Pipe support and pipe support kit

Abstract

A pipe support for supporting a pipe system in a building, the pipe support comprising: a pipe support region which, in use, receives and supports a pipe; an attachment region for attaching the pipe support to a threaded rod to suspend the pipe support from the threaded rod; the attachment region comprising a rod receiving hole; and the rod can be introduced into the hole by bringing the pipe support towards the rod in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to pipe supports, and more particularly to fire-resistant pipe supports and other components for use in pipe support kits. Background Technology

[0002] When installing piping systems in a building, such as those forming part of a fire hydrant system, it is common practice to install the piping system by suspending it from threaded metal rods anchored to the underside of an elevated concrete slab that was cast as part of the building's construction phase.

[0003] To install a section of pipe, pipe supports need to be attached to the pipe. Pipe supports are typically pear-shaped hangers. (See reference...) Figure 1 A typical pear-shaped hanger 10 is formed from a metal strip 12. Holes 14 and 16 are formed near the ends of the strip, which is then bent into a shape like... Figure 1 The shape shown. Holes 14 and 16 are used to attach the pipe hanger 10 to the threaded rod.

[0004] Threaded rods are installed on the ceiling by drilling holes in the concrete and inserting threaded anchors, then screwing the rods into the anchors. Nuts are screwed onto each rod and wrapped around it. These nuts are later used to clamp the pipe supports into place.

[0005] When the pipe is at ground level, the pipe hanger is passed to the end of a section of pipe. The pipe hanger is then moved along the pipe to a position on the pipe that aligns with the threaded rods in the ceiling. Then, typically with the assistance of several people using one or more cherry pickers or other lifting equipment, the section of pipe with the pipe support is lifted to the ceiling. As the pipe approaches its final installation height, several operations must be performed simultaneously on each threaded rod:

[0006] 1. Place the flat washer at the end of the rod and lift it up to halfway down the rod;

[0007] 2. Secure the washer in place, and simultaneously align and lift the pipe support so that the end of the rod passes through the two holes on the pipe support;

[0008] 3. Place the second washer at the end of the rod, and then place the second nut;

[0009] 4. Turn the second nut on the rod a few times.

[0010] Only after the second nut is installed on the rod can the pipe be placed on the pipe support. During all operations 1 through 4, the pipe must remain in the raised position until all pipe supports are installed at each threaded rod.

[0011] The pipe drop is then fine-tuned by adjusting the position of the second nut on the rod sequentially upwards or downwards to adjust the height of each pipe support at each rod. Once the desired height is reached, the first nut at each rod is rotated to lower it, clamping the pipe support between the two washers and the two nuts. The nuts are then tightened together to secure the pipe support.

[0012] The process of installing pipe sections presents some difficulties. Pipe installers find themselves lifting or supporting the pipe with one hand while manipulating nuts and washers with the other and screwing them onto the rod.

[0013] The installation of pipes is typically carried out in poor lighting and enclosed spaces. There is a significant margin of error when handling these components with one hand, and parts may fall or threads may become tangled. Furthermore, operators are at risk of strain injuries from supporting heavy pipes during installation, or pipe sections may accidentally fall.

[0014] There is still a need to improve the technology for installing piping systems in buildings. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a pipe support for supporting a piping system in a building, the pipe support comprising: a pipe support region for receiving and supporting a pipe in use; an attachment region for attaching the pipe support to a threaded rod to suspend the pipe support from the threaded rod; the attachment region including a rod receiving hole; and the rod can be introduced into the hole by oriented the pipe support toward the rod in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod.

[0016] The hole can be a slot with an opening at the end.

[0017] The pipe support can be cast as a single piece.

[0018] The pipe support can be a two-piece clamp.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a retaining member for retaining a pipe support to a threaded rod, the member comprising: a threaded through-hole that engages with the threaded rod in use; an upward-facing support surface that supports the pipe hanger in use; and an inward-facing positioning surface that engages the pipe hanger with the retaining member in use.

[0020] The retaining member may further include a second inward positioning surface facing the first inward positioning surface.

[0021] The retaining member may also include a boss that is received in the opening slot of the pipe support during use.

[0022] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a kit for suspending a pipe system in a building, comprising: a pipe support according to a first aspect of the invention and a retaining member according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0023] The kit may also include any of the following: a threaded rod; a fastening nut; or an anchor.

[0024] All components of the kit can be made of stainless steel.

