Apparatus and System for Joining Ducts

Abstract

A fastener includes a stud having a central axis and a head. The head includes a first end engageable with the stud, a second end opposed from the first end, and a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 63/418,816, filed Oct. 24, 2022, titled “Apparatus and System for Joining Ducts”, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for joining structural components and, more particularly, for joining ducts sections and suspending ductwork.

BACKGROUND

Duct sections are typically joined together via a joint assembly system coupled with standard, off-the-shelf bolts or screws. Oftentimes, after assembly, ductwork is suspended from a structure or ceiling with a cable, such as wire cable. A common method for suspending ductwork includes simply passing the cable under the duct in a looped configuration and affixing that cable to the ceiling. Drawbacks to this methodology include instability if the cable is not secured to the duct. Other common methods include utilizing wire hanging systems to suspend ductwork from structures. Drawbacks to typical wire hanging systems include increased costs associated with purchasing additional parts, costs associated with additional installation, added weight, and potentially drilling additional holes in the ducts.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of joining and suspending ductwork.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a fastener.

In one example, the fastener includes a stud having a central axis and a head. The head includes a first end engageable with the stud, a second end opposed from the first end, and a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis.

Also disclosed is a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure.

In one example, the system includes a cable removably coupleable with the second structure and a fastener removably coupleable with the first structure, the fastener configured to receive the cable.

Further details and advantages of the disclosed fastener and system will become clear upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like parts are designated with like reference numerals throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fastener;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a system for suspending a first structure from a structure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure

FIG. 4A is a side schematic view of a fastener;

FIG. 4B is a side schematic view of a fastener;

FIG. 4C is a side schematic view of a fastener;

FIG. 4D is a side schematic view of a fastener;

FIG. 4E is a side schematic view of a fastener;

FIG. 4F is a side schematic view of a fastener;

FIG. 5A is a perspective schematic of a portion of a fastener;

FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional schematic of the portion of the fastener of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6A is a perspective schematic of a portion of a fastener;

FIG. 6B is a perspective schematic of a portion of a fastener;

FIG. 7A is a side cross-sectional schematic of a fastener;

FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional schematic of a fastener;

FIG. 8A is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8B is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8C is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8D is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8E is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8F is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8G is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure;

FIG. 8H is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure; and

FIG. 8I is a schematic of a system for suspending a first structure from a second structure.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is a fastener 100 for joining structural components, such as duct sections of a ductwork assembly. The fastener 100 may be engageable directly with the structural components or with assemblies coupled with the structural components, such as a flange type duct joint assembly, such as slip on flange, transverse duct flanges (TDF), or transverse duct connectors (TDC). The TDF and TDC styles form the flange on the duct by bending the duct wall ends over. The duct sections are joined in the same manner with corners or plates. Different types are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,218,079, 4,5847,56, and 5,022,688. Specifically, the TDF styles are known in the art, including as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,579,375, which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, the TDC styles are known in the art as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,641, which is incorporated herein by reference. The disclosed fastener 100 is compatible with any disclosed manner of joining ducts and streamlines and simplifies the processes of joining and suspending ductwork assemblies in that the disclosed fastener 100 is configured to join duct sections into a ductwork assembly and to receive a cable for suspending the ductwork assembly from a structure, such as a ceiling or suspension point.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fastener 100 includes a stud 110 having a central axis A_S. In one example, the stud 110 is threaded such that it is configured to receive and engage with a nut 140, washer, head 120, or any other threaded component. The entire stud 110 may be threaded or portions may be threaded at either end of the stud 110 for engagement with other components.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the fastener 100 further includes a head 120. The head 120 may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the stud 110 portion of the fastener 100. The head 120 includes a first end 122 engageable with the stud 110. In one example, the first end 122 of the head 120 is removably engageable with the stud 110. In another example, the first end 100 of the head 120 is threadedly engageable with the stud 110, see FIGS. 4C, 4D, and 4E. In yet another example, the first end 122 of the head 120 is integrated with the stud 110, see FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4F, such that it is a single, monolithic piece, such as a bolt 155. In one or more examples, the head 120 of the fastener 100 also includes a second end 124 opposed from the first end 122. In one example, the second end 124 of the head 120 is tapered.

Referring generally to FIGS. 4A-4F, the head 120 of the fastener 100 may have any shape and design suitable for the intended application. The head 120 may have a round or polygon shank, see FIGS. 6A and 6B. In one example, the head 120 is a continuous closed ring, see FIG. 4A, that is integral to the stud 110 such that they collectively form a single, monolithic piece defining the fastener 100. In yet another example, the head 120 of the fastener 100 is an open ring integral to the stud 110 such that they collectively form a single, monolithic piece defining the fastener 100, see FIG. 4B.

