Patent Publication Number: US-10316989-B2

Title: Multi-pipe suspension system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/696,250 entitled “Improved Multi-Pipe Suspension System” by Steven Ramsey, filed Sep. 9, 2017, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety, as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to devices for supporting pipes. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices for supporting and suspending multiple pipes, including different types of pipes for either commercial or residential applications. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The multi-pipe trapeze hanger of the present disclosure includes a first member having a first end and an opposing second end and a second member arranged substantially perpendicular to the first member, the second member having at least one first opening located toward the first end and at least one second opening located toward the second end. The multi-pipe trapeze hanger of the present disclosure further includes a first cradle arranged along the first member, the first cradle located toward the first end and a first ledge projecting perpendicularly from the first cradle. The first member includes a second cradle located toward the second end and a second ledge projecting perpendicularly from the second cradle. Further included is a securing device for securing a first pipe on the first ledge wherein the securing device is constructed to wrap around the first pipe and project through the at least one first opening. 
     An improved multi-pipe suspension system comprising, a multi-pipe trapeze hanger having a first member, the first member having a first end and an opposing second end, a second member arranged substantially perpendicular to the first member, the second member having at least one first opening located toward the first end and at least one second opening located toward the second end, a first cradle arranged along the first member, the first cradle located toward the first end, a first ledge projecting perpendicularly from the first cradle and extending over the second member, the first cradle and first ledge configured to support a first pipe, a second cradle arranged along the first member, the second cradle located toward the second end, a second ledge projecting perpendicularly from the second cradle and extending over the second member, the second ledge and second cradle configured to support a second pipe, a third ledge extending perpendicularly from the first member, the third ledge arranged along the first member between the first ledge and second ledge, the third ledge defining a first through hole, the second member including a second through hole located directly below the first through hole. 
     The improved multi-pipe suspension system further comprising a mounting rod having an upper end and a lower end, the mounting rod constructed to pass through the first and second through holes, a system clamp attached to the upper end, a first level lock constructed to be adjustably arranged on the mounting rod above the third ledge, a second level lock constructed to be adjustably arranged on the mounting rod below the second member, a pipe strap adjustably attached to the lower end, the pipe strap constructed to support a third pipe and a securing device constructed to wrap over the first pipe and project through the at least one first opening to secure the first pipe to the first ledge. 
     A method for using an improved multi-pipe suspension system comprising the steps of securing a first multi-pipe suspension system to a structure, the multi-pipe suspension system comprising a multi-pipe trapeze hanger having a first member, the first member having a first end and an opposing second end, a second member arranged substantially perpendicular to the first member, the second member having at least one first opening located toward the first end and at least one second opening located toward the second end, a first cradle arranged along the first member, the first cradle located toward the first end, a first ledge projecting perpendicularly from the first cradle and extending over the second member, the first cradle and first ledge configured to support a first pipe, a second cradle arranged along the first member, the second cradle located toward the second end, a second ledge projecting perpendicularly from the second cradle and extending over the second member, the second ledge and second cradle configured to support a second pipe, a third ledge extending perpendicularly from the first member, the third ledge arranged along the first member between the first ledge and second ledge, the third ledge defining a first through hole, the second member including a second through hole located directly below the first through hole. 
     The method for using an improved multi-pipe suspension system wherein the multi-pipe suspension system further comprising a mounting rod having an upper end and a lower end, the mounting rod arranged to pass through the first and second through holes, a system clamp attached to the upper end, a first level lock constructed to be adjustably arranged on the mounting rod above the third ledge, a second level lock constructed to be adjustably arranged on the mounting rod below the second member and a pipe strap adjustably attached to the lower end, the pipe strap constructed to support a third pipe. 
     The method for using an improved multi-pipe suspension system further comprising the steps of securing the first pipe on the first ledge using a first securing device that is wrapped over the first pipe and projects through the at least one first opening, securing the second pipe on the second ledge using a second securing device that is wrapped over the second pipe and projects through the at least one second opening, and supporting the third pipe with the pipe strap. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a non-limiting schematic of a multi-pipe suspension system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a non-limiting enlarged perspective view of a multi-pipe trapeze hanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a non-limiting perspective view of a series of multi-pipe suspension systems of  FIG. 1  according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles disclosed herein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. 
