CA1286277C - Non-metallic strut system - Google Patents
Non-metallic strut systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1286277C CA1286277C CA000536634A CA536634A CA1286277C CA 1286277 C CA1286277 C CA 1286277C CA 000536634 A CA000536634 A CA 000536634A CA 536634 A CA536634 A CA 536634A CA 1286277 C CA1286277 C CA 1286277C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bands
- dogs
- top portion
- support
- pipe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
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- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
- Furniture Connections (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
LATERALLY ADJUSTABLE CEILING-TYPE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
FOR PIPE HANGING ETC.
ABSTRACT
A non-metallic strut support system using a fiberglass channel and composite thermoplastic bands to support piping or ducting used in corrosive environments.
The structural strut has a pair of longitudinal flanges which project inwardly. Complemental composite thermoplastic support bands are provided which have a natural curvature for supporting a pipe or duct when the bands are engaged. The bands have flanges on their top portion which engage the flanges of the structural strut when the top portion of the bands are placed within the channel of the strut. The top portion of the bands provides easy insertion and removal of the bands from the strut channel manually, either by inserting and turning to fit in the lock position, or in close clearance areas the head can be compressed to provide snap-in placement into the strut. The bands are adjusted by a bolt in a housing on the end of one band and matching slots on the end of the other band. The bolt and slots are threadably engaged and the bolt is driven until the desired tightness around the pipe or duct is achieved.
FOR PIPE HANGING ETC.
ABSTRACT
A non-metallic strut support system using a fiberglass channel and composite thermoplastic bands to support piping or ducting used in corrosive environments.
The structural strut has a pair of longitudinal flanges which project inwardly. Complemental composite thermoplastic support bands are provided which have a natural curvature for supporting a pipe or duct when the bands are engaged. The bands have flanges on their top portion which engage the flanges of the structural strut when the top portion of the bands are placed within the channel of the strut. The top portion of the bands provides easy insertion and removal of the bands from the strut channel manually, either by inserting and turning to fit in the lock position, or in close clearance areas the head can be compressed to provide snap-in placement into the strut. The bands are adjusted by a bolt in a housing on the end of one band and matching slots on the end of the other band. The bolt and slots are threadably engaged and the bolt is driven until the desired tightness around the pipe or duct is achieved.
Description
7~
BACKGROllND OF ~EIE INV~NTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to strut framing systems and more particularly to a non-metallic, corrosion resistant framing and mechanical support system for the processes of the corrosive industries.
BACKGROllND OF ~EIE INV~NTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to strut framing systems and more particularly to a non-metallic, corrosion resistant framing and mechanical support system for the processes of the corrosive industries.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art Strut framing systems have been widely used in the U.S.A. as well as internationally for nearly fifty years.
However, the advent of high technology manufacturing processes during the last decade has resulted in numerous requirements for more state-of-the-art mechanical support systems. Many attempts have been made by the historical suppliers of strut systems to meet the demands of new industries, but most attempts were based on the basic industry out of which the strut systems have developed.
Various grades of stainless steel strut and fasteners have been developed and are available at extremely high costs.
Plated and coated steel systems have been developed from galvanizing epoxy to PVC coatings. More recently several fiberglass strut channels have been introduced, however, their struts are designed for metallic or metallic coated fastener systems.
The strut systems of the present invention are all non-metallic, corrosion resistant framing and mechanical supports for the processes of the corrosive industries.
i~
~2~t~;Z 77 The present invention combines two plastics design and manufacturing methods to produce a mechanical support and attachment system using all non-metallic components.
The structural strut is a specially designed fiberglass pultruded shape incorporating the use of composite structure design with a highly efficient mechanical shape to produce the strongest and stiffest support for the fastener system. The fasteners are designed of high strength composite thermoplastics and are injection molded in two halves. Their shape allows attachment to the strut support without tools, and the position locking connection provides a permanent but adjustable locking support of the process piping or ducting.
Prior to the filing of the present invention, a preliminary patent search of the prior art was performed.
The following patents were found and are listed below:
U.S. Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 3,088,702 Orenick, et al 5/7/63 3,527,432 Lytle 9/8/70 3,721,750 Countryman 3/20/73 3,913,187 Okuda 10/21/74 4,061,299 Kurosaki 12/6/77 4,371,137 Anscher 2/1/~3 Perhaps the patent of most interest from this group is U.S. Patent No. 3,527,432 issued to Lytle. Lytle shows a longitudinal channel with retaining flange for holding clamping plates which are curved to accommodate pipe or tubing. The plates are hooked to the flanges in the channel. The ends adjacent to the curved portions of the clamping plates are formed into parallel flanges with registering holes to accommodlate a threaded fastener so that the clamping plates can be tightened onto the pipe.
