Fastener

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fastener. Some relate to a fastener for use in suspending items from a ceiling or wall mounted brackets.

BACKGROUND

In industrial or commercial settings metal frame networks are generally used to suspend items in an overhead space. The metal network may connect to conduits, ceiling brackets, or wall brackets to support cabling or pipes. The metal frame network may be used to suspend electrical cabling and/or conduits.

The metal frame networks include elongate members, such as threaded rods, and channel members, such as rail struts. To assemble these metal frame networks, it is often necessary to carry out work overhead, which can be challenging, especially when using traditional fasteners with several pieces. Furthermore, traditional fasteners are prone to loosening over time due to environmental vibrations.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a fastener for coupling an elongate member to an object with an elongate slot, wherein the fastener comprises first and second parts, the first and second parts being configured to locate on opposing sides of the elongate member to provide a channel for receiving the elongate member, the first and second parts together comprising a retaining portion that includes a projection for retaining the fastener at least partially in the object, wherein: the length dimension of the channel defines a longitudinal axis, and the retaining portion is configured to be inserted through the elongate slot in the object and be rotated about the longitudinal axis to retain the fastener at least partially in the object; the fastener comprises coupling means for coupling the first part to the second part, the coupling means being configured to, when the first part is coupled to the second part, enable a limited amount of movement of the first part relative to the second part in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the fastener comprises an interference surface arranged to abut against the object during rotation of the fastener, to urge the first part towards the second part.

The retaining portion of the fastener may be configured for insertion into a rail slot of a rail strut, the rail slot including rails on each side of the rail slot.

The first and second parts may each include an abutment face, the abutment faces being for abutting against one another, and wherein the abutment faces are substantially planar. The coupling means may be configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part away from the second part in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the abutment faces. The coupling means may be configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part relative to the second part such that the planes of the substantially planar abutment faces of the first and second parts can remain substantially parallel during movement of the first part relative to the second part.

The object with the elongate slot may be a steel object, and the first and second parts may be made from a softer material than steel. The first and second parts may be made from a metal alloy. The metal alloy may be a zinc alloy.

The coupling means may be arranged to extend between the first and second parts on both sides of the elongate member, when the first and second parts are located on opposing sides of the elongate member.

The coupling means may be integrally formed with the first part and/or the second part.

The coupling means may comprise first and second arms, wherein the first arm forms part of the first part and is configured to engage against the second part, and the second arm: forms part of the first part and is configured to engage against the second part, or forms part of the second part and is configured to engage against the first part. The first arm may include a projection, which is arranged to abut against a stop on the second part. The channel may include a threaded portion comprising a helical thread for engaging with a threaded elongate member.

The retaining portion may be configured to be inserted through the slot and be rotated substantially 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis to retain the fastener at least partially in the object.

The retaining portion may extend to a larger extent in a first dimension than a second dimension, the first dimension being perpendicular to the second dimension, and both the first and second dimensions being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The first and second parts may together comprise a stop portion for preventing the fastener from passing fully through the slot. The stop portion may extend to a larger extent in both the first and second dimensions than the extent of the retaining portion in the second dimension. The first and second parts together comprise a linking portion between the stop portion and the retaining portion. The interference surface may be provided on the linking portion and be arranged to abut against the rim of the slot. The fastener may comprise a further interference surface, the further interference surface being provided on the retaining portion or the stop portion. The further interference surface may be tapered and may be arranged to abut against a surface of the rail strut adjacent to the slot during rotation of the fastener within the slot

The first and second parts may together comprise a grip portion, the grip portion including one or more planar surfaces on its external surface to enable a spanner or wrench to be received thereon.

The coupling means may comprise a resilient member for urging the first and second parts together. The resilient member may comprise a flexible ring. The first and second parts may together include a circumferentially disposed indent for receiving the resilient member.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a fastener for coupling an elongate member to an object with an elongate slot, wherein the fastener comprises first and second parts, the first and second parts being configured to locate on opposing sides of the elongate member to provide a channel for receiving the elongate member, the first and second parts together comprising a retaining portion that includes a projection for retaining the fastener at least partially in the object, wherein: the length dimension of the channel defines a longitudinal axis, and the retaining portion is configured to be inserted through the elongate slot in the object and be rotated about the longitudinal axis to retain the fastener at least partially in the object; the fastener comprises a connector for coupling the first part to the second part, the connector being configured to, when the first part is coupled to the second part, enable a limited amount of movement of the first part relative to the second part in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and the fastener comprises an interference surface arranged to abut against the object during rotation of the fastener, to urge the first part towards the second part.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a fastener for coupling an elongate member to an object with an elongate slot, wherein the fastener comprises first and second parts, the first and second parts being configured to locate on opposing sides of the elongate member to provide a channel for receiving the elongate member, the first and second parts together comprising a retaining portion that includes a projection for retaining the fastener at least partially in the object, wherein: the length dimension of the channel defines a longitudinal axis, and the retaining portion is configured to be inserted through the elongate slot in the object and be rotated about the longitudinal axis to retain the fastener at least partially in the object.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a suspension system comprising the fastener of any of the preceding paragraphs and the elongate member.

The system may include a rail strut.

