AU2012101462A4 - Improvements for securing fixtures - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a coupling assembly for securing a fitting such as an umbrella, table or the like relative to the ground or a floor. The coupling assembly comprises a generally planar base anchored to a ground or floor surface and comprising a socket providing a latch keeper. A latch and a latch locking means depend from the fitting. Drawings 6/8 8 58 Fig 10 60 58

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INNOVATION PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: Nikolaos Filaretos Bakopoulos Actual Inventor: Nikolaos Filaretos Bakopoulos Address for Service: C/- MADDERNS, GPO Box 2752, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: IMPROVEMENTS FOR SECURING FIXTURES The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me. IP Australia 2 6 SEP 2012 RECEIVED ipi 2 TITLE: IMPROVEMENTS FOR SECURING FIXTURES FIELD OF INVENTION [000 1 ] This invention relates to fixture securing improvements and in particular to exterior furniture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [00021 Tables, chairs, barriers and umbrellas are commonly used for alfresco dining situations outside restaurants, cafes and pubs. In order to prevent theft and vandalism these fittings are removed by staff and secured in the premises at closing and put back outside before opening. It is preferred that fittings are not moved by patrons. [0003] Several systems exist to secure these fittings to the ground in order to prevent movement by high wind gusts and the associated damage and hazards, in particular umbrellas, which have a large area for wind movement. Umbrellas have an additional problem when firmly anchored, of fabric wear. This occurs when wind gusts force the umbrella fabric onto its support frame which cannot move, this wears the fabric. [0004] Generally fittings are plugged into a tube in the ground and often secured with a lock or weights are added to the base. Weighed tables and umbrellas are generally folded in order to nest together in the limited space inside the premises. Often weights of 50 kilograms are placed on umbrella bases and a sack truck is used to move them. Tables can weigh 10 kilograms and pose a safety hazard for less fit individuals. [0005] The feet on tables have to be adjusted in order to stabilize them and prevent liquid spills and cleaned each morning as the patron's shoes generally rest there. [0006] Existing tubular sockets require a concrete footing which means the existing paving, whether it be concrete or paving slabs need to be removed or have a hole cut in it for the footing. Any opening below ground will fill with water and debris including windblown sand at costal locations unless perfectly sealed, which is very difficult to achieve. Current sockets rely on close tolerance fits to provide stability for the fitting which in the environment they are used in are not practical.

3 [0007] As these ground sockets need to have a cover fitted in order they do not become a tripping hazard to pedestrians or damage high heel shoes when not coupled with a fixture, their projection above ground level needs to be minimal and ramped. [0008] A coupling system currently exists for caravan, boat or similar tables, where the table column has a number of radial arms on its bottom end which engage with and under opposing inward facing projections on a floor mounted base. The table column is aligned to pass the radial arms on its bottom end through the spaces between the opposing inward facing projections on a floor mounted base and twisted to position its radial arms under the bases inward facing projections, a mating face on the table column is screwed downward onto the floor mounted flange to engage the arms and projections and stabilise the union. [0009] Some existing systems use a rotated cam to lock the parts together. It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed. [0010] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00 11] In one aspect the invention may be said to reside in a coupling assembly for securing a fitting relative to the ground or a floor, the coupling assembly comprising a generally planar base anchored to a ground or floor surface and comprising a socket providing a latch keeper, a latch and a latch locking means depending from the fitting, the latch comprising a body having a head at or towards a lowermost end thereof and extending from an end of the fitting for insertion into the socket and movement laterally between retained and released positions with respect to the keeper, the latch locking means comprising a latch actuator operable to effect securement of the latch head in its retained position with respect to the keeper. [0012] In one form, the latch actuator drives the latch in a direction substantially normal to the base and between locked and unlocked positions. [0013] In one form, the latch is driven towards the fitting to the locked position, whereby clamping of the keeper between the head of the latch and the end of the fitting is effected.

