Abstract:
An anchor for a rectangular tube employs a wedge assembly, whereby rotation of an adjustment bolt of the wedge assembly moves an upper and lower wedge member together, and the wedge engagement with a central wedge member causes said central wedge member to move toward engagement with the tube, thereby securing the tube within a base body. Clevis pins and corresponding key hole slots mount the wedge assembly to a base, while allowing easy removal of the wedge when desired.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to mounting of structures, and more particularly, to a starting platform wedge assembly for securing a starting platform to an anchor member. 
         [0002]    In swimming pool technology, a starting platform is mounted at the edge of a pool, from which a swimmer will dive into the pool, particularly in the case of competition swimming. It is typical for such starting platforms to be held in place by a square tube member that fits into a corresponding square receiver at the edge of the pool. The platform is thereby mountable at the pool edge. 
         [0003]    Since many commercial pools enjoy multiple uses, the starting wedges are typically removed and installed as needed for the particular use presently being employed. 
         [0004]    It becomes difficult to provide a rigid mounting engagement of the starting platform with the base at the pool edge that is also adapted for repeated installation and removal. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with the invention, an improved mounting devices is provided for attaching a starting platform or the like, employing an adjustable wedge structure that enables either permanent or removable installation with easy operation, to provide a rigid engagement with an anchor post. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved starting platform anchor wedge device. 
         [0007]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for removably mounting a square post member in a receiving base. 
         [0008]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved swimming starting platform anchor post wedge device to secure the starting platform. 
         [0009]    The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment the starting post anchor wedge inside an anchor body with a starting platform installed therein; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the anchor post wedge assembly of  FIG. 1  with the post removed; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the wedge assembly of  FIG. 1  with a post installed therein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the wedge assembly of  FIG. 2  in a collapsed state; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a top view of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the wedge assembly of  FIG. 2  in a fully expanded position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a top view of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the wedge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side transparent view of the starting wedge of  FIG. 2  in the fully expended position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side transparent view of the starting wedge of  FIG. 2  in the fully collapsed position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side transparent view of the detail of the clevis pin and springs of the anchor wedge of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the starting post wedge anchor of  FIG. 2  when assembled; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a sectional view taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an anchor wedge assembly for securing a square cross section anchor post in a receiving base, applying continuous even pressure to the post to prevent movement thereof. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a preferred embodiment the starting post anchor wedge inside an anchor body with a starting platform installed therein, the starting platform  70  is suitable received in the anchor housing  12 , to provide a stable mounting. The platform includes a step  72  and a launch region  74 , where a diver might typically stand while preparing to jump off the starting platform. The deck level  76  of the pool is illustrated in phantom in  FIG. 1 . An escutcheon plate  88  is suitably employed to cover the top portion of the device, providing both protection from the elements and tampering, and adding an aesthetic appearance. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the anchor  10 , the anchor includes a base body  12 , suitable formed of stainless steel, which is adapted to be mounted with its top edge flush with the level of the deck surrounding the pool, for example. The base body, receives an anchor liner member  16  therewithin, which is suitably a “U”-shaped or “C”-shaped polymer insert, having an open face along one side thereof, and is of a length slightly less than the depth of the base body, whereby when fully inserted into the base body, a slight recess is defined between the top of the anchor liner and the top edge of the base body. The anchor post (not illustrated) is received within the anchor liner, the dimension of the anchor liner suitably being correspondent to receive the anchor post therewithin. 
         [0029]    An anchor wedge assembly  22  mounts along the interior face of the base body in a position corresponding to the open face of the anchor liner, and comprises a lower wedge  32 , a middle wedge  34  and an upper wedge  36 . An actuating bolt  38  is positioned centrally of the upper wedge  36 , and is received in and extends through a central bore defined in the top wedge, extending down along the face of the center wedge (in a slot  62  defined therein) to a threaded receiver defined in a vertical bore in the lower wedge  34  (not visible in  FIG. 2 ). A pair of coil springs  40 ,  40 ′ receives the actuating bolt therethrough and biases the upper and lower wedges in the directions of arrows  42  by engagement of seat portions  44  and  46  of the upper and lower wedges (not visible in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0030]    A pair of clevis pins  80  are adapted to mount to the central wedge  34  through corresponding through holes therein, and are adapted to fit into corresponding key hole slots  78  defined in a face of the base body  12 . The ends of the clevis pins opposite those engagable with the key hole slots carry heads of greater diameter than the holes in wedge  34 . A pair of springs  60  and washers  58  cooperate with the greater diameter head portion of the clevis pins so as to provide a biasing force. 
         [0031]    A ground lug  24  is provided at the base of the body  12 , via threaded bolt  82  and split lock washer  84  (both suitable made of stainless steel) to enable attachment of a grounding strap thereto. 
         [0032]    A side cover  86 , suitably made of a stainless steel, is provided to cover the keyhole slots  78 . A drain hole  90  (visible in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  16 ) may suitable be provided in the bottom of base  12 , centrally located for example. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the wedge assembly of  FIG. 1  with a post  18  installed therein, corresponding elements to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  are employed. The placement of the side cover  86  when assembled is further illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the configuration of  FIG. 3 , while  FIG. 5  is a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . The placement of one clevis pin  80  is illustrated by showing the pin in the foreground of  FIG. 5 . Insert  16  is suitably made of a urethane. 
         [0035]    Further details of the assembled wedge may be observed with reference to  FIGS. 7-10  and  11 - 13 , while the assembled wedge installed into the base  12  is shown in further examples in  FIGS. 14-16 . 
         [0036]    The operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-14  provides easier removal of the wedge portion by the use of the keyhole slots and clevis pins which fit therein and slid down to the desired position. The bias of springs  60  urge engagement of the clevis pins against the body  12 , but allow easier removal of the wedge if necessary. Adjustment of the wedge by rotation of actuating bolt  38  causes the wedge to expand or contract, to tightly engage the post  12 . 
         [0037]    Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide a rigid yet removable engagement of a post, which may be a support post for a starting platform as used in diving and swimming competition, for example. The engagement is sufficient to provide desired quality of engagement of the supporting post. 
         [0038]    While plural embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.