Patent Publication Number: US-2022213988-A1

Title: Systems and Methods for a Strut Clip

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/134,278, filed Jan. 6, 2021, entitled “Systems and Methods for a Strut Clip,” and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In many applications it may be useful to support objects on a strut channel. For example, it may be useful to support raceways, conduit, including electric metallic tube (EMT) conduit, or cable, including metal clad (MC) cable and cable for data transmission, on a strut channel. In some contexts, other types of pipes, for instance, plumbing or gas pipes, need to be supported on strut channel. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the invention provide a clip for supporting a cylindrical object with a longitudinal axis on a strut channel with a pair of reentrant lips. The clip can include a clip body extending along a clip axis and can have a first end with a notch and a second end. The notch can be sized to receive a cylindrical object during installation of the clip to the strut channel when the clip body is positioned around the cylindrical object with the clip axis obliquely angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical object. A first set of arms can extend in a first direction from the first end of the clip body, with each arm of the first set including a first hook adapted to engage a first reentrant lip of a strut channel when the cylindrical object is received in the notch. A second set of arms can extend in the first direction from the second end of the clip body, each arm of the second set being resiliently flexible to be moved into engagement with a second reentrant lip of the strut channel by contact with the strut channel as, with the first set of arms engaging the first reentrant lip, the clip body can be rotated to move the second end of the clip body toward the strut channel. 
     Some embodiments provide a clip for supporting a cylindrical object with a longitudinal axis to a strut channel with a pair of reentrant lips. The clip can include a clip body extending along a clip axis that can be configured to be parallel to a longitudinal axis of a cylindrical object secured by the clip body to a strut channel. The clip body can have a first end and a second end; a set of hooks, including a first hook and a second hook, extending from the first end of the clip body in a first direction; and a set of arms, including a first arm and a second arm, extending from the second end of the clip body in the first direction. The set of arms can be configured to be bendable toward the first end of the clip body along the direction of the clip axis under contact with the strut channel as the clip body is rotated toward an installed orientation on the strut channel. The set of hooks can be configured to be rigid against bending toward the second end of the clip body along the direction of the clip axis under contact with the strut channel as the clip body is rotated toward the installed orientation. 
     Some embodiments provide a method for securing a cylindrical object with a longitudinal axis to a strut channel with a strut axis. The strut channel can have an open side with a first reentrant lip and a second reentrant lip that extend in parallel with the strut axis. The method can include positioning the cylindrical object across and adjacent the open side of the strut channel, with the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the strut axis. The method can further include aligning an integrally formed clip with the cylindrical object, with a first set of arms that depend from a first end of a clip body of the clip on opposing sides of the cylindrical object. The first hooks of the first set of arms can be engaged with the first reentrant lip of the strut channel, with the cylindrical object received within a notch that extends axially into the clip body, and with a clip axis defined by the clip body obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical object. With the first hooks engaged with the first reentrant lip, the clip can be rotated relative to the cylindrical object, about the engagement of the first hooks with the first reentrant lip, to move a second end of the clip body toward the strut channel and cause a second set of arms to be resiliently flexed toward the first end of the clip body by contact with the strut channel to be moved into engagement with the second reentrant lip to secure the cylindrical object to the strut channel. Additionally, a set of arms extending from the second end of the body can be engaged with the second reentrant lip of the strut channel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the invention: 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a clip according to an embodiment of the invention securing a cylindrical object to a strut channel; 
         FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of the clip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear isometric view of the clip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear isometric view of the clip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the clip of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front isometric view of a clip assembly according to an embodiment of the invention with the clip of  FIG. 1  and a collar securing a cylindrical object to a strut channel; 
         FIG. 9  is a front isometric view of the collar of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 10-15  illustrate installation steps for securing a cylindrical object to a strut channel with the clip of  FIG. 1  according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a front isometric view of a clip according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear isometric view of the clip of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a rear isometric view of the clip of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a rear elevation view of the clip of  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of the clip of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     As used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of reference for discussion of particular figures or examples. For example, references to downward (or other) directions may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or figure, but do not necessarily require similar orientation or geometry in all installations or configurations. 
     Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, “substantially planar” indicates a component that extends within a plane over a majority of the length of the component. A component may include deviations from the plane as formed by support ribs or recesses, detents and corresponding recesses, and other similar features while still remaining substantially planar. 
     Also as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, the term “lateral” refers to a direction that extends at least partly to a left or a right side of a reference line. Accordingly, for example, a lateral direction can sometimes be a radial or other generally perpendicular direction relative to an axial, elongate, or other reference direction defined by a body (e.g., a direction in which an axis of a cylindrical object extends when secured to a support structure by a clip body). 
     Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “integral” and derivatives thereof (e.g., “integrally”) describe elements that are manufactured as a single piece without fasteners, adhesive, or the like to secure separate components together. For example, an element stamped as a single-piece component from a single piece of sheet metal, without rivets, screws, or adhesive to hold separately formed pieces together is an integral (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple pieces that are separately formed initially then later connected together, is not an integral (or integrally formed) element. 
     The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to examples shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. 
     Some of the discussion below describes a clip that engages with a strut channel to secure a cylindrical object thereto without the use of fasteners or tools. The context and particulars of this discussion are presented as examples only. For example, embodiments of the disclosed invention can be configured in various ways, including with other shapes and arrangements of elements. Similarly, embodiments of the invention can be used with arrangements of elongate objects having cross-sections other than cylindrical and to support systems other than strut channel. The context and particulars of this discussion are presented as examples only. 
     Cylindrical objects, such as electrical conduit, pipes, and the like can sometimes be secured to strut channel for support. The support can be overhead, vertical or horizontal along a wall, along the ground, or any other orientation. The support may be required at certain distances by code depending on the orientation. Installing numerous clamps by hand requiring fasteners to be aligned and tightened with tools can be time consuming and arduous. 
     Conventional arrangements for securing can include multiple pieces that need to be individually installed within the strut channel on both sides of the cylindrical object, after which a fastener, typically a bolt, is received by both pieces and secured by tightening with a nut. With these types of clamps, especially if installed over head, the user may be required to perform much of the labor with hands above the head. With the numerous parts and tools required, there is also a greater potential for dropping the parts and tools, potentially leading to lost pieces, delayed installation, or other issues. 
     Embodiments of the invention can address these or other issues. For example, in some embodiments, a clip can be an integrally formed unitary piece with no fasteners or tools needed for installation. Providing a one-piece and fastener-less clip can be beneficial in many contexts. For example, cylindrical objects can be secure to strut channel with little to zero effort other than holding the cylindrical object in place (as needed) and pushing the clip into engagement with the strut channel to secure the cylindrical object. 
     In some embodiments, a clip can have a hook extending from one end of a body and an arm with a barb from the other end of the body. The body can receive a cylindrical object to be secured to a strut channel. The hook can engage with one reentrant lip of the strut channel and the arm can engage the other reentrant lip. In some embodiments, the hook can be engaged first and the clip can be rotated at the hook relative to (e.g., about) the reentrant lip to then engage the arm with the other reentrant lip. In some embodiments, the body of the clip can include spring grips that extend inward from an inner surface of the body that biasingly engage with the cylindrical object to maintain engagement of the clip to the strut channel and securement of the cylindrical object. 
     In some embodiments, the clip can have a set of arms and a set of hooks depending from the body of the clip. The sets of arms and the sets of hooks can secure to each reentrant lip of the strut channel on both sides of the cylindrical object. 
     In some embodiments, the clip can be formed form a resilient material (e.g., spring steel), such that during installation of the clip onto the strut channel, the arm of the clip can resiliently flex to allow the arm to pass into the strut channel and rebound to engage the barb with the relevant lip. 
