U.S. patent application number 10/702809 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for adjustable hanger bracket assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to C&S Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Collins, John D..
Application Number | 20050098697 10/702809 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34551734 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098697 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collins, John D. |
May 12, 2005 |
Adjustable hanger bracket assembly
Abstract
An adjustable hanger bracket and bracket assembly for tubular
members. The assembly includes a longitudinally extendable span
member arranged to be fastened to facing sides of laterally spaced
supporting members, such as horizontally disposed joists or
vertically positioned wall studs. Longitudinally adjustable
brackets slidably engage the external surface of the slidably
adjustable span member to support tubing or piping sections which
may be positioned between adjacent studs or joists.
Inventors: |
Collins, John D.; (Sturgeon
Bay, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John M. Manion
RYAN KROMHOLZ & MANION, S.C.
Post Office Box 26618
Milwaukee
WI
53226-0618
US
|
Assignee: |
C&S Manufacturing
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
34551734 |
Appl. No.: |
10/702809 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/231.71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 3/13 20130101; F16L
3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/231.71 |
International
Class: |
E04G 005/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable hanger bracket assembly for supporting an object
positioned between a pair of spaced apart stationary support
members, said assembly comprising: an elongated longitudinally
extendable, span member, said span member having a first segment
and a second segment, said second segment overlaying and being
longitudinally slidable relative to said first segment, each of
said segments having a distal end including means for securing its
respective segment to a respective one of said pair of stationary
support members; and at least one clamping member for supporting
said object, said clamping member including a base and at least one
pair of bifurcated arms laterally extending from said base, said
bifurcated arms being of resilient material and being configured to
surround and to releasably grasp an exposed surface of a segment of
said span member.
2. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein the segments of said
span member are each of substantially identical cross-sectional
configuration, and wherein each segment includes an elongated base
portion and oppositely disposed, angularly bent apron portions, and
further wherein the apron portions of said second segment include a
distal marginal edge portion laterally extending beyond the
marginal edge of the respective apron portions of said first
segment and being bent inwardly to wrap around and slidably receive
the marginal edges of the respective apron portions of said first
segment.
3. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said supported object is
a tube having a cylindrical outer surface, and wherein said
clamping member releasably supports said object.
4. The bracket assembly of claim 1 further including a second pair
of bifurcated arms including inwardly curved surfaces arranged to
releasably receive said object.
5. The bracket assembly of claim 1 wherein said bifurcated arms are
further formed with a protuberance at their respective distal ends
for snap-in-place reception of the exposed surface of said
segment.
6. The bracket assembly of claim 4 wherein the second pair of
bifurcated arms are further formed with a protuberance at their
respective distal ends for snap-in-place reception of said
object.
7. An adjustable bracket for supporting an object along a span
member comprising: a base supporting first and second oppositely
extending pairs of bifurcated arms for releasably and adjustably
supporting said object on said span member; said first pair of
bifurcated arms including inwardly curved surfaces arranged to
receive and embrace the surface of said object; and said second
pair of said bifurcated arms including inwardly facing surfaces
arranged to receive and to grasp an exposed surface of said span
member.
8. The adjustable bracket of claim 7 wherein said first pair of
bifurcated arms are further formed with a protuberance at their
respective distal ends for snap-in-place reception of said
object.
9. The adjustable bracket of claim 7 wherein said second pair of
bifurcated arms are further formed with a protuberance at their
respective distal ends for snap-in-place reception of said span
member.
10. The bracket assembly of claim 7 wherein said clamping member is
formed from a single, integrally molded, resilient plastic
material.
11. The bracket assembly of claim 10 wherein the plastic material
contains Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a device having special
application for supporting flexible PEX (cross-linked
polyethylene), or copper tubing, used in radiant heating
installations, as well as for stubbing out copper tubing supplying
hot and cold water for kitchen and bathroom usage.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] It is usual to provide supporting brackets for PEX or copper
tubing for supplying heated radiant heat applications under floors
and within walls of buildings, as well as for stubbing out copper
tubing used in hot or cold supply lines while positioned in the
area between floor joists of a building, or between wall studs. In
the latter case, such tubing is often used for supplying hot and/or
cold water from a source to various lavatory, toilet or other
fixtures used in commercial lavatories and in home bathrooms and
kitchens. It is essential, particularly in radiant heating, to
maintain the spatial distance from the tube carrying heated water
or other liquids to the under flooring and to be able to control
the temperature in a particular room. This often requires tedious
manual adjustment of wire twists and wire ties and brackets for
securing the tubing to a hanger bracket at a relatively fixed
distance from the flooring or wallboard. Such actions require a
great deal of manual manipulation and tying of wire ties and the
like.
