Patent ID: 12188591

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Also as used herein, unless otherwise specified or limited, directional terms are presented only with regard to the particular embodiment and perspective described. For example, reference to features or directions as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” and so on are generally made with reference to a particular figure or example and are not necessarily indicative of an absolute orientation or direction. However, relative directional terms for a particular embodiment may generally apply to alternative orientations of that embodiment. For example, “front” and “rear” directions or features (or “right” and “left” directions or features, and so on) may be generally understood to indicate relatively opposite directions or features for a particular embodiment, regardless of the absolute orientation of the embodiment (or relative orientation relative to environmental structures). “Lateral” and derivatives thereof generally indicate directions that are generally perpendicular to a vertical direction for a relevant reference frame.

Also as used herein, ordinal numbers are used for convenience of presentation only and are generally presented in an order that corresponds to the order in which particular features are introduced in the relevant discussion. Accordingly, for example, a “first” feature may not necessarily have any required structural or sequential relationship to a “second” feature, and so on. Further, similar features may be referred to in different portions of the discussion by different ordinal numbers. For example, a particular feature may be referred to in some discussion as a “first” feature, while a similar or substantially identical feature may be referred to in other discussion as a “third” feature, and so on.

Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, “integral” and derivatives thereof (e.g., “integrally”) describe elements that are manufactured as a single piece without fasteners, adhesive, or the like to secure separate components together. For example, an element stamped, cast, or otherwise molded as a single-piece component from a single piece of sheet metal or using a single mold, without rivets, screws, or adhesive to hold separately formed pieces together is an integral (and integrally formed) element. In contrast, an element formed from multiple pieces that are separately formed initially then later connected together, is not an integral (or integrally formed) element.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

As noted above, in some contexts, it may be useful to secure mechanical components (e.g., pipes or other fluid conduits) to support members (e.g., strut channels or structural members of a structure) and to accommodate insulation installed around the mechanical components. Embodiments of the invention can be useful for this purpose, and others. For example, embodiments of the invention can be used to secure a plumbing pipe, gas line, or other mechanical component on a strut channel or in a clevis hanger and is configured to accommodate insulation installed around the mechanical component to provide continuous coverage thereof.

In some embodiments, a mounting clamp can include a first clamp section coupled to a second clamp section that are moveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some configurations, the mounting clamp can support an elongate object (e.g., a plumbing pipe) from a supporting device (e.g., a strut channel or straddle clevis hanger). In some configurations the pipe can be insulated with a pipe insulation and the mounting clamp can provide a contacting surface (e.g., a collar wall) against which the pipe insulation can contact on both sides to provide an unbroken insulative covering around and along the pipe. In some configurations, the mounting clamp can have a sleeve wall that extends from the collar wall configured to be received within the pipe insulation. In some configurations, the sleeve wall can have features configured to engage the pipe insulation to ensure the pipe insulation is retained on the mounting clamp and against the collar wall. For example, projecting teeth can be formed to extend radially outward from the sleeve wall to engage the inner surface of the pipe insulation.

In some conventional arrangements, a mounting clamp that is configured to attach an insulated pipe to a structure will retain the pipe insulation by compressing the outer periphery of the insulation. In such an arrangement, various mounting clamps are required for each size of piping for each potential piping insulation thickness (e.g., ⅜″, ½″, ¾″, 1″, 1¼″, 1½″, 2″, etc.). Therefore, in the field, an installer will be required to know what the pipe diameter and insulation size to install the correct mounting clamp. Further, a parts distributor will need to have inventory for all the different sizes of mounting clamps.

Some embodiments of the invention can address this issue, or others. For example, some embodiments of the invention are presented below in the context of mounting clamps for piping and pipe insulation, wherein the mounting clamps are configured to fit a predetermined pipe size but can retain a range of insulation sizes (e.g., ⅜″, ½″, ¾″, 1″, 1¼″, 1½″, 2″, etc.). Generally, however, the principles disclosed herein can be used with any variety of mounting clamps and can be used to secure any variety of components in place.