     In some embodiments, a clip assembly can include a clip and a collar. The collar can be positioned between the clip and the cylindrical object to provide an insulative barrier. The collar can be formed to tighten around the cylindrical object as the clip is installed around the collar and the cylindrical object and to the strut channel. In some embodiments, the collar can be formed from a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the collar can provide at least one of electrical, thermal, or galvanic insulation. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example clip  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The clip  100  is shown securing a cylindrical object  10  to a strut channel  12  having an open side  20  with a first reentrant lip  14  and a second reentrant lip  16 . Examples of cylindrical objects include, electrical conduit, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, steel pipe, copper pipe, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut channel  12  is shown opening in a downward direction, although a variety of other orientations are possible. Similarly, although the strut channel  12  exhibits a standard strut profile, some embodiments can be configured to engage other types of strut or channeled support structures generally. 
       FIGS. 2 through 6  show the clip  100  in isolation. The clip  100  includes a clip body  102  with a set of arms at a first end thereof (here shown with a pair of hooks  104 ) and a set of arms at a second end thereof (here shown with a pair of arms  106 ) extending from the clip body  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the clip  100  is a unitary object, formed from one-piece of material (e.g., as an integral stamping), however, it is contemplated that a clip according to another embodiment can be formed from an assembly of individual pieces. The clip  100  can be formed from a resilient material, such as spring steel, for example. 
     Continuing, the clip body  102  extends along a clip axis  108  ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ) from a first end  110  to a second end  112 . The clip body  102  has an inner surface  114  that forms a saddle  158  to receive (e.g., seat) a secured object. The inner surface  114  is configured to have an inner radius similar to, if not slightly larger than, the outer radius of a cylindrical object (e.g., the cylindrical object  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ) being secured. Correspondingly, in the illustrated example, the inner surface  114  is hemi-cylindrically shaped (i.e., includes a semi-circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the clip axis  108 ), so as to closely engage a circular pipe profile. Embodiments of a clip according to the invention can be sized to accommodate different sizes of cylindrical objects or other elongate objects to be secured to strut. In the embodiment shown, the clip body  102  also has an overall hemi-cylindrical shape with extension portions (e.g., planar extensions as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in particular) that can extend tangentially from opposing sides of the saddle to further bound an interior area of the body  102 . However, other forms are contemplated. For example, a clip body overall or an inner surface of a clip portion thereof can exhibit other partial-cylindrical profiles or profiles that are not cylindrical (e.g., V-shaped profiles that are acutely or otherwise angled). 
     In some cases, arms at a first end of a clip can be spaced to engage the corresponding (e.g., first) reentrant lip at locations that are laterally to the outside of locations at which arms at a second end of the clip engage the corresponding opposing (e.g., second) reentrant lip. Also as shown in  FIG. 6  in particular, for example, the arms  106  extend laterally to the outside of the hooks  104  from a perspective in parallel with the clip axis  108  (see  FIG. 5 ). Correspondingly, as also illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the arms  106  can engage lips of a strut laterally to the outside (at least in part) of the hooks  104 . 
     In some embodiments, additional features can be included in the clip  100  that can be helpful during installation of the clip  100 . In some embodiments, a notch can extend into a body of a clip (e.g., a saddle of the body) so that the clip can be rotated relative to a received cylindrical object without significantly withdrawing the clip away from a strut to which the cylindrical object is (or is to be) supported. For example, a notch  116  extends into the clip body  102  from the first end  110 . In particular, in the illustrated example, the notch  116  defines a generally crescent shaped (e.g., radiused) concave profile that extends into the saddle  158  in a direction that is parallel to the clip axis  108 , as viewed from above or the side (as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). The notch  116 , or other similarly placed notches can help to accommodate a cylindrical object (e.g., the cylindrical object  10  shown in  FIG. 1 ) during the installation of the clip  100  and thereby substantially increase ease of installation as compared to conventional designs (e.g., as discussed further below with respect to  FIGS. 10 through 15 ). For example, in some embodiments, the saddle  158  can define a saddle radius that corresponds to a radius of the cylindrical object  10 , and the notch  116  can extend into the saddle  158  in the direction of the clip axis  108  by at least the saddle radius. Thus, in this example, the notch  116  can accommodate half of the outer periphery of the cylindrical object  10  during installation of the clip  100 . 
