AU2014100292A4 - A Conduit Hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A conduit hanger includes a base. At least one carrier extends from the base and defines a retaining formation in which a conduit can be received. At least one obstruction member is arranged on one of the base and an associated carrier and is displaceable between an inoperative position in which the conduit can be removed from the carrier and an operative position in which the conduit is retained in the carrier with the obstruction member. 14@ -o-

Description

1 A CONDUIT HANGER FIELD [0001] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a conduit hanger. The embodiments relate also to a system and to a method for supporting conduits. SUMMARY [0002] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a conduit hanger which comprises a base; at least one carrier extending from the base and defining a retaining formation in which a conduit can be received; and at least one obstruction member arranged on one of the base and an associated carrier and displaceable between an inoperative position in which the conduit can be removed from the carrier and an operative position in which the conduit is retained in the carrier with the obstruction member. [0003] A number of carriers may extend from the base. For example, three carriers may extend from the base. Thus, a number of obstruction members may be arranged on the base to correspond with respective carriers. [0004] The base and the carriers may be of a unitary one-piece construction. For example, the base and the carriers may be formed from a sheet of metal, such as steel or aluminium. The sheet may be stamped or moulded to define the base and the carriers. [0005] The base may be elongate with the carriers extending from one side of the base. Each carrier may define an arcuate inner surface to accommodate the conduit. The obstruction members may be in the form of locking members or bars that are pivotally connected to the base to be pivotal between the operative and inoperative positions. It will be appreciated that the locking members or bars can, instead, be pivotally connected to respective carriers. [0006] In the operative position, the bars extend from the base to a free end of the associated carrier. Said free end and bar may have corresponding openings so that the bar can be locked or secured to the free end of the associated carrier. Alternatively, the 2 bars can extend from the free end of the associated carrier to the base. In that case, one end of the bar can be pivotally connected to the carrier while the free end can be locked or secured to the base. [0007] The conduit hanger can include a supplementary carrier arranged on an end of the base, or anywhere else where such a supplementary carrier would be convenient or useful. [0008] The conduit hanger is useful for underground mining where it is necessary to retain conduits in a position away from a working area in a tunnel, for example. Thus, the conduit hanger can be mounted on a hanging wall, or similar, in an underground mine. To that end, the conduit hanger may include a mounting arrangement to allow the conduit hanger to be mounted on such a structure. [0009] The mounting arrangement may include two or more longitudinal slots defined in the base. Elongate connectors may be engaged with the base via pivot formations or pivot pins arranged on ends of the connectors and received through the slots. Thus, the elongate connectors can be both pivotally and linearly displaceable with respect to the base. [0010] As is known, roof anchors or roof bolts are generally used to maintain the integrity of a hanging wall or the like in an underground mine. Thus, the mounting arrangement can include suitable mounting members arranged on the roof bolts to permit the connectors to be mounted on the roof bolts. For example, the mounting members can be in the form of eye bolts, D-shackles or the like arranged on the roof bolts so that the connectors can be hooked onto the roof bolts. [0011] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a system for supporting conduits, the system comprising a plurality of the conduit hangers as described above mounted in a generally aligned orientation so that at least one conduit can span at least two of the conduit hangers when received in the carriers in the manner described above. [0012] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a method of supporting conduits on a structure, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of the conduit hangers as described above; and 3 securing at least one conduit to at least two consecutive carriers of respective hangers in the manner described above. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Figure 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a conduit hanger. [0014] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of part of the conduit hanger, illustrating a manner in which a conduit is secured to the conduit hanger. [0015] Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the conduit hanger without obstruction or locking members. [0016] Figure 4 shows a side view of a pair of conduit hangers arranged for packaging. [0017] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of two of the conduit hangers, in use. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0018] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a conduit hanger. [0019] The conduit hanger 10 includes a base 12. Three carriers 14 extend from the base 12 and define retaining formations 18 in which conduits 16 (figures 2 and 5) are received. Obstruction members in the form of locking members 20 are arranged on the base 12 and are displaceable between an inoperative position indicated at 22 in which the conduits 16 can be removed from the carrier 14 and an operative position indicated, for example, at 24, in which the conduits 16 are retained in the carrier 14 by the locking member 20. [0020] The base 12 and the carriers 14 are of a unitary one-piece construction. In this example, the base 12 and the carriers 14 are formed from a sheet of metal, such as steel or aluminium. Thus, the sheet can be stamped to form the base 12 and the carriers 14.

