U.S. patent application number 14/268271 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for building strut system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Philip Allen Myers. Invention is credited to Philip Allen Myers.
Application Number | 20140252178 14/268271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43218566 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140252178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myers; Philip Allen |
September 11, 2014 |
Building Strut System
Abstract
This invention allows attachment of strut channels 2, pipes,
conduit, and mounting of equipment to the interior of buildings and
other structures. Attachment to structures such as I-Beams,
channels, structural angles, purlins and truss structures are
improved. Extended use of self tapping screws 28 and commonly used
metal strapping are enabled. The use of dimpled holes 7 facilitate
insertion of self tapping screws 28 thus expanding their function.
Tab cut outs 6 in attachment hardware that allow strapping to pass
and hook provide new and efficient methods for using standard
strapping. New mounting hardware in combination with beam clamps,
another invention of mine, use the beam clamps along with
appropriate accessories, which are part of that invention, to
provide new methods of attachment. Strut channels 2 are changed to
integrate the use of these improvements.
Inventors: |
Myers; Philip Allen; (Oak
Ridge, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Myers; Philip Allen |
Oak Ridge |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43218566 |
Appl. No.: |
14/268271 |
Filed: |
May 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12800928 |
May 26, 2010 |
8714495 |
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14268271 |
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61217673 |
Jun 3, 2009 |
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61217142 |
May 27, 2009 |
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61217141 |
May 27, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/74.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44 20150115;
F16B 2200/50 20180801; F16L 3/1211 20130101; Y10T 24/14 20150115;
Y10T 24/44017 20150115; Y10T 403/7062 20150115; F16B 7/0493
20130101; Y10T 403/7105 20150115; Y10T 403/7194 20150115; F16B 2/12
20130101; Y10T 403/7067 20150115; Y10T 403/7171 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/74.1 |
International
Class: |
F16L 3/12 20060101
F16L003/12 |
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A pipe clamp made of ridged material that is formed to contain a
round elongated object to a surface or other object using threaded
fasteners wherein the pipe clamp comprises: a protective tab to
keep a point of a self tapping fastener from being directly
exposed; holes arranged on an angle between 1 and 40 degrees
between the holes in each side of the strap where the first is
located further from the object being clamped in the outer portion
of the strap where the fastener is first inserted and the second
being located in the strap on the opposite side of the object being
clamped that further includes the tab extending a predetermined
distance the same direction and beyond where the fastener is
intended to be inserted, so tightening of a clamping fastener can
be directly accessed even if the clamp is located in close
proximity to another clamp.
6. The pipe clamp according to claim 5 where a retainer clip is
used to attach the pipe clamp and said retainer clip has two
flanges that hooks simultaneously over the hook shape portion both
sides of the inside of the strut channel and has a tab that inserts
into an opening in the side of the base of the said pipe clamp and
includes a hole in said tab that allows a fastener to pass to a
second smaller dimpled hole where the fastener engages and tab
further hold the clamp and the retainer clip in position for
inserting the fastener, the sum of each allows for fastening the
pipe clamp to the open side of a strut channel.
7. A hanger clip that attaches directly to the inside of a strut
channel and is secured by bending the clip causing an incorporated
tab to capture the inside flange of the strut and provide an
attachment means, wherein the hanger clip comprises: a hook with
means for filling space in the interior hook portion of the strut
channel; a bend across the clip at the point near the said hook
with sufficient cutout material to allow the bend in the clip to be
straightened by hand; and an opening with bent flanges that push
against the outside of the interior hook portion of the strut
channel when the pre-bent portion is straightened.
8. The hanger clip according to claim 7 that includes a cutout
sized and shaped for hanger strap with holes to pass and hook over
a tab incorporated and protruding into the interior portion of said
cutout, more than one tab is possible and could extend in
directions toward each other.
9. The hanger clip according to claim 7 that includes dimpled holes
that allow easy starting of a self tapping fastener.
10. The hanger clip according to claim 7 that includes a flange
that contains a hole for threaded fasteners to be inserted.
11. The pipe clamp according to claim 5 wherein the clamp is made
from steel strapping made up of more than one segment.
12. The pipe clamp according to claim 5 where the clamping around
the elongated object is created from combination elements, which
include the end with the protective tab.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
[0002] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/800,928 filed on May 26, 2010, now pending,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No.
