GB2310022A

GB2310022A - Hanging loads from apertures in purlins

Info

Publication number: GB2310022A
Application number: GB9702655A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Frank Gill
Original assignee: Glynwed International PLC
Current assignee: AGA Rangemaster Group Ltd
Priority date: 1996-02-08
Filing date: 1997-02-10
Publication date: 1997-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-10
Also published as: GB2310022B; GB9702655D0

Abstract

The invention provides hanging means and a method of hanging loads, particularly suited to purlins, which allows the loads to be readily and easily hung at a variety of positions, whilst only requiring access to one side of the element form which the load is to be hung. The hanging means provides a base portion (3) and side portions (5,7) which lead via connecting portions (12,14) to arm portions (11,13). In use the arm portions (11,13) are inserted through an aperture in the member from which the load is to be hung. The hanger is then rotated to position the arm portions such that the abutment surfaces (33,35) abuts the rear of the wall of the member. In this position the abutment surfaces (29,31) on the side portions (5,7) abut the front opposing side of the member. A threaded rod can be inserted through aperture (9) in the base portion (3) and a nut introduced between arm portions (5,7). The load can be fastened to this rod. The aperture in the member (20) can have various shapes, and the arm portions (11,13) are squeezed for insertion into the aperture.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO HANGERS This invention is concerned with improvements in and relating to hangers, particularly, but not exclusively of the type used for hanging loads from purlins.

Purl ins are used for a wide variety of uses in the structure of buildings. They are commonly used to join and space cladding sections and roofing materials, as well as a wide variety of other applications. In many cases it is desired to hang loads extending over substantial distance from purlins. Pipelines, cable ducts and a variety of other loads are frequently suspended from purl ins in this way. A variety of hanger designs have been employed to attach to the purlin and suspend the conduit or other load.

Prior art hangers include adjustable clips which embrace the bottom and top section of the purl in in a clamping style, hangers which hook around an exposed edge of the purl in and most frequently of all a member which is fastened by means of a nut and bolt inserted through an aperture in the purl in and the member. A rod usually hangs from this member.

Many of these systems lack versatility and frequently require substantial and complex hanger elements to cooperate with the purl in. Particularly where the fastener has to be inserted through the purl in material itself access is required to both sides of the purlin which in many applications is both awkward and undesirable. Simultaneous access to both sides to achieve the tightening of the fastener is a major problem.

The present invention aims to provide an easy to fit and remove system, which is versatile and readily adjustable and which can be introduced to a purl in using access from only one side.

According to a first aspect of the present invention we provide means for hanging a load from a member in which the member is provided with an aperture leading between a first and a second side, the means having a first portion which passes through the aperture and engages with the first side of the member and a second portion which engages with the second side of the member, the two portions being joined by a connecting portion which extends through the aperture and in which the first portion comprises, in use, one or more members which extend away at an angle to the aperture axis in a first direction.

The second portion preferably extends away from the aperture in a second different direction.

In this way a hanger is provided which can readily be inserted to an aperture in a surface from one side only and yet which assumes a stable state which inserted. Other potential features are provided below.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a method for hanging a load from a surface comprising: a) providing an aperture in the surface between a first side of the member and a second side of the member; b) inserting a first portion of a hanger member through said aperture; c) re-orientating the hanger member such that at least a part of said first portion faces or abuts said second side of said member, a further portion of said hanger member facing or abutting said first surface of said side, and d) attaching a load to the said hanger member.

In this way a hanging system is provided which needs access from one side of the member only to be positioned. The member is easily installed and removed and is yet stable in use.

Preferably, the first portion is inserted in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the aperture.

Preferably, in the re-orientated position the first portion extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the said aperture. It is particularly preferred that the reorientation be effected by means of a rotation of the member. The rotation ntay pivot substantially about the junction of the body portion.

The rotation may be effected as a completely separate stage or as part of the final motion of the inserting stage.

Preferably during the re-orientating stage a recessed portion of the member engages with the edge of the aperture.

Preferably the first portion of the member is deformed prior to or during its introduction to the aperture to reduce its overall dimension. By providing a resilient nature to the first portions they may therefore exert a clamping force when released in the fixed / hanging position, for instance by trying to return to its original dimension and being restrained from this by the respective dimension of the aperture.

The clamping force / deformation may be providing during insertion by the edge of the aperture. Once clear of the edge of the aperture, ie in the re-orientated state, this clamping force may be released.

