Coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod. The coupler element comprises one or more externally threaded rods. The one or more externally threaded rods comprise a threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a pipe hanger. The coupler element also comprises a connector system that is configured to fix the coupler element to the threaded support rod at a position along the threaded support rod. The connector system comprises a connector element configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod for sliding the coupler element along the threaded support rod to the position along the threaded support rod.

Description

[0001] Coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This disclosure relates to a coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod, in particular to such coupler element that comprises one or more externally threaded rods comprising a threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a pipe hanger. This disclosure further relates to a method for using such coupler element.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In construction, suspending pipes and / or tubes may be very cumbersome as it typically involves suspending many threaded rods from a ceiling or wall structure and then threading a pipe hanger on each suspended threaded rod.

[0006] In light of this, there is a need in the art for facilitating suspending pipes and / or tubes.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure relates to a coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod. The coupler element comprises one or more externally threaded rods. The one or more externally threaded rods comprise a threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a pipe hanger. The coupler element also comprises a connector system that is configured to fix the coupler element to the threaded support rod at a position along the threaded support rod. The connector system comprises a connector element configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod for sliding the coupler element along the threaded support rod to the position along the threaded support rod.

[0009] This coupler element greatly eases suspending pipes and / or tubes from a ceiling or wall.

[0010] Because the connector element of the connector system can slide along the threaded support rod, the coupler element can be positioned somewhere along the threaded support rod at a desired position without having to rotate the coupler element around the threaded support rod. Such rotation would for example be required if the connector system would have an internally threaded connector element that threads onto the threaded support rod. Obviating the need to rotate the coupler element for moving it along the threaded support rod is very advantageous, because it allows to adjust the position of the coupler element relative to the threaded support rod even after a tube or pipe has been mounted in the pipe hanger. If a pipe or tube is sits in the pipe hanger, the pipe hanger cannot around as such rotation is blocked by the tube or pipe. If a coupler element would be able to move along the threaded support rod only by rotating, in case the height of a pipe containing pipe hanger needs to be adjusted, then adjusting the height would require taking out the tube or pipe out of the pipe hanger, rotating the pipe hanger to adjust its position relative to the threaded rod, and mounting the tube or pipe in the pipe hanger again This is of course very cumbersome. Thus, the coupler element disclosed herein allows for easily suspending tubes and / or pipes such that they have a position and inclination as desired.A threaded rod herein may be a threaded rod having standard dimensions, such as M4, M5, M6, M8, M10, M12, M16, M20, M24, M30, M36, M42, M48, M56, M64. All externally threaded rods of the coupler element preferably have the same diameter and the same thread pitch, which is preferably the same diameter as the threaded support rod has and the same thread pitch as the threaded support rod has. However, it may very well be that the externally threaded rods have a certain diameter and thread pitch, such as M8, whereas the connector element is configured to slidably engage an M10 threaded support rod. In other words, the bore of housing element is not necessarily the same size as the size of the one or more externally threaded rods.

[0011] The one or more externally threaded rods preferably make an angle of approximately 90 degrees with each. Also, they are preferably all arranged in the same plane.

[0012] In an embodiment, the coupler element is configured to couple to a second coupler element, the second coupler element being an identical copy of the coupler element. Herein, the connector system is configured to attach to an externally threaded rod out of the second coupler element’s one or more externally threaded rods.

[0013] Preferably, in this embodiment, the connector system is configured to fix the coupler element to the second coupler element’s threaded rod at a position along the second coupler element’s threaded rod, and the connector element is preferably configured to slidably engage the second coupler element’s threaded rod for sliding the coupler element along the second coupler element’s threaded rod to that position.

[0014] This embodiment is advantageous in that it allows the coupler element to couple to copies of itself. This is advantageous in that it provides quite some flexibility as to how a pipe hanger can be positioned at the desired position. To illustrate, if a threaded support rod is too short, then several coupler elements may be coupled together and be attached to the threaded support rod, so that a pipe hanger can be attached some distance away from the end of the threaded support rod. Likewise, the threaded support rod may have an xy-position (xy indicating the horizontal plane, and z the vertical direction) that is at an xy-distance from a desired xy-position for a pipe hanger. In that case, several coupler elements may be coupled together to bridge the xy-distance between the threaded support rod and the desired xy-position for the pipe hanger.

[0015] In an embodiment, the one or more externally threaded rods comprise a second threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a second pipe hanger.

[0016] This embodiment is advantageous in that it can couple to several pipe hangers. If such coupler element is fixed to a single threaded support rod, and two pipe hangers are coupled to the coupler element, then one threaded support rod supports two pipe hangers. In other words, this embodiment reduces the number of threaded support rods that need to be suspended from a ceiling or wall.