     In the illustrated example, the clip  100  also has at least one spring grip  118  extending inward from the clip body  102  in the direction of the sets of hooks and arms  104 ,  106 . The spring grip  118  is integrally formed with the clip body  102 . The spring grip  118  is configured to be biased inward to make contact with a cylindrical object, such as, for example, the cylindrical object  10  shown in  FIG. 1  when installed. The spring grip  118  can increase the securing force exerted on the cylindrical object  10  to aid in securing the cylindrical object  10  within the clip  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spring grip  118  includes an integrally formed resilient tab  150  that extends inward from a closed slot  152  in the clip body  102  and terminates with a tooth  154  extending from the resilient tab  150  toward the clip axis  108 , although other configurations are also possible 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hooks  104  can extend tangentially from the clip body  102 . The hooks  104  extend opposite each other from the first end  110  of the clip body  102 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the hooks  104  extend in a first direction from the clip body  102  perpendicular to the clip axis  108 . The hooks  104  are configured to engage the first reentrant lip  14  of the strut channel  12 . Each of the hooks  104  has a hook connecting portion  156  and a contact edge  120  that is curved (e.g., arcuate) and configured to contact the first reentrant lip  14  and allow pivoting of the clip  100  about the first reentrant lip  14 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the hooks  104  can be integrally formed with the clip body  102 . 
     The arms  106  also extend tangentially from the clip body  102  in the illustrated embodiment. The arms  106  extend opposite each other from the second end  112  of the clip body  102 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the arms  106  extend in the first direction from the clip body  102  parallel to the hooks  104  and perpendicular to the clip axis  108 . The arms  106  are configured to contact the second reentrant lip  16  of the strut channel  12  and guide the clip  100  into a securing position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 14 ). The arms  106  are configured to be resiliently flexible relative to the clip body  102  in directions along the clip axis  108  toward and away from the first end  110 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the arms  106  can be integrally formed with the clip body  102 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the arms  106  each have a guiding surface  122  that is angled relative to an arm connecting portion  124  in a direction along the clip axis  108  toward the first end  110 . The guiding surface  122  is configured to contact the second reentrant lip  16  during installation and direct (e.g., bend) the arm  106  inward of the strut channel  12 . The arms  106  also each include a barb  126  extending from the arm connecting portion  124 . The barb  126  is proximally located to the clip body  102  relative to the guiding surface  122  and extends from the arm connecting portion  124  in the direction opposite the guiding surface  122  (i.e., in a direction along the clip axis  108  away from the front end  110 ). The barb  126  is configured to continue the biasing of the arm  106  during engagement with the second reentrant lip  16  during installation of the clip  100 . The barb  126  has an engagement edge  128  that is oriented to be an extension of the guiding surface  122  to encourage continued, uninterrupted, engagement with the second reentrant lip  16  as the clip  100  is being installed. The barb  126  also has a retention pocket  130  shaped (e.g., arcuate) and configured to engage and receive the second reentrant lip  16  when the clip  100  is in the securing position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 14 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in particular, an arm connecting portion planar orientation of the arm connecting portions  124  of the arms  106  is perpendicular to a hook connecting portion planar orientation of the hook connecting portions  156  of the hooks  104 . Accordingly, the arms  106  may be more easily deformed along a direction in which the hooks  104  are relatively stiff (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the arm connecting portions  124  and parallel to the plane of the hook connecting portions  156 ). As further discussed below, this allows the arms  106  to be readily deflected, as needed, during installation, while the hooks  104  remain rigid, ensuring that the hooks  104  and the arms  106  collectively provide sufficient retention strength relative to an engaged conduit or other object. 
     During installation of multiple cylindrical objects to a strut channel, there may be a need to conserve space along the strut channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms  106  are configured to flare outward from the clip body  102  (e.g., via the orientation of the planar arm connecting portions  124 , as shown). The outward flare of the arms  106  can increase the resilient characteristic and aid in installation of the clip  100 . Further, when installing multiple clips  100 , adjacent clips can be rotated 180 degrees from each other to alternate the reentrant lip the arms engage and correspondingly orient the arm connecting portions  124  of adjacent clip bodies  102  on opposing sides of the respective supported object. The corresponding alignment of the hooks  104  of one clip with the arms  106  of another clip can provide increased clearance for the arms  106  and thereby allow the clips  100  to be more closely spaced along the strut channel  12 . 