     A schematic view of a multi-pipe suspension system  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  and a perspective view of an embodiment of the multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  includes a first member  30  and a second member  60 . The first member  30  has a first end  40  and a second end  50 . Second member  60  is arranged substantially perpendicular to first member  30 . When viewed from first end  40 , first member  30  and second member  60  are “L” shaped. However, in one embodiment (not shown) one of ordinary skill would understand that the second member  60  could project in the opposite direction from first member  30  such that, when viewed from second end  50 , first member  30  and second member  60  are “L” shaped. 
     First member  30  further includes a first cradle  70  arranged along a top edge  80  of first member  30 . The first cradle  70  is located toward the first end  40  of first member  30 . A first ledge  90  projects perpendicularly from the bottom of first cradle  70 . In one embodiment, the first ledge  90  projects over second member  60 . The first ledge  90  may be arranged substantially parallel to second member  60 . However, in another embodiment (not shown), first ledge  90  may project in a direction opposite of second member  60  such that the first ledge  90  does not extend over second member  60 . In either case, first cradle  70  and first ledge  90  are constructed to support a pipe as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . 
     First member  30  also includes a second cradle  100  arranged along top edge  80  of first member  30 . The second cradle  100  is located toward the second end  50  of first member  30 . A second ledge  110  projects perpendicularly from the bottom of second cradle  100 . In one embodiment, the second ledge  110  projects over second member  60 . The second ledge  110  may be arranged substantially parallel to second member  60 . However, in another embodiment (not shown), second ledge  110  may project in a direction opposite of second member  60  such that the second ledge  110  does not extend over second member  60 . In either case, second cradle  100  and second ledge  110  are constructed to support a second pipe as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 . Note, the first ledge  90  and second ledge  110  do not necessarily have to project in the same direction from first member  30 . 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 2 , third ledge  120  may extend perpendicularly from first member  30 . Third ledge  120  may extend over second member  60 . Third ledge  120  is located between first ledge  90  and second ledge  110 . Third ledge  120  defines an opening  130  suitable for receiving a mounting rod  170 . Opening  130  may be any suitable shape for receiving mounting rod  170 . 
     As stated previously, second member  60  is arranged substantially perpendicular to first member  30 . Second member  60  has a first end and second end that correspond, respectively, to first end  40  and second end  50  of first member  30 . Second member  60  also has a top surface  62  and an opposing bottom surface  64 . Second member  60  includes a first at least one opening  140  positioned toward the first end. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the first at least one opening includes two openings  142 ,  144 . However, one of ordinary skill will recognize that other configurations are encompassed by this disclosure. For example, the at least one first opening  140  could be a single opening located toward the first end of second member  60  and disposed beneath first ledge  90 . 
     Second member  60  further includes an at least one second opening  150  located toward the second end of second member  60 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the second at least one opening includes two openings  152 ,  154 . However, one of ordinary skill will recognize that other configurations are encompassed by this disclosure. For example, the at least one second opening  150  could be a single opening located toward the second end of second member  60  and disposed beneath second ledge  110 . Second member  60  further includes a mounting rod guide  160  located directly below and in line with opening  130  of third ledge  120 . 
     Referring primarily to  FIG. 1 , multi-pipe suspension system  10  further includes mounting rod  170 , which has an upper end  180  and a lower end  190 . Mounting rod  170  may be threaded over its entire length or may be threaded over selected portions of its length. A system mount  200  is attached near the upper end  180 . The system mount  200  may be removably attached to upper end  180 , adjustably attached to upper end  180  or fixedly attached to upper end  180 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the system mount  200  comprises a c-clamp  210  and c-clamp bolt  220  arrangement. The c-clamp  210  has an interface that includes internal threads that are complementary to the threads of the mounting rod  170 . Thus, the c-clamp  210  is attached to the mounting rod  170  by screwing it on the upper end  180 . This particular mating arrangement allows the mounting rod  170  to be rotatable over a full 360 degree range relative to a centerline running along the length of the mounting rod. A locking nut  212  fixes the position of the c-clamp  210  relative to the mounting rod  170  when the locking nut  212  is adjusted against a bottom portion of the c-clamp  210 . 
