U.S. patent application number 13/050734 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for support assemblies for pipes, conduits and tubes.
This patent application is currently assigned to Potential Design, Inc., dba Food Grade Strut. Invention is credited to James William Tjerrild.
Application Number | 20110163208 13/050734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322891 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110163208 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tjerrild; James William |
July 7, 2011 |
Support Assemblies for Pipes, Conduits and Tubes
Abstract
Wall-mounted type support strut assemblies attach pipes,
conduit, and tubes to surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut
assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and are easy to
clean.
Inventors: |
Tjerrild; James William;
(Fresno, CA) |
Assignee: |
Potential Design, Inc., dba Food
Grade Strut
Fresno
CA
|
Family ID: |
46322891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/050734 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12634484 |
Dec 9, 2009 |
7931242 |
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13050734 |
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11249131 |
Oct 12, 2005 |
7651056 |
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12634484 |
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11053216 |
Feb 8, 2005 |
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11249131 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 3/133 20130101;
F16L 3/227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/65 |
International
Class: |
F16L 3/08 20060101
F16L003/08 |
Claims
1. A support assembly for mounting to an upright support
comprising: a strut having a central section and first and second
end parts, the first and second end parts being rigid extensions of
the central section, the strut being jointless between the first
and second parts; the end parts extending from the central section
at angles between 100.degree. and 130.degree.; an upright support
fastener assembly, secured to the first end part, comprising an
anchor engaging the first end part and engageable with an upright
support; and a supported element fastener assembly securable to the
second end part and to a supported element; whereby the support
assembly enhances sanitation by effectively eliminating horizontal
surfaces and by spacing the strut away from the upright
support.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end parts extend
from the central section in generally opposite directions.
3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upright support
fastener assembly further comprises a spacer positionable between
the first end part and the upright support, the spacer having no
horizontally oriented surfaces.
4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the anchor comprises
a threaded nut and bolt assembly and the spacer comprises a
cylindrical sleeve.
5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end part
has a main portion to which the anchor is securable and a
secondary, outer portion extending from the main portion at an
angle of between 30.degree. and 60.degree..
6. An upright support installation comprising: an upright support;
a supported element; and a support assembly, securing the supported
element to the upright support, comprising: a generally
horizontally extending strut having a central section and first and
second end parts, the first and second end parts being rigid
extensions of the central section, the strut being jointless
between the first and second parts; the end parts extending from
the central section at angles between 100.degree. and 130.degree.;
an upright support fastener assembly, secured to the first end
part, comprising an anchor engaging the first end part and
engageable with an upright support; a supported element fastener
assembly securable to the second end part and to a supported
element; and the support assembly having at least substantially no
horizontally oriented surfaces; whereby the support assembly
enhances sanitation by effectively eliminating horizontal surfaces
and by spacing the strut away from the upright support.
7. The installation according to claim 6, wherein the upright
support comprises a wall.
8. The installation according to claim 6, wherein the supported
element comprises a generally vertically extending cylindrical
element.
9. The installation according to claim 6, wherein the central
section extends downwardly and outwardly from the first end
part.
10. The installation according to claim 6, wherein the strut has no
unused holes opening into the ambient air environment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/634,484, filed 9 Dec. 2009, entitled
Support Assemblies for Pipes, Conduits and Tubes, Attorney Docket
number PDI 1001-4; which is a is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/249,131, filed 12 Oct. 2005, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,651,056, entitled Method of Mounting Support Assemblies for
Pipes, Conduits and Tubes, Attorney Docket number PDI 1001-2; which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/053,216, filed 8 Feb. 2005, entitled Sanitary Pipe Mounting
System, Attorney Docket number PDI 1001-1, now abandoned; the
entire contents of all preceding applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is intended to be used, for example,
in food processing and pharmaceutical processing facilities to
improve the inspectability and cleanability of pipe, conduit, and
tube installations. Currently, these facilities are forced to use
conventional mounting systems to install pipe, conduit, and tube.
