anchor

Abstract

The anchor includes a conduit for receiving a flexible elongate member. The conduit has an interior region and first and second openings. The flexible elongate member can extend through the first and second openings and through the interior region of the conduit. The conduit is a curved, substantially U-shaped elongate tubular member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to anchors. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to anchors for use in roofs or ceilings. Embodiments of the present invention relate to anchors for suspending items. [Background technology]

[0002] It is sometimes necessary to suspend cable trays or pipes from the upper areas of a building, for example the roof or ceiling, and this is often done by running the cables through suitable suspension devices which are themselves suspended from the roof or ceiling. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anchor comprising a conduit for receiving a flexible elongate member, the conduit having an interior region and first and second openings, the flexible elongate member being extendable through the first and second openings and through the interior region of the conduit.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of suspending an article, said method comprising: placing the anchor described above on a support article; placing a curable material on the support article over the anchor; and inserting an elongated flexible member through the conduit and attaching the article to the elongated member.

[0005] The conduit may be elongated. The conduit may be a tubular member. The conduit may be curved. The tubular member may be a substantially U-shaped member extending around the space. The conduit may be an inverted U-shaped member.

[0006] The conduit can have first and second openings through which the elongated member can extend. The first and second openings can be at opposite ends of the conduit. The elongated member can extend from both openings.

[0007] The method may include inserting an elongate member through the conduit such that the elongate member extends from both openings.

[0008] The first and second openings may be substantially coplanar with one another.

[0009] The anchor may be used in a ceiling. The anchor may be a ceiling anchor. The anchor may be suitable for embedding in a hardenable material. The hardenable material may be poured over the anchor. The hardenable material may be a hardening building material such as concrete.

[0010] The anchor may be formed of a plastic material, with the conduit providing a smooth interior passageway to allow the elongated member to move easily through the conduit.

[0011] The anchor may define a space between opposing ends of the conduit. The hardenable material may be received through the space. The inwardly extending flange portion may extend from the conduit partially across the space.

[0012] The rib portion may extend across the space. The rib portion may extend from the flange portion between opposite ends of the conduit.

[0013] In the embodiments described herein, a hardenable material may be disposed around the anchor to provide strength and form to support the elongated member and the load thereon.

[0014] The anchor may include a fastening structure for fastening the anchor to a support article.

[0015] The method may include fastening the anchor to the support article using a fastening structure.

[0016] The support article may facilitate construction of a building. The fastening structure may be attached to the conduit.

[0017] The support article may comprise a formwork, which may include a wooden formwork or a metal deck.

[0018] The fastening structure may extend outwardly from the conduit. Alternatively, the fastening structure may extend inwardly from the conduit. In this alternative, the fastening structure may extend along the rib portion.

[0019] The fastening structure may define an aperture for receiving the fastener. The fastening structure may comprise a protrusion. The protrusion may comprise a web member. The protrusion may define said aperture.

[0020] The protrusion may be attached to the rib portion. The protrusion may extend along the rib portion.

[0021] The fastening structure may comprise a raised member. The raised member may have a through hole. The raised member may extend from the protrusion.

[0022] The apertures can provide openings for the holes. The fasteners can extend through the holes. The protrusions can connect the raised structures to the conduits. The protrusions can connect the raised structures to the rib portions. The fasteners can be screws, bolts, or the like.

[0023] The method may include inserting the fastener through the aperture into the support article.

[0024] The anchor may comprise two of the fastening structures.

[0025] The method may include fastening the anchor to the support article with both fastening structures.

[0026] The fastening structures may be attached to the conduit opposite each other.

[0027] Each fastening structure may be attached to the conduit at a respective opposite end of the conduit. Each fastening structure may be attached to the conduit at a respective one of the first and second openings.

[0028] The method may include inserting a respective fastener through each aperture into the support article.

[0029] The anchor may include a bracing member for bracing the conduit, the bracing member bracing the anchor in an upright position.

[0030] The bracing members may extend from the conduit. The bracing members may extend between the conduit and the rib portion. The bracing members may be attached to a central region of the rib portion.

