MXPA99009158A - Stabilizing bar for colec - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stabilizer bar for securely mounting a component in a manifold, characterized in that it comprises: a) a mounting plate having first and second ends and configured in such a way that the component can be attached to the plate; and b) first and second clips connected to the first and second end, respectively, of the plate and extend substantially perpendicularly away from the ends of the plate and in opposite directions from each other, each of the clips being configured so that the stabilizer bar can be attached to the collector on opposite sides of the

Description

STABILIZER BAR FOR COLLECTOR TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates, in general, to structural members for manifolds.

BACKGROUND At a typical service station (petrol station), fuels are supplied through an underground network of ponds, pipes, fittings, collectors and spouts. Cutoff valves are often used in this network, to automatically shut off the flow of fluids and gases in the supply pipes when any of those pipes are exposed to unusual forces. In addition, the cutoff valves operate to maintain the overall integrity of their associated network, by closing or cutting at a given weak point, downstream of their closed position. Thus, cutting valve installations reduce the magnitude of spills that could be associated with such unusual forces. For example, if a vehicle rammed a jet equipped with shut-off valves, one or more of those valves, associated with that dispenser, would operate to shut off the flow of fuel or vapors from the respective supply lines of that dispenser. In addition, the affected cut-off valves will also allow the spout to be "isolated" from the rest of the fuel network, thus preserving the overall integrity of the network. However, to ensure that cut valves will cut or close at their designated location, they must be properly and stably anchored. Another potential problem associated with service stations is that fluids, such as gasoline, may leak or spill from the network, enter the ground surrounding the network, and move into groundwater. To contain such leaks and spills originating from the jets and their accessories, jet manifolds are often installed under the jets. In addition to containing leaks and spills, these collectors also provide access to underground pipes, fittings, machines and the like. Therefore, to preserve the integrity of a fuel network and to reduce the impact of pollution from leaks and spills, it is advantageous to use cutoff valves and manifolds in fuel networks. In this regard, it would be advantageous if the collector manufacturers for jets provided collectors so that they could be used with various configurations of jets and cut-off valves, including the new installations and the modernization of the old ones. The increased compatibility will allow manufacturers to reduce the number of collector models produced, resulting in reduced costs for both manufacturers and end users. To better perform the collection of leaks and spills associated with the operation and to optimize their accessibility, the shut-off valves are mounted in the collector mouth. Often, collectors include a structural frame surrounding the manifold that, in addition to providing structural integrity to the manifold body, also provides an anchor in the concrete, to which the shut-off valves can be attached. However, typical shut-off valves can not be mounted directly on the collector frame, since they require a free space from the collector wall and other obstructions, to operate properly and safely and must be properly oriented with the inlets of the pipes of the respective supplier. Therefore, manifold stabilizer bars, also known as stabilizer bars of the cutoff valves, should be used to anchor the cutoff valves typical of such frames. To ensure that a cut-off valve remains stable and properly anchored when operating under load, the respective valve stabilizer bar must be designed to withstand the resultant rotational forces that will be applied to the connection points between the valve and the stabilizer bar. Similarly, the stabilizer bar must also withstand the resultant rotational forces applied to its connections to the manifold frame. In addition to being stable, a stabilizer bar must be compatible with the pumps that have off-center pipe entrances. Although stabilizer bars are known in the art, they are currently bulky and expensive to manufacture, since they require soldering, bolting and / or a variety of components. In addition to being unsuitable for multi-valve cutting applications because of their volume, existing designs are also limited by the space between collector walls and the mounting site of valves or other components. In applications where the spout model has inlets for pipes located very close to the side or end walls of the spout and manifold, this limitation of existing stabilizer bars can only be overcome by installing special accessories such as off-center products or by using a different collector model. Conventional stabilizer bars are also limited in that they are often rigid and require implements to produce an empty space between the bar and the respective walls of the manifold. In addition, conventional stabilizer bar designs often require that various bar sizes be made for different sizes and types of collectors. Therefore, there is a need for a stable and adjustable stabilizer valve bar that overcomes the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide an improved stabilizer bar. Another object of the invention is to provide a stabilizer bar that expands the number of orientations of jets with which a particular collector can be used. Another object of the invention is to provide a stabilizer bar that maintains an adequate anchoring capacity. Still another object of the invention is to provide such a stabilizer bar with reduced manufacturing costs. Still another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable and compact stabilizer bar. The additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention are set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will be understood by those trained in the art, when examining or practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention can be achieved and obtained by the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. To achieve the above and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention as described above, an apparatus for mounting a component in relation to the first or second structures is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mounting, a first connector and a second connector. The assembly has first and second ends. The first connector cooperates with the assembly adjacent to the first end of the assembly and * is associated with a first connection axis. The second connected cooperates with an assembly adjacent to the second end of the assembly and is associated with a second connection axis. The first and second connection axes are generally non-collinear. The component can be connected to mounting close to one of the first and second walls, although being substantially free of interference from the apparatus. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a manifold stabilizer bar is provided which includes a mounting plate and connected clips. In one embodiment, the stabilizer bar can be made of a continuous material, such as a bar formed of metal foil or plate. According to another embodiment, the bar can be made of separate components that do not share a continuous homogeneous portion of the same material. The plate is provided with a mounting mechanism for tightly attaching a cutting valve assembly to the plate. According to one embodiment, the mounting plate is substantially flat and continuous. The clips are connected to the plate and extend in generally opposite directions one from the other and longitudinally from and preferably perpendicular to the plate. Each of the clips are provided with a joining mechanism to adjust the stabilizer bar, fixing it to the collector. An example of a mounting and joining mechanism is a plurality of grooves configured to cooperate with at least one fastener. A combination of bolts and washers can be used in conjunction with the slots on the plate for mounting the cut-off valve to the stabilizer bar. Likewise, bolts and toothed washers can be used in combination with pressure nuts in conjunction with the holes, slots or other openings or structures on the clips to secure the stabilizer bar to the manifold frame.

