AU2018256501A1

AU2018256501A1 - Pipe support

Info

Publication number: AU2018256501A1
Application number: AU2018256501A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sydney Hawthorne
Original assignee: Hawthorne Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Hawthorne Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-10-30
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2019-05-16
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-30
Also published as: AU2018256501B2; AU2022100103B4; AU2022100103A4

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clip (10) for holding a pipe or conduit against a support 5 surface and the clip can accommodate pipes or conduits of different diameters. The clip has a body (12) with a curved pipe holding recess (14) having a first effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a first diameter corresponding to the first effective diameter. The clip (10) has a first resilient curved arm (16) and a second resilient curved arm (18) that are spaced from the body (12) on either side thereof. Each arm defines a 10 further curved pipe holding recess (19), each recess having a second effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a second diameter corresponding to the second effective diameter. The second effective diameter is less than the first effective diameter and the resilience of the arms (16, 18) allows the arms to deform to accommodate a pipe or conduit having the first diameter. Figure 1 Fig. 1 Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4

Description

PIPE SUPPORT

The present disclosure relates to a clip or other device for fixing pipes or conduits having different diameters to a support surface.

BACKGROUND

The use of clips, saddles, clamps and the like to hold a pipe or conduit against a support surface such as masonry, brick, timber, steel is well known. Typically such holding devices have a curved pipe holding recess that can receive a pipe or conduit and a method of fixing the device to a substrate surface. Generally the holding device has an aperture through which a fastener such as a nail or screw can pass. Holding devices 10 are sized to receive pipe or conduit of a specific diameter such that the pipe or conduit is firmly held against the support surface. If the pipe or conduit has a smaller diameter than that prescribed for the pipe or conduit will fit loosely in the device. The device cannot be used with conduit or pipe having a larger diameter.

It has been recognised within the plumbing and gas fitting industry that it would be 15 desirable to provide a clip, saddle or other holding device that can accommodate a pipe or conduit of different diameters. There have been a number of proposals to address this issue. Some approaches have been to provide an internal resilient arm(s) or tongue that extend into the pipe holding recess. This allows a pipe of smaller diameter to be retained between the extending tongue and the opposite side wall of the recess. When 20 a pipe of larger diameter is to be held the resilient tongue deforms to accommodate the larger diameter.

Another approach has been to provide an insert for the pipe holding recess so as to reduce the effective diameter thereof.

It is desirable to provide an alternative arrangement for fixing conduits or pipes of 25 different diameters to a support surface so as to provide a plumber, gasfitter or handyperson with a useful choice

DEFINITIONS

In the present disclosure and claims, the term “comprising” shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood to imply the 30 inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises”.

2018256501 30 Oct 2018

In the present disclosure and claims, the term “clip” is to be understood to be interpreted broadly and include any suitable pipe or conduit retainer or holder such as a clip, clamp, saddle or the like.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a clip for holding a pipe or conduit against a support surface whereby the clip can accommodate pipes or conduits of different diameters, the clip comprising a body fixable to a support surface, the body having a curved pipe holding recess having a first effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a first diameter corresponding to the first effective 10 diameter, a first resilient curved arm and a second resilient curved arm that are spaced from the body on either side thereof, each arm defines a further curved pipe holding recess, each recess having a second effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a second diameter corresponding to the second effective diameter and the second effective diameter is less than the first effective diameter, whereby the resilience 15 of the arms allows the arms to deform to accommodate a pipe or conduit having the first diameter.

The term “effective diameter” refers to the diameter of the full circle of the recesses in the rest position, that is without elastic deformation.

The pipe or conduit may be any suitable water pipe, gas pipe, electrical cable or the like. 20 Suitably the pipe is a flexible water pipe formed from crosslinked polyethylene that is known in the art as PEX pipe.

The clip is fixable to a support surface that may be any suitable support surface such as masonry, timber or steel. Fixation may be by any suitable fastener as known in the art such as a screw or nail.