The linking portion of the fastener may extend parallel to the first dimension of the retaining portion to the same extent as the width of the slot.

The linking portion may extend parallel to the first dimension of the retaining portion to a greater extent than the width of the slot. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first example fastener;

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the first fastener;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first fastener;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the first fastener along the line A-A of Fig. 3;

FIG. 5 is a magnified view of an arm of the first fastener in circle B of Fig. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example rail strut;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first fastener with an elongate member;

FIG. 8A is a side view of the first fastener with the elongate member;

FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view of the first fastener and the elongate member along the line A-A of Fig. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a further cross sectional view of the first fastener and the elongate member; FIG. 8D is a yet further cross sectional view of the first fastener and the elongate member;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a second example fastener with an elongate member and a rail strut;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second fastener;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the second fastener with a plurality of ridges;

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross sectional view of a third example fastener in a first condition;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional view of the third fastener in a second condition; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an elongate memberwith a plurality of thinned portions; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fourth example fastener;

FIG. 16A is a see-through front view of a fifth example fastener;

FIG. 16B is a see-through side view of the fifth fastener;

FIG. 16C is a see-through top view of the fifth fastener;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a resilient member;

FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the elongate member, the fifth fastener and the rail strut; FIG. 18B is a further perspective view of the elongate member, the fifth fastener and the rail strut;

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a pipe hanging part;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an elongate member, a sixth example fastener and the pipe hanging part;

FIG. 21A is a schematic side view of a seventh example fastener in an uncoupled condition;

FIG. 21 B is a schematic side view of the seventh fastener in a coupled condition;

FIG. 22A is a schematic top view of the seventh fastener in an uncoupled condition; FIG. 22B is a schematic top view of the seventh fastener in a coupled condition;

FIG. 23A is a schematic bottom view of the seventh fastener in an uncoupled condition; FIG. 23B is a schematic bottom view of the seventh fastener in a coupled condition; FIG. 24A is a schematic side view of an elongate member and the seventh fastener in an uncoupled condition;

FIG. 24B is a schematic side view of the elongate member and the seventh fastener in a coupled condition;

FIG. 24C is a schematic side view of the elongate member and the seventh fastener prior to insertion into a tapered elongate slot;

FIG. 24C is a schematic side view of the elongate member and the seventh fastener after insertion into the tapered elongate slot, but prior to rotation; and FIG. 24E is a schematic side view of the elongate member and the seventh fastener after rotation of the fastener within the tapered elongate slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of first and second parts 110, 120 that are assembled to form a first example fastener 100. Fig. 3 shows a side view of the first fastener 100, and Figs. 4 and 5 respectively show a cross sectional view and a magnified cross sectional view of the first fastener 100. Figs. 7 & 8A-8D illustrate the first fastener 100 in use.

The first fastener 100 is for coupling an elongate member, such as a threaded rod 80 (shown in Fig. 7), to an object with an elongate slot. The threaded rod 80 could, for instance, be a steel rod with M4 to Ml 6 type external threading. The object with an elongate slot could, for instance, be a rail strut 800 as shown in Fig. 6. The rail strut 800 includes an elongate channel 810 extending therethrough. The elongate slot could be a rail slot 850 in the rail strut 800. The rail slot 850 extends along the length of the channel 810, with a rail 820 being provided on either side of the slot 850. The rails 820 of the rail strut 800 comprise an inwardly turned lip on either side of the rail slot 850. The rails 820 provide the rim of the rail slot 850. The width of the rail slot 850 may be in the range 18mm to 28mm, such as 23mm. The rail strut 800 may be a Unistrut®.

The length (represented by numeral 81 in Fig. 6) of the rail slot 850 is larger than the width (represented by numeral 82 in in Fig. 6) of the rail slot 850, such that the rail slot 850 is elongate.

The first and second parts 110, 120 of the fastener 100 are configured to locate on opposing sides of the elongate member 80 to provide a channel 102 for receiving the elongate member 80. In this example the channel 102 is elongate, and the length dimension of the elongate channel 102 defines a longitudinal axis 20 of the fastener 100, as shown in Fig. 3. As illustrated best in Figs. 1, 2 and 7, each of the first and second parts 110, 120 includes a groove 112, 122, such that when the first and second parts 110, 120 are located on opposing sides of the elongate member 80, the opposing grooves 112, 122 form the inner wall of the channel 102. In this example, the grooves 112, 122 are in the shape of a half cylinder, and thus the inner wall of the channel 102 is substantially cylindrical.

As shown best in the perspective view of Fig. 7, the first and second parts 110, 120 each include an abutment face 114, 124 for abutting against one another. The abutment faces 114, 124 are located either side of the groove 112, 122 of each of the first and second parts 110, 120. Therefore, when the abutment face 114 of the first part 110 abuts against the corresponding abutment face 124 of the second part, the channel 102 is formed as described in the preceding paragraph. In this example the abutment faces 114, 124 are substantially planar.

The inner wall of the channel 102 includes a formation 104 for coupling the fastener 100 to the elongate member 80. In the first fastener 100, the formation 104 is a threaded portion 104. The threaded portion 104 comprises a helical thread for engaging with the threaded elongate member 80. In the example of the first fastener 100, the screw axis of the helical thread of the inner wall of the channel 102 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 20.

