SEATING SYSTEM FOR FITTINGS FOR ARENAS AND STADIUMS

Abstract

A connection and support apparatus for fittings for arenas and stadiums includes a fitting that includes a spigot. A latching support includes a spigot mounting profile having a socket configured to receive the spigot, a mounting base that receives the spigot mounting profile and that is configured to secure the latching support to the ground or a base structure, and a latch pivotally secured to the latching support by a pivot pin and having a ramp surface and a stop surface. The latch is configured to allow the spigot to be inserted into the socket. The latch is configured to prevent the spigot from being removed from the socket once the spigot is inserted into the socket, unless the latch is released by a user.

Claims

1. A connection and support apparatus for fittings for arenas and stadiums, the connection and support apparatus comprising: a fitting that comprises a spigot; a latching support comprising (i) a spigot mounting profile having a socket configured to receive the spigot, (ii) a mounting base that receives the spigot mounting profile and that is configured to secure the latching support to the ground or a base structure, and (iii) a latch pivotally secured to the latching support by a pivot pin and having a ramp surface and a stop surface; and wherein the latch is configured to allow the spigot to be inserted into the socket, and wherein the latch is configured to prevent the spigot from being removed from the socket once the spigot is inserted into the socket, unless the latch is released by a user.

2. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latch is biased toward a closed position by a return spring.

3. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latching support comprises a locking bolt that is configured to secure a position of the latch relative to the spigot mounting profile.

4. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spigot includes a lip that is configured to engage with the latch when the spigot is inserted into the socket.

5. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latch is mounted on the spigot mounting profile.

6. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein a hole is formed in the mounting base, and wherein a second pivot pin is received in the hole formed in the mounting base and pivotally secures the spigot mounting profile to the mounting base to allow a pivoting motion of the spigot and fitting relative to the mounting base with the spigot inserted into the socket, and wherein an arcuate cutout is formed in the mounting base and includes a retaining slot, and wherein a stop pin is received in the arcuate cutout formed in the mounting base and is coupled to the spigot mounting profile, and wherein movement of the stop pin along the arcuate cutout and retaining slot constrains the pivoting motion of the spigot and fitting relative to the mounting base with the spigot inserted into the socket.

7. The connection and support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the hole formed in the mounting base is elongated, and wherein the retaining slot of the arcuate cutout is configured to constrain the pivoting motion and lock the fitting in a vertical orientation unless the fitting is intentionally lifted by the user.

8. The connection and support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the latching support includes a blocking latch that is configured to prevent the fitting from inadvertently pivoting.

9. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spigot mounting profile is formed as an aluminium extrusion.

10. The connection and support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fitting comprises a plurality of spigots, and wherein a corresponding plurality of latching supports are configured to receive individual spigots of the plurality of spigots.

11. A latching support configured to secure a fitting at an arena or stadium, latching support comprising: a spigot mounting profile having a socket configured to receive a spigot of a fitting; a mounting base that receives the spigot mounting profile and that is configured to secure the latching support to the ground or a base structure within an arena or stadium; a latch pivotally secured to the latching support by a pivot pin, wherein the latch includes a ramp surface and a stop surface; and wherein the latch is configured to allow the spigot to be inserted into the socket, and wherein the latch is configured to prevent the spigot from being removed from the socket once the spigot is inserted into the socket, unless the latch is released by a user.

12. The latching support of claim 11, wherein the latch is biased toward a closed position by a return spring.

13. The latching support of claim 11, further comprising a locking bolt that is configured to secure a position of the latch relative to the spigot mounting profile.

14. The latching support of claim 11, wherein the spigot includes a lip that is configured to engage with the latch when the spigot is inserted into the socket.

15. The latching support of claim 11, wherein the latch is mounted on the spigot mounting profile.

16. The latching support of claim 11, wherein a hole is formed in the mounting base, and wherein a second pivot pin is received in the hole formed in the mounting base and pivotally secures the spigot mounting profile to the mounting base to allow a pivoting motion of the spigot and fitting relative to the mounting base with the spigot inserted into the socket, and wherein an arcuate cutout is formed in the mounting base and includes a retaining slot, and wherein a stop pin is received in the arcuate cutout formed in the mounting base and is coupled to the spigot mounting profile, and wherein movement of the stop pin along the arcuate cutout and retaining slot constrains the pivoting motion of the spigot and fitting relative to the mounting base with the spigot inserted into the socket.

17. The latching support of claim 16, wherein the hole formed in the mounting base is elongated, and wherein the retaining slot of the arcuate cutout is configured to constrain the pivoting motion and lock the fitting in a vertical orientation unless the fitting is intentionally lifted by the user.

18. The latching support of claim 16, further comprising a blocking latch that is configured to prevent the fitting from inadvertently pivoting.

