CA2980386A1

CA2980386A1 - Modular conduit support system

Info

Publication number: CA2980386A1
Application number: CA2980386A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Shawn F. D. Perry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-09-27
Filing date: 2017-09-27
Publication date: 2019-03-27

Abstract

The invention is a singular or modular support system for use with and for the support of flexible, semi flexible or ridged conduit, pipe, or similar, herein referred to as conduit which is comprised of one or more sections or "support blocks" that complete the underlying framework for conduits and the means in which they are supported and guided throughout the entire conduit system. The invention is a support "Single Block", "Double Block", "90 Block" and "T Block" in which comprises individual, duel, or triple supports made of a rubberized or similar material in which the support and conduit hanger are one in the same. The invention provides anti-galvanic self-supporting means for conduits where placement, installation or attachment is desired on such areas as roof surfaces, floors, equipment or any other building construction. The invention requires no attachment to building structures; however means of adhering the supports or fastening is accounted for in the design. The invention also provides support when ground surface support is needed outside of a building structure. The invention is component based providing support where needed as required by mechanical drawings, building, plumbing, gas, hvac, mechanical and electrical codes. The invention is without prejudice to size or the number of conduits that require support and will provide support at key areas for conduits as a whole system, including electrical wiring. The invention will not only provide support for long conduit runs where determined by load bearing factors, codes, standards, building designers, trades persons etcetera but also provide support where joining is required at locations in where change of direction occurs or attachment points within the conduit system are presented. Such examples of this are 90 degree turns, tee fittings, couplings, valves, junction boxes or any place the conduit system needs support. The invention as described herein and depicted in drawings may use singular which does not exclude plural (and vice versa) when the sense allows.

Description

MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
The background of the invention is an organized group of self-supporting supports "Single Block", "Double Block", "90 Block" and "T Block" that integrate a means of securing, supporting and guiding conduits and wire systems regardless of size or numbers; The described invention provides support not only to the conduits but also where critical support to the components such as couplings, 90 degree elbows, T fittings, valves, regulators, unions, junction box's other related or associated mechanical components herein referred to as component, or any such places that protection or support needs to be provide from load bearing forces external to or from the conduits themselves.
Such systems which are, but not limited to electrical, gas, plumbing, air conditioning. By supporting conduit ends where components are attached the invention creates a total system of support. Prior art Brown 9,523,380 means of support is only for a pipe and not the complete system in which only a single support is used and placed at locations randomly or not placed in critical areas such as joints or changes of direction leaving one or more attachment points unprotected, unsupported or incorrectly installed. This invention complete with the "Double Block, "90 Block" and "T Block" are placed on all sides of a component providing support at both or all sides of associated components held within a conduit system, in turn not only providing full support of the conduit system but also the associated components within a single block or support. National codes make reference to supporting ends of threaded piping and providing correctly mounted, braced and supported conduits. This invention solves support as per National Codes while enabling those installing conduits and supports to do so more efficiently and safely with proper planning provided within this invention. This invention itself requires no tools for installation purposes making it easier to install, less time consuming, more cost effective and more favorable for installation personnel and owners. If so desired, the invention will also allow for direct placement on structures including ground placement without structural attachment; however, these attachment points are additionally built into the support but unlike prior art supports the invention described herein allows for expansion and contraction while providing a fixed means to structures; this is important for areas in which conduits are exposed to varying temperatures. The coefficient of expansion for conduits can sufficiently increase the risk of damages not only to structures but also to a conduit. National Codes site this as a problem and make reference to allowing for expansion; the invention herein satisfies the coefficient of expansion in conduit systems. The invention has no complicated parts such as clamps, bolts, nuts, rods, screws or other conventional means. The invention as described is an all in one support and hanger system complete with component inspection, and testing areas built into each support without complicated parts that need attachment while providing and solving code and installation, testing, inspection frustrations. The invention will not be subject to maintenance or fatigue, wear or other complications with complex bolts, nuts, screws, strapping and also will not rust or seize providing longevity to not only the support itself but more critically to the conduit.
Current support systems have metal parts or trap water which when in contact with conduits cause points of wear and potential dialectic reactions between dissimilar metals posing potential dangerous situations; National codes make reference to such wear; this invention maintains and satisfies such national code requirements by which the supports are nonmetallic molded rubber blocks. Another area of invention within the current invention is in the support itself wherein the support can be either lighted by stored energy power or reflective material solving visual indication of a conduit when visibility is impaired thus reducing damages from impact to a conduit or potential hazards with trips and falls by workers. National codes prohibit the use of accessory's and components or materials wherein a hazard is created; this invention solves the complicated no tools means of attachment, hazard of wear, support of components, expansion, inspection, testing and visibility. While Previous prior art backgrounds describe providing protection to roof surfaces or providing slope for piping this invention solves such conditions as conduit fatigue due to dielectric action and wear; providing support to all aspects of conduit systems as a whole by providing weakest link protection in component support by the invention of "Double Block, "90 Block" and "T Block" while incorporating inspection and testing areas this invention is not only a conduit support but a managed system of support; an invention focused on conforming to Codes, Standards and good engineering practices by eliminating the hazard.
SFDP/MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM/BACKGROUND

