WO2012016294A1

WO2012016294A1 - Suspension apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2012016294A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000995
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shane Mathew Hanns; Marcus Alexander
Original assignee: Shane Mathew Hanns; Marcus Alexander
Priority date: 2010-08-05
Filing date: 2011-08-05
Publication date: 2012-02-09

Abstract

A suspension apparatus for suspending one or more elongate objects including a main strap, at least one hanging means to suspend the main strap from a support, at least one length adjustment means to adjust the effective length of the main strap, and one or more support means; wherein each support means includes an elongate member secured relative to the main strap; and releasable fastening means such that the support means is adapted to extend at least partially about the one or more elongate objects and be secured relative to the main strap, whereby in use, the main strap is hung from a support and the one or more elongate objects are supported along their longitudinal axis by the support means at a distance from the support determined by the effective length of the main strap.

Description

SUSPENSION APPARATUS

Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for suspending one or more elongate objects, such as pipes, cables, conduit and the like.

The present invention also relates to an anchoring device for hanging items therefrom.

Background Art.

In the construction industry, overhead suspension of materials such as pipes, cables and conduits is commonly required. Chain slings or steel wire slings are routinely used, however these slings suffer from being heavy and bulky and consequently are not only difficult to use but are also awkward to transport. These disadvantages are further compounded by the fact that the pipes, cables, conduits and other materials required to be suspended are suspended at intervals along their length thereby requiring multiple slings at any one time.

As an example of the weight disadvantage of the prior art chain slings,

1 metre of a 5.5 mm chain of the sort used for such slings weighs approximately 1 .2 kg. As a single sling, this is not a considerable weight, but where multiple slings are required, the combined weight is not insubstantial.

Chain and steel wire slings are rated according to their Working Load Limit (WLL) also referred to as "maximum rated load", with fine-gauge chain and wire having a relatively low maximum rated load. Consequently, in addition to the weight disadvantage resulting from multiple slings, there is a further weight disadvantage associated with the larger gauge chain and wire required where an increased WLL is desired.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide an alternative to the slings of the prior art which are not only lighter and therefore easier to transport and set up, without a concomitant reduction in the working load limit.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for suspending one or more elongate objects, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

The present invention is further directed to an anchoring device for hanging items which can be utilized in the aforementioned suspension apparatus.

With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a suspension apparatus for suspending one or more elongate objects, comprising:

a) a main strap;

b) at least one hanging means to suspend the main strap from a support;

c) at least one length adjustment means to adjust the effective length of the main strap; and

d) one or more support means; wherein each support means includes an elongate member secured relative to the main strap; and releasable fastening means such that the support means is adapted to extend at least partially about the one or more elongate objects and be secured relative to the main strap,

whereby in use, the main strap is hung from a support and the one or more elongate objects are supported along their longitudinal axis by the support means at a distance from the support determined by the effective length of the main strap.

The main strap can be made of any material suitable for securing support means thereto. Preferably, the main strap is made from webbing which is suitably rated to suspend the elongate objects. The webbing can be made from any material including canvas or synthetic material such as polyester or polypropylene. Normally the webbing will be a woven material. Preferably, the main strap is made from nylon webbing.

The hanging means can be of any form, being dependent on the support which the hanging means is to be suspended from. The hanging means can therefore be in the form of a link or loop to be secured to the support via a hook. In another embodiment, the hanging means can be in the form of a hook, including a sling hook or a latched hook. Preferably, the hanging means includes a latched hook. In a preferred form, the hanging means is attached to a coupling member enabling the main strap to rotate relative to the hanging means.

The length adjustment means is typically positioned on the main strap intermediate the hanging means and the support means. The length adjustment means can be directly attached to the hanging means. Preferably the length adjustment means includes a device having an opening through which the main strap is slidably received and gripping means to secure the main strap at the desired effective length. The length adjustment means can be, or can include a ladder lock or a buckle, and preferably the length adjustment means is a cam lock buckle.