To facilitate insertion of the plates over the pipe and into the channel, one of the clamping plates is provided with two opposite hanging hooks on opposite edges, and the other plate is provided wit]h one hanging hook. The present invention differs in many respects from Lytle.
Th~ means of holding the bands of the present invention in the flanges of the channel is different; the means of fastening and holding the pipe or duct is different; also, the bands used in the present invention are much different than Lytle's plates both in structure and result.
Further, Lytle does not contemplate use of his support system, in a corrosive application.
U.S. Patent No. 3,721,750 issued to Countryman shows a plastic strapping fastener. It is much different than the present invention in structure and function. ~he other patents found in the search relate to the general area of fastening systems, but in applicant's opinion, either alone or in combination, do not disclose the key elements of applicant~s invention as disclosed herein.
Another pertinent reference is U.S. Patent No.
8,226,069 to Clarke. Applicant would like to point out a key and critical distinction between Clarke and their invention. It lies in the top portion of the support bands and more specifically in the contact between the flanges on the hangar and the flanges on the support element. Applicant is aware that merely changing Clarke's hangars and support element to thermoplastic and/or fiberglass would not result in patentability. If this were done, Clarke's invention duplicated in plastic and/or A
fiberglass would fail due to tensilve load concentrations at points in his anchors 26 and flanges 22. Clark~s system relies on point and line contact of the anchors 26 and flanges 22, and suggests the use of ear 26b if flanges 24 are rounded, and ear 26s if flanges 24 are straight.
(See Clarke, col 3, lines 9-18). In metal, this point and line contact would be acceptable and support the required weight, since metal has sufficient tensile strength to resist the tendency to bend the anchors 26 whether they are shaped as in 26a or 26b, and whether flanges 22 are rounded or straight. Stress concentration would occur in ear shapes 26a at the point which the ear 26a meets the medial portion 26c, and in ear shapes 26b similarly at the points where the ear 26b changes direction, and at its tip. In either case, flange 24 whether rounded or straight would experience tensile stress due to bending where the flange 24 meets the sides of support 10 Clarke's anchors 26 and flanges 24 are typical of what is conventionally available in the metal hangar art. This system if duplicated in plastic and/or fiberglass would fail when the conventionally required loads were placed upon it. A more comprehensive interface between the support element and hangar is needed, which is supplied by applicants' invention.
SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
The present invention is a strut support system for piping, tubing or ducting which includes first, a structural support channel having a longitudinal slot.
The support channel also has longitudinal flanges along the sides oiE the slot inwardly projecting toward the centerline of the support channel. The present invention also provides a pair of complemental composite thermoplastic support bands having a bottom portion which - ~2136~77 forms a natural curvature for cradling a pipe when the ends of the bands are engaged. The bands also have a top portion with two support members having distal flanges capable of engaging the longitudinal flanges of the slot in the support channel when the top portion of the bands is disposed within the longitudinal slot of the support channel. The two support members of the top portion of the support bands are res;ilient and permit easy manipulation of the bands for insertion into the slot or for removal from the slot. The bottom portion of the bands has adjustable holding means for connecting and locking the support bands around a pipe. This adjustable holding means preferably includes a screw disposed in a housing connected to the bottom portion of one support band and a series of thread slots on the bottom portion of the other support band. The screw and threads are capable of engagement so that driving the screw adjusts the diameter of the natural curvature of the bottom portion of the support bands when the slotted end of the one support band is disposed and threadably engaged with the screw in the housing. A hex head is incorporated at either end of the screws, allowing the support bands to be adjusted from either side.
The present invention is also a pipe support apparatus including a pair of flexible bands, each of the bands having a resilient top portion with dogs on each side thereof. The dogs have flat, parallel side portions and undersides extending inwards at an acute angle with the side portions and towards said top portion. A
connector is provided on a bottom end of each band for connecting the pair of bands together. The dogs may have rounded edges between the side portions and the undersides ,, , ~ .
