Saddle-type bracket for piping

Abstract

The described piping saddle-type bracket is designed for versatile installations, with a pipe channel formation that establishes an open pipe channel between the ends of the bracket to accommodate piping and address insulation issues, and a cross-strut channel formation below the pipe channel with hanger rod connection tabs on both sides to allow engagement with a hanger rod. The bracket allows for flexible installation configurations supported by either the cross struts or the hanger rods, and can be stacked vertically for space-saving placement. The bracket is preferably designed to accommodate two or more adjacent pipes.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe saddle-style bracket designed for versatile suspended pipe installations. [Background technology]

[0002] Service piping is suspended from the overhead ceiling structure using metal cross struts supported at their ends by hanger rods.

[0003] In this configuration, the piping is positioned on top of the suspended cross struts.

[0004] However, heating or cooling piping often requires insulation, typically in the form of a tubular sheath of closed-cell insulation. Unfortunately, the pressure exerted by the narrow upper edges of the cross struts tends to compress this insulation, reducing its effectiveness.

[0005] Therefore, cross struts are often installed upside down, with their flat edges facing the channel edges to connect to the piping. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200300386A1 (Dodge et al.) (September 24, 2020) discloses a pipe support having a body forming a generally arcuate bottom floor and a pair of spaced-apart side walls projecting generally upward from the bottom floor. A plurality of axially spaced channel clips project downward from the outer surface of the body portion opposite the side walls. The channel clips thus directly engage the channel struts, thereby increasing the surface area for the pipe with the generally arcuate bottom floor.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a pipe saddle bracket that overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art, or at least provides an alternative.

[0007] It will be appreciated that where any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that such information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Described herein is a saddle-type bracket for plumbing that is designed to accommodate piping and features a pipe channel forming portion consisting of a base and sides that effectively establish an open pipe channel between the ends of the bracket.

[0009] The bracket further includes cross-strut channel formations that define cross-strut channels below and spanning the tube channels, and also define hanger rod connection tabs on either side of the tube channels that are strategically configured to engage respective pairs of hanger rods during use.

[0010] The open pipe channel addresses the impact issue with the pipe insulation sheath.

[0011] Additionally, the brackets allow for versatile installations supported by either cross struts alone or hanger rods with or without cross struts. In another configuration, multiple brackets engaged by a common pair of hanger rods can be stacked vertically in a space-saving arrangement. The vertical offset between the brackets can be varied to accommodate different diameter piping engaged by each bracket.

[0012] Each hanger rod connection tab may feature an insertion slot to facilitate lateral connection of the hanger rod, complemented by a washer recess that intersects the slot to prevent lateral disengagement of the hanger rod. In certain embodiments, the bracket may have a central hanger rod connection opening through the base of the tube channel formation, which may allow for installation of a central hanger rod only, or a combination of central and side hanger rods or a central hanger rod and cross struts for increased load capacity.

[0013] The base may include multiple central hanger rod connection openings that provide flexibility in lateral positioning of the central hanger rod, particularly useful when the central hanger rod is between different sized pipes. The multiple hanger rod connection openings may feature washer recesses to secure the position of the central hanger rod.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hanger rod connection tabs are recessed into the vertical passages that bisect the sides in the top cross section. This design facilitates stacking of the brackets. This design also allows the side hanger rods to be positioned near the sides of the pipe channel, facilitating a space-saving configuration in which multiple brackets can be placed adjacent to each other on their connecting sides. The connection tabs of adjacent brackets may be connected using a dedicated connecting member in certain embodiments.

[0015] A preferred design of the tube channel features a flat surface or a tube channel having a weight at least twice its depth to accommodate multiple tubes, allowing two or more tubes to fit adjacently. The tube channel formation may define a curvature having a radius between the base and each side, and the width between the sides is at least four times the radius to allow adjacent tubes to be placed against each corner of the tube channel.

