Apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit having a releasable connector

An apparatus having a flexible conduit which includes a flexible member and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member, and a releasable connector. The releasable connector has a first member and a second member. When a releasing force is applied to the flexible conduit, the releasable connector separates. The apparatus also includes a shock absorber to configured to absorb a load when the releasable connector separates. The shock absorber may include elastomeric pads between rigid plates, a rotary dampener, a spring, rod and piston, or an elastic strap.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit having a releasable connector.

BACKGROUND

In the construction of buildings and other structures, it is known to use conduits that include a flexible portion to accommodate movement of the conduit. The movement can be intentional, for example, based upon thermal changes, or misalignment in a piping system, or unintentional, such as from a natural disaster, like an earthquake. Additionally, the flexible portion can dampen vibration of the conduits and reduce the transmission of noise through the conduit. An exemplary conduit with a flexible portion is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,784.

In order to safely support the flexible portion, the conduit may be connected to an anchor or anchoring means. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,784 discloses using one or more rods to support the flexible portion of the conduit by securing one end of the rod to the flexible portion and by anchoring the other end of the rod into a ceiling or other structural support member.

While presumably effective for its intended purpose, the anchoring rods are relatively rigid. Accordingly, if forces acting on the flexible conduit are not strong enough to break or bend the rod, the flexible conduit could break instead. This could be dangerous with portions of the conduit falling, and depending on the fluids in the conduit, could be deadly. Additionally, based upon the length of the flexible members of the flexible conduit, an undesirable and unappealing sagging of the flexible portions may occur.

In order to provide a support that addresses one or more of these drawbacks, a releasable connector and a tether may be used. For example, the support system in U.S. Pat. No. 9,631,743 contains a releasable connector associated with the support that is configured to disengage when a certain force is applied to the flexible conduit. Additionally, a tether, between the two portions of the releasable connector, may support the flexible conduit when the releasable connector has been separated. While this support system provides an improvement over existing designs, it has been found that such a system may not be fully effective for conduits that are very large or that are very heavy.

Thus, there is an ongoing need for efficient and effective supports configurations for conduits with flexible portions that address one or more of these drawbacks.

SUMMARY

A new apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit having a releasable connector has been invented. In the invented apparatus, a shock absorber may be used to dampen the impact force experienced by the flexible conduit if the primary support disengaged. In addition to addressing the drawbacks noted above for large an heavy conduits, the present invention may also provide multiple supports to effectively distribute the weight of the flexible conduit and the weight of the liquid therein among multiple supports to minimize or reduce the undesirable sagging.

Thus, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention may generally be characterized as providing an apparatus having: a flexible conduit with a flexible member and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member; and, a releasable connector. The releasable connector includes a female member and a male member. One of the female member and the male member is secured to one of the flexible conduit and a structural support member, and the other of the female member and the male member is secured to the other of the flexible conduit and the structural support member. Additionally, one of the male member and the female member includes a detent and the other of the male member and the female member includes a biased member configured to engage the detent, such that the biased member secures the male member in the female member until the releasable connector encounters a force sufficient to overcome a biasing force exerted by a biasing element on the biased member, and the releasable connector separates. The apparatus further includes a tether configured to support the flexible conduit when the releasable connector separates, wherein the tether is connected between the flexible conduit and a structural support member. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber configured to absorb a load transferred to the structural support member when the releasable connector separates.

The shock absorber may include: a rigid plate connected to the releasable connector with a securing means; a first mounting bracket secured to the structural support member; and a first elastomeric pad between the rigid plate and the first mounting bracket. The first elastomeric pad is attached to the first mounting bracket and the rigid plate. A second mounting bracket may be utilized. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are disposed on opposing sides of the rigid plate. A second elastomeric pad may be disposed between the second mounting bracket and the rigid plate. The second elastomeric pad may be attached to the second mounting bracket and the rigid plate. The rigid plate may be made of a metal. The first elastomeric pad may be made of rubber. The tether may be connected to both of the members of the releasable connector.

The shock absorber may include a rotary dampener, with a first end of the tether secured to the flexible conduit, and a second end of the tether secured to the rotary dampener. The rotary dampener may be a rotary dashpot. The rotary dashpot may include a spool such that the tether is wound around the spool of the rotary dashpot.

