Attachment device for clamping to a structural component

Abstract

An attachment device for attaching to a structural component of a building to couple a fitting to the structural component.

Description

[0001] Citation of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 053,156, filed July 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates in its entirety to attachment devices for attaching to structural components of a building. Background Technology

[0004] Seismic bracing systems are used to support non-structural components (e.g., pipes) in a building. Seismic bracing systems typically include anti-sway braces and restraints. Anti-sway braces and restraints are used to secure non-structural components to the building and minimize differential movement between the non-structural components and structural components and / or the building itself. Examples of non-structural components in a building include, but are not limited to, pipes, conduits, tubing, fittings, cable trays, etc. Attachment devices are attached to structural elements (e.g., joists / logs) and anti-sway braces or restraints in the building to secure the non-structural components to the building. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure relates to an attachment device for attaching to structural components of a building to engage fittings to the structural components. The attachment device includes a plate member configured to be directly attached to the structural components and to engage fittings to mount fittings to the attachment device for engaging fittings to the structural components. The plate member is configured to be attached to the structural components by forming no more than one hole in the structural components.

[0006] This disclosure also relates to an attachment device assembly for attaching to structural components of a building to connect fittings to the structural components. The attachment device assembly includes a first attachment device configured to be attached to a first side of the structural component and a second attachment device configured to be attached to a second side of the structural component. The attachment devices are configured to be attached to the structural component by one of clamping engagement, friction engagement, and interlocking engagement, such that no hole is formed through the structural component. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of an anti-sway support / constraint that can be used with the attachment devices disclosed herein;

[0008] Figure 2 A perspective view of a first embodiment of an attachment device for attaching to a structural component in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 2A side view of the attachment device and structural components, and also showing a second attachment device;

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view of a second embodiment of an attachment device for attaching to a structural component in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A perspective view of the attachment device and the second attachment device connected to the attachment device;

[0012] Figure 6 A perspective view of a third embodiment of an attachment device for attaching to a structural component according to the teachings of this disclosure; and

[0013] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an attachment device for attaching to a structural component in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0014] Throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0015] In general, the attachment devices described herein are used for attachment to structural members. The attachment devices can be fixed to any structural element of a building, such as beams, floors, and ceilings. In the illustrated embodiments, the attachment device is fixed to an I-beam. The term structural member includes, but is not limited to, anti-sway supports, restraints, and structural elements of a building, such as beams, floors, joists, columns, ceilings, etc. Each attachment device is configured to securely attach to a structural member (i.e., the I-beam) and to create a minimum number of holes in the structural member to form a secure attachment. In some cases, the attachment device forms a secure attachment without creating any holes in the structural member. Therefore, the attachment devices are configured to maintain the strength and structural integrity of the structural member after attachment. Thus, the various attachment devices of this disclosure allow construction personnel (e.g., construction workers, contractors, etc.) to support or restrain non-structural members to structural members without damaging the structural members.

[0016] See Figure 1An example of a suitable anti-sway support or restraint that can be used with the various attachments described below is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. As is commonly known in the art, the anti-sway support / restraint 10 includes a strut 12 (e.g., a pipe, strip, rod, etc.) and opposing connecting fittings 14 at each end of the strut. One connecting fitting 14 can be used to attach the anti-sway support / restraint 10 to a structural component (e.g., an I-beam of a building), and the opposing connecting fittings 14 can be used to attach the anti-sway support / restraint to a non-structural component (e.g., a pipe, conduit, tube, fitting, cable tray, etc.). When the attachment is coupled to a non-structural component, the anti-sway support / restraint spans between the structural and non-structural components, thereby supporting the non-structural component in the building. In the illustrated embodiment, each connecting fitting 14 is identical and defines a fastener opening 16 for attaching the connecting fitting to any of the various attachments, as described in more detail below. It should be understood that Figure 1 The anti-sway support / restraint 10 is exemplary, and the various attachment devices of this disclosure can be used with any suitable anti-sway support / restraint. For example, the anti-sway support / restraint may be an earthquake anti-sway support / restraint. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any of the various attachment devices described below may be directly connected to the strut 12 of the anti-sway support / restraint 10 (e.g., replacing one of the connecting fittings 14 at one end of the strut 12), as is generally known in the art.

[0017] See Figures 2 to 3 A first embodiment of the attachment device for connecting to a structural component is generally indicated by reference numeral 20 in the reference numerals. Figure 2 As shown, the attachment device 20 is configured to be attached to a structural component (such as a wooden I-beam J) and to a connecting fitting 14 for attachment to suitable anti-sway support restraints, etc. The attachment device 20 includes a body or plate member 22 configured to be attached to the I-beam J.

