STRUCTURAL COUPLING FOR SUSPENDED SUPPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

A structural coupling for a suspension support system includes a coupling body (12) and a structural fastener (14) coupled to the coupling body and configured to secure the structural coupling to a structural support. A rod fastener (16) couples to the coupling body and defines at least one threaded opening (62A) configured to engage with a threaded rod. The rod fastener is selectively movable relative to the structural fastener to adjust an angle between an axis of the threaded opening and a longitudinal axis of the structural fastener.

Description

This description generally relates to a structural coupling for a hanging support system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION One type of hanging support system for pipes, ducts, and other similar components in a structure or building includes a rod or pipe (e.g., a threaded rod) connected to and extending between a component coupling configured to attach to the supported component (e.g., a fire sprinkler branch, air duct, water pipe, conduit, etc.) and a structural coupling (or top coupling) configured to attach to the structure (e.g., the frame of a building). The structural coupling can be configured to attach to structures made of concrete, steel, or wood, for example. In a particular application of a seismic reinforcement system, the hanger support system is a fire sprinkler branch restraint that prevents the movement of fire sprinkler branches that could cause damage to themselves, the structure, or other nearby non-structural systems, such as air handling ducts, plumbing, or electrical systems. The structural restraint Ref. 338764 (or higher) can also be used in a hanging system to support and hang components that do not require a seismic reinforcement system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, a structural coupling for a suspension support system generally comprises a coupling body and a structural fastener coupled to the coupling body and configured to secure the structural coupling to a structural support. A rod fastener is coupled to the coupling body and defines at least one threaded opening configured to engage with a threaded rod. The rod fastener is selectively movable relative to the structural fastener to adjust an angle between an axis of the threaded opening and a longitudinal axis of the structural fastener. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first modality of a structural (or upper) coupling for a hanging support system. Figure 2 is another perspective view of the first mode of structure coupling for a hanging support system. Figure 3 is a side view of the first modality of the structure coupling coupled to a structure and hanging coupling. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first mode of structure coupling. Figure 5 is a side view of the first mode of structure coupling. Figure 6 is a cross-section of the first mode of structure coupling taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5. Figure 7 is a side view of the first mode of structure coupling. Figure 8 is a front view of the first mode of structure coupling. Figure 9 is a cross-section of the first mode of structure coupling taken along 9-9 of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a bottom view of the first mode of structure coupling. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second modality of a structural (or superior) coupling for a hanging support system. Figure 12 is another perspective view of the second mode of structure coupling. Figure 13 is an exploded view of the second mode of structure coupling. Figure 14 is a left side view of the second mode of structure coupling. Figure 15 is a right-side view of the second mode of structure coupling. Figure 16 is a cross-section of the second mode of structure coupling taken along line 16—16 of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a side view of the second mode of structure coupling. Figure 18 is a cross-section of the second mode of structure coupling taken along line 18—18 of Figure 17. Figure 19 is a perspective view of a third modality of a structural (or superior) coupling for a hanging support system. Figure 20 is another perspective view of the third mode of structure coupling. Figure 21 is an exploded view of the third mode of structure coupling. Figure 22 is a side view of the third mode of structure coupling. Figure 23 is a cross-section of the third mode of structure coupling taken along line 23—23 of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a front view of the third mode of structure coupling. Figure 25 is a cross-section of the third mode of structure coupling taken along line 25—25 of Figure 24. Figure 26 is a perspective view of a fourth modality of a structural (or higher) coupling for a hanging support system. Figure 27 is another perspective view of the fourth mode of structure coupling. Figure 28 is a perspective view of a fifth modality of a structural (or higher) coupling for a hanging support system. Figure 29 is another perspective view of the fifth mode of structure coupling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This description outlines several configurations of a structural (or upper) coupling for a suspended support system. These structural coupling configurations