Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
TITLE: APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A PRESS BOX ,
THROUGH THE USE OF MODULAR COMPONENTRY
BACKGROUND OF THE IN~,'ENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for use in
construction of a press box. Press boxes are typically employed at football,
soccer, track or
racing stadiums. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present
invention xelates to
an apparatus and method for constructing such press boxes in modular fashion.
Problems in the Art
As is noted in U.S. Patent No. 6,457,281 to Teron, the construction industry
has
been relatively slow in adopting new and developing technology. Generally, the
construction industry has remained very labor intensive and of a handicraft
nature. The end
result is that construction projects are still expensive endeavors in terms of
both money and
time.
The Teron patent, mentioned above, attempts to overcome die labor and time
intensive nature of the construction industry through the use of pre-cast
concrete
monolithic units. While such units can be cast in a variety of shapes and
sizes, each casting
forms a solid structural wall that is not easily prone to adaptation. For
example, the use of
windows or doors requires separate in-fill panels as such cannot be readily
integrated into a
pre-cast structure of concrete. Therefore, it is desirable to have a modular
building system
in which various wall structures, including doors and windows, can be easily
added.
In the world of spectator events, press boxes are ideally located above the
area of
action. For example, in a high school football field setting, the press box is
usually situated
to one side of the field above all of the bleachers. Many press boxes also
have more than
one level from which to view the activity of interest. For these and other
reasons, it is
desirable to have modular units which are stackable without the need for
additional
supporting structures.
Whether a press box is used for a football, soccer, track, or other sporting
event,
several common features are desirable. For example, every p1-ess box will need
some sort
of viewing area as well as a plurality of counters, tables, chairs and other
features typically
used by the occupants thereof. Because the features of the press box do not
tend to vary
1
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
greatly whether the press box is used for football, soccer, or it conjunction
with any other
sporting arena, it is desirable to have a modular unit for constructing press
boxes that easily
incorporates many of the standard and desirable features of press boxes in use
today.
Many arenas in use today are built with the assistance of public funds. Public
funding is typically only awarded after a bidding process. During the bidding
process,
price, efficiency, and quality of the end product are of prime concern. It is
therefore
desirable to be able to offer a press box and method of constructing the same
that
minimizes production costs, increases production efficiency, and can be easily
adapted to
accommodate all of the customers demands. There is therefore a need for an
apparatus and
method of constructing a press box which avoids these and other problems.
Features of the Invention
A general feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus
and
method for constructing a press box which overcomes the problems found in the
prior art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus
and
method for constructing a press box which is easily adaptable for use in many
different
arenas.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and
method for constructing a press box which allows the press box to be easily
customized for
any particular customers desires.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an
apparatus and
method for constructing a p1-ess box, which allows the press box to include
windows,
doors, balconies, benches, seats and other features at a variety of locations.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus
and
method for constructing a press box, which uses modular units.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and
method for constructing a press box which incarporates modular units that are
stackable.
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an
apparatus and
method for constructing a press box which simplifies the on-site construction
process:
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and
method for constructing a press box which minimizes assembly time.
2
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
A still further feature of the present invention is the provision of an
apparatus and
method for constructing a press box which minimizes construction costs.
Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus and
method for constructing a press box which allows additions to be made to
existing
structures easily.
These, as well as other features and advantages of the present invention, will
become apparent from the following specification and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally comprises an apparatus and method for
constructing a press box through the use of a plurality of press box modules.
In one
embodiment, a plurality of press box modules are formed offsite. Each press
box module
generally includes a box-like frame having a number of structural supports
built therein.
Preferably, each press box module is of a standardized size and shape such
that one module
may be easily stacked upon another module in a block like fashion.
When assembled, each module preferably includes a plurality of steel columns
or
steel tubes at its corners. The steel columns are connected to one another by
steel beams
which may be secured to the columns through welding, screws, or any other well
known
method. Each column is preferably topped with a connector plate that acts as
both a
supporting platform and a means for connecting various modules in a vertical
arrangement.
Each module also includes a plurality of side beams that provides structural
support. Each
beam is preferably half of an I-beam or generally C-shaped. This presents the
outex edge of
the module with a flat surface. By keeping the outer surfaces flat, beams in
different
modules can be easily connected by including a plurality of cowesponding holes
in each
beam and securing the beams there through. Securement can be performed with
nuts and
bolts, welding or any other known securing means.
