Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02924588 2016-03-22
,
QUICK HOOK
FIELD
[0001] This relates to the field of mechanical tools, and in particular, to an
adapter for
attaching objects to existing support structures.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In many industries, such as the construction, demolition, and
maintenance
industries, it may be necessary to move objects, such as by lifting, lowering,
or suspending
them. For example, when installing a new machine, the old machine may need to
be
removed and the new machine brought proximate to the location where it will be
installed.
This may require lowering or lifting the old machine and corresponding lifting
or lowering the
new machine.
[0003] However, it may be difficult for certain objects to be lifted, lowered,
or suspended.
The objects may be heavy, difficult to securely grasp, or unsafe to grasp for
any prolonged
period of time. Further, it may not be safe for one person or multiple people
to physically
lift, lower, or suspend objects. In addition, even if the objects were light
weight and safe to
grasp, the objects may not be easily accessible. For example, the object may
be behind
other objects or otherwise out of reach, such as near the ceiling.
[0004] One way to move objects is to use lifting devices. Various lifting
devices have been
developed for lifting, lowering, or suspending objects, such as chain hoists,
electric hoists,
block and tackles, and lifting beams.
[0005] Such lifting devices may need to be secured above the object to be
lifted, such as to
the ceiling. Each time a lifting device is required for use, it may require
drilling new holes
into a concrete ceiling and installing a support structure, such as an
eyebolt, to provide an
attachment point to anchor the lifting device. Unfortunately, drilling holes
and installing
support structures into a concrete ceiling tend to be cumbersome and time
consuming.
Exposed ends of existing support structures may be inaccessible because they
are already
anchoring an object. Moreover, future construction or installations may block
or impede
access to the existing support structures, like a pipe being installed
adjacent to the eyelet of
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,
an eyebolt, such that the existing support structures may not be reused to
anchor a lifting
device.
SUMMARY
[0006] An example adapter for anchoring an object to an existing support
structure
comprises: a securing block comprising a first inner block, a second inner
block
complementary to the first inner block, the first and second inner blocks
defining a channel
therethrough when placed in opposition for receiving and securing to the
existing support
structure, the first inner block comprising a first securing means and the
second inner block
comprising a second securing means; and an outer sleeve for coupling to the
securing
block, having: an opening to receive the existing support structure; a sleeve
channel for
receiving the securing block; and an attachment arm attached to an outer
surface of the
outer sleeve for anchoring the object.
[0007] An example adapter for anchoring an object to an existing support
structure, the
adapter comprising: a first adapter block opposing a second adapter block in
hinged
connection defining a channel therethrough for receiving and securing to the
existing
support structure, the first adapter block comprising a first securing means
and the second
inner block comprising a second securing means; and an attachment arm attached
to an
outer surface of the adapter for anchoring the object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] In the figures which illustrate example embodiments,
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an adapter with a securing block and an
outer sleeve;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of the securing block of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the outer sleeve of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the outer sleeve and securing block of
FIG. 1
configured for securing to an existing support structure;
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[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the adapter of FIG. 1 secured to an
existing support
structure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of another securing block;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front view of the securing block of FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of another outer sleeve;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front view of the outer sleeve of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another securing block;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another outer sleeve and the securing
block of FIG.
configured for securing to an existing support structure;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another adapter;
[0021] FIG. 13 is schematic view of the adapter of FIG. 12 secured to an
existing support
structure; and
[0022] FIG. 14 is a flow chart depicting a method of using an adapter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Reference is made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is an exploded view of
an adapter
100, which may be secured to an existing support structure for anchoring an
object to the
existing support structure. Adapter 100 may comprise a securing block 110 and
an outer
sleeve 130.
[0024] Securing block 110 may comprise a first inner block 112 and a second
inner block
114. When first inner block 112 and second inner block 114 are positioned in
opposition,
they may define a channel 116 for receiving and securing to an existing
support structure
118.
[0025] First inner block 112 and second inner block 114 may be complementary
to each
other. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, first inner block 112 and second inner
block 114 may
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generally be similar to each other. In some embodiments, first inner block 112
and second
inner block 114 may be different shapes and geometries.
[0026] As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, securing block 110 may have a tapered
shape
such as a frustoconical shape. In some embodiments, securing block 110 may
have a
different shape, such as a cylinder, cone, triangle, square, pyramid, hexagon,
octagon, and
the like.
[0027] In some embodiments, channel 116 may have a shape corresponding to the
shape
of existing support structure 118, such as conical, pyramidal, rectangular,
hexagonal,
octagonal, cylindrical, and the like. As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
channel 116 may be
generally cylindrical for receiving a generally cylindrical existing support
structure 118, such
as a threaded rod.
[0028] Channel 116 may be sized such that channel 116 may accommodate the size
of
existing support structure 118. For example, when existing support structure
118 is a
threaded metal rod, channel 116 may be sized to accommodate standard diameters
of
threaded metal rods. In some examples, channel 116 may be sized to accommodate
threaded metal rods with diameter ranging from 3/16 inches to 10 inches. In
some
examples, channel 116 may be sized to accommodate threaded rods with diameter
ranging
from 3/16 inches to 2 inches. The edges of channel 116 may be bevelled,
rounded,
chamfered, or otherwise smoothed for holding, gripping, or securing of
securing block 110
and for receiving existing support structure 118.
