Retention assembly

Abstract

Aspects relate to a retaining assembly (200), a suspension device (1), and a system. The retaining assembly (200) includes: a fastener (202) configured to engage with the hanger (100); a receiving member (204) to which the fastener (202) is mounted, the receiving member defining a space (208) to receive the article (2) to be held; and a releaser (206) operable to control engagement of the fastener (202) with the hanger (100) to enable positioning of the retention assembly (200) along the hanger (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to retaining assemblies. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to retaining assemblies for retaining variable refrigerant flow tubes. Background Art

[0002] A variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system is a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) technology. Refrigerant pipes carry refrigerant between one or more condensing units and multiple indoor units, each responsible for a specific zone. Using multiple small indoor units enables the use of multiple small diameter refrigerant pipes instead of large diameter pipes.

[0003] VRF systems are usually two-pipe or three-pipe systems. In a typical two-pipe system, all zones must be either cooled or heated. A three-pipe system, or a two-pipe system with branch loop controllers, has the ability to heat some zones while cooling others.

[0004] Refrigerant pipes, such as VRF pipes, are often suspended from the roof or ceiling by a hanger, as are other building services such as power or data cables. However, the installation of the hanger can be both expensive and time consuming. During installation, a drop may be required for various reasons, such as to facilitate gravity flow, avoid other ceiling services, or compensate for uneven ceilings. To incorporate a drop, the installer may need to order hanger components of a preset size / drop length. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retaining assembly comprising:

[0006] a fastener configured to engage a hanger member (e.g., an elongated hanger member);

[0007] a receiver to which the fastener is mounted, the receiver defining a space for receiving an item to be retained; and

[0008] A release is operable to control engagement of the fastener with the hanger to enable the retaining assembly to be positioned along the hanger.

[0009] This provides the advantage that the installer can quickly adjust the height of the holding assembly relative to the hanging member. This can be done when the receiving member is empty or loaded.

[0010] The fastener may be received in a hole defined by the hanger. The fastener may be in the form of a plug for insertion into the hole.

[0011] The hanger may be in the form of a stand-up hanger for hanging from a surface such as a ceiling, etc. The fastener may be configured to engage with the stand-up hanger.

[0012] The releaser may be a manually operable actuator. The releaser may be a finger operable actuator. For example, the releaser may be in the form of a button. One advantage is that the receiver can be repositioned very quickly, which is very useful when setting a precise drop. A button is particularly useful because it is easy to operate with a gloved hand and because it is not a separate component that can fall out. However, in alternative embodiments, the manually operable release may be in the form of a slider, a lever, a thumbscrew head, or a wing screw head. In any case, one advantage is that no tools are required, which eliminates the risk of the installer dropping the tool from a height.

[0013] The releaser can be disengaged by pushing and engaged by releasing. Therefore, when the releaser is pushed by the user's finger in use, the fastener is disengaged from the hanging member.

[0014] The receiving member may be substantially U-shaped. The space defined by the receiving member may be substantially U-shaped.

[0015] The item received by the holding assembly may be an elongated item. The elongated item may be a tube, such as a fluid tube. The tube may be an insulated fluid tube. The tube may be a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) tube. The space defined by the receiving member may be sized to support an elongated item having a diameter of at least about two inches. Many insulated VRF tubes have a diameter of two inches or less. The width of the space may be at least about two inches.

[0016] The height of the space can be at least about two inches. This allows a single elongated item to be supported to have a diameter of about two inches. In some examples, the height of the space can be at least about four inches or at least about six inches. This allows elongated items to be stacked. For example, this allows a pair of elongated items or three elongated items (each having a diameter of about two inches) to be stacked vertically in the space of the receiving member. Vertical stacking minimizes the cantilever bending moment applied to the hanger compared to placing items horizontally side by side. In one example, the two-inch version can support pipes or pipeline groups with an outer diameter of up to two inches, and the six-inch hanger can support multiple pipes or pipeline groups in a stacked position, each pipe or pipeline group having a maximum outer diameter of two inches.

[0017] Although configured for use with VRF ducting, the retaining assembly may alternatively be used to support other elongated items, such as cables, in addition to or in place of the VRF ducting.

[0018] The receiving member may be formed of a plastic material, deformed or molded into a shape defining the space. The plastic material may be deformed or molded into a generally U-shape as previously described.

[0019] The receiving member may include a top opening to receive the item. The top opening may enable the item to be lowered into the receiving member through the top opening.

