Abstract:
One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for suspending air conditioning duct works from a support structure comprising unistrut type support beams which apparatus includes a plurality of support brackets arranged and configured for being slidably interlockable with the interior of the unistrut beam members. The support brackets can be slid inside the interior of the support beam until adjacent a support beam which support beam can be connected to the support bracket. In like manner additional support brackets can be inserted into the interior of the support beam members to be adjustably located next to their respective support rod. In such manner multiple support rods can be used to support a frame member even where the support rods are not symmetrically located along the length of the support beam as the support bracket can be slid/moved inside the support beam until lining up with its respective support rod. Additionally, the entire support framework can be moved relative to the plurality of support rods by sliding the framework relative to the support brackets. In such manner the location of the supporting frame member can be changed without moving the support rods.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority is claimed of/to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/613,039, filed on 13 Sep. 2012. 
     In this United States, this is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/613,039, filed on 13 Sep. 2012. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/613,039, filed on 13 Sep. 2012 is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     In supporting packages at elevated positions with structural support systems vertical locations such as ceilings or roofing frameworks, difficulties exist because of the irregular locations of possible tensile support connections. 
     It would be desirable to have a method and apparatus which allows the user to compensate for the irregular spacing of vertical tensile members when supporting the structural support systems with packages to be supported through the use of support brackets which are longitudinally adjustable relative to the longitudinal length of the structural support system. 
     While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. 
     One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for suspending air conditioning duct works from a support structure comprising unistrut type support beams which apparatus includes a plurality of support brackets arranged and configured for being slidably interlockable with the interior of the unistrut beam members. 
     In one embodiment the support brackets can be slid inside the interior of the support beam until adjacent a support beam which support beam can be connected to the support bracket. In like manner additional support brackets can be inserted into the interior of the support beam members to be adjustably located next to their respective support rod. In such manner multiple support rods can be used to support a frame member even where the support rods are not symmetrically located along the length of the support beam as the support bracket can be slid/moved inside the support beam until lining up with its respective support rod. Additionally, the entire support framework can be moved relative to the plurality of support rods by sliding the framework relative to the support brackets. In such manner the location of the supporting frame member can be changed without moving the support rods. 
     One embodiment generally relates to devices for supporting frame members, and more particularly to an apparatus for supporting a frame comprising multiple unistrut support beams with slidable type support brackets. 
     One embodiment provides an apparatus for suspending a frame member from a support structure (e.g., a building frame) which includes a plurality of slidably interlockable support brackets. 
     In one embodiment, the brackets can comprise a V-shaped element having an upright 
     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support bracket. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the bracket of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the bracket of  FIG. 1  with an exploded view of a support arm for such bracket. 
         FIG. 6  shows side view of the bracket in  FIG. 1  along with a unistrut frame member in which the bracket can be inserted. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the bracket of  FIG. 1  being inserted into a unistrut frame. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the bracket of  FIG. 7  now inserted into the unistrut frame and showing the bracket hanging in an unsupported position in the interior of the unistrut frame. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the bracket of  FIG. 7  now inserted into the unistrut frame and with the bracket being supported by a support arm, and the bracket now supporting the unistrut frame. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of one of the bracket in  FIG. 7  where the portion of the bracket in the interior of the unistrut frame is shown in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 7  where a portion of the unistrut frame has been cutaway. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a support frame for an A/C duct which support frame is supported by a set for four brackets of the construction shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a support bracket  100  in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 2  is a front view of support bracket  100 .  FIG. 3  is a rear view of support bracket  100 .  FIG. 4  is a top view of support bracket  100 . 
     In this disclosure a single support bracket  100  will be described in detail. However, it is to be understood that the various support brackets (e.g.,  100 ′,  100 ″,  100 ″′ etc.) can be constructed substantially similar to support bracket  100  and do not need to be described separately. 
     Generally, support bracket  100  can comprise locking section  300  which is connected to support flange  200 . Support bracket  100  can have first end  110  and second end  120 , along with an apex  310  and lower end  384 . In various embodiments transition portion  250  can be provided between support flange  200  and locking section  300  of support bracket  100 . 