[0018] The plate member 22 has a first planar portion 24, a second planar portion 25 extending from the first planar portion, a third planar portion 27 extending from the second planar portion, a fourth planar portion 29 extending from the third planar portion, and a fifth planar portion 31 extending from the fourth planar portion. The first planar portion 24 provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the support beam J. In the illustrated embodiment, the first planar portion has a rectangular shape. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the first planar portion 24 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as circular or elliptical. The second portion 25 extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 24 and provides a contact surface for engaging the top of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The third planar portion 27 extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 25 and extends generally parallel to and opposite to the side edge of the lower flange F of the support beam J. A gap 28 is formed between the inner surface of the third planar portion 27 and the side edge of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fourth planar portion 29 extends orthogonally from the third planar portion 27 and provides a contact surface for engaging the bottom of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fifth planar portion 31 extends orthogonally from the fourth planar portion 29. Fastener holes (not shown) in the fifth planar portion 31 are configured to receive fasteners 30 for securing the attachment device 20 to the support beam J. In one embodiment, the fastener 30 is a standard bolt fastener. Holes (not shown) in the first planar portion 24 are configured to receive fasteners 40 for attaching the fitting 14 to the attachment device 20. In one embodiment, the fastener 40 is a standard bolt fastener.

[0019] The attachment device 20 can be considered a first attachment device and is configured to attach to a first surface of the web W of the support beam J. A second attachment device 20A is configured to attach to the opposite surface of the web W of the support beam J. The second attachment device 20A includes a plate member 22A, which includes a first planar portion 24A, a second planar portion 25A extending from the first planar portion 24A, a third planar portion 27A extending from the second planar portion, a fourth planar portion 29A extending from the third planar portion, and a fifth planar portion 31A extending from the fourth planar portion. The first planar portion 24A provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the support beam J. The second planar portion 25A extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 24A and provides a contact surface for engaging the top of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The third planar portion 27A extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 25A and extends substantially parallel to and opposite to the opposite side edge of the lower flange F of the support beam J. A gap 28A is formed between the inner surface of the third planar portion 27A and the opposite side edge of the lower flange F of the support beam J. A fourth planar portion 29A extends orthogonally from the third planar portion 27A and provides a contact surface for engaging the bottom of the lower flange F of the support beam J. A fifth planar portion 31A extends orthogonally from the fourth planar portion 29A. Fastener holes (not shown) in the fifth planar portion 31A are configured to receive fasteners 30 for securing two attachment devices 20, 20A to the support beam J. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment devices 20, 20A are secured around the lower flange F. However, the attachment devices 20, 20A may be secured around the upper flange F.

[0020] Fastener 30 does not extend through the joist J. Instead, only fastener 40 extends through the joist J. Therefore, securing attachment devices 20, 20A to the joist J involves creating only a single hole through the web W of the joist. Thus, the strength and structural integrity of the joist J are maintained after attachment devices 20, 20A are attached. Using two attachment devices 20, 20A also allows for a reduction in the size of each attachment device while still providing sufficient attachment structure. Additionally, the gaps 28, 28A between the third planar portions 27, 27A and the flange F of the joist J allow attachment devices 20, 20A to be used with joists of different sizes. Specifically, gaps 28, 28A allow attachment devices 20, 20A to be used with joists having thicker webs and / or thicker / wider flanges.

[0021] See Figure 4 A second embodiment of the attachment device for attachment to a structural component is generally indicated by reference numeral 120. The attachment device 120 is configured to be attached to a structural component (such as a wooden I-beam J) and to a connecting fitting 14 for attachment to suitable anti-sway support restraints, etc. The attachment device 120 includes a body or plate member 122 configured to be attached to the I-beam J.

[0022] The plate member 122 has a first planar portion 124, a second planar portion 125 extending from the first planar portion, a third planar portion 127 extending from the second planar portion, and a fourth planar portion 129 extending from the third planar portion. The first planar portion 124 provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the support beam J. In the illustrated embodiment, the first planar portion has a rectangular shape. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the first planar portion 124 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as circular or elliptical. The second planar portion 125 extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 124 and provides a contact surface for engaging the top of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The third planar portion 127 extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 125 and extends generally parallel to and opposite to the side edges of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fourth planar portion 129 extends orthogonally from the third planar portion 127 and extends generally parallel to and opposite to the bottom of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fourth planar portion 129 has a length extending from the end of the fourth planar portion connected to the third planar portion 127 to the free end of the fourth planar portion. The first pair of notches 150 ( Figure 5 A first pair of notches 152 are formed in the side edge of the fourth planar portion 129, at a first distance from the end of the fourth planar portion that connects to the third planar portion 127. A second pair of notches 152 are formed in the side edge of the fourth planar portion 129, at a second distance greater than the first distance from the end of the fourth planar portion that connects to the third planar portion 127.

