Structural attachments for suspension support systems

By designing rotatable rod fasteners and threaded structural attachments, the problem of component movement during vibration in the suspension support system is solved, and stable fixation of fire sprinkler branches, etc. is achieved, which is suitable for various suspension systems.

CN115485498BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-26EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180032758.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-04-03
Filing Date
2021-04-06
Publication Date
2025-09-26
Estimated Expiration
2041-04-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing suspension support systems are unable to effectively prevent fire sprinkler branches, structures or other non-structural systems from moving and causing damage during earthquakes.

Method used

A structural attachment is designed, which includes an attachment body, a structural fastener and a rod fastener. The screw rod is stably fixed by adjusting the angle through threaded connection and a rotatable rod fastener.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents the movement of components such as fire sprinkler branches during vibration, protects the structural integrity, and is suitable for the support and suspension requirements of different suspension systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A structural attachment for a suspension support system includes an attachment body (12) and a structural fastener (14) coupled to the attachment body and configured to secure the structural attachment to a structural support. A rod fastener (16) is coupled to the attachment body and defines at least one threaded opening (62A) configured to mate 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.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a structural attachment for a suspension support system. Background Art

[0002] One type of suspension support system for pipes, ducts, and other similar components in a structure or building includes a rod or tube (e.g., a threaded rod) connected to and extending between a component attachment member configured to attach to a supporting component (e.g., a fire sprinkler branch line, air duct, water pipe, duct, etc.) and a structural attachment member (or upper attachment member) configured to attach to a structure (e.g., the structure of a building). For example, the structural attachment member can be configured to attach to a concrete, steel, or wood structure.

[0003] In a specific application of seismic bracing systems, the suspension bracing system is a fire sprinkler branch restraint that prevents movement of the fire sprinkler branch, the structure, or other nearby non-structural systems (such as air handling ducts, piping, or electrical systems) that could cause damage to the sprinkler branch. Structural (or upper) restraints may also be used in suspension systems that support and suspend components that do not require seismic bracing systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a structural attachment for a suspension support system generally includes an attachment body and a structural fastener coupled to the attachment body and configured to secure the structural attachment to a structural support. A rod fastener is coupled to the attachment body and defines at least one threaded opening configured to mate 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 DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a structural (or upper) attachment for a suspension support system.

[0006] Figure 2 is another perspective view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment for a suspension support system.

[0007] Figure 3 is a side view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment coupled to a structure and a suspension attachment.

[0008] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0009] Figure 5 is a side view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0010] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 6-6 of the cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the structural attachment.

[0011] Figure 7 is a side view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0012] Figure 8 is a front view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0013] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 9-9 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0014] Figure 10 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0015] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a structural (or upper) attachment for a suspension support system.

[0016] Figure 12 is another perspective view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0017] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0018] Figure 14 is a left side view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0019] Figure 15 is a right side view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0020] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 16-16 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0021] Figure 17 is a side view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0022] Figure 18 It is along Figure 17 18 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a structural attachment taken along line 18-18.

[0023] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a structural (or upper) attachment for a suspension support system.

[0024] Figure 20 is another perspective view of a third embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0025] Figure 21is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0026] Figure 22 is a side view of a third embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0027] Figure 23 It is along Figure 22 23 - 23 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0028] Figure 24 is a front view of a third embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0029] Figure 25 It is along Figure 24 25 - 25 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0030] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a structural (or upper) attachment for a suspension support system.

[0031] Figure 27 is another perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a structural attachment.

[0032] Figure 28 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a structural (or upper) attachment for a suspension support system.

[0033] Figure 29 is another perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a structural attachment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Various embodiments of structural (or upper) attachments for suspension support systems are described herein. The structural attachment embodiments are suitable for use as upper restraint attachments in fire sprinkler branch line restraints that prevent movement of the fire sprinkler branch line, the structure, or other nearby non-structural systems (such as air handling ducts, piping, or electrical systems) that could cause damage to the sprinkler branch line. Furthermore, the structural attachment embodiments are suitable for use in various suspension systems for supporting and suspending components that do not require seismic support systems.