     In various embodiments this transition section can include a recessed area  255  between support section  200  and locking section  300  can be provided. In one embodiment recessed  255  area can be an upwardly facing socket which accepts socket  942 . In one embodiment recessed area  255  as a socket can comprise two planer flanges forming a “V” shape. In other embodiments recessed area  255  can be other shapes wherein recessed area cradling socket  942  of framing member  900 . In various embodiments this recessed area  255  can be omitted and support flange  200  can be planer at its transition  250  with locking section  300 . 
     In one embodiment upper surface  202  of support section can be at a vertical height which is at least equal to the top of socket  942 . In various embodiments upper surface  202  can be at a larger vertical height than the top of socket  942 . 
     In one embodiment upper surface  202  of support section can be at a vertical height which is at least equal to the bottom of socket  942 . In various embodiments upper surface  202  can be at a larger vertical height than the bottom of socket  942 . 
     Locking section  300  can comprise first flange  340  which is connected to second flange  380 . First and second flanges  340 ,  380  can form a V-shaped locking section. First flange  340  can be planer, as can be second flange  380 . 
     First flange  340  can include first side  354  and second side  358 , along with lower end  344  and upper end  348 . Second flange  380  can include first side  394  and second side  398 , along with lower end  384  and upper end  388 . 
     Support flange  200  can be attached to locking section  300  via curved section  250 . Support flange  200  can include first side  214  and second side  218 , along with lower surface  204  and upper surface  208 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of support bracket  100  with an exploded view of a tensile member  800  (e.g., arm/rod/chain/cord/wire) for supporting in an elevated position bracket  300  hanging from a overhead support system such as a ceiling, beam, frame, etc. 
     Support bracket  100  can be attached to tensile member  800  via opening  210  using threaded area  810 , first nut  820  and second nut  830 . Washers  822  and  832  can be used if desired. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5  second portion  380  of locking section  300  can have a height  390  between apex  310  and lower end  384  of second flange  380 . First flange  340  and second flange  380  can make an angle  420 . Angle  420  can be about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 degrees. In various embodiments angle  420  can be between about any two of the above referenced degree measurements. 
       FIG. 6  shows side view of support bracket  100  along with a unistrut frame member  900  in which bracket  100  can be inserted in a locking fashion. In this disclosure a single frame member  900   100  will be described in detail. However, it is to be understood that the various framing members (e.g.,  900 ′, etc.) can be constructed substantially similar to frame member  900 , and do not need to be described separately. 
     Framing member  900  can comprise top web  930  along with first flange  940  and second flange  950 , and have first end  910  and second end  920 . Top web  930  generally makes a 90 degree angle with first and second flanges  940 , 950 . Between top web  930  and first and second flanges  940 ,  950  can be interior  970 . Interior  970  can have a width  974  and height  972 . At the bottom end of first flange  940  can be a socket  944  which generally faces interior  970 , and in various embodiments faces top web  930 . At the bottom end of second flange  950  can be socket  954  which generally faces interior  970 , and in various embodiments top web  930 . Between socket  942  and socket  954  can be an open gap  978 . 
       FIGS. 7, 8, and 9  illustrate the flexibility of positioning and frictionally locking support bracket  100  in framing member  900 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of support bracket  100  being inserted into framing member  900  through first end  910  (schematically indicated by arrow  904 ).  FIG. 8  is a side view of support bracket  100  now inserted into framing member  900  and showing bracket  100  hanging in a locked but unsupported position in the interior  970  of frame.  FIG. 9  is a side view of support bracket  100  now inserted into framing member  900  and with the bracket  100  being supported by support arm  800  and tending to apply to bracket  100  a rotational torque in the direction of arrow  1510  against framing member  900 , with bracket  100  now supporting the framing member  900  and being in a longitudinally locked position (i.e., locked in the direction of longitudinal centerline  980 ). Such longitudinal locking occurs because of the frictional forces arising between bracket  100  and framing member  900  (where end  384  of bracket  100  is frictionally engaged with the interior side of socket  952  of framing member  900 , and transition  250  of bracket  100  frictionally engages with the exterior side of socket  942  of framing member  900 . 
     As schematically indicated in  FIG. 8 , support bracket  100  is frictionally unlocked relative to framing member  900  when not attached to rod  800 —where any frictional forces between support bracket  100  and framing member  900  are minimized, and allowing support bracket  100  to be rotated in the direction of arrow  1510  and slidably adjusted in a longitudinal direction while remaining within framing member  900 . This slidable adjustability is schematically indicated by arrows  1610  in  FIG. 7 . It is noted that in this longitudinally-frictionally unlocked state, support bracket  100  is preferably still maintained in framing member  900  based on height  390  of second flange  390  being larger than the open distance  978  between socket  942  and socket  954 , and preferably larger than the larger of: (a) width  974  less width  944  and (b) width  974  less width  954 . In this manner bracket  100  will tend not to fall out of the interior  974  of framing member  900 . 
