WO1991000943A1

WO1991000943A1 - Suspending device

Info

Publication number: WO1991000943A1
Application number: PCT/AU1990/000302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louis Patrick Walker
Original assignee: Lou Walker Nominees Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1989-07-13
Filing date: 1990-07-13
Publication date: 1991-01-24

Abstract

A device (10) for suspending a load below a profile formed deck (32) of a structural concrete slab, the deck (32) having at least one downwardly open channel (30) which decreases in transverse width toward the opening. The device (10) has a generally wedge-shaped body (11) defined by respective locking surfaces (12, 14) mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces (12, 14). When held within a channel (30) the device is substantially constrained against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body. The device also receives an adjustable securing means (28, 38) such that when held within a channel (30) the device (10) is substantially constrained against movement in a direction at right angles to the line.

Description

SUSPENDING DEVICE

This invention relates to a suspending device for suspending a load below a profile formed deck of a structural concrete slab. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for suspending works such as air conditioning ducts and units, pipework for sprinkler systems, electrical cables or the like, or suspending ceiling or components thereof, from steel decking used as reinforcement for structural concrete floor slabs in multi-level buildings or the like.

A wide variety of devices have been used in the past for suspending loads from the underside of structural concrete slabs. Holes have been drilled in the concrete and anchor bolts inserted, such as mechanical or chemical types of anchor bolts. Other mechanical devices have been set in the concrete when poured, and revealed after removal of supporting wooden decking. The building industry has now introduced profile formed steel decking as reinforcement for the structural concrete slabs, and such decking necessitates a different approach in supporting such loads.

The present invention provides a suspending device suitable for suspending a load below a profile formed deck of a structural concrete slab, said deck having at least one downwardly open channel formed therein which decreases in transverse width toward the opening thereof, said suspending device having a generally wedge-shaped body defined by respective locking surfaces mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body, said device also being capable of reciving an adjustable securing means such that when held within a channel of said decking the device is substantially constrained against movement in a direction at right angles to said line.

In a first preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a suspending device comprising a body with one member having a locking surface. The member has an abutment at the top end thereof, and the locking surface is inclined at an angle so that a substantially wedge-shaped body is formed, which tapers in thickness from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body. In this embodiment it will be understood that the wedge-shape of the body is defined by the abutment, the locking surface, and a ghost surface from the free end of the abutment to the bottom end of the locking surface. The shape of the suspending device of this embodiment is such that when held within a dovetail shaped channel of profile formed decking, the free end of the abutment contacts one inner side-wall of the channel while the locking surface abuts the other side-wall, thus constraining the device against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body of the device. The single member of the suspending device is constrained against said sliding movement by said securing means.

In a second preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a suspending device having a first member and a second member, each having a locking surface. At least one of the first and second members has an abutment at the top end thereof so that the members when together in a substantially abutting relationship define a wedge-shaped body. The respective locking surfaces of the members when in that abutting relationship are mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body.

Preferably, the locking surfaces are of complementary form such that when held in abutting relationship within a channel of said decking, the members are substantially constrained against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body, and are also constrained against movement relative to each other, such as sliding movement, within the channel in a direction at right angles to said line by said securing means.

The securing means may be in the form of a threaded rod, capable of engaging at least the top of the body of the suspending device, and capable of acting on the internal surface of the top wall of the channel to apply a downward reactive force to the body. The downward reactive force is preferably substantially in the direction of said line extending between the top and bottom of the body, and serves to secure the body against the internal surfaces of the downwardly and inwardly extending walls of the channel.

Preferably, the first and second members of the second embodiment each have an abutment at the top end thereof. Each abutment may have a threaded aperture therethrough so that the abutments may be placed in juxtaposition with the threaded apertures aligned. In this form, a threaded rod may be centrally received within said body in the direction of said line extending between the top and bottom of the body.

The rod may then be screwed into the aligned threaded apertures, linking the members together, until the top end of said rod contacts the internal face of the top wall of the channel. Further screwing of the threaded rod serves to create movement of the body in the direction of said line to a point where the locking surfaces of each member abut the internal surfaces of the downwardly extending walls of the channel. On the application of further force to the threaded rod, the body is constrained against further movement, and is secured in place. A load may then be attached to the bottom portion of the threaded rod, and the body is constrained against motion in either direction.

A similar arrangement may be provided in the first embodiment, wherein the securing means is a threaded rod centrally received within the body and engaging a threaded aperture centrally located in the abutment thereof. In both embodiments the thread within the aperture may be formed by any means. However, a rolled thread is preferred over a cut thread and provides added strength.

