U.S. patent application number 16/876126 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-20 for angle strut strap.
The applicant listed for this patent is Atsushi Hikoyama. Invention is credited to Atsushi Hikoyama.
Application Number | 20210148487 16/876126 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005565012 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-20 |
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20210148487/US20210148487A1-20210520-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210148487 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hikoyama; Atsushi |
May 20, 2021 |
ANGLE STRUT STRAP
Abstract
A strut strap having a first leg with a first angled end, a
shaped middle section; a second end having a middle section and
feet at opposing ends where each of the feet are angled away from
the first end middle section in opposite directions; a second leg
having a first angled end and a shaped middle section; and a second
end having a middle section and feet at opposing ends where each of
the feet are angled away from the second end middle section in
opposite directions.
Inventors: |
Hikoyama; Atsushi; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hikoyama; Atsushi |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005565012 |
Appl. No.: |
16/876126 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
29713589 |
Nov 18, 2019 |
|
|
|
16876126 |
|
|
|
|
29714735 |
Nov 25, 2019 |
|
|
|
29713589 |
|
|
|
|
29714733 |
Nov 25, 2019 |
|
|
|
29714735 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 3/04 20130101; F16L
3/01 20130101; F16L 3/1008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16L 3/01 20060101
F16L003/01; F16L 3/10 20060101 F16L003/10; F16L 3/04 20060101
F16L003/04 |
Claims
1. A strut strap comprising: a first leg having: a first end; a
curved middle section; a second end having a middle section and
feet at opposing ends where each of said feet define an obtuse
angle that extends away from a plane where said plane defines a
length of said middle section; a second leg having: a first end; a
curved middle section; and a second end having a middle section and
feet at opposing ends where each of said feet define an obtuse
angle that extends away from a plane where said plane defines a
length of said middle section.
2. The strut strap of claim 1, wherein each of said first leg and
said second leg are connectable one to the other at said first
ends.
3. The strut strap of claim 2, wherein said first end of said first
leg and said first end of said second leg each have a hole
therethrough and where said legs are connectable with a threaded
bolt that is insertable through both of said holes and further has
a nut that is fastenable to said threaded bolt to secure said first
leg to said second leg.
4. The strut strap of claim 2, wherein said first end of said first
leg has a through hole and said first end of said second leg has a
threaded hole and are connectable one to the other with a bolt with
an end that matches said threaded hole that is insertable through
said through hole and that is then screwable into said threaded
hole.
5. The strut strap of claim 2, wherein said first end of said first
leg and said first end of said second leg are permanently affixed
one to the other.
6. The strut strap of claim 1, wherein: said first leg second end
feet is a foot at each end of said end middle section where a first
foot is angled away from said first leg second end middle section
in one direction and a second foot is angled away from said first
leg second end middle section in an opposite direction; and wherein
said second leg second end feet is a foot at each end of said end
middle section where a first foot is angled away from said second
leg second end middle section in one direction and a second foot is
angled away from said second leg second end middle section in an
opposite direction.
7. The strut strap of claim 1 wherein said legs have at least one
angled edge along an outside of said curved middle section.
8. The strut strap of claim 1, wherein said legs have a least one
rib on a surface of said legs.
9. The strut strap of claim 8, wherein said at least one rib runs
from approximately said first end to approximately said second
end.
10. The strut strap of claim 9 further comprising at least one
dimple in each of said feet.
11. The strut strap of claim 1 where said curved middle sections
are configured to matingly fit around a pipe.
12. A strut strap comprising: a first leg having: a first angled
end; a curved middle section; a second end having a middle section
and feet at opposing ends where each of said feet define an obtuse
angle that extends away from a plane where said plane defines a
length of said middle section; a second leg having: a first angled
end; a curved middle section; and a second end having a middle
section and feet at opposing ends where each of said feet define an
obtuse angle that extends away from a plane where said plane
defines a length of said middle section.
13. The strut strap of claim 12 wherein each of said first leg and
said second leg are connectable one to the other at said first
ends.
14. The strut strap of claim 13 wherein said first end of said
first leg and said first end of said second leg each have a hole
therethrough and are connected with a threaded bolt that is
insertable through both of said holes and further has a nut that is
fastenable to said threaded bolt to secure said first leg to said
second leg.
15. The strut strap of claim 13 wherein said first end of said
first leg has a through hole and said first end of said second leg
has a threaded hole and where said legs are connected with a bolt
with an end that matches said threaded hole that is insertable
through said through hole and that is then screwable into said
threaded hole.