[0035] refer to Figures 1 to 10One embodiment of a structural (or upper) attachment for a suspension support system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. The structural attachment 10 generally includes: an attachment body, generally indicated at 12; a structural fastener, generally indicated at 14, coupled to the attachment body and configured to fasten the structural attachment to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally indicated at 16, coupled to the attachment body and configured to fasten the structural attachment to a threaded rod. Examples of suspension support systems including the structural attachment 10 are generally indicated at Figure 3 20. When the suspension support system 20 is assembled and installed, a screw 22 extends outwardly from the structural attachment 10 and is attached to a component attachment 24 (e.g., a clamp, retainer, or other component) that is configured to couple to a suspension component 26 (such as a fire sprinkler branch line, pipe, conduit, or other suspension component).

[0036] The illustrated attachment body 12 includes a channel-shaped (e.g., U-shaped) wall 30 that defines a saddle-shaped bearing configured to support the rod fastener 16, and an upper wall 32 that closes the upper end of the channel-shaped wall. The channel-shaped wall 30 and the upper wall 32 together define an interior 34 that receives the rod fastener 16. The channel-shaped wall 30 has an arcuate bottom and opposing sides. The attachment body 12 has a length L1 ( Figure 7 ), and the opposite longitudinal ends of the attachment body 12 are open for receiving the rod fastener 16 therein. Retaining fingers 38 extend inwardly from opposite sides of the channel-shaped wall 30 at each longitudinal end of the attachment body 12, although the fingers may be at only one of the longitudinal ends. The retaining fingers 38 are generally movable relative to the attachment body 12 (e.g., about a living hinge connecting the fingers to the attachment body) to allow the rod fastener 16 to be inserted into the attachment body 12 when the fingers extend longitudinally outward from the respective longitudinal ends, and to capture the rod fastener and retain it in the attachment body when the fingers extend inwardly generally transverse to the longitudinal ends, e.g., as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0037] For reasons explained below, the channel-shaped wall 30 defines an opening or window 40 (e.g., a slot-shaped window) extending transversely to the length L1 of the attachment body 12 across the channel-shaped wall through the sides and bottom of the attachment body. Furthermore, the upper wall 32 defines a fastener opening 42 through which the structural fastener 14 extends, as described below. The axis of the opening extends transversely to the length L1 of the attachment body 12. The upper wall 32 shown includes overlapping flanges (e.g., integrally formed flanges) extending inwardly from respective upper ends of the sides of the channel-shaped wall 30. Aligned openings in each flange define the fastener opening 42. The upper wall 32 may be formed in other ways. The attachment body 12 shown is an integrally formed, one-piece component that may be formed from (i.e., manufactured from) sheet metal, such as steel. The attachment body 12 may be formed in other ways, and one or more of the corresponding components and / or structures may be formed separately and subsequently coupled together to form the attachment body.

[0038] The structural fastener 14 shown is a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, other threaded fastener) that is configured to be threadedly attached to a structural support S. For example, the threaded fastener 14 shown is a bolt or screw that can be threaded into the concrete, wood, metal, or other material of the support S. In another embodiment, the threaded fastener 14 can be threaded into a matable component that is in turn attached to the structural support S. Such a matable component is considered to be part of the structural support. The threaded fastener 14 shown is a shoulder bolt (or shoulder screw) that includes a head 48, a non-threaded shoulder 50 extending longitudinally from the head, and a threaded shaft 52 extending longitudinally from the shoulder. The head 48 defines a tool attachment structure (e.g., an opening or shape) for coupling to a handheld tool such as a driver or wrench. When inserted, the shoulder 50 of the fastener 14 is received in the fastener opening 42. The diameter of the shoulder 50 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fastener opening 42. As Figure 3 As shown, when the structural attachment 10 is attached to the structure S, the shoulder 50 acts as a bearing to allow the attachment body 12 to rotate on the fastener about the fastener's axis A1 (which is also the axis of rotation of the attachment body). In one or more other embodiments, instead of a shoulder bolt, the structural fastener may include a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt or screw) and a separate bushing or bearing through which the shaft of the threaded fastener extends, which functions similarly to the shoulder of the shoulder bolt to allow the attachment body to rotate on the fastener.

