U.S. patent application number 10/020679 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-12 for seating device for athletic events.
Invention is credited to Scherer, Robert C., Wills, Robert A..
Application Number | 20030107247 10/020679 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21799946 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030107247 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wills, Robert A. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2003 |
Seating device for athletic events
Abstract
An athletic sideline seating device having storage capability
and removable and replaceable signage is disclosed. A seating
apparatus defining a storage area is provided, on which one or more
sign elements can be coupled. The storage area may be accessed in a
number of ways, for example, by hinged seat or front panel, or by
an access door in one or more sides. The device is portable and may
include handles, moving elements and lightweight materials for that
purpose. Additionally, the invention may include a trainer's table
and/or an equipment table that are storable within the seating
apparatus and easily coupled to the outside of the seating
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Wills, Robert A.;
(Indianapolis, IN) ; Scherer, Robert C.;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Woodard, Emhardt, Naughton, Moriarty and McNett
Bank One Center/Tower
Suite 3700
111 Monument Circle
Indianapolis
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
21799946 |
Appl. No.: |
10/020679 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.1 ;
297/188.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 11/00 20130101;
A47C 17/86 20130101; A47C 7/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.1 ;
297/188.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 001/121 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination comprising: a seating apparatus, said seating
apparatus having space for storage, and a sign element coupled to
said seating apparatus.
2. The combination of claim 1, wherein said seating apparatus has a
rear facing surface that forms an angle with the vertical, and said
sign element is removably coupled to said seating apparatus
adjacent said rear facing surface.
3. The combination of claim 2, wherein said angle is approximately
twelve degrees.
4. The combination of claim 2, wherein said seating apparatus has a
back rest surface that forms an angle with the vertical, and said
sign element is removably coupled to said back rest surface.
5. The combination of claim 4, wherein said angle is approximately
four degrees.
6. The combination of claim 2, further comprising at least one
channel element attached to said seating apparatus adapted to
accommodate a part of said sign element.
7. The combination of claim 6, further comprising a mechanism from
the group consisting of casters, wheels, and skids.
8. The combination of claim 6, further comprising at least one hand
grip attached to said seating apparatus.
9. The combination of claim 1, further comprising at least one
table element coupled to said seating apparatus.
10. The combination of claim 9, wherein said table element is
adapted for one of administration of medical treatment and
placement of equipment.
11. The combination of claim 1, wherein a part of said seating
apparatus is movable to provide access to said internal storage
area.
12. The combination of claim 11, wherein said seating apparatus
includes a seat portion, and said movable part is at least a
portion of said seat portion of said seating apparatus.
13. The combination of claim 11, wherein said seating apparatus
includes a front panel portion, and said movable part is at least a
portion of said front panel portion of said seating apparatus.
14. The combination of claim 11, wherein said seating apparatus
includes a side panel portion, and said movable part is at least a
portion of said side panel portion of said seating apparatus.
15. The combination of claim 14, wherein said movable part is a
door within said side panel portion.
16. A device, comprising: a seating apparatus having a seat
portion, a back rest portion adjacent said seat portion, a rear
portion, a storage area accessible from outside said seating
apparatus, and at least one channel element adapted to accommodate
a sign element.
17. The device of claim 16, further comprising at least one table
element storable within said storage area.
18. The device of claim 17, further comprising at least one sign
element removably coupled to said channel element.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein said seating element includes
at least one channel element adjacent said rear portion and at
least one channel element adjacent said back rest portion, and a
first sign element is removably coupled to said rear portion
channel element and a second sign element is removably coupled to
said back rest portion channel element.
20. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one of said at least
one table element is adapted to be coupled to said seating
apparatus.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein a first table element adapted
for use in administering medical treatment is removably coupled to
said seating apparatus, and a second table element adapted for
placement of equipment is removably coupled to said seating
apparatus.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein said seating apparatus includes
hand grips and is constructed of a relatively lightweight
material.
