Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02663867 2015-07-21
ANTI-ROTATION PIPE LOCATOR AND HOLDER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), of
application serial no.
60/926,546, filed April 27, 2007 =
BACKGROUND
[00021 Pipes adapted to mate with a plumbing fixture such as a sink or the
like typically
extend upwardly between building studs and project laterally from the
building's wall for
connection to the plumbing fixture through fixture inlets such as shut-off
valves. The pipes are
preferably secured in place to prevent axial movement parallel to the pipes,
rotation around the
pipes, vertical movement upwardly and downwardly, and lateral movement
sideways during use.
The pipes are also preferably located a predetermined distance apart from each
other for precise
alignment with fixture inlets that are typically pre-formed in the plumbing
fixtures.
[00031 Traditional methods of securing pipes between studs use complex
hardware such as
bolted elbows, threaded fittings, universal supporting bars, or anti-rotation
inserts placed into
such supporting bars or plumbing straps. As a result, a plumber must
manipulate specialized
fasteners or the like to attach specialized fittings to building studs or
similar structures to hold the
pipes in place. Additionally, many methods involve the use of solder and hot
appliances and
open flames such as torches which introduce extra steps, hazards and
liabilities into the process.
[00041 But these prior art devices can be difficult to install, and may not
adequately restrain
movement along the length of the pipe. Restraining movement along the length
of the pipe can
be problematic because the pipe is typically held adjacent an elbow or 900
bend such as typically
occurs when pipes extend along a wall and then outward to connect to a sink,
tub, shower etc.,
and there is little room between the elbow and the wall within which to fit an
apparatus that
adequately restrains the desired movements of the pipe. There is thus a need
for a method and
apparatus to hold pipes in position while restraining axial movement along the
length of the pipe,
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to restrain lateral movement of the pipe, and to do so in the small space
between the elbow and
the typical wall, and to do so easily, quickly and with minimal additional
preliminary equipment.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] Very briefly described, a plumbing strap is fastened to a building.
A tubular insert is
placed through a hole in a strap with one or more posts on the tubular insert
aligning with cut-
outs in the periphery of the opening to restrict rotation of the tubular
insert relative to the strap.
A flange on one end of the tubular insert abuts the strap to restrict
longitudinal motion of the
tubular insert. Latches on the tubular insert extend through the hole in the
strap to engage the
side of the strap opposite a flange and further restrict longitudinal movement
of the tubular
insert. A collar is placed over the distal end of the tubular insert and a
pipe extends through the
tubular insert and collar. The tubular insert has a base adjacent the flange
and a skirt distal from
the flange. Longitudinal slits in the base and skirt define resilient members
in the base and in the
skirt that extends from about the middle of the tubular insert but in opposing
directions, to
separate the members from the tubular insert so the members can move inward.
The collar
screws onto the tubular insert causing abutting surfaces on the collar and on
the resilient
members to force the resilient members inward to grip the pipe and restrain
longitudinal and
rotational movement of the pipe relative to the tubular insert and strap.
[0006] In more detail, a strap or bracket support structure is provided
that is fastenable to a
building structure. The strap has one or more openings. Typically, plural
openings are provided
that are spaced at preset distances. Each of the strap openings optionally has
a slot or cut-out
extending from an edge of the opening outward from the opening, and preferably
has four such
slots or cut-outs.
[0007] A tubular insert is placed through the opening in the strap or other
support structure
fastened to the building. The tubular insert has a flange that abuts the strap
or structure and a
tubular skirt extending through the hole in the strap along a length of the
pipe held by the tubular
insert. The tubular insert optionally has at least one post or stop, and
preferably has a plurality of
posts that each fit into one of the slots or cut-outs to restrain rotation of
the tubular insert in the
plane of the flange and strap.
[0008] The base and skirt are both tubular and both are generally
perpendicular to the flange.
The flange prevents the tubular insert from passing through the hole in the
strap, while resilient
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portions of the skirt can be moved to hold the pipe, tube or other conduit.
The posts are
generally parallel to the skirt and base, are located radially outward of the
base and preferably do
not extend as far as the skirt.
