U.S. patent application number 16/257567 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-30 for quick release universal mount.
The applicant listed for this patent is Douglas Fischer. Invention is credited to Douglas Fischer.
Application Number | 20200240573 16/257567 |
Document ID | 20200240573 / US20200240573 |
Family ID | 1000003910155 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-30 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200240573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Douglas |
July 30, 2020 |
QUICK RELEASE UNIVERSAL MOUNT
Abstract
Furniture and other items are temporarily, but securely, fixed
to any of a variety of surfaces using a quick release universal
mount. The quick release mount includes a top plate, at least two
rotatable latch carrying axles, latches carried by each of said
axles extending through openings in the top plate, and means for
biasing or holding the latches carried by said axles in a latched
condition. The quick release mount is coupled to a surface and the
latches engage the item to be fixed to the surface. The quick
release application has broad application, but is particularly
useful for mounting items to docks, piers and boats.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Douglas;
(Ottertail, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fischer; Douglas |
Ottertail |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000003910155 |
Appl. No.: |
16/257567 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M 2200/021 20130101;
F16M 2200/08 20130101; F16M 13/02 20130101; F16M 11/041 20130101;
F16B 2/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16M 11/04 20060101
F16M011/04; F16B 2/10 20060101 F16B002/10 |
Claims
1. A quick release universal mount comprising: (a) a top plate
having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top plate further
comprising a plurality of latch perforations arranged in two
spaced-apart opposing rows, each of said two spaced apart opposing
rows comprising at least one of said plurality of latch
perforations; (b) a first set of mounting flanges comprising first
and second flanges extending from the bottom surface of the top
plate and a second set of mounting flanges comprising third and
fourth flanges extending from the bottom surface of the top plate;
(c) a first latch carrying axle having a longitudinal axis, a first
end coupled to the first flange and a second end coupled to the
second flange and a second latch carrying axle having a
longitudinal axis, a third end coupled to the third mounting flange
and a fourth end coupled to the fourth mounting flange, and wherein
each of the first and second latch carrying axles, when so mounted,
is adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis; (d) at least one
first latch coupled to the first latch carrying axle and adapted to
extend through a latch perforation of a first of said two spaced
apart opposing rows of latch perforations, said at least one first
latch adapted to move between a latch position and a release
position by rotation of the first latch carrying axle about the
longitudinal axis of the first latch carrying axle; (e) at least
one second latch coupled to the second latch carrying axle and
adapted to extend through a latch perforation of a second of said
two spaced apart opposing rows of latch perforations, said at least
one second latch adapted to move between a latch position and a
release position by rotation of the second latch carrying axle
about the longitudinal axis of the second longitudinal axis; and
(f) a first spring attachment flange coupled to the first latch
carrying axle, a second spring attachment flange coupled to the
second latch carrying axle, and a spring coupled to the first and
second spring attachment flanges so that the latches are only able
to move from their latch position and their release position when
sufficient rotational force is applied to at least one of the first
and second latch carrying axles to overcome the force of the
spring.
2. (canceled)
3. The quick release universal mount of claim 1 further comprising
a lock adapted to hold said at least one first latch and said at
least one second latch in their respective latch positions.
4. The quick release universal mount of claim 1 further comprising
a pin adapted to hold said at least one first latch and said at
least one second latch in their respective latch positions.
5. The quick release universal mount of claim 1 further comprising
a first and second attachment members, said first attachment member
is adapted to be captured by said at least one first latch when
said at least one first latch is in its latch position and released
when said at least one first latch is in its release position, and
said second attachment member is adapted to be captured by said at
least one second latch when said at least one second latch us in
its latch position and released when said at least second latch is
in its release position.
6. The quick release universal mount of claim 5 wherein the first
and second attachment members are adapted to be coupled to an item
to be mounted using the quick release universal mount.
7. The quick release universal mount of claim 5 wherein the item is
selected from a group consisting of a chair, a table, a hammock, a
glider, a grill, a cooler, a diving platform, a winch, and a
toy.
