
riser assembly 15 is formed with the first 3b and second 6b modules forming a
floor
section 12b of one row of seats. The third module 13b assembled to the first
module
3b forms a wall section 14b of the said one row of seats and the third module
13a
5 assembled to the second module 6b forms a wall section 14a of a preceding
inferior
row of seats.
In other words, the third module 13b or resulting vertical section 14b is
preferably
shaped and configured to fit over the innermost edge 22b of the floor section
12b (i.e.
first module 3b) and to also fit under the outermost edge 20b of the floor
section 12b
A (i.e. second module 6b, as better illustrated in Figure 7. Moreover, the
riser section 2
can be provided with an additional back section 14a extending at right angle
from the
outer edge 20b of the floor section 12b projecting in an opposite direction to
the back
section 14b, which corresponds to the above-described floor section 12, the
additional
back section 14a being joined to the outer edge 20b of the floor section 12b.
More
5 particularly, the floor section 12b is connected to a back section 14b at
its outer edge
20b and to another a back section 14a of a preceding row, at its inner edge
22b.
As previously mentioned, the above-mentioned lock-connector 53, may be a catch-
connector 28, 30, as previously described or any other suitable connector
and/or
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28
fastener. Typically, the additional back section 14 is joined to the outer
edge 20 of the
floor section via a nesting connection 36, including for example, an
overlapping
screwed joint 36. More particularly, as better illustrated in Figures 8 and 16
to 18, the
first lock-connector 74 provided along the first lateral edge 70 of the third
module 13
comprises a male tensioned catch-connector 28, as described above and the
second
lock-connector 76 provided along the second lateral edge 72 of the third
module 13
comprises a protruding flange 54, which may be plate-shaped as shown in
Figures 4, 8
and 17 or cellular as illustrated in Figures 16 and 18. The lock-connector 53
provided
along the other lateral edge 66 of the first module 3 is a female tensioned
catch-
connector 30 as described above, for receiving the male tensioned catch-
connector 28
of the third module 13. The lock-connector provided along the other lateral
edge 68 of
the second module 6 is an inverted-U shaped overlapping joint-connector 56
sized for
nesting therein the protruding flange 54 of the second lock-connector 76 of
the third
module 13.
5 Preferably, the second lock-connector further comprises a supporting ledge
86
extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the body of the third
module 13,
toward an inner face 88 thereof, to provide further support for and/or
fastening means
with the corresponding floor section 12, as better shown in Figures 14 and 16.
With
reference to Figure 8, the inverted-U shaped overlapping joint-connector 56
may
'0 comprise at least one guide stub 58 for guiding therein the protruding
flange 54 of the
third module 13, as well as a fastening assembly for fastening the third
module 13
thereto. In this particular embodiment, the joint 36 includes a knife joint
where a male
component 54 slides directly into the female component 56. The female
component
56 has the guide stubs 58 to effectively direct the male component 54 into its
proper
5 location. Vertical forces are transferred by contact bearing from the floor
section 12
directly through to the back section 14. Self tapping screws 60, spaced
uniformly
along the length of the riser section, are drilled from the outside of the
floor section 12
through the outer skin of the floor section 12 into the back section 14
developing the
necessary horizontal shear force to resist the longitudinal bending of the
riser due to its
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29
dead load and anticipated live load. The overlapping screwed joint 36 (i.e.
nesting
connection) is designed to be a joint that can develop horizontal shear
between the
two components and that can be easily assembled and completed in the field.
Preferably, longitudinal anti-skid flutes 92 are extruded onto the walking
surface of the
floor sections 12 to prevent slipping of pedestrian traffic, as better
illustrated in
Figures 11 and 15. Additionally, longitudinally fluted designs 94 are
preferably
extruded into the sections 12 adjacent and parallel to the joints 36 on the
apparent
side. The fluted designs 94 thereby elegantly hide the joints 36 and also
allow the head
of all screws 60 to have a flush finish with the surface of the outer edge of
the floor
section 12, akin to having a countersunk hole for the screws 60. Additionally,
the
decorative fluted designs 94 may be detailed to contain female joints that
allow the
male portion of a clamping tool to be inserted such that the clamping tool
will assist in
drawing both portions of the overlapping screwed joint 36 into contact.
The above-described modular seating riser 2 may thus be entirely assembled and
mounted on site from disassembled structural modules, according to embodiments
of
the present invention, and/or with other additional modules. Alternatively,
the above-
described modular seating riser may be provided in semi-assembled portions
(i.e.
assembled in riser module assemblies 15). Indeed and for example, there may be
provided a single-row configuration wherein one row of floor and wall section
is
?0 assembled together, a double-row configuration wherein two rows are
assembled, a
triple-row configuration wherein three rows are assembled, a quadruple-row
configuration wherein four rows are assembled, and/or any other configuration
suitable
for transportation and on-site assembly and mounting, as can be easily
understood.
Moreover, the above-mentioned modular seating riser portions and structural
modules
?5 may be provided in a variety of lengths, as can also be readily understood.
Moreover,
the above-mentioned modular seating riser portions and/or kit of structural
riser
modules may be additionally provided with a stair section made of extruded
metal or
aluminum, typically for facilitating circulation across the riser. The stair
section may be
CA 02736567 2011-03-09
WO 2010/028476 PCT/CA2009/001112
provided integral or assembled with the modular seating riser portion or
separately, as
can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the above-described modular
seating riser, structural riser modules and/or components thereof are
preferably made
5 of aluminum, namely for its anticorrosion properties and its ease of
extrusion.
Alternatively or additionally, the modular seating riser, structural riser
modules and/or
components thereof may be painted using a suitable paint or protected for
fireproofing,
finishing, shimming or insulating purposes. Preferably, the ends of each of
the
structural module is capped using a ultra lightweight concrete and/or any
other suitable
10 caulking. Moreover, the modular seating riser, structural riser modules
and/or
components thereof may be covered with any suitable cladding, as can be easily
understood.
Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in
detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be
understood that
15 the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various
changes
and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope or
spirit of
the present invention.