[0031] The bracing members may extend to a central region of the conduit. The bracing members may extend transversely from the conduit. The bracing members may extend perpendicularly from the conduit.

[0032] The bracing member may include an engagement portion, which may be substantially flush with the opening.

[0033] The engagement portion may be arranged to engage said support article, such that the bracing member can maintain the anchor in an upright position on said support article.

[0034] The bracing members may be positioned on the conduit between the ends of the conduit.

[0035] The brace member may comprise a substantially triangular main portion, which may be attached to the conduit.

[0036] The bracing members may extend across the aforementioned space. The bracing members may extend from the flange portion to the rib portion.

[0037] The triangular main portion may have a first vertex attached to the conduit, and each triangular main portion may have a second vertex attached to the rib portion.

[0038] The main portion may extend across the space from a first apex to a second apex.

[0039] The main portion may have a third apex. The third apex may be spaced apart from the second apex.

[0040] The main portion may extend from the second apex to the third apex.

[0041] The brace member may include a foot portion extending from the main portion to said region substantially coplanar with the first and second openings.

[0042] The brace member may include two of the aforementioned foot portions. A first portion of the foot may extend from the third vertex.

[0043] A second foot portion may extend from the second apex. The second foot portion may extend along the rib portion.

[0044] The anchor may include two of the bracing members. The bracing members may be positioned opposite one another. The bracing members may extend in opposite directions from the conduit.

[0045] Alternatively, the bracing members may extend outwardly from a central region of the rib portion at an angle relative to the conduit.The bracing members may comprise spoke members.

[0046] The anchor may comprise two of the bracing members. The bracing members may be arranged in a V-shaped configuration.

[0047] The anchor may include elongate members. The elongate members may extend from the conduit. Each elongate member may extend from a respective one of the first and second openings.

[0048] Each elongate member may define a cavity in communication with the interior region of the conduit, said communication may be via a first or second opening.

[0049] The anchor may further include a securing structure on the elongate member for securing the anchor to the support article. The first securing structure may comprise a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0050] The method may include installing the anchor on the support article by forming first and second holes in the support article, and the extension member may be inserted through the holes when the anchor is positioned on the support article.

[0051] A securing structure may be provided on the elongate member, the securing structure being capable of engaging the underside of the support article to secure the anchor to the support article.

[0052] The elongated article may be inserted into the conduit through one of the elongated members. When the elongated member is fully threaded through the anchor, the elongated member can extend through both of the elongated members.

[0053] Alternatively, the extension member may be removed prior to inserting the elongated member into the anchor.

[0054] The anchor may comprise a first anchor portion and a second anchor portion. Each of the anchor portions may comprise an elongated portion of the conduit. The method may include attaching the first and second anchor portions to one another.

[0055] Each of the first and second anchor portions may comprise a half portion. Each of the anchor portions may comprise an elongated half portion of the conduit.

[0056] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the anchor from one direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the anchor. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from below of the anchor. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of an anchor fastened to a support article. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an anchor fastened to a support article. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing a flexible elongate member being inserted into a conduit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the flexible elongate member after insertion into the conduit. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating one method of retaining the flexible elongate member within the conduit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a further anchor. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the further anchor shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another article. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view showing another anchor installed on a support article. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12, but showing an elongate member inserted through the other anchor. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIGS. 12 and 13, but showing an elongate member inserted through the other anchor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] Although the drawings show the anchor 10 as being suitable for use in ceilings formed using formwork 32 in the form of wooden boards, it could also be used in ceilings formed using formwork 32 in the form of metal decking.

[0059] The anchor 10 comprises a conduit 12 in the form of a tubular inverted U-shaped member that extends around a space 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor 10 is a ceiling anchor.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, anchor 10 is formed from two halves 10A, 10B, as indicated by line 11 (see FIG. 2) which indicates the joining of the two halves 10A, 10B.

[0061] Forming the anchor into two halves is done for manufacturing convenience. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that anchor 10 can be formed as an integral unit by appropriate manufacturing techniques.

[0062] The conduit 12 defines an empty interior region 17 and first and second openings 14, 16 for the interior region 17 at opposite ends 18 of the conduit 12 (see FIG. 3). The first and second openings 14, 16 are substantially coplanar with one another.

