Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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PIPE HANGER SYSTEM WITH SLIPARLE PIPE CONNECTION MEMBER
[0001]
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to hangers for supporting pipes between building
members, such as wall studs, and in particular to a pipe hanger system having
a pair of
flexible brackets which extend between the building members and a pipe
connection
member which is selectively slidable along the brackets and then securable in
position
relative to the brackets.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Stub-outs for faucets, showerheads, and the like are typically
supported
between wall studs by a plumbing support bracket. For example, U.S. Patent No.
4,550,451 to Hubbard discloses a simple bracket having pipe receiving openings
spaced
along its entire length. The bracket is attachable to the outer edges of
adjacent studs by
inserting fasteners such as nails or screws through fastener openings located
intermediate
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the pipe receiving openings. The pipe for the stub-out is typically soldered
to the bracket
in order to fix it in position.
[0004] Plumbing support brackets of this type have several shortcomings.
Firstly, the brackets can be difficult to position in such a manner that the
pipe is in the
exact location desired. No matter how many pipe openings are provided, the
position of
the pipe is not universally adjustable. If the bracket is fastened to the
studs and no pipe
opening is in the desired position, the bracket must be taken down and
relocated. Even
then, there is no guarantee that the pipe can be properly positioned. Also,
soldering the
pipes to the bracket is labor intensive and can result in failure of the pipe.
In order to
allow pipes to be soldered to the brackets, prior art support brackets have
been coated
with copper oxide after fabrication, a process which produces a very thin
layer of copper
which can easily burn off during soldering, thereby exposing the steel and
creating the
potential for galvanic action with the pipes, which can cause leaks.
[0005] U.S. Patent No. 5,469,882 discloses a valve fixture which includes a
valve mounting plate slidably moveable along a pair of mounting straps
extending
between adjacent wall studs. The straps have relatively wide faces and
relatively thin
edges. The straps are nailed to the outer edges of the studs so that faces of
the of the
straps lie generally in the same plane. A valve, such as a shut-off valve for
a faucet or
commode is mounted on the valve mounting plate and connected to a water supply
line.
The valve mounting plate may be moved along the straps in order to position
the valve
into any desired location between the studs.
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[0006] The fixture disclosed by the '882 patent provides universal adjustment
of
the location of the valve, but has a problem with lack of rigidity of the
fixture. Because
the straps are relatively thin and generally coplanar, they provide little
resistance to
flexion in a direction perpendicular to the wall, allowing for in and out
movement of the
valve and its associated supply pipe.
[0007] What is needed is a system for mounting a pipe which provides rigidity
and universal adjustability of the pipe position, plus the ability to fix the
pipe in position
without soldering.
Summary of the Invention
[0008] An aspect of the present invention comprises a hanger system for
suspending a
pipe between adjacent first and second building members. The system includes a
pair of
brackets and a pipe connection member selectively slidable along the brackets.
The
brackets are oriented with their wide dimensions lying in generally parallel
planes lying
perpendicular to the plane of the wall. In this orientation, the brackets
provide excellent
rigidity.
[0009] The brackets may each include an elongate leg and a foot extending
outwardly from the leg at a first end thereof. The leg of each bracket is
preferably longer
than the distance between the building members. The feet of the brackets are
first
fastened to an inside surface of the first building member, which is typically
a vertically
extending wall stud or the like. The. brackets are typically positioned with
one above the
3
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,
,
other such that the brackets may be referred to as upper and lower brackets.
The pipe
connection member can then be slid onto the brackets and into the desired
position. The
pipe connection member is then fixed to the brackets in the desired position
using one of
several disclosed fixing means. The leg of the upper bracket is then bent
upwardly and
secured to the inside surface of the second building member. The leg of the
lower bracket
is similarly bent in a downward direction and secured to the inside surface of
the second
building member. The bending of the legs serves to add rigidity to the
installation.
[0010] Alternatively, the brackets may each include a center section of a
length
selected to fit between adjacent building members on standard spacing and a
pair of
mounting tabs positioned on opposite ends of the center section. Inward of
each
mounting tab, the center section preferably includes a respective transverse
leg which acts
to offset the center section rearwardly from the mounting tabs. Inward of each
transverse
leg the center section further includes a respective ninety degree twist. The
twists rotate
the mounting portion such that it lies in a plane substantially perpendicular
to a plane
defined by the mounting tabs.