[0020] The holding assembly may include a gate to allow items to be received in the space defined by the receptacle. The gate may cover a top opening of the receptacle.

[0021] The gate may be movable in a substantially horizontal direction. This reduces the clearance requirements above the retaining assembly. Thus, the retaining assembly can be mounted close to a ceiling or soffit.

[0022] The gate may be pivotally connected to the receiving member. The gate may be pivotally connected about a vertical axis. The vertical axis may be substantially parallel to the hanger. The gate may be pivotally connected to the top of the receiving member. The gate may be pivotally connected to the top of the U-shaped receiving member.

[0023] A first end of the gate grille may be rotatably connected to the first upright branch of the receiver, and a second end of the gate grille may be releasably connected to the second upright branch of the receiver.

[0024] Each end of the gate grille may be connected or connectable to the receiving member via a respective gate post. The gate grille may be rotatable around the first gate post.

[0025] The gate can be slidably engaged and slidably disengaged from the receiving member through one of the gate posts. The gate can be slidably engaged and slidably disengaged from the receiving member through each gate post.

[0026] The gate may be slidably engaged and disengaged from the receiver by pivoting the gate about the first gate post so that the second gate post engages the slot.

[0027] The gate may be in the form of a plate.

[0028] The gate may include a hanger opening through which the hanger can extend. The hanger opening may be in the form of a slot. The hanger opening may be proximate to a slot for one of the gate posts and face in a direction opposite to the slot. Thus, in use, the hanger in the hanger opening of the gate prevents the slot from disengaging from the proximate gate post.

[0029] The receiving member may include a first upright branch and a second upright branch. The first upright branch and the second upright branch may be connected by a rounded portion. The combination of the first upright branch, the second upright branch, and the rounded portion may form a U-shape. The combination of the first upright branch, the second upright branch, and the rounded portion may define a space for receiving an item.

[0030] The first upright branch, the second upright branch, and the rounded portion may be an integral part of the same main body. They may be the result of deforming or molding the main body into a generally U-shaped shape as described above.

[0031] The receiving member may include a hanger channel. The hanger channel may be an upright hanger channel. The hanger channel may be an elongated hanger channel. The hanger channel may be vertical over at least part of its length. The hanger channel may be straight over at least part of its length. The hanger opening of the gate may be aligned with the hanger channel.

[0032] The first upright branch of the receiver may include a hanger passageway to enable the hanger to extend along and within the first upright branch. The hanger passageway may be open at the top hole of the first upright branch. An advantage of the hanger extending along and within the first upright branch is that the cantilever span of the retaining assembly is minimized compared to an embodiment in which the first upright branch is adjacent to the hanger.

[0033] The hanger channel may include a base surface. The hanger channel may include a left side surface and a right side surface adjacent to the base surface. Thus, the hanger channel may be at least partially closed. The left side surface and the right side surface may be perpendicular to the base surface.

[0034] The receiving member may include an inner surface defining a space and an outer surface. The inner surface may be a smooth surface. The outer surface may be an outer surface with ribs.

[0035] The receiver may include a plurality of reinforcing ribs. The outer surface may include reinforcing ribs. The left reinforcing rib of the receiver may provide a left side surface of the hanger passage. The right reinforcing rib of the receiver may provide a right side surface of the hanger passage. The advantage of the reinforcing ribs is to maximize the rigidity and strength of the assembly so that it can carry heavy VRF pipes.

[0036] The left reinforcing rib and the right reinforcing rib may be present on the first upright branch, the rounded portion, and the second upright branch. The receiving member may include at least four parallel reinforcing ribs, including the left reinforcing rib and the right reinforcing rib.

[0037] The receiving member may further include at least one transverse rib interconnecting two or more of the plurality of reinforcing ribs.The transverse rib may be provided at one or more or each of the first upright branch, the rounded portion, and the second upright branch.

[0038] The hanger passage may include a closed passage section into which the fastener can extend. The closed passage section may limit the freedom of movement of the receiver. The closed passage section may prevent the receiver from translating in a direction perpendicular to the hanger. The closed passage section may limit the translational movement of the receiver along the hanger. The closed passage section may be accessible through a top hole as described above.

[0039] The hanger channel may include an open channel section to enable the hanger to exit the hanger channel. The open channel section may be located below the closed channel section. The open channel section may extend from the first upright branch of the receiver and along a rounded portion of the receiver, wherein the rounded portion curves away from the first upright branch so that in use, a straight / straighter hanger exits the hanger channel through the curved portion of the open channel section.

