A wire support system and components thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a wire tensioner 101 for use with a suspension wire 201 capable of adjusting and setting the effective suspension distance between a structure and an object to be suspended from and by said structure. The plate 101 comprises two see-through holes 102, 103 configured for bracing, suspending and / or holding of at least one item 401.

Description

[0001] A WIRE SUPPORT SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

[0002] The present invention relates to a wire support system and components thereof. More particularly but not exclusively it relates to a single-use wire support system for suspending building components and / or seismic bracing of building components in particular those used in ceiling cavities of residential and commercial buildings.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Many buildings have components such as cable trays, utility ducts, pipes and other building components located within ceiling cavities that are supported by suspension or bracing systems directly or indirectly from a structural part of the building such as from the concrete floor above. These support systems must be highly dependable to ensure building integrity is maintained for safety and functionality purposes.

[0005] A common support system comprises of wires, rods and cables to brace, suspend or hold building components in place. While this technique is well established, it is critical that the supported items are properly secured. If an object falls it can result in damage— and depending on the nature of the item, the consequences may be severe or even catastrophic. This principle is especially relevant to earthquake bracing systems, where support failure can pose significant risks.

[0006] A common way to secure items suspended or braced by wires is to use crimps, wedge locks or one-way acting lock cleats or knots. These methods often require specialist knowledge and the use of tools. In many cases, it's useful to adjust the wire's height or length during set-up and without compromising its hold. Multiple wires may be required to support a building component. That adds set-up complexity as for example tying and untying knots can be time-consuming. Wire that is purely crimp fixed in place is harder to adjust and this can be a big problem where a plurality of wires are used along for example a cable tray, where incremental adjustment of wires is needed in order to ultimately position the cable tray in its final location.

[0007] There are many mechanical lock mechanisms in the market that allow for an easier adjustment of wire length to be made. These often comprise of sub-assemblies of moving parts to function between a locked and unlocked state. Some of these mechanisms require tools to operate. Most of these lock mechanisms have many component parts and are hence expensive to manufacture. The moving parts are also prone to failure. These locks typically have a wire locking point that is enclosed inside a casing with serrated wedges acting on the wire to clamp the wire in place. These serrated wedges are usually a point of failure of the wire especially during an earthquake event. These locks can hide evidence of wire fatigue or broken wire strands which are not easily visible. Hence after an earthquake these prior art locks do not lend themselves to easy visual inspection of the suspension / bracing system and may lead to compromised support systems remaining in situ despite there being a vital need for them to be replaced.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wire support system which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages and / or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0010] Additionally, or alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide a component(s) of a wire support system and / or method associated with the wire support that may overcome or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages and / or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0011] Additionally, or alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide an earthquake bracing system which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages and / or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0012] Additionally, or alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to provide an earthquake bracing system and / or method associated with the earthquake bracing systems and / or components thereof which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages and / or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0013] STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In a first aspect the present invention may be said to be a wire support system to support or supporting an item from a building structure, the system comprising: a. an elastically stiff round length of metal wire having a first distal end region at where the wire is anchored directly or indirectly to the building structure and a second distal end region, the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, b. a single piece plate located between the first distal end region and the item and presenting a first through hole and a second through hole through the plate, wherein the path of the wire extends: i. from the first distal end region to the plate passing sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole to define a clamping region of the wire between the first hole and the second hole, ii. from the second hole to the second distal end passing between the plate and the clamping region to define (a) a clamped region of the wire between the clamping region and the plate and (b) a bight of the wire between the second hole and the clamped region, the item to be supported attached directly or indirectly at the bight to apply a tensile load on the system, wherein the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the path of the wire to pass sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole so that clamping region is held in an elastically bowed shape that has a gap between the clamping region and the plate at where the clamped region is located that, in the absence of the clamped region, is no greater than the diameter of the wire. In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a wire tensioner for a wire support system supporting an item from a building structure, utilising an elastically stiff round length of metal wire having a first distal end region at where the wire is anchored directly or indirectly to the building structure and a second distal end region, the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, wherein the wire tensioner comprises: a. a single piece plate located between the first distal end region and the item and presenting a first circular through hole and a second circular through hole through the plate, wherein the path of the wire extends: i. from the first distal end region to the plate passing sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole to define a clamping region of the wire between the first hole and the second hole, ii. from the second hole to the second distal end passing between the plate and the clamping region to define (a) a clamped region of the wire between the clamping region and the plate and (b) a bight of the wire between the second hole and the clamped region, the item to be supported attached directly or indirectly at the bight to apply a tensile load on the system, wherein the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the path of the wire to pass sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole so that clamping region is held in an elastically bowed shape that has a gap between the clamping region and the plate at where the clamped region is located

[0015] Preferably the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the path of the wire to pass sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole so that clamping region is held in an elastically bowed shape that has a gap between the clamping region and the plate at where the clamped region is located that to apply a clamping force on the clamped region when there is no tension applied to the system by load from the item.

[0016] Preferably the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the path of the wire to pass sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole so that clamping region is held in an elastically bowed shape that has a gap between the clamping region and the plate at where the clamped region is located that, in the absence of the clamped region, is no greater than the diameter of the wire.

[0017] Preferably the clamping region is naturally biased toward the plate to clamp the clamped region of the wire against the plate even when no tensile load is applied by the item to the system..

[0018] Preferably the clamping region is naturally biased toward the plate to clamp the clamped region of the wire against the plate independent of the quantum of the tensile load applied by the item to the system..

[0019] Preferably the maximum distance at the gap between the plate and the clamping region is less than the diameter of the wire..

[0020] Preferably the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to so that the clamping force applied by the clamping region of the wire on the clamped region of wire against the plate, is sufficient to prevent slip of the wire at the clamped region, unless the wire is manually pulled or pushed, when the tensile load applied to the system by the item is zero. Preferably the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to so that the clamping force applied by the clamping region of the wire on the clamped region of wire against the plate, allow the wire to be manually pulled or pushed to adjust the size of the bight and before the item is finally supported by the system.

[0021] Preferably the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the clamping force applied by the clamping region of the wire on the clamped region of wire against the plate to increase proportionally to the tensile load applied to the system by the item, by virtue of the bowed shape of the clamping region being biased towards a less bowed shape thereby increasing the clamping force of the clamping region.

[0022] Preferably the first and second holes are configured to be load bearing of the at least one item using two points of contact of the wire with the plate at each hole. Preferably the first and second holes are round and are both of the same diameter..

[0023] Preferably the first and second holes define a cylindrical shape passage through the plate with the axis of the cylinder parallel a notional normal of the plane of the plate..

[0024] Preferably the plate is of metal that is adapted and configured to be caused to (a) elastically bend by virtue of load, up to a threshold, that that is applied by the item to the system and (b) plastically bend by virtue of load that exceeds said threshold, applied by the item to the system.

[0025] Preferably the operative length of the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, increases when the plate bends elastically to allow the plate to act as a damper to oscillatory load applied by the item to the system.

[0026] Preferably the operative length of the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, increases when the plate bends plastically to allow the plate to act as a damper to oscillatory load applied by the item to the system and for the operative length to remain at length that is greater than the initial operative length prior to the oscillatory load.

[0027] Preferably the metal wire is selected from one that will plastically bend at its interface with at least one of the two holes, when the load applied by the item to the system exceeds a desired threshold, to provide evidence (in the form of the wire being plastically bent) that the system has been subjected to loading in excess of the desired threshold.

