Abstract:
Embodiments of present invention generally relate to securing systems and, more particularly, to clamping assemblies for supporting items such as piping systems and mechanical systems. In one embodiment, a hanger assembly for pipes or other equipment in a building is provided. The hanger assembly includes a clamping assembly configured to releaseably engage a support structure secured to the building; a hanger for supporting the pipes or other equipment in the building; and an elongate rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the clamping assembly such that the elongate rod can pivot in a plurality of planes and wherein the second end is configured to support the hanger.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/869,406, entitled Securing System, filed Dec. 11, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of present invention generally relate to hanger assemblies for pipes or other equipment in buildings. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    A clamp is a fastening device used to hold or secure objects and discourage movement or separation in the event of external pressure. Clamps are well known in the art, and C-clamps are one of the most common types of clamps. C-clamps have a substantially C-shaped frame and are often made of steel or cast iron. C-clamps typically include a screw that extends through a portion of the frame where the screw may be tightened until a desired state is obtained. 
         [0006]    Some companies have adapted C-clamps to provide a mechanism for supporting items beneath a structure engaged by the C-clamp.  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a C-clamp system  2  adapted to provide a mechanism for supporting an accumulation of cables  4  The conventional C-clamp system  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , is Erico&#39;s CADDY Beam Clamp Model BC10.  FIG. 1  shows two identical conventional C-clamp systems  2  engaging a beam  6  and C-shaped hanger bar  21 . Each C-clamp system  2  includes a C-clamp  8  for securing the system to the beam  6 , an elongate rod  12  extending downward from the C-clamp  8 , and a pivoting point  10  for pivoting the elongate rod  12  about the C-clamp  8 . The C-clamp  8  is releasably securable to the beam  6 . The pivoting point  10  is carried by the C-clamp  8 , and includes a bolt/pin  14  for connecting the C-clamp  8  to a U-member  16 . As a result, the U-member  16  can pivot about the bolt/pin  14 . The elongate rod  12  includes a first end  18  connected to the U-member  16  that enables the elongate rod  12  to also pivot about the bolt/pin  14 . The elongate rod  12  also includes a second end  20  that engages the C-shaped bar  21 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the C-shaped hanger bar  21  supporting an accumulation of cables  4  and the C-shaped hanger bar  21  being supported by two conventional C-clamping systems  2 . Although the C-shaped hanger bar  21  is illustrated as a hanger for cables, other building equipment could also be hung using the system including pipes, conduits and the like. 
         [0007]    In use, the C-clamping system  2  is tightened when the objects, such as the beam  6 , are satisfactorily positioned between the flat end of the screw  22  and a flat end of the C-clamp  2 . The C-clamping system  2  may also be loosened to allow the C-clamping system  2  to be removed from a structure, which in this case is the beam  6 . 
         [0008]    In the conventional C-clamping system  2 , the pivoting point  10  limits the movement of the elongate rod  12  within a single plane. Also, the pivoting point  10  restricts the pivotal movement of the rod to a single plane. As a result, the C-clamping system  2  may not allow the elongate rod to be plumb with respect to gravity if the surfaces of the structure engaged by the C-clamping system  2  are not substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The elongate rod may be subjected to a bending stress because the joint between the rod and the C-clamping system  2  restricts the pivotal movement of the rod to a single plane. Accordingly, this restricted pivotal movement can limit the types of structures in which conventional clamping systems can be used. A need therefore exists for securing systems that provide more flexibility on the types of structures in which items may be suspended. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The above and other needs are met by the present invention which, in one embodiment, provides a hanger assembly for pipes or other equipment in a building. The hanger assembly includes a clamping assembly configured to releaseably engage a support structure secured to the building; a hanger for supporting the pipes or other equipment in the building; and an elongate rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the clamping assembly such that the elongate rod can pivot in a plurality of planes and wherein the second end is configured to support the hanger. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0010]    Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of securing system having two conventional C-clamp systems supporting an accumulation of cables; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a conventional C-clamp system without the pivoting point; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the conventional C-clamp system shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a securing system  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a ball joint  300  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the cage  305  shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a cage  500  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a securing system  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention engaging a structure  10 . The securing system  100  includes a clamping assembly  200 , a ball joint  300 , and an elongate rod  400 . The clamping assembly  200  is removeably securable to the structure  10 , such that the clamping assembly  200  can bitingly engage the structure  10 . The ball joint  300  is carried by the clamping assembly  200  and enables the elongate rod  400  to swivel about the ball joint  300 . The elongate rod  400  has a first end  405  and a second end  410 . The first end  405  of the elongate rod  400  is carried by the ball joint  300 , while the second end  410  may be configured with a conventional pipe strap for securing a piping system as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Because the elongate rod  400  can swivel about the ball joint  300 , the elongate rod  400  hangs substantially plumb with the direction of gravity in a relaxed state. 
