Spring nut

A spring nut for attaching a threaded object to a structure with reentrant lips. The spring nut can include a base, a first arm and a second arm extending from the base in a first direction, and legs extending laterally from the base. The arms can include a support portion, a structure-engagement portion, and a thread-engagement portion that can be configured to secure the threaded object against axial loading in a second direction opposite the first direction. Crumple zones in the support portions can deform upon loading of the threaded object in the second direction to cause the structure-engagement portion to be urged into the reentrant lips. Each of the legs can extend at a first angle from the base, toward the structure-engagement portions, to be disposed to contact an exterior surface of the reentrant lips of the structure when the first and second arms are received in the channel.

BACKGROUND

In many applications, it may be useful to quickly attach a nut to a threaded object, in order to use the nut and the threaded object to support other structures. For example, it may be useful to attach a nut to a threaded rod to quickly attach the threaded rod to a structure or to suspend a load.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention provide a spring nut for attaching a threaded object to a structure with reentrant lips and a channel. The spring nut can include a base, a first arm extending from the base in a first direction, a second arm extending in the first direction from the base opposite the first arm, and legs extending laterally from the base, in opposing directions, beyond the first and second arms. Each of the first and second arms can include a support portion that extends from the base, a structure-engagement portion that extends laterally outwardly from the support portion to be disposed to engage a reentrant lip of the structure, and a thread-engagement portion that extends laterally inwardly from the structure-engagement portion to secure the threaded object against axial loading in a second direction opposite the first direction. The support portions of each of the first and second arms can include a crumple zone that can be configured to deform upon loading of the threaded object in the second direction to decrease a distance between the base and the thread-engagement portion of the respective first or second arm to cause the structure-engagement portion to be urged into the reentrant lips. Each of the legs can extend at a first angle from the base, toward the structure-engagement portions, to be disposed to contact an exterior surface of the reentrant lips of the structure when the first and second arms are received in the channel.

In some embodiments, the first and second arms can be configured to flex laterally inwardly as the first and second arms are urged past the reentrant lips of the structure and then resiliently spring laterally outwardly, so that the structure-engagement portions are disposed to seat against the reentrant lips. With the first and second arms extending into the channel of the structure, the first and second arms can flex laterally outwardly to admit the threaded object therebetween in thread-engagement portions upon non-rotational insertion of the threaded object in the first direction. The first and second arms can also resiliently spring laterally inwardly to engage the thread-engagement portions with a thread of the threaded object, to secure the threaded object against non-rotational movement of the threaded object opposite the first direction.

In some embodiments, the structure-engagement portion can include engagement gussets arranged to direct spring energy of the first and second arms onto a focused location of a corresponding one of the reentrant lips of the structure. The legs can be configured to induce a spring force in the second direction onto the reentrant lips to engage the engagement gussets with the reentrant lips. The base can be a planar body that defines a base plane, and the legs can be planar legs that extend obliquely away from the base plane.

In some embodiments, the structure-engagement portions can be configured to engage the reentrant lips to resist sliding adjustment of the spring nut relative to the structure. From the first installed configuration, with the first and second arms received in the channel, the legs can be configured to be elastically deformed by a force that urges the base toward the structure, to extend at a second angle from the base that is different from the first angle, so that the engagement features of the structure-engagement portions disengage from the reentrant lips to permit sliding adjustment of the spring nut relative to the structure.

In some embodiments, one or more of the crumple zones can be formed as a curved section of the respective support portion, including a C-shaped profile. Each of the support portions can include an S-shaped profile that extends between the base and the engagement feature and can include the C-shaped profile of the crumple zone.

In some embodiments, the spring nut can also include stop tabs extending outward from the base adjacent the first and second arms. The stop tabs can be configured to contact an exterior surface of the reentrant lips of the structure to provide a stop against over-insertion of the first and second arms into the channel of the structure. The stop tabs can extend along a base plane defined by the base, separately from the legs.

In some embodiments, the engagement features can include engagement gussets. For each of the first and second arms the crumple zone can be located between the base and the engagement gusset.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a spring nut for attaching a threaded object to a strut with a channel and reentrant lips. The spring nut can include a base, a first arm integrally extending from the base, a second arm integrally extending from the base opposite the first arm and configured to engage the threaded object in combination with the first arm, and legs integrally extending from the base. The first and second arms can define a first width in a first lateral direction and the legs can define a second width in the first lateral direction that is larger than the first width. The legs can be disposed at an angle relative to the base to extend in a direction toward structure-engagement portions of the first and second arms. The legs can be configured to contact an exterior surface of the reentrant lip when installed on the strut. The first and second arms can be configured to induce a spring force in a first and second direction, respectively, into the respective reentrant lip to engage the structure-engagement portions with the reentrant lips. The legs can be configured to induce a spring force in a third direction onto the reentrant lips, outside the channel of the strut, to engage the structure-engagement portions with the reentrant lips.