[0028] Preferably the system further comprises at least one catch in the form of one of (a) a hole and (b) slot through the plate, wherein the path of the wire passes from the clamped region to the second distal end and through the plate for at a 3rdlocation at the catch.

[0029] Preferably the catch is of size and configuration to cause the wire to pass through the plate thereat, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate.

[0030] Preferably the catch is a hole through the plate that is of a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the wire.

[0031] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a support system to provide earthquake bracing to at least one item in a building structure, the system comprising: a wire tensioner in the form of a single piece metal plate with a first through hole and a second through hole passing through the plate at spaced apart locations, a length of metal wire having a flexural stiffness, to sequential pass through each of said first and second hole of the plate to extend directly between each of said first and second hole; wherein the wire tensioner is configured so that the distance between the first hole and second hole and the diameter of the first hole and the diameter of the second hole allows the wire to pass through the first and second hole and to form a clamping region between the first and second hole which is biased to move toward the plate between the holes by virtue of the flexural stiffness of the wire, to (a) engage a clamped region of the wire that extends from the second hole to the clamping region therebetween forming a bight to which the item is to be attached to the system and (b) apply a clamping force on the clamped region against the plate that is sufficient to resist slip of the clamped region between the clamping region and the plate.

[0032] Preferably the first and second holes are configured to be load bearing of the at least one item using two points of contact of the wire with the plate at each hole. Preferably the holes are round or circular and the holes are all of the same diameter..

[0033] Preferably the holes are cylindrical is shape with the axis of the cylinder parallel a notional normal of the plane of the plate..

[0034] In a further aspect the present invention may be said to be method of supporting at least one item from a building structure item; the method comprising: (i) providing a wire tensioner in a form of a single piece plate at a planar surface of which a first through hole and a second through hole are defined;

[0035] (ii) providing a length of wire that is anchored at a first distal end region of the wire directly or indirectly to the building structure and presents a free end at a second distal end region of the wire;

[0036] (iii) passing the free distal end region of the wire through each of the first and second holes to form a bow shaped clamping region extending between the two holes and adjacent the plate with a gap between,

[0037] (iv) forming a bight between the second hole and a clamped region of the of the wire by passing the free distal end region through the gap

[0038] (v) adjusting the size of the bight by pushing and / or pulling the wire to pass the wire through the gap to suit,

[0039] (vi) causing the item to become supported by the wire by the application of a load to the wire from the item so that a clamping force between the clamping region and the plate is applied to the clamped region sufficient to retain the clamped region by tensile force applied to the wire by the load.

[0040] Preferably the method comprises supporting the at least one item using the bight such that action of the load applied by the item ensures that the clamping force is sufficient to support the item.

[0041] Preferably the gap is of a shape and configuration that is smaller than to accommodate the diameter of the wire, should the wire not be passing through the gap so that the clamping region applies a natural clamping force to the clamped region independent of the load applied to the system by the item..

[0042] Preferably the method comprises forming of the bight comprises at least the following steps in a sequential order:

[0043] (a) passing the free distal end of the wire through the first hole from a rear face side of the plate towards a front face side of the plate wherein the front face side is located opposite the rear face side,

[0044] (b) passing the free distal end of the wire through the second hole from the front face side towards the rear face side,

[0045] (c) passing the free distal end of the wire through the gap between the clamping region and the plate by increasing the gap to be able to accommodate the diameter of the wire. Preferably the method comprises further comprising manually applying a force to the wire at the bight in a direction away from the plate and substantially colinear with a notional line between the holes in order to provide a clamping force sufficient to hold the clamped region of the wire between the clamping region and the plate.

[0046] Preferably the clamping force is applied by allowing the item to be suspended by the wire and plate whilst manually holding the free distal end of the wire or when the free distal end of the wire is secure to the building structure.

[0047] Preferably the method comprises reducing the clamping force by holding the at least one object and adjusting an effective suspension distance between a structure and the at least one item by adjusting the clamping region and / or the distal portion of the wire and then allowing the at least one item to be braced, suspended and / or held by the bight to provide the clamping force.

[0048] Preferably the method comprises engaging the wire via a second loose end of the wire to an external body so that the wire tensioner engages with or suspends from the external body.

[0049] Preferably the external body is a ceiling or a wall of a building.

[0050] Preferably the wire tensioner comprises at least one additional see-through hole being positioned, sized and shaped to allow an end portion of the wire to pass through the or each additional hole, the method comprising passing the loose end of the wire through the at least one additional hole.

[0051] Preferably the method comprises comprising passing the wire through each hole so that the wire forms a bight for supporting the at least one item by bracing, suspending and / or holding the at least one item with at least with two points of contact of the wire with the plate at each hole.

[0052] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a wire tensioner to be used together with a wire in supporting at least one item by bracing, suspending and / or holding the at least one item; the wire tensioner being in a form of a single piece plate at a planar surface of which a first through hole and a second through hole are provided, each hole being positioned, sized and shaped to allow the wire to pass through the first hole and the second hole to allow a first portion of the wire between the holes to clamp a second portion of the wire between the first portion of the wire and the wire tensioner when the wire forms a bight between the second hole and the second portion of the wire for bracing, suspending and / or holding the at least one item; wherein the first hole and the second hole are positioned, sized and shaped so that in use a clamping force between the first portion of the wire and the wire tensioner is sufficient to secure the second portion of the wire when the at least one item is braced, suspended and / or held by the bight.

[0053] An overhead building structure comprising a ceiling cavity within which a building component is suspended from the structure by the support system or the earthquake bracing system as herein claimed or defined. The support system of the present invention provides a simple mechanism for bracing, suspending and / or holding an item such as cabling trays, ducting, pipework, as well as lighting and ceiling supports. These items may be supported from a soffit, beam or other structure or component of or in a building in a simple manner by untrained workers using the wire and plate of the support system of the present invention.

[0054] The load applied to the support system maintains or increases the clamping force created between the wire and the plate sufficient to ensure the item remain suspended and / or in place. The plate and wire configuration described herein hence offers an automatic self-locking arrangement.

[0055] During set-up the height of the item may be adjusted by manually pushing or pulling the wire through the gap between the clamping region and the plate, without necessarily having to take weight of the item supported off the support system. This functionality reduces the number of steps required of an installer and therefore speeds up, simplifies and improves accuracy of installation thereby reducing associated labour costs.

[0056] The simplicity of the system reduces materials costs and provides a system that is fully exposed with no hidden parts making visual inspection of the integrity of the wire and the plate easy and quick to do. Furthermore, the arrangement simplifies height re-adjustment following installation.

[0057] In some examples, the plate may comprise of a catch in addition to the two primary holes, positioned, sized and shaped to allow the tail of the wire to be secured thereat.

[0058] In the above, one or more statements as defined above with respect to the invention as described in one aspect may equally apply to the invention as described in another aspect.

[0059] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0060] As used herein the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[0061] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and / or singular forms of the noun.

[0062] It is acknowledged that the term "comprise" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, allowing for inclusion of not only the listed components or elements, but also other non-specified components or elements. The terms 'comprises' or 'comprised' or 'comprising' have a similar meaning when used in relation to the system or to one or more steps in a method or process.

[0063] When used in the claims and unless stated otherwise, the word 'for' is to be interpreted to mean only 'suitable for', and not for example, specifically 'adapted' or 'configured' for the purpose that is stated.