[0005] In addition, components of previous brackets have generally
been fixed in dimension, which required additional manipulation,
cutting, soldering or welding to insure proper dimension between
supporting members, such as floor joists and vertical studs.
Generally the spacing between studs and joists is governed by local
codes. However, over time, these codified dimensions may vary.
Consequently, there is a need for an adjustable pipe or tubing
supporting bracket, and one that is easy to install and adjust to
suitable dimension. This is particularly true in the case of fluid
transporting tubing or piping requiring long stretches and bends in
radiant heating installations. In addition, the spacing between
such tubing or piping is specified by local codes. Thus, the need
for adjustable assemblies has become quite prevalent over the
years. Consequently, there is need for an adjustable pipe or tubing
hanging member that is easy to install and provides secure
fastening of tubing or other fluid transporting devices. This is
particularly true in overhead installation of tubing or piping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to an adjustable hanger
bracket member for supporting flexible PEX tubing or copper pipe or
the like. The adjustable bracket assembly has particular
application for use in supporting tubing or piping between floor
joists and spacing between upstanding wall stud members, which
spacing may vary over time in use
[0007] The adjustable hanger bracket assembly of this invention
comprises a generally linear, longitudinally adjustable, supporting
span member. The longitudinal bracket adjustment is provided by
means of at least two elongated span members maintained in slidable
"nesting" arrangement. Both bracket segments are preferably formed
from sheet metal stamped, extruded, or otherwise bent to a
predetermined configuration. Each segment preferably includes an
elongated base portion, which is substantially planar along its
longitudinal axis, and which is further defined to have an
outwardly angular bend at both of the parallel sides to provide
oppositely spaced, coextensive apron portions of fixed width along
the longitudinal axis of the adjustable span member.
[0008] The segments are each of similar cross-section with the top
section overlaying the under segment to provide slidable
longitudinal adjustment of the nested span segments to accommodate
dimensional variations in the spacing between stationary support
members, such as the adjacent joists or studs. The segments are
restrained from separation by means of a laterally extending
marginal edge portion of the overlaying top segment being bent
inwardly to wrap around the underlying marginal edge portion of the
under segment of the span member.
[0009] Further adjustability of the bracket assembly may be
achieved with the addition of one or more longitudinally adjustable
pipe clamps slidably secured to the uppermost segment of the span
member. The pipe clamps are preferably formed to receive and retain
either PEX, plastic tubing, or copper pipe or the like. In a
preferred form, each of the clamps is molded of a resilient
material, such as commercially available ABS white #740. (ABS is a
plastic molding material having the generic name
Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene and obtained from multiple sources
listed in the current Plastics Encyclopedia published by McGraw
Hill of Heights Town, N.J.).
[0010] The clamps are integrally formed with a supporting base
portion with an oppositely extending clamping arms. One set of
bifurcated clamping arms is formed to provide inwardly facing
surfaces, preferably dimensioned to embrace the outer, exposed
surface of the span member. The base portion of each clamp further
encloses oppositely extending, bifurcated clamping arms each
cooperating to provide inwardly facing clamping surfaces for
resiliently embracing a respective tubing or piping member. Each of
the integrally formed, bifurcated arms are provided with retaining
portions permitting "snap action" during entry and retention of a
respective pipe or tubing. Each clamp is further designed to
provide longitudinal adjustment relative to the span member, and
may be positioned on the span member, either before or after
securing the span member to the adjacent joists or stud members. It
will be apparent that facile installation of the bracket assembly
has been greatly simplified by means of this assembly. The entire
installation, except for applying fasteners for mounting to
adjacent joists and studs, may be accomplished with manual
manipulation of parts. There is no need of spring-like devices
requiring special tools or soldering, each of which entails extra
time for installation labor. The novel assembly includes a readily
adjustable supporting span member with added versatility with
installation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of this
invention with supported tubing or piping members shown in
phantom.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 1
as taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bracket assembly of FIG.
1, and illustrating a respective lavatory installation of the
assembly positioned between adjacent vertical wall studs.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1, and
illustrating a representative radiant heating installation of the
assembly positioned between adjacent horizontal floor joists.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the versatility in installation of
the novel bracket assembly 10. FIG. 4 is directed to an
installation utilized for under-floor radiant heating, whereas FIG.
3 illustrates an installation of a substantially identical assembly
utilized for supporting water inlets positioned between a pair of
spaced apart, adjacent, wall stud supporting members 28.
