GB1583312A - Support element for fixing tubular conduits - Google Patents

Description

(54) A SUPPORT ELEMENT FOR FIXING TUBULAR CONDUITS (71) We, ETABLISSEMENTS MOREL, ATELIERS ELECTROMECA NIQUES DE FAVIERES, a French Body Corporate of Favieres par Chateauneuf-En- Thymerais-Eure-et-Loir, France, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a Patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be par ticularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a support element for fixing tubular conduits, the support ele meat being adapted to be joined together with other similar elements. The element comprises a substantially rectilinear base hav ing, at each of its two ends, a transversely projecting arm provided, at its top, with quick-action assembly means, such as engage ment lugs.

The two substantially parallel arms of the element can be connected end-to-end to the respective arms of a second similar element arranged in inverted relation. to the first ele rnent so as to clamp a conduit interposed between the two elements in facing openings each formed between the two arms of each element.

Various fixing systems are known which, for example, comprise moulded plastic sup port elements. Moulded plastic has an advan ltageous elasticity for economically making engagement lugs integral with the arms of 'the element.

A system of this kind has been proposed, more particularly, in British Patent Specifica- tion No. 1,506,491.

The known systems of this kind, however, require a support element of a different type to be interposed between two elements of the first type when conduits have to be fixed in a number of layers. This means a relatively complex system of production and supplies tot users.

An objeot of this invention is to obviate the above disadvantage by means of a single type of support element whereby conduits can be conveniently fixed in either a single layer or in superposed layers.

Accordingly, the invention provides a sup port element for fixing a tubular conduit, which element has a substantially rectilinear base provided at each of its ends, with an arm projecting perpendicular to the base and having quick-action end connecting means for connecting the arm end to end with a res elective arm of a second similar element arranged in inverted relation to the first element so as to clamp a conduit received in facing openings each formed between the two arms of each element, in which element the base of the element has, remote from the opening, base connecting means for directly fastening thereto the base of another similar element intended for use in fixing another conduit substantially parallel to the conduit fixed by the first two elements.

By directly attaching to one another the bases of two substantially identical elements, which are each connected by their arms to two other elements, it is a convenient matter to fix two superposed conduits and, if necessary, continue this arrangement with other similar elements in turn attached by their base to the bases of the elements already in place. The entire fixing system can thus be produced economically with a single type of modular support element.

Preferably, the base connecting means for the bases of the contiguous elements attached in the operative position comprise locating means to prevent relative displacement of the attached bases in the direction of their length.

The relative positioning thus imparted to the bases of rhe connected elements enables the openings of the associated elements to be substantially aligned to ensure alignments of the superposed axes of the conduits fixed by means of these elements. In a variant, another relative positioning od the attached bases enables the openings of the superposed elements to be off-set from one another so that the axes of the conduits fixed in a number of layers can be staggered.

Advantageously, the base of each element has a rectangular baseplate with two longitudinal projecting edges, the base connecting means comprising, projecting from each longitudinal edge, at least one side fastening claw for resiliently engaging and locking on an edge of the baseplate of an associated element to hold the two baseplates fastened together.

As will be explained hereinafter, these arrangements allow economic and convenient industrial production of a fixing system embodying the invention.

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a front view of a support element embodying the invention; FIGURES 2 to 5 show the support element of Figure 1 respectively from above, from below and laterally along each side surface, as indicated at II--II, III--III, IV-IV and V-V in Figure 1; FIGURE 6 is a similar front view to Figure 1 showing a modified form of the support element shown in Figures 1 to 5; FIGURE 7 is a front view of an assembly of support elements of Figures 1 and 6 joined to form a fixing system; FIGURE 8 is a side view along VIII--VTII in Figure 7 showing the various support elements separated from one another; FIGURE 9 shows a plinth for the support elements in Figures 7 and 8, in top plan view, along the line IX-IX; FIGURE 10 is a similar view to Figure 6 showing another embodiment of the support element according to the invention comprising a detachable part for adapting to a smaller calibre conduit; and FIGURES 11 and 12 show the support ele ment in Figure 10 respectively in a top' view on. the line XI-XI and in section along the line XII-XII.