In this way, the plurality of grooves provided by this invention allow the cutting valve to be adjusted in three planes. In addition, the location and construction of the clips allows the cut-off valves to be installed closer to the collector walls, since the placement of the cut-off valve and the plurality of slots in the mounting plate are not restricted by portions of the cut-off valve. the stabilizer bar. In addition, extending the clips in opposite directions further separates the potential turning points between the stabilizer bar and the manifold frame, thus ensuring that the stabilizer bar adequately resists the rotational forces created under load conditions. further, the unitary design of a modality of this invention allows manufacturing to be cost-effective, keeping the stabilizer bar compact and strong. Still other aspects of the present invention will be understandable by those trained in the art, from the following description of a preferred embodiment which is, which is merely by way of illustration, one of the best ways of carrying out the invention. As will be emphasized, the invention can be made in other obviously different aspects, all without departing from the invention. Therefore, the drawings and descriptions are illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, incorporated and forming part of this description, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and together with their description serve to explain their principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a fuel vending station; Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the exemplary use of a pump and manifold in connection with a fuel vending station; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a manifold assembly, including a frame, a collector wall, a manifold bracing, a stabilizer bar and a shut-off valve; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a manifold assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a top view of the stabilizer bar of the manifold shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a front view of the stabilizer bar of the manifold shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 shows a side view of the stabilizer bar of the manifold shown in Figure 4; Figure 8 shows a top view of the continuous material used to manufacture the stabilizer bar shown in Figure 4; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a stabilizer bar for collector and associated equipment according to another embodiment of this invention; and Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of the manifold stabilizer bar and the equipment shown in Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 illustrates a typical fuel vending station 10. Fuel from an underground tank 11 is taken to the pumps 13 via the fuel line 12. The manifold 20 provides a chamber for accessing the fittings and pipes below the pavement surface 16. Collector 20 rises through island 14 and opens inside spout 13. Collector 20 can be accessed through doors (not shown) in spout 13, or by removing spout 13 from the island 14. In addition to providing access to the underground components, the manifold 20 is designed to contain leaks and / or fuel spills and prevent any fuel from leaking into the landfill 17. Additionally, the spout 20 prevents the groundwater fill the camera.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the wall 21 of the collector defines a chamber that is substantially below the top surface 15 of the island 14. As shown there, the chamber is pear-shaped, but other shapes may be used. For example, shallow, rectangular collectors, sometimes designated trays, can be used with the present invention. The lower half of the collector 20 is surrounded by fill land 17. The collector 20 emerges through the pavement 16 and through the island 14, from which the fuel nozzle 22 of the collector opens into the interior of the spout 13. The wall 21 of the collector prevents the filling land 17, the pavement 16 and the island 14 from compromising the general shape of the collector. Since the manifold 20 is also designed to contain leaks and spills and to prevent groundwater from entering the chamber, the collector walls 21 are preferably impermeable and gasoline resistant and can be made of materials such as plastics, metals, fiber of glass and the like. The mounting bracings 23 and the frame 30 are attached to the collector wall 21 using a series of mounting bolts 24. Preferably, the frame 30 surrounds the manifold mouth 22 and helps provide structural integrity to the wall 21, so that the land of • fill 17 and pavement 16 do not cause the collector to collapse during installation. Among other functions, the frame 30 also provides an anchoring for the bracings 23. The bracings 23 provide a structure upon which the stabilizer bars 50 can be secured. As shown also in Figures 2 and 3, the bracings 23 are preferably elongated channel profile members and are installed in parallel pairs. The bracings 23, according to this embodiment, make it possible to mount the stabilizer bar 50 adjustably along the bracings. The cutoff valves 60 are mounted on these stabilizer bars 50 to provide necessary structural support for the valves to interrupt flow, in the event that the dispenser 13 is damaged or destroyed. Other components, such as steam cut valves (not shown) and vertical riser pipes 36 can also be mounted on the stabilizer bars 50. The lugs 34 are embedded in the island 14 to anchor the frame 30 therein. Additional anchoring can be provided by the assembly bolts 24, which may extend deeper within the island 14. Preferably, the frame 30 circumscribes the mouth 22 of the manifold and includes the lugs 34 on the sides to provide maximum anchorage. A flange 40 is approximately flush with the upper surface 15 of the island 14. The fuel jet 13 is mounted above the island 14 using the fasteners 32, which extend through openings in the flange 40 and are embedded in the island 14. Prior to installing the collector 20 in the ground, the frame 30, the bracings23 and the collector wall 21 are connected using a series of assembly bolts 24 extending outwardly through the bracing, the wall and the frame . The stabilizer bar 50 can then be secured to the bracings 23 using the stabilizer bolts 52 and nuts 48 (preferably, pressure nuts to help secure the stabilizer bar in place). Toothed periphery type washers can also be used in conjunction with the stabilizer bolts 52 to further restrict rotation and slippage of the stabilizer bar 50. After mounting the stabilizer bar 50, the cutoff valve 60 can be secured to the stabilizer bar using the mounting bolts 56. Toothed periphery type 54 washers can also be used in conjunction with the mounting bolts 56 to further restrict the rotation and sliding of the valve 60. With the cut-off valve 60, the stabilizer bar 50, the bracings 23 and wall 21 of the manifold are together as a manifold assembly 26, a hole is drilled in the floor, where the manifold assembly is placed. The hole must be large enough so that the flange 40 is aligned with the desired level of the upper surface 15 of the island 14. The fittings and pipes 12 and 36 are installed in the collector 20. Then, material of Fill 17 in the hole to a predetermined level. The pavement 16 is then emptied onto the filling 17 and around the collector 20. Then, the island 14 is emptied, so that the upper surface 15 is flush with the flange 40. Preferably, the pavement 16 and the island 14 are formed of concrete, however other materials such as asphalt can be used. The manifold assembly 26 also includes a series of fasteners 32, shown here as L-bolts, extending upwardly through the flange 40. These fasteners 32 are used as mounting structures, such as for the fuel dispenser 13. The precise alignment with the attachable portions of the fuel jet 13 is achieved by the corresponding holes 90 in the flange 40. During the emptying of the pavement 16 and of the island 14, the fasteners 32 are anchored in the ground.