16. The strut strap of claim 13 wherein said first end of said
first leg and said first end of said second leg are permanently
affixed one to the other.
17. The strut strap of claim 12 wherein: said first leg second end
feet has a foot at each end of said end middle section where a
first foot is angled away from said first leg second end middle
section in one direction and a second foot is angled away from said
first leg second end middle section in an opposite direction; and
wherein said second leg second end feet has a foot at each end of
said end middle section where a first foot is angled away from said
second leg second end middle section in one direction and a second
foot is angled away from said second leg second end middle section
in an opposite direction.
18. The strut strap of claim 12 wherein each of said first leg
curved middle section and said second leg curved middle section has
at least one angled edge and at least one indent.
19. The strut strap of claim 18 has more than one indent wherein at
least one indent runs from approximately said first end to
approximately said second end of said curved middle section and
said feet have at least one indent.
20. The strut strap of claim 12 where said legs curved middle
sections defined by a pipe size and are configured to fit around a
matching pipe.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates to a strut strap that is designed and
used to secure a pipe to a pipe support or to a U-shaped strut
channel. More particularly, the invention relates to an easily
usable connecting apparatus with a straight top section and angled
legs that is designed to simplify affixing the connecting apparatus
to the pipe support or to the U shaped strut beam or U-Channel and
to then simplify affixing the pipe to the pipe support and even
more particularly in a second embodiment to a strut strap with an
angled top member combined with angled legs that is designed to
simplify affixing the connecting apparatus to the pipe support or
to the U-Channel and to then simplify affixing the pipe to the pipe
support.
Description of the Prior Art
[0002] The present invention deals with products in the field of
construction, and specifically in the area of configuring, securing
and affixing pipe to a support or a channel such as U-shaped
Unistrut or strut beam. The product is not limited to any one
application and thus can be used for affixing pipe to supports,
channel, U-Channel or unistrut.
[0003] Strut straps are commonly known in the industry by a variety
of names, including strut straps, strut clamps, pipe clamps or
conduit clamps. For ease of understanding the term strut strap will
be used throughout. These strut straps are typically used in
conjunction with the strut beam, U-Strut, U-Channel or Uni-strut.
These U channels are also known by a number of names in the
industry but for simplicity sake the term U-Channel will be used
herein to define this U-shaped beam. These strut straps are used to
strap conduit and pipe perpendicular to the Channel. These straps
have historically not changed much in shape or configuration. The
current invention desires to change this standard shape to provide
a strut strap that uses less material and is therefore more
environmentally friendly, that is just as strong as a standard
strut strap and that has a configuration that provides more
usefulness, easier installation and more utility.
[0004] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the
foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater
detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent)
are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed
subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are
contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein.
[0005] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described
hereinafter.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing it is an object of the present
invention to provide an angle legged pipe support strut strap that
will securely fasten a pipe to the pipe support block or to
U-Channel, that is easily, quickly and efficiently installable and
removeable. Ideally this angled strut strap is made entirely of
metal and this metal can be of any variety including but not
limited to galvanized, stainless steel, dipped metals including
dipping in Posmac, a type of anti-corrosion coating, or any other
type of metal.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide
this angle legged strut strap that is easily installable on pipe
supports, Unistrut or any other standard U-Channel. The angle
legged strut strap is easily installable due to the unique leg
design and configuration that allows installation without having to
separate two halves of the strap.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide the angle legged strut strap that is easily removeable,
again due to the unique angled leg design.
[0009] The present invention achieves these objects and other
objects that become evident from the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments of the invention by providing the
angle legged strut strap that is easily mountable to a pipe
support, to Unistrut or U-channel and to a pipe or conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer
to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally
being placed upon illustrating the principles of the inventive
subject matter.
[0011] FIG. 1A is an elevated view of a short, angled top, angled
feet strut strap with one rib.
[0012] FIG. 1B is an elevated view of a long, angled top, angled
feet strut strap with one rib.
[0013] FIG. 1C is an elevated view of the short angled top, angled
feet strut strap with two ribs.
[0014] FIG. 1D is an elevated view of the short, angled top,
straight feet strut strap with two ribs.
[0015] FIG. 1E is an elevated view of the short, straight top,
angled feet strut strap with two ribs.