In some embodiments, the spring nut can include stop tabs extending outward from the base adjacent the first and second arms, between corresponding sets of the legs. The stop tabs can be configured to contact an exterior surface of the reentrant lips of the structure to provide a stop against over-insertion of the first and second arms within the strut.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second arms can include a crumple zone that is movable during installation, upon loading of the threaded object in a direction away from the strut, between an installation configuration and an installed configuration that is at least partially collapsed relative to the installation configuration. Further, one or more of the crumple zones can include in an S-curve region of the respective first or second arm that extends from the crumple zone to the base.

Other embodiments of the invention can provide a spring nut for attaching a threaded object to a strut with first and second reentrant lips. The spring nut can include a base with an aperture that defines a base plane; a set of arms, including a first arm that extends from a first side of the base and a second arm that extends from a second side of the base opposite the first side; and a set of legs extending from the base, obliquely relative to the base plane, including a first leg that extends from the first side of the base in a direction toward the first arm and a second leg that extends from the second side of the base in a direction toward the second arm. The first and second arms can be laterally spaced relative to a central axis on which the aperture is centered. The first and second arms can be configured to biasingly engage the first and second reentrant lips, respectively, internal to the strut. Further, the set of legs can be configured to biasingly engage the first and second reentrant lips external to the strut to further urge the first and second arms into engagement with the first and second reentrant lips.

In some embodiments, the set of legs can further include a third leg extending from the first side of the base, parallel with and on an opposing side of the first arm from the first leg, and a fourth leg extending from the second side of the base, parallel with and on an opposing side of the second arm from the second leg. In some embodiments, a portion of each of the first and second arms that extends laterally outwardly from the base can include a crumple zone. The crumple zone can be configured to at least partially collapse when the first and second arms are engaged with the first and second reentrant lips and the threaded object is loaded against the first and second arms to shorten a distance between the base and a distal end of the respective first or second arm that engages the threaded object. In some embodiments, the crumple zone can be included in an S-curve region of the respective first or second arm that extends between the base and a strut-engagement portion of the first or second arm that is configured to engage the corresponding first or second reentrant lip to secure the spring nut against sliding along the strut.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second arms can include an engagement gusset with an edge profile configured to engage the corresponding first or second reentrant lip.

In some embodiments, the spring nut can further include a set of stop tabs extending from the base and along the base plane. The stop tabs can be configured to contact exterior surfaces of the first and second reentrant lips to provide a stop for insertion of the spring nut into the strut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, the term “axial” (and the like) in the context of push-on spring nuts generally refers to a direction of insertion of a threaded object, such as the axial direction of an elongate threaded rod. Similarly, the term “lateral” (and the like) in the context of push-on spring nuts generally refers to a direction at least a component of which extends perpendicularly relative to the axial direction. In this regard, lateral directions or movements can include, but are not limited to, radial directions or movements.

In the discussion below, various examples describe spring nuts for attaching to a threaded object (e.g., a threaded rod) to a structure (e.g., a strut) and suspending a load. It will be understood that the attachment to a strut and a threaded rod described are presented as examples only and that the disclosed spring nut can be used to attach to other devices, such as threaded fasteners or other threaded objects, or other objects generally.

Some embodiments of the invention can provide spring nuts with improved retention strength as compared to conventional designs. For example, in some embodiments of the invention, resilient arms can include support portions that connect to a spring-nut base, with structure-engagement portions extending laterally outwardly from the support portions. Further, connecting portions can extend at acute angles laterally inwardly from the structure-engagement portions to thread-engagement portions that are configured to engage the thread of a threaded object. Usefully, the laterally outward extension of the structure-engagement portions can position the structure-engagement portions to engage a structure near openings through which the spring nuts are inserted, in order to secure the spring nuts to relevant structures. Additionally, the combined structure of the laterally outwardly extending structure-engagement portions and the laterally inwardly extending connecting portions can contribute to a favorable balance of forces upon axial loading of a threaded object held by a spring nut according to the invention, which can result in increasingly firm attachment of the spring nut to the threaded object as the loading on the threaded object increases.

In some embodiments, arms of a spring nut, such as described above, can be formed as continuous features. For example, an arm of a spring nut can extend continuously from a base along a support portion, then along a connecting portion, then along a thread-engagement portion to a free end configured to engage the thread of a threaded object. This may be useful, for example, in order to simplify manufacturing of the relevant spring nut, while also potentially increasing the strength of the spring nut for a given material thickness.

In some embodiments, spring nuts according to the invention can include a biasing feature configured to further enhance engagement between the spring nut and a strut. For example, legs can be provided that extend at an angle relative to the base of the spring nut, which can induce a biasing force against an exterior surface of a reentrant lip of the strut to urge a structure-engagement portion into contact with an interior edge of the reentrant lip. In some embodiments, these or other legs can be configured to be selectively flexed to partially release a spring nut for sliding adjustment along a strut.