23. The device of claim 21, wherein said seating apparatus includes
one of the group consisting of wheels, casters, and skids.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a seating apparatus useful
in connection with athletic events, and particularly to a seating
apparatus that includes a storage area and/or a sign element on one
or more surfaces of the seating apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is well known that many indoor and outdoor sports utilize
seating for athletes, officials, or others to the side of a field,
court or other playing area. When used by athletes, commonly such
seating is used by individuals not actually playing the game at the
given moment. These players may be substitutes, players who have
recently come out of or come to a break in the game, or players who
are injured and require medical attention. Similarly, such bench
seating can be used for officials, as at a basketball game, where
several officials sit on a sideline to keep track of the overall
progress of the game. For ease of description, such seating is
referred to herein as a "bench," "sideline seating" or "athletic
seating."
[0003] Basic bench-type athletic seating is well known from a
variety of sporting events, including football, tennis, basketball,
track and field, and others. In general, prior art sideline seating
focuses primarily or exclusively on providing a rigidly connected
backrest, seat and supports. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,948,246 and 4,134,615
to Jenkins show athletic seating connected to a heating device. The
heating device heats air which is blown under the seating area of
the bench, thereby warming the bench and immediately surrounding
environment. These devices are accordingly specifically for outdoor
use. Currently available sideline seating continues to have the
general bench-style form such as that shown in the above-mentioned
Jenkins patents.
[0004] In addition to sideline seating for athletes and/or others,
most athletic events require a substantial amount of equipment to
be present on or near the playing area. Such equipment can include
items used in the playing of the game, such as balls, pads, or
officiating equipment such as the sideline or down-and-distance
markers used in a football game. Such equipment can also include
items used in support of the game or players, such as medical
equipment or supplies, beverage dispensers or cups, communications
equipment, and the like. These items must be stored when games are
not underway or when not needed during play. However, they need to
be available around or during a game so that they can be quickly
and easily accessed and used as needed.
[0005] Further, it has become more common for athletic teams and
programs to display team names or logos, sponsorships, advertising
messages or other information in connection with their sporting
events. For example, it is now common to see sponsors' names in or
on stadiums, advertising on stand-alone signs or electronic message
boards or painted logos in various places around an athletic venue.
As a general matter, athletic programs and organizations can
realize substantial value in displaying their own or others' names
or messages.
[0006] However, separate devices are used for each of these
seating, storage and signage functions. For example, a football
team may need a bench for the players, one or more kits or
containers of sporting or other equipment, and other devices or
systems for message display. Consequently, to participate in many
sports a school or other organization must have the resources to
purchase, maintain and store these several different apparatuses.
Further, the separateness of these devices requires substantial
coordination in moving, storing and using them. Accordingly, there
is a need for a seating device that not only provides seating for
athletes, officials and/or others, but also provides for equipment
storage and/or placement of signage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a combination
including a seating apparatus having space for storage, and a sign
element coupled to the seating apparatus. The sign element is
preferably coupled to a surface of the seating apparatus so as to
be visible to persons sitting in view of that surface of the
apparatus, and may form an angle with the vertical. In embodiments
in which the sign element is on a rear-facing surface of the
apparatus, the angle with the vertical may be about 12 degrees. The
surface(s) to which the sign element can be coupled include
attachment elements such as hooks or channel elements, enabling the
sign to be held, for example by placing over the hooks or by
sliding into one or more channel elements. Casters, wheels, skids,
or the like may also be included, as well as handles or grips, in
order to better facilitate movement of the invention.
[0008] In another embodiment, a training table is provided that is
preferably storable within the seating apparatus. The training
table includes a collapsible stand or leg, and attaches to the
seating apparatus, preferably on one side. In yet another
embodiment, the invention may include an equipment table that is
storable within the seating apparatus. The equipment table is
configured to accommodate sporting, repair, beverage, or other
equipment, and may also have a collapsible stand or leg. The
equipment table is adapted to attach to the seating apparatus,
preferably on one side.
[0009] The storage area within the seating apparatus is accessible
via one or more panels of the seating apparatus. For example, one
or more sections of the seat of the seating apparatus may be
hinged, so that it can be lifted for access into the storage area.