[0039] The illustrated rod fastener 16 is generally cylindrical or rod-shaped having a sidewall 58, opposed longitudinal ends 60, and a longitudinal axis A2 extending between the opposed longitudinal ends. The rod fastener 16 defines at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B having an axis A3, A4 extending into the sidewall 58 generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the fastener 16 and configured to mate with one or more screw threads in the screw 22. The at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B is radially aligned with the window 40. In addition, the rod fastener 16 can be selectively rotated within the attachment body 12 - for example, rotated (about its longitudinal axis A2) along the inner surface of the channel-shaped wall 30 to selectively adjust the angular position of the at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B about the longitudinal axis A2 and relative to the attachment body 12 and the structural fastener 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 50 of the structural fastener 14 engages the rod fastener (or is slightly spaced therefrom) to limit non-rotational movement of the rod fastener within the attachment body 12. Figure 9 As can be seen, the at least one threaded opening 62A, 62B is accessible and usable through the window 40 at any angular position within an approximately 180 degree arc about the longitudinal axis A2.

[0040] In the illustrated rod fastener 16, the rod fastener 16 defines two threaded openings 62A and 62B having respective axes A3 and A4 and configured to receive and mate with rods having different diameters. The diameter of the first threaded opening 62A is smaller than the diameter of the second threaded opening 62B, and is configured to mate with a first rod having a diameter smaller than that of 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). Alternatively, for example, the second threaded opening 62B can 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 and 62B (e.g., threaded blind openings) are substantially coaxially aligned (e.g., offset 180 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis A2. The openings 62A and 62B generally meet at the longitudinal axis A2. In one or more other embodiments, the openings 62A and 62B may not be coaxial.

[0041] The illustrated stem fastener 16 defines a throughbore 66 (e.g., a non-threaded opening) configured to receive a tool (e.g., a driver, wrench, or other tool) to provide access to the head 48 of the structural fastener 14 within the interior 34 of the attachment body 12. For example, the throughbore 66 can be configured to receive the shaft of a screw driver. The throughbore 66 is radially aligned with the window 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis A5 of the throughbore 66 is offset approximately 90 degrees from the axes A3, A4 of the openings 62A, 62B and can intersect the axes. The stem fastener 16 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis A2 to position the axis A5 of the throughbore 66 substantially aligned (e.g., coaxial) with the axis A1 of the structural fastener 14, allowing a tool to be extended through the stem fastener 16 and engage the structural fastener 14. The axial ends of the throughbore 66 flare radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis A2 of the stem fastener 16 to facilitate insertion of a tool through the stem fastener.

[0042] In one example, the structural attachment 10 is attached to the structure S by aligning the through-hole 66 in the rod fastener 16 with the head 50 of the structural fastener 14, inserting a tool into the through-hole and engaging the head of the fastener, and using the tool to rotate the rod fastener about its axis A1 to thread the fastener into the support. The screw 22 is threaded into a corresponding one of the threaded openings 62A, 62B to secure the rod to the structural attachment. For example, the rod fastener 16 can be selectively rotated to a selected angular position (e.g., Figure 3 ), in which angular position α the rod 22 will extend relative to the axis of the structural fastener 14. The component attachment 24 is attached to a support component 26 (eg, a fire sprinkler branch line, an air duct, a water pipe, a conduit, etc.).

[0043] refer to Figures 11 to 18 Another embodiment of a structural (upper) attachment is generally indicated by the reference numeral 110. The structural attachment 110 generally includes: an attachment body, generally indicated by 112; a structural fastener, generally indicated by 114, which is coupled to the attachment body and is configured to fasten the structural attachment to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally indicated by 116, which is coupled to the attachment body and is configured to fasten the structural attachment to the screw rod 22. The structural attachment 110 can be used in place of Figure 3 The structural attachment 10 in the embodiment of the present invention can be used to suspend or support the component in a similar manner.