~36Z77 and may have concave fillets along the undersides. The dogs may also have interior cavities. The pipe support apparatus may have members extending between the dogs of each top portion and the bands may be inwardly concave.
It was an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a non-metallic corrosion resistant framing and mechanical support system for pipes or ducts.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a highly efficient fa~tening system which allows attachment to the strut support without the use of tools.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a strut support svstem for use in corrosive application which is relatively inexpensive.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is assembly application in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is an elevation view of a support band of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the support band and longitudinal channel partially in cross section in accordance with the present invention.
i A
~28~277 Figure 4 i5 an elevation view in cross section of the support band showing the adjusting means.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the Figure 1, a pair of fiberglass channels 2 are shown, Channels 2 have longitudinal slots generally referred to as 4 and a pair of longitudinal flanges 6a and 6b. Flanges 6a and 6b project inwardly toward the center line of channel 2. Channel 2 is considered to be a structural support element for the entire strut system. Referring to Figure 2, composite thermoplastic pipe supporting band generally designated as 7 is shown. Pipe supporting band 7 us comprised of a pair of supporting bands 8a and 8b used in the strut support system of the present invention. The complemental nature of this pair of support bands will be described subsequently.
Each pair of support bands 8a and 8b has a top portion, designated as lOa and lOb with two support members 12a and 12b. The support members 12a and 12b of support bands 8a and 8b have a-pair of lateral dogs 14a and 14b extending therefrom. The dogs 14a and 14b are used to engage the flanges 6a and 6b of the channel 2 when the strut system is in operation as shown best in Figure 3. The top portions of each support band 8a and 8b has a web 15 with a hole 17. The support bands 8a and 8b also have bottom portions generally designated as 16a and 16b.
The bottom portion 16a and 16b of the support bands 8a and 8b have a natural complemental curvature to allow cradling of a pipe (not shown) when the ends of support band 8 are engaged. The bottom portion 16a of the support band 8a has a housing 13 with a screw 20 disposed therein. The .~
~2~36277 bottom portion 16b~of the other support band 8b has a series of thread slots designated as 22 (see Figure 4) capable of threadable engagement with the threads 24 of screw 20. The housing 13 is adapted to receive the slots 22 of support band 8b when locking and tightening of the support system is desired during operation. A hex 26 is molded on the end of s~rew 20 to allow adjustment of the support bands from the end opposite the head of screw 20.
In operation, the longitudinal channel 2 is appropriately hung in place, being supported to a ceiling (not shown) or the like by suitable conventional means.
Each of the support bands 8a and 8b are manipulated by hand so that dogs 14a and 14b of top portion 10 of the support bands 8a and 8b are made to engage with flanges 6a and 6b of channel 2. A pipe to be supported is placed between the pair of bands 8a and 8b so that the curvature of the band 8a containing the bolt 20 and housing 18 is directed toward the curvature of band 8b containing the slots 22. The bottom portion of the band 8b is then pushed through the housing 18 contained on the other band 8a until the slots 2 engage threads 24. The pair of bands 8a and 8b can now be finally adjusted by driving the screw 20 with a screwdriver (not shown) or the like until the desired tightness around the pipe is achieved.
Alternatively, hex 26 can be driven to achieve the desired adjustment. The hex 26 gives the support system added flexibility with respect to access of an operator in adjusting the system. The strut system can be used with any size pipe or ducting by increasing or decreasing the size of the channel 2 and the support bands 8a and 8b.
Referring to Figure 2 and 3, the engagement of dogs 14a and 14b, and the channel 2, as shown in that figure can be described. From Figure 2 it should be noted that t , . ~
~8~277 dogs 14a and 14b have side portions 28a and 28b, flat undersides 30a and 30b, rounded fillets 31a and 31b, and rounded bottom edges 32a and 32b. As seen in Figure 3, side portions 28a and 28b have convex upper portions 41 and 42 and flat, parallel lower portions 44 and 46 which are vertical in use. The lower side portions 44 and 46 extend at an acute angle with undersides 30a and 30b.