are suitable for use as the upper restraint coupling in fire sprinkler branch restraints, preventing movement of the fire sprinkler branches that could cause damage to the branches themselves, the structure, or other nearby non-structural systems, such as air handling ducts, plumbing, or electrical systems. Additionally, these structural coupling configurations are suitable for use in various hanging systems to support and suspend components that do not require a seismic bracing system. With reference to Figures 1-10, one embodiment of a structural coupling (or higher) for a suspension support system constructed in accordance with the teachings of this description is generally designated by reference number 10. The structural coupling 10 generally includes a coupling body, generally designated by 12; a structural fastener, generally designated by 14, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally designated by 16, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a threaded rod. An example of a suspension support system that includes the structural coupling 10 is generally designated by reference number 20 in Figure 3.When the hanging support system 20 is assembled and installed, the threaded rod 22 extends outward from the structure coupling 10 and engages a component coupling 24 (e.g., a clamp, bracket, or other component) configured to engage the hanging component 26, such as a fire sprinkler branch, pipe, duct, or other hanging component. The illustrated coupling body 12 includes a channel-shaped wall 30 (e.g., U-shaped) that defines a bearing configured to support the rod holder 16, and a top wall 32 that closes off one upper end of the channel-shaped wall. Together, the channel-shaped wall 30 and the top wall 32 define an interior 34 in which the rod holder 16 is housed. The channel-shaped wall 30 has an arched bottom and opposite sides. The coupling body 12 has a length L1 (Figure 7), and opposite longitudinal ends of the coupling body 12 are open to receive the rod holder 16. Retaining pins 38 extend inward from opposite sides of the channel-shaped wall 30 at each longitudinal end of the coupling body 12, although the pins may be located at only one of the longitudinal ends.The retaining pins 38 are generally movable relative to the coupling body 12 (e.g., around integral hinges connecting the pins to the coupling body) to allow the rod holder 16 to be inserted into the coupling body 12 when the pins are extended longitudinally outward from the respective longitudinal end, and to capture and retain the rod holder in the coupling body when the fingers are extended inward and generally transverse to the longitudinal ends, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example. For the reasons explained below, the channel-shaped wall 30 defines an opening or window 40 (e.g., a slot-shaped window) that extends transversely to the length L1 of the coupling body 12 along the channel-shaped wall, through the sides and bottom of the coupling body. The top wall 32 also defines a clamping opening 42 through which the structural fastener 14 extends, as explained below. The axis of the opening extends transversely to the length L1 of the coupling body 12. The illustrated top wall 32 includes overlapping tabs (e.g., integrally formed tabs) that extend inward from the respective upper ends of the sides of the channel-shaped wall 30. Aligned openings in each tab define the clamping opening 42. The top wall 32 can be formed in other ways.The illustrated coupling body 12 is a one-piece, integrally formed component that can be formed from sheet metal (i.e., manufactured from sheet metal), such as steel. The coupling body 12 can be formed in other ways, and one or more of the respective components and / or structures can be formed separately and subsequently coupled together to form the coupling body. The illustrated structural fastener 14 is a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw of another threaded fastener) configured to engage by threading with the structural support S. For example, the illustrated threaded fastener 14 is a bolt or screw that can be threaded into concrete, wood, metal, or another material of the support S. In another embodiment, the threaded fastener 14 can be threaded into a coupling component that, in turn, engages with the structural support S. This coupling component is considered part of the structural support. The illustrated threaded fastener 14 is a stop bolt (or stop screw) that includes a thread 48, an unthreaded ring 50 extending longitudinally from the thread 48, and a threaded shank 52 extending longitudinally from the ring. Cadezal 48 defines a tool coupling structure (e.g., an opening or shape) for coupling to a hand tool, such as a driver or wrench.When inserted, the flange 50 of the fastener 14 engages in the clamping opening 42. The flange 50 has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the clamping opening 42. As shown in Figure 3, the flange 50 acts as a bearing to allow the coupling body 12 to rotate in the fastener about the fastener's axis A1 (also a rotation axis of the coupling body) when the structural coupling 10 engages with the structure S. In one or more different embodiments, instead of a stop bolt, the structural fastener may include a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) and a separate