Conduit support device

A conduit support device may include a support leg that may be movably coupled to a boom arm with a vertical pivot and a horizontal pivot. The vertical pivot and horizontal pivot may be disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the boom arm. An offset weight may be removably coupled to the boom arm. The offset weight may comprise a first end, a second end, and a center of balance, and the center of balance may be closer to the first end than to the second end. The first end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm to position the center of balance relatively closer to the boom arm, and the second end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm to position the center of balance relatively farther from the boom arm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent specification relates to the field of devices for supporting and positioning objects such as conduits. More specifically, this patent specification relates to devices for providing adjustable support and positioning of objects, such as a conduit, mask hose, or tubing, used to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oxygen to a user.

BACKGROUND

There have been a number of CPAP or oxygen hose support devices that lift the mask hose above the sleeper. They all attempt to provide a better sleep experience by eliminating the drawbacks of sleeping with the hose in bed: mask fit disturbance causing air leaks due to rolling over on hose, hose rubbing on body, hose pulling on the air supply machine, hose falling over side of bed, and hose getting tangled in arms.

In the following device descriptions it is helpful to define the movement of the end of a swinging arm in the x, y, and z directions as x is side-to-side of bed, y is head-to-foot of bed, and z is vertical up and down.

Some CPAP or oxygen hose support devices function as fixed lift devices which suspend the hose from a fixed point above the sleeper. The hose may be allowed to slip through a hose hanging support to allow the hose to play out as the sleeper moves. These are simple, portable, and low cost devices. However, they do not perform well when a sleeper rolls between the back and side sleeping positions as the hose slack is not removed when in the back position which requires less hanging hose length. The slack hose, if not very flexible, can push on the mask and cause leaks or if flexible can droop on the head which can disturb sleep. These devices also provide very limited sleeper movement range.

Other CPAP or oxygen hose support devices function as flex rod support devices which use a flexible shaft to support the hose over the sleeper. The shaft bends as the sleeper moves to remove hose slack. These devices can work well to accommodate large sleeper movements but the flexibility of the shaft cannot be optimized for the variation in hose weight and flexibility. This can result in mask leaks due to hose tension on the mask.

Further CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a hose support arm that is located at the side of a bed and swings in the y direction. There is no bias return position. The arm can be extended to a desired fixed length. The hose is supported by a hanging line on a pulley at the end of the arm that is balanced with a counterweight. This device compensates for mask movement in the z direction and can adapt to different hose weights. However, weights must be stacked to change the weight of the counterweight which is not convenient. Also the two pulleys, even if ball-bearing, will have significant rolling friction due to the weight and this increases hose tension, resulting in mask leaks.

Still other CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a hose support arm that is located at the head of bed and swings in the x and z directions. A spring loaded pulley is used to remove hose slack in the z direction. There is no bias return to center for the swing arm in the x direction. These devices can work well if the spring tension is correct for the weight of the hanging hose. However, since spring tension is not adjustable, the hose tension on the mask cannot be optimized for different hose weight and flexibility, resulting in hose tension on the mask and possible leaks.

Further CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a hose support arm that is located at the head of the bed and swings in the x direction. There is no bias return to center for the swinging arm. This type of hose support does not perform well when a sleeper rolls between the back and side sleeping positions as the hose slack is not removed when in the back position. When the sleeper rolls from the side to back position the arm will stay to the side and not center until sleeper start rolling to the other side. This results in inconsistent hose tension on the mask and possible mask leaks.

Yet other CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a hose support arm that is located at the side of bed and consists of a biased swinging arm in the y direction and carrier assemblies that travel along a support in the x direction. A flexible coil support suspends the hose from the arm. This device provides good coverage along the x and y directions, however, there will be tension on the mask when sleeper rolls from the back to side position due to extension of the coiled support in the z direction. The tension due to the coiled support can result in mask leaks.