[0016] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

[0017] While any other form may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a saddle-type bracket for piping. [Figure 2] A bottom perspective view of the bracket is shown. [Figure 3] A top plan view of the bracket is shown. [Figure 4] A bottom plan view of the bracket is shown. [Figure 5] A side view of the bracket is shown. [Figure 6] An end view of the bracket is shown. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a wider bracket according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the wider bracket of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 shows the direct connection of the bracket to a pair of hanger rods in one configuration. [Figure 10] 1 shows the direct connection of the bracket to a pair of hanger rods in one configuration. [Figure 11] 10 shows a direct connection of the bracket to the central hanger rod in a further configuration. [Figure 12] 10 shows a direct connection of the bracket to the central hanger rod in a further configuration. [Figure 13] 10 shows the bracket suspended by both a pair of hanger bars and a transverse stiffening cross strut in a further configuration. [Figure 14] 10 shows the bracket suspended by both a pair of hanger bars and a transverse stiffening cross strut in a further configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a connecting member for connecting adjacent brackets in one embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] 10 illustrates compact stacking and further configurations of brackets. [Figure 18] 10 illustrates compact stacking and further configurations of brackets. [Figure 19] 1 shows a side-by-side bracket configuration. [Figure 20] 1 shows a side-by-side bracket configuration. [Figure 21] 1 shows a vertically offset configuration of the brackets. [Figure 22] 1 shows a vertically offset configuration of the brackets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The pipe saddle bracket 100 has a pipe channel forming portion 101 with a base 102 and sides 103 that form an open pipe channel 104 between the ends of the bracket 100 (best seen in FIG. 6). The base 102 has a length along the pipe channel that is wider than the cross struts, thereby accommodating pipe impact.

[0020] For directional reference, FIG. 6 shows an end view of the bracket, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of bracket 100.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the tube channel 104 is configured to fit two or more tubes adjacently therealong.

[0022] As shown in Figure 6, the pipe channel 104 may be more than twice as wide as it is deep. The width of the bracket 100 may vary depending on its pipe retention capacity. For example, the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6 may be suitable for accommodating a pair of parallel, adjacent pipes along the base 102, while the wider embodiment of Figures 7-8 may be configured to accommodate three or more pipes.

[0023] As shown in Figure 6, the base 102 may define a flat upper surface for accommodating multiple tubes spanning therethrough. Also shown in Figure 6, the tube channel forming portion 101 may define a curvature having a radius between the base 102 and the side surfaces 103, with the width between the side surfaces 103 being equal to or greater than four times the radius. Thus, adjacent tubes may be positioned against respective semi-cylindrical corners of the tube channel 104.

[0024] The bracket 100 may be made of plastic and may be integrally formed as a single piece from an injection molding process.

[0025] The base 102 may be reinforced by an orthogonal arrangement of reinforcing ribs 105 having transverse reinforcing ribs 105A and longitudinal reinforcing ribs 105B.

[0026] The ends of the bracket 100 may have outwardly flared portions 106 shown in FIG. 1 to avoid impact with sharp edges.

[0027] Bracket 100 may have a configuration of cable tie receiving openings 107 through which a cable tie can be looped to hold the tube within tube channel 104. Referring to FIG. 1 , bracket 100 may include a base cable tie receiving opening 107A generally located on one side of base 102 of tube channel forming portion 101 and a side cable tie receiving opening 107B extending through an upper edge of side 103 of tube channel forming portion 101.

[0028] The side cable tie receiving openings 107B may open into internal grooves 109 formed between the inner and outer walls 108A, 108B. Beneath the outer wall 108B, each channel 109 may continue between a respective pair of lateral reinforcing ribs 105A.

[0029] As will be explained in more detail below, the lower edge 110 of the outer wall 108B forms a female engaging portion for engaging with the male engaging portion 138 to connect adjacent brackets 100 to one another as shown in Figures 19 and 20.