[0009] The flange abuts the strap to prevent longitudinal movement along
one axis, and
latches are provided that extend through the hole in the strap through which
the tubular insert is
installed in order to engage the opposing side of the strap to restrain
movement in the opposing
axial direction. The latches preferably have a stepped or barbed portion
located to engage the
side of the strap opposite the flange to further restrain the tubular insert
from being removed
from the hole in the strap. The latches are advantageously flexible enough so
the distal end of
each latch bends inward toward the longitudinal axis of the tubular insert as
the latches slide
through the hole in the strap and then extend outward so the stepped or barbed
portion engages
the strap. Manually moving the distal ends of the latches inward disengages
the stepped or
barbed portions and allows removal of the latches and tubular insert from the
strap.
[0010] The skirt is tubular so the pipe fits through the skirt. The skirt
is threaded on its
outside and is also slit along its length (i.e., parallel to the axis of the
pipe) to form a collet
having a plurality of resilient members that can be moved inward toward the
pipe. The resilient
members extend from the skirt toward the distal end of the skirt. A threaded
collar fits over the
distal end of the tubular insert so that it surrounds the slit portion of the
skirt and is movable in
an axial direction to engage the threaded portion of the skirt. A narrowing
diameter or ramp on
the collar squeezes these resilient members in the skirt inward to grip and
hold the pipe as the
threaded collar is tightened on the tubular insert. Unscrewing the collar
allows the slit portions
of the tubular insert to resume their original positions and loosens the
frictional grip on the pipe.
[0011] Further, on the end of the collar closest to the flange and strap,
at least a portion of the
end of the collar is preferably sized to fit inside the various projecting
posts, walls or latches that
extend through the slots or cut-outs. The collar advantageously, but
optionally, has a tapered
portion extending outwardly, preferably as an enlarging conical portion, that
is located to abut
the latches and urge them outward and away from the pipe and into engagement
with the slots in
the strap to further lock the tubular insert to the strap.
[0012] Further, the tubular insert optionally has a tubular base interposed
between the flange
and skirt, with longitudinal slits in the base and alternating circumferential
slots or openings
through the flange in order to form resilient base members that can move
toward the pipe. The
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resilient base members extend from an area near the skirt toward and
preferably slightly beyond
the flange, while the resilient skirt members extend in the opposite direction
away from the
flange. The free ends of the flexible base members optionally have defined
contact areas to abut
the pipe and advantageously those contact areas are located slightly beyond
the flange in order to
provide a wide and stable support for the pipe that extends through the
tubular insert and collar.
Inclined surfaces are placed on one or both of the collar and flexible base
members so that
movement of the collar toward the flange urges the flexible base members
inward toward the
pipe.
[0013] In
use, the tubular insert and collar are slid over the end of a pipe, or at
least the
tubular insert is slid over the end of the pipe. The tubular insert and
optionally the collar are
inserted through the hole in the strap. Once installed around the pipe and
assembled to the distal
end of the tubular insert the collar is tightened so the slit portion of the
skirt grips the pipe and
prevents movement of the pipe along the axis of the pipe and tubular insert
and rotational
movement of the pipe relative to the tubular insert. Optionally, tightening
the collar also causes
the resilient bases members to move inward and grip the pipe at a location
distant from the distal
end of the skirt. Preferably the collar and resilient members have mating
inclined surfaces so
axial movement of the collar causes the inward gripping movement of the
resilient members.
Optionally, tightening the collar also urges the latches outward to further
engage the slots or cut-
outs in the strap. The collar is loosened if the axial position of the pipe
relative to the strap
and/or tubular insert needs adjustment. The tubular insert could be installed
into the opening in
the strap either before or after the pipe is passed through the tubular
insert. The collar could be
assembled to the tubular insert either before or after the pipe is passed
through the tubular insert.