[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more externally threaded rods comprise a third externally threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a third pipe hanger.

[0018] This embodiment even allows to couple three pipe hangers to it, and thus to couple three pipe hangers to a threaded support rod. This even more reduces the need to for example screw threaded support rods into a ceiling or wall.Each threaded rod end may belong to a separate externally threaded rod. However, two threaded rod ends may be the two ends of a single externally threaded rod as well.

[0019] In an embodiment, the connector element and the one or more externally threaded rods are inseparable.

[0020] This embodiment is advantageous in that the coupler element does not have to be assembled somehow at the construction site, which would be an additional, time consuming step.

[0021] In an embodiment, the connector element is a housing element comprising a bore for receiving at least part of the threaded support rod. The bore is configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod. In this embodiment, the connector system may comprise a locking system configured to lock the threaded support rod relative to the housing element while the threaded support rod sits in the bore.

[0022] Of course, the connector system may be configured to couple to an externally threaded rod of a further, identical coupler element in the same way as it is configured to couple to the threaded support rod, especially if the threaded support rod and the externally threaded rods of the second coupler element are identical in diameter and thread pitch.

[0023] In an embodiment, the housing element comprises a channel between the bore and an external surface of the housing element and the locking system comprises a locking element that comprises one or more protrusions. Each of the one or more protrusions is configured to, upon the locking element being inserted through the channel into the bore while the threaded support rod sits in the bore, engage the threaded support rod and restrict, preferably prevent, a translational motion of the housing element relative to the threaded support rod, parallel to a central axis of the bore.

[0024] This embodiment provides an locking system that eases the locking of the threaded support rod relative to the housing element such that the threaded support rod cannot slide out of the bore and out of the housing element.

[0025] The channel is preferably a straight channel so that the locking element can be easily inserted, and preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the bore.

[0026] The locking element may be fixed against movement in the longitudinal direction by engagement with a wall of the channel, and the threaded support rod is fixed against movement in the longitudinal direction by engagement of the locking element’s one or more protrusions with the threaded support rod, in particular with its threads. As referred to herein, the longitudinal direction may be understood as a direction along the length of the threaded support rod. Advantageously, the locking element’s one or more protrusions may be configured to, while remaining engaged with the threaded support rod, rotate around the threaded support rod herewith allowing the housing element, and therefore the coupler element, to rotate around the threaded support rod. This is very convenient as it allows to change the orientation of a pipe hanger that is connected to such coupler element even after the coupler element has already been fixed to the threaded support rod. For example, the one or more protrusions may be configured to slide through the helical groove between the raised ridges of the thread, while remaining engaged with the threaded rod in that they still prevent the threaded support rod to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing element.The locking element preferably comprises one or more latch elements that are configured to impede movement of the locking element back through the channel after the locking element has reached a certain position relative to the channel. A latch element is for example a protrusion that may snap-fit into a cavity within the housing element.

[0027] Preferably, the external surface sits at one side of the housing element and the housing element comprises a further external surface that sits at another, opposite side of the housing element. The channel preferably extends all the way from the external surface through the bore to the further external surface so that the locking element can be inserted into the channel from the one side of the housing element and emerge from the other side of the housing element.

[0028] In an embodiment, each protrusion out of the one or more protrusions is an embossed portion extending outwardly from a surface of the locking element. The embossed portion is, for example, formed by local plastic deformation of the locking element.

[0029] Forming the protrusions as embossed portions allows the locking element to be manufactured by a simple forming operation, while the embossed portions provide sufficient mechanical strength to restrict translational motion of the housing element relative to the threaded support rod.

[0030] In an embodiment, each protrusion out of the one or more protrusions is a lip extending outwardly from a surface of the locking element.

[0031] Optionally, the lip makes an angle with the surface from which it extends that is smaller than 50 degrees, preferably smaller than 30 degrees, more preferably smaller than 20 degrees. A relatively small angle is advantageous because it allows the lip to exert a significant counteracting force on a threaded support rod in a direction that is parallel to the surface and that is rather closely aligned with the direction of the lip’s extension. As a result, the force is transmitted more efficiently along the lip's structure. Due the relatively small angle, the lever arm, which would be the distance between the outer edge of the lip and the surface, is relatively small, allowing the lip to withstand high forces.

[0032] Each protrusion may have an edge that is configured to be positioned between threads of the threaded support rod upon the locking element being inserted through the channel into the bore of the housing element.

[0033] Further, each lip may have been bent out of the surface in question. For example, each lip is obtainable by making a cut in the surface in question between a first cut end and a second cut end, the first cut end and second cut end defining a folding line between the first cut end and second cut end, the first cut end and second cut end and folding line enclosing an area, and bending the area along the folding line.

