Strut clip

An apparatus is disclosed as comprising a first leg of a strut clip; a first rotatable element rotatably attached to the first leg of the strut clip at a first aperture; a second rotatable element rotatably attached to the first leg of the strut clip at the first aperture, where the first and second rotatable elements may have tapered lower edges; a first notch of the first rotatable element may be disposed on a longitudinal edge of the first rotatable element; a second notch of the second rotatable element may be disposed on a longitudinal edge of the second rotatable element; one or more stops may be disposed in the first leg of the strut clip, where the one or more stops may limit rotation of at least one of: the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element; and a first elastic element may be disposed between distal longitudinal edges of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate generally to systems, methods, and devices for strut clips, and more particularly to a clamping and support clip for securing conduits to a supporting structure.

BACKGROUND

Conduits such as pipes or tubes may need to be secured to a supporting structure such as a channel, wire, rod, and/or bar. Existing support clips may be difficult to secure in place, and may require either sliding the support clip along the length of the supporting structure or tightening one or more fasteners in a difficult to access location.

SUMMARY

Exemplary system embodiments may include: a first rotatable element having a first edge, a second edge, and a first aperture, where the first edge may include a first notch and a first tapered lower edge, and where the second edge may include a first arcuate lower portion; a second rotatable element including a third edge, a fourth edge, and a second aperture, where the third edge may include a second notch and a second tapered lower edge, and where the fourth edge may include a second arcuate lower portion; and a pivoting member disposed through the first aperture and the second aperture; where the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element may pivot between a first position and a second position via the pivoting member, where a width of a lower portion of the first rotatable member and second rotatable member in the first position may be less than a width of a strut opening, and where a width of the lower portion of the first rotatable member and second rotatable member in the second position may be greater than the width of the strut opening.

In additional exemplary system embodiments, the first notch may include a first innermost edge and a first re-entrant edge. The second notch may include a second innermost edge and a second re-entrant edge. The first re-entrant edge and the second re-entrant edge may contact downward flanges of a strut in a third position, and the position of the first and second rotatable elements relative to the strut may be maintained in the third position. The first innermost edge and the second innermost edge may be flat relative to a local plane in the first position. The first re-entrant edge and the second re-entrant edge may be angled relative to a local plane in the first position.

Additional exemplary system embodiments may include a first leg, where the pivoting member may be disposed through the first leg. Additional exemplary system embodiments may also include: a second leg, where the first leg may be detachably attached to the first leg via a fastener; at least one stop disposed in the first leg, where the at least one stop limits rotation of at least one of: the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element relative to the first leg; and/or at least one elastic element connected to the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element, where the at least one elastic element maintains the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element in the first position. The at least one elastic element may be a spring.

The exemplary system embodiment may also include: a protrusion disposed on the first rotatable element; and a depression disposed on the second rotatable element; where the protrusion may be secured in the depression to prevent pivoting of the first rotatable element relative to the second rotatable element in the first position. An aperture may be disposed in the second rotatable element, where the aperture receives the protrusion in the second position to prevent further pivoting of the first rotatable element relative to the second rotatable element.

An exemplary apparatus embodiment may include: a first leg of a strut clip; a first rotatable element rotatably attached to the first leg of the strut clip at a first aperture, where the first rotatable element may have a tapered lower edge; a second rotatable element rotatably attached to the first leg of the strut clip at the first aperture, where the second rotatable element may have a tapered lower edge; a first notch of the first rotatable element disposed on a longitudinal edge of the first rotatable element; a second notch of the second rotatable element disposed on a longitudinal edge of the second rotatable element, where the first notch may be disposed distal from the second notch; one or more stops disposed in the first leg of the strut clip, where the one or more stops may limit rotation of at least one of: the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element via contact with at least one of: an upper edge of the first rotatable element and an upper edge of the second rotatable element; and a first elastic element disposed between distal longitudinal edges of the first rotatable element and the second rotatable element.

In additional exemplary apparatus embodiments, the one or more stops may include two stops, where a first stop of the two stops may be positioned to rotatably restrain the first rotatable element via contact with the upper edge of the first rotatable element, and where a second stop of the two stops may be positioned to rotatably restrain the second rotatable element via contact with the upper edge of the second rotatable element. The first elastic element may be disposed between a first protrusion of the first rotatable element and a second protrusion of the second rotatable element, where the first protrusion may be substantially perpendicular to a front face of the first rotatable element, where the second protrusion may be substantially perpendicular to a front face of the second rotatable element, and the first protrusion may be substantially parallel to the second protrusion. The first elastic element may be a spring.

