AU2010219365B2

AU2010219365B2 - A Bracket, System Including Same and Method of Use

Info

Publication number: AU2010219365B2
Application number: AU2010219365A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Richard Keith Chapman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-09
Filing date: 2010-09-09
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-09
Also published as: AU2010219365A1

Abstract

Abstract A bracket for use in an elevated conduit or cable suspension system, the system including a basket for holding a conduit or cable, the bracket having a pair of arm members and a suspension portion, the arm members diverging outwardly 5 from the suspension portion and each arm member having a gripping portion for at least temporary retention of a portion of the basket relative thereto - 1T 13 Fg 13 Figure 10

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Invention Title: A BRACKET, SYSTEM INCLUDING SAME AND METHOD OF USE Applicant: Richard Keith Chapman The invention is described in the following statement: 2 A BRACKET, SYSTEM INCLUDING SAME AND METHOD OF USE Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to cable support systems and particular, a bracket for use in a cable support system. 5 Background Art. There are a variety of cable support systems conventionally used and a sample of the support members used in conventional cable support systems is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5. The support members vary from the "ladder" illustrated in Figure 1 to 10 the cable track illustrated in Figure 2 to a closable cable duct illustrated in Figure 4 to the more conventional cable tray illustrated in two different embodiments in Figures 3 and 5. The cable ladder, cable duct and cable trays are typically supported or suspended using what is called a "trapeze" assembly. The trapeze includes a pair of 15 elongate rods which are each attached to a support member and which hang down on either lateral side of the cable ladder or tray. An elongate trapeze member extends crosswise beneath the ladder or tray and is attached through openings provided in the trapeze, to each of the elongate rods. The cable ladder, tray or duct is therefore suspended by a member on 20 either side of the ladder, tray or duct and a number of trapeze assemblies are spaced over the length of the support member. The cable track illustrated in Figure 2 is typically suspended using a single member suspended from the support member and which engages the central beam of the cable track. 25 Alternatively, the tray, ladder or duct may be supported using a cantilevered bracket which is attached to a substantially vertical support surface and extends underneath the tray, ladder or duct. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part 30 of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to a bracket, system including same and method of use, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the 3 abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a cable basket or cable tray suspension bracket when used in an elevated 5 conduit or cable suspension system, the system including a basket for holding a conduit or cable, the bracket having a pair of arm members and a suspension portion, the arm members diverging outwardly and downwardly from the suspension portion and each arm member having a basket gripping hook for at least temporary retention of a portion of the basket relative thereto. 10 According to an alternative embodiment, the present invention resides in an elevated conduit or cable suspension system including at least one elongate support basket or tray for holding a plurality of conduit or cables, each at least one elongate support basket or tray suspended from a suspension member by at least one suspension bracket, each suspension bracket having a pair of arm members and a suspension portion, 15 the arm members diverging outwardly and downwardly from the suspension portion and each arm member having a basket or tray gripping hook for at least temporary retention of a portion of the elongate support basket or tray relative thereto. The elevated conduit or cable suspension system may be adapted to suspend any type or number of cables or conduits. Normally, the elevated cable 20 suspension system will be directed towards suspending or supporting electrical or other cables necessary, relative to a suspension member. Typically, the elevated conduit or cable suspension system is suspended from either an overhead member such as a ceiling member, rafter or even the underside of the floor of the level above. 25 Normally, the elevated conduit or cable suspension system includes at least one elongate support member for holding a plurality of conduit or cables. Typically, the support member will be elongate. Any of the support members or structures illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 may be used in association with the bracket of the present invention to form an elevated conduit or cable suspension system. 30 According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the elevated conduit or cable suspension system includes a wireframe basket as the preferred support member. According to this embodiment, the basket will be substantially U-shaped in cross-section, having a pair of side structures and a substantially planar base structure.