       FIG. 9  schematically shows bracket  100  entering a frictionally longitudinal locked (arrow  1500 ) and supported state relative to framing member  900 . In this state lower end  384  of bracket  100  will enter the interior of socket  952 , and bracket  100  will push against the exterior of socket  942 . Tensile member  800  supports support bracket  100 , and support bracket  100  supports framing member  900  as schematically indicated by arrow  1550 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIG. 9 , support bracket can be frictionally locked relative to framing member  900  be attaching rod  800  causing support bracket to be rotated direction of arrow  1500  entering a frictionally locked and supported state relative to framing member  900 . In this state lower end  384  of bracket  100  will enter the interior of socket  952 , and bracket  100  will push against the exterior of socket  942 . Tensile member  800  supports support bracket  100  in the direction of arrow  1550 , and support bracket  100  supports framing member  900  also in the direction of arrow  1550 . 
     Recessed area  255  can form a socket which reinforces the structural rigidity of framing member  900 . As schematically indicted in  FIG. 9  a load (indicated by arrow  1540 ) applied to framing member  900  will tend to cause flanges  940  and  950  to outwardly flex (schematically indicated by arrows  1542  and  1544 ). With such an event, in combination (a) recessed area  255  (e.g., acting as a socket) can cradle the end of flange  940  and (b) lower end  384  of second flange  380  held in socket  942  will resist such tendency of the flanges  940  and  950  to outwardly flex and thereby increase the amount of load framing member  900  can take before failure. In various embodiments, when compared to having not having flanges  940  and  940  reinforced against outwardly bending, such increase in load capacity can be greater than about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 percent. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12  framing member  900  is part of an overall support structure  1000  for supporting a package  1200  in an elevated position, the structural configuration of support structure  2000  (e.g., plurality of interconnected support beams  2010 ) will resist framing member  900  from rotating in the direction of arrow  1500  when tensile member places a rotational load on bracket  100  which rotational load is transferred to support beam  900 . 
     In various embodiments the height of locking section (distance between lower end  384  and apex  310 ) can be greater than 50 percent of the height  972  of interior  970  of support beam  900 . In various embodiments the height can be greater than 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 percent of the height  972  of interior  970  of support beam  900 . In various embodiments the height can be between about any two of the above referenced percentages. 
     In  FIG. 9  is shown angle  260  can be formed between support flange  200  and first flange  940 . Angle  260  can be about 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 90, 95, 105, 115, 125, and 135 degrees. In various embodiments angle  260  can be between about any two of the above referenced degree measurements. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of support bracket  100  where the portion of bracket  100  in the interior  970  of framing member  900  is shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of support bracket  100  where a portion of framing member  900  has been cutaway. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a support frame  2000  which supports, in an elevated position, a package  2200  (e.g., A/C ductwork). Support frame  2000  can comprise framing members  900  and  900 ′ along with a plurality of interconnected support beams  2010 . Support frame  2000  can be supported in an elevated position by a plurality of tensile members  800 ,  800 ′,  800 ″, etc. which are respectively supporting a plurality of support brackets  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″, etc. which are connected to a framing member  900  or  900 ′. 
     Tensile members tensile members  800 ,  800 ′,  800 ″, etc. can themselves be supported themselves in a structure such as a ceiling, rafters, beams, etc. Tensile members  800  can be any structural element strong enough to support load or package  1200  at an elevated position in relation to a ground surface. Such members can be arms, rods, chains, cords, wires, etc. 
     As schematically indicated in  FIG. 12 , in one embodiment the method comprises the following steps: 
     (a) providing a support structure  2000  comprising first and second framing members  900 , 900 ′, each having first and second ends and interiors, which framing members  900 ,  900 ′ are structurally interconnected with each other; 
     (b) provide a plurality of support brackets  100 , 100 ′; 
     (c) inserting at least one of the plurality of support brackets (bracket  100 ) into the interior  970  of support frame  900 , and sliding (schematically indicated by arrows  1610 ) the bracket  100  into a selected longitudinal position relative to support frame  900 , and between the first and second ends of support frame  900 ; 
     (d) inserting at least one of the plurality of support brackets (bracket  100 ″) into the interior  970 ″ of support frame  900 ′, and sliding (schematically indicated by arrows  1630 ) the bracket  100 ′ into a selected longitudinal position relative to support frame  900 ′, and between the first and second ends of support frame  900 ; 
     (e) supporting the support bracket  100  in an elevated position with a tensile member  800 ; 
     (f) supporting the support bracket  100 ″ in an elevated position with a tensile member  800 ″; and 
     (g) wherein support structure  2000  includes a package  1200  to be elevated. 
     In various embodiments the support brackets can be constructed substantially similar to each other. 
     In various embodiments the support brackets can include connecting structure  300  which includes first  340  and second  380  flanges. 
     In various embodiments the support beams  900  can include first  942  and second  952  sockets. 
     The following is a list of reference numerals: 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 (Reference No.) 
                 (Description) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100 
                 support bracket 
               