The support means can be made of any material suitable for extending at least partially about the one or more elongate objects. Preferably, the support means are made from webbing which is suitably rated to support the elongate objects. The webbing can be made from any material including canvas or synthetic material such as polyester or polypropylene. Normally the webbing will be a woven material. Preferably, the support means are made from nylon webbing.

The support means can be secured relative to the main strap by any suitable means. The support means can therefore be secured directly to the main strap via stitching. In an alternative embodiment, the support means can be secured relative to the main strap using a linking device such as a metal loop or D-ring. Typically the support means will have a free end which operates with the releasable fastening means and a fixed end which will be attached or attachable, to or relative to, the main strap.

The releasable fastening means can include any means by which the support means can be secured relative to the main strap whilst extending at least partially about the elongate objects to be suspended.

In a preferred form, the releasable fastening means includes the combination of a D-ring and a latched hook. In one embodiment, a D-ring may be positioned on the main strap, with a latched hook positioned at the end of the support means distal to the main strap, such that the support means extends about the object to be suspended and is secured to the main strap via the latched hook engaging with the D-ring.

In another embodiment, the configuration is reversed, such that a latched hook may be positioned on the main strap, with a D-ring positioned at the end of the support means distal to the main strap.

In a further embodiment, where a first support means is secured to the main strap, a second support means can be secured to the first support means via a D- ring: The second support means can then be releasably fastened using a D-ring and latched hook combination to the first support means or to a third support means. The D-ring and latched hook are preferably made from metal. Even more preferably, the metal is stainless steel.

In another form, the present invention resides in a device for hanging at least one strap, said device including:

a) hanging means to releasably secure the device to a support; and

b) strap engagement means for adjustably engaging the at least one strap such that the effective length of each strap can be adjusted.

In yet another form, the present invention resides in an attachment device for attaching at least one strap relative to a support including:

a) a hook means; and

The device can be made from any metal. Preferably the metal is steel. Even more preferably, the device is made from stainless steel.

The hanging means can be of any form, being dependent on the support which the hanging means is to be secured to. The hanging means can therefore be in the form of a link or loop to be secured to the support via a hook. In another embodiment, the hanging means can be in the form of a hook, including a sling hook or a latched hook. Preferably, the hanging means includes a latched hook.

The hook means can be any form of hook, including a sling hook or a latched hook. Preferably, the hanging means includes a latched hook.

The strap engagement means can be directly attached to the hanging means. Preferably the strap engagement means includes a device having an opening through which the strap is slidably received and gripping means to secure the strap at the desired effective length. The strap engagement means can be a ladder lock or a buckle, and preferably is a cam lock buckle.

In a preferred embodiment, the hanging means is connected to the strap engagement means via a coupling means. The coupling means can have any suitable form.

In one embodiment, the coupling means includes a first element which enables the hanging means to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the hanging device. The coupling means further includes a second element which comprises a pivotal join, allowing for articulated movement of the strap adjustment means relative to the hanging means.

In a preferred embodiment, the first element of the coupling means combined with the hanging means consists of a swivel hook. The swivel mechanism can be directly or indirectly attached to the pivotal join of the second element of the coupling means. Preferably the swivel mechanism is directly attached to the pivotal join of the second element of the coupling means.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, in use, the device is hung from a support via a latched hook. The latched hook has a swivel mechanism at its base which is connected to a coupling means. The coupling means comprises a C-shaped member which is connected to the swivel mechanism, preferably approximately centrally. The swivel mechanism allows the C-shaped member to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the hanging device.

Each end of the C-shaped member is adapted to receive a connecting member. The connecting member can be part of, or attached to, the strap adjustment means. In use, the connecting member joins the ends of the C-shaped member, thus forming a pivotal join and allowing for articulated movement of the strap adjustment means with respect to the C-shaped member/through an arc perpendicular to the plane of the C-shaped member. Each end of the C-shaped member is therefore preferably provided with means for attaching the connecting member.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting member may be a bar or pin and the means for attaching the connecting member will typically be an opening formed in each respective end of the C-shaped member through which the connecting bar or pin can be placed.