[0016] FIG. 2A is an elevated view of the short, angled top, angle
legged strut strap with one rib from the opposite side.
[0017] FIG. 2B is an elevated view of the long, angled top, angle
legged strut strap with one rib from the opposite side.
[0018] FIG. 2C is an elevated view of the long, angled top, angled
feet strut strap with two ribs from the opposite side.
[0019] FIG. 2D is an elevated view of the short, angled top,
straight feet strut strap with two ribs.
[0020] FIG. 2E is an elevated view of the short, straight top,
angle legged strut strap with two ribs.
[0021] FIG. 3A is a side view of the short, angle legged strut
strap with one rib and angled feet.
[0022] FIG. 3B is a side view of the long, angle legged strut strap
with one rib and angled feet.
[0023] FIG. 3C is a side view of the short, angle legged strut
strap with two ribs and angled feet.
[0024] FIG. 3D is a side view of the short, angle legged strut
strap with two ribs and straight feet.
[0025] FIG. 4A is an opposite side view of the short, angle legged
strut strap with one rib and angled feet.
[0026] FIG. 4B is an opposite side view of the long, angle legged
strut strap with one rib and angled feet.
[0027] FIG. 4C is an opposite side view of the short, angle legged
strut strap with two ribs and angled feet.
[0028] FIG. 4D is an opposite side view of the short, angle legged
strut strap with two ribs and straight feet.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top view of the short, angle legged strut strap
with one rib and angled feet.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the short, angle legged strut
strap with one rib and angled feet.
[0031] FIG. 7 is a side view of the short, angle legged strut strap
with angled feet.
[0032] FIG. 8A is an elevated view of the long, angle legged strut
strap with one rib and angled feet and the attachment apparatus
installed.
[0033] FIG. 8B is an elevated side view of the long, angle legged
strut strap with two ribs and angled feet and the attachment
apparatus installed.
[0034] FIG. 8C is an elevated side view of the long, angle legged
strut strap with two ribs, straight feet and the attachment
apparatus installed.
[0035] FIG. 8D is an elevated view of the long, straight top, angle
legged strut strap with two ribs.
[0036] FIG. 9A is an elevated view of the long, angled top, angled
feet strut strap with one rib, the attachment apparatus installed,
the pipe installed therebetween and all installed on the
U-channel.
[0037] FIG. 9B is an elevated view of the long, angled top, angled
feet strut strap with two ribs, the attachment apparatus installed,
the pipe installed therebetween and all installed on the
U-channel.
[0038] FIG. 9C is an elevated view of the long, angled top,
straight feet strut strap with two ribs, the attachment apparatus
installed, the pipe installed therebetween and all installed on the
U-channel.
[0039] FIG. 9D is an elevated view of the long, straight top, angle
feet strut strap with two ribs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The disclosed subject matter will become better understood
through review of the following detailed description in conjunction
with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide
example embodiments of the invention described herein. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may
be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope
of the invention described herein.
[0041] Throughout the following detailed description, various
examples of strut straps are provided. Related features in the
examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different
examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be
redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related
feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related
feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example
explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be
described in that particular example. The reader should understand
that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the
specific portrayal of a related feature or example.
[0042] The invention will now be described in detail with reference
to the attached drawings. As described above in the summary there
is a need for a strut strap that is easily installable and
removeable. Currently strut straps are typically two identical
matching pieces of stamped metal that form a first strap and a
second strap that match and work with one another. Each of these
straps has an end that is a hooked bottom portion used to connect
to opposing walls of a U-channel, or Unistrut. Each of the first
strap and second strap have a portion that is designed to securely
engage and connect to or into a lip on an inside of the U-Channel.
Each of these straps then have a middle portion that engages with
opposing sides and top of a pipe. Next, each leg has another end
wherein each leg has a through hole formed therein. In order to
secure one leg to the other and to secure the pipe therebetween a
bolt is inserted through one of the through holes and is then
inserted through the matching through hole on the second leg. After
the bolt is inserted through both of the through holes a nut is
affixed to a screw end formed on an end of the bolt. The nut is
then tightened down on the threaded bolt end so as to firmly and
securely fasten the pipe between the legs and to the U-Channel or
pipe support.
[0043] This form of strut strap has existed in the industry for a
very long time and obviously works but it does have many drawbacks.
