Riser anchors and installation devices

Abstract

An anchoring assembly for a riser fitting uses a plate and a sleeve to support a short pipe that penetrates the floor of a structure (such as a building) in which the riser is located. Studs extending from the plate and the sleeve engage the floor and enhance the local structural strength of the floor. A bracket engaging the plate is used to mount the short pipe within the sleeve. A riser fitting element is attached to the end of the short pipe. Fire-resistant insulation is positioned between the short pipe and the sleeve.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. US 63 / 110,082, filed November 5, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to structural components for supporting pipe elements. BACKGROUND

[0004] Vertical plumbing installations, commonly referred to as “risers,” are essential for the distribution of water and other fluids throughout buildings and other structures. Riser support structures must satisfy many design requirements, particularly structural requirements, such as thermal loads and thermal expansion, thrust loads, predicted regional seismic loads, and the generally significant static loads imposed by the riser’s own dead weight. In addition, the riser support structure must satisfy these design requirements without compromising the local structural integrity of the building in which the riser is installed. Conventional riser designs use clamps to secure the riser pipe at the floor plane and brackets to secure it to adjacent shear walls. However, these designs suffer from various shortcomings, as riser clamps that rely on friction become less effective with repeated thermal expansion cycles of the riser, and the support shear walls are not always conveniently located relative to the riser position. There is clearly an opportunity to improve riser support installation designs. SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention relates to an anchoring assembly for anchoring a riser pipe in a floor structure. In one example embodiment, the anchoring assembly includes a plate having an upper face and a lower face disposed opposite one another. The plate defines an aperture therethrough. A sleeve is attached to the plate. The sleeve extends through the aperture and defines a bore oriented transverse to the plate. The sleeve has an upper sleeve portion with a sleeve top projecting outwardly from the upper face of the plate and a lower sleeve portion with a sleeve bottom projecting outwardly from the lower face of the plate. A plurality of collars passes through the plate. Each collar has an internal thread. The plurality of collars each has an upper collar surface flush with the upper face of the plate and a lower collar surface projecting from the lower face of the plate.

[0006] Example embodiments can further include a plurality of studs extending from a lower face of the plate. A plurality of shear keys can also be attached to the sleeve and protrude outwardly away from the bore. The shear keys are attached to a lower sleeve portion of the sleeve. In an example embodiment, a stub pipe extends through the bore. A bracket is attached to the stub pipe. The bracket covers an upper face of the plate. A plurality of threaded fasteners attach the bracket to the plate. Each fastener engages a respective collar of the plurality of collars. In another example, the bracket includes a plurality of arms protruding transverse to the stub pipe. In an example embodiment, an upper sleeve portion of the sleeve protrudes from an upper face of the plate. The upper sleeve portion defines a plurality of notches therein. Each arm is received within a respective one of the notches. Example embodiments can further include a fireproof insulation layer positioned between the stub pipe and the sleeve.

[0007] The present invention also includes a mounting device for a riser pipe. In an example embodiment, the mounting device includes a poured floor having oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces. An anchor assembly is embedded in the poured floor. In an example embodiment, the anchor assembly includes a plate having oppositely disposed upper and lower faces. The plate defines a bore therethrough aligned with an opening. A sleeve is attached to the plate. The sleeve extends through the bore and the opening and defines a bore oriented transverse to the plate and the floor. The sleeve includes an upper portion having a sleeve top protruding outwardly from the upper face of the plate. The sleeve further has a lower portion having a sleeve bottom protruding outwardly from the bottom face of the plate. A plurality of collars are attached and pass through the plate. Each collar has an internal thread. Further as an example, a plurality of studs extend from the lower face of the plate. The studs are embedded in the floor. Also as an example, a plurality of shear keys are attached to the lower sleeve portion and protrude outwardly away from the bore. The shear keys cover the lower face of the plate and are embedded in the floor. Further as an example, each of the plurality of collars can have an upper collar surface flush with the upper face of the plate and a lower collar surface protruding from the lower face of the plate.