[0023] The fastener hole (not shown) in the third plane portion 127 is configured to receive a fastener 130 for securing the attachment device 120 to the joist J. In one embodiment, the fastener 130 is a standard bolt fastener. The second hole (not shown) in the third plane portion 127 is configured to receive a fastener 140 for securing the attachment device 120 to the joist J and for attaching the fitting 14 to the attachment device. In one embodiment, the fastener 140 is a standard bolt fastener. As will be explained in more detail below, when securing the attachment device to the joist, the fasteners 130 and 140 do not create holes that extend completely through the joist J.

[0024] The attachment device 120 can be considered a first attachment device and is configured to engage with a first surface of the web W of the joist J. A second attachment device 120A is configured to engage with an opposite surface of the web W of the joist J. The second attachment device 120A includes a plate member 122A, which includes a first planar portion 124A, a second planar portion 125A extending from the first planar portion, a third planar portion 127A extending from the second planar portion, and a pair of arms 160A (only one shown) extending from the side edge of the third planar portion. The arms 160A bend out of plane from the third planar portion 127A. The first planar portion 124A provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the joist J at its end face. The first planar portion 124A also provides a contact surface for engaging the top of the lower flange F of the joist J along the inner surface of the first planar portion. The second planar portion 125A extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 124A and extends substantially parallel to and opposite to the opposite side edge of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The third planar portion 127A extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 125A and extends substantially parallel to and opposite to the bottom of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The arm 160A extending from the third planar portion 127A can be received in one of a pair of recesses 150, 152 in the fourth planar portion 129 of the first attachment device 120 to attach the second attachment device 120A to the first attachment device. For this purpose, the relative position of the surfaces of the attachment devices 120, 120A can be adjusted. Specifically, the distance between the inner surface of the first planar portion 124 of the first attachment device 120 and the end face of the first planar portion 124A of the second attachment device 120A is adjusted according to the recesses 150, 152 in which the arm 160A is received. Furthermore, the distance between the inner surface of the third planar portion 127 of the first attachment device 120 and the inner surface of the second planar portion 125A of the second attachment device 120A is adjusted according to the recesses 150 and 152 in which the arm 160A is received. When the arm 160A is received in the recess 152, the distance between the surfaces increases.

[0025] When fasteners 130 and 140 are received in their respective fastener holes and engage with the flange F of the joist J, tightening the fasteners pulls the second attachment 120A toward the first attachment 120, thereby clamping the attachment to the joist. Fasteners 130 and 140 engage the side edges of the flange F, but do not extend completely through the flange. Therefore, securing attachments 120 and 120A to the joist J does not involve creating any through holes in the joist. Thus, the strength and structural integrity of the joist J are maintained after attachments 120 and 120A are attached. Using two attachments 120 and 120A also allows for a reduction in the size of each attachment while still providing sufficient attachment structure. Furthermore, the ability to adjust the position of the second attachment 120A relative to the first attachment 120 allows the attachment to be used with joists of different sizes. Specifically, the spacing between the opposing surfaces of the attachment devices 120, 120A allows the attachment devices to be used with joists having different web and / or flange thicknesses.

[0026] See Figure 6 A third embodiment of the attachment device for attachment to a structural component is generally indicated by reference numeral 220. The attachment device 220 is configured to be attached to a structural component (such as a wooden I-beam J) and to a connecting fitting 14 for attachment to suitable anti-sway support restraints, etc. The attachment device 220 includes a body or plate member 222 configured to be attached to the I-beam J.

[0027] The plate member 222 has a first planar portion 224, a second planar portion 225 extending from the first planar portion, a third planar portion 227 extending from the second planar portion, a fourth planar portion 229 extending from the third planar portion, and a fifth planar portion 231 extending from the fourth planar portion. The first planar portion 224 provides a mating surface for the fitting 14. When the attachment device 220 is attached to the support beam J, the first planar portion 224 extends generally vertically. When the attachment device 220 is attached to the support beam J, the second planar portion 225 extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 224 and extends generally horizontally. The third planar portion 227 extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 225 and provides a contact surface for mating the web W of the support beam J. The fourth planar portion 229 extends orthogonally from the third planar portion 227 and provides a contact surface for mating the top of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fifth planar portion 231 extends orthogonally from the fourth planar portion 229 and provides a contact surface for engaging the side edge of the lower flange F of the joist J.