The shock absorber may include a spring secured to the structural support member.

The shock absorber may include a closed cylinder and a piston rod extending out of the closed cylinder.

The shock absorber may include an elastic strap.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention may be broadly characterized as providing an apparatus with: a flexible conduit having a flexible member and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member; and a releasable connector having a first member and a second member. The first member may be secured to the flexible conduit, and the second member may be secured to a structural support member. When a releasing force is applied to the apparatus, the releasable connector separates. The apparatus also includes a tether having a first end and a second end. The tether may be configured to support the flexible conduit when the members of the releasable connector separate. The first end may be connected to the first member and the second end may be connected to the second member. The tether is arranged such that it is not under tension when the members of the releasable connector are connected. The apparatus further includes a shock absorber secured to the structural support member and the second member and configured to absorb a load when the releasable connector separates and the tether is under tension. The shock absorber includes: a rigid plate attached to the one of the members of the releasable connector by a securing means; a first mounting bracket secured to the structural support member; and a first elastomeric pad between the rigid plate and the mounting bracket. The first elastomeric pad is attached to the first mounting bracket and the rigid plate.

The shock absorber may include a second mounting bracket. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket may be disposed on opposing sides of the rigid plate. The shock absorber may include a second elastomeric pad between the second mounting bracket and the rigid plate. The second elastomeric pad may be attached to the second mounting bracket and the rigid plate.

The rigid plate may be made of a metal.

The first elastomeric pad may be made of rubber.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the present invention may be characterized generally as providing an apparatus having a flexible conduit with a flexible member and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member. The apparatus also includes: a releasable connector formed from complementary configured members configured to separate when a releasing force is applied to the flexible conduit; a rotary dampener assembly; and a tether having a first end secured to the flexible conduit, and a second end secured to the rotary dampener assembly.

The rotary dampener assembly may include a rotary dashpot.

The rotary dampener assembly may also include a spool such that the tether is wound around the spool.

A second tether may be attached to the complementary configured members of the releasable connector, such that when the releasable connector separates, the second tether supports the flexible conduit.

Additional aspects, embodiments, and details of the invention, all of which may be combinable in any manner, are set forth in the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A support for a flexible conduit having a releasable connector is disclosed. The flexible conduit is supported, but, when the flexible conduit is subjected to certain forces, the releasable connector disengages so as to avoid the flexible conduit breaking or to allow maximum movement. Additionally, the releasable connector may be adjusted so that the amount of force needed to disengage the releasable connector from the support is variable based upon particular applications. The apparatus may include a secondary support to support the flexible conduit if a primary support has been disengaged. Finally, the apparatus includes a shock absorber attached to either the primary support or the secondary support to allow for forces from the portions of the conduit moving due the releasable connector disengaging.

Accordingly, with reference the attached drawings, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with the understanding that the described embodiments are merely preferred and are not intended to be limiting.

Starting withFIG. 1, an apparatus10according to the present disclosure is utilized in association with a flexible conduit11. As depicted, it is contemplated to use two or more support apparatuses10for a flexible conduit11.

The flexible conduit11includes at least one flexible member16and at least one rigid member18. Various configurations of the flexible conduit11are contemplated. For example, the flexible conduit11optionally includes, for example, two rigid elbow members14, two flexible tube members16, and a rigid U-shaped member18disposed between the two flexible tube members16. Other configurations may be used so long as the flexible conduit11includes at least one rigid member14,18and at least one flexible member16. The stiffness of the members16and18is typically in relation to each other, with the rigid members18typically formed from metal, plastic, or the like, and the flexible members16typically formed from mesh covered conduits such as metal braided hose or another similar material. These materials are merely exemplary.

The apparatus10for supporting the flexible conduit11generally includes a releasable connector12between a rod20anchoring the flexible conduit11to a support element like a wall or ceiling and a clevis22surrounding one of the members of the flexible conduit11. The rod20and the clevis22are merely exemplary and other devices, structures, or elements may be used. In addition, the releasable connector12optionally includes a support tether24that is typically not under tension when the members of the releasable connector12are connected. If the flexible conduit11is subjected to a force sufficient to cause the releasable connector12to separate, the support tether24will be subjected to a tension and will support the flexible conduit11.

