Patent ID: 12203578

FIGS.1to5of the drawings show a suspension assembly10for supporting items such as pipes or electrical cabling. The suspension assembly10comprises a support member12in the form of an elongate strut having opposite open ends18. The suspension assembly10further includes two elongate suspension articles14for suspending the support member12from a raised structure (not shown), such as a roof beam or ceiling.

A respective securing device16is mounted at each end18of the support member12. The securing devices16are attached to the support member12within each end18thereof.

A respective one of the suspension articles14extends through the support member12at each end18, and through each of the securing devices16. The suspension articles14are secured to the securing devices16as explained below, thereby securing the support member12to the suspension articles14.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, each suspension article14is in the form of a metallic strap, and comprises an elongate main element20. Each suspension article14further includes a mounting element22for mounting the suspension article14on the raised structure.

When the suspension articles14are secured to the securing devices16, a lower region20A of the main element20can be deformed to a stowed condition, as shown by the broken lines inFIG.2. The lower region20A is deformed by bending it so that it extends along the support member12, as shown, and stowed within the support member12between the side members40.

The mounting element22extends from the main element20transverse thereto, for example at a right angle to the main element20. In the embodiment shown, the mounting element22defines a mounting hole24through which a fastener, such as a screw, can be inserted to mount the suspension article14on the raised structure.

The main element20has a longitudinally extending main axis X-X. An elongate inner region26of the main element20extends along the main axis X-X. The inner region26of the main element20is curved about the main axis X-X.

The main element20has opposite elongate edge regions28extending along the inner region26. Each of the opposite edge regions28of the main element20is folded to form hems27, thereby providing a hemmed edge region28. The combination of the curved main element20and hemmed edge regions28provide stability and strength to the suspension article14.

The suspension article14defines a plurality of securing openings, in the form of securing slots30, each securing slot30extending across the inner region26of the main element20. The securing slots30are arranged one after another along the inner region26. The purpose of the securing slots30in the inner region26of the main element20is explained below.

Referring toFIGS.8,9and10, the support member12comprises a substantially planar central member32having opposite end regions34and opposite side edges36. Each end region34of the central member32defines a respective first aperture38.

The first apertures38are in the form of slots, and can receive therethrough the main element20of a respective one of the suspension articles14, as described below.

The support member12further includes two opposite side members40, each side member40extending from a respective one of the side edges36. Each side member40has opposite end regions44A,44B and a free side edge50.

The support member12can be manufactured by a metal forming process which involves bending the side members40relative to the central member32to form the edges36between the central and side members32,40. The side members40are bent relative to the central members32to a position in which the side members40extend at right angles to the central member32.

Each end region44of both side members40defines a respective second aperture46in the form of a slot. The second apertures46at the end region44A of each side member40are arranged opposite each other in alignment. Similarly, the second apertures46at the opposite end region44B of each side member40are arranged opposite each other in alignment.

Each side member40is integrally attached along a respective one of the side edges36of the central member32. The opposite free side edge50of each side member40is deformed inwardly into a return formation52. The return formations52extend along the respective side edge50of each side member40.

The side members40extend from the central member32in the same direction as each other, thereby forming a generally U shaped component.

The suspension articles14can suspend the support member12in a first orientation (shown inFIGS.1,2,4,5and8), in which the central member32faces upwards. In the first orientation of the support member12, the suspension articles14are received through the first apertures38in the central member32and secured thereto by the securing device16, as explained below.

The suspension articles14can suspend the support member12in a second orientation (shown inFIGS.3and9), in which one of the side members40faces upwards to support items thereon. In the second orientation of the support member12, the suspension articles14are received through the second apertures46in both of the side members40and secured to the support member12by the securing device16, as also explained below.

Referring toFIGS.11to18, each securing device16comprises an attaching arrangement in the form of a housing54. The housing54of each securing device16is received in a respective one of the ends18of the support member12. The housing54is received between the central member32and the return formations52of the side members40, thereby attaching the securing device16to the support member12.

Each housing54includes a resiliently deformable detent formation56, which is received in a receiving opening58defined in the end regions34of the central member32(seeFIG.8).

The housing54has an end edge provided with an outwardly extending stop member, in the form of a flange60. When the securing device16is received in the end of the support member12, the flange60of each housing54engages the respective end18of the support member12, thereby ensuring the housing54is properly inserted into the support member12.

The housing54comprises an external wall arrangement61comprising a central wall portion62and two opposite side wall portions63. The central wall portion62extends between the side wall portions63. The central wall portion62defines a hole64. When both of the housings54are inserted in the support member12, the hole64in the central wall portion62of each housing54is aligned with the first apertures38defined by the central member32.