61/217,141 filed on May 27, 2009, now expired, No. 61/217,142 filed
on May 27, 2009, now expired, and No. 61/217,673 filed on Jun. 3,
2009, now expired, the disclosures of which are expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0003] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0004] Not applicable
BACKGROUND
[0005] 1. Field
[0006] This application relates to the attaching of structural and
accessory members to each other, specifically for attaching a
member or object to beams or other structural configurations,
primarily for holding hardware in place in various building
structures.
[0007] 2. Background
[0008] Channel struts are the basis of a system of supporting and
attaching a variety of items such as pipes, electrical devices,
lighting equipment, heating fixtures, cables, conduit, duct, and
other channel struts, for example, from a variety of structural
members such as I-beams, T-bars, steel trusses and other structural
shapes. Channel struts are normally attached to I-beams and flanged
structures at a right angle to the edge of the flange of the beam.
Various clamps, hangers, and brackets are used in buildings for
attaching piping systems, conduits, heating and air conditioning
equipment, throughout the building. Strut channels are found in
most commercial building and provide a common interface between the
structures of buildings and the equipment and hardware being
installed in the buildings.
[0009] Strut Channels were first developed around 1920. The last
significant era of development of accessory items that interface
with strut channels happened in the 1950's. Some development of
methods for attaching continued but can be considered minor
compared to the initial invention. The concept has not advanced
with other changes of methods commonly used in the construction of
buildings and attachment of hardware within. One recent trend in
construction has been the use of rechargeable drills or drivers.
This is one of the utilities that my invention addresses by
providing a means to facilitate insertion of self-tapping
fasteners.
[0010] It is very common for wall mounts and mounting brackets or
assemblies to be made up on construction sites providing a means
for holding pipes or conduits directly or to support strut channel
to hold other items. Another utility of my invention is to provide
a universal wall mount that is highly flexible in use which also
makes it more suited to be mass-produced.
[0011] My invention allows for a number of functions to be easily
accomplished that are not currently feasible. My invention enables
simple existing clamps and straps to be directly attached to the
struts as well as new styles of clamps and clips that are designed
specifically for such use. Accessory items also provide new ways to
attach pipes, conduits, boards and other members. These
accessories, which I have referred to my patent application for
"Beam Clamps," include: cross members, adapters, shields,
insulation and protective padding materials.
[0012] Another advantage of this invention is that it allows
seamless integration of new hardware and methods with existing
hardware and mounting systems.
Method Utilities Ensuing from the Embodiments of the Invention
[0013] Method of mounting hardware along a wall: The universal wall
mount provides the means to attach hardware to walls for running
multiple conduits, pipes, strut channels either vertically or
horizontally along the walls. Other equipment, shelves, and
tabletops, can be attached. Along with most existing hardware,
"Beam Clamps," another invention of mine, can be attached to the
universal wall mount. A strut channel or V-strut can be attached to
the wall plate. Method of mounting hardware in new ways: The
V-strut provides the means to attach hardware to structures for
running multiple conduits, pipes, strut channels either vertically
or horizontally. Most existing hardware along with "Beam Clamps,"
another invention of mine, can be attached to the V-strut.
[0014] Method of attaching and hanging hardware using common hanger
strapping: A tab incorporated in a cutout in hardware such as strut
channel, V-strut, clamps, and clips provide a quick way to hang
hardware using strapping that has holes arranged along its center.
The strap can be hooked at an initial level then quickly readjusted
as needed.
[0015] Method of attaching clamps, strapping, and other hardware
using a power driver for engaging a self-tapping fastener: A hole
with a recessed dimple to direct the tip of a screw into the hole,
can be incorporated into strut channels, V-struts, clamps, clips or
any sufficiently strong surface, enabling efficient use of a power
driver to attach the many existing and new clamps and straps. A
protective tab or flange on the receiving side of a clamp protects
the tip of a screw from human contact. A retainer allows the same
clamps used on the surface of the closed side of the strut channel
to be attached to the open side of the strut channel.
[0016] Method of quickly providing a way to attach threaded hanger
rod from a strut channel anywhere along its length without the need
for included holes: A clip that hooks on the inside of strut
channels with a hole in a flange provides this capability. One
version of this clip mounts in line with the interior flange of the
strut channel and the other version mounts crosswise, engaging both
sides of the strut channel.