[0029] Existing support structure 118 may be any appropriate support structure
for
anchoring an object, such as metal rods, pipes, beams, and the like. In some
embodiments, existing support structure 118 may be a threaded metal rod
secured at one
end to a ceiling.
[0030] First inner block 112 may comprise a first securing means 120 for
securing first
inner block 112 to existing support structure 118. Similarly, second inner
block 114 may
comprise a second securing means 122 for securing second inner block 114 to
existing
support structure 118. First securing means 120 and second securing means 122
may be
any appropriate securing device for securing first inner block 112 and second
inner block
114 to existing support structure 118, such as nails, screws, adhesives,
mating surfaces for
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,
mating with existing support structure 118, and the like. In some embodiments,
when
existing support structure 118 is a threaded metal rod, first securing means
120 and second
securing means 122 may be threaded surfaces with threads corresponding to the
threads
on existing support structure 118.
[0031] First inner block 112 may comprise a first outer surface 124.
Similarly, second inner
block 114 may comprise a second outer surface 126. First outer surface 124 and
second
outer surface 126 may be smoothed or polished for contacting outer sleeve 130
when
adapter 100 is in use.
[0032] First inner block 112 and/or second inner block 114 may be manufactured
using
appropriate manufacturing techniques. For example, first inner block 112
and/or second
inner block 114 may be cast, forged, 3D-printed, or machined entirely or
partially from an
appropriate material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and the
like.
[0033] Outer sleeve 130 may comprise an opening 132, a sleeve channel surface
134
defining a sleeve channel 136, and an attachment arm 138 attached to an outer
surface
140 of outer sleeve 130. In some embodiments, outer sleeve 130 may have a
shape for
ease of holding, grasping, or securing of outer sleeve 130. As shown in FIG. 1
and FIG. 3,
outer sleeve 130 may have a generally round shape.
[0034] As depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, opening 132 may be an opening that
may extend
along the entire body of outer sleeve 130 such that the length of opening 132
may generally
be the same as the length of the body of outer sleeve 130. In some
embodiments, opening
132 may extend partially along outer sleeve 130 such that the length of
opening 132 may
be shorter than the length of the body of outer sleeve 130. Opening 132 may be
sized for
receiving existing support structure 118 and/or a securing block such as
securing block
110.
[0035] Sleeve channel surface 134 defining sleeve channel 136 may be smoothed,
polished or otherwise processed for contacting securing block 110 when adapter
100 is in
use.
[0036] Based on the shape and size of securing block 110, sleeve channel 136
may be
similarly shaped and sized for receiving and coupling with securing block 110.
For
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example, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, securing block 110 may have a
generally
frustoconical shape with tapered first outer surface 124 and tapered second
outer surface
126. Sleeve channel 136 may be similarly tapered, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 3, for
receiving and coupling with securing block 110.
[0037] In some embodiments, the width of opening 132 may be shorter than the
width of
sleeve channel 136.
[0038] Attachment arm 138 may allow an object to be attached to adapter 100 so
that the
object may be anchored to existing support structure 118. For example,
attachment arm
138 may be an appropriate device for an object to attach to adapter 100, such
as a
cantilevered beam, rod, eyelet, and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 3, attachment
arm 138 may be a hoop for coupling with objects, such as lifting devices.
[0039] Outer sleeve 130 may be manufactured using appropriate manufacturing
techniques. For example, outer sleeve 130 may be cast, forged, 3D-printed, or
machined
entirely or partially from an appropriate material, such as stainless steel,
aluminum,
titanium, and the like. In some embodiments, attachment arm 138 may be
separately cast,
forged, 3D-printed, machined or otherwise manufactured and then later fastened
to outer
surface 140 of outer sleeve 130 using appropriate fasteners, such as nuts and
bolts,
screws, adhesives, or welding.
[0040] FIG. 14 depicts a process S500 for using example adapter 100 for
anchoring an
object to an existing support structure. Process S500 may be applied using
other
embodiments of adapter 100, securing block 110, and/or outer sleeve 130 as
described
below. In some embodiments, process S500 may be applied to a newly installed
support
structure.
[0041] At block S502, securing block 110 may be positioned onto existing
support structure
118. First securing means 120 and second securing means 122 may secure
securing block
110 to existing support structure 118. In some embodiments, a user may hold
securing
block 110 onto existing support structure 118.
[0042] At block S504, outer sleeve 130 may receive existing support structure
118 through
opening 132.
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[0043] At block S506, securing block 110 and outer sleeve 130 may be coupled.
In some
embodiments, securing block 110 and outer sleeve 130 may be slidably coupled.
Outer
sleeve 130 may couple with securing block 110 and may cause first securing
means 120
and second securing means 122 to secure securing block 110 to existing support
structure
118.