[0040] The fastener may be located at the first upright branch of the receiver. The fastener may be positioned along the hanger channel. The releaser may be operable to move the fastener into and out of the hanger channel to control engagement of the fastener with the hanger. The fastener may be moved into and out of the hanger channel through an aperture, such as a slot, in a base surface of the hanger channel.

[0041] The releaser may be operable to move the fastener into and out of the closed channel section of the hanger channel. The releaser may be operable to move the fastener in a lateral direction relative to the upright direction of the first upright branch / hanger channel. The lateral direction may be horizontal.

[0042] The fastener may be located at the top region or the bottom region of the first upright branch of the receiver. Thus, the receiver extends from the hanger in a cantilevered manner. The fastener may be closer to the top end of the hanger channel than to the bottom end of the hanger channel, or the fastener may be closer to the bottom end of the hanger channel than to the top end of the hanger channel. The hanger channel may extend below or above the fastener.

[0043] In use, the hanger may pass between the releaser and the fastener. The hanger passage may be located between the releaser and the fastener. The releaser may be operable to move the fastener into and out of the hanger passage.

[0044] The release may be located on the exterior side of the receptacle, and the space for receiving the item may be located on the interior side of the receptacle.

[0045] The releaser may be located at the first upright branch of the receiver.The releaser may be connected to the first upright branch of the receiver.

[0046] The receiving member may include a releaser carrier for accommodating the releaser. The first upright branch may include the releaser carrier. If the releaser is a button, the releaser carrier may be in the form of a button carrier. The releaser may be movable within the releaser carrier to move the fastener. The releaser carrier may cover the hanger channel to at least partially define a closed channel section of the hanger channel.

[0047] The retaining assembly may include a push device to push the releaser to a position where the fastener engages the hanger. The push device may be in the form of a spring, such as a compression spring. The compression spring may be a helical spring. The push device may include a plurality of compression springs. The releaser carrier may include a spring seat for the compression spring.

[0048] The releaser may be directly connected to the fastener. A release shuttle may provide the releaser and the fastener. The release shuttle may be housed by a releaser carrier.

[0049] The release shuttle may include a releaser portion and a fastener portion. The releaser portion may be upright and the fastener portion may extend transversely to the releaser portion. The fastener portion may be substantially perpendicular to the releaser portion.

[0050] The release shuttle may be in the form of a plate, such as an angled plate. The fastener portion may be a first leg of the release shuttle and the releaser portion may be a second leg of the release shuttle.

[0051] The releaser portion of the release shuttle may be exposed at the opening of the releaser carrier to provide a button surface. The push device may be connected to the releaser portion.

[0052] The fastener portion of the release shuttle may include a fastener. If the fastener is a plug, the orientation of the plug may depend on whether the releaser is pushed to release or pulled to release. In one embodiment, the releaser is pushed to release, and the fastener portion includes a hole through which the hanger can extend, wherein the hole may be shaped to define the plug. For example, the hole may be C-shaped to define the plug.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the retaining assembly is a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) tube hanger.

[0054] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suspension device, which comprises the above-mentioned retaining assembly and the above-mentioned suspension member, and the retaining assembly can be suspended on the suspension member.

[0055] A retaining assembly may be attached to the hanger.

[0056] The hanger may be elongated. The hanger may define at least one hole to which the fastener may engage. The hanger may define a plurality of holes. The hanger may be formed of a metal material.

[0057] The hanger may comprise an elongate main portion. The main portion may be in the form of a substantially flat strip. The main portion may define the or each aperture.

[0058] The hanger may have a mounting portion for mounting the hanging item on an elevated structure, such as a roof beam or ceiling. The mounting portion for the hanging item may extend transversely to the main portion.

[0059] The main portion of the suspension may have a main axis extending longitudinally. The main portion may have an elongated central region extending along the main axis. The central region may have a curvature. The central region may be curved around the main axis.

[0060] The main part of the hanging item may have an elongated edge portion extending along the central area. The edge portion may be thicker than the central area. The edge portion may be folded to form a curled edge area of ​​the main part.

[0061] The main part may have two edge portions arranged on opposite sides of the central area.Each of the edge portions may be folded to form a respective hemmed edge area of ​​the main part.