Figures 4-7 illustrate several views of the stabilizer bar 50, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The stabilizer bar 50 includes a mounting, such as a substantially flat and continuous mounting plate 58, having a first end 62 and a second end 64. Preferably, the stabilizer bar 50 is installed in the manifold 20 so that the plate 58 is disposed substantially to the side, inside the manifold and between the braces 23. Although shown here with a rectangular shape, the plate 58 may have a variety of shapes and features. For example, the plate 58 can be of any polygonal shape or the like and have a variety of heights, widths and thicknesses. As shown here, the plate 58 is configured to mount components, such as a cut-off valve 60 to the stabilizer bar 50. Other components, such as vapor valves (not shown) and vertical extension pipes 36 can also be mounted on the stabilizer bars 50. Preferably, as shown in the Figures, a series of elongated slots 70 and 71 configured to cooperate with at least one fastener, to receive the fasteners as the mounting bolts 56 of Figures 2 and 3 , are disposed on plate 58. Slots 70 and 71 can have a variety of lengths and widths. In other embodiments, holes, variable welded surfaces, rails, screws, rivets, U-bolts, hooks, adhesion surfaces may also be employed, or other openings or structures may be used to mount components to the plate 58. As shown in the figures , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slots 70 and 71 are preferably arranged along the plate 58 and are parallel to each other. By providing the plate 58 with elongated slots 70 and 71 in this manner a component can be mounted snugly on the plate along the distance of the slots. In a further preferred embodiment, the lengths of each of the slots 70 and 71 are minimized independently to maintain the structural integrity of the plate 58, while still maintaining compatibility with a variety of components. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second connectors, respectively, comprise first clip 66 and second clip 68, which cooperate with plate 58 adjacent first end 62 and second end 64 of the plate, respectively. Either or both of the clips 66 and 68 may be provided as part of the plate 58, such being formed of a continuous material, or may be attached thereto, as long as the component can be mounted proximate to at least one of the structures, such as the bracings 23 without interference from the bar 50. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a manifold stabilizer bar 50 can be provided which allows a component, such as a cut-off valve 60, to be mounted very close to, or substantially flush with, a wall 21 of the manifold 20, without substantial interference from the bar. Preferably, the component can be mounted to the bar, so that the component is separated from the wall effectively only by the requisite empty distance required mentioned above. As shown in Figure 3, a bar 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an integrally connected clip 68 which interferes with the ability to mount the component to the plate 58 along the plate. The clips 66 and 68 preferably extend away from the plate 58 generally in the same directions. More preferably, the clips 66 and 68 are arranged generally perpendicular with respect to the first and second sides 86 and 88 of the plate 58, respectively. Although shown here as rectangular, the clips 66 and 68 may have a variety of shapes and features, such as trapezoidal, triangular and the like.

