U.S. patent application number 16/184206 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-07 for locking retainer for slidable supports.
The applicant listed for this patent is ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Raymond S. Laughlin, Eric J. Wilson.
Application Number | 20190072121 16/184206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56137123 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-07 |
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20190072121/US20190072121A1-20190307-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190072121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Eric J. ; et
al. |
March 7, 2019 |
Locking Retainer for Slidable Supports
Abstract
A locking retainer can include a strap that at least partly
bounds an internal area and includes a locking arm with a locking
pin that extends into the internal area and a release tab extending
opposite the locking arm and away from the internal area. The strap
can have a locking configuration in which, with a slidable support
within the internal area, the locking pin extends into two locking
apertures to lock the slidable support at a fixed length. The
locking tab can be moved towards the internal area to move the
strap into an unlocking configuration in which the locking pin is
removed from the internal area to release the locking pin from the
two locking apertures.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Eric J.; (Solon,
OH) ; Laughlin; Raymond S.; (Middlefield,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ERICO INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION |
Solon |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56137123 |
Appl. No.: |
16/184206 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15177945 |
Jun 9, 2016 |
10125801 |
|
|
16184206 |
|
|
|
|
62174084 |
Jun 11, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/7077 20150115;
F16B 7/105 20130101; F16B 7/042 20130101; Y10T 403/7176 20150115;
Y10T 29/49947 20150115; F16B 2/245 20130101; Y10T 24/44026
20150115; Y10T 403/32508 20150115 |
International
Class: |
F16B 7/10 20060101
F16B007/10; F16B 2/24 20060101 F16B002/24; F16B 7/04 20060101
F16B007/04 |
Claims
1. A locking retainer for a slidable support that includes a first
support member with a first locking aperture and a second support
member with a second locking aperture, with the first support
member and the second support member slidably engaging each other
to define a support profile, the locking retainer comprising: a
strap that at least partly bounds an internal area that is internal
to the strap, and that supports a tab and a locking arm with a
locking pin; the strap having a locking configuration in which,
with the slidable support disposed within the internal area, the
tab angles away from the internal area and the locking pin extends
into the internal area to extend into the first and second locking
apertures and lock the slidable support at a fixed length; and the
tab being configured to be moved towards the internal area to move
the strap into an unlocking configuration in which the locking pin
is removed from the internal area to release the locking pin from
the first and second locking apertures.
2. The locking retainer of claim 1, wherein the tab extends away
from the internal area at an acute angle.
3. The locking retainer of claim 1, wherein the strap includes a
first side arm, a second side arm, and a linking portion that
secures the first side arm to the second side arm; and wherein the
locking arm extends away from the linking portion within a plane
defined by the linking portion.
4. The locking retainer of claim 3, wherein the linking portion has
cutouts extending axially inward adjacent to the locking arm and
the tab, the cutouts narrowing the linking portion adjacent to the
locking arm and the tab.
5. The locking retainer of claim 4, wherein the cutouts adjacent to
each side of the locking arm are axially aligned with the cutouts
adjacent to each side of the tab.
6. The locking retainer of claim 3, wherein the locking arm is
configured to pivot at the linking portion to move the strap into
the unlocked configuration.
7. The locking retainer of claim 3, wherein the locking pin is
axially offset and laterally equidistant from the first side arm
and the second side arm.
8. The locking retainer of claim 1, wherein the locking arm is
tapered, narrowing in the direction of the locking pin.
9. The locking retainer of claim 1, wherein the strap is formed as
a unitary body.
10. The locking retainer of claim 1, with the first locking
aperture of the first support member and the second locking
aperture of the second support member being slots, wherein the
locking pin is sized and configured to be received within the first
and second locking apertures.
11. A locking retainer for a slidable support that includes a first
support member with a first locking aperture and a second support
member with a second locking aperture, the first support member and
the second support member slidably engaging each other to define a
support profile, the locking retainer comprising: a strap that at
least partly bounds an internal area that is internal to the strap
and includes: a first side arm; a second side arm; and a linking
portion connecting the first side arm to the second side arm; a
locking arm extending away from the linking portion, the locking
arm having a locking pin extending inwards relative to the internal
area; and a tab extending from the linking portion opposite the
locking arm and outward relative to the internal area; the strap
having a locking configuration in which, with the slidable support
within the internal area, the locking pin extends into the first
and second locking apertures to lock the slidable support at a
fixed length; and the tab being configured to be urged toward the
internal area, when the strap is in the locking configuration, to
move the locking arm away from the internal area and the locking
pin out of the first and second locking apertures of the slidable
support.