[0062] The holes may be arranged one after another along the main part. The holes may be arranged in a series. The holes may be arranged one after another along a central area of ​​the main part. The or each hole may be a slot. The or each hole is larger than a fastener retaining the assembly.

[0063] The hanger and the retaining assembly may each be shaped so that the retaining assembly can be attached to the hanger, regardless of whether the retaining assembly faces in a first direction or an opposite second direction. That is, the hanger may be two-sided.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a suspension device as described above and a VRF tube carried by a holding assembly.

[0065] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a suspension device as described above, further comprising a second retaining assembly attached to the same hanger. The advantage is modularity, as the hangers can be shared. The retaining assembly and the second retaining assembly can each be suspended from the same side of the hanger and vertically separated from each other. Alternatively, the second retaining assembly can be suspended from the opposite side of the hanger. The second retaining assembly can be a retaining assembly of the same type, or a retaining assembly of a different type, such as a tray retainer.

[0066] In other embodiments of the gate, the gate may be varied in one or more of the following ways: the gate may be movable in a substantially vertical direction; the gate may be pivotable about a vertical axis; the gate may be linear; one end (but not each end) of the gate may be connected or connectable to a receiving member via one or more gate posts.

[0067] Additionally, in some embodiments, the width of the space can be at least about three inches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] In order to better understand various examples of embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 A perspective view of the suspension arrangement is shown;

[0070] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a retaining assembly of a suspension device;

[0071] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A second perspective view of the suspension device;

[0072] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1-3 An exploded view of the retaining assembly;

[0073] Figure 5A-5B Shows Figure 2-4 A side cross-sectional view of the retaining assembly showing a depressed position and a non-depressed position of the release;

[0074] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2-5B A perspective view of a side section of a receiving member of the retaining assembly;

[0075] Figure 7 A perspective view of a suspension device is shown, the suspension device including a retaining assembly Figure 1-6 The retention assembly shown is taller;

[0076] Figure 8 A perspective view showing another example of a suspension device;

[0077] Fig. 9 A perspective view of an alternative gate grill is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The figures show a suspension device 1 comprising a holding assembly 200 and a hanger 100. The holding assembly 200 holds an object 2. The object 2 is elongated and may be in the form of a VRF tube. Figure 1The VRF pipe is shown in dashed lines. Most insulated VRF pipes have an outer diameter of about two inches or less. It should be understood that different types / diameters of pipes and / or cables can be received, and the use is not limited to VRF pipes.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 , a retaining assembly 200 is shown suspended from a hanger 100 to form a suspension device 1. The hanger 100 includes an elongated main portion 104 in the form of a generally flat strip. The hanger 100 also includes a mounting portion 106 for mounting the hanger 100 on an elevated structure (not shown), such as a roof beam or ceiling.

[0080] A plurality of suspension devices 1 may be arranged in a row spaced apart from each other, wherein the elongated article 2 extends through all the suspension devices 1. Each suspension device 1 includes one of the retaining assemblies 200 suspended from a corresponding hanger 100.

[0081] The mounting portion 106 extends transversely to the main portion 104, such as at right angles to the main portion 104. The mounting portion 106 defines a mounting hole 108 through which a screw or nail may be inserted to mount the hanger 100 on an elevated structure.

[0082] The main portion 104 has a main axis XX extending longitudinally. An elongated central region 112 of the main portion 104 extends along the main axis XX and curves around the main axis XX.

[0083] The main portion 104 has opposite elongated edge regions 110 extending along a central region 112. Each of the opposite edge regions 110 of the main portion 104 is folded to form a rolled edge. The combination of the curved main portion 104 and the rolled edge regions 110 provides stability and strength to the hanger 100.

[0084] The suspension member defines a plurality of holes in the form of slots 102. Each slot 102 extends through a central region 112 of the main part 104. The slots 102 are arranged one after another along the central region 112. The purpose of the slots 102 in the central region 112 of the main part 104 is explained below.

[0085] The retaining assembly 200 includes a receiving member 204, a fastener (in Figure 4-5BThe holder assembly 200 is mounted to a receiving member 204, wherein the receiving member 204 defines a space 208 for receiving the item 2, and wherein the plug 202 is configured to engage any slot 102 in the central region 112 of the main portion 104 of the hanger 100. The plug 202 can be moved through one of the slots 102 to attach the holder assembly 200 to the hanger 100. The plug 202 can be moved out of the slot 102 to remove the holder assembly 200 from the hanger 100.