[0011] The pipe connection member includes pipe support means for supporting
a pipe in an orientation extending generally parallel to the planes defined by
the legs of
the two brackets. The pipe connection member also includes means for fastening
the pipe
to the pipe connection member. For example, the pipe connection member may
include
front and rear clamping members positioned on opposite sides of the brackets,
each of the
clamping members including a respective pipe receiving opening sized to
receive and
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support the pipe. The clamping members may be interconnected by at least one
threaded
fastener adapted for drawing said front and rear clamping members toward one
another and
against the brackets to fix the pipe connection member in position.
[0012] In one embodiment, an elastomeric ferrule is captured between the front
and rear clamping members and concentric with the pipe receiving openings. In
another
embodiment, a collet formed integrally with one of the clamping members
replaces the
ferrule. In either of these embodiments, when the clamping members are drawn
toward one
another, the ferrule or collet is compressed against the pipe to fasten it to
the pipe connection
member. Other embodiments of the pipe connection member are also disclosed.
[0012a] According to another embodiment, there is provided a pipe connection
member for connecting a pipe to a pair of parallel brackets, comprising: a) a
front clamping
member and a rear clamping member, each of said clamping members having
respective inner
and outer sides and a respective pipe receiving opening extending through the
respective
clamping member from said inner side to said outer side, said inner sides of
said front and rear
clamping members cooperating to form a pair of parallel channels, each said
channel sized to
receive a portion of a respective one of the brackets in the pair of parallel
brackets when said
front and rear clamping members are positioned on opposite sides of the
brackets; and b) at
least one fastener interconnecting said front and rear clamping members for
drawing said
inner sides of said front and rear clamping members toward one another and
against the
brackets to fix the position of said pipe connection member relative to the
brackets; c) one of
said clamping members further including a collet having fingers integrally
formed thereon and
extending outwardly therefrom concentric with the respective pipe receiving
opening and the
other of said clamping members including a countersink sized and positioned to
receive distal
ends of said fingers such that as said clamping members are drawn toward one
another said
fingers are compressed against a pipe extending through the pipe receiving
openings to fasten
the pipe to the pipe connection member.
[0012b] According to another embodiment, there is provided a pipe connection
member for connecting a pipe to a pair of parallel brackets, comprising: a) a
front clamping
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member and a rear clamping member, each of said clamping members having
respective inner
and outer sides and a respective pipe receiving opening extending through the
respective
clamping member from said inner side to said outer side, one of said clamping
members
having a pair of grooves formed in its inner side, said grooves cooperating
with the inner side
of the other of said clamping members to form a pair of parallel channels,
each said channel
sized to receive a respective portion of one of the brackets in the pair of
parallel brackets
when said front and rear clamping members are positioned on opposite sides of
the brackets;
and b) at least one fastener interconnecting said front and rear clamping
members for drawing
said inner sides of said front and rear clamping members toward one another
and against the
brackets to fix the position of said pipe connection member relative to the
brackets; c) one of
said clamping members further including a collet having fingers integrally
formed thereon and
extending outwardly therefrom concentric with the respective pipe receiving
opening and the
other of said clamping members including a countersink sized and positioned to
receive distal
ends of said fingers such that as said clamping members are drawn toward one
another said
fingers are compressed against a pipe extending through the pipe receiving
openings to fasten
the pipe to the pipe connection member.
[0012c] According to another embodiment, there is provided a pipe connection
member for connecting a pipe to a pair of parallel brackets, comprising: a) a
front clamping
member and a rear clamping member, each of said clamping members having
respective inner
and outer sides and a respective pipe receiving opening extending through the
respective
clamping member from said inner side to said outer side, each of said clamping
members
having a groove formed in its inner side, said grooves each cooperating with
the inner side of
the other of said clamping members to form a pair of parallel channels, each
said channel
sized to receive a respective portion of one of the brackets in the pair of
parallel brackets
when said front and rear clamping members are positioned on opposite sides of
the brackets;
and b) at least one fastener interconnecting said front and rear clamping
members for drawing
said inner sides of said front and rear clamping members toward one another
and against the
brackets to fix the position of said pipe connection member relative to the
brackets; c) one of
said clamping members further including a collet having fingers integrally
formed thereon and
extending outwardly therefrom concentric with the respective pipe receiving
opening and the
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other of said clamping members including a countersink sized and positioned to
receive distal
ends of said fingers such that as said clamping members are drawn toward one
another said
fingers are compressed against a pipe extending through the pipe receiving
openings to fasten
the pipe to the pipe connection member.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a pipe hanger system according to
the present invention installed between a pair of building members.
[0014] Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the system of Fig.1 showing the
system partially installed.