12. The locking retainer of claim 11, wherein the tab is planar and
extends away from the slidable support at an acute angle.
13. The locking retainer of claim 11, wherein the linking portion
has cutouts extending axially inward adjacent to each side of the
locking arm and the tab, narrowing the linking portion adjacent to
the locking arm and the tab.
14. The locking retainer of claim 13, wherein the cutouts adjacent
to each side of the locking arm are axially aligned with the
cutouts adjacent to each side of the tab.
15. The locking retainer of claim 13, wherein the strap is
configured to deform at the cutouts, upon the tab being urged
toward the slidable support, to pivot the locking arm away from the
internal area.
16. The locking retainer of claim 11, wherein the strap further
includes: a first reentrant lip extending from the first side arm
opposite the linking portion; and a second reentrant lip extending
from the second side arm opposite the linking portion.
17. The locking retainer of claim 11, wherein the locking arm is
tapered, narrowing in the direction of the locking pin.
18. The locking retainer of claim 11, wherein the locking pin is
axially offset and laterally equidistant from the first side arm
and the second side arm.
19. A method of operating a locking retainer for slidable
adjustment of a slidable support, the locking retainer having a
strap that at least partly bounds an internal area in which the
slidable support is received, the strap including a linking
portion, a locking arm extending from the linking portion with a
locking pin that extends into the internal area, and a tab
extending from the linking portion in the opposite direction of the
locking arm and away from the internal area, the slidable support
including a first support member with a first locking aperture and
a second support member with a second locking aperture, with the
first support member and the second support member slidably
engaging each other to define a support profile, and with the strap
initially in a locking configuration in which the slidable support
extends into the internal area and the locking pin extends into the
first and second locking apertures, the method comprising: applying
a force to the tab in a direction toward the slidable support to
pivot the locking arm at the linking portion, in a direction away
from the slidable support, and remove the locking pin from the
first and second locking apertures.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: removing the force
from the tab to automatically return the locking pin to engagement
with different locking apertures of the slidable support.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 15/177,945, filed Jun. 9, 2016, titled, "Locking Retainer
for Slidable Supports," which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/174,084, filed on Jun. 11,
2015, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Slidable structures can be useful to provide structural
support over a range of lengths. For example, telescoping strut or
other telescoping channels can allow workers to easily install
trapeze or other support structures over a range of lengths. For
ease of installation and other reasons, it can be useful to lock a
slidable structure (e.g., a telescoping trapeze strut) at a
particular length.
SUMMARY
[0003] Some embodiments of the invention provide a locking retainer
for a slidable support that includes a first support member with a
first locking aperture and a second support member with a second
locking aperture, with the first support member and the second
support member slidably engaging each other to define a support
profile. A strap can at least partly bound an internal area and can
include a tab and a locking arm with a locking pin that extends
into the internal area. The strap can have a locking configuration
in which, with the slidable support disposed within the internal
area, the tab angles away from the internal area and the locking
pin extends into the internal area to extend into the first and
second locking apertures and lock the slidable support at a fixed
length. The tab can be moved towards the internal area to move the
strap into an unlocking configuration in which the locking pin is
removed from the internal area to release the locking pin from the
first and second locking apertures.
[0004] Some embodiments of the invention provide a locking retainer
for a slidable support that includes a first support member with a
first locking aperture and a second support member with a second
locking aperture, with the first support member and the second
support member slidably engaging each other to define a support
profile. A strap can at least partly bound an internal area and can
include a first side arm, a second side arm, and a linking portion
connecting the first side arm to the second side arm; a locking arm
extending away from the linking section, the locking arm having a
locking pin extending inwards relative to the internal area; and a
tab extending from the linking portion opposite the locking arm and
outward relative to the internal area. The strap can have a locking
configuration in which, with the slidable support within the
internal area, the locking pin extends into the first and second
locking apertures to lock the slidable support at a fixed length.
The tab can be urged toward the internal area, when the strap is in
the locking configuration, to move the locking arm away from the
internal area and the locking pin out of the first and second
locking apertures of the slidable support.