[0044] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, securing block 110 may have
tapered
sides, and sleeve channel 136 of outer sleeve 130 may be similarly tapered.
When outer
sleeve 130 and securing block 110 are coupled as shown in FIG. 5, tapered
sleeve channel
surface 134 may be in contact with tapered first outer surface 124 and tapered
second
outer surface 126, such that the weight of outer sleeve 130 may cause first
inner block 112
and second inner block 114 to press against existing support structure 118 and
may
promote engagement between first securing means 120 and second securing means
112
and existing support structure 118.
[0045] In some embodiments, existing support structure 118 may be a threaded
rod and
first securing means 120 and second securing means 122 may be threaded
surfaces.
When outer sleeve 130 is coupled with securing block 110, the threads of
existing support
structure 118 may engage and/or maintain engagement with the threads of the
first
securing means 120 and second securing means 122, such that adapter 100 is
secured to
existing support structure 118.
[0046] In some embodiments, when outer sleeve 130 comprising tapered sleeve
channel
136 is slidably coupled with securing block 110 comprising tapered outer
surfaces 124, 126,
outer sleeve 130 may be prevented from sliding past securing block 110.
[0047] At block S508, an object, such as a lifting device, may be attached to
attachment
arm 138 such that the object is anchored to existing support structure 118.
For example, a
hook of a chain hoist may be hooked into the loop of attachment arm 138 to
anchor the
chain hoist to existing support structure 118, such as a threaded rod.
[0048] When an object is attached to attachment arm 138, outer sleeve 130 may
be
prevented from uncoupling with securing block 110 as the width of opening 132
may be
shorter than the width of sleeve channel 136.
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[0049] When an object is anchored to existing support structure 118 using
adapter 100,
the object may be used. For example, a lifting device, such as a chain hoist,
anchored to a
threaded rod using adapter 100 may be used to lift, lower, and/or suspend
another object.
[0050] In some embodiments, adapter 100 may be used to anchor an object to an
existing
support structure, such as anchoring a lifting device to an existing threaded
rod.
[0051] First inner block 112 and second inner block 114 may be positioned onto
existing
support structure 118 such that existing supporting structure 118 is received
in channel 116
of securing block 110. First inner block 112 and second inner block 114 may be
positioned
on an appropriate portion of existing support structure 118, such as a
proximal, middle,
and/or distal portion of existing support structure 118. First securing means
120 and/or
second securing means 122 may secure first inner block 112 and second inner
block 114
onto existing support structure 118, or a user may hold first inner block 112
and second
inner block 114 against existing support structure 118. Outer sleeve 130 may
receive
existing support structure 118 through opening 132. Outer sleeve 130 may
couple with
securing block 110 and may cause first securing means 120 and second securing
means
122 to secure securing block 110 to existing support structure 118.
[0052] An object, such as a lifting device, may be attached to attachment arm
138 such
that the object is anchored to existing support structure 118. For example, a
hook of a
chain hoist may be hooked into the loop of attachment arm 138, as illustrated
in FIG. 5, to
anchor the chain hoist to existing support structure 118, such as a threaded
rod.
[0053] When an object is attached to attachment arm 138, outer sleeve 130 may
be
prevented from uncoupling with securing block 110 as the width of opening 132
may be
shorter than the width of sleeve channel 136.
[0054] As depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, outer sleeve 130 may slidably couple
with
securing block 110.
[0055] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4, securing block 110 may have
tapered
sides, and sleeve channel 136 of outer sleeve 130 may be similarly tapered.
For example,
securing block 110 may have a frustoconical shape. When outer sleeve 130 and
securing
block 110 are coupled as shown in FIG. 5, tapered sleeve channel surface 134
may be in
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contact with tapered first outer surface 124 and tapered second outer surface
126, such
that the weight of outer sleeve 130 may cause first inner block 112 and second
inner block
114 to press against existing support structure 118 and may promote engagement
between
first securing means 120 and second securing means 122 and existing support
structure
118.
[0056] In some embodiments, existing support structure 118 may be a threaded
rod and
first securing means 120 and second securing means 122 are threaded surfaces.
Where
existing support structure 118 is a threaded rod, and first securing means 120
and second
securing means 122 are threaded surfaces, when outer sleeve 130 is coupled
with securing
block 110, the threads of existing support structure 118 may engage and/or
maintain
engagement with the threads of the first securing means 120 and second
securing means
122, such that adapter 100 is secured to existing support structure 118.
[0057] In some embodiments, when outer sleeve 130 and securing block 110 are
coupled,
outer sleeve 130 may be prevented from sliding past securing block 110.
[0058] In some embodiments, adapter 100 may be used to anchor an object, such
as a
lifting device, to a newly installed support structure or to an existing
support structure.
When adapter 100 is used to anchor an object to an existing support structure,
this may
reduce the amount of effort and/or time for moving an object since a new
support structure
may not be installed. For example, adapter 100 may be secured to a newly
installed
threaded rod in a ceiling to anchor a lifting device to the newly installed
threaded rod. This
may require time and effort to install the new threaded rod in the ceiling
prior to moving the
object. When adapter 100 is secured to an existing threaded rod in a ceiling
to anchor a
lifting device without having to install a new threaded rod, this may save the
time and/or
effort that would be allocated to installing the new threaded rod.