[0034] In an embodiment, the locking element is substantially U-shaped as viewed in a first direction, e.g. as viewed along a central axis of the bore when the locking element has been inserted into the channel, and the locking element comprises two opposite surfaces facing each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein each surface out of the two opposite surfaces comprises a protrusion out of the one or more protrusions.

[0035] When the locking element has been inserted into the channel, the second direction is preferably perpendicular to both the central axis of the bore and the direction along which the channel extends.The opposite surfaces are distanced from each other such that one can be positioned on one side of the threaded support rod and the other on the opposite side of the support rod.

[0036] If the channel extends all the way through the housing element, then each leg of the U-shaped locking element, may comprise a part that emerges from the other side of the housing element when the locking element has been fully inserted into the channel, which for example is when the base of the U-shape meets the threaded support rod thus preventing the locking element from moving further into the channel. Each part of the locking element that emerges from the other side preferably comprise a latch element configured to impede movement of the locking element back through the channel. Such latch element is for example a protrusion on such emerging part. Additionally or alternatively, such emerging part of the locking element may have, as viewed in the first direction, a different direction than the direction in which the channel extends when the locking element has been inserted into the channel. In this case, the emerging part itself is a latch element.

[0037] In an embodiment, the bore is a through bore or a blind bore.

[0038] If the bore is a through bore, it means it goes completely through the housing element which allows the housing element, and therefore the coupler element, to slidably engage the threaded support rod along the threaded support rod over a distance that is larger than the length of the bore, e.g. along the entire length of the threaded support rod.

[0039] Any bore of a housing element referred to herein is preferably a clearance bore in the sense that the threaded support rod can pass through the bore without having the thread. Additionally or alternatively, any bore of a housing element referred to herein is preferably an unthreaded bore.

[0040] As referred to herein, a blind bore may be understood as a bore that stops partway into the housing element.

[0041] In an embodiment, the coupler element comprises all features that have been described so far for the coupler element.

[0042] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a system comprising any of the coupler elements disclosed herein, and any of the threaded support rods disclosed herein.

[0043] In an embodiment of the system, the coupler element is fixed to the threaded support rod by the connector system.

[0044] The system preferably also comprises a pipe hanger referred to herein comprising the internally threaded connector. The pipe hanger is preferably coupled to the coupler element by one of the externally threaded rods of the coupler element being engaged with the internally threaded connector of the pipe hanger. They system may comprise the second coupler element referred to above.

[0045] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for suspending pipes and / or tubes. The method comprises making an interconnected configuration of interconnected one or more coupler elements and one or more pipe hangers, this step comprising coupling one or more coupler elements according to any of the preceding claims to one or more pipe hangers. The method also comprises, after having made the interconnected configuration, sliding a particular coupler element out of the one or more coupler elements along a threaded support rod to a position along the threaded support rod and fixing the particular coupler element to the threaded support rod at that position herewithsuspending the interconnected configuration from the threaded support rod. The method further comprises mounting one or more pipes and / or one or more tubes in the one or more pipe hangers.

[0046] This method is highly beneficial as it is very convenient to preassemble the interconnected configuration offsite and deliver them to the construction site ready to be suspended as a unit from a threaded support rod.

[0047] Preferably, when making the interconnected configuration, multiple pipe hangers are coupled to one or more coupler elements. Even more preferably, multiple pipe hangers are coupled to multiple coupler elements.

[0048] In an embodiment of the method, making the interconnected configuration comprises coupling a plurality of coupler elements disclosed herein to each other. This method advantageously uses that coupler elements can be coupled together to allow for accurately positioning the pipe hangers (and the pipes / tubes) at the desired position.

[0049] In an embodiment, the method comprises after having fixed the particular coupler element to the threaded support rod at the position, releasing the coupler element from the threaded support rod and then adjusting the position of the particular coupler element along the threaded support rod and then fixing again the particular coupler element to the threaded support rod at the adjusted position.

[0050] This step for example involves removing a locking element described herein from a housing element referred to herein so that the housing element can slide again relative to the threaded support rod along the direction parallel to the central axis of the bore. Further, this step may be performed while the pipes and / or tubes are mounted in the pipe hangers.

[0051] One distinct aspect of this disclosure relates to an attachment system for attaching an element to a threaded support rod at a position along the threaded support rod. The attachment system comprises a housing element comprising a bore for receiving at least part of the threaded support rod, the bore being configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod. The attachment system also comprises a locking system configured to lock the threaded support rod relative to the housing element while the threaded rod sits in the bore. Further, the housing element comprises a channel between the bore and an external surface of the housing element. The locking system comprises a locking element comprising one or more protrusions, each of the one or more protrusions being configured to, upon the locking element being inserted through the channel into the bore while the threaded support rod sits in the bore, engage the threaded support rod and restrict, preferably prevent, a translational motion of the housing element relative to the threaded support rod, parallel to a central axis of the bore. Each protrusion out of the one or more protrusions is a lip extending outwardly from a surface of the locking element, wherein the lip makes an angle with the surface from which it extends that is smaller than 50 degrees, preferably smaller than 30 degrees, more preferably smaller than 20 degrees.