[0063] As will be described in more detail below, the conduit 12 is capable of receiving a flexible elongated member 20, e.g., a cable, therethrough such that the elongated member 20 extends from both the first and second openings 14, 16.

[0064] The anchor 10 further includes two fastening structures 22 attached to the conduit 12 at the first and second openings 14, 16. The fastening structures 22 extend diametrically outward from the conduit 12 in opposite directions.

[0065] Each fastening structure 22 comprises a ridge member 24 and a respective protrusion in the form of a web member 26 extending between each ridge member 24 and the conduit 12 , with each ridge member 24 extending from a respective one of the web members 26 .

[0066] The web members 26 extend radially outward in diametrically opposite directions from each opposing end 18 of the conduit 12 .

[0067] Each raised member 24 includes a hole 28 through which a fastener 30, such as a nail or screw, can be inserted to fasten the anchor 10 to a support article. Each web member 26 defines an aperture 29 that provides an opening for the hole 28.

[0068] The support article includes a form 32 into which a hardenable material in the form of concrete can be poured to form the ceiling. The form 32 is in the form of a wooden form or a metal deck.

[0069] Anchor 10 includes a flange portion 34 that extends inwardly onto conduit 12. Flange portion 34 extends from conduit 12 partially across space 15 and extends along conduit 12 from one end 18 to the opposite end 18 of conduit 12.

[0070] The rib portion 36 extends across the space 15 between the opposing ends 18 of the conduit 12 .

[0071] The anchor 10 also includes two bracing members 38 attached to the conduit 12 . Brace members 38 are positioned on either side of anchor 10 and extend perpendicularly in opposite directions from conduit 12 and flange portion 34 .

[0072] Each brace member 38 includes a triangular main portion 40 having a first apex 42 attached to the conduit 12 .

[0073] Main portion 40 extends across space 15 to a second apex 44 attached to rib portion 36. Main portion 40 extends from rib portion 36 to a third apex 46 spaced from rib portion 36.

[0074] Each brace member 38 includes an engaging portion in the form of a first leg portion 48 that extends downwardly from second apex 44 across rib portion 36. First leg portion 48 is attached to main portion 40 at second apex 44 and is attached to rib portion 36.

[0075] Each brace member 38 further includes an additional engaging portion in the form of a second leg portion 50 that extends downwardly from the main portion 40. The second leg portion 50 is attached to the main portion 40 at a third vertex 46.

[0076] Each of the first and second leg portions 48, 50 extends from the main portion 40 to terminate substantially flush with the opposite end 18 of the conduit 12. The first and second leg portions 48, 50 engage the form 32 to maintain the anchor 10 in an upright position.

[0077] In use, during construction of the ceiling, formwork 32 is placed across the area where the ceiling is to be constructed. One or more of the anchors 10 are then fastened to the formwork 32 .

[0078] If form 32 is in the form of a metal plate, holes are drilled through form 32 before fastening anchor 10 to form 32. The holes are spaced apart the same distance as the distance between first opening 14 and second opening 16.

[0079] The anchor 10 is then fastened to the form 32 over the hole so that the first and second openings 14, 16 defined in the opposing ends 18 of the conduit 12 are aligned with the hole.

[0080] The anchor 10 is fastened to the form 32 by inserting the fastener 30 through the aperture 28 of the fastening structure 22 and then forcing the fastener 30 into the form 32. The anchor 10 is thus fastened to the form 32 in an upright position.

[0081] When each anchor 10 is so fastened, the first and second leg portions 48, 50 engage the form 32. The form 32 is therefore engaged by the fastening structure 22 and the first and second leg portions 48, 50.

[0082] This has the effect of preventing the anchors 10 from being knocked over if workers move over one or more of the anchors 10 during work, or if material is dragged over the anchors 10 during construction.

[0083] Next, concrete is poured onto the formwork 32 to a desired depth, covering the anchors 10 fastened to the formwork 32 to form a ceiling 54 (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8).

[0084] Line 55 indicates the depth of the concrete. As the concrete is being poured, it flows around the conduit 12 and through the space 15 .