4 [0021] The base 12 is elongate and the carriers 14 extend from one side of the base 12. Each carrier 14 defines an arcuate inner surface 26 that is shaped to accommodate the conduit 16. Thus, the inner surface 26 can have a generally U-shaped profile. The obstruction or locking members 20 are in the form of bars that are pivotally connected, at one end 28, to the base 12 to be pivotal between the operative and inoperative positions. In particular, each bar can be connected to the base 12 with a suitable pivot pin assembly 30. The pivot pin assembly 30 can be in the form of a nut and bolt assembly having a nut 31 and a bolt 33, as shown in figure 2. [0022] Each carrier 14 is dimensioned so that when the conduit 16 is received in the carrier 14, a free end 32 of the carrier 14 extends past the conduit 16 such that the carrier 14 and an associated part of the base 12 define sides of a region greater in area than a cross section of the conduit. [0023] The bars 20 are elongate and generally straight. Furthermore, the bars 20 are pivotally connected to the base 12 at a position with respect to the free end 32 of the associated carrier 14. Thus, when the conduit 16 is received in the carrier 14, the associated bar can extend over the conduit 16 and engage with the free end 32 when in its operative condition. It is envisaged that the bars 20 can be pivotally connected to the free end 32 of the carrier 14 so that, in use, the bar 20 can extend over the conduit and engage with the base 12. [0024] The bar 20 and the free end 32 of the carrier 14 define complementary openings 34 that can be brought into alignment with each other when the bar 20 is pivoted into its operative position. A shank 36 of a locking pin 38 can be received through the openings 34 to lock the bar 20 in position with respect to the carrier 14. For example, the shank 36 can include two parts 36.1 and 36.2 that are hinged together at 41. The part 36.1 extends from a head 40 of the pin 38 and is of a suitable length to pass through the openings 34. The part 36.2 can then be hinged with respect to the part 36.1 to secure the pin 38 in position. Thus, the pin 38 is inhibited from vibrating loose, or otherwise detaching itself from the carrier 14 and bar 20. [0025] It will be appreciated that the hanger 10 can be used in a number of different environments. One such an environment is in an underground mine. In such an environment, the hanger 10 can be mounted on a tunnel wall 42, as shown in figure 5.

5 [0026] To that end, the conduit hanger 10 includes a mounting arrangement 44 that is configured for such mounting. [0027] The mounting arrangement 44 includes two longitudinally extending slots 46 defined in the base 12. Elongate connectors 48 are engaged with the base 12 with pivot formations or pivot pins 50 figureel. Thus, the connectors 48 can be both pivotally and linearly displaceable with respect to the base 12. [0028] The mounting arrangement includes mounting members in the form of shackles 52, such as D-shackles or the like that are fastened to heads of roof bolts 54. The connectors 48 can be fastened to the shackles 52 in a conventional manner to allow the connectors 48 to pivot with respect to the shackles 52. As a result, the connectors 48 are both pivotally and linearly displaceable with respect to the base 12. That allows for adjustment to suit different underground situations. [0029] Instead of being fastened to the roof bolts 54, the elongate connectors 48 can have suitable clips or other fasteners to allow them to be clipped or fastened to a reinforcing mesh 58 which is arranged on the tunnel wall 42. [0030] As can be seen in figure 5, the hanger 10 is capable of supporting three service conduits 16. However, a supplementary carrier 56 can also be arranged on the base 12 for supporting a further conduit or electrical line, or similar, indicated at 60. [0031] The inventor(s) envisages that the hanger 10 can be mounted in a wide variety of orientations. It follows that a system of the hangers 10 can be positioned so that the conduits 16, 60 are positioned in a location in which they are safely spaced from operations that may be occurring in the tunnel, or other location. [0032] When used as a system, as shown in figure 5, the hangers 10 are suited for supporting the conduits 16, 60 in a spaced, orderly fashion. Further, the locking members 20 allow the conduits 16, 60 to be removed or replaced in a convenient manner. This can enhance the speed and efficiency of maintenance. In large operations, such as mining operations, such improvements can lead to a significant savings in man hours and thus costs. Furthermore, the manner in which the conduits 16, 60 are secured in the hangers 10 provide a system in which the danger associated with a conduit breaking loose and falling down is alleviated.