[0017] The preferred use of this invention combines the use of
either the V-strut and or the channel strut with the added
enhancements of this invention, and the use of the pipe clamps and
clips using self tapping screws as a system of attaching hardware
together and to the structure of a building.
SUMMARY
[0018] This invention improves the utility of existing hardware and
provides a new set of hardware that adds capabilities and
flexibility to construction accessory attachment means. Both
existing and new hardware can be combined to significantly enhance
methods for attaching hardware together onto building structures
and supporting other hardware.
DRAWINGS
Figures
[0019] FIG. 1 End view of a V-strut.
[0020] FIG. 2 Isometric view of a V-strut support member.
[0021] FIG. 3 Plan view of a V-strut support member.
[0022] FIG. 4 Side view of a V-strut support member.
[0023] FIG. 5 Plan view of a universal wall mount that incorporates
a length of V-strut attached to a mounting plate capable of being
attached to a vertical surface in any direction.
[0024] FIG. 6 Side view of a universal wall mount that incorporates
a length of V-strut attached to a mounting plate capable of being
attached to a vertical surface in any direction.
[0025] FIG. 7 Mounting Plate view of a universal wall mount that
incorporates a length of V-strut attached to a mounting plate
capable of being attached, to a vertical surface in any
direction.
[0026] FIG. 8 Isometric view of a universal wall mount that
incorporates a length of V-strut attached to a mounting plate
capable of being attached to a vertical surface in any
direction
[0027] FIG. 9 Isometric view of a strut channel, from the open
side, that includes a tab cutout on both sides to allow hanging of
straps with holes and includes dimpled holes configured to
facilitate attachments using self tapping screws.
[0028] FIG. 10 Isometric view of a strut channel, from the closed
side, that includes a tab cutout on both sides to allow hanging of
straps with holes and includes dimpled holes configured to
facilitate attachments using self-tapping screws.
[0029] FIG. 11 End view of a strut channel, from the closed side,
that includes a tab cutout on both sides to allow hanging of straps
with holes and includes dimpled holes configured to facilitate
attachments using self tapping screws.
[0030] FIG. 12 Side view of a strut channel that includes a tab
cutout on both sides to allow hanging of straps with holes.
[0031] FIG. 13 Plan view of a strut channel, from the closed side,
that includes dimpled holes configured to facilitate attachments
using self-tapping screws.
[0032] FIG. 14 End view as seen from the end of a V-strut that
shows a channel strut fastened crosswise to the V-strut using a
beam clamp.
[0033] FIG. 15 Plan view as seen from the closed side of a V-strut
that shows a channel strut fastened crosswise to the V-strut using
a beam clamp.
[0034] FIG. 16 Side view as seen from the end of a strut channel
that shows a strut channel fastened crosswise to the V-strut using
a beam clamp.
[0035] FIG. 17 Isometric view as seen from the closed side of a
V-strut that shows a channel strut fastened crosswise to the
V-strut using a beam clamp.
[0036] FIG. 18 Isometric view from the upper rear side of a hanger
clip capable of attaching to the inside of the strut channel
supporting either a threaded hanger or a hanger strap with holes.
This clip is in the pre bent configuration.
[0037] FIG. 19 Isometric view from the upper rear side of a hanger
clip capable of attaching to the inside of the strut channel
supporting either a threaded hanger or a hanger strap with holes.
This clip is in the straightened configuration.
[0038] FIG. 20 End view of a hanger clip capable of attaching to
the inside of the strut channel supporting either a threaded hanger
or a hanger strap with holes. This clip is in the pre bent
configuration.
[0039] FIG. 21 End view of a hanger clip capable of attaching to
the inside of the strut channel supporting either a threaded hanger
or a hanger strap with holes. This clip is in the straightened
configuration.
[0040] FIG. 22 Isometric view of a hanger clip capable of attaching
to the inside of the strut channel supporting either a threaded
hanger or a hanger strap with holes. This clip is in the pre bent
configuration.
[0041] FIG. 23 Isometric view of a hanger clip capable of attaching
to the inside of the strut channel supporting either a threaded
hanger or a hanger strap with holes. This clip is in the
straightened configuration.
[0042] FIG. 24 Isometric view of a strut channel from the closed
side that includes a hanger clip attached and supporting, a strap
hanger, a strap hanger attached through a tab cut out on the side,
and pipe clamp attaching a pipe across the closed side of the strut
channel using self tapping screws through the dimpled holes.