Still other CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a short arm that is located above the sleepers head and swings in the x-direction with a spring bias return to center. The vertical support also flexes near the middle with a spring bias to vertical to allow more sleeper movement in x and y directions. This device requires excessive slack in the back sleeping position to allow rolling to the side with low tension on the hose if the vertical support does not flex. The slack hose, if not very flexible, can push on the mask and cause leaks or if flexible can droop on the head which can disturb sleep. If the vertical support with a biased spring does flex during sleeper movement, the bias force will pull on the mask in the side sleeping positions causing mask leaks. This is because the bias force is not adjustable to work with different hose weight and flexibility and can only pull, not push hose toward the mask.

Alternative CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a pair of wall mounted retractable reels with lines to the hose at different points to provide a constant pulling force on the mask. This ensures there is no hose slack but the tension is not adjustable and the pulling force on the mask is typically high to work with the heaviest hoses. This pulling force can cause mask leaks as the sleeper moves. Even if the reel pulling force could be adjusted to adapt to the weight of the hose, there still needs to be enough pulling force to prevent the hose from dropping on the sleeper. This pulling force can cause mask leaks when sleeper is in the side position where a sharp bend in a stiff hose can occur near the mask. Ideally there should be a slight pushing force on the hose toward the mask to reduce the tension on the mask due to the hose bend. This is true even for masks with a swivel elbow since the swivel occurs only in one plane which cannot always compensate for the hose bend.

Still other CPAP or oxygen hose support devices use a gravity-driven pulley support system. The hose is pulled through two rollers with a counterweight near the CPAP machine end of the hose. This method does not provide light hose tension on the mask. As the hose is pulled out there is more hose weight to counterbalance and so retraction of the hose will not work correctly. Bends in a stiff hose can cause significant resistance as it is pulled through the roller.

Thus, there is a need for a hose support device that can be easily adjusted to gently lift the hose to a mask to avoid mask leaks and remove slack while the sleeper moves in bed. This is because there is a wide variation in the weight and flexibility of hoses used with CPAP masks. Some masks use a short flexible hose that goes between the mask and the main supply hose with a swivel joint at one or both ends of the flexible hose. Other masks connect directly to the main supply hose using a swivel elbow. The main supply hose is available in two inside diameters: thin 15 mm or standard 19 mm. The thin hose weighs less than the standard hose and is typically more flexible. So there are four combinations of masks with/without short flexible hose connected to a thin/standard main hose. Of course each combination also has some variation in weight and flexibility due to construction differences. Heated hoses and hoses with covers add even more variations. To minimize the hose tension on the mask for these combinations and variations of hoses requires an easily and finely adjustable hose lift tension.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A conduit support device is provided which may be configured to provide adjustable support and positioning of objects, such as conduits and conduit-like objects which may include mask hose, tubing, or other type of conduit which may be used to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oxygen to a user such as a user which may be occupying a supine position or other position in bed.

In some embodiments, the device may include a support leg that may be movably coupled to a boom arm with a vertical pivot and/or a horizontal pivot. The boom arm may have a distal end and a proximal end, and the vertical pivot may be disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. An offset weight may be removably coupled to the boom arm between the proximal end and the vertical pivot. The offset weight may comprise a first end, a second end, and a center of balance, and the center of balance may be closer to the first end than to the second end. The first end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm, such as by being configured to be removably coupled to the boom arm, to position the center of balance relatively closer to the boom arm, and the second end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm, such as by being configured to be removably coupled to the boom arm, to position the center of balance relatively farther from the boom arm. A conduit guide may be coupled to the boom arm, and a base may be coupled to the support leg.

In further embodiments, the device may include a first conduit restraint and a second conduit restraint, and each conduit restraint may be configured to rotationally secure a portion of a conduit. Preferably, the horizontal pivot may be positioned between the first conduit restraint and the second conduit restraint. By having two conduit restraints positioned on opposing sides of a horizontal pivot that are each configured to rotationally secure a portion of a conduit, when the boom arm is moved with a horizontal movement, the conduit may resist the horizontal movement and tension the boom arm to return to its original orientation.

In still further embodiments, the device may include a boom fastener and a leg fastener that may be configured to be removably coupled together, such as via magnetic engagement. Preferably, the boom fastener and/or leg fastener may include a fastener curved surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element may be designated as the second element, and the second element may be likewise designated as the first element without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. Additionally, as used in this application, the term “substantially” means that the actual value is within about 10% of the actual desired value, particularly within about 5% of the actual desired value and especially within about 1% of the actual desired value of any variable, element or limit set forth herein.