Unscrewing the collar allows the pipe to be released and may allow the collar
to be removed
from the tubular insert. Optionally, the tubular insert and collar may be
assembled during
manufacture so they are installed in the strap as a unit. Further, the collar
can be dimensioned
relative to the tubular insert such that the collar can spin freely on the
tubular insert without the
threads engaging on the tubular insert and collar. Further, cooperating
elements may be
optionally be fashioned on one or both of the tubular insert or collar to make
separation difficult
once they have been assembled. Squeezing the ends of the latches inward allows
the latches to
pass through the hole in the strap so the tubular insert can be removed from
the strap.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments
disclosed herein
will be better understood with respect to the following description and
drawings, in which like
numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0015] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an tubular insert and
collar for
holding a pipe to a strap;
[0016] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective of the parts of Fig. 1 from an
opposing angle;
[0017] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tubular insert and collar in an
assembled
configuration;
[0018] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the parts of Fig. 1 taken along
section 4-4 of Fig. 12 with
the parts fit together and a pipe inserted through them;
[0019] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the tubular insert and collar
of Fig. 1 fastened to
a strap with a pipe held in the tubular insert;
[0020] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the assembly of Fig. 5, but
from an opposing
angle;
[0021] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tubular insert and collar
aligned for insertion in an
opening in a strap;
[0022] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the tubular insert and collar of
Fig. 7 inserted into the
opening of the strap;
[0023] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 8 aligned for
receiving a pipe with
an elbow;
[0024] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the parts of Fig. 9 in an assembled
configuration;
[0025] Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the parts of Fig. 10 but
from an opposing
angle;
[0026] Fig. 12 is an end view of the tubular insert shown in Fig. 1;
[0027] Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken along Section 4-4 of Fig. 12 with
a sectional view of
a collar included; and
[0028] Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along Section 14-14 of Fig. 12.
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,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to Figs. 1-6, and primarily to Figs. 1 and 4, an tubular
insert 20 cooperates
with a collar 22 to fasten pipe 24 to a support member, referred to herein as
strap 26 that is in
turn fastened to a building (not shown). The tubular insert 20 and pipe 24
preferably have a
common longitudinal axis 28 when assembled, with the tubular insert having a
passage 29
configured to allow passage of the pipe 24. The passage 29 is preferably of
the same shape as
the pipe and slightly larger than the pipe. Thus, for a cylindrical pipe 24
the passage 29 is also
preferably cylindrical, but the shape of passageway 29 could be different,
such as square,
hexagonal, octagonal or other multi-sided cross-sectional shapes.
[0030] The tubular insert 20 has a tubular base 31 and a tubular skirt 30
extending along and
encircling the longitudinal axis 28. Flange 32 is connected to the base 31 and
generally
perpendicular to the base 31 and skirt 30. The flange abuts strap 26 during
use. The flange 32 is
shown as a continuous, annular flange, but it need not be continuous and could
comprise a
plurality of outwardly extending segments. As used herein, inward or inner
means toward
longitudinal axis 28 and outward or outer means away from the axis 28. As used
herein,
proximal refers to proximity relative to flange 32, and distal refers to the
location along axis 28
away from flange 32.
[0031] The distal portion of the skirt 30 has slits 34, preferably along
the longitudinal length
of the skirt and opening onto a distal end of the skirt and tubular insert to
form a plurality of
flexible skirt members 38. But optionally, the slits 34 are of different
lengths with the depicted
embodiment showing two long slits 34a opposite each other and two short slits
34b opposite
each other, with the slits 34 being equally spaced around the circumference of
the skirt. The
different length of slits 34 provides for a stronger skirt 30, and also causes
the resilient members
38 to bend more at the distal end than adjacent the flange 32 and base 31. The
different length
slits 34 provide a non-linear bending stiffness of the skirt 30 inward toward
the pipe 24, and that
also provides for a non-uniform bending of the skirt 30.
[0032] Threads 40a are formed on the outer side of the skirt 30 or base 31.
Various thread
configurations can be used. Preferably the threads 40 are configured with a
high pitch so that a
large axial motion results from a small rotation, with the threads also being
configured to have a
large base and large cross-section in order to carry high loads. The threads
are preferably square
topped threads with an aggressive pitch and a single lead. Alternatively, if
it is desirable to
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require less rotational force, then the threads could be low pitch. Various
types of threads can be
used.