According to an alternative embodiment, the elongate member of the support means may be secured to the main strap at a first end and the opposite end thereof may be provided with a releasable fastening means such that the support means is adapted to extend at least partially about the one or more elongate objects and be secured to the main strap.

According to this embodiment, the elongate members of the support means are each either attached to the main strap or fonried from a lower portion of the main strap. For example, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, there are three support means, the lowermost of which is formed from a free end of the main strap provided with a releasable fastening means and two other support means are provided above the lower most and a formed by attaching elongate members to the main strap.

Typically, the length of the elongate members will be adjusted so that when the elongate members are holding elongate objects relative to the main strap, the respective releasable fastening means of each of the support means are adjacent one another.

In a particularly preferred form, the lower support means is the longest and the uppermost support means is the shortest.

It is preferred that the releasable fastening means of this embodiment has a particular configuration, namely that it is possesses a planar portion adapted to abut the main strap when the fastening means is attached to the main strap. Preferably, each of the releasable fastening means will have the same configuration so that they can be stacked. It is particularly preferred that the releasable fastening means is rectangular in overall shape. The shape of the fastening means and particularly the planar portion may be important when the number of faste ing means abut one another as the load can be spread over the abutting surfaces rather than at any particular point which may cause a concentration of force which may in turn increase the rate of failure if it occurs.

It is preferred that the releasable fastening means has a biased arm on one side in order to allow attachment and detachment of the fastening means to the main strap.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figures 1 A and I B show views of suspension apparatus according to two configurations of the pref erred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view showing the suspension apparatus of Figure 1 A in use.

Figure 3 is an alternative view of the embodiment shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view showing the suspension apparatus of Figure IB in use.

Figure 5 is an alternative view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Figures 6Λ-Ε are views of a hanging device of the present invention. Figure 7 is an axonometri.c view of a rectangular strap attachment device according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 8 is a view of an embodiment of suspension apparatus according to an alternative preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

With reference to Figure 1 A, there is shown a suspension apparatus 10, having hanging means 12, a main strap 14 and length adjustment means 16. Support means 18 are secured relative to the main strap 14 with each support means having a latched hook 20 which fastens to a D-ring 22, such that the support means extend completely about the elongate objects to be suspended.

Figure IB shows an alternative configuration of a suspension apparatus with the corresponding features of Figure 1A numbered similarly.

Figure 2 is a view of the suspension apparatus of Figure 1 A in use. The corresponding features of Figure 1 A are numbered similarly. This embodiment shows the suspension apparatus 10 suspending three pipes 24 at one point along their length, with Figure 3 illustrating the same embodiment showing the three pipes 24 suspended at two points along their length.

Figure 4 is a view of the suspension apparatus of Figure 1 B in use. The corresponding features of Figure I B are numbered similarly. This embodiment shows an end-on view of the suspension apparatus 10 suspending three pipes 24. A first support means 18a is secured to the main strap 14 via a D-ring 22a and a latched hook 20a. A second support means 18b is secured to the first support means 1 8a via a D- ring 22b. The second support means 1 8b is also secured to a third support means 18c via a latched hook 20c and a D-ring 22c.

Figure 5 shows a side-on view of the suspension apparatus 10 of Figure 4, suspending three pipes 24 at one point along their length.

With reference to Figure 6A, there is shown an attachment device 30 having a latched hook 32 and a cam-lock buckle 34. The latched hook 32 is coupled to the cam-lock buckle 34 by a swivel means 36 and a pivotal join 38. The swivel means 36 allows for rotation of the cam-lock buckle 34 with respect to latched hook 32, while the pivotal join 38 allows for the movement of the cam-lock buckle 34 about the axis of swivel. In this embodiment, the swivel means 36 consists of a stem portion 40 of the latched hook 32, and a collar 42. The stem portion 40 can rotate freely within the collar 42, allowing for 360° rotation of the latched hook. Two pivot arms 44 are attached to the collar 42 and to a pivot pin 46. The pivot arms 44 can rotate about the pivot pin 46, allowing for articulated movement of the latched hook 32 with respect to the cam-lock buckle 34.