19. The latching support of claim 11, wherein the spigot mounting profile is formed as an aluminium extrusion.

20. The latching support of claim 11, wherein the spigot is adapted for use with the latching support.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, of which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a row of chairs featuring an embodiment of the latching system;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the row of chairs with the latching system in a separated state;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the latching system in a separated state;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a detail of another embodiment of the latching system in an assembled state;

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of part of the latching system;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a guard rail featuring an embodiment of the latching system;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a press rail featuring an embodiment of the latching system;

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of part of another embodiment of the latching system;

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the latching system of FIG. 8 in an assembled state, and in a first locked state;

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the latching system of FIG. 8 in an assembled state, and in a second unlocked state;

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the latching system of FIG. 8 in an assembled state, and in a third state where a pivoting procedure is commencing;

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the latching system of FIG. 8 in an assembled state, and in a fourth state where the pivoting procedure has completed;

[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a guard rail featuring the latching system of FIG. 8, with the guard rail in a vertical orientation; and

[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a guard rail featuring the latching system of FIG. 8, with the guard rail in a folded horizontal orientation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, a chair assembly 10 comprises a row of three chairs 12 mounted on a rail 14. Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, a leg or spigot 15 downwardly extends from each end of the chair assembly 10, these two spigots 15 respectively engage with two latching supports 16 which secure the chair assembly 10 with respect to the ground 11. The spacing between the two spigots 15 corresponds to the spacing between the two latching supports 16.

[0024] Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the latching support 16 includes a receiving socket 18 which is shaped to receive the spigot 15. In the following examples, the spigot 15 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the socket 18 of the latching support 16 has a cavity having a corresponding substantially rectangular cross section. The spigot 15 includes a lip or lips 17, which abut the upper edge of the socket 18 and locate the chair assembly 10 at the correct height with the spigot 15 received within the socket 18. The spigot 15 can be produced using different manufacturing technologies and/or materials such an engineering plastics or laser cut steel, which may depend on the type of furniture or equipment to which it is attached. The latching support 16 also includes a latch 20, which is shaped so that when the spigot 15 is lowered into the latching support 16, the lip 17 on the front of the spigot 15 can push the latch 20 aside to allow the lip 17 to descend to the edge of the socket 18, but once the lip 17 has passed the latch 20, the latch 20 prevents the lip 17 from ascending, as shown in FIG. 4. It will be noted that the lip 17 may be situated just on the front and rear surfaces of the spigot 15 adjacent to the latch 20 in use as shown in FIG. 3, or the lip 17 may at least partially encompass the entire perimeter of the spigot 15 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, the latching support 16 generally comprises a mounting base 26, a spigot mounting profile 22, and the latch 20. The mounting base comprises two parallel walls spaced by a web to form a generally C-section or C-shaped bracket, into which the spigot mounting profile 22 is located and secured to the mounting base 26 by means of bolts 34 which extend through corresponding holes 37 formed in the mounting base 26 and spigot mounting profile 22, held by washers 36 and nuts 35. The design of the mounting base 26 may vary dependent on its specific application to the building or substructure to which it is secured. The spigot mounting profile 22 and mounting base 26 may be secured together in different ways.

[0026] The spigot mounting profile 22 has a substantially uniform cross section, comprising a central socket 18 for receiving the spigot 15, a front C section 24 which accommodates and constrains the latch 20, and a rear boxed compartment 25 which adds rigidity to the spigot mounting profile 22. The spigot mounting profile 22 is ideally formed as an aluminum extrusion, which can be produced within close tolerances in order to maintain a close fit with the spigot 15.

[0027] The latch 20 is pivotally secured to the spigot mounting profile 22 by a pivot pin 28 which extends through a bore in the latch 20 and a pair of pivot holes 29 in the spigot mounting profile 22. The latch 20 is biased to close by a return spring 32, the front short legs of the C section 24 providing a strong and convenient stop. A locking bolt 31 extends through a threaded hole 39 in the latch 20 (conveniently coaxial with the return spring 32) and acts against the rear wall of the C section 24. When the locking bolt 31 is wound inwards it acts on the rear wall of the C section 24, pushing the latch 20 firmly against the front legs of the C section 24 and the locking bolt 31 is prevented from rotating, such that the latch 20 is locked. When the bolt 31 is wound out, the latch 20 is free to rotate and automatically returns to home position by the spring 32.

[0028] As previously discussed, the surface of the latch 20 that faces the socket 18 has a ramp surface which, provided the locking bolt 31 is not constraining the latch 20, allows the latch 20 to pivot over the lip 17 of the spigot 15 when the spigot 15 is pushed into the socket 18. Once the lip 17 has passed the ramp surface, the latch 20 is urged to pivot back by the return spring 32 to retain the lip 17 against a stop surface, securing the spigot 15 (and so the chairs 12) to the latching support 16. The locking bolt 31 may be adjusted so that the latch 20 cannot be moved, preventing tampering. After this has been done to secure both spigots 15 of the chairs 12 to the respective latching supports 16, the chairs 12 are securely fixed relative to the ground 11. When it is necessary to remove the chairs, the locking bolt 31 of each latch 20 is adjusted to allow the latch 20 to pivot freely, the lower part of the latch 20 is pressed towards the socket 18 to pivot the latch 20 and release the lip 17 of the spigot 15, and the chairs 12 may be lifted off the latching support 16.

