Member Article

Yorkshire marquee manufacturer awarded key patent of innovative fixing

Gala Tent, the company developing the next generation of technology used in marquees and gazebos, has acquired an important Patent which relates to the fixings used on their Designed and Built in Britain structures. The innovation increases the strength of the intellectual property (IP) the company holds in the field of the event industry.

The patent relates to the manufacture and use of new type of fixing known as Spirotite. This type of fastener has all the advantages of threaded fasteners – without the disadvantages of the thread. Whereas thread can work loose under vibration and makes maintenance difficult and sometimes costly, this innovative fastener works on compression, so it is not affected by vibration, and will not work loose. Spirotite fittings are therefore much safer and more secure than traditional threaded fittings and offer a faster set up and lower maintenance of a product. It is also much more effective than a traditional nut and bolt system, which is less secure, less durable and can easily become loose. Spirotite has no problems with thread corrosion or cross threading, and due to the faster production process, Spirotite fasteners are also lower cost to produce, so are more affordable for the end user.

Group CEO Jason Mace who heads the operation said, “We are really excited about this innovation, which is suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive to tool manufacturing to engineering. As well as being an extremely effective and user-friendly product, Spirotite is produced to the highest quality standards here in the UK.”

CEO Mark Thompson also said, “We have developed an innovative fastener that is set to revolutionise the way fasteners are used in industry.” “The idea for Spirotite was originally developed for Gala Tent for its marquee joint and it means that all the company’s structures are easier and safer to erect. The fixing can also be scaled for the larger commercial modular structures, which will also enhance the security of the marquee, and speeding up the erection time in the process.” The innovative patented design of the fastener features a coiled locking wedge which mates with an equal and opposite wedged groove. It provides what appears to be a parallel square section internal thread, the nut of which can be slipped over and pushed along a plain shaft

until it is in the position required. The body of the fastener is then turned by hand, or with a suitable tool, closing it tight. A slight deformation on the leading and trailing edge of the locking element generates a consistent radial force, which grips the shaft tightly, doubling the fastening force. Andrew Scott, Director and Chief Engineer said, “Spirotite’s technology can be further developed for a wide range of applications, such as Motorsport, to enable a quick change of wheels with adjustable lock-nuts, where long lengths of studding would normally be required. It is also ideal for quick-release systems, for example for use in replacement joints for other medical devices and purposes. Spirotite is particularly well suited for use in production line products, such as in the automotive industry.

Jason also added, “The grant of these key patents strengthens Gala Tent’s position as a consolidator of IP in this space and provides our customers with access to a wider range of opportunities and potential development of further applications.”

Founded in 1999, Gala Tent has grown to sell over 15,000 tents and marquees each year, along with around 90,000 event accessories and furniture products in the UK.

In the UK, Gala Tent is a preferred supplier for organisations including the military, NHS, the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Police Service, St John’s Ambulance and AA, as well as to thousands of business and homeowners nationally.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by James Lead .