In another embodiment, construction is further simplified by using steel
tubing for
both the columns and beams. The added strength associated with the use of
steel tubing
allows construction of the modules to be done with minimal reinforcing
materials. This
allows for an open cross-section and thereby provides limitless opportunity
for walk ways,
placement of doors, windows, benches, electrical fittings and other desirable
interior
appointments. Using a plurality of steel tubing also minimizes the variety of
materials
3
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
needed, allowing for increased efficiency in both ordering and construction.
These
modules, formed primarily of steel tubing, can be secur°ed to one
another using welding,
nuts and bolts or any other known securing means.
Using either of the above mentioned embodiments, the modules can be rapidly
assembled and stacked to form a press box of any desirable shape or size.
Because easily
modifiable framing elements axe used instead of pre-cast structures, various
elements are
easily added to a press box module. For example, door jambs can be created
using L-arm
structural steel members, aluminum framing, or wood. In a similar fashion,
window sills
can be arranged to accommodate a variety of window sizes and shapes without
the need to
alter the pre-existing box frame. Each of these elements may be secured to the
box frame
through tack welding of the pieces directly or of suitable connector pieces.
Each box frame also preferably includes flooring at a pre-determined and
consistent
level in each box frame. The flooring is generally formed from a plurality of
flooring joist
secured between the flooring beams by plurality of connector tabs. 'The
flooring joist may
be made of wood or metal or even adapted to support concrete slabs. In a
similar, manner,
ceiling joist preferably run along the top of the box frame.
Aftea- the flooring construction is completed, a variety of built-in
componentr-y can
be added. For example, if the customer desires a countertop underneath the
window or
viewing area, a counter can be pre-installed. Additionally, electrical:
conduit including a
plurality of electrical boxes and switchboxes at desired locations may be
inserted before
wall finishing is completed
On the top of the uppermost press box module, it is typically desirable to
include a
roof structure. The roof structure or roof module may be foamed from either a
column and
beam or the steel tubing arrangement. In the column and beam an-angement, the
roof
module preferably includes a plurality of connector plates corresponding to
the connector
plates on the top of the press box module. This allows for nut and bolt
connections to be
easily made. Alternatively, in the steel tubing arrangement, the a°oof
module may be easily
welded to the tubing of the press box module below. Either arrangement can be
secured
together and to the corresponding box module below using any known method.
Pre-assembling the roof module allows it to be easily connected with minimal
on-
site customization. Each roof module may include a roof that is angi.ed at a
pre-determined
4
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
level and generally includes a plurality of roofing beams or additional tubes
having;
connector tabs secured thereto. Between the roofing beams or tubes are a
plurality of
roofing struts that support the actual roofing material. By connecting the
roof beams or
tubes between two roof columns or additional tubes of varying heights, the
roof angle can
be controlled.
Additional structures may be added to the outside of the press box modules,
including a staircase for upper level access. and balconies if' outdoor
viewing is desirable.
Both the balconies and the staircases may be easily bolted or otherwise
connected to each
press box module as desired. :Balconies may be preinstalled before all of the
modules are
assembled into the final press box. Once modules are assembled or stacked, a
balcony
accessible in one module may be supplementally supported through a beam
connection to a
lower module. Additional structural supports may be used throughout the
modules.
including gusset plates with cowesponding bracing rods. These keep the modules
in
tension and therefore minimize the amount of structural flex that: may be
inherent in each
box frame.
Once all of the individual modules are assembled, standard finishing materials
such
as drywall, carpeting, lighting, etc. may be applied to give the interior of
the press box the
desired appearance. Further, after module assembly is complete. siding
material may be
added to give the outside of the press box a finished appearance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various features and advantages of the invention will become snore
apparent
from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the same
wherein
references made to drawings including:
Figure I is a perspective view of one embodiment of the modular press box in
assembled form as would be installed at an arena.
Figure 2 is a front view of the press box module assembly of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the press box module
assembly
showing individual modules separated from one another.
Figure 4 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the press box module
assembly showing individual modules separated from one another.
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
Figure 5 is a side view of a typical roof tube, ceiling tube or flooring tube
to which
connector tabs have been installed.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sidewall of one embodiment of a
press box
module in finished form.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connection between one embodiment of
the
roof module and one embodiment of the press box module.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the flooring installed
in a
press box module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figure l, there is illustrated a perspective view of the
modular
press box 10 installed in conjunction with a series of bleachers 12 at a
stadium 14. The
press box 10 is preferably made from a variety of steel structures, including
steel tubes,
beams, columns, L-arm members, plates, brackets, rods, etc. Alternatively,
other materials,
such as aluminum, wood, composites, or plastic materials may be substituted as
desired so
long as the strength and integrity of the press box 10 is not compromised. As
is shown in
Figure l, the press box 10 is built up of a variety of press box modules 16.