It is particularly preferred that a recess be provided in the member which cooperates with the edge of the aperture, the engagement of the edge of the aperture with this recess effecting a release, or at least partial release, of the clamping force. As a consequence, once engaged in the recess a deliberately applied external force is necessary to deform the member and effect withdrawal of the member. The engagement of the aperture edge with the recess is particularly preferred during the final part of the re-orientating stage. In this way the release may occur during the final transition to the state in which the hanging member rests and is used.

Preferably the load is hung from the hanging member by attaching the load directly or indirectly to an element attached to this member. The element is preferably releasably attached and is most preferably fastened by means of a nut.

The element may be provided on the hanging member by inserting the element through an aperture in the hanging member and by providing a releasable fastener on the top portion of the element, which in use abuts a portion of the member and restrains the element relative to the aperture.

The threaded rod is a particularly preferred embodiment of this component.

The releasable fastener, such as a nut, may be accommodated within a recess or held between components of the hanging member, for instance a pair of parallel plate elements, to prevent rotation during the insertion of the element depending from the hanging member. Thus the nut is restrained against rotation whilst a threaded rod is introduced for instance.

The aperture provided within the hanging member to accommodate the element is preferably elongate. In this way articulation of the rod relative to the hanging member is possible. Elongation towards the surface and away from the aperture is preferred. Preferably the rod is capable of articulation, relative to the vertical of up to 500 in either direction.

The aperture may be provided as an elongate hole, slot, rounded slot, diamond, diablo or the like.

According to a third aspect the invention we provide a load hanging member, the member comprising a first portion defining a first, preferably abutment, surface which extends in a first direction and a body portion from which the first portion depends, the body portion defining a second, preferably abutment, surface extending in a second direction which is different from the first, the first and second surfaces being offset from one another and facing cpposing directions.

Preferably both the first and second surfaces are provided as abutment surfaces. An additional abutment surface may be provided on the member at substantially 90" to both the first and second surfaces. This abutment surface may engage the edge of the aperture in use.

Preferably the body and portions are formed of an integral member, most preferably a plate member.

The first portions may comprise one or more portions.

The portions may be in the form of a planar plate.

Preferably an edge of the plate defines the abutment surface on the first portion and/or body portion.

Preferably the body portion comprises a further plate portion.

The body portion abutment surface and first portion abutment surface are preferably arranged at between 90 and 1800, i.e. parallel, to one another. Most preferably the body portion abutment surface extends substantially parallel to the first portion abutment surface.

The body portion may include arm portions similarly orientated to the first portions but extending in a different direction to the first portion.

Preferably the body arm portions and first portions are connected together by a connecting portion. The connecting portion may be relatively small compared with the body portion and arm portion. The connecting portion preferably offsets the arm portion relative to the body portion by a distance not less than the thickness of the member to which the hanger is to be attached. Where the offset distance is substantially the thickness of the member both the first and second surfaces will abut the member. In certain circumstances, where the offset is larger than the thickness of the member only the second surface may abut the member.

Where the body portion and first portions are connected by a connecting portion the connecting portion may be provided with one or more recesses. Where a pair of body arm portions and first portions are provided a recess may be provided on each. The recess may be provided on the part of the connecting portion nearest the first surface and / or on the portion of the connecting portion nearest the second surface.

Preferably the recess is of a width greater than the thickness of the materials on which the member is to be deployed.

It is preferred that the recess be provided on the connecting portion closest to the second abutment surface. The recess may represent a continuation cf the abutment surface to provide depth to the recess and a transition between the bottom of the recess towards the first portion of the member. The transition to the first portion of the member may be more gradual compared to the transition between the bottom of the recess and the second abutment surface.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the hanger consists of first portions formed of a plurality of plate elements which extend in a first direction, a connecting portion extending away from the first portions in a substantially perpendicular direction, body arm portions extending from the connecting portion, most preferably at greater than 900 to the first portions and a body portion connected to the body arm portions from which the load depends.

The body portion may be provided with an aperture to receive a element from which the load is actually suspended.

The aperture may be elongate towards and or away from the second abutment surface. In this way articulation of the load bearing element relative to the hanger is possible. Preferably the aperture is sufficiently elongate to allow 500 of articulation in either direction relative to the vertical. The aperture may be provided as an elongate slot, with or without rounded ends, as a diamond, as an ellipse or as a diablo. This load bearing element may be a threaded rod. Preferably the spacing between the arm portions of the body is such that a nut can be attached to this rod portion and brought down between the arm portions into abutment.

Preferably the nut abuts the arm portions of the body restraining rotation of the nut during rotation of the threaded rod.