[0052] This attachment system may comprise any feature that is disclosed in relation to the connector system of the coupler element disclosed herein. The housing element of the attachment system may be any housing element disclosed herein of the coupler element disclosed herein, the locking system of the attachment system may be any locking system disclosed herein of the coupler elementdisclosed herein, in particular, the locking element of the attachment system may be any locking element disclosed herein of the coupler element disclosed herein.

[0053] A further distinct aspect of this disclosure relates to a threaded rod coupler element for coupling a first threaded rod to a second threaded rod. The threaded rod coupler element comprises a first attachment system as referred to above for attaching to the first threaded rod and a second attachment system as referred to above for attaching to the second threaded rod. The housing element of the first attachment system and the housing element of the second attachment system are inseparable. Further, the housing element of the first attachment system comprises a first bore and the housing element of the second attachment system comprises a second bore. At least one of the first and second bore is a through bore. Preferably, the first and second bore are both through bores. Further, a central axis of the first bore and a central axis of the second bore do not intersect.

[0054] Preferably, the central axis of the first bore and the central axis of the second bore, as viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the central axis of the first bore and perpendicular to the central axis of the second bore, make an angle with each other, for example an angle between 30 degrees and 90 degrees (end points in this range included), preferably between 45 degrees and 90 degrees (end points in this range included), more preferably between 70 degrees and 90 degrees (end points in this range included), most preferably, this angle is approximately 90 degrees.

[0055] Such threaded rod coupler element is highly advantageous in that it allows to easily make a configuration with threaded rods that cross over each other and to adjust the position of the threaded rods relative to each other even if the threaded rods are already supporting, directly or indirectly, pipe hangers that contain pipes or tubes.

[0056] A further distinct aspect of this disclosure relates to a further coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod. The further coupler element comprises one or more externally threaded rods. The one or more externally threaded rods comprise a threaded rod end for coupling the further coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a pipe hanger. The further coupler element also comprises a connector system that is configured to fix the further coupler element to the threaded support rod, wherein the connector system comprises a connector element configured to engage the threaded support rod. The connector element and the one or more externally threaded rods are inseparable. Thus, in this further coupler element the connector element is not necessarily configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod for sliding the further coupler element along the threaded support rod to the position along the threaded support rod. The further coupler element may comprise any feature of any coupler element disclosed herein.

[0057] This further coupler element is advantageous in that the one or more externally threaded rods and the connector element are inseparable. This obviates the need to for example assemble the further coupler element at the construction site before it can be used. Hence, the further coupler element enables to suspend tubes and pipes efficiently and fast.

[0058] In an embodiment of the further coupler element, the connector element is configured to threadably engage with the threaded support rod. This may be understood as that the connector element can be threaded onto the threaded support rod. To this end, the connector element may forexample be a housing element comprising an internally threaded bore, which may be a blind bore or a through bore. In a specific example, the bore of the connector element is an M8 threaded bore.

[0059] In an embodiment of the further coupler element, the internally threaded bore may comprise a plurality of bore sections, wherein each bore section has a different size. For example, a first bore section may have an M8 size, while a second bore section an M10 size. This allows the connector element to threadably engage threaded rods of different sizes.

[0060] As said, the further coupler element may comprise any feature of the any coupler element disclosed herein. The further coupler element may for example be configured to couple to a second further coupler element, the second further coupler element being an identical copy of the further coupler element. Herein, the connector system of the further coupler element is configured to attach to an externally threaded rod out of the second further coupler element’s one or more externally threaded rods. The one or more externally threaded rods may be M8 threaded rods.

[0061] In an embodiment of the further coupler element, the one or more externally threaded rods of the further coupler element comprises two or more externally threaded rod ends, e.g. three or more externally threaded rod ends.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the further coupler element, the connector element of the further coupler element is a housing element comprising an internally threaded bore that is configured to threadably engage with the threaded support rod, and the one or more externally threaded rods of the further coupler element comprise, in addition to the first threaded rod end, a second threaded rod end for coupling the further coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a second pipe hanger, wherein the internally threaded bore of the housing element is a through bore.

[0063] In another preferred embodiment of the further coupler element, the connector element of the further coupler element is a housing element comprising an internally threaded bore that is configured to threadably engage with the threaded support rod, and the one or more externally threaded rods of the further coupler element comprise, in addition to the first threaded rod end, a second threaded rod end for coupling the further coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a second pipe hanger, and optionally a third threaded rod end for coupling the further coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a third pipe hanger, wherein the further coupler element is configured to couple to a second further coupler element that is an identical copy of the further coupler element, wherein the internally threaded bore of the housing element is a blind bore and is configured to threadably engage with an externally threaded rod out of the second further coupler element.