[0033] The distal end of the skirt 30 preferably has an outwardly extending
lip 42 that
preferably has a rounded or tapered distal end. A first skirt ramp 44 is
formed on the outer
surface of the skirt 30, preferably between the threads 40a and lip 42. The
first skirt ramp 44
inclines inward toward the longitudinal axis and in the direction of the lip
42. The incline of
ramp 44 is such that a force parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 urges the
flexible skirt member 38
inward toward the longitudinal axis 28.
[0034] At least one, and preferably a plurality of stops 46 extend from the
flange 32
generally parallel to the axis 28, preferably arranged to encircle that axis.
In the depicted
embodiment the stops take the form of posts and thus the stops will be
referred to as posts 46,
although the configuration of the posts can vary. Four posts 46 are shown. The
number of posts
46 can vary, and the posts can be omitted entirely. A curved wall 48 extends
from opposing
sides of the posts 46 and from the flange 32, so the posts can also be viewed
as ribs on the walls.
The walls 48 also preferably encircle the longitudinal axis 28. The walls 48
are optional, but
preferred.
[0035] Extending from the flange 32 and generally parallel to the axis 28,
and located
between two of the posts 46 is a latch 50. The location and configuration of
the latches can vary.
Preferably there are a plurality of latches 50. The latches 50 have an
optional inclined surface or
ramp 52 that is inclined toward the longitudinal axis 28 and toward the distal
end of the latch 50.
The end of the ramp 52 adjacent the flange 32 preferably, but optionally forms
an inward step or
barb 54. The ramp 52 tapers inward from the barb 52 to the distal end of the
ramp which is away
from the flange 32. The latches 50 are preferably equally spaced about the
longitudinal axis 28
and spaced outward from the skirt 30. The latches 50 have an inward facing
surface 56. The
distal end of the latches 50 is preferably, but optionally, rounded. The walls
48, posts 46 and
latches 50 are preferably arranged to encircle the longitudinal axis, and are
spaced outward from
base 31. An annular space is preferably formed between the base 31 and the
walls 48, posts 46
and latches 50 and the space is preferably large enough to receive a proximal
end of the collar
22.
[0036] The collar 22 is preferably tubular and sized to fit over the skirt
30. The collar 22 has
threads 40b located and configured to mate with threads 40a on the tubular
insert 20. Thus, the
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collar threads 40b mate with the threads 40a on the skirt 30 in the depicted
embodiment. The
threads 40a, 40b could be located elsewhere on the tubular insert 20 and
collar 22.
[0037] The collar 22 preferably has an outer surface configured or textured
to facilitate
manual gripping and rotation. There are optionally a plurality of ribs 58
extending parallel to
axis 28 and extending outward from the collar. Preferably not all the ribs 58
are the same size
and the depicted embodiment shows four large ribs 58 equally spaced about the
periphery of the
collar 22, and a number of smaller ribs between the larger ribs. Optionally,
the outer surface
could be configured to engage a tool, such as a square or hexagonal shape to
allow the use of a
wrench.
[0038] The distal end 60 of the collar 22 is the end most distant from the
flange 32 during
use. The distal end of the collar 22 has an opening sized so the lip 42 can
pass through the
opening, especially if the distal end of the lip 42 is rounded, and with the
lip engaging the distal
end of the collar to prevent the collar from disengaging from the tubular
insert 20. This retention
aspect is optional.
[0039] The proximal end of the collar 22 closest to the flange 32 is sized
and configured to
fit inward of the posts 46, walls 48 and latch 50. An inclined wall or
latching ramp 62 is located
adjacent the proximal end on an outer surface of the collar 22. The latching
ramp 62 is located
and oriented so that it abuts the latch 50, preferably the inner face 56, and
urges the latch
outward as the ramp 62 moves along the longitudinal axis 28. Thus, in the
depicted embodiment
the latching ramp 62 is on an outer surface of collar 22 and extends toward
the flange 32 and has
its narrowest portion closer to the flange 32. The latching ramp 62 is
optional.