8. The quick release universal mount of claim 5 wherein the first
and second attachment members are adapted to be permanently coupled
to an item to be mounted using the quick release universal
mount.
9. The quick release universal mount of claim 8 wherein the item is
selected from a group consisting of a chair, a table, a hammock, a
glider, a grill, a cooler, a diving platform, a winch, and a
toy.
10. The quick release universal mount of claim 1 further comprising
an attachment assembly adapted to couple the quick release
universal mount to a support surface.
11. The quick release universal mount of claim 10 wherein the
support surface is selected from a group consisting of a floor, a
platform, and a wall.
12. The quick release universal mount of claim 10 wherein the
attachment assembly comprises a post having a first end secured to
the bottom surface of the top plate and a socket attached to the
support surface and adapted to receive a second end of the
post.
13. The quick release mount of claim 10 wherein the attachment
assembly comprises at least one clamp.
14. The quick release mount of claim 10 wherein the attachment
assembly comprises at least one bolt.
15. The quick release mount of claim 10 wherein the attachment
assembly comprises at least one bracket.
16. A quick release universal mount comprising: (a) a top plate
having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top plate further
comprising a plurality of latch perforations arranged in two
spaced-apart opposing rows, each of said two spaced apart opposing
rows comprising at least one of said plurality of latch
perforations; (b) a first set of mounting flanges comprising first
and second flanges extending from the bottom surface of the top
plate and a second set of mounting flanges comprising third and
fourth flanges extending from the bottom surface of the top plate;
(c) a first latch carrying axle having a longitudinal axis, a first
end coupled to the first flange and a second end coupled to the
second flange and a second latch carrying axle having a
longitudinal axis, a third end coupled to the third mounting flange
and a fourth end coupled to the fourth mounting flange, and wherein
each of the first and second latch carrying axles, when so mounted,
is adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis; (d) at least one
first latch coupled to the first latch carrying axle and adapted to
extend through a latch perforation of a first of said two spaced
apart opposing rows of latch perforations, said at least one first
latch adapted to move between a latch position and a release
position by rotation of the first latch carrying axle about its
longitudinal axis; (e) at least one second latch coupled to the
second latch carrying axle and adapted to extend through a latch
perforation of a second of said two spaced apart opposing rows of
latch perforations, said at least one second latch adapted to move
between a latch position and a release position by rotation of the
second latch carrying axle about its longitudinal axis; and (f) a
retainer assembly adapted to selectively retain said at least one
first latch in its latched position.
17. The quick release universal mount of claim 16, wherein said
retainer assembly comprises a first spring attachment flange
coupled to the first latch carrying axle and a spring coupled to
the first and spring attachment flange so that the at least one
first latch is only able to move from its latch position to its
release position when sufficient rotational force is applied to the
first latch carrying axle to overcome the force of the spring.
18. The quick release universal mount of claim 16, wherein said
retainer assembly is further adapted to selectively retain said at
least one second latch in its latched position.
19. A quick release universal mount comprising: (a) a top plate
having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top plate further
comprising a plurality of latch perforations arranged in two
spaced-apart opposing rows, each of said two spaced apart opposing
rows comprising at least one of said plurality of latch
perforations; (b) a first set of mounting flanges comprising first
and second flanges extending from the bottom surface of the top
plate and a second set of mounting flanges comprising third and
fourth flanges extending from the bottom surface of the top plate;
(c) a first latch carrying axle having a longitudinal axis, a first
end coupled to the first flange and a second end coupled to the
second flange and a second latch carrying axle having a
longitudinal axis, a third end coupled to the third mounting flange
and a fourth end coupled to the fourth mounting flange, and wherein
each of the first and second latch carrying axles, when so mounted,
is adapted to rotate about its longitudinal axis; (d) at least one
first latch coupled to the first latch carrying axle and adapted to
extend through a latch perforation of a first of said two spaced
apart opposing rows of latch perforations, said at least one first
latch adapted to move between a latch position and a release
position by rotation of the first latch carrying axle about its
longitudinal axis; (e) at least one second latch coupled to the
second latch carrying axle and adapted to extend through a latch
perforation of a second of said two spaced apart opposing rows of
latch perforations, said at least one second latch adapted to move
between a latch position and a release position by rotation of the
second latch carrying axle about its longitudinal axis; (f) a
retainer assembly adapted to selectively retain said at least one
first latch in its latched position, and (g) an attachment assembly
adapted to couple the quick release universal mount to a support
surface.
