Locking bracket

Abstract

The bracket uses a base and a locking body to attach the element to the structure. The base is attachable to the structure and defines an opening for receiving the element. The locking body defines an opening adapted to receive the element. The locking body defines an engaging surface positioned within the opening. The engaging surface is adapted to secure the element to the base through mechanical engagement. The locking body is movable between a first position where the opening is not aligned with the opening and a second position where the opening is aligned with the opening. The engaging surface can engage with the element when the locking body is in the second position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 512,748, filed on 10 July 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field of Invention This invention relates to a bracket for attaching an element to a structure. [Background technology]

[0003] background Figure 1 shows an exemplary assembly 10 from the prior art in which a bracket 12 is used to attach an element 14 to a support 16. In this example, the assembly 10 is a fire suppression sprinkler system for a special ceiling, such as a ceiling in a cleanroom, and comprises a long pipe 18 extending through a ceiling grid member 20, or a thermal trigger sprinkler 26 attached to a sprinkler reducer. Typically, a gasket 24 seals the lower end of the long pipe 18 to the ceiling member. The upper end of the long pipe 18 is connected to a flexible hose 28 attached to a branch pipe of a fire suppression system (not shown). The bracket 12 is attached to the long pipe 18 via a retaining ring fixed in a groove located at a predetermined fixed position on the long pipe 18. The bracket 12 is bolted to the upper part 22 of the ceiling grid member 20 to position and secure the long pipe 18. The ceiling grid members 20 of different ceiling grid systems have different heights and require different lengths L between the gasket 24 and the location of the bracket 12. Since the required length L varies depending on the type of ceiling grid system, different long pipes 18 with different lengths L and grooves in different locations must be available to secure the retaining rings and brackets 12. Alternative means of attaching the long pipes 18 to the ceiling grid members 20 at the required height may require multiple components, such as multiple retaining rings or snap rings, and tools for adjusting the position of the components on site. To adapt to different ceiling grid systems, a bracket is obviously needed that simplifies and allows adjustment from the lower end of the long pipe to where the bracket secures the long pipe to the structure. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] overview An exemplary bracket provided in this disclosure is adapted for mounting an element to a structure. The bracket comprises a base that can be mounted to a structure and defines an opening for receiving an element. A locking body defines an opening adapted for receiving an element. The locking body defines an engaging surface positioned within the opening. The engaging surface is adapted for securing the element to the base. The locking body is movable between a first position in which the opening is not aligned with the opening and a second position in which the opening is aligned with the opening. The engaging surface is able to engage with the element when the locking body is in the second position.

[0005] In exemplary embodiments, the opening has a circular shape. In further exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the engaging surface has a radius smaller than the radius of the opening.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the opening extends through the base and defines a slot. In further exemplary embodiments, the slot comprises a curved recess. In further exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the engaging surface has a radius equal to the radius of the curved recess.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the base comprises a first lobe and a second lobe extending from the base on both sides of the opening. In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second lobes extend along a common centerline. In further exemplary embodiments, the base further comprises a first hole defined by the first lobe and a second hole defined by the second lobe. A first fastener is received in the first hole, and a second fastener is received in the second hole. The first and second fasteners are adapted to attach the bracket to a structure.

[0008] In further exemplary embodiments, the locking body comprises a first lobe and a second lobe extending from both sides of the opening. In further exemplary embodiments, the first and second lobes of the locking body extend along a common centerline. In further exemplary embodiments, the locking body further comprises a first hole defined by the first lobe of the locking body and a second hole defined by the second lobe of the locking body. When the locking body is moved to a second position such that the opening in the locking body aligns with the opening in the base, the first hole in the locking body aligns with the first hole in the base, and the second hole in the locking body aligns with the second hole in the base.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking body is pivotably mounted to the base. In a further exemplary embodiment, the bracket further comprises a shaft extending through the locking body and the base. The shaft defines a pivot axis for pivoting the locking body relative to the base.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking body is slidable relative to the base.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the locking body and the base have at least one corresponding projection.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the opening is U-shaped.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the locking body includes a tab extending therefrom. In further exemplary embodiments, the tab is located adjacent to the opening.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the engaging surface includes at least a portion of the periphery defining the opening.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the locking body has a dimple, and the base has a recess configured to receive the dimple.