[0085] When the concrete has hardened, the forms 32 in the form of wooden boards are removed to expose the first and second openings 14 , 16 at opposite ends 18 of the conduit 12 of each anchor 10 at the underside 56 of the ceiling 54 .

[0086] In the case of forms 32 in the form of metal plates, the forms 32 are left in place. The tips of the fasteners 30 can be removed so that they do not protrude above the bottom surface 56 of the concrete.

[0087] 6 and 7, one end of the flexible elongate member 20 is then inserted into the conduit 12 through the first opening 14. In the case of a form 32 in the form of a metal board, the flexible elongate member 20 passes through holes in the form.

[0088] The flexible elongate member 20 is threaded through the conduit 12 until the end of the flexible elongate member 20 exits the conduit 12 through the second opening 16 , thereby forming two passageways extending from the conduit 12 .

[0089] A loop can be formed in the flexible elongate member 20, two passages can be connected to each other, and an item, such as a pipe or cable tray, can be attached to the flexible elongate member 20 by any suitable means known in the art.

[0090] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a toggle 60 or similar member (eg, a crimp member) can be attached to one end of the flexible elongate member 20 .

[0091] The other end of the flexible elongated member 20 can then be pulled until the toggle 60 engages the underside 56 of the concrete 54 , thereby holding the flexible elongated member 20 within the conduit 12 .

[0092] The foregoing describes a ceiling-mountable anchor 10. A flexible, elongated member 20, such as a cable, can be threaded through the anchor 10, allowing the cable to extend directly from the ceiling without the need for an intermediate connector, such as a threaded rod or connecting device.

[0093] Various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0094] 9 and 10 show a further anchor generally designated 110. Anchor 110 includes many of the features of anchor 10. These features are designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features shown in FIGS.

[0095] Anchor 110 differs from anchor 10 in that bracing members 38 have been replaced with spoke members 138. Spoke members 138 extend outwardly from a central region 140 (see FIG. 10 ) of rib portion 36 at an angle relative to conduit 12. Spoke members 138 are arranged in a V-shaped configuration to provide bracing for conduit 12.

[0096] The fastening structure 22 includes ridge members 24 and web members 126. The web members 126 extend inwardly toward each other from each end 18 of the conduit 12. Additionally, the web members 126 are attached to opposite sides of the rib portions 36 and extend along the rib portions 36.

[0097] The raised members 24 are provided on web members 126 on either side of the rib portion 36. The raised members 24 have holes 128 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9) through which the fasteners 30 extend. Each web member 126 defines an aperture 129 that provides an opening for the holes 128.

[0098] By locating the fastening structure 22 inside the end 18 of the conduit 12, the anchor 110 shown in FIG. 9 is more compact than the anchor 10 shown in FIGS.

[0099] Another anchor, generally designated 210, is shown in Figures 11 to 14. Anchor 210 is particularly suitable for use in ceilings formed using formwork 32 in the form of metal decking.

[0100] Anchor 210 includes many of the features of anchor 110. These features are designated with the same reference numerals as the corresponding features shown in Figures 9-10.

[0101] Anchor 210 differs from anchor 110 in that the fastening structure does not have a raised structure, but is simply in the form of a web member 126 that defines an aperture 129 .

[0102] A further difference between anchor 210 and anchor 110 is that anchor 210 includes a tubular elongate member 230 extending from conduit 12 at each of openings 14,16.

[0103] Each elongate member 230 defines a cavity 231 in communication with the interior region 17 of the conduit, said communication being via the first opening 14 or the second opening 16 .

[0104] Anchor 210 further includes a snap-fit ​​structure 232 on extension member 230. Snap-fit ​​structure 232 secures anchor 210 to form 32, as described below.

[0105] The anchors 210 may be installed in a formwork 32 in the form of a metal deck, shown diagrammatically in Figures 12 to 14. Two holes are drilled in the formwork 32.

[0106] The holes are spaced apart the same distance as the distance between the first opening 14 and the second opening 16 .

[0107] The anchor 210 is placed on the form 32 with the extension member 230 inserted through the hole, as shown in Figure 12. The snap fit feature 232 engages the underside of the form 32 to secure the anchor 210 to the form 32.

