Patent Publication Number: US-7913966-B2

Title: Suspension arrangement for a removable fixed load sling gear

Description:
Priority is claimed to German Patent DE No. 10 2007 061 349.2 filed on Dec. 21, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     The present invention relates to a suspension device for a detachably secured load-attachment means. The suspension device is particularly suited for attachment to supporting structures, such as buildings, ceilings, walls, space frames, grid structures, etc. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A suspension device of this kind is known from DE 20 2006 018 937 U1. The suspension device disclosed therein is adapted to be mountable to a supporting structure by means of a base plate and is only suitable for attachment of panel elements. In the process, at least a first and a second panel element can be placed, at least partially, on the base plate and be secured by a holding device. The holding device includes a twist lock connection, which is designed to allow the first panel element and then the second panel element to be placed on the base plate in different positions. In the position in which the second panel element is placed, the first panel element is in a locked position. In a further position of the twist lock connection, both panel elements are in locked positions. For this purpose, the twist lock connection features a locking disk rotatably mounted perpendicular to the centerline. 
     This embodiment is limited to the attachment of panel elements (load to be attached). Moreover, such a suspension device is limited to detachable attachment at fixed points of the supporting structure which must coincide with the points at which the panel elements to be attached meet. If the panel elements do not coincide with the fixed points of the suspension devices, then an additional cross-structure is required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a suspension device of the type mentioned at the outset which is versatile and simple in construction. 
     A first advantage is provided by the plurality of degrees of freedom which the suspension device may have in a circumferential direction and perpendicular to the circumference, and to which load-attachment means can be detachably secured. Starting at a predetermined, fixed point of attachment, preferably at grid points of a supporting structure, at least one, preferably a plurality of load-attachment means can be detachably secured to attachment members in a circumferential direction and, if needed, at least one additional load-attachment means can be detachably secured to attachment members in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, for example, in a plumb direction. Preferably, a plurality of load-attachment means can be arranged in a circumferential direction and/or in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, and also at different angles. 
     A second advantage to be mentioned is that the suspension device is also suited for loads to be attached whose fixing options do not coincide with the fixed points of the supporting structure which are intended for the suspension device. Additional substructures, such as the cross-structures used heretofore, are not needed here. 
     A third advantage is that apart from the load to be attached, the suspension device can be combined with additional devices. In a first refinement, the suspension device may receive at least one electrical line, for example for the lighting of a hall, and/or a loudspeaker system and/or a camera and/or a smoke detector. In a second refinement, the suspension device may receive at least one line for a fluid in a gaseous or liquid state, for example for a sprinkler system. The suspension device may also include a combination of several refinements. 
     A fourth advantage to be mentioned is that the suspension device may have a covering. 
     In a first variant, the covering may be arranged such that it is concealed over the essential elements of the suspension device, while in a second embodiment, the covering may be movable and preferably uncover these elements to allow attachment of the load-receiving means. The first variant is particularly suited for suspension devices which are preferably permanently mounted to a supporting structure, but currently not used for holding load-attachment means. Preferably, the covering can be removed in such a way that the attachment members are sufficiently accessible to allow attachment of the load-receiving means. 
     A fifth advantage to be mentioned is that one or more suspension devices can remain permanently at the predetermined, fixed points, preferably at grid points of a supporting structure, so that the effort for installation and removal can be significantly reduced. Then, only the load-attachment means have to be secured to or removed from the respective suspension device as needed. Thus, the suspension device, or a plurality of suspension devices, can form a unit with the supporting structure. Moreover, a plurality of suspension devices constructed in accordance with the present invention can be mounted spaced apart to a supporting structure and used for detachably securing individual or several load-attachment means thereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a suspension device along with two attachment members and load-attachment means; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the suspension device and the attachment members; 
         FIG. 3  shows the suspension device together with special arms; 
         FIGS. 4   a, b  illustrate details of the arms; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates further details of the arms; 
         FIGS. 6   a, b  are front and side views of an arm according to  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7   a - c  are top views of the attachment member and the arms; 
         FIGS. 8   a, b  show the suspension device and the covering; 
         FIGS. 9   a - c  are top views of attachment members which are mounted directly to the bearing bolt; 
         FIG. 9   d, e  are cross-sectional views showing attachment members which are mounted directly to the bearing bolt; 
         FIG. 9   f  depicts an embodiment of the bearing bolt; 
         FIG. 9   g  shows a suspension device along with various attachment members. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     At least one suspension device  1  is preferably detachably fixed to a supporting structure  10 , for example the ceiling of a trade show hall, at least one fixed point of attachment, which is preferably predetermined in accordance with load-bearing criteria. Suspension device  1  is preferably mounted to a grid point of supporting structure  10  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Supporting structure  10  has mounted thereto, preferably detachably fixed thereto, at least one bearing bolt  4 . At least one first attachment member  6  is disposed concentrically to axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . At least two (preferably more) arms  7  extend between bearing bolt  4  and first attachment member  6  in radial directions relative to axis  5 , connecting bearing bolt  4  to first attachment member  6 , and a cutout  17  is provided between each two adjacent arms  7  to provide a clearance for load-attachment means  2 . 