20. The quick release universal mount of claim 16, wherein said
retainer assembly is further adapted to selectively retain said at
least one second latch in its latched position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to furniture and other items
typically used outdoors and stored indoors when not in use to
prevent inordinate weathering. More specifically, the present
invention concerns devices for securely mounting such furniture and
other items to docks, boats, decks or other flat surfaces and
having a quick release mechanism to permit easy removal for
storage.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] People like being on the water on boats and near the water
on beaches, patios, decks and docks. Various types of furniture and
equipment are used when recreating on or near the water.
[0005] Two shared problems are associated with such items and their
use. First, being exposed to the natural elements such as wind,
rain, sleet, snow and even sunlight causes damages to such items.
This problem is particularly acute for items made of natural
materials such as wood and of fabrics. Second, because wind speeds
tend to be greater on or along open water than elsewhere, wind and
other forces can cause such items to blow about. This is
particularly problematic if wind or other forces cause such items
to fall from a boat, pier or dock into the water.
[0006] Various mechanisms have been employed to secure furniture to
a boat or to a dock. Examples are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,187,
granted Oct. 4, 1988 to Richard W. Herr, U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,320,
granted Feb. 15, 1972 to Milton K. Ward, U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,017,
granted Aug. 18, 1998 to Matthew K. and Lee H. Zimmerman, U.S. Pat.
No. 8,251,455, granted Aug. 28, 2012 to Thomas Midkiff et al, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,217,259, granted Apr. 17, 2001 to Byron L. Godbersen,
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,231, granted Oct. 26, 2004 to Marvin L.
Hill. The mounting mechanisms employed in these patents have
certain. features in common. Each typically includes a top plate
welded to one end of a vertical post. See, e.g., FIG. 3 of Ward.
The top plate has a plurality of bolt holes and bolts passing
through these holes are used to couple the plate to the seat of a
chair. The other end of the vertical post is adapted to be received
in a socket that is bolted to a floor of the boat, deck or dock. In
the case of the Midkiff Patent, the post is clamped to a railing.
In the case of Godbersen, the post is secured to or also serves as
the support post of a dock. In the case of Hill, the post is
coupled to other support members used to mount the chair to a
trailer hitch of a truck or car. In none of these patents is the
chair readily detachable from the plate or is the plate readily
detachable from the post. This makes removal and storage of the
chair when not in use more difficult and inconvenient.
[0007] Various folding lawn chairs are also known in the art.
Examples include those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,152, granted
Jul. 5, 1994 to Richard K. Baron, U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,624, granted
Feb. 23, 1999 to Rick J. Simpson, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,026,
granted Aug. 20, 1985 to Cornell. Such chairs offer various
advantages in terms of transportation and storage but offer no
means for securing them to a dock, pier, boat or other surface. As
such, these chairs, and chairs like them, are highly susceptible to
tipping over and falling into the water. Also, if a plate were
bolted to the legs of such chairs, the chairs could no longer be
folded for transport or storage without first removing the bolts
and plate. Furthermore, any such plate would need to be
specifically adapted to be fastened to a particular item.
[0008] Thus, there continues to be a real need for a mechanism
having universal applications that will secure a piece of furniture
or other item in place on a boat, dock, deck or other surface, and
yet permits the piece of furniture or other item to be quickly and
easily removed for storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The needs described above are met by providing a quick
release universal mount. Such a mount includes a top plate having a
top surface and a bottom surface. The top plate also includes a
plurality of latch perforations. The latch perforations are
arranged in two spaced-apart opposing rows. There is at least one
latch perforation in each row.
[0010] First and second sets of mounting flanges extend from the
bottom surface of the top plate. Each set of mounting flanges
includes at least one mounting flange.