The head 120 of the fastener 100 further includes a bore 126 located between the first end 122 and the second end 124 having a central axis A_B. In one example, the central axis A_S of the stud 110 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis A_B of the bore 126. The bore 126 is configured to receive a cable 230, such as a metal wire, rope, or any other material having suitable properties for supporting a structure. In another example, the bore 126 is configured to receive a threaded rod 130, see FIG. 7B. The bore 126 may be positioned in such a manner relative to the stud 110, first structure 210, and second structure 220 such that the cable 230 is securely coupled to the first structure 210 as to limit movement of the first structure 210 relative to the second structure 200. The bore 126 may have a chamfer to reduce the sharp edge contact between the cable 230 and the bore 126. A chamfer may also be used to center cable 230 ends with a round or button type terminal fitting 240, see FIG. 7A.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in one or more examples, the head 120 of the fastener 100 may further include a second bore 128. The second bore 128 defines a second bore central axis A_B2 that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis A_S of the stud 110. In one example, the second bore central axis A_B2 is offset from the central axis A_B of the bore 126. In this configuration the cable 230 may be routed through the two bores (126, 128) to form a friction lock. In one example, both the first bore 126 and the second bore 126 may have a chamfer to reduce the sharp edge contact between the cable 230 and the respective bores 126, 128, see FIGS. 5A and 5B.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, also disclosed is a system 200 for suspending a first structure 210 from a structure 220. The system 200 includes a cable 230 removably coupleable to the second structure 220. The cable 230 may include any material or combination of materials. In one example, the cable 230 comprises metal wire. In one example, the cable 230 is directly coupled with the second structure 220. In another example, the cable 230 is coupled with an apparatus coupled with the second structure 220, such as a hook, a fastener, or any other means suitable for engagement with the cable 230.

In one non-limiting example, the first structure 210 is connected to a ceiling or ceiling support structure, such as a suspension point (structure 220). The cable 230 may optionally be positioned around a beam or truss. It is understood that the cable 230 may be secured via any means to any suitable suspension point provided within the system 200 and is not limited to any particular means of suspension.

The system 200 further includes a fastener 100 removably coupleable to the first structure 210 and configured to receive the cable 230. The fastener 100 may be threadedly engageable with the first structure 210. In one example, the fastener 100 is directly coupled with the first structure 210 via a threaded bore in the first structure 210. In another example, the fastener 100 is coupled, such as threadedly coupled, with an apparatus coupled with the first structure 210, such as a flange type duct joint assembly located on a duct structure or between two duct structures. In the latter example, the fastener 100 is configured to couple a first duct structure with a second duct structure and simultaneously receive the cable 230.

The fastener 100 of the system 200 includes a stud 110 having a central axis A_S. In one example, the stud 110 is threaded such that it is configured to receive and engage with a nut 140, washer, head 120, or any other threaded component. The entire stud 110 may be threaded or portions may be threaded at either end of the stud 110 for engagement with other components.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fastener 100 of the system 200 includes a head 120. The head 120 includes a first end 122 engageable with the stud 110. In one example, the first end 122 of the head 120 is removably engageable with the stud 110. In another example, the first end 100 of the head 120 is threadedly engageable with the stud 110. In yet another example, the first end 122 of the head 120 is integrated with the stud 110 such that it is a single, monolithic piece, such as a bolt 155. The head 120 may have a diameter greater than stud 110.

The head 120 of the fastener 100 of the system 200 may have any design suitable for the intended application. The head 120 may have a round or polygon shank. In one example, the head 120 is a continuous closed ring that is integral to the stud 110 such that they collectively form a single, monolithic piece defining the fastener 100. In another example, the head 120 of the fastener 100 is an open ring integral to the stud 110 such that they collectively form a single, monolithic piece defining the fastener 100.

In one or more examples, the head 120 of the fastener 100 of the system 200 includes a second end 124 opposed from the first end 122. In one example, the second end 124 of the head 120 is tapered.

The head 120 of the fastener 100 further includes a bore 126 between the first end 122 and the second end 124 having a central axis A_B. In one example, the central axis A_S of the stud 110 is substantially perpendicular to the central axis A_B of the bore 126. The bore 126 is configured to receive the cable 230, such as a metal wire, rope, or any other material having suitable properties for supporting a structure.