     Bearing bolt  4  is preferably detachably joined to supporting structure  10  at one of its side faces (in  FIG. 1  at one of its end faces). Preferably, an end face (alternatively a lateral face) of bearing bolt  4  is connected to supporting structure  10 . 
     Alternatively, an attachment member  14  (hereinafter referred to as third attachment member  14 ) may be mounted directly to bearing bolt  4  and have at least one cutout  17 , preferably a plurality of cutouts  17 , arranged concentrically to axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . In this embodiment, attachment member  14  is preferably in the shape of a plate having formed therein at least one cutout  17  or the plurality of cutouts  17 . Alternatively, attachment member  14  may include a plurality of plates mounted directly to bearing bolt  4  and provided with cutouts  17 . Attachment member  14  may be arranged singly or in multiples—with respect to axis  5 —in a circumferential direction with a radial extent ( FIG. 9   a ,  FIG. 9   b ). Alternatively, at least one attachment member  14  may be mounted to bearing bolt  4  in a direction parallel to axis  5 . In  FIG. 9   c - e , a plurality of such attachment members  14  are provided.  FIG. 9   c , for example, shows six attachment members  14 , each spaced about 60 degrees from each other and mounted to axis  5 . 
     In another variant, bearing bolt  4  may be permanently joined to a base plate  3 , and base plate  3  is preferably detachably joined to supporting structure  10 . Base plate  3  can be detachably joined to supporting structure  10 , for example, by threaded connections. 
     Suspension device  1  is designed for the attachment of at least one, preferably a plurality of load-attachment means  2 , in particular chains, connecting bars, etc. and associated connecting means, such as shackles, snap hooks, etc. Bearing bolt  4  is preferably permanently mounted to base plate  3  by one end at a side face. Preferably, this bearing bolt  4  is joined to base plate  3  at a side face by a material-to-material bond, for example, by at least one welded joint. 
     At least the one first attachment member  6  is disposed concentrically to axis  5  (longitudinal axis) of bearing bolt  4  at a distance from base plate  3  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     In a first embodiment, arms  7  may extend radially between bearing bolt  4  and first attachment member  6 , connecting bearing bolt  4  to first attachment member  6 . Suspension device  1  includes clearances in the form of cutouts  17  provided between the spaced-apart adjacent arms  7 . 
     In a second embodiment, at least the one third attachment member  14  may be mounted directly to bearing bolt  4  concentrically to axis  5  thereof. This attachment member  14  is made from a compact material (solid material) substantially in the shape of a plate, and has cutouts  17  formed in the material, such as bores, elongated slots, apertures, etc., ( FIGS. 9   a - e ). The arms  7  of the first embodiment are not needed here. Cutouts  17  serve to receive load-attachment means  2  and, more specifically, the connecting means thereof, which are preferably secured to an end thereof, respectively. Such connecting means may include a shackle  19  and a shackle pin, or a threaded connector  20 , or a safety hook, such as a snap hook. 
     At least one second attachment member  8  (and further attachment members, if needed) may be disposed at a distance from first attachment member  6  in the direction of axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . Similar to first attachment member  6 , this second attachment member  8  may include a plurality of arms  7  and cutouts  17 ; i.e., arms  7  extending radially between bearing bolt  4  and second attachment member  8 , connecting bearing bolt  4  to attachment member  8 . More specifically, at least two arms  7  are arranged such that they extend radially, connecting bearing bolt  4  to second attachment member  8 , and a cutout  17  is provided between each two adjacent arms  7 . 