[0040] A second skirt ramp 64 (Fig. 4, 14) is located on an inward facing
portion of the
collar 22. In the depicted embodiment the second skirt ramp 64 is located
between the end of the
threads 40b and the distal end 60 of the collar. The second skirt ramp 64 is
inclined toward the
longitudinal axis 28 and toward the tubular insert 20. The first and second
ramps 44, 64 are
located to abut each other, and oriented relative to each other so that
longitudinal movement of
the ramps along the longitudinal axis 28 causes the flexible skirt members 38
to move inward
toward the longitudinal axis 28.
[0041] Referring to Fig. 6, the strap 26 is an elongated piece of material,
preferably a thin
strap made of metal or wood or plastic. The strap 26 has at least one hole 66,
and preferably a
plurality of holes 66 of similar configuration. The hole 66 preferably, but
optionally, has at least
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one cut-out or slot 68 extending outward from the edge of the hole but not
extending to the edge
of the strap. Four slots 68 are showing, equally spaced about the
circumference of the hole 66.
The number of slots can vary, but preferably correspond to the number of posts
46, and vice
versa. The holes 66 are preferably spaced apart distances corresponding to the
standard pipe
spacing for attachment to faucets, or other plumbing fixtures. Smaller holes
69 are provided in
the strap 26 to allow fasteners to pass through the strap and fasten it to
studs or other supports in
a building. The strap 26 is preferably, but optionally, long enough to span at
least two building
studs.
[0042] Instead of a
strap, the hole(s) 66 could be made in an L-shaped bracket or a bracket of
other shape as described or shown in U.S: Patent No, 6,158,066 =
Indeed, given the present disclosure one skilled in the art
could modify the connector of that prior patent to contain the features
described in the present
disclosure.
[0043] Referring
further to figures 4-9, the strap 26 is fastened to a building, typically by
passing fastener . 22 is
placed on
the tubular insert 20 and passed through the hole 66 in strap 26 corresponding
to the desired
location of the pipe 24. Alternatively, the strap 26 and/or tubular insert 20
and collar 22 can be
positioned relative to a preexisting pipe location.
[0044] The posts 46
are aligned with the slots 68 to allow passage of the tubular insert
through the hole 66, with the posts passing through the cut-outs or slots 66.
As the tubular insert
20 passes through the hole 66, the flange 32 abuts the strap to limit motion
of the tubular insert
along the longitudinal axis 28. The latches 50 move inward to pass through the
hole 66, and
move outward after the barb 54 passes through the hole so the barb 54 engages
the side of the
strap 26 opposite the flange 32 to restrict motion of the tubular insert along
the axis 28. The
posts 46 engage the cut-outs or slots 68 to restrain rotation of the tubular
insert 20 in the plane of
the strap 26 and about longitudinal axis 28.
[0045] The collar
22 is preferably small enough to fit through the hole 68, but if not, the
collar can be placed on the tubular insert after the tubular insert is passed
through the hole 66 in
the strap 26. The pipe 24 is passed through the tubular insert 20 and collar
22 either after the
tubular insert is fastened to the strap, or before.
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[0046] Referring to Fig. 4, the collar 22 may optionally spin freely around
the skirt before
the threads 40a, 40b engage, preferably with the lip 50 retaining the collar
on the tubular insert.
The collar 22 is urged toward the flange and rotated so the engaging threads
40a, 40b cause the
collar to move along longitudinal axis 28 toward the strap 26 and flange 32.
The first and second
ramps 44, 64 abut each other and force the flexible skirt members 38 inward
against the pipe 24.
Rotation of the collar 22 thus causes the tubular insert 20 to grip the pipe
24 to restrain axial
movement of the pipe along its longitudinal axis 28 and rotational movement of
the pipe 24
relative to tubular insert 20. Loosening or unscrewing the collar 22 moves the
ramps 44, 64
apart and loosens the skirt clamping of the pipe 24 so the pipe 24 can move
along the
longitudinal axis 28 or be rotated relative to the strap or tubular insert.
