Industrial hanger with rotational restraint

Abstract

An industrial hanger assembly for attaching to a truss. The truss includes a first angle iron and a second angle iron. The first angle iron has an upper surface and an inner surface. The second angle iron has an upper surface and an inner surface. The truss has a gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includes a first member. At least a portion of the first member is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The first member is operable to contact the upper surface of at least one of the first angle iron or the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includes a second member. At least a portion of the second member is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The second member is operable to restrict rotation of the first member with respect to the truss to less than 90 degrees of rotation by contacting at least the inner surface of the first angle iron.

Description

This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No. 10/641,603 entitled “Industrial Hanger” filed on Aug. 15, 2003.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to industrial hangers that include rotational restraints.

2. BACKGROUND

Many industrial buildings, such as warehouses, utilize trusses to support the roof of the buildings. The trusses are also utilized to support electrical lights, electrical conduits, and pipes of various sizes. Some of these trusses include two angle irons. As shown in FIG. 1, these angle irons each typically include two upper surfaces, a lower surface, an inner surface, and two outer surfaces. The inner surfaces of the two angle irons are attached to the webbing of the truss. As a result, along the inner surfaces of the two angle irons a number of gaps are formed.

One prior art industrial hanger assembly is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the prior art hanger 110 is clamped to a lower surface of an angle iron of a truss by a bolt 120. The prior art hanger 110 also supports an all-thread rod 130. The height of the all-thread rod 130 is adjusted by setting the position of a nut 140 with respect to the all-thread rod 130. Items such as conduit hangers are then attached to the all-thread rod 130.

One disadvantage of the above industrial hanger assembly is that the industrial hanger cannot be readily installed from the floor of an industrial building. Instead, the installer typically elevates himself, via a lift or a ladder, to the height of the truss so that he can manipulate the bolt 120 and install the prior art hanger. Sometimes obstructions, such as large electrical equipment, do not permit an installer to be readily elevated so that he can install the prior art hanger 110. In addition, hanger installation time would be reduced and safety would be enhanced if the installer could install an industrial hanger from the floor of an industrial building. Thus, a need exists for an industrial hanger that can be readily installed from the floor of an industrial building.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention is an industrial hanger assembly for attaching to a truss. The truss includes a first angle iron and a second angle iron. The first angle iron has an upper surface and an inner surface. The second angle iron has an upper surface and an inner surface. The truss has a gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includes a first member. At least a portion of the first member is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The first member is operable to contact the upper surface of at least one of the first angle iron or the second angle iron. The hanger assembly includes a second member. At least a portion of the second member is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron. The second member is operable to restrict rotation of the first member with respect to the truss to less than 90° degrees of rotation by contacting at least the inner surface of the first angle iron.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents a prior art industrial hanger assembly.

FIG. 2 presents an industrial hanger assembly.

FIG. 3 presents an exploded view of the industrial hanger assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 presents a detailed view of a T-bar assembly.

FIG. 5 presents a method of installing a hanger assembly onto a truss.

FIG. 6 presents another hanger assembly.

FIG. 7 presents another T-bar assembly.

FIG. 8 presents another method of installing a hanger assembly onto a truss.

FIG. 9 presents another industrial hanger assembly.

FIG. 10 presents a more detailed drawing of a portion of the industrial hanger assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 presents a top view of a portion of the industrial hanger assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 presents an isometric view of a T-bar assembly that includes a fixed T-bar rotational restraint.

FIG. 13 presents a method of installing a hanger assembly, which includes a sliding T-bar rotational restraint, onto a truss.

FIG. 14 presents a method of installing a hanger assembly, which includes a fixed T-bar rotational restraint, onto a truss.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

5.1 One Embodiment of an Industrial Hanger Assembly

One embodiment of the invention is the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 2. An exploded view of this industrial hanger assembly is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the industrial hanger assembly includes a T-bar assembly 210. A more detailed drawing of the T-bar assembly 210 is shown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, one embodiment of the T-bar assembly includes a T-bar 410. In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar 410 contains two tabs 413 and 416. The two tabs 413 and 416 are typically configured so that they can engage the outer vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons of a truss. As a result, the two tabs 413 and 416 can rotationally restrain the T-bar assembly with respect to a truss, such as the truss shown in FIG. 2. The thickness of the T-bar 410 is typically configured so that the T-bar 410 can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. The T-bar 410 can be formed from a number of materials. For example, the T-bar 410 could be formed from steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