The clips 66 and 68 are configured to attach the stabilizer bar 50 to, for example, the bracings 23. As shown in Figures 4-8, a pair of elongated slots 72 configured to come into contact with at least one fastener, such as the stabilizing bolts 52 described in Figures 2 and 3, they can be placed on each of the clips 66 and 68. The grooves 72 can have a variety of lengths and widths. As shown in Figures 4-8, the grooves 72 they can be arranged vertically and parallel to each other on the clips 66 and 68. By providing the clips 66 and 68 with elongated slots 72 in this form, the stabilizer bar 50 and the attached components can be adjusted vertically during the mounting of the braces 23. Alternatively, the slots 72 could be, for example, angled to allow both vertical and horizontal adjustment. Optionally, a plurality of plates or wedges (not shown) can be inserted between one or both of the clips 66 and 68 and the bracings 23, as necessary, to adjust the stabilizer bar 50 between the bracings. In yet other embodiments, holes, variable float surfaces, rails, screws, rivets, u-bolts, hooks, adhesion surfaces, may be provided. or other openings or structures on the clips to facilitate the mounting of the stabilizer bar 50 to the bracings 23. In a preferred embodiment, the first clip 66 is longer than the second clip 68. In this embodiment, the cutoff valve 60 is mounts on the side 86 of the plate 58 from which the first clip 66 extends and moves away. Such a mode can maximize the separation of the potential connecting axes or potential pivot points between the stabilizer bar 50 and the bracings 23, preserving the compactness of the bar when extending the first clip 66 at a distance substantially equidistant from the width of a cut-off valve 60 mounted. As shown in Figure 9, according to this invention, a third connector, such as one comprising a third clip 198 connected to the plate 158, can cooperate with the plate adjacent to one of the ends (for example, 162). Preferably, the third clip 198 is arranged so that the third clip is substantially coplanar with one of the clips (axis 166) and extends away from the second side 188 of the plate 158 in a generally opposite direction to the of the coplanar clip. For example, such a third clip 198 could be connected to one end, such as end 162, to give that end a T-shaped appearance. This embodiment of bar 150, however, may not be preferred in some cases. as when the third clip 198 is arguably unnecessary, and the bar could be more expensive to manufacture and assemble. According to this embodiment of the invention, and as understood by one skilled in the art, each of the clips 166, 168 and 198, in cooperation with a respective fastener 152, respectively define connection axes (for example 181, 183 , and 185), each of which has respective location and orientation tolerances. According to this invention, the connecting axes 181 and 183 are generally not collinear, taking into account their respective tolerances. It has been found that providing generally non-collinear axes can help the bar 150 to withstand the resulting rotational forces, since each connector restricts the ability of the bar to rotate about the connection axis associated with the other connector. By introducing the third connector, and a third associated connection axis (e.g., 185) that is substantially non-collinear with the first connection axis 181, the effect of any tolerances associated with the other connectors can be further reduced, and the capacity of the bar 150 to withstand the even more increased rotational forces. To resist even more such rotational forces, the clips, such as the clip 168, can also be configured to cooperate with additional fasteners. For example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the clip 168 may be provided with a pair of elongated slots, each of which is configured to securely receive a fastener, such as pin 152, throughout of the length of the respective slot. As shown in the modality described in Figure 10, the adjustability of the bar 150 can also be included by providing the plate 158 with an elongated slot 173 or slot, orifice, variable welded surface, rail, screw, rivet, u-bolt, hook, adhesion surface, or other opening or similar structure configured to connect the other component in an adjustable manner. For example, an elongated vertical slot, such as slot 173, can provide the bar with 150 vertical adjustability. According to this embodiment, a clip 166 (and / or clip 198) can be attached in an adjustable manner to the plate 158 using the slot 173. One advantage of such an embodiment could be that a configuration of lesser tolerance to cope with the fastener 152, so that a hole 179 can be used to mount the bar 150 to the respective structure.