[0005] Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of
operating a locking retainer for slidable adjustment of a slidable
support, the locking retainer has a strap that at least partly
bounds an internal area in which the slidable support is received,
the strap including a linking portion, a locking arm extending from
the linking portion with a locking pin that extends into the
internal area, and a tab extending from the linking portion in the
opposite direction of the locking arm and away from the internal
area, the slidable support has a first support member with a first
locking aperture and a second support member with a second locking
aperture, with the first support member and the second support
member slidably engaging each other to define a support profile,
and with the strap initially in a locking configuration in which
the slidable support extends into the internal area and the locking
pin extends into the first and second locking apertures. A force
can be applied to the tab in a direction toward the slidable
support to pivot the locking arm at the linking portion, in a
direction away from the slidable support, and remove the locking
pin from the first and second locking apertures.
[0006] Some embodiments of the invention provide a locking retainer
for a slidable support that includes a first support member with
first locking apertures and a second support member with second
locking apertures, with the first support member and the second
support member slidably engaging each other to define a support
profile. A strap can at least partly bound an internal area and can
include a first locking pin that extends into the internal area.
The strap can have a locking configuration in which, with the
slidable support disposed within the internal area, the first
locking pin extends into one of the first locking apertures and one
of the second locking apertures to lock the slidable support at a
fixed length.
[0007] Some embodiments of the invention provide a locking retainer
for a slidable support that includes a first support member with
first locking apertures and a second support member with second
locking apertures, with the first support member and the second
support member slidably engaging each other to define a support
profile. A strap can at least partly bound an internal area and can
include a first side arm, a second side arm, a linking portion
connecting the first side arm to the second side arm, a first
locking arm extending from the first side arm opposite the linking
portion, a second locking arm extending from the second side arm
opposite the linking portion, a first locking pin extending from
the first locking arm into the internal area, and a second locking
pin extending from the second locking arm into the internal area.
The strap can have a locking configuration in which, with the
slidable support within the internal area, the first locking pin
extends into one of the first locking apertures and one of the
second locking apertures, and the second locking pin extends into
another of the first locking apertures and another of the second
locking apertures, to lock the slidable support at a fixed
length.
[0008] Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of
installing a locking retainer on a slidable support, where the
locking retainer has a strap that at least partly bounds an
internal area and includes a first side arm, a first locking arm
extending from the first side arm, and a first locking pin
extending from the first locking arm into the internal area, and
where the slidable support has a first support member with first
locking apertures and a second support member with second locking
apertures, with the first support member and the second support
member slidably engaging each other to define a support profile.
The slidable support can be disposed within the internal area. One
of the first locking apertures can be aligned with one of the
second locking apertures. Lateral pressure can be applied to the
first side arm to seat the first locking pin in the first locking
aperture and the second locking aperture to lock the slidable
support at a fixed length.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top, front, left isometric view of a locking
retainer according to one embodiment of the invention, with the
locking retainer in a resting configuration;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the locking retainer of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top, front, left isometric view of the locking
retainer of FIG. 1 in a locking configuration;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top, front, left isometric view of a second
strap of the locking retainer of FIG. 1
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the locking retainer of
FIG. 1, in a staging configuration on a telescoping channel;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the locking retainer of
FIG. 1, in a locking configuration, with the telescoping
channel;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a bottom, front, right isometric view of the
locking retainer of FIG. 1, in the locking configuration, with the
telescoping channel;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top, front, right isometric view of a locking
retainer according to another embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a top, front, right isometric view of a locking
retainer according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of the locking retainer of
FIG. 9, in a locking configuration, with a telescoping channel;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom, front, right isometric view of the
locking retainer of FIG. 9, in the locking configuration, with the
telescoping channel;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a top, front, right isometric view of a locking
retainer according to still another embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the locking retainer of
FIG. 12, in a locking configuration, with a telescoping
channel;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a bottom, front, right isometric view of the
locking retainer of FIG. 12, in the locking engagement, with the
telescoping channel;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a top, front, right isometric view of a locking
retainer according to a further embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the locking retainer of
FIG. 15, in a locking configuration, with a telescoping channel;
and
[0025] FIG. 17 is a bottom, front, right isometric view of the
locking retainer of FIG. 15, in the locking configuration, with the
telescoping channel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0027] As used herein in the context of a slidable support, unless
otherwise specified or limited, the term "axial" indicates a
direction that is generally in parallel with a main sliding
direction of the support. For example, where two trapeze struts are
telescoped together, an axial movement is a movement generally in
the direction that the struts slide relative to each other. Also as
used herein in the context of a slidable support, unless otherwise
defined or limited, the term "lateral" indicates a direction that
is generally perpendicular with a main sliding direction of the
support. For example, where two trapeze struts are telescoped
together, a lateral movement is a movement generally in a direction
perpendicular to the direction that the struts slide relative to
each other.