[0064] Unless stated otherwise, the word 'wire' as is to be interpreted to mean a wire, a wire cable or a wire rope.

[0065] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.)

[0066] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] Examples or embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a plate used in the support system of the present invention,

[0068] Figure IB is a plan view of the plate of Figure 1A,

[0069] Figure 1C is a side view of the plate of Figure 1A,

[0070] Figure 2A is a front view of a support system showing a wire and a plate configured together,

[0071] Figure 2B is a side view of Figure 2A,

[0072] Figure 2C is a rear view of Figure 2A,

[0073] Figure 3A schematically shows the way in which the support system can be configured,

[0074] Figure 3B is a schematic side view of Figure 3A,

[0075] Figure 3C is a further schematic side view of Figure 3A,

[0076] Figure 3D is a side view at the clamping region of the system of the present invention,

[0077] Figure 3E shows the clamping region of the system as a reference figure for that shown in Figure 3F

[0078] Figure 3F shows the plate in a bent condition after or during significant tensile force applied to the system,

[0079] Figure 4A illustrates the support system of the present invention supporting a building component,

[0080] Figure 4B shows a side view of a support system of the present invention secured to a structural component and to a building component to brace the building component relative to the structural component

[0081] Figure 5A is a perspective view of an alternative version of a plate,

[0082] Figure 5B is an alternative perspective view of Figure 5A,

[0083] Figure 5C is a front view of the plate of Figure 5A, Figure 5D is a rear view of the plate of Figure 5A,

[0084] Figure 6 illustrates a variation of the plate of Figure 5D,

[0085] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the support system extending between two anchor points,

[0086] Figure 8 is an alternative perspective view of Figure 7

[0087] Figure 9 is a close up view of the support system of Figure 7

[0088] Figure 10 is an alternative close up perspective view,

[0089] Figure 11 is a side view of the support plate of the support system of Figure 7,

[0090] Figure 12 is a side and partial cross-sectional view of a plate highlighting region A in cross-section this region being at one of the holes of the plate,

[0091] Figure 13 provides more detail of region A of Figure 12,

[0092] Figure 14A shows a graph of a cyclic load over time being applied via the anchor points to the support system,

[0093] Figure 14B is a graph of load versus deflection (displacement) of the two anchor points when the low profile according to Figure 14A is applied,

[0094] Figure 14C is a graph of deflection (displacement) over time of the anchor points according to the low profile applied in Figure 14A.

[0095] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0096] Several examples of a wire support system 1 and its components will now be described. The wire support system 1 can for example be used for holding, suspending, supporting or bracing of items such as but not limited to building components in for example a building.

[0097] As will become evident from the following description and the attached figures, the wire support system described enables a tool-less set up to be achieved allowing for manual and very simple system adjustments to be made. The system offers auto self-locking functionality in an arrangement that has no hidden parts. Amongst other things this means that visual inspection of the support system to check for system failure or compromises, can be quickly and easily conducted such as after an event where the load capacity of the support system has been challenged. Such an event may be an earthquake.

[0098] With reference to the drawings, the support system 1 utilises a wire lock plate 101 (herein after "plate") and a wire 201.

[0099] In-situ, such as in a building, the wire 201 will span between two anchor points 500 / 501 with the plate 101 located intermediate of the two anchor points. The plate 101 is designed to facilitate tool-less setting of the support system at an appropriate operative length and under the desired tension between the two anchor points to ensure a strong hold is maintained during static and / or cyclic loading applied via the anchor points to the wire support system 1. Use cases of the wire support system may include, but are not limited to:

[0100] 1. A direct suspension system,

[0101] 2. A catenary wire, or

[0102] 3. As seismic bracing, such as for supporting a building component(s) directly or indirectly from a structure of a building.

[0103] The items held, suspended, supported or braced by the support system 1 may be building components such as light fillings, pipes, HVAC ducts, cable trays, electrical conduits, plumbing, aircon units or other items. The support system 1 is particularly useful in buildings where a ceiling space is provided below a roof or floor structure above, where direct attachment of such building components to that structure is not feasible or desirable. It will be appreciated that the two anchor points may form part of or be attached to other components other than a building structure and building component(s).

[0104] The support system 1 can be specified and designed to carry static loads from the building components that thereby induce tensile loading on the support system 1. The support system 1 can be specified and designed to carry cyclic loads from the building components that from time to time induce cyclic tensile loading on the support system 1 such as during a seismic event. For seismic use cases, the support system may have no tensile load exerted on it along its length until there is a seismic event. A small tensile load may be exerted along its length to take out slack in the wire. The support system 1 includes a length of wire 201. The wire is a metal wire. The wire may be a stainless-steel wire. The wire may be an Aircraft cable or a prestretched Aircraft cable. The wire may be a wire rope comprising of wire fibres in twisted wire strands to define the wire rope. The wire is preferably a constructed wire such as a wire rope that comprising of a plurality of twisted wire strands with or without a core. The wire may be of a diameter selected from one of 2.38mm (3 / 32"), 3.18mm (1 / 8"). 4.79mm (3 / 16") and 6.35mm (1 / 4") based on load capacity requirements. A larger diameter wire will have a larger ultimate tensile strength.

[0105] The wire is a flexible wire that has a degree of elastic stiffness meaning it will bend when some bending force is applied to it but will return to its original shape once the force is removed. That original shape is typically a linear shape. The wire will also plastically bend when sufficient bending force is applied.

[0106] At one end of the support system 1 the wire 201 is configured to define a coupling end 202 to secure the support system 1 to a first anchor point 500 of or secured to for example a structure of a building 509 as seen in figure 4B.

[0107] In use, a wire tensioner 101 is attached to the wire along its length. The wire tensioner is provided in the form of a plate 101 that is preferably a single piece plate made from metal such as steel. The plate is preferably planar and has two opposed planar surfaces a front surface 104 and a rear surface 105 of the plate. The plate is a wire tensioner plate that facilitates the wire to be (a) adjusted so as to allow the operative length of the support system to be adjusted and set for its particular usecase and (b) tensioned when subjected to a load.

[0108] Two adjacent and spaced apart through-holes extend between the front surface 104 and a rear surface 105 of the plate 101, namely a first hole 102 and a second hole 103. These two holes enable a double pass-through of the wire through the plate. This is shown with reference to the feed arrow through holes 102 and 103 seen in figure 3B. The holes 102 and 103 are preferably circular holes of a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the wire. The holes are preferably 1.5 to 2.2 times larger than the selected diameter of the wire.

[0109] Holes that are closer to lx the diameter of the wire will cause the wire to pass through the holes more proximate the axis of the holes, which is undesirable. Figure 3C shows the hole axis M-M. The exit angle Alpha should not be zero because that will compromise the performance of the wire at the clamping regions, which is explained below. The plate 101 is of a material and shape and thickness to be able to bend when the support system 1 is under tensile load. The plate is preferably made of mild steel. Preferably bending of the plate can occur elastically up to certain tensile loads and under some circumstances the plate may bend plastically. This will hereinafter be described.

[0110] Extending from the coupling end 202 to the plate 101 is a stem region 206 of the wire 201. The wire 201 extends from the coupling end 202 to the plate 101 to pass through the first hole 102 and then through the second hole 103. The wire makes a double pass through the plate at these two holes, passing from the rear surface 105 to the front surface 104 through the first of the two holes and then back through the second hole. This double pass creates a clamping region 205 of the wire.