As shown at the lower end of the first fastener 100 of Figs. 1 to 3, the first and second parts 110, 120 together comprise a retaining portion 130. The retaining portion 130 is configured to be inserted through the rail slot 850 and be rotated about the longitudinal axis 20 to retain the fastener 100 at least partially in the rail strut 800. The retaining portion 130 includes a projection 132 for retaining the fastener 100 at least partially in the object. The projection 132 extends outwardly from the external surface of the first and second parts 110, 120. The projection 132 of the retaining portion 130 may extend 3mm to 10mm (such as 6.5mm) from the adjacent portion of the fastener 100.

As illustrated by Figs. 2 and 3, the retaining portion 130 extends to a larger extent in a first dimension 11 than a second dimension 12, the first dimension 11 being perpendicular to the second dimension 12. Both the first and second dimensions 11 , 12 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. This enables the retaining portion 130 to fit through the elongate slot 850 in one orientation, but not fit through in an orthogonal orientation. The retaining portion 130 is thus configured to be inserted through the slot 850 and be rotated substantially 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis 20 to retain the first fastener 100 at least partially in the object with the slot 80. The fastener 100 can therefore be readily coupled to the object with a simple insertion and twisting motion.

Relative to the rail slot 850 of Fig. 6, the retaining portion 130 extends to a larger extent in the first dimension 11 than the width 82 of the slot 850. However, the retaining portion 130 extends to a lesser extent in the second dimension 11 than the width 82 of the slot 80, to enable the retaining portion 130 to enter the slot 80. In this example, the longitudinal cross section of the retaining portion 130 is substantially rectangular.

The first and second parts 110, 120 together comprise a stop portion 150. The stop portion 150 prevents the fastener 100 from passing fully through the rail slot 850. The stop portion 150 comprises a projection 152, which extends outwardly from the external surface of the first and second parts 110, 120. In this example, the stop portion 150 extends to a larger extent parallel to the first and second dimensions 11, 12 than the extent of the retaining portion 130 in the second dimension 12. Therefore, if the retaining portion can pass through the slot 80, this does not mean that the stop portion 150 can also pass through the slot 80.

The stop portion 150 of Figs. 1 to 3 extends to a larger extent parallel to the first and second dimensions 11, 12 than the width 82 of the rail slot 850 of the rail strut 800, such that it cannot pass through the rail slot 850. The stop portion 150 has a substantially circular cross section in this example.

The first and second parts 110, 120 together comprise a linking portion 140, which is provided between the stop portion 150 and the retaining portion 130. The linking portion 140 is dimensioned such that it fits through the slot 850. The projection 152 of the stop portion 150 may extend up to 15mm to 21mm (such as 18mm) from the longitudinal axis 20, and 5mm to 10mm (such as 7.5mm) from the adjacent linking portion 140 of the fastener 100.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the first fastener 100, and Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional view through the linking portion of the fastener 100, along the line A-A of Fig. 3. The longitudinal cross section (i.e. the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 of the channel 102) of the linking portion 140 is substantially rectangular. Diametrically opposite corners 142 of the substantially rectangular cross section of the linking portion 140 are curved in this example, to enable the linking portion 140 to more readily be rotated within the rail slot 850. The curved corners 142 provide a smooth surface to abut against the rim of the slot 850 during rotation. The remaining two corners of the substantially rectangular cross section of the linking portion 140 are not curved (i.e. are substantially right angled), thereby causing these corners to catch against the inner surface of the rail slot 850, and thus preventing over-rotation of the fastener 100 within the rail slot 850.

As shown best in Figs. 1, 2, and 4, the first fastener 100 includes at least one interference surface 146, which is arranged to abut against the rail strut 800 during rotation of the fastener 100, to urge the first part 110 towards the second part 120. In this example, at least one interference surface 146 is provided on the linking portion 140, and is arranged to form an interference fit against the rim (i.e. the rails 820) of the rail slot 850 after rotation. Furthermore, in this example the at least one interference surface 146 extends substantially parallel to the abutment faces 114, 124 of the respective first or second part 110, 120 of the fastener 100. As shown in the example of Fig. 4, two interference surfaces 146 are provided on the linking portion 140, with one interference surface 146 provided on the first part 110, and another 146 provided on the second part 120. When the abutment faces 114, 124 of the first and second parts 110, 120 are in contact, the spacing between the two interference surfaces 146 may be at least 22 mm.

The linking portion 140 of the first fastener 100 extends to a larger extent parallel to the first dimension 11 of the retaining portion 130 than parallel to the second dimension 12 of the retaining portion 130. In this example, when the abutment faces 114, 124 of the first and second parts 110, 120 are in contact, the linking portion 140 extends parallel to the first dimension 11 of the retaining portion 130 to substantially the same extent as the width 82 of the rail slot 850. Therefore, when the linking portion 140 is rotated within the rail slot 850, the interference surface 146 abuts against the rim of the rail slot 850 (i.e. abuts against the side of the rails 820) and urges the first part 110 towards the second part 120. Thus, after rotation, an interference fit is formed between the rails 820 and the fastener 100. Furthermore, once the first part 110 has been urged towards the second part 120, the fastener 100 is further secured against the threaded rod 80.

