Abstract:
Improvements for tube separation assemblies currently used in oil field applications include tube assemblies for maintaining tube separation using a fastening system comprising preferably non-metallic tube spacers and a preferably locking mechanism on the fastening system. The present invention allows all parts of the system to be more easily visually inspected than prior systems known to the inventor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/878,222, filed Sep. 16, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/025,851, filed Jul. 17, 2014, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to fastening systems. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     Patents have issued which are directed to tube support arrangements. The following table lists some examples. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Pat. No. 
                 Title 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 3,650,547 
                 Pipe Fitting 
                 Mar. 21, 1972 
               
               
                 3,783,907 
                 Pipe Spacers 
                 Jan. 8, 1974 
               
               
                 3,791,416 
                 Spacer Assembly for Concentric  
                 Feb. 12, 1974 
               
               
                   
                 Tubular Systems 
                   
               
               
                 3,896,771 
                 Spacer and Guide Assembly for Vertical 
                 Jul. 29, 1975 
               
               
                   
                 Superheater Tubes 
                   
               
               
                 4,858,861 
                 Clamp Type Pipe Shoe and Method 
                 Aug. 22, 1989 
               
               
                 5,458,438 
                 Insulating Pipe Spacers 
                 Oct. 17, 1995 
               
               
                 5,464,179 
                 Two-Piece Holding Assembly Made  
                 Nov. 7, 1995 
               
               
                   
                 of Plastic 
                   
               
               
                 6,152,087 
                 Boiler Tube Protector and a Method for  
                 Nov. 28, 2000 
               
               
                   
                 Attaching Such Protector to a Boiler Tube 
                   
               
               
                 6,241,198 
                 Holding Element for Pipes and the Like 
                 Jun. 5, 2001 
               
               
                 6,273,030 
                 Spacer Bar with Tube Sleeve and Tab 
                 Aug. 14, 2001 
               
               
                 6,325,336 
                 Hydraulic Tubing Clamp 
                 Dec. 4, 2001 
               
               
                 6,883,761 
                 Support for Tubular Members 
                 Apr. 26, 2005 
               
               
                 7,011,277 
                 Antivibration Clamp for Elongated Objects 
                 Mar. 14, 2006 
               
               
                 7,654,587 
                 Mechanical Pipe Coupling Having Spacers 
                 Feb. 2, 2010 
               
               
                 8,281,527 
                 Ribbed Tube Continuous Flexible Spacer 
                 Oct. 9, 2012 
               
               
                   
                 Assembly 
                   
               
               