[0011] First and second latch carrying axles are mounted for
rotation to the first and second sets of mounting flanges. More
specifically, each of the latch carrying axles resides below the
top plate and has a longitudinal axis, a first end coupled to the
first set of mounting flanges and a second end coupled to the
second set of mounting flanges. Each of the first and second latch
carrying axles, when so mounted, is adapted to rotate about its
longitudinal axis.
[0012] At least one first latch is coupled to the first latch
carrying axle. The first latch is adapted to extend through a latch
perforation of a first of said two spaced-apart opposing rows of
latch perforations. This at least one first latch is adapted to
move at least between a latch position and a release position by
rotation of the first latch carrying axle about is longitudinal
axis. This first latch may also be moved from either the latch
position or release position to a stowed position in which the top
of the first latch is flush with or beneath the top surface of the
top plate.
[0013] In a similar fashion, at least one second latch is coupled
to the second latch carrying axle. The at least one second latch is
adapted to extend through a latch perforation of the second of the
two spaced-apart opposing rows of latch perforations. The at least
one second latch is also adapted to be moved between at least a
latch position and a release position by rotation of the second
latch carrying axle about the longitudinal axis of the second latch
carrying axle. This second latch may also be moved from either the
latch position or release position to a stowed position in which
the top of the second latch is flush with or beneath the top
surface of the top plate.
[0014] The quick release universal mount also includes a retainer
assembly adapted to selectively retain said at least one first
latch and said at least one second latch in their respective latch
positions. The retainer assembly may comprise lock(s) or pin(s)
adapted to prevent rotation of the latch carrying axles and the
latches attached to the latch carrying axles. In other embodiments,
the retainer assembly comprises a separate spring attachment flange
coupled to each of the latch carrying axles and a spring extending
between and coupled to these spring attachment flanges. The spring
biases the latches toward their latch position (and stowed
position). Rotation of an axle (and the resulting movement of
latches attached to the axle from their latch position or stowed
position) can only be accomplished if sufficient rotational force
is applied to the axle to overcome the force supplied by the
spring.
[0015] The universal spring release mount may be attached to a
floor, wall or other surface in any number of ways. Bolts, brackets
or clamps may be employed. In one embodiment, a post is coupled at
one of its ends to and extends from the bottom surface of the top
plate. The other end of the post is coupled to a sleeve or collar
(collectively referred to herein as a "socket") that is coupled to
the surface with which the universal mount is employed.
[0016] A wide variety of items can be coupled to a surface using
the universal mount. Such items include, without limitation,
chairs, tables, hammocks, gliders, grills, coolers, diving
platforms, winches, and any of a variety of toys, tools and
equipment. Such items must, of course, have attachment members that
cooperate with the latches. These attachment members may be a part
of the item or may be secured to the item to adapt the item for use
with the universal mount of the present invention. To mount
certain. items, such as when mounting a hammock, multiple universal
mounts are used in tandem.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing features, objects and advantages of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,
especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which like numerals in the several views refer to
corresponding parts:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the top of a first
embodiment of a universal mount with the latches in the latch
position.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the top of the
embodiment of the universal mount of FIG. 1 with one of the two
sets of latches in the release position.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the
embodiment of the universal mount shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first folding lawn
chair coupled to the universal mount of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second folding lawn
chair coupled to the universal mount of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a hammock stand coupled
to the universal mount of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a table top attached to an
alternative embodiment of the universal mount.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view showing the base of a grill attached
to the universal mount of FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternative
embodiment of the universal mount.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a chair coupled to the
universal mount of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 11 shows a stadium seat mounted to a fourth alternative
embodiment of the universal mount;
[0029] FIG. 12 shows a lock arrangement that may be employed with
any of the foregoing embodiments of the universal mount;
[0030] FIG. 13 shows a second lock arrangement that may be employed
with any of the foregoing embodiments of the universal mount;
and
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the top of the universal
mount of FIGS. 7 and 8 with the latches in their stowed
position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] This description of the preferred embodiments is intended to
be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to
be considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. In the description, relative terms such as "lower",
"upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "up", "down",
"top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,
"horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be construed
to refer to the orientation. as then described or as shown in the
drawings under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience
of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed
or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as "connected",
"connecting", "attached", "attaching", "join" and "joining" are
used interchangeably and refer to one structure or surface being
secured to another structure or surface or integrally fabricated in
one piece, unless expressively described otherwise.