FIGS.1through10illustrate an embodiment of a mounting clamp100configured to be mounted to a supporting device (for example, the struct channel80shown inFIG.13) or a straddle clevis hanger (not shown)). The mounting clamp100can generally be formed as a multi-piece clamp body that includes a set of clamp sections. For example, a two-piece clamp body can include a first clamp section102and a second clamp section104. The first and second clamp sections102,104are shown as independent elements configured to be coupled together. However, it is contemplated that the first and second clamp sections102,104can be hingedly coupled, for example, by a living hinge (not shown). In such an embodiment, the first and second clamp sections102,104may comprise an integrally formed clamp.

Continuing with the mounting clamp100, the first clamp section102is shown including a first sleeve wall106, a second sleeve wall108, and a collar wall110. As shown, the first sleeve wall106and the second sleeve wall108are partially cylindrical and spaced coaxially, with the second sleeve wall108positioned internally relative to the first sleeve wall106. The first sleeve wall106extends between a first end112and a second end114and has an inner peripheral surface116and an outer peripheral surface118. The first end112includes a first end mating feature120(e.g., shown inFIGS.1and2as a slot and protrusion extending along the first end112) and the second end114has second end mating feature122, similar to the first end mating feature120, extending along the second end114.

The collar wall110extends inwardly and perpendicularly from the first sleeve wall106. As shown, the collar wall110is substantially planar and defines a front contact surface124, a rear contact surface126opposite the front contact surface124, a first radial edge128, a second radial edge130, and an inner arcuate profile132extending between the first and second radial edges128,130.

Generally, a collar wall of a clamp section can include engagement profiles that extend between a corresponding outer sleeve wall and inner arcuate profile (e.g., extending radially along an edge of the collar wall). In particular, engagement profiles on corresponding first and second clamp sections can be configured to engage each other, to thereby secure the clamp sections together via a connection along the collar wall. For example, as shown inFIGS.1through10, the first and second radial edges128,130can further include engagement profiles formed as first and second channel profiles134,136, extending therealong, respectively. As shown, for example, the first and second channel profiles134,136can be one half of a snap lock feature. Additionally, the first and second radial edges128,130, at points adjacent the inner arcuate profile132, define an opening148with an opening distance D1between circumferential ends thereof.

Further, the second sleeve wall108extends in opposite directions from the front contact surface124and the rear contact surface126of the collar wall110. The second sleeve wall108has an inner peripheral surface138, an outer peripheral surface140, a first end142, and a second end144. The inner peripheral surface138of the second sleeve wall108effectively extends the inner arcuate profile132of the collar wall110. As shown, the second sleeve wall108also includes a plurality of teeth146extending in rows, radially spaced along the outer peripheral surface140. Here, specifically, the plurality of teeth146is shown including five rows of three teeth spaced around the outer peripheral surface140. However, other arrangements including more or fewer rows and/or more or fewer teeth are contemplated. Additionally, the first and second ends142,144of the second sleeve wall108extend the opening148.

Additionally, the first clamp section102can include a mounting feature, here shown as base150, configured to aid in coupling the mounting clamp100on a supporting device (for example, a struct channel80as shown inFIG.12). The base150has a platform152and a set of feet154extending from the platform152, away from the first sleeve wall106. The base150is sized and configured to be set over an opening in the strut channel80and the set of feet154are sized to fit within the opening82and between reentrant lips84of the strut channel80. The base150is coupled to the outer peripheral surface118of the first sleeve wall106with a set of gussets156. As shown, the base150, the set of gussets156, and the first sleeve wall106can be integrally formed.

Continuing looking atFIGS.1through10, the second clamp section104is shown. The second clamp section104is configured similarly to the first clamp section102. The second clamp section104has a first sleeve wall158, a second sleeve wall160, and a collar wall162. Similarly, the first sleeve wall158and the second sleeve wall160are partially cylindrical and spaced coaxially, with the second sleeve wall160positioned internally relative to the first sleeve wall158. The first sleeve wall158extends between a first end164and a second end166and has an inner peripheral surface168and an outer peripheral surface170. The first end164includes a first end mating feature172(e.g., as shown inFIGS.1and2as a slot and a protrusion extending along the first end164) and the second end166has second end mating feature174, similar to the first end mating feature172, extending along the second end166.

