Rod stiffening assembly, method of using the same, use thereof, and strut useful to embody the rod stiffening assembly

Abstract

A stiffening assembly for stiffening a rod is provided. The stiffening assembly can include a pair of struts having an elongated base having opposite top and bottom surfaces. The struts can extend along either sides of the rod and be connected to one another in a “back-to-back” configuration, with the top surfaces facing outwardly in opposite directions. When connecting the struts together, a cavity is defined therebetween, the cavity being adapted to enclose the rod therein, effectively stiffening the rod. Also, a method of use is provided, and finally, a strut useful to embody the stiffening assembly is also provided.

1 . A strut for use in a stiffening assembly for stiffening a rod, the strut comprising:
 a base having opposite top and bottom surfaces extending along a length of the strut; and   a recess extending along the bottom surface,   the strut being adapted to be connected to a second strut in a «back-to-back» configuration whereby the bottom surface contacts a bottom surface of the second strut and positions the recess opposite a recess of the second strut thereby forming a cavity adapted to completely surround the rod such that the rod is stiffened between the first and second strut along the entire length of the strut.   
     
     
         2 . The strut according to  claim 1 , wherein the recess comprises an engagement surface adapted to contact the rod, the engagement surface extending along the entire length of the strut. 
     
     
         3 . The strut according to  claim 2 , wherein the engagement surface is substantially parallel to the base. 
     
     
         4 . The strut according to  claim 2 , wherein the engagement surface is provided with a plurality of holes positioned along the length of the strut. 
     
     
         5 . The strut according to  claim 2 , wherein the recess includes lateral surfaces extending from the engagement surface, wherein the lateral surfaces and the rod define a play therebetween when the rod is positioned within the recess. 
     
     
         6 . The strut according to  claim 5 , wherein the play is less than a quarter inch of running course of the rod within the cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The strut according to  claim 1 , comprising a pair of legs extending outwardly on either side of the recess. 
     
     
         8 . The strut according to  claim 7 , wherein the strut is connected to the second strut using mechanical fasteners, and wherein each leg has an outer edge which is bent inwardly, defining a lip, and wherein each lip is J-shaped and adapted to facilitate positioning and fastening of the mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The strut according to  claim 1 , said strut having a substantially W-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         10 . The strut according to  claim 1 , said strut being made from a sheet of metal bent into shape using a roll forming machine. 
     
     
         11 . The strut according to  claim 1 , said strut extending for substantially an entire length of the rod. 
     
     
         12 . The strut according to  claim 1 , wherein the cavity is substantially rectangular. 
     
     
         13 . The strut according to  claim 1 , further comprising a spacer strip extending along the bottom surface to prevent direct contact between the strut and the second strut. 
     
     
         14 . A stiffening assembly for stiffening a rod, the stiffening assembly comprising a first strut and a second strut as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second strut are connected together in a «back-to-back» configuration. 
     
     
         15 . A method of stiffening a rod using a stiffening assembly according to  claim 14 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a. positioning the rod along the bottom surface of the first strut;   b. positioning the second strut on the first strut in a “back-to-back” configuration, enclosing the rod therebetween; and   c. tightening the rod between the struts by connecting the struts to one another using mechanical fasteners.   
     
     
         16 . The method of stiffening a rod according to  claim 15 , wherein the first and second struts are identical. 
     
     
         17 . A seismic installation provided with the stiffening assembly according to  claim 14 , the seismic installation being adapted to reduce and/or prevent damages to structures and/or hung equipment using rods. 
     
     
         18 . The strut according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second struts are identical.