GB2472263A

GB2472263A - A support for a pipe, cable or similar

Info

Publication number: GB2472263A
Application number: GB0913381A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adam Lowe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-31
Filing date: 2009-07-31
Publication date: 2011-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-31
Also published as: GB0913381D0; GB2472263B

Abstract

The support (2) comprises a base (4) and a support head (6). The base (4) and support head (6) are connected by a movable, e.g. flexible arm member (8). The support (2) is used to support the pipe andc by first positioning the base (4) of the support (2) and then moving the arm member (8) of the support (2) to the required position. The support head (6) then remains in position to support the pipe andc. A kit comprising the features of the support (2) is also described.

Description

A Support The present invention relates to a support, more specifically to a support for use in the installation of pipe work, cables, wires and the like.

When installing and/or repairing pipe work that requires fittings such as elbow joints, such fittings are held in place by soldering or gluing depending on whether the pipe work is constructed from metal (copper) or plastic respectively. Before the solder or glue has properly set, the weight of the newly fitted pipe or fitting often pulls the fitting out of place. This means that the remaining original or new pipe work can not be correctly attached or positioned using the fitting and so the job must be started again. In the case of metal pipe work, this involves melting and removing or adjusting the solder. In the case of plastic pipe work, this involves cutting the pipe since the glue is not removable. Therefore, in the case of plastic pipe work, the pipe work itself must be moved and re-thought out since the pipe work now ends in a different place.

Current methods used to try and overcome the above-mentioned problem include sticking a screw driver into the wall to act as a horizontal support for the pipe work or fitting. However, this has obvious disadvantages in that it does not provide a stable support and causes a great deal of damage to the wall which must be repaired after the pipe work has been fitted. Therefore, there exists a need to provide a more suitable solution to the problem to hold a fitting securely in place during installation without causing any damage to the surrounding area.

It is an object of the present invention to address these and other

disadvantages associated with the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support for supporting an installation, the support comprising a base and a support head, the base and support head being connected by a movable arm member.

Preferably, the support is a support for supporting pipe work, cable(s), wire(s), and the like. Preferably, the support is a support for supporting pipe work.

Preferably, the installation is pipe work, cable(s), wire(s), and the like.

Preferably, the installation is pipe work.

Preferably, the base comprises a stable platform for the support. The base may either abut a floor surface or may abut a different surface, for example a wall surface, the surface of other pipe work, cables, wires and the like.

Preferably, the base comprises any suitable means of supporting the support.

The base may comprise a foot, a suction pad, a clamp, a tripod, a strap, an extendible or telescopic base. Preferably, the base is weighted to prevent the support from falling over.

Preferably, the base comprises a foot. The foot may be adapted to sit on the floor or another substantially horizontal surface. Preferably, the foot is weighted.

Preferably, the base comprises a strap formed from a length of material.

Preferably, the strap is attached to a foot on the base. Preferably, the distal end of the strap is securable on the base by attachment means. Therefore, the strap can be secured around an object. Preferably, the strap can be secured on the base around an elongate object, preferably a section of pipe work, cable or wiring that has already been secured in place.

Preferably, the attachment means comprise a press stud, button, ribbon or lace, buckle or hook and eye. Preferably, the attachment means provide an adjustable means of securing the strap. Therefore, the strap preferably comprises an adjustable attachment means.

Preferably, the strap is securable by means of a hook on the base and at least one eye in the strap. Preferably, there are a number of eyes in the strap.

Preferably the base is composed of a material having a high coefficient of friction to prevent movement thereof. Preferably, the base is composed of a rubber material. Preferably, the strap is composed of a material having a high coefficient of friction. Preferably, the strap is composed of a rubber material.

Preferably, the strap is reinforced to prevent breakage thereof. Preferably, the strap is reinforced by a metal strip. Preferably, the metal strip extends along the length of the strap. Alternatively, the metal strip extends along the span of the eye(s) in the strap. Preferably, a further layer of rubber lies on the metal strip to ensure the strap has a high coefficient of friction.

The strap may be textured to increase the friction thereof.

Alternatively, the base may comprise a flexible member operable to be bent into a stable support. This can aid in supporting the device on uneven surfaces.

Preferably, the support head comprises a platform operable to hold the pipe work, cable(s), wiring or the like to be supported. Preferably, the support head has a curved cross-section to prevent the pipe work, cable(s), wiring or the like from slipping of the edge of the support head. Alternatively, the support head may have a circular or oval cross-section through which the pipe work, cable(s), wiring or the like may be inserted.