From Figure 3, longitudinal flanges 6a and 6b have rounded edges 34a and 34b. The interior surfaces 36a and 36b of flanges 6a and 6b have rounded fillets 38a and 38b where the flanges 6a and 6b meet the sides 40a and 40b of channel 2. When dogs 14a and 14b engage flanges 6a and 6b, substantially full and interlocking contact occurs ~as shown in Figure 3) between the side portions 28a and 28b of the dogs 14a and 14b, and the sides 40a and 40b of the channel 2. This contact or engagement also includes the undersides 30a and 30b of dogs 14a and 14b, including rounded edges 32a and 32b and fillets 31a and 31b and the interior surfaces 36a and 36b of flanges 6a and 6b including fillets 38a and 38b, and rounded edges 34a and 34b. The radii of rounded edges 32a, and 32b and 34a, 34b will depend on the size of pipe to be supported. Interior cavities 48 and 50 in the dogs 14a and 14b ease deformation of the dogs for insertion of the top portions of the pair of bands into the channel.
As an alternative to web 15, a cross element (not shown) could be used. This element would extend between the dogs 14a and 14b. In operation in very tight spaces, web 15 or the cross element can be severed allowing easier manipulation of the dogs 14a and 14h into engagement with flanges 6a and 6b.
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The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential charact~ristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range equivalency of claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
However, the advent of high technology manufacturing processes during the last decade has resulted in numerous requirements for more state-of-the-art mechanical support systems. Many attempts have been made by the historical suppliers of strut systems to meet the demands of new industries, but most attempts were based on the basic industry out of which the strut systems have developed.
Various grades of stainless steel strut and fasteners have been developed and are available at extremely high costs.
Plated and coated steel systems have been developed from galvanizing epoxy to PVC coatings. More recently several fiberglass strut channels have been introduced, however, their struts are designed for metallic or metallic coated fastener systems.
The strut systems of the present invention are all non-metallic, corrosion resistant framing and mechanical supports for the processes of the corrosive industries.
i~
~2~t~;Z 77 The present invention combines two plastics design and manufacturing methods to produce a mechanical support and attachment system using all non-metallic components.
The structural strut is a specially designed fiberglass pultruded shape incorporating the use of composite structure design with a highly efficient mechanical shape to produce the strongest and stiffest support for the fastener system. The fasteners are designed of high strength composite thermoplastics and are injection molded in two halves. Their shape allows attachment to the strut support without tools, and the position locking connection provides a permanent but adjustable locking support of the process piping or ducting.
Prior to the filing of the present invention, a preliminary patent search of the prior art was performed.
The following patents were found and are listed below:
U.S. Patent No. Inventor Issue Date 3,088,702 Orenick, et al 5/7/63 3,527,432 Lytle 9/8/70 3,721,750 Countryman 3/20/73 3,913,187 Okuda 10/21/74 4,061,299 Kurosaki 12/6/77 4,371,137 Anscher 2/1/~3 Perhaps the patent of most interest from this group is U.S. Patent No. 3,527,432 issued to Lytle. Lytle shows a longitudinal channel with retaining flange for holding clamping plates which are curved to accommodate pipe or tubing. The plates are hooked to the flanges in the channel. The ends adjacent to the curved portions of the clamping plates are formed into parallel flanges with registering holes to accommodlate a threaded fastener so that the clamping plates can be tightened onto the pipe.
To facilitate insertion of the plates over the pipe and into the channel, one of the clamping plates is provided with two opposite hanging hooks on opposite edges, and the other plate is provided wit]h one hanging hook. The present invention differs in many respects from Lytle.
Th~ means of holding the bands of the present invention in the flanges of the channel is different; the means of fastening and holding the pipe or duct is different; also, the bands used in the present invention are much different than Lytle's plates both in structure and result.
Further, Lytle does not contemplate use of his support system, in a corrosive application.
U.S. Patent No. 3,721,750 issued to Countryman shows a plastic strapping fastener. It is much different than the present invention in structure and function. ~he other patents found in the search relate to the general area of fastening systems, but in applicant's opinion, either alone or in combination, do not disclose the key elements of applicant~s invention as disclosed herein.
Another pertinent reference is U.S. Patent No.
8,226,069 to Clarke. Applicant would like to point out a key and critical distinction between Clarke and their invention. It lies in the top portion of the support bands and more specifically in the contact between the flanges on the hangar and the flanges on the support element. Applicant is aware that merely changing Clarke's hangars and support element to thermoplastic and/or fiberglass would not result in patentability. If this were done, Clarke's invention duplicated in plastic and/or A
fiberglass would fail due to tensilve load concentrations at points in his anchors 26 and flanges 22. Clark~s system relies on point and line contact of the anchors 26 and flanges 22, and suggests the use of ear 26b if flanges 24 are rounded, and ear 26s if flanges 24 are straight.