[0043] FIG. 25 Isometric view of a strut channel from the open side
that includes a hanger clip attached and supporting, a strap
hanger, a strap hanger attached through a tab cut out on the side,
and pipe clamp attaching a pipe across the closed side of the strut
channel using self tapping screws through the dimpled holes.
[0044] FIG. 26 Side view of a pipe clamp that is attached to a
channel strut using a self tapping screw. The screw is inserted
through the pipe clamp into a dimpled hole in the channel
strut.
[0045] FIG. 27 End view of a pipe and a pipe clamp that shows a tip
protector tab bent down to protect the self-tapping screw.
[0046] FIG. 28 End view of a strut channel that has a pipe clamp
attaching a pipe across the open side of the strut channel using a
self tapping screw through the dimpled holes in a strut clamp
retainer that grips the inside flanges of the strut channel.
[0047] FIG. 29 End view of a strut channel that has a two piece
pipe clamp with opposing strut clip hook for hooking the inside
flanges of the strut channel there by attaching a pipe across the
open side of the strut channel.
[0048] FIG. 30 Side view, of what is seen in FIG. 37, of a strut
channel that has a two piece pipe clamp with opposing strut clip
hook for hooking the inside flanges of the strut channel there by
attaching a pipe across the open side of the strut channel.
[0049] FIG. 31 The end view of a clip with a bent retainer attached
using a self tapping screw. Shown before the hanger flange with a
hanger hole is bent.
[0050] FIG. 32 End view of a strut channel that includes a hanger
clip attached inside of a strut channel held in place by a bent
retaining clip.
[0051] FIG. 33 The same hanger clip as is in FIG. 39 is fastened to
a wood member.
[0052] FIG. 34 End view of pipe clamp and strut channel
assembly.
[0053] FIG. 35 End view of pipe clamp and strut channel
assembly.
[0054] FIG. 36 Isometric view of pipe clamp and strut channel
assembly.
[0055] FIG. 37 Isometric view of a strut channel with a screw pipe
clamp and pipe attached to the open side of the channel and a screw
pipe clamp and pipe attached to the connector surface of the strut
channel on the back side, as seen from the open side of the strut
channel.
[0056] FIG. 38 Isometric view of a strut channel with a screw pipe
clamp and pipe attached to the open side of the channel and a screw
pipe clamp and pipe attached to the connector surface of the strut
channel on the back side, as seen from the connector side of the
strut channel.
[0057] FIG. 39 Isometric view of a screw pipe clamp as seen from
the clamp base side.
[0058] FIG. 40 Isometric view of a screw pipe clamp along with a
clamp retainer for attaching the clamp, on the open side, as seen
from the clamp base side.
[0059] FIG. 41 Isometric view of a screw pipe clamp as seen from
the clamp base side.
[0060] FIG. 42 Isometric view of a screw pipe clamp along with a
clamp retainer for attaching the clamp, on the open side, as seen
from the clamping side.
TABLE-US-00001 [0061] DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals 1 V Strut 2
Strut channel 3 Flange 4 Side 5 Connector 6 Tab cut out 7 Dimpled
hole 8 Slot hole 9 Tab 10 Beam clamp 11 Hanger clip 12 Pre-bent
hanger clip 13 Dimple spacer 14 Locking tab 15 Flange spacer 16
Clip Hook 17 Hanger flange 18 Hanger hole 19 Strap 20 Strap hole 21
Strut hook 22 Strap Sling 23 Strap hook 24 Wall plate 25 Round
member 26 Pipe clamp 27 Tip protector 28 Self-tapping screw 29
Strut clamp retainer 30 Strut clip hook 31 Bent Retainer 32 Adapter
33 Clamp Insert 34 Clamp cutout 35 Wood Board 36 Nail 37 Clamp
insert tab 38 Clamp inside 39 Clamp base 40 Clamp hole 41 Clamp
Retainer
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] A V-strut shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 embodies a shape that
allows attachment of many different objects in many different ways.
The strut as seen from the end has two flanges on the same plane
with one another, two sides connected at an angle between 90
degrees and 45 degrees from the plane of the flanges and a
connector in a parallel plane to the plane of the flanges
connecting between the opposite sides.