Additionally, the collar wall162of the second clamp section104extends inwardly and perpendicularly from the first sleeve wall158. Similarly, the collar wall162is substantially planar and defines a front contact surface176, a rear contact surface178opposite the front contact surface176, a first radial edge180, a second radial edge182, and an inner arcuate profile184extending between the first and second radial edges180,182. The first and second radial edges180,182further include respective second engagement profiles formed as first and second protruding profiles186,188, extending therealong, respectively. For example, the first and second protruding profiles186,188of the second engagement profile can be defined by tabs, as shown, that extend along at least a majority of a radial distance, along the first and second radial edges180,182, respectively, between the inner peripheral surface168and the inner arcuate profile184. The first and second protruding profiles186,188are configured to removably engage in snap-fit manner with the first and second channel profiles134,136of the first clamp section102, as discussed further below. It is contemplated, however, that the first engagement profile of the first and second radial edges128,130of the first clamp section102can comprise first and second protruding profiles and the second engagement profile of the first and second radial edges180,182of the second clamp section104can comprise first and second channel profiles. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the first and second engagement profiles can comprise combinations of protruding profiles and channel profiles. For example, the first radial edge128of the first clamp section102can comprise a protruding profile and the second radial edge130can comprise a channel profile, and the first radial edge180of the second clamp section104can comprise a channel profile and the second radial edge182can comprise a protruding profile.

Further, the second sleeve wall160has an inner peripheral surface190, an outer peripheral surface192, a first end194, and a second end196. As shown, the second sleeve wall160also includes a plurality of teeth198extending in a row, spaced along the outer peripheral surface192. Here, specifically, the plurality of teeth198are shown including a single row of three teeth spaced around the outer peripheral surface192. However, other arrangements including more or fewer rows and/or more or fewer teeth, including no teeth, are contemplated.

FIGS.4and5show the first clamp section102coupled with the second clamp section104in a closed configuration. As shown, in the closed configuration the first and second protruding profiles186,188of the second clamp section104are removably lockingly received within the first and second channel profiles134,136of the first clamp section102. As noted above, the first and second protruding profiles186,188of the second clamp section104provide engagement profiles that are one half of a snap lock feature and the first and second channel profiles134,136of the first clamp section102provided engagement profiles that are the other half of a snap lock feature. However, any workable combination of male and female (or other) snap fit features is contemplated and should not be limited to only what is shown in the figures. Further, the first and second end mating features120,122of the first sleeve wall106of the first clamp section102are configured to interface with the first and second end mating features172,174of the first sleeve wall158of the second clamp section104to add stability to the coupling of the first and second clamp sections102,144and provide a visual indicator of proper coupling.

Additionally, the coupling of the first and second clamp sections102,104and placement of the mounting clamp100into the closed configuration defines front and rear contact surfaces. The front contact surface is defined by the combination of the front contact surface124of the collar wall110of the first clamp section102and the front contact surface176of the collar wall162of the second clamp section104. The rear contact surface is defined by the combination of the rear contact surface126of the collar wall110of the first clamp section102and the rear contact surface178of the collar wall162of the second clamp section104. The front and rear contact surfaces provide a continuous, unbroken contact surface against which pipe insulation can abut as shown, for example, inFIG.10with respect to the front contact surface (i.e., the combination of front contact surfaces124,176).

Moreover, the combination of the first and second clamp sections102,104form an internal passageway16. The internal passageway50is defined by the inner arcuate profiles132,184of the collar walls110,162and the second sleeve walls108,160of the first and second clamp sections102,104, respectively. The internal passageway50has an internal passageway diameter D2(shown inFIG.5).