(See Clarke, col 3, lines 9-18). In metal, this point and line contact would be acceptable and support the required weight, since metal has sufficient tensile strength to resist the tendency to bend the anchors 26 whether they are shaped as in 26a or 26b, and whether flanges 22 are rounded or straight. Stress concentration would occur in ear shapes 26a at the point which the ear 26a meets the medial portion 26c, and in ear shapes 26b similarly at the points where the ear 26b changes direction, and at its tip. In either case, flange 24 whether rounded or straight would experience tensile stress due to bending where the flange 24 meets the sides of support 10 Clarke's anchors 26 and flanges 24 are typical of what is conventionally available in the metal hangar art. This system if duplicated in plastic and/or fiberglass would fail when the conventionally required loads were placed upon it. A more comprehensive interface between the support element and hangar is needed, which is supplied by applicants' invention.
SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
The present invention is a strut support system for piping, tubing or ducting which includes first, a structural support channel having a longitudinal slot.
The support channel also has longitudinal flanges along the sides oiE the slot inwardly projecting toward the centerline of the support channel. The present invention also provides a pair of complemental composite thermoplastic support bands having a bottom portion which - ~2136~77 forms a natural curvature for cradling a pipe when the ends of the bands are engaged. The bands also have a top portion with two support members having distal flanges capable of engaging the longitudinal flanges of the slot in the support channel when the top portion of the bands is disposed within the longitudinal slot of the support channel. The two support members of the top portion of the support bands are res;ilient and permit easy manipulation of the bands for insertion into the slot or for removal from the slot. The bottom portion of the bands has adjustable holding means for connecting and locking the support bands around a pipe. This adjustable holding means preferably includes a screw disposed in a housing connected to the bottom portion of one support band and a series of thread slots on the bottom portion of the other support band. The screw and threads are capable of engagement so that driving the screw adjusts the diameter of the natural curvature of the bottom portion of the support bands when the slotted end of the one support band is disposed and threadably engaged with the screw in the housing. A hex head is incorporated at either end of the screws, allowing the support bands to be adjusted from either side.
The present invention is also a pipe support apparatus including a pair of flexible bands, each of the bands having a resilient top portion with dogs on each side thereof. The dogs have flat, parallel side portions and undersides extending inwards at an acute angle with the side portions and towards said top portion. A
connector is provided on a bottom end of each band for connecting the pair of bands together. The dogs may have rounded edges between the side portions and the undersides ,, , ~ .
~36Z77 and may have concave fillets along the undersides. The dogs may also have interior cavities. The pipe support apparatus may have members extending between the dogs of each top portion and the bands may be inwardly concave.
It was an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a non-metallic corrosion resistant framing and mechanical support system for pipes or ducts.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a highly efficient fa~tening system which allows attachment to the strut support without the use of tools.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a strut support svstem for use in corrosive application which is relatively inexpensive.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is assembly application in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is an elevation view of a support band of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the support band and longitudinal channel partially in cross section in accordance with the present invention.
i A
~28~277 Figure 4 i5 an elevation view in cross section of the support band showing the adjusting means.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the Figure 1, a pair of fiberglass channels 2 are shown, Channels 2 have longitudinal slots generally referred to as 4 and a pair of longitudinal flanges 6a and 6b. Flanges 6a and 6b project inwardly toward the center line of channel 2. Channel 2 is considered to be a structural support element for the entire strut system. Referring to Figure 2, composite thermoplastic pipe supporting band generally designated as 7 is shown. Pipe supporting band 7 us comprised of a pair of supporting bands 8a and 8b used in the strut support system of the present invention. The complemental nature of this pair of support bands will be described subsequently.
Each pair of support bands 8a and 8b has a top portion, designated as lOa and lOb with two support members 12a and 12b. The support members 12a and 12b of support bands 8a and 8b have a-pair of lateral dogs 14a and 14b extending therefrom. The dogs 14a and 14b are used to engage the flanges 6a and 6b of the channel 2 when the strut system is in operation as shown best in Figure 3. The top portions of each support band 8a and 8b has a web 15 with a hole 17. The support bands 8a and 8b also have bottom portions generally designated as 16a and 16b.