bushing or bearing, through which the shank of the threaded fastener extends, functioning similarly to the flange of the stop bolt to allow rotation of the coupling body in the fastener. The illustrated rod holder 16 is generally cylindrical or rod-shaped and has a side wall 58, opposite longitudinal ends 60, and a longitudinal axis A2 extending between the opposite longitudinal ends. The rod holder 16 defines at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B having an axis A3, A4 extending into the side wall 58, generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the holder 16, and configured to engage threaded with one or more of the threaded rods 22. The at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B is radially aligned with the window 40. Furthermore, the rod holder 16 can be selectively rotated within the coupling body 12, e.g.It moves along the inner surface of the channel-shaped wall 30—around its longitudinal axis A2—to selectively adjust the angular position of the at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B around the longitudinal axis A2 and relative to the coupling body 12 and the frame fastener 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 50 of the frame fastener 14 engages with the rod fastener (or separates slightly from it) to restrict the non-rotational movement of the rod fastener in the coupling body 12. As can be seen in Figure 9, the at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B is accessible and can be used through the window 40 in any angular position along an arc of 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis A2. In the illustrated rod holder 16, the rod holder 16 defines two threaded openings 62A and 62B, each with axes A3 and A4, configured to receive and mate with rods of different diameters. The first threaded opening 62A has a smaller diameter than the second threaded opening 62B to mate with a rod that has a smaller diameter than the second rod. For example, the first threaded opening 62A can be configured to mate with a 3 / 8-inch threaded rod (e.g., 3 / 8 inch diameter, 16 threads per inch). Similarly, the second threaded opening 62B can also be configured to mate with a 1 / 2-inch threaded rod (e.g., 1 / 2 inch diameter, 12 threads per inch). The illustrated threaded openings 62A, 62B (e.g., threaded blind openings) are generally aligned coaxially (e.g., 180 degrees of displacement) with respect to the longitudinal axis A2. The apertures 62A, 62B are generally located on the longitudinal axis A2. In one or more different configurations, the apertures 62A, 62B may not be coaxial. The illustrated rod holder 16 defines a through opening 66 (e.g., an unthreaded opening) configured to receive a tool (e.g., a driver, wrench, or other tool) to allow access to the head 48 of the frame fastener 14 inside 34 of the coupling body 12. For example, the through opening 66 can be configured to receive a screwdriver shank. The through opening 66 is radially aligned with the window 40. In the illustrated embodiment, an axis A5 of the through opening 66 is generally offset 90 degrees from the axes A3 and A4 of the openings 62A and 62B and may intersect the axes. The rod holder 16 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A2 to position the axis A5 of the through opening 66 generally in alignment (e.g., coaxial) with the axis Al of the support holder 14 so that a tool can be extended through the rod holder 14 and coupled to the support holder 14.The axial ends of the through opening 66 are radially flared outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis A2 of the rod holder 14 to facilitate insertion of the tool through the rod holder. In one example, the structural coupling 10 is coupled to the structural coupling S by aligning the through-hole 66 in the rod holder 14 with the head 50 of the structural clamp 15, inserting the tool through the through-hole and into engagement with the clamp head, and rotating the rod holder about its axis 1a using the tool to thread the clamp into the support. The threaded rod 22 is then threaded into one of the corresponding threaded holes 62A, 62B to secure the rod to the structural coupling. The rod holder 14 can be selectively rotated to a selected angular position (e.g., angular position a in Figure 3) in which the rod 22 will extend relative to the axis of the structural clamp 14. The component coupling 24 is coupled to the supported component 26 (e.g., a fire sprinkler branch, an air duct, a water pipe, a conduit, etc.). With reference to Figures 11-18, another form of a (top) structural coupling is generally designated by the reference number 110. The structural coupling 110 generally includes a coupling body, generally designated by 112; a structural fastener, generally designated by 114, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally designated by 116, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a threaded rod 22. The structural coupling 110 may be used in place of the structural coupling 10 in Figure 3 for suspending or supporting the component in a similar manner. The illustrated coupling body 112 includes a top wall 132 and first and second opposing side arms 134A, 134B extending downwards from the top wall to define a window 140. The top wall 132 defines a clamping opening 142 configured to receive the structural fastener 