In some embodiments, spring nuts according to the invention can include an engagement feature configured to further enhance engagement between the spring nut and a strut. For example, an engagement gusset (e.g., a coined region) can be provided on a structure-engagement portion of the spring nut. The engagement gusset can include an edge, which focuses the spring energy of the arms of the spring nut on a reentrant lip of the strut. As another example, an engagement feature can include a crumple zone in a support portion of the spring nut that is generally configured to partially crumple (i.e., collapse), as a threaded rod is tightened or loaded within the spring nut. This can allow the structure-engagement portion to better engage with the reentrant lip. The crumple zone can be formed as a curved section of the support portion in some cases.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, an example spring nut10as described in Applicant's U.S. Published Application number 2018/0335072, published on Nov. 22, 2018, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, generally includes an insert base22, and opposing first and second arms14a,14b,and defines a central axis20. In the example illustrated, the first arm14ais generally similar to the second arm14b.Therefore, discussion of the first arm14aherein also generally applies to the second arm14b.For clarity, inFIGS.1and2, similar features on the first and second arms14a,14bare generally identified using like references numerals, with the suffix “a” denoting components on the first arm14aand the suffix “b” denoting components on the second arm14b.

In the example illustrated, the first arm14ais formed integrally with and extends from a side of the insert base22, via a first straight-walled support portion18a.The support portion18a,which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the base22, extends axially between the base22and a support and thread-engaging end of the first arm14a.In particular, for example, the first arm14agenerally includes a first structure-engagement portion16athat extends from the support portion18a.The first arm14aalso includes a first angled connecting portion28aextending from the first structure-engagement portion16aopposite the support portion18a,and a first thread-engaging end30aextending from the first connecting portion28aopposite the first structure-engagement portion16a.The first thread-engaging portion30ahas a first leading edge34abeing arranged axially higher than a first trailing edge36a(i.e., axially farther from the base22than the first trailing edge36a) at opposite ends of a curved edge38a.Similarly, the second thread-engaging portion30bhas a second leading edge34bbeing arranged axially higher than a second trailing edge36bat opposite ends of a curved edge38b.

Accordingly, in the example illustrated, the first structure-engagement portion16adefines a two-bend profile that extends laterally outward at an approximately 90-degree junction between the first structure-engagement portion16aand the first straight-walled support portion18a,and then laterally inward and axially upward at an acutely angled junction between the first structure-engagement portion16aand the first connecting portion28a.

Correspondingly, in the example illustrated, the first angled connecting portion28aextends axially away from the first structure-engagement portion16aand laterally inward toward the central axis20at an angle between zero and ninety degrees defined between the first angled connecting portion28aand the central axis20. The first thread-engaging end30athen extends laterally inwardly from the first angled connecting portion28a,from a junction that is opposite the junction between the first angled connection portion28aand the first structure-engagement portion16aand in substantial axial alignment with the junction between the first structure-engagement portion16aand the first straight-walled support portion18a.This may be useful during installation and loading of the insert10, for example, as further described below.

Continuing, the base22of the spring nut10extends perpendicularly to the central axis20. Correspondingly, an aperture24through the base22is axially aligned with curved edges38a,38bof the arms14a,14bso that, for example, a threaded rod can be inserted axially through the aperture24and between the curved edges38a,38b.Further, the base22includes opposing tabs26, which extend outside of the axially projected envelope of the arms14a,14b.Each of the tabs26includes a set of opposing legs12that extend laterally substantially beyond the arms14a,14b.

Looking atFIG.1, the spring nut10is shown installed directly onto a strut50. The strut50has reentrant lips52separated by a central channel54. During installation on the strut50the arms14a,14bcan resiliently spring laterally outwardly within the strut50, so that the structure-engagement portions16a,16bengage an interior side of each of the reentrant lips52to secure the spring nut10against axial withdrawal from the strut50. Similarly, the legs12extend across the exterior side of the reentrant lips52, to secure the spring nut10against over-insertion into the strut50.

In this way, for example, the structure-engagement portions16a,16band the tabs26can cooperate to secure the spring nut10within the channel54. The arms14a,14bmay still be free to flex resiliently (e.g., at the junction between the structure-engagement portions16a,16band the connecting portions28a,28b) in order to receive and secure a threaded object (not shown inFIG.1) that is inserted axially and non-rotationally through the aperture24.

FIGS.3through6illustrate a push-on spring nut100according to an embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments, the spring nut100is provided as a unitary, one-piece, construction. In some embodiments, the spring nut100is configured to be received and retained by a strut (seeFIG.1) similarly to the example spring nut10, and to be attached to a threaded object, such as a threaded rod60(seeFIGS.7through10), to support various structures. For example, the spring nut100can be attached to the threaded rod60to allow for quick coupling to a structure or load. In some embodiments, for example, the spring nut100can be used to suspend a conduit, a pipe, a duct, or another structure. In some embodiments, the spring nut100can be used in other settings. In some embodiments, the spring nut100can be unitarily formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the spring nut100can be fabricated from a metal material (e.g., mild steel or spring steel).