[0025] The retaining member and the fastening nut may be provided with left-hand threads. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This illustrates a pear-shaped hanger-type pipe support from the prior art;

[0028] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the pipe support assembly is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The main view of the pipe support kit;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view of the pipe support kit;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Top view of the pipe support kit;

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Side view of the retaining member of the pipe support kit;

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Top view of the retaining component;

[0035] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Maintain the main view of the component;

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Installation is shown Figure 2 The operating sequence of the pipe support kit;

[0037] Figure 12 An alternative implementation of the pipe support kit is shown;

[0038] Figure 13 It shows the relationship with Figure 2 The pipe support kit shown uses the retaining member together with the channel; and

[0039] Figure 14 and 15 Another implementation of the pipe support kit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Reference Figures 2 to 6 The diagram shows a pipe support assembly kit, which includes a pipe support 20, a retaining member 30, a threaded rod 40, and a nut 50. In use, the threaded rod is inserted into a threaded anchor 60 already installed in the elevated concrete slab (see [reference]). Figure 10 and Figure 11 However, other fixing devices for the upper part and the rod are also possible. All components: the pipe support 20, the retaining member 30, the threaded rod 40, the nut 50, and the threaded anchor are made of stainless steel. The retaining member 30, the rod 40, the nut 50, and the anchor are formed with left-hand threads.

[0041] The pipe support 20 is formed by casting stainless steel as a single piece. The pipe support 20 includes a pipe support region 22 for receiving and supporting a pipe in use, and an attachment region 23 for attaching the pipe support to a threaded rod to suspend the pipe support on the threaded rod. The attachment region includes a rod receiving hole in the form of an opening slot 24.

[0042] The retaining member 30 is used to retain the pipe support member in engagement with the threaded rod 40. For example... Figures 7 to 9 As best seen in the image, the retaining member 30 includes a threaded through hole 32 that engages with the threaded rod during use; an upward-facing support surface 31 that supports the pipe hanger 20 during use, and includes a protrusion in the form of a boss 38. The retaining member also includes a pair of upright ribs 34, 36, each having an inward-facing positioning surface 35, 37.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 The description will use Figure 2 The diagrams show the sequence of operations for installing pipe sections using pipe support kits. Note that actual pipe sections are omitted from these diagrams for clarity.

[0044] 1. Install the stainless steel anchor 60 into the spaced areas of the slab in the elevated slab 70;

[0045] 2. Insert some stainless steel threaded rods 40 of appropriate length into the anchor 60;

[0046] 3. Set up a laser level and illuminate the threaded rod 40 as a guide to ensure the correct placement of the pipe section to be installed;

[0047] 4. Screw the retaining member 30 onto each rod and wind the retaining member around the rod until the height indicated by the laser sight is reached;

[0048] 5. Insert some pipe supports into the end of the pipe section to be installed and move them to the position corresponding to the position of the overhead threaded rod 40;

[0049] 6. Lift the pipe section upwards to the threaded rod 40;

[0050] 7. For example Figure 10 As shown, at each rod 40, the pipe support 20 is moved laterally as indicated by arrow A, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the length of the rod 40, so that the rod 40 is received in the opening slot 24 of the pipe support 20.

[0051] 8. For example Figure 11 As shown, the pipe support is allowed to fall downwards as indicated by arrow B to rest on the retaining member 30. The lower side of the attachment region 23 of the pipe support 22 abuts against the support surface 31 of the pipe support 22. The pipe support 22 is constrained between the positioning surface 35 of the rib 34 and the threaded rod 40. Similarly, the positioning surface 37 of the rib 36 is located at and guides the opposite edges of the pipe support, and the boss 38 occupies the opening of the slot 24 to achieve fixed positioning and engagement of the pipe support 20 to the retaining member 30.

[0052] 9. Now the nut 50 can be wrapped around the rod 40 and twisted upward against the top surface of the pipe support 20 to complete and secure the assembly. Repeat this process at each rod 40 during installation.

[0053] Compared to existing solutions, the pipe support kit according to the present invention enables a faster and safer installation process. The pipe support can be easily engaged with the retaining member by moving it to one side to engage the rod and then resting it downwards on the retaining member. In this position, the lifting force on the pipe can be released, and the pipe is securely suspended from the rod. The fastening nut 50 can then be tightened.

[0054] Furthermore, no further height adjustment is required after the pipe support is engaged, as this has already been set during an earlier step of applying the retaining member 30 to the rod 40.

[0055] All components of the pipe support kit are made of stainless steel to meet fire resistance standards. In other embodiments, these components may be made of low-carbon steel or other materials.