[0111] The stem region 206 of the wire is not a finite portion of the wire because the position of the plate along the wire may be manually adjusted before being set for its particular use case. That adjustment may be made by manually feeding the wire through the two holes of the plate. The wire 201 can be manually fed through the two holes to ensure that a long enough tail 203B of the wire is provided so that a desired sized bight 204 can be set. When being fed through the two holes, the section of the wire that defines the clamping region 205 is changed.

[0112] From the second hole 103 the wire extends to a clamped region 203a of the wire which is that region of the wire positioned at any one time. Between the second hole and the clamped region 203a along the wire, the bight 204 of the wire is defined. When the support system is under load, a bight apex 209 at where the bight is secured to a second anchor point 501 that may form part of or is secured to a building component.

[0113] From the clamped region 203a the wire presents a tail 203b that includes the distal free end 203c of the wire.

[0114] The section of wire passing through and between the holes 102 and 103 forms the clamping region 205 of the wire to clamp down on a clamped region 203b of the tail 203b of the wire. This clamping region 205 is not a finite section of the wire during system adjustment, because it can be defined by many given sections of the wire passing through and that gets located between the first hole 102 and the second hole 103 of the plate 101. But once the system is set, the clamping region 205 is a finite section of the wire. The first hole and second hole are spaced apart by a distance DI. Between the two holes is an intermediate surface 110 of the front surface 104 of the plate 101. The intermediate 110 surface is where the clamped region 203A of the wire is forced against the plate 101 by the clamping region 205 of the wire 201 when the support system is under load and preferably also naturally as is further described below. Between the clamping region 205 and the plate, a gap 207 is defined. This gap exists when the clamped region is located in the gap. The gap is also present before the tail is fed through the gap (see figure 3D) by virtue of the wire having a degree of bend elasticity and being forced into a bowed shape at the clamping region due to the size and proximity of the holes 102 and 104. The natural gap allows for an installer to easily insert the tail of the wire into the gap because the cap is already present.

[0115] The tail 203b of the wire 201 can be fed between the clamping region 205 and the plate 101 to define a clamped region 203A of the wire and thereby forming a bight 204 of the wire. The proximity (D) of the holes should not be too proximate as it will mean the gap 207 is larger and when the system comes under tension, the clamping region 205 of the wire may not sufficiently clamp down on the clamped region 203A of the wire because the wire has a degree of stiffness resulting in it resisting against flattening out towards the plate at the clamping region unless and until high tensile loads are applied. Tensile loads that may in normal modes of use be not experiences by the support system. The distance D may be with the range of 3.7 to 6 times the diameter of the wire. Preferred sizings are shown in the table below.

[0116] The plate and wire configuration allows an adjustable yet settable size of the bight 204 to be formed by the wire. This allows the operative length of the support system 1 to be adjusted to suit as desired and be set for its use case. The wire 201 can be manually fed between the clamping region 205 and the plate 10 by passing the free end 203C of the tail 203B between the clamping region 205 and the plate 10 and then drawing the tail 203B further through to a desired position so as to then define that part of the wire to become the clamped region 203A. The section of the wire that defines the clamped region 203A can hence be manually changed by a person. This can be easily done because the tail 203B is a free tail (or it may be tucked away in an unfettered and / or non-load bearing manner, as will later be described).

[0117] The support system will now be described by way of example in a suspension use case. The support system may provide suspension support for an item such as cable tray 401 as seen in figure 4. A plurality of spaced apart support systems as herein described may be provided to support a cable tray. A first anchor point 500 may be part of or be secured to a structural beam 509 of the building above the cable tray. A second anchor point 501 may be secured to or form part of the cable tray.

[0118] A coupling end 202 of wire can be secured at a first end of the support system 1 to the first anchor point 500. The wire can be secured to the first anchor point 500 such as by way of a crimped connection 505. The bight 204 is secured to the item 401 at the second anchor point 501. The support system 1 so extends between the two anchor points.

[0119] During setting, the size of the bight may be adjusted by drawing the tail of the wire through the gap 207 between the clamping region and the plate. The effective length of the support system is so able to be adjusted so that that the support system starts to carry weight of the item and set the item at its desired position.

[0120] The configuration of the plate 101 and of the wire 201 is such as to allow the clamping region 205 to:

[0121] (a) offer a zero-load clamping capability, creating some resistance to slip of the clamped region 203A of the tail 203B of the wire at the clamping region, and

[0122] (b) be induced to bias towards the plate when the support system is loaded eg by (i) the mass of an item supported by the support system or (ii) by a person applying a tensile force to the support system.

[0123] Induced bias condition

[0124] In use, when the support system is under the action of load applied by an item (eg supporting at least part of the mass of the item), the clamping force generated by the clamping region 205 towards the plate is sufficient to clamp the clamped region 203A of the wire between the plate and the clamping region 205 and prevent slip of the clamped region 203A. The clamping force is induced by the load applied to the support system 1. The clamping force is proportional (not necessarily directly proportional) to the tension applied to the support system 1 by the load. An increase in tension of the support system (eg when load increases) will increase the clamping force of the clamping region 205, thereby increasing the resistance to slip of the tail and thereby keeping (a) the bight at its set size and (b) the operative length of the support system fixed (excluding any change in length due to inherent tensile yielding which is described below). The plate and wire configuration hence have auto self-locking functionality.

[0125] This works particularly well where the load is constant (eg not cyclical such as by being seismically induced) and below an acceptable upper limit. As will hereinafter be described, for preventing slip under higher loads or cyclic loads, a tail end capture feature may be provided.

[0126] During setting of the support system 1, a load may also be applied manually by a person to the wire in order to bring the support system into tension. This can help create sufficient clamping force at the clamped region to set the bight size to allow the support system to be pre-configured before it is then loaded up by the item and set for in its final use configuration.

[0127] Zero-load clamping capability

[0128] When no load is applied to the support system the clamping region 205 of the wire may be biased naturally towards the plate. The natural bias is less than the induced bias. When the clamping region 205 is naturally biased toward the plate, the clamping force generated by the clamping region 205 can help to prevent the tail of the wire from slipping through the gap 207 but that natural clamping force is not so great as to prevent a person pulling or pushing the tail to cause the tail to slip. This allows for a bight to be created by passing the tail through the gap 207 between the plate and clamping region 205 and for the bight to be (a) adjusted in size and (b) maintained whilst the support system is being set. Eg, the tail will not drop out from the clamped region due to the natural bias applying a sufficient clamping force of the tail against the plate. How this can be achieved is now described.

[0129] The wire which has some flexural stiffness quantifying its resistance to elastic deformation when bent, as mentioned above and as a result is biased to a straight condition. When the wire has been passed through the first hole 102 and second hole 103 to define the clamping region 205 the wire is in an elastically bent state. It cannot straighten at the clamping region due to the wire being held in a bowed configuration by it passing through the two holes. However, it is still biased towards wanting to straighten. The clamping region 205 is arcuate / bowed and is a maximum distance X from the plate surface 104 (see figure 3D). This distance X is desirably less than the diameter of the wire so that when the clamped region of the wire is passed into the gap 207, that distance is increased and the clamping region of the wire is able to exert a clamping force on the clamped region by virtue of the wire's flexural stiffness. A rope of for example polyester of polypropylene for example will have a very low flexural stiffness and would not be suitable for use.