Looking atFIGS.1through10, the inner arcuate profile132of the collar wall110and the inner sleeve wall108of the first clamp section102define over 180 degrees of the circumference of the internal passageway16. As shown inFIGS.5and7, the internal passageway diameter D2is then longer than the opening distance D1of the opening148in the first clamp section102. In some configurations, the opening distance D1of the opening148is less than an outer diameter D3of a pipe60(shown inFIG.7). In installations in which the mounting clamp100is mounted in an orientation rotated at least 90 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise about the internal passageway50from the orientation shown inFIG.7, the configuration prevents the pipe60from falling out of the first clamp section102due to the interference created by the smaller opening distance D1.

In some configurations, the internal passageway diameter D2can be greater than the outer diameter D3of the pipe60. This size difference provides room for thermal expansion of the pipe60. For example, some pipes (e.g., a copper pipe) can expand and contract depending on the difference in temperatures of the fluid traveling through the pipe and the ambient air outside the pipe. For instance, when installing pipe in a building, the pipe is typically the same temperature as the ambient air at the time of installation. However, when later carrying water with a temperature greater than the ambient air temperature in the building (e.g., water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit in a building with an ambient air temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit), the copper pipe can expand lengthwise (e.g., ½″ over 100 feet of pipe) due to thermal expansion. Therefore, the size relationship between the internal passageway50and the pipe60is configured to allow the pipe60to slide freely relative to the mounting clamp100.

FIGS.8through10illustrate an embodiment of installing a pipe insulation70over the pipe60and into engagement with the mounting clamp100. As shown, the pipe insulation70can be fit over the pipe60(shown inFIG.8) and slid into engagement with the mounting clamp100(shown inFIG.9). In the engagement, the second sleeve walls108,160are received within the pipe insulation70along with the pipe60and the pipe insulation70abuts the front contact surfaces124,176of the collar walls110,162. The plurality of teeth146,198of the second sleeve walls108,160engage the inner surface of the pipe insulation70to maintain the position of the pipe insulation70relative to the mounting clamp100. The engagement of the plurality of teeth146,198also aids in maintaining the position of the pipe insulation70when the pipe60experiences thermal expansion as discussed above.

Continuing, as shown inFIG.10, the engagement of the pipe insulation70with the mounting clamp100based on the relationship with internal surface of the pipe insulation70and the plurality of teeth146,198extending from the second sleeve walls108,160. The mounting clamp100is not dependent upon engagement of the inner peripheral surfaces116,168of the first sleeve walls106,158, respectively, with the pipe insulation70. Therefore, the mounting clamp100can be used with various sizes of pipe insulation.

It is further contemplated that the outer peripheral surfaces118,170of the combined first and second clamp sections102,104are sized and configured to be received within a strut clamp (for example, a strut clamp90as shown inFIG.13) that can be installed in a strut channel (for example, the strut channel80shown inFIG.13) and tightened over the mounting clamp100to be removably coupled thereto.

FIG.11illustrates another embodiment of a mounting clamp200according to the invention, as also can be mounted to a strut channel (for example, the strut channel80shown inFIG.13) and receive an elongate object (for example, the pipe60shown inFIGS.6through10). In many aspects, the mounting clamp200is similar to the mounting clamp100described above and similar numbering in the200series is used for the mounting clamp200. For example, the mounting clamp200has a first clamp section202with a sleeve wall206, a collar wall210, a base250, and a set of gussets256. The sleeve wall206includes a first end212with a first end mating feature220, a second end214with a second end mating feature222, an inner peripheral surface216, and an outer peripheral surface218. The collar wall210includes a front contact surface224, a rear contact surface (hidden), an arcuate inner surface232, a first radial edge228with an engagement profile that is a first channel profile234extending along the first radial edge228, and a second radial edge230with an engagement profile that is a second channel profile236extending along the second radial edge230. The base250includes a platform252and a set of feet254.

Further, the mounting clamp200has a second clamp section204with a sleeve wall258and a collar wall262. The sleeve wall258includes a first end264with a first end mating feature272, a second end266with a second end mating feature274, an inner peripheral surface268, and an outer peripheral surface270. The collar wall262includes a front contact surface276, a rear contact surface (hidden), an inner arcuate profile284, a first radial edge280with an engagement profile comprising a first protruding profile286extending along the first radial edge280and configured to be received within the first channel profile234of the first clamp section202, and a second radial edge282with an engagement profile comprising a second protruding profile288extending along the second radial edge282and configured to be received within the second channel profile236of the second clamp section202.