In the embodiment shown by way of ex ample in Figures 1 to 8, a tubular conduit fixing system comprises support elements 1 (Figures 1 to 6) adapted to be joined together (Figures 7 and 8). Each element 1 has a sub- stantially rectilinear base 2 with a transversely projecting arm 3 at each of its ends, each arm having at its free end quick-action end connecting means 4, such as resilient engagement lugs described hereineafter. The two arms 3 of each element 1 are substantially parallel and of the same length and can be connected end to end (Figures 7, 8) to the corresponding arms 3 of another similar element 1A mounted on a conduit of axis X1-X2 opposite the first element 1.

The conduit of axis X1--X2 can thus be retained and clamped in two facing openings 5 each formed between the two arms 3 of each element 1, 1A (Figures 1, 7).

The base 2 of each of the said elements 1, 1 A has base connecting means (described hereinafter) remote from the opening 5, such that there can be connected directly to the base 2 of one of the elements, e.g. 1A, the base 2 of another substantially identical element, e.g. 1B (Figures 7, 8) so that another conduit of axis X3-X4 can he fixed substantially parallel to the conduit of axis X1-X2 fixed by the first two elements 1, 1A.

The support elements 1A, 1B attached by their bases 2 (Figures 7, 8) have, for example, bases of equal length and their base connecting means preferably comprise locating means described hereinafter to prevent relative displacement of the attached bases 2 in the direction of their length.

Advantageously, the base 2 of each support element, e.g. 1A, has a flat rectangular plate 6 with two projecting longitudinal edges 7A, 7B (Figures 1 to 5). The base connecting means od the base 2 comprise a projection on each edge 7A, 7B, two lateral engagement claws 8 adapted to be resiliently engaged and locked on an edge 7 of the base plate 6 of the other associated element, e.g. 1 A, to hold the two base plates 6 attached in the operative position of the system (Figures 7, 8).

Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the two claws 8 of each edge, e.g. 7A, are offset in the direction d the length of the edge 7A with respect to the two claws 8 of the other edge 7B, to allow the identical base plates 6 of two associated elements, e.g. 1A and 1B (Figure 7), to be attached in the operative position of the system.

To increase the resilience d each claw 8 with respect to the baseplate 6 bearing it, the claw 8 is connected to a tongue 9 of the baseplate, which is separated therefrom by two slots 9A extending transversely of the edge 7 (Figure 3).

The support elements 1, 1A, 1B, etc., (Figures 1 to 8) are made, for example, from moulded plastics and preferably have lateral connecting means as described in the British Patent Specification No. 1,506,491 already mentioned, so that each element, e.g. 1, can be laterally connected to an adjacent element, e.g. 1C (Figure 7), so that a number ob con edits forming a single layer can be fixed in parallel.

According to the Specification No.

1,506,491, the lateral connecting means od the support elements, e.g. 1 and 1C, comprise a coupling portion and a shoe disposed on the outer surfaces of the arans 3 of each element (Figure 1) and extending perpendicularly to the baseplate 6.

To locate the attached baseplates 6 of two associated elements, e.g. 1A and lB (Figure 7), the projecting claws 8 of each element, e.g. 1A, co-operate with transverse ribs 11 on the other element, e.g. 1 (Figure 1) to ensure relative positioning of the elements 1A, 1B attached by their bases. In this way the openings 5 of the two elements 1 A, 1B can be exactly aligned to ensure alignment of the superposed axes, e.g. X1--X2 and X3-X4, of the conduits fixed by means of these elements (Figure 7).

Preferably, the quick-action end connecting means 4 disposed at the top of each arm 3 of the support element 1 (Figures 1 to 5) comprise; on each arm 3, a resilient engagement lug 12 and a stop 14 substantially parallel to the lug 12 and of the same length as the latter (Figures 2, 4, 5). The engagement lug 12 and the stop 14 are disposed on respective sides of a general plane P of symmetery of the element 1 in the direction of the length of the base 2.