The modules 16
may be arranged to provide an elongated structure with one or more floors as
shown.
A typical press box 10 is placed in an elevated position to allow the members
of the
press, announcers, coaching staff, and other individuals the desired advantage
point. Any
number of press box modules 16 may be used until the desired height is
reached.
Alternatively, the press box modules 16 and the press box 10 in its entirety
may be elevated
on a supporting platform or base structure, so long as the desired advantage
point is
reached. A preferred supporting platform (not shown) is constructed of steel
beams or
columns which are reinforced using a plurality of gusset plates and bracing
rods. As the
typical vantage point is an elevated one, stairs 18 may be secured to one or
more press box
modules 16 so that access to the press box 10 may be had from ground level.
Alternatively,
an elevator (not shown) may be assembled and secured as desired.
Referring now to Figure 2, each press box module 16 may include a balcony 20
secured thereto. Each press box module 16 may be designed to include its own
balcony 20,
to have no balcony 20, or to have a balcony 20 that connects with the
balconies 20 of other
modules 16. Also shown in Figures 1 - 4 are a plurality of roof modules 22. By
stacking
6
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
the individual press box modules 16 in the desired arrangement and securing
roof modules
22 on the uppermost press box module 16, the desired final shape of the press
box 10 can
be realized.
As many sporting events have a very limited off-season time period, it is
desirable
to keep on-site assembly time to a minimum. By using preformed press box
modules 16 in
conjunction with preformed roof modules 22, on-site assembly time can be
easily managed
and minimized. Thus, a module press box 10 can be easily assembled during the
off-
season time available causing minimal inconvenience to the purchasing
customer.
As is shown in Figures 3 and 4, each of the modules 16 may be formed by
creating
a box-like frame structure. FoF- example, Figure 3 illust~~ates that square
steel tubing,
preferably'/ inch think, 8 inch by 8 inch steel tubing, is using to form a
plurality of
columns 24 placed at the corners of the box-like frame structure. Each of the
columns 24
are connected to one another through the use of a plurality of beams 26. The
beams 26 are
preferably generally C-shaped as shown. A cross-sectional view of one such
beam 26 is
shown in Figure 6.
Additionally, beam support brackets (not shown) may be secured between the
beam
26 and the column 24 to provide additional structural strength if needed. The
support
brackets are preferably steel plates that are simply welded in place once the
beam 26 has
been secured to the column 24. The beam 26 may be secured to the column 24
through
welding, bracketry, or any other known method. Additionally, when it is known
a
customer will not desire to passthrough the beam 26 and column 24 arrangement,
i.e. that it
will be a solid wall, additional hracing materials may be employed. For
example, as shown
in Figure 1, a plurality of gusset plates 32 are secured to the corncrs of the
beam 26 and
column 24 assembly. A central gusset plate 32 allows a plurality of bracing
rods 30 to be
connected to enhance the rigidity of the overall wall formed by the beams 26
and columns
24.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the press box module 16 using
steel tubing 25 in place of the columns 24 and beams 26 as shown in Figure 4.
Using 8
inch by 8 inch 1/a inch thick steel tubing allows for construction of press
box modules 16
without the need for additional bracing materials. This arrangement maximizes
the interior
space of the press box module 16 while minimizing construction time and cost.
7
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
A wall formed by either the beams 26 and columns 24, as shown in Figure 3, or
the
tubing 25, as shown in Figure 4, may also be fitted to include a variety of
additional
elements. For example, as shown in Figure 4, a door jamb 34 has been
installed. The door
jamb 34 generally includes a plurality of L-arm or other bracketry 40 arranged
to
accommodate the desired door size. The door jamb 34 is generally made by using
a header
36 and retaining member 38 which can be spot welded into place or
alternatively screwed
into the tubes 25 or beam 26 and post 24. Alternatively, the bracketly 40 can
be arranged
merely to accommodate the desired opening between rooms in the press box 10.
Typically one module will become one a~oom in the press box 10. However, the
open wall proe~ided by the beam 26 and column 24 aurangement or the tube 25
arrangement, allows multiple modules 16 to be assembled to form one room.
Alternatively, rooms may be broken up in any desired fashion.