4 [0014] In one form, the latch is driven away from the fitting to the unlocked position [0015] In one form, the base plate comprises a slightly raised portion, and the end of the fixture is recessed to nest over the raised portion. [0016] In one form, the base is a flange coupling that utilises a slot to retain a latch in the form of a lug in one form; the base is anchored to a suitable concrete foundation by masonry anchors close as practical to the slot. The base is of suitable strength but minimal profile with ramped edges to minimise its danger as a tripping hazard or a trap for heels. [0017] In one form, the fitting to be anchored will have a protruding lug with a suitable mechanism to lock its mating surface with that of the formally mentioned flange coupling and provide sufficient strength to withstand the expected stresses imposed on the fixture while maintaining a rigid union. [0018] In one form, there is proposed an anchor assembly including a first portion for a fixture with a means of engagement to a second portion which is adapted with a means of engagement with the ground or structure and receive the first portion when aligned with it. The first portion is locked to the second portion by clamping their mating faces by providing a force normal to them and is adapted to ensure the first portion does not unintentionally escape the second. [0019] In one form, a lug on the first portion is pulled towards the flat surface on the fixture in a direction substantially normal to it. This lug is to engage and capture the second portion. [0020] In one form, the first portion is a short column with a flat surface normal to its axis. [0021] In one form, this column has a scotch yoke mechanism that provides a movement parallel to the column axis in both directions when a cam is rotated. [0022] Alternately this column has a scotch yoke mechanism that provides a movement parallel to the column axis when a cam is rotated in the locking direction only and a spring to return it in the unlocking direction. [0023] Alternately this column has a member with a circular opening that the cam passes though. This mechanism provides a circular motion to the member when the cam is rotated. [0024] In one form, this cam is locked by rotating it past its top dead centre.

5 [0025] In one form, a profiled hole or holes parallel to the axis of the cam engage a suitable key or lever to rotate it. [0026] In one form, a headed bolt is attached to the scotch yoke and threaded into a threaded hole. Axial adjustment of the bolt is provided by a profile on or in its head using a suitable key or spanner. [0027] Alternately a headed bolt is attached to the formally mentioned member in 0021 and threaded into a mating hole. Axial adjustment of the bolt is provided by a profile on or in its head using a suitable key or spanner. [0028] In one form, a guide hole is provided to restrain the bolt head substantially central with respect to the column. [0029] In one form, the threaded bolt is restrained from rotating with a suitable friction thread lock. [0030] In one form, the second portion is a substantially flat plate or plates with ramped edges and "T" slot to retain the formally mentioned bolt head. An entry aperture in the "T" slot for the bolt head is also provided. [003 1] Alternately the second portion is a substantially flat plate or plates with ramped edges and a lug to retain the formally mentioned lug on the first portion. Provision is made to trap the lugs in engagement when the first portion engages the second portion. [0032] In one form, the second portion has a means of engaging the ground or structure either by means of masonry anchors engaging a suitable foundation or by means of an attached suitable protrusion being embedded in a grout or resin or directly into the foundation, but not restricted to those materials or attached to a structure, by any means. [0033] Alternately the second portion can be fixed to suitable timber flooring using suitable fastenings. [0034] Alternately the second portion can be fixed to any suitable material on any suitable structure at any angle or orientation able to withstand the stresses imposed by the attached first portion using any suitable means.