The engagegment lug 12 has a projecting retaining tooth 15 extending towards the plane of symmetry P to retain a similar tooth 15 on another associated element, e.g. 1A (Figure 8), to clamp the interposed conduit of axis X1-X2. The stops 14 on an element, e.g.

1 (Figures 7, 8), each co-operate with a lug 12 on the other element, e.g. 1A, to prevent any relative displacements of the two elements transversely of each projection 3, so that the associated retaining teeth 15 of the twe connected elements 1, 1A are held in engagement.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2 to 4, the stops 14 on two assembled elements, e.g. 1 and 1A (Figures 7, 8) counteract any relative displacements of the two elements 1, 1A both in the direction of the axis X1-X2 of the interposed conduit and transversely of said axis.

Advantageously, the dimensions of the retaining teeth 13 on each element, e.g. 1, 1A, and the gap between each lug 12 and contiguous stop 14 are so selected as to ensure relative play of the two elements, e.g. 1, 1A, connected by their retaining teeth 15 and their stops 14. This play allows an angular hinge-like movement of the two elements 1, 1A with respect to one another, to facilitate assembly and free axial expansion of the conduit of axis X1-X2 fixed by the two elements 1, 1A as explained hereinafter.

For greater clarity, the hinge-like movement "D" is shown diagrammatically in Figures 4 and 5 for the plane of symmetry PI of an element, e.g. 1A (Figure 8) associated with the support element 1. The movement "D" is, for example, of the order of 15 or 200.

The use and the advantages of a tubular conduit fixing system as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 8, will now be expllained.

To fix a given number of superimposed conduits, e.g. conduits of axes X1-X2 and X3-X4 (Figures 7, 8), a number of substantially identical support elements such as 1, 1A, 1B, etc. is used. The first conduit of axis X1--X2 is clamped by assembling the two support elements 1, 1A mounted around the conduit, by means of their facing lugs 12 and stops 14.

The base of a third identical element 1B is then fixed directly to the base of element 1A by attaching the baseplate 6 to one another.

This is done by engaging the lateral claws 8 on an element, e.g. 1A, on the projecting edges 7, 7A of the baseplate 6 of the associated element, e.g. 1B.

The end claws 8 of an element, e.g. 1A, co-operate with the transverse partitions 11 of the other elements, e.g. 1 B, to prevent a relative displacement of the attached baseplate 6 of the two elements 1A, 1B so as to align their openings 5 and the superimposed axes, e.g. X1--X2 and X3-X4, of the parallel conduits fixed by means of the elements 1, 1A, 1B.

Once the conduit of axis X3-X4 has been disposed in the opening 5 of element 1B, another similar element is connected to clamp this conduit in turn, and then the baseplate 6 of the last element has yet another element attached to it to receive a third superimposed conduit, and so on.

The lateral connecting means od the sup port elements 1, 1A, 1B etc. enable each element, e.g. 1 (Figure 7), to be connected laterally to an adjacent element, e.g. 1C, so that a number of superimposed layers of parallel conduits interconnected by means of the assembled elements can be formed.

The end connecting means 4 at the end of the arms 3 (Figures 1, 7, 8) and the base connecting means of the baseplates 6 comprising the claws 8, enable all the elements, e.g. 1, 1A, 1B, etc. to be conveniently assembled by operating perpendicularly to the axes X1---X2 and X3-X4 of the conduits and perpendicularly to the baseplates 6 of all the elements (in the direction of the arrows F in Figure 8).

The same applies to the lateral connecting means of the support elements, e.g. 1 and 1C (Figure 7), comprising coupling portion and a shoe disposed on the outer surfaces of the lateral projections 3 of each element (Figure 1) in a direction perpendicular to the hase- plate 6 of each support element.

The said method of assembly, perpendicularly to the baseplate 6 of each element, avoids the need for tedious sliding of the successive elements 1A, 1B, etc. in the axial direction of the conduits for fixing.