In the illustrated embodiment, the spring nut100includes opposing arms114(individually,114a,114b) that are designed to be resiliently flexible (e.g., in axial and lateral directions). For clarity, inFIGS.3through11, similar features on the first and second arms114a,114bare generally identified using like references numerals, with the suffix “a” denoting components on the first arm114aand the suffix “b” denoting components on the second arm114b.In some embodiments, the arms114can be flexible enough to allow a threaded rod to pass therethrough in one direction without the threaded rod rotating, yet can be sufficiently resilient to return to firmly engage the threaded rod and to provide sufficient strength to resist movement of the threaded rod, without buckling, when the threaded rod is loaded in an opposite direction.

In some embodiments, the flexibility and elastic resiliency of the arms114enables the spring nut100to provide a restorative action, or pre-bias, during insertion of a threaded rod. For example, the arms114can flex laterally outwardly as a crest of a thread of a threaded rod that is being inserted through the spring nut100passes between free ends of the arms114. For example, the arms114can flex in a direction extending generally perpendicular to a central axis120(seeFIG.5). Further, restorative action due to the resiliency of the arms114can subsequently return (and further bias) the arms114laterally inwardly (e.g., toward the central axis120along respective lateral directions) and into gripping engagement with the threaded rod between the passed crest and a subsequent crest of the thread.

In some embodiments, a portion of the arms of a spring nut can be configured to extend into a strut50(see e.g.,FIG.12). In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.5, for example, the arms114each include a structure-engagement portion116, a support portion118, an angled connecting portion128, and a thread-engaging portion130. In particular, the arms114extend continuously from connections with a base122along the support portions118, the structure-engagement portions116, the connecting portions128, and the thread-engaging portions130. The first and second arms114a,114bdefine a first width148in a first lateral direction between the outermost parts of the connecting portions128a,128b.

In some embodiments, the support portions118each define an S-shaped profile between the base122and the engagement portions116, as further discussed below. (As used herein, “S-shaped” indicates a body or portion of a body that includes two end portions with two opposite-direction curves therebetween that are linked by a middle section of the body/portion.) Accordingly, from a perspective moving along the arms114away from the base122, the arms114initially curve laterally outward, then curve laterally inwardly, and then laterally outwardly again and axially upward at the junction between the structure-engagement portions116and the connecting portions128. The curved configuration creates and defines a plurality of crumple zones144. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the spring nut100inFIGS.3through6, the crumple zones144are formed as curved sections of the support portions118having a C-shaped profile as seen inFIG.5, which in turn forms part of the S-shaped profile that extends along the arms114from the base122through the crumple zones144. Generally, the crumple zones144curve inward toward (i.e., are convex relative to) the central axis120, which can reduce the likelihood of interference with the strut50when the crumple zones144are collapsing. In some embodiments, a crumple zone may include a simple (e.g., smooth and continuously convex) profile between a base and a strut-engagement portion of an arm (e.g., the engagement gussets140). In some embodiments, a crumple zone may include a more complex profile between a base and an engagement portion of an arm (e.g., an S-shaped profile as generally shown inFIG.5).

Continuing along the arms114from the junction of the support portions118and the connecting portions128, the connecting portions128each extend an angle between zero and ninety degrees relative to the central axis120(i.e., at an acute angle). In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, whereas the connecting portions128are shown as being generally planar, a connecting portion in some embodiments can extend inwardly with a curved or other non-planar profile.

Continuing, the thread-engaging portions130extend from junctions with the connecting portions128of the arms114. The thread-engaging portions130are generally designed to cooperate to engage and secure a threaded rod that has been inserted through an aperture124in the base122and between threaded portions130. Accordingly, for example, the thread-engaging portions130can be arranged along a generally helix-like path to conform to a standard thread type on a threaded rod.

In some embodiments, as also discussed below, the thread-engaging portions130can exhibit a compound geometry. For example, a first portion of each of the thread-engaging portions130can exhibit a first geometry (e.g., as corresponds to a first projected angle of a thread) and a second portion of each of the thread-engaging portions130can exhibit a second geometry (e.g., as corresponds to a second projected angle of the thread).