The T-bar assembly shown in FIG. 4 also includes a threaded rod 420. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod 420 is a low carbon steel all-thread rod. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod 420 includes an ANSI thread while in other embodiments of the invention the threaded rod 420 includes a metric thread. The threaded rod 420 is configured so that it can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. Like the T-bar 410, the threaded rod 420 can be formed from a number of materials such as steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 4, the threaded rod 420 is attached to the T-bar 410. For example, if the T-bar 410 is formed from a steel plate and contains a cutout and the threaded rod 420 is formed from steel, then they could be. attached by welds (not shown). Alternatively, if the threaded rod 420 is slotted to accept a portion of the T-bar 410, the T-bar 410 and the threaded rod 420 could be attached by a fastener, such as a bolt, screw or pin (not shown). If the T-bar 410 and the threaded rod 420 are both formed from plastic, then they could be molded as a single part.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the industrial hanger assembly includes a T-bar coupling 220. The top portion of the T-bar coupling 220 contains a thread that engages the thread on the T-bar assembly 210. Thus, by rotating the T-bar coupling 220 with respect to the T-bar assembly 210, the distance between the two parts can be easily increased or decreased. The outer diameter of the top portion of the T-bar coupling 220 is typically of sufficient size so that it will not fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. For example, the outer diameter of the top portion of the T-bar coupling 220 may be 1 inch. The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 220 is adapted to interface with conventional items that are typically hung from trusses. The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 220 may interface with pipes, electrical junction boxes, lighting fixtures, conduit hangers, etc. As an example, the lower portion of the T-bar coupling 220 shown in FIG. 2 includes pipe threads that can interface with a pipe.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the industrial hanger assembly also includes conventional pipes 230, 250, and 270, conventional electrical junction boxes 240 and 260, and a lighting fixture 280.

5.2 A Method of Installing an Industrial Hanger Assembly

There are several methods of attaching the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 3 to a truss. One method of attaching the industrial hanger assembly is presented in FIG. 5. First, as shown in Block 510, the lighting fixture 380 is conventionally attached to a first pipe 370. Next, as shown in Block 520 the first pipe 370 is then conventionally attached to a first electrical junction box 360. Then, as shown in Block 530, the first electrical junction box 360 is conventionally attached to a second pipe 350. As shown in Block 540, the second pipe 350 is then conventionally attached to a second electrical junction box 340. Next, as shown in Block 550, the second electrical junction box 340 is conventionally attached to a third pipe 330. Then, as shown in Block 560, the third pipe 330 is connected to a T-bar coupling 320 by engaging the pipe thread on the lower portion of the T-bar coupling 320 with the pipe thread on the upper portion of the third pipe 330 and then rotating the T-bar coupling 320 with respect to the third pipe 330. Next, as shown in Block 570, the thread of the T-bar assembly 310 is connected to the T-bar coupling 320 by engaging the threads of the two parts and by rotating the T-bar assembly 310 with respect to the T-bar coupling 320. After a few rotations of the T-bar assembly 310, the T-bar assembly 310 will be attached to the T-bar coupling 320. However, the vertical distance between the top surface of the T-bar coupling 320, and the tabs of the T-bar assembly 310 will be greater than the height of the angle irons in the lower portion of the truss.

Next, as shown in Block 580, the industrial hanger assembly is positioned so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly 310 slides between the two angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 590, the T-bar assembly 310 is rotated approximately 90 degrees, which can be accomplished by rotating the lighting fixture 380 by 90 degrees. Next, as also shown in Block 590, the industrial hanger assembly is lowered so that the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 310 engages the top surfaces of the angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 595, the lighting fixture 380 is rotated. This rotation causes the T-bar assembly 310 to rotate until at least one of the tabs of the T-bar assembly 310 engages the outer surfaces of at least one of the lower angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. As the lighting fixture 380 is continually rotated, the T-bar coupling 320 will increase in height until the upper surface of the T-bar coupling 320 engages the lower surface of at least one of the angle irons that form the lower portion of the truss. At this time, the industrial hanger assembly is securely attached to the truss.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely install the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 3 without having to be elevated to the height of the truss.