The housing54further includes a further wall member65opposite the central wall portion62. The further wall member defines a further hole66aligned with the hole64.

This alignment allows the main elements20of the suspension articles14to be received through the hole64in the central wall portion62and through the further hole66of the further wall member65when the support member12is in the first orientation and said main elements20are received in the first apertures38defined by the central member32.

The side wall portions63of each housing54define respective side holes70. The side holes70in the side wall portions63are arranged opposite each other in alignment.

When the housings54are inserted in the support member12, the side holes70in the side wall portions63are arranged in alignment with the second apertures46in both side members40. This alignment allows the main elements20of the suspension articles14to be received through the side holes70in both side wall portions63.

The securing device16further includes a unitary latching element74comprising first and second securing members68,72in the form of first and second latch members. The latching element74comprises two of the second securing members72arranged opposite each other with the first securing member68therebetween. The first securing members68are offset from the second securing members72, and arranged at a right angle thereto.

The second securing members72are attached to the first securing member68by attaching elements73. Each of the second securing members72is arranged at a right angle relative to the first securing member68. The second securing members72extend from the attaching elements in the same direction as each other and in the same direction as the first securing member68.

The latching element74is movable between a locking condition, in which the first and second securing members68,72are in respective securing positions, and a non-locking condition, in which the first and second securing members68,72are in respective non-securing positions. The securing and non-securing positions of the first and second securing members68,72are discussed below.

The latching element74has an upper region75defining a hole77. The first securing member68extends into the hole77centrally thereof. The latching element74further includes a release tab76connected to the first securing member68by a pair of connecting members79. The connecting members79define the hole77therebetween.

The release tab76is substantially planar and extends at right angles relative to the first and second securing members68,72. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the visible latching element74is in the locking condition.

The release tab76can be pressed inwards of the support member12, i.e. in the case of the latching element74visible inFIGS.1and2, the release tab76can be pressed in the direction indicated by the arrows A inFIGS.1and3. When the release tab76is so pressed, the latching element74is moved to the non-locking condition.

An urging member78, in the form of a spring, extends between the latching element74and the housing54. The urging member78urges the first and second securing members68,72to their respective securing positions, i.e. in the case of the latching element74visible inFIGS.1and2, the urging member78urges the latching element74to the locking condition, in the respective opposite directions to the directions indicated by the arrows A.

The housing54further includes an internal arrangement80comprising a first internal portion in the form of a guide portion82for guiding the latching element74between the securing and non-securing positions of the first and second securing members68,72.

The internal arrangement80further includes a second internal portion in the form of a reaction portion84(seeFIG.18) to provide a reaction force to the urging member78.

A gap86is defined between the guide portion82and the reaction portion84. The gap86is aligned with the central hole64in the central wall portion62, and is also aligned with the side holes70defined by the side wall portions63. When the securing devices16are attached to the support members12at each of the ends18thereof, the gaps86are aligned with the first apertures38in the central member32, and with the second apertures46in the side members40.

The guide portion82has a central surface88adjacent the central wall portion62. The central surface88is spaced from the central wall portion62by a distance sufficient to receive the central securing member68between the central wall portion62and the central surface88. The central hole64defined by the central wall portion62extends across the central surface88.

The guide portion82has a pair of opposite side surfaces90extending perpendicular to the central surface88. The side surfaces90are arranged adjacent the respective side wall portion63. Each side surface90is spaced from the side wall portion63by a distance sufficient to receive the respective second securing member72between the side wall portions63and the adjacent side surfaces90. Each of the side holes70defined by the side wall portions63extends across the respective side surface90.

The latching element74is held within the housing54in a position in which the first securing member68is disposed between the central wall portion62and the first surface88, and in which each second securing members72is disposed between the side wall portions63and the respective second surface90.

Each of the side surfaces90also includes a projecting catch92. When the latching element74is held within the housing54, the catches92engage the attaching members73, thereby preventing inadvertent removal of the latching element74from the housing54.

When the latching element74is in the locking condition, the first and second securing members68,72extend across the gap86, and can be received in a selected securing slot30in the main element20of the suspension article14. When the latching element74is in the non-locking condition, the first and second securing members68,72are retracted and do not extend across the gap86.

When the support member12is in the first orientation (seeFIGS.1and2), the main elements20of the suspension articles14can be received through the first apertures38, and through the gap86between the guide portion82and the reaction portion84. The latching elements74of each securing devices16can be moved to the locking conditions, so that the first securing members68extend through a selected one of the securing slots30in the main elements20. This secures the support member12in its first orientation to the suspension articles14.