[0015] Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the partially installed system of Fig. 2.
[0016] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the system taken generally along
line 4-4 in Fig. 1.
[0017] Fig. 5 is a view similar to that of Fig. 4 showing a modified version
of
the pipe connection member of Figs 1-4.
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[0018] Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a first alternative embodiment of
the
pipe connection member.
[0019] Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of the pipe connection member of
Fig.
6.
[0020] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the
pipe connection member.
[0021] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the
pipe
connection member.
[0022] Fig. 10 a perspective view of the pipe connection member of Fig. 9 with
a portion of the front clamping member thereof broken away.
[0023] Fig. 11 is cross-sectional view of the pipe connection member of Figs.
9
and 10 taken generally along line 11-11 in Fig. 9
[0024] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of the
pipe connection member.
[0025] Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the pipe connection member of
Fig.
12.
[0026] Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of the pipe hanger system installed
between a pair of building members and showing a fifth alternative embodiment
of the
pipe connection member.
[0027] Fig. 15 is a front elevational view of the pipe connection member of
Fig.
14.
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[0028] Fig. 16 is a side elevational view of the pipe connection member of
Figs
14-15.
[0029] Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of a sixth alternative embodiment of
the pipe connection member.
[0030] Fig. 18 is a front elevational view of the pipe connection member of
Fig.
17 showing a locking wedge thereof partially installed.
[0031] Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 18 showing the locking wedge fully
installed.
[0032] Fig. 20 is a top plan view of the pipe connection member of Figs. 17-
19.
[0033] Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a pipe hanger system according to
the present invention installed between a pair of building members, wherein
the system
includes an alternative embodiment of the brackets.
[0034] Fig. 22 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of one of the brackets
of
Fig. 21.
[0035] Fig. 23 is a fragmentary, top plan view of one of the brackets of Fig.
21.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0036] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are
merely
exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as
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limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis
for teaching one
skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately
detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include
exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects
and
features thereof.
[0037] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for
convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, the words
"upwardly," "downwardly," "rightwardly," and "leftwardly" will refer to
directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will
refer
to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the
embodiment
being described and designated parts thereof Said terminology will include the
words
specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of a similar import.
[0038] Referring to the drawings in more detail, and in particular to Fig. 1,
the
reference number 1 generally designates a pipe hanger system according to the
present
invention. The system 1 includes a pair of elongate brackets 3, and a pipe
connection
member 5 which is slidably mounted on the brackets 3. The system 1 is used for
suspending a pipe 6, such as a pipe used as a stub-out for a tub spout, faucet
or shower
head, between adjacent building members, such as wall studs 7 and 8. As used
herein,
the word "pipe" is to be construed to include any tubular structure, which may
be either
substantially rigid or flexible.
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[0039] The brackets 3 are formed of a rigid yet bendable material such as
steel
flat stock having a pair of faces 9 and a pair of edges 10. Each of the
brackets 3 is
generally L-shaped and includes a foot 11 which extends at a right angle to a
respective
leg 13 at a proximate end 14 thereof A plurality of fastener receiving
openings 15 (best
seen in Fig. 3) are formed through each of the brackets 3 and extend between
the faces 9
of the respective bracket 3. At least one of the fastener receiving openings
15 extends
through the foot 11 of each bracket 3 and the remainder of the openings 15 are
spaced
along the length of the leg 13. Each leg 13 includes a distal end 16 opposite
the foot 11.
[0040] Referring to Figs 3 and 4, the pipe connection member 5 generally
comprises a pair of clamping members including a front clamping member 17 and
a rear
clamping member19 which are interconnected by threaded fasteners 21 (two
fasteners 21
shown). In a first embodiment of the pipe connection member 5, each of the
clamping
members 17 and 19 comprises a plate having an inner face 23 and an outer face
25. The
inner face 23 of each of the clamping members 17 and 19 has a pair of parallel
grooves or
channels 27 formed therein. The grooves 27 are sized to receive the edges 10
of the
brackets 3. The threaded fasteners 21 each extend through an opening 29 in the
front
clamping member 17 and threadably engage either a receiver 31 in the rear
clamping
member 19 (as shown in Fig. 5), or alternatively, a nut 32 positioned behind
the receiver
31 (as shown in Fig. 4).
[0041] The legs 13 of the brackets 3 are inserted between the clamping members
17 and 19 and in engagement with the grooves 27, such that the pipe connection
member
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is selectively slidably moveable along the brackets 3. When the fasteners 21
are loosely
installed the pipe connection member 5 is freely movable along the brackets 3.
