Pipe hanger

Abstract

Pipe hanger (1) comprising an upper hanger part (2), a lower hanger part (3) and a connecting rod (4), the upper hanger part (2) being adapted to be mounted to a support member (5), wherein in a closed condition of the pipe hanger, a cantilever (23) of the upper hanger part (2) and a respective leg (32) of the lower hanger part (3) are coupled by the connecting rod (4) which passes through holes of both the upper hanger part (2) and the lower hanger part (3), the connecting rod (4) defining a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. The connecting rod (4) is at least partially provided with an external thread, wherein at least one of the holes (24) of the cantilever (23) is a threaded hole, wherein in the closed condition, a shank (41) of the connecting rod (4) is screwed through said at least one threaded hole. At least one of the legs (32) of the lower hanger part (3) has an outwardly protruding flange (34) which is formed as a bent end portion of said leg (32). The flange (34) has a recess at an outer edge, said recess being adapted to receive a bent end portion of the connecting rod (4) in order to interlock the connecting rod (4) and the lower hanger part (3) in the closed condition in a rotational direction around the axis of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pipe hanger for supporting pipes, the pipe hanger comprising an upper hanger portion, a lower hanger portion, and a connecting rod, the upper hanger portion being adapted to be mounted to a supporting member, wherein...

[0002] - The upper suspension section has a central portion and two downwardly extending cantilever arms on its sides, each of the cantilever arms including at least one hole, which are at least partially aligned.

[0003] - The lower hanger portion has a saddle portion for supporting the pipe and two upwardly extending legs on its sides. Each of the legs includes at least one hole, which are at least partially aligned.

[0004] In the closed state of the pipe hanger, the cantilever of the upper hanger and the corresponding support leg of the lower hanger are connected by a connecting rod that passes through the holes in both the upper and lower hangers and defines a substantially horizontal axis of rotation.

[0005] In the closed state, the cantilever of the upper suspension unit and the corresponding outrigger of the lower suspension unit have overlapping portions to allow the corresponding holes of the alignment arm and outrigger to pass through the connecting rod.

[0006] The connecting rod includes a generally straight handle and an end portion bent relative to the handle, the handle passing through the holes in both the upper and lower hanger portions. Background Technology

[0007] This type of pipe hanger is referred to in the art as a "U-clamp hanger". These pipe hangers are used to support pipes, for example, suspending pipes from structures such as ceilings or other elevated supports. Typically, a U-clamp hanger includes an upper hanger portion configured to connect with the structure and a U-shaped lower hanger portion defining a pipe receiving saddle.

[0008] US 2006 / 0180713 A1 Figure 10 A pipe hanger with an L-shaped connecting rod is disclosed. In this pipe hanger, the connecting rod has a protrusion at one end opposite to the bent end portion. The legs of the lower hanger portion have a keyhole shape. The rod with the protrusion is aligned with and passes through the keyhole shape. When the protrusion has passed through the keyhole, the rod is rotated to misalign the protrusion with the keyhole. The bent end portion tends to sag under the influence of gravity, thereby causing the rod to rotate and misalign the protrusion and the keyhole.

[0009] US 3.652.045 Figures 1 to 7A similar U-shaped clamp hanger is disclosed, having an L-shaped connecting rod and lugs that are to be aligned with and misaligned with a keyhole-shaped opening, wherein the bent end portion droops downward under the influence of gravity. To prevent release under the influence of vibration, the edge portion is slightly bent outward to press against the bent end portion of the connecting rod. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pipe hanger that, compared to known U-shaped clamp hangers, allows for easy installation in a wider range of situations, while also forming a rigid structure when installed.

[0011] This objective is achieved by a pipe hanger, which includes an upper hanger portion, a lower hanger portion, and a connecting rod. The upper hanger portion is adapted to be installed onto a supporting member.

[0012] The upper suspension portion has a central portion and two downwardly extending cantilever arms on the sides of the central portion. Each of the cantilever arms includes at least one hole, the holes being at least partially aligned.

[0013] The lower hanger portion has a saddle portion for supporting the pipe and two upwardly extending legs on the side of the saddle portion. The lower hanger portion includes at least one opening in each of the legs, the openings being at least partially aligned.