Additionally, other features may be added to the press box module 16. A
counter
42, shown in Figures 3 and 6 may be installed in any desired location. As is
shown in
Figure 6, it is usually desirable in a press box 10 to have a counter 42 close
to a window 52.
The counter 42 can be secured directly to the flooring 58 such that the
countertop 56 abuts
against the window wall. As is also shown in Figure 6, the flooring 58 is
generally secured
to the beam 26 through the use of an L-arm bracket 40. The L-arm bracket 40 is
preferably
a steel member that is supplementally supported through one oa- more support
tabs 66,
generally shown in Figure 5.
Referring again to Figure 3, electrical conduit 46 as well as corresponding
electrical
boxes 48 and switch boxes 50 may be placed as desired throughout the box-frame
structure
of any press box module 16. Preferably, the electrical and countertop work is
not
performed until the floor 58 has been formed.
The floor 58 is generally secured in the same manner as the deck or balcony
20. As
is shown in Figure 6, the flooring 58 or balcony 20 is formed by initially
welding a
plurality of support tabs 66 to the inside of C-shaped beam 26. Next, an L-arm
bracket 40
is welded or otherwise secured to the beam 26 and support tabs 66. Preferably,
an
aluminum deck structure or concrete slab 58 is secured to the L-arm brackets
40 through
the use of a puddle weld, cement screws or other securing means. When this
arrangement
is to be used for a flooring section, the aluminum deck or concrete slab 58
provides a solid
8
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
surface over which carpet, tile. or other desired flooring material may be
placed. Ads is also
shown in Figures 3 and 4, flooring support joists 80 may be secured in a
similar fashion.
The flooring beams 82, also the bottom beams 26 or bottom tubes 25, may be
fitted with a
plurality of flooring connector tabs 84 to accommodate a plurality of
transversely placed
flooring joists 80. The flooring connector tabs 84 are preferably secured to
the flooring
beams 82 or bottom beams 26 or tubes 25 through welding, though any other
securing
method may be used.
Preferably, the flooring tabs 84 have a plurality of holes therein that
correspond to a
plurality of holes in the flooring joists 80. This allows the flooring joists
80 to be rapidly
assembled into proper position using nuts and bolts, though any type of
securing method
may be used. The flooring joists 80 thereby provide additional support to the
decking or
flooring material 58 previously discussed. Ceiling joists 86 may be similarly
installed
between ceiling beams 88, the upper most beams 26 or upper most tubes 25,
using ceiling
connector tabs 90.
Alternatively, the flooring 58 rnay be secured on top of I-beam flooring
joists 80
and the flooring beams 82 made from bottom tubes 25 as is shown in Figure 8:
The shape
of the steel tubing 25 provides for additional support for the flooring 58
eliminating some
of the additional supports required for the beam 26 and column 24 arrangement.
A C-
channel member 83 having a flat outer edge may be place to meet the end of the
flooring
58. This provides a finished outer surface that may be easily adapted for
finishing
materials.
Referring again to Figure 6, a window 52 may be installed into a wall of the
press
box 10 by employing smaller C-shaped steel bracketsy to form a window seal 44.
Wood
framing 54 may be used to ensure a weather tight fit of the window 52. Again,
the open
area format of the beam 26 and column 24 wall arrangement or the tube 25 wall
arrangement allows a wide variety of shapes and sizes for the window 52. Once
the
window 52 has been installed, closure plates, typically provided by a siding
supplier, can
be employed to ensure the wall is weather tight.
During assembly of the beam 26 and column 24 arrangement of the individual
press
box modules 16 and referring to Figure 7, a plurality of connector plates 70
are preferably
placed on the upper and lower portions of the columns 24 or at other
alternative locations
9
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
as desired. Preferably, the connector plates are 14 inch square,'/a inch thick
steel plates
that have a plurality of holes therein. Each connector plate 70 is identical
such that the
connector plates 70 from one module 16 may easily align with the connector
plates 70 of
another module 16. In order to minimize assembly time and ease installation,
the
connector plate 70 are substantially larger than tile cross-sectional area of
the columns 24.
It is in this access area that hangs over the column 24, that holes may be
placed.
As is also shown in Figure 7, when the roof module 22 or any other module 16
is
formed in the beam 26 and column 24 arrangement, they may be assembled by
matching up
the holes in the connector plates 70 and securing the upper connector plate~70
to the lower
connector plate 70 with a plurality of bolts 64 and nuts 62. As is also shown
in Figuy-e 7,
the column 24 may include an additional bracket or gusset plate 32 to which
bracing rods
30 may be installed as previously discussed. This allows the columns 24 to put
pressure on
the beams 26, thereby strengthening the overall rigidity of the entire box-
frame press box
module I6.