[0059] In some embodiments, adapter 100 may be used to secure onto any
appropriate
portion of an existing support structure. For example, adapter 100 may be used
to secure
to a proximal, distal, or middle portion of existing support structure 118, as
shown in FIG. 4
and FIG. 5.
[0060] In some embodiments, adapter 100 may be used when a portion of an
existing
support structure is obscured, blocked, and/or impeded. For example, existing
support
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structure 118 may be a threaded rod installed in a concrete ceiling. Adapter
100 may be
secured onto an exposed end of the threaded rod. However, the exposed end of
the
threaded rod may be obscured, blocked, and/or impeded, for example, by new
construction
or installation projects. Adapter 100 may be secured to a portion of the
threaded rod that is
not obscured, blocked, and/or impeded for anchoring an object to the threaded
rod.
[0061] In some embodiments, adapter 100 may be secured to a portion of an
existing
support structure at an orientation convenient for the user. The orientation
of adapter 100
may not be limited or restricted during use. Securing block 110 may receive
and secure to
any appropriate surface of existing support structure 118. For example, where
existing
support structure 118 is a threaded rod, securing block 118 may be positioned
on any
appropriate and convenient surface of existing support structure 118. As
depicted in FIG.
5, first outer surface 124 is generally facing in the negative direction of
the Y-axis, and
second outer surface 126 is generally facing in the positive direction of the
Y-axis. In some
embodiments, securing block 110 may be rotated about the X-Y plane, such that
first outer
surface 124 and second outer surface 126 is generally facing any appropriate
direction that
is preferable to a user of adapter 100. Similarly, outer sleeve 130 may
receive and couple
with securing block 110 at any appropriate and convenient orientation for the
user. As
depicted, attachment arm 138 may be oriented along the X-axis and be generally
pointed in
the negative direction of the X-axis, as shown in FIG. 5. However, attachment
arm 138
may be generally pointed in any direction on the X-Y plane at any appropriate
and
convenient direction to the user.
[0062] As described above and shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, securing block 110
of adapter
100 may comprise a first inner block 112 and a second inner block 114. When
first inner
block 112 and second inner block 114 are positioned in opposition, they may
define a
channel 116 for receiving and securing securing block 110 to an existing
support structure
118. First inner block 112 and second inner block 114 may not be in physical
contact with
each other.
[0063] Other securing blocks are possible. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate an
example
securing block 210 similar to securing block 110, securing block 210
comprising a first inner
block 212 and a second inner block 214 pivotable about a hinge connection 218.
When
first inner block 212 and second inner block 214 are positioned in opposition,
they may
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define a channel 216 for receiving and securing securing block 210 to existing
support
structure 118.
[0064] In some embodiments, similar to channel 116 of securing block 110,
channel 216
may have a shape corresponding to the shape of existing support structure 118.
As
depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, channel 216 may be generally cylindrical for
receiving a
generally cylindrical existing support structure 118, such as a threaded rod.
[0065] Similar to channel 116, channel 216 may be sized such that channel 216
may
accommodate the size of existing support structure 118.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, first inner block 212 and second inner block 214
may be
connected to each other with hinge connection 218. Hinge connection 218 may be
any
appropriate hinge connection, such as a hinge and a pin, a spring hinge loaded
to close,
and the like. Where hinge connection 218 is a spring hinge loaded to close,
securing block
210 may be biased towards a closed position.
[0067] Hinge connection 218 may cause securing block 210 to pivotably open and
close
about hinge connection 218. Securing block 210 may pivotably open at hinge
connection
218 to receive existing support structure 118 and may close at hinge
connection 218 to
secure securing block 210 to existing support structure 118. In some
embodiments,
securing block 210 may be threaded from an exposed end of existing support
structure 118
to secure onto existing support structure 118, for example, when existing
support structure
118 is a threaded rod. Hinge connection 218 may promote securing first inner
block 212
and second inner block 214 to existing support structure 118 such that
securing block 210
may remain closed and may continue to be secured to existing support structure
118 when
an object is attached to adapter 100.
[0068] Securing block 210 may comprise a first outer surface 220 and a second
outer
surface 222 that may contact sleeve channel surface 134 of outer sleeve 130
when coupled
with outer sleeve 130 during use of adapter 100.
[0069] Securing block 210 may comprise a first securing means 224 and a second
securing means 226 generally similar to first securing means 120 and second
securing
means 122 of securing block 110.
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[0070] When first inner block 212 and second inner block 214 are connected to
each other,
such as with hinge connection 218, it may promote convenience when using
adapter 100.
[0071] For example, when positioning securing block 210 onto existing support
structure
118, a user may not have to press securing block 210 against existing support
structure
118. Hinge connection 218 may allow securing block 210 to rest on and/or
secure to
existing support structure 118. This may promote ease of coupling outer sleeve
130 to
securing block 210, since a user of adapter 100 may have both hands free.