[0028] Correspondingly, as used herein, two (or more) features are
in "axial" alignment when the features are substantially disposed
along a single axially-extending reference line. For example, a
series of locking apertures arranged axially along an axial
centerline of a wall of a slidable support are generally axially
aligned. Similarly, as used herein, two (or more) features are in
"lateral" alignment when the features are substantially disposed
along a single laterally-extending reference line. For example,
features arranged laterally along a reference line perpendicular to
the above-noted axial centerline are generally laterally aligned.
In this light, it will be understood that some features can be
laterally aligned while also being axially offset, or vice versa.
Further, some features can be both laterally and axially offset, in
which arrangement the features are separated from each other the
both an axial direction and a lateral direction.
[0029] Also as used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited,
the term "u-shaped" specifies a shape that includes a base portion,
with at least two leg portions extending in generally similar
directions from the base portion. In some embodiments, a "u-shaped"
member can include leg portions extending from opposite ends of the
base portion at substantially right angles to the base portion,
with or without curved, chamfered, or otherwise non-square
connecting regions between the leg portions and the base
portion.
[0030] The following discussion is presented to enable a person
skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention.
Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and
applications without departing from embodiments of the invention.
Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited
to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The
following detailed description is to be read with reference to the
figures, in which like elements in different figures have like
reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to
scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will
recognize the examples provided herein have many useful
alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0031] Generally, locking retainers according to the invention can
be used to secure telescoping channels, or other slidable supports,
at a fixed length. In some embodiments, a locking retainer can
include a strap that wraps around part or all of a telescoping
support in order to provide structural support for the support, as
well as lock the support at a desired length. In some embodiments,
a locking retainer can include inwardly extending pins that can
engage apertures on support members of a telescoping support to
lock the support members against sliding. In some embodiments, the
inwardly extending pins can be laterally and axially offset when
the locking retainer is in a resting configuration, and can be
axially offset but laterally aligned when the locking retainer is
in a locking configuration.
[0032] In some of the discussion herein, embodiments of the
invention are discussed in the context of telescoping channels for
trapeze supports. This context is presented as an example only.
Generally, embodiments of the invention can be used with a variety
of slidable supports. Likewise, materials and manufacturing methods
discussed herein are provided as examples only.
[0033] FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a locking retainer 20 according
to one embodiment of the invention. The locking retainer 20 is
formed as a unitary stamped metal (e.g., spring steel) strap 22
that bounds an internal area 24. The strap 22 includes side arms 26
and 28, each of which transitions at a respective bend 26a and 28b,
to locking arms 30 and 32. Opposite the locking arms 30 and 32, the
side arms 26 and 28 are connected by a linking portion 34 of the
strap 22.
[0034] In some installations, as also discussed below, the locking
retainer 20 can be used with strut or other supports with open
sides (e.g., with struts configured as open channels). In some
embodiments, a locking retainer can be provided with one or more
features that extend into one or more side openings (e.g. a top
slot) of a relevant support. This can be useful, for example, in
order to help secure the locking retainer to the support, or to
brace the support internally to improve its overall strength. To
this end, in the locking retainer 20, the linking portion 34
includes a brace portion 36 that extends generally into the
internal area 24.
[0035] To help engage a slidable support, locking pins 38 and 40
extend generally into the internal area 24 from respective free
ends of the locking arms 30 and 32. As a product of a stamping
process that can be used to manufacture the locking retainer 20,
the locking pins 38 and 40 can be formed as illustrated, with a
generally flattened profile and generally rounded corners. In other
embodiments, other profiles and features are possible. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 in particular, the locking pins 38 and
40 can be formed with a non-square (e.g., acute) resting angle
relative to the respective locking arms 30 and 32. This can be
useful, for example, to help retain the locking pins 38 and 40
within appropriate locking apertures (as also discussed below). In
other embodiments, however, other configurations are possible.
[0036] As also illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, a set of tabs 42
extend from the side arms 26 and 28 generally away from the
internal area 24. As also described below, these tabs can be useful
as engagement features for tools. In the locking retainer 20, for
example, the tabs 42 are configured as flattened louvers, with
ramped inner and outer surfaces, as may usefully engage a flathead
screwdriver or similar other tool. In other embodiments, other
geometries for tool-engaging feature can be used. Likewise, in
other embodiments, a locking retainer can include a different
number or spatial arrangement of the tabs 42 (or other engagement
features).