In some examples, when the abutment faces 114, 124 of the first and second parts 110, 120 are in contact, the linking portion 140 extends parallel to the first dimension 11 of the retaining portion 130 to a slightly greater extent than the width 82 of the rail slot 850. The linking portion 140 may extend parallel to the first dimension 11 of the retaining portion 130 to a greater extent than the width 82 of the rail slot 850 by 0.5 - 2 mm (such as 1 mm). This can cause the linking portion 140 to slightly deform the rails 820 of the rail strut 800 in the object during rotation, which forms an even more secure interference fit between the fastener 100 and the rail strut 800, and further prevents the fastener 100 from sliding along the length of the rail strut 800 once rotated within the rail slot 850.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the first and second parts 110, 120 also together comprise a grip portion 160. In this example, the grip portion 160 is adjacent to the stop portion 150. The grip portion 160 may include one or more planar surfaces on its external surface to enable a spanner or wrench to be received thereon. In the example of Figs. 1 to 7, the first and second parts 110, 120 are each integrally formed, though this is not necessarily the case in other examples. The first and second parts 110, 120 could be made from metal.

Preferably, the first and second parts 110, 120 are made from a material that is softer (as measured for instance using the Mohs scale) than steel. Rail struts 800 are generally made from steel, and the use of a softer metal than steel enables the rails 820 of the rail strut 800 to abrade the fastener 100 during rotation to provide a more secure fitting. The abrasion of the rim of the slot 850 into the fastener 100, which is softer than the rim of the slot 850, prevents slippage or lateral movement of the fastener 100 along the slot 850 after rotation of the fastener 100 within the slot 850. The first and second parts 110, 120 may be made from a material with a hardness lower than 4 on the Mohs scale. The material may have a tensile strength of 300 - 350 MPa, may have a yield strength of 200 - 250 MPa, and/or may have a shear strength of 250 - 300 MPa. Preferably, the first and second parts 110, 120 are be made from a material with a hardness of up to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. In some examples, the first and second parts 110, 120 are made from a metal alloy. Preferably, the first and second parts 110, 120 are made from a zinc alloy comprising over 90 wt.% Zinc.

The first fastener 100 further includes coupling means 180 for coupling the first part 110 to the second part 120. The coupling means 180 can also be referred to as a connector, a coupler, or a clip. The coupling means 180 is configured to, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120, enable a limited amount of movement of the first part 110 relative to the second part 120 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. In other words, the coupling means 180 is arranged to form an adjustable joint between the first and second parts 110, 120, with the first and second parts 110, 120 being movable relative to one another in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. The first part 110 can be moved (in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20) relative to the second part 120 by a user using their hands, without tools, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120.

The adjustable joint between the first and second parts 110, 120 permits the first part 110 to be urged towards the second part 120 when rotated within the rail slot 850, when the interference surface 146 abuts against the rim of the slot 850, such that the first and second parts 110, 120 can clamp against the elongate member 80. Thus the coupling means 180 and the interference surface 146 work synergistically. The adjustable joint also facilitates the location of the first and second parts 110, 120 around the elongate member 80, and the coupling of the first part 110 to the second part 120. The coupling means 180 may be integrally formed with the first part 110 and/or the second part 120. In this example, the coupling means 180 is configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part 110 away from the second part 120 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar abutment faces 114, 124 of the first and second parts 110, 120.

In this example, the coupling means 180 is arranged to extend between the first and second parts 110, 120 on both sides of the channel 102 of the fastener 100 (i.e. on both sides of the elongate member 80 in use). The first and second parts 110 can therefore be spaced evenly from one another when coupled, due to the even coupling on both sides of the channel 102. Furthermore, the coupling means 180 can prevent the elongate member escaping from the channel 102 on both sides of the fastener 100, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120. The coupling means 180 may be substantially symmetrical about a plane, the plane being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20.

The coupling means 180 is configured to enable the abutment face 114 of the first part 110 to be spaced from the abutment face 124 of the second part 120 when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120. In this example, the coupling means 180 is configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part 110 relative to the second part 120 such that the planes of the substantially planar abutment faces 114, 124 of the first and second parts 110, 120 can remain substantially parallel during movement of the first part 110 relative to the second part 120, when the first part 1510 is coupled to the second part 120. The coupling means may permit a gap of at least 0.5mm (such as 0.3mm to 4mm) between the abutment faces 114, 124 of the first and second parts 110, 120, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120.

In some examples, the coupling means 180 is configured to, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120, enable movement of the first part 110 relative to the second part 120 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 such that the fastener 100 can be moved along the length of the threaded elongate member 80 when located thereon, before the fastener 100 has been rotated in the rail slot 850. Thus the fastener 100 can readily be moved or slid along the length of the threaded elongate member 80 by spacing the threaded portion of the channel 102 from the threaded elongate member 80, whilst also maintaining a coupling between the first and second parts 110, 120. The first part 110 may be slidably movable relative to the second part 120 along a dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120.

As shown best in Fig. 4 and the magnified view of Fig. 5, in this example, the coupling means 180 comprises first and second arms 182, 184. The first and second arms 182, 184 form part of the first part 110 and are each configured to engage against the second part 120 in this example. The first and second arms 182, 184 project from the first part 110 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20, which in this example is also substantially perpendicular to the plane of the abutment face 114 of the first part 110. The first and second arms 182, 184 may be generally planar, and the first and second arms 182, 184 may each lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20.