[0130] This can be achieved by selecting the wire size and stiffness, plate thickness and spacing and sizes of the holes 102 and 103. For example:

[0131] 1. If the holes are the same size as the wire, the arc of the wire at the clamping region will be smaller and distance X will be larger.

[0132] 2. If the holes are much larger than the diameter of the wire, the arc of the clamping region is less and hence distance X will be less but at the same time the bending moment in the clamping region will also be less. Making the holes of a larger diameter will mean that the wire passes through the holes at a larger exit angle Alpha as seen for example in Figure 3D. By passing through at a larger exit angle the wire will have a smaller curvature at its clamping region thereby reducing the distance X.

[0133] 3. When the holes are positioned at an appropriate distance apart and are of a size slightly larger than the diameter of the wire, and the selection of an appropriate stiffness and size diameter wire, when the wire is in the configuration shown in Figure 3D, the wire will naturally want to straighten out and extend the stem region 206 away from the bight region 211 as shown in Figure 3D. Pulling of the clamping region 205 way from the plate to increase the distance X will meet resistance due to the elastic stiffness of the wire. Releasing the pull will result in the clamping region snapping back to its naturally biased position with distance X being less than the diameter of the wire.

[0134] 4. Holes that are too close together and / or of a diameter barely larger than the diameter of the wire for a given wire, will increase the distance X when it the zero-load condition.

[0135] 5. By spacing the holes further apart distance X may reduce.

[0136] The plate and wire are shaped and adapted so that in the zero-load condition, (a) the stem region of the wire extends out of the first hole at an exit angle Alpha that is less than 90 degrees and preferably less than 45 degrees and (b) the bight region of the wire (eg at region 211) extends from the second hole at an exit angle Theta that is less than 90 degrees and preferably less than 45 degrees

[0137] The configuration is such that the distance X is less than the diameter of the wire. As such, when the tail of the wire is fed between the plate and the clamping region 205 the wire applies a naturally biased clamping force to the tail. In other words, to increase the distance X a force must be applied against the resistance of the clamping region 205. As such by way of this natural bias, when the clamped region 203A is positioned between the plate 101 and the clamping region 205, it is lightly held there and a person can still pull or push the tail through the gap 207.

[0138] Set-up

[0139] An example of how the support system may be set-up for use will now be described.

[0140] The wire and plate may be provided as two separated items. The wire length and its diameter are selected for the intended use case because ultimately the strength of the wire determines the load carrying capacity of the support system because the support system is preferably designed for the wire to be the weakest part of the support system. The wire may come from roll stock from which a desired length of wire can be cut.

[0141] The wire may have an anchor point 500 pre-attached to it at its coupling end 202. Alternatively, the coupling end may be created and an anchor point established, in-situ.

[0142] Typically, in use the suspension system 1 is first connected to the first anchor point 500 that is secured directly or indirectly to for example a building structure. The wire at this stage may not have the plate attached and is just a wire that is able to dangle from the anchor point 500.

[0143] With reference to Figure 3A, the wire may then have its free distal end 203C fed through the first hole 102 and then the second hole 103 of the plate. The plate may be slid along the length of the wire to a desirable final position. This is preferably done by first feeding a length of wire through the first hole and then pulling that length of wire through the second hole. The plate can so be "inched" along the wire.

[0144] When the plate is positioned at its desired location along the wire, the stem region 206 of the wire is then defined, being that region extending from the plate to the coupling end 202.

[0145] The distal end 203C is then fed through the gap 207 between the clamping region 205 of the wire and the plate 201 as seen in Figure 3A. Now a bight 204 of the wire has been formed where the wire extends from the plate adjacent portion 211 of the wire to the clamped region 203A of the wire.

[0146] The anchor point may be secured to the bight after the bight is formed. Alternatively, the wire may have been fed through an anchor point 501 before the bight is formed. For example, during the process of forming the bight the distal end 203C of the wire may become connected to a second anchor point 501 (such as a shackle) as seen in Figure 7. This anchor point 501 may be part of a building component or is secured to a component or may subsequently be secured to a building component to be suspended, supported and / or braced by the support system 1 of the present invention.

[0147] At this point no load induced tensile force may be experienced by the support system 1 because the bight is either not yet connected to a building component or just is not yet carrying the weight of the building component. At this stage the operative length of the support system 1 still needs to be set and the bight remains still slack. The wire is retained at the clamped region by the clamping region due to the natural bias as explained above. The clamping region 205 applies a modest amount of force onto the clamped region to prevent the tail slipping out of the gap 207. This allows a worker to pre-configure the support system and get it ready before the final load is applied to it. A worker may for example pre-configure and array of suspension systems in a ceiling cavity before feeding a pipe through all the bights. The bights are pre-configured and a pipe merely needs to be fed through each sequentially.

[0148] At this stage, the support system 1 extends between a building structure at the first anchor point 500 and a building component at the second anchor point 501.

[0149] The next stage of the set-up is the setting of the support system 1 to its desired operative length.

[0150] In some instances, this setting also causes for some of the load of the building component to be supported by the support system 1. In some instances, the support system may be a seismic brace system which in a neutral state may not carry any significant load. It is only during an earthquake event that the brace system will become loaded by virtue of seismic induced forces applied between the support structure and the building component. However, a small amount of pre-tension may be applied for such bracing purposes so as to help lock the wire to the plate to ensure the operative length of the support system is maintained during a seismic event. The setting of the support system to its desired operative length is able to be achieved by drawing the tail of the wire through the gap 207 between the clamping region 205 and the plate 101. The tail of the wire can be pulled to cause the size of the bight to be reduced. This reduces the operative length of the support system.

[0151] During setting, tensile loading can be applied to the support system by allowing for the building component to bear its weight on the support system 1. The load from the weight of the building component will cause the support system to straighten including the bight and as seen for example in Figure 7, an apex 209 starts to be defined as part of the bight 204 at the second anchor point 501.

[0152] When a person pulls the tail of the wire to draw it between the clamping region 205 and the plate 101 and thereby reducing the size of the bight, the bight size will start to reduce to a point where the load from building component via the anchor point 501 starts to be applied to the support system 1. When this load starts to be applied, the tensile force along the wire 201 between the first anchor point 500 and the second anchor point 501 starts to increase. As a result, the support system under the action of the load will start to increase the clamping force generated by the clamping region 205 towards the plate. As a result, frictional forces acting on the tail at the clamped region 209 by the clamping region and the plate, make it harder for the wire to slip through the gap. That slip resistance increases as the load increases. Slip resistance will reach a point where the size of the bight can become set and hence the support system 1 is then set in its desired final configuration, carrying the desired load from the building component.

[0153] In some set-up scenarios, the building component may be lifting towards the first anchor point 501 to allow for the operative length of the support system to be manually and easily set, where upon the building component can be lowered so that its weight can start to bear on the support system. This means that the pulling of the tail through the tail through the gap 207 can be done without having to pull against the load of the building component meaning the setting of the support system may be easier to achieve. Where the load from the building component is not too heavy a person should be able to pull the tail against the load of the building component. In seismic bracing situations, the support system may have minimal load applied to it during set-up.

[0154] Because of the tail of the wire is a free end, it means that adjustment of the operative length of the support system by changing the size of the bight by feeding the tail end through the gap 207 can be easily achieved. The free end is substantially unfettered. Is not a locked end or an end that is under tension when the support system is in use. By not being under tension, it hence does not require for the tail to be firstly released from such tension before it can then be then manipulated for feeding through the gap 207 to adjust operative length. This means that an operative length adjustment can be quickly made in a single step.