114, similar to the one in the previous coupling body 12. In fact, the illustrated structural fastener 114 is identical to the structural fastener 14, and therefore the principles of structural fastener 14 apply equally to structural fastener 114. For example, a flange 150 of the fastener 114 engages in the opening 142 and allows rotation of the fastener about its axis A6. The side arms 134A, 134B define the axially aligned openings 136A, 136B (e.g., unthreaded openings), respectively, sized and shaped to receive the rod holder 116 in these, as explained below. The illustrated rod fastener 116 is generally cylindrical or rod-shaped and has a side wall 158, opposing first and second longitudinal ends 160A, 160B, and a longitudinal axis A7 extending between the opposite longitudinal ends. The rod fastener 116 can be selectively rotated relative to the coupling body 112 about axis A7. Like the rod fastener 16, the rod fastener 116 defines at least one threaded opening 162A, 162B having an axis A8, A9 extending into the side wall 158, generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fastener 116 and configured to engage in a threaded manner with one or more of the threaded rods 22. The rod fastener 116 is generally a cylindrical nut.The structures and functions of the two threaded openings 162A, 162B are identical to the two threaded openings 62A, 62B, and therefore the teachings set forth with respect to the threaded openings 62A, 62B apply equally to the threaded openings 162A, 162B. Unlike rod holder 16, a portion adjacent to the second longitudinal end 160B of the present rod holder 116 (and a portion adjacent to the second longitudinal end) has a reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the rod holder adjacent to the first longitudinal end 160A. The first opening 136A has a larger diameter than the second openings 136B. The first opening 136A comfortably receives the portion of rod holder 116 adjacent to the first longitudinal end 160A, and the second opening 136B comfortably receives the reduced-diameter portion adjacent to the second longitudinal end 160B. For example, the rod holder 116 is inserted axially through the first opening 136A with the second longitudinal end 160B inserted through the first opening and into the second opening 136B.A flange 143 on the reduced-diameter portion engages with the second side arm 134B to inhibit further axial movement of the rod holder 116. Once inserted, the second longitudinal end 160B can be wavy or otherwise deformed to increase its diameter and inhibit removal of the rod holder 116 from the openings 136A, 136B. As such, the rod holder 116 is retained in the openings 136A, 136B and can rotate within them. In one example, the coupling body 112 is attached to the support S using the support fastener 114 before attaching the rod fastener 116 to the coupling body. With the rod fastener 116 not yet housed in the openings 136A and 136B, the head 148 of the frame fastener 114 can be accessed through the window 140. After attaching the coupling body 112 to the support S, the rod fastener 116 can be attached to the coupling body 112 as described above. In one or more embodiments, the rod fastener 116 can be attached to the coupling body 112 before coupling to the support S. In such an example, the rod fastener 116 can include the through opening 66 described for the rod fastener 14. With reference to Figures 19-25, another form of a structural coupling is generally designated by the reference number 210. The structural coupling 210 generally includes a coupling body, generally designated by 212; a structural fastener, generally designated by 214, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally designated by 216, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a threaded rod 22. The structural coupling 210 may be used in place of the structural coupling 10 in Figure 3 to suspend or support the component in a similar manner.The frame fastener 214 illustrated may be identical to frame fasteners 14, 114, and therefore the teachings given with respect to fasteners 14, 114 apply equally to fastener 214. The rod fastener 216 illustrated is identical to rod fastener 116, therefore the teachings given with respect to rod fastener 114 apply equally to rod fastener 216. The illustrated coupling body 212 is similar to coupling body 112 and includes a top wall 232 and opposing first and second side arms 234A, 234B extending downward from the top wall to define a window 240. The top wall 232 defines a clamping opening 242 configured to receive the structural fastener 214. The side arms 234A, 234B define the axially aligned openings 236A, 236B (e.g., unthreaded openings), respectively, sized and shaped to accommodate the rod fastener 116 therein, as described above with respect to structural coupling 110. The main difference between coupling bodies 112 and 212 is that the clamping opening 242 of coupling body 212 is offset relative to the rod holder 216 so that the head of the frame holder 214 can be accessed through the window 240 when the rod holder is attached to the coupling body. This allows the coupling body 212 to be assembled before being coupled to the support S. With reference to Figures 26 and 27, another form of a (top) structural coupling is generally designated by the reference number 310. The 310 structural coupling