[0028] The fastener holes (not shown) in the first planar portion 224 are configured to receive fasteners 230 for securing attachment device 220 to the joist J and for attaching fitting 14 to the attachment device. In one embodiment, fastener 230 is a standard bolt fastener. As will be explained in more detail below, when the attachment device is secured to the joist J, fastener 230 does not engage the joist J or create holes in the joist J.

[0029] The attachment device 220 can be considered a first attachment device and is configured to engage with a first surface of the web W of the joist J. The second attachment device 220A is configured to engage with an opposing surface of the web W of the joist J. The second attachment device 220A includes a plate member 222A, which includes a first planar portion 224A, a second planar portion 225A extending from the first planar portion, a third planar portion 227A extending from the second planar portion, a fourth planar portion 229A extending from the third planar portion, and a fifth planar portion 231A extending from the fourth planar portion. The first planar portion 224A provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the joist J at its inner surface. The second planar portion 225A extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 224A and provides a contact surface for engaging the top of the lower flange F of the joist J along its inner surface. The third planar portion 227A extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 225A and provides a contact surface for engaging the side edge of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fourth planar portion 229A extends orthogonally from the third planar portion 227A and provides a contact surface for engaging the bottom of the lower flange F of the support beam J. The fifth planar portion 231A extends orthogonally from the fourth planar portion 229A and extends substantially parallel to and opposite to the opposite side of the flange F of the support beam J. Fastener holes (not shown) in the fifth planar portion 231A are configured to receive fasteners 230. A gap 228 is provided between the outer surface of the fifth planar portion 231 of the first attachment device 220 and the inner surface of the fifth planar portion 231A of the second attachment device 220A. As will be explained in more detail below, the gap 228 configures the attachment devices 220, 220A to be attached to support beams J of different sizes.

[0030] When the fastener 230 is received in the fastener hole, the fastener engages with the outer surface of the third planar portion 227 of the first attachment 220. Tightening the fastener 230 pushes the first attachment 220 toward the second attachment 220A and pulls the second attachment toward the first attachment, thereby clamping the attachments to the support beam J. Therefore, securing the attachments 220, 220A to the support beam J does not involve creating any holes through the support beam J. In fact, securing the attachments 220, 220A to the support beam J does not involve bringing the fastener 230 into contact with the support beam J. Instead, the frictional clamping force generated by the fastener 230 and the attachments 220, 220A holds the attachments to the support beam J. Therefore, the strength and structural integrity of the support beam J are maintained after the attachments 220, 220A are attached. This also improves installation efficiency by eliminating the time required for drilling holes in the support beam J. Using two attachment devices 220, 220A also allows for a reduction in the size of each attachment device while still providing sufficient attachment structure. Furthermore, the gap 228 between attachment devices 220, 220A allows the attachment devices to be used with joists of different sizes. Specifically, the spacing between the opposing surfaces of attachment devices 220, 220A allows the attachment devices to be used with joists having different web and / or flange thicknesses and / or flange widths.

[0031] See Figure 7 A fourth embodiment of the attachment device for attachment to a structural component is generally indicated by reference numeral 320. The attachment device 320 is configured to be attached to a structural component, such as a wooden I-beam. The attachment device 320 includes a body or plate member 322 configured to be attached to the I-beam.

[0032] Plate member 322 has a planar portion 324. Planar portion 324 provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the support beam J. In the illustrated embodiment, the planar portion has a rectangular shape. However, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, planar portion 324 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as circular or elliptical. Corner portions 370 of plate member 322 bend out of the planar portion 324. When plate member 322 engages with the web W of the support beam, corner portions 370 engage the web to hold the plate member to the support beam J, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0033] The attachment device 320 can be considered a first attachment device and is configured to engage with a first surface of the web W of the joist J. The second attachment device 320A is configured to engage with the opposite surface of the web W of the joist J. The second attachment device 320A includes a plate member 322A, which includes a first planar portion 324A, a second planar portion 325A extending from the first planar portion, a third planar portion 327A extending from the second planar portion, a fourth planar portion 329A extending from the third planar portion, and a fifth planar portion 331A extending from the fourth planar portion. The first planar portion 324A extends substantially parallel to and opposite to the side edges of the flange F of the joist J. The second planar portion 325A extends orthogonally from the first planar portion 324A and provides a contact surface for engaging the top of the flange F of the joist J along the inner surface of the second planar portion. The third planar portion 327A extends orthogonally from the second planar portion 325A and provides a contact surface for engaging the opposite side edges of the flange F of the joist J. The fourth planar portion 329A extends orthogonally from the third planar portion 327A and provides a contact surface for engaging the bottom of the flange F of the support beam J. The fifth planar portion 331A extends orthogonally from the fourth planar portion 329A and provides a contact surface for engaging the web W of the support beam J. The corner 370A of the fifth planar portion 331A bends out of plane. When the fifth planar portion 331A engages with the web W of the support beam J, the corner 370A engages with the web to hold the plate member 332A to the support beam J.