6 [0033] In use, the hangers 10 are mounted on the wall 42, in the manner described above, in a generally aligned orientation along a path for the conduits 16, 60. The bars 20 are then pivoted into their inoperative positions. The conduits 16, 60 are positioned in the carriers 14, as described above. The bars 20 are then pivoted into the operative positions and secured with the locking pin 38. [0034] The fact that the hanger 10 and carriers 14 can be made from a single sheet of metal or suitable material, can facilitate an increased efficiency of manufacture. Not only that, but packaging of the hangers 10 is improved. For example, as shown in figure 4, a pair of the hangers 10 can be packaged in a nesting manner. This can ensure that packaging and storage space required is kept to a minimum. Once unpacked, the locking members 20 can simply be attached, as shown in figure 2, with the pivot pin assembly 30 using conventional tools. [0035] At present, chain and D-shackle systems are used to hang conduits. This can be time-consuming. For example, the inventors have found that in some instances it can take up to 10 minutes to hang three sections of piping on such hangers. In contrast, the hanger 10 can be used to hang similar sections of piping in 2 to 5 minutes. [0036] The locking members 20 can be unlocked and locked any number of times. That, coupled with the slots 46, allows the hanger 10 to mounted only once for repeated use. Furthermore, the slots 46 and the elongate connectors 48 allow the hanger 10 to be hung at a range of angles between about vertical and parallel to a support structure. It follows that the conduits can be arranged to avoid contact with vehicles that could otherwise rub on the conduits or strike existing hanger arrangements. [0037] The inventors have found that current hooks and hangers tend to hang too low. Also, they cannot be adjusted without the aid of pre-chaining each conduit to the hook or hanger and then shackling the hooks in position. Such an operation usually requires at least two operators and can be dangerous since the hook cannot be moved by hand. It is usual practice to move the hook by pushing into place with a work basket once the conduit is positioned in the hook with a chain. Without the chain, the conduit can pop out of the hook, which could result in injury. In contrast, the locking members 20 serve to inhibit uncontrolled movement, thereby enhancing operational safety.

7 [0038] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0039] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. [0040] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0041] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0042] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any 8 claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0043] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. [0044] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values there between, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subrings there between, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. [0045] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the 9 scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (5)

1. A conduit hanger which comprises a base; at least one carrier extending from the base and defining a retaining formation in which a conduit can be received; and at least one obstruction member arranged on one of the base and an associated carrier and displaceable between an inoperative position in which the conduit can be removed from the carrier and an operative position in which the conduit is retained in the carrier with the obstruction member.

2. A conduit hanger as claimed in claim 1 in which a number of carriers extend from the base and a number of obstruction members are arranged on the base to correspond with respective carriers.

3. A conduit hanger as claimed in claim 2, in which the base and the carriers are of a unitary one-piece construction.

4. A conduit hanger as claimed in claim 2, in which the obstruction members are in the form of locking members that are pivotally connected to the base to be pivotal between the operative and inoperative positions.

5. A method of supporting conduits, the method comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of conduit hangers as claimed in claim 1; and securing at least one conduit to at least two consecutive carriers of the hangers.