Because the structure-engagement portions116of the arms114are dimensioned to extend laterally past the reentrant lips52of the strut50, the connecting portions128can be urged into contact with reentrant lips52as the spring nut100is inserted, including via resilient response of the spring nut100itself. As a result, for example, as aided by the angled aspect of the angled portion128, the arms114can be caused to flex laterally inwardly during the initial axial insertion of the spring nut100into the strut50. In some embodiments, the thread-engaging portions130can be configured to overlap during the laterally inward flexing. The overlapping capability permits the arms114of the spring nut100to be received through an opening (e.g., between reentrant lips of a strut) without interference between the arms114, even for relatively small openings. This allows the arms114to maintain a closely spaced arrangement after installation to biasingly engage a threaded object therebetween. Once the spring nut100is inserted axially far enough into the strut50, so that the connecting portions128of the arms114are past the reentrant lips52, the arms114can then resiliently spring laterally outwardly away from the central axis120, to engage (e.g., snap into engagement) with the strut50. In some cases, when arms114snap into engagement with the reentrant lips52, the structure-engagement portions116can snap over the reentrant lips52, with the reentrant lips52thereby retaining the spring nut100within the strut50against axial withdrawal.

Continuing, the base122of the spring nut100extends perpendicularly to the central axis120. Correspondingly, the aperture124through the base122is axially aligned with the curved thread-engaging portions130so that, for example, a threaded rod can be inserted axially through the aperture124and between the thread-engaging portions130(as further discussed below).

In the illustrated example, the aperture124is surround by a raised feature configured as an extruded, non-threaded annular flange142that extends integrally from the base122, although other configurations are possible. Generally, the flange142can provide radial support for the threaded object extending through the aperture124. In some embodiments, the flange142can be configured to extend axially away from the base122by at least one pitch of an expected thread.

The base122also includes opposing tabs126, which extend beyond the axially projected envelope of the arms114(i.e., the lateral extent of the arms114when the spring nut100is viewed from the axial direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs126extend along a plane defined by the base122in a direction perpendicular to the lateral flexing direction of the arms114, although other configurations are possible. Each of the tabs126includes a set of opposing legs112that extend laterally beyond the arms114. The set of legs112define a second width150in the first lateral direction that is larger than the first width148between the arms114(shown inFIG.11).

The base122further includes stop tabs146, which extend outward from the base122opposite each other along the plane defined by the base122and adjacent the arms114. The stop tabs146are configured to act as a stop against over-insertion of the spring nut100into the strut50, including when the legs112are being flexed to allow sliding adjustment of the spring nut100relative to the strut50(as discussed further below). The stop tabs146can reduce the likelihood of bending the legs112beyond elastic deformation recovery.

In some cases, engagement features can be included to further enhance engagement between the spring nut100and the strut50. This can be helpful to maintain the position of the spring nut100during installation of a threaded rod, especially, for example, if the strut is mounted vertically or horizontally along a vertical structural member. For example, engagement features configured as engagement gussets140are positioned in the structure-engagement portions116in the illustrated embodiment. It should be noted that the engagement feature may take other forms, including a split gusset (not shown), an elongate notch or inwardly curved recess, or other integrally formed contours or contact areas on an arm. The engagement gussets140are configured to provide an edge profile with which to focus the entire spring energy of the arms114on a particular, reduced-area region of the reentrant lips52. The focused spring energy allows the engagement gussets140to “bite” into the reentrant lips52and inhibit lateral movement (i.e., sliding) along the strut50. As also discussed below, if lateral movement of the spring nut100is desired after installation, the spring energy of the arms114may be overcome by urging the spring nut100further in the direction of the strut50to disengage the engagement flares140.

Another example includes a biasing feature configured to urge the base122away from the reentrant lips52of the strut50to better engage the structure-engaging portions116with inner surfaces of the reentrant lips52. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the biasing feature is provided by the legs112being disposed at an angle away (e.g., obliquely angled) from the base122and in the direction of the structure-engagement portions116. The bent legs112are configured to induce a biasing force against a strut, regardless of the depth of the strut, to help maintain the position of the spring nut100(i.e., to resist sliding of the spring nut100along the strut) (e.g., as shown inFIGS.13A and13B).

In some cases, this biasing force can be selectively relieved. For example, if it is desired to laterally move the spring nut100within the strut50, a user can urge the base122toward the strut50to flatten (or partially flatten) the legs112, to extend at a second angle from the base, different from the first, and thereby disengage (or partly disengage) the structure-engagement portion116from the reentrant lips52(i.e., “unload” the engagement) (e.g., as shown inFIGS.14A and14B). The spring nut100can then be more easily slid along the channel54. Additionally, or alternatively, a user can sometimes strike the spring nut100with an object (e.g., a hammer) in the direction of the desired movement along the strut50to overcome the engagement of the engagement gussets140. However, manual engagement to deform the legs112, including as discussed above, may provide a more controllable or user-friendly adjustment in some cases.

It is contemplated that a biasing feature can be provided in other forms in some embodiments. For example, tabs similar to the opposing tabs126could be disposed at an angle away from the base122in the direction of the structure-engagement portions116, with the legs112extending within the same plane as the opposing tabs126or bent relative to the opposing tabs126.