                 8,398,034 
                 Pipe Spacer 
                 Mar. 19, 2013 
               
               
                 2006/0169344 
                 Pipe Assembly 
                 Aug. 3, 2006 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to improvements for tube separation assemblies currently used in oil field applications. More particularly, the present invention relates to improvements of tube assemblies for maintaining tube separation using a fastening system comprising non-metallic tube spacers and a locking mechanism on the fastening system. 
     The present invention provides a tube support apparatus for spacing and fastening cylindrical tubes in a multiple tube assembly. 
     The apparatus employs a frame which can be a channel having one or more flanges. 
     Polymeric blocks are attached to the frame at spaced apart positions including upper and lower blocks. 
     A plurality of elongated transverse members are mounted to the frame, a plurality of projections extending from each transverse member. 
     Each projection has an enlarged end portion. 
     Tubes or tubing to be supported are placed in between two posts and in between two of the blocks. The tubes or tubing sections are each cylindrically shaped in cross section. Such tubing is known and commercially available, provided in external diameters of between ¼″ and 1″ inches. 
     The spacing between the enlarged end portions is smaller than the tube outer diameter. 
     In one embodiment, the polymeric blocks are blocks of acetal copolymer resin. 
     In another embodiment, the spacer may comprise nylon resin polymer. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the spacer may comprise acetal homopolymer, wherein the acetal homopolymer is stabilized with ultraviolet light. 
     In one embodiment, the enlarged end portions are rounded. 
     In one embodiment, each polymeric block has a generally triangularly shaped cross section. 
     In one embodiment, the elongated transverse members are plates having one or more flat surfaces. 
     In one embodiment, the plate is in between the frame and said block. 
     In one embodiment, each said plate engages a lower block. 
     The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting multiple spaced apart tubes. 
     The apparatus includes a frame and a plurality of spaced apart lower members attached to the frame. 
     In one embodiment, there are a plurality of spaced apart upper members, each upper member connected to a lower member. 
     The cross-sectional diameter of the upper member may be greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the lower member and the vertical length of the lower member may be greater than the vertical length of the upper member. 
     In one embodiment, the polymeric blocks (delta bars or round bar rods) are blocks of acetal copolymer. 
     In an embodiment the spacers are made of an acetal homopolymer, and the acetal homopolymer is stabilized with ultraviolet light. 
     In one embodiment, enlarged end portions are rounded. 
     In one embodiment, each polymeric block has a generally triangularly shaped cross section. 
     In one embodiment, the elongated transverse members are plates having one or more flat surfaces. 
     In one embodiment, the plate is in between the frame and said block. 
     In one embodiment, each plate engages a lower block. 
     The present invention comprises a method of supporting a plurality of tubing sections. 
     The method includes providing an elongated frame and attaching inner blocks to the frame at spaced apart intervals. 
     The method includes attaching a plurality of posts to the frame at spaced apart intervals, each post having an enlarged section. 
     The method includes placing a tubing section between two said posts in a first location and between two said posts in a second location. 
     The posts are deflected so that the tubing section fits in between the posts and in between the enlarged portions and an inner block. 
     An outer block is affixed to each inner block with one or more fasteners. The tubing outer diameter is greater than the spacing between the enlarged portions. 
     In an embodiment of the method of the present invention:
         A) All spacers are manufactured using a series of injection molds to form the parts, using a suitable resin, for example an acetal copolymer or acetal homopolymer (for example acetal homoplymer DELRIN® 527UV (DELRIN® is a registered trademark of DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY));   B) Thermoplastic retainers are supplied in 1″×8 ft. rods. The rods are split down the middle to form two half round×1″ wide retainers. The rods are cut to length to fit channel to be installed. Hardware access holes are drilled at locations on the rod to fit channel. In the case of a “Delta Bar”, one extra step is taken to change geometry from round to delta shape by shaving edges of the round bar.   C) Flat bar is manufactured from ¼″ thick×1″ wide×12 ft. long stainless steel grade 316. Grade SS304 and aluminum 6000 series may also be specified. Flat bars are cut to a dimension that will match the top thermoplastic retainer. Holes are drilled to also match top retainer and bottom thermoplastic retainer. All sharp edges are removed, along with burrs and cutting oils.       