[0034] The fastener hole (not shown) in the first planar portion 324A of the second attachment device 320A is configured to receive a fastener 330 for securing the attachment devices 320, 320A to the support beam J and for attaching accessories (not shown) to the attachment devices. In one embodiment, the fastener 330 is a standard bolt fastener. As will be explained in more detail below, when the attachment device is secured to the support beam J, the fastener 330 does not have a hole made in the support beam J.

[0035] When the fastener 330 is received in the fastener hole in the second attachment 320A, the fastener engages with the outer surface of the planar portion 324 of the first attachment 320. Tightening the fastener 330 pushes the first attachment 320 toward the second attachment 320A and pulls the second attachment 320A toward the first attachment, thereby clamping the attachment to the support beam J. The corner portions 370, 370A of the attachments 320, 320A will bite into the edge of the web W of the support beam J, further securing the attachments to the support beam. Therefore, securing the attachments 320, 320A to the support beam J does not involve creating any holes through the support beam J. In fact, securing the attachments 320, 320A to the support beam J does not involve bringing the fastener 330 into contact with the support beam J. Instead, the frictional clamping force and engagement action generated by the fastener 330 and the attachments 320, 320A hold the attachments to the support beam J. Therefore, the strength and structural integrity of the joist J are maintained after the attachment devices 320 and 320A are attached. This also improves installation efficiency by eliminating the time required for drilling holes in the joist J. Using two attachment devices 320 and 320A also allows for a reduction in the size of each attachment device while still providing sufficient attachment structure.

[0036] It is apparent that the elements, features, and / or teachings set forth in each of the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the particular embodiment in which the elements, features, and / or teachings are described. Therefore, it should be understood that the elements, features, and / or teachings described in one embodiment can be applied to one or more embodiments of other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] Modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0038] When describing elements of the invention or embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that other elements besides those listed may be present.

[0039] Since various changes can be made to the above-described structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all contents contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.

Claims

1. An attachment device for attaching to a structural member of a building to connect fittings to the structural member, wherein the structural member has a web portion and flanges extending from an edge of the web portion, the attachment device comprising: A plate member configured to be directly attached to the structural component and engaged via the fitting to mount the fitting to the attachment device for connecting the fitting to the structural component. The plate component includes: A web plate joining plane portion, which is configured to join the web portion of the structural member, wherein the web plate joining plane portion is located in a first plane portion; A fastener receiving lower planar portion is configured to receive a fastener to secure the attachment device to the structural member, wherein the fastener receiving lower planar portion is located within a fifth planar portion, wherein the fifth planar portion is spaced apart from the first planar portion along a first direction; and A recess is provided between the web joint plane portion and the fastener receiving lower plane portion, the recess being defined by a second plane portion extending orthogonally from the web joint plane portion and a third plane portion extending downward from the second plane portion, the recess being configured to receive the flange of the structural member between the second plane portion and the third plane portion.

2. The attachment device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener for attaching the attachment device to the structural member, wherein the lower planar portion of the fastener receiving portion defines an opening for receiving the fastener.

3. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device includes a first attachment device for engaging a first surface of the structural member, and a second attachment device for engaging a second surface of the structural member opposite to the first surface.

4. The attachment device of claim 3, further comprising the fastener for attaching the first attachment device and the second attachment device to the structural member, wherein the fastener for attaching the fastener receiving lower planar portion attaches the first attachment device and the second attachment device to the structural member by clamping engagement, wherein the fastener for attaching the fastener receiving lower planar portion attaches the first attachment device and the second attachment device to the structural member without extending through the structural member.

5. The attachment device of claim 4, wherein the fastener extends through holes in the first attachment device and the second attachment device.

6. The attachment device of claim 3, wherein the first attachment device and the second attachment device are configured to attach to structural components of different sizes.

7. The attachment device according to claim 3, wherein the fastener for connecting the lower planar portion of the fastener receiving does not contact the structural component.

8. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the attachment device is coupled to the structural component, wherein the structural component comprises a wooden I-beam support.

9. The attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the first direction extends in a direction parallel to both the first planar portion and the fifth planar portion.

10. The attachment device of claim 1, wherein the web engagement plane portion defines a hole for receiving a fastener, such that the web engagement plane portion is configured to secure the fitting at the hole.

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