Suitably, the clip has one or more apertures that may receive a fastener.

Suitably, the clip body includes a support post portion on one side of the pipe holding recess that has an aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener.

Suitably the clip is an injection moulded thermoplastic such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as per conventional single size pipe clips.

Suitably, the clip is supplied with the fastener at least partially inserted into the or each aperture for ease of use.

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Suitably one side of the body has an outer surface that is curved and comprises a reinforcing rib around the curve.

In one aspect, the clip may further comprise a wall plug or anchor extending therefrom that communicates with the aperture. Anchors or wall plugs enable a screw to be 5 inserted into a material that is porous or brittle such as masonry.

Suitably, the body has a base part that spaces a held pipe or conduit from the support surface so as to prevent damage to the pipe or conduit surface from abrasion against the support surface.

The clip may further comprise a hinge member for closing the first pipe receiving recess 10 prior to mounting to the support. This may provide extra protection for the pipe from the substrate surface, in particular for horizontal runs of pipe.

In another embodiment, the body may have a fixing hole extending through the base of the curved recess and the clip is mounted to the support surface such that the curved recess faces outwardly. Suitably, such a clip may have a hinge for closing the recess.

In a still further embodiment, the clip may be in the form of a saddle having two feet extending from each side of the body, each foot having a fixing hole extending therethrough.

The pipe holding recess in the body of the clip can hold a pipe or conduit of a first diameter. The resilient curved arms when in the nondeformed position can hold a pipe 20 of smaller diameter than the pipe holding recess of the body. If a pipe of a larger diameter is to be held by the body, the resilience of the arms allows them to deform so as to accommodate the larger size.

In an alternative embodiment, the side arms may have a different effective diameter so as to define a third effective diameter corresponding to a diameter of a third pipe.

In accordance with this aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a clip for holding a pipe or conduit against a support surface whereby the clip can accommodate pipes or conduits of different diameters, the clip comprising a body fixable to a support surface, the body having a curved pipe holding recess having a first effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a first diameter corresponding to the first effective 30 diameter, a first resilient curved arm and a second resilient curved arm that are spaced from the body on either side thereof, the first resilient arm defines a further curved pipe holding recess having a second effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a

2018256501 30 Oct 2018 second diameter corresponding to the second effective diameter, the second resilient arm defines a further curved pipe holding recess having a third effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a third diameter corresponding to the third effective diameter and the second effective diameter and third effective is less than the first 5 effective diameter, whereby the resilience of the arms allows the arms to deform to accommodate a pipe or conduit having the first diameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled 10 in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of one aspect of a pipe clip as disclosed herein;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a front view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a side view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a top view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 1;

Figures 7, 7a and 7b are bottom views of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a clip of a second aspect as disclosed herein;

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a front view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a rear view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a side view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a top view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a bottom view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of a clip of a third aspect as disclosed herein;

Figure 16 is a front perspective view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 15;

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Figure 17 is a front view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a rear view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 15;

Figure 19 is a side view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 15;

Figure 19a is the side view of the pipe clip with the hinge member in the open position;

Figure 20 is a top view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 15;

Figure 21 is a bottom view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 15;

Figure 22 is a rear perspective view of a clip of a fourth aspect as disclosed herein;

Figure 23 is a front perspective view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a front view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 22;

Figure 25 is a rear view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 22;

Figure 26 is a side view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 22;

Figure 27 is a top view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 22;

Figure 28 is a bottom view of the pipe clip as shown in Figure 22;

Figure 29 is a side view of a fifth aspect as disclosed herein; and

Figure 30 is a side view of a sixth aspect as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the 20 appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or 25 less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended

2018256501 30 Oct 2018 claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Figures 1 to 7 show a clip 10 of one aspect of the disclosure. The clip 10 has a body 12 that defines a first curved or arcuate pipe receiving recess 14 having a first effective diameter, D1 that corresponds to the diameter of the full circle of the arc.