         [0020]    The swiveling action at the ball joint  300 , allows the securing system  100  to overcome deficiencies in conventional C-clamping systems. Specifically, it enables the elongate rod  400  to hang in substantial alignment with the direction of gravity (i.e. plumb) substantially independent from the angle of the surface to which the clamping assembly  200  engages. 
         [0021]    As mentioned, the securing system  100  is configured to connect to a structure  10 . The structure  10  may take a variety of forms, such as for example a beam, steel joist, or other common steel structural shape. As noted above, one advantage of using securing assembly  100  is that it may clamp to structural surfaces of varying angles. For example, the structure  10  may be a truss support for a building, which is situated at an angle other than horizontal. The swiveling action of the ball joint enables the securing system  100  to be secured to such structures while still allowing the elongate rod  400  to hang substantially plumb. 
         [0022]    The clamping assembly  200  of the securing system  100  includes a clamp  205  having a notch  210  for receiving the structure  10  therein. The clamp  205  of the clamping assembly  200  may have a substantially C-shape. That is, the clamping assembly  200  may be a C-clamp, although as one skilled in the art would appreciate, other shaped clamps may be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0023]    In various embodiments, the clamp  205  is configured to releaseably engage opposing surfaces of the structure  10 . In one embodiment, the clamp  205  includes a clamping adjustment assembly  215 . The clamping adjustment assembly  215 , in the illustrated embodiment, is a load screw  220 . The load screw  220  may be a reduced neck bolt. As the load screw  220  is tightened, the clamp  205  engages the structure  10 . On the other hand, as the load screw  220  is loosened, the clamp  205  disengages the structure  10  and may be removed or repositioned on the structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the load screw  220  directly engages the structure  10 , such that the load screw  220  secures the clamp  205  to the structure  10 . In an alternative embodiment, the load screw  220  enables the clamp  205  to directly engage the structure  10 , by adjusting the size of the notch  210 . 
         [0024]    In various embodiments, the notch  210  of the clamp  205  includes a plurality of teeth  225 . As the clamping adjustment assembly  215  is tightened against the structure  10 , the teeth  225  may further engage the structure  10  for additional support. Although illustrated in  FIG. 4  as engaging a rod-shaped structure  10 , the clamp  205  can engage other shaped structures such as the beam  6  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0025]    The ball joint  300  of the securing system  100  enables the elongate rod  400  to swivel approximately 360 degrees within a conical volume. Further, the ball joint  300  may also reduce the chance that the elongate rod  400  will be subjected to a bending stress while the securing system  100  is attached to the structure  10 . 
         [0026]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , the ball joint  300  includes a cage  305  and a ball  310 . The cage  305  is configured to receive the ball  310  therein. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the cage  305 . The cage  305  includes four sidewalls  306 A,B,C,D, which cooperate to form a trapezoid. It should be understood that the sidewalls  306 A,B,C,D may be configured in other prismatic shapes such as a cube or inverted pyramid. Each of the sidewalls  306 A,B,C,D define a window. The window defined by the longest sidewall  306 A of the trapezoid is large enough to allow the ball  310  to pass through. In the illustrated embodiment, the other widows defined by the remaining sidewalls  306 B,C,D are sized such that the ball  310  will not pass through. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the windows defined by the other sidewalls may be large enough to allow the ball  310  to pass through if desired. 