[0108] A fastener in the form of a screw is inserted through aperture 129 and threaded into form 32 , thereby fastening anchor 210 to form 32 .

[0109] Concrete is then poured onto the forms 32 over the anchors 210 to form the ceiling. When the concrete has hardened, a fire retardant may be sprayed onto the underside of the forms 32, if desired.

[0110] Elongated member 20 is then threaded through anchor 210 by insertion through one of elongated members 230 , then through conduit 12 , and then through the other elongated member 230 .

[0111] When anchor 210 is fully threaded, an item can be attached to elongate member 20 in the same manner as described above.

[0112] If desired, extension member 230 may be removed after the concrete has hardened and before elongated member 20 is threaded through anchor 210. The inventions described in the original claims of the application are as follows: [1] An anchor comprising a conduit for receiving a flexible elongate member, the conduit having an interior region and first and second openings, the flexible elongate member being extendable through the first and second openings and through the interior region of the conduit. [2] The anchor according to [1], wherein the conduit is a curved, substantially U-shaped, elongated tubular member. [3] The anchor described in [1] or [2], wherein the first and second openings are defined at opposite ends of the conduit, and the elongated member is capable of extending through both the first and second openings. [4] The anchor of [1], [2] or [3], defining a space between opposing ends of the conduit and receiving a hardenable material through the space. [5] The anchor of [4], wherein the rib portion extends across the space between the opposing ends of the conduit. [6] An anchor as described in [5], further comprising a bracing member for bracing the conduit in an upright position, the bracing member extending between the conduit and the rib portion. [7] The anchor described in [6], wherein the bracing members are attached to a central region of the rib portion, and the bracing members extend obliquely outward from the central region of the rib portion toward the conduit. [8] An anchor as described in [6] or [7], comprising two of the bracing members, the bracing members being arranged in a V-shaped structure. [9] An anchor as described in any one of [5] to [8], comprising a fastening structure for fastening the anchor to a support article, the fastening structure extending along the rib portion.

[10] The anchor of [9], wherein the fastening structure comprises a protrusion defining an aperture for receiving a fastener.

[11] The anchor according to

[10] , wherein the protrusion comprises a web member.

[12] The anchor of

[10] or

[11] , wherein the fastening structure comprises a raised member having a through hole, the raised member extending from the protrusion, the aperture providing the opening for the hole, and the protrusion connecting the raised structure to the conduit.

[13] The anchor according to

[10] ,

[11] or

[12] , wherein the protrusion is attached to the rib portion and extends along the rib portion.

[14] An anchor according to any one of [9] to

[13] , comprising two of the fastening structures, the fastening structures being attached to the conduit at opposite ends of the conduit.

[15] The anchor of any one of [1] to

[14] , comprising first and second elongated members extending from the conduit, each elongated member extending from a respective one of the first and second openings.

[16] The anchor of

[15] , wherein each of the first and second elongate members comprises a respective tubular member defining a gap in communication with the interior region of the conduit.

[17] The anchor of

[15] or

[16] , further comprising a securing structure on the extension member for securing the anchor to a support article, the securing structure being engageable with an underside of the support article to secure the anchor to the support article.

[18] The anchor according to

[17] , wherein the fixing structure comprises a snap-fit ​​structure.

[19] A method for suspending an article, comprising: placing the anchor described in [1] on a support article; placing a hardenable material on the support article so as to cover the anchor; and inserting a flexible elongated member through the conduit and attaching the article to the elongated member.

[20] The method of

[19] , wherein the first and second openings are defined at opposite ends of the conduit, and the step of inserting the elongated member includes inserting the elongated member through the conduit such that the elongated member extends from both openings.

[21] The method of

[19] or

[20] , wherein the anchor comprises a fastening structure for fastening the anchor to a support article, and the step of placing the article on the support article includes fastening the anchor to the support article using the fastening structure.

[22] The method of

[21] , wherein the anchor comprises two of the fastening structures, and the step of fastening the anchor to the support article includes fastening the anchor to the support article by both fastening structures.