[0014] In the closed state of the pipe hanger, the cantilever of the upper hanger and the corresponding support leg of the lower hanger are connected by a connecting rod that passes through the holes in both the upper and lower hangers and defines a substantially horizontal axis of rotation.

[0015] In the closed state, the cantilever of the upper suspension unit and the corresponding support leg of the lower suspension unit have overlapping portions to allow the corresponding holes of the arm and support leg to align so that the connecting rod can pass through.

[0016] The connecting rod includes a substantially straight handle and an end portion bent relative to the handle, the handle passing through the holes in both the upper and lower suspension portions.

[0017] Wherein, the outrigger of the lower suspension unit is arranged on the outside of the cantilever of the upper suspension unit in the overlapping portion.

[0018] Wherein, at least the shank of the connecting rod is at least partially provided with external threads, wherein at least one of the holes of the cantilever is a threaded hole, wherein in the closed state, the shank of the connecting rod is screwed through the at least one threaded hole, and

[0019] Wherein, at least one of the legs of the lower hanger portion has an outwardly projecting flange, the flange being formed as a bent end portion of the leg, the flange having a recess adapted to receive the bent end portion of the connecting rod, so as to interlock the connecting rod and the lower hanger portion in the rotational direction about the rotation axis in the closed state.

[0020] Unlike known U-shaped clamp hangers, the bent end of the connecting rod is oriented upwards when the upper hanger is suspended from the overhead structure. Similarly, during the installation of the pipe hanger and the installation of the pipe within it, the bent end of the connecting rod extends upwards, thereby providing a hook on which the lower hanger can be suspended by a leg. This allows for the installation of pipes within the hanger, where the lower hanger is initially detached, or only in an open state suspended from the aforementioned leg, partially assembled with the upper hanger. The pipe is then positioned in the lower part of the pipe hanger, after which the hanger is closed. Furthermore, a third option is anticipated, where the upper and lower hanger sections are first assembled in a closed state using the connecting rod. The pipe can then slide through the assembled hanger in its axial direction. In this third option, the bent end received in the recess couples the rotational movement of the lower hanger section about the axis of the connecting rod with the rotational movement of the connecting rod. Therefore, the pipe hanger can absorb any potential thermal expansion of the pipe within it in the axial direction. With the pipe hanger in the closed position, the bent end portion received in the recess is fixed in its position, and the rotation of the connecting rod is coupled with the rotational movement of the lower hanger portion. This rotational coupling between the connecting rod and the lower hanger portion ensures that the connection will not be accidentally released when the pipe hanger is in the closed position.

[0021] Preferably, the connecting rod is made by cutting a threaded rod to a certain length and bending one end portion to form a bent end portion. This allows the connecting rod to be easily and cost-effectively manufactured from a standard threaded rod of a certain length as a basic product.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the end portion of the connecting rod is bent at a substantially right angle relative to the handle.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the outwardly projecting flange is bent at a substantially right angle relative to the leg.

[0024] In another possible embodiment, the bent end portion of the connecting rod is received at a substantially right angle in the recess of the flange of the leg.

[0025] In one practical embodiment, in the closed state, or in the intermediate closed state where the connecting rod is screwed through the threaded hole in the cantilever but the corresponding legs of the upper and lower hanger parts are not yet connected, the bent end portion of the connecting rod extends substantially upward.

[0026] In one practical embodiment, the holes in the legs of the lower hanger are elongated holes. These elongated holes preferably extend vertically along their respective legs. This provides easy installation, even when the pipe is installed in the pipe hanger in the open position. The vertical elongated holes provide ample maneuvering space when the holes in the legs are aligned with the connecting rods.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the recess is formed in the edge of the flange, specifically, the recess is provided in the outward-facing edge of the flange. In this embodiment, the recess may have a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The recess may have a size corresponding to approximately half the diameter of the connecting rod, which ensures the connection between the connecting rod and the lower hanger portion.