The support head may comprise a flamco ring or munson ring.

The arm member may be rigid or flexible, and may be pivoted or hinged to allow the support to be adjustable to accommodate any pipe work, cables, wiring or the like.. Preferably, the arm member is extendible. The arm member may be foldable to provide an extendible configuration. The arm member may alternatively be telescopic.

The arm member may be adjustable to allow the support head to be held at any angle with respect to the base.

Preferably, the arm member is flexible. Preferably, the arm member is a gooseneck.

Preferably, the arm member has sufficient structural integrity to allow the support head to support the pipe work, cables, wiring, or the like without moving.

Preferably, the arm member is composed of a structurally integral material.

Preferably, the material is a plastics material or a metal material, for example aluminium, steel, copper, brass, or any other suitable metal or alloy.

Preferably, the arm member is releasably connected to the base and/or support head. The arm member may be further adapted to be interchangeable with arm members having different lengths and/or rigidities. Preferably, one or more arm members may be connected together between the base and the support head.

Preferably, the arm member is releasably connected to the support head and base by means of threads. Preferably, the arm member comprises a male thread and a female thread at opposing ends thereof. Preferably, the base or the support head comprises a male thread. Preferably, the base or the support head comprises a female thread. Therefore, the arm member may be secured to both the base and the support head. Alternatively, two or more arm members may be secured to each other with one end of the array being secured to the base and the other end of the array being secured to the support head.

Alternatively, the arm member may be operable to be secured to two or more support heads. Therefore, the arm member may split into sections each having a male or female thread to attach to a support head. In this way, a number of pipes, cables, wires and/or the like may be supported simultaneously. Preferably, the support heads are in near proximity of each other.

Alternatively, the arm member may be integral with the base. Preferably, the base may comprise a section of the arm member.

Preferably, the support comprises a, and/or is coated with a, heat proof and/or flame proof material. Preferably, the support head comprises a, and/or is coated with a, heat proof and/or flame proof material. Preferably, the base comprises a, and/or is coated with a, heat proof and/or flame proof material.

Preferably, the arm member comprises a, and/or is coated with a, heat proof and/or flame proof material. Preferably, the or each thread in the support comprises a, and/or is coated with a, heat proof and/or flame proof material.

The heat proof and/or flame proof material is preferably a powder coating material. Preferably, the powder coating is a ceramic based coating. The coating may be a metallic-ceramic based coating. Examples of suitable coatings include Black Satin and Cermakrome produced by Camcoat Performance Coatings.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for the support according to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably, the kit comprises a base, a support head and one or more arm members.

The arm members may each have the same or different lengths. The arm members may be adapted to be used in the support individually or in combination.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of supporting an installation, said method comprising the steps of a) positioning a base of a support in position; b) moving the arm member of the support to the required position; and C) supporting the installation on a support head of the support.

Preferably, the installation is pipe work, cable(s), wire(s), or the like.

Any of the above features may be taken in any combination, and with any aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be illustrated further, by way of example only, by the following description and by way of reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic, plan view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the components of a kit for the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic, perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in position supporting pipe work; Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic, perspective view of the device of Figure 4 in position supporting pipe work; Figures 6a and b show a schematic plan view and a cross-sectional view of the strap of the device of Figure 4 respectively; and Figures 7a and b show perspective views of a device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a support 2 according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a base 4, a support head 6 and an arm member8.

The base 4 comprises a foot. The foot has a large, substantially flat base adapted to stand on the floor 20 and provide stability to the support 2. The base 4 is weighted to lower the centre of gravity of the support 2 and ensure that the support 2 does not easily fall over. The base 4 comprises a rubber material, and may further comprise a metal core to provide the weight.

The base 4 further comprises a connecting means 10 to connect the base 4 to the arm 8. The connecting means 10 comprises an external, male thread.

The support head 6 comprises a curved head 12. The support head 6 is adapted to receive and hold pipe work 22 in place as shown in Figure 3. The support head 6 comprises a metal material, for example stainless steel, to provide a rigid support for the pipe work.

The support head 6 further comprises a connecting means 14 to connect the head 6 to the arm 8. The connecting means 14 comprises an internal, female thread.

The arm 8 is flexible to allow the support head to be held in different positions relative to the base 4, yet rigid enough to ensure that the support head 6 does not move under the weight of the pipe work 22. The arm 8 comprises a gooseneck formed from interconnecting sections of a metal material which allow the arm 8 to bend.

