Bleacher seat cap installation tool and methods of use

#This invention relates to a tool for installing polymer-based bleacher seat caps. More particularly, the present invention provides a tool for easily installing polymer-based bleacher seat caps to rapidly retrofitting a stand of bleachers with reduced risk of injury to installation personnel.

#Bleacher seats typically are made of wood and consist of a single plank or seat board mounted either on permanent posts, as in many college stadiums, or on fold-up assemblies. Such seats, especially when permanently mounted outdoors, suffer considerable decomposition due to weathering. The wood from which the seat boards are formed also may become coarse and uncomfortable and unsafe to sit upon.

#In recent years it has become feasible to retrofit and extend the life of wooden bleacher seats using single-piece protective caps. Bleacher seat caps generally comprise a C-shaped piece of plastic, such as polyvinylchloride, that has flanges along its lower edges. The cap is snapped atop the pre-existing seat board of the bleacher seat so that the flanges abut the lower surface of the seat board, and the cap covers the top, front and rear edges of the seat board. Such caps are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,513,896 and 5,505,517, both to Groh et al., which are incorporated herein by reference.

#Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a previously known single-piece bleacher seat cap used in retrofitting pre-existing wooden bleacher seats;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative installation tool constructed in accordance with the present invention for installing the bleacher seat cap of FIG. 1.;

#Referring to FIG. 1, a previously known single-piece bleacher seat cap 10 is described. Cap 10, is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,513,896 and 5,505,517, both to Groh et al., which are incorporated herein by reference, and comprises top panel 11, side panels 12a and 12b and flanges 13a and 13b. When installed over a pre-existing wooden bleacher seat board, cap 10 not only prolongs the life of the bleacher seat, but also can improve comfort and safety of the seat occupants.

#Previously known techniques for installing cap 10 generally involve hooking side panel 12a and flange 13a on a front edge of the seat board, and then prying side panel 12b and flange 13b over the opposing edge of the seat board using a putty knife, as described above. Because cap 10 is typically several feet in length, such previously known techniques are not only time consuming and labor intensive, but subject the installers to injury.

#Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3A to 3C, illustrative tool 20 constructed in accordance with the present invention is described. Tool 20 has front face 21 (see FIG. 3A) and rear face 22 (see FIG. 3B), and top 23, as oriented for use in installing a bleacher seat cap, such as shown in FIG. 1. Tool 20 comprises first guide surface 24 (shown in dotted line in FIG. 2) having channel 25 and flange 26, and second guide surface 27 having angled channel 28 (see FIG. 3C). Second guide surface 27 also includes angled surface 29. Base 30 may include indentations 31 (shown in dotted line) to enhance the installer's grip on tool 20. Alternatively, or in addition, base 30 may also include screw holes (not shown), for accepting a handle.