[0155] To untighten, or otherwise undo the support system 1, the plate 101 may be lifted toward the coupling end 202 of the wire 201, such that the stem portion 206 reduces in tautness, and the stem portion 206 may then be fed manually through the first hole 102 such that the clamping region 205 is expanded and loosened. Alternatively, bight 204 may be loosened by feeding wire at the bight 204, through the second hole 103 to loosen the clamping portion 205, which, once loosened, allows the free end 203c of the wire to easily slip through the gap.

[0156] Performance under load.

[0157] When set-up, the wire is or can be subjected to tensile loading. When under load, the wire will want to become straighter but is restricted from doing so because of the system's geometry at the double pass-through of the wire at the plate.

[0158] When a load is applied to the support system 1, at the first and second holes 102 and 103, the wire contacts specific parts of the plate at the hole's edges. The wire contacts the plate at hole edge regions Pl-4. These hole edge regions play a role in the operation and performance of the support system of the present invention.

[0159] These hole edge regions may be sharp (eg when 90 degrees between planar surfaces of the plate and the bore). Such edge regions will each "bight" onto the cable when the tensile load of the support system 1 increases. Sharp edges may cause point load stress on the wire when under tension and may cause failure of the wire under extreme tensile loads. The wire may start to be cut at sharp edges as significant tensile load comes on.

[0160] Alternatively, as seen in Figures 12 and 13, the hole edge regions may be chamfered. The chamfer may be a 45 degree chamfer or a curved chamfer as examples. The provision of a chamfer creates increased surface area of the plate at the holes, for the wire to make contact with. This can improve resistance to slip of the wire relative to the plate. As tension comes on, the normal force applied by the wire to the chamfered surfaces increases. This increases friction and hence increases resistance to slip of the wire through the two holes. It is preferred that the two larger holes (102,103) have chamfers because it reduced the risk of the wire getting cut at the holes. The wire is under higher loading at these two holes compared to at hole 601 and hence the wire it at a higher risk of cutting at the two holes 102,103. The smaller final hole 601 may be sharp-edged. This allows for more resistance to slip due to friction to be established the risk of the wire cutting at hole 601 is lower and also of lower consequence as the main locking of the wire occurs at the clamping region.

[0161] When the wire is subjected to increasing tensile loads, the wire will start to plastically bend due to forces that the wire experiences at one or both of the two holes 102 and 103. This plastic bend deformation will allow the wire to become more compliant to the surfaces of the plate that is in contact with. This increases the surface area between the wire and the plate. The wire will start to conform more to the shape of the plate at and adjacent to the holes thereby increasing the surface area which in turn will increase the frictional resistance to slip of the wire. Hence as load increases, plastic deformation of the wire increases thereby enhancing slip resistance.

[0162] Tests have shown that when the support system has been under extreme loads and is then disassembled, there is clear evidence along the wire of where the wire was attached to the plate at the two holes because the bend deformation in the wire remains visible. For seismic use cases, where the pre-load on the support system may be minimal and hence such plastic deformation does not occur, evidence of plastic bend deformation of the wire can be evidence that the support system has been subjected to seismic loading. This visual inspection is simple and easy to do. It may lead to the support system getting replaced.

[0163] Under significant loads such as those approaching destructive failure of the support system, the support system is designed to provide for high load yielding. This yielding is provided by the fact that the plate is able to bend.

[0164] The plate, being of a metal such as steel, will have a degree of elastic yielding, meaning that when a load is applied the plate will bend but when the load is released the plate will return to its original shape. Plate yielding under high tensile load will cause the plate to bend by virtue of the wire wanting to straighten. Figure 3E shows a situation where the plate has bent into an arcuate shape and the wire at the double pass through is straighter than when no or minimal load is applied to the support system 1 as for example in Figure 3D when the plate is still planar. When the plate is under increasing tensile loading, that plate may plastically yield and hence sustain permanent deformation. This plastic deformation allows for a slight increase in the operative length of the support system to be provided which can help reduce the point at which the tensile forces are so great as to result in destructive support system failure. Destructive failure may occur such as by the wire completely snapping or by the wire fracturing such as by some of the strands severing.

[0165] The wire itself is also able to offer tensile yield to some degree, primarily elastically. The support system 1 acting as a seismic brace can hence be a sacrificial component.

[0166] The elastic and plastic yielding herein described provide the system with a degree of oscillatory loading suspension and / or damping which may help ensure the integrity of the system is maintained during such loading.

[0167] The operative length of the support system may increase slightly because the wire at its clamping region 205 becomes straighter, the wire yields in tension and the plate may bend. The elastic and plastic yielding provided by the support system, offers a degree of shock absorption. The operative length of the support system can change against the resistance of the plate yielding thereby acting as a spring. Plastic and elastic yielding provided by the plate and / or the wire provides the support system with a final safeguard when high tensile loads threaten the integrity of the support system.

[0168] In Figures 14A-C the elastic and plastic yielding of the support system is shown. Tests were conducted using a tensile load rig that was able to apply a load via anchor points at each end of the support system. Figure 14A shows a plot over time of a cyclical load being applied during testing.

[0169] Figure 14A shows the frequency and amplitude of the load being applied by the test rig to the support system.

[0170] 14B shows the displacement of the anchor points, relative to load applied cyclically. It shows the elastic deformation and permanent deformation throughout the test.

[0171] Figure 14C illustrates the operative length change of the support system over time with the load profile of Figure 14A being applied. The tail of the wire may remain free. In use the two holes 102 and 103 will naturally align to the direction of the tensile load applied to the support system. The two holes hence are preferably generally aligned with the direction AA of the stem 206 as seen in Figure 3A. Leaving the tail free will mean that the tail will settle at a natural angle from its clamped region to the distal end of the wire. This may be at an acute angle Beta to that direction AA of the stem. The angle may reduce when the support system is under load.

[0172] Some degree of resistance against slip may be achieved where rather than remaining at a natural angle that angle is changed to be more parallel to the direction AA. Securing the tail to the stem by way of a cable tie or a wire clamp can help achieve that geometry and provide some additional resistance to the slip of the tail through the captive region once the support system has been set for use.

[0173] A cable tie also squares away the distal end in a tidy manner in so as to prevent the tail from sticking out which may present an injury danger.

[0174] With reference to Figures 5-6 a variation of the plate is shown. The plate provides a tail catch. In the version of the plate shown in Figures 5 A-D the tail catch is a catch aperture 106 through the plate. The aperture 106 allows for the tail of the wire, after it has passed through the captive region 107 to pass through the catch aperture 106. The catch aperture passes through the plate from its first surface 104 to its second surface 105. The catch aperture 106 is preferably a hole that is of a smaller diameter to the hole 102 and 103. It may alternatively be of a larger diameter, but a smaller diameter will help provide a higher degree of resistance to slip of the wire through the captive region 209.

[0175] This slip resistance is akin to a sail sheet winch where the primary resistance to slip of the sheet relative to the winch is provided by the primary windings of the sheet about the winch drum surface. However, a small amount of tension on the tail needs to be applied so that slip of the sheet about the winch does not occur. In the plate of the invention shown in Figures 5-6 that functionality is provided by the catch aperture 601.

