Patent Publication Number: US-2012025034-A1

Title: Pipe support

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to pipe supports, and, more specifically, to pipe supports for supporting pipes, such as gas lines, etc. on building roofs. 
     A known pipe support system consists generally of a hollow rubber block that rests on the roof below the object to be supported. A metal channel is secured to the block by screws, and a pipe clamp capable of being clamped around a pipe is engaged in the channel. 
     With the described pipe support system there is a danger of the metal channel rusting and separating from the support block over time. Other disadvantages of the conventional system are due to the use of steel screws or bolts and washers that fasten the channel to the block. They add to the cost of the system and the time required for installation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to provide a pipe support that avoids the use of a metal channel with its attendant disadvantages. 
     A more specific object of the invention is to provide a novel support and pipe clamp arrangement consisting of a one-piece triangular base made of a rubber-like material having an integral channel in its top that is adapted to receive and secure a standard pipe clamp. 
     The new system avoids the use of screws, bolts, and washers, and is easier to install and less expensive than the conventional system having a base member and a separable metal channel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the base member of the invention: and, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a pipe clamp engaged in the base member. 
         FIG. 3  is an end elevation of the assembly shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawing  3 , reference  10  designates a one-piece support member formed of rubber-like material that is resistant to water and sunlight. The illustrated member  10  is triangular in cross-section and has a platform base  11  that will rest on a roof, and converging sides  12 . 
     An integral channel  14  is formed in the top of the support member  10 . The channel  14  has a bottom wall  15 , side walls  16 , and spaced apart lips  17 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  shows a pipe clamp  22  coupled to the support member  10 . The clamp  22 , which can be made of electro-galvanized steel, has two curved legs  23  that embrace a pipe shown in broken lines at  24 . Two corresponding ends of the legs  23  are connected by a bolt  25  and nut  26 . The other ends of the legs  23  are on opposite sides of the pipe  29  and have ears  27  engaged in the base channel  14  underneath the lips  11 . The nut  26  can be adjusted on the bolt  25  in order to clamp pipes of different diameters. 
     As will be apparent from the foregoing, the pipe support of the invention does not have the conventionally used metal channel that must be fastened to a base. The one-piece support features an integral channel in which a pipe cleaner can be easily installed, and is resistant to rust and deterioration through use.