As a further example, the front panel of the seating apparatus may
be hinged, so that when rotated about the hinge the storage area
may be accessed. As yet a further example, the seating apparatus
may include a hinged side panel or a door within a side panel that
can be opened to provide access to the storage area. Access through
the side panels is particularly preferred for an embodiment
including one or both of the training table and equipment table,
which can be easily stored in and removed from the seating
apparatus through such side panel.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention can be portable so as to
accommodate use in several indoor or outdoor locations, or can be
fixed in a single location. Other features of the present invention
will be evident from the specification and drawings below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1 and viewed in
the direction of the arrows.
[0014] FIG. 3a is a side view of an embodiment of the invention
similar to that shown in FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the
invention including a training table attached to the embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial top view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a partial front view of an embodiment of the
invention including an equipment table attached to the embodiment
of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a partial top view of the embodiment of the
invention shown in FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front view of a further embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a partial front view of yet a further embodiment
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0022] For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles
of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such
alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device,
and such further applications of the principles of the invention as
illustrated therein, being contemplated as would normally occur to
one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0023] Referring now generally to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an
embodiment of the present invention that includes seating apparatus
20 and sign elements 22. As described further herein, sign elements
22 are removably coupled to seating apparatus 20 so that sign
elements 22 can be easily seen. One or more sign elements 22 can be
coupled to seating apparatus 20 at any given time.
[0024] Seating apparatus 20, in the illustrated embodiment,
includes a seat portion 24, a back rest surface 26, a rear facing
surface 28, a top surface 29, a bottom surface 30, a front panel
32, and one or more side panels 34. In general, seat 24, back rest
26, rear surface 28, bottom 30, front panel 32, and side panels 34
form an enclosure, which defines a storage area 36. These elements
are preferably made of a relatively lightweight but sturdy
material, such as aluminum. It will be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art that other materials such as plastics,
wood, recycled materials, or other sturdy materials can also be
used. Seat portion 24, in a particular embodiment, includes a base
member 38 and one or more slat elements 40 attached to base member
38. Slat elements 40 are preferably elongated and attached to the
top of base member 38. Slat elements 40 are also preferably rounded
for the comfort of the user. Base member 38 is preferably of the
same material as the other parts of seating apparatus 20, while
slat elements 40 may be made of a material that is relatively light
even with substantial thickness, such as certain plastic or
plastic/wood composite materials. One example of such a
plastic/wood composite is manufactured by Crane Plastics Company
and sold under the trademark TimberTech.RTM.. Alternatively, slat
elements 40 can be made of aluminum or other material used in
manufacturing seating apparatus 20.
[0025] Storage area 36 is accessible via one or more parts of
seating apparatus 20. As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment a hinge
42 is connected to at least a part of seat portion 24 so that part
of seat portion 24 may be lifted for access to storage area 36. In
FIG. 3, a forward part of seat portion 24 is hinged so that it can
pivot up and toward back rest 26. Seat portion 24 may be divided
into individually movable subportions, shown in FIG. 3, so that one
part of storage area 36 can be accessed without moving the entirety
of seat portion 24. Alternatively, seat portion 24 could be hinged
in front, so that it pivots up and away from back rest 26, or on
the side so as to pivot substantially parallel to back rest 26. A
sliding relation between seat portion 24 and the rest of seating
apparatus 20 is also contemplated. A latch or lock 43 (shown
schematically in FIGS. 1 and 4) may be provided in connection with
seat portion 24 (or other movable access portion) to secure seat
portion 24 and prevent unauthorized access to storage area 36.
Storage area 36 can also be ventilated by providing openings in one
or more of the surfaces adjoining storage area 36, such as bottom
surface 30, or by providing gaps between segments of bottom surface
30, or between one or more sets of surfaces adjoining storage area
36.
[0026] In addition to or instead of a hinged seat portion 24, other
portions of seating apparatus 20 may permit access to storage area
36. For example, front panel 32 may have a hinge 42a at its top
(see FIG. 3a) or bottom so that it can open forward. As another
example, rear-facing surface 28 could be hinged at or near bottom
surface 30, top surface 29, or between them, so that rear-facing
surface 28 could be moved in an upward, downward or sideways
direction to access storage area 36. FIG. 3 also illustrates an
access through side panel 34 that can be provided in addition to or
instead of a hinged seat portion 24. In that example, side panel 34
includes an access door 44. Access door 44 is preferably hinged on
one side and includes a latch or lock 46. Alternatively, a
foldable, slideable or retractable access door 44 could be
used.
