MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM

SYSTEME DE SUPPORT DE CONDUIT MODULAIRE

English Abstract

The invention is a singular or modular support system for use with and for the
support of flexible, semi
flexible or ridged conduit, pipe, or similar, herein referred to as conduit
which is comprised of one or
more sections or "support blocks" that complete the underlying framework for
conduits and the means
in which they are supported and guided throughout the entire conduit system.
The invention is a
support "Single Block", "Double Block", "90 Block" and "T Block" in which
comprises individual, duel, or
triple supports made of a rubberized or similar material in which the support
and conduit hanger are
one in the same. The invention provides anti-galvanic self-supporting means
for conduits where
placement, installation or attachment is desired on such areas as roof
surfaces, floors, equipment or any
other building construction. The invention requires no attachment to building
structures; however
means of adhering the supports or fastening is accounted for in the design.
The invention also provides
support when ground surface support is needed outside of a building structure.
The invention is
component based providing support where needed as required by mechanical
drawings, building,
plumbing, gas, hvac, mechanical and electrical codes. The invention is without
prejudice to size or the
number of conduits that require support and will provide support at key areas
for conduits as a whole
system, including electrical wiring. The invention will not only provide
support for long conduit runs
where determined by load bearing factors, codes, standards, building
designers, trades persons etcetera
but also provide support where joining is required at locations in where
change of direction occurs or
attachment points within the conduit system are presented. Such examples of
this are 90 degree turns,
tee fittings, couplings, valves, junction boxes or any place the conduit
system needs support. The
invention as described herein and depicted in drawings may use singular which
does not exclude plural
(and vice versa) when the sense allows.

Claims

MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM
l Claim;

1. A conduit support for use with and to guide, support, anchor, or secure
flexible,
semi flexible or ridged conduit, pipe, electrical wiring or similar, herein
referred to
as conduit which has allowance for conduit expansion and contraction movement
of a conduit and conduit support respectively; where installation is possible
at
such locations as roof areas, floors, machinery, footings and pads or similar
for
installation either exterior or interior of a building envelope; where a
conduit may
be supported at one or at more than one location on one conduit support which
may be formed with a lowered area or lowered areas.
2. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, wherein a conduit cradle or
holding
area for a conduit is recessed within the conduit support and formed as one
where a conduit may be placed within the conduit support where the conduit top

does not protrude or extend higher than the conduit support but may extend
above the conduit support if so required.
3. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which a cover
can be
provided that is either slid into an opening or clipped over an opening or
over and
under an opening.
4. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which a
drainage hole
for moisture or liquid can be provided in the conduit cradle or holding area
and
where the base of the support in some aspects is raised at strategic locations
to
allow water or similar or air to pass through the support.
5. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, in which accommodation can be
provided in the form of an inverted v or u shape or similar shaped indentation
or
void within the base of the conduit support to allow for installation on
irregular
shaped surfaces or drainage or air movement through the conduit support.


6. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the conduit support
can be
used for direct placement on the earth or ground areas.
7. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, which is made of nonconductive

materials which may be elastomeric, polymeric or similar rubber or plastic
which
may be of recycled materials.
8. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, wherein the support does not
require
to be attached to another structure such a floor, roof, truss, beam, or any
building
structure, the support can be free floating providing support as underlying
framework for conduits.
9. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, wherein allowances may be
provided
for conventional pipe or conduit clipping or attachment methods above or on
the
conduit support where by proper installation of such will not cause galvanic
actions created from dissimilar metals.
10. The conduit support as set forth in claim 1, where reflectiveness or
lighting can
be provided by means of solar, stored energy, or self-reflective material
which
may be placed where so desired on the conduit support including the lowered
inspection area as set forth in Claim 13 and testing area as set forth in
Claim 14
or covers as set forth in Claim 3 above the conduit cradle.
11.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which structural attachment
points
are incorporated within the conduit support or lowered area as set forth in
Claim
13 and Claim 14.
12. The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which
accommodation
is given for the coefficient of expansion and contraction of the conduits
supported
and the conduit support itself.