[0016] An exemplary combination of an element and a bracket for mounting the element to a structure is disclosed. The combination bracket is attachable to the structure and includes a base defining an aperture for receiving the element. A locking body defines an aperture adapted to receive the element. The locking body defines an engagement surface positioned within the aperture. The engagement surface is adapted to secure the element to the base. The locking body is movable between a first position in which the aperture is misaligned with the opening and a second position in which the aperture is aligned with the opening. The engagement surface is engagable with the element when the locking body is in the second position.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the element defines at least one recess.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement surface includes at least a portion of a peripheral edge defining the aperture. In a further exemplary embodiment, the radius of a portion of the aperture is greater than the radius in the recess and less than the outer radius of the tube. In a further exemplary embodiment, a portion of the peripheral edge is receivable in the recess of at least one of the at least one recess.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the element is a tube.

[0020] In a further exemplary embodiment, the aperture has a radius greater than the outer radius of the tube.

[0021] In a further exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the aperture has a radius smaller than the radius of the aperture.

[0022] In a further exemplary embodiment, the aperture has a radius of at least one of the at least one recess and is smaller than the outer radius of the tube.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture is U-shaped.

[0024] An exemplary method for securing an element to a structure by a bracket according to the present invention includes positioning the element within an opening defined by a base. The method includes moving a locking body from a first position to a second position. The locking body defines an opening adapted to receive the element. The locking body defines an engaging surface positioned within the opening. The engaging surface is adapted to secure the element to the base. The opening is not aligned with the opening in the first position. When the locking body is in the second position, the opening is aligned with the opening and the engaging surface engages with the element. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] Brief explanation of the drawing [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a bracket used in an assembly for attaching elements to a structure, according to prior art.

[0026] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary combination of a bracket and an element positioned on a structure according to the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the bracket and element combination shown in Figure 2.

[0028] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is an isometric view of an exemplary bracket at the first position.

[0029] [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is an isometric view of an exemplary bracket at the first position.

[0030] [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an exemplary combination of a bracket and an element positioned on a structure as shown in Figure 2, where the element is fixed by the bracket.

[0031] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is an isometric view of the exemplary bracket shown in Figure 3A at the second position.

[0032] [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is an isometric view of the exemplary bracket shown in Figure 3B at the second position.

[0033] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the combination bracket and elements shown in Figure 3, with the locking body shown in the second position.

[0034] [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a side view of the combination bracket and elements shown in Figure 3A or Figure 3B, with the locking body shown in the second position.

[0035] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in Figure 5.

[0036] [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view along the line 6A-6A in Figure 5A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Detailed explanation Figure 2 shows an exemplary combination 40 according to the present invention, comprising a bracket 42 and an element 44. The bracket 42 is adapted to attach the element 44 to a structure 46. In this example, the bracket 42 is adapted to attach a pipe 48 to a cross member 50 of a ceiling grid. The pipe 48 may act as a sprinkler reducer and may be attached to a thermal trigger sprinkler 52. In certain embodiments, the cross member 50 may be used to support the ceiling of a cleanroom.

[0038] The bracket 42 comprises a base 54 that can be attached to a structure 46. In this example, the base 54 is a steel plate. The base 54 defines an opening 56 for receiving an element 44. Optionally, as shown in the exemplary bracket 42 of Figure 3, the opening 56 is shaped to receive and enclose a pipe 48 (e.g., a circular opening 56 shown). Alternatively, referring to Figures 3A and 3B, the opening 56 may extend through the base 54 and define a slot 57. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the slot 57 may have a shape that only partially encloses the pipe, such as a curved recess 59. The curved recess 59 may have a partial circle (e.g., a surface with a constant radius). In exemplary configurations, the curved recess 59 of the slot 57 can make an angle of 120 to 240 degrees or 160 to 200 degrees. Referring to Figures 6 and 6A, the opening 56 has a radius R A It has.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 5, 5A, 6, and 6A, the base 54 and the locking body 70 cooperate to secure the element 44 to the structure 46 by selectively engaging one of the recesses 94 in the element 44. In one embodiment, as shown in (for example) Figures 2, 3, and 6, an opening 56 in the base 54 allows the element 44 to move freely along a first axis 45 within the opening 56, with respect to the radius R of the tube 48 in this example. E A radius R greater than AIt may have. As shown in FIG. 2, the distance D between the location where the bracket 42 fixes the element 44 to the structure 46 and the location where the lower portion 47 of the element 44 extends through the structure 50 can be adjusted when the element 44 moves freely, thereby enabling the distance D to be adjusted to adapt to different heights H of the structure 46. The distance D can be adjusted incrementally according to the locations of a plurality of recesses 94 positioned along the element 44. In this example, the pipe 48 can be moved along the first axis 45 to properly position the sprinkler 52 relative to the cross member 50. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B for example, the opening 56 can have a radius R of the element 44, in this example the pipe 48, that is larger than the radius R E and can define a slot 57 having a radius R A . E A radius R larger than A and can define a slot 57 that may have.