The first and second arms 182, 184 each comprise a projection 186 for location in respective first and second recesses 192 in the second part 120, as shown in Fig. 5. The projection 186 of each arm 182, 184 can also be referred to as a tooth. The projections 186 each provide an abutment surface (not labelled). Each abutment surface is arranged to inhibit movement of the first part 110 away from the second part 120. In this example the projections 186 are arranged to abut against a stop 194, 196 on the second part 120, and each protrude outwardly from the side of the respective arm 182, 184. In this example, the projections 186 are provided at a distal end of the respective arm 182, 184. The projections 186 are slidably movable within the recesses 192. The projections 186 are slidably movable between two side stops 194, 196, with a side stop 194, 196 being provided at each end of the recess 192. The distance between the side stops 194, 196 may be between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

Upper and lower vertical stops (not labelled) may also be provided on the second part 120. The vertical stops are arranged to prevent movement of the arms 182, 184 in a dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, such that the first part 110 is unable to move relative to the second part 120 in a dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, when the first part 110 is coupled to the second part 120.

The arms 182, 184 are resilient such that if sufficient force is applied by a user to pull the first and second parts 110, 120 apart, the arms 182, 184 can resiliently deflect. Therefore the projections 186 can pass over the side stops 196 at one end of the respective recesses 192 to couple or decouple the first part 110 from the second part 120. The projections 186 and/or the side stops 196 may include a curved or tapered surface to facilitate movement of the projections 186 over the side stops 196. In this example, the arms 182, 184 are integrally formed with the first part 110. The arms 182, 184 may be made from the same material as the first part 110, such as zinc alloy.

In other examples (not shown), the second arm 184 could form part of the second part 120 and engage against a recess in the side of the first part 110.

Figs. 8A to 8D illustrate the first fastener 100 in use. Fig. 8A shows a side view of the first and second parts 110, 120 located on either side of a threaded elongate member 80. The first part 110 is not coupled to the second part 120 in Fig. 8A. Fig. 8B is a cross sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 8A.

The first part 110 can be urged towards the second part 120 to encircle the threaded elongate member 80, as illustrated by the arrows of Fig. 8B, in order to couple the first part 110 to the second part 120. When the parts 110, 120 urged together, the arms 182, 184 resiliently deflect to enable the projections 186 on the arms 182, 184 to slide over the side stops 196 at the end of the corresponding recesses 192 to locate the projections 186 in the recesses 192. Fig. 8C illustrates the first and second parts 110, 120 once coupled.

As illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 8C, when coupled, the first and second parts 110, 120 can be moved towards and away from one another within a limited movement range. This can facilitate movement of the fastener 100 along the length of the threaded elongate member 80 by a user, by ensuring that the first and second parts 110, 120 are not clamped against the elongate member 80. When the fastener 100 is first inserted into the slot 850, the first and second parts 110, 120 are loosely held together by the coupling means 180. The abutment faces 114, 124 of the respective first and second parts 110, 120 are therefore not in full contact, and thus the linking portion 140 extends slightly further parallel to the first dimension 11 than parallel to the second dimension 12.

Once in position within the rail slot 850, The fastener 100 can be rotated by substantially 90 degrees within the rail slot 850 by a user, as illustrated by the curved arrows in Fig. 8D. The rotation may be carried out by mounting a spanner to the one or more planar surfaces on the grip portion 160, then rotating the spanner.

During rotation, an interference surface 146 on the external surface of the linking portion 140 abuts against the rails 820 of the rail slot 850 (rail strut 800 not shown in Fig. 8D), to urge the first part 110 towards the second part 120, as illustrated by the straight arrows in Fig. 8D. As described earlier, this is due to the extent of the linking portion 140 parallel to the first dimension 11 being substantially the same as or greater than the width 82 of the slot 850. The rotation therefore locks the elongate member 80 in position relative to the first and second parts 110, 120. The interference surface 146 of the linking portion 140 therefore forms an interference fit with the rim (i.e. the rails 820) of the rail slot 850 once rotated.

After rotation, the first fastener 100 and the elongate member 80 are coupled to the rail strut 800, as the first dimension 11 of the retaining portion 130 is greater than the width 82 of the slot 850, and thus cannot be pulled out from the slot 850.

To remove the fastener 100 from the slot 80, the fastener 100 can simply be further rotated by 90 degrees to allow the retaining portion 130 to pass through the slot 850.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of a second example fastener 200 after rotation within the rail slot 850. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the second fastener 200. The second fastener 200 is similar to the first fastener 200, but the stop portion 250 has a substantially rectangular cross section rather than a substantially circular cross section. The substantially rectangular cross section stop portion 250, which in this example is a substantially square cross section, provides a larger contact surface between the stop portion 250 and the rails 820 of the rail strut 800 when fastened thereto, to provide a more secure fitting. The second fastener 200 also includes a further interference surface 236.