[0016] As will be apparent from the following detailed description,
the present assembly may have a multitude of applications, and also
may be modified, for instance, to be secured by use of pointed,
arrow-like projections (not shown) designed to penetrate into the
fibers of wood support members, such as joists or studs. With
reference to FIG. 1, it will be observed that the assembly 10 is
comprised of a longitudinally extendable span member 12. The span
member 12 is comprised of two relatively slidable upper and lower
segments 14 and 16, respectively, wherein the uppermost or top
segment 14 overlays and is in slidable engagement with the
underlying or bottom segment 16. Span member segments 14 and 16 are
each preferably fabricated from relatively thin aluminum or
galvanized steel sheet stock. The segments 14 and 16 may be stamped
or extruded in accordance with conventional manufacturing practice.
In the preferred embodiment, it will be noted from the view of FIG.
2 that both segments 14, 16 are angularly bent relative to a
respective base portion 14a, 16a to provide the integrally formed
side or apron portions 14b,14c and 16b, 16c. Again, from the view
of FIG. 2 it will be noted that portions 14a, 14b, and 14c each
overlay corresponding portions 16a, 16b, and 16c. As stated
previously, the segments 14 and 16 are longitudinally slidable
relative to one another, and the integral portions 18b and 18c
provide marginal edge portions, which are inturned to slidably
support the respective apron portions 16b and 16c of the segment
16. The inwardly bent marginal edge portions 18b and 18c of segment
16 act to prevent separation of the segments 14 and 16 until such
time that they may be separated by longitudinal withdrawal. It will
be further noted that the respective exposed end portions 20 and 22
are downturned with respect to FIG. 1, and are each preferably
provided with apertures 20a and 22a, respectively. The apertures
20a and 22a are arranged to receive fasteners, such as wood screws
24 (see FIG. 4), or in the case of metallic studs or joists, nut
and bolt assemblies (not shown). As stated previously, the end
portions 20 and 21 may also be formed with a known, arrow-like
configuration designed to penetrate wood fibers of studs or joists
(not shown).
[0017] With particular reference to FIG. 1, and also to the
disclosed installation embodiments of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, it will be
observed that the adjustable hanger bracket assembly 10 of this
invention further includes additional adjustment means to provide
adjustable spacing between supported tubular PEX or copper tubing
26a and 26b (PEX or copper tubing 26).
[0018] The present assembly further contemplates additional
cooperating components for individually supporting tubing or pipe
26. The tubings 26 are adjustably separable and supported by pipe
clamps 32, slidably received and movable relative to the span
segments 14 and 16 before or after assembly to upstanding, spaced
apart, stud members 28 (see FIG. 3) or between laterally spaced
floor joists 30 (see FIG. 4). With particular reference to FIGS. 1
and 2, it will be noted that the pipe or tubing clamps 32 are
designed for "snap-in-place" reception of tubing or piping 26. To
accomplish this, the individual clamps 32 are preferably injection
molded from ABS plastic material (White #740). The clamps 32
include bifurcated leg portions 41 arranged to be momentarily
spread apart to receive and embrace the pipe or tubing 26, and are
preferably dimensioned to be longitudinally slidable relative to
the tubing 26, should such axial adjustment be necessary. As shown,
a plurality of the clamps 32 may be used in spaced-apart
relationship and mounted on the span member 12 and are each
adjustably moveable for a desired position relative to the span
member 12. This adjustability has special application for plumbing
applications as shown in FIG. 3, where two conduits of tubing or
pipe 26 are shown in laterally spaced relationship. One of the
pipes or tubes 26 may be for transporting cold water, and the other
hot water for lavatory application with spaced faucets (not
shown).
[0019] Another very desirable application of the novel assembly is
in the field of radiant underfloor heating, such as shown in FIG.
4. Here the span member 12 may be moved upwardly or downwardly
either before or after installation of the tubing 26 and obviously
movable for horizontal adjustment forward or rearward prior to
permanent mounting with a fastener, such as the wood screw 24.
Obviously, any of several fasteners may be used, depending upon the
material of the joists or studs and the preference of the
installer.
[0020] With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be noted
that each of the clamps 32 preferably includes resilient,
bifurcated, clamping legs 34. The legs 34 preferably include
inturned marginal edges 36 arranged to grasp and secure the
marginal edges of the apron portions 14b and 14c. It will be
understood that the above-described clamp 32 may be moved in either
longitudinal direction relative to the span member 12 to suit the
installer. The clamps 32 may be assembled to the span member 12
either before or after installation of the pipe or tubing 26 with a
"snap-in-place" connection supplied by the legs 34 of the clamp 32
and the protuberance 35 at the marginal edge portion 36 of each
leg. It will be apparent that choice of resilient material will be
a factor in providing the resiliency required. The ABS molding
material has been found to be quite satisfactory in both the
support and adjustability of the individual clamps 32 relative to
the span member 12 and to the tubing or piping 26. Protruding
portion 40 at the distal ends of the upwardly extending bifurcated
arms 41 also provide snap-in-place reception of a tube or pipe
26.
[0021] The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred
embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without
departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
* * * * *