     In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, assembly of a tube spacing apparatus comprises the following steps:
         (a) join flat bar to the top thermoplastic retainer bar using double coated polyethylene double sided foam tape;   (b) join tube spacer and bottom plate to the bottom retainer thermoplastic bar using polyethylene tape;   (c) a strip of tape may also be added to the bottom of the spacer plate to allow to adhere to the channel;   (d) supply all necessary hardware to match the number of access holes used;   (e) top and bottom retainer along with hardware are placed in cartons and ready for shipment.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows an expanded view of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial end view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is another partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a detailed view of the plate with tube spacer posts; 
         FIG. 10  is a detailed view of the plate with tube spacer posts; 
         FIG. 11  is a detailed view of the plate with tube spacer posts; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a partial end view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-13  show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral  10 . Tubing spacer apparatus  10  employs a frame  11  that can be a channel or channel shaped member as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The channel or frame  11  can provide a web  12  and spaced apart flanges  13 ,  14 . The frame  11  has an interior  15  in between flanges  13 ,  14 . Frame  11  can be of any suitable structural material such as fiberglass, steel, stainless steel or aluminum. 
     Interior  15  carries a plurality of spaced apart bottom or lower retainers  16 . The retainers  16  are secured to web  12  of frame  11 . Plates  17  having tube spacer posts  19  can be mounted to frame  11 . In one embodiment, the plates  17  with spacer posts  19  is mounted to web  12 . The details of the plate  17  and tube spacer post  19  can be seen in  FIGS. 9-11 . Web  12  has web inner surface  18 . Plates  17  fit against web inner surface  18  as seen in  FIGS. 4-5 and 14 . 
     Fasteners such as bolted connections can be used to secure the upper and lower retainers to the frame  11 . Such bolted connections typically include a bolt  25 , nut  26  and one or more washers. In order to fasten the retainers (or retaining blocks)  16 ,  23  to the frame  11 , openings are provided in the thermoplastic blocks  29  and plates  24  that are a part of the retainers  16 ,  23 . The plate  17  and its tube spacer posts  19  can be clamped to the surface  18  of web  12  in between the plate  24  of lower retainer  16  and web  12 . In order to accept bolts  25 , both the plates  24  and thermoplastic blocks  129  have bolt receptive openings. Flat washer  37  may be between bolt  25  and a plate  24 . Each block has openings  27 ,  28  (see  FIG. 1 ). Each plate  24  has openings  31 ,  32  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Caps  38  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8  are not part of the invention and are only used on samples to prevent marring of table surfaces by bolt  25 . 
     Double sided foam tape, for example polyethylene double coated foam tape, may be between plates  24  and blocks  29  as part of the assembly. Foam tape may also be between lower retainer  16  and plate  17 , and between plate  17  and frame or channel  11 . 
     Each tube spacer post  19  ( FIGS. 9-11 ) has an enlarged diameter portion  20  such as a spherically shaped or rounded enlarged end  20 . In one embodiment, a frusto-conical transition section  21  can join spherical end  20  to tube spacer post  19  as seen in  FIGS. 10-11 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , lower block  129  is placed directly on top of lower elongated transverse member or plate  17 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , for example, each post  19  has a cylindrical portion and an enlarged end portion  20 . 
     The apparatus  10  of the present invention is designed to support a plurality of cylindrically shaped tubes  22  (or sections of tubing) as seen in  FIGS. 1-8 . Such tubes or tubing sections  22  are known and commercially available in sizes (outer diameter) of between ¼″ and 1″ inches. A plurality of bottom retainers  16  are spaced along web  12 . A plurality of upper retainers  23  are connected to the frame  11  and to bottom retainers  16  with bolted connections such as bolts  25  and nuts  26 . Each retainer  16 ,  23  can include a metal plate  24  and thermoplastic triangularly shaped block or member  29  (as shown in  FIGS. 5-8 and 11 ) or thermoplastic semi-circularly shaped block or member  129  (as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ). The blocks or members  29  are triangularly shaped in cross section or in end view as seen for example in  FIG. 8 . Each block or member  29  provides a surface or edge  30  which engages the tubes  22  as seen for example in  FIGS. 5 and 8 . In order to assemble a plurality of tubes or tubing sections  22  to frame  11 , the frame  11  is fastened to or mounted upon a desired surface such as a wall. The frame or channel  11  may be supported by steel angle iron welded to steel support structures, beams, columns, or walls. 
     Plates  17  with posts  19  are affixed to frame  11  at web  12 . The posts  19  have a spacing that provides clearance at  33  (see  FIGS. 9-11 ) on plate  17  that is sufficient to allow placement of each tube or tubing section between two of the posts  17 . Because there are multiple posts  17 , several tubing sections  22  can be mounted side by side. Enlarged ends  20  are spaced apart to provide a clearance distance  34  (see  FIGS. 9-11 ) that is smaller than the outer diameter  35  of tube  22 . Thus, the enlarged ends  20  of two adjacent posts  19  must be deflected laterally so that the tube  22  can fit in between two of the posts behind the enlarged ends  20  at a position in between plate  17  and enlarged end positions  20 . Because the posts  19  are of a flexing material, they bend to enable tube  22  to push the enlarged ends  20  of two adjacent posts  19  apart. In this fashion, multiple tubes  22  can be supported, with the number of tubes that may be supported being restricted only by the diameter of channel or frame  11 . 
     Plates  17  with posts  19  are positioned at intervals along frame  11  (such as between about 8 inches and 3 feet apart). 
     Bolts  25  and nuts  26  fasten together the assembly of frame, plate  17  with posts  19 , lower retainer  16  (plate  24  and block  29 ) upper retainer (plate  24  and block  29 ). The edge  30  of block  29  engages or abuts the tubes  22 . By tightening the bolts/nuts  25 ,  26 , a clamping grip is made upon the tubes  22  by the retainers  16 ,  23 . 
     Blocks  29  are preferably of a thermoplastic material. Plate  17 , posts  19  and enlarged ends  20  can be a one piece injection molded part of any injection moldable material such as delrin, nylon or polyvinyl chloride, as examples. Plates  24  can be metallic such as stainless steel. 
     The present invention includes a tube support apparatus (see  FIG. 2 ) comprising: 
     a multiple tube assembly having a plurality of tubes  22 , each of the plurality of tubes  22  being a cylindrical tube and having a cylindrical wall surrounding a bore and having an outer diameter  35  (see  FIG. 3 ); 
     retaining blocks  129  ( FIG. 1-3 ) or  29  (as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11 ) at spaced apart positions (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), the retaining blocks  29 ,  129  including at least a first block  29 ,  129 , a second block  29 ,  129 , a block  29 ,  129 , and a fourth block  29 ,  129 , each block having a base  131 ,  133  and an apex  130 ,  132  distal from the base  131 ,  133  (as perhaps best seen in  FIG. 2 ); 
     a plurality of elongated transverse members  17 , the base  131 ,  133  of the third block  29 ,  129  placed directly on top of a first corresponding elongated transverse member  17  (see  FIG. 2 ) and the base of the fourth block  29 ,  129  placed directly on top of a second corresponding elongated transverse member  17 ; 
     a plurality of projections  19  extending directly from each elongated transverse member  17 ; 
     each projection  19  having a cylindrical portion, an enlarged end portion  20 , and a height, and wherein a spacing is between every two immediately adjacent enlarged end portions  20  of the plurality of projections  19  extending directly from each elongated transverse member  17 ; 
     each of said plurality of tubes  22  placed between two of said plurality of projections  19 ; 
     each of said plurality of tubes  22  placed between the first block  29 ,  129  and the third block  29 ,  129  and between the second block  29 ,  129  and the fourth block  29 ,  129 , each of the tubes  22  contacting the blocks only at the apex  130 ,  132  of the blocks  29 ,  129  (see  FIG. 1 ); 
     wherein the spacing between every two immediately adjacent enlarged end portions  20  is smaller than the outer diameter  35  of each of said plurality of tubes  22  as seen in  FIG. 3 ; and 
     wherein the height of each projection is greater than the outer diameter  35  (see  FIG. 3 ) of each of said plurality of tubes  22  as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
     Attached to my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/878,222, filed Sep. 16, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference is a brochure with more information about the present invention. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , there is an upper block  129  and a lower block  129 . Element  132 , referred to as the apex of lower block  129 , might instead be called the lowermost end of block  129  distal from base  133  when block  129  is mounted upside down, as is the upper block  129  in  FIG. 1 , and the uppermost end of block  129  distal from base  133  when block  129  is mounted right side up, as is the lower block  129  in  FIG. 1 , or simply the end of block  129  distal from base  133 . 
     Likewise, as can be seen in  FIG. 5 , there is an upper block  29  and a lower block  29 . Element  130 , referred to as the apex of lower block  29 , might instead be called the lowermost end of block  29  distal from base  131  when block  29  is mounted upside down, as is the upper block  29  in  FIG. 5 , and the uppermost end of block  29  distal from base  131  when block  29  is mounted right side up, as is the lower block  29  in  FIG. 5 , or simply the end of block  29  distal from base  131 . 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention. 
     PARTS LIST 
     
         
         
           
             PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION 
               10  tubing spacer apparatus 
               11  frame/channel 
               12  web 
               13  flange 
               14  flange 
               15  interior 
               16  lower retainer/spacer assembly 
               17  plate 
               18  web inner surface 
               19  tube spacer post 
               20  spherical end/enlarged diameter portion 
               21  frusto-conical transition section 
               22  tube/tubing section 
               23  upper retainer 
               24  plate (preferably stainless steel) 
               25  bolt 
               26  nut 
               27  opening 
               28  opening 
               29  thermoplastic triangular block/member 
               30  edge 
               31  plate opening 
               32  plate opening 
               33  clearance distance 
               34  clearance distance 
               35  outer diameter 
               37  flat washer 
               38  cap 
               129  thermoplastic semi-circular block/member 
               130  apex of block  29   
               131  base of block  29   
               132  apex of block  129   
               133  base of block  129   
           
         
       
    
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.