6 [0035] The methods described of attaching the second portion to the first portion can be used to attach other parts, such as table tops to the first portion. The first portion can attach any number of second portions to it. [00361 A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying Figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. [0037] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0038] In order for the invention to be further understood, it will now be described with the assistance of drawings in relation to embodiments which are shown in the drawings wherein: [0039] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment used for a table application, [0040] Figure 2 is a front view of the same embodiment as in Figure 1, used for a table application, [0041] Figure 3 is a front view of a first embodiment used for an umbrella application and shows wind load effects, [0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view of Figure 3 used for an umbrella application showing the umbrella support, [0043] Figure 5 is a front view of Figure 3 showing the shock absorber spring, [0044] Figure 6 is a side view of Figure 3 showing the shock absorber spring, 7 [0045] Figure 7 is a sectional view of Figure 1 showing the cam at top dead centre showing the two portions in loaded engagement, [0046] Figure 8 is a sectional view of Figure I showing the cam at bottom dead centre allowing clearance to separate the two portions, [0047] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the flange coupling and the bolt, illustrating the entry hole is larger than the bolt head, [0048] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the mechanism to engage the flange coupling, [0049] Figure I I is an exploded view of the mechanism to engage the table coupling, [0050] Figure 12 is an alternative locked mechanism side view, . [0051] Figure 13 is an alternative unlocked mechanism side view, and [0052] Figure 14 is the alternative flange coupling. [0053] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS I Force on coupling 2 Foundation 3 Edge of mating surface 4 Flange coupling (base) 5 Lever arm 6 Column (fitting) 7 Mating surfaces 8 Cam lever (actuator) 9 Wind load 10 Cam (locking means) 14 Table top 16 Umbrella 18 Umbrella pole 20 Umbrella pole outer tube 22 Slot guard washer 8 24 Umbrella pole retaining bolt 26 Spring retaining bolt 28 Water drain hole 30 Umbrella column 32 Spring 34 Umbrella pole movement 36 Movement slot 38 Umbrella column transition 40 Scotch yoke mechanism 41 Slot in scotch yoke 42 Bolt (latch) 43 Cross bar 44 Circlip 46 Adjustment thread 48 Bolt guide 50 Countersunk screw 51 Keyhole slot 52 Entry hole (socket) 53 Shoulder 54 Retaining slot (keeper) 55 Entry slot 56 Small cam bearing 57 Large cam bearing 58 Pins 59 Countersunk hole 60 Engagement holes 61 Logo 62 Retaining screw 64 Cam bearing 66 Table top attachment plate 68 Locking bolt 70 Engaging latch 71 Latch plate 72 Pivot 74 Base plate 75 Gland 76 Necking 78 Engaging lip 80 Engaging lip 82 Countersunk hole 84 Thread 9 [0054] The problem has been to produce an economical flange coupling of sufficient strength to withstand the stresses imposed on it by its connection to both the ground or structure and the fixture, whilst being adaptable to variations of both. As it is normally external, it needs to reasonably resist corrosion, accidental damage especially by vehicles and vandalism. As it is often placed on walkways, it needs have no vertical surface greater than the industry normal, currently 3mm and anything greater than that, needs to be ramped to <=45 degrees to the horizontal so as not to present a tripping hazard. Aesthetically it needs to blend into the paving whilst being easy to locate and have a guide to its orientation to assist the easy docking of the mating parts. Any cavities that can become blocked with debris including sand need to be easily cleaned. [0055] The locking means of the mating part needs to be economical and of sufficient strength to withstand the stresses imposed on it by its connection to the fixture and flange coupling. Logically the moving capture mechanism should be in this part. Two mating flat surfaces minimise the bulk of the two components and require a capture and tensioning means suitable for the formally mentioned stresses. Clearance needs to be provided for alignment and coupling the two parts. In mating the two parts consideration is given to whether the column 6 shown in Figs 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 needs to have a locked rotation about its axis, as maybe required in Figures 1 & 2 when a non-round table top is fitted. Whilst Figure 8 shows a square location for a square tube, it can also be round for a square or round tube, which can be located with a key for orientation. [0056] It will be seen from Figures 1, 2 & I I that the coupling means can be adapted to fit the table top also and therefore the system is adaptable for coupling any number of applications. [0057] As the mating surface is restricted by the base area the turning moment it resists is the maximum distance from the capture device to the edge of the mating surface. Shown in Figure 3 is an example of the load on the capture device. A wind load 9 is above the mating surfaces 7 and has a lever arm of 2400mm. This force is counteracted by lever arm 5, the distance between force on the coupling I and the edge of mating surface 3. If the column 18 is 60mm wide then lever arm 5 is 30mm, a ratio of 80:1, therefore the force on coupling I is 80 times the wind load 9. For this reason the capture device mechanism needs to be substantial and high force needs to be hand applied to mate the two surfaces. In the mated position the mechanism needs to be locked. [0058] The first embodiment which is shown specifically in Figures 1 through to 11 which shows in Figures 7&8 a cam 10 passing through a slot in a scotch yoke mechanism 40 on to which a bolt 42 is attached via an adjustment thread 46. The adjustment thread 46 is semi locked with either a plastic ferrule or a thread locking compound. Adjustment is made via a profile on the head of the bolt 42 using a spanner or key. Figure 7 shows the cam 10 at top dead centre, where it has drawn up the 10 scotch yoke mechanism 40 and bolt 42 so that the mating surfaces Figure 3, 7 of the flange coupling 4 and column 6 are in loaded contact. [0059] Figure 8 shows the cam 10 at bottom dead centre, moving the scotch yoke mechanism 40 and bolt 42 so that the mating surfaces Figure 3, 7 of the flange coupling 4 and column 6 are now sufficiently far apart that the top face of the flange coupling 4 and the column 6 allow the column 6 to be slidably removed from the flange coupling 4. Figure 9 shows a keyhole slot which allows the head of bolt 42 to be moved from its encapsulated position 54 and removed via entry hole 52. When coupled the inside face of column 6 shown in Figure 7, the shoulder 53 (Figure 9) of the flange coupling 4 prevents the bolt 42 from moving from position 54. A logo 61 visually shows orientation of flange coupling 4. [0060] Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the column 6. The cam 10 bears on small cam bearing 56 one end and large cam bearing 57 at the other and is retained by circlip 44; its offset is half what is required for the total clearance mentioned formally. When a round tube is used for the column 6 the cam lobe sections are increased in length to accommodate this. Two engagement holes 60 are shown to couple with the pins 58 on key 8. The cam 10 is expected to rotate marginally more than half a turn to lock in an over centre position. [0061] The scotch yoke mechanism 40 has a slot 41 that cam 10 passes through, the slot 41 length is determined by the cam 10 offset in one direction and allowing the cam 10 to move marginally over centre in the other. The slot 41 height is clearance on the cam 10 diameter. A cross bar locates the scotch yoke mechanism 40 in the centre of the column 6 and has a bolt guide 48 hole in the centre (Figures 7& 8). The scotch yoke mechanism 40 is a sliding fit in column 6. [0062] The bolt 42 has a narrow head to clear the underside of flange coupling 4. [0063] Figure 9 flange coupling 4 has a keyhole slot 51 comprising a retaining slot 54 and an entry hole 52 in the top plate and an entry slot 55 (Figures 7& 8). In order to secure the flange coupling 4, two countersunk holes 59 (Figure 10) are provided for two countersunk screws 50. The countersink could be replaced by counter bored holes. This method of fixing could be substituted by many other forms, such as welding or bolting from behind and is not restricted to any of the former. [0064] Figure I 1 shows the former mechanism and anchor used to secure a table top providing the ability to change table tops easily or match a table top to a different column. The table top attachment plate 66 in this case is fixed to the table top 14 by retaining screws 62.