Additionally, the first and second clamp sections202,204are also removably combinable to form an internal passageway (not shown) in which the pipe60can be received similar to the first and second clamp sections102,104of the mounting clamp100.

In some aspects, however, the mounting clamps100,200differ from each other. For example, the first and second clamp sections202,204do not include the second, or inner, sleeve walls extending from the respective collar walls210,262.

FIGS.12and13illustrate another embodiment of a mounting clamp300according to the invention, as also can be mounted to a strut channel (for example, the strut channel80shown inFIG.13) and receive an elongate object (for example, the pipe60shown inFIGS.6through10). In many aspects, the mounting clamp300is similar to the mounting clamp200described above and similar numbering in the300series is used for the mounting clamp300. For example, the mounting clamp300has a first clamp section302with a sleeve wall306, a collar wall310, a base350, and a set of gussets356. The sleeve wall306includes a first (circumferential) end312with a first end mating feature320, a second (circumferential) end314with a second end mating feature322, an inner peripheral surface316, and an outer peripheral surface318. The collar wall310includes a front contact surface324, a rear contact surface (hidden), an arcuate inner surface332, and a first radial edge328and a second radial edge330defining a first engagement profile. Additionally, the base350includes a platform352and a set of feet354.

Further, the mounting clamp300has a second clamp section304with a sleeve wall358and a collar wall362. The sleeve wall358includes a first end364with a first end mating feature372, a second end366with a second end mating feature374, an inner peripheral surface368, and an outer peripheral surface370. The collar wall362includes a front contact surface376, a rear contact surface (hidden), an inner arcuate profile384, and a first radial edge380and a second radial edge382defining a second engagement profile comprising first and second protruding profiles386,388, respectively.

Additionally, the first and second clamp sections302,304are also removably combinable to form an internal passageway (not shown) in which the pipe60can be received, similar to the first and second clamp sections202,204of the mounting clamp200.

In some aspects, however, the mounting clamps200,300differ from each other. For example, the first engagement profile of the first clamp section302is formed by a plurality of tabs including a first tab334extending circumferentially from the first radial edge328and a second tab336extending circumferentially from the second radial edge330of the collar wall310. As shown, the channel profile along the first radial edge328includes a plurality of first tabs334opposingly and alternatingly spaced along the first radial edge328and the channel profile along the second radial edge330includes a plurality of second tabs336opposingly and alternatingly spaced along the second radial edge330. In some embodiments, at least one set of first tabs of the plurality of first tabs334can be arranged directly opposed to each other on the first radial edge328. Similarly, in some embodiments, at least one set of the second tabs of the plurality of second tabs336can be arranged directly opposingly on the second radial edge330330.

Continuing, the plurality of first tabs334collectively define a recessed channel along the first radial edge328configured to receive the first protruding profile386of the first radial edge380of the second clamp section304. The plurality of second tabs336collectively define a recessed channel configured to receive the second protruding profile388of the second radial edge382of the second clamp section304.

It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the first and second engagement profiles can comprise combinations of engagement profiles. For example, the first engagement profile can be formed by one or more first protrusions that extend circumferentially from the collar wall310of the first clamp section302. Similarly, the second engagement profile can be formed by one or more second protrusions that extend circumferentially from the collar wall362of the second clamp section304and are configured for snap-fit engagement with the one or more first protrusions.