[0028] In another embodiment, the recess is formed as an elongated hole in the flange, the elongated hole having a longitudinal axis extending in an outward direction.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, another leg of the outrigger has a bent end portion that bends outward at an angle of less than 90° relative to the outrigger, preferably in the range of 30° to 60°.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method for installing pipes in a hanger as described above.

[0031] in:

[0032] The lower hanger portion and the opening of the support leg with the flange are hooked on the bent end portion of the connecting rod;

[0033] The pipe moves laterally through the opening between another leg and the corresponding arm of the upper hanger, and is arranged in the lower hanger.

[0034] The lower bracket rotates toward the closed state, in which the other leg with its opening hooks onto the end of the handle opposite to the bent end portion;

[0035] The nut is screwed onto the end of the handle.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method for installing pipes in a hanger as described above, wherein:

[0037] The pipe is arranged in the lower hanger section, which is detached from the upper hanger section;

[0038] The lower hanger portion with the pipe moves toward the upper hanger portion;

[0039] The lower suspension portion hooks onto the bent end portion of the connecting rod using the opening of the leg having the flange; and

[0040] The lower suspension unit rotates toward the closed state. In the closed state, the free leg of the support leg hooks onto the end of the handle opposite to the bent end portion using the opening of the free leg.

[0041] The nut is screwed onto the end of the handle.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method for installing a pipe in a hanger as described above, wherein the pipe hanger is in the closed state and the pipe moves in the closed pipe hanger in the axial direction. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same parts. In these drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view of the pipe hanger according to the invention in a closed state is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A perspective view showing the details of the pipe hanger;

[0046] Figure 3 Showing the use of Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower hanger section of the pipe hanger;

[0047] Figure 4 Shown during assembly Figure 1 The intermediate state of the pipe hanger when the upper hanger part and the lower hanger part are in use;

[0048] Figure 5 Examples are used for installing pipes to Figure 1 The first installation method in pipe hangers;

[0049] Figures 6A to 6B Examples of pipe installation Figure 1 The second installation method in pipe hangers;

[0050] Figure 7 Examples are used for installing pipes to Figure 1 The third installation method in pipe hangers;

[0051] Figure 8 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a pipe hanger according to the invention in a closed state is shown;

[0052] Figure 9 Shown during assembly Figure 8 The intermediate state of the pipe hanger when the upper hanger and lower hanger are in use; and

[0053] Figure 10 Showing the use of Figure 8 A perspective view of the lower hanger section of the pipe hanger. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 A pipe hanger 1 for supporting a pipe is shown. The pipe hanger 1 is of the type commonly referred to in the art as a "U-clamp hanger". The pipe hanger 1 includes an upper hanger portion 2 and a lower hanger portion 3. The upper hanger portion 2 and the lower hanger portion 3 are connected by a connecting rod 4. The upper hanger portion 2 has a mounting hole 22 in its central portion 21, for example, this mounting hole 22 is adapted to be mounted to a support member, such as... Figure 7 The threaded rod 5 is shown in the figure. The threaded rod 5 is suspended from an elevated structure, which may be a ceiling or another supporting structure.

[0055] The upper hanger portion 2 has a central portion 21 and two downwardly extending cantilever arms 23 on its sides. Each of the cantilever arms 23 includes at least one hole 24. In the embodiment shown, the holes 24 are aligned. In the embodiment shown, the holes 24 are provided with internal threads.

[0056] exist Figure 3 The lower hanger portion 3, shown separately, has a saddle portion 31 for supporting the pipe and two upwardly extending legs 32 on its sides. Each of the legs includes at least one opening 33. The openings 33 are aligned. The openings 33 have an elongated or narrow shape, with their longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the legs 32. The elongated shape of the openings 33 provides some operating space for the lower hanger portion 3 relative to the upper hanger portion 2 during pipe assembly and installation, as will become more apparent below.

[0057] Pipe hanger 1 in Figure 1 The image is shown in its closed state. In this closed state, the cantilever 23 of the upper hanger 2 and the corresponding support leg 32 of the lower hanger 3 are connected by a connecting rod 4, which passes through the aligned hole 24 in the upper hanger 2 and the opening 33 in the support leg 32 of the lower hanger 3. The connecting rod 4 defines a substantially horizontal axis of rotation about which the lower hanger 3 can rotate relative to the upper hanger 2.