First, it requires many parts to install, including two legs, a
bolt and a nut. Next, it is difficult to install as it requires
that the legs be taken apart prior to installation. To install it
requires fitting each hooked end into the U-Channel, then matching
the legs, followed by inserting the bolt through the through holes
and finally having to secure the nut to the threaded end. Doing
this typically requires at least two tools. One to hold one end of
the bolt to prevent it from rotating and then another tool to
tighten the nut to the threaded bolt end. This is cumbersome,
difficult and time consuming and is one of the primary reasons for
the present invention
[0044] FIGS. 1E, 2E, 8D and 9D are views having two ribs down the
side of a strut strap where the strut strap has a straight top and
angled feet. In this embodiment there are two ribs down the side
rather than a single rib, as shown in FIGS. 1E, 2E, 8D and 9D.
These Figs. show two embodiments of the invention, that is, a
single side rib and a double side rib. All of these images show the
straight top, and then either the single rib or pair of ribs with
angled feet. Clearly shown in all of these Figures are a pair of
strut straps 10 having a first leg 20 with a first end 21, a flared
middle section 22, then a second end 23 having a middle section 24
and feet 25, 26 at opposing ends where each of the feet 25, 26 are
angled away from the second end middle section 24; a second leg 30
having a first end 31, a flared middle section 32, and a second end
33 having a middle section 34 and feet 35, 36 at opposing ends
where each of the feet 35, 36 are angled away from the second end
middle section 34. This is the simplest embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment the legs are basically mirror images
of each other. The first ends 21, 31 of each of said legs 20, 30
meet at a top of the strut strap 10 and can be connectable one to
another in a variety of ways. There is a means to connect one to
the other at the first ends 21, 31. One method is to have the ends
permanently affixed one to another by weld, glue, adhesive or some
other means. This is not very versatile and limits the usefulness
of the strut straps 10.
[0045] Another means has the first leg first end 21 and the second
leg first end 31 wherein each leg end 21, 31 has a hole 27, 37 in
each leg therethrough and the means to connect the one leg to the
other leg is a threaded bolt 40 that is insertable through both of
the holes 27, 37 and further there is a nut that is fastenable to
the threaded bolt 40 to secure the first leg 20 to the second leg
30. This means works but is not ideal because it requires a user to
use multiple tools to connect the bolt 40. Once the bolt 40 is
inserted through the first hole 27 the nut must be installed onto
the bolt 40. This requires holding a first end of the bolt 40 so
that it does not move or rotate while installing the nut to a
second end of the bolt 40. Either the bolt first end or second end
must be held while tightening the nut to the bolt. This requires
the user to use both hands to secure the legs 21, 31 one to the
other. This is inefficient and sometime difficult.
[0046] A better option is shown in FIGS. 8D and 9D as another
embodiment. In this embodiment the strut strap's first leg first
end 21 has a through hole 27 but the second leg first end 31 has a
threaded hole 38 and the means to connect the one leg to the other
leg is a bolt 40 with an end that matches the threaded hole 38
whereby the bolt 40 is insertable through the through hole 27 and
is then securably screwable into the threaded hole 38 thereby
connecting the legs one to the other. This is much easier and
requires less time when connecting the legs together. In fact, in
testing it has been shown that it is almost ten times faster using
this method.
[0047] In this embodiment the strut strap's first leg first end 21
has the through hole 27 and the through hole may cause some
problems. It is also possible to have a keeper washer 89 attached
to the bolt. This keeper washer 89 is generally a plastic washer,
larger in shape than the through hole 27, that is installed over
the bolt 40 after the bolt 40 is inserted through the through hole
27 and the keeper washer 89 works to keep the bolt 40 from falling
back through the through hole 27. Because the hole 27 is not
threaded it is possible for the bolt 40 to easily fall out of the
hole 27, thus creating a possibility that the bolt 40 gets dropped
and lost by the user. This is prevented through use of the keeper
washer 89 as it holds the bolt 40 in place during installation.
[0048] Also in this embodiment the strut straps 10 have angled feet
at the second ends of both legs, as shown in the FIGS. 1E and 2E.