Additionally, the base350further includes a set of locking tabs extending downward therefrom, opposite the direction of the first clamp section302. In some embodiments, such as, for example, the mounting clamp300shown inFIG.12, a first locking tab390of the set of locking tabs is positioned at one corner of the base350and a second locking tab (hidden) can be positioned at another corner, opposite the first locking tab390and facing in an opposite direction (e.g., so that the tabs are arranged to engage a strut on opposing sides of a strut channel). In some embodiments, the set of locking tabs can include a third locking tab and a fourth locking tab, with each locking tab positioned at a respective corner of the base350. The set of locking tabs, including the first locking tab390and the second locking tab (hidden), are each configured to engage a reentrant lip84of the strut channel80(e.g., the first locking tab390engages one of the two reentrant lips and the second locking tab (hidden) engages the other reentrant lip) to at least temporarily secure the mounting clamp300thereto, as shown inFIG.13, before, during, or after a strut clamp90is installed.

FIGS.14and15illustrate another embodiment of a mounting clamp400according to the invention, as also can receive a pipe (for example, the pipe60shown inFIGS.6through10). In many aspects, the mounting clamp400is similar to the mounting clamp100described above and similar numbering in the400series is used for the mounting clamp400. For example, the mounting clamp400has a first clamp section402with a first sleeve wall406, a second sleeve wall408, and a collar wall410. The first sleeve wall406includes a first end412with a first end mating feature420, a second end414with a second end mating feature422, an inner peripheral surface416, and an outer peripheral surface418. The second sleeve wall408includes a first end442, a second end444, an inner peripheral surface438, and an outer peripheral surface440. The collar wall410includes a front contact surface424, a rear contact surface426, and a first radial edge428and a second radial edge430defining a first engagement profile comprising first and second channel profiles434,436, respectively.

Further, the mounting clamp400has a second clamp section404with a first sleeve wall458, a second sleeve wall460, and a collar wall462. The first sleeve wall458includes a first end464with a first end mating feature472, a second end466with a second end mating feature474, an inner peripheral surface468, and an outer peripheral surface470. The second sleeve wall460includes a first end494, a second end496, an inner peripheral surface490, and an outer peripheral surface492. The collar wall462includes a front contact surface476, a rear contact surface478, a first radial edge480and a second radial edge482defining a second engagement profile comprising first and second protruding profiles486,488, respectively.

Additionally, the first and second clamp sections402,404are also removably combinable to form an internal passageway (not shown) in which an elongate object (for example, the pipe60shown inFIGS.6through10) can be received similar to the first and second clamp sections102,104of the mounting clamp100.

In some aspects, however, the mounting clamps100,400differ from each other. For example, the second sleeve walls408,460of the first and second clamp sections402,404include barbs446,498and slots448,452, respectively. The barbs446,498are movable between a neutral configuration and an engaged configuration. For example, in the neutral configuration, the barbs446,498are facing and positioned inwardly into the internal passageway and can be urged outwardly toward the first sleeve walls406,458and into the engaged configuration when the pipe60is received within the respective second sleeve wall408,460. In the engaged configuration, the barbs446,498are in position to engage with pipe insulation (for example, the pipe insulation70shown inFIGS.8through10). In some configurations, the barbs446,498can be movable between the neutral configuration and the engaged configuration with a living hinge as shown inFIGS.14and15. The slots448,452, are configured to enhance the flexibility within the respective second sleeve walls408,460when the pipe60is received therein.

Additionally, the mounting clamp400includes clasps450extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface440of the first sleeve wall406of the first clamp section402. The clasps450are configured to be removably engageable with a saddle clevis hanger (not shown) to support and removably secure the first clamp section402therein.

FIG.16illustrates another embodiment of a mounting clamp500according to the invention, as also can receive an elongate object (for example, the pipe60shown inFIGS.6through10). In many aspects, the mounting clamp500is similar to a combination of the mounting clamp100and the mounting clamp400described above and similar numbering in the500series is used for the mounting clamp500. For example, the mounting clamp500has a first clamp section502with a first sleeve wall506, a second sleeve wall508, and a collar wall510. The first sleeve wall506includes a first end512with a first end mating feature520, a second end514with a second end mating feature522, an inner peripheral surface516, and an outer peripheral surface518. The second sleeve wall508includes a first end542, a second end544, an inner peripheral surface538, an outer peripheral surface540, and teeth546extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface540. The collar wall510includes a front contact surface524, a rear contact surface (hidden), a first radial edge528and a second radial edge530defining a first engagement profile comprising first and second channel profiles534,536, respectively.