[0030] 5, bracket 100 further includes cross-strut channel formations 124 that define cross-strut channels 125 across and below tube channel 104. The cross-strut channel formations further define hanger rod connection tabs 111 on either side of tube channel 104 that are configured to engage respective pairs of hanger rods 112A to suspend bracket 100 from an overhead structure, such as a ceiling slab, as shown in FIGS.

[0031] 9 and 10, the bracket 100 is connected directly to the hanger rods 112A and is supported only by the side hanger rods 112A. In other words, according to the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the bracket 100 is not supported by the cross struts 113 between the hanger rods 112A. However, as will be described in more detail below with reference to the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the bracket 100 may be configured for other configurations in which the hanger rods 112A connect to both the hanger rod connection tabs 111 and the cross struts 113 therebetween, or in which the bracket 100 connects only to the cross struts 113 without the use of hanger rods 112.

[0032] 3, each hanger rod connection tab 111 may include a slot 114 extending through its outer edge 115 toward its center 116. Thus, the hanger rod 112 may laterally engage the hanger rod connection tab 111, as opposed to having to insert the hanger rod longitudinally into the connection tab 111.

[0033] Each hanger rod connection tab 111 may further include a washer recess 117 coaxial with the center 116. As can be seen in Figures 9 and 10, a washer 118 may be tightened into the recess 117 to prevent the hanger rod 112A from slipping out of the slot 114.

[0034] 9 and 10, each hanger rod 121 includes a pair of hex nuts 119 that oppose and load against respective washers 118. Additionally, each connection tab 111 preferably includes washer recesses 117 on both its upper and lower surfaces. Thus, as the nuts 119 are tightened, the washers 118 oppose and load against their respective recesses 117 to securely connect the hanger rod 112A to its respective connection tab 112.

[0035] With this configuration, the nut 119 may be rotated along the threads of the hanger rod 112 to adjust the vertical offset of the bracket 100 relative to the hanger rod 112 .

[0036] 3, in top cross section, hanger rod connection tab 111 may be recessed laterally within vertical passage 120 that bisects sidewall portion 121 of side surface 103, thereby allowing for connection of hanger rod 112 adjacent pipe channel 104 and further allowing for compact positioning of adjacent brackets 100. As is apparent from FIG. 3, washer 118 and hanger rod 112 may be located within side surface 103 of bracket 100.

[0037] This configuration also allows for stacking of the brackets 100 shown in Figures 17 and 19. Specifically, each connection tab 111 is configured to fit within the vertical passage 120 of another bracket 100 below it. In this manner, multiple brackets 100 can be stacked compactly for storage, packaging, shipping, etc.

[0038] The hanger rod connection tabs 111 allow for vertical installation of the brackets 100 with a common hanger rod 112A as shown in Figures 21 and 22. Specifically, the connection tabs 111 allow for direct connection to a pair of common hanger rods 112A, and the vertical passages 112 allow the common hanger rods 112A to pass compactly through to vertically adjacent brackets 100.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 21 and 22, three brackets 100 are stacked using a common pair of hanger rods 112A.

[0040] Additionally, the vertical offset between brackets 100 may vary. As shown, the upper brackets 100 may allow for a greater vertical offset from the brackets 100 below them compared to between the two lowest brackets 100 to accommodate various sizes of pipes.

[0041] Furthermore, this configuration allows for direct connection to the common hanger rod 112, either alone or with reinforcement of cross struts 113. According to this configuration shown in Figures 21 and 22, the two lowest brackets 100 are reinforced with cross struts 113 (e.g., to hang heavier piping), while the uppermost brackets 100 are directly connected only to the common hanger rod 112 without the use of reinforcement cross struts 113 below them.

[0042] Bracket 100 preferably further includes a central hanger rod connection opening 122 for suspension by a central connecting rod 112B in the manner shown in Figures 11 and 12. Central connecting rod 112B may be located between adjacent tubes held by bracket 100.