Alternatively, the support member12can be arranged in the second orientation (seeFIG.3). The main elements20of the suspension articles14can be received through the second apertures46, and through the gap86. The latching elements74can be moved to the locking conditions, so that the opposite second securing members72extend through a selected two of the securing slots30in the main elements20. This secures the support member12in its second orientation to the suspension articles14.

The reaction portion84defines a recess94facing the release tab76. The urging member78is located in the recess94and extends therefrom to engage the release tab76, thereby urging the latching elements74to their locking conditions in the directions opposite to the directions indicated by the arrows A inFIGS.1and3.

In order to install the suspension assembly10, the securing devices16are inserted into the ends of the support member12. Each suspension article14is mounted on the raised structure by passing a fastener, such as a screw, through the mounting hole24into the raised structure.

The support member12can be arranged in the first orientation shown inFIG.1. The user then pushes the release tab76of each securing device16inwardly of the support member12to push the latching element74to the non-locking condition.

Pushing the latching element74in this way moves the first and second securing members68,72to their respective non-securing positions. The main elements20of the suspension articles14can then be inserted through the first apertures38in the central member32and through the central holes64in the central reinforcing portions62of the securing devices16.

The position of the support member12along the suspension articles14can be adjusted. When the desired position of the support member12is reached, the user lets go of the release tabs76so that the latching elements74are urged by the respective urging members78to their locking conditions.

The urging of the latching elements74by the urging members78moves the first and second securing members68,72to their respective securing positions. The first securing members68move through the securing slots30in the main elements20of the suspension articles14, thereby securing the support member12to the suspension article14.

Alternatively, the support member12is arranged in the second orientation shown inFIG.2. The release tabs76of both securing devices16are then pressed inwardly by the user. As a result, the latching element74is moved to the non-locking condition, thereby moving both of the second securing members72to their non-securing positions.

The main elements20of the suspension articles14can then be inserted through both of the opposite second apertures46at each end of the two side members40and through the side holes70in the side wall portions63of the securing devices16. The support member12can be positioned along the main elements20of the suspension article14to a desired position.

The user can then let go of the release tabs76so that the urging members78move the latching elements74to their locked positions, thereby moving both second securing members72of each latching element74to their respective securing positions.

When so moved, the second securing members72extend through the securing slots30in the main elements20of the suspension articles14, thereby securing the support member12to the suspension article14.

There is thus described a suspension assembly10, in which the support member12can be suspended by the suspension articles14in either the first orientation or the second orientation.

In the first orientation, the main elements20of the suspension articles14extend through the apertures in the central member32. In the second orientation, the main elements20of the suspension articles14extend through the apertures in both of the side members40.

The embodiment described above provides the advantage that a single securing device16secures the suspension articles14to the support member12in either the first or the second orientation.

Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIGS.19and20show a modified securing device, generally designated116. The securing device116is mainly the same as the securing device16and comprises all the features of the securing device16. Where the features of the securing device116are visible inFIGS.19and20, those features are designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features shown inFIGS.11to18.

The securing device116can be used in place of the securing device16in the suspension assembly10shown inFIGS.1to5.

The securing device116differs from the securing device16in that the securing device116comprises a substantially U shaped reinforcing member118extending around the housing54. The reinforcing member118comprises an elongate central reinforcing portion120extending across the central wall portion62and two opposite elongate side reinforcing portions122extending from the opposite ends of the central reinforcing portion across the side wall portions63.

The reinforcing member118is arranged on the external wall arrangement61in alignment with the gap86between the guide portion82and the reaction portion84.

The central wall portion62defines an elongate central aperture124across the gap86. The central reinforcing portion120of the reinforcing member118is received in the central aperture124. Each side wall portion63defines a respective elongate side aperture126across the gap86. A respective one of the side reinforcing portions122is received in each of the side apertures126.

The central reinforcing portion120defines an entry slot128to receive the main element20of the suspension article14therethrough when the support member12is in the first orientation (seeFIGS.1and2). Each side reinforcing portion122defines a slot130to receive the main element20of the suspension article14therethrough when the support member12is in the second orientation (seeFIG.3).

In the embodiment described herein, the reinforcing member118provides the advantage that it helps prevent the first and second securing members68,72being pulled through the central or side members32,40when a load is applied to the support member12.

A modification is shown inFIGS.21to23which comprises a further suspension assembly210comprising an elongate support member212, two of the elongate suspension articles14, and two securing devices216.