[0029] The lipped spigot 15, latch 20 and spigot mounting profile 22 fixed to a mounting base 26 thus provide a convenient system for removably installing chairs. Other stadium fittings could be equipped with spigots 15 in a similar manner, utilizing the same mounting base 26, spigot mounting profile 22, and latch 20. Referring to FIG. 6, a guard rail 41 includes two spigots 15 which engage with two latching support 16 in the same fashion as previously described for the chairs 12; FIG. 7 shows a press desk 43, again having two spigots 15 at the end of the legs of the press desk 43, and again these spigots 15 engage with two latching support 16 in the same fashion as previously described. This means that various stadium fittings such as chairs, guard rails, press desks and other items can be conveniently and rapidly interchanged. The fittings can either use the same mounting base 26 and spigot mounting profile 22, or if desired, the spigot mounting profile 22 could be removed and replaced with a different spigot mounting profile 22, for example if a longer spigot mounting profile 22 is desirable for a particular fitting, or a different design of mounting base could be used to mount to a wall as opposed to the ground 11.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the fitting assembly could have the capability to be folded without being disassembled, which is particularly useful when the fitting is incorporated in a telescopic grandstand system. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, a spigot mounting profile 22 is secured in a mounting base 26, the spigot mounting profile 22 again having a socket 18 to receive the spigot 15 of a fitting, and a C section 24 incorporating a latch 20.

[0031] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 8 and 9, a modified folding latching support 16an alternative mounting base 65 is used which allows a modified spigot mounting profile 23 to be pivoted through approximately 90 degrees within the mounting base 65 allowing it to fold, typically between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. A pivot pin 48 passes through two elongated holes 50 in the mounting base 65 and though concentric holes 47 in the spigot mounting profile 23. A stirrup pin 49 passes through retaining slots 55 and two concentric holes 52 in the mounting profile 23, each retaining slot 55 forming part of an arcuate slot or cutout 53 provided in each wall of the mounting base 65.

[0032] A latch pin 46 passes through two concentric holes 51 in the mounting base 65 and clearance cutaways 63 in the mounting profile 23. Features 47, 52 and 63 are all located in the front C section 24 of the mounting profile 23 so that the rectangular socket 18 is not obstructed. A blocking latch 45 has two concentric holes 57 which correspond to the latch pin 46, allowing the blocking latch 45 to rotate in a fixed datum located on the mounting base 65. When in the upright or in-use position, the pivot pin 48 is at the bottom of the elongate slot 50 and the stirrup pin 49 is at the bottom of the retaining slot 55. The blocking latch 45 has a return tension spring 56, with one end of the spring 56 being attached to the blocking latch 45 and at the other to a hole 66 at the mounting base 65. The return spring 56 retains the blocking latch 45 in a vertical position relative to the hole 66, with leading edges 45a of the blocking latch 45 preventing or blocking the stirrup pin 49 from being lifted from the retaining slot 55 (and thus preventing inadvertent folding of the fitting) until blocking latch 45 is temporarily rotated out of the way so that the mounting profile 23 can be lifted, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0033] The blocking latch pivot pin 46, fitting pivot pin 48, and fitting stop pin 49 may be secured in their respective holes with circlips 58. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, a vertical bracket fixing 62 is included to allow the mounting base 65 to be additionally secured to a vertical riser. Further, a lower portion of the mounting base 65 may be secured to the ground or a horizontal riser via bolts 60 and nuts 61. It will be noted that in this embodiment, the spigot mounting profile 23 does not include the boxed compartment 25.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, with the blocking latch 45 pivoted away from the mounting profile 23 and the mounting base 65, the mounting profile 23 can now be lifted relative to the mounting base 65, such that the pivot pin 48 is at the top of the elongate slot 50 and the stirrup pin 49 has cleared the retaining slot 55. The stirrup pin 49 enters the arc shaped cutaway in 53 which is concentric with the top pivot center of the elongate slot 50, allowing the mounting profile 23 to rotate forwards to a horizontal orientation (FIG. 12).

[0035] When the folding sequence of the fitting is reversed, when the spigot 15 is in the vertical orientation the weight of the fitting will cause the fitting stop pin 49 to descend into the retaining slot 55.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 13, the spigots 15 of a guard rail 41 have been fitted to the modified folding latching support 16described in FIGS. 8-10. Referring to FIG. 14, after operating the folding procedure described above, the guard rail 41 is now in a horizontal orientation.

[0037] In this specification an apparatus/method/product comprising certain features is intended to be interpreted as meaning that it includes those features, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features.

[0038] Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.