[0033] A quick release universal mount 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6
may be employed to temporarily fasten. an item such as the chairs 1
and 3 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 or the hammock stand 5 shown in FIG.
6. The mount 10 comprises a top plate 12. As shown, top plate 12 is
rectangular, but top plates having other shapes may be employed
without deviating from the invention. The top plate 12 has a top
surface 14 and a bottom surface 16. The top plate 12 further
comprises a plurality of latch Perforations 18. The latch
perforations are arranged in two rows. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, each
row has three such latch perforations 18. A larger number or
smaller number of latch perforations 18 may be employed in each
row. However, each row must have at least one latch perforation
18.
[0034] As best shown in FIG. 3, the quick release universal mount
includes two sets 24 and 26 of mounting flanges 28, Each set 24 and
26 includes at least one mounting flange 28 as shown. A greater
number may be employed without deviating from the invention. The
two sets 24 and 26 of the mounting flanges 28 are typically aligned
parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. The
mounting flanges 28 extend generally perpendicularly and downwardly
from the bottom surface 16 of the top plate 12.
[0035] As shown, the quick release universal mount also includes
two latch carrying axles 30 and 32. The latch carrying axles 30 and
32 each have a longitudinal axis 31/33, first ends 34/35 and second
ends 36/37. The first end 34 of axle 30 is coupled to a mounting
flange 28 of the first set 24 and the second end 36 of axle 30 is
coupled to a mounting flange 28 of the second set 26. The mounting
mechanisms employed permit the axle 30 to rotate about its
longitudinal axis 31. Latch carrying axle 32 is mounted at its ends
35 and 37 in an identical fashion to mounting flanges 28 of the
first set 24 and the second set 26 of the mounting flanges 28. As
such, latch carrying axle 32 can rotate about its longitudinal axis
33.
[0036] Fixedly attached (i.e., coupled) to latch carrying axle 30
is at least one latch 40. Three such latches 40 are shown in FIGS.
1-6. Fixedly attached to latch carrying axle 32 is at least one
latch 42. Again, three such latches 42 are shown in these drawings.
The latches 40 are adapted to extend through the latch perforations
18 of each row of the latch perforations. The latches 40 attached
to axle 30 move from the latch position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6 to
the release position shown in FIG. 2 when the latch carrying axle
30 is rotated in a first direction. The latches 40 attached to axle
30 move from the release position shown in FIG. 2 to the latch
position shown in FIGS. 1 and 4-6 when the latch carrying axle 30
is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. The
latches 42 move between a latch position and a release position in
an identical fashion as the latch carrying axle 32 is rotated. When
the mount is not in use, the latch carrying axles 30 and 32 may be
further rotated until the latches 40 and 42 are in the stowed
position shown in FIG. 14. The tops of the latches 40 and 42 are
flush with or beneath the top surface 14 of top plate 12 when in
the stowed position.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, a first spring attachment flange 50 is
coupled to latch carrying axle 30 and a second spring attachment
flange 52 is coupled to latch carrying axle 32. A spring 54 extends
between sprint attachment flanges 50 and 52. The spring 54 serves
to bias the latches 40 and 42 toward their latch positions and hold
the latches 40 and 42 in their latch positions. The latches 40 and
42 will only move from the latch position to the release position
if enough rotational force is applied to the axle 30 or 32 to
overcome the force applied by spring 54. Retaining pin(s) such as
that shown in FIG. 13 or even padlock(s) such as that shown in FIG.
12 may be employed in addition to, or instead of, the spring 54 to
prevent the latches 40 and 42 from inadvertently moving from the
latch position to the release position.