[0086] The receiving member 204 is substantially U-shaped to define a U-shaped space 208 for receiving the article 2. Figure 1-6 In the shorter embodiment, the space 208 has a height suitable for a single item having an outer diameter of two inches, so the height of the space 208 is a value selected from the range of two inches to less than five inches. Figure 7 In a higher embodiment, the space 208 has a height suitable for stacking three items (not shown), each of which has an outer diameter of two inches, so the height of the space 208 is a value selected from the range of six inches to less than ten inches.

[0087] The U-shaped receiver 204 includes a first upright branch 214 , a second upright branch 218 parallel to the first upright branch 214 , and a semicircular rounded portion 216 connecting the bottom of the first upright branch 214 and the bottom of the second upright branch 218 to define the U-shaped receiver 204 .

[0088] The circular portion 216 provides a saddle on which the object 2 can be placed. The inner diameter of the circular portion 216 can be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the object 2. The width dimension of the circular portion 216 is at least two inches or approximately equal to two inches. The width dimension of the circular portion 216 is defined as the dimension parallel to the direction in which the elongated object 2 extends. Although the width of the space 208 can be two or three times the diameter of the tube, this will greatly increase the cantilever bending moment on the hanger 100.

[0089] like Figure 2 , 5A -5B and 6, the U-shaped receiving member 204 includes a top opening 210 through which the item 2 can be lowered. The width of the top opening 210 can be equal to the width of the space and / or can be at least about two inches. This allows the item 2 to be lowered into the space 208.

[0090] The receiver 204 is formed of a suitable plastic material to allow the receiver 204 to be molded or deformed into a U-shape defining the U-shaped space 208. The receiver 204 may be a unitary body integrally defining the first upright branch 214, the rounded portion 216, and the second upright branch 218. The receiver 204 has an inner side and an outer side, the inner side defining the boundary of the space 208.

[0091] The inner side of the receiving member 204 includes an inner surface 274. The inner surface 274 of the receiving member 204 may be a smooth surface. The inner surface 274 may be a continuous smooth surface from the first upright branch 214, through the rounded portion 216, to the second upright branch 218. The height of the space 208 as described above is defined as the vertical distance from the top opening 210 to the inner surface 274 at the lowest portion of the rounded portion 216.

[0092] The exterior side of the receiver 204 also provides a release in the form of a push-to-release button 206 that is finger operable to control engagement of the fastener 202 with the hanger 100 , thereby enabling positioning and repositioning of the retaining assembly 200 along the hanger 100 .

[0093] like Figure 3 , 4 6, the exterior side of the receiver 204 also includes a ribbed exterior surface 275. The exterior surface 275 includes parallel reinforcing ribs 240, 242, 244, 246. The reinforcing ribs 240, 242, 244, 246 extend from the top of the first upright branch 214 downwardly, through the rounded portion 216, and upwardly to the top of the second upright branch 218, either continuously or discontinuously.

[0094] The parallel reinforcing ribs 240 , 242 , 244 , 246 are interconnected by a first transverse rib 252 located at the top of the first upright branch 214 , by a second transverse rib 254 located at the bottom of the circular portion 216 , and by a third transverse rib 256 located at the top of the second upright branch 218 .

[0095] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG. 2 , the top opening 210 of the receiver 204 is covered by a movable gate 212 of the holding assembly 200. The gate 212 can swing in a substantially horizontal direction about a vertical axis parallel to the XX axis to minimize the vertical clearance required above the gate 212.

[0096] The gate 212 is in the form of a plate shaped to engage with the gate posts 224, 226. The first end 220 of the gate 212 is hook-shaped to provide a first slot 228 that can be connected to the first gate post 224. The first gate post 224 is located at the top of the first transverse rib 252 at the top of the first upright branch 214. Alternatively, the first end 220 of the gate 212 can include the first gate post 224, and the top of the first transverse rib 252 can include the first slot 228.

[0097] The opposite second end 222 of the gate 212 is hook-shaped to provide a second slot 230 that can be connected to a second gate post 226 at the top of the third transverse rib 256 at the top of the second upright branch 218. Alternatively, the second end 222 of the gate 212 can include the second gate post 226 and the top of the third transverse rib 256 can include the third slot 230.

[0098] The hook-shaped ends 220, 222 are shown facing in opposite directions so that the second slot 230 faces in the opposite direction from the first slot 228. This limits the chances of the gate 212 being disengaged during rotation. Alternatively, they can face in the same direction so that the gate 212 can be easily and completely disassembled.