[0047] Further, as the collar 22 moves toward the flange 32 and strap 26,
the latching collar
62 on the collar abuts the latches 50, preferably the inner wall 56, causing
the latches 50 to bend
outward away from the longitudinal axis 28 and toward the edges of the hole 66
in strap 26. This
effectively expands the interference of the tubular insert 20 within the hole
66 and more firmly
clamps the mating parts together. Preferably, the proximal end of the latches
50 on the flange 32
bend so the barb 54 engages more of the abutting face of the strap 26.
[0048] When the collar 22 is unscrewed and the latching ramp 62 disengaged
from the distal
ends of latches 50, the latches preferably remain engaged with the strap 26.
But the latches 50
preferably form lever springs that are hinged at the flange 32, so the distal
ends of the latches 50
can be manually moved inward toward axis 28 to disengage the barb 54 from the
strap 26 and to
allow the tubular insert to be withdrawn from the hole 66 and strap 26. The
collar 22 may be
removed so that a person's fingers can manually engage the distal ends of the
latches 50 and
move them inward to disengage the latching surfaces from engagement with the
edges of the
holes through the strap 26.
[0049] In use, the collar 22 is placed on the tubular insert 20 until the
lip 42 snaps over the
distal end 60 to releasably hold the parts together, and to allow the collar
to rotate on the tubular
insert 20. Moving the flexible skirt members 38 inward can release the lip 42
from engaging and
restraining collar 22 so the parts can be separated. The assembled tubular
insert 20 and collar 22
are passed through the hole 66 in strap 26 after being aligned so the posts 46
pass through the
mating cut-outs or slots 48. Upon insertion the flange 32 abuts strap 26 to
prevent the tubular
insert from passing through the strap. The walls 48 and the base of the
latches 50 adjacent the
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flange 32 are preferably located to conform to the shape of the hole 66 and to
snugly fit in the
hole to provide a large area of contact between the strap 26 and tubular
insert 20. Thus, in the
depicted embodiment with a generally circular hole 66 the walls 48, latches 50
and posts 46 are
arranged in a circle.
[0050] During insertion the ramped surface 52 on the latches 50 cause the
latches to bend
inward and pass through the hole 66 and the latches 50 then resiliently urge
the engaging
surfaces such as barbs 54 outward to engages the edges of the opening 66 and
the side of the
strap 26 opposite the flange 32 in order to prevent removal of the tubular
insert 20 from the hole
66 and strap 26. The pipe 24 is placed through the tubular insert 20 and
collar 22 before or after
the tubular insert is fastened to the strap 26. The collar 22 can be placed on
the tubular insert 20
before or after the tubular insert is fastened to the strap 26. The ribs 58 on
the collar 22 make it
easy to manually tighten the collar 20 so the ramps 44, 64 abut to move the
flexible skirt
members 38 of skirt 30 inward and thus grip the pipe 24 to restrain axial and
rotational motion of
the pipe. As the collar 22 is rotated and tightened the proximal end of the
collar 22 moves into
the annular space between the base 31 and the encircling posts 46, walls 48
and latches 52 and
which limit movement in one direction along the longitudinal axis and also
limit outward
movement of the perimeter of the proximal end of the collar 22 and provide
support for the collar
to push inward against the resilient members 38, 74. The latching ramp 62 on
the collar abuts
the latches 50 and urges the latches outward against the edges of the hole 66
in strap 26 to further
secure the connection between the tubular insert 20 and strap 26. The end of
the collar 22 placed
between the latches 50 and base 31 prevent the latches from moving inward
toward the
longitudinal axis so that the barbs 54 can disengage from the strap 26. The
collar 22, and
especially the latching ramp 62 thus provides locking means to lock the
latches 50 into
engagement with the strap 26.