         [0028]    The cage  305  also includes a substantially planar top  307 , which has a substantially trapezoidal shape. The planar top  305  is configured to secure the cage  305  to the clamping assembly  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the planar top  307  includes a threaded pin  308 , which is configured to engage a threaded hole formed in the clamp assembly  200 . In other embodiments, the planar top  308  may define a hole configured to accept a fastener, which may be used to secure the cage  305  to the clamp assembly  200 . It should be understood that the cage  305  may be secured to the clamp assembly  200  using any known or developed method of fastening. 
         [0029]    In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall  309  is a planar structure substantially parallel with the top  307  and defines an opening  309 A. The opening  309 A is smaller than the ball  310  such that the ball  310  cannot pass through. The opening  309 A is also large enough to allow the first end of the elongate rod  400  to pass through and engage the ball  310 . 
         [0030]    In a further embodiment, the sidewall  306 A of the cage  305  is adapted to receive the ball  310  there through, as well as the elongate rod  400  as discussed in greater detail below. In further embodiments, the side  306 A may have a hinged door (not shown) for securing the ball  310  inside the cage  305 . 
         [0031]    In other embodiments, a retaining screw (not shown) may be installed in a sidewall  306 A of the cage  305  to retain the ball  310  within the cage  305 . The retaining screw may be configured to engage the sidewall  306 A of the cage  305  and protrude into the side window defined by the sidewall  306 A of the cage  305  thereby reducing, if not eliminating, the clearance that enables the ball  310  to be inserted into or withdrawn from the cage  305 . The retaining screw may be adjusted to prevent the ball  310  from being removed from the cage  305 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of a cage  500 . In this embodiment, the cage  500  includes a first half  510  and a second half  530 . These two halves may be joined to create a cube shaped cage  500 . Generally described, the two halves utilize a series of pins and associated apertures to align and secure the two halves to form the cage  500 . 
         [0033]    The first half  510  includes a sidewall  511 , which defines a window. Extending perpendicularly from the sidewall  511  are a pin  512  and a leg  514 . The leg  514  defines an aperture  515 , which is substantially aligned with the elongate axis of the leg  514 . The pin  512  and leg  514  are located proximate the bottom of the sidewall  511  and are substantially parallel. 
         [0034]    Extending substantially perpendicular from the top of the sidewall  511  is a top wall  516 . A pin  520  extends from the edge  518  of the top wall  516 . The edge  518  also defines an aperture  522  spaced apart from the pin  520  such that the axis of the aperture  522  is substantially parallel with the elongate axis of the pin  520 . Additionally, the edge  518  defines an arcuate portion  524  and a hex portion  526  which are in substantial vertical alignment and configured to engage the shoulder and head of a fastener (not shown) respectively when the two halves  510 ,  530  are joined. 
         [0035]    The second half  530  includes a sidewall  531 , which defines a window. Extending perpendicularly from the sidewall  531  are a pin  532  and a leg  534 . The leg  534  defines an aperture (not shown), which is substantially aligned with the elongate axis of the leg  534 . The pin  532  is configured to engage the aperture  515  defined by the leg  514  of the first half  510 , and the aperture (not shown) in the leg  534  is configured to receive the pin  512  of the first half  510  when the two halves  510 ,  530  are joined. 
         [0036]    Extending substantially perpendicular from the top of the sidewall  531  is a top wall  536 . A pin  540  extends from the edge  538  of the top wall  536  and is configured to engage the aperture  522  of the first half  510 . The edge  538  also defines an aperture (not shown) which is configured to receive the pin  520  from the first half  510 . Additionally, the edge  538  defines an arcuate portion  542  and a hex portion (not shown), which are in substantial vertical alignment and configured to engage the head and shoulder of a fastener when the two halves  510 ,  530  are joined. When joined, the two legs  514  and  534  define the bottom of the cage  500  and are space apart such that the ball  310  (not shown) cannot pass through. In one embodiment, the ball  310  is placed between the two halves  510 ,  530  before the halves are joined such that the ball  310  is captured by the cage  500 . As will be understood by those of skill in the art, adhesives may be used in conjunction with the pins and apertures to secure the two halves together. In other embodiments, some of the pins and associated apertures may be designed for a press or snap fit. 