2 MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 (a-c) Single Block The drawings begin with figure 1(a)(b)(c)(d) wherein the invention 1 can be better explained showing a "single block" 1 which can be placed on a structure or ground area 8 shown in figure 1(c) where a conduit 6 shown in figure lb is placed through the insert opening 3 shown in figures 1(a)(b)(c) resting inside the conduit cradle 2 shown in figures 1(a)(b)(c) where allowance has been made for drainage in 14 a weep hole. Once the conduit 6 is inserted through the conduit insert opening 3 the cover plate 5 or cover clip 11 can be slid into or on the cover slid insert slot 4. Structure attachment areas 12 shown in 1 (a)(b)(c) and adhesion areas 13 (shaded) in figure id around hollow areas 15 shown in figure id can be used when so desired by the installer. Mechanical attachments 16 shown in figure 1(a)(b)(c) such as threaded rod, bolts, etc are used for placement of channel, extensions, clips or other where the user so desires or if so required by building or jurisdictional requirements.
Conventional attachment areas 16 of figure 1(a)(b)(c) are shown where galvanic action has no consequence when correctly installed. The following drawings Figure 2 (a-c), Figure 3 (a, b), Figure 4 (a, b), Figure 5 (a, b) and figure 6 are numbered the same with the same sequence of events for conduit support, attachment and installation throughout all the figures, the numbering is similar throughout.
Figure 2 (a-c) Single Block Figure 2 (a), (b) and (c) show the single conduit support "Single Block"
invention 1 with multiple conduit 6 insert openings 3 and conduit cradles 2; this figure is similar to Figure 1 with the differences being no discrimination to numbers is given pictorially. The invention can include any numbers of conduits 6 as shown in 9 which represents a continuation of conduit cradles 2, insert openings 3, cover slide slots 4 and cover plate 5, cover clip 11 attachment areas 16, structural attachments points 12, drain holes 13 Figure 3 (a, b) Double Block Figure 3(a)(b) shows a "Double Block" support invention 1a where structural attachments 12 are provided as similar throughout all. Support la supports components 7 where conduit 6 is supported at two locations at both sides in two cradles 2 where the component 7 is in the middle of opposing cradles 2 providing support for both the conduit 6 and component 7 where allowance is made for inspection in recessed area 10 to which inspection area 18 is possible wherein 9 represents no discrimination to the numbers of conduit cradles 2, insert openings 3, cover slide slots 4, attachment areas 16, structural attachment points 12 and cover plate 5 or cover clip 11.