The conventional mounting systems are inherently dirty. Also, the
conventional mounting systems are exceedingly difficult to inspect
and clean.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention is directed to a system for mounting pipe,
conduit, and tube in, for example, food grade or pharmaceutical
grade installations. The invention is designed such that it resists
contamination, is easy to inspect, and is easy to clean.
[0004] One aspect of the invention is directed to a support
assembly for mounting to an upright support. The support assembly
includes a strut, an upright support fastener assembly, and a
supported element fastener assembly. The strut has a central
section and first and second end parts, the first and second end
parts being rigid extensions of the central section. The end parts
extend from the central section at angles between 100.degree. and
130.degree.. The upright support fastener assembly is secured to
the first end part and comprises an anchor engaging the first end
part and engageable with an upright support. The supported element
fastener assembly is securable to the second end part and to a
supported element. The support assembly enhances sanitation by
effectively eliminating horizontal surfaces and by spacing the
strut away from the upright support. In some examples the upright
support fastener assembly further comprises a spacer positionable
between the first end part and the upright support, the spacer
having no horizontally oriented surfaces. In some examples the
central section of the strut comprises first and second dimension.
The first dimension is measured between the first and second
portions. The second dimension is measured horizontally and
perpendicular to the first dimension. The second dimension is
substantially greater than the first dimension.
[0005] Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for
mounting a supported element to an upright support. A support
assembly is obtained. The support assembly includes a strut, an
upright support fastener assembly and a supported element fastener
assembly. The strut has a central section and first and second end
parts extending from the central section, the first and second end
parts being rigid extensions of the central section. The upright
support fastener assembly is securable to the first end part and
includes an anchor engageable with the first end part and with an
upright support. The upright support fastener assembly also
includes a spacer positionable between the first end part and the
upright support. The supported element fastener assembly is
securable to the second end part. The first end part of the strut
is mounted to the upright support using the upright support
fastener assembly to place the strut in a generally horizontal
orientation. The supported element is secured to the second end
part of the strut. Sanitation is enhanced by effectively
eliminating horizontal surfaces, and by spacing the strut away from
the upright support with the spacer.
[0006] Various features and advantages of the invention will appear
from the following description in which the preferred embodiments
have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of a wall mounted type of support strut
assembly;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric assembly of the assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an end view of the wall-mounted strut of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of trapeze type support strut
assembly;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 6;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric assembly of the assembly of
FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 10 is an end view of the trapeze mount strut of FIG.
6;
[0017] FIGS. 11 and 12 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 3 of a
wall-mounted type of support strut assembly;
[0018] FIGS. 13 and 14 are views similar to FIGS. 6 and 8 of a
ceiling-mounted, trapeze type of support strut assembly; and
[0019] FIGS. 15-21 disclose a trapeze type of support strut
assembly designed for both enhanced cleanliness and seismic
stability.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The following description of the invention will typically be
with reference to specific structural embodiments and methods. It
is to be understood that there is no intention to limit the
invention to the specifically disclosed embodiments but that the
invention may be practiced using other features, elements, methods
and embodiments.
[0021] The invention is directed to wall-mounted type of mounting
system and a trapeze type of mounting system typically used to
sanitarily mount pipes, conduits, and tubes to vertical and
horizontal surfaces in locations that require a high degree of
cleanliness. These mounting systems would typically be employed in,
for example, food processing and pharmaceutical installations.
[0022] In the past, these facilities have had only conventional
strut systems to mount their pipes, conduit, and tubes. This has
been a major food and drug safety problem, as conventional strut
systems are easily soiled, harbor contaminants, are difficult to
inspect, and difficult to clean.
[0023] Mounting systems made according to the invention are
typically configured for two general applications. When mounting
pipes, conduits, or tubes to a wall 10 (or other vertical or
generally vertical surface), the wall-mounted type of support strut
assembly 12 (shown in FIGS. 1-5) is preferred. The main components
of this assembly are wall mount strut 14 and multiple spacers 16,
spacers 16 shown in the form of cylindrical sleeves. The wall mount
strut 14 may be punched and cold formed from 12 gauge T304
stainless steel sheet that is polished to a #4 sanitary finish.
Other materials and fabrication techniques may also be used. The
multiple punched holes 18 and slots 20 permit mounting of the strut
14 to the wall 10 and pipes 22 to the strut in multiple
locations.