5.3 A Second Embodiment of an Industrial Hanger Assembly

A second embodiment of an industrial hanger assembly is shown in FIG. 6. This industrial hanger assembly includes a T-bar assembly 610. A more detailed drawing of T-bar assembly 610 is shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 7, one embodiment of the T-bar assembly includes a T-bar 710. In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar 710 includes two tabs, 713 and 716. The two tabs 713 and 716 are typically configured so that they can engage the outer vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons of a truss. As a result, the two tabs 713 and 716 can rotationally restrain the T-bar with respect to a truss, such as the truss shown in FIG. 6. The thickness of the T-bar 710 is typically configured so that the T-bar 710 can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. The T-bar 710 shown in FIG. 7 contains a thread that is intended to interface with an all-thread rod 720. This thread can be ANSI or metric or any other suitable thread. The T-bar 710 can be formed from a number of materials. For example, the T-bar 710 could be formed from steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

The T-bar assembly shown in FIG. 7 also includes a threaded rod 720. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod 720 is a low carbon steel all-thread rod. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod 720 includes an ANSI thread while in other embodiments of the invention the threaded rod 720 includes a metric thread. The threaded rod 720 is configured so that it can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss. Like the T-bar 710, the threaded rod 720 can be formed from a number of materials such as steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 7, the all-thread rod 720 can be attached to the T-bar 710 by engaging the threads of the two parts and by rotating the T-bar 710 with respect to the all-thread rod 720.

The T-bar assembly shown in FIG. 7 also includes two nuts 730 and 740 and a washer 750. The two nuts 730 and 740 may be utilized to set the lowermost position of the washer 750, which in some embodiments of the invention is a lock-washer, with respect to the all-thread rod 720. Other embodiments of the T-bar assembly can utilize a single nut that is restrained from rotating with respect to the all-thread rod, such as by a weld or by lock-tight. Still other embodiments of the T-bar assembly secure the lowermost position of the washer 750 by welding the washer to the all-thread rod. The washer 750 is typically of sufficient size so that it will not fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the lower angle irons in a truss.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the T-bar assembly 610 is attached to a pipe hanger 620. The pipe hanger 620 can be attached to the T-bar assembly 610 by using conventional methods such as nuts, as shown in FIG. 6.

5.4 A Second Method of Installing an Industrial Hanger Assembly

There are several methods of attaching the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 6 to a truss. One method of attaching the industrial hanger assembly is presented in FIG. 8. First, as shown in Block 810, the pipe hanger 620 is attached to the T-bar assembly 610. For example, two nuts could be utilized to attach the pipe hanger 620 to the T-bar assembly 610. Next, as shown in Block 820, the industrial hanger assembly is positioned so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly 610 slides between the two angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 830, the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610 is rotated approximately 90 degrees, which can be accomplished by rotating the pipe hanger 620 by 90 degrees. Next as is shown in Block 840, the industrial hanger assembly is lowered so that the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610 engages the top surfaces of the angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 850, the pipe hanger 620 is rotated. This rotation causes the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610 to rotate until at least one of the tabs of the T-bar assembly 610 engages the outer surfaces of at least one of the lower angle irons in the lower portion of the truss. As the pipe hanger 620 is continually rotated, the all-thread rod of the T-bar assembly 610 will continue to rotate but the T-bar of the T-bar assembly 610 will not rotate because one or more tabs of the T-bar assembly 610 are in contact with the truss. Thus, the all-thread rod will increase in height until the washer of the T-bar assembly 610 contacts the lower surface of at least one angle iron of the truss. At this time, the industrial hanger assembly is securely attached to the truss.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely install the hanger assembly shown in FIG. 6 without having to be elevated to the height of the truss.

5.5 A Third Embodiment of the Industrial Hanger Assembly

A third embodiment of the invention is the industrial hanger assembly 900 shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, the industrial hanger assembly 900 includes a T-bar assembly. The T-bar assembly includes a T-bar 910 and a threaded rod 920. The industrial hanger assembly 900 also includes a T-bar coupler 930 and a T-bar rotational restraint 940. A more detailed drawing of a portion of industrial hanger assembly 900 is shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 10, the T-bar 1010 contains two tabs 1013 and 1016. As shown in FIG. 10, the two tabs 1013 and 1016 can be configured so that they engage the upper surfaces of the upper angle irons of a truss.