[0043] The openings 122 are preferably elongated and oriented transversely across the bracket 100. Referring to Figure 4, the central hanger rod connection opening 112 may include a plurality of washer recesses 117, each defining a respective side rod engagement position. In the illustrated embodiment, the washer recesses 117 may define a central engagement position 123B and a pair of side engagement positions 123A.

[0044] These washer recesses 117 help to precisely align multiple brackets 100 along the length of the pipe. For example, for a pipe that includes large and small diameter pipes, the central hanger rod 112B may be connected at the side engagement locations 123A so that the brackets 100 are precisely aligned along the length of the pipe.

[0045] 1, bracket 100 may be supported only by center hanger rod 112B. The way nuts 119 tighten washers 118 on one side of openings 122 prevents lateral tilt of bracket 100 relative to center hanger rod 112B. However, for heavier piping, bracket 100 may be supported by both center hanger rod 112B and twin hanger rods 112A, with or without cross struts 113.

[0046] Even in the case of the wider version of the bracket 100 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bracket 100 may only have a single central hanger rod connection opening 122.

[0047] Referring to Figure 13, the cross strut 113 may be made of metal and include a web 126 having side flanges 127 with inwardly transitioning edges 128. Referring to Figure 14, the cross strut 113 may include a plurality of hanger rods engaging openings 129 therealong, each of which may be elongated for lateral spacing tolerances.

[0048] 13 and 14, the cross struts 113 may be oriented with the webs 126 positioned downward within the channels 125 and the inwardly turning edges 128 positioned upward within the channels 125.

[0049] The cross strut channel formation 124 may be defined between a pair of side flanges 129, which may be spaced apart to friction-fit the cross strut 113 therein. Additionally, the inner surface of the flanges 129 may have ribs or other structure therein that abut against and interfere with the sides of the web 127 of the cross strut 113.

[0050] The brackets 100 are preferably configured for placement in a side-by-side configuration as shown in Figures 19 and 20. With this configuration, the inner connection tabs 115 of adjacent brackets 100 overlap, and the brackets 100 expose the outer connection tabs 115 for connection to the hanger rod 112A.

[0051] 6, the connection tabs 111 may be vertically offset. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the connection tabs 111 may include an upwardly offset connection tab 111A and a downwardly offset connection tab 111B.

[0052] Thus, when bracket 100 is placed together, the respective upwardly and downwardly offset connection tabs 111A and 111B overlap.

[0053] The hanger rod 112 may be connected between the side-by-side slots 114 of the overlapping connection tabs 111, in one embodiment using a connecting member 131 shown in Figures 15 and 16. The connecting member 131 may include a base 132 from which extends a central clip 133. The central clip 133 may include a pair of arrowhead-shaped boss prongs 134 that are shaped to converge when pushed through corresponding slots 114 of the overlapping connection tabs 111, and whose lower engagement edges 135 are biased outward to engage the upper surfaces of the upwardly offset connection tabs 111A.

[0054] The connecting member 131 may further include a pair of protrusions 136 located at opposite ends of the base 132. Referring to Figure 4, these protrusions fit into respective openings 137 inwardly adjacent the respective connection tabs 111. During use, the protrusions 136 and base 132 are tensioned across adjacent brackets 100 against an orthogonal force applied by the central clip 133 to prevent bending of the overlapping connection tabs 111.

[0055] As mentioned above, one side of the bracket 100 may include a male engagement portion 138, which may be in the form of a hook 138 that curves upward, with reference to Figure 6. Thus, an adjacent bracket 100 may be lowered onto the hook 138 of the bracket 100, which engages below the engagement edge 110 of the outer wall 108B.