The material of the suspending device may be any suitable material, such as 2.8 mm thick steel or 3 mm thick steel. With one member 2.8 mm thick steel has been found to support about 1.5 tonne and 3.0 mm steel supports about 1.9 tonne. Of course, the load capable of being supported will at least partially depend upon the type and gauge of material used .

The suspending device of the first embodiment is preferably utilised in applications requiring the suspension of lighter loads, such as suspended ceilings or lightweight ducting or sprinkler systems or the like, while the suspending device of the second embodiment is generally used for heavier applications, such as the suspension of air conditioning works, heavy duct work, sewerage pipes, and sprinkler systems or the like. In this respect, it must be understood that a person skilled in the art would appreciate the various applications for either embodiment, and also the application of various types and gauges of material.

In order to assist in arriving at an understanding of the present invention, two preferred embodiments are illustrated in the attached drawings. However, it should be understood that the following. description is illustrative only and should not be taken in any way as a restriction on the generality of the invention as described above.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one member of a suspending device according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a suspending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention when secured in place within a channel;

Figure 3 is a side view of a suspending device according to the second embodiment of the present invention when secured in place within a channel.

Figure 1 illustrates a member 10 of a suspending device according to the present invention, having a generally wedge-shaped body 11, and comprising a locking surface 12 and an abutment 14 at the top end thereof. Abutment 14 has a threaded aperture 16 therethrough capable of receiving a threaded rod. The locking surface 12 continues into the lower portion 18 of the first member, having an angled portion 20 and a rod retaining portion 22. The rod retaining portion 22 includes a cut-away portion 24 which is capable of adjustably receiving a threaded rod. Alternatively, cut-away portion 24 may be replaced by an aperture similar to aperture

16. Such an aperture may or may not be threaded, and is such that the threaded rod may pass therethrough to communicate with aperture 16.

A slot 26 is provided in both the locking surface 12 and angled portion 20 to allow for the passage of a threaded rod, so that the threaded rod may communicate between cut-out portion 24 and threaded aperture 16.

Illustrated in Figure 2 is a suspending device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when in use with a threaded rod 28 in a downwardly open channel 30 of profile formed steel decking 32. The suspending device comprises a member 10 which is substantially identical in size and shape as that illustrated in Figure 1. In this respect, member 10 shall be herein described by way of the reference numerals used in Figure 1. Member 10 has a locking surface 12 abutting an inner side-wall 15 of channel 30, and an abutment 14 having a free-end 17 contacting inner side-wall 19 of channel 30. Thus, the substantial wedge-shape of the body 11 locks the suspending device within the channel in relation to relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body 11.

Threat rod 28 engages a threaded aperture in abutment 14 via threaded end 38. on screwing threaded rod through the aperture the rod contacts inner top-wall of the channel forcing the suspending device downwards and locking the device against the internal surfaces of the channel. Thus the suspending device is also secured against sliding movement within the channel transverse to said line extending between the top and bottom of the body.

Illustrated in Figure 3 is a suspending device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. when in use with a threaded rod 28 in a downwardly open

Channel 30 of profile formed steel decking 32. In this embodiment of the invention the suspending device comprises first and second members 10 and 34 respectively, which are substantially identical in size and shape , and are as illustrated in Figure 1 above. In this respect, first member

10 shall be herein described by way of the reference numerals used in Figure 1, and second member 34 will be described by way of reference numerals now introduced for the first time

First member 10 is shown in a substantially abutting relationship with second member 34. together defining a wedge-shaped body. Respective locking surfaces 12 and 36 are mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces from a maximum at the top of the body to a minimum at the bottom of the body. The body of the suspending device is that part of the device indicated between the letters A and B.

The wedge-shape of the body locks the suspending device within the channel in relation to relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body, but allows sliding movement of the first and second members relative to each other in a direction at right angles to that line. Thus, in order to place the first and second members of the device within the channel in a substantially abutting relationship, one member is first placed in the channel, while the second member is subsequently placed in the channel, and the two members are then slid together so that the threaded apertures in the top thereof are placed in alignment.

Once the first and second members are in alignment, the threaded rod is inserted through the aligned cut-out portions (designated as 24 for the member in Figure 1), and is then passed through the slot in each of the members, after which the threaded end 38 is screwed through both threaded apertures linking the two members together.

The threaded rod 28 is then further screwed into the suspending device until the end of the threaded rod contacts the internal face 40 of the top wall of the channel. Further screwing of the threaded rod serves to force the suspending device downwards, locking the device against the internal surfaces of the downwardly extending walls 42 of the channel. The suspending device of the present invention is then secured against sliding movement within the channel, as well as relative movement along the line extending between the top and bottom of the body. It should be noted that the two members of the suspending device need not be identical. For example, for the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, a threaded aperture need only be provided for the second member 34, while the aperture of the first member need not be threaded. The locking and securing already described will still be attained without both apertures being threaded. Also, the two members may be configured such that one fits within the other. In this form, the member having its abutment on top, preferably also has its rod retaining portion below the rod retaining portion of the other member. Thus, referring to Figure 3, the portion designated 64 will instead be below the portion designated 66. Further, the shape of the device which projects below the wedge-shaped body may be any suitable shape.