In addition, the clip 166 (and / or clip 198) can also be provided with an elongated slot, such as slot 175, or slot, orifice, variable welded surface, rail, screw, rivet, u-bolt, hook surface, adhesion, or other similar shaped opening or structure for adjustably connecting another component, to cooperate with the plate 158 to provide additional adjustability. For example, a horizontal elongated slot, such as slots 175 and 177, can provide the bar with 150 adjustability between, for example, bracings (not shown). An advantage of providing the bar with 150 elongated slots 175 and 177 may be the need for offsets is also avoided or reduced. As described in Figures 4-8, the plate 58 and the clips 66 and 68 that make up the stabilizer bar 50 can be made of continuous material. For the purposes of this description and claims, "continuous material" means that two or more components share a homogeneous continuity of the same material. Therefore, the continuous material includes a sheet formed of material, molded parts of metal powders or resins, foundries, plastics, composites, slabs and the like. Meanwhile, as used herein, the term "integrally connected" refers to a method for connecting components, wherein the connection comprises a relatively unobtrusive connecting structure. Integrally connected components may include, for example, components that are joined together effectively, regardless of any frictional connection, such as those that have been formed from a continuous material or joined together through operations such as, for example, example, welding or other fusion operations. As shown in Figure 8, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plate 58 and the clips 66 and 68 can be formed from a single sheet of material 80, such as carbon steel. 71 and 72 are cut into the material 80 to provide the mounting mechanisms The sheet of material 80 is then folded into predetermined locations to form the clips 66 and 68. The bent locations can be straight or curved and the folds themselves can be pointed or rounded in any one of a variety of angles or curves, however, it is preferred that each fold be about 90 degrees In the embodiment of Figure 8, the first location of a bend 82 defines the first clip 66 and the second location of the bend 84 defines the second clip 68.