[0008] The exemplary mounting device according to the invention may further include a short tube extending through the hole. A bracket is attached to the short tube. The bracket covers the upper surface of a plate. A plurality of threaded fasteners attach the bracket to the plate. Each fastener engages a corresponding collar among the plurality of collars. In one example, the bracket may include a plurality of arms projecting transversely to the short tube. The upper sleeve portion defines a plurality of notches therein. Each arm is received within a corresponding one of the notches. Further as an example, a fire-resistant insulating layer may be positioned between the short tube and the sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of the plate is flush with the upper surface of the floor. In a particular embodiment, the bottom of the sleeve is flush with the lower surface of the floor. In an exemplary embodiment, the floor may include a concrete slab or a metal deck disposed beneath a concrete slab. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a plan view of an exemplary anchoring assembly based on the contents of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An elevation view of the anchoring assembly shown;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An elevation view of the anchoring assembly shown, the view relative to... Figure 2 The view shown is rotated 45 degrees;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Details of the exemplary anchoring assembly shown are illustrated, with additional components according to the invention.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Alternative details of the exemplary anchoring assembly shown are illustrated, with additional components according to the invention.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Alternative details of the exemplary anchoring assembly shown are illustrated, with additional components according to the invention.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The plan view of the exemplary anchoring assembly shown illustrates additional components according to the invention;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 An elevation view of the anchoring assembly shown;

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 An elevation view of the anchoring assembly shown, the view relative to... Figure 5The view shown is rotated 45 degrees;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary installation device according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another exemplary installation device according to this disclosure; and

[0020] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another exemplary installation device according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figures 1 to 3 Showing the riser fittings (see Figures 10 to 12 Anchored to the floor structure (see) Figures 10 to 12 An example anchoring assembly 10 is shown in the example. In this example, the anchoring assembly 10 includes a plate 12 having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16 disposed opposite each other, and defining an aperture 18 extending therethrough. A sleeve 20 is attached to the plate 12. The sleeve extends through the aperture 18 and defines a hole 22 oriented transversely to the plate 12. The sleeve 20 includes an upper sleeve portion 24 having a sleeve top 26 projecting outward from the upper surface 14 of the plate 12. The sleeve 20 further includes a lower sleeve portion 28 having a sleeve bottom 30 projecting outward from the lower surface 16 of the plate 12. Advantageously, the upper sleeve portion 24 of the sleeve 20 projects outward from the upper surface 14 of the plate 12 to act as a dam and prevent flooding between the floorboards when the assembly 10 is installed.

[0022] The anchoring assembly 10 may further include a plurality of studs 32 extending from the lower face 16 of the plate 12. In one example, the studs 32 are welded to the plate 12 and have enlarged heads 34. When the assembly 10 is installed in a cast-in-place floor such as concrete, the studs 32 form a composite structure with the floor to provide fixation, maintaining the orientation and position of the assembly during concrete pouring and subsequent curing. The studs 32 also locally reinforce the concrete floor against punching shear failure and slab fracture. The studs 32 enhance the anchoring of the assembly 10 to the floor (see [link to documentation]). Figures 10 to 12 The area between the components increases the load that the component and the floor can withstand.

[0023] Refer again Figures 1 to 3Multiple collars 36 are attached to and extend through plate 12. Each collar 36 establishes an attachment point to plate 12 and has internal threads 38 for receiving threaded fasteners, as explained below. Each of the multiple collars 36 has an upper collar surface 40 and a lower collar surface 42. When the multiple collars 36 are mounted to plate 12, the upper collar surface 40 can be mounted flush with the upper surface 14 of plate 12 to prevent damage during and after construction. In one example, when the multiple collars 36 are mounted to plate 12, the lower collar surface 42 protrudes outward from the lower surface 16. When positioned on the lower surface 16, the collars 36 can be protected from being blocked by concrete during concrete pouring and are ready to receive fasteners 64. One example utilizes multiple pouring blocking elements 44 to prevent intrusion of the pouring floor (such as concrete) into the collars 36. Figure 4 The illustration shows an example of a casting barrier element 44, which includes a silicon cap 46. Figure 5 The illustration shows another example in which the pouring blocking element 44 includes a temporary plastic fastener 48 that can be removed once the pouring floor has solidified. Figure 6 The illustration shows another example in which the pouring blocking element 44 includes a plastic plug 50. However, it should be understood that various pouring blocking elements 44 are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Further aspects of the anchoring assembly 10 are illustrated, which includes a short tube 52 extending through a hole 22 in the sleeve 20. The short tube 52 allows attachment of a riser fitting element 54 to the anchoring assembly 10 and can therefore have one or more circumferential grooves 56 positioned in its outer surface. The grooves 56 are present when the riser fitting element 54 is coupled to the short tube 52 using a mechanical coupling, and thus the grooves 56 are positioned close to the end of the short tube 52. A bracket 58 is fixed to the short tube 52 and attaches the short tube 52 to a plate 12. The bracket 58 may include multiple arms, in one example, first and second arms 60 and 62 attached to and projecting laterally from the short tube 52. The bracket 58 covers the upper surface 14 of the plate 12 and is attached to the plate via multiple threaded fasteners 64. Each fastener engages a corresponding collar 36. Advantageously, the bracket 58 is positioned in direct contact with the plate 12 to distribute downward forces over the largest possible area. Therefore, the upper sleeve portion 24 of the sleeve 20 is provided with a plurality of notches, in this example, first and second notches 66 and 68. First and second arms 60 and 62 are received within the first and second notches 66 and 68, thereby allowing direct contact between the arms and the plate. In one example, a plurality of collars 36 are positioned on the plate 12 and aligned with the plurality of notches 66, 68. It should be understood, of course, that the bracket 58 may include additional arms 60, 62, and additional collars 36 may also be provided according to the specifications of a particular design. Figure 10 andFigure 11 As shown, the fire-resistant insulation layer 70 is positioned between the short pipe 52 and the sleeve 20. The various components of this anchoring assembly (excluding the fire-resistant insulation layer) can be made of steel, and the attachment of the various components via welds is considered practical.