In other embodiments of the invention, the two tabs can be configured so that they can engage the outer surfaces 1045 and 1047 of the upper angle irons of a truss. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the tabs would be separated by a distance that is greater than the distance between the outer surfaces 1045 and 1047 of the upper angle irons of a truss. In such embodiments, the tabs 1013 and 1016 could be utilized to rotationally restrain the T-bar assembly with respect to a truss.

The thickness of T-bar 1010 is typically configured so that T-bar 1010 can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss. T-bar 1010 can be formed from a number of materials. For example, T-bar 1010 could be formed from steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

The industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 10 also includes a threaded rod 1020. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod is a low carbon steel all-thread rod. In some embodiments of the invention, the threaded rod includes an ANSI thread while in other embodiments of the invention the threaded rod includes a metric thread. Threaded rod 1020 is configured so that it can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss. Like the T-bar 1010, the threaded rod 1020 can be formed from a number of materials such as steel, aluminum, nylon, or plastic.

As shown in FIG. 10, the threaded rod 1020 is attached to the T-bar 1010. For example, if the T-bar 1010 is formed from a steel plate and contains a cutout and the threaded rod 1020 is formed from steel, then they could be attached by welds (not shown). Alternatively, if the threaded rod 1020 is slotted to accept a portion of the T-bar 1010, the T-bar 1010 and the threaded rod 1020 could be attached by a fastener, such as a bolt, screw or pin (not shown). If the T-bar 1010 and the threaded rod 1020 are both formed from plastic, then they could be molded as a single part. Similarly, the T-bar 1010 and threaded rod 1020 could be molded from steel in an investment mold.

Referring again to FIG. 9, the industrial hanger assembly includes a T-bar coupling 930. The top portion of the T-bar coupling 930 contains a thread that engages the thread on the threaded rod 920. Thus, by rotating the T-bar coupling 930 with respect to the threaded rod 920, the distance between the T-bar 910 and the coupler 930 can be easily increased or decreased. The outer diameter of the top portion of the T-bar coupling 930 is typically of sufficient size so that it will not fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss. For example, the outer diameter of the top portion of the T-bar coupling 930 may be 1 inch. The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 930 is adapted to interface with conventional items that are typically hung from trusses. The lower portion of the T-bar coupling 930 may interface with pipes, electrical junction boxes, lighting fixtures, conduit hangers, etc. Thus, the lower portion of the T-bar coupling 930 could include pipe threads that can interface with a pipe.

Other embodiments of the invention do not utilize a T-bar coupler. Such embodiments of the invention could utilize one or more nuts and one or more washers in lieu of a T-bar coupler.

As shown in FIG. 10, the industrial hanger assembly includes a T-bar rotational restraint 1040. T-bar rotational restraint 1040 includes two slots that receive a portion of T-bar 1010. T-bar rotational restraint 1040 also includes four walls that can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss. T-bar rotational restraint 1040 is configured so that it cannot freely rotate within the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons in a truss.

A top view of the industrial hanger assembly of FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, at least a portion of the T-bar rotational restraint 1 140 fits between the inner vertical surfaces 1150 and 1160 of the upper angle irons in a truss. When the T-bar assembly is rotated with respect to the truss, the outer corners of the T-bar rotational restraint 1140 contact the inner vertical surfaces 1150 and 1160 of the angle irons. Thus, only a limited amount of rotation of the T-bar assembly with respect to the truss is allowed. In some embodiments of the invention, a rotational restraint restricts rotation of the T-bar assembly to less than 90 degrees. In other embodiments of the invention the rotation is restricted to 180, 135, 100, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, or 5 degrees.

Referring again to FIG. 11, it is evident that if the T-bar rotational restraint 1140 is rotated approximately 45 degrees with respect to the truss, then the T-bar rotational restraint 1140 would not pass between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons.

Referring again to FIG. 10, in some embodiments of the invention, the rotation of the T-bar assembly is limited so that the tabs 1013 and 1016 of T-bar 1010 remain in contact with the upper surfaces of the upper angle irons of a truss. In other embodiments of the invention, such as embodiments of the invention in which the T-bar does not include tabs, the rotation is limited so that the bottom edge of the outer surfaces of the T-bar remains in contact with the upper surfaces of the upper angle irons of a truss.