4 Typically, there will be an elongate rail or similar on either side structure, typically at an upper portion thereof. The support members may be laid out in any pattern. Typically, the suspension system will be modular allowing different portions to be attached together 5 to form the suspension system. Corner portions may be provided or formed from substantially straight basket portions with sections removed to allow curving of the basket. In addition, other more complex structures such as T-connections and X connections may be formed by removal of portions of a straight basket and the forming the remaining portions of the basket. 10 The preferred basket may have any dimension and the members forming the basket may have any dimension. Further, the preferred basket may be formed of any material but typically, a light metal is preferred. The bracket of the present invention will typically be oriented to suspend the basket or other support member from a substantially horizontal support 15 member or surface. The bracket includes a suspension portion which is typically oriented uppermost in use. The suspension portion is typically used to suspend the bracket, and thereby the basket or other support members, relative to the support structure. The suspension portion may be attached directly to the support 20 structure or alternatively, the suspension portion may be attached to or relative to a suspension assembly used to space the bracket from the support structure. There is typically at least one opening in the suspension portion in order to attach the suspension portion to or relative to the support structure. Whilst any attachment mechanism may be used, an attachment opening is preferred. 25 There are therefore two mechanisms of attachment, one in which the suspension portion is attached directly to the support structure and the second where the suspension portion is spaced from the support structure. According to the direct attachment embodiment, a fastener will preferably pass directly through the opening in of the suspension portion. Preferably, 30 a portion of the fastener or fastening system will abut the suspension portion adjacent the opening in order to attach the bracket. Accordingly, the suspension portion is normally sandwiched between the support structure and a portion of the fastener or fastening system.

5 Normally, the fastening system includes at least one nut or similar to engage a threaded fastener which is typically embedded into the support structure. Preferably, the suspension portion will be a planar portion. Normally, the suspension portion will space the upper ends of the arm members from one 5 another sufficiently to provide access to the fastener. Normally, the suspension portion is integrally formed with the arm members. Indeed, the bracket is typically formed from a single piece of metal strip or similar bent to assume the preferred configuration. The bracket is not required to be a strip and may have any cross-sectional shape. 10 According to the alternative embodiment in which the bracket is indirectly attached to the support structure to space the bracket from the support structure, the bracket is normally located relative to a suspension assembly in order to space the support member from the support structure. Preferably, the suspension assembly includes an elongate rod or 15 similar. The rod is typically attached at one end to or relative to the support structure and extends downwardly away from the support structure. An attachment portion is normally provide at or adjacent the lower end of the elongate rod in order to attach the bracket to the elongate rod. The rod typically includes a threaded portion at or adjacent the lower 20 end. One or more nuts are used with the threaded portion in order to fix the position of the bracket relative to the support structure. Normally, one nut is provided above the suspension portion of the bracket and one nut is provided below the suspension portion of the bracket in order to sandwich the suspension portion therebetween. This configuration also allows adjustment of the bracket position relative to the support 25 structure. The bracket also includes a pair of arm members diverging outwardly from the suspension portion, each arm member having a gripping portion. Normally, the arm members diverge outwardly as the bracket extends down to create a substantially V-shaped bracket, which is typically used in an inverted configuration. 30 The arm members may diverge from the suspension portion/each other at any angle, the angle typically depending upon the dimensions of the support member used.