In some embodiments, the above-described snap-in assembly of the spring nut100can enable relatively quick assembly and installation of the spring nut100on a strut50, including as illustrated inFIGS.12A through14B. For example, as generally illustrated inFIGS.12A and12B, the spring nut100can “tipped” into the strut50by inserting one of the arms (e.g., arm114a) into the strut50with the structure-engagement portion116atranslating along reentrant lip52aand the angled connecting portion128aof the other arm114btranslating along reentrant lip52bwhile pressure is applied to the spring nut100in the direction of the strut50. The applied pressure and contact with the reentrant lips52a,52burge the arms114a,114btoward each other until both arms114a,114bare positioned between the reentrant lips52a,52b.Continued pressure application moves the arms114a,114bfurther into the strut50until the engagement gussets140a,140band the legs112are engaged with interior and exterior portions of the reentrant lips52a,52b,respectively. The engagement of the engagement gussets140a,140binduces opposing biasing forces from the arms114a,114bto the reentrant lips52a,52bin a lateral direction (in the orientation as shown inFIG.13B) and the engagement of the legs112induces a biasing force to the reentrant lips52a,52bin a vertical direction (in the orientation shown inFIG.13B). The biasing forces load the engagement of the spring nut100and the strut50to urge the engagement gussets140a,140bmore tightly into the reentrant lips52a,52band thereby inhibit lateral movement of the spring nut along the strut50.

Additionally, some embodiments of a spring nut can include thread-engaging portions that are contoured to provide improved engagement with a thread of a threaded object. For example, as shown inFIGS.5and6, the first thread-engaging portion130aangles generally downwardly toward the base122with a first leading edge134abeing arranged axially higher than a first trailing edge136a(i.e., axially farther from the base122than the first trailing edge136a) at opposite ends of a curved edge138a.Similarly, the second thread-engaging portion130bangles generally downwardly away from the base122, with a second leading edge134bbeing arranged axially higher than a second trailing edge136bat opposite ends of a curved edge138b.Further, the leading edges134a,134bcan extend laterally farther from the connecting portions128a,128bthan do the trailing edges136a,136b,and the leading edge134ais arranged axially higher than the leading edge134b.In this way, for example, the first and second thread-engaging ends130aand130bform a general helix-like profile that is configured to engage a thread on a threaded rod.

The spring nut100is also configured to enable relatively quick engagement of a threaded rod therein, including as illustrated inFIGS.7through10, and further shown inFIGS.15A-16B. In some configurations, a spring nut can be attached to a threaded rod without requiring rotation of the threaded rod and wherein opposite thread-engaging portions of the spring nut can be configured to engage opposite sides of the threaded rod. For example, as shown inFIGS.7through10, the first thread-engaging end130ais configured to engage one side of a threaded rod60, with a second thread-engaging end130bbeing configured to engage an opposite side of the threaded rod60.

InFIG.7, the spring nut100is shown initially being aligned with and pushed onto the threaded rod60(or, inherently, vice versa as shown inFIGS.15A and15B) so that the threaded rod60is inserted through an aperture in a base (shown inFIGS.3and4) of the spring nut100. This generally positions the threaded rod60along the central axis120and further aligns the threaded rod60to engage the thread-engaging portions130of the arms114.

As illustrated inFIGS.8and9, once the spring nut100has been pushed onto the threaded rod60(or vice versa) far enough to engage the threaded rod60with the thread-engaging portions130, the flexibility and design of the thread-engaging portions130generally enable arms114to flex laterally outwardly to admit the threaded rod60through the thread-engaging portions130in a first direction (i.e., upward inFIGS.7through10). Further, the arms114are configured to resiliently spring laterally inward as each successive crest of the thread of the threaded rod60passes the thread-engagement portions130, in order to automatically engage the subsequent threaded rod60between the passed crest and a subsequent crest, and thereby resist withdrawal of the threaded rod60in an opposite direction (i.e., downward inFIGS.7through10). As illustrated inFIG.8in particular, when the thread-engaging portions130are passing over a crest of the thread of the threaded rod60, the arms114can be flexed laterally outwardly (as indicated by arrows62and64to enable the threaded rod60to pass therethrough. As illustrated inFIG.9in particular, as a subsequent root of the thread is moved into alignment with the thread-engaging portions130, the restorative action of the arms114moves the thread-engaging portions130laterally inwardly (as indicated by arrows66and68) into closer engagement with the thread generally (e.g., at or near the root). As shown inFIG.16B, and further discussed below, the force of the insertion of the threaded rod60in the spring nut100that is already installed in the strut50urges the arms114further into the strut50and partially bends the legs112closer to planar alignment with the base122, which increases the biasing force induced by the legs112onto the reentrant lips52.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.10, a load applied to the threaded rod60in a first, downward direction70(from the perspective ofFIGS.7through10), such as an axial direction opposite an insertion direction of the threaded rod into the spring nut100, results in the generally vertical force76(shown inFIG.11acting on the second arm114b) applied by the threaded rod60to the thread-engaging ends130. The load can be transferred to the spring nut100at the location where the thread-engaging portions130engage the thread of the threaded rod60. The load can then be transferred from the thread-engaging portions130along the arms114to the engagement between the structure-engagement portions116and the reentrant lips52when installed in a strut50(see, e.g.,FIG.19B). The load applied to the threaded rod60can accordingly be counterbalanced by reaction forces72and74at the engagement between the structure-engagement portions116and the reentrant lips52of the strut50. Thus, the load applied to the threaded rod60may be transferred from the spring nut100to the strut and the strut can support the threaded rod60relative to another structure (not shown) to which the strut is attached.