When the
fasteners 21 are tightened, the clamping members 17 and 19 are compressed
against the
brackets 3, thereby preventing the pipe connection member 5 from sliding
relative to the
brackets 3. It should be noted that the pipe connection member 5 holds the two
brackets
3 with the respective faces 9 thereof in a parallel relation to each other.
This places the
width of each bracket 3 (between the edges10 thereof) in a horizontal
orientation which
gives the system 1 additional front-to-back rigidity.
[0042] In order to enhance the ability of the fasteners 21 to lock the pipe
connection member 5 relative to the brackets 3, one or more of the openings 29
in the
front clamping member 17 may include a countersink or counterbore 33, as shown
in Fig.
5, which intersects a respective one of the grooves 27 such that a portion of
the head of a
fastener 21 seated in the countersink or counterbore 33 will bear directly
against one of
the edges 10 of the respective bracket 3, thereby allowing the head of the
fastener 21 to
bite into the bracket 3.
[0043] The pipe connection member 5 further includes pipe connection means
for fixing the pipe 6 to the pipe connection member 5. For example, referring
to Figs. 4
and 5, the clamping members 17 and 19 may each include a respective pipe
receiving
opening 35 having a minimum diameter sized to receive the pipe 6. The openings
35 are
positioned in alignment with one another such that the pipe 6 may be
simultaneously
received through both openings 35. Concentric with the pipe receiving opening
35 in
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each clamping member is a larger diameter counterbore 36 terminating in an
annular
flange or shoulder 37 proximate the outer face 25 of the respective clamping
member 17
or 19. An elastomeric ferrule 39 having an inner surface 41, an outer surface
43 and
opposed ends 45 is inserted into the counterbores 36 in the clamping members
17 and 19
from the inner faces 23 thereof such that the ends 45 bear against the
shoulders 37. The
inner diameter of the ferrule 39 is sized to receive the pipe 6 when the
ferrule 39 is in a
relaxed or uncompressed state. As the fasteners 21 are tightened down, the
ferrule 39 is
compressed between the clamping members 17 and 19 and the inner diameter of
the
ferrule 39 is thereby caused to be reduced such that the inner surface 41
bears against a
pipe 6 extending therethrough. The force of the ferrule 39 bearing against the
pipe 6 is
sufficient to fix the pipe 6 relative to the pipe connection member 5.
[0044] As shown in Fig. 4, the counterbores 36 in the clamping members 17 and
19 may be tapered inwardly toward the shoulders 37, and the outer surface 43
of the
ferrule 39 may be similarly inwardly tapered toward the ends 45 thereof. This
tapered
design acts to evenly disperse and thus maximize the clamping forces between
the ferrule
39 and the pipe 6.
[0045] The clamping members 17 and 19 may be made from a relatively strong
plastic such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl
chloride), or glass
filled nylon. It is also foreseen that he clamping members 17 and 19 may be
stamped or
otherwise formed of steel since copper pipe 6 may be isolated from the
clamping
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members 17 and 19 by the elastomeric ferrule 39, thereby eliminating any risk
of galvanic
action between the dissimilar metals.
[0046] Referring to Fig. 2, to install a stub-out using the system 1, a
plumber
first takes a vertical measurement along the stud 7 and makes a mark 47 on the
stud 7
corresponding to the desired height of the stub-out. The system 1 is
preferably initially
oriented with the pipe connection member 5 close to the feet 11 of the
brackets 3 such
that the plumber can accurately line up the center of the pipe receiving
opening 35 in the
front clamping member 17 with the mark 47. Once so aligned, the plumber
installs a pair
of fasteners 49, such as screws, through the fastener receiving openings 15 in
the feet 11
and into an inner face of the stud 7, thereby fixing the height of the stub-
out. Referring
to Fig. 3, the plumber then slides the pipe connection member 5 along the
brackets 3
while taking a horizontal measurement along one of the brackets 3 to determine
the
desired location of the stub-out between the studs 7 and 8, and makes a mark
51 on one of
the brackets 3 to indicate the position of the clamping member 5. Referring
again to Fig.
1, the pipe 6 for the stub-out is then inserted through the pipe receiving
openings 35 and
ferrule 39. The fasteners 21 are then tightened while keeping the clamping
member 5 in
alignment with the mark 51, thereby simultaneously fixing the horizontal
location of the
stub-out and locking the pipe 6 relative to the pipe connection member 5.