The bottom portion 16a and 16b of the support bands 8a and 8b have a natural complemental curvature to allow cradling of a pipe (not shown) when the ends of support band 8 are engaged. The bottom portion 16a of the support band 8a has a housing 13 with a screw 20 disposed therein. The .~
~2~36277 bottom portion 16b~of the other support band 8b has a series of thread slots designated as 22 (see Figure 4) capable of threadable engagement with the threads 24 of screw 20. The housing 13 is adapted to receive the slots 22 of support band 8b when locking and tightening of the support system is desired during operation. A hex 26 is molded on the end of s~rew 20 to allow adjustment of the support bands from the end opposite the head of screw 20.
In operation, the longitudinal channel 2 is appropriately hung in place, being supported to a ceiling (not shown) or the like by suitable conventional means.
Each of the support bands 8a and 8b are manipulated by hand so that dogs 14a and 14b of top portion 10 of the support bands 8a and 8b are made to engage with flanges 6a and 6b of channel 2. A pipe to be supported is placed between the pair of bands 8a and 8b so that the curvature of the band 8a containing the bolt 20 and housing 18 is directed toward the curvature of band 8b containing the slots 22. The bottom portion of the band 8b is then pushed through the housing 18 contained on the other band 8a until the slots 2 engage threads 24. The pair of bands 8a and 8b can now be finally adjusted by driving the screw 20 with a screwdriver (not shown) or the like until the desired tightness around the pipe is achieved.
Alternatively, hex 26 can be driven to achieve the desired adjustment. The hex 26 gives the support system added flexibility with respect to access of an operator in adjusting the system. The strut system can be used with any size pipe or ducting by increasing or decreasing the size of the channel 2 and the support bands 8a and 8b.
Referring to Figure 2 and 3, the engagement of dogs 14a and 14b, and the channel 2, as shown in that figure can be described. From Figure 2 it should be noted that t , . ~
~8~277 dogs 14a and 14b have side portions 28a and 28b, flat undersides 30a and 30b, rounded fillets 31a and 31b, and rounded bottom edges 32a and 32b. As seen in Figure 3, side portions 28a and 28b have convex upper portions 41 and 42 and flat, parallel lower portions 44 and 46 which are vertical in use. The lower side portions 44 and 46 extend at an acute angle with undersides 30a and 30b.
From Figure 3, longitudinal flanges 6a and 6b have rounded edges 34a and 34b. The interior surfaces 36a and 36b of flanges 6a and 6b have rounded fillets 38a and 38b where the flanges 6a and 6b meet the sides 40a and 40b of channel 2. When dogs 14a and 14b engage flanges 6a and 6b, substantially full and interlocking contact occurs ~as shown in Figure 3) between the side portions 28a and 28b of the dogs 14a and 14b, and the sides 40a and 40b of the channel 2. This contact or engagement also includes the undersides 30a and 30b of dogs 14a and 14b, including rounded edges 32a and 32b and fillets 31a and 31b and the interior surfaces 36a and 36b of flanges 6a and 6b including fillets 38a and 38b, and rounded edges 34a and 34b. The radii of rounded edges 32a, and 32b and 34a, 34b will depend on the size of pipe to be supported. Interior cavities 48 and 50 in the dogs 14a and 14b ease deformation of the dogs for insertion of the top portions of the pair of bands into the channel.
As an alternative to web 15, a cross element (not shown) could be used. This element would extend between the dogs 14a and 14b. In operation in very tight spaces, web 15 or the cross element can be severed allowing easier manipulation of the dogs 14a and 14h into engagement with flanges 6a and 6b.
, r~! ~
~ r~:
The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential charact~ristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range equivalency of claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (13)
1. In combination:
a) a fiberglass structural support element having sides forming a longitudinal slot;
b) longitudinal flanges inwardly projecting toward the center line of said support element along the sides of said support element, each of said longitudinal flanges having an interior surface adjacent said slot, said interior surface of said longitudinal flanges having a rounded fillet where said longitudinal flanges meet the sides of said support element, said longitudinal flanges having rounded edges of a predetermined radius;
c) a pair of complemental composite thermoplastic pipe supporting bands having bottom portions forming a curvature for cradling a pipe when the ends of said bands are engaged, said supporting bands having a top portion connected to said bottom portion, said top portion having lateral dogs, said dogs having side portions, undersides, rounded bottom edges of a predetermined radius, and otherwise so shaped as to allow substantially full and interlocking contact between the side portions of said dogs and the sides of said support element and between the undersides of said dogs, including their rounded edges and the interior surface of said longitudinal flanges including the rounded fillets of said longitudinal flanges where said longitudinal flanges meet the sides of said support element, and the rounded edges of said longitudinal flanges when the top portion of said support bands is disposed within said longitudinal slot; and d) adjustable holding means on the bottom portion of said supporting bands for connecting and locking said support bands around a pipe.