[0024] An important aspect of the invention is that the cross
section of the strut 14 has no horizontal surfaces (see FIG. 2).
Conventional struts typically have multiple horizontal surfaces.
The configuration of strut 14 is better than conventional strut, in
that is tends to shed falling contaminants downward, as opposed to
collecting them. The wall mount spacers 16 are typically machined
from solid 1'' diameter T304 stainless steel round bar. The spacers
16 preferably hold the strut 14 away from the wall 10 at a distance
of not less than 1''. Conventional strut systems typically mount
the strut directly to, that is in contact with, the wall. Assembly
12 is also better than conventional systems in that this gap 24
between the wall 10 and the back 26 of the strut 14 facilitates
inspection, cleaning, and allows falling contaminants and water
from wash downs to fall through this gap and downward. Conversely,
the back surface of conventional strut is mounted directly to the
wall and is therefore not easily inspectable or cleanable, and may
harbor filth and mildew. The pipes 22, conduits, or tubes are
preferably attached to the wall mount strut 14 with stainless steel
U-bolts 28 of minimum thread length, as threads are difficult to
clean. The entire assembly may be attached to the wall 10 with
3/8'' diameter stainless steel wedge threaded anchors 30 secured in
place by a nut and washer, the combination acting as a nut and bolt
assembly (see FIG. 4).
[0025] Strut 14 includes a central section 13 and end parts 15. The
end parts 15 preferably extend from the central section at angles
17, 19 of between about 100.degree. and 130.degree., and more
preferably about 115.degree.. Central section 13 preferably extends
at an angle to the horizontal of about 10.degree. to 40.degree.,
and more preferably about 25.degree.. End parts 15 each comprise a
main portion 21 and a secondary, outer portion 23, the outer
portions preferably extending from the main portion at an angle of
between about 30.degree. and 60.degree., and more preferably about
45.degree..
[0026] To mount pipes 22, conduits, or tubes below a ceiling (or
other horizontal surfaces), the trapeze type of support strut
assembly 40 (shown in FIGS. 6-10) is preferred. The main components
of this assembly 40 are trapeze mount strut 42 and smooth hanger
rods 44. The trapeze mount strut 42 is punched and cold formed from
12 gauge T304 stainless steel sheet that is polished to a #4
sanitary finish. The multiple punched holes 46 and slots 48 permit
mounting of strut 42 to ceiling and pipes 22 to strut 42 in
multiple locations. In this embodiment strut 42 is an open
C-channel with legs 47 pointing downward. Conventional trapeze
struts are closed C-channels with hemmed legs that point upward.
Strut 42 has a base of 41 with upper and lower surfaces 43, 45 and
legs 47 extending downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface
at angles 49 of greater than 180.degree. from upper surface 43.
[0027] Assembly 40 is better than conventional strut systems, in
that the legs 47 of trapeze mount strut 42 are open, not hemmed,
and point downward, thus allowing easy inspection, cleaning, and
eliminates the upward facing troughs of conventional trapeze mount
struts that collect and hold contaminants. Conversely, conventional
trapeze mount installations have upward facing channels that trough
to hold falling debris, and wash down water. Their design is so
enclosed as to require disassembly for cleaning in some cases to
achieve an adequate level of sanitation.
[0028] The smooth hanger rods 44 are preferably fabricated from
T304 stainless steel schedule 80 pipe. They are tapped in each end
for 3/8'' national coarse threads, and the outer surface is
polished to a #4 sanitary finish. Conventional trapeze struts are
typically mounted with continuously threaded rod. Trapeze type of
support strut assembly 40 is better than conventional strut
assemblies because the smooth hanger rods 44 are easy to clean,
where as the outer surfaces of the conventional strut's
continuously threaded rods are so convoluted, that they are
extremely difficult to satisfactorily clean. The pipes, conduits
and tube are attached to the trapeze mount strut with the same
stainless steel, minimum thread U-bolts 28 used for wall mount
strut 14. The entire trapeze type of support strut assembly 40 is
typically attached to the ceiling, such as to ceiling member 52,
with L-brackets 50.