Still referring to FIG. 1, in one or more examples, the head 120 of the fastener 100 further includes a second bore 128. The second bore 128 defines a second bore central axis A_B2 that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis A_S of the stud 110. In one example, the second bore central axis A_B2 is offset from the central axis A_B of the bore.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, in one or more examples, the first structure 210 is a duct or joined ductwork and the second structure 220 is a ceiling. In another example, the second structure 220 is a structure coupled with a ceiling, such as a suspension point. The system 200 may accommodate any shape of ductwork, such as rounded ductwork. For example, the fastener 100 may be used to suspend a first structure 210 that is round, such as a round duct, from a second structure 230, such as a ceiling or a suspension point.

The system 200 may further include a second fastener 150 removably coupled with the first structure 210, or with an apparatus coupled with the first structure 210, such as a flanged portion 212 of the first structure 210. The second fastener 150 may be threadedly engageable with the first structure 210. The cable 230 may be engaged with the second fastener 150 in any suitable manner. In one example, the cable 230 may pass through the second fastener 150 and secure itself such that it forms a loop as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8I, the system 200 may be configured in various manners without limiting the scope of the system 200. For example, the cable 230 of the system 200 may couple with the first structure 210 via two or more points on the first structure 210 with any combination of fasteners 100 as shown and described herein. The system 200 may be configured such that the cable 230 may be compatible with any combination of fastener 100 located about the first structure 210. The system 200 may further be configured to utilize one or more fastener 100 as shown and described herein coupled with one or more threaded rod 130, FIG. 7B, for suspending from a second structure 220.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8I, the system 200 may include a fastener 100, a second fastener 150, and third fastener 125, and a fourth fastener 175. Each fastener 100, 125, 150, and 175 of the system 200 may be a bolt 155, a stud 110, another type of fastener, or a combination thereof. For example, the fastener 100 may be a bolt 155, the second fastener 150 may be a stud 110, the fourth fastener 175 may be a stud 110, and the third fastener may be a bolt 155. In another example, all four fasteners 100, 125, 150, and 175 of the system 200 may be a bolt 155 or may be a stud 110. It is understood that any combination of fastener style may be used for each of the fasteners 100, 125, 150, and 175 of the system 200.

The system 200 may further include a cable 230 and a second cable 232 coupled with one or more of the fasteners 100, 125, 150, and 175. For example, the cable 230 may be coupled with the fastener 100 and the second fastener 150, and the second cable 232 may be coupled with the third fastener 125 and the fourth fastener 175. In another example, the cable 230 may be coupled with the fastener 100, the second fastener 150, the third fastener 125, and the fourth fastener 175 such that the cable 230 wraps around the sides and bottom of the first structure 210. In yet another example, the cable 230 may be coupled with the fastener 100 and the third fastener 125. It is understood that any combination of connecting two or more of the fasteners 100, 125, 150, and 175 of the system 200 with the cable 230 or both the cable 230 and second cable 232 may be implemented.

Although various embodiments of the fastener and system for suspending ductwork have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A fastener comprising:

a stud having a central axis (AS); and

a head comprising: a first end engageable with the stud; a second end opposed from the first end; and a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis (AB).

2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the central axis (AS) of the stud is substantially perpendicular to the central axis (AB) of the bore.

3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first end of the head is removably engageable with the stud.

4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first end of the head is threadedly engageable with the stud.

5. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first end of the head is integrated with the stud such that it is a single, monolithic piece.

6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the second end of the head is tapered.

7. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the head comprises a second bore.

8. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the head is substantially ring shaped.

9. A system for suspending a first structure from a structure, the system comprising:

a cable removably coupleable with the second structure; and

a fastener removably coupleable with the first structure, the fastener configured to receive the cable.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the fastener is one of a bolt and a threaded rod.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the fastener comprises:

a stud having a central axis (AS); and

a head comprising: a first end engageable with the stud; a second end opposed from the first end; and a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis (AB), wherein the bore is configured to receive the cable.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first structure is a duct and the second structure is a suspension point.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the cable comprises metal wire.

14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a second fastener coupled with the first structure.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the cable is engaged with the second fastener.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first fastener and the second fastener is a bolt and wherein at least one of the third fastener and the fourth fastener is a bolt.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising a third fastener and a fourth fastener.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the cable is coupled with two or more of the fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the cable is coupled with the fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener.

20. The system of claim 17, further comprising a second cable.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the cable is coupled with one or more of the fastener and the second fastener and wherein the second cable is coupled with one or more of the third fastener and the fourth fastener.