               
                 110 
                 first end 
               
               
                 120 
                 second end 
               
               
                 150 
                 first side 
               
               
                 160 
                 second side 
               
               
                 200 
                 support section 
               
               
                 202 
                 upper surface of support section 
               
               
                 204 
                 lower surface of support section 
               
               
                 210 
                 opening 
               
               
                 214 
                 first side of support section 
               
               
                 218 
                 second side of support portion 
               
               
                 250 
                 transition between support section and first portion 
               
               
                 255 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                 260 
                 angle 
               
               
                 300 
                 locking section 
               
               
                 310 
                 apex of locking section 
               
               
                 340 
                 first flange 
               
               
                 341 
                 upper face of first flange 
               
               
                 342 
                 lower face of first flange 
               
               
                 344 
                 lower end of first flange 
               
               
                 348 
                 upper end of first flange 
               
               
                 354 
                 first side of first flange 
               
               
                 358 
                 second side of first flange 
               
               
                 380 
                 second flange 
               
               
                 381 
                 upper face of second flange 
               
               
                 382 
                 lower face of second flange 
               
               
                 384 
                 lower end of second flange 
               
               
                 388 
                 upper end of second flange 
               
               
                 390 
                 height of second flange 
               
               
                 394 
                 first side of second flange 
               
               
                 398 
                 second side of second flange 
               
               
                 420 
                 angle between first and section flange 
               
               
                 800 
                 support rod 
               
               
                 810 
                 threaded area 
               
               
                 820 
                 first nut 
               
               
                 822 
                 washer for first nut 
               
               
                 830 
                 second nut 
               
               
                 832 
                 washer for second nut 
               
               
                 900 
                 support beam 
               
               
                 904 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 910 
                 first end 
               
               
                 920 
                 second end 
               
               
                 930 
                 web portion 
               
               
                 940 
                 first flange of C-section 
               
               
                 942 
                 socket 
               
               
                 944 
                 width of socket or curved section 
               
               
                 950 
                 second flange of C-section 
               
               
                 952 
                 socket 
               
               
                 954 
                 width of socket or curved section 
               
               
                 970 
                 interior 
               
               
                 972 
                 height of interior 
               
               
                 974 
                 width of interior 
               
               
                 978 
                 width of open section 
               
               
                 980 
                 longitudinal centerline 
               
               
                 1000 
                 supporting structure 
               
               
                 1010 
                 plurality of supporting beams 
               
               
                 1200 
                 duct 
               
               
                 1500 
                 rotation from non-support to supporting for bracket 
               
               
                 1510 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1540 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1542 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1544 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1550 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1560 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1600 
                 plurality of adjustment arrows 
               
               
                 1610 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1620 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1630 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1640 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 2000 
                 supporting structure 
               
               
                 2010 
                 plurality of supporting beams 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.