Figure 4 (a, b) 90 Block Figure 4(a)(b) shows the invention lb "90 Block" supporting a conduit 6 in which there is a change of direction of the conduit 6 where the component 7 is supported by cradles 2 at each directional change providing support for conduit 6 and component 7 to which no discrimination is given to the number of conduit cradles 2, insert openings 3, cover slide slots 4 and cover plate 5, cover clips 11 in area 9 or lower shaded areas 10 allow for inspection area 18, attachment points for structural attachment area provided in 12 and conventional attachment points in 16 all can be repeated in a mirror like manner.
Figure 5 (a, b) T Block Figure 5 invention lc "T Block" shows a change of direction for conduit 6 while still allowing a continuation in the same original directional path for the conduit 6, the change of direction is exhibited as 6(a) where the conduit 6 (a) is perpendicular to conduit 6. This invention lc provides support at three locations supporting a component 7 and conduits 6 and 6(a). Lower shaded areas 10 allows for inspection area 18 and 12 allows for structural attachment to surfaces 8.
Conventional attachment points are in 16.
Figure 6 System Run Figure 6 can be explained as multiple conduit system showing the use of singular and multiple inventions in which the conduits are secured and supported through the inventions without or with attachment to the structure. First 6 (a) 6 (b) conduit runs are being supported by support blocks 1, 1 (a), 1(b) wherein 1 is a "Single Block" that has more than one conduit cradle 2 of figure 2 which supports the conduit 6(a)(b) which has no fittings, joints, couplings, valves, regulators or other mechanical components which are herein referred to as components 7. Conduit 6(a) and 6(b) are next supported by 1(a) which is a "Double Block" for accessories 7 to where the conduit continues until the turn at support 1(b) the multiple "90 Block" to where after the change in direction conduits 6(a) and 6(b) are again supported by invention 1. The singular conduit run 6(c) continues to invention 1 a "Single Block"
wherein no accessory 7 is being supported, the invention is supporting the conduit only. From support 1 the conduit continues to invention 1(c) a "T Block" wherein the conduit needs support for three sides.
The conduit continues in the same directional path at the same time continues perpendicular to 6(c) creating another conduit path 6(d). This change in direction of the conduit 6(c) can now be supported at the junction of all changes in direction. Conduit 6(d) continues to inventions 1. Conduit 6(c) continues to invention 1 (a) in which a component 7 is being supported on both sides by the "Double Block". The conduit 6(c) continues to another 1(a) invention where the component 7 is also being supported on both side. From invention 1(a) the conduit continues to invention 1(c) as previously described as a "T
Block" to where the conduit splits and changes direction twice, one-way conduit 6(e) continues to invention 1 and the other direction conduit 6 (f) continues to invention 1(b) where the invention supports a singular change of direction at the "90 Block" where the system continues to invention 1.

SFDP/MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM/DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Claims

MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM
l Claim;

1. A conduit support for use with and to guide, support, anchor, or secure flexible, semi flexible or ridged conduit, pipe, electrical wiring or similar, herein referred to as conduit which has allowance for conduit expansion and contraction movement of a conduit and conduit support respectively; where installation is possible at such locations as roof areas, floors, machinery, footings and pads or similar for installation either exterior or interior of a building envelope; where a conduit may be supported at one or at more than one location on one conduit support which may be formed with a lowered area or lowered areas.

2. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, wherein a conduit cradle or holding area for a conduit is recessed within the conduit support and formed as one where a conduit may be placed within the conduit support where the conduit top does not protrude or extend higher than the conduit support but may extend above the conduit support if so required.

3. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which a cover can be provided that is either slid into an opening or clipped over an opening or over and under an opening.

4. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which a drainage hole for moisture or liquid can be provided in the conduit cradle or holding area and where the base of the support in some aspects is raised at strategic locations to allow water or similar or air to pass through the support.

5. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, in which accommodation can be provided in the form of an inverted v or u shape or similar shaped indentation or void within the base of the conduit support to allow for installation on irregular shaped surfaces or drainage or air movement through the conduit support.

6. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the conduit support can be used for direct placement on the earth or ground areas.

7. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, which is made of nonconductive materials which may be elastomeric, polymeric or similar rubber or plastic which may be of recycled materials.

8. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the support does not require to be attached to another structure such a floor, roof, truss, beam, or any building structure, the support can be free floating providing support as underlying framework for conduits.

9. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, wherein allowances may be provided for conventional pipe or conduit clipping or attachment methods above or on the conduit support where by proper installation of such will not cause galvanic actions created from dissimilar metals.

10. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, where reflectiveness or lighting can be provided by means of solar, stored energy, or self-reflective material which may be placed where so desired on the conduit support including the lowered inspection area as set forth in Claim 13 and testing area as set forth in Claim 14 or covers as set forth in Claim 3 above the conduit cradle.

11.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which structural attachment points are incorporated within the conduit support or lowered area as set forth in Claim 13 and Claim 14.

12. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which accommodation is given for the coefficient of expansion and contraction of the conduits supported and the conduit support itself.

13.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22, wherein inspection is possible for a conduit, component, or joint supported by the conduit support in a lowered area formed or molded as part of the conduit support.
14.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22, wherein leak testing is possible for a conduit, component or joint supported by the conduit support in a lowered area formed or molded as part of the conduit support.
15.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, where the use of conventional tools for installation of the conduit to the conduit support or the conduit support to the conduit may not be required.
16.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which no discrimination to the numbers of conduits that can be supported nor is discrimination given to the size or circumference of conduit.
17.A conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22, that elevates conduits and components from surfaces which may reduce sound, vibrations, heat or energy transfer.
18.A conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22, which may have one or more than one conduit cradle, insert slot, insert opening, attachment area, lowered area, weep hole or conduit attachment point.
19.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "Single Block"
or support that is interchangeable to suit any conduit support location.
20.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "Double Block"
or conduit support that accommodates in a single conduit support means to provide close proximity support for joints, couplings, T fittings, valves, regulators, unions, junction boxes or other related mechanical components wherein support is provided at two locations for a conduit within or on one conduit support at opposing ends of the conduit support providing an inspection area as set forth in

Claim 13 and a testing area as set forth in Claim 14.
21.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "90 Block" or support that accommodates in a single conduit support means to provide close proximity support for components and joints wherein support is provided at two locations for a conduit within one or on one conduit support where a change in direction such as a 90 degree turn appears providing an inspection area as set forth in Claim 13 and a testing area as set forth in Claim 14.
22.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "T Block"
or support that accommodates in a single conduit support means to provide close proximity support for components and joints wherein support is provided for multiple changes of direction in a conduit providing support for perpendicular changes in direction while accommodating the support for the conduit to remain in the original path of travel providing conduit support at three locations providing an inspection area as set forth in Claim 13 and a testing area as set forth in

Claim 14.
23.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, which is shaped to perform functions which can be in any pattern or shape or size to perform those support functions as set forth in Claim 19, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22, Claim 24 and Claim 25 having upper conduit support areas and lowered inspection and testing or similar lowered areas as set forth in Claims 13 and 14.
24.A support area as set forth in Claim 2 formed in a conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 19, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22 where the entry to the conduit cradle or holding area may be void of materials in part or in full above the conduit cradle or holding area in where the conduit holding area is shaped and sized to allow for expansion and contraction of the conduit and or the conduit support or both.

25.A method of conduit support where conduit support is provided at one or more than one location within or on or by one conduit support where lowered areas may be formed within or on one conduit support which may provide testing and inspection areas or similar and which may provide or give means or access to view, work, test, operate, adjust, repair, clean or similar to these for components of a conduit or those attachment points or joints such as welds, threads, sockets, flanges, bolts or similar.
26.A method of conduit component protection and support with "close proximity conduit support" provided by one conduit support where components of a conduit system are visible, accessible and fully supported on all sides of the component which may be used within a conduit system such as;
a) joints b) valves c) regulators d) strainers e) couplings f) elbows g) t fittings h) unions i) flanges j) junction boxes k) disconnects l) meters m) or any "fitting", "attachment" or similar to the above.