Once they have been interconnected as explained above, the various conduits fixed by means of the support elements, e.g. 1, 1A, 1B etc. (Figure 8), can still have a slight relative axial play, e.g. to allow for their differences in expansion during operation. The axial play of the conduits is facilitated by the hinge-like movement "D" (Figures 4 and 5), provided between the planes of symmetry P and PI of the pairs of elements associated in pairs for clamping each conduit, by their retaining teeth 15 and stops 14 which are engaged in one another with suitable play.

The invention thus allows a simple indus trial production of a tubular conduit fixing system which can be enlarged at will by means of a basic support element 1 of a single type. More plarticularly, the invention enables any number of layers od parallel conduits to be superimposed without the use of any tools and without the supports of the underlying layers having to be removed or changed.

The single type of basic element 1 is easy and economic to mass produce, e.g. from moulded plastics, or from heat-resistant stains less steel sheet, which can withstand most hostile environments.

Figure 6 shows a modified support element 21 which is interchangegable with the element 1 od Figures 1 to 5 and has an opening 25 for a conduit of axis X3-X6 of calibre "C" less than the spacing between the stops 14, unlike the element 1 in Figures 1 and 2.

Preferably, as shown in Figures. 10 to 12, a support element intended for a conduit of smaller calibre C comprises a body 41 sub stantially the same as the support element od Figures 1 to 6 but with fixing means to receive an internal detachable part 42 having an opening 25 adapted to the smaller calibre C of the conduit.

The detachable part 42 (Figure 10), which is, e.g., of crescent-shaped section, has a radial centring stud 43 and two side tongues 44 adapted respectively to engage in approx priate recesses 45 in the opening 5 of the body 1, so that the detachable part 42 can be fixed therein. Part 42 can alsel be con nected to a similar inverted part 42 (not shown) by means of an end stud 46 provided for engagement in a symmetrical recess 47 in the inverted part. A conduit of the smaller calibre C can thus be rigidly clamped between two bodies 41 each provided with an internal detachable part 42.

The broken lines in the topl part ob Figure 7 diagrammatically show a support element 51 similar to element 1 in Figures 1 to 5, and the baseplate 6 of which is offset from the underlying support element basepiates.

The assembly claws 8 of the baseplates 6 thus connected enable the axes, e.g. X7--X8, of a higher row of conduits (not shown) mounted on a lower row of conduits of axes, e.g.

X3-X4, to be offset from one another. This ensures a staggered arrangement of the axes of the conduits of the superimposed rows.

This staggered arrangemgent enables the cooling od the conduits to be improved and facilitates connection and maintenance work.

The posirion od the claws 8 of the connected baseplates 6 co-operating with the transverse ribs 11 of the associated elements ensures location and immohilisation of the support elements in the offset position of element 51.

In Figures 7-9, a variant ob the system is shown in which the baseplates 6 of the sup port elements 1 of a lower row are each associated with a connecting baseplate 61 of a plinth 62. The latter has means for fixing to a structure such as a brickwork foundation 63 adapted to support the entire assembly .of support elements. For example, the fixing means for the plinth 62 are holes for screws 64.

Preferably, plinth 62 is formed from profiled-section rectilinear bars 65 which are aligned and juxtaposed in a sufficient number for attachment to the baseplate 6 of the support elements 1 of the said lower row.

To this end, the resilient claws 8 of the baseplates 6 can be engaged and locked on the edges of the connecting baseplates 61 of the bars 65.

Advantageously, the bars 65 of the plinth 62 and the various elements of the fixing system, e.g. the support elements 1, 21, 41 (Figures 1, 6, 10) are adapted to form a modular assembly in which the lengths of 'the connected baseplates, e.g. 6, 61, are equal or in a ratio of a single integer, e.g.

2 or 3.