The body 12 has a base part 11 below the pipe receiving recesses that spaces a pipe held therein from the support surface so as to protect the pipe surface from damage caused by abrasion against the support surface.

The clip 10 has two curved or arcuate arms 16,18 spaced laterally on either side of body 12 by means of link 17. Each arm 16, 18 defines a further curved pipe receiving recess 10 19 on either side of the first pipe receiving recess 14 having a second diameter D2. The effective diameter D2 of the second pipe receiving recess is less that of the first pipe receiving recess.

In use, the first pipe holding recess 14 in the body 12 may accommodate for example a 20mm pipe. The second effective diameter of the second pipe receiving recess D2 may 15 accommodate a 16mm pipe.

The second effective diameter D2 is an internal diameter of the arms 16, 18. The arms 16,18 further define an outer diameter D2o. The outer diameter D2o is the same as D1. This means that there is nothing projecting into the first recess and may facilitate clipping a pipe therein, (this may be compared to prior art clips for accommodating two different 20 pipe diameters that have a flexible tongue extending into pipe receiving recess).

The body 10 has two sides that for convenience are referred to as the front and rear sides in the Figures. The rear side comprises an outer support section 20 with a curved inner wall that defines one side of the first pipe receiving recess 14. An aperture 24 extends through the support section 20 to allow a screw to pass therethrough. An 25 anchor 22 or wall plug extends from the support section 20 that communicates with aperture 24. Anchors or wall plugs enable a screw to be inserted into a material that is porous or brittle such as masonry. The top of the aperture 24 is countersunk. The support section 20 is substantially non-resilient, that is there is essentially no elastic deformation of the support section when a pipe having a first diameter is inserted into 30 the first pipe receiving recess 14.

The other or front side of the body 12 is defined by a curved member 21 with a curved inner wall that defines the other half of the recess 14. The outer curved wall has a

2018256501 30 Oct 2018 reinforcing rib 26. The curved member 21 is resilient such that it undergoes elastic deformation so as to allow a pipe of a first diameter to be placed or clipped therein.

The clip 10 is made from a thermoplastics material such as polypropylene that is firm but has a degree of resilience so as to allow a pipe to be press or snapfitted into the pipe 5 holding recesses and firmly hold the pipe in place.

The pipe holding recess 14 in the body 12 of the clip 10 can hold a pipe or conduit of a first diameter D1. The resilient curved arms 16, 18 when in the non-elastically deformed position can hold a pipe of smaller diameter than the pipe holding recess 14 of the body

12. If a pipe of the larger diameter D1 to be held by the body, the resilience of the arms 10 16, 18 allows them to elastically deform so as to accommodate the larger size.

The arms 16, 18 are more resilient than member 21. This allows the arms 16, 18 to deform sufficiently so as to accommodate the larger pipe. The arms 16, 18 each have a width that is less than that of the body 12. However, it will be appreciated that by having two arms spaced apart compensates for the lack of width and firmly hold a pipe having 15 a second diameter.

Figures 7a and 7b schematically show the bottom view of the clip 12 holding a pipe having a second pipe diameter P2 and first pipe diameter P1 respectively. Deformation of arms 16, 18 to accommodate the larger pipe diameter P1 may be seen in Figure 7b.

Figures 8 to 14 show a clip 50 according to a further aspect. The clip 50 has the same 20 arrangement of first 14 and further recesses 19 defined by curved arms 16 as the clip 10 of Figures 1 to 7 and the same item numbers are used. The clip 50 does not have an anchor and has a hinge member 52 that closes the first pipe holding recess 14 in the body 60. The hinge member 52 has a flat base for 54 abutting the support surface and a curved inner 56 surface complimentary to the curved surface of a pipe. The hinge 25 member 52 is attached to the body 12 at hinge point 58. In use, the hinge member 52 is folded back under a pipe and the clip is then fixed to the support. The hinge member keeps the pipe from the substrate, in particular for horizontal runs of pipe.