[23] The method of

[22] , wherein each fastening structure comprises a protrusion defining an aperture for receiving a fastener, and wherein fastening the anchor to the support article comprises inserting a respective fastener into the support article through each aperture.

[24] The method of any one of

[19] to

[23] , comprising forming first and second holes in a support article and installing the anchor to the support article by inserting an elongated member into the holes to install the anchor to the support article.

[25] The method of any one of

[19] to

[24] , wherein the anchor comprises a first anchor portion and a second anchor portion, each anchor portion comprising an elongated portion of the conduit, and the method includes attaching the first and second anchor portions to each other.

Claims

1. 1. An anchor comprising: a conduit for receiving a flexible elongate member, the conduit having an interior region, an exterior surface, and first and second openings, the flexible elongate member being extendable through the first and second openings and through the interior region of the conduit, the anchor defining a space between opposing ends of the conduit and comprising a rib portion extending from the exterior surface across the space between the opposing ends of the conduit.

2. The anchor of claim 1 , wherein the conduit is a curved, substantially U-shaped elongated tubular member.

3. 3. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are defined in opposite ends of the conduit, and the elongated member is extendable through both the first and second openings.

4. The anchor of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the space receives a hardenable material therethrough.

5. 5. The anchor of claim 1, further comprising a bracing member for bracing the conduit in an upright position, the bracing member extending between the conduit and the rib portion.

6. 6. The anchor of claim 5, wherein the bracing members are attached to a central region of the rib portion, the bracing members extending diagonally outward from the central region of the rib portion toward the conduit.

7. The anchor of claim 5 or 6, comprising two bracing members, the bracing members being arranged in a V-shaped configuration.

8. The anchor of claim 1 , further comprising a fastening structure for fastening the anchor to a support article, the fastening structure extending along the rib portion.

9. The anchor of claim 8 , wherein the fastening structure comprises a protrusion defining an aperture for receiving a fastener.

10. The anchor of claim 9 , wherein the protrusion comprises a web member.

11. 11. The anchor of claim 9 or 10, wherein the fastening structure comprises a raised member having a through hole, the raised member extending from the protrusion, the aperture providing an opening for the through hole, and the protrusion connecting the raised structure to the conduit.

12. 12. The anchor of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the protrusion is attached to and extends along the rib portion.

13. 13. The anchor of claim 8, comprising two of the fastening structures, the fastening structures attached to the conduit at respective opposite ends of the conduit.

14. 14. The anchor of claim 1, comprising first and second elongate members extending from the conduit, each elongate member extending from a respective one of the first and second openings.

15. The anchor of claim 14 , wherein each of the first and second elongate members comprises a respective tubular member defining a gap in communication with the interior region of the conduit.

16. 16. The anchor of claim 14 or 15, further comprising a securing structure on the extension member for securing the anchor to a support article, the securing structure being engageable with an underside of the support article to secure the anchor to the support article.

17. The anchor of claim 16 , wherein the securing structure comprises a snap-fit ​​structure.

18. 10. A method of suspending an article, comprising: placing the anchor of claim 1 on a support article; placing a hardenable material on the support article to cover the anchor; inserting a flexible elongated member through the conduit; and attaching the article to the elongated member.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second openings are defined in opposite ends of the conduit, and the step of inserting the elongated member comprises inserting the elongated member through the conduit such that the elongated member extends from both openings.

20. 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the anchor comprises a fastening structure for fastening the anchor to a support article, and wherein the step of placing the article on the support article comprises fastening the anchor to the support article using the fastening structure.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the anchor comprises two of the fastening structures, and the step of fastening the anchor to the support article includes fastening the anchor to the support article by both fastening structures.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein each fastening structure comprises a protrusion defining an aperture for receiving a fastener, and wherein fastening the anchor to the support article comprises inserting a respective fastener into the support article through each aperture.

23. 23. The method of any one of claims 18 to 22, comprising forming first and second holes in a support article and installing the anchor to the support article by inserting an elongated member into the first and second holes to install the anchor to the support article.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the anchor comprises a first anchor portion and a second anchor portion, each anchor portion comprising an elongated portion of the conduit, and the method comprises attaching the first and second anchor portions to one another.

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