ll [0065] Figure 3 shows an umbrella application. This application incorporates an additional element of Figure 5 spring 32 to secure the umbrella pole 18 which is allowed to slidably move inside umbrella pole outer tube 20. The spring is a combination compression and extension secured to umbrella pole outer tube 20 by spring retaining bolt 26 and umbrella pole retaining bolt 24, which fits a hole in umbrella pole 18 and a movement slot 36 in umbrella pole outer tube 20, which allows limited movement within the springs operating range. Figure 4 shows slot guard washers 22 to prevent hazards to small fingers. Figure 6 shows a water drain hole 28. [0066] Figures 12, 13& 14 show an alternative method of coupling the base plate 74 to the column 6. An engaging latch 70 is pivoted 72 in two places at its extremities and achieves its locking by a bell crank action and a locking bolt 68. Locking bolt 68 is mated in thread 84 at one end and via the gland 75 and a necking 76 forms a movable joint with engaging latch 70. [0067] The base plate consists of a plate, with surface flat or contoured to match the end of column 6 and incorporates a latch plate 71 having an engaging lip 78 which is made to slide to fit into column 6. Fixture to a ground or structure can be via countersunk holes 82. The countersink could be replaced by counter bored holes. This method of fixing could be substituted by many other forms, such as welding or bolting from behind and is not restricted to any of the former. Engaging latch 70 has an engaging lip 80 and as can be seen in Figure 12. [0068] Figure I I shows the coupling in its mated position where locking bolt 68 is screwed into thread 84 and presses against engaging latch 70 which via pivot 72 presses two surfaces of engaging lip 80 against engaging lip 78, which in turn draws base plate 74 into column 6. As can be seen the two parts are kept in captive engagement. [0069] Figure 12 shows the coupling in its relaxed position where locking bolt 68 is screwed out of thread 84 and via necking 76 and gland 75 allows the engaging lip 80 to protrude from column 6. This allows for disengagement of base plate 72. [0070] The present invention combines a stable flange coupling with accurate alignment of the fitting, It also incorporates the advantages of the fast positioning of a cam, very high force as the cam approaches top dead centre and latching effect past top dead centre. [0071] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

12 [0072] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. [0073] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications in its scope.

Claims (5)

1. A coupling assembly for securing a fitting relative to the ground or a floor, the coupling assembly comprising a generally planar base anchored to a ground or floor surface and comprising a socket providing a latch keeper, a latch and a latch locking means depending from the fitting, the latch comprising a body having a head at or towards a lowermost end thereof and extending from an end of the fitting for insertion into the socket and movement laterally between retained and released positions with respect to the keeper, the latch locking means comprising a latch actuator operable to effect securement of the latch head in its retained position with respect to the keeper.

2. The coupling assembly of claim 1, wherein the latch actuator drives the latch in a direction substantially normal to the base and between locked and unlocked positions. 1

3. The coupling assembly of claim 2, wherein the latch is driven towards the fitting to the locked position, whereby clamping of the keeper between the head of the latch and the end of the fitting is effected.

4. The coupling assembly as in either of claims 2 or 3, wherein the latch is driven away from the fitting to the unlocked position

5. The coupling assembly as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate comprises a slightly raised portion, and the end of the fixture is recessed to nest over the raised portion.