Long span stadium riser system

Abstract

An L-shaped module for construction of tiered stadium seating is provided. The module is formed from a plurality of hollow extrusions that are longitudinally welded to form a riser portion and a runner portion. The riser portion rises vertically from a connection to the runner portion. The interior of the extrusions may be used as concealment spaces for hardware or to aid in fluid drainage. Connections to a support structure may be spaced at distances of 20 feet or greater.

1 . An L-shaped module for a tiered seating structure comprising:
 a runner portion having a height and a width formed from a plurality of hollow aluminum extrusions, wherein each of said extrusions includes a wall surface and wherein said extrusions are joined by welding;   a riser portion having a height and a width formed from one or more hollow aluminum extrusions;   wherein said riser portion connects to said rear end extrusion of said runner portion and extends vertically with respect to said runner portion;   wherein the portions of said wall surfaces that contact adjacent extrusions in said runner portion are in contact along substantially the entire height of said runner portion; and,   wherein the welds joining said extrusions are located above and below the adjacent portions of said wall surfaces of the extrusions.   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein one of said hollow extrusions in said runner portion includes a drain opening on the top surface of said extrusion that allows for internal drainage capabilities within the hollow extrusion. 
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrical conduit, wherein said electrical conduit extends through the hollow interior of one of said extrusions in said runner portion. 
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein one of said extrusions in said runner portion include an opening for receiving said riser portion. 
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein said runner portion connects to said riser portion by a snap connection. 
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 connection points for attachment to a support surface; and,   wherein there is a distance of at least 20 feet between said connection points.   
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the interior of at least one of said hollow metal extrusions in said runner portion is filled with sound deadening material. 
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one channel in one of said extrusions in said riser portion, wherein said channel is adapted to receive fasteners for seats. 
     
     
         9 . The module of  claim 8 , further comprising a cover, wherein said cover is adapted to fit over said channel to conceal the fasteners. 
     
     
         10 . An L-shaped module for a tiered seating structure comprising:
 a runner portion formed from a plurality of hollow extrusions wherein said plurality of extrusions includes a front and a rear end extrusion and at least one intermediate extrusion filled with a sound deadening material, and wherein said extrusions are joined by welding;   a riser portion formed from one or more hollow extrusions;   an electrical conduit;   wherein said riser portion connects to said rear extrusion of said runner portion and extends vertically with respect to said runner portion;   wherein said electrical conduit extends through the hollow interior of said rear end extrusion.   
     
     
         11 . The module of  claim 10 , further comprising at least two connection points for attachment to a support surface, and wherein there is a distance of at least 20 feet between said connection points. 
     
     
         12 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein said rear end extrusion is a drain gutter including a plurality of drain openings on the top surface of said rear end extrusion. 
     
     
         13 . The module of  claim 10 , wherein said metal extrusions are made of aluminum. 
     
     
         14 . An L-shaped module for a tiered seating structure comprising:
 a runner portion formed from a plurality of hollow extrusions wherein said plurality of extrusions includes a front and a rear end extrusion and at least one intermediate extrusion filled with a sound deadening material, and wherein said extrusions are joined by welding;   a riser portion formed from one or more hollow extrusions;   wherein said riser portion connects to said end extrusion of said runner portion and extends vertically with respect to said runner portion; and,   wherein said rear end extrusion is a drain gutter including a plurality of drain openings on the top surface of said rear end extrusion.   
     
     
         15 . The module of  claim 14 , further comprising at least two connection points for attachment to a support surface, and wherein there is a distance of at least 20 feet between said connection points. 
     
     
         16 . A method for building an apparatus for tiered seating comprising the acts of:
 providing a plurality of hollow extrusions;   forming a runner section with a front and a rear end extrusion and at least one intermediate extrusion, wherein said hollow extrusions are connected by welding;   forming a riser section from at least one hollow extrusion;   attaching said riser section to said rear end extrusion of said runner section to form an L-shaped modular segment; and,   connecting said modular segment to a support structure at a plurality of connection points wherein the distance between each of said connection points is at least 20 feet.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising running an electrical conduit through the hollow interior of one of said extrusions of said runner section. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising creating a plurality of openings on the top surface of said rear end extrusion so said rear end extrusion acts as a drain gutter. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said extrusions are made of aluminum. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , said attaching comprises fitting said riser section into an opening in said runner section. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising attaching the top of said riser section of one of said modular segments to the bottom of said runner section of a separate modular segment. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said connecting of the modular segment to a support structure includes:
 attaching a lifting connection apparatus to channels in said riser section of said modular segment, wherein there are three of said channels; and,   lifting said modular segment to a desired height on said support structure.