In this embodiment the first leg's second end 23 has two feet 25,
26 where one foot 25 is angled away from the first leg's second end
middle section 24 in one direction and the second foot 26 is angled
away from the middle section 24 in an opposite direction. Likewise,
the second leg's second end 33 has a pair of similar feet 35, 36
where one foot 35 is angled away from the second leg's second end
middle section 34 in one direction and the second foot 36 is angled
away from the second leg's second end middle section 34 in an
opposite direction. In this embodiment the strut strap 10 is
uniquely configured because of the angled feet. If the strut straps
10 have straight feet protruding from the middle portion, as taught
in the current art and as shown in FIGS. 1D, 2D, 3D, 4D, 8C, and
9C, it is difficult to install them into U-Channel. In fact, when
the feet are straight the leg's top first ends must be separated in
order to install the straps into the U-Channel. This is because the
strut strap actually needs to be angled or turned in order to fit
into the U-Channel. It is impossible to insert the feet into the
U-Channel without separating the legs one from the other. This
takes additional time, is cumbersome, and there is a possibility of
dropping one of the legs while installing. However, when angled,
the legs can be connected at the top and, due to the angle, the
feet can easily be inserted into the U-Channel. A pipe is inserted
between the legs of the strut straps and when the leg tops are
tightened and firmly connected the bottom portion also tightens up
and solidly secures the legs into the channel and the pipe
therebetween. This configuration is much easier to work with for
the installer or user, it requires less time to install, and it
prevents the loss or dropping of the mating leg. Overall it is
generally a much easier, safer and faster system to use.
[0049] Another way to further improve the strut straps 10 is to
provide a way to strengthen the strap. The current invention
provides a way to strengthen the strap and in so doing allows for
the use of a thinner strap that uses less material to manufacture.
This is beneficial for a number of reasons. First, and most
importantly, it is environmentally friendly because the material
required to manufacture the straps is approximately half of what is
required to manufacture a standard strut strap. In order to
maintain the strength of the thicker strap though the present strap
utilizes a series of original stampings during manufacturing that
create a rib or ribs 39, ridges, raised portions, bumps, dimples
and turned or angled edges 90. With respect to the edges, it is
ideal to have the angled edges 90 on both sides of the legs turned
outwardly, as is shown in all the Figs. By turning this edge to
create an angle that runs along the side of the leg the strength of
the leg is greatly increased. This turn can be done on one or both
sides of the legs and ideally is done to both sides of the leg.
Likewise, placing rib 29, 39, a ridge, an indent or bump along the
central portions of the legs greatly increases the strength of the
legs thus preventing bends in the material. This rib 29, 39, bump
or ridge can be a single ridge down the middle of the strap as
shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4C for example, it
can be a bump along each side of the leg, or it could be multiple
bumps located in a variety of locations on the legs as shown in
FIGS. 1C, 1D, 2C, 2D, 3C, 3D, 4C, and 4D. It has been found that by
adding these ribs, bumps, ridges, or raised portions on the legs
greatly increase their strength. Additionally, as can be seen in
all the Figs. when a dimple such as a T or L or some variety
thereof greatly increases the pull-out strength of the feet. It has
been tested and found that the feet are at least 30% stronger when
the dimples are added to the feet, as is shown in the Figures.
Thus, by using the turned edges increases the leg strength and by
further adding the dimple or indent to the feet increases the
pull-out strength and the overall strength of the strut strap,
making them as strong and solid as a standard strut strap using
twice the material.
[0050] Finally, it should be noted that the flared middle section
of each leg is specifically designed to fit a particular pipe size.
To get this the strut straps 10 are designed and sized, such as 1/2
inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, etc. The strut straps 10 are sized and then
flared to fit each specific pipe dimension. Thus, the straps 10
perfectly fit around pipe and using the straps 10 the pipe is
securely held in position.
[0051] In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B,
2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, there is a
strut strap 50 having a first leg 60 with a first angled end 61, a
shaped middle section 62, a second end 63 having a middle section
64 and feet 65, 66 at opposing ends of the second end 63 where each
of the feet 65, 66 are angled away from the first leg second end
middle section 64; next there is a second leg 70 having a first
angled end 71, a shaped middle section 72 and a second end 73
having a middle section 74 and feet 75, 76 at opposing ends of the
second end middle section 74 where each of the feet 75, 76 are
angled away from the second end middle section 74.
[0052] This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in
that the legs are no longer mirror images of each other, but
rather, the legs are near mirror images of each other. That is, the
legs will substantially fit when layered one on top of the other
but they do not matingly fit together as in the first embodiment.
This is due to the fact that the first ends are no longer straight,
but are now angled and these angles will not fit perfectly together
as these angled first ends must each have a slightly different
angle to accommodate a pipe that is inserted between the two legs.