[0058] In the closed state, the cantilever 23 of the upper hanger 2 and the associated support leg 32 of the lower hanger 3 have an overlap as indicated by reference numeral 6, so as to allow alignment of the corresponding holes 24 and openings 33 for the connecting rod 4 to pass through. The support leg 32 of the lower hanger 3 is arranged outside the cantilever 23 of the upper hanger 2 in the overlap area 6.

[0059] The connecting rod 4 is preferably made of a threaded rod cut to a certain length. It includes a substantially straight shank 41 and an end portion 42 bent relative to the shank 41. The shank 41 passes through the hole 24 in the upper hanger portion 2 and the opening 33 in the lower hanger portion 3. The external thread on the shank 41 mates with the internal thread in the hole 24.

[0060] Each of the lower support legs 32 has an outwardly bent flange. One of the legs 32 has an outwardly projecting flange 34, which is bent at a right angle relative to the leg 32. The flange 34 has a recess 36 formed at its outer edge 35, see [reference needed]. Figure 3 The recess 36 opens toward the edge 35 of the flange 34 and is adapted to receive the bent end portion 42 of the connecting rod 4, as shown. Figure 2 This is shown in more detail below. The end portion 42, received in the recess 36 of the flange 34, interlocks the lower hanger portion 3 and the connecting rod 4 in the rotational direction about the horizontal axis of rotation when the pipe hanger 1 is closed. This interlocking with the lower hanger portion 3 ensures that the connecting rod 4 cannot be loosened, and therefore cannot disengage from the upper hanger portion 2. Figures 1 to 7 In the specific embodiment shown, the depth of the recess 36 is approximately half the diameter of the bent end portion 42 of the connecting rod 4, but it can also be shallower.

[0061] exist Figures 8 to 10 In an alternative embodiment shown, a recess 136 is provided in the flange 134, the recess 136 being an opening with a closed profile. Specifically, the opening is formed as an elongated hole with a longitudinal axis. The nut 8 is screwed onto the end 43 of the handle of the connecting rod 4.

[0062] Another leg 32 has a flange 37 that bends outward relative to the leg at an angle of less than 90°, preferably in the range of 30° to 60°. This flange 37 provides a guide surface 37A when the pipe hanger 1 is closed (see...). Figure 4 The guide surface slides along the lower end of the corresponding cantilever 23 and the end 43 of the handle of the connecting rod 4 that extends through the overlapping arm 23 and the leg 32.

[0063] During the installation of pipe hanger 1, the upper hanger 2 is suspended from the overhead support structure by means of threaded rod 5, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the handle 41 of the connecting rod 4 is screwed through the hole 24 in the arm 23 of the upper hanger 2. The connecting rod 4 is rotated to a position such that the bent end portion 42 extends upward and provides a hook for suspending the lower hanger 3 thereon. Friction in the threaded connection holds the connecting rod 4 in this position. Figure 4The diagram shows how the end of the leg 32, which is provided with a flange 34, hooks onto the elongated opening 33 on the bent portion 42 of the connecting rod 4. This is in an inclined position of the lower hanger portion 3 relative to the upper hanger portion 2, which is allowed by the elongated shape of the opening 33. The hanger 1 is now assembled, but in the open position.

[0064] Figure 5 The illustration shows a first method for installing a pipe in a pipe hanger 1. The lower hanger portion 3 is suspended on a hook formed by the bent end portion 42 of the connecting rod 4. The pipe 7 moves laterally on the open side of the hanger 1 and is placed in the lower hanger portion 3. Next, the lower hanger portion 3 can be rotated towards a closed position, in which the free leg with a guide flange 37 hooks onto the end 43 of the handle 41 of the connecting rod 4. When the hanger 1 is closed, the inclined flange 37 ensures that the flange and the associated leg 32 are guided outward from the corresponding arm 23 of the upper hanger portion 2 and from the end 43 of the handle 41.