[0063] The flanges turn towards the outside of the strut allowing
beam clamps to be used for attaching objects. The flanges in this
position also embody a flat area on each side that allows clamps to
attach using self-tapping threaded fasteners. The flanges include a
series of holes with recesses around them that helps direct the
fasteners into the holes. This allows efficient use of power
drivers for attaching various clamps to the flanges.
[0064] The sides preferably are at an angle less the 90 degrees,
adding strength to the strut in all directions. The sides may have
a tab cut out that enables strapping with multiple holes to slide
through, the tab cut out and bent over the tab capturing it in a
hole in the strap. This allows quick attachment and easy
re-adjustment by changing which hole hooks over the tab.
[0065] The connector is sized to allow use of oblong holes that
allow common size fasteners to be inserted thus using common
hardware. The inside of the closed end of the strut between the
sides of strut channel can be sized to capture the head of a bolt
or nut keeping the head from turning without the use of a
wrench.
[0066] A universal wall mount FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 is created from a
section of the V-strut described above along with a wall mount
plate, FIG. 7 affixed to the end of the strut. The plate end of the
assembly can be attached to a wall or other flat surface with the
flange plane running either vertically or horizontally. This
assembly, by using the V-Strut or a channel strut (not shown),
allows a variety of items to be mounted and spaced away from the
surface of the wall in any direction in a parallel plane to the
surface of the wall.
[0067] Tab cut out 6, along with the included tab 9 are included in
the various surfaces of the strut channels 2, V-struts 1, clips,
and clamps to allow a strap 19, that has holes along its length to
be positioned through the tab cut out and capture the included tab.
The strap and a supported load is then held by the tab. The
distance of the supported load from the tab cut out 6, can be
adjusted by changing which hole is used in the strap 19.
[0068] The dimpled hole 7 is included along the various surfaces of
the strut channels 2, V-struts 1, hanger clips 11, and pipe clamps
26, providing an efficient way to attach a variety of clamps,
straps, and hardware that use self tapping threaded fasteners.
Dimples or recesses surrounding the holes on the side of the
surface that is to be fastened to help direct the tip of the
fastener into the hole. This allows quick use of power or hand
drivers to quickly insert the fastener.
[0069] The use of beam clamps 10, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, 16, and
17 and as listed in another patent application, are used to attach
items to the V-strut 1. The V-strut 1 has two flanges that allow
the beam clamp to be used as it is used to attach to I-beams and
other structures. This includes attaching strut channel,
rectangular members, round members 25, along with adapters,
shields, and padding as is included in the patent application for
beam clamps.
[0070] The hanger clip 11, is made from metal and is configured to
allow connection of a strap, or strip with multiple holes arranged
in a series. The hanger clip contains a tab cut out 6, that
includes a tab for the strap hole to hook over as described above.
It has a clip hook on one end with a flange bent to 150 to 220
degrees enabling it to hook on to the interior portion of the strut
channel. The clip is configured in a pre-bent shape prior to being
attached to the strut channel. It has a cutout with a bent locking
tab 14 in the cut-out that moves into position outside the strut
hook, as the clip is straightened during installation, in a way
that prevents the clip from being unhooked. It hooks around the
inside edge of the strut hook 21 and contains a dimple spacer 13, a
flange spacer 15 or other feature that fills up the space between
the strut side and inside of the strut hook in a way that prevents
the clip hook 16, hook end of the tab, from rotating as the clip is
straightened. FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 illustrates in
different views of the clip its possible embodiments.
[0071] FIGS. 24, 25, 32, and 35 show three ways that connections to
this strut channel can be made. First; there is a pipe clamp 26
attached to the connector 5 surface of the strut channel 2 using a
self tapping screw 28 passing through the hole in the clamp base 39
and engaging through the a dimpled hole 7 in the connector surface.
A second self tapping screw 28 passes through a hole in the longer
side of the pipe clamp then engages through a dimpled hole on the
shorter side pulling the two sides towards each other and squeezing
the pipe and holding it in place.
[0072] Second, there is strap 19 with a series of holes running the
length of it (not shown) that is capable of attaching to or
wrapping around an object (not shown). The strap passes through the
tab cut out 6 and hooks over a tab 9 with the strap bent into a
strap hook 23. The load is carried by the tab 9. The Tab can be
optionally pointed in the opposite direction allowing either the
load to be carried on the connector 5 side of the strut channel 2.
The strut channel can be supported using a strap 19 passing through
a tab cut out 6 in the same manner as described above.