[0027] The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3
further includes handles 48 that enable gripping and moving of
seating apparatus 20. Handles 48 are preferably recessed in, for
example, side panels 34. Additionally, seating apparatus 20 may
include support elements 50 attached to bottom surface 30. Such
support elements are shown schematically in the figures, and may be
standard circular or rectangular feet, rolling elements such as
wheels, casters or rollers, or sliding elements such as skids, or
the like.
[0028] Seating apparatus 20 is adapted to display one or more sign
elements 22. It will be seen from FIG. 3 that the present invention
contemplates placement of a sign element 22 adjacent rear facing
surface 28 or a sign element 22a adjacent back rest surface 26, or
both. In this discussion, reference will be made to sign element
22, in the understanding that such reference relates also to sign
element 22a.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more channel elements
52 are placed at or near the top of rear surface 28 of seating
apparatus 20 and at or near a bottom portion of rear surface 28.
One channel element 52 on rear surface 28 could be used, for
example at a lower portion of rear surface 28. Alternatively, a
larger number of channel elements 52 could be used, and whether
singular or plural, channel elements could be placed in any of a
variety of locations, such as upper parts, lower parts, corners
and/or sides of rear surface 28. Channel elements 52 may similarly
be placed on back rest surface 26, e.g. at or near the top and
bottom of back rest surface 26. Such channel elements may extend
substantially the entire length of seating apparatus 20 (see FIG.
2), or they may extend for a shorter length along discrete portions
or points of seating apparatus 20.
[0030] One particular embodiment of channel element 52, shown in
FIG. 3, is a J-shaped element with the longer side attached to
seating apparatus 20 and a curved portion extending outward from
seating apparatus 20. Other configurations for channel elements 52
are contemplated as being within the scope of the present
invention, including squared elements, U- or L-shaped elements,
corner elements, or channels etched or formed in the surface 26 or
28 that a portion of sign element 22 can fit into.
[0031] Sign element 22 may be a single component or an association
of two or more components. One embodiment of sign element 22 is a
relatively thin, substantially rectangular and planar element, e.g.
a paper, plastic or other sheet. In a particular embodiment, sign
element 22 is a polycarbonate panel with advertising or other
sponsor copy, logos, or other written or graphic design material
within or on the panel. Another embodiment of sign element 22
includes such a paper, plastic or other sheet or panel with
printing on one surface and a clear protective sheet or panel
placed over it. Still further embodiments of sign element 22
include a painted or otherwise decorated surface of seating
apparatus 20, such as rear surface 28, a clear protective sheet for
covering such decorated surface, or both. Other shapes, dimensions
and materials are possible for sign element 22.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiments, sign element 22 is coupled
to seating apparatus 20 via channel elements 52. One end of a sign
element 22 can be fitted into one end of one or more channel
elements 52 (e.g., those on back panel 28) at or near a side panel
34 of seating apparatus 20. Sign element 22 is then slid along the
channel element(s) 52 until most or all of it is positioned
adjacent back panel 28. Removal of sign element 22 is accomplished
by sliding or pulling sign element 22 out from channel elements 52,
and a different sign element 22 can then be inserted in channel
elements 52 to take the place of the first sign element 22. A
similar process can be used to mount and remove sign element 22a
adjacent back rest 26. Further, multiple sign elements could be
used together, for example with one atop, aside, or diagonally to
another, adjacent one surface of seating apparatus 20. In this way,
seating apparatus 20 can be used with a variety of signage relating
to different sports, different advertisers or otherwise
accommodated to different situations.