[0065] In the closed state (see) Figure 1 The nut can be screwed onto the end 43 of the handle 41, thereby securing the hanger 1 in the closed position. By rotating the lower hanger portion 3 upwards to the closed position, the flange 34 rotates and the recess 36 moves on the bent end portion 42 of the connecting rod, interlocking the lower hanger portion 3 with the connecting rod 4. This has the effect that the lower hanger portion 3 and the connecting rod 4 can rotate together about the axis of rotation defined by the handle 41 of the connecting rod 4. The rotational movement of the lower hanger portion 3 about the axis of rotation also causes the connecting rod to rotate, so that the connecting rod moves slightly through the threaded hole 24. However, the connecting rod 4 is screwed so deeply through the threaded hole 24 that the connecting rod 4 will not loosen from the upper hanger portion 2. This in particular allows the pipe 7 to thermally expand in the longitudinal direction, thereby causing the lower hanger portion 3 to rotate relative to the upper hanger portion 2.

[0066] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another method for installing a pipe in a pipe hanger 1 is illustrated below. In this method, the lower hanger portion 3 is initially not suspended from the hook formed by the end portion 42 of the connecting rod 4, while the pipe 7 is arranged in a separate lower hanger portion 3. Next, the lower hanger portion 3 with the pipe 7 moves toward the upper hanger portion 2 (see [link to image]). Figure 6A ), and the lower hanger is hooked onto the bent end portion 42 of the connecting rod (see Figure 6B Next, pipe hanger 1 can be combined with... Figure 5 The same way of describing them is closed and locked.

[0067] Figure 7Another method of installing pipe 7 in pipe hanger 1 is illustrated below. In this method, pipe hanger 1 is already in a closed state. Although a nut is not shown on the end 43 of the handle 41 of the connecting rod 4, this is likely to prevent the release of the support leg 32 on that side of the hanger 1 from the end 43. Pipe 7 moves axially into the closed hanger 1. Because the bent end portion 42 of the connecting rod 4 is received in the recess 36, the lower hanger portion 3 is allowed to rotate while rotating the connecting rod 4. However, a slight rotation of the connecting rod 4 does not cause the connecting rod 4 to separate from the arm 23 of the upper hanger portion 2.

[0068] For reference Figures 5 to 7 As illustrated, the pipe hanger 1 according to the invention is universal in its application. On site, the user can choose the method most suitable for the site environment to install the pipe hanger 1 and arrange the pipe 7 in the pipe hanger 1.

Claims

1. A pipe hanger (1) comprising an upper hanger portion (2), a lower hanger portion (3), and a connecting rod (4), wherein the upper hanger portion (2) is adapted to be installed onto a support member (5), wherein - The upper hanger portion (2) has a central portion (21) and two downwardly extending cantilever arms (23) on the sides of the central portion (21), the upper hanger portion (2) including at least one hole (24) in each of its cantilever arms (23), the holes (24) being at least partially aligned. - The lower hanger portion (3) has a saddle portion (31) for supporting the pipe and two upwardly extending legs (32) on the side of the saddle portion (31), the lower hanger portion (3) including at least one opening (33) in each of the legs (32), the openings (33) being at least partially aligned. In the closed state of the pipe hanger (1), the cantilever (23) of the upper hanger part (2) and the corresponding support leg (32) of the lower hanger part (3) are connected by the connecting rod (4), which passes through the holes (24, 33) of both the upper hanger part (2) and the lower hanger part (3), and defines a substantially horizontal axis of rotation. In the closed state, the cantilever (23) of the upper hanger (2) and the corresponding support leg (32) of the lower hanger (3) have overlapping portions (6) to allow the corresponding holes (24, 33) of the arm (23) and the support leg (32) to align so that the connecting rod (4) can pass through. The connecting rod (4) therein includes a substantially straight handle (41) and an end portion (42) bent relative to the handle (41), the handle (41) passing through the holes (24, 33) of both the upper hanger portion (2) and the lower hanger portion (3). Its features are, The support leg (32) of the lower suspension part (3) is arranged in the overlapping part (6) on the outside of the cantilever (23) of the upper suspension part (2). Wherein, at least the shank (41) of the connecting rod (4) is at least partially provided with external threads, wherein at least one of the holes (24) of the cantilever (23) is a threaded hole, wherein in the closed state, the shank (41) of the connecting rod (4) is screwed through the at least one threaded hole (24), and At least one of the legs (32) of the lower hanger (3) has an outwardly projecting flange (34, 134), the flange (34, 134) being formed as a bent end portion of the leg (32), the flange (34, 134) having a recess (36, 136) adapted to receive the bent end portion (42) of the connecting rod (4) so ​​as to interlock the connecting rod (4) and the lower hanger (3) in the rotational direction about the rotation axis in the closed state.