     In the case of removal of the clip  100  from the strut channel  12 , some embodiments can include additional features that can aid such a task. A tab  132  can be provided at the distal end of the arm  106  extending in a second direction, opposite the first direction, back toward the clip body  102 . The tab  132  can provide a location for a screwdriver (not shown) to urge the clip  100  further into the strut channel  12 , or otherwise elastically deform the corresponding arm  106 , to disengage the barb  126  from the second reentrant lip  16  and bias the arm  106  away from the second reentrant lip  16  to fully release the arm  106 . 
     In some securing scenarios it may be preferable to isolate a cylindrical object (e.g., thermally, electrically, or galvanically) from a strut channel.  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an example embodiment of a collar  136  that can be installed around the cylindrical object  10  and within the clip  100  that isolates the cylindrical object  10  from the clip  100  and the strut channel  12 . The collar  136  can be formed from a polymeric material with electrical and/or thermal insulative properties. The collar  136  has a slot  138  extending along the length  140  of the collar  136 , defining a gap  142 , and a groove  144  extending along the length of the collar  136  opposite the slot  138 . The collar  136  is configured to open at the slot  138  to receive the cylindrical object  10  into the collar  136 , with the groove  144  configured to provide some relief during the opening of the collar  136 . Further, during securing and when in the securing position, the clip  100  can urge the collar  136  more tightly around the cylindrical object  10  by decreasing the gap  142 . The collar  136  also can have shoulders  146 ,  148  at each end of the length  140  that can be configured to abut the hooks  104  and the arms  106  to maintain the placement of the collar  136  within the clip  100 . 
     In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features or capabilities of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for intended purposes and of implementing such capabilities. Similarly, express discussion of any method of using a particular device or system, unless otherwise indicated or limited, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system. 
     For example, with reference to  FIGS. 10 through 15 , some embodiments can include a method by which a user can secure the cylindrical object  10  to the strut channel  12  with the clip  100 . To secure the cylindrical object  10  to the strut channel  12 , the user positions the cylindrical object  10  adjacent and across the open side  20  of the strut channel  12 , with a longitudinal axis  18  ( FIG. 10 ) of the cylindrical object perpendicular to the first and second reentrant lips  14 ,  16 . The user angles the clip  100  relative to the cylindrical object  10  with the clip axis  108  oriented at an angle other than zero relative to the longitudinal axis  18 , the first end  110  of the clip body  102  nearest the cylindrical object  10 , and the hooks  104  along opposite sides of the cylindrical object  10  ( FIG. 10 ). The clip  100  is positioned in a manner in which the clip axis  108 , if extended beyond the clip body  102 , intersects the longitudinal axis  18  of the cylindrical object  10  and is generally in a common plane with the axis  18 . The user translates the clip  100  toward the strut channel  12  and inserts the hooks  104  within the strut channel  12  so that the contact edge  120  (see  FIG. 12 ) of each hook  104  contacts the first reentrant lip  14  of the strut channel  12  ( FIG. 11 ). 