The attachment device 30 also has a loop 48. When used in the suspension apparatus of the current invention, the loop 48 serves as a point for securing support means to via hooks such as sling hooks or latch hooks.

According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, there are three support means 18, the lowermost of which 18' is formed from a free end of the main strap 14 provided with a latched hook 20 and two other support means 18" and 18 '"are provided above the lowermost 18' and are formed by attaching the elongate support means to the main strap 14.

As illustrated, the length of the elongate support means are such that when the elongate support means are holding elongate objects relative to the main strap 14, the respective latched hooks 20 of each of the elongate support means are adjacent one another.

In the particularly preferred form illustrated, the lower support means 18' is the longest and the uppermost support means 18"' is the shortest with an intermediate support means 18" positioned to define the length of the lower support means 18'.

The latched hooks 20 of this embodiment have a particular shape, namely rectangular in overall shape as illustrated in Figure 7 and each has the same shape which promotes stacking. The shape of the latched hooks 20 and particularly the planar portion 51 engaging the main strap 14 is important when the number of fastening means abut one another as the load is spread over the abutting surfaces rather than at any particular point which may cause a concentration of force which may in turn increase the rate of failure if it occurs.

It is preferred that the latched hooks 20 have a biased arm 50 on one side in order to allow attachment and detachment of the latched hooks 20 to the main strap 14.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A suspension apparatus for suspending one or more elongate objects, comprising:

a) a main strap;

b) at least one hanging means to suspend the main strap from a support;

2. A suspension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main strap is made from webbing suitably rated to suspend the elongate objects.

3. A suspension apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the hanging means is in the form of a link or loop to be secured to the support directly or indirectly.

4. A suspension apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the hanging means includes a sling hook or a latched hook.

5. A suspension apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the length adjustment means includes a device having an opening through which the main strap is slidably received and gripping means to secure the main strap at the desired effective length.

6. A suspension apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the length adjustment means is a cam lock buckle.

7. A suspension apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support means is made from webbing suitably rated to suspend the elongate objects.

8. A suspension apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support means is secured relative to the main strap via stitching. A suspension apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the support means is secured relative to the main strap using a linking device. A suspension apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support means has a free end which operates with a releasable fastening means and a fixed end which will be attached or attachable, to or relative to, the main strap.

A suspension apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the releasable fastening means includes a combination of a D-ring and a latched hook.

A suspension apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein a D-ring may be positioned on the main strap, with a latched hook positioned at the end of the support means distal to the main strap, such that the support means extends about the object to be suspended and is secured to the main strap via the latched hook engaging with the D-ring.

A device for hanging at least one strap, said device including:

a) hanging means to releasably secure the device to a support; and b) strap engagement means for adjustably engaging the at least one strap such that the effective length of each strap can be adjusted.

A device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the strap engagement means is directly attached to the hanging means.

A device as claimed in either one of claims 1 3 or 14 wherein the strap engagement means includes a device having an opening through which the at least one strap is slidably received and gripping means to secure the strap at the desired effective length.

A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 3 to 1 5 wherein the hanging means is connected to the strap engagement means via a coupling means including a first element which enables the hanging means to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the hanging device and a second element which comprises a pivotal join, allowing for articulated movement of the strap adjustment means relative to the hanging means.

A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the hanging means is secured to at least one strap at a first end and an opposite end of each at least one strap is provided with a releasable fastening means such that the at least one strap means is adapted to extend at least partially about the one or more elongate objects and be secured to the at least one strap.

A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein an elongate main strap and at least one secondary strap is provided, each at least one secondary strap attached to the main strap or formed from a lower portion of the main strap.

A device as claimed in claim 18 wherein a releasable fastening means is provided at a free end of each strap, the releasable fastening means including latched hook with a planar portion adapted to abut the main strap when the releasable fastening means is attached to the main strap

A device as claimed in claim 18 wherein each releasable fastening means will has the same configuration so that they can be stacked.

A device for attaching at least one strap relative to a support including a hook means, and strap engagement means for adjustably engaging the at least one strap such that the effective length of each strap can be adjusted.