[0044] The illustrated attachment body 112 includes an upper wall 132 and opposing first and second sidewalls 134A, 134B extending downwardly from the upper wall defining a window 140. The upper wall 132 defines a fastener opening 142 configured to receive a structural fastener 114 similar to the prior attachment body 12. In practice, the illustrated structural fastener 114 is identical to the structural fastener 14, and thus, the disclosure regarding the structural fastener 14 applies equally to the structural fastener 114. For example, the shoulder 150 of the fastener 114 is received in the opening 142 and allows the fastener to rotate about its axis A6. The sidearms 134A, 134B define axially aligned openings 136A, 136B (e.g., non-threaded openings), respectively, that are sized and shaped to receive the stem fastener 116 therein, as described below.

[0045] The illustrated rod fastener 116 is generally cylindrical or rod-shaped, having a sidewall 158, opposed first and second longitudinal ends 160A, 160B, and a longitudinal axis A7 extending between the opposed longitudinal ends. Rod fastener 116 is selectively rotatable relative to attachment body 112 about axis A7. Like rod fastener 16, rod fastener 116 defines at least one threaded opening 162A, 162B having axes A8, A9 extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of fastener 116 into sidewall 158 and configured to threadably engage one or more of threaded rods in threaded rod 22. Rod fastener 116 is typically a barrel nut. The structure and function of the two threaded openings 162A, 162B are identical to the two threaded openings 62A, 62B, and thus, the disclosure regarding threaded openings 62A, 62B applies equally to threaded openings 162A, 162B.

[0046] Unlike rod fastener 16, a portion of current rod fastener 116 adjacent to second longitudinal end 160B (as well as a portion adjacent to the second longitudinal end) has a reduced diameter compared to the diameter of the rod fastener adjacent to first longitudinal end 160A. The diameter of first opening 136A is larger than that of second opening 136B. First opening 136A tightly receives the portion of rod fastener 116 adjacent to first longitudinal end 160A, while second opening 136B tightly receives the reduced diameter portion adjacent to second longitudinal end 160B. For example, rod fastener 116 is axially inserted through first opening 136A, with second longitudinal end 160B inserted through the first opening and into second opening 136B. A shoulder 143 at the reduced diameter portion engages second side arm 134B to inhibit further axial movement of rod fastener 116. Once inserted, second longitudinal end 160B can curl or otherwise deform to increase its diameter and prevent rod fastener 116 from being withdrawn from openings 136A, 136B. Thus, the stem fastener 116 is retained in the openings 136A, 136B and is rotatable therein.

[0047] In one example, the structural fastener 114 is used to secure the attachment body 112 to the support S before the rod fastener 116 is secured to the attachment body. The head 148 of the structural fastener 114 is accessible through the window 140 without the rod fastener 116 being received in the openings 136A, 136B. After the attachment body 112 is secured to the support S, the rod fastener 116 can be secured to the attachment body 112 as described above. In one or more embodiments, the rod fastener 116 can be secured to the attachment body 112 before being attached to the support S. In such an example, the rod fastener 116 can include the through-hole 66 described above for the rod fastener 16.

[0048] refer to Figures 19 to 25 Another embodiment of a structural attachment is generally indicated by the reference numeral 210. The structural attachment 210 generally includes: an attachment body, generally indicated by 212; a structural fastener, generally indicated by 214, which is coupled to the attachment body and is configured to fasten the structural attachment to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally indicated by 216, which is coupled to the attachment body and is configured to fasten the structural attachment to the screw rod 22. The structural attachment 210 can be used in place of Figure 3 10 in order to suspend or support the component in a similar manner. The illustrated structural fastener 214 may be identical to the structural fasteners 14, 114, and thus, the disclosure set forth with respect to the fasteners 14, 114 also applies to the fastener 214. The illustrated rod fastener 216 may be identical to the rod fastener 116, and thus, the disclosure set forth with respect to the rod fastener 116 also applies to the rod fastener 216.