[0099] According to the user's selection, the gate 212 can be unhooked from the first gate post 224 or the second gate post 226 and rotated around the other of the gate posts 224 , 226 .

[0100] The gate 212 also includes a hanger opening in the form of a hanger slot 232 through which the hanger 100 can extend. The hanger slot 232 of the gate 212 is adjacent to the first slot 228 of the gate 212 and faces in a direction opposite to the first slot 228. Therefore, when the gate 212 is closed and the retaining assembly 200 is attached to the hanger 100, the gate 212 cannot be released from the first door post 224 unless the hanger 100 abuts against the end of the hanger slot 232. Therefore, when the retaining assembly 200 is attached to the hanger 100, the gate 212 can only be opened in one direction.

[0101] The gate 212 may also include an upstand (not shown) at or toward the second end 222 to provide a grip for a user's fingers to push and pull the gate between the open and closed positions of the gate.

[0102] Turning now to how the button 206 is attached to the receiving piece 204, Figure 4-5B The release carrier is shown in the form of a button 206 mounted to a button carrier 260. The button carrier 260 has an open face at which the surface of the button 206 is exposed, wherein the button 206 can be pressed (pushed) into the button carrier 260 to move the plug 202. Figure 5A The button 206 is shown in a non-depressed position, with the plug 202 engaged with the slot 102 in the hanger 100 . Figure 5B The button 206 is shown in a depressed position, wherein the plug 202 has been pushed out of the slot 102 in the hanger 100 .

[0103] The button carrier 260 and the reinforcing ribs 240, 242, 244, 246, 252, 254, 256 may be integral parts of the receiver 204. They may be integral in the sense of being integrally molded.

[0104] Figure 4 and 5A Further shown is a biasing device in the form of a coil spring 262 mounted on a spring seat 264 at the base of the button carrier 260 for urging the button 206 back to the non-pressed position. In other examples, different types of springs may be used.

[0105] Figure 4 The exploded view of shows that the button 206 is one face of a release shuttle 266 in the form of an L-shaped plate. A first lateral leg of the L-shaped plate provides a fastener portion 270 having the fastener 202, and a second upright leg of the L-shaped plate provides a releaser portion 268 defining the button 206.

[0106] The release portion 268 is a plate portion having an exposed (outwardly facing) surface defining the button 206 and an opposing inwardly facing surface against which the coil spring 262 acts.

[0107] The fastener portion 270 is a plate portion having a hole 272 through which the hanger 100 can extend. The plug 202 protrudes into the hole 272, so that the hole 272 is C-shaped. The plug 202 is an integral plate portion of the L-shaped plate. The plug 202 is located at the edge of the hole 272 away from the release portion 268 and protrudes toward the release portion 266.

[0108] The hanger 100 passes through the hole 272 of the release shuttle 266. The widest part of the hole 272 is slightly larger than the width of the hanger 100 (defined as the spacing of the edge area 110). The width of the plug 202 is slightly smaller than the width of the slot 102, so that the plug 202 can be inserted through any of the slots 102 that are aligned with the plug 202. For the same reason, the thickness of the plug 202 is slightly smaller than the height of the slot 102.

[0109] The distance that the plug 202 protrudes into the hole 272 of the button carrier 260 is slightly less than the distance that the button 206 can be pressed, so that when the button 206 is fully pressed, the hole 272 has been moved sufficiently to completely pull the plug 202 out of the hanger 100, so that the hanger 100 is aligned with the widest part of the hole 272.

[0110] It will be appreciated that the connection between the button 206 and the plug 202 can be different than that shown in the figures, although the arrangement shown in the figures is easier to manufacture than complex mechanical-based solutions and involves a minimum number of parts.

[0111] like Figure 5A-5B As shown, the hanger 100 extends along the hanger channel 234 within the first upright branch 214 . Figure 6The hanger channel 234 is more clearly shown. The hanger channel 234 is defined by the gap between a pair of parallel reinforcing ribs 242,244.

[0112] The hanger channel 234 enables the hanger 100 to extend along the first upright branch 214 of the U-shaped receiver 204 and inside the first upright branch 214 of the U-shaped receiver 204. The pair of parallel reinforcing ribs 242, 244 define a left side surface 248 and a right side surface 250 of the hanger channel 234. The base surface 238 of the hanger channel 234 is defined by a portion of the outer surface 275 of the receiver 204 located between the pair of reinforcing ribs 242, 244.