A new device for providing adjustable support and positioning of objects, such as a conduit, mask hose, or tubing, used to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oxygen to a user is discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present invention will now be described by example and through referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternative embodiments.FIGS. 1-13illustrate examples of conduit support device (“the device”)100and exemplary components or elements according to various embodiments. The device100may be configured to provide adjustable support and positioning of objects, such as conduits200and conduit-like objects. Preferably, the device100may be configured to provide adjustable support and positioning for mask hose, tubing, or other type of conduit which may be used to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or oxygen to a user such as a user which may be occupying a supine position or other position in bed with the end of the conduit200hanging from the conduit guide16connected to the mask and the other end of the conduit200connected to a CPAP machine or oxygen supply.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a support leg11which may be movably coupled to a boom arm14at a vertical pivot12. The boom arm14may have a distal end71and a proximal end72, and the vertical pivot12may be disposed between the distal end71and the proximal end72. A first counter weight15may be coupled to the boom arm14between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12, and a conduit guide16may be coupled to the boom arm14at or proximate to the distal end71. A base31may be coupled to the support leg11, and the base31may be configured to engage the device100to objects and structures proximate to a user so that a conduit200supported by the device100may be gently lifted above the user to avoid mask leaks and remove slack while the user sleeps and moves in bed.

The device100may comprise one or more support legs11which may be used to couple the base31and boom arm14together. In some embodiments, a support leg11may comprise a fixed length, while in other embodiments; a support leg11may comprise an adjustable length so that the support leg11may be moved into and between a relatively longer length and a relatively short length. For example, a support leg11may be extendable into and between a length of twenty four inches and a length of sixty inches. In further embodiments, a support leg11having an adjustable length may comprise one or more sections which may be removably coupled together. In still further embodiments, a support leg11having an adjustable length may comprise one or more sections which may be retracted into and extended out of one or more other sections in a telescoping manner.

A support leg11may comprise any shape, and preferably an elongated shape, having a length substantially greater than its width and height. In some embodiments, a support leg11may comprise an elongated cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, a support leg11may comprise an elongated hexagonal prism shape. In alternative embodiments, a support leg11may comprise an elongated triangular prism shape, an elongated rectangular prism shape, an elongated oval shape, or any other shape including combinations of shapes. A support leg11may be made from or may comprise any substantially rigid material such as aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, other metal alloys, wood and other plant based materials, hard plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE, UHMW), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, nylon, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) also known as acrylic, fiberglass, or any other suitable material that is preferably lightweight yet strong enough to support varying degrees of weight.

A base31may comprise a structure which may be configured to support the device100. In some embodiments, a base31may comprise a generally flat or planar shape and be made from or comprise any substantially rigid material which may be inserted under a mattress, cushion, brick, or other first object, and the weight of the first object and optionally any other second object placed thereon, such as a user, may be used to securely hold or engage the base31. For example, a base31may comprise a generally flat rectangular prism shape which may be inserted between a mattress and a box spring, and the weight of the mattress, and a user resting on the mattress, may be used to securely hold or provide a stable engagement of the base31between the mattress and box spring. In other embodiments, the base31may comprise a weighty material, such as steel or other metal/metal alloys, concrete, sand, etc., and portions of the base31may be placed on an object so that the weight of the base31may be used to keep the device100in a desired orientation. For example, the base31may comprise a weight of approximately five to fifteen pounds and one or more surfaces which may be placed on a floor or table so that the base31may provide a stable support for the device100on the floor or table. In alternative embodiments, the base31may comprise a clamping mechanism, one or more fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, magnets, or any other coupling method which may be used to securely hold or provide a stable engagement of the base31to an object.

In some embodiments, a base31may be movably coupled to a support leg11so that the base31may be moved and coupled to one or more different positions on the support leg11, or vice versa, thereby allowing the base31to be moved relatively closer and farther from the boom arm14. In further embodiments, a support leg11may be movably coupled to a base31so that the support leg11may be moved and coupled to one or more different positions on the base31. In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a base coupler32having a base aperture33into which portions of the support leg11may be received and a base fastener34, such as a threaded screw or other fastener, may removably couple a desired portion of the support leg11within the base aperture33thereby allowing the base coupler32to couple the base31relatively closer and farther from the boom arm14. In still further embodiments, a base31may be generally non-removably coupled to a support leg11optionally via a base coupler32.

In some embodiments, a support leg11may be movably coupled to a boom arm14at a vertical pivot12. The vertical pivot12may enable the boom arm14to be pivoted into a plurality of positions, such as a raised position91(FIG. 1) and a lowered position92(FIG. 2). Optionally, the device100may comprise a pivot bracket13through which portions of a boom arm14may be positioned and a vertical pivot12may pivotally couple the boom arm14to the pivot bracket13and/or pivotally couple the support leg11to the pivot bracket13thereby allowing the boom arm14to be pivotally coupled to the support leg11.

In some embodiments, one or more other portions of the boom arm14may be removably coupled to the support leg11, via a boom fastener35and a leg fastener36. A boom fastener35may comprise a fastener which may be coupled to the boom arm14, while a leg fastener36may comprise a fastener which may be coupled to the support leg11. Generally, a boom fastener35and a leg fastener36may comprise any type of fastener or coupling method which may allow the boom fastener35and leg fastener36to be removably coupled together. For example, a boom fastener35and leg fastener36may comprise a threaded fastener, hook and loop type fastener, press fit connection method, or any other suitable removable connection method.

A boom fastener35may be coupled anywhere on a boom arm14, and a leg fastener36may be coupled anywhere on a support leg11. In some embodiments, a boom fastener35may be coupled to the proximal end72of the boom arm14so that the proximal end72of the boom arm may be removably coupled to the support leg11by removably coupling the boom fastener35and leg fastener36together. A boom fastener35and a leg fastener36may be configured in any shape and size. In some embodiments, a boom fastener35and/or a leg fastener36may comprise a fastener curved surface41which may form a surface that may be magnetically adhered to the other fastener35,36. For example, a fastener curved surface41of a boom fastener35may contact and be magnetically engaged to a leg fastener36. In preferred embodiments, a boom fastener35and/or a leg fastener36may comprise a fastener curved surface41which may generally comprise an arc shape as shown inFIG. 13. An arc shape may describe all or a part of the circumference of a circle or other curve. In this manner, a fastener curved surface41of a boom fastener35and/or a leg fastener36which may be all or may be partially cylindrical shaped (FIG. 13), circular shaped, spherical shaped, ovoid shaped, spheroid shaped, pie shaped (the part of a circle enclosed by two radii of a circle and their intercepted arc, or any other curved shape.

In preferred embodiments, a vertical pivot12and/or a horizontal pivot37may include a threaded fastener inserted through two elements having frictional reducing elements such as polymer washers. In further embodiments, a vertical pivot12and/or a horizontal pivot37may include a rivet, bearing, nut and bolt, knuckle joint, a turnbuckle, a pin joint, a pivot joint, a cotter joint, a bolted joint, a flexible material joint, a screw joint, a universal joint, a butt hinge, butterfly hinge, flush hinge, barrel hinge, concealed hinge, continuous hinge, T-hinge, strap hinge, double-acting hinge, Soss hinge, a flexible material hinge, a four-bar linkage, a scissor linkage, a collapsible pole linkage, or any other suitable mechanical or physical linkage which may be used to couple a first element or component to a second element or component while allowing the first element or component to move, pivot, or rotate relative to the second element or component.

A boom arm14may be configured to support portions of a conduit200so that the conduit200may be disposed in a desired orientation or position relative to a user. In some embodiments, a boom arm14may comprise a fixed length, while in other embodiments; a boom arm14may comprise an adjustable length so that the boom arm14may be moved into and between a relatively longer length and a relatively short length. For example, a boom arm14may be extendable into and between a length of twelve inches and a length of sixty inches. In further embodiments, a boom arm14having an adjustable length may comprise one or more sections17,18, which may be removably coupled together. In still further embodiments, a boom arm14having an adjustable length may comprise one or more sections which may be retracted into and extended out of one or more other sections in a telescoping manner.

A boom arm14may comprise any shape, and preferably an elongated shape, having a length substantially greater than its width and height. In some embodiments, a boom arm14may comprise an elongated cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, a boom arm14may comprise an elongated hexagonal prism shape. In alternative embodiments, a boom arm14may comprise an elongated triangular prism shape, an elongated rectangular prism shape, an elongated oval shape, or any other shape including combinations of shapes. A boom arm14may be made from or may comprise any substantially rigid material(s).

In some embodiments, a boom arm14may comprise one or more sections, such as an upper boom section17and a lower boom section18. Optionally, portions of an upper boom section17may form the distal end71of the boom arm14and portions of a lower boom section18may form the proximal end72. An upper boom section17and a lower boom section18may be coupled together via one or more fasteners24,25, such as screws and other threaded fasteners, rivets, or any other suitable coupling method including via adhesive, heat bonding, and integrally formed or molded together. In preferred embodiments, an upper boom section17may be pivotally coupled to a lower boom section18, such as with a fastener25configured as a pivot screw, and a fastener24configured as a position lock screw24. Position lock screw24may be configured to lock or secure the upper boom section17in a desired pivoted orientation relative to the lower boom section18. This pivotal, movable coupling may enable the upper boom section17to be pivoted relatively left (as shown inFIG. 3) and right of the lower boom section18. In some embodiments, an upper boom section17and a lower boom section18may be coupled together so that one section17,18, may be moved relative to another section17,18. For example the sections17,18, may be coupled together in a telescoping manner or via a ball and socket joint. In further embodiments, a conduit guide16may be coupled to an upper boom section17and a first counter weight15may be coupled to a lower boom section18. In preferred embodiments, a conduit guide16may be coupled to the distal end71of an upper boom section17of the boom arm14, and a first counter weight15may be movably coupled to a lower boom section18.

The device100may comprise a conduit guide16which may be coupled to the boom arm14, preferably to the distal end71. A conduit guide16may be configured to support and/or couple a portion of a conduit200to the boom arm14. In preferred embodiments, a conduit guide16may be generally annular or cylindrical in shape so that portions of a conduit200may be supported and directed downwards while preventing creases or kinks from occurring in the conduit200. In alternative embodiments, a conduit guide16may be configured in any shape and size which may allow the conduit guide16to direct or position portions of a conduit200while preventing creases or kinks from occurring in the conduit200. In some embodiments, a conduit guide16may comprise or be configured as a conduit restraint19that is disposed on or proximate to the distal end71of the boom arm14.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise one or more conduit restraints19which may be configured to secure or couple, preferably removably couple, portions of a conduit200to one or more elements, such as to a support leg11, pivot bracket13, and or boom arm14, of the device100. Preferably, a conduit restraint19may secure or couple a portion of a conduit200by receiving the portion of the conduit so that the portion of the conduit200may be frictionally secured or retained by the conduit restraint19. In further embodiments, a conduit restraint19may comprise a hook and loop type fastener which may wrap around a portion of a conduit200. In alternative embodiments, a conduit restraint19may comprise a hose clamp, snap fit or press fit fastener, a magnetic fastener, an adhesive, a rivet fastener, or any other type of fastener or coupling method which may be used to couple, and preferably removably couple, portions of a conduit200to one or more elements of the device100.

In preferred embodiments, the device100may comprise one or more conduit restraints19which may be configured to rotationally secure a portion of a conduit200. A conduit restraint19may be configured to rotationally secure a portion of a conduit200by preventing the secured portion of the conduit200from rotating relative to the conduit restraint19. For example, a conduit restraint19may comprise a material with a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, silicone rubber, forms of the organic compound isoprene, etc., which may contact and grip a portion of the conduit200so that the conduit restraint19may prevent or resist rotation or movement of the secured portion of the conduit200relative to the conduit restraint19.

In further preferred embodiments, the device100may comprise a first conduit restraint19A and a second conduit restraint19B which may be positioned on opposing sides of a horizontal pivot37so that the horizontal pivot37may be positioned between the first conduit restraint19A and the second conduit restraint19B. For example, a first conduit restraint19A may be coupled to the boom arm14or to a portion of a pivot bracket13that is above a horizontal pivot37and a second conduit restraint19B may be coupled to the support leg11that is blow the horizontal pivot37as perhaps best shown byFIGS. 6 and 7. By having two conduit restraints19positioned on opposing sides of a horizontal pivot37that are each configured to rotationally secure a portion of a conduit200, when the boom arm14is moved with a horizontal movement82, the conduit200may resist the horizontal movement82and tension the boom arm14to return to its original orientation.

As perhaps best shown inFIG. 5, the device100may comprise a first counter weight15that may be movably coupled to the boom arm14between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12. A first counter weight15may comprise an object or material(s) having a desired weight, such as steel or other metal/metal alloys, preferably between approximately 0.1 and 1.0 pounds, although any other weight may be used. A first counter weight15may be configured in any shape and size and may be coupled to any portion of the boom arm14. In some embodiments, a first counter weight15may be coupled to an exterior surface22of the boom arm14between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12. By moving or changing the position of the first counter weight15, the center of gravity of the boom arm14may be changed thereby allowing the boom arm14to maintain a desired position or orientation and to accommodate conduits200of various lengths and weights.

In some embodiments, a first counter weight15may be disposed within a portion of the boom arm14so that all or portions of the first counter weight15may be surrounded by the boom arm14. A boom arm14may comprise a boom cavity21which may be sized to receive a first counter weight15and to allow the first counter weight15to be moved within the boom cavity21. Optionally, a first counter weight15may be coupled to a tensioner23which may movably couple the first counter weight15to the boom arm14, although any other method or device for movably coupling the first counter weight15to the boom arm14may be used.

In preferred embodiments, a tensioner23may govern the position of the first counter weight15in the boom cavity21of the boom arm14via a counter weight motivator26. Generally, a tensioner23may comprise a knob, lever, or other object which a user may operate to control the position of the first counter weight15between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12, and a counter weight motivator26may comprise a length of material, fastener, or other object which may operably couple the first counter weight15to the tensioner23to allow the tensioner23to control the position of the first counter weight15. In preferred embodiments, a tensioner23may comprise a rotary knob and having a tension body27and a counter weight motivator26may comprise a cable, such as a braided steel cable, polymer monofilament line, etc., which may be coupled to the tension body27and to the first counter weight15. By rotating the tensioner23, and therefore the tension body27in a first direction, the counter weight motivator26may be wrapped around the tension body27to move the first counter weight15towards the vertical pivot12, while rotating the tensioner23, and therefore the tension body27in a second direction, the counter weight motivator26may be unwrapped from around the tension body27to move the first counter weight15towards the proximal end72. In other embodiments, a tensioner23and a counter weight motivator26may comprise a lever, ratcheting assembly, series of gears, a motor, or any other method of controlling the position of the first counter weight15between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise an indicator28which may be configured to allow a user to visually determine the position of the first counter weight15between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12. For example, an indicator28may comprise a planar sheet of material with numbers, symbols, words, or other indicia, which may correspond to and visually indicate the position of the first counter weight15. In preferred embodiments, the indicator28may be coupled to the first counter weight15, and the boom arm14may comprise a window20which may allow a user to observe a limited portion of the indicator28. As the first counter weight15is moved, the indicator28may be moved as well and different portions of the indicator28, having different indicia, may be observed via the window20, thereby visually apprising the user of the position of the first counter weight15. In further preferred embodiments, the indicator28may be moved when the position of the first counter weight15in the boom cavity21is changed. A window20may comprise an opening or transparent material disposed in the boom arm14which may enable a user to observer different portions of the indicator28. In alternative embodiments, an indicator28may be coupled to or proximate to the tensioner23so that as the tensioner23is operated by a user, the tensioner23may point to different indicia on the indicator28.

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a balance arm29which may be coupled to the boom arm14, and the balance arm29may comprise a second counter weight30. A balance arm29may be coupled anywhere on the boom arm14, such as between the vertical pivot12and the distal end71. Similar to a boom arm14, a balance arm29may be made from any substantially rigid material, and the balance arm29may be configured in any shape and size. A balance arm29and a boom arm14may be coupled together via one or more fasteners24such as screws and other threaded fasteners, rivets, or any other suitable coupling method including via adhesive, heat bonding, and integrally formed or molded together.

Similar to a first counter weight15, a second counter weight30may comprise an object or material(s) having a desired weight, preferably approximately between 0.1 and 1.0 pounds, although any other weight may be used, and a second counter weight30may be configured in any shape and size. A second counter weight30may be coupled to any portion of the boom arm14. In preferred embodiments, a second counter weight30may be movably coupled and/or removably coupled to the balance arm29so that the position of the second counter weight30on the balance arm29may be changed. For example, the second counter weight30may be moved on the balance arm29to be relatively closer to the boom arm14as shown inFIG. 1and to be relatively farther from the boom arm14as shown inFIG. 2. By moving or changing the position of the second counter weight30, the center of gravity of the boom arm14may be changed thereby allowing the boom arm14to maintain a desired position or orientation and to accommodate conduits200of various lengths, weights, and flexibilities.

As perhaps best shown in the examples ofFIGS. 6-12, in some embodiments, a conduit support device100may comprise an offset weight50which may be coupled to the boom arm14. The device100may also include a support leg11that may be movably coupled to a boom arm14with a horizontal pivot37and/or a vertical pivot12. The boom arm14may have a distal end71and a proximal end72, and the horizontal pivot37and/or a vertical pivot12may be disposed between the distal end71and the proximal end72.

Similar to a counter weight15,30, an offset weight50may comprise an object or material(s) having a desired weight, preferably approximately between 0.1 and 1.0 pounds, although any other weight may be used, and an offset weight50may be configured in any shape and size. An offset weight50may be coupled to any portion of the boom arm14. In preferred embodiments, an offset weight50may be movably coupled and/or removably coupled to the boom arm14so that the position of the offset weight50relative to the distal71and proximal72ends may be changed. For example, an offset weight50may be movable between a first position95(FIG. 7) that is relatively closer to the proximal end72and a second position96(FIG. 6) that is relatively farther from the proximal end72. By moving or changing the position of the offset weight50, the center of gravity of the boom arm14may be changed thereby allowing the boom arm14to maintain a desired position or orientation and to accommodate conduits200of various lengths, weights, and flexibilities.

In some embodiments, an offset weight50may be removably coupled to the boom arm14between the proximal end72and the vertical pivot12via a weight fastener54. A weight fastener54may comprise any type of fastener or coupling method which may be able to removably couple a weight fastener54to a boom arm14. The device100may comprise one or more fastener channels55which may receive portions of a weight fastener54to removably couple the offset weight50to different positions relative to the proximal end72of the boom arm14. A fastener channel55may comprise an aperture, preferably an elongated aperture, which may receive portions of a weight fastener54. In some embodiments, a weight fastener54may comprise a threaded fastener, such as a threaded thumb screw, which may be threadedly coupled to the offset weight and which may be received in a fastener channel55to clamp the offset weight50to the boom arm14. It should be understood that a fastener channel55may be formed into, such as drilled, cut, or molded, or otherwise coupled, such as via a bracket comprising a fastener channel55, to the boom arm14.

The offset weight50may comprise a first end51, a second end52, and a center of balance53, and the center of balance53may be closer to the first end51than to the second end52. A center of balance53may describe a balance point of the offset weight50that is located between the first end51and the second end52based on differences of mass or the positioning of the mass of the offset weight50relative to the first end51and the second end52. For example, an offset weight50may comprise a low mass portion56, such as a plastic or wood material, and a high mass portion57, such as a steel alloy or other metal, so that the low mass portion56is proximate to the second end52and the high mass portion57may be proximate to the first end51. In this manner, the center of balance53may be closer to the first end51.

Preferably, the first end51may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm14(FIG. 7) to position the center of balance53relatively closer to the boom arm14, and, alternatively, the second end52(FIG. 6) may also be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm14to position the center of balance53relatively farther from the boom arm14. In some embodiments, the first end51may be positioned proximate to the boom arm14by being configured to be removably coupled to the boom arm14to position the center of balance53relatively closer to the boom arm14, and the second end52may be positioned proximate to the boom arm14by being configured to be removably coupled to the boom arm14to position the center of balance53relatively farther from the boom arm14. For example, the first end51and second end52may each comprise fastener aperture58which may be coupled to weight fastener54by receiving a portion of the weight fastener54and the ends51,52, may be alternatingly coupled to the boom arm14via the weight fastener54and the fastener channel55.

In preferred embodiments, a boom arm14may be movably coupled to a support leg11via a vertical pivot12and/or a horizontal pivot37. A vertical pivot12may provide a vertical movement81which allows the boom arm14to pivot or rotate in a generally vertical direction (so that the ends71,72, may be moved closer and farther from the support leg11) by providing a horizontal axis75that the boom arm14may pivot or rotate around as shown inFIG. 8. A vertical pivot12may allow the boom arm14to be pivoted between the raised position91and a lowered position92. A horizontal pivot37may provide a horizontal movement82which allows the boom arm14to pivot or rotate in a generally horizontal direction by providing a vertical axis76that the boom arm14may pivot or rotate around as shown inFIG. 6. A horizontal pivot37may allow the boom arm14to be pivoted to the right and to the left relative to the vertical movement that a vertical pivot12may allow. In further preferred embodiments, a vertical pivot12and/or a horizontal pivot37may be formed into or otherwise coupled to a pivot bracket13

In some embodiments, the device100may comprise a boom stop38and one or more limiters39, such as a first limiter39A, and a second limiter39B, which may be configured to limit the horizontal movement82provided by the horizontal pivot37. Generally, the boom stop38and the one or more limiters39may be coupled to elements on opposing sides of the horizontal pivot37so that horizontal movement82may cause the boom stop38to contact the one or more limiters39so that the one or more limiters39may stop the horizontal movement82of the boom stop38thereby stopping the horizontal movement82of the boom arm14relative to the support leg14as perhaps best shown inFIG. 12. In preferred embodiments, the device100may comprise a first limiter39A and a second limiter39B which may limit the horizontal movement82of the boom stop38, and therefore the horizontal movement82of the boom arm14, to approximately 120 degrees, and more preferably to approximately 90 degrees, and even more preferably to approximately 50 degrees, relative the support leg11as shown by Angle A inFIG. 12.

While some exemplary shapes and sizes have been provided for elements of the device100, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that the elements that comprise the device100such as the support leg11, boom arm14, base31, offset weight50, conduit restraints19, first counter weight15, optional second counter weight30, and/or any other element described herein may be configured in a plurality of sizes and shapes including “T” shaped, “X” shaped, square shaped, rectangular shaped, cylinder shaped, cuboid shaped, hexagonal prism shaped, triangular prism shaped, or any other geometric or non-geometric shape, including combinations of shapes. It is not intended herein to mention all the possible alternatives, equivalent forms or ramifications of the invention. It is understood that the terms and proposed shapes used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and that various changes, such as to size and shape, may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Additionally, while some materials have been provided, in other embodiments, the elements that comprise the device100may be made from or may comprise durable materials such as aluminum, steel, other metals and metal alloys, wood, hard rubbers, hard plastics, fiber reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, fiber glass, resins, polymers or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. Additionally, one or more elements may be made from or may comprise durable and slightly flexible materials such as soft plastics, silicone, soft rubbers, or any other suitable materials including combinations of materials. In some embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled or connected together with heat bonding, chemical bonding, adhesives, clasp type fasteners, clip type fasteners, rivet type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, other types of fasteners, or any other suitable joining method. In other embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled or removably connected by being press fit or snap fit together, by one or more fasteners such as hook and loop type or Velcro® fasteners, magnetic type fasteners, threaded type fasteners, sealable tongue and groove fasteners, snap fasteners, clip type fasteners, clasp type fasteners, ratchet type fasteners, a push-to-lock type connection method, a turn-to-lock type connection method, a slide-to-lock type connection method or any other suitable temporary connection method as one reasonably skilled in the art could envision to serve the same function. In further embodiments, one or more of the elements that comprise the device100may be coupled by being one of connected to and integrally formed with another element of the device100.