[0047] Once the pipe connection member 5 is fixed to the brackets 3, the legs
13
of the brackets 3 are bent outwardly until their respective distal ends 16 can
be brought
into contact with the inner face of the stud 8. Fasteners 49 are then
installed through one
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,
,
or more of the fastener receiving holes 15 proximate the distal end 16 of each
leg 13 and
into the stud 8, thereby securing the brackets 3 to the studs 8. The outward
angle created
by bending the legs 13 adds additional bracing to the installation and
increases the rigidity
of the brackets 3 relative to the studs 7 and 8.
[0048] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a first alternative embodiment of the pipe
connection member 5 is used for supporting flexible pipe 6', such as PEX
(cross-linked
Polyethylene) tubing, and is designated herein as pipe connection member 5'.
As was the
case with the pipe connection member 5, the pipe connection member 5' includes
a front
clamping member 17' and a rear clamping member 19' connected by threaded
fasteners
21'. The rear clamping member 19' is similar to the rear clamping member 19 of
the pipe
connection member 5 and includes an inner face 23' having a pair of parallel
grooves or
channels 27' formed therein. A plurality of fastener receivers 31' and a pipe
receiving
opening 35' extend through the rear clamping member 19'.
[0049] The front clamping member 17' includes a plate 53 and a tubing support
55 which is rigidly attached to the plate 53. The support 55 extends
rearwardly from the
front clamping member 17' and through the pipe receiving opening 35' in the
rear
clamping member 19'. The plate 53 includes a pair of rearwardly extending side
flanges
57 spaced apart to receive the brackets 3 therebetween. The tubing support 55
generally
comprises an arcuate trough sized to receive the flexible pipe 6' and support
it through a
ninety degree bend. The support 55 is generally semicircular in cross section
and presents
a pair of opposed edges 59 defining an elongate trough opening 61. The plate
53
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includes a notch 62 intersecting the pipe receiving opening 35' through which
the pipe 6'
may be passed laterally into the support 55.
[0050] The support 55 is preferably shaped such that the flexible pipe 6' may
be
snapped into the opening 61 and retained therein in a bent configuration
without
additional clamping. Toward this end, the support 55 includes a pair of end
portions 63
wherein the trough opening 61 is oriented to one side and a center portion 65
wherein the
trough opening 61 is oriented upwardly, or at right angles to its orientation
in the end
portions 63. In the end portions 63 of the support 55 the edges 59 act to keep
the pipe 6'
bent. In the center portion 65 of the support 55 the edges 59 keep the pipe
from slipping
sideways out of the support 55. The friction between the support 55 and the
pipe 6' is
generally sufficient to keep the pipe 6' from pulling easily out of the
support 55 in an
axial direction.
[0051] When using the pipe connection member 5', the system 1 is installed in
the same manner as described above for the pipe connection member 5, except
that since
the pipe 6' is flexible, it may be connected to the pipe connection member 5'
either before
or after it is moved into its final position along the brackets 3. Also, the
tightening of the
fasteners 21' to lock the pipe connection member 5' relative to the brackets 3
does not also
lock the pipe 6' relative to the pipe connection member 5'. The tubing support
55 serves
as the pipe connection means for fixing the pipe 6' to the pipe connection
member 5'.
[0052] A second alternative embodiment of the pipe connection member, pipe
connection member 5" is shown in Fig. 8. Pipe connection member 5" is of a one-
piece
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molded construction and includes upper and lower bracket receivers 27" for
receiving the
brackets 3 and a pipe receiving opening 35" for receiving the pipe 6. The pipe
receiving
opening 35" is sized to be an interference fit with the pipe 6 and includes a
slot 67 which
allows the opening 35" to expand to receive the pipe 6. The pipe connection
member 5"
is preferably molded of a material with sufficient resilience that the opening
35" will
return to approximately its original size after the pipe 6 is inserted and
thereby clamp
around the pipe 6 to fasten the pipe 6 to the pipe connection member 5",
thereby serving
as the pipe connection means for fixing the pipe 6 to the pipe connection
member 5". It is
also foreseen that the pipe connection member 5" could be formed of the same
material as
the pipe 6 (for example ABS or PVC) and solvent welded to the pipe 6 using
conventional adhesives.
[0053] A third alternative embodiment of the pipe connection member, pipe
connection member 105 is shown in Figs. 9-I1. Pipe connection member 105 is
similar
to pipe connection member 5 except that instead of having a separate ferrule
(such as
elastomeric ferrule 39) which is compressed between front and rear clamping
members,
the pipe connection means of the pipe connection member 105 comprises a collet
139
which is integrally formed with either a front clamping member 117 or a rear
clamping
member 119.