Additional exemplary apparatus embodiments may include: a second leg of the strut clip; a third rotatable element rotatably attached to the second leg of the strut clip at a second aperture, where the third rotatable element may have a tapered lower edge; a fourth rotatable element rotatably attached to the second leg of the strut clip at the second aperture, where the fourth rotatable element may have a tapered lower edge; a third notch of the third rotatable element disposed on a longitudinal edge of the third rotatable element; a fourth notch of the fourth rotatable element disposed on a longitudinal edge of the fourth rotatable element, where the third notch may be disposed distal from the fourth notch; one or more stops disposed in the second leg of the strut clip, where the one or more stops may limit rotation of at least one of: the third rotatable element and the fourth rotatable element via contact with at least one of: an upper edge of the third rotatable element and an upper edge of the fourth rotatable element; and a second elastic element disposed between distal longitudinal edges of the third rotatable element and the fourth rotatable element. The apparatus may also include a third aperture, where the first leg of the strut clip and the second leg of the strut clip may be detachably attached via the third aperture. The first leg of the strut clip may be identical to the second leg of the strut clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A strut clip is disclosed comprising two rotatable elements disposed on each leg of the strut clip. The rotatable elements of the strut clip may rotate upon contact of their respective tapered lower edges with an inturned top wall of a strut. Once the rotatable elements enter into the strut, the rotatable elements may rotate back towards their original position, securing respective notches of the rotatable elements about downturned flanges of the strut. That is, any subsequent upward and/or downward force on the strut clip relative to the strut will not dislodge the strut clip from the strut. The disclosed strut clip may therefore be installed into a strut via downward force on the strut clip relative to the strut and any further fastening, such as by tightening a bolt, may not be required. A conduit, such as a pipe, may be inserted into the opening provided by the strut clip and supported by the strut clip and/or strut.

FIG. 1Adepicts a perspective view of an exemplary strut clip embodiment in a first position. A strut clip100may comprise a first leg102and a second leg104detachably attached via an aperture106. The aperture106may have a fastener108, such as a nut, bolt, and washer, disposed through the aperture106. A first rotatable element110may be rotatably attached to the first leg102at an aperture112. The first rotatable element110may rotate relative to the first leg102via the aperture112. The first rotatable element110may have a tapered lower edge114and a notch116. The notch116may include an innermost edge118and a re-entrant edge120. The innermost edge118may be flat relative to a local plane in the first position. The re-entrant edge120may be angled relative to a local plane. A first stop122may be disposed in the first leg102of the strut clip100. The first stop122may limit rotation of the first rotatable element110via contact with an upper edge124of the first rotatable element110.

A second rotatable element126may be rotatably attached to the first leg102at the aperture112. The second rotatable element126may rotate relative to the first leg102via the aperture112. The second rotatable element126may have a tapered lower edge128and a notch130. The notch130may include an innermost edge132and a re-entrant edge134. The innermost edge132may be flat relative to a local plane in the first position. The re-entrant edge134may be angled relative to a local plane. A second stop136may be disposed in the first leg102of the strut clip100. The second stop136limits rotation of the second rotatable element126via contact with an upper edge138of the second rotatable element126.

A first elastic element140may be disposed between distal longitudinal edges of the first rotatable element110and the second rotatable element126. The first elastic element140may, in one exemplary embodiment, be a spring. The first elastic element may be disposed between a first protrusion142of the first rotatable element110and a second protrusion144of the second rotatable element125. The first protrusion142may be substantially perpendicular to a front face146of the first rotatable element110. The second protrusion144may be substantially perpendicular to a front face148of the second rotatable element126. The first protrusion142may be substantially parallel to the second protrusion144.

The stops122,136are shown as two stops for respective rotatable elements110,126. In some embodiments, the stops122,136may be replaced by a single centered stop that restricts movement of both of the rotatable elements110,126. The position and number of stops122,136may be adjusted along with the shape of the rotatable elements110,126to limit rotation of the rotatable elements110,126relative to the first leg102.

FIG. 1Bdepicts another perspective view of the exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 1Ain the first position. The strut clip100may comprise the first leg102and the second leg104detachably attached via the aperture106. The strut clip may also comprise a third rotatable element150rotatably attached to the second leg104at an aperture152, a fourth rotatable element154rotatably attached to the second leg104at the aperture152, stops156,158, a second elastic element160, and notches162,164. The first leg102of the strut clip100may be identical to the second leg104of the strut clip.

FIGS. 2A-2Bdepict perspective views of the exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 1Ain a second position, i.e., engaged position. The rotatable elements110,126,150,154of the strut clip100rotate relative to one another to fit into a strut (SeeFIG. 3) via downward force once engaged. Upon the respective notches of the rotatable elements securing about the downturned flanges of the strut, the exemplary strut clip may be affixed in position by a variety of means that may be well known in the art.