[0040] In another embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 6A, the opening 56 that defines the slot 57 has a radius R that is larger than or equal to the radius R of each recess of a plurality of recesses 94 positioned along the element 44 (in this example the pipe 48) and smaller than the radius R R of the element 44, and can have a radius R R . The element 44 can be arranged along the first axis 45 before mechanically engaging the recess 94 along the element 44 with the base 54, and the base 54 defines an opening 56 having a radius R E that is smaller than the radius R A of the element 44. Referring to FIG. 4, the distance D between the location where the bracket 42 fixes the element 44 to the structure 46 and the location where the lower portion 47 of the element 44 extends through the structure 50 can be adjusted when the element 44 moves freely, for example, in the examples shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, before positioning the recess 94 of the element 44 within the slot 57 of the base 54. R Larger than or the radius R R Equal to, the radius R of the element 44 E Smaller than the radius R A And can have. The element 44 can be arranged along the first axis 45 before mechanically engaging the recess 94 along the element 44 with the base 54, and the base 54 defines an opening 56 having a radius R E that is smaller than the radius R A of the element 44. E Smaller than the radius R A And has.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 to 3B, the bracket 42 may further comprise a first lobe 58 and a second lobe 60 extending from the base 54 on both sides of the opening 56. The first lobe 58 and the second lobe 60 provide a surface area for mounting and securing the base 54 to the structure 46. The first lobe 58 and the second lobe 60 may extend along a common centerline 61 to allow the bracket 42 to straddle the space between two opposing cross members 50. The bracket 42 may further comprise at least one first hole 62 defined by the first lobe 58 and at least one second hole 64 defined by the second lobe 60. Optionally, in some configurations, as shown in Figures 3A to 3B, the at least one first hole 62 may comprise multiple axially spaced holes, and the at least one second hole 64 may comprise multiple axially spaced holes. As shown in Figure 4, each of the at least one first hole 62 can receive a first fastener 66, and each of the at least one second hole 64 can receive a second fastener 68, allowing the base 54 to be attached to the structure 46.

[0042] The locking body 70 defines an opening 72 adapted to receive the element 44. In this example, the locking body 70 is a second steel plate, and the opening 72 is substantially U-shaped. Similar to the slot 57, the U-shaped opening may be a shape that only partially encloses the pipe, such as a curved recess containing a curved recess that is a partial circle (e.g., a surface with a constant radius). The locking body 70 defines an engaging surface 74 positioned within the opening 72 to secure the element 44 to the base 54. The locking body 70 is movable between a first position (shown in Figures 2 and 3-3B) in which the opening 72 is not aligned with the opening 56 and the engaging surface 74 does not secure the element 44 to the base 54, thereby allowing the element 44 to move freely along the first axis 45, and a second position (shown in Figures 4-6) in which the engaging surface 74 secures the element 44 to the base 54, thereby locking the element 44 in place. The locking body 70 may be pivotably mounted to the base 54 to allow the locking body 70 to pivot between a first position and a second position. Optionally, the locking body 70 may be pivotably mounted via a shaft 76 extending through the locking body 70 and an opening 75 in the base 54, defining a pivot axis 77 for pivoting the locking body 70 relative to the base 54. Advantageously, the locking body 70 may have a tab 90 extending from the locking body 70 and positioned close to the opening 72 to allow the user to pivot the locking body 70 by pushing or pulling the tab 90. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 3B and 4B, the locking body 70 may slide across the top of the base 54 until the opening 72 aligns with the opening 56. As shown in Figures 3B and 4B, the locking body 70 and the base 54 may have corresponding projections 51, 71 that engage or abut when the locking body 70 is in a second position (shown in Figure 4B). The projections 51, 71 may provide a visual indication that the locking body 70 and the base 54 are properly positioned and aligned. In each embodiment of this specification, the figures show the base 54 positioned between the structure 46 and the locking body 70, but the position of the base 54 and the position of the locking body 70 may be interchangeable. For example, the locking body 70 may be positioned between the structure 46 and the base 54.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 to 6A, in the second position, the opening 72 is aligned with the opening 56, and the engaging surface 74 engages with the element 44, securing the element 44 to the structure 46. In this example, the element 44 defines at least one recess 94, and the engaging surface 74 includes at least a portion of the periphery 92 that defines the opening 72. The portion of the periphery 92 is receivable into one of the recesses 94.