[0073] Third, a hanger clip 11 as described above is used to hook
on to the strut channel then allow attachment of the strap 19. The
strap 19, with a series of holes running the length of it, is
capable of attaching to or wrapping around an object (not shown).
The strap 19 passes through the tab cut out 6, in the clip, and
hooks over a tab 9 with the strap bent into a strap hook 23. The
load is carried by the tab 9. The clip optionally provides a method
of holding a threaded rod or other fastener. The clip includes a
flange that has a hole for a round fastener to pass. This can be
used for hanging other objects (not shown).
[0074] The pipe clamp 26 provides a method of attaching elongated
round members 25, using self tapping screws 28, preferably driven
into dimpled holes 7 using a power driver. The strut channel,
V-strut, pipe clamp, strut clamp retainer 29, and the different
hanger clips 11 shown in the figs have dimpled holes allowing self
tapping screws to be used for securing clamps and straps and other
objects. They all are part of an overall utility that allows
extensive use of self-tapping screws and power drivers. They are
not limited in this way.
[0075] In FIG. 27 a tip protector 27 bends down over where the tip
of the self tapping screw 28 passes, protecting the sharp point
from engaging clothing and flesh. This provides a safer way for the
screws to be used. The hole on the side of the clamp that the screw
is first inserted is further from the clamp base 39 than the
dimpled hole 7 on the opposite side that the screw passes second.
This causes the head end of the screw to tilt away from the surface
to which the clamp base is attached. This further allows enhanced
use of a power driver when multiple clamps are used next to each
other. By the self tapping screw being on and angled away from the
surface to which the pipe clamp is attached, a power driver is not
prevented from having straight access to the head of the screw.
[0076] A strut clamp retainer 29 is used in conjunction with a pipe
clamp 26 for mounting on the open side of a strut channel. The
strut clamp retainer 29 is inserted into the opening in a strut
channel with the two flanges turned to capture both strut hooks 21.
The clamp is then placed against the exposed face of the strut
clamp retainer 29 with the clamp insert tab 37 inserted into the
clamp cutout 34 such that the slot in the strut clamp retainer 29,
and the pipe clamp hole 40, are positioned in line with the dimpled
hole 7 on the face of the clamp retainer 29. The clamp insert tab
37, helps hold the pipe clamp in position relative to the strut
clamp retainer in order for a self tapping screw to be inserted
through the pipe clamp base 39 and engaged into the dimpled hole 7,
thus securing the items together. See FIG. 34.
[0077] The same embodiments that allow use of power drivers
described above can be employed in other pipe and conduit clamps.
One such style of clamp is made up of two halves, and hooks into a
strut channel as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. By including a dimpled
hole 7 and a tip protector 27 on the short side, the same utilities
are added to other clamps now on the market.
[0078] Another clip, FIGS. 31 and 33, that also embodies a tab cut
out 6 and a tab as previously defined is one that attaches across
the two strut hooks 21 on the open side of a strut channel 2, and
is attached to a wood board 35 using a nail 36 or screw. It also
has a dimpled hole 7 and optionally a hanger flange 17 that
includes a hanger hole 18. An added component is a bent retainer 31
that is inserted in between the strut hooks 21 of the open side of
the strut channel 1. The hanger clip 11 is hooked on the inside of
the strut channel 1 and positioned against the bent retainer 31;
then a self tapping screw 28 is inserted through the bent retainer
31 and engaged in the dimpled hole 7 in the hanger clip 11. The
addition of the bent retainer 31 prevents the hanger clip 11 from
becoming dislodged from the strut channel 2.
ADVANTAGES
[0079] My invention provides improvements in ways objects are
attached to each other and provides methods for attaching not
currently feasible. Strut channels, pipes, conduits, boards and
other members and objects can be attached using screws, beam clamps
or hanger straps.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATION, AND SCOPE
[0080] This invention allows attachment of channel struts, pipes,
conduit, to the interior of buildings in ways not currently done
due to a lack of an efficient and strong way for attachment to
structures such as I-Beams and truss structures. Extended use of
self tapping screws and commonly used metal strapping are enabled
by my invention. A number of new methods for attaching or mounting
hardware are made available by this invention and in combination
with beam clamps, another invention of mine, using the clamp bodies
along with appropriate accessories that are part of that
invention.
* * * * *