I5 As the connector plates are used to secure the various press box modules 16
together in a vertical arrangement, so the beams 26 can be used to secure the
press box ,
modules I6 in a horizontal arrangement. As is shown in Figure 7, the beams 26
of the
press box module 16 include a plurality of holes through which bolts 64 and
nuts 62 can be
secured.
Alternatively, when the tube 25 arrangement of the pi°ess box module 16
is used, the
modules may be simply stacked on top of one another or side by side and then
they are
preferably welded together, preferably using a'/ inch stitch weld every 2
inches. Any
other connection means including welding, screws, etc. can be employed to
secure one
press box module 16 to another press box module I6 in a vertical arrangement.
Thus, it
can be seen how the various press box modules I6 can be added to form a press
box 10 of
any shape or size.
As is shown in Figure 3, the roof module 22, consists generally of two pairs
of roof
columns 76. ~ne pair of roof columns 76 is at a pre-determined height with the
other pair
of roof columns 76 being at a slightly greater height. In this manner, the
roof module 22
can have a roof of any desired slope. In between the roof columns 76; roof
beams 74 are
placed. As is shown, the roof beams 74 are similar to the ceiling beams 88 and
flooring
IO
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
beams 82 in that a pluralit5l of connector tabs 78 are welded thereto. The
outer ends of the
roof beams 74 have been mitered to correspond with the desired slope of the
roof. In
between the roof beams 74 are a plurality of roofing struts 72. The roofing
struts 72 are
secured to the connector tabs 78 through the use of screws, bolts and nuts,
welding, or any
other connective means.
Alternatively, the roof module 22 may be formed using steel tubes 25 as is
shown in
Figure 4. The roof columns and beams are formed of steel tubes 74 cut to the
desired
length and angled or mitered to provide the desired roof shape. As is shown in
Figure 5,
the connector tabs 78 are placed on the tubes 25 in the same manner as the
connector tabs
84 and 90 for the flooring and ceiling respectively.
After each of the press box modules 16 are completed in the desired fashion
and
assembled to form the press box 10, finishing materials, such as carpeting,
siding,
insulation, drywall, paint, wallpaper, lighting, etc. may be installed
according to the
customer's specifications. The manner of installing all of these elements over
an existing
steel frame structure is well known in the art.
By making the internal framework in modular form, the entire process may be
expedited while still providing the customer with a high quality, customizable
end product.
It is preferred that the individual press box modules I6 are prefabricated as
much as
possible at the shop or first location. This would include building in almost
all of the
electrical systems, heating and ventilation systems, flooring systems, doors,
benches and
countertops as desired. Once assembly of the individual press box modules 16
is
completed to the extent possible, the modules are transported to the
construction site or
second location. Preferably, the modules I6 are loaded onto a semi-truck
trailer for
transport. By using the box-frame styles mentioned herein, the size of the
individual press
box modules 16 can be limited to the height and width allowed to travel down
interstate
highways without the need for special permits or warning vehicles.
At the construction site, the individual modules 16 are unloaded and placed
into the
desired position. They are then secured together as previously discussed and
staircases I8,
balconies 20, and other exterior appointments are added. The roof modules 22
are added
and the exterior finishing, including roofing and siding may be completed. The
final
interior appointments and well-known press box components, including lights,
sound
11
CA 02452963 2003-12-10
systems, computers, chairs, wall finishing materials, and any other customer
desired
appointments can be added on site to produce the press box 14 desired by the
customer. In
this manner, it can be seen that the modular approach to building a press box
10 saves time,
money and minimizes inconvenience for the customer.
The modular press box 14 also allows for additions to be easily made. After
completing a full press box 14, individual modules 16, 22 can be added by
simply
removing the exterior appointments to expose the steel beam, column or tube.
Then
additional modules can be connected in the usual fashion and exterior
appointments re-
attached to form a new and expanded press box 14.
A general description of the present invention as well. as a preferred
embodiment of
the present invention has been set forth above. Those skilled in the art to
which the present
invention pertains will recognize and be able to practice additional
variations in the ,
methods and systems described which fall within the teachings of this
invention.
Accordingly, all such modifications and additions are deemed to be within the
scope of the
invention which is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto. ,
12