[0038] The locks, e.g., the locking pins 104 and the padlocks 114
may be mounted in a variety of ways. Two examples are shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 shows a pair of locking flanges 110 and
112 extending parallel to each other. Locking flanges 110 and 112
have holes that are adapted to be aligned with each other. When so
aligned, the shackle of a padlock 114 may be passed through these
holes so that the padlock secures the two locking flanges together.
As shown, locking flange 112 is mounted to a handle used to turn
one of the axles and locking flange 110 is mounted to the top
plate. A hinge (not shown) may be used to mount locking flange 110
to the top plate so that the locking flange may be rotated back
over the top plate when the lock 114 is not present to permit
movement of the handle.
[0039] FIG. 13 shows a threaded hole 100 in mounting flange 28 and
another hole 102 extending through the handle. When the latches
associated with the axle attached to the handle are in the latch
position, holes 100 and 102 are aligned with each other. Pin 104,
which has a threaded end and is longer than the distance between
the mounting flange and the handle, is also shown. When the holes
100 and 102 are so aligned, the threaded end of pin 104 may be
inserted through hole 102 and screwed into threaded hole 100 to
lock the handle, axle and latches attached to the axle in the latch
position. These elements remain locked until the pin is
removed.
[0040] The spring 54 also serves to bias the latches 40/42 into a
stowed position shown in FIG. 14 when no item is mounted using the
universal mount 10. In the stowed position, the tops of latches
40/42 are either flush with or slightly below the top surface 14 of
top plate 12. The bottoms of the latches 40/42 are flush with or
slightly above the bottoms of the mounting flanges 28 when in the
stowed position. This makes a plurality of the universal mounts 10
easier to stack for storage and transport purposes.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the quick release
universal mount 10 also includes walls 60 and 62 extending upwardly
from the top surface 14 of the top plate 12 adjacent the rows of
latches 40/42. Walls 60 and 62 terminate in an inwardly extending
roof 61/63. The top surface 14 of plate 12, the walls 60/62 and the
roofs 61/63 cooperate to form pockets 64/65. These pockets 64/65
are adapted to receive braces 2/4 of the chairs, hammock stands, or
other devices secured in place using the universal mount. Such
braces 2 and 3 are shown in pockets 64/65 in FIG. 4-6. When the
braces are so positioned, the latches 40/42 serve to retain the
braces 2/4 in the pockets 64/65 when the latches 40/42 are in the
latch position. The braces can be removed from pockets 64/65 after
the latches 40/42 have been moved to the release position.
[0042] In the other embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-11 and 14, the
latches 40/42 each have a hook-shaped end 41. This is best shown in
FIG. 9. In these embodiments, the hook-shaped end and the top
surface 14 of top plate 12 cooperate to latch braces 2 and 4 (or
some similar structure) and thereby secure the item, such as a
chair, shown in FIG. 10, a table 7 as shown in FIG. 7, a grill 8 as
shown in FIG. 8 or a stadium chair 9 as shown in FIG. 11 to the
quick release universal mount. In each case, the item to be
attached has braces 2 and 4.
[0043] Various means may be employed to move the latches 40/42
between the stowed, latch and release positions. In some
embodiments, elongate handles 70/72 are attached to the end of the
axles 30/32. The handles 70/72 are used, for example, to manually
apply enough force to overcome the force of spring 54, rotate the
attached axle 30/32, and move the latches 40/42 into the release
position. In other embodiments, locks or pins coupled to a handle
70/72 and to a mounting flange 28 may be employed to secure the
associated axle 30/32 and the attached latches 40/42 in the latch
position. See FIGS. 12 and 13. Unlocking the lock(s) 114 or
removing the pin(s) 104 allows the handle 70/72, the axle 30/32 and
the latches 40/42 to freely move from the latch position to the
release position and from the release position to the stow
position. The locks/locking pins may be employed in addition to the
spring flanges 50/52 and spring 54 or instead of the spring flanges
and spring.