[0049] The illustrated attachment body 212 is similar to the attachment body 112 and includes an upper wall 232 and opposing first and second side walls 234A, 234B extending downwardly from the upper wall defining a window 240. The upper wall 232 defines a fastener opening 242 configured to receive the structural fastener 214. The side arms 234A, 234B define axially aligned openings 236A, 236B (e.g., non-threaded openings), respectively, that are sized and shaped to receive the rod fastener 116 therein, as described above with respect to the structural attachment 110.

[0050] The primary difference between the attachment bodies 112, 212 is that the fastener opening 242 of the attachment body 212 is offset from the stem fastener 216 so that when the stem fastener is secured to the attachment body, the head of the structural fastener 214 is accessible through the window 240. In this manner, the attachment body 212 can be assembled prior to attaching the attachment body to the support S.

[0051] refer to Figure 26 and Figure 27 Another embodiment of a structural (upper) attachment is generally indicated by the reference numeral 310. The structural attachment 310 generally includes: an attachment body, generally indicated at 312; a structural fastener, generally indicated at 314, coupled to the attachment body and configured to fasten the structural attachment to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally indicated at 316, coupled to the attachment body and configured to fasten the structural attachment to the screw rod 22. The structural attachment 310 may be used in place of Figure 3 The structural attachment 10 in the embodiment of the present invention can be used to suspend or support the component in a similar manner. The structural fastener 314 shown can be the same as the structural fastener 14, 114, and therefore, the disclosure set forth with respect to the fastener 14, 114 also applies to the fastener 314.

[0052] The attachment body 312 includes a bracket 318 having a generally L-shape and a flange 320 extending from a first longitudinal end of the bracket. The attachment body 312 can be formed as a single, integral component, such as from a sheet of metal. The bracket 318 is selectively movable (e.g., rotatable) out of a plane relative to the flange 320 about a living hinge 322 that connects a first portion of the bracket to the flange. An opening 324 (e.g., a cutout) in the living hinge 322 allows the living hinge to flex. A second portion of the bracket 318 can extend perpendicular to the first portion of the bracket. The second portion of the bracket 318 defines an opening 328 in which the rod fastener 316 is received. The flange 320 defines an opening 330 in which the fastener 314 is received in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, such that the attachment body 312 can be rotated about the axis of the rod fastener. The angle α2 ( Figure 26 ), at which angle the longitudinal axis A10 of the stem fastener 316 extends relative to the longitudinal axis A11 of the attachment fastener 314. In one example, the angle α2 can be selectively adjusted from about 90 degrees to about 0 degrees (eg, coaxial).

[0053] Rod fastener 316 includes a barrel nut defining a threaded opening 334 extending along longitudinal axis A10. Threaded opening 334 is configured to threadably engage threaded rod 22. Threaded opening 334 may define a first longitudinal portion configured to engage a ¾-inch threaded rod (e.g., ¾-inch diameter, 16 threads per inch) and a second longitudinal portion configured to engage a ½-inch threaded rod (e.g., ½-inch diameter, 12 threads per inch). Rod fastener 316 may be rotated or fixed within opening 328.

[0054] refer to Figure 28 and Figure 29 Another embodiment of a structural (upper) attachment is generally indicated by the reference numeral 410. The structural attachment 410 generally includes: an attachment body, generally indicated by 412; a structural fastener, generally indicated by 414, which is coupled to the attachment body and is configured to fasten the structural attachment to a structural support S (e.g., a structural support of a building); and a rod fastener, generally indicated by 416, which is coupled to the attachment body and is configured to fasten the structural attachment to the screw rod 22. The structural attachment 410 can be used in place of Figure 3 The structural attachment 10 in the embodiment of the present invention can be used to suspend or support the component in a similar manner. The structural fastener 414 shown can be the same as the structural fastener 14, 114, and therefore, the disclosure set forth with respect to the fastener 14, 114 also applies to the fastener 414.