[0113] The hanger passage 234 is accessed from the top of the first upright branch 214 through a top hole 236 in the first transverse rib 252 . Figure 6 The top hole 236 is more clearly shown. The hanger slot 232 of the gate 212 is also aligned with the top hole 236 so that the hanger 100 can pass through the hanger slot 232 and the top hole 236 into the hanger channel 234.

[0114] Below the top hole 236, the hanger channel 234 continues downward into a closed channel section 234A that is completely surrounded by the combination of the base surface 238, the left and right side surfaces 248 and 250, and the rear surface of the button carrier 260. This prevents lateral movement of the retaining assembly 200 during positioning. Figure 5A-5B As shown, the plug 202 is positioned along the closed channel section 234A.

[0115] The hanger channel 234 then continues downwardly below the closed channel section 234A into an open channel section 234B. The open channel section 234B curves away from the straight hanger 100 along the rounded portion 216 of the receiver 204 so that the straight hanger 100 exits the hanger channel 234 via the open channel section 234. The open channel section 234B terminates at the base of the rounded portion 216 at a second transverse rib 254. The long straight continuous base surface 238 parallel to the main portion 104 of the hanger 100 provides a continuous reaction surface to prevent the retaining assembly 200 from rotating under its own weight.

[0116] exist Figure 1-6 In the shorter embodiment of the invention, the open channel segment 234B is shorter than the closed channel segment 234A, and Figure 7 In the higher embodiment, the open channel section 234B is longer. The total length of the hanger channel 234 depends on the height of the space 208 and can be at least 75% of the height of the space 208.

[0117] When button 206 is pressed, Figure 5B Combination Figure 4 As shown, the widest portion of the aperture 272 of the release shuttle 266 will align with the hanger channel 234, so that the plug 202 does not protrude sufficiently (or at all) into the hanger channel 234. The plug 202 will not prevent the retaining assembly 200 from sliding along the hanger 100.

[0118] When the button 206 is not pressed, Figure 5A Combination Figure 4 Shown, the position of the hole 272 of the release shuttle 266 causes the plug 202 to block the hanger passage 234. If one of the slots 102 of the hanger 100 is aligned with the plug 202, the plug 202 will engage with the hanger 100.

[0119] Since the plug 202 can block the hanger passage 234, it is recommended that when the retaining assembly 200 is first attached to the hanger 100, the button 206 should be kept pressed to keep the hanger passage 234 open when the end of the hanger 100 is fed through the hanger passage 234.

[0120] To prevent collision between the release shuttle 266 and the base surface 238 of the hanger channel 234, the receiver 204 includes a slot 258 through the base surface 238 of the hanger channel 234. The slot 258 leads to the space 208 of the receiver 204. The slot 258 is aligned with the fastener portion 270 of the release shuttle 266. The width and thickness of the slot 258 are greater than the corresponding width and thickness of the fastener portion 270 of the release shuttle 266. When the button 206 is pressed, the fastener portion 270 of the release shuttle 266 can slide through the slot 258 without interference. The slot 258 is at least about two inches above the bottom of the inner surface 274 to avoid interference with a two-inch diameter pipe. When the button 206 is pressed, the distal end / edge of the fastener portion 270 of the release shuttle 266 extends through the slot 258 and slightly into the space 208. If the slot 258 is not provided, the retaining assembly 200 may need to be larger.

[0121] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment of a retention assembly 200 is shown. Figure 8 The retaining assembly 200 may have Figure 1-7 Any one or more features of retaining assembly 200 unless expressly stated and / or shown to the contrary.

[0122] exist Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 2 , the push-to-release button 206 and the associated closed channel segment 234A are both located below, rather than above, the open channel segment 234B. The movable gate 212 may be omitted.

[0123] The advantage is that now the holding assembly 200 can be pushed all the way to the ceiling. The button 206 is lower, which means it is easier to reach.

[0124] Button 206 covers the outlet of the hanger passage 234. In this example, Figure 4-5B The release shuttle 266 with the button 206 and the plug 202 is mounted upside down compared to the illustrated arrangement.

[0125] Fig. 9 An alternative gate grille 212B is shown. The alternative gate grille 212B can be used in any embodiment. The gate grille 212B is configured to swing in a substantially vertical direction about a horizontal axis.