     Alternatively, an attachment member which resembles in shape to third attachment member  14  and is made of a substantially plate-shaped material and has at least one cutout  17  (but no arms  7 ) may be mounted directly to bearing bolt  4  in place of second attachment member  8  (or first attachment member  6 ) provided with arms  7 . Preferably, a plurality of cutouts  17  may be arranged concentrically to axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . 
     Consequently, suspension device  1  is not limited to the combination of first and second attachment members  6 ,  8 . Rather, first or second attachment members  6 , 8  may be combined with at least one of third attachment members  14 . Depending on the dimensions of bearing bolt  4 , a plurality of attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14  extending radially and/or parallel with respect to axis  5  can be combined in many ways. 
     Preferably, the at least one attachment member  6 ,  8 ,  14  is arranged circularly or elliptically or polygonally concentric to axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . Preferably, the respective bearing bolt  4  is made of a solid or a hollow (sleeve-shaped) material. In the latter embodiment, a free end  21  of bearing bolt  4  is preferably closed by a cap. An outer contour  16  of bearing bolt  4  is preferably circular or elliptical or polygonal in shape. Depending on the outer contour  16  selected, the shape of the respective attachment members  6 ,  8 , or alternatively  14 , may be correspondingly configured to be circularly or elliptically or polygonally concentric to axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . Thus, for example, any shape that may be derived from the shapes mentioned above is possible, such as a sector of a circle, or a segment of a circle. Therefore, suspension device  1  is not limited to an extent of 360 degrees of attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14  with respect to axis  5 . Rather, suspension device  1  may be adapted to the construction of the supporting structure, so that such a suspension device  1  may, for example, be integrated into a 90 degree or 270 degree corner of a supporting structure  10 . 
     In another embodiment, the respective attachment member(s)  6  and/or  8  may have arms  7  having a recess  9 . Recesses  9  are preferably used to support the respective attachment member(s)  6  and/or  8  therein. For example, attachment members  6 ,  8  may be supported in recesses  9  in a ring-shaped, elliptical or polygonal configuration. Preferably, attachment members  6 ,  8  are joined to arms  7  in the region of recesses  9  by a material-to-material bond, such as by welded or adhesive connections ( FIG. 3 ;  FIG. 5 ). 
     In a further embodiment, arms  7  may, in addition, be provided with bores  18  (through holes, threaded holes, blind holes) to receive load-attachment means  2  and, more specifically, the connecting means thereof. For example, a shackle  19  may be received in through hole  18  by means of a threaded connector  20  ( FIG. 5 ;  FIGS. 6   a, b ). Shackle  19  is then connected to load-attachment means  2  (not shown). 
     Each arm  7  of first attachment member  6  has a first longitudinal extension  11 , and each arm  7  of second attachment member  8  preferably has a second longitudinal extension  12  that is different from first longitudinal extension  11  ( FIGS. 4   a, b ). Alternatively, longitudinal extensions  11 ,  12  may be equal in all attachment members  6 ,  8 . 
     In yet another embodiment, each arm  7  of first attachment member  6  may be out of alignment with the respective adjacent arm  7  of second attachment member  8 , as viewed in the direction of axis  5 ; i.e., the arms do not coincide in position when viewed from above ( FIG. 7   c ). Alternatively, arms  7  of attachment members  6 ,  8  may also be in alignment and coincident with each other. Each arm  7  of first attachment member  6  may be in alignment or offset from alignment with the respective adjacent arm  7  of second attachment member  8 , as viewed in the direction of axis  5 . In the latter embodiment, where arms  7  are offset from each other, the clearance obtained in this manner can be optimally used for load-attachment means  2 . 
     Suspension device  1  is not limited to the attachment members  6 ,  8  described above. For example, third and further attachment members could be mounted to bearing bolt  4  spaced apart from each other in the direction of axis  5 , provided bearing bolt  4  is configured for this purpose. In addition, the free end  21  of bearing bolt  4  may have secured thereto at least one suspension means, such as a suspension lug or a further attachment member having cutouts  17 . 
