The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 04, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 01, 1999
Daniel R. Victor, Kalamazoo, MI (US);
Melvin J. Guiles, Plainwell, MI (US);
Kenneth A. Ahrens, Schoolcraft, MI (US);
Interkal, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI (US);
Abstract
A deployable seating arrangement employs a plurality of seating level members that are arranged in sequentially elevated relation to one another. When the deployable seating arrangement is in an undeployed state, the seating level members are disposed substantially directly beneath one another in stacked relation. When in a deployed condition, each seating level member is disposed beneath and forward of an immediately superior seating level member in stepped relation. Each of the seating level members has associated therewith a plurality of L-shaped frame elements that are formed of vertical and horizontal portions. A roller is installed at the upper end of the vertical portion for engaging with the underside of the horizontal portion of an immediately superior seating level member. A drive arrangement having a wide track motor drive urges the seating level members, which are installed on a plurality of respective wheeled frame arrangements, into deployed and undeployed states. Each wheeled frame arrangement is arranged laterally inward of a wheeled frame arrangement associated with an immediately superior seating level member. Structural rigidity is enhanced by the use of triangulation frame members that couple the seating level members to their respectively associated wheeled frame arrangements. Each seating level member is additionally provided with a nesting guardrail at each end thereof, the guardrails forming a sequential protective barrier when the deployable seating arrangement is in a deployed state, and nesting with one another when in the undeployed state.