a) a fiberglass structural support element having sides forming a longitudinal slot;
b) longitudinal flanges inwardly projecting toward the center line of said support element along the sides of said support element, each of said longitudinal flanges having an interior surface adjacent said slot, said interior surface of said longitudinal flanges having a rounded fillet where said longitudinal flanges meet the sides of said support element, said longitudinal flanges having rounded edges of a predetermined radius;
c) a pair of complemental composite thermoplastic pipe supporting bands having bottom portions forming a curvature for cradling a pipe when the ends of said bands are engaged, said supporting bands having a top portion connected to said bottom portion, said top portion having lateral dogs, said dogs having side portions, undersides, rounded bottom edges of a predetermined radius, and otherwise so shaped as to allow substantially full and interlocking contact between the side portions of said dogs and the sides of said support element and between the undersides of said dogs, including their rounded edges and the interior surface of said longitudinal flanges including the rounded fillets of said longitudinal flanges where said longitudinal flanges meet the sides of said support element, and the rounded edges of said longitudinal flanges when the top portion of said support bands is disposed within said longitudinal slot; and d) adjustable holding means on the bottom portion of said supporting bands for connecting and locking said support bands around a pipe.
2. A pipe support apparatus including a pair of flexible bands, each said band having a resilient top portion with dogs on each side thereof, the dogs having flat, parallel side portions and undersides extending towards said top portion inwards at an acute angle with the side portions, and means on a bottom end of each band for connecting the pair of bands together.
3. A pipe support apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the dogs have rounded edges between the side portions and the undersides.
4. A pipe support apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the dogs have concave fillets along the undersides.
5. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the dogs have interior cavities.
6. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 4, further comprising members extending between the dogs of each said top portion.
7. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the bands are inwardly concave.
8. A pipe support apparatus for locating within an element having a longitudinal slot, the pipe support apparatus including a pair of flexible bands, each said band having a resilient top portion with dogs on each side thereof, the dogs having flat, parallel side portions and undersides extending towards said top portion inwards at an acute angle with the side portions, and means on a bottom end of each band for connecting the pair of bands together.
9. A pipe support apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the dogs have rounded edges between the side portions and the undersides.
10. A pipe support apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the dogs have concave fillets along the undersides.
11. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the dogs have interior cavities.
12. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 10, further comprising members extending between the dogs of each said top portion.
13. A pipe support as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the bands are inwardly concave.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/912,963 US4695019A (en) | 1985-06-10 | 1986-09-26 | Non-metallic strut system |
| US06/912,963 | 1986-09-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1286277C true CA1286277C (en) | 1991-07-16 |
Family
ID=25432765
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000536634A Expired - Fee Related CA1286277C (en) | 1986-09-26 | 1987-05-07 | Non-metallic strut system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS63145808A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU595360B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1286277C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4961553A (en) * | 1988-10-03 | 1990-10-09 | Todd George R | Support system for pipes and other loads |
| JPH0725832U (en) * | 1993-10-26 | 1995-05-16 | 理研軽金属工業株式会社 | Fixing device for the top plate to the legs in the folding table |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3226069A (en) * | 1964-02-03 | 1965-12-28 | Leonard O Clarke | Hanger for cylindrical conduits and the like |
| US3854684A (en) * | 1973-01-04 | 1974-12-17 | A Moore | Support bracket |
| US4047268A (en) * | 1976-01-21 | 1977-09-13 | Eaton Corporation | Worm gear clamping apparatus |
| US4225103A (en) * | 1978-12-18 | 1980-09-30 | Indian Head Inc. | Pipe clamp device |
-
1987
- 1987-05-07 CA CA000536634A patent/CA1286277C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-08-17 JP JP20324587A patent/JPS63145808A/en active Pending
- 1987-08-18 AU AU77181/87A patent/AU595360B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU595360B2 (en) | 1990-03-29 |
| AU7718187A (en) | 1988-03-31 |
| JPS63145808A (en) | 1988-06-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |