CA2936992C

CA2936992C - Pipe support

Info

Publication number: CA2936992C
Application number: CA2936992A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Michael Statters
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-07-22
Filing date: 2016-07-22
Publication date: 2021-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-22
Also published as: CA2936992A1

Abstract

There is provided a support for a pipe made up of a plurality of pipe support members. Each pipe support member has a top surface with a raised portion toward a first end relative to a second end of the pipe support member. The pipe support members are assembled such that the top surfaces of the pipe support members define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members with the raised portions provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface. There is at least one removable anchor adapted to selectively anchor the pipe support members together.

Description

PIPE SUPPORT
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This relates to a pipe support for supporting a pipe and allowing inspection of the pipe.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Pipe supports are used in order to raise a pipeline off of a ground surface and support the pipeline in a safe and secure manner. Regulations require that pipes and pipe supports be inspected for corrosion and other damage to the surface of the pipe where it is in contact with the pipe support. One example of a pipe support is found in US
Patent No.
6,863,248.
SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect, there is provided a support for a pipe, the pipe having a diameter, a length, and an axis in the direction of the length of the pipe, the support comprising a plurality of pipe support members, each pipe support member comprising a top surface that has a raised portion toward a first end relative to a second end of the pipe support member, wherein the pipe support members are assembled such that the top surfaces of the pipe support members define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members such that raised portions are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface, and at least one removable anchor that selectively anchors the pipe support members together.

[0004] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may comprise one or more openings that extend between a first face and a second face of the pipe support member, and the at least one removable anchor may be positioned in a passage formed by aligning openings of the pipe support members in the direction of the axis of the pipe.

[0005] According to another aspect, the support may further comprise a base that retains the plurality of pipe support members.

[0006] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may be sized and shaped to be interchangeable between the first group and the second group.

[0007] According to another aspect, the pipe support surface may have a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a radius of curvature of the pipe.

[0008] According to another aspect, the pipe support members of the first group may be interleaved with the pipe support members of the second group.

[0009] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may have a first opening spaced from the first end by a first distance and a second opening spaced from the second end by a second distance.

[0010] According to another aspect, the first distance may be equal to the second distance.

[0011] According to another aspect, the pipe support surface may have a central line extending parallel to the axis of the pipe, and the top surface of each pipe support member may comprise an insertion portion that extends from the central line opposite the respective raised portion, the insertion portion having a height that is equal to or less than the height of the pipe support member at the central line.

[0012] According to an aspect, there is provided a method of supporting a pipe, the pipe having a diameter, a length, and an axis in the direction of the length of the pipe, the method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pipe support members, each pipe support member comprising a top surface that has a raised portion toward a first end relative to a second end of the pipe support member, assembling the pipe support members to define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members such that raised portions are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface, and selectively anchoring the pipe support members by applying at least one removable anchor to the body, and causing the pipe support surface to support a pipe.
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[0013] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may comprise one or more openings that extend between a first face and a second face of the pipe support member, the method may further comprise the step of forming one or more passages by aligning openings of the pipe support members in the direction of the axis of the pipe, and selectively anchoring the pipe support members may comprise inserting the at least one removable anchor through the one or more passages through the body.

[0014] According to another aspect, assembling the pipe support members may further comprises placing the pipe support members on a base that retains the plurality of pipe support members

[0015] According to another aspect, the method may further comprise the steps of removing the one or more anchors from at least a portion of the one or more passages to release some or all of the pipe support members and removing some or all of the released pipe support members laterally to expose a corresponding portion of the pipe.

[0016] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may be sized and shaped to be interchangeable between the first group and the second group.

[0017] According to another aspect, the pipe support surface may have a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a radius of curvature of the pipe.

[0018] According to another aspect, assembling the pipe support members may comprise interleaving the first group of pipe support members with the second group of pipe support members.

[0019] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may have a first opening spaced from the first end by a first distance and a second opening spaced from the second end by a second distance.

[0020] According to another aspect the first distance may be equal to the second distance.

[0021] According to another aspect, the pipe support surface may have a central line extending parallel to the axis of the pipe, and the top surface of each pipe support member may comprise an insertion portion that extends from the central line opposite the respective raised portion, the insertion portion having a height that is equal to or less than the height of the pipe support member at the central line.

[0022] According to another aspect, causing the pipe support surface to support a pipe may comprise placing the pipe on the pipe support surface.

[0023] According to another aspect, causing the pipe support surface to support a pipe may comprise assembling the pipe support members below an installed pipe.

[0024] According to an aspect, there is provided a support for a pipe, the pipe having a diameter, a length, and an axis in the direction of the length of the pipe.
The support comprises a plurality of pipe support members. Each pipe support member comprises a support portion at a first end of the pipe support member, and an insertion portion at a second end of the pipe support member. Insertion portion is connected to the support portion at a transition, the insertion portion having a height from a bottom surface to a top surface that is equal to or less than the height at the transition. The pipe support members are assembled such that the support portions of the pipe support members define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members such that support portions are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface. At least one removable anchor selectively anchors the pipe support members together.

[0025] According to another aspect, each pipe support member may comprise one or more openings that extend between a first face and a second face of the pipe support member, and the at least one removable anchor may be positioned in a passage formed by aligning openings of the pipe support members in the direction of the axis of the pipe

[0026] In other aspects, the features described above may be combined together in any reasonable combination as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0027] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe support.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a pipe support member.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pipe support supporting a pipe.
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a pipe support being disassembled.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pipe support supporting a pipe and a pipe support member being removed from under the pipe.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a pipe support.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pipe support on a stand.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate pipe support on a stand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A support for a pipe generally identified by reference numeral 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 through 8.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, support 10 is formed from a plurality of pipe support members 12. When pipe support members 12 are formed into support 10, top surfaces 20 of the pipe support members 12 cooperate to define a pipe support surface 28.
Preferably, each pipe support member 12 has a transition, identified generally by broken line 52, which is located between .a raised portion 22 and an insertion portion 54. Transition 52 extends parallel to the axis 38 of pipe 40. Transition 52 marks the point at which the top surface 20 of each support member changes from insertion portion 54, which is designed to be insertable under a pipe, to raised portion 22, or the portion designed to engage and support pipe. In the depicted embodiment, raised and insertion portions 22 and 54 are defined by top surface 20 of each pipe support member 12 has an insertion portion 54 that extends from central line 52 opposite the respective raised portion 22. The insertion portion 54 of each pipe support member 12 has a height that is less than or equal to the height of the pipe support member 12 at the central line 52. By providing insertion portion 54, pipe support member 12 can be slid laterally in the direction of the raised portion 22, such that it is easily removed from underneath pipe 40. It will be understood that top surface 20 and bottom surface 21 may have different profiles, depending on the preferences of the user, and to provide other benefits. As an example, it may be preferred to provide a small raise on some portion of top surface 20 around insertion portion 54, which may be used to provide a friction or interference fit in order to secure pipe support member 12 against being easily removed.
Alternatively, recesses may be provided .either in top or bottom surfaces 20 or 21 to allow for drainage, reduce the amount of material required, or other reasons.

[0030] Pipe support members 12 are assembled such that the orientations of a first group 30 of pipe support members 12 are alternated relative to a second group 32, with raised portions 22 provided on opposite sides of pipe support surface 28. Preferably, the pipe support members 12 are arranged such that pipe support members 12 in first group 30 are interleaved with pipe support members 12 in second group 32. Different arrangements of first group 30 and second group 32, including the number of pipe support members 12, may be used, depending on the application, preferences of the user, and dimensions of pipe support members 12 in order to properly support pipe 40.

[0031] The length of pipe support surface 28 as defined by the assembled pipe support members is preferably close to the diameter 42 of the pipe 40 to provide sufficient vertical and lateral support to the bottom of pipe 40, as shown in FIG. 3. It will be understood the width of the pipe support surface 28 may vary depending on the type of pipe being supported and the particular application of the pipe support 10. Pipe support surface 28 also preferably has a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a radius of curvature of the pipe 40, also shown in FIG. 3. This allows pipe 40 to rest against the entire pipe support surface 28. However, the radius of curvature of pipe support surface 28 may be smaller or larger than the radius of curvature of the pipe 40, depending on the application, while still providing sufficient support to pipe 40. For example, the radius of curvature of the pipe support surface 28 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of pipe 40, such that pipe support 10 contacts pipe 40 at only two areas and allows a space to be open below pipe 40. In other circumstances, it may be found that an approximate radius of curvature provides sufficient support, even though they may not be properly matched. In the depicted embodiment, each pipe support member 12 is similarly sized and shaped, and are preferably identical, such that they are interchangeable between, and repositionable among, the first group 30 and the second group 32 of pipe support members 12. However, it will be understood that the shapes of pipe support members 28 may vary. For example, there may be variations in the size or shape of the external surface of pipe 40, such as at connection points close to fittings, etc., which can be accommodated with different sized pipe support members 12.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, each pipe support member 12 may have one or more openings 14 extending between a first face 16 and a second face 18.
Preferably, pipe support member 12 has two openings 14 that are spaced from opposite ends of pipe support member 12. Referring to FIG. 2, this preferably provides a first opening 44 spaced from a first end 24 by a first distance 46, and a second opening 48 spaced from a second end 26 by a second distance 50. Preferably, first distance 46 is equal to the second distance 50.
However, it will be understood that different numbers and spacing of openings 14 may be used, such as one opening 14 that is centred in pipe support member 12, two openings 14 that are not equally spaced, or three openings 14 evenly spaced along pipe support member 12. Other arrangements may also be used. Each pipe support member 12 has a top surface 20 with a raised portion 22 toward the first end 24 relative to the second end 26.

[0033] Pipe support members 12 may be selectively anchored together using at least one removable anchor 34 positioned in a passage 36 formed by aligning openings 14 in the direction of the axis 38 of the pipe 40 (FIG. 5) to be supported. As shown, removable anchor

34 is a threaded bolt fastened with a nut. However, it will be understood that other fasteners may be used, as is well known in the art. For example, removable anchor 34 may be a rod or a flexible member passed through the openings and tied at either end or around pipe support 10.
The attachment of pipe support members 12 may also take other forms. For example, referring to FIG. 6, pipe support members 12 may not have openings 14. Pipe support members 12 may instead be attached by a clamp 56 or by being fit within a retaining surface 58, as shown in FIG. 8. Clamp 56 or retaining surface 58 may take a variety of forms, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, clamp 56 may be a user-operated screw clamp, or a spring loaded clamp. Retaining surface 58 may be a hinged surface as shown in FIG. 8, or may be slidably retained. The attachment may also use a combination of techniques, such as openings 14 and anchors 34 on one end, and a fixed retaining surface on the other end. The attachment may allow for removal of one group of pipe support members 12 from one side of the pipe support 10, with the other group being retained.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 7, pipe support members 12 may also be arranged on a stand 60 as shown. Stand 00 may take a variety of forms, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. As shown, stand 60 has retaining members 62 to aid in placement of pipe support 10.
Retaining members 62 may be attached to stand 60 in a variety of ways, such as by welding, pin fastened, keyway, etc. Stand 60 may have openings that are aligned with openings 14 of pipe support members 12 as shown. Stand 60 may also have a recessed area for placement of pipe support 10, or retaining pins or other mechanisms for supporting pipe support 10. Stand 60 may be designed to facilitate installation of pipe support 10 in a variety of locations, such as on beams or other fixtures.

[0035] An example of the use of pipe support 10 will now be described.
Referring to FIG. 4, a plurality of pipe support members 12 are provided. Pipe support members 12 are assembled to define pipe support surface 28 by alternating the orientations of first group 30 and second group 32 such that raised portions 22 are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface 28. One or more passages 36 are formed by aligning openings 14 in the direction of axis 38 of the pipe 40, as shown in FIG. 3. Pipe support members 12 can then be selectively anchored by inserting at least one removable anchor 34 through the one or more passages 36. Referring to FIG. 3, pipe support surface 28 can then be caused to support a pipe 40. FIG. 4 depicts the plurality of pipe support members 12 in a partially assembled state. In the depicted assembly, the pipe support members are interleaved and the raised portions 22 alternate sides of the pipe support 10. Once all of the pipe support members have been moved into position, openings 14 will create passages 36. As shown in FIG. 3, after pipe support members 12 are assembled, a pipe 40 may be placed on the pipe support surface.

Alternatively, pipe support 10 may be installed under a pre-installed pipe 40.
This may be done, for example, when replacing other types of supports, after pipe support 10 has been disassembled for an inspection, or if additional support is required along pipe 40. In this embodiment, pipe support members 12 are assembled below installed pipe 40.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, pipe support 10 is also designed to allow it to be fully or partially disassembled from under pipe 40 to allow for inspection. When it is desired to remove pipe support 10, removable anchors 34 are fully or partially removed from passages 36 in pipe support 10 to release all or only some of pipe support members 12 will. The released pipe support members 12 may then be removed laterally, as shown in FIG. 5, to expose a corresponding portion of pipe 40. This allows for all or portions of pipe support 10 to be removed for inspection or other purposes, and to be replaced underneath pipe 40, all without disturbing the placement of pipe 40. While inspection is simplified if all support members are removed, in some cases, it may be necessary to remove only some of pipe support members 12 in order to continue to provide some support to pipe 40 during inspection.

[0037] In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.

[0038] The scope of the following claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples above and in the drawings, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A support for a pipe, the pipe having a diameter, a length, and an axis in the direction of the length of the pipe, the support comprising:
a plurality of pipe support members, each pipe support member comprising a top surface that has a raised portion toward a first end relative to a second end of the pipe support member;
wherein the pipe support members are assembled such that the top surfaces of the pipe support members define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members such that raised portions are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface;
and at least one removable anchor that selectively anchors the pipe support members together.

2. The support of claim 1, wherein:
each pipe support member comprises one or more openings that extend between a first face and a second face of the pipe support member; and the at least one removable anchor is positioned in a passage formed by aligning openings of the pipe support members in the direction of the axis of the pipe.

3. The support of claim 1, wherein the support further comprises a base that retains the plurality of pipe support members.

4. The support of claim 1, wherein each pipe support member is sized and shaped to be interchangeable between the first group and the second group.

5. The support of claim 1, wherein the pipe support surface has a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a radius of curvature of the pipe.

6. The support of claim 1, wherein the pipe support members of the first group are interleaved with the pipe support members of the second group.

7. The support of claim 1, wherein each pipe support member has a first opening spaced from the first end by a first distance and a second opening spaced from the second end by a second distance.

8. The support of claim 7, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

9. The support of claim 1, wherein the pipe support surface has a central line extending parallel to the axis of the pipe, and the top surface of each pipe support member comprises an insertion portion that extends from the central line opposite the respective raised portion, the insertion portion having a height that is equal to or less than the height of the pipe support member at the central line.

10. A method of supporting a pipe, the pipe having a diameter, a length, and an axis in the direction of the length of the pipe, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of pipe support members, each pipe support member comprising a top surface that has a raised portion toward a first end relative to a second end of the pipe support member;
assembling the pipe support members to define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members such that raised portions are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface; and selectively anchoring the pipe support members by applying at least one removable anchor to the body; and causing the pipe support surface to support a pipe.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein:
each pipe support member comprises one or more openings that extend between a first face and a second face of the pipe support member;
the method further comprises the step of forming one or more passages by aligning openings of the pipe support members in the direction of the axis of the pipe;
and selectively anchoring the pipe support members comprises inserting the at least one removable anchor through the one or more passages through the body.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein assembling the pipe support members further comprises placing the pipe support members on a base that retains the plurality of pipe support members.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising the steps of:
removing the one or more anchors from at least a portion of the one or more passages to release some or all of the pipe support members and removing some or all of the released pipe support members laterally to expose a corresponding portion of the pipe.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein each pipe support member is sized and shaped to be interchangeable between the first group and the second group.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the pipe support surface has a radius of curvature that is equivalent to a radius of curvature of the pipe.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein assembling the pipe support members comprises interleaving the first group of pipe support members with the second group of pipe support members.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein each pipe support member has a first opening spaced from the first end by a first distance and a second opening spaced from the second end by a second distance.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the pipe support surface has a central line extending parallel to the axis of the pipe, and the top surface of each pipe support member comprises an insertion portion that extends from the central line opposite the respective raised portion, the insertion portion having a height that is equal to or less than the height of the pipe support member at the central line.

20. The method of claim 10, wherein causing the pipe support surface to support a pipe comprises placing the pipe on the pipe support surface.

21. The method of claim 10, wherein causing the pipe support surface to support a pipe comprises assembling the pipe support members below an installed pipe.

22. A support for a pipe, the pipe having a diameter, a length, and an axis in the direction of the length of the pipe, the support comprising:
a plurality of pipe support members, each pipe support member comprising:
a support portion at a first end of the pipe support member, and an insertion portion at a second end of the pipe support member connected to the support portion at a transition, the insertion portion having a height from a bottom surface to a top surface that is equal to or less than the height at the transition;
wherein the pipe support members are assembled such that the support portions of the pipe support members define a pipe support surface by alternating the orientation of a first group of pipe support members relative to a second group of pipe support members such that support portions are provided on opposite sides of the pipe support surface;
and at least one removable anchor that selectively anchors the pipe support members together.

23. The support of claim 22, wherein:
each pipe support member comprises one or more openings that extend between a first face and a second face of the pipe support member; and the at least one removable anchor is positioned in a passage formed by aligning openings of the pipe support members in the direction of the axis of the pipe.