For example, in such a modular system, a large calibre support element may be pro- vided (not shown) similar to the element 1 in Figures 1 to, 5 but with a baseplate twice as long as the baseplate 6. Similarly, a small calibre element may be provided with a baseplate equal to half as long as the baseplate 6. These elements are also substantially identical to the element 1 in respect of the width of their baseplate and the arrangement of their various assembly means.

Preferably, as already stated, at least some of the support elements of the system have lateral means for connection to other elements, to fix at least one row of conduits laterally connected by the said elements.

To form the said lateral means for con nection to other elements, each element advantageously has fastening means adapted to cooperate with corresponding fastening means on the other elements. These means are so formed as to be engaged in one another by relative sliding in a direction perpendicular to the base of each element For a bunch of conduits of any size and any composition it is thus possible, with the invention, rapidly to form a rugged fixing grid.

The dimensions and contour of this grid can be conveniently adapted to requirements, if necessary in several successive additions, by means of support elements embodying the invention. These support elements can be rapidly installed without any tools, by engagement of their side fastening means and the connecting means for their arms and bases.

In all three cases, the said engagement is effected perpendicular to of each element.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A support element for fixing a tubular conduit, which element has a substantially

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (1)

1. **WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **.

   trial production of a tubular conduit fixing system which can be enlarged at will by means of a basic support element 1 of a single type. More plarticularly, the invention enables any number of layers od parallel conduits to be superimposed without the use of any tools and without the supports of the underlying layers having to be removed or changed.

   The single type of basic element 1 is easy and economic to mass produce, e.g. from moulded plastics, or from heat-resistant stains less steel sheet, which can withstand most hostile environments.

   Figure 6 shows a modified support element 21 which is interchangegable with the element 1 od Figures 1 to 5 and has an opening 25 for a conduit of axis X3-X6 of calibre "C" less than the spacing between the stops 14, unlike the element 1 in Figures 1 and 2.

   Preferably, as shown in Figures. 10 to 12, a support element intended for a conduit of smaller calibre C comprises a body 41 sub stantially the same as the support element od Figures 1 to 6 but with fixing means to receive an internal detachable part 42 having an opening 25 adapted to the smaller calibre C of the conduit.

   The detachable part 42 (Figure 10), which is, e.g., of crescent-shaped section, has a radial centring stud 43 and two side tongues 44 adapted respectively to engage in approx priate recesses 45 in the opening 5 of the body 1, so that the detachable part 42 can be fixed therein. Part 42 can alsel be con nected to a similar inverted part 42 (not shown) by means of an end stud 46 provided for engagement in a symmetrical recess 47 in the inverted part. A conduit of the smaller calibre C can thus be rigidly clamped between two bodies 41 each provided with an internal detachable part 42.

   The broken lines in the topl part ob Figure

   7 diagrammatically show a support element

   51 similar to element 1 in Figures 1 to 5, and the baseplate 6 of which is offset from the underlying support element basepiates.

   The assembly claws 8 of the baseplates 6 thus connected enable the axes, e.g. X7--X8, of a higher row of conduits (not shown) mounted on a lower row of conduits of axes, e.g.

   X3-X4, to be offset from one another. This ensures a staggered arrangement of the axes of the conduits of the superimposed rows.

   This staggered arrangemgent enables the cooling od the conduits to be improved and facilitates connection and maintenance work.

   The posirion od the claws 8 of the connected baseplates 6 co-operating with the transverse ribs 11 of the associated elements ensures location and immohilisation of the support elements in the offset position of element 51.

   In Figures 7-9, a variant ob the system is shown in which the baseplates 6 of the sup port elements 1 of a lower row are each associated with a connecting baseplate 61 of a plinth 62. The latter has means for fixing to a structure such as a brickwork foundation 63 adapted to support the entire assembly .of support elements. For example, the fixing means for the plinth 62 are holes for screws 64.

   Preferably, plinth 62 is formed from profiled-section rectilinear bars 65 which are aligned and juxtaposed in a sufficient number for attachment to the baseplate 6 of the support elements 1 of the said lower row.