[0033] The embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 shows
rear surface 28 and back rest 26 each forming an angle with respect
to the vertical. In the case of rear surface 28, the angle .alpha.
enhances visibility of sign element 22 to persons behind and/or
above the seating apparatus 20, e.g. those seated in stadium
seating. In the illustrated embodiments, the angle .alpha. is about
12 degrees to the vertical. Generally, the angle .alpha. could have
any value from zero to 90 degrees to the vertical, although a value
in the range of 6 degrees to 20 degrees to the vertical is
preferred. In the case of back rest 26, a principal consideration
for the value of angle .beta. is comfort for those seated as well
as visibility of sign element 22. The angle .beta. in one
particular embodiment is about 4 degrees, although other values are
considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
[0034] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a
trainer's table 60 that is storable within and coupleable to
seating apparatus 20. Referring generally to FIGS. 5 and 6,
trainer's table 60 is a substantially rectangular and substantially
planar element for use in administering preventive or therapeutic
medical treatment such as taping or wrapping of joints or
examination of possible injury. In one embodiment, trainer's table
60 is a backboard element preferably including a series of slots 62
near the perimeter. Slots 62 enable persons to carry trainer's
table 60, or a person to whom medical attention is being
administered to easily hold on to trainer's table 60. Straps or
other attachments (not shown) for immobilizing an individual or
holding equipment may also be used in connection with slots 62.
Trainer's table 60 may be of plastic, fiberglass, or any other
material that will support a person during administration of
treatment.
[0035] Trainer's table 60 further includes an aperture 64 at one
end to facilitate attachment to seating apparatus 20. In the
embodiment of seating apparatus 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, seating
apparatus 20 includes a flange 66 with a hole therethrough. A
connection element such as a bolt and wing nut combination 68
secures trainer's table 60 to flange 66 of seating apparatus 20.
Specifically, the end of trainer's table 60 having aperture 64 is
placed atop flange 66 so that aperture 64 and the hole through
flange 66 overlap. Bolt and wing nut combination 68 are then
introduced, with the bolt extending through aperture 64 and the
hole through flange 66, and the wing nut tightened on the threaded
portion of the bolt. Alternatively, other apparatus can be used to
connect trainer's table 60 and seating apparatus 20, such as
complementary pieces of hook-and-loop material, a knuckle joint,
pins or keys complementary to holes or flanges, or the like.
[0036] The illustrated embodiment of trainer's table 60 further
includes a leg or stand 70 connected to the underside of trainer's
table 60, which folds for ease of storage. As shown in FIG. 5,
stand 70 is connected to the underside of trainer's table 60 at an
upper portion 72 of stand 70. An elongated foot 73 provides
additional stability, particularly in embodiments in which table 60
is used on a soft surface, such as mud or sand. A folding brace
element 74 connects a middle portion of trainer's table 60 with a
middle portion of stand 70. Folding brace element 74, in one
embodiment, is well known and comprises upper and lower arms
connected at a pivot point so that as stand 70 rotates around
connecting portion 72 toward trainer's table 60, the two arms
rotate about their common pivot point and fold next to each other.
Another well-known embodiment of folding brace element 74 features
upper and lower arms that telescope as stand 70 rotates around
connecting portion 72. In another embodiment, multiple stands 70
could be included to support trainer's table 60. In yet a further
embodiment, stands 70 could be replaced by one or more braces (not
shown) that are fixed to side panel 34 (e.g. near the bottom of
seating apparatus 20) and to trainer's table 60 (e.g. near the end
distal from seating apparatus 20). Such braces could be connected
to seating apparatus 20 and/or trainer's table 60 using bolts, pins
or other devices in much the same way that seating apparatus 20 and
trainer's table 60 are connected to each other. In still a further
embodiment, multiple stands 70 can be incorporated, and can be
either independent or connected, such as with elongated foot
73.
[0037] Trainer's table 60, as noted above, is preferably storable
within seating apparatus 20. In particular, trainer's table 60 may
be disconnected from flange 66, stand 70 may be disconnected from
or folded into trainer's table 60, and trainer's table 60 (with or
without stand 70) may be slid into storage area 36 of seating
apparatus 20 via access door 44. Trainer's table 60 may also be
stored within seating apparatus 20 via any appropriate opening that
allows access to storage area 36, although access door 44 may be
specifically sized and configured to accommodate trainer's table
60. It will be seen that trainer's table 60 can be used without
coupling it to seating apparatus 20, although in many cases such
coupling of trainer's table 60 and seating apparatus 20 will be
preferred.