Figures 15 to 21 show a still further clip 70. The clip has the same arrangement of first and further recesses 19 defined by curved arms 16, 18 and anchor 22 as the clip 10 30 of Figures 1 to 7 and the same item numbers are used. The clip has a hinge member for closing recess 14. In this aspect, the hinge member cannot extend across the full extent of the base of the body 22 because of the presence of the anchor 22. Figure 19a shows the hinge member 74 in the open position.

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Figures 22 to 28 show a still further clip 80 that does not have an anchor or a hinge member. The clip 80 has the same arrangement of first 14 and further recesses 19 defined by curved arms 16 and anchor 22 as the clip 10 of Figures 1 to 7 and the same item numbers are used.

Figure 29 shows a further embodiment of a clip 90 in the form of a saddle with outward extending feet 92 with an aperture 94 in each foot 92for receiving a fastener. The clip 90 has the same arrangement of first 14 and further recesses 19 defined by curved arms 16, 18 as the clip 10 of Figures 1 to 7 and the same item numbers are used.

Figure 30 shows a further clip 100. The clip 100 has the same arrangement of first 14 10 and further recesses 19 defined by curved arms 16, 18 as the clip 10 of Figures 1 to 7 and the same item numbers are used.

The clip 100 has an aperture 102 through the top part of the body and communicates with the first pipe receiving recess 14.

It may be appreciated that having two separate pipe holding arms spaced from the body, a smaller pipe can be held in a more secure manner than if for example, there was a simple single tongue extending into the pipe holding recess in the body. It also does not interfere with the structure of the clip body, allowing the body to be stronger, again providing further support for a held pipe.

Claims

1. A clip for holding a pipe or conduit against a support surface whereby the clip can accommodate pipes or conduits of different diameters, the clip comprising a body fixable to a support surface, the body having a curved pipe holding recess having a first

5 effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a first diameter corresponding to the first effective diameter, a first resilient curved arm and a second resilient curved arm that are spaced from the body on either side thereof, each arm defines a further curved pipe holding recess, each recess having a second effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a second diameter corresponding to the second effective diameter and 10 the second effective diameter is less than the first effective diameter, whereby the resilience of the arms allows the arms to deform to accommodate a pipe or conduit having the first diameter.

2. The clip of claim 1 comprising one or more apertures that may receive a fastener. 15

3. The clip of claim 1, wherein the clip body includes a support portion on one side of the first pipe holding recess that has an aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener.

4. The clip of claim 3, wherein the other side of the body comprises a curved 20 member.

5. The clip of claim 4, wherein the curved member has an outer reinforcing rib around the curve.

25

6. The clip of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, the clip further comprises a wall plug or anchor extending therefrom that communicates with the aperture.

7. The clip of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, the body has a base part that in use spaces a held pipe or conduit from the support surface so as to prevent damage to the

30 pipe or conduit surface.

8. The clip of any one of claims 1 to 7 further comprising a hinge member for closing the first pipe holding recess.

35

9. The clip of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each resilient arm has an outer diameter that corresponds to the first effective diameter.

10. The clip of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first effective diameter is 16 mm.

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11. The clip of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second effective diameter is 20 mm.

5 12. A clip for holding a pipe or conduit against a support surface whereby the clip can accommodate pipes or conduits of different diameters, the clip comprising a body fixable to a support surface, the body having a curved pipe holding recess having a first effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a first diameter corresponding to the first effective diameter, a first resilient curved arm and a second resilient curved arm 10 that are spaced from the body on either side thereof, the first resilient arm defines a further curved pipe holding recess having a second effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a second diameter corresponding to the second effective diameter, the second resilient arm defines a further curved pipe holding recess having a third effective diameter for holding a pipe or conduit having a third diameter corresponding to 15 the third effective diameter and the second effective diameter and third effective is less than the first effective diameter, whereby the resilience of the arms allows the arms to deform to accommodate a pipe or conduit having the first diameter.