Patent ID: 7654043

Claim:
A connector for retrofit attachment to a threaded rod extending from a support structure for supporting a suspended load against sway and seismic disturbances, the connector comprising: a longitudinal axis and a pivot pin defining a rotation axis generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis; a proximal portion pivotally attached to said pivot pin and having a passage through which said pivot pin passes; a body portion formed as a single piece with said proximal portion, the body portion comprising: a generally rectangular upper wall having a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first side edge and a first slot extending from said first edge, said first slot being generally rectangular in shape and configured to slidingly receive said threaded rod, said first slot having a first open end at said first edge and a first closed end spaced from said first open end and being generally curved to abut against said threaded rod, said upper wall having a first recess on said top surface for matingly interlocking with a nut threadably engaged with said threaded rod, said first recess being generally curved and generally circumscribing said first closed end, said upper wall having a generally curved first protrusion on said first bottom surface substantially aligned with said first recess and generally circumscribing said first closed end; a generally rectangular lower wall having a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a second side edge positioned to the same side of said second top surface as said first edge and a second slot extending from said second edge, said second slot being generally aligned with said first slot, said second slot being generally rectangular in shape and configured to slidingly receive said threaded rod, said second slot having a second open end at said second edge and a second closed end spaced from said second open end and being generally curved to abut against said threaded rod; a pair of side walls spacing said upper and lower walls by a predetermined distance; and said upper and lower walls and said side walls being formed as a single piece with one another.