Further, the mounting clamp500has a second clamp section504with a first sleeve wall558, a second sleeve wall560, and a collar wall562. The first sleeve wall458includes a first end564with a first end mating feature572, a second end566with a second end mating feature574, an inner peripheral surface568, and an outer peripheral surface570. The second sleeve wall560includes a first end594, a second end596, an inner peripheral surface590, an outer peripheral surface592, and teeth598extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface592. The collar wall562includes a front contact surface576, a rear contact surface (hidden), a first radial edge580and a second radial edge582defining a second engagement profile comprising first and second protruding profiles586,588, respectively.

Additionally, the first and second clamp sections502,504are also removably combinable to form an internal passageway (not shown) in which the pipe60can be received similar to the first and second clamp sections102,104of the mounting clamp100.

In some aspects, however, the mounting clamp500differs from the mounting clamps100,400. For example, although the mounting clamp500includes clasps550extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface540at the bottom of the first sleeve wall506of the first clamp section502(as viewed in the orientation shown inFIG.16), the mounting clamp500also has a set of clips552extending from the outer peripheral surface540adjacent the first end512and the second514of the first sleeve506. The clips552are configured to be removably engageable with a saddle clevis hanger (not shown) to support and removably secure the first clamp section502therein. For example, open ends of the clips552can be positioned adjacent the saddle clevis, whereby the first clamp section502is oriented obliquely relative to the saddle clevis. The first clamp section502can then be rotated relative to the saddle clevis, so that the sides of the saddle clevis are received within the clips552and thereby securing the first clamp section502to the saddle clevis.

In some implementations, devices or systems disclosed herein can be utilized or installed using methods embodying aspects of the invention. Correspondingly, description herein of particular features or capabilities of a device or system is generally intended to inherently include disclosure of a method of using such features for intended purposes and of implementing such capabilities. Similarly, express discussion of any method of using a particular device or system, unless otherwise indicated or limited, is intended to inherently include disclosure, as embodiments of the invention, of the utilized features and implemented capabilities of such device or system.

For example, with reference toFIGS.1through9, some embodiments can include an installation method under which a user can install a pipe60in the mounting clamp100and install pipe insulation70over the pipe60and into engagement with the mounting clamp100. The method can include, with the mounting clamp100in an open configuration (shown inFIGS.1through3), placing the mounting clamp100in a closed configuration (shown inFIGS.4and5) by urging the first and second clamp sections102,104toward each other and interconnecting the first and second channel profiles134,136on the collar wall110of the first clamp section102with the first and second protruding profiles186,188on the collar wall162of the second clamp section104, forming an internal passageway50between the collar walls110,162. The method further includes inserting the pipe60through the internal passageway50and installing a pipe insulation70around the pipe90. The pipe insulation70is then translated along the pipe60and into engagement with the mounting clamp100.

Some embodiments of the method can further include receiving sleeve walls108,160extending from the collar walls110,162into the pipe insulation70. Some embodiments of the method can include engaging teeth146,198extending radially outward from the sleeve walls108,160with the pipe insulation70. Some embodiments of the method can include first receiving the pipe60within the first clamp section102prior to urging the first and second clamp sections102,104together (i.e., while the mounting clamp100is in the open configuration).

As used herein, unless otherwise define or limited, “radial” directions extend perpendicularly to a reference axial direction. For example, with reference to an elongate pipe or conduit section that defines an axial direction corresponding to a center (or centroid) axis of the pipe or conduit, a corresponding radial direction extends perpendicularly to the center axis in any angular direction around a full 360 degree range centered on the axis. Similarly, unless otherwise defined or limited herein, “circumferential” directions extend along a reference circle of any radius that is centered along a reference axial direction. For example, again with reference to an elongate pipe or conduit section that defines an axial direction corresponding to a center (or centroid) axis of the pipe or conduit, a corresponding circumferential direction extends locally tangentially to a circle of any radius that is centered on the center axis.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.