Preferably the transition between the rear edge of the first arm portions and the connecting portion is curved, most preferably in the form of an arc. This allows easier Insertion of the member and also provides for rotation of the member in use.

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hanger according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2a shows a hanger being inserted into a purl in; Figure 2b shows the hanger of Figure 2a in a transitional position; Figure 2c shows the hanger of Figure 2b in the located position; and Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention.

The hanger (1) consists of a single plate folded and cut to the desired configuration. The hanger has a base portion (3) and side portion (5, 7) extending therefrom. The side portions are substantially parallel to one another. The hanger is open at the front and top allowing ready access to an aperture (9) in the base plate (3).

Arm portions (11, 13) extend from the top rear edges of the plates (5, 7) by connecting portions (12,14). The top edge of the plates (5, 7j has a substantial right angled transition (27) to the arms (11, 13) whereas the lower edge is provided as an arc (17, 19).

The rear edge (29,31) of the plates (5,7) and the front edge (33,35) of the arm portions (11,13) are horizontally offset relative to one another by an amount Z substantially equal to the thickness of the purlin on which the hanger is to be used.

As illustrated in Figure 2a to connect the hanger (1) to the purlin (20) or other surface the arm portions (11, 13) are inserted through an aperture. Due to the flexibility of the material forming the hanger the spacing X between the arms (11, 13) and indeed the top portion of the plates (5,7) can be reduced during this introduction stage. The initial introduction of the arms through the aperture is in a sliding motion substantially perpendicular to the face of the purlin (20) and substantially along the axis of the aperture.

As the top edge (23, 25) of the plates (5, 7) approaches the outside (22) face of the purlin the motion is switched to a rotational one substantially about the junction (27) of the arms (11,13) and top edge (23,25). This makes use of the arcs (17, 19) to allow the further introduction of the hanger through the aperture.

As the rear edge (29, 31) of the plates (5, 7) is rotated down it eventually leads to a position where the front edge (33,35) of the arm portions (11, 13) and the rear edge (29,31) of the plate (5, 7) both abut the purl in (20) although on opposing sides Figure 2c. In this position the hanger is securely positioned.

To suspend the desired load from the hanger a threaded member can be inserted up through the aperture (9) in its base and a suitable nut fastened to this element. This is easily achieved when the member is pushed clear of the top edges (23, 25) of the plate. Once fastened to the desired degree the member can be pulled down within the hanger until the nut abuts the lower face (3). Conventional load supports can be attached to the bottom end of the member.

Once fully inserted the resilient nature of the material expands the spacing between the plates (11, 13) to its original spacing or at least tries to and thereby affects a slight clamping action on the aperture which again aids location.

The process is reversed to release the hanger from the purlin (20).

The embodiment of the invention displayed in Figure 3 is similar to that of Figure 1 and equivalent reference numerals have been used for equivalent components.

This embodiment however differs in two principle features. Firstly the aperture (9) provided in the base portion (3) of the member is provided as an elongate slot.

This allows for articulation of the depending element (not shown) relative to the vertical. A suitably elongate slot can provide for 50 of deviation relative to the vertical either in direction A and / or direction B as shown on the Figure.

The embodiment also differs in terms of recesses (50) provided in the connecting portions (12, 14). These recesses are provided with a gradual transition surface between the depth of the recess (50) and arcs (17, 19) but with a more severe transition between the second abutment surfaces / rear edge (29, 31) and the depth of the recess (50).

In use during the type of insert ion sequence illustrated in Figure 2a, b and c, as before the separation between the first portions / arms (11, 13) is reduced and those portions inserted through the aperture. The distance X between these arm portions continues to be reduced during the insertion due to the constraining effect of the apertures dimensions. Upon the edge of the aperture reaches the recesses (50) a snap fit type of engagement occurs as the arm portions (11, 13) are able to expand sideways once more either restoring the separation X to its former value or at least increasing it relative to the value constrained by the aperture during Insertion. The recesses (50), therefore, provide a stable resting position for the unit following insertion.

Removal of the member is only possible once a deliberate and significant compression force is applied to the arms to reduce the distance X once more. Only then can the edge of the aperture be brought out of engagement with the recesses (50) and back on to the arcs (17, 19).

The apertures in the purlin can either be made as required, for instance by drilling or provided in the unit as manufactured for instance by punching. In either event, access to only one side of the purl in is required to introduce an release the hanger.

An additional feature of the hanger, where a round aperture is used is that the hanger can be freely rotated relative to the purlin aperture if desired.

Mild steel materials, potentially zinc coated or otherwise protected against corrosion can be used for such hangers. M10 or otherwise standard prop rods can be employed with suitable nuts.