[0054] Each of the clamping members 117 and 119 has an inner face 123 and an
outer face 125. The inner face 123 of each of the clamping members 117 and 119
has a
pair of parallel grooves or channels 127 formed therein. The grooves 127 are
sized to
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receive the edges 10 of the brackets 3. Threaded fasteners 21 each extend
through an
opening 129 in the front clamping member 117 and threadably engage either a
receiver
131 in the rear clamping member 119, or alternatively, engage a nut (not
shown)
positioned behind the receiver 131.
[0055] The clamping members 117 and 119 each include a respective pipe
receiving opening 135 sized to receive the pipe 6. The openings 135 are
positioned in
alignment with one another such that the pipe 6 may be simultaneously received
through
both openings 135. The collet 139 is formed around one of the openings 135
(shown as
the opening 135 in the rear clamping member 119) and includes a plurality of
axially
extending fingers 140 (eight shown). The fingers 140 each include a concave
inner
surface 141 shaped for abutment against the outer surface of the pipe 6 and an
outer
surface 143 which tapers inwardly along the length of the fingers 140 and away
from the
inner face 123 of the respective clamping member 117 or 119. The opening 135
in the
other clamping member 117 or 119 includes an inwardly tapered counterbore 136
sized to
receive the distal ends of the fingers 140.
[0056] The pipe connection member 105 is installed generally as described
above in relation to the pipe connection member 5. When the threaded fasteners
21 are
tightened with the distal ends of the fingers 140 received in the counterbore
136 and a
pipe 6 extending through the openings 135, the fingers 140 of the collet 139
are
compressed radially inwardly against the pipe 6 and thereby clamp the pipe 6
in position
relative to the pipe connection member 105. Simultaneously, tightening of the
fasteners
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21 draws the clamping members 117 and 119 together and clamps the brackets 3
therebetween, thereby fixing the position of the pipe connection member 105
along the
brackets 3.
[0057] A fourth alternative embodiment 205 of the pipe connection member is
shown in Figs. 12-13 and includes a mounting block 206 used in combination
with a
drop-ear elbow 207. Drop-ear elbows such as the elbow 207 are well known in
the art
and are commonly used for mounting shower arms and the like. The elbow 207
includes
a body 208 having a vertical inlet 209 and a horizontal outlet 210. The inlet
209 may be
configured to connect to pipe 6 of various types, including having a sweat
connection for
rigid copper pipe or a barb for receiving PEX tubing 6, as shown. The outlet
210 is
typically internally threaded to receive a pipe 6 with external threads, such
as a shower
arm. A pair of horizontal mounting ears 211 extend outwardly from the body 208
on
opposite sides thereof and a vertical mounting ear 212 extends outwardly
perpendicular to
the horizontal ears 211 and opposite the inlet 209. Each of the ears 211 and
212 includes
a mounting hole 213 for receiving a respective threaded fastener 221.
[0058] The mounting block 206 is used to mount the drop-ear elbow 207 on the
brackets 3 and includes a pair of parallel transverse slots 227 for slidably
receiving the
legs 13 of the brackets 3. A pair of fastener receivers 229 provided in the
mounting block
206 are positioned for receiving the fasteners 221 extending through the
mounting holes
213 in the horizontal ears 211. An additional fastener receiver 231 formed in
the
mounting block 206 is positioned to receive the fastener 221 extending through
the
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mounting hole 213 in the vertical mounting ear 212. As best seen in Fig. 13,
the fastener
receiver 231 intersects one of the transverse slots 227 such that the fastener
221 installed
through the vertical mounting ear 212 of the drop ear elbow 307 also bites
into the face of
the leg 13 of the respective bracket 3 inserted in the transverse slot 227
(not shown) and
thereby fixes the position of the mounting block 206 relative to the brackets
3.
[0059] The mounting block 206 is installed by sliding the block 206 onto the
brackets 3 with the legs 13 of the brackets 3 extending through slots 227 in
the block 206.
The drop-ear elbow 207 may be mounted to the mounting block 206 using
fasteners 221
installed through the mounting holes 213 in the horizontal ears 211 either
before or after
the block 206 is slid onto the brackets 3. The block 206 is fixed in position
by installing
a fastener 221 through the mounting hole 213 in the vertical mounting ear 212.
A pipe 6
(such as a shower arm) is connected to the pipe connection member 205 by
threading an
end of the pipe 6 into the outlet 210 of the drop-ear elbow 207.