[0051] The process can be reversed to release and either adjust or
disassemble the parts. The
collar 22 can be unscrewed to release the latches 50, skirt members 38 and
pipe 24 so the pipe
can be adjustably positioned or removed. After unscrewing the collar 22, the
latches 50 can be
manually moved inward to release the barb 54 from the strap 26 and allow
removal of the tubular
insert 20 from the strap 26. The latches 50 advantageously securely engage the
sides of the hole
66 so that manual force is required to move the latches inward and disengage
the barb 54 from
the strap 26. Preferably, but optionally, the latches 50 may be prevented by
the proximity of the
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latching rim 62 from moving inward to disengage the barb 54 from the strap 26
unless the pipe
24 is removed. After the pipe 24 is removed, then the flexible skirt members
38 can be manually
moved inward to remove the collar from the tubular insert.
[0052] Referring to Figs. 4 and 12-14, the tubular insert 20 can be further
improved to
increase the clamping of the pipe 24. The base 31 is segmented by a plurality
of slits 70 that
extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 with a distal end of the slits
terminating in the distal
end of base 31, adjacent threads 40a and the proximal end extending through
the flange 32. An
intermittent, circumferential slot 72 extends between two adjacent slits 70 to
separate the outside
of parts of the base 31 from the flange 32. The slits 70 and slots 72 form
rectangular-shaped,
elongated base members 74 which are inwardly movable adjacent the flange 32
and connected to
the distal end of base 31 toward the threads 40a. The circumferential slot 72
is intermittent so
that the flexible base members 74 alternate with segments where the base and
flange are uncut
and continuous in order to provide sufficient structural support to the base
31 and skirt 30. Thus,
flexible base members 74 alternate with integrally joined portions of the base
31 and flange 32.
[0053] One or more base ramps 76 are located on the outer side of the
flexible base members
74. The portion of the base ramps 76 adjacent the flange 32 are further from
the longitudinal
axis, and the ramp tapers toward the distal end of the base 31 and toward the
longitudinal axis
28.
[0054] Referring additionally to Fig. 2, the slots 72 in the flange 32
preferably encircle any
portion of the flexible base member 74 that extends through or beyond the
flange 32 in order to
allow movement of the members 74. Thus, when the flexible base members 74
extend through
the flange, the slot 74 is more accurately described as an opening shaped to
conform to the shape
of the adjacent portion of the member 74 and further shaped to allow movement
of that member
74. For this reason, the slot 72 will be referred to hereinafter as
slot/opening 72 or opening 72
[0055] As the proximal end of the collar 22 is forced into the space
between the base 31 and
the structural ring formed by the posts 46, walls 48 and latches 50, the
collar will abut base
ramps 76 and force the base members 74 inward against the pipe 24. The base
members 74 thus
further grip the pipe 24 and further restrain axial and rotational movement.
Preferably the
proximal end of the collar 22 is slightly tapered to provide an inclined
surface or ramp 80 (Fig. 2,
14) to abut the base ramps 76. But various shapes could be used on these
abutting parts to cause
the inward movement that grips the pipe, and the location of the abutting
parts could be changed.
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CA 02663867 2009-04-23
[0056] The
proximal end of the flexible base members 74 optionally have a contact pad 78
extending inward in order to define a more discrete contact area with the pipe
24 during use.
Further, the proximal ends of the flexible base members 74 are shown as
extending beyond the
plane of the flange 32. During use, drywall abuts the flange 32 and the
proximal ends of
members 74 that extend beyond the flange 32 advantageously do not extend so
far that they
exceed the thickness of the drywall. The drywall thickness varies from about
.5 to .75 inches, so
the protrusion of the ends of members 74 is preferably less than that. The
hole in the drywall to
accommodate pipe 26 is typically large enough so the drywall does not hit the
ends of the
members 74.
[0057] The
protrusion beyond the flange 32 allows the contact pad 78 to be positioned
further away from the flexible skirt members 38 in order to provide a wider
base of support for
the pipe 24 and thus a more stable support. As seen in Figs. 9-11, in use,
there is often an elbow
adjacent the distal end of the tubular insert 20 and collar 22 and the elbow
radius combined with
the limited depth inside the building wall limits the allowable length of the
parts and thus limits
the distance between the contact pad 78 and the contact with the flexible
skirt members 38.
Extending the contact pads 78 beyond the flange 32 helps lengthen the support
base for the pipe
and provide a more sturdy support.