The tops ends of the legs are angled in the same direction but the
specific angle of each leg is slightly different so that the
fastening means fits appropriately. This is described more fully
below. The first angled ends 61, 71 of each of the legs 60, 70 meet
at the top and these first angled ends of the strut straps can be
connectable one to another in a variety of ways. Here there is a
means to connect one to the other at the first angled ends 61, 71.
One method is to have the ends permanently affixed one to another
by weld, glue, adhesive or some other means. This is not very
versatile and limits the usefulness of the strut straps.
[0053] Another means provides the first leg first end 61 and the
second leg first end 71 where each leg end 61, 71 has a hole 67, 77
therethrough and the means to connect the one leg to the other leg
is a threaded bolt 80 that is insertable through both of the holes
67, 77 and further has a nut that is fastenable to the threaded
bolt 80 to secure the first leg 60 to the second leg 70. As
discussed above with respect to the first embodiment, this means
works but is not ideal because it requires a user to use multiple
tools to connect the bolt 80. Once the bolt 80 is inserted through
the first hole 67 the nut must be installed onto the bolt 80. This
requires holding a first end of the bolt 80 so that it does not
move or rotate while installing the nut to a second end of the bolt
80. Either the bolt first end or second end must be held while
tightening the nut to the bolt. This requires the user to use both
hands to secure the leg angled ends 61, 71 one to the other. This
is inefficient and difficult.
[0054] A better option is clearly shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C is
yet another embodiment. In this embodiment the strut strap's first
leg first angled end 61 has a through hole 67. This through hole is
typically not a round through hole but is a shaped through hole 68.
The reason for this shape, that is usually slightly out of round,
or oblong, is to accommodate the angle in the leg end to allow
proper and easy bolt insertion. Without the oblong shape it is
difficult for bolt 80 installation due to the angled leg. The
shaped through hole 68 is necessary for proper operation. It is
also recommended to have a keeper washer 89 attached to the bolt
80. This keeper washer 89 is generally a plastic washer that is
installed over the bolt 80 after the bolt 80 is inserted through
the shaped through hole 68 and it works to keep the bolt 80 in
place. Because the shaped through hole 68 is not threaded it is
possible for the bolt 80 to easily fall out of the shaped hole 68,
thus creating a possibility that the bolt 80 could get dropped and
lost by the user. This is prevented through use of the keeper
washer 89 as it holds the bolt 80 and prevents it from falling out
during installation.
[0055] In this embodiment the second leg first angled end 71 has a
threaded hole 78 and the means to connect the one leg to the other
leg is the bolt 80 with an end that matches the threaded hole 78
whereby the bolt 80 is insertable through the shaped through hole
68 and that is then threadably screwable into the threaded hole 78,
thereby connecting the legs one to the other. This is much easier
and requires less time when connecting the legs together. In fact,
in testing it has been shown that it is almost ten times faster
using this method rather than using the through hole with bolt and
nut method.
[0056] It should be noted that the first and second leg first end
angles are not typically exactly matching. This is because the
angles must accommodate the screw and the pipe that is fitted
between the strut straps. The angles vary depending on the strut
strap size.
[0057] In this embodiment in addition to the angled first ends the
strut straps 50 have angled feet at the second ends of both of the
legs, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B and 3C
amongst others. In this embodiment the first leg's second end 63
has two feet 65, 66 where one foot 65 is angled away from the first
leg's second end middle section 64 in one direction and the second
foot 66 is angled away from the middle section 64 in an opposite
direction. Likewise, the second leg's second end 73 has two feet
75, 76 where one foot 75 is angled away from the second leg's
second end middle section 74 in one direction and the second foot
76 is angled away from the second leg's second end middle section
74 in an opposite direction. In this embodiment the strut straps 50
are uniquely configured because of the angled feet. If the strut
straps 50 have straight feet protruding from the middle portion, as
taught in the prior art, it is difficult to install them into
Unistrut or U-channel. In fact, when the feet are straight the
leg's top first ends must be separated in order to install the
straps into the U-Channel. This is because the strut strap actually
needs to be angled or turned at sharp angles in order to fit into
the U-Channel. And it is impossible to insert the leg feet into the
channel without separating the legs one from the other. This takes
additional time, is cumbersome, and there is a possibility of
dropping one of the legs while installing. However, when angled,
the legs can be connected at the top and due to the angles, the
feet can easily be inserted into Unistrut or U-channel. When the
pipe is in place and the leg tops are tightened and firmly
connected the bottom portion also tightens up and solidly secures
the legs into the channel and the pipe therebetween. This
configuration is much easier to work with for the installer or
user, it requires less time to install and it prevents the loss or
dropping of the mating leg. Overall it is generally a much easier
and safer system to use.