Various releasable connectors12are contemplated, including, but not limited to, any multipart assembly that is formed by a complementarily configured members which release when a predetermined force is applied to either member. Different means are suited to achieve the releasable connection, including, but not limited to springs, snap fit connections, and breakable joints.

A portion of a preferred releasable connector12is shown inFIG. 2in which the releasable connector12includes a female member200and a male member220. In the depicted embodiment, the female member200includes a biased member26, which engages with the detent28in the male member220. A biasing element30provides a biasing force to the biased member26. When the flexible conduit11is subjected to a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force applied to the biased member26, the members200,220of the releasable connector12will separate.

The biasing element30may be any component which provides a biasing force, such as, but not limited to, a spring. Additionally, the biasing force provided by the biasing element30may be adjusted so that the releasable connector12will be separated by the desired amount of force being applied to the flexible conduit11.

It is contemplated that instead of the depicted arrangement, the male member220includes the biased member26, and the female member200includes the detent28. Additionally, it is further contemplated that additional detents28and biased elements26are included in the releasable connector12.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, in order to take up the forces that are applied when the releasable connector12separates, the apparatus10also includes at least one shock absorber32. The shock absorber32is secured to a structural support member34, like a beam or the ceiling. The shock absorber32is also secured to the flexible conduit11.

InFIG. 1, the shock absorber32is attached, by a securing means36, to the rod20. The securing means36may be any structures that allow for the shock absorber32to be attached to the rod20. Thus, the securing means36may be, for example, eyebolts, clips, clasps, threaded rods, screws, fasteners, and the like.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, in this depicted embodiment the shock absorber32includes a rigid plate38, which is secured to the rod20by the securing means36. Additionally, the shock absorber32includes a first mounting bracket40which may be utilized to secure the shock absorber32to the structural support member34. Various means are contemplated for securing the first mounting bracket40to the structural support member34, including, but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners (not shown).

In the shock absorber32depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B, a first elastomeric pad42is attached to both the rigid plate38and the first mounting bracket40. The first elastomeric pad42is less rigid than the first mounting bracket40and the rigid plate38. Various materials are suitable for the first mounting bracket40and the rigid plate38, including, but not limited to, metal and plastic. Additionally, the first elastomeric pad42is preferably made of rubber or other suitable material that can be temporarily deformed. These materials are merely exemplary.

The shock absorber32ofFIGS. 3A and 3Bpreferably includes a second mounting bracket44, such that the second mounting bracket44and the first mounting bracket40are disposed on opposing sides of the rigid plate38. Additionally, a second elastomeric pad46may be located between and attached to the second mounting bracket44and the rigid plate38.

FIG. 3Adepicts the shock absorber32before the flexible conduit11is subjected to a force that causes the releasable connector12to separate. Therefore, the shock absorber32, as depicted inFIG. 3A, is not experiencing any loading beyond the static loading caused by the weight of the flexible conduit11, any liquids therein, and the apparatus10components.

However,FIG. 3Billustrates the shock absorber32after the flexible conduit11has experienced a force sufficient to cause the male and female members200,220of the releasable connectors12to separate. Therefore, the shock absorber32, through the tether support24is loaded by the weight of the flexible conduit11, any liquids therein, as the flexible conduit11is pulled down by gravity. Accordingly, the shock absorber32dampens the impact experienced by the flexible conduit11falling.

More specifically, when the releasable connector2has separated, the flexible conduit11is pulled downward by gravity since it is no longer completely supported. Eventually, the support tether24will be tensioned and then the downward pull will be transferred to the shock absorbers32. The elastomeric pads42,46of the shock absorbers32will deform as the rigid plate38is pulled toward the flexible conduit11. Thus, the elastomeric pads42,46experience sheer stresses, caused by the rigid plate38being drawn toward the flexible conduit11. However, the elastomeric pads42,46are designed to withstand the sheer stresses, allowing the rigid plate38to be pulled toward the flexible conduit11, without fracturing. This deformation can slow the rapid acceleration caused by the releasable connector12separating which might otherwise damage the flexible conduit11or the support structure34.