[0064] In another embodiment of the further coupler element, the connector system of the further coupler element is any of the connector systems disclosed herein in relation to the coupler element disclosed herein. The connector element of the further coupler element may for example be configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod for sliding the further coupler element along the threaded support rod to a position along the threaded support rod. The connector system of the further coupler element may for example be embodied as a housing element disclosed herein that comprises a bore for receiving at least part of the threaded support rod, wherein the bore is configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod. In this embodiment, the connector system may comprise a locking system as disclosed herein, that optionally comprises a locking element as disclosed herein.One aspect of this disclosure relates to a further system comprising any of the further coupler elements disclosed herein, and any of the threaded support rods disclosed herein.

[0065] In an embodiment of the further system, the further coupler element is fixed to the threaded support rod by the connector system.

[0066] The further system preferably also comprises a pipe hanger referred to herein comprising the internally threaded connector. The pipe hanger is preferably coupled to the further coupler element by one of the externally threaded rods of the further coupler element being engaged with the internally threaded connector of the pipe hanger. They system may comprise the second further coupler element referred to above.

[0067] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a further method for suspending pipes and / or tubes. The method comprises making an interconnected configuration of interconnected one or more further coupler elements and one or more pipe hangers, this step comprising coupling one or more further coupler elements according to any of the preceding claims to one or more pipe hangers. The method also comprises, after having made the interconnected configuration, fixing a particular further coupler element out of the one or more further coupler elements to the threaded support rod at that position herewith suspending the interconnected configuration from the threaded support rod. The method further comprises mounting one or more pipes and / or one or more tubes in the one or more pipe hangers.

[0068] This further method enables to preassemble the interconnected configuration offsite and deliver them to the construction site ready to be suspended as a unit from a threaded support rod.

[0069] Preferably, when making the interconnected configuration, multiple pipe hangers are coupled to one or more further coupler elements. Even more preferably, multiple pipe hangers are coupled to multiple further coupler elements.

[0070] In an embodiment of the further method, making the interconnected configuration comprises coupling a plurality of further coupler elements disclosed herein to each other. This method advantageously uses that further coupler elements can be coupled together to allow for accurately positioning the pipe hangers (and the pipes / tubes) at the desired position.

[0071] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention will be further illustrated with reference to the attached drawings, which schematically will show embodiments according to the invention. It will be understood that the present invention is not in any way restricted to these specific embodiments.

[0073] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Aspects of the invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0075] FIG. 1 shows a coupler element according to an embodiment having a housing element with a blind bore;

[0076] FIG. 2A shows a partly cut-away view of a housing element according to an embodiment; FIG. 2B shows a cross section of the housing element of figure 2A;FIG. 3 shows a shows a coupler element according to an embodiment having a housing element with a through bore;

[0077] FIG. 4A shows a detail of figure 2B enlarged;

[0078] FIG. 4B is the same as figure 4A only with a locking element added;

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a threaded rod coupler element according to an embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 6 shows a locking element according to an embodiment;

[0081] FIG. 7 shows different views on the coupler element of figure 1 ;

[0082] FIG. 8 shows different views on the coupler element of figure 3;

[0083] FIG. 9 shows different views on the coupler element of figure 5;

[0084] FIG. 10 shows different views on the locking element of figure 6;

[0085] FIG. 11 illustrates insertion of a locking element according to an embodiment into a housing element according to an embodiment from a side view;

[0086] FIG. 12 illustrates an interconnected configuration of interconnected one or more coupler elements and one or more pipe hangers according to an embodiment;

[0087] FIG. 13 illustrates an interconnected configuration according to an embodiment mounted on a wall;

[0088] FIG. 14 illustrates an interconnected configuration according to an embodiment wherein several coupler elements are coupled to a single threaded support rod;

[0089] FIG. 15 illustrates an interconnected configuration according to an embodiment wherein threaded support rods are coupled together;

[0090] FIG. 16 illustrates an interconnected configuration according to an embodiment wherein even more threaded support rods are coupled together;

[0091] FIG. 17 illustrates an interconnected configuration according to an embodiment wherein two coupler elements with though bores are coupled to each other;

[0092] FIG. 18A shows a further coupler element according to an embodiment having a housing element with a blind bore;

[0093] FIG. 18B shows a further coupler element according to an embodiment having a housing element with a through bore;

[0094] FIG. 19 shows different views of a locking element according to an embodiment that comprises a plurality of embossed portions.

[0095] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] In the figures, identical reference numbers indicate identical or similar elements.