     To mount the multi-pipe suspension system on a structure, the c-clamp  210  is arranged on, for example, the lip of an I-beam and the c-clamp bolt  220  is tightened against the I-beam lip. In this manner, the multi-pipe suspension system  10  is suspended below the I-beam. Note, system clamp  200  is not restricted to only a c-clamp arrangement, as one of ordinary skill would understand that system mount may be tailored to a specific application that requires a different mounting system than the c-clamp arrangement depicted in  FIG. 1 . For example, and without limiting the options available to one of ordinary skill in the art, system mounting options may include wall plates and Sammys® Screws. 
     The multi-pipe suspension system  10  further includes a pipe strap  230  attached to coupler  240 . Coupler  240  is constructed to adjustably mount on the lower end  190  of mounting rod  170 , thereby, suspending the pipe strap near the lower end  190  of mounting rod  170 . Coupler  240  includes a hollow bore having internal threads along at least a portion of its length that are complementary to the mounting rod threads. Thus, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupler  240  and attached pipe strap  230  are attached to the lower end  190  of the mounting rod by screwing the coupler  240  onto mounting rod  170 . Moreover, it is apparent that the relative position of the pipe strap  230  on mounting rod  170  can be adjusted by screwing the coupler  240  further upward on the mounting rod  170 . 
     The multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  is adjustably mounted on mounting rod  170 , by sliding mounting rod  170  through the appropriate features of the multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20 . Specifically, the mounting rod  170  is guided through opening  130  of third ledge  120  and mounting rod guide  160  located directly below and in line with opening  130  of third ledge  120 . This results in the lower end  190  of mounting rod  170  extending below the multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  and the upper end  180  extending above the multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20 . 
     The position of the multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  may be adjustably mounted on the mounting rod  170  to allow adjustment of the level of one or more pipes supported on the multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a first level adjuster  250  is adjustably arranged on mounting rod  170  such that the first level adjuster  250  is located on the mounting rod  170  above the third ledge  120 . First level adjuster  250  may be a nut configured with a thread pattern complimentary to the thread pattern of mounting rod  170 . First level adjuster  250  may include any other design suitable for being adjustably mounted on the mounting rod and is not limited to the nut configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Second level adjuster  260  is arranged on mounting rod  170  below second member  60 . Second level adjuster  260  may be a nut configured with a thread pattern complimentary to the thread pattern of mounting rod  170 . Second level adjuster  260  may include any other design suitable for being adjustably mounted on the mounting rod and is not limited to the nut configuration shown in  FIG. 1 . First level adjuster  250  and second level adjuster  260  are used to locate and lock into place second member  60  at any desired point along mounting rod  170  between the system mount  200  and coupler  240 . 
     The multi-pipe suspension system  10  is used to support as many as three pipes. Referring to  FIG. 3 , a series of multi-pipe suspensions  10  are attached via system mount  200  to an I-beam  400 . In use, a first pipe  270  is arranged in and on first cradle  70  and first ledge  90  of each multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  mounted on their respective mounting rods  170 . First pipe  270  may be wrapped with, for example, insulation  280 , but, it should be understood, that first pipe  270  may be arranged in and on first cradle  70  and first ledge  90  with or without insulation. 
     First pipe  270  may be secured in place on first cradle  70  and first ledge  90  with a securing device  290 . Securing device  290  is wrapped over first pipe  270  and projected through the first at least one opening  142 ,  144  such that a portion of the securing device spans the bottom surface  64  of second member  60  thereby securing the first pipe  270  on second member  60 . The securing device  290  may be any configuration that is flexible enough to wrap around first pipe  270 . Non-limiting examples of suitable securing devices include but are not limited to zip-ties, wire ties, wire and the like. 
     Note, if first pipe  270  includes an insulating wrap  280 , then securing device  290  will wrap over insulation  280  and through the first at least one opening  142 ,  144  in the same manner as discussed above. First pipe  270  may be any type of pipe suitable for being supported. Types of pipes include by are not limited to water pipes constructed of any suitable material, gas pipes constructed of any suitable material, PVC pipes, CPVC pipes and any other pipe that may require support. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a second pipe  300  is arranged in and on second cradle  100  and second ledge  110  of each multi-pipe trapeze hanger  20  mounted on their respective mounting rods  170 . Second pipe  300  may be wrapped with, for example, insulation  310 , but, it should be understood, that second pipe  300  may be arranged in and on second cradle  100  and second ledge  110  with or without insulation. 