   To this end, the resilient claws 8 of the baseplates 6 can be engaged and locked on the edges of the connecting baseplates 61 of the bars 65.

   Advantageously, the bars 65 of the plinth 62 and the various elements of the fixing system, e.g. the support elements 1, 21, 41 (Figures 1, 6, 10) are adapted to form a modular assembly in which the lengths of 'the connected baseplates, e.g. 6, 61, are equal or in a ratio of a single integer, e.g.

   2 or 3.

   For example, in such a modular system, a large calibre support element may be pro- vided (not shown) similar to the element 1 in Figures 1 to, 5 but with a baseplate twice as long as the baseplate 6. Similarly, a small calibre element may be provided with a baseplate equal to half as long as the baseplate 6. These elements are also substantially identical to the element 1 in respect of the width of their baseplate and the arrangement of their various assembly means.

   Preferably, as already stated, at least some of the support elements of the system have lateral means for connection to other elements, to fix at least one row of conduits laterally connected by the said elements.

   To form the said lateral means for con nection to other elements, each element advantageously has fastening means adapted to cooperate with corresponding fastening means on the other elements. These means are so formed as to be engaged in one another by relative sliding in a direction perpendicular to the base of each element For a bunch of conduits of any size and any composition it is thus possible, with the invention, rapidly to form a rugged fixing grid.

   The dimensions and contour of this grid can be conveniently adapted to requirements, if necessary in several successive additions, by means of support elements embodying the invention. These support elements can be rapidly installed without any tools, by engagement of their side fastening means and the connecting means for their arms and bases.

   In all three cases, the said engagement is effected perpendicular to of each element.

   WHAT WE CLAIM IS:- 1. A support element for fixing a tubular conduit, which element has a substantially

   rectilinear base provided, at each of its ends, with an arm projecting perpendicular to the base and having quick-action end connecting means for connecting the arm end to end with a respective arm of a second similar element arranged in inverted relation to the first element so as to clamp a conduit received in facing openings each formed between the two arms of each element, in which element the base of the element has, remote from the opening, base connecting means for directly fastening thereto the base of another similar element intended for use in fixing another conduit substantially parallel to the conduit fixed by the first two elements.

   2. A support element according to claim 1, in which the base of the element has a rec.- tanguar baseplate with two longitudinal projecting edges, the base connecting means comprise, projecting from each longitudinal edge, at least one side fastening claw for resiliently engaging and locking on an edge of the baseplate of an associated element to hold the two baseplates fastened together, and each claw is connected to a tongue of the baseplate, the tongue being separated from the baseplate by two slots extending transversely of the edge thereof toi increase the elasticity of the claw with respect toi the baseplate.

   3. A support element according to, claim 1 or 2, in which the two arms of the element each comprise at their top a resilient engagement lug and a stop substantially parallel to the lug and of the same length as the latter, the lug and the stop being disposed on respective sides of a general plane of symmetry of the element in the direction of the length of the base, the engagement lug having a projecting retaining tooth extending towards the said plane of symmetry to retain a similar tooth of an associated element to clamp an interposed conduit, the stops of each of the said elements co-operating to prevent any displacement of the two elements with respect to one another in order to hold the associated retaining teeth of the two connected elements in engagement.

   4. A support element according to claim 3, in which the stops of two connected elements counteract any relative displacements of the two elements both in the direction of the axis of the conduit clamped by the two elements and transversely thereof.

   5. A support element according to claim 3 or 4, in which the dimensions of the rs taining teeth of the element and the gap between the engagement lug and the stop of each arm are so selected as to ensure a relative play of two elements connected by their retaining teeth and their stops so as to allow limited angular hinge-like displacement of the two elemens with respect to one another.

   6. A support element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising lateral connecting means for connection to other elements, to fix at least one row of conduits laterally connected by the said elements, in which element the lateral connecting means corn- prise fastening means adapted to co-operate with corresponding fastening means of other elements, the said fastening means being adapted for engagement in one another by relative sliding in a direction transversely of the base of the elements.

   7. A support element substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.