[0097] Figure 1 illustrates a coupler element 2 according to an embodiment for coupling a pipe hanger (not shown) to a threaded rod 4 (only partly shown). The coupler element 2 shown in figure 1 comprises three externally threaded rods 6a, 6b, 6c (the threads of the externally threaded rods are not shown). In the coupler element 2 of figure 1 , the threaded rods make an angle of approximately 90 degrees with each other and are all arranged in the xz-plane. The externally threaded rods 6a, 6b, 6c comprise threaded rod ends 8a, 8b, 8c for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a pipe hanger. Note that the term threaded rod end does not necessarily imply that thethread runs all the way to the rod’s end. The coupler element 2 also comprises a connector system that is configured to fix the coupler element 2 to the threaded support rod at a position along the threaded support rod 4. The connector system comprises a connector element 10 configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod 4 for sliding the coupler element 2 along the threaded support rod 4 to a position along the threaded support rod as desired. The connector element 10, which in figure 1 is embodied as housing element 10, and the externally threaded rods 6a, 6b, 6c are inseparable.

[0098] The housing element 10 comprises a blind bore 12 for receiving at least part of the threaded support rod 4. The bore 12 is configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod 4 to position the housing 10 at a certain position along the threaded support rod 4. The housing element 12 further comprises channels 14a and 14b between the bore 12 and an external surface 16 of the housing element 12. In the embodiments shown in the figures, these channels 14a, 14b extend all the way from the external surface 16, through the bore 12, to a further external surface 22 (indicated in figure 7) that sits at an opposite side of the housing element 10. However, it is not strictly required that such channels extend all the way through the housing element. Figure 2A shows an angled, cutaway view on the housing element 10 and figure 2B shows a cross section of the housing element 10.

[0099] As shown in figure 3, a locking element 18 can be inserted through the channels 14a, 14b while a threaded rod 4 sits in the bore 12. The locking element 18 comprises protrusions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that are more clearly visible in figures 6 and 10. In the embodiments shown in the figures, each protrusion is a lip extending outwardly from a surface 21a, 21b of the locking element 18.

[0100] The locking element 18 shown in the figures has a U-shape as viewed along the central axis 11 when the locking element 18 has been inserted into the channels 14a, 14b, wherein the central axis 11 in figure 3 is parallel to the z axis, and the locking element 18 comprises two opposite surfaces 21 a, 21 b (see figure 10) that in figure 3 face each other along a direction parallel to the x axis. The opposite surfaces 21 a, 21 b are separated by a distance d (see figure 10) so that the threaded support rod 4 fits between these surfaces.

[0101] Upon the locking element 18 being inserted through the channels 14a, 14b into the bore 12 while the threaded support rod 4 sits in the bore 12, the protrusions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d engage the threaded support rod 4 and restrict, preferably prevent, a translational motion of the housing element 10 relative to the threaded support rod 4 and parallel to a central axis 11 of the bore 12. How this may work is more clearly shown in figures 4A and 4B which show area A as indicated in figure 2B enlarged.

[0102] In figure 4A, threaded support rod 4 has been positioned in the bore 12 of housing element 10. For clarity only a part of the threaded rod 4 is shown. In figure 4A, the locking element 18 has not been inserted yet in the channels 14a, 14b and is therefore not present in the bore 12. In figure 4B, the locking element 18 has been inserted through the channels 14a, 14b (only channel 14a is visible) and is present in the bore 12. As can be seen in figure 10 the lips 20a, 20b make an angle a with the surface 21 b from which it extends. The angle a is preferably quite small, e.g. smaller than 50 degrees, preferably smaller than 30 degrees, more preferably smaller than 20 degrees, because this increases the ability of the lips to provide a large counteracting force. To illustrate, lip 20a (see figure 10) makesa relatively small angle a with surface 21b. Because of this small angle, the lip 20a can provide a large counteracting force in the -z direction, which is parallel to surface 21b and closely aligned with the direction of extension 26 of the lip 20a.

[0103] As can be seen in figure 4B, the protrusions 20a, 20b engage the threads of threaded rod 4. In particular, the lips 20a, 20b have respective edges each of which is positioned between threads of the threaded support 4 rod when the locking element has engaged the threaded support rod 4. Lip 20a fixes the rod 4 against movement in the +z direction, while lip 20b fixes the rod 4 against movement in the -z direction. Lips 20a and 20b together thus fix the threaded rod 4 against movement along the rod’s longitudinal direction. The locking element 18 itself is fixed against movement relative to the housing element 10 along the z-axis by surfaces 24 and 26 of channel 14a, and against movement along the x axis by the rod 4 and surface 25 of the bore / channel (see figure 4A). As a result, the threaded rod 4 is fixed relative to the housing element.