generally includes a coupling body, generally designated by 312; a structural fastener, generally designated by 314, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally designated by 316, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a threaded rod 22. The 310 structural coupling may be used in place of the structural coupling 10 in Figure 3 for suspending or supporting the component in a similar manner.The illustrated frame fastener 314 may be identical to frame fasteners 14, 114, and therefore the teachings set forth with respect to fasteners 14, 114 apply equally to fastener 314. The coupling body 312 includes a support 318, which is generally L-shaped, and a flange 320 extending from a first longitudinal end of the support. The coupling body 312 can be formed as a single unit, such as from sheet metal. The support 318 is selectively movable (e.g., rotated) out of the plane relative to the flange 320 about an integral hinge 322 connecting a first portion of the support to the flange. An opening 324 (e.g., a cutout) in the integral hinge 322 allows flexing of the integral hinge. A second portion of the support 318 can extend perpendicular to the first portion of the support. The second portion of the support 318 defines an opening 328 in which the rod holder 316 is received.The tab 320 defines an opening 330 in which the fastener 314 is housed in the same manner as the previous embodiments so that the coupling body 312 can rotate about the axis of the rod fastener. An angle "2" (Figure 26) in which a longitudinal axis A10 of the rod fastener 316 extends relative to a longitudinal axis. The entire coupling fastener 314 can be selectively adjusted by rotating the support 318 around the integral hinge 322. In one example, angle "2" can be selectively adjusted from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 0 degrees (e.g., coaxial). The rod holder 316 comprises a cylindrical nut defining a threaded opening 334 extending along the longitudinal axis A10. The threaded opening 334 is configured to engage threaded couplings with the threaded rod 22. The threaded opening 334 can define a first longitudinal portion configured to engage a 3 / 8-inch threaded rod (e.g., 3 / 8 inch diameter, 16 threads per inch), and a second longitudinal portion configured to engage a 1 / 2-inch threaded rod (e.g., 1 / 2 inch diameter, 12 threads per inch). The rod holder 316 can be rotated or fixed within the opening 328. With reference to Figures 28 and 29, another form of a (top) structural coupling is generally designated by the reference number 410. The 410 structural coupling generally includes a coupling body, generally designated as 412; a structural fastener, generally designated as 414, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally designated as 416, coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a threaded rod 22. The 410 structural coupling may be used in place of the 10 structural coupling in Figure 3 for suspending or supporting the component in a similar manner.The illustrated frame fastener 414 may be identical to frame fasteners 14, 114, and therefore the teachings set forth with respect to fasteners 14, 114 apply equally to fastener 414. The main difference between the present structural coupling 410 and the structural coupling 310 is the support 418 extending from the flange 420 on the integral hinge 422. Unlike support 318, the present support 418 is generally flat, rather than L-shaped. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis A12 of the rod fastener 416 (e.g., the cylindrical nut) extends parallel to (e.g., along) the flat support 418. The rod fastener 416 defines a threaded opening 434 extending along the longitudinal axis A12 and may be similar to or the same as the threaded opening 334. An angle at which a longitudinal axis A13 of the rod fastener 416 extends relative to the longitudinal axis A12 of the coupling fastener 414 can be selectively adjusted by rotating the support 418 about the integral hinge 422. In one example, the angle can be adjusted selectively from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 0 degrees (e.g., parallel). Modifications and variations of the described modalities are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the attached claims. When elements of the present invention or of an embodiment thereof are introduced, the articles a, one, the, and the mean that there is one or more of the elements. The terms comprising, including, and having are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than those listed. Since various changes can be made to the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is the objective that all matters contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying figures be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A structural coupling for a hanging support system characterized in that it comprises: a coupling body; a structural fastener coupled to the coupling body and configured to fasten the structural coupling to a structural support; and a rod fastener coupled to the coupling body and defining at least one threaded opening configured to engage with a threaded rod, the rod fastener being selectively movable relative to the structural fastener to adjust an angle between an axis of the threaded opening and a longitudinal axis of the structural fastener.

