Pipe Insulation Shield With Adaptive Retaining Tabs

Abstract

A pipe insulation shield includes a metal sheet having first and second longitudinal edges, an arcuate shape from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge, and first and second arcuate edges. The arcuate shape defines a channel with a lower portion that has first and second opposing, U-shaped apertures passing through it, which define opposing first and second metal tabs. Each of the first and second tabs is pivotable from a first position parallel to the lower portion of the sheet to a second position transverse to the lower portion of the sheet, and each of the first and second tabs pivots towards the other when pivoted from the first position to the second position. The tabs are sufficiently spaced apart from each other to accommodate different support structures. In advantageous embodiments, the four corners of sheet are rounded.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to insulation shields for pipes. More specifically, the invention relates to insulation shields with tabs that can be adapted so that the shield can be easily mounted on different types of pipe supports at the site of a pipe installation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In many construction scenarios, it is necessary to suspend pipes from a ceiling or other horizontal building surface. These pipes can be supported by various different types of strap, hanger, and strut support systems. For example, one common way of supporting a pipe is with a clevis hanger, which surrounds a pipe that passes therethrough, as shown in FIG. 1A. However, another way of suspending pipes is with a strut support system, which is a useful way of supporting a series of pipes, as shown in FIG. 1B.[0003]Insulation protection shields are a common component of pipe installations in such construction projects. These devices, sometimes incorrectly referred...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a pipe insulation shield that can be easily adapted to be mounted on a pipe support structure at the installation site. The shield does not require any additional components and minimizes the space needed for transport and shipping. The shield also does not require removing any part that engages the support structure and insulation.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with these shields, however, is that they will sometimes slide or rotate relative to the hanger, which results in a less stable support system and can facilitate undesirable movement of the pipe and / or insulation.

Accordingly, additional means for securing the saddle to the hanger may be employed, but this not only requires additional materials and expense, but also requires additional steps by the individuals installing the shields, which both requires more time for installation and increases the chance of human error and subsequent failure of the anchoring system.

However, this type of saddle suffers from a number of disadvantages and shortcomings.

First, these ribs form protrusions on the surface of the shield, which is undesirable.

It is industry practice to ship and transport the shields in bulk, by the bucket or box, and protrusions on the outer surface of the shield make stacking difficult and require more space.

As a result, these ribs are not always effective at preventing movement of the shield.

Finally, and perhaps most significantly, these ribs are fixed protrusions designed for engaging a clevis hanger, and thus, cannot be adapted to the accommodate different pipe support structures used at the installation site.

However, this design also suffers from a number of disadvantages and shortcomings.

Moreover, this type of design renders the shield practically useless for installations employing a strut as the support structure, which, unlike a clevis hanger, does not have an arcuate surface corresponding to the arcuate shape of the shield.

A separate and additional challenge is that these shields are often fashioned out of metal.

As a result, the corners of these shields are typically very sharp.

In view of this, it is not uncommon for the individuals performing pipe installations to cut themselves while handling these shields, or for individuals who subsequently work at these sites to likewise experience minor injuries.

Images