Claims

CLAINIS

1. A method for hanging a load frown a surface of a member comprising, providing an apernlre in the surface between a first side and a second side of the member, inserting a first portion of a hanger means through said aperture, re-orientating the hanger means such that at least a part of said first portion faces or abuts said first side of said member, a further portion of said hanger means facing or abutting said second surface of said member and attaching a load to the said hanger means

2. A method according to claim 1 in which the first portion is inserted in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the aperture and in which in the reoriented position the first portion extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the aperture.

3. A method according to claim I or claim 2 in which a recessed portion of the hanger means engages with the edge of the aperttire.

4 A method according to any of claims I to 3 in which the first portion of the means is deformed prior to and/ol tiring its introdtiction to the aperture to reduce its overall dimension.

5. A method according to claim 4 ill which the deformation is resilient.

6. A method according to claim 4 or claim 5 in which the means are provided with a recess which co-operates with the edge of the aperture, the engagement of the edge of the aperture with the recess effectiiig an at least partial release of the clamping force or deformation.

7. A method according to any preceding claim in which the load is hung from the hanging means by attaching tile load to a releasable element attached to the means.

8. Load hanging Illeans, the means comprising a first portion defining a first surface which extencls in a first direction and a body portion from which the first portion depends, tile body portion definillo a second surface extending in a second direction which is different to the first direction, the first and second surfaces being offset from one another and facing opposing directions.

9. Means according to clailil 8 in which the first and/or second surfaces are abutment surfaces.

10. Means according to claim 9 in which an additional abutnient surface is provided on the means at sibstantially 90 degrees to both the first and second surfaces.

11. Means according to any of claims 8 to 10 in which the first portion comprises more than one portion.

12. Means according to any of claims 8 to 11 in which the first portion and body portion(s) are formed groin an integral plate

13. Means according to claim 12 in which an edge of the plate defines an abutment surface on the first portion(s) and/or body portion

14. Means according to any of claims 8 to 13 in uthicll the first portion(s) abutment surface and body portion abutment surface are arranged at between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, parallel. to one another.

15 Means according to any of claims 8 to 14 in which the body portion comprises arm portion(s) similarly orientated to the first portions but extending in a different direction to the first portion(s).

16. Means according to claim 15 in which the body portion arm portion(s) and first portion(s) are connected by connecting portioll(s).

17. Means according to claim 15 in which the connecting portions offset the body arm portion(s) and first portion(s) by a distance not less than the thickness of the member, or the depth of the aperture in the member to which the hanger is attached in use.

18. Means according to claim 16 or claim 17 in wliich the conllectillg portion(s) are provided with one or niore recesses.

19. Means according to claim 18 in which the width of the recesses is greater than the thickness of the material On which the Ineaiis is to toe mounted.

20. Means according to claiioi 18 or claim IC) in which tloe recess(s) are provided on the part of the connecting portion(s) closes to the second abiitment surface(s).

21. Means according to any of claims 8 to 20 iii which the means comprises or consists of a plurality of plate elements forming first portion. which extend in a first direction a connecting portion extending away front the first portion in a substantially perpendicular direction. body arm portions extending from the connecting portion and a body portion connected to the body allow portions, from which the load de1)eIids.

22. Means according to claim 21 in which a separate connection portion is provided between each plate elenlellt of the first portion and each body arm portion.

23 Means according to aiiy of claims 8 to 22 in which the body portion Is provided with an aperture to receive an element froiio wllicll the load is suspended.

24. Means according lo claim 24 in which the aperture is elongate towards and/or away from the second abutment surface.

25. Means according to claim 23 or claim 24 in which the element is provided with a head or nut portions between the body arm portions.

26. Means according to clainl 25 in which the nut or head of the element abuts the body arm portions restraining rotation of the element.

27. Means according to any of clainls 16 to 26 in wllicll the transition between the rear edge of tloe first portion(s) and the connecting portion(s) is curved.

28. Means for hanging a load frolll a member in which the member is provided with an aperture leading between a first aiid a second side, the means having a first portion which passes through the aperture and engages with the first side of the member and a second portion which engages with tile second side of the member, the two porliolis being joinctl by a connecting portion which extends through tlie aperture aiiil in which the first portion comprises, in use, one or more members which extend away at an angle to the aperture axis in a first direction.

29. Means accordillg to claim in wilich the second portion extends away from the apernire in a second different direction.

30. A method of hanging a load and/or load hanging mealis substantially as described herein and/or as illustrated in tile accompanying drawings.