[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the locking retainer 20 in a
resting configuration (i.e., in an adopted or maintained shape in
the absence of significant external forces). In the resting
configuration, the side arms 26 and 28 extend away from the linking
portion 34 at respective (e.g., equal) obtuse angles. Likewise,
each of the locking arms 30 and 32 extends away from the respective
side arm 26 or 28 at respective (e.g., equal) acute angles.
Accordingly, the internal area 24 is generally trapezoidal, aside
from the inward protrusion defined by the brace portion 36. In some
embodiments, a width of the top of the strap 22 can be
substantially equal to an expected width of a slidable support
(e.g., a standard width for a telescoping trapeze strut).
[0038] Also in the resting configuration, the locking pins 38 and
40 are both laterally and axially offset from each other. In the
locking retainer 20, the locking pins 38 and 40 are laterally
separated by a distance 44 (see FIG. 2) that is geometrically
determined by the angle of the side arms 26 and 28, as also
discussed below. The locking pins 38 and 40 are axially separated
by a distance 46 (see FIG. 3) that is less than a width of the
strap 22 in the axial direction (i.e., less than an axial width of
the strap 22). In other embodiments, other separation distances are
possible.
[0039] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the locking retainer 20 in a
locking configuration, as may be useful for locking a slidable
support at a desired length. In the locking configuration, the side
arms 26 and 28 have been elastically flexed (e.g., bent) inwards
from their orientation in FIGS. 1 and 2, thereby reducing the size
of the internal area 24 and reshaping it generally into a
rectangular area. With the side arms 26 and 28 thus disposed, the
locking pins 38 and 40 are generally aligned axially, while still
being laterally offset from each other. As such, as also noted
below, an appropriate magnitude for the separation distance 44 can
be determined based on the length of the side arms 26 and 28, and
the angle between the side arms 26 and 28 and the linking portion,
when the locking retainer 20 is in the resting configuration.
[0040] As noted above, the locking retainer 20 can be placed in the
locking configuration in order to lock a slidable support at a
desired length. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
locking configuration of the locking retainer 20 corresponds to a
generally slidable support with a generally rectangular profile
(not shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). As such, the locking retainer 20 is
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the locking arms 30 and 32 at
generally right angles relative to the side arms 26 and 28. Without
a slidable support (or other structure) within the internal area
24, the locking arms 30 and 32 may generally remain at an acute
angle relative to the side arms 26 and 28, even as the side arms 26
and 28 are bent inwards or otherwise deformed. In other
embodiments, a locking configuration can exhibit other shapes, as
may be appropriate for a particular slidable support.
[0041] In some configurations, a locking retainer can be configured
to be staged on a relevant slidable support prior to the locking
retainer being used to lock the support at a particular length. For
example, FIG. 5 illustrates the locking retainer 20 staged on a
telescoping trapeze strut 48, before the locking retainer 20 is
used to lock the trapeze strut 48 at a desired length. In the
illustrated staged configuration, the trapeze strut 48 has been
inserted (e.g., stabbed) into the internal area 24, with the
locking pins 38 and 40 seated on an outer surface of the trapeze
strut 48 (e.g., a bottom, outer surface of an outer trapeze member
54) rather than being inserted into locking apertures 50 and 52 of
the trapeze strut 48. Generally, the side arms 26 and 28 are
approximately the same length as a height of the trapeze strut 48,
so that the strap 22 can seat relatively snugly around the outer
profile of the trapeze strut 48 when the locking retainer 20 is in
the locking configuration (as also discussed below). As such, when
the locking pins 38 and 40 are seated on the outer surface of the
trapeze strut 48, the side arms 26 and 28 are generally urged to
pivot outwards. The resulting elastic response from the side arms
26 and 28 (and the strap 22, generally) can urge the locking pins
38 and 40 firmly towards the outer surface, so that the locking
retainer 20 is generally help in place.
[0042] Placing the locking retainer 20 in the staging configuration
illustrated in FIG. 5 can be useful, for example, in order to help
a worker to carry the trapeze strut 48 for installation without
loose hardware. Further, because the locking pins 38 and 40 are
urged into contact with the outer trapeze member 54 but not an
inner trapeze member 56, the locking retainer 20 can remain staged
on the trapeze strut 48 even while the inner trapeze member 56 is
slid relative to the outer trapeze member 54 to move the trapeze
strut 48 to a desired length.