6 Normally, the arm members are elongate and substantially planar. As mentioned above, the arm members are typically integrally formed with the suspension portion. The gripping portion is provided on the arm members may have any 5 configuration. Preferably, the gripping portions will provide a releasable attachment. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the gripping portions will include a substantially U-shaped channel on each arm. Although more than one gripping portion may be provided on each arm (to support multiple baskets), it is preferred that a single U-shaped channel is provided at an end of each arm 10 member opposite the suspension portion. Preferably, the U-shaped channels are formed inwardly of the arm members or extending toward the midline of the bracket. Typically, each of the U-shaped channels will have an open top and is adapted to receive a rail of the preferred basket. The U-shaped channels may also be 15 used to receive rail members of a cable ladder (Figure 1) or tray (Figure 3) or simply abut an underside of the cable tray (Figure 5). Indeed, providing gripping portions of particular embodiments can be used to attach any of the conventional support members. In use, the brackets are typically fitted to or relative to the support 20 structure and the preferred basket can then be suspended from one of the gripping portions of the respective brackets. Cables can then be run in the preferred basket as required, and when the cabling is complete, the opposite side of the preferred basket can simply be lifted, the arm member of each bracket which is not already attached can be deformed outwardly temporarily while the basket passes upwardly and then the 25 gripping portion of the arm attached to the rail of the preferred basket. If replacement or additional cables are required, the system of the present invention can be utilised to disengage the basket from each of the brackets in order that the cable does not have to be fed through the basket and between the arm members of each of the brackets, but the basket can be selectively disengaged from 30 each of the brackets as required to insert the cable into the basket. Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

7 Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric illustration of a cable ladder of the prior art. 5 Figure 2 is an isometric illustration of a cable track of the prior art. Figure 3 is an isometric illustration of a cable tray according to one embodiment of the prior art. Figure 4 is an isometric illustration of one form of cable duct of the prior art. 10 Figure 5 is an isometric illustration of a second form of cable tray according to the prior art. Figure 6 is a photograph of a cable support or suspension system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing direct attachment. 15 Figure 7 is a photograph of a cable support or suspension system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a photograph of a cable support or suspension system according to a further preferred embodiment showing an indirect attachment. Figure 9 is a photograph of a cable support or suspension system 20 according to a further preferred embodiment showing an indirect attachment. Figure 10 is a front view of a bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is an axonometric view of a bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 25 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a preferred embodiment, a bracket 10 for use in an elevated conduit or cable suspension system, and a cable suspension system utilizing such a bracket, is provided. According to the embodiment of the bracket 10 illustrated in Figure 10 30 and II in particular, the bracket 10 includes a pair of arm members 11 and a suspension portion 12. As illustrated, the arm members 11 diverge outwardly from the suspension portion 12 and each arm member 11 has a gripping portion 13 at a lower 8 end for at least temporary retention of a portion of a cable support member relative thereto. The elevated cable suspension systems illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 are each directed towards suspending or supporting electrical or other cables necessary for 5 connection, relative to a suspension member. The suspension member to which the elevated cable suspension systems include either an overhead member such as the ceiling (as illustrated in Figures 7 and 9), rafter or even the underside of the floor of the level above (as illustrated in Figure 6). 10 The elevated cable suspension systems illustrated include an elongate support member for holding a plurality of cables. Whilst any of the support members or structures illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 may be used in association with the bracket of the present invention to form an elevated conduit or cable suspension system, the bracket illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 is particularly adapted for use with a basket. 15 The illustrated wireframe basket 14 is substantially U-shaped in cross section having a pair of side structures and a substantially planar base structure. An elongate rail 15 is provided on either side structure of the basket 14, at an upper portion thereof. As illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 a plurality of brackets 10 are used to 20 suspend the basket 14 from a substantially horizontal support member or surface and the suspension portion 12 is typically oriented uppermost in use. The suspension portion 12 of each bracket may be attached directly to the support structure as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 or alternatively, the suspension portion 12 may be attached to a suspension assembly used to space the bracket 10 25 from the support structure as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. An opening 16 is provided in the suspension portion 12 in order to attach the suspension portion 12 to or relative to the support structure. According to the direct attachment embodiment as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, a fastener passes directly through the opening 16 in of the suspension portion 30 12and the suspension portion is normally sandwiched between the support structure and a portion of the fastener usually a nut.

