Supports – Pipe or cable – Brackets
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-06
2001-10-23
King, Anita (Department: 3632)
Supports
Pipe or cable
Brackets
C248S055000, C052S710000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305650
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to mounting of elongate structures, and in particular provides a system for mounting elongate structures, such as pipes, conduit, and other tubular structures and wiring on a surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are several design considerations involved in pipe mounting systems. For example, in rooftop mounting of plumbing, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, some of the design considerations include the weight of the pipes on the roof and the possible damage to the roof surface due to expansion and contraction of the pipes. Mounting systems which do not provide a secure and adequate surface area will damage the roof, and potentially cause leakage and further damage to the interior of the building.
Other design considerations for mounting systems include the materials used for the mounting system. Some materials are more susceptible to deterioration than others. For example, in climates where snow and rain are common, these elements can deteriorate some mounting structures. Unprotected metal structures will rust and wood mounting structures will rot. In locations where extreme heat or humidity are common, the mounting structures may also deteriorate. Once the mounting structure becomes damaged, it is likely to cause significant damage to the roof.
One attempt at mounting pipes has been to use wood mounting blocks located at spaced intervals along the pipe. The pipe is secured to the mounting block and then the entire assembly rests on the roof. One disadvantage of this system is that expansion and contraction of the pipes results in translation of the mounting blocks over the surface of the roof, which is likely to damage the roof. Another disadvantage is that wood mounting structures tend to rot and disintegrate, adding further possibility of damaging the roof. Additionally, different sized wood blocks may be needed for mounting on slightly irregular surfaces, so that the weight of the pipes is distributed to each wood block.
Another attempt at a pipe supporting device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,653 by Marvin R. Curtis, Jr. This structure has a flat bottom and an upwardly tapered structure with a pocket for positioning a pipe and roller positioned in a receiving trough. As the pipe expands or contracts, it rides on the roller which rotates within the trough, however, this structure does not provide a means to secure the pipe, nor does it provide for lateral motion of the pipe.
Another attempt at mounting pipes is called a QUICK “PIPE” BLOCK by Nelson-Olsen, Inc of Plymouth, Minn. The QUICK “PIPE” BLOCK is a 12″×6″×3.5″ high density polyethylene block which rides on a ¾″ STYROFOAM pad. A pipe is laid on the rigid block and a metal strap laid over the pipe is attached at each end by inserting fasteners into the rigid block. One disadvantage is that the block uses predrilled holes to receive the fasteners. If the predrilled holes do not provide adequate pipe placement the rigid block must either be drilled again or not used at all, frustrating rapid installation of piping. If the block detaches from the STYROFOAM pad, or the STYROFOAM pad deteriorates, the block may damage a roof due to repeated expansion and contraction of the piping. Another disadvantage is that different sized blocks may be needed for mounting on slightly irregular surfaces, so that the weight of the pipes is distributed to each block. This further frustrates rapid installation of piping. Another disadvantage of this system is that the holes in the rigid block limit the number and type of pipe fasteners which may be used, and the number of pipes which may be mounted to a single block are limited thereby.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a mounting system which permits motion of the mounted structures but protects the mounting surface from damage. The mounting system should also provide flexibility in mounting structures so that a number of mounts and mounting positions are available, especially for the mounting of more than one structure. The mounting system should provide flexibility in mounting structures on slightly irregular surfaces. The mounting system should be durable and resilient to the weather elements. The mounting system should also be relatively low cost and easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure describes a mounting system for mounting any elongate structure, such as tubular structures and wiring. In one embodiment a pliable base is fitted with a strut having a channel for receiving several types of clamps. The strut provides lateral mounting flexibility and support to the base. The base conforms to the mounting surface to prevent damage and also provides a flexible mount so that the mounted structures are free to change position without damaging the mounting surface, such as a rooftop membrane. The pliable nature of the base provides a soft interface with a roof or other surface and accommodates mounting of structures on slightly irregular surfaces. The base and strut are constructed with components which are weather resistant to avoid deterioration of the mounting system. The strut provides an infinite number of mounting positions and clamping options, which are especially beneficial for mounting of multiple elongate structures. Furthermore, the strut mounting conserves the amount of space used to secure multiple elongate structures to the mounting system.
In one embodiment, one or more clamps are attached to the strut to provide a mount for one or more pipes. In another embodiment, a variety of clamps are used for mounting any combination of pipe, electrical conduit, and/or wiring. In yet another embodiment, a roller type of clamp is used to provide longitudinal motion of the tubular structures supported thereby.
One embodiment of the present invention uses a 14 gauge steel channel strut embedded within a closed cell polyethylene foam base of approximate dimensions 10″×4″×4″, however, it is to be understood that this embodiment is not intended in an exclusive or limiting sense. Other embodiments having different sizes and types of strut and different sizes and types of base exist which do not depart from the present invention. Rather, the embodiments described herein are intended to demonstrate the present mounting system and other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the present invention are possible.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 367329 (1996-02-01), Nelson et al.
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“Aickinclamps—Adjustable Pipe Clamps”, Product Information from Aickinstrut, 3 pps (15, 16 and 19) (Published prior to Oct. 21, 1996).
“Cush-A-Clamp—Cushion Clamping Systems”, Product Brochure from ZSi, In., 16 pgs, (Mar. 1996).
“O Strut Engineering Catalog No. 92”, Product Information from M-CO; a Division of Michigan Hangar Co., Inc., 56 pgs, (1987).
“Pipe Pier—Flat Roof Pipe Support System”, Product Information distributed by Hawkins & Jahnke Associates, Inc., 2 pgs, (Published after Oct. 21, 1996).
“Product Specification Sheet”, for product DOWBK-2000, from Amcon American Converters, Inc., 1 pg, (Aug. 20, 1996).
“Quick “Pipe ” Block—
Gross Andrew J.
Hawkins Patrick A.
Osland Danti J.
King Anita
Pipe Pier
Schwegman Lundberg Woessner & Kluth P.A.
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