[0176] The catch aperture 601 may be offset to the direction AA that passes through the holes 102 and 103 as seen in Figures 5-6 or in an alternative form of a plate shown with reference to Figures 8-11, that catch aperture can be aligned to that direction AA. When so aligned, the stem 209 of the wire will actually contact the tail of the wire at the catch aperture 106. The tail hence is forced to extend from the catch aperture to its distal end in a forced direction that is forced by the stem acting on the tail at the catch aperture 601. This can also enhance resistance to slip by providing additional clamping or cieating functionality to the tail. The catch aperture may be a hole that a lot smaller than the hole 102 and 103 so that the wire enters and exists the plate at or near a right angle to the plane of the plate, which helps to hold it in place when pulled downwards.

[0177] The provision of the catch aperture and the wire extending through the catch aperture does not hinder the ease by which the support system 1 can be adjusted. The tail of the wire is able to be easily removed from the catch aperture 106 as it is not under the same load as the wire at for example the stem region. Like a sheet loaded onto a sail winch drum, the tail of the sheet can be easily held by a person and only requiring minimal tension despite the sheet being under immense load between the winch and the sail. This means that the tail can be easily removed from the catch aperture because that section of the wire is not under load or any significant load. The tail can then be pushed or pulled through the captive region to allow for the size of the bight and therefore the operative length of the support system to be adjusted.

[0178] Figure 6 illustrates a variation of the plate where the catch aperture 106 is a slot into which the tail can slide rather than an hole. The slot 106 has a mouth opening 636 at an edge of the plate 101 and a receptacle region 637 at the base of the slot 601. The slot may include detent 635 that provides a constriction in the slot where the wire has to be forced past. This helps to ensure that the wire once in the receptacle 637 of the slot is able to be retained therein even if the tail might for example be brushed by a person moving past the support system. However, the wire can still be removed from the slot 601 by being forced past the detent 635.

[0179] The plate and wire configuration does not need to rely on a tail catch when both sections of the bight from the apex to the plate are loaded equally and under a substantially constant load.

[0180] The tail catch may be desirable to use where (a) there is cyclical loading on the support system such as from a seismic event of from vibration such as from motors or fans and / or the item being restrained is moving eccentrically applying more load to one of the sections of wire from the bight apex to the plate.

[0181] The provision of the catch 601 offers a user a two-stage locking system that enhances the reliability and adjustability of the wire support system under dynamic and eccentric loading conditions. In the first stage, the wire is secured using a double pass-through configuration via two primary holes in the plate, providing sufficient clamping force under symmetrical tension. In the second stage, the free end of the wire is located in the catch (eg a smaller thirds hole) which secures the tail and prevents slippage under vibrational or eccentric loads, such as those caused by motors or fans.

[0182] With the separated two-stage locking system, it is possible to set the stage- one lock, then apply load AND adjust the tension hand to then finish the stage 2 lock if required, when done. An example of where this could be used is when hanging an item from a ceiling. A person would create the bight, wrap around the item, pass through stage 1 lock, adjust tension by pulling the distal end of the wire to raise / lower the item into position, then do the stage 2 lock. This dual-stage mechanism allows the support system to be adjusted even while under load, a feature not available in prior art systems. The second stage can be temporarily released, the wire repositioned, and then re-secured without requiring the removal of the load or the use of tools.

[0183] A further advantage is the system's ability to generate clamping force even in the absence of load. This is achieved through the selection of wire rope with a specific balance of wire stiffness and geometric selection of the wire and plate feature sizing at the clamping region, enabling the wire to remain securely clamped without relying on the weight of the suspended item.

[0184] The invention is not intended to be reusable after a sub-optimal event is experienced, which simplifies inspection and replacement protocols. After a seismic event, the plate's deformation and the wire's condition can be visually assessed to determine whether the support system remains fit for use.

[0185] Preferred sizing

[0186] There are many combinations of sizes of components of the support system that will work effectively. Below are some examples. First a desired diameter of wire is selected. This is selected based on the use case and the expected loading. The wire is typically the failure point of the support system hence selecting wire of a diameter that is sufficient to take the load is the first step. The geometry of the plate can then be determined.

[0187] In a practical installation context, the item may apply a static load above 1 kg and up to 500 kg to the support system.

[0188] ADVANTAGES

[0189] Some non-limiting advantages of some examples of the present invention may include:

[0190] ■ The present invention introduces a wire support system that offers a compelling combination of simplicity, adaptability, and reliability— particularly suited for suspending or bracing building components such as cable trays, ducts, and pipes within ceiling cavities. One of its standout features is its manual adjustability in operative length. This allows installers to easily fine-tune the height or tension of the wire without needing to temporarily remove load, disassemble or reconfigure the system, making it highly adaptable to various installation scenarios.

[0191] ■ A key advantage is its compatibility with wires of varying lengths, enabling users to tailor the system to specific spatial or structural requirements. This flexibility is especially valuable in complex or retrofitted environments where standard-length supports may not suffice.

[0192] Installation is fast and straightforward. The system eliminates the need for complex procedures or specialized training, allowing even unskilled workers to achieve secure and effective setups. This is further enhanced by its tool- free design— no crimping tools, wedge locks, or mechanical fasteners are required. The wire is simply threaded through a specially designed plate, and the system self-locks under load, reducing both setup time and labor costs.

[0193] Cost-effectiveness is another major benefit. The system is composed of minimal parts— primarily a single-piece metal plate and a wire— making it inexpensive to manufacture and maintain. Its simplicity also reduces the likelihood of mechanical failure, a common issue with multi-component locking mechanisms.

[0194] A particularly innovative feature is the system's ability to visually indicate when it has been subjected to significant loading, such as during a seismic event. At the plate there are no hidden parts of the wire or of clamping mechanism. The plate is designed to deform under high stress, providing a clear, visible cue that the support may need replacement. This facilitates rapid post-event inspections and enhances overall safety by preventing compromised systems from remaining in use.

[0195] The system's auto self-locking mechanism increases clamping force proportionally with load, ensuring a secure hold even under dynamic or seismic conditions. The exposed design— with no hidden parts— makes visual inspection easy and reliable. Furthermore, the system offers both elastic and plastic yielding under extreme loads, providing a degree of shock absorption and reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.

[0196] The wire tail remains free and unfettered, allowing for quick adjustments without needing to release tension. Optional features like a catch aperture or slot in the plate provide additional slip resistance and help manage the wire tail neatly and safely. Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth.