13.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22,
wherein inspection is possible for a conduit, component, or joint supported by
the
conduit support in a lowered area formed or molded as part of the conduit
support.
14.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22,
wherein leak testing is possible for a conduit, component or joint supported
by
the conduit support in a lowered area formed or molded as part of the conduit
support.
15.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, where the use of conventional
tools
for installation of the conduit to the conduit support or the conduit support
to the
conduit may not be required.
16.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which no discrimination to
the
numbers of conduits that can be supported nor is discrimination given to the
size
or circumference of conduit.
17.A conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22,
that
elevates conduits and components from surfaces which may reduce sound,
vibrations, heat or energy transfer.
18.A conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22,
which
may have one or more than one conduit cradle, insert slot, insert opening,
attachment area, lowered area, weep hole or conduit attachment point.
19.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "Single
Block"
or support that is interchangeable to suit any conduit support location.
20.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "Double
Block"
or conduit support that accommodates in a single conduit support means to
provide close proximity support for joints, couplings, T fittings, valves,
regulators,
unions, junction boxes or other related mechanical components wherein support


is provided at two locations for a conduit within or on one conduit support at

opposing ends of the conduit support providing an inspection area as set forth
in
Claim 13 and a testing area as set forth in Claim 14.
21.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "90
Block" or
support that accommodates in a single conduit support means to provide close
proximity support for components and joints wherein support is provided at two

locations for a conduit within one or on one conduit support where a change in

direction such as a 90 degree turn appears providing an inspection area as set

forth in Claim 13 and a testing area as set forth in Claim 14.
22.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, in which comprises a "T Block"
or
support that accommodates in a single conduit support means to provide close
proximity support for components and joints wherein support is provided for
multiple changes of direction in a conduit providing support for perpendicular

changes in direction while accommodating the support for the conduit to remain

in the original path of travel providing conduit support at three locations
providing
an inspection area as set forth in Claim 13 and a testing area as set forth in

Claim 14.
23.The conduit support as set forth in Claim 1, which is shaped to perform
functions
which can be in any pattern or shape or size to perform those support
functions
as set forth in Claim 19, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22, Claim 24 and Claim 25
having upper conduit support areas and lowered inspection and testing or
similar
lowered areas as set forth in Claims 13 and 14.
24.A support area as set forth in Claim 2 formed in a conduit support as set
forth in
Claim 1, Claim 19, Claim 20, Claim 21, Claim 22 where the entry to the conduit

cradle or holding area may be void of materials in part or in full above the
conduit
cradle or holding area in where the conduit holding area is shaped and sized
to
allow for expansion and contraction of the conduit and or the conduit support
or
both.


25.A method of conduit support where conduit support is provided at one or
more
than one location within or on or by one conduit support where lowered areas
may be formed within or on one conduit support which may provide testing and
inspection areas or similar and which may provide or give means or access to
view, work, test, operate, adjust, repair, clean or similar to these for
components
of a conduit or those attachment points or joints such as welds, threads,
sockets,
flanges, bolts or similar.
26.A method of conduit component protection and support with "close proximity
conduit support" provided by one conduit support where components of a conduit

system are visible, accessible and fully supported on all sides of the
component
which may be used within a conduit system such as;
a) joints
b) valves
c) regulators
d) strainers
e) couplings
f) elbows
g) t fittings
h) unions
i) flanges
j) junction boxes
k) disconnects
l) meters
m) or any "fitting", "attachment" or similar to the above.