9 According to the illustrated embodiment, the suspension portion 12 is a planar portion and it spaces the upper ends of the arm members 11 from one another sufficiently to provide access to the fastener. The suspension portion illustrated is integrally formed with the arms 5 from a single piece of metal strip or similar, bent to assume the preferred configuration. According to the alternative embodiment as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 in which the bracket 10 is indirectly attached to the support structure to space the bracket from the support structure, the bracket 10 is attached to a suspension assembly 10 in order to space the basket 14 from the support structure. The preferred suspension assembly includes an elongate rod 17 attached at one end to the support structure extending downwardly away from the support structure. An attachment portion is normally provided at or adjacent the lower end of the elongate rod 17 in order to attach the bracket 10 to the elongate rod. 15 The rod 17 illustrated includes a threaded portion at or adjacent the lower end. A nut is provided above the suspension portion 12 of the bracket 10 and a second nut is provided below the suspension portion 12 of the bracket 10 in order to sandwich the suspension portion therebetween. This configuration also allows height adjustment of the bracket 10 relative to the support structure. 20 The gripping portion 13 of the bracket 10 illustrated includes a substantially U-shaped channel on each arm. The U-shaped channels are formed extending toward the midline 18 of the bracket 10. Each of the U-shaped channels has an open top and is adapted to receive a rail 15 of the basket 14. The U-shaped channels may also be used to receive 25 rail members of a cable ladder (Figure 1) or tray (Figure 3) or simply abut an underside of the cable tray (Figure 5). In use, the brackets 10 are typically fitted to or relative to the support structure and the basket 14 can then be suspended from one of the gripping portions 13 of the respective brackets 10. Cables can then be run in the basket 14 as required, 30 and when the cabling is complete, the opposite side of the basket 14 can simply be lifted, the arm member 11 of each bracket 10 which is not already attached can be deformed outwardly temporarily while the basket 14 passes upwardly and then the gripping portion 13 of the arm 11 can be attached to the rail 15 of the basket 14.

10 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an 5 embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or 10 characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention 15 into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A cable basket or cable tray suspension bracket when used in an elevated conduit or cable suspension system, the system including a cable basket or cable tray for holding a conduit or cable, the suspension bracket having a pair of arm members 5 and a suspension portion, the arm members diverging outwardly and downwardly from the suspension portion and each arm member having a cable basket or cable tray gripping hook for at least temporary retention of a portion of the cable basket or cable tray relative thereto.

2. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 further including at least one opening in the 10 suspension portion in order to attach the suspension portion to or relative to a support structure.

3. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the suspension portion is a planar portion to space the arm members from one another.

4. A bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the suspension 15 portion is integrally formed with the arm members.

5. A bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the bracket is formed from a single piece of metal strip bent.

6. A bracket as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cable basket or cable tray gripping hooks include a substantially U-shaped channel on each 20 arm.

7. A bracket as claimed in claim 6 wherein the U-shaped channels are formed inwardly of the arm members.

8. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system including at least one elongate support basket or tray for holding a plurality of conduit or cables, each at least 25 one elongate support basket or tray suspended from a suspension member by at least one cable suspension bracket, each cable suspension bracket having a pair of arm members and a suspension portion, the arm members diverging outwardly and downwardly from the suspension portion and each arm member having a basket or tray gripping hook for at least temporary retention of a portion of the 30 elongate support basket or tray relative thereto.

9. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the basket includes an elongate rail on either side. 12

10. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 9 wherein the suspension portion is attached directly to the suspension member.

11. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as claimed in any one of claims 5 8 to 9 wherein the suspension portion of the bracket is attached relative to a suspension assembly used to space the bracket from the suspension member.

12. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the suspension assembly includes an elongate rod attached at one end relative to the suspension member. 10

13. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the elongate rod includes a threaded portion at or adjacent the lower end and one nut is provided above the suspension portion of the bracket and a second nut is provided below the suspension portion of the bracket in order to sandwich the suspension portion therebetween. 15

14. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein the arm members of each bracket are at least temporarily deformable outwardly while the at least one elongate support basket or tray passes upwardly between them.

15. A bracket substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 6 to 11. 20

16. An elevated conduit or cable suspension system as described herein with reference to Figures 6 to 11.