[0060] A fifth alternative embodiment 305 of the pipe connection member is
shown in Figs. 14-16 is used for supporting a flexible PEX pipe 6' in a manner
similar to
pipe connection member 5' described above. Pipe connection member 305 includes
a
mounting block 306 and a pipe support 307 rotatably mounted to the mounting
block 306
for 360 degree rotation. As best seen in Fig. 16, the mounting block 306 is
formed of
sheet metal and includes a front plate 308 and upper and lower edge flanges
310. Upper
and lower bracket receivers 327 for slidably receiving the legs 13 of the
brackets 3 are
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CA 02630155 2008-05-01
each formed between the respective edge flange 310 and a pair of saddles 328
formed by
dividing portions of the respective outer flange 310 and bending them
inwardly.
[0061] The pipe support 307 extends through a pipe receiving opening 335 in
the front plate 308. The support 307 is identical to the support 55 described
above,
however, instead of being rigidly connected to the front plate 308, the
support 307 is
rotatably connected to the front plate 308 using a pair of collars 330. One of
the collars
330 is fixed to the tubing support 307 (such as by spot welding) forward of
the front plate
308 and the other collar 330 is similarly fixed to the tubing support 307
rearward of the
front plate 308, such that the front plate 308 is captured between the collars
330.
[0062] The pipe connection member 305 is locked in position along the brackets
3 by means of tabs 336 formed on the edge flanges 310 of the mounting block
305. The
tabs 336 are each bendable relative to the respective flange 310 and include a
barb 338
which is engageable with any selected one of the openings 15 in the legs 13 of
the
brackets 3. To fix the pipe connection member 305 in position, the tabs 336
are bent
inwardly until the barbs 338 are engaged with the selected openings 15. It
should be
noted, therefore, that the connection member 305 is securable to the brackets
3 at
increments determined by the locations of the openings 15.
[0063] Referring to Figs. 17-20, a sixth alternative embodiment 405 of the
pipe
connection member is a pipe connection member for flexible pipe 6'. The pipe
connection member 405 includes a mounting block 406, a pipe support 407
rotatably
mounted to the mounting block 406, and a locking wedge 408 for fixing the pipe
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CA 02630155 2008-05-01
connection member 406 in position relative to the brackets 3 and for securing
the pipe
support 407 to the mounting block 406. The components 406, 407 and 408 of the
pipe
support 407 may be formed of molded plastic.
[0064] The mounting block 406 includes a front plate 409 and upper and lower
edge flanges 410. Upper and lower bracket receivers 427 for slidably receiving
the legs
13 of the brackets 3 are each formed through and along the respective edge
flange 410.
The front plate 409 includes a pipe receiving opening 435 and a countersink
436
surrounding the pipe receiving opening 435. The countersink 436 forms an
annular
shoulder 437 around the pipe receiving opening 435. A dovetail groove 438 with
opposed overhanging edges 439 is formed laterally across the front plate 409
forward of
the countersink 436.
[0065] The pipe support 407 includes an arcuate trough 440 for receiving the
flexible pipe 6' and a circular head 442. The head 442 includes a circular
flange 444
sized to be rotatably received in the countersink 436 around the pipe
receiving opening
435. A notch 445 formed in the head 442 allows the pipe 6' to be easily
inserted into the
trough 440. Retaining clips 446 integral with the pipe support 407 retain the
pipe 6' in
the trough 440. The pipe support 407 is installed in the mounting block 406
with the
trough 440 extending through the pipe receiving opening 435 and the circular
flange 444
seated in the countersink 436.
[0066] The locking wedge 408 is sized and shaped to be slidably received in
the
dovetail groove 438 of the mounting block 406 and retained by the overhanging
edges
CA 02630155 2008-05-01
439 thereof. A notch 447 formed in one end of the wedge 408 is sized to
provide
clearance for a pipe 6' extending outwardly from the pipe support 407, but the
width of
the notch 447 is less than the diameter of the outer flange 444 of the head
442 on the pipe
support 407. Thus, when the wedge 408 is slid into the dovetail groove 438,
the outer
flange 444 of the support 407 is captured between the wedge 408 and the
annular
shoulder 437 that forms the bottom of the countersink 436. The action of the
wedge 408
capturing the flange 444 retains the support 407 in position relative to the
mounting block
406.