[0072] As another example, when first inner block 212 and second inner block
214 are
connected to each other, it may promote ease of positioning first inner block
212 in
opposition with second inner block 214 to define channel 216 for securing
block 210 to
receive and secure with existing support structure 118.
[0073] As yet another example, when first inner block 212 and second inner
block 214 are
connected to each other, the components of securing block 210 may be retrieved
conveniently. When a user retrieves first inner block 212 or second inner
block 214, the
user may have all the components of securing block 210 when first inner block
212 and
second inner block 214 are connected to each other.
[0074] As described above in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, outer sleeve 130 may comprise
opening
132, sleeve channel surface 134 defining sleeve channel 136, and attachment
arm 138
attached to outer surface 140 of outer sleeve 130.
[0075] Other outer sleeves are possible. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 depict an example
outer sleeve
230 that may be similar to outer sleeve 130. Outer sleeve 230 may be coupled
with a
securing block, such as securing blocks 110, 210, for anchoring an object to
existing
support structure 118.
[0076] Outer sleeve 230 may comprise a first outer sleeve block 232 and a
second outer
sleeve block 234 connected with a hinge connection 236. Outer sleeve 230 may
further
comprise an opening 238, a sleeve channel surface 240 defining a sleeve
channel 242, and
an attachment arm 244 attached to an outer surface 246 of outer sleeve 230. In
some
embodiments, outer sleeve 230 may have a shape for ease of holding, grasping,
or
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securing of outer sleeve 230. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, outer sleeve 230
may have a
generally round shape.
[0077] Hinge connection 236 may cause outer sleeve 230 to pivotably open and
close
about hinge connection 236. In some embodiments, hinge connection 236 may be
any
appropriate hinge connection, such as a hinge and a pin, a spring hinge loaded
to close,
and the like. Where hinge connection 236 is a spring hinge loaded to close,
outer sleeve
230 may be biased towards a closed position.
[0078] Outer sleeve 230 may pivotably open at hinge connection 236 to receive
a securing
block, such as securing block 110 and/or securing block 210, and may close at
hinge
connection 236 for outer sleeve 230 to couple with securing block 110 and/or
securing
block 210. Hinge connection 236 may promote coupling between outer sleeve 230
and
securing block 110 and/or securing block 210 such that outer sleeve 230 may
remain
closed and may continue to be coupled to securing block 110, 210 when an
object, such as
a lifting device, is attached to adapter 100.
[0079] As depicted in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, opening 238, similar to opening 132
of outer
sleeve 130, may be an opening that may extend along the entire body of outer
sleeve 230
such that the length of opening 238 may generally be the same as the length of
the body of
outer sleeve 230. In some embodiments, opening 238 may extend partially along
outer
sleeve 230 such that the length of opening 238 may be shorter than the length
of the body
of outer sleeve 230. Opening 238 may be sized for receiving existing support
structure
118, or a securing block such as securing block 110, and/or securing block
210.
[0080] In some embodiments, opening 238 may be expanded by pivotably opening
outer
sleeve 230 for receiving existing support structure 118, or a securing block,
such as
securing blocks 110, 210.
[0081] In some embodiments, outer sleeve 230 may pivotably open to receive and
couple
with securing block 110 and/or securing block 210. In some embodiments, outer
sleeve
230 may receive existing support structure 118, and may slidably couple with a
securing
block such as securing block 110 and/or securing block 210.
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[0082] Similar to outer sleeve 130, sleeve channel surface 240 may be
smoothed, polished
or otherwise processed for contacting securing block 110, 210 when adapter 100
is in use.
[0083] Based on the shape and size of the securing block, such as securing
blocks 110,
210, sleeve channel 242 may be similarly shaped and sized for receiving
securing blocks
110, 210. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7,
securing blocks
110, 210 may have a generally frustoconical shape with a tapered outer
surface. Sleeve
channel 242 may be similarly tapered for receiving securing block 110, 210, as
illustrated in
FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.
[0084] Similar to outer sleeve 130, in some embodiments, the width of opening
238 when
outer sleeve 230 is pivotably closed may be shorter than the width of sleeve
channel 242,
such that when an object is attached to attachment arm 244, outer sleeve 230
may not
uncouple from securing blocks 110, 210 when adapter 100 is in use.
[0085] Similar to attachment arm 138, attachment arm 244 may allow an object
to be
attached to adapter 100 so that the object may be anchored to existing support
structure
118. As illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, attachment arm 244 may be a hoop for
coupling
with objects, such as lifting devices.
[0086] As depicted in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, attachment arm 244 may be connected
to second
outer sleeve block 234. In some embodiments, attachment arm 244 may be
connected to
first outer sleeve block 232. In some embodiments, a first attachment arm may
be
connected to first outer sleeve block 232 and a second attachment arm may be
connected
to second outer sleeve block 234. In some embodiments, a first portion of
attachment arm
244 may be connected to first outer sleeve block 232, and a second portion of
attachment
arm 244 may be connected to second outer sleeve block 234, such that when
outer sleeve
230 is coupled with a securing block, such as securing block 110 and/or
securing block
210, the first and second portions of attachment arm 244 define attachment arm
244.