FIG. 3depicts a front view of the exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 1Ain a strut. The strut clip100may comprise rotatable elements110,126disposed in a strut300. The strut300may include sidewalls302,304, a bottom wall306, upturned top walls308,310, and downturned flanges312,314. Once the rotatable elements110,126enter into the strut300, the rotatable elements110,126may rotate back towards their original position, securing respective notches of the rotatable elements110,126about the downturned flanges312,314of the strut300. Any subsequent upward and/or downward force on the strut clip100relative to the strut300will not dislodge the strut clip100from the strut300.

FIG. 4depicts a front view of the exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 1A. The strut clip100is shown in a first position. The strut clip100is in a first position before being inserted into a strut and once installed in a strut. The strut clip is in a second position (SeeFIGS. 2A-2B) as the tapered lower edges of the rotatable elements rotate from contact with the inturned top wall of the strut (SeeFIG. 3).

FIG. 5depicts a side view of the exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 1A. The strut clip100may be identical about a plane500, depicted by dashed lines, between the first leg and the second leg of the strut clip100.

FIG. 6depicts a top view of the exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 1A. The strut clip100may be identical about a plane600, depicted in dashed lines, between the first leg and the second leg of the strut clip100.FIG. 6shows an exemplary compression spring as providing an outward torque to keep the first leg and the second leg in the first position. Other embodiments may utilize means for exerting a force between the first leg and the second leg, via for example, stored energy, to resist applied compression forces, or in the push mode, store energy to provide the push force and keep the first leg and second leg from further movement.

FIG. 7Adepicts a front view of an alternate exemplary strut clip embodiment being inserted into a strut. A strut clip700may have a first rotatable element702and a second rotatable element704disposed in a first position for installation into a strut706. The innermost edges708,710of the notches712,714of the rotatable elements702,704may be flat relative to a local plane in the first position. The re-entrant edges may be angled relative to a local plane in the first position. Applying a downward force716on the strut clip700relative to the strut706may cause these angled innermost edges708,710to contact inturned top walls718,720of the strut. This contact causes a torque or momentum about an aperture722, such that the rotatable elements702,704rotate724,726outwards towards the sidewalls728,730of the strut730.

The first rotatable element702may comprise a protrusion732substantially perpendicular to a front face734of the first rotatable element702and extending towards a front face736of the second rotatable element704. The protrusion732may press against the front face736of the second rotatable element which causes friction and prevents the rotatable elements702,704from rotating relative to one another as well as causing friction and preventing rotation between the second rotatable element704and a first leg738of the strut clip. In some embodiments, the front face736of the second rotatable element may comprise a depression, such as a dimple, for further securing the protrusion732of the first rotatable element702. The second rotatable element704may comprise an aperture740, shown in dashed lines, for receiving the protrusion732in a second position.

FIG. 7Bdepicts a front view of the alternate exemplary strut clip embodiment ofFIG. 7Ain a locked position in the strut. The protrusion732of the first rotatable element702may be inserted through the aperture740of the second rotatable element704in the second position. The first rotatable element702may not rotate relative to the second rotatable element704as it is restrained in rotation by the placement of the protrusion732in the aperture740. Accordingly, any subsequent upward and/or downward force on the strut clip700relative to the strut706will not dislodge the strut clip700from the strut706. The disclosed strut clip700may therefore be installed into a strut via downward force on the strut clip relative to the strut and any further fastening, such as by tightening a bolt, may not be required.

FIG. 8Adepicts a front view of an exemplary first rotatable element800. The first rotatable element800has a first edge810, a second edge812, a top818, and a bottom820. The first edge810includes a first notch804with a first innermost edge806and a first re-entrant edge808. The first edge810also includes a first tapered lower edge822proximate the bottom820of the first rotatable element800. The second edge812includes a first arcuate lower portion814proximate the bottom820of the first rotatable element800. A lower portion815of the first rotatable element800includes at least a portion of the first arcuate lower portion814, the first tapered lower edge822, and the first notch804. A first aperture816is disposed in a front face802of the first rotatable element800.

FIG. 8Bdepicts a front view of an exemplary second rotatable element830. The second rotatable element830has a third edge840, a fourth edge842, a top848, and a bottom850. The third edge840includes a second notch834with a second innermost edge836and a second re-entrant edge838. The third edge840also includes a second tapered lower edge852proximate the bottom850of the second rotatable element830. The fourth edge842includes a second arcuate lower portion844proximate the bottom850of the second rotatable element830. A lower portion845of the second rotatable element830includes at least a portion of the second arcuate lower portion844, the second tapered lower edge852, and the second notch834. A second aperture846is disposed in a front face832of the second rotatable element830.

FIG. 9Adepicts two exemplary rotatable elements800,830in a first position900being inserted into a strut904. The first rotatable element800may be rotated920relative to the second rotatable element830about a pivoting member902. The second rotatable element830may be rotated922in an opposite direction as the rotation920of the first rotatable element800. A downward movement924may be applied to the first and second rotatable members800,830towards an opening in the strut904. In the first position900, a width926of the first and second rotatable members800,830is less than a width928of an opening in the strut904.