In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar rotational restraint is fixed with respect to the T-bar assembly. For example, the rotational restraint 1040 can be welded to the T-bar 1010 and/or the threaded rod 1020. A T-bar rotational restraint that is fixed with respect to the T-bar assembly will be referred to as a “fixed T-bar rotational restraint.”

In other embodiments of the invention, the rotational restraint can slide along the threaded rod. A T-bar rotational restraint that can slide along the threaded rod will be referred to as a “sliding T-bar rotational restraint.” In embodiments of the invention that include a sliding T-bar rotational restraint, the sliding T-bar rotational restraint can be clamped between a T-bar and a T-bar coupler (or a nut). For example, when T-bar coupler 930 is rotated with respect to T-bar 910 so that the distance between T-bar 910 and T-bar coupler 930 (or a nut) is decreased, then T-bar coupler 930 (or a nut) can raise a sliding T-bar rotational restraint until the sliding T-bar rotational restraint is clamped between T-bar 910 and T-bar coupler 930 (or a nut).

In some embodiments of the invention, the sliding T-bar rotational restraint can be configured so that, when clamped between a T-bar and a T-bar coupling (or a nut), the bottom surface of the sliding T-bar rotational restraint is approximately the same height as the bottom surface of the upper or lower angle irons of a truss. In such embodiments, the T-bar coupler (or a nut) can be utilized to secure both the sliding T-bar rotational restraint and the upper or lower angle irons of a truss to a T-bar assembly.

In still other embodiments of the invention, the T-bar coupling (or a nut) can be rotated so that it translates the sliding T-bar rotational restraint. This translation may cause one or more slots in the sliding T-bar rotational restraint to engage a portion of the T-bar. In some embodiments of the invention, the slots of the sliding T-bar rotational restraint are of sufficient depth so that the slots engage the T-bar but the sliding T-bar rotational restraint is not clamped between the T-bar and the T-bar coupler (or a nut).

In still other embodiments of the invention, the slots in a sliding T-bar rotational restraint are configured to engage a T-bar and also to clamp a sliding T-bar rotational restraint between the T-bar coupler (or a nut) and the T-bar.

In other embodiments of the invention, a fixed rotational restraint can be configured so that the bottom surface of the fixed rotational restraint does not contact a T-bar coupler when the T-bar coupler secures a T-bar assembly to a truss.

A T-bar rotational restraint can be formed from a number of materials, such as steel, aluminum, plastic or nylon. For example, a T-bar rotational restraint can be formed from a flat-sided steel tube. Such a tube can be cut at a 45-degree angle from the centerline of a flat-sided tube to generate the top surface of T-bar rotational restraint 1040. A tube can also be cut perpendicular to the centerline of the tube to generate the top surface of T-bar rotational restraint 1240, which is shown in FIG. 12.

T-bar rotational restraints can be formed from materials other than tubes. For example, rotational restraints could be formed from one or more plates, one or more fasteners, or an investment casting.

While not shown in FIGS. 9 through 12, industrial hanger assemblies could also include conventional items such as pipes 230, 250, and 270, conventional electrical junction boxes 240 and 260, a lighting fixture 280, or pipe holder 620.

5.6 Methods of Installing an Industrial Hanger

Assembly with a Sliding T-Bar Rotational Restraint

There are several methods of attaching an industrial hanger assembly that includes a sliding T-bar rotational restraint to a truss. One method of attaching such an industrial hanger assembly is presented in FIG. 13. First, as shown in Block 1310, a conventional device, such as a pipe hanger or electrical junction box, is conventionally attached to a pipe. Next, as shown in Block 1320, the pipe is then attached to a T-bar coupling by engaging the pipe thread on the lower portion of the T-bar coupling with the pipe thread on the upper portion of the pipe and then rotating the T-bar coupling with respect to the pipe.

Next, as shown in Block 1330, a sliding T-bar rotational restraint is inserted over the threaded rod of a T-bar assembly. Then, as shown in Block 1340, the T-bar assembly is connected to the T-bar coupling by engaging the threads of the two parts and by rotating the T-bar assembly with respect to the T-bar coupling. After a few rotations of the T-bar assembly, the T-bar assembly will be attached to the T-bar coupling and the sliding T-bar rotational restraint will be allowed to rotate freely with respect to the T-bar assembly. Further, the sliding T-bar rotational restraint will be able to slide along the centerline of the T-bar assembly's threaded rod. At this point in the installation process, the vertical distance between the top surface of the T-bar coupling, and the tabs of the T-bar assembly (if present) will be greater than the height of the angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss.