The further interference surface 236 is shown best in Fig. 9. The further interference surface 236 could be provided on the retaining portion 230 or the stop portion 250 of the second fastener 200, but in this example the further interference surface 236 is provided on the retaining portion 230. In this example, the further interference surface 236 is substantially perpendicular to the interference surface 146 on the linking portion 140. In other words, the interference surface 146 extends across a plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, and the further interference surface extends across a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. The further interference surface 236 is slightly tapered, and is arranged to abut against a surface of the rail strut 800 adjacent to the rail slot 850 during rotation of the fastener 200 within the rail slot 850.

In this example, the further interference surface 236 is provided on the retaining portion 130 and is arranged to abut against the end of the inwardly turned lip of the rails 820. The further interference surface 236 is tapered (i.e., sloped) relative to the opposing surface on the underside of the stop portion 250.

The interference surface 146 on the linking portion 130 and the further interference surface 236 cause an interference fit in two perpendicular dimensions after rotation of the fastener 200 within the slot 850, as illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 9. The interference surface 146 on the linking portion 130 applies an interference force substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20, as illustrated by the sidewards arrows in Fig. 9. A further interference force is applied to the rail slot 850 by the further interference surface 236 in a dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, as illustrated by the upward arrows in Fig. 9. Therefore, once rotated in the rail slot 850, the fastener 200 fits securely against the rail strut 800.

Optionally, one or more ridges 237 are provided on the further interference surface 236, as illustrated in Fig. 11. The ridges 237 further secure the fastener 200 against the rim of the slot 850. The ridges 237 may be integrally formed with the first and second parts 210, 220. Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate cross sectional views of a third example fastener 300. The third example fastener 300 is similar to the second fastener 200, but includes different arms 382, 384. The first and second parts 310, 320 of the third fastener 300 are shown in an uncoupled condition in Fig. 12, and in a coupled condition in Fig. 13.

Similarly to the first and second fasteners 100, 200, the first arm 382 and second arm 384 of the third fastener 300 form part of the first part 310. However, in this example, the first arm 382 extends from the stop portion 350 of the fastener 300, and the second arm 384 extends from the retaining portion 350 of the fastener 300.

The first and second arms 382, 384 are each configured to engage against the second part 320. The first and second arms 382, 384 project from the first part 310 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20, which in this example is also substantially perpendicular to the plane of the abutment face 314 of the first part 310. The first and second arms 382, 384 of the thirteenth fastener 300 may be generally planar, and the first and second arms 382, 384 may each lie in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20.

In the example of Figs. 12 and 13 the first and second arms 382, 384 each comprise a projection 386, which may be provided at a distal end of the respective arm 382, 384. The projections 386 are for abutting against a stop on the second part 320, and each protrude outwardly from the side of the respective arm 382, 384.

The first and second arms 382, 384 are each slidably movable through respective first and second slots 392, 394 in the second part 320 of the fastener 300. The first slot 392 is provided on an outer face (i.e. a face that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20) of the stop portion 350 of the fastener 300. In this example the outer face of the stop portion 350 is a face that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. The second slot 394 is provided on an outer face of the retaining portion 330 of the fastener 300. In this example the outer face of the retaining portion 330 is a face that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. A lip 396 of the opening of each of the first and second slots 392, 394 may act as a stop for inhibiting the projection 386 of the respective first or second arm 382, 384 from passing through the respective slot 392, 394, as illustrated in Fig. 13. The upper and lower inner surfaces of the first and second slots 392, 394 provide upper and lower vertical stops (not labelled), which are arranged to stop movement of the arms 382, 384 in a dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, such that the first part 310 is unable to move relative to the second part 320 in a dimension substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 20, when the first part 310 is coupled to the second part 320.

The arms 382, 384 are resilient such that if sufficient force is applied by a user to pull the first and second parts 310, 320 apart, the first and second arms 382, 384 can resiliently deflect. The projections 386 can therefore pass through the respective first or second slot 392, 394 to couple or decouple the first part 310 from the second part 320. The projections 386 and/or the lips 396 the first and second slots 392, 394 may include a curved or tapered surface to facilitate movement of the projections 386 past the lips 396. In this example, the arms 382, 384 are made from the same material as the first part 310, such as zinc alloy. The arms 382, 384 are integrally formed with the first part 310.

In this example, the third fastener 300 further includes third and fourth arms (not shown). The third and fourth arms are substantially the same as the first and second arms 382, 384 respectively, but are provided on the opposite side of the fastener 300 to the first and second arms 382, 384 (i.e. on the opposite side of the channel of the fastener 300). The first, second, third and fourth arms form part of the coupling means of the thirteenth fastener 300. The coupling means of the third fastener 300 performs the same functions described in relation to the coupling means 180 of the first and second fasteners 100, 200.

The third fastener 300 also includes third and fourth slots (not shown). The third and fourth slots are substantially the same as the first and second slots 392, 394 respectively, but are provided on the opposite side of the fastener 300 to the first and second slots 392, 394 (i.e. on the opposite side of the channel of the fastener 300).

Fig. 14 shows an alternative elongate member 90 with at least one thinned portion 92. In the illustrated example the elongate member 90 is substantially cylindrical in shape and includes a plurality of regularly spaced thinned portions (recesses) 92 of reduced diameter, along with regularly spaced raised portions (ridges) 94 of increased diameter. The alternating recesses and ridges provide a ribbed surface on the elongate member 90. However, in alternative implementations only a single thinned portion 92 might be provided. The thinned portion 92 may include a curved surface.