[0043] When the locking retainer 20 is in the staging configuration
relative to the trapeze strut 48, the brace portion 36 of the strap
22 extends into an opening 58 (e.g., an open-ended slot) on the
trapeze strut. As also noted above, the brace portion 36 can be
configured to fit relatively snugly into the opening 58 (e.g., with
somewhat of a press fit engagement). This can be useful, for
example, once the trapeze strut 48 is loaded, to help increase the
lateral strength of the strut 48, and generally protect the trapeze
strut 48 from inward buckling.
[0044] In contrast to the trapeze strut 48, some slidable supports
may not include openings similar to the opening 58. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, a locking retainer can include a bracing portion
with a different geometry than the bracing portion 36, or can
include no bracing portion that extends into a profile of the
relevant support.
[0045] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the locking retainer 20 in a
locking configuration relative to the trapeze strut 48, with the
trapeze strut 48 at a length for which at least two of the locking
apertures 50 are aligned with at least two of the locking apertures
52. In the embodiment illustrated, the locking apertures 50 and 52
are arranged in respective axially extending arrays, which arrays
are laterally aligned with each other when the inner trapeze member
56 is slidably nested within the outer trapeze member 54.
Accordingly, the trapeze member 48 can be generally disposed at a
variety of lockable lengths by sliding the inner trapeze member 56
relative to the outer trapeze member 54 to align a particular pair
of the locking apertures 50 with a particular pair of the locking
apertures 52.
[0046] To move the locking retainer 20 from the staging
configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 to the locking configuration
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the side arms 26 and 28 can be urged
inwards until the side arms 26 and 28 are generally proximate to
(e.g., seated against) opposite sides of outer trapeze member 54.
Correspondingly and simultaneously, the locking pins 38 and 40 can
be moved laterally to extend into the two aligned pairs of the
locking apertures 50 and 52, so that the locking pins 38 and 40
block the inner trapeze member 56 and the outer trapeze member 54
from sliding relative to each other.
[0047] As noted above, with the locking retainer 20 in a resting
configuration, the locking arms 30 and 32 extend from the side arms
26 and 28 at acute angles. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 in
particular, with the locking retainer in a locking configuration,
the locking arms 30 and 32 extend from the side arms 26 and 28 at
substantially right angles. The elastic response of the strap 22 to
this change in orientation can urge the locking arms 30 and 32 to
pivot generally upwards at the bends 26a and 28a. Accordingly, with
such pivoting blocked by the structure of the trapeze strut 48, the
locking pins 38 and 40 can be naturally urged to remain in place
within the aligned locking apertures 50 and 52.
[0048] With the locking retainer 20 in the locking configuration,
the brace portion 36 continues to extend into the opening 58 in
trapeze strut 48. As noted above, this can be useful, for example,
to internally brace the slidable support and thereby increase its
lateral strength. Additionally, because the locking pins 38 and 40
have been moved into substantial axial alignment, the strap 22
extends fully around the trapeze strut 48, with the side arms 26
and 28 seated firmly against opposite sides of the outer trapeze
member 54, and the locking arms 30 and 32 seated firmly against the
outer trapeze member 56 opposite the opening 58. This can generally
provide additional structural support for the trapeze strut 48.
[0049] With the locking retainer 20 in the locking configuration,
the tabs 42 extend generally away from the outer trapeze member 56,
such that spaces 42a are provided between the tabs 42 and the outer
trapeze member 56. In order to remove the locking retainer 20 from
the locking configuration, a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool
can be inserted into select ones of the spaces 42a and used to pry
the corresponding locking pin 38 or 40 out of the respective set of
locking apertures 50 and 52.