[0044] The various embodiments of the quick release universal mount
10 may be attached to a floor, wall or other surface in any of a
variety of ways. For example, the bottoms of the mounting flanges
28 can be placed in face-to-face registration with the surface to
which the mount 10 is to be attached and bolts 17 extending through
bolt holes in either the top plate 12 or mounting plates 51/52 and
into the surface may be employed.
[0045] In some cases, it may be desirable to non-destructively
attach the quick release universal mount 10 to a bench such as the
bleachers of a stadium or gymnasium or the bench seat of a row
boat. In such cases, releasable clamps 82 such as those shown in
FIG. 11 may be employed.
[0046] In still other cases, and as shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7-8,
the quick release universal mount 10 may be bolted to a pedestal
84. The pedestal 84 shown comprises a post 85 and a mounting plate
86 extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the top end of the
post 85. The quick release universal mount 10 is bolted to the
mounting plate 86 of pedestal 84. As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom
end of the post can then be coupled to a socket 88 attached to the
surface to which the assembly of the pedestal 84 and quick release
mount 10 is to be coupled.
[0047] As noted above, the quick release universal mounted may be
used to attach and secure a variety of items to a surface. For
example, the quick release universal mount 10 may be used to secure
the chairs shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10 to any surface. After the
mount 10 is secured to such a surface, latches 40 and 42 are moved
from their stowed position to their release position. The braces 2
and 4 of the chair are then placed so they come to rest on the top
surface 14 of top plate 12. In those embodiments having pockets,
the brace 2 is positioned within the pocket 64 and brace 4 is
positioned within pocket 65. The latches 40 and 42 are then moved
(or permitted to move) into their latch positions thereby clamping
the braces 2 and 4 to the quick release universal mount 10. When
locks 114 or locking pins 104 are present, they are then deployed
to prevent movement of the latches 40/42 from the latch position to
the release position.
[0048] Whenever it is desirable to remove the chair 1 from mount
10, the process is reversed. Any locks 114 or locking pins 104 are
disengaged and the latches 40/42 are moved from the latch position
to the release positon. The braces 2 and 4 are then lifted off the
top surface 14 of the top plate 12 to separate the chair 1 from the
mount 10. The latches 40/42 are then returned, or permitted to
return, to their stowed position. Any locks or pins may then be
reengaged to hold the latches 40/42 in the stowed position.
[0049] The quick release universal mount 10 may, of course, be used
to secure items other than chairs to a surface. Any item having
braces such as braces 2 and 4 or any other structure that can be
latched in a similar fashion may be secured using the quick release
mount 10. FIGS. 6-8 show various examples such as a table 7 and a
grill 8, or a hammock stand 5.
[0050] Also, multiple quick release universal mounts 10 may be
employed to secure longer items such as a hammock or seating for
more than one person.
[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, it may be desirable to have a
single handle to move both sets of latches 40/42 between their
respective latch, release and stowed positions. In such cases, the
handle is coupled to a third center axle and an appropriate linkage
is used to couple the center axle to the axles 30 and 32 such that
rotation of the center axle serves to rotate axles 30 and 32.
[0052] As should be clear from the foregoing, quick release
universal mounts made in accordance with the present invention are
well-suited for outdoor use and around water, such as on a dock or
pier. During sunny days, chairs, tables and other furniture,
equipment and toys may be secured in place using mounts 10. When
evening comes or the weather becomes inclement, such items can be
quickly released from the mount and carried from the dock or pier
to a storage location. Mounts 10 may also be employed on boats,
swimming rafts and other watercraft.
[0053] Mounts 10 may be deployed for other purposes as well.
Schools, for example, are moving toward "flexible furniture"
arrangements. Such mounts can be used to mount and quickly change
out seats in a school theater. Likewise, such mounts can be
employed to install special seating and equipment for enhanced
handicapped access in classrooms, cafeterias, auditoriums,
gymnasiums, swimming pool areas and other athletic facilities.
[0054] This invention has been described herein in considerable
detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide
those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the
novel principles and to construct and use embodiments of the
example as required. However, it is to be understood that the
invention can be carried out by specifically different devices and
that various modifications can be accomplished without departing
from the scope of the invention itself.
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