Telescopic grandstands began life in the USA at the end of the 1800's and have developed and evolved quite considerably as they enable space to be exploited to the full for different purposes. They are used in congress centres where other activities also take place, in sports centres where exercises, training and competitions alternate and in theatres where various different events take place.

Patentverwag Italia began working in this sector of the market at the beginning of the 1980's, setting up important structures which, as is well-known, can be opened up very quickly to cater for numerous spectators and can then be folded away to occupy a very small space and stored against the end wall of the hall.

Structures of a more limited size are normally opened and folded manually whereas the larger structures can be motorised for automatic opening, operated by a special remote control device.

The Patentverwag telescopic grandstands are designed to be fitted with a wide range of seating. The range varies from a simple extruded aluminium bench to seats without backs, to shell type seats with folding back or fixed back, to armchairs with or without padding.

This range of solutions optimises the use of the telescopic grandstand to make it more suitable for the type of use expected. Simple benches in aluminium or plastic ( UNO/PL or UNO/AL seats) for gyms and sports halls. Seats with fixed or folding back for installations where events of a certain duration take place and where a certain degree of comfort is required (ZX or ZY seats).

Armchairs with or without padding offering a higher degree of comfort where theatre events take place or meetings of importance (LTD or SPA armchairs).

When open, the telescopic grandstands have the appearance and features of a perfectly normal structure that can withstand a load of 600 kg. per square metre in accordance with regulations and are made entirely of self-extinguishing materials provided with relevant certification.

However, when folded, the telescopic grandstands look like a vertical wall featuring horizontal surfaces that can be provided with panels to close it away. If required, the whole unit can be fitted with a cover that hides the structure from view.

The telescopic grandstands have just two limitations. The floor must be suitable for the structure to be rolled over it on the wheels provided and it must be able to withstand the stress due to the weight of the grandstand and the spectators. Patentverwag Italia has produced more than 130 telescopic grandstands for a total capacity of about 60,000 seats.

The models vary from motorised grandstands with up to 15 rows of seats to small grandstands for gyms with a manual opening/closing system. All the models feature the highest level of finishes and excellent performance, so much so that light maintenance is normally required only after 10 - 15 years of use.