[0056] In the above description, for purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature was used to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the present invention. Thus, the above descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are provided for purposes of illustration and description. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and therefore they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as suited to the particular use envisioned. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. a tube channel forming portion having a base and sides defining an open tube channel between the ends of the bracket; a cross-strut channel formation across and below said tube channel to define a cross-strut channel, said cross-strut channel formation defining hanger rod connection tabs configured to engage respective pairs of hanger rods on either side of said tube channel in use; A system comprising a saddle-type bracket for pipes.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said tube channel formation and said cross strut channel formation are integrally formed of plastic as one piece.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein in end cross section, the base defines a flat surface.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein in end cross section, the sides define parallel surfaces.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tube channel is configured to fit two or more tubes adjacently.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein in end cross section, the base defines a flat surface.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein in end cross section, the pipe channel formation defines a curvature having a radius between the base and each respective side surface, the width between the sides being at least four times the radius.

8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the tubing channel has a width at least twice its depth.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein each hanger rod connection tab has an insertion slot.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein each hanger rod connection tab includes a washer recess that intersects with the slot.

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein in a top cross section, said hanger rod connection tabs intersect each vertical passage bisecting said side surfaces.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the hanger rod connection tabs are configured to fit within respective vertical passages of separate vertically stacked brackets.

13. The system of claim 1 , further comprising the pair of hanger rods, lower ends of the hanger rods engaging respective hanger rod connection tabs for suspending the bracket.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the bracket is supported by a cross strut.

15. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising an additional pipe saddle bracket, said additional pipe saddle bracket being vertically offset from said pipe saddle bracket, said hanger rod connection tabs thereof simultaneously engaging said hanger rod.

16. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of additional plumber's saddle brackets having their hanger rod connection tabs simultaneously engaged by said hanger rod, said plumber's saddle brackets being unequal vertically offset.

17. The system of claim 1 further comprising a central hanger rod connection opening extending through the base of the pipe channel formation.

18. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the opening is elongated and oriented transversely of the base.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the opening includes a plurality of washer recesses formed adjacently therealong, each defining a respective hanger rod engagement location.

20. 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a central hanger rod, said hanger rod connected to said bracket by said central hanger rod connection opening.

21. 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a pair of tubes within the tube channel, the central hanger rod being between the tubes.

22. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the plurality of washer recesses define a center rod engaging location and side rod engaging locations, and the center hanger rod is connected at one of the side rod engaging locations.

23. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the bracket is suspended solely by the central hanger rod.

24. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the system does not have a pair of hanger rods connected to the hanger rod connection tabs.

25. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cross strut channel is defined between a pair of flanges.

26. The system of claim 1 further comprising a cross strut engaged within the cross strut channel.

27. 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the flange of the cross strut channel formation is configured to frictionally engage the cross strut.

28. 27. The system of claim 26, further comprising a pair of hanger rods, said rods connected to said pair of hanger rod connection tabs and said cross struts.

29. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each hanger rod includes an upper nut on a respective hanger rod connection tab and a lower nut below said respective end of said cross strut.

30. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hanger rod connection tabs are vertically offset from one another so that the hanger rod connection tabs of adjacent pipe saddle brackets overlap.

31. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the pipe channel formations are configured such that sides of the adjacent pipe saddle brackets contact each other.

32. a further pipe saddle-type bracket adjacent to and connected to the pipe saddle-type bracket; a pair of hanger rods connected to the outer hanger rod connection tabs of the pipe saddle-type bracket and the further pipe saddle-type bracket; 31. The system of claim 30, further comprising:

33. 31. The system of claim 30, further comprising a connecting member configured to connect overlapping hanger rod connection tabs.

34. 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising an additional pipe saddle bracket adjacent to said pipe saddle bracket, with inner hanger rod connection tabs therebetween connected to one another using said connecting member.

35. 34. The system of claim 33, wherein the connecting member comprises a base, a central clip extending from the base configured to clip through juxtaposed openings in the overlapping hanger rod connection tabs, and a pair of protrusions spaced from ends of the base and configured to engage respective openings to resist bending between the overlapping tabs.

36. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the side surface comprises an engagement portion for engaging a side surface of an adjacent pipe saddle bracket in use.

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