2. The pipe hanger according to claim 1, wherein the end portion (42) of the connecting rod (4) is bent at a substantially right angle relative to the handle (41), such that the connecting rod (4) has a generally L-shaped shape.

3. The pipe hanger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outwardly projecting flange (34, 134) is bent at a substantially right angle relative to the leg (32).

4. The pipe hanger according to claim 2, wherein the outwardly projecting flange (34, 134) is bent at a substantially right angle relative to the leg (32), and wherein the bent end portion (42) of the connecting rod (4) is received at a substantially right angle in the recess (36, 136) of the flange (34, 134).

5. The pipe hanger according to claim 1, wherein in the closed state, or in the intermediate closed state in which the connecting rod (4) is screwed through the threaded hole (24) in the cantilever (23) but the corresponding legs (32) of the upper hanger portion (2) and the lower hanger portion (3) are not yet connected, the bent end portion (42) of the connecting rod (4) extends substantially upward.

6. The pipe hanger according to claim 1, wherein the opening (33) of the leg (32) of the lower hanger part (3) is an elongated opening.

7. The pipe hanger according to claim 6, wherein the opening (33) has a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the leg (32).

8. The pipe hanger according to claim 1, wherein the recess (36) is formed in the edge (35) of the flange (34).

9. The pipe hanger according to claim 8, wherein the recess (36) has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.

10. The pipe hanger according to claim 8, wherein the recess (36) is provided in the outwardly facing edge (35) of the flange (34).

11. The pipe hanger according to claim 10, wherein the recess (36) has a size corresponding to about half the diameter of the connecting rod (4).

12. The pipe hanger according to claim 1, wherein the recess (136) is formed as an elongated hole provided in the flange (134) and has a longitudinal axis extending in the outward direction.

13. The pipe hanger according to claim 1, wherein another leg of the leg (32) has a bent end portion (37), and the bent end portion of the other leg is bent outward at an angle of less than 90° relative to the other leg.

14. The pipe hanger of claim 13, wherein the bent end portion of the other leg is bent outward relative to the other leg at an angle ranging from 30° to 60°.

15. A method for installing a pipe in a hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: - The lower hanger portion (3) and the opening (33) of the support leg (32) having the flange (34) are hooked on the bent end portion (42) of the connecting rod (4); - The pipe (7) moves laterally through the opening between another leg (32) and the corresponding arm (23) of the upper hanger (2), and is arranged in the lower hanger (3); - The lower hanger (3) rotates toward the closed state, in which the other leg (32) having its opening (33) hooks onto the end (43) of the handle (41) opposite to the bent end portion (42); - The nut (8) is screwed onto the end (43) of the handle (41).

16. A method for installing a pipe in a hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: - The pipe (7) is arranged in the lower hanger (3), which is detached from the upper hanger (2); - The lower hanger portion (3) with the pipe (7) moves toward the upper hanger portion (2); - The lower hanger portion (3) is hooked onto the bent end portion (42) of the connecting rod (4) by the opening (33) of the leg (32) having the flange (34); and - The lower hanger (3) rotates toward the closed state, in which the free leg (32) of the support leg (32) hooks the opening (33) of the free leg (32) onto the end (43) of the handle (41) opposite to the bent end portion (42); - The nut (8) is screwed onto the end (43) of the handle (41).

17. A method for installing a pipe in a hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pipe hanger (1) is in the closed state and the pipe (7) moves in the closed pipe hanger (1) in the axial direction.

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