Turning toFIG. 4, instead of being secured to the releasable connector12, it is contemplated that the shock absorber32is secured to one of the members14,16,18of the flexible conduit11. For example, a dampener tether58can be secured at one end59to the shock absorber32and a second end61to the members14,16,18of the flexible conduit11. Various structures or means may be used to secure the dampener tether58to the members14,16,18of the flexible conduit11, including for example a clevis or a bracket.

With reference toFIG. 5, it is further contemplated that the shock absorber includes a rotary dampener assembly52to slow the downward acceleration of the flexible conduit11when the releasable connectors12have separated.

The rotary dampener assembly52includes a rotary dampener54, a mounting bracket56. The rotary dampener54may be a rotary dashpot. The bracket56rotatably supports the rotary dampener54and is secured to the support structure34(seeFIG. 3). The rotary dampener54may include a spool60, such that the dampener tether58is wound around the spool60. The rotary dampener54is biased to pull up on the dampener tether58and wind it around the spool60. Accordingly, there is tension in the dampener tether58under normal conditions.

In use, when the releasable connector12is separated, again the the flexible conduit11is pulled downward by gravity. The force of the downward pull is greater than the biasing of the rotary dampener54. Accordingly, more of the dampener tether58will be unwound from the spool60. However, this will occur slowly, as the rotary dampener assembly52is biased in the opposite direction. The slower descent is believed to minimize any damage that might be caused by the falling flexible conduit11.

Turning toFIG. 6, in some embodiments, a spring300may be used as the shock absorber32. The spring300may be used in the configuration ofFIG. 4, in which the tether58is secured to the flexible conduit11and the spring300. The spring300may also be attached to the structural support element34with, for example, a bracket302or other conventional structures. Alternatively, the spring300may be disposed between the structural support element34and the releasable connector12(as shown inFIG. 1).

In either configuration, when the members of the releasable connector12have become detached, the flexible conduit11will be pulled downward. The spring300will absorb the downward pull based on forces transferred from the tether58or the tether24.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 7, it is further contemplated that the shock absorber32includes a closed cylinder400and a piston rod402extending out of the closed cylinder400. Inside of the closed cylinder400, as is known, is a fluid404, either a hydraulic fluid such as an oil, or, a gas, like compressed air. An end of the piston rod402, inside of the closed cylinder400, may include a disk406Again, the closed cylinder400and the piston rod402may be secured to the tether58connected to the flexible conduit11and to the structural support element34with, again for example, the bracket302or other conventional structures. See,FIG. 4. Alternatively, the cylinder400and the piston402may be disposed between the structural support element34and the releasable connector12(as shown inFIG. 1).

In either configuration, when the members of the releasable connector12have become detached, the flexible conduit11will be pulled downward. In the depicted configuration, the closed cylinder400will be pulled down from the tether58or the tether24and away from the piston rod402. The fluid404in the closed cylinder400will be compressed by the disk406and the top of the closed cylinder400to absorb forces created by the sudden downward pull of the flexible conduit11.

Turning toFIG. 8, in another embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorber32is an elastic strap or elastic tether500. As will be appreciated, elastic strap500is formed from a material that is able to be deformed by a force and the returns to its original (or close to its original) form, size, and shape after the force is removed.

As depicted inFIG. 8, the elastic strap500has a first end502secured to the flexible conduit11. A bracket (see, e.g.FIG. 7) may be used. A second end504of the elastic strap500is secured to the structural support element34. Various structures or means may be used to secure the second end504of the elastic strap500to the flexible conduit11, including for example a clevis or a bracket. Alternatively, the elastic strap500may be disposed between the structural support element34and the releasable connector12(as shown inFIG. 1). In such a case, the rod20may be replaced with the elastic strap500. In either configuration, when the releasable connector12separates, the elastic strap500will absorb some of the weight of the flexible conduit11as it falls.

Accordingly, in sum, with a shock absorber32, the present invention provides for suitable and sufficient support for larger flexible conduits11and minimizes damage when release connectors12separate. As depicted, it is contemplated to use two or more support apparatuses10for a flexible conduit11.