Fig. 15 illustrates a fourth example fastener 400, which is for coupling the alternative elongate member 90 of Fig. 14 to a rail strut 800. The formation 404 in the channel of the fourth fastener 400 provides an engagement surface to abut against a corresponding engagement surface of the alternative elongate member 90. In the example of Fig. 15, the formation 404 is a projection 404 extending into the channel, which is configured for insertion into the thinned portion 92 of the elongate member 90. In this embodiment, the projection 404 is circumferentially disposed on the inner wall of the channel. The projection 404 may be curved.

Figs. 16A to 16C show a fifth example fastener 500 for coupling the alternative elongate member 90 to a rail slot 850. The fifth fastener 500 is similar to the first fastener 100, with a number of differences, which are outlined below.

The fifth fastener 500 is for coupling to the alternative elongate member 90 rather than the threaded elongate member 80. Thus the channel 502 has a projection 504, rather than a threaded portion, similarly to the fourth fastener 400.

The coupling means 580 of the fifth fastener 500 comprises a resilient member 70, rather than the arms 182,184 of the first fastener 100. The resilient member 70 is shown in Fig. 17. The resilient member 70 is for urging the first and second parts 510, 520 together. In this example, the resilient member 70 is a flexible ring, which may be made from elastic. In other examples, the resilient member 70 could for instance be a steel spring or a rubber O-ring.

The resilient member 70 forms an unbroken (i.e. no breaks in the ring) flexible ring around the first and second parts 510, 520 when located thereon. The internal surface of the flexible ring provides an abutment surface, which is arranged to inhibit movement of the first part 510 away from the second part 520. The resilient member 70 is configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part 510 relative to the second part 520 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20. Similarly to the arms 182, 184 of the first fastener 100, the resilient member 70 is configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part 510 relative to the second part 520, such that the planes of the substantially planar abutment faces (not labelled) of the first and second parts 510, 520 can remain substantially parallel during movement of the first part 510 relative to the second part 520. Similarly to the arms 182, 184 of the first fastener 100, the resilient member 70 is also configured to enable a limited amount of movement of the first part 510 away from the second part 520 in a dimension substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar abutment faces of the first and second parts 510, 520. Furthermore, similarly to the arms 182, 184 of the first fastener 100, the resilient member 70 is arranged to extend between the first and second parts 510, 520 on both sides of the elongate member 90, when the first and second parts 510, 520 are located on opposing sides of the elongate member 90.

In this example, the first and second parts 110, 120 together comprise an indent 570 for receiving the resilient member 70 on the external surface of the first and second parts 510, 520. An example indent 570 is shown in Figs. 16A and 16B, where the indent 570 is circumferentially disposed around the external surface of the first and second parts 510, 520. The linking portion 540 of the second fastener 500 includes the indent 570 for receiving the resilient member 70 in this example.

The first dimension 61 of the retaining portion 530 of the second fastener 500, which is shown in Fig. 16C, is substantially the same size as the internal width 892 of the channel 810 of the rail strut 800 (shown in Fig. 6) in this example, to further secure the fastener 500 to the rail strut 800 once rotated. In this example, the internal width 892 of the channel 810 of the rail strut 800 may be in the range 29mm to 39mm, such as 34mm.

The retaining portion 530 of the fifth fastener 500 can also include an abutment surface 532 (shown in Figs. 16C and 18B) at the outermost end of the retaining portion 530, which prevents over-rotation of the second fastener 500 in the rail slot 850, by abutting against the internal wall of the channel 810 of the rail slot 850. The abutment surface 532 of the retaining portion 530 may be substantially parallel to the abutment faces 514, 524 of the first and second parts 510, 520. In this example, the projection of the retaining portion 530 may extend 3mm to 10mm (such as 6.5mm) from the adjacent linking portion 540 of the fastener 500. Fig. 18A illustrates the fifth fastener 500, the alternative elongate member 90 and the rail strut 800 prior to coupling. Fig. 18B illustrates the fifth fastener 500, the alternative elongate member 90 and the rail strut 800 once coupled.

The threaded elongate member 80 or the alternative elongate member 90 can also be coupled to a pipe hanging part with an elongate slot using the fasteners described herein. An example pipe hanging part 900 with an elongate slot 950 is schematically shown in Fig. 19. The pipe hanging part 900 is configured to receive a pipe and includes an elongate slot 950.

Fig. 20 shows the pipe hanging part 900, a sixth example fastener 600, and the alternative elongate member 90. The sixth example fastener 600 is similar to the fifth fastener 500, but includes a square profile stop portion 650 and a rounded portion in place of the grip portion. The sixth fastener 600 is for coupling the pipe hanging part 900 to the alternative elongate member 90.

As shown in both Figs. 19 and 20, the pipe hanging part 900 comprises an elongate strip 910, the elongate strip 910 including a curved portion 920 for receiving the pipe and two overlapping end portions 930. The end portions 930 are bent relative to the adjacent portions of the strip 910. The two end portions 930 comprise an elongate opening which, when overlapped with the elongate opening of the other end portion 930, provide the elongate slot 950. The elongate strip 910 may be made from sheet metal, such as sheet steel.