     The user then pivots the clip  100  relative to the cylindrical object  10  and the strut channel  12  (e.g., about the first reentrant lip  14 ) to contact the guiding surface  122  of each of the arms  106  with the second reentrant lip  16  ( FIG. 12 ). The user urges the continued rotation of the clip  100  (e.g., by pushing the clip body  102  towards the strut  12 ), to contact the barb  126  of each of the arms  106  with the second reentrant lip  16  of the strut channel  12  ( FIG. 13 ). For example, in response to manually applied force from a user, the arms  106  may deform towards the hooks  104 , so that the barbs  126  move into contact with the strut  12 . The user then urges the barbs  126  beyond the second reentrant lip  16 , allowing the arms  106  to resiliently respond and position the retention pockets  130  of the barbs  126  in line with the second reentrant lip  16  ( FIG. 14 ). The user can then release the clip  100 , with the barbs  126  and the contact edges  120  securing the clip  100  (and the cylindrical object  10 ) relative to the strut  12 . Further, release of the clip  100  generally may also release the at least one spring grip  118 , which may have been urged against the cylindrical object  10  by the user during the insertion of the barbs  126  beyond the second reentrant lip  16 . This release of the spring grip  118 , in some cases, can bias the clip body  102  in the second direction and thereby seat the retention pockets  130  of the barbs  126  against the second reentrant lip  16  ( FIG. 15 ). The spring grip  118  can also help to prevent axial movement of the cylindrical object  10  relative to the clip  100 , including, in some cases, by partially penetrating into a surface of the cylindrical object  10 . 
     In the final securing position, the clip axis  108  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  18  of the cylindrical object  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 15 ), and the clip body  102  extends generally in parallel with an outer surface of the cylindrical object  10 . In other embodiments, however, other configurations are possible. 
     Further, as generally discussed above, the arms  106  can engage lips of a strut laterally to the outside (at least in part) of the hooks  104 . In this regard, the relatively close spacing of the hooks  104  may help users to relatively easily align and engage both of the hooks  104  with the lip  14  as well as guide the rotating movement of the clip  100  to move the second end thereof toward the strut  12  for engagement of the arms  106 . Additionally, the relatively wider spacing of the arms  106 , and the corresponding lateral offset of the arms  106  from the hooks  104 , can contribute to a more distributed and secure overall engagement of the clip  100  with the strut  12 . 
       FIGS. 16 through 21  illustrate another embodiment of a clip  200  according to the invention, as also can used to secure a cylindrical object to a strut channel (e.g., the cylindrical object  10  and the strut channel  12  shown in  FIG. 1 ). In many aspects, the clip  200  is similar to the clip  100  described above and similar numbering in the  200  series is used for the clip  200 . For example, the clip  200  has a clip body  202  with a first end  210  with a notch  216 ; a second end  212 ; a clip axis  208 ; an inner surface  214  defining a saddle  258 ; spring grips  218 ; a set of hooks  204  with contact edges  220  and hook connecting portions  224 ; and a set of arms  206  with guiding surfaces  222 , arm connecting portions  224 , barbs with engagement edges  228  and retention pockets  220 , and tabs  232 . The clip  200  is also configured to be moved from an installation configuration to a support configuration and to be retained in the support configuration through the engagement of the sets of hooks  204  and the sets of arms  206  with the reentrant lips  14 ,  16  of the strut channel  12 . 
     In some aspects, however, the clips  100 ,  200  differ from each other. For example, although, like the spring grips  118 , the spring grips  218  are integrally formed with the clip body  202  and include a resilient tab  250  and a tooth  254  that extends inward from a closed slot  252  in the clip body  202 , the spring grips  218  extend away from the sets of hooks and arms  104 ,  106 . Depending on the installation requirements, more or less spring force provided by the spring grips may be desired. The arrangement of the spring grips  218  can provide a spring force that acts on the retained cylindrical object  10  that is closer to alignment, or in parallel, with the first direction, whereas the spring grips  118  are oriented at an angle closer to 45 degrees relative to the first direction. The more aligned spring force increases the amount of force needed to install the clip  200  around the cylindrical object  10  and to the strut channel  12  and also increases the force acting on the cylindrical object  10  when secured between the clip  200  and the strut channel  12 . Other embodiments can include more or fewer spring grips or spring grips having different sizes or orientations to provide more or less spring force as desired. 
     Thus, embodiments of the invention can provide improved fastener-free securing of a cylindrical object to a strut channel. In some embodiments, for example, a clip can have a hook engaging one of the reentrant lips of the strut channel and a barb engaging the other of the reentrant lips of the strut channel, with the cylindrical object retained between the clip and the strut channel. The clip can be configured to engage the strut channel on one reentrant lip and rotate relative to the strut channel to engage the other reentrant lip. 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.