[0087] As depicted in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, adapter 100 may comprise a tapered
securing
block 110 coupled with outer sleeve 130 with a similarly tapered sleeve
channel 136. When
outer sleeve 130 and tapered securing block 110 are slidably coupled, outer
sleeve 130
may be prevented from sliding past securing block 110.
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[0088] Other securing blocks and outer sleeves are possible for preventing
outer sleeve
130 from sliding past securing block 110. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 depict an
example adapter
300 comprising a securing block 310 with a flange 318 and an outer sleeve 330.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 10, securing block 310 may comprise a first inner
block 312 and a
second inner block 314. When first inner block 312 and second inner block 314
are
positioned in opposition, they may define a channel 316 generally similar to
channels 116,
216 for receiving and securing to existing support structure 118. As
illustrated in FIG. 10,
securing block 310 may have a generally cylindrical shape.
[0090] Similar to securing blocks 110 and 210, first inner block 312 may
comprise a first
securing means 320 for securing first inner block 312 to existing support
structure 118.
Second inner block 314 may comprise a second securing means 322 for securing
second
inner block 314 to existing support structure 118.
[0091] First inner block 312 may comprise a first outer surface 324.
Similarly, second inner
block 314 may comprise a second outer surface 326. First outer surface 324 and
second
outer surface 326 may be smoothed or polished for contacting outer sleeve 330
when
adapter 300 is in use.
[0092] Securing block 310 may be generally similar to securing blocks 110,
210, except at
least one of first inner block 312 and second inner block 314 may comprise
flange 318. As
depicted in FIG. 10, both first inner block 312 and second inner block 314 may
comprise
flanges 318.
[0093] In some embodiments, first inner block 312 and second inner block 314
may be in
hinged connection, similar to securing block 210 as depicted in FIG. 6 and
FIG. 7. In some
embodiments, securing block 310 comprising a hinged connection may be threaded
from
an exposed end of existing support structure 118 to secure onto existing
support structure
118, for example, when existing support structure 118 is a threaded rod.
[0094] Outer sleeve 330 may comprise an opening 332, a sleeve channel surface
334
defining a sleeve channel 336, and an attachment arm 338 attached to an outer
surface
340 of outer sleeve 330.
CA 02924588 2016-03-22
[0095] As depicted in FIG. 11, opening 332 may be an opening that may extend
along the
entire body of outer sleeve 330 such that the length of opening 332 may
generally be the
same as the length of the body of outer sleeve 330. In some embodiments,
opening 332
may extend partially along outer sleeve 330 such that the length of opening
332 may be
shorter than the length of the body of outer sleeve 330. Opening 332 may be
sized for
receiving existing support structure 118 and/or a securing block such as
securing blocks
110, 210.
[0096] Sleeve channel surface 334 defining sleeve channel 336 may be smoothed,
polished or otherwise processed for contacting securing blocks, such as
securing blocks
110, 210, when adapter 300 is in use.
[0097] Based on the shape and size of securing block 310, sleeve channel 336
may be
similarly shaped and sized for receiving and coupling with securing block 310.
For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, securing block 310 may have a generally
cylindrical
shape. Sleeve channel 336 may be similarly cylindrical for receiving and
coupling with
securing block 310.
[0098] In some embodiments, the width of opening 332 may be shorter than the
width of
sleeve channel 336.
[0099] Attachment arm 338 may allow an object to be attached to adapter 300 so
that the
object may be anchored to existing support structure 118. For example,
attachment arm
338 may be an appropriate device for an object to attach to adapter 300, such
as a
cantilevered beam, rod, eyelet, and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 11,
attachment arm 338
may be a hoop for coupling with objects, such as lifting devices.
[00100] Outer sleeve 330 may be generally similar to outer sleeves 130,
230, except
sleeve channel 336 may be shaped and sized to accommodate securing block 310.
[00101] In some embodiments, outer sleeve 330 may comprise two or more
sleeve
blocks in hinged connection, similar to outer sleeve 230 as depicted in FIG. 8
and FIG. 9.
[00102] In some embodiments, adapter 300 may be used to anchor an object,
such
as a lifting device, to an existing support structure, such as a threaded rod.
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CA 02924588 2016-03-22
[00103] First inner block 312 and second inner block 314 may be positioned
onto
existing support structure 118 such that existing supporting structure 118 is
received in
channel 316 of securing block 310. First securing means 320 and/or second
securing
means 322 may secure first inner block 312 and second inner block 314 onto
existing
support structure 118, or a user may hold first inner block 312 and second
inner block 314
against existing support structure 118. Outer sleeve 330 may receive existing
support
structure 118 through opening 332. Outer sleeve 330 may couple with securing
block 310
and may cause first securing means 320 and second securing means 322 to secure
securing block 310 to existing support structure 118.
[00104] As depicted in FIG. 11, outer sleeve 330 may slidably couple with
securing
block 310. Flanges 318 may prevent outer sleeve 330 from sliding past securing
block 310
when outer sleeve 330 and securing block 310 are coupled.
[00105] In some embodiments, existing support structure 118 may be a
threaded rod
and first securing means 320 and second securing means 322 may be threaded
surfaces.
When outer sleeve 330 is coupled with securing block 310, the threads of
existing support
structure 118 may engage and/or maintain engagement with the threads of the
first
securing means 320 and second securing means 322, such that adapter 300 is
secured to
existing support structure 118.
[00106] An object, such as a lifting device, may be coupled with
attachment arm 338
such that the object is anchored to existing support structure 118. For
example, a hook of a
chain hoist may be hooked into the loop of attachment arm 138 to anchor the
chain hoist to
existing support structure 118, such as a threaded rod.
[00107] When an object is attached to attachment arm 338, outer sleeve 330
may be
prevented from uncoupling with securing block 310 as the width of opening 332
may be
shorter than the width of sleeve channel 336.
[00108] As described above, adapter 100, 300 may comprise securing block
110,
210, and/or 310 and outer sleeve 130, 230, and/or 330.
[00109] Other adapters are possible that may not include a securing block.
FIG. 12
and FIG. 13 illustrate an example adapter 400 comprising a first adapter block
402 and a
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CA 02924588 2016-03-22
second adapter block 404 connected with a hinge connection 406. When first
adapter
block 402 and second adapter block 404 are positioned in opposition, they may
define a
channel 408 for receiving and securing adapter 400 to existing support
structure 118.
[00110] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, first adapter block 402 and
second
adapter block 404 may be connected to each other with hinge connection 406.
Hinge
connection 406 may be any appropriate hinge connection, such as a hinge and a
pin, a
spring hinge loaded to close, and the like. As depicted in FIG. 12 and FIG.
13, first adapter
block 402 and second adapter block 404 may comprise complementary pin holes
418 for
receiving a pin 420. Where hinge connection 406 is a spring hinge loaded to
close, adapter
400 may be biased towards a closed position.
[00111] Hinge connection 406 may cause adapter 400 to pivotably open and
close
about hinge connection 406. Adapter 400 may pivotably open at hinge connection
406 to
receive existing support structure 118 and may close at hinge connection 406
to secure
adapter 400 to existing support structure 118.
[00112] In some embodiments, channel 408 may have a shape corresponding to
the
shape of existing support structure 118, such as conical, pyramidal,
rectangular, hexagonal,
octagonal, cylindrical, or the like. As depicted in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13,
channel 408 may be
generally cylindrical for receiving a generally cylindrical existing support
structure 118, such
as a threaded rod.
[00113] Channel 408 may be sized such that channel 408 may accommodate the
size of existing support structure 118. For example, when existing support
structure 118 is
a threaded metal rod, channel 408 may be sized to accommodate standard
diameters of
threaded metal rods. In some examples, channel 408 may be sized to accommodate
threaded metal rods with diameter ranging from 3/16 inches to 10 inches. In
some
examples, channel 408 may be sized to accommodate threaded rods with diameter
ranging
from 3/16 inches to 2 inches. The edges of channel 408 may be bevelled,
rounded,
chamfered, or otherwise smoothed for holding, gripping, or securing of adapter
400 and for
receiving existing support structure 118.
[00114] First adapter block 402 may comprise a first securing means 410
for
securing first adapter block 402 to existing support structure 118. Second
adapter block
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404 may comprise a second securing means 412 for securing second adapter block
404 to
existing support structure 118. First securing means 410 and second securing
means 412
may be any appropriate securing device for securing first adapter block 402
and second
adapter block 404 to existing support structure 118, such as nails, screws,
adhesives,
mating surfaces for mating with existing support structure 118, and the like.
In some
embodiments, when existing support structure 118 is a threaded metal rod,
first securing
means 410 and second securing means 410 may be threaded surfaces with threads
corresponding to the threads on existing support structure 118.
[00115] Adapter 400 may comprise an attachment arm 414 attached to outer
surface
416 of adapter 400. Attachment arm 414 may allow an object to be attached to
adapter
400 so that the object may be anchored to existing support structure 118. For
example,
attachment arm 414 may be an appropriate device for an object to attach to
adapter 400,
such as a cantilevered beam, rod, eyelet, and the like. As illustrated in FIG.
12 and FIG.
13, attachment arm 414 may be a hoop for coupling with objects, such as
lifting devices.
[00116] As depicted in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, attachment arm 414 is
connected to first
adapter block 402. In some embodiments, attachment arm 414 may be connected to
second adapter block 404. In some embodiments, a first attachment arm may be
connected to first adapter block 402 and a second attachment arm may be
connected to
second adapter block 404. In some embodiments, a first portion of attachment
arm 414
may be connected to first adapter block 402, and a second portion of
attachment arm 414
may be connected to second adapter block 234, such that when adapter 400 is
secured to
existing support structure 118, the first and second portions of attachment
arm 414 define
attachment arm 414.