[0025] Further as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, this disclosure also covers an installation device 72. An exemplary installation device 72 includes an anchoring assembly 10 installed in the cast concrete floor 74, preferably in concrete. Advantageously, the upper surface 14 of the plate 12 is mounted flush with the upper floor surface 76 of the cast concrete floor 74. Additionally, the sleeve bottom 30 of the sleeve 20 can be positioned flush with the lower floor surface 78 of the cast concrete floor 74. This flush sleeve 20 arrangement helps ensure that the anchoring assembly 10 can be supported on any concrete formwork during concrete pouring. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The illustration shows two exemplary installation devices 72 embodiments. Figure 10 An example is shown in which studs 32 reinforce the cast concrete floor 74. Figure 11 An example of an installation device is shown, comprising a composite metal deck 80 and a cast-in-place concrete floor 74. Further engagement between the anchoring assembly 10 and the floor structure can be provided by a plurality of shear keys 82 attached to the lower sleeve portion 28 of the sleeve 20. The shear keys 82 project outwards away from the bore 22 of the sleeve 20 and engage the metal deck 80. The shear keys 82 help to properly position the sleeve 20 within the metal deck 80 during assembly and also help to maintain the position of the sleeve 20 during concrete pouring. The shear keys 82 may take the form of discrete protrusions welded to the lower sleeve portion 28 of the sleeve 20.

[0026] exist Figure 12 In another example illustrated, bracket 58 is directly attached to riser fitting 84. In this exemplary mounting device 72, anchoring assembly 10 is also mounted in the cast-in-place floor 74, preferably in concrete. The upper surface 14 of plate 12 is mounted flush with the upper floor surface 76 of the cast-in-place concrete floor 74. Additionally, the sleeve bottom 30 of sleeve 20 can be positioned flush with the lower floor surface 78 of the cast-in-place concrete floor 74. Bracket 58 is directly fixed to riser fitting 84 and attaches riser fitting 84 to plate 12. Bracket 58 may also include multiple arms, in this example, first and second arms 60 and 62 attached and projecting transversely to riser fitting 84. Bracket 58 covers the upper surface 14 of plate 12 and is attached to plate 12 via multiple threaded fasteners 64, which engage multiple collars 36 in the manner previously described.

[0027] The anchoring assembly 10 according to this disclosure is expected to directly support the riser fitting at the plate penetration point, and thus provide a design that enhances the local load-bearing capacity of both the concrete floor and the concrete composite metal deck. Compared to conventional riser systems, the assembly 10 is expected to significantly reduce the total number of fixed supports required, and thus reduce the number of “thermal lock points”, allowing the riser to accommodate greater thermal expansion and contraction with lower stress on the fixed supports.

[0028] This disclosure can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, as well as their preceding and following descriptions. However, before disclosing and describing this device, system, and / or method, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific device, system, and / or method disclosed, and variations are naturally possible unless otherwise stated. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. An anchor assembly for anchoring a riser pipe in a floor structure, the anchor assembly comprising: a plate having an upper face and a lower face disposed opposite one another, the plate defining an aperture therethrough; a sleeve attached to the plate, the sleeve extending through the aperture and defining a bore oriented transverse to the plate, the sleeve comprising an upper sleeve portion having a sleeve top projecting outwardly from the upper face and a lower sleeve portion having a sleeve bottom projecting outwardly from the lower face; a plurality of collars extending through the plate, each of the collars having an internal thread; and a plurality of studs extending from the lower face of the plate.

2. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of collars has an upper collar surface flush with the upper face and a lower collar surface projecting from the lower face.