[0104] In the depicted embodiment, even though the coupler element is fixed to the threaded support rod, it can rotate around the threaded support rod. The one or more protrusions 20a and 20b are namely configured to slide through the helical groove between the raised ridges of the thread.

[0105] The housing element 10 and the locking element 18 may together be referred to as an attachment system. Figure 5 illustrates a threaded rod coupler element 7 according to an embodiment for coupling a first threaded rod to a second threaded rod. The threaded rod coupler element 7 comprises a first attachment system for attaching to the first threaded rod and a second attachment system as referred to above for attaching to the second threaded rod. The threaded rod coupler element 7 comprises a first housing element 10a and a second housing element 10b that are inseparable. The housing element 10a comprises a first bore 12a and the housing element 10b of the second attachment system comprises a second bore 12b. At least one of the first 12a and second 12b bore is a through bore. Preferably, the first and second bore 12a, 12b are both through bores. Further, a central axis 11a of the first bore and a central axis of the second bore 11b do not intersect.

[0106] Preferably, the central axis 11a of the first bore 12a and the central axis 11b of the second bore 12a, as viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the central axis 11a of the first bore and perpendicular to the central axis 11 b of the second bore, as viewed in a direction parallel to the y axis in figure 5, make an angle with each other. In the embodiment of figure 5, this angle is 90 degrees.

[0107] Such threaded rod coupler element 7 is highly advantageous in that it allows to easily make a configuration with threaded rods that cross over each other and to adjust the position of the threaded rods relative to each other even if the threaded rods are already supporting, directly or indirectly, pipe hangers that contain pipes or tubes.

[0108] Figure 10 shows different views on the locking element 18 shown in figure 6. In this embodiment, the locking element 18 comprises latch elements 28a, 28b that are configured to impede movement of the locking element back through the channel after the locking element has reached a certain position relative to the channel. Figure 11 clearly shows that each leg of the U-shaped locking element, has a part that emerges from the other side of the housing element 10 when the locking element 18 has been fully inserted into the channels. Each part of the locking element that emerges from the other side preferably comprise a latch element 28a, 28b configured to impede movement ofthe locking element back through the channel. At least part of the emerging parts of the locking element 18 may have, as viewed along the z-axis, a different direction than the direction in which the channel extends when the locking element has been inserted into the channel. In this case, the emerging part itself is or comprises a latch element.

[0109] Figures 12 - 17 show some possible configurations that may be formed with the coupler elements disclosed herein. In particular, figures 12, 13, 15, 17 show that coupler elements can be coupled to each other.

[0110] Figure 12 for example shows that coupler element 2b is coupled to coupler element 2a and that coupler element 2c is coupled to coupler element 2b. Further, pipe hangers 3a, 3b, 3c, in particular their internally threaded connectors 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, are threaded onto threaded rod ends of externally threaded rods of the coupler elements 2a, 2b, 2c. Note that only one threaded support rod 4 supports three pipe hangers 3a, 3b, 3c in this example.

[0111] As indicated in figure 12 by the double arrow, the position of coupler element 2a relative to the threaded support rod 4 may be adjusted, for example because the inclination of the tubes or pipes mounted in the pipe hangers has to be adjusted. This would involve removing the locking element from the housing element of coupler element 2a, adjusting the position to a desired position, and then inserting the locking element back into the housing element again. Note that such adjustment can be performed without having to demount the entire configuration. Of course, the longer the blind bore is that is present in the housing element of coupler element 2a, the more the position of coupler element 2a can be adjusted relative to threaded support rod 4.

[0112] Figure 13 shows an example where the threaded support rod 4 is mounted in a wall rather than in a ceiling.

[0113] Figure 14 shows a configuration where several coupler elements 5a, 5b, each having a housing element with a through bore, can be coupled to a single threaded rod 4 at different positions along the threaded rod. It should be appreciated that coupler element 5 may for example be rotated 90 degrees around the z axis which would allow pipes in the pipe hangers connected to coupler element 5b to cross over the pipe in the pipe hanger connected to coupler element 5a.

[0114] Figure 15 shows an example where two threaded support rods 4a, 4b support a horizontal threaded support rod 4c. The threaded support rods 4a, 4b, 4c are coupled to each other by threaded rod coupler elements 7a, 7b, as disclosed herein.

[0115] Figure 16 shows yet another example where a fourth threaded support rod 4d is coupled to the horizontal threaded support rod 4c by means of threaded rod coupler element 7c.

[0116] Figure 17 shows an example wherein two coupler element 5a, 5b are coupled together, each coupler element 5a, 5b having a housing element with a through bore and having two threaded rod ends.