Due to the engagement between the structure-engagement portions116and the reentrant lips52occurring at a location that is laterally outward from the engagement of the thread-engaging portions130with the thread of the threaded rod60, loading of the threaded rod60can generate a reaction moment that generally urges the arms114and, in particular, the thread-engaging portions130, into tighter engagement with the thread of the threaded rod60. This can generally contribute to the thread-engaging portions130being firmly retained in engagement with the thread of the threaded rod60and can help to resist, for example, laterally outward forces generated from the angled interaction with the thread on the threaded rod60. Indeed, with appropriate design (e.g., as illustrated for the spring nut100), increases in loading on the threaded rod60can tend to increase the gripping force of the engagement of the spring nut100with the threaded rod60.

A second moment in an opposite direction of the first moment is also induced on the arms114from a horizontal component78(shown inFIG.11acting on the second arm114b) of a force generated from the angled interaction of a thread of the threaded rod60with the thread-engaging ends130. With appropriate configuration with regard to the lateral positioning of the contact between the arms114and the strut50(shown inFIG.12) or other support structure, the first moment can generally be greater in magnitude than the second moment. Accordingly, a net moment80(shown inFIG.11with respect to the second arm114b) can result, which can generally urge the thread-engaging ends130into tighter engagement with a thread as the threaded rod60is increasingly loaded. In this way, for example, the more the threaded rod60is loaded, the more strongly the arms114are urged into engagement with the rod60and the more strongly the spring nut100retains the rod60against the load.

It is further contemplated in some embodiments that the tightening or loading of the threaded rod60(seeFIGS.7through10) within the spring nut100can further enhance engagement between the spring nut100and the strut50. For example, the engagement of the engagement gussets140can be further increased during the tightening of the threaded rod60. The direct mechanical force induced by the tightening of the threaded object within the arms114concentrates a reactionary force from the strut50at the engagement gussets140of the spring nut100. In some embodiments, the enhanced engagement of the engagement gussets140can permit the spring nut100to carry a load with the force of the load acting in a direction along the length of the strut (i.e., in the lateral direction along the strut), for example, when the strut is installed vertically on a wall.

Additionally, the engagement between the spring nut100and the strut50can be enhanced (e.g., pre-loaded) by threading a hex nut40against the base122, opposite the strut50. As shown inFIGS.18A and18B, the hex nut40can be installed onto the threaded rod60until the hex nut40abuts the base122. The hex nut40can then be rotated between a quarter-rotation to a full-rotation (e.g., a three-quarter rotation) to flatten the legs112relative to the base122. In some configurations, the flattening of the legs112can be used as a visual indication of achieving a predetermined torque value of the hex nut40on the threaded rod60as it is urged against the base122of the spring nut100.

Further, some embodiments can help to provide enhanced engagement between the spring nut100and the strut50even though the actual dimension (e.g., height in an insertion direction) of reentrant lips vary from strut to strut. Therefore, the quality of the engagement can also vary unless a fastener is equipped to adapt to the differences in heights. In this regard, for example, as also discussed above, the crumple zones144can be provided within the support portions118. As shown inFIGS.19A and19B, for example, the crumple zones144are generally configured to partially crumple (i.e., collapse) as the hex nut40is tightened against the spring nut100, to better engage the structure-engagement portion116with the reentrant lip52. In particular, because of the collapsible configuration of the crumple zones144(e.g., C- or S-shaped, as shown), as the hex nut40is tightened toward the strut50the resulting force from the threaded rod60on the arms114of the spring nut100can cause a distance between the base122and the engagement of the arms114with the threaded rod60to decrease (i.e., at least partly due to generally shortening deformation of the crumple zones144, rather than to the deformation of the connecting portions128or of the bends between the connecting portions128and the support portions118.

FIGS.20through22illustrate a spring nut200according to another embodiment of the invention. In many aspects, the spring nut200is configured similarly to the spring nut100described above and similar numbering in the 200 series is used for the spring nut200. For example, the spring nut200has a base222and arms214extending from the base222along a central axis220. The arms214each have a support portion218, a structure engagement portion216, an angled connecting portion228, and a thread-engaging portion230with a curved edge238, a leading edge234, and a trailing edge236.