Next, as shown in Block 1350, the industrial hanger assembly is positioned so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly slides between the two angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 1360, the T-bar assembly is rotated so that at least a portion of the T-bar assembly is directly above the upper surface of the angle irons. For example, this rotation can be accomplished by rotating the above-mentioned pipe by approximately 90 degrees. Next, as shown in Block 1370, the industrial hanger assembly is lowered so that the T-bar of the T-bar assembly contacts the top surfaces of the angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 1380, the pipe is rotated. This rotation causes the T-bar coupling to increase in height until the upper surface of the T-bar coupling engages the lower surface of at least one of the angle irons that form the upper or lower portion of the truss. The rotation of the T-bar coupling may also cause the sliding T-bar rotational restraint to increase in height until slots in the sliding T-bar rotational restraint either engage the T-bar and/or the sliding T-bar rotational restraint is clamped between the T-bar and the T-bar coupling. At this point in the installation process, the industrial hanger assembly is securely attached to the truss because the T-bar assembly can no longer rotate so that the T-bar can fit between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons of the truss.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely install the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 9 without having to be elevated to the height of the truss. In addition, with the use of a universal joint inserted on the bottom end of the pipe or another device that can position and turn the pipe from the ground, an installer can safely install the industrial hanger assembly shown in FIG. 9 from the ground.

As is evident from the above description, one or more nuts and one or more washers could be utilized in lieu of the T-bar coupler in the above method.

5.7 Methods of Installing an Industrial Hanger

Assembly with a Fixed T-Bar Rotational Restraint

There are several methods of attaching an industrial hanger assembly that includes a fixed T-bar rotational restraint, such as is shown in FIG. 12, to a truss. One method of attaching such an industrial hanger assembly is presented in FIG. 14. First, as shown in Block 1410, a conventional device, such as a pipe hanger or electrical junction box, is conventionally attached to a pipe. Next, as shown in Block 1420, the pipe is then attached to a T-bar coupling by engaging the pipe thread on the lower portion of the T-bar coupling with the pipe thread on the upper portion of the pipe and then rotating the T-bar coupling with respect to the pipe.

Next, as shown in Block 1430, the T-bar assembly is connected to the T-bar coupling by engaging the threads of the two parts and by rotating the T-bar assembly with respect to the T-bar coupling. After a few rotations of the T-bar assembly, the T-bar assembly will be attached to the T-bar coupling. At this point in the installation process, the vertical distance between the top surface of the T-bar coupling and the tabs of the T-bar assembly (if present) will be greater than the height of the angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss.

Next, as shown in Block 1440, the industrial hanger assembly is positioned so that at least a portion of the fixed T-bar rotational restraint slides between the two angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss. Then, as shown in Block 1450, the T-bar assembly is rotated approximately so that at least a portion of the T-bar is above the upper surfaces of the angle irons. This rotation can be accomplished by rotating the above-mentioned pipe by approximately 90 degrees. Next, as shown in Block 1460, the industrial hanger assembly is lowered so that the T-bar contacts the top surfaces of the angle irons in the upper or lower portion of the truss. This lowering also places at least a portion of the fixed T-bar rotational restraint between the inner vertical surfaces of the upper or lower angle irons of the truss. At this point the T-bar assembly is rotationally constrained with respect to the truss.

Then, as shown in Block 1470, the pipe is rotated. This rotation causes the T-bar coupling to increase in height until the upper surface of the T-bar coupling engages the lower surface of at least one of the angle irons that form the upper or lower portion of the truss. At this point in the installation process, the industrial hanger assembly is securely attached to the truss. In some embodiments of the invention, the T-bar coupling does not contact the lower surface of the fixed T-bar rotational restraint. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the T-bar coupling contacts the lower surface of the fixed T-bar rotational restraint when the T-bar coupling contacts the lower surface of an angle iron.

As is evident in the above description, an installer can safely install the industrial hanger assembly without having to be elevated to the height of the truss. In addition, with the use of a universal joint inserted on the bottom end of the pipe or another device that can position and turn the pipe from the ground, an installer can safely install the industrial hanger assembly from the ground.