     Second pipe  300  may be secured in place on second cradle  100  and second ledge  110  with a second securing device  320 . Second securing device  320  is wrapped over second pipe  300  and projected through the second at least one opening  152 ,  154  such that a portion of the second securing device  320  spans the bottom surface  64  of second member  60  thereby securing the second pipe  300  on second member  60 . Second securing device  320  may include but is not limited to zip-ties, wire ties, wire and the like. 
     Note, if second pipe  300  includes an insulating wrap  310 , then second securing device  320  will wrap over insulation  310  and through the second at least one opening  152 ,  154  in the same manner as discussed above. Second pipe  300  may be any type of pipe suitable for being supported. Types of pipes include by are not limited to water pipes constructed of any suitable material, gas pipes constructed of any suitable material, PVC pipes, CPVC pipes and any other pipe that may require support. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the multi-pipe suspension system  10  is also suitable for supporting a third pipe  330 . Pipe strap  230  is arranged and constructed to support third pipe  330 . Third pipe  330  can be any type of pipe, including, but not limited to water pipes constructed of any suitable material, gas pipes constructed of any suitable material, PVC pipes, CPVC pipes and any other pipe that may require support. Preferably, third pipe  330  includes but is not limited to a vent pipe. 
     The position of each multi-pipe trapeze hanger  10 , in a series of mounted hangers can be adjusted on their respective mounting rods  170 , as needed for any installation. Typically, the multi-pipe trapeze hangers  10  will be positioned on their respective mounting rods  170  such that the first pipe  270  and second pipe  300  will run relatively horizontally and substantially parallel to the structure (e.g., I-beam  400 ) from which the multi-pipe suspension system  10  is suspended. However, if it is desirable, the respective multi-pipe trapeze hangers  10  can be individually adjusted on their respective mounting rods such that the pipes can slope upward or downward relative to the structure (e.g., I-beam  400 ) from which the multi-pipe suspension system  10  is suspended. 
     Even though  FIG. 3  shows three multi-pipe suspension systems  10 , the scope of this disclosure includes any number of multi-pipe suspension systems as needed for any specific application. Thus, any specific application may need anywhere from one multi-pipe suspension system to hundreds of multi-pipe suspension systems. 
     As discussed above, the orientation of the pipes supported on the multi-pipe trapeze hangers  10  may be horizontal or slopped. Similarly, the third pipe  330  supported by pipe strap  230  of the various multi-pipe suspension systems  10  can be either horizontal relative to the other pipes and/or support structure or sloping by adjusting the positions of the couplers  240 /pipe straps  230  on their respective mounting rods  170 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , a non-limiting example includes adjusting the position of each of the couplers  240  on the series of mounting rods  170  such that the pipe straps  230  support the third pipe  330  to follow the slope of the ground  500  located below the third pipe  330 . 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the mounting rod  170  can be varied such that a series of multi-pipe suspension systems  10  can utilize different length mounting rods, whereby each multi-pipe suspension system  10  in a series has a longer or shorter mounting rod  170 . More particularly, by using a series of progressively longer mounting rods  170 , a vent pipe  330  mounted in pipe strap  230  can follow a downward slopping ground  500 , while the multi-pipe trapeze hangers  20  in the series can be adjusted to keep the first and second pipes  270 ,  300  parallel with the structure (e.g., I-beam  400 ) from which the multi-pipe suspension system  10  is suspended. 
     It should be understood, that relative positional ten is such as, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below” and the like, are with reference to the normal operational position of the device disclosed herein with respect to its normal intended use in supporting pipes in residential and commercial settings. Such positional terms should not be considered otherwise limiting. 
     The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been employed herein is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than word of limitation. While there have been described herein what are considered to be exemplary embodiments of the present invention, other modifications of the invention shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein and, it is, therefore, desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modification as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.