It can also be seen that by undoing the threaded rod

28, the device may be unlocked from its place within channel

30 and removed or re-adjusted to another position in the same or another channel.

Thus, it can be seen that the suspending device of the present invention offers a substantial cost-saving to all major building construction industries where loads are needed to be suspended below structural decking of concrete slabs.

The device requires no on-site drilling and may be simply inserted by locating both members within a channel, and then sliding both members together, or by simply locating a sole member in the channel, if only one member is provided. The members may then be locked in place, or a load may be secured thereto to fix the members together. The device also does not damage the decking or the concrete slab, and is entirely adjustable.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there may be many variations and modification of the configurations described herein which are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A suspending device suitable for suspending a load below a profile formed deck of a structural concrete slab, said deck having at least one downwardly open channel formed therein which decreases in transverse width toward the opening thereof, said suspending device having a generally wedge-shaped body defined by respective locking surfaces mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body, said device also, being capable of receiving an adjustable securing means such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against movement in the direction at right angles to said line.

2. A suspending device according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises a first member and a second member, each having a respective locking surface, at least one of the first and second members having an abutment projecting from the top end thereof so that the members when together in a substantially abutting relationship define a wedge-shaped body with the locking surfaces mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body.

3. A suspending device according to claim 2 wherein the first and second members are substantially identical and each comprise an abutment.

4. A suspending device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the securing means is capable of engaging at least the top of the body, acting on the internal surface of the top wall of the channel to apply downward reactive force to the body to secure the body against the internal surfaces of the downwardly and inwardly extending walls of the channel.

5. A suspending device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the securing means is a threaded rod capable of being centrally received within said body in the direction of said line extending between the top and bottom of the body.

6. A suspending device according to claim 5 wherein only the first member has an abutment and that abutment includes a centrally located threaded aperture to engage the threaded rod.

7. A suspending device according to claim 5 wherein both the first and second members have an abutment, and each of those abutments have centrally located threaded apertures which align to engage the threaded rod when the first and second members are aligned.

8. A suspending device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the load is suspended from the bottom portion of the securing means.

9. A suspending device according to claim 1 wherein said body comprises a single member having a locking surface and an abutment, said abutment projecting from the top end of the locking surface, said locking surface being inclined at an angle such that a substantially wedge-shaped body is formed which tapers in thickness from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body, wherein when held within a channel the free-end of the abutment contacts one inner side-wall of the channel while at least a part of the locking surface abuts the other inner side-wall of the channel.

10. A suspending device according to claim 9, wherein the securing means is capable of engaging at least the top of the body, acting on the internal surface of the top wall of the channel to apply a downward reactive force to the body to secure the body against the internal surfaces of the downwardly and inwardly extending walls of the channel.

11. A suspending device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the securing means is a threaded rod capable of being centrally received within said body in the direction of said line extending between the top and bottom of the body.

12. A suspending device according to claim 11 wherein the abutment includes a centrally located threaded aperture to engage the threaded rod.

13. A suspending device according to any one of claims 9 to 12 Wherein the load is suspended from a bottom portion of the securing means.

14. A suspending device suitable for suspending a load below a profile formed deck of a structural concrete slab, said deck having at least one downwardly open channel formed therein which decreases in transverse width toward the opening thereof, said suspending device having a generally wedge-shaped body defined by a single member having a locking surface and an abutment projecting from the top end of the locking surface, said locking surface being inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body, said device also being capable of receiving an adjustable securing means such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against movement in the direction at right angles to said line.

15. A suspending device suitable for suspending a load below a profile formed deck of a structural concrete slab, said deck having at least one downwardly open channel formed therein which decreases in transverse width toward the opening thereof, said suspending device having a generally wedge-shaped body defined by a first and a second member each having respective locking surfaces at least one of the first and second members having an abutment projecting from the top end thereof, the locking surfaces being mutually inclined at an angle at which the body tapers in thickness between the locking surfaces from a maximum at or towards the top of the body to a minimum at or towards the bottom of the body such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against relative movement along a line extending between the top and bottom of the body, said device also being capable of receiving an adjustable securing means such that when held within a channel of said deck the device is substantially constrained against movement in the direction at right angles to said line.

16. A suspending device according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A suspending device according to claim 14 substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

18. A suspending device according to claim 15 substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 3.