[0067] The wedge 408 further includes a pair of ears 448 which extend
outwardly from opposed sides of the wedge 408. The ears 448 are generally
wedge-
shaped, having a narrow leading edge 449 and a wider trailing edge 450. As the
wedge
408 is slid into the dovetail groove 438, the ears 448 are received into
respective wedge
shaped gaps 452 formed between portions of the edge flanges 410 and the edges
of the
brackets 3. As the ears 448 are pressed into the gaps 452, the wedge shape of
the ears
448 acts to tighten the edges of the brackets 3 against the inside of the
bracket receivers
427, thereby fixing the position of the pipe connection member 405 relative to
the
brackets 3.
[0068] Referring to Figs. 21-23, a pair of alternative brackets 503 may be
used
in place of the brackets 3 with one of the pipe connection members 5, 5', 5"or
105 (pipe
connection member 5 shown), or with similar pipe connection members which
accept the
brackets 3 or 503 laterally into the respective bracket receivers. The
brackets 503 will not
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work with pipe connection members such as the pipe connection members 205, 305
or
405 which require that the brackets be inserted longitudinally into the
respective bracket
receivers starting with an end of the respective bracket.
[0069] Like the brackets 3, the alternative brackets 503 are formed of a rigid
yet
bendable material such as steel flat stock or strap having a pair of faces 505
and a pair of
edges 507. The brackets 503 each include a center section 509 and a pair of
mounting
tabs 511 positioned on opposite ends thereof The center section 509 of each
bracket 503
has a length selected to fit between adjacent building members on standard
spacing, such
as wall studs 7 and 8, and includes a mounting portion 513 which is twisted 90
degrees
relative to the mounting tabs 511.
[0070] Looking at one of the brackets 503 in more detail, starting with the
mounting tabs 511 and working inwardly therefrom, each mounting tab 511 has a
length
selected to generally extend across the narrow dimension of the respective
building
member 7 or 8 (approximately 1.5 inches for a standard 2x4 wall stud) and
includes at
least one fastener receiving opening 515 (two shown) formed therethrough. The
fastener
receiving openings 515 receive respective fasteners 516 (such as nails or
screws) for
securing the bracket 503 to respective the building member 7 or 8.
[0071] Immediately inward of each mounting tabs 511, the center section 509
includes a respective transverse leg 517. The transverse legs 517 act to
offset the center
section 509 of the bracket 503 rearwardly a distance A from the mounting tabs
511. The
offset A provides clearance for the pipe connection member (such as pipe
connection
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CA 02630155 2008-05-01
member 5 shown) between the front edge 507 of the bracket 503 and the
wallboard which
will be secured to the outer faces 7a and 8a of the building members 7 and 8.
Inward of
each transverse leg 517, the center section 509 further includes a respective
ninety degree
twist 519. The mounting portion 513 lies inward of the twists 519 and
preferably
includes a longitudinal row of openings 521 which may be used for locating the
pipe
connection member along the brackets 503.
[0072] In use, a pipe connection member, such as one of the pipe connection
members 5, 5', 5"or 105 is selectively slidably mounted on a pair of brackets
503 with the
mounting portions 513 of the brackets 503 extending through the respective
bracket
receiving channels or openings formed in the pipe connection member. The
mounting
tabs 511 are secured to respective outer faces 7a and 8a of the adjacent
building members
7 and 8. Because of the 90 degree twists 519, the faces 505 of the mounting
portions 513,
will each lie in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane defined by the
faces 7a and 8a
of the building members 7 and 8 (or by the planes of the mounting tabs 511).
The pipe 6
can then be installed through the pipe connection member and the pipe
connection
member can be fixed relative to the brackets 503 in the same manner as
described above
in relation to the brackets 3. The transverse legs 517 of the brackets 503
space the pipe
connection member 5 rearwardly from the mounting tabs 511 a distance
sufficient to
allow wallboard to be installed against the front faces 7a and 8a of the
building members
7 and 8, respectively, without the pipe connection member 5 interfering with
the
wallboard.
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[0073] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present
invention
have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the
specific forms or
arrangement of parts described and shown. For example, although the system 1
is been
described and depicted herein as being for use in supporting a pipe 6 between
adjacent
wall studs, it is to be understood that the system I may also be used for
suspending a pipe
6 below a building member, such as a joist, beam, rafter or top plate.
Similarly, the
system 1 may also be used to support a pipe above a joist, beam, sole plate,
or the like. In
these applications, the feet 11 of the brackets 3 would be fastened to the
building member
and the legs 13 of the brackets 3 will extend generally vertically. The distal
ends 16 of
the legs 13 may or may not be fastened to adjacent building members.
24