The suspension articles14shown inFIGS.21to23are the same as the suspension articles14described above and shown inFIGS.6and7, and have the same features. These features are designated with same reference numerals as the corresponding features inFIGS.6and7.

The support member212comprises an elongate substantially flat central member216and opposite elongate substantially flat side members218extending downwardly from the central member216.

The support member212defines two apertures in the form of slots220in the central member216. A spacer region217of the support member212extends between the slots220. A respective end region222extends from each slot220to support articles in the form of cable trays225, as shown inFIG.23.

Each of the slots220can receive a respective one of the suspension articles14therethrough. The support member212has a longitudinal main axis Y-Y. Each of the slots220extends parallel to the longitudinal main axis Y-Y (seeFIG.22).

Two securing devices215are mounted on the support member212beneath the slots220, so each slot220is aligned with a respective one of the securing devices215.

Referring toFIG.22, each securing device215includes a securing member230in the form of a latch member to engage the suspension article14and secure the suspension article14to the support member212.

Each securing device215further includes a mounting assembly232for mounting the securing arrangement215on the support member212. The mounting assembly232comprises a holding component234for holding the securing member230. The securing arrangement215further includes a cover member240for covering the holding component234.

The mounting assembly232further includes two elongate fasteners236to fasten the securing device215to the support member212. The fasteners236are in the form of metal fixings, such as bolts or rivets. The fasteners236fasten the cover member240to the support member212. The fasteners236also fasten the holding component234to the support member212.

The holding component234includes two fastening formations238through which the fasteners236extend to fasten the holding component234to the support member212.

The cover member240comprises a lower portion242defining a further slot244through which the main part20of the suspension article14can extend.

The cover member240includes locating formations246for locating the cover member240over the holding component234. The locating formations246include a rear locating formation248extending upwardly and across the rear of the lower portion242.

The locating formations246also include a pair of front locating formations250extending upwardly at the front corners of the lower portion242. The fasteners236extend through locating apertures252defined in the front and rear locating formations248,250of the cover member240to fasten the cover member240across the holding component234.

The securing member230is slidably movable between a securing position and a non-securing position.

In the securing position, the securing member230engages the suspension article14by being received through a selected one of the securing slots30in the main element20. When so received, the support member212is secured to the suspension article14by the securing member230in a desired position of the support member212along the suspension article14.

The securing member230comprises a carrying portion254and an insertion portion256on the carrying portion254. The carrying portion254defines a central opening258into which the insertion portion256extends.

When the securing member230is in the non-securing position, the central opening258of each securing device215is aligned with the slot220defined by the support member212, thereby allowing the suspension member14to be inserted through the slot220and through the securing member30.

The insertion portion256is insertable through the selected securing slot30in the suspension member14to secure the suspension member14to the support member212.

Each securing device215further includes two resilient urging members260, in the form of compression springs, for urging the securing member30to the securing position.

The securing member230further includes a release portion262to allow a user to move the securing member230to the non-securing position. The release portion262is attached to the carrying portion254, and extends transverse to the carrying portion254.

The support member212includes an access formation263to allow access for the user to the release portion262. The access formation263is an opening defined in one of the side members218.

The release portion262constitutes a push button which, when pressed removes the securing member230from the securing slot30, thereby moving the securing member230to the non-securing position. This allows the support member212to be removed from the suspension article14or repositioned along the suspension article14.

Each securing device215further includes a locking member278on the holding component234to lock the securing member230in the securing position.

The support member212includes installation indicators, in the form of a respective notch280defined adjacent each of the slots220. The user offers the support member212up to the ceiling before installation of the suspension assembly210. The user can then mark the ceiling, through the notches to identify the exact positions to drill the fixing holes.

Referring toFIGS.24to31, there is shown a suspension assembly10having a second version of the suspension article. InFIGS.24to31, each suspension article is generally designated314.

The suspension assembly10shown inFIGS.24to31comprises many of the features of the suspension assembly10shown inFIGS.1to20. These features have been designated inFIGS.24to31with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features inFIGS.1to20.

The inner region26of the suspension article314is curved in the same way as the inner region26of the suspension article14. The suspension article314differs from the suspension article14, in that the suspension article314has a substantially U-shaped end profile, and comprises opposite elongate flanges316in place of the hems at the edge regions28. A respective elongate flange316extends along each of the edge regions28of the inner region26of the suspension article314. The flanges316strengthen the suspension article314.

The flanges316extend from the inner region26transverse thereto. The flanges316extend from the inner region26in the same direction as the mounting element22.