This pipe hanging part 900 requires a minimal amount of material when compared to existing pipe brackets, and thus can be inexpensively produced.

Figs. 21 A and 21 B schematically show side views of a seventh fastener 700, Figs. 22A and 22B schematically show top views of the seventh fastener 700, and Figs. 23A and 23B schematically show bottom views of the seventh fastener 700. The first and second parts 710, 720 of the fastener 700 are shown in an uncoupled condition in Figs. 21 A, 22A, and 23A. The first and second parts 710, 720 of the fastener 700 are shown in a coupled condition in Figs. 21 B, 22B, and 23B The seventh fastener 700 is for coupling a threaded elongate member 80 to an elongate slot with a tapered side wall. The seventh fastener 700 is similar to the second fastener 200, but includes a tapered retaining portion 730. The retaining portion 730 of the seventh fastener becomes wider as the distance from the stop portion 750 of the seventh fastener 700 increases. In other words, the projection 732 of the retaining portion includes an overhang. The interference surface 734 of the seventh fastener is provided on the retaining portion 730. Furthermore, the seventh fastener 700 does not include a linking portion.

Figs. 24A-24E illustrate the use of the seventh fastener 700 to couple a threaded elongate member 80 to a tapered elongate slot 1050. The tapered elongate slot 1050, which is shown in Figs. 24D and 24D, becomes wider as the distance from the opening of the slot 1050 increases. In this example, the object with the tapered elongate slot 1050 is a ceiling or a wall. The tapered elongate slot 1050 may include a metal lining. Firstly, as shown in Figs. 24A and 24B, the first and second parts 710, 720 are located on opposing sides of the elongate member 80, and then coupled to one another around the threaded elongate member 80 using the coupling means 780.

An end of the threaded elongate member 80 and the retaining portion 730 of the fastener 700 are then inserted into the tapered elongate slot 1050, as shown in Figs. 24C and Fig. 24D. The other end of the elongate member 80 could for instance be attached to a rail strut 800. When the fastener 700 is first inserted into the slot 80, the first and second parts 110, 120 are loosely held together by the coupling means 780.

The fastener 700 is then rotated by substantially 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis 20. The rotation may be carried out by mounting a spanner to the one or more planar surfaces on either the grip portion 760 or the stop portion 780.

During rotation, the tapered interference surface 734 on the external surface of the retaining portion 730 abuts against the tapered wall of the slot 1050, thereby urging the first and second parts 710, 720 together. The retaining portion 140 forms an interference fit with the rim of the tapered slot 1050, as shown in Fig. 24E.

After rotation, the seventh fastener 700 and the elongate member 80 are coupled to the ceiling or wall. To remove the fastener 700 from the slot 1050, the fastener 700 can be further rotated by 90 degrees to allow the retaining portion 730 to pass through the slot 1020.

There is thus described a fastener with a number of advantages. The fastener can be used to suspend an elongate member from an object, or to suspend an object from an elongate member. The fastener can securely couple the elongate member to the object by a simple insertion motion followed by rotation. Furthermore, the fastener requires only two parts so is also simple and efficient to use and produce. Once secured, the fastener provides a vibration-proof fitting. When the fastener is being moved into position on the elongate member, the fastener can be efficiently moved along the length of the elongate member. No hinge is required between the first and second parts, and thus the fastener might not include a hinge coupling the first and second parts.

The fastener in combination with the elongate member and/or the object with the elongate slot provides a suspension system to enable objects or elongate members to readily be suspended by a user.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, a differently shaped grip portion, stop portion, linking portion or retaining portion may be provided, or different materials may be used to form the fastener, such as metals or plastics. A grip portion and/or a linking portion might not be included in the fastener. In some examples, one of the first or second parts may comprise a ferromagnetic material to attract the first part to the second part. One or more edges might be provided on the wall of the channel, the edges being configured to pierce a surface of the elongate member during the rotation of the retaining portion and fastener within the slot.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one” or by using “consisting”. In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘can’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’, ‘can’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. For example, the retaining portion 730 of the seventh fastener 700 could be replace the retaining portions of any of the other fasteners described herein. Further, any of the portions (such as the linking portions and/or retaining portions) of the fasteners described herein could be interchanged with the corresponding portions of any of the other fasteners described herein. Further, the inner wall of the channel of any of the fasteners described herein could be interchanged with the inner wall of the channel of any of the other fasteners described herein, such that the fastener can couple to a threaded elongate member 80 or the alternative elongate member 90. The coupling means of any of the fasteners described herein could be interchanged with the coupling means of any of the other fasteners described herein. For instance, the arms 182, 184 of the first fastener could be incorporated into the fifth fastener 500 to replace the resilient member 70, and vice versa.

Although examples have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The fasteners described herein could be adapted to couple to any elongate slot, if suitable changes are made to the dimensions of the fastener. The fasteners described herein could be adapted to couple to other types of elongate member.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features may also be present in other examples whether described or not.

The term ‘a’ or ‘the’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use ‘a’ or ‘the’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of ‘at least one’ or ‘one or more’ may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.