The resulting stabilizer bar 50 can be manufactured inexpensively and quickly and requires little or no assembly. Additionally, the stabilizer bar 50 can avoid having welded joints, thereby providing improved corrosion resistance. The above detailed description of the invention is presented for purposes of illustration and description. It does not attempt to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form described. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will occur to those trained in the art in view of previous teachings. For example, the present invention is not limited to manifolds and can be used in conjunction with virtually any opening in which a stabilizer bar is desirable. Additionally, the stabilizer bar does not need to be used to anchor the shut-off valves or in conjunction with filling stations. In addition, although some of the embodiments of the present invention may be formed from continuous or one-piece materials, the present invention may be formed from physically separated components, wherein the separate components may each comprise the same materials, or they can be formed individually from separate materials. Accordingly, this invention is intended to encompass all those alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (28)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A stabilizer bar for securely mounting a component in a manifold, characterized in that it comprises: a) a mounting plate having first and second ends and configured in such a way that the component can be attached to the plate and b) first and second clips connected at the first and second ends, respectively, of the plate, the clips extend away from the ends of the plate and in generally opposite directions one from the other, each of the clips being configured so that the stabilizer bar can be attached to the plate. manifold.

2. A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, characterized in that said mounting plate is rectangular.

3. A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, characterized in that one of these clips is longer than the other.

4. A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said clips extends away from said plate substantially perpendicularly.

A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the plate and the clips are each provided with one or more elongated slots for receiving a fastener.

6. A stabilizer bar according to claim 5, characterized in that one or more of the grooves in the plate are oriented substantially perpendicular with each one of those one or more grooves in each of said clips.

7. A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting plate and the clips are made of a continuous material.

8. A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting plate and the clips are made of a single sheet of material.

9. A stabilizer bar according to claim 1, further comprising a third clip; that third clip is attached to the first end of the plate and extends away from the plate in the same direction as the second loop.

10. A manifold assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a) a manifold having an interior wall and b) a stabilizer bar for securely mounting a component to the manifold, the stabilizer bar comprises: i) a mounting plate having first and second ends, configured such that the component can be attached to the plate and ii) first and second clips connected to the first and second ends, respectively, of the plate, the clips extend away from the ends of the plate and in generally opposite directions one of the other, each of the clips is configured so that the stabilizer bar can be attached to the inner wall of the manifold.

11. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises a component attached to said plate; that component is a cut-off valve.

12. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the mounting plate is rectangular.

13. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that one of the clips is longer than the other.

14. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the clips extends substantially perpendicular away from the plate.

15. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the mounting plate and the clips are made of continuous material.

16. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the mounting plate and the clips are made of a single sheet of material.

17. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of bolts each with a head and a rod.; characterized in that the plate and the clips are each arranged with one or more elongated slots to receive at least one or more of the bolts; the respective rod of at least one or more bolts penetrates one of the grooves and the respective head of at least one of the bolts can not penetrate into the respective groove.

18. A manifold assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that one or more of the grooves in the plate has a substantially perpendicular orientation with each of the grooves in each of the clips.

19. A manifold assembly according to claim 17, further comprising a peripherally toothed washer cooperating with each of the respective bolts and grooves, so that the washer is secured between the head of the respective bolt and its respective groove.

20. A manifold assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the stabilizer bar further comprises a third clip; that clip is attached to the first end of the plate and extends away from the plate in the same direction as the second clip.

21. An apparatus for mounting a component in relation to the first and second structures, characterized in that it comprises: a) a assembly having first and second ends; b) a first connector cooperating with the assembly adjacent to the first mounting end and associated with a first connection axis; c) a second connector cooperating with the assembly adjacent to the second end of the assembly and associated with a second connection axis, the first and second connection axes are generally non-collinear, and where a component to be assembled can be connected to the assembly at proximity to one of the first and second structures in a form without interference.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a third connector cooperating with the assembly adjacent to the first end and the assembly associated with a third connection axis, the first and third connection axes being substantially non-colinear.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that each of the connectors comprises a clip configured to cooperate with at least one fastener, each clip being connected to the assembly adjacent to the respective end of the assembly.

The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the clip of the first connector extends in a first direction of the clip in relation to the assembly and the clip of the second connector extends in a second direction of the clip in relation to the assembly , the second direction of the loop is generally opposite to the first direction of the loop.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises a third clip configured to cooperate with at least one fastener, the third clip is connected to the assembly adjacent to the first end of the assembly and extends in a third direction of the clip. in relation to the assembly.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the third direction of the loop is generally opposite to the first direction of the clip, and the second clip and the third clip are generally parallel to each other.

27. The apparatus according to claim 23, characterized in that the second clip is integrally connected to the assembly. The apparatus * according to claim 21, characterized in that the first and second connectors are configured to join the apparatus in relation to the first and second respective walls of a containment manifold.