The arm 6 comprises a male thread 16 at one end thereof and a female thread 18 at the opposite end thereof. As shown in Figure 2, the male thread 16 of the arm 6 is operable to connect to the female thread of the connecting means 14 of the support head 6. The female thread 18 of the arm is operable to connect to the male thread of the connecting means 10 of the base 4.

In use, the base 4 and support head 6 are connected to the arm 8 by means of the connecting means 10,14. The base 4 is then placed on the floor 20 and the arm 8 bent into shape to move the support head 6 into position beneath a section of pipe work 22 to be supported. The pipe work 22 can then be rested on the support head 6 and any fittings 24 installed. The pipe work 22 can rest on the support head 6 until the installation is complete to ensure that the pipe work 22 does not move out of position. This prevents any need to re-fit pipe work that moves out of place during installation.

In an alternative embodiment, two or more goosenecks may be fitted together to form an elongated arm member. The support may then be used in the same way as described above.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, a support 200 according to a second aspect of the invention comprises a base 202, a support head 204 and an arm member 208.

The base 202 comprises a strap 210 for securing around a fixed pipe 218.

The strap 210 comprises a number of eyelets 212 which may engage with a hook 214 on the base 202 of the support. Therefore, the base 202 may be self supported on a fixed pipe 218.

The base 202 may further comprise a foot 216 to provide further stability to the support 200 when held in place on a fixed pipe 218. The foot 216 is formed from a rubber material with a high coefficient of friction to exert a high frictional force on the fixed pipe 218.

The arm 208 and support head 204 of the support 200 are analogous to those described with reference to the first embodiment of the invention.

As shown in Figures 6a and b, the strap 210 comprises a length of rubber material 222. The rubber material 222 is coated with a strip of metal 224 to provide reinforcement to the strap 210. The metal 224 is then covered with a further layer of rubber material 226 (shown partly cut away to show the metal strip) to prevent any damage being caused to the pipe 218 about which the strap 210 is placed. The second layer of rubber material 226 has a textured surface to provide a higher coefficient of friction to help support the support 200.

In use, the strap 210 is placed around a fixed pipe 218 and secured in place using the hook 214. The arm 208 is then bent to position the support head 204 beneath the pipe work 220 to be supported similarly to the first embodiment of the invention.

In a further alternative embodiment, the device may be provided with a number of different bases to be interchanged such that a particularly suitable base can be used for each job.

Referring now to Figures 7a and b, in a third embodiment of the invention, a support 300 comprises a support head 302, an arm member 304 and a base 306 formed from a section of the arm member 304.

The arm member 304 may comprise a gooseneck 308 (as shown in Figure 7a) or a plurality of goosenecks connected together 308a,b,c (as shown in Figure 7b). The base 306 may, therefore, be formed from a section of a gooseneck 308 (as shown in Figure 7a), or from a gooseneck 308a to provide a wider base 306 for a device 300 in which a plurality of goosenecks 308a,b,c are connected together (as shown in Figure 7b). In this way, an appropriately sized and oriented base 306 can be formed for each independent situation and/or use of the support 300.

The device of the present invention provides a stable support for the installation of pipe work, cables, wiring and/or the like. The support can be used in a number of different environments without causing any damage to the surrounding areas.

The device further provides a very cost effective and portable way of aiding the installation of pipe fixings.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s).

The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims I A support for supporting an instaHation, the support comprising a base and a support head, the base and support head being connected by a movable arm member.
2. The support of claim I, wherein the support is a support for supporting pipe work, cable(s), wire(s), and the like.
3. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a stable platform for the support.5. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the base is weighted.o 15 6. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a strap formed from a length of materiaLNo 7. The support of claim 6, wherein the distal end of the strap is securable on (0 the base by attachment means.8. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the support head comprises a platform operable to hold the installation.9. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the arm member is adjustable to allow the support head to be held at any angle with respect to the base.10. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the arm member has sufficient structural integrity to allow the support head to support the installation without moving.II. The support of any preceding claim, wherein the arm member is releasably connected to the base and/or support head.12. The support of any preceding daim, wherein the support comprises a, and/or is coated with a, heat proof and/or flame proof materiaL 13. A kit of parts for the support according to any preceding claim.14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the kit comprises a base, a support head and one or more arm members.15. A method of supporting an instaflation, said method comprising the steps of a) positioning a base of a support in position; b) moving the arm member of the support to the required position; and o c) supporting the instaUation on a support head of the support.