3. The anchor assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of studs includes an enlarged head.

4. The anchor assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shear keys attached to the lower sleeve portion and projecting outwardly away from the bore.

5. The anchor assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a spool extending through the bore; a cradle attached to the spool, the cradle covering the upper face of the plate; and a plurality of threaded fasteners attaching the cradle to the plate, each of the threaded fasteners engaging a respective one of the plurality of collars.

6. The anchor assembly of claim 5, further comprising a fireproof insulation layer positioned between the spool and the sleeve.

7. The anchor assembly of claim 5, wherein the upper sleeve portion includes a plurality of notches formed therein; and wherein the plurality of collars are positioned on the plate in alignment with the plurality of notches.

8. The anchor assembly of claim 7, wherein the cradle includes a plurality of arms projecting transverse to the spool, each of the plurality of arms being received in a respective one of the notches.

9. A mounting device for a riser pipe, the mounting device comprising: a poured floor having an upper floor surface and a lower floor surface disposed opposite one another; an anchor assembly embedded in the floor, the anchor assembly comprising: a plate having an upper face and a lower face disposed opposite one another, the plate defining an aperture therethrough; a sleeve attached to the plate, the sleeve extending through the aperture and defining a bore oriented transverse to the plate, the sleeve comprising an upper sleeve portion having a sleeve top projecting outwardly from the upper face and a lower sleeve portion having a sleeve bottom projecting outwardly from the lower face; a plurality of collars extending through the plate, each of the collars having an internal thread; and a plurality of studs extending from the lower face of the plate, the studs being embedded within the floor, each of the plurality of studs including an enlarged head. ​ 10. The mounting device of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of collars has an upper collar surface flush with the upper face and a lower collar surface protruding from the lower face.

11. The mounting device of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of shear keys attached to the lower sleeve portion and protruding outwardly away from the aperture, the shear keys embedded within the floor.

12. The mounting device of claim 9, wherein the upper face of the plate is flush with the upper floor surface.

13. The mounting device of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of notches formed in the upper sleeve portion.

14. The mounting device of claim 13, further comprising: a short tube extending through the aperture; a bracket attached to the short tube, the bracket covering the upper face of the plate, the bracket comprising a plurality of arms protruding transversely to the short tube; and a plurality of threaded fasteners attaching the plurality of arms to the plate, each of the threaded fasteners engaging a respective collar of one of the plurality of collars.

15. The mounting device of claim 14, further comprising a fireproof insulation layer positioned between the short tube and the sleeve.

16. The mounting device of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of pour blocking elements, each of the plurality of pour blocking elements attached to the lower collar surface of one of the plurality of collars.

17. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pour blocking elements comprise a plurality of silicone caps.

18. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pour blocking elements comprise a plurality of temporary plastic fasteners.

19. The mounting device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pour blocking elements comprise a plurality of plastic caps.

20. A mounting device for a riser pipe, the mounting device comprising: a poured floor having oppositely disposed upper and lower floor surfaces; an anchoring assembly embedded in the floor for anchoring the riser pipe in the floor, the anchoring assembly comprising: a plate having oppositely disposed upper and lower faces, the plate defining an aperture therethrough; a sleeve attached to the plate, the sleeve extending through the aperture and defining an aperture oriented transversely to the plate, the sleeve comprising an upper sleeve portion having a sleeve top protruding outwardly from the upper face and a lower sleeve portion having a sleeve bottom protruding outwardly from the lower face; a plurality of collars extending through the plate, each of the collars having an internal thread, each of the plurality of collars having an upper collar surface flush with the upper face and a lower collar surface protruding from the lower face; and a plurality of notches formed in the upper sleeve portion; a bracket covering the upper face of the plate, the bracket comprising a plurality of arms protruding transversely to the riser pipe; and a plurality of threaded fasteners attaching the plurality of arms to the plate, each of the threaded fasteners engaging a respective collar of one of the plurality of collars.

21. The mounting device of claim 20, wherein the upper face is flush with the upper floor surface and the sleeve bottom is flush with the lower floor surface.

22. The mounting device of claim 20, wherein the bracket is attached to the riser pipe.

23. The mounting device of claim 22, further comprising: a fireproof insulation layer positioned between the riser pipe and the sleeve.

24. The mounting device of claim 20, further comprising: a short pipe extending through the hole; wherein the bracket is attached to the short pipe.

25. The mounting device of claim 24, further comprising a fireproof insulation layer positioned between the short pipe and the sleeve.

26. The mounting device of claim 20, wherein the poured floor comprises a concrete floor.

27. The mounting device of claim 20, wherein the poured floor comprises a concrete floor poured over a metal deck.

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