2. The structure coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure fastener comprises an externally threaded fastener, and wherein the rod fastener comprises a cylindrical nut.

3. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one threaded opening comprises at least two threaded openings, wherein the first threaded opening has a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second threaded opening.

4. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling body includes two opposite side surfaces and a bottom surface extending between the two opposite side surfaces, the coupling body defining a window having a length extending transversely to a length of the coupling body such that the window extends across the bottom surface and the two opposite side surfaces.

5. The structural coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the rod holder is configured to rotate relative to the coupling body to align the at least one threaded opening with the window.

6. The structural coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the rod holder defines a through opening, the through opening being configured to allow access to a portion of the structural holder located inside the coupling body.

7. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling body defines two axially aligned openings dimensioned and shaped to accommodate the rod holder.

8. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod holder has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the second longitudinal end of the rod holder comprising a flange defining a portion of reduced diameter, and the second longitudinal end is configured to deform to prevent longitudinal movement of the rod holder.

9. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod holder has a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the rod holder, the longitudinal axis of the rod holder intersecting with the longitudinal axis of the structural holder.

10. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the rod holder has a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the rod holder, the longitudinal axis of the rod holder being offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the structural holder.

11. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling body comprises a generally L-shaped support having a flange extending therefrom, wherein the flange defines a structural clamping opening configured to accommodate the structural fastener.

12. The structural coupling according to claim 11, characterized in that the support is coupled to the flange by means of an integral hinge, such that the support is selectively movable out of the plane with respect to the flange.

13. The structural coupling according to claim 12, characterized in that a longitudinal axis of the rod holder generally extends perpendicularly from a flat section of the support, the rod holder comprising a cylindrical nut defining a threaded opening configured to be threaded onto a threaded rod.

14. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling body comprises a generally flat support having a flange extending therefrom, wherein the flange defines a structural clamping opening configured to accommodate the structural fastener.

15. The structural coupling according to claim 14, characterized in that the support is coupled to the flange by means of an integral hinge, such that the support is selectively movable out of the plane with respect to the flange.

16. The structural coupling according to claim 15, characterized in that the rod holder generally extends parallel to the support, the rod holder defining a threaded opening configured to be threaded to a threaded rod.

17. The structural coupling according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises at least one retaining pin extending at least partially over at least one of the axially aligned openings defined by the coupling body, wherein the at least one retaining pin is movable relative to the coupling body to allow insertion of the rod holder into the coupling body.

18. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling body is an integrally formed one-piece component.

19. The structural coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling body comprises two side walls and a top wall, wherein the top wall comprises two overlapping tabs extending inwards from respective upper ends of the side walls.

20. The structure coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the structure fastener comprises a head that couples to the rod fastener to restrict the non-rotational movement of the rod fastener.

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