1 TITLE: IMPROVEMENTS FOR SECURING FIXTURES FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to fixture securing improvements and in particular to securing arrangements that suit outdoor furniture. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 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. [0004] Generally in the prior art fittings are plugged into a tube in the ground and often secured with a lock or weights are added to a base. Such weights together with tables and umbrellas are generally folded in order to nest together in the limited space inside secure premises. Often weights of 50 kilograms or more are placed on umbrella bases and a sack truck is used to move them. Even the tables can weigh 10 kilograms or more and pose a health hazard for less fit individuals. [0005] Feet on tables will often need 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 typically an 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 may fill with water and debris including windblown sand at costal locations unless perfectly sealed, which is very 2 difficult to achieve. Current sockets rely on close tolerance fits to provide stability for the fitting which in the environment they are used in may not be practical. [0007] As these ground sockets need to have a cover fitted so that 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 should be minimal and ramped. OBJECT OF THIS INVENTION [0008] An object of this invention is to at least to some extent reduce the difficulties currently experienced. [0009] Alternatively, an object is to provide the public with a useful alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form of the invention this can be said to reside in a furniture mounting arrangement including a base member adapted to be attached directly to the base surface and provide a low profile attachment location for a support member, the support member having a body, an engaging member within the body which has a lowermost engaging portion which is adapted to interengage with a matching shape of the base member, and tightening means adapted to effect in one position a tension of the lowermost engaging portion when interengaging with the base member, and in a further position allows for such interengaging with the base member without the tension. In preference the tightening means include an over center tightening arrangement to effect a holding of the tension when applied [0010] In preference I propose a flange coupling that utilises a slot to retain a lug on a coupling part and a flat surface of suitable area to provide a mating surface for the coupling part. [0011] In preference the flange coupling is anchored to a suitable concrete foundation by masonry anchors close as practical to the slot. The flange coupling is of suitable 3 strength but minimal profile with ramped edges to minimise its danger as a tripping hazard or a trap for heels. [0012] In preference a fixture 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. [0013] In one other/ form of this invention 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 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. [0014] In preference 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. [0015] In preference the first portion is a short column with a flat surface normal to its axis. [0016] In preference this column has a scotch yoke mechanism that provides a movement parallel to the column axis in both directions when a cam is rotated. [0017] Alternately in preference 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. [0018] 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. [0019] In preference this cam is locked by rotating it past its top dead centre.
4 [0020] In preference a profiled hole or holes parallel to the axis of the cam engage a suitable key or lever to rotate it. [0021] In preference 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. [0022] Alternately in preference a headed bolt is attached to the formally mentioned member 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. [0023] In preference a guide hole is provided to restrain the bolt head substantially central with respect to the column. [0024] In preference the threaded bolt is restrained from rotating with a suitable friction thread lock. [0025] In preference 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. [0026] 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. [0027] In preference 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. [0028] Alternately the second portion can be fixed to suitable timber flooring using suitable fastenings.
5 [0029] 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. [0030] 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0031] 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; [0032] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment used for a table application, [0033] Figure 2 is a front view of the same embodiment as in Figure 1, used for a table application, [0034] Figure 3 is a front view of a first embodiment used for an umbrella application and shows wind load effects, [0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view of figure 3 used for an umbrella application showing the umbrella support, [0036] Figure 5 is a front view of figure 3 showing the shock absorber spring, [0037] Figure 6 is a side view of figure 3 showing the shock absorber spring, [0038] Figure 7 is a sectional view of figure 1 showing the cam at top dead centre showing the two portions in loaded engagement, [0039] Figure 8 is a sectional view of figure 1 showing the cam at bottom dead centre allowing clearance to separate the two portions, 6 [0040] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the flange coupling and the bolt, illustrating the entry hole is larger than the bolt head, [0041] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the mechanism to engage the flange coupling, [0042] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the mechanism to engage the table coupling, [0043] Figure 12 is an alternative locked mechanism side view, [0044] Figure 13 is an alternative unlocked mechanism side view, [0045] Figure 14 is the alternative flange coupling. DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS [0046] 1 Force on coupling 2 Foundation 3 Edge of mating surface 4 Flange coupling 5 Lever arm 6 Column 7 Mating surfaces 8 Cam lever 9 Wind load 10 Cam 14 Table top 16 Umbrella 18 Umbrella pole 20 Umbrella pole outer tube 22 Slot guard washer 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 7 38 Umbrella column transition 40 Scotch yoke mechanism 41 Slot in scotch yoke 42 Bolt 43 Cross bar 44 Circlip 46 Adjustment thread 48 Bolt guide 50 Countersunk screw 51 Keyhole slot 52 Entry hole 53 Shoulder 54 Retaining slot 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 [0047] 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 should 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 8 than that, should be ramped to <=45 degrees to the horizontal so as not to present a tripping hazard. Aesthetically it should 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. [0048] The locking means of the mating part should 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 should 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 should 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. [0049] It will be seen from Figures 1, 2 & 11 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. [0050] 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 1 and the edge of mating surface 3. If the column 18 is 60mm wide then lever arm 5 is 30mm, a ration of 80:1, therefore the force on coupling 1 is 80 times the wind load 9. For this reason the capture device mechanism should be substantial and high force should be required to mate the two surfaces. In the mated position the mechanism should be locked. [0051] 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 9 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 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. [0052] 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. [0053] 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. [0054] 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. [0055] The bolt 42 has a narrow head to clear the underside of flange coupling 4.
10 [0056] 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. [0057] Figure 11 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. [0058] 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. [0059] 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. [0060] 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 slidably 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.
11 [0061] Figure 11 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. [0062] 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.