[0058] The
distal end of the base 31 and the proximal end of the skirt 30 thus form a
support
structure for flexible skirt members 38 and flexible base members 74, with the
flexible base
members 74 extending toward the flange 32 and the flexible skirt members 34
extending away
from the flange, but both flexing inward toward the pipe 24 and axis 28 to
grip the pipe ¨ albeit
at spaced apart locations. Indeed, preferably the skirt members 34 contact the
pipe on one side
of the flange 32 (and distant therefrom) while the base members 74 contact the
pipe at the flange
or on the side of the flange opposite the location of the skirt members 34.
The flexible skirt
members 34 could be used without the flexible base members 74. The flexible
base members 74
could be used without the flexible skirt members 38. Preferably both are used
and are spaced as
far apart as practical in order to provide a broader support and more
stability to the pipe 24.
Further, the angular relationship of the flexible base member 74 and flexible
skirt members 38
could vary from that illustrated.
[0059] The
tubular insert 22 thus has flexible skirt members 38 and flexible base members
74, extending in opposing directions parallel to the longitudinal axis 28,
with the skirt members
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CA 02663867 2009-04-23
38 and base members 74 releasably forced into varying degrees of engagement
with the pipe by
controlled movement of the collar 22. The location and angles of inclination
of the abutting
surfaces on the flexible skirt and base members 38, 74 and the collar 22 are
selected so the parts
engage the pipe substantially at the same time.
[0060] The flexible skirt and base members 38, 74 are typically curved
segments because the
base and tubular insert are curved, but they need not be curved, and the parts
that abut the pipe
24 can be of any desired configuration. Preferably though, the abutting
portions are configured
to have the same shape as the surface of the pipe which they abut. Thus, the
contact pad 78 has
the general shape of a portion of a recessed, elongated cylinder.
[0061] The tubular insert 20 and collar 22 are each preferably integrally
molded of polymer,
preferably of polymers including Nylon or polypropylene, with or without
reinforcing
components. Figures showing the flange 32 (e.g., 3 and 12) show four generally
rectangular
slots spaced below and outward of the latches and these slots allow a molding
portion to be
inserted through the slot to form the step or barb 54.
[0062] The skirt 30 and one or both of the inclined ramps 44, 64 thus
provide means for
gripping the pipe and restraining axial and rotational movement of the pipe 24
along its axis 28.
These means may also include the base members 74 and associated abutting
surfaces such as
ramp 76 and 80. Note that one or both of the paired ramps 44, 64 or 76 and 80
need not be
inclined as other mating shapes could be used to move the flexible skirt
members 38 inward,
such as a ramp on one part and a square or rounded corner moving parallel to
axis 28 on the
other part, or a stop hitting a lever or raised projection on the flexible
member 38, 74. But a
good mechanical advantage is achieved if both ramps 44, 64 and both ramps 76,
80 are inclined.
[0063] The latching ramp 62 and latches 50 provide means for releasably
locking the tubular
insert to the strap, preferably by moving the latches 50 outward. The latches
50 could take
various forms, with the leaf spring being configured, and with the barb 54
being optional.
[0064] The posts 46 cooperate with the cut-outs or slots 68 to provide
means for restraining
rotation of the tubular insert 20 in the plane of the hole 66 and strap 26.
While generally
rectangular slots 68 extending radially outward from axis 28, and
correspondingly shaped posts
46 are shown, the shapes of these parts can vary ¨ but are preferably shaped
to mate snugly.
Posts 46 with circular or curved peripheries mating with curved cut-outs 68
are also believed
preferable.
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CA 02663867 2009-04-23
[0065] The
above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the
above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are
within the scope and spirit
of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of locating the
mating surfaces. Thus,
for example, the ramping surfaces 44, 64, 76, 80 could be located elsewhere,
although the ramps
are preferably located near or at opposing ends of tubular insert 20. The
walls 48, posts 46 and
latches 50 are arranged in a circle to mate with circular hole 66, but other
shapes could be used,
for example, a square or rectangular hole and square or rectangularly arranged
insert. Further,
the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or
in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the
specific combination
described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the
illustrated
embodiments.
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