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.

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.