Apparatus and System for Joining Ducts

Abstract

A fastener includes a stud having a central axis and a head. The head includes a first end engageable with the stud, a second end opposed from the first end, and a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fastener comprising:
 a stud having a central axis (A S ); and   a head comprising:
 a first end engageable with the stud; 
 a second end opposed from the first end; and 
 a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis (A B ). 
   
     
     
         2 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the central axis (A S ) of the stud is substantially perpendicular to the central axis (A B ) of the bore. 
     
     
         3 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the head is removably engageable with the stud. 
     
     
         4 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the head is threadedly engageable with the stud. 
     
     
         5 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the head is integrated with the stud such that it is a single, monolithic piece. 
     
     
         6 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of the head is tapered. 
     
     
         7 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the head comprises a second bore. 
     
     
         8 . The fastener of  claim 1 , wherein the head is substantially ring shaped. 
     
     
         9 . A system for suspending a first structure from a structure, the system comprising:
 a cable removably coupleable with the second structure; and   a fastener removably coupleable with the first structure, the fastener configured to receive the cable.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the fastener is one of a bolt and a threaded rod. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the fastener comprises:
 a stud having a central axis (A S ); and   a head comprising:
 a first end engageable with the stud; 
 a second end opposed from the first end; and 
 a bore between the first end and the second end having a central axis (A B ), wherein the bore is configured to receive the cable. 
   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first structure is a duct and the second structure is a suspension point. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the cable comprises metal wire. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising a second fastener coupled with the first structure. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the cable is engaged with the second fastener. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the first fastener and the second fastener is a bolt and wherein at least one of the third fastener and the fourth fastener is a bolt. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising a third fastener and a fourth fastener. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the cable is coupled with two or more of the fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the cable is coupled with the fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, and the fourth fastener. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising a second cable. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the cable is coupled with one or more of the fastener and the second fastener and wherein the second cable is coupled with one or more of the third fastener and the fourth fastener.