[0055] The primary difference between the present structural attachment 410 and structural attachment 310 is the bracket 418, which extends from the flange 420 at the living hinge 422. Unlike bracket 318, the present bracket 418 is generally planar or flat, rather than L-shaped. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis A12 of the rod fastener 416 (e.g., a barrel nut) extends parallel to (e.g., along) the planar bracket 418. Rod fastener 416 defines a threaded opening 434 extending along the longitudinal axis A12 and may be similar to or identical to threaded opening 334. The angle at which the longitudinal axis A13 of the rod fastener 416 extends relative to the longitudinal axis A12 of the attachment fastener 414 can be selectively adjusted by rotating bracket 418 about the living hinge 422. In one example, the angle can be selectively adjusted from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 0 degrees (e.g., parallel).

[0056] Modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0057] When introducing elements of the present invention or embodiments thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are 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 the listed elements.

[0058] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A structural attachment for a suspension support system, the structural attachment comprising: an attachment body; a structural fastener coupled to the attachment body and configured to secure the structural attachment to a structural support; and a rod fastener coupled to the attachment body and defining at least one threaded opening configured to mate 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; The at least one threaded opening includes at least two threaded openings, wherein a diameter of a first threaded opening is smaller than a diameter of a second threaded opening. 2 . The structural attachment of claim 1 , wherein the structural fastener comprises an externally threaded fastener, and wherein the stem fastener comprises a barrel nut.

3. A structural attachment according to claim 1, wherein the attachment body includes two opposing side surfaces and a bottom surface extending between the two opposing side surfaces, the attachment body defining a window, the length of the window extending transverse to the length of the attachment body so that the window extends through the bottom surface and the two opposing side surfaces.

4. The structural attachment of claim 3, wherein the stem fastener is configured to rotate relative to the attachment body to align the at least one threaded opening with the window.

5. The structural attachment of claim 3, wherein the stem fastener defines a through-hole configured to allow access to a portion of the structural fastener located within the interior of the attachment body.

6. The structural attachment of claim 1 , wherein the attachment body defines two axially aligned openings sized and shaped to receive the stem fastener.

7. The structural attachment of claim 1 , wherein the rod fastener has a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the second longitudinal end of the rod fastener including a shoulder defining a reduced diameter portion, and the second longitudinal end is configured to deform to prevent longitudinal movement of the rod fastener.

8. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the stem fastener has a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the stem fastener, the longitudinal axis of the stem fastener intersecting the longitudinal axis of the structural fastener.

9. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the stem fastener has a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the stem fastener, the longitudinal axis of the stem fastener being offset from the longitudinal axis of the structural fastener.

10. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment body comprises a generally L-shaped bracket having a flange extending therefrom, wherein the flange defines a structural fastener opening configured to receive the structural fastener.

11. The structural attachment of claim 10, wherein the bracket is coupled to the flange via a living hinge such that the bracket can be selectively moved out of plane relative to the flange.

12. The structural attachment of claim 11, wherein the longitudinal axis of the rod fastener extends generally perpendicular to the planar portion of the bracket, the rod fastener comprising a barrel nut defining a threaded opening configured to mate with a threaded rod.

13. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment body comprises a generally planar bracket having a flange extending therefrom, wherein the flange defines a structural fastener opening configured to receive the structural fastener.

14. The structural attachment of claim 13, wherein the bracket is coupled to the flange via a living hinge such that the bracket can be selectively moved out of plane relative to the flange.

15. The structural attachment of claim 14, wherein the stem fastener extends generally parallel to the bracket, the stem fastener defining a threaded opening configured to threadably mate with a threaded rod.

16. The structural attachment of claim 6 further comprising at least one retaining finger extending at least partially above at least one of the axially aligned openings defined by the attachment body, wherein the at least one retaining finger is movable relative to the attachment body to allow the rod fastener to be inserted into the attachment body.

17. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment body is an integrally formed, one-piece component.

18. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment body includes two side walls and an upper wall, wherein the upper wall includes two overlapping flanges extending inwardly from respective upper ends of the side walls.

19. The structural attachment of claim 1, wherein the structural fastener includes a head that engages the stem fastener to limit non-rotational movement of the stem fastener.

Citation Information

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