[0044] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, a portion of the peripheral edge 92 has a radius R of the recess 94. R Larger than or with radius R R Equal to the radius R of element 44 (tube 48 in this example). E A radius smaller than R P It has a mechanical engagement for fixing element 44 to base 54 and ultimately to structure 46, cross member 50 (see Figure 4). Optionally, the radius R of the opening 56 of the base A The radius R of element 44 (tube 48 in this example) E Larger than. In these embodiments, the recess 94 has a width 95 sized to receive only the thickness 71 of the locking body 70, and the locking body 70 has a thickness 71 smaller than the width 95 of the recess 94 and sized to provide mechanical engagement with the recess 94.

[0045] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6A, a portion of the radius R of the peripheral edge 92 of the opening 72 in the locking body 70 provides mechanical engagement for fixing the element 44 to the locking body 70 and the base 54, and ultimately to the structure 46. P And the radius R of the opening 56 that defines the slot 57 in the base 54 A (See Figures 3A to 3B) Both of these have a radius R of recess 94. R Larger than or with radius R R Equal to the radius R of element 44 (tube 48 in this example). ESmaller than. In these embodiments, the recess 94 has a width 95 sized to receive the combined thickness of the locking body 70 and the base 54, and the locking body 70 and the base 54 have a combined thickness 55 smaller than the width 95 of the recess 94 in order to provide mechanical engagement with the recess 94.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 to 3B, the locking body 70 may comprise a first lobe 78 and a second lobe 80 extending from both sides of the opening 72. The first lobe 78 and the second lobe 80 of the locking body 70 may extend along a common centerline 75. At least one first hole 82 may be defined by the first lobe 78 of the locking body 70, and at least one second hole 84 may be defined by the second lobe 80 of the locking body 70. For example, in some optional configurations as shown in Figures 3A to 3B, at least one first hole 82 may comprise multiple holes spaced apart in the axial direction, and at least one second hole 84 may comprise multiple holes spaced apart in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 4, each of the at least one first hole 82 may be configured to receive a first fastener 66, and each of the at least one second hole 84 may be configured to receive a second fastener 68 and to secure both the base 54 and the locking body 70 to the structure 46. When the locking body 70 is pivoted or slid to a second position such that the opening 72 in the locking body 70 aligns with the opening 56 in the base 54, each of the at least one first hole 82 in the locking body 70 aligns with the hole in the at least one first hole 62 in the base 54, and each of the at least one second hole 84 in the locking body 70 aligns with the hole in the at least one second hole 64 in the base 54. When the first hole 62 in the base 54 and the first hole 82 in the locking body 70 are aligned, the aligned first holes 62, 82 may receive the first fastener 66. When the second hole 64 of the base 54 and the second hole 84 of the locking body 70 are aligned, the aligned second holes 64, 84 can receive the second fastener 68. The fasteners 66, 68 secure the locking body 70 and the base 54 to the structure 46 in a second position, thereby securing the element 44 to the structure 46 at a desired distance D. As shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the locking body 70 may include a dimple 73. The dimple 73 may protrude from the locking body 70 toward the base 54. The base 54 may include a corresponding recess 53 configured to receive the dimple 73.When the locking body 70 is pivoted to a second position to align and hold the locking body 70 to the base 54 before the fasteners 66, 68 fix the locking body 70 and the base 54 to the structure 46, the dimple 73 may remain within the recess 53.

[0047] The exemplary bracket 42 according to the present invention is expected to allow the element 44 to be adjustably fixed to the structure 46.

[0048] All embodiments of the claimed inventions described herein are expressly provided merely as examples. Countless variations and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments described herein without departing from the concepts of the Disclosure. In addition, the scope of the Disclosure is intended to encompass all modifications and combinations of all elements, features, and aspects described herein and in the claims and shown in the drawings. Any such modifications and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the Disclosure.