         [0037]    Returning to  FIG. 4 , the ball  310  is connected to the first end of the elongate rod  400  thereby enabling swiveling attributes. In various embodiments, the ball  310  is integral with the elongate rod  400 . In other embodiments, the ball  310  may include a threaded aperture for receiving the elongate rod  400 , which would have a complementary threaded portion proximate the first end  405 , such that the threads on the first end  405  of the elongate rod  400  cooperate with the threaded aperture in the ball  310  to secure the elongate rod  400  to the ball  310 . 
         [0038]    The open bottom  309  coupled with the shape of the ball  310  allow the elongate rod  400  to swivel about the ball joint  300 . The elongate rod  400  can be suspended within a 360 degree conical section. Plus, when the elongate rod  400  is in a relaxed state, it hangs substantially plumb. Notably, the elongate rod  400  hangs plumb in the relaxed state due to the prevailing forces of gravity. 
         [0039]    The second end  410  of the elongate rod  400  is configured to secure an item or other securing mechanisms. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the second end  410  is configured with a conventional pipe strap  420 . As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the second end  410  of the elongate rod  400  can be configured to support many types of systems such as piping systems, mechanical equipment, air flow ducts, electrical conduits, and the like. Any known or developed mechanisms may be used to secure the elongate rod  400  to the system being supported. 
         [0040]    In one aspect of the invention, various methods are provided for securing objects to a structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the clamping assembly  200  is attached to a structure  10  by tightening the clamping adjustment assembly  215 . Then, the elongate rod  400  is attached to the ball  310  and the second end  410  of the elongate rod  400  is threaded through the sidewall  306 A and the opening  309 A defined by the bottom wall  309  such that the ball  310  rests within the cage  305 , and the elongate rod  400  extends from the ball  310  through the bottom wall  309 . Next, an item or retaining mechanism may be secured to the second end  410  of the elongate rod  400  such as a pipe strap  420 . 
         [0041]    In other embodiments, the rod  400  and ball  310  may be inserted into the cage  305  prior to attaching the clamping assembly  200  to the structure  10 . In further embodiments, the ball  310  may be placed within the cage  305  prior to attachment to the elongate rod  400 . In which case, the elongate rod  400  would be extended from outside the cage  305  through the opening  309 A defined by the bottom  309  and engage the ball  310 . 
         [0042]    In still further embodiments, a clamping assembly  200  may be attached to the structure first, and then the cage  305  fastened to the clamp assembly  200 . Next, the ball may be placed into the cage before or after the attachment of the cage to the clamp assembly  200 . 
         [0043]    A beneficial feature of the securing system  100  is that depending on the length of the elongate rod  400 , the securing system  100  may be secured to a non-horizontally angled structure but still support a horizontal piping system. In addition, the securing system  100  has the flexibility to be secured to a horizontal structure and support a non-horizontal or horizontal piping system. 
         [0044]    An additional benefit of embodiments of the present invention is that the second end  410  of the elongate rod  400  may be configured to support a piping system as shown in  FIG. 4 , which may allow limited movement of the piping system in response to non-vertical forces, such as seismic forces and/or wind loads. In particular, the swiveling action of the ball joint  300  may allow some movement without placing a bending stress on the elongate rod  400 . Other bracing (not shown) may also be included at the connection between the second end of the elongate rod  400  and the piping system, for further restraint and support of the piping system from moving in a non-horizontal direction (e.g., discourage pivoting about the ball joint). 
         [0045]    A benefit of various embodiments of the present invention is that they may enable an elongate rod to be suspended in a 360 degree conical section, by utilizing a clamping assembly carrying a ball joint in communication with the elongate rod. As a result, the clamping assemblies may be attached to a horizontal or non-horizontal structure, such that the elongate rod hangs plumb, which promotes proper support and flow of various piping systems. 
         [0046]    Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.