[0117] Figure 18A illustrates an embodiment of a further coupler element 32 disclosed herein. This further coupler element is the same as the coupler element of figure 1 , except that the housing element 10 is different. In figure 18Athe housing element 10 comprises an internally threaded blind bore 34 that is configured to threadably engage with the treaded support rod 4.Figure 18B illustrates an embodiment of a further coupler element 36 disclosed herein. This further coupler element is the same as the coupler element of figure 3, except that the housing element 10 is different. In figure 18B the housing element 10 comprises an internally threaded through bore 34 that is configured to threadably engage with the treaded support rod 4.

[0118] Figure 19 shows different views of a locking element 18 according to an embodiment, which comprises a plurality of embossed portions, in the depicted embodiment four embossed portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. The locking element 18, just like the locking element shown in figure 10, comprises latch elements 28a, 28b that are configured to impede movement of the locking element back through the channel after the locking element has reached a certain position relative to the channel.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the embossed portions are vertically offset relative to one another. As can be clearly seen in the front view shown at the top center of Figure 19, embossed portion 50b is positioned higher than embossed portion 50a, and embossed portion 50d is positioned higher than embossed portion 50c. This vertical offset allows the embossed portions to engage with the pitch of the thread, since the thread extends helically rather than lying in a single plane.

[0120] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0121] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0122] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0123] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to obtain an advantage.

[0124] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupler element for coupling a pipe hanger to a threaded support rod, the coupler element comprisingone or more externally threaded rods, the one or more externally threaded rods comprising a threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a pipe hanger, anda connector system that is configured to fix the coupler element to the threaded support rod at a position along the threaded support rod, whereinthe connector system comprises a connector element configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod for sliding the coupler element along the threaded support rod to the position along the threaded support rod.

2. The coupler element according to claim 1 , wherein the coupler element is configured to couple to a second coupler element, the second coupler element being an identical copy of the coupler element, whereinthe connector system is configured to attach to an externally threaded rod out of the second coupler element’s one or more externally threaded rods.

3. The coupler element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more externally threaded rods comprise a second threaded rod end for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a second pipe hanger.

4. The coupler element according to claim 3, wherein the one or more externally threaded rods comprise a third threaded end rod for coupling the coupler element to an internally threaded connector of a third pipe hanger.

5. The coupler element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector element and the one or more externally threaded rods are inseparable.

6. The coupler element according to any of the preceding claims, whereinthe connector element is a housing element comprising a bore for receiving at least part of the threaded support rod, the bore being configured to slidably engage the threaded support rod, and whereinthe connector system comprises a locking system configured to lock the threaded support rod relative to the housing element while the threaded support rod sits in the bore.

7. The coupler element according to claim 6, whereinthe housing element comprises a channel between the bore and an external surface of the housing element, whereinthe locking system comprises a locking element comprising one or more protrusions, each of the one or more protrusions being configured to, upon the locking element being inserted through the channel into the bore while the threaded support rod sits in the bore, engage the threaded support rod and restrict, preferably prevent, a translational motion of the housing element relative to the threaded support rod, parallel to a central axis of the bore.

8. The coupler element according to claim 7, wherein each protrusion out of the one or more protrusions is a lip extending outwardly from a surface of the locking element, wherein the lip makes an angle with the surface from which it extends that is smaller than 50 degrees, preferably smaller than 30 degrees, more preferably smaller than 20 degrees.

9. The coupler element according to claim 7 or 8, whereinthe locking element is substantially U-shaped as viewed in a first direction, and wherein the locking element comprises two opposite surfaces facing each other along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein each surface out of the two opposite surfaces comprises a protrusion out of the one or more protrusions.

10. The coupler element according to any of claims 6 - 9, wherein the bore is a through bore or a blind bore.

11. The coupler element according to claims 1 and 2 and 3 and according to all of claims 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

12. A system comprisinga coupler element according to any of the preceding claims, andthe threaded support rod referred to in any of the preceding claims.

13. A method for suspending pipes and / or tubes, the method comprisingmaking an interconnected configuration of interconnected one or more coupler elements and one or more pipe hangers, this step comprising coupling one or more coupler elements according to any of the preceding claims to one or more pipe hangers,after having made the interconnected configuration, sliding a particular coupler element out of the one or more coupler elements along a threaded support rod to a position along the threaded support rod and fixing the particular coupler element to the threaded support rod at that position herewith suspending the interconnected configuration from the threaded support rod, and mounting one or more pipes and / or one or more tubes in the one or more pipe hangers.1714. The method according to claim 13, wherein making the interconnected configuration comprises coupling a plurality of coupler elements according to any of the preceding claims to each other.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprisingafter having fixed the particular coupler element to the threaded support rod at the position, releasing the coupler element from the threaded support rod and then adjusting the position of the particular coupler element along the threaded support rod and then fixing again the particular coupler element to the threaded support rod at the adjusted position.

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