[0058] The angles and the preferred angles will be discussed next
with reference to Table 1 and Table 2. The explanation here is to
show how differing sized clamps require different angles to
properly secure a pipe and to assure that the legs can properly
clamp to the Uni-strut or U-channel. The first table is for a
0.5'', 0.75'' and 1'' clamps and the information included on the
table is for testing when inserting into standard strut channel
which typically has a channel gap width of 0.87 inches, as shown in
Table 1. All measurement for the examples are in inches. Generally
speaking, the goal is to have the perfect bend, that is, one that
will allow the easiest insertion of the legs in the channel gap and
yet provide the strongest hold.
[0059] The table provides testing data for a wide range of angles.
The tests were conducted to arrive at the optimal, perfect or
almost perfect angle. For clarification in these tables, the bended
width 1 is the distance from the leg end to the first bend. The
center width is the distance from the first bend to a second bend
and the bended width 2 is the distance from the second bend to the
second end leg. The channel gap width is the width of the
U-channel. The bending angle is the foot bend angle and these are
preferably the same for each foot. And finally, the turning angle
references the amount that the user must turn the clamp to allow
insertion into the U-channel.
[0060] When considering this it is clear that if there is just a
slight bend to the leg then it is difficult to get the clamp into
the channel as the user will have a turning angle of almost
50.degree., as can be seen from the first line of the table. This
is basically a standard strut strap as it exists today.
Alternatively, If the leg is bent a lot then it won't hold the
strap securely in the channel because there is nothing to grab onto
the sides of the channel. So, the goal is to find the sweet spot
between having the legs too bent and not bent enough.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Embodiment 1 (0.5'', 0.75'', and 1'' Clamps)
Center Bended Bended Channel Bending Turning Width Width 1 With 2
Gap Width Angle Angle 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 0.00 49.81 0.75 0.26 0.26
0.87 2.50 49.01 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 5.00 47.81 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
7.50 47.00 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 10.00 46.11 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
12.50 45.14 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 15.00 44.08 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
17.50 43.17 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 20.00 42.25 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
22.50 40.94 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 25.00 39.83 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
27.50 38.70 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 30.00 37.89 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
32.50 36.69 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 35.00 35.40 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
37.50 34.17 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 40.00 33.00 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
41.80 32.00 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 42.50 31.72 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
45.00 30.29 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 47.50 29.38 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
50.00 27.65 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 52.50 26.28 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
55.00 24.98 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 57.50 23.75 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
60.00 22.20 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 62.50 20.64 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
65.00 19.29 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 67.50 17.50 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
70.00 16.03 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 72.50 14.32 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
75.00 12.65 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 77.50 10.74 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
80.00 9.16 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 82.50 7.19 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 85.00
5.03 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 87.50 5.25 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 90.00
5.12
[0061] Table 1 is the shorter leg embodiment where the clamp is
sized at 0.5 inches to 1 inch. This means that the 0.5-inch clamp
is configured to hold a 1/2-inch piece of pipe, 0.75-inch clamp is
configured to hold a 0.75-inch piece of pipe, and 1-inch clamp is
configured to hold a 1-inch piece of pipe. BW1 is the bended width,
or the distance from one end of the first foot to the first bend.