[0050] In the embodiment illustrated, the locking apertures 50 and
52 of the trapeze strut 48 extend into the aligned sets of the
locking apertures 50 and 52 and fully through the outer trapeze
member 54 and the inner trapeze member 56, respectively. In other
embodiments, other arrangements are possible. For example, a set of
apertures on an inner support member of a slidable support may be
configured as set of blind holes, indents, or depressions rather
than holes extending fully through the inner support member.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a locking retainer 70 according to one
embodiment of the invention. Generally, the locking retainer 70 is
similar to the locking retainer 20. For example, the locking
retainer 70 includes side arms 72 and 74, locking arms 76 and 78,
and a linking portion 80, that are configured to define a generally
trapezoidal internal area 82 when in a resting configuration (e.g.,
as illustrated in FIG. 8), and a generally rectangular internal
area when in a locking configuration (not shown). Also similarly to
the locking retainer 70, locking pins 84 and 86 that are axially
and laterally offset in a resting configuration extend into the
internal area 82 from ends of the locking arms 76 and 78. In a
locking configuration (not shown), the locking pins 84 and 86 can
be moved into lateral alignment, while remaining axially offset. In
contrast to the locking retainer 20, the locking retainer 70 is a
unitary wire-form part and does not include an inwardly extending
brace portion similar to the brace portion 36. This may be useful,
for example, in order to accommodate slidable supports without
openings similar to the opening 58 of the trapeze strut 48 (see,
e.g., FIG. 6), or to allow for relatively low cost and high speed
manufacturing.
[0052] In some embodiments, it can be useful to configure a locking
retainer as a strap with other external profiles. For example, FIG.
9 illustrates a locking retainer 90 according to one embodiment of
the invention. Generally, the locking retainer 90 is formed as a
unitary stamped metal (e.g., spring steel) strap 92 that bounds a
generally rectangular internal area 94. The strap 92 includes side
arms 96 and 98, each of which transitions at a respective bend 96a
and 98a, to locking arms 100 and 102. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 9, the locking arms 100 and 102 connect via a linking
portion 104 so that the strap 92 defines a generally u-shaped
profile, and the generally rectangular internal area 94.
[0053] Generally, an arrangement of one or more locking pins can be
provided on the linking portion 104 to engage aligned sets of
locking apertures when a slidable support is inserted into the
internal area 94 (e.g., from an end of the strap 92 opposite the
linking portion 104). In the embodiment illustrated, the locking
retainer 70 includes a single locking pin 106. In other
embodiments, multiple locking pins are possible, including arrays
of laterally aligned and axially offset (or otherwise arranged)
locking pins.
[0054] To help retain the locking retainer 90 on a slidable support
without the inclusion of a linking portion opposite the locking pin
106, free ends of the side arms 96 and 98 include inwardly angled
catches 108. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the locking
retainer 90 is seated on a telescoping trapeze strut 110, with the
locking pin 106 extending through locking apertures 118 and 120 to
lock outer and inner trapeze members 112 and 114 of the trapeze
strut 110 against relative sliding motion, the catches 108 engage
upper edges of the side walls of the outer trapeze member 112 to
hold the locking retainer 90 in place on the trapeze strut 110.
[0055] In some embodiments, the catches 108 can also help to hold
the locking retainer 90 in a staging configuration. For example,
the catches 108 can be sized to engage grooves 116 along the
outside of the outer member 112 (or other features of the trapeze
strut 110), in order to secure the locking retainer 90 to the
trapeze strut 110 while still allowing the length of the trapeze
strut 110 to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the side arms 96 and
98 can be somewhat shorter than the length illustrated in FIGS. 9
through 11, so that the catches 108 can engage the grooves 116 (or
other features), in order to secure the locking retainer 90 in a
locking configuration rather than (or in addition to) a staging
configuration.
[0056] As also noted above, it can be useful to provide release
tabs to help remove a locking retainer from a locking
configuration. In some embodiments, it can be useful to provide
release tabs that are configured differently from the louver tabs
42 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). For example, FIG. 12 illustrates a locking
retainer 130 according to one embodiment of the invention.
Generally, the locking retainer 130 is formed as a unitary stamped
metal (e.g., spring steel) strap 132 that bounds a generally
rectangular internal area 134. The strap 132 includes side arms 136
and 138, each of which transitions at a respective bend 136a and
138a to a linking portion 140 to define a generally u-shaped
profile. At respective free ends, the side arms 136 and 138 are
bent to form reentrant lips 136b and 138b, which can be formed to
engage features on a particular slidable support (e.g., lips of an
extended slot). In the embodiment illustrated, the reentrant lips
136b and 138b are generally square-profile lips. In other
embodiments, other configurations (e.g., other geometric profiles)
are possible.