[0197] Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and / or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as described and / or claimed in this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wire support system to act in tension in supporting an item from a building structure, the system comprising: a. an elastically stiff round length of metal wire having a first distal end region at where the wire is anchored directly or indirectly to the building structure and a second distal end region, the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, b. a single piece metal plate located between the first distal end region and the item and presenting a first circular through hole and an adjacent second circular through hole through the plate, wherein the path of the wire extends: i. from the first distal end region to the plate passing sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole to define a clamping region of the wire between the first hole and the second hole, ii. from the second hole to the second distal end passing between the plate and the clamping region to define (a) a clamped region of the wire between the clamping region and the plate and (b) a bight of the wire between the second hole and the clamped region, the item to be supported attached directly or indirectly at the bight to apply a tensile load on the system, wherein the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the path of the wire to pass sequentially through the first hole and direct to and through the second hole so that clamping region of the wire is held in an elastically bowed shape by and between the first hole and second hole with a gap between the clamping region and the plate at where the clamped region is located that, in the absence of the clamped region, is no greater than the diameter of the wire, so that the clamping region is naturally biased toward the plate due to its elastically stiff nature to clamp the clamped region of the wire against the plate, independent of the quantum of the tensile load applied by the item to the system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to so that the clamping force applied by the clamping region of the wire on the clamped region of wire against the plate, is sufficient toprevent slip of the wire at the clamped region, unless the wire is manually pulled or pushed, when the tensile load applied to the system by the item is zero.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to so that the clamping force applied by the clamping region of the wire on the clamped region of wire against the plate, allow the wire to be manually pulled or pushed to adjust the size of the bight and before the item is finally supported by the system.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the holes (a) are each of a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the wire and (b) are spaced apart from each other at a distance to allow the clamping force applied by the clamping region of the wire on the clamped region of wire against the plate to increase proportionally to the tensile load applied to the system by the item, by virtue of the bowed shape of the clamping region being biased towards a less bowed shape thereby increasing the clamping force of the clamping region.

5. The system of anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first and second holes are configured to be load bearing of the at least one item using two points of contact of the wire with the plate at each hole.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plate is of metal that is adapted and configured to be caused to (a) elastically bend by virtue of load, up to a threshold, that that is applied by the item to the system and (b) plastically bend by virtue of load that exceeds said threshold, applied by the item to the system.

7. The system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the operative length of the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, increases when the plate bends elastically to allow the plate to act as a damper to oscillatory load applied by the item to the system.

8. The system as claimed in claim 6 and 7 wherein the operative length of the wire spanning between the building structure and the item to be supported by the wire from the building structure, increases when the plate bends plastically to allow the plate to act as a damper to oscillatory load applied by the item to the system and for the operative length to remain at length that is greater than the initial operative length prior to the oscillatory load.

9. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the metal wire is selected from one that will plastically bend at its interface with at least one ofthe two holes, when the load applied by the item to the system exceeds a desired threshold, to provide evidence (in the form of the wire being plastically bent) that the system has been subjected to loading in excess of the desired threshold.

10. The system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one catch in the form of one of (a) a hole and (b) slot through the plate, wherein the path of the wire passes from the clamped region to the second distal end and through the plate for at a 3rdlocation at the catch.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the catch is of size and configuration to cause the wire to pass through the plate thereat, substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate.

12. The system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the catch is a hole through the plate that is of a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the wire.

13. A support system to provide earthquake bracing to at least one item in a building structure, the system comprising: a wire tensioner in the form of a single piece metal plate with a first through hole and a second through hole passing through the plate at spaced apart locations, a length of metal wire to sequential pass through each of said first and second hole of the plate to extend directly between each of said first and second hole in a bowed manner by virtue of the wire having a flexural stiffness; wherein the wire tensioner is configured so that the distance between the first hole and second hole and the diameter of the first hole and the diameter of the second hole allows the wire to pass through the first and second hole and to form a clamping region between the first and second hole which is biased to move toward the plate between the holes by virtue of the flexural stiffness of the wire, to (a) engage a clamped region of the wire that extends from the second hole to the clamping region therebetween forming a bight to which the item is to be attached to the system and (b) apply a clamping force on the clamped region against the plate that is sufficient to resist slip of the clamped region between the clamping region and the plate.

14. The support system of claim 13, wherein the first and second holes are configured to be load bearing of the at least one item using two points of contact of the wire with the plate at each hole.

15. A method of setting up the support for at least one item to be supported from a building structure item; the method comprising:(i) providing a plurality of spaced apart wire tensioners each in the form of a single piece plate at a planar surface of which a first through hole and a second through hole are defined;(ii) for each wire tensioner, a. providing a length of wire that has a flexural stiffness, and that is anchored at a first distal end region of the wire directly or indirectly to the building structure and presents a free end at a second distal end region of the wire; b. passing the free distal end region of the wire through each of the first and second holes to form an elastically bent bow shaped clamping region extending between the two holes and adjacent the plate, wherein the first hole and second hole are spaced apart from each other and the wire is of a flexural stiffness such that the bow shaped clamping region has a gap between the clamping region and the plate that is less than the diameter of the wire, c. forming a bight between the second hole and a clamped region of the of the wire by passing the free distal end region through the gap and for the clamped region to be clamped by the clamping region by virtue of its elastically bent bow shape against the plate, d. adjusting the size of the bight by pushing and / or pulling the wire to feed the wire through the gap to suit,(iii) causing the item to become supported by each of the wires by the application of a load to each of the wires from the item so that for each wire tensioned a clamping force between the clamping region and the plate is applied to the clamped region sufficient to retain the clamped region by tensile force applied to each of the wires by the load.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising supporting the at least one item using the bight such that action of the load applied by the item ensures that the clamping force is sufficient to support the item.

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein forming of the bight comprises at least the following steps in a sequential order:(d) passing the free distal end of the wire through the first hole from a rear face side of the plate towards a front face side of the plate wherein the front face side is located opposite the rear face side,(e) passing the free distal end of the wire through the second hole from the front face side towards the rear face side,(f) passing the free distal end of the wire through the gap between the clamping region and the plate by increasing the gap to be able to accommodate the diameter of the wire.

18. The method of anyone of claims 15 to 17, further comprising manually applying a force to the wire at the bight in a direction away from the plate and substantially colinear with a notional line between the holes in order to provide a clamping force sufficient to hold the clamped region of the wire between the clamping region and the plate.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the clamping force is applied by allowing the item to be suspended by the wire and plate whilst manually holding the free distal end of the wire or when the free distal end of the wire is secure to the building structure.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising reducing the clamping force by holding the at least one object and adjusting an effective suspension distance between a structure and the at least one item by adjusting the clamping region and / or the distal portion of the wire and then allowing the at least one item to be braced, suspended and / or held by the bight to provide the clamping force.

21. The method of any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising engaging the wire via a second loose end of the wire to an external body so that the wire tensioner engages with or suspends from the external body.

22. The method of claim 30, wherein the external body is a ceiling or a wall of a building.

23. The method of any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the wire tensioner comprises at least one additional see-through hole being positioned, sized and shaped to allow an end portion of the wire to pass through the or each additional hole, the method comprising passing the loose end of the wire through the at least one additional hole.

24. The method of any one of claims 24 to 32, further comprising passing the wire through each hole so that the wire forms a bight for supporting the at least one item by bracing, suspending and / or holding the at least one item with at least with two points of contact of the wire with the plate at each hole.

25. A wire tensioner to be used together with a wire in supporting at least one item by bracing, suspending and / or holding the at least one item; the wire tensioner being in a form of a single piece plate at a planar surface of which a first through hole and a second through hole are provided, each hole being positioned, sized and shaped to allow the wire to pass through the first hole and the second hole to allow a first portion of the wire between the holes to clamp a second portion of the wire between the first portion of the wire and the wire tensioner when the wire forms a bight between the second hole and the second portion of the wire for bracing, suspending and / or holding the at least one item; wherein the first hole and the second hole are positioned, sized and shaped so that in use a clamping force between the first portion of the wire and the wire tensioner is sufficient to secure the second portion of the wire when the at least one item is braced, suspended and / or held by the bight.

26. An overhead building structure comprising a ceiling cavity within which a building component is suspended from the structure by the support system or the earthquake bracing system as herein claimed or defined.

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