The Center Width, or CW, is the distance from the first bend to the
second bend, and BW2 is the distance from the second bend to the
second end. The channel gap width refers to the distance from side
to side of the inside of the Unistrut channel. The bending angle as
referenced in Column E is the degree of angle at the bend. Finally,
the turning angle in column F is the degree of rotation required to
insert the clamp into the U-channel. As is shown, if there is
absolutely no bent angle then the turning angle required for
insertion is almost 50.degree.. At this angle it is difficult or
impractical to insert without taking the main legs apart. This is
the case in the current art and what is now being used in the
industry. As can be seen from the table though, the greater the
bending angle the less the turning angle. Testing shows the optimal
angle for the bending angle is between 37.5 and 45 and is ideally
set at or approximately at 41.80. The next best angle range
according to Table 1 is from 32.5 to 50. The bending angle can be
between 30 to 52.5 but it becomes too loose as the bending angle
increases and becomes more difficult to fit in the channel gap
without running the clamp more. In other words, it is possible to
extend beyond this range but to do so would not be optimal as it
would either be too difficult to insert the legs into the channel
or it would be easy to insert the legs but the legs would not be
securely held in place in the channel.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Embodiment 4 (1.5'', 1.75'', 2'' Clamps)
Center Bended Bended Channel Bending Turning Width Width 1 With 2
Gap Width Angle Angle 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 0.00 49.86 0.75 0.26 0.26
0.87 2.50 49.14 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 5.00 48.10 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
7.50 47.16 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 10.00 46.22 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
12.50 45.39 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 15.00 44.41 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
17.50 43.26 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 20.00 42.24 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
22.50 41.42 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 25.00 40.10 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
27.50 38.99 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 30.00 37.98 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
32.50 36.72 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 35.00 35.65 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
37.50 34.50 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 40.00 33.14 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
42.48 32.00 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 42.50 31.99 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
45.00 30.69 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 47.50 29.29 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
50.00 28.04 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 52.50 26.87 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
55.00 25.21 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 57.50 23.97 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
60.00 22.30 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 62.50 20.99 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
65.00 19.67 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 67.50 17.87 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
70.00 16.25 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 72.50 14.49 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
75.00 12.88 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 77.50 11.00 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87
80.00 9.39 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 82.50 7.39 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 85.00
6.68 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 87.50 6.62 0.75 0.26 0.26 0.87 90.00
6.41
[0062] When reference is made to Table 2 for the 1.5, 1.75, and 2
inch clamps respectively a similar result is seen. Here, the
optimal turning angle is 32.00 with 42.48 being the optimal bending
angle. The other non-optimal angles are the same as Table 1, that
is, the optimal angle for the bending angle is between 37.5 and 45
and is ideally set at or approximately at 42.48. The next best
angle range is from 32.5 to 50. A next useable range is from 25 to
57.5. It is possible to extend beyond this range but to do so would
not be optimal as it would either be too difficult to insert the
legs into the channel or it would be easy to insert the legs but
the legs would not be securely held in place in the channel. Thus,
the ranges listed are the preferred angle ranges for peak
operability for the 1.5'', 1.75'', and 2'' inch clamps.
[0063] Another strut strap 50 improvement taught in this embodiment
is to provide a thinner strap that uses less material to
manufacture and that is as strong as a traditional strut strap.
This is beneficial for a number of reasons. First, and most
importantly, it is environmentally friendly because the material
required to manufacture the straps is approximately half of what is
required to manufacture a standard strut strap. In order to
maintain the strength of the thinner strap the present invention
utilizes a series of original stampings that create ridges, bumps,
dimples and turned or angled edges. With respect to the edges 90,
it is ideal to have the edges 90 on both sides of the legs turned
outwardly, as is shown in the Figs. By turning this edge 90 to
create an angle that runs along the side of the leg the strength of
the leg is greatly increased. Likewise, placing a rib 69, 79,
ridge, an indent or bump along the central portions of the legs
greatly increases the strength of the legs thus preventing bends in
the material. It has been found that by adding these ribs, bumps or
raises on the legs greatly increase their strength. Additionally,
as can be seen in all Figs., a dimple 92 such as a T or L or some
variety thereof is added to the feet. This dimple greatly increases
the pull-out strength of the feet. It has been tested and found
that the feet are approximately 30% stronger when the dimples 92
are added to the upper foot location, as is shown in the Figures.
Thus, by using the turned edge 90, the ribs, bumps or stampings and
the dimples or indents increases the pull-out strength and the
overall strength of the strut strap, making it as strong and solid
as a standard strut strap while using half the material.
[0064] Finally, it should be noted that the shaped middle section
of each leg is specifically designed to fit a particular pipe size.
To get this the strut straps are designed and sized, such as 1/2
inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, or any size to fit a matching pipe. The
strut strap 50 is sized and then flared and shaped to fit each
specific pipe dimension.
[0065] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawing
figures it is noted that equivalents may be employed and
substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the
invention as recited in the claims.
[0066] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0067] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0068] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
[0069] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of."
[0070] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.
[0071] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated
to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more
than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method
is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts
of the method are recited.
[0072] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to.
[0073] While several inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive
embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure.
[0074] Having thus described the various embodiments of the
invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
letters patent includes the following.
* * * * *