[0057] Substantially aligned with an axial centerline of the
linking portion 140, the strap 132 includes a tapered locking arm
142 that extends generally axially in one direction. A locking pin
144 is disposed at a free end of the locking arm 142, and extends
generally inwards relative to the rectangular area 134. Generally
opposite the locking arm 142, the strap 132 includes a release tab
146, which extends axially in an opposite direction from the
locking arm 142 and generally angles away from a plane defined by
the linking portion 140 and the locking arm 142. Near the locking
arm 142 and the release tab 146, the material of the linking
portion 140 is thinned at axially extending cutouts 148.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the locking retainer
130 is seated on a telescoping trapeze strut 150 in a locking
configuration, the locking pin 144 can extend into aligned locking
apertures 156 and 158 on outer and inner trapeze members 152 and
154 of the trapeze strut 150 to lock the trapeze strut 150 at a
desired length. In the embodiment illustrated, the locking pin 144
extends through an instance of the locking apertures 156 that is
configured as an elongate slot, rather than a rounded hole. In
other embodiments, other configurations are possible.
[0059] With the locking retainer 130 in the locking configuration,
the reentrant lips 136b and 138b are seated on nested, reentrant
upper lips of the trapeze strut 150. Also with the locking retainer
130 in the locking configuration, the release tab 146 angles
generally away from the outer surface of the outer trapeze member
152. When a worker applies appropriate pressure on the release tab
146 (e.g., using a mallet or hammer), the strap 132 can accordingly
deform (e.g., twist) at the cutouts 148 to pivot the locking arm
142 away from the outer trapeze member 152 and thereby unlock the
trapeze strut 150.
[0060] FIG. 15 illustrates a locking retainer 170 with a generally
u-shaped profile, and with side arms 172 and 174 ending in
reentrant lips 172b and 174b similarly to the side arms 136 and 138
of the locking retainer 130 (see, e.g., FIG. 12). Substantially
laterally aligned with an axial centerline of the locking retainer
170, locking arms 176 and 178 extend in axially opposite directions
towards locking pins 180 and 182, respectively. Along respective
bend lines that are generally axially aligned with the attached
ends of the stamped locking pins 180 and 182, the locking arms 176
and 178 transition to outwardly angling release tabs 184 and
186.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, when the locking retainer
170 is seated on a telescoping trapeze strut 188 in a locking
configuration, the reentrant lips 176a and 178b are seated on
nested, reentrant upper lips of the trapeze strut 188, and the
locking pins 180 and 182 extend into aligned sets of locking
apertures 190 and 192 on outer and inner trapeze members 194 and
196 of the trapeze strut 188 to lock the trapeze strut 188 at a
desired length. With the locking retainer 170 in the locking
configuration, the release tabs 184 and 186 angle generally away
from the outer surface of the outer trapeze member 194. When a
worker applies appropriate pressure on the release tabs 184 and 186
(e.g., using a screwdrivers or pliers to pry the release tabs 184
and 186 away from the trapeze strut 150), the locking arms 176 and
178 can be bent away from the outer trapeze member 194 and thereby
remove the locking pins 180 and 182 from the locking apertures 190
and 192 to unlock the trapeze strut 188.
[0062] Various embodiments of a locking retainer are discussed
above and illustrated in the figures. In other embodiments,
different arrangements of features, including different
combinations of the features illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 17 are
possible. For example, embodiments of the locking retainer can
include re-entrant lips to engage a slidable support, including for
configurations similar to those illustrated in the figures without
re-entrant lips (e.g., the locking retainer 90 of FIG. 9). In some
embodiments, different numbers and arrangements of locking pins,
different numbers and arrangements of locking arms, and different
relative relationship of locking pins to locking arms can be used.
In some embodiments, locking pins can be configured to engage
non-circular locking apertures on a slidable support, or to engage
locking apertures that are not necessarily arranged in an
axially-extending, regular array. In some embodiments, cutouts
similar in function to the cutouts 148 (see, e.g., FIG. 12), but
potentially different in form from the cutouts 148, can be used.
For example, in some embodiments, a locking retainer similar to the
locking retainer 170 (see, e.g., FIG. 15) can include cutouts
similar to the cutouts 148 to facilitate bending of locking arms
similar to the locking arms 176 and 178.
[0063] The locking retainers 20, 70, 130, and 170 described herein,
as well as other locking retainers designed or manufactured
according to the invention, can provide various improvements over
conventional locking retainer designs. In some embodiments, for
example, the disclosed locking retainers 20, 70, 130, and 170 can
allow workers to relatively easily lock a slidable support at a
desired length, without the need for a substantial number of loose
hardware or specialized tools.
[0064] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
while the invention has been described above in connection with
particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not
necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments,
examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments,
examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims
attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and
publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each
such patent or publication were individually incorporated by
reference herein.
[0065] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *