Abstract:
A support block for supporting objects on a roof. The support block is a moulded elastomeric block of pyramidal shape with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to support blocks. In particular, the present invention relates to blocks for supporting objects found on rooftops, for example pipes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various service units are found on the roofs of buildings, particularly commercial buildings. These service units will often have pipes and ductwork that snake along the rooftop. Furthermore, roof walkway systems are often present to facilitate access to the service units. These rooftop objects usually require supports to prevent damage to the roof surface. 
     The simplest support solution is the use of blocks of wood to support an object at intervals along its length. Although this simple support device has a number of drawbacks. A rooftop object being supported often vibrates causing vibrations to be transmitted through the block of wood. The result is excessive noise and movement of the block. It is conceivable that the block could move enough that it no longer supports the object it is intended to. Furthermore, this excessive movement may cause damage to the roofs surface requiring expensive repairs. 
     The wood blocks could be nailed to the roof but this could cause future leaks if not sealed properly. In any event, wood will deteriorate over time due to weathering and could possibly break loose. 
     Support systems according to the present invention are intended to mitigate these problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support block for supporting objects providing vibration dampening, said block comprising a substantially hollow block of a self damping elastomeric material having a substantially flat bottom, two end walls perpendicular to the bottom, and a flat top wall. 
     The elastomeric material reduces the transmission of vibrations from the supported object to the roof surface, thereby extended roof life. The hollow design enhances the vibration dampening qualities of the support block. Furthermore, the hollow design greatly reduces the shipping weight of the support blocks. Preferably, the support block is moulded as a single length from an elastomeric material, for example recycled tires. The single length can be cut into custom length units depending on the application. The support block is UV resistant to prevent photo-degradation. The use of recycled materials provides for an environmentally friendly method of manufacturing. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a support system for supporting objects providing vibration dampening, said system comprising: 
     a support block for supporting objects on a roof comprising a substantially hollow block of a self damping elastomeric material having a substantially flat bottom, two end walls perpendicular to the bottom, and a flat top wall; 
     a channel secured to the top wall of the support block providing a platform for securing objects; and 
     a clamp that mates to the channel for securing objects to the support block. 
     Preferably, the channel is made from galvanized steel to reduce the effects of weather corrosion. The term “clamp” refers to a variety of different devices, for example pipe clamps, cable clamps, electrical fittings, saddles, brackets, spring bolts, beam clamps, roller clamps, and variable angle support legs. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a support system for supporting objects providing vibration dampening, said system comprising: 
     at least two support blocks for supporting objects on a roof comprising a substantially hollow block of a self damping elastomeric material having a substantially flat bottom, two end walls perpendicular to the bottom, and a flat top wall; and 
     a channel secured to the top wall of each of the least two support blocks interconnecting the at least two support blocks providing a platform for supporting objects; 
     This aspect of the present invention provides a superior vibration dampening sleeper support for large objects. For example, HVAC equipment, cable trays, roof walkway systems, and refrigeration equipment require supports to spread their weight over larger surface areas. The use of multiple interconnected support blocks provides an economical solution for supporting large objects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a support block of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of a support block of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a support block having a galvanized steel channel secured to its top wall. 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of two support blocks with interconnecting galvanized steel channel. 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a support block with extendable galvanized steel channel. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a support block with roller support. 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a support block with galvanized steel strut. 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a support block with variable angle support. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated a support block  10  moulded from recycled tires. The support block has end walls  11  perpendicular to bottom wall  12  and a flat top wall  13 .  FIG. 2  shows the underside of the support block having hollowed out cavities  14 . 
     The block is moulded into lengths and cut to a specifically sized unit according to the application. In use, the support block  10  is placed on a roof  20  beneath an object  22 , for example a pipe. The support device can be adhered to the roof surface if desired with polyurethane adhesives. The elastomeric construction of the support provides sound dampening of vibrating objects  22 . In addition, the vibration dampening nature of the block prevents excessive wear to the roof  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a support system  30  consists of support block  10 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , having a galvanized steel channel  31  secured to the top wall  13  with self-tapping screws (not shown). Pipe clamps  32  can be mounted to channel  31  so as to securely fasten a gas or refrigeration pipe to the support block. 
     An alternative embodiment of the support system is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The support system  40  consists of two support blocks  10  having a galvanized steel channel  41  secured to the top wall of each support block with self-tapping screws (not shown) interconnecting the blocks. This embodiment of the support device is sometimes referred to as a sleeper support. This superior vibration dampening sleeper can be used for supporting a variety of large rooftop objects, for example HVAC equipment, cable tray, roof walkway systems and refrigeration equipment. 
     An alternative embodiment of the support system is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The support system  50  consists of support block  10  having a galvanized steel channel  51  secured to the top wall  13  with threaded rods  52 , nuts  53 , and washers  54 . This channel secured to this device can be raised or lowered to the desired position by turning the nuts mounted on the threaded rods. Pipe clamps  55  can be mated to channel  51  so as to securely fasten a gas or refrigeration pipe to the support block. 
     An alternative embodiment of the support system is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The support system  60  consists of support block  10  having a galvanized steel channel  61  secured to the top wall  13  with self-tapping screws (not shown). A galvanized steel roller clamp  62  is secured to the galvanized steel channel  61 . The roller clamp is shaped where the end portions have a larger diameter than the middle portion. The diameters and the degree of taper depend on the size of pipe to be supported. 
     An alternative embodiment of the support system is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The support system  70  consists of support block  10  having a galvanized steel channel  71  secured to the top wall  13  with self-tapping screws (not shown). Steel struts  72  connect to channel  71  with the aid of fittings  73 . Cross-members  74  provide rigidity to the rectangular support platform. This support device is particularly useful for supporting large rooftop ductwork. 
     An alternative embodiment of the support system is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The support system  80  consists of support block  10  having a galvanized steel channel  81  secured to the top wall  13  with self-tapping screws (not shown). A variable angle support leg  82  is secured to the channel  81  by means of securing means  83 , which securing means  83  may be a bolt (plated) nut with locking washer. In use, the securing means  83  are loosened, the variable angle support leg  82  rotated into the desired position, and the securing means  83  tightened to retain the variable angle support leg  82  at the desired angle. 
     While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, some applications may require enhanced vibration dampening. In this case, the support blocks could be moulded from a material of reduced rigidity or be moulded from materials to create layers of differing rigidity within the block. The invention is to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.