As is evident from the above description, one or more nuts and one or more washers could be utilized in lieu of the T-bar coupler in the above method.

5.8 Conclusion

The foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the forms disclosed. For example, some of the above-described T-bar rotational restraints utilize slots to rotationally restrain T-bar assemblies. However, other items, such as fasteners, tapers, indentions, notches, holes and even adhesives could be utilized to rotationally restrain a T-bar rotational restraint with respect to a T-bar assembly. Accordingly, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art.

As another example, the above-described T-bar assemblies include a threaded rod with threads along the entire length of the rod. However, such threads need not be along the entire length of the rod. In addition, other T-bar assemblies could utilize tubes instead of rods. Further, some embodiments of the invention need not utilize threads at all.

As still another example, the above-described T-bar coupling includes an internal pipe thread for coupling to a pipe. However, other embodiments of the invention may utilize external threads to couple directly to an electrical junction box, or a light fixture.

Additionally, the above disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hanger assembly for attaching to a truss, the truss having a first angle iron and a second angle iron, the first angle iron having an upper surface, and an inner surface, the second angle iron having an upper surface, and an inner surface, the truss having a gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron, the hanger assembly comprising:

a) a first member, at least a portion of which is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron, the first member operable to contact the upper surface of at least one of the first angle iron or the second angle iron; and

b) a second member, at least a portion of which is operable to fit within the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron, the second member operable to restrict rotation of the first member with respect to the truss to less than 90 degrees of rotation by contacting at least the inner surface of the first angle iron.

2. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member is fixed to the first member.

3. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member restricts rotation of the first member with respect to the truss by contacting the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron.

4. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member includes a tube.

5. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod and the second member can slide along the centerline of the threaded rod.

6. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod and the second member includes a tube that can slide along the centerline of the threaded rod.

7. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member includes a tube that is fixed to the first member.

8. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member includes a slot for receiving at least a portion of the first member.

9. The hanger assembly of claim 8, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler operable to translate the second member with respect to the first member so that the slot receives at least a portion of the first member.

10. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the second member includes two slots for receiving at least a first portion and a second portion of the first member.

11. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler operable to clamp the second member between the first member and the coupler.

12. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler operable to clamp the second member between the first member and the coupler, the coupler also operable to secure the hangar assembly to the truss.

13. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler including a first thread for engaging the threaded rod and a second thread for engaging a pipe.

14. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second member is formed from a flat-sided steel tube.

15. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second member is formed from a plate.

16. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second member is formed from a fastener.

17. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler being operable to support at least one of an electrical junction box, a light fixture, and a pipe hanger.

18. The hanger assembly of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a threaded rod, the hanger assembly further comprises a coupler, the coupler being operable to secure the first member to the truss without contacting the second member.

19. A method of installing a hanger assembly on a truss, the truss having a first angle iron and a second angle iron, the first angle iron having an inner surface and an upper surface, the second angle iron having an inner surface and an upper surface, the truss having a gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron, the method comprising

a) inserting at least a portion of the hanger assembly in the gap between the inner surface of the first angle iron and the inner surface of the second angle iron;

b) rotating at least a portion of the hanger assembly so that at least a portion of the hanger assembly is over the upper surface of the first angle iron; and

c) restraining the rotation of the hanger assembly with respect to the truss by causing at least a portion of the hanger assembly to contact the inner surface of the first angle iron.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a rod and a rotational restraint, the method further includes inserting the rotational restraint over the rod.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, the method further includes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the coupler to translate.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, the method further includes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the coupler and the rotational restraint to translate.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a member, a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, the method further includes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the rotational restraint to be clamped between the member and the coupler.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a member, a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, and a rotational restraint, the method further includes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the rotational restraint to be clamped between the member and the coupler, the rotating also causing the first angle iron to be clamped between the member and the coupler.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a member, a threaded rod, a coupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, and a rotational restraint that includes a slot, the method further includes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the rotational restraint to translate so that the slot engages at least a portion of the member.

26. The method of claim 19, wherein the hanger assembly includes a member, a threaded rod, and a coupler that includes a thread that engages the threaded rod, the method further includes rotating the coupler with respect to the threaded rod, the rotating causing the coupler to translate until the first angle iron is clamped between the member and the coupler.