[00117] Adapter 400 may be manufactured using appropriate manufacturing
techniques. For example, adapter 400 may be cast, forged, 3D-printed, or
machined
entirely or partially from an appropriate material, such as stainless steel,
aluminum,
titanium, and the like. In some embodiments, attachment arm 414 may be
separately cast,
forged, 3D-printed, machined or otherwise manufactured and then later fastened
to outer
surface 416 of adapter 400 using appropriate fasteners, such as nuts and
bolts, screws,
adhesives, or welding.
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[00118] In some embodiments, adapter 400 may be used to anchor an object,
such
as a lifting device, to an existing support structure, such as a threaded rod.
[00119] Adapter 400 may be pivotably opened about hinge connection 406.
First
adapter block 402 and second adapter block 404 may be positioned onto existing
support
structure 118 such that existing supporting structure 118 is received in
channel 408.
[00120] First securing means 410 and second securing means 412 may secure
first
adapter block 402 and second adapter block 404 onto existing support structure
118.
[00121] Hinge connection 406 may promote securing first adapter block 402
and
second adapter block 404 to existing support structure 118. For example, as
depicted in
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, first adapter block 402 and second adapter block 404 may
comprise
complementary pin holes 418 for receiving pin 420 such that adapter 400 may
remain
closed and may continue to be secured to existing support structure 118 when
an object is
attached to adapter 400.
[00122] An object, such as a lifting device, may be attached to attachment
arm 414
such that the object is anchored to existing support structure 118. For
example, a hook of a
chain hoist may be hooked into the loop of attachment arm 414 to anchor the
chain hoist to
existing support structure 118, such as a threaded rod.
[00123] In some embodiments, existing support structure 118 may be a
threaded rod
and first securing means 410 and second securing means 412 are threaded
surfaces.
Where existing support structure 118 is a threaded rod, and first securing
means 410 and
second securing means 412 are threaded surfaces, the threads of existing
support
structure 118 may engage and/or maintain engagement with the threads of the
first
securing means 410 and second securing means 412, such that adapter 400 is
secured to
existing support structure 118. Hinge connection 406 may promote engagement
between
the threads of existing support structure 118 and first securing means 410 and
second
securing means 412.
[00124] In some embodiments, where existing support structure 118 is a
threaded
rod, adapter 400 may be threaded from an exposed end of existing support
structure 118 to
secure onto existing support structure 118.
CA 02924588 2016-03-22
[00125] In some embodiments, similar to adapter 100 and adapter 300,
adapter 400
may be used to anchor an object, such as a lifting device, to a newly
installed support
structure or an existing support structure. When adapter 400 is used to anchor
an object to
an existing support structure, this may reduce the amount of effort and/or
time for moving
an object. When adapter 400 is secured to an existing threaded rod in a
ceiling to anchor a
lifting device without having to install a new threaded rod, this may save the
time and/or
effort that would be allocated to installing the new threaded rod.
[00126] In some embodiments, adapter 400 may be used to secure onto any
appropriate portion of an existing support structure. For example, adapter 400
may be
used to secure to a proximal, distal, or middle portion of existing support
structure 118, as
shown in FIG. 13.
[00127] In some embodiments, adapter 400 may be used when a portion of an
existing support structure is obscured, blocked, and/or impeded. For example,
existing
support structure 118 may be a threaded rod installed in a concrete ceiling.
Adapter 400
may be secured onto an exposed end of the threaded rod. However, the exposed
end of
the threaded rod may be obscured, blocked, and/or impeded, for example, by new
construction or installation projects. Adapter 400 may then be secured to a
portion of the
threaded rod that is not obscured, blocked, and/or impeded for anchoring an
object to the
threaded rod.
[00128] In some embodiments, adapter 400 may be secured to a portion of an
existing support structure at an orientation convenient for the user. The
orientation of
adapter 400 may not be limited or restricted during use. Adapter 400 may
receive and
secure to any appropriate surface of existing support structure 118 at any
appropriate and
convenient orientation for the user. As depicted, attachment arm 414 may be
oriented
along the X-axis and generally pointed in the negative direction of the X-
axis, as shown in
FIG. 13. However, attachment arm 414 may be generally pointed in any direction
on the X-
Y plane at any appropriate and convenient direction to the user.
[00129] In some embodiments, adapter 400 may be used to secure an object
to
existing support structure 118 without an additional securing block, such as
securing blocks
110, 210, 310. This may promote convenience when a user uses adapter 400. A
user may
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CA 02924588 2016-03-22
use a single mechanical tool, namely adapter 400, to anchor an object to a
support
structure.
[00130] The preceding discussion provides many example embodiments.
Although
each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, other
examples
may include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one
embodiment
comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B
and D,
other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, may also be used.
[00131] The term "connected" or "coupled to" may include both direct
coupling (in
which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and
indirect
coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two
elements).
[00132] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should
be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made
herein.
[00133] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to
be limited
to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter,
means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary
skill in the art
will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention,
processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently
existing or later
to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve
substantially the
same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized.
Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope
such
processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or
steps
[00134] As can be understood, the examples described above and illustrated
are
intended to be exemplary only. The invention is defined by the appended
claims.
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