In some aspects, however, the spring nut200differs from the spring nut100. For example, although opposing tabs226extend from the base222outside of the axially projected envelope of the arms214, the opposing tabs226are disposed at an angle away from the base222and in the direction of the structure-engagement portions216. The bent tabs226, similar to the legs112of the spring nut100, are configured to induce a biasing force against a support structure (not shown) to maintain the position of the spring nut200on the support structure.

As discussed above, certain embodiments exhibit features that are different from features of other embodiments. Generally, features described with respect to one embodiment above can be interchanged with features of other embodiments, or added as supplemental features to other embodiments. For example, structure-engagement portions with engagement gussets or support portions with crumple zones as provided with respect to the spring nut100can be incorporated into the spring nut200or other configurations. Similarly, particular angular configurations, internal features, and other features described above can be generally be included on any variety of embodiments other than those with which such configurations or features are specifically illustrated or described above.

In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized, manufactured, or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention. Correspondingly, any description herein of particular features, capabilities, or intended purposes of a device or system (e.g., the spring nuts100,200) is generally intended to include disclosure of a method of using such devices for the intended purposes, of a method of otherwise implementing such capabilities, of a method of manufacturing relevant components of such a device or system (or the device or system as a whole), and of a method of installing disclosed (or otherwise known) components to support such purposes or capabilities. For example, as shown inFIGS.12A through13B, a method of installing a spring nut100into a strut50is shown. The method can include tipping the first arm114ainto the strut50(e.g., rotating the spring nut100about a contact point between the strut50and one set of the legs112) so that the joint at which the support portion118aand the angled connecting portion128ameet is urged against one of the reentrant lips52and the angled connecting portion128bof the second arm114bcontacts the other of the reentrant lips52(shown inFIG.12A). The spring nut100can then be pressed toward the strut50(i.e., further into the channel of the strut50) until the arms114are between the reentrant lips52, the set of legs112are in contact with the outer surface of the reentrant lips52, and the engagement features140are urged against the reentrant lips52by the biasing force of the arms114and the legs112against the reentrant lips52(as shown inFIGS.13A and13B).

Another example method according to the present invention includes moving the spring nut100along the strut50once installed therein. In reference toFIG.14A(e.g., after installation according to the method ofFIGS.12A through13B), the method can include pushing the base122of the spring nut100in the direction of the strut50, thereby bending the legs112relative to the base122to bring the legs112into, or closer to, planar alignment with the base122(or, alternatively, with a plane defined at the mount of the channel of the strut50by the external edges of the reentrant lips52). As a result of this elastic deformation of the legs112, pushing the installed nut100toward the strut50can elastically move the engagement features140out of engagement with the reentrant lips52(i.e., can relieve the biasing force imposed by the legs112as discussed above). Then, with the engagement features140thus disengaged (e.g., while maintaining the pushing force on the spring nut100), the spring nut100can be slid along the strut50in either direction and into a preferred location. The pressure can then be released and the legs112will induce a biasing force onto the reentrant lips52, reengaging the engagement features140to retain the spring nut100in the preferred location.

Additionally, an example method for inserting and engaging a threaded rod60within the spring nut100is shown inFIGS.15A through16B. The method can include aligning the threaded rod60with the aperture124in the base122of the spring nut100already installed in a strut50(shown inFIGS.15A and15B, e.g., after installation and adjustment according toFIGS.12A through14B). The threaded rod60is then urged in the direction of the thread-engaging portions130, to pass between the thread-engagement portion130and generally through the nut100. Due to the force balances discussed above, this sliding (e.g., non-rotating) insertion of the threaded rod60pushes the thread-engaging portions130outwardly away from each other. The resilient response (i.e., biasing force) of the arms114then maintains the arms114in contact with the rod60as it continues therebetween and urges the thread-engaging portions130into gripping engagement with the threaded rod60between the passed crest and a subsequent crest of the thread, to retain the threaded rod60and inhibit the threaded rod60from moving in the opposite direction.

Further, a method for securing the threaded rod60and the spring nut100to the strut50is also contemplated. For example, according to the invention as shown inFIGS.17A through19B, a hex nut40can be used to further secure the threaded rod60to the spring nut100and the strut50(e.g., and also generally pre-load the threaded rod60for the relevant installation). The hex nut40can be threaded onto the threaded rod60after the threaded rod60has been inserted into the spring nut100installed in the strut50(e.g., as discussed above). Further, the hex nut40can be threaded to a position wherein the hex nut40abuts the base122of the spring nut100. Rotating the hex nut40further (e.g., by another half to a full rotation) urges the legs112into the strut50and thereby, as similarly discussed above with respect toFIGS.14A and14B, bends the legs112into planar alignment with the base122. The planar alignment can visually indicate to an installer that a sufficient torque has been attained as well as inducing a resilient response in the legs112that helps to bias the nut100overall into secure engagement.

Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, discussion herein of any method of manufacturing or using for a particular device or system, including installing the device or system, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.