     A covering  13  may be arranged concentrically to the attachment member(s)  6 ,  8  disposed on arms  7  or attachment member  14  (without arms  7 ) in the direction of axis  5  of bearing bolt  4  so as to enclose attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14 . For example, a covering  13  may be attached to base plate  3 . Depending on the number of attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14 , said covering  13  is concentric to attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14  in the direction of axis  5  of bearing bolt  4 . Thus, suspension device  1  may be substantially covered as needed. In a first variant, the essential elements of suspension device  1  are covered, while in a second variant, these elements are preferably uncovered for attachment of load-receiving means  2 . 
     Preferably, covering  13  is capable of telescoping; i.e., capable of being retracted and extended, along axis  5  (double arrow in  FIGS. 8   a, b ). Preferably, covering  13  may be changeable in position at the end opposite supporting structure  10 . Covering  13  is preferably configured such that attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14  can be, at least partially, uncovered to allow attachment of load-attachment means  2 . The remaining parts of suspension device  1  may remain covered. 
     In a further embodiment, bearing bolt  4  may include at least one cavity  15  extending in the direction of axis  5 . A cavity  15  may be provided already during the manufacture of bearing bolt  4 , namely in the form of an inner space of a sleeve, or in the form of at least one bore formed in the material of bearing bolt  4 . Preferably, at least one supply line is disposed within such a cavity  15 . Cavity  15  may, in addition, extend along an angled path relative to axis  5  and merge into outer contour  16  of bearing bolt  4  ( FIGS. 9   d, e ). Thus, suspension device  1  may receive, especially in its cavity  15 , at least one electrical line, for example for the lighting of a hall, and/or a loudspeaker system and/or a camera and/or a smoke detector. In a second refinement, suspension device  1  may receive, especially in its cavity  15 , at least one line for a fluid, for example for a sprinkler system. Suspension device  1  may also include a combination of several refinements. 
     The mode of operation of suspension device  1  is as follows: Once the at least one suspension device  1  is fixed to supporting structure  10 , load-attachment means  2  are attached to the respective attachment members  6 ,  8  (or other attachment members). This is done, for example, using shackles  19 , which are functionally connected to load-attachment means  2 , said shackles being placed in cutouts  17  and detachably connected to the respective attachment member  6 ,  8 ,  14 . For example, in the case of an attachment member  6 ,  8  having a ring-shaped design, shackle  19  grips around the ring of attachment member  6 ,  8  in the region of a cutout  17  ( FIG. 1 ,  FIGS. 7   a, b ). In the case of an attachment member  14  having a substantially plate-shaped configuration, such as is shown in  FIGS. 9   a - e , shackle  19  grips around the outer edge of the solid material in the region of a cutout  17  (not shown). 
     Suspension device  1  is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, in a simple embodiment, a base plate  3  may be mounted to supporting structure  10 . At least one attachment member  14  is mounted to base plate  3 , and at least one cutout  17  is provided between base plate  3  and each attachment member  14 , or a plurality of cutouts  17  is provided in attachment member  14  itself. One such embodiment is shown in  FIG. 9   g . Here, attachment members  14  are curved circularly or elliptically or polygonally and are provided with a cutout  17  between the curvature and base plate  3  to allow attachment of load-attachment means  2 .  FIG. 9   e  shows optionally, in addition, a known bearing bolt  4  including the associated attachment members  6 ,  8 , and, if needed, also attachment members  14  extending parallel to axis  5 . 
     Another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 9   f , where a bearing bolt  4  is provided with at least one bore  18  in its outer circumferential contour  16 . Bore  18  may, for example, be in the form of a threaded hole, and a threaded connector  20  may be removably fixed in this bore  18 . Threaded connector  20  may be provided with a bore for detachably securing, for example, lighter load-receiving means  2 . Optionally, at least one of attachment members  6 ,  8 ,  14  may be secured to this bearing bolt  4 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1  suspension device 
           2  load-attachment means 
           3  base plate 
           4  bearing bolt 
           5  axis (bearing bolt) 
           6  first attachment member 
           7  arm 
           8  second attachment member 
           9  recess 
           10  supporting structure 
           11  first longitudinal extension 
           12  second longitudinal extension 
           13  covering 
           14  third attachment member 
           15  cavity 
           16  outer contour 
           17  cutout 
           18  bore 
           19  shackle 
           20  threaded connector 
           21  free end 
           22  suspension means (suspension lug, etc)