[0056] These components can all be made in the same color and marked with identification markings to indicate to the user that they will be used in the same kit. This prevents the accidental use of non-color-coded parts that may be nearby, such as stray nuts, rods, and washers, when installing fire-resistant pipe supports.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the threaded components of the anchor, the rod, the nut, and the retaining member are provided with left-hand threads. This prevents right-hand threaded parts from being used with other components of the kit, and further prevents the use of mismatched and incompatible components.

[0058] Reference Figure 12 An alternative embodiment of the pipe support kit is shown. In this version, the pipe support 120 is in the form of a snap-fit ​​and has a removable lower part 125. The pipe support has the same attachment area 23, which includes an opening slot 24 of the same size as the first embodiment described. The rest of the kit, namely the retaining member 30, the rod 40, and the nut 50, are the same as in the first embodiment, and the installation process is the same as described above.

[0059] Reference Figure 13 The diagram illustrates a channel 200 for installing pipes in a building. The channel 12 is formed of stainless steel and includes a plurality of identically shaped holes 122 spaced at regular intervals along its upper and lower surfaces. Each hole 122 is shaped to include an elliptical portion and a recessed portion 126. Retaining members 30a, b, and c are identical in shape to the aforementioned retaining member 30. The retaining members are fitted to the channel by ribs 34 and 36 surrounding the outer side of the channel, while the bosses 38 are inserted into the recessed portions 126 of the holes 122. Therefore, once applied to the channel, rotation of the retaining members is prevented.

[0060] As shown in the figure, the retaining members 30b and 30c can be used with overhead threaded rods to suspend the channel 122 within the building. The threaded rods can then be inserted into the retaining member 30a, and pipe supports can be suspended therefrom. Other components and pipe supports can later be added to the channel 120.

[0061] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15An alternative embodiment of the snap-fit ​​pipe support kit is shown. In this version, the pipe support 220 is formed of two identical semi-circular pieces 225 and attached to a pair of rods 40. Figure 15 As best seen, each semicircular member 225 includes two slots 224. The clamp 220 is particularly useful for replacing existing pipe supports in an installation with new ones and can be installed near existing pipe supports while the pipe is in place. The clamp 220 is installed by first installing two rods 40, and then attaching nuts 50 and retaining members 30 to the rods, as described above. The semicircular members are then installed around the pipe and manipulated so that the rods 40 enter the slots 224. The nuts 50 are then tightened to secure the clamp in place. The pre-existing pipe hanger can then be removed.

[0062] It is evident that the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following advantages:

[0063] The process of connecting pipe supports to overhead threaded rods is quick and easy, reducing the time spent supporting pipes. This reduces installation time and also lowers the risk of injury and damage.

[0064] Coding and matching components can reduce the risk of using non-compliant components in fire hydrant installations.

[0065] Connection technology can be used for pipe supports and related hardware of various types and sizes.

[0066] Unless otherwise stated, any references to prior art contained herein shall not be construed as an admission that the information is common general knowledge.

[0067] Finally, it should be understood that various changes or additions can be made to the previously described components without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A kit for suspending pipes in a building, characterized in that, The kit includes: Pipe support member, the pipe support member comprising: A pipe support area that receives and supports the pipe during use; and An attachment area for attaching the pipe support to a threaded rod to suspend the pipe support from the threaded rod; The attachment area includes a rod receiving hole in the form of an open slot; and the threaded rod can be introduced into the rod receiving hole by aligning the pipe support member toward the threaded rod in a direction perpendicular to the length of the threaded rod; and The retaining member includes: A threaded through hole, which engages with the threaded rod during use; An upward-facing support surface that supports the pipe support during use; A first inwardly facing positioning surface, which, in use, connects the pipe support to the retaining member; A second inward-facing positioning surface, the second inward-facing positioning surface facing the first inward-facing positioning surface; and A boss, which is received in the opening slot of the pipe support during use.

2. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the retaining member and the pipe support are made of stainless steel.

3. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The kit also includes the threaded rod.

4. The kit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retaining member, the pipe support, and the threaded rod are all made of stainless steel.

5. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The kit also includes a fastening nut.

6. The kit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retaining member, the pipe support, and the fastening nut are all made of stainless steel.

7. The kit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The retaining member and the fastening nut are provided with left-hand threads.

8. The kit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The retaining member and the fastening nut are provided with left-hand threads.

9. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The kit also includes anchors.

10. The kit according to claim 9, characterized in that, The retaining member, the pipe support, and the anchor are all made of stainless steel.

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