Claims

1. A bracket adapted for attaching an element to a structure, wherein the bracket is A base that can be attached to the aforementioned structure and defines an opening for receiving the aforementioned element, A locking body defining an opening adapted to receive the element, wherein the locking body defines an engaging surface positioned within the opening, the engaging surface is adapted to secure the element to the base, the locking body is movable between a first position in which the opening is not aligned with the opening and a second position in which the opening is aligned with the opening, and the engaging surface is engageable with the element when the locking body is in the second position. A bracket equipped with this feature.

2. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the opening has a circular shape.

3. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the engaging surface has a radius smaller than the radius of the opening.

4. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the opening extends through the base and defines a slot.

5. The bracket according to claim 4, wherein the slot has a curved recess.

6. The bracket according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the engaging surface has a radius equal to the radius of the curved recess.

7. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a first lobe and a second lobe extending from the base on both sides of the opening.

8. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein the first lobe and the second lobe extend along a common centerline.

9. The aforementioned bracket is The first hole defined by the first lobe, The second hole defined by the second lobe, The first fastener received in the first hole, A second fastener received in the second hole, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are adapted to attach the bracket to the structure, and The bracket according to claim 7, further comprising:

10. The bracket according to claim 9, wherein the locking body comprises a first lobe and a second lobe extending from both sides of the opening.

11. The bracket according to claim 10, wherein the first lobe and the second lobe of the locking body extend along a common centerline.

12. The aforementioned locking body is The first hole defined by the first lobe of the locking body, The second hole defined by the second lobe of the locking body and Furthermore, The bracket according to claim 10, wherein when the locking body is moved to the second position such that the opening in the locking body is aligned with the opening in the base, the first hole in the locking body is aligned with the first hole in the base, and the second hole in the locking body is aligned with the second hole in the base.

13. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the locking body is pivotably attached to the base.

14. The bracket according to claim 13, wherein the bracket comprises a shaft extending through the locking body and the base, the shaft defining a pivot axis for pivoting the locking body relative to the base.

15. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the locking member is slidable relative to the base.

16. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the locking body and the base each have at least one corresponding projection.

17. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the opening is U-shaped.

18. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the locking body comprises a tab extending therefrom.

19. The bracket according to claim 18, wherein the tab is located in close proximity to the opening.

20. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the engaging surface includes at least a portion of the peripheral edge defining the opening.

21. The bracket according to claim 1, wherein the locking body has a dimple, and the base has a recess configured to receive the dimple.

22. In a combination of an element and a bracket for attaching the element to a structure, the bracket is: A base that can be attached to the aforementioned structure and defines an opening for receiving the aforementioned element, A locking body defining an opening adapted to receive the element, wherein the locking body defines an engaging surface positioned within the opening, the engaging surface is adapted to secure the element to the base, the locking body is movable between a first position in which the opening is not aligned with the opening and a second position in which the opening is aligned with the opening, and the engaging surface is engageable with the element when the locking body is in the second position. A combination that includes these features.

23. The combination according to claim 22, wherein the element defines at least one recess.

24. The combination according to claim 23, wherein the engaging surface includes at least a portion of the peripheral edge defining the opening.

25. The combination according to claim 24, wherein the radius of the portion of the opening is greater than the radius of the recess and smaller than the outer radius of the pipe.

26. The combination according to claim 25, wherein the portion of the peripheral edge is receivable in one of the recesses.

27. The combination according to claim 26, wherein the element is a pipe.

28. The combination according to claim 27, wherein the opening has a radius larger than the outer radius of the pipe.

29. The combination according to claim 28, wherein at least a portion of the opening has a radius smaller than the radius of the opening.

30. The combination according to claim 27, wherein the opening has a radius greater than the radius of at least one of the at least one recesses and smaller than the outer radius of the pipe.

31. The combination according to claim 22, wherein the opening is U-shaped.

32. A method for fixing an element to a structure using a bracket, wherein the method is Positioning the elements within the opening defined by the base, Moving a locking body from a first position to a second position, wherein the locking body defines an opening adapted to receive the element, the locking body defines an engaging surface positioned within the opening, and the engaging surface is adapted to secure the element to the base. Includes, The opening is not aligned with the opening at the first position. A method wherein, when the locking body is in the second position, the opening is aligned with the opening and the engaging surface engages with the element.

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