[0038] In a further embodiment of the present invention, an
equipment table 80 is provided. Equipment table 80 may be adapted
for holding or placement of a variety of equipment, but in the
illustrated embodiment is a standard beverage table for holding
beverage dispensers, cups, and other related equipment. Other
embodiments of equipment table 80 may be adapted for communications
or other equipment. Referring generally to FIGS. 7 and 8, it will
be seen that equipment table 80 attaches to seating apparatus 20 in
substantially the same fashion as trainer's table 60 attaches to
seating apparatus 20. In the illustrated embodiment, equipment
table 80 includes a pair of apertures 82, and seating apparatus 20
includes an extending flange 84 with holes adapted to align with
apertures 82. Bolt and wing nut combinations 86 are used to secure
equipment table 80 to seating apparatus 20, in substantially the
same fashion as described above with trainer's table 60. As with
trainer's table 60, other apparatus for connecting seating
apparatus 20 and equipment table 80 can be used.
[0039] Equipment table 80 further has a stand 88, elongated foot
89, and folding brace element 90 configured and operating in
substantially the same way as folding brace element 74, foot 73 and
stand 70 associated with trainer's table 60. Multiple stands 88 can
be used, or braces directly connecting seating apparatus 20 and
equipment table 80 can be used, as described above with respect to
trainer's table 60.
[0040] Equipment table 80 is also preferably designed to be stored
within storage area 36 of seating apparatus 20. In one embodiment,
equipment table 80 can be placed in storage area 36 through access
door 44, either with or instead of trainer's table 60. In an
alternative embodiment, in which trainer's table 60 and equipment
table 80 are both provided, there may further be provided a second
access door (not shown) similar to access door 44 but in an
opposite side of seating apparatus 20, so that trainer's table 60
may be placed in storage area 36 through one end of seating
apparatus 20, and equipment table 80 may be placed in storage area
36 through the other end of seating apparatus 20. Alternatively,
equipment table 80 could be placed within storage area 36 through
any appropriate opening in seating apparatus 20. Equipment table 80
may also be used by itself, without coupling to seating apparatus
20, with the addition of another stand such as stand 70.
[0041] It will be appreciated that seating apparatus 20 can be
provided with either trainer's table 60 or equipment table 80, or
both, and either or both can be connected with seating apparatus 20
at a given time. Conversely, if desired seating apparatus 20 can be
used without either of trainer's table 60 or equipment table 80
connected to it. Seating apparatus 20 and one or both of trainer's
table 60 and equipment table 80 can be provided as a package or
kit, with tables 60 and/or 80 stored within seating apparatus
20.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 9, individual seating apparatuses 20
(such as the above-described embodiments) may be modular so as to
be able to be assembled together to form longer benches if needed.
Sides or other surfaces of seating apparatuses 20 can be linked
together via hooks, bolts, latches or other known connecting
structures so that the sides are substantially parallel and in
relatively close proximity.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 10, the present invention includes
embodiments of seating apparatus 20 and tables 60, 80 (such as the
above-described embodiments) configured so that a table (e.g.
equipment table 80) can be fitted between two seating apparatuses
20. Each seating apparatus 20 would have a connection for table 80
substantially as described above at approximately the same height.
Table 80 attaches to both seating apparatuses 20 substantially as
described above. Stand 88 of table 80 may be included or may be
eliminated. It will be seen that table 60 could be used in like
fashion between two seating apparatuses 20.
[0044] The present invention combines several different functions.
Thus, for example, a sports program using an embodiment of the
present invention could store equipment in its sideline seating,
which would be easily available when needed. Such an embodiment can
be easily moved to other parts of a field or court, or could be
moved from outdoors to indoors or vice versa for use with a variety
of sports. Further, logos, sponsorships or other messages can be
easily changed in association with the sideline seating, as
different sports, teams, or sponsors might demand.
[0045] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
* * * * *