[0029] Overall, stainless steel strut assemblies 12, 40 provide a
means by which one can attach pipes, conduits, and tubes to
horizontal and vertical surfaces in a sanitary way. This level of
inspectability and cleanability is not provided by conventional
struts currently on the market.
[0030] FIGS. 11 and 12 are views similar to FIGS. 1 and 3 of a
wall-mounted type of support strut assembly with like references
referring to like elements. FIGS. 13 and 14 are views similar to
FIGS. 6 and 8 of a ceiling-mounted (or other overhead
structure-mounted) trapeze type of support strut assembly with like
reference numerals referring to like elements. In both embodiments
extra holes and slots have been eliminated from struts 12 and 42
with mounting hardware attached only where needed. The primary
advantage from the embodiments of FIGS. 11-14 is the elimination of
unnecessary holes, slots and other voids in struts 14, 42 to
further enhance sanitation. In the wall-mounted type of strut
assembly 12 of FIGS. 11-12, the supporting structure is secured to
the strut 14 by drilling holes in the strut, typically in the field
to obtain precise, proper placement, to accommodate wedge anchors
30 and U-bolts 28. With the trapeze type of strut assembly 40 of
FIGS. 13 and 14, holes are drilled in strut 42 to accommodate
hanger rods 44 and U-bolts 28. The mounting hardware is typically
mounted in the field by drilling holes in the struts or by welding,
or otherwise affixing, the mounting hardware for the tubes, pipes
or other conduits to the struts. Other techniques for affixing the
mounting hardware to the struts, such through the use of metal
strapping or clamps, may also be used. Although the embodiments of
FIGS. 11-14 typically require securing the mounting structure along
the strut in the field, there is a significant enhancement in the
level of sanitation available by eliminating unused holes opening
into the ambient environment. The lack of such unused holes not
only reduces the total surface area of the strut but also
eliminates areas in which dirt, debris and other contaminants can
collect.
[0031] FIGS. 15-21 disclose a still further embodiment of a trapeze
type of support strut assembly designed for both enhanced
cleanliness and seismic stability for the pipes, conduits and tubes
supported by the assembly. Seismically supported trapeze type of
support strut assembly 60 comprises a trapeze type strut 62,
similar to the trapeze type strut 42 of FIGS. 13 and 14, supported
by a stabilized support assembly 64. Assembly 64 comprises an
adapter assembly 66 to which pipes 68, 70 and 72 are threadably
mounted. The distal end 73 of each of pipes 68, 70, 72 are secured
to a an appropriate building support member 75, such as ceiling
member 52 for vertical support pipe 68, using an appropriate
bracket or other hardware.
[0032] The distal end adapter assembly 66 comprises a vertical
adapter 74 and two lateral adapters 76. Vertical adapter 74 has a
main, generally cylindrical body 78 having an open bore 80
therethrough. Open bore 80 has a threaded end 82 adjacent to strut
62 and a pipe threaded end 84. A bolt 85, see FIG. 17, is passed
upwardly through a hole formed in strut 62 and into threaded end 82
to secure vertical adapter 74 to strut 62. Vertical support pipe 68
is secured to pipe thread end 84 and provides the main vertical
support for strut 62.
[0033] Lateral adapters 76 are mounted to laterally extending lugs
86 of vertical adapter 74 by nut and bolt assemblies 88. Assemblies
88 act as pivots to permit lateral support pipes 70, 72 to extend
at appropriate angles from adapter assembly 66. Lateral adapters 76
have pipe threaded openings 90 to which lateral support pipes 70,
72 are mounted. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, each of the lateral
support pipes 70, 72 extends laterally away from adapter assembly
66 at an angle to both the vertical and horizontal. Lateral support
pipes 66, 70, 72 are preferably secured to the building or other
support structure housing the pipes, tubes or conduits and being
supported by strut 62, so that during any seismic event relative
movement between the support structure and strut 62 is reduced or
minimized.
[0034] Other modification and variation can be made to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the subject of the
invention as defined in following claims.
[0035] Any and all patents, patent applications and printed
publications referred to above are incorporated by reference.
* * * * *