[0126] The gate 212B can be formed of a metal material to increase strength and rigidity. This is very useful for higher load applications. For example, if the width of the space 208 / circular portion 216 is larger (e.g., at least or about three inches), the gate will have a longer span and will therefore benefit from being more rigid / stronger. As shown, the gate 212B can include linear pieces to minimize weight and material usage.

[0127] The gate 212B is pivotally secured to the second upright branch 218. The gate 212B is shaped to engage with one or more gate posts 224B. Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the gate post 224B is located at the top of the first transverse rib 252 at the top of the first upright branch 214. The gate post 224B protrudes upward and provides a hook portion to receive a linear member.

[0128] The door grille 212B and the receiver 204 may be configured to apply a preload to retain the door grille 212B in the door post 224B. The hooking of the door grille 212B on the door post 224B may cause the plastic material of the receiver 204 to (slightly) bend.

[0129] Alternatively, the gate may be oriented in the opposite direction to that shown, with the gate post 224B located on the other branch 218 .

[0130] When the top hole 236 for the hanger 100 is closer to where the gate 212B is pivotally secured than the door post 224B, the gate 212B includes a hanger slot 232B to enable the gate 212B to open and close when the hanger 100 extends through the top hole 236 .

[0131] In the example shown, the gate grill 212B is a linear member and includes a plurality of bends that define a pair of span extensions 276 (one for each gate post 224B) and hanger slots 232B between the span extensions.

[0132] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

[0133] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

[0134] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

[0135] Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

[0136] While efforts have been made in the foregoing description to call attention to those features of the present invention which are regarded as particularly important, it should be understood that the applicants claim protection for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the accompanying drawings, whether or not specifically emphasized.

Claims

1. A retaining assembly comprising: a fastener configured to engage the suspension member; a receiver to which the fastener is mounted, the receiver defining a space for receiving an item to be retained; as well as A release is operable to control engagement of the fastener with the hanger to enable the retaining assembly to be positioned along the hanger.

2. The retention assembly of claim 1, wherein the release is a manually operable actuator.

3. A retaining assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the release is push to disengage and release to engage.

4. A retaining assembly according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the receiving member is generally U-shaped.

5. A holding assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the space defined by the receptacle is dimensioned to support an article, wherein the article is an elongate article having a diameter of at least about two inches.

6. A holding assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle comprises a top opening for receiving an item.

7. A holding assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a gate to allow items to be received in the space defined by the receptacle.

8. The retention assembly of claim 7, wherein the gate is pivotally connected to the receiver.

9. A retaining assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the gate includes a hanger opening through which the hanger can extend.

10. A retaining assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiver comprises a hanger channel.

11. The retention assembly of claim 10, wherein the hanger channel includes a closed channel section into which the fastener can extend.

12. A retaining assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the receiving member includes a first upright branch and a second upright branch, and wherein the first upright branch of the receiving member includes a hanger member channel to enable the hanger member to extend along and within the first upright branch.

13. A retaining assembly as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the fastener is located along the hanger channel.

14. The retaining assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The release is operable to move the fastener into and out of the hanger passage to control engagement of the fastener with the hanger.

15. A retaining assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the hanger passes between the release and the fastener.

16. A holding assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release is located on an exterior side of the receptacle and the space for receiving the item is located on an interior side of the receptacle.

17. A retaining assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, including biasing means for biasing the release into a position where the fastener engages the hanger member.

18. A retaining assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the release is directly connected to the fastener, and wherein a release shuttle provides the release and the fastener.

19. The retention assembly of claim 18, wherein the release shuttle includes a release portion and a fastener portion, wherein the release portion is upstanding and the fastener portion extends transversely to the release portion.

20. A suspension device comprising a retaining assembly and a suspension member, the retaining assembly being suspendable from the suspension member, the retaining assembly and the suspension member each being as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

21. A suspension device according to claim 20, wherein the suspension member is elongated.

22. A suspension device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the suspension member defines at least one aperture to which the fastener is engageable.

23. A suspension device according to claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the suspension member and the retaining component are each shaped so that the retaining assembly can be attached to the suspension member regardless of whether the retaining component faces in a first direction or an opposite second direction.

24. A suspension device according to any one of claims 20 to 23, further comprising a second retaining assembly attached to the same suspension member.

25. A system comprising a suspension device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, and a variable refrigerant flow tube carried by a retaining assembly.

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