The strut904includes a bottom wall906; sidewalls908,910; upturned top walls912,914; and downward flanges916,918. The bottom portions of the first and second rotatable elements800,830may be inserted into the opening of the strut904in the first position900.

FIG. 9Bdepicts two exemplary rotatable elements800,830in a second position930. In the second position930, the first and second rotatable elements800,830continue to be inserted into the strut904via a downward movement936. The downward movement936may be a user pressing the disclosed strut clip into the strut opening. As the downward movement936force is applied, the arcuate portions814,844of the first and second rotatable elements800,830contacts the upturned top walls912,914of the strut904. This contact causes the first rotatable element800to rotate932relative to the second rotatable element830about the pivoting member902. This contact also causes the second rotatable element830to rotate934in an opposite direction as the rotation932of the first rotatable element800. This rotation932,934causes the width of the first and second rotatable elements800,830to be greater than the width of the opening in the strut904.

FIG. 9Cdepicts two exemplary rotatable elements800,830in a third position938in the strut904. The first and second rotatable elements800,830are fully inserted into the strut904in the third position938, and no more rotation of the first rotatable element800relative to the second rotatable element830occurs about the pivoting member902. The width of the first and second rotatable elements800,830remains greater than the width of the opening in the strut904. A gap940is present between the re-entrant edge838of the second rotatable element830and the downward flange916of the strut904. Another gap942is present between the re-entrant edge808of the first rotatable element800and the downward flange918of the strut904. If a force was applied in an upward direction away from the opening of the strut904, the re-entrant edges808,838of the first and second rotatable elements800,830would prevent removal from the strut904.

FIG. 9Ddepicts an exemplary strut clip946fastening a pipe952against the strut904in a fourth position944. The first and second rotatable elements800,830may be part of the disclosed strut clip946. The strut clip946includes a first leg948, a second leg hidden by the first leg948, and a fastener950. As the strut clip946fastens the pipe952to the strut904in the fourth position944, the re-entrant edge838of the second rotatable element830contacts the downward flange916of the strut904and a gap954is created between the first arcuate lower portion of the first rotatable element800and the strut904. The re-entrant edge808of the first rotatable element808contacts the downward flange918of the strut904in the fourth position, and a gap956is created between the second arcuate lower portion of the second rotatable element830and the strut904. With the re-entrant edges808,838of the first and second rotatable elements800,830in contact with the downward flanges916,918of the strut904, no further tension or locking mechanism is required to maintain the position of the first rotatable element800relative to the second rotatable element830in the strut904. The first and second rotatable elements800,830may be removed from the strut904by removing the fastener950and/or pipe952, rotating the first and second rotatable elements800,830to the first position, and lifting the lower portions of the first and second rotatable elements800,830out from the opening of the strut904.

FIGS. 10A-10Udepict alternate exemplary strut clip embodiments.FIG. 10Adepicts a strut clip1000with two rotatable elements connected by a spring.FIG. 10Bdepicts two rotatable elements1002for a strut clip.FIG. 10Cdepicts a location of an aperture in one embodiment of a rotatable element1004.FIG. 10Ddepicts front and side views of a rotatable element1006having a portion bent to hold a spring1008or other tensioning device.FIG. 10Edepicts a rotatable element1010with a spring1012shown in dashed lines.FIG. 10Fdepicts a front view of a rotatable element1014.FIG. 10Gdepicts a side view of two rotatable elements1016, with a rivet shown in one embodiment.FIG. 10Hdepicts two rotatable elements1018with a pin1020.FIG. 10Idepicts two rotatable elements1022in a rotated position with a pin1024in an alternate location.FIG. 10Jdepicts a strut clip1026having slide pins1028and a slide1029.FIG. 10Kdepicts a strut clip1030having a slideable element to fit within an opening of a strut in a first position and then slide to a second position to prevent removal of the slideable element from the strut.FIG. 10Ldepicts a slideable element1032of a strut clip having a slide aperture1034.FIG. 10Mdepicts a first leg1036of a strut clip having slide pins1038.FIG. 10Ndepicts a rotatable element1040having a spring1042.FIG. 10Odepicts a side view of two slideable elements1044.FIG. 10Pdepicts a side view of two slideable elements and a first leg of a strut clip1046.FIG. 10Qdepicts a rotatable element1048.FIG. 10Rdepicts a rotatable element1050having a first slide fin1052and a second slide fin1054.FIG. 10Sdepicts a rotatable element1056having an optimal swivel point1058, a swivel point1060, and a securing point1062.FIG. 10Tdepicts a slideable element1064having an optimal slide aperture1066, a first pivot point1068, and a second pivot point1070.FIG. 10Udepicts a side view of a locking joint of a slideable element1072having a swivel1074and a base1076.