Each flange316defines a plurality of formations in the form of supplementary slots318arranged in succession along the length of the respective flange316. Each of the supplementary slots318is arranged adjacent to, and aligned with, a respective one of the securing slots30.

The central member32of the support member12defines two first apertures320at the respective opposite end regions34of the support member12. Each of the first apertures320is substantially U-shaped, as shown inFIG.26, corresponding to the shape of the end profile of the suspension article314.

The suspension articles314are inserted through the first apertures320into the securing devices116mounted at each end region34of the support member12. The securing devices116include respective latching elements74.

FIG.27shows the locking condition of the latching element74, and the securing position of the first securing member68. As shown inFIG.27, the first securing member68is received through a selected one of the securing slots30in the inner region26of the suspension article314, thereby securing the support member12to the suspension articles314.

FIG.28shows the non-locking condition of the latching element74, and the non-securing position of first securing member68. As shown inFIG.28, the first securing member68is not received in any of the securing slots30, thereby allowing the support member12to be moved along the suspension articles314, or removed therefrom.

FIGS.29to31show the deformation of the lower end regions20A of suspension articles314to stowed conditions. InFIG.29, the free edge of each flange316is cut adjacent one of the supplementary slots318. The cutting occurs adjacent the supplementary slots aligned with one of the securing slots30. The inner region26of the main element20can then be deformed to a stowed condition by folding the inner region about the securing slot30adjacent the supplementary slots318at which the flanges316were cut

FIG.31shows the lower end regions of both suspension articles314deformed to their stowed conditions, and stowed within the support member12between the side members40.

Although not shown in the drawings, the suspension articles314could be used with the support member12in a second orientation, as shown inFIG.12. Two second apertures having a U-shaped configuration, similar to the first apertures320, are defined in each side member40.

When the suspension articles314are received through the second apertures, they are secured to the support member12by means of the second securing member72on the latching element74, in the same way as described above.

FIGS.32to39show a suspension assembly10having a third version of the suspension article. InFIGS.32to39, each suspension article is generally designated414.

The suspension assembly10shown inFIGS.32to39comprises many of the features of the suspension assembly10shown inFIGS.1to20. These features have been designated inFIGS.32to39with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features inFIGS.1to20.

The inner region26of the main element20of the suspension article414is curved in the same way as the inner region26of the suspension article14. Referring toFIGS.33and34, the main element20of the suspension article414has opposite outer edges416, and opposite edge regions418extending inwardly from the outer edges416. The main element20also has opposite faces420,422.

The suspension article414differs from the suspension article14, in that each of the edge regions418defines a plurality of securing openings in the form of securing slots424. The securing slots424extend inwardly from the outer edges416, and through the main element20between the opposite faces420,422.

Each of the securing slots424in one of the edge regions418is aligned with a respective securing slot424in the opposite edge region418to form a plurality of aligned pair of securing slots424.

Each of the opposite edge regions418of the main element20is folded to form a hem426, thereby providing a hemmed edge region418. The hems426are formed as open hems. The securing slots424extend through the hems426.

The suspension articles414are received through the apertures38defined in the end regions34of the central member32. One of the securing devices116is mounted in the end regions34of the support member12.

Referring toFIGS.37and38, each suspension article414is received through the entry slot128in the reinforcing member118of each of the securing devices116. When so received, each suspension article414is secured to the securing devices116by means of a latching element428.FIG.38shows the suspension article414received in the securing device116, with the reinforcing member118removed so that the position of the latching element428relative to the suspension article414can be seen.

When so secured, a lower region20A of the main element20of the suspension article414can be deformed to a stowed condition within the support member12between the side members40, in the same way as the lower regions20A of the first and second versions of the suspension article14,314.

The deformation of the main element20may be made at an aligned pair of the securing slots424.

The latching element428comprises two of the first securing members, generally designated430, on opposite sides of the hole77. The first securing members430extend from the connecting members79into the hole77.FIG.38shows the first securing members430in their securing positions, with the latching element428in the locking condition. This is the same arrangement of the latching element428and the suspension article shown inFIG.37.

In the securing position of first securing members430, the first securing members430are received through a selected pair of aligned securing slots424in the main element20.

The latching element428can be moved to the non-locking condition shown inFIG.37by pressing the release tab76in the direction indicated by the arrow A. The position of the suspension article414can then be adjusted therein. When the adjustment has been made, the release tab76can be released, and the urging member78urges the latching element428to its locked condition, thereby moving the first securing members430back to their securing positions to secure the suspension article414to the securing device116.