Description

MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
The background of the invention is an organized group of self-supporting
supports "Single Block",
"Double Block", "90 Block" and "T Block" that integrate a means of securing,
supporting and guiding
conduits and wire systems regardless of size or numbers; The described
invention provides support not
only to the conduits but also where critical support to the components such as
couplings, 90 degree
elbows, T fittings, valves, regulators, unions, junction box's other related
or associated mechanical
components herein referred to as component, or any such places that protection
or support needs to be
provide from load bearing forces external to or from the conduits themselves.
Such systems which are,
but not limited to electrical, gas, plumbing, air conditioning. By supporting
conduit ends where
components are attached the invention creates a total system of support. Prior
art Brown 9,523,380
means of support is only for a pipe and not the complete system in which only
a single support is used
and placed at locations randomly or not placed in critical areas such as
joints or changes of direction
leaving one or more attachment points unprotected, unsupported or incorrectly
installed. This invention
complete with the "Double Block, "90 Block" and "T Block" are placed on all
sides of a component
providing support at both or all sides of associated components held within a
conduit system, in turn not
only providing full support of the conduit system but also the associated
components within a single
block or support. National codes make reference to supporting ends of threaded
piping and providing
correctly mounted, braced and supported conduits. This invention solves
support as per National Codes
while enabling those installing conduits and supports to do so more
efficiently and safely with proper
planning provided within this invention. This invention itself requires no
tools for installation purposes
making it easier to install, less time consuming, more cost effective and more
favorable for installation
personnel and owners. If so desired, the invention will also allow for direct
placement on structures
including ground placement without structural attachment; however, these
attachment points are
additionally built into the support but unlike prior art supports the
invention described herein allows for
expansion and contraction while providing a fixed means to structures; this is
important for areas in
which conduits are exposed to varying temperatures. The coefficient of
expansion for conduits can
sufficiently increase the risk of damages not only to structures but also to a
conduit. National Codes site
this as a problem and make reference to allowing for expansion; the invention
herein satisfies the
coefficient of expansion in conduit systems. The invention has no complicated
parts such as clamps,
bolts, nuts, rods, screws or other conventional means. The invention as
described is an all in one support
and hanger system complete with component inspection, and testing areas built
into each support
without complicated parts that need attachment while providing and solving
code and installation,
testing, inspection frustrations. The invention will not be subject to
maintenance or fatigue, wear or
other complications with complex bolts, nuts, screws, strapping and also will
not rust or seize providing
longevity to not only the support itself but more critically to the conduit.
Current support systems have
metal parts or trap water which when in contact with conduits cause points of
wear and potential
dialectic reactions between dissimilar metals posing potential dangerous
situations; National codes
make reference to such wear; this invention maintains and satisfies such
national code requirements by
which the supports are nonmetallic molded rubber blocks. Another area of
invention within the current
invention is in the support itself wherein the support can be either lighted
by stored energy power or
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reflective material solving visual indication of a conduit when visibility is
impaired thus reducing
damages from impact to a conduit or potential hazards with trips and falls by
workers. National codes
prohibit the use of accessory's and components or materials wherein a hazard
is created; this invention
solves the complicated no tools means of attachment, hazard of wear, support
of components,
expansion, inspection, testing and visibility. While Previous prior art
backgrounds describe providing
protection to roof surfaces or providing slope for piping this invention
solves such conditions as conduit
fatigue due to dielectric action and wear; providing support to all aspects of
conduit systems as a whole
by providing weakest link protection in component support by the invention of
"Double Block, "90
Block" and "T Block" while incorporating inspection and testing areas this
invention is not only a conduit
support but a managed system of support; an invention focused on conforming to
Codes, Standards and
good engineering practices by eliminating the hazard.
SFDP/MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM/BACKGROUND
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CA 2980386 2017-09-27

MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 (a-c) Single Block
The drawings begin with figure 1(a)(b)(c)(d) wherein the invention 1 can be
better explained showing a
"single block" 1 which can be placed on a structure or ground area 8 shown in
figure 1(c) where a
conduit 6 shown in figure lb is placed through the insert opening 3 shown in
figures 1(a)(b)(c) resting
inside the conduit cradle 2 shown in figures 1(a)(b)(c) where allowance has
been made for drainage in
14 a weep hole. Once the conduit 6 is inserted through the conduit insert
opening 3 the cover plate 5 or
cover clip 11 can be slid into or on the cover slid insert slot 4. Structure
attachment areas 12 shown in 1
(a)(b)(c) and adhesion areas 13 (shaded) in figure id around hollow areas 15
shown in figure id can be
used when so desired by the installer. Mechanical attachments 16 shown in
figure 1(a)(b)(c) such as
threaded rod, bolts, etc are used for placement of channel, extensions, clips
or other where the user so
desires or if so required by building or jurisdictional requirements.
Conventional attachment areas 16 of
figure 1(a)(b)(c) are shown where galvanic action has no consequence when
correctly installed. The
following drawings Figure 2 (a-c), Figure 3 (a, b), Figure 4 (a, b), Figure 5
(a, b) and figure 6 are numbered
the same with the same sequence of events for conduit support, attachment and
installation
throughout all the figures, the numbering is similar throughout.
Figure 2 (a-c) Single Block
Figure 2 (a), (b) and (c) show the single conduit support "Single Block"
invention 1 with multiple conduit
6 insert openings 3 and conduit cradles 2; this figure is similar to Figure 1
with the differences being no
discrimination to numbers is given pictorially. The invention can include any
numbers of conduits 6 as
shown in 9 which represents a continuation of conduit cradles 2, insert
openings 3, cover slide slots 4
and cover plate 5, cover clip 11 attachment areas 16, structural attachments
points 12, drain holes 13
Figure 3 (a, b) Double Block
Figure 3(a)(b) shows a "Double Block" support invention 1a where structural
attachments 12 are
provided as similar throughout all. Support la supports components 7 where
conduit 6 is supported at
two locations at both sides in two cradles 2 where the component 7 is in the
middle of opposing cradles
2 providing support for both the conduit 6 and component 7 where allowance is
made for inspection in
recessed area 10 to which inspection area 18 is possible wherein 9 represents
no discrimination to the
numbers of conduit cradles 2, insert openings 3, cover slide slots 4,
attachment areas 16, structural
attachment points 12 and cover plate 5 or cover clip 11.
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Figure 4 (a, b) 90 Block
Figure 4(a)(b) shows the invention lb "90 Block" supporting a conduit 6 in
which there is a change of
direction of the conduit 6 where the component 7 is supported by cradles 2 at
each directional change
providing support for conduit 6 and component 7 to which no discrimination is
given to the number of
conduit cradles 2, insert openings 3, cover slide slots 4 and cover plate 5,
cover clips 11 in area 9 or
lower shaded areas 10 allow for inspection area 18, attachment points for
structural attachment area
provided in 12 and conventional attachment points in 16 all can be repeated in
a mirror like manner.
Figure 5 (a, b) T Block
Figure 5 invention lc "T Block" shows a change of direction for conduit 6
while still allowing a
continuation in the same original directional path for the conduit 6, the
change of direction is exhibited
as 6(a) where the conduit 6 (a) is perpendicular to conduit 6. This invention
lc provides support at three
locations supporting a component 7 and conduits 6 and 6(a). Lower shaded areas
10 allows for
inspection area 18 and 12 allows for structural attachment to surfaces 8.
Conventional attachment
points are in 16.
Figure 6 System Run
Figure 6 can be explained as multiple conduit system showing the use of
singular and multiple
inventions in which the conduits are secured and supported through the
inventions without or with
attachment to the structure. First 6 (a) 6 (b) conduit runs are being
supported by support blocks 1, 1 (a),
1(b) wherein 1 is a "Single Block" that has more than one conduit cradle 2 of
figure 2 which supports the
conduit 6(a)(b) which has no fittings, joints, couplings, valves, regulators
or other mechanical
components which are herein referred to as components 7. Conduit 6(a) and 6(b)
are next supported by
1(a) which is a "Double Block" for accessories 7 to where the conduit
continues until the turn at support
1(b) the multiple "90 Block" to where after the change in direction conduits
6(a) and 6(b) are again
supported by invention 1. The singular conduit run 6(c) continues to invention
1 a "Single Block"
wherein no accessory 7 is being supported, the invention is supporting the
conduit only. From support 1
the conduit continues to invention 1(c) a "T Block" wherein the conduit needs
support for three sides.
The conduit continues in the same directional path at the same time continues
perpendicular to 6(c)
creating another conduit path 6(d). This change in direction of the conduit
6(c) can now be supported at
the junction of all changes in direction. Conduit 6(d) continues to inventions
1. Conduit 6(c) continues to
invention 1 (a) in which a component 7 is being supported on both sides by the
"Double Block". The
conduit 6(c) continues to another 1(a) invention where the component 7 is also
being supported on
both side. From invention 1(a) the conduit continues to invention 1(c) as
previously described as a "T
Block" to where the conduit splits and changes direction twice, one-way
conduit 6(e) continues to
invention 1 and the other direction conduit 6 (f) continues to invention 1(b)
where the invention
supports a singular change of direction at the "90 Block" where the system
continues to invention 1.
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SFDP/MODULAR CONDUIT SUPPORT SYSTEM/DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
CA 2980386 2017-09-27

Representative Drawing