Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/026,031, entitled “Pipe Stand with Accessories,” filed Feb. 4, 2008 by Melissa M. Marineau, Jonathan A. Zick, Edward D. Wilbert, Jeffrey M. Wackwitz, Benjamin Ludy, and Scott D. Eisenhardt, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a pipe stand for supporting conduit, with the pipe stand including various accessories. 
     Construction and plumbing projects often require long, heavy conduit lengths. Given that conduit is normally ordered from wholesalers or stores, the conduit often arrives in standard lengths and requires modifications to properly fit. Modifications, such as cutting, and threading, require the conduit be stabilized and supported during the operation. Stabilizing a heavy piece of conduit can be awkward and unsafe, often times requiring the use of an additional worker. Pipe stands are able to safely secure the lengths of conduit at an elevation comfortable and easily accessible for the workers. 
     Often times, work sites are located in remote or outdoor settings creating issues with supplying proper power and/or other amenities. This can be particularly difficult when working on a pipe stand, which can require large clearances to facilitate the conduit being supported. Moreover, multiple devices may be required to complete a given task, resulting in issues with plug space and storage problems for tools not in use. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a pipe stand able to support a conduit and including a table having a first surface, supports pivotably coupled to the table for supporting the table in an elevated position with respect to a support surface, and a shelf extending between the supports and positioned between the table and the support surface. At least one of the supports includes an electrical connector, and a power cord in electrical communication with the electrical connector and connectable to an external power source. The pipe stand includes a first jaw extending from the first surface of the table and shaped to engage a portion of the conduit, and a second jaw extending from the first surface of the table and spaced a distance from the first jaw, the second jaw shaped to engage another portion of the conduit. A clamping device is supported by one of the first jaw and the second jaw. The clamping device includes a cord removeably coupled to the table and engageable with the conduit and a winch for biasing the cord with respect to the conduit. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a pipe stand for supporting a conduit, the pipe stand including a table having a first surface, a plurality of supports pivotably coupled to the table for supporting the table in an elevated position with respect to a support surface, and a leveling system coupled to the table wherein the leveling system includes an adjustment apparatus for adjusting a length of at least one of the supports. At least one of the supports includes an electrical connector supported by at least one of the supports and a power cord in electrical communication with the electrical connector and connectable to an external power source. The pipe stand further includes a shelf extending between the supports and positioned between the table and the support surface, a first jaw extending from the first surface of the table and shaped to engage a portion of the conduit, and a second jaw extending from the first surface of the table and spaced a distance from the first vise jaw, the second jaw shaped to engage another portion of the conduit. Where at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw includes a clamping device, the clamping device including a cord removeably coupled to the table and engageable with the conduit and a winch for biasing the cord with respect to the conduit. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a pipe stand for supporting a conduit, the pipe stand including a table having a first surface, a plurality of supports pivotably coupled to the table for supporting the table in an elevated position with respect to a support surface and wherein at least one of the supports includes an electrical connector, and a power cord in electrical communication with the electrical connector and connectable to an external power source. The pipe stand further includes a shelf extending between the plurality of supports and positioned between the table and the support surface, a first jaw extending from the first surface of the table and shaped to engage a portion of the conduit, and a second jaw extending from the first surface of the table and spaced a distance from the first jaw, the second jaw shaped to engage another portion of the conduit. At least one of the first jaw and the second jaw including a vise clamping device. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pipe stand according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a table of the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are perspective views of a clamping device for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a vise clamping device for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of another vise clamping device for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are perspective views of yet another vise clamping device for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a threaded rod cutter for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a leveling assembly for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a flex-light for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a pipe stand according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 10A  in the collapsed position. 
         FIG. 10C  is an enlarged view of a clamping device for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10D  is an enlarged view of an extension arm for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an extension arm for the pipe stand shown in  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
    
     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. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a pipe stand  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. The illustrated pipe stand  10  may support various accessories (e.g., power tools, clamping devices, lights, power sources, etc.) and a pipe  14 . The illustrated pipe  14  has a substantially circular cross-section; however, in other embodiments, the pipe  14  may have a rectangular-shaped cross-section or other various cross-sections. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe stand  10  includes a table  18 , three supports  22  for supporting the table  18  in an elevated position with respect to a support surface  26  (such as a floor), and a shelf  30  extending between the supports  22  and positioned between the table  18  and the support surface  26 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the table  18  includes a first table edge  34  defining a first surface  38 , a second table edge  42 , a lip  46  extending between the first and second table edges  34 ,  42 , and a second surface (not shown) opposite the first surface  38  and recessed from the second table edge  42  toward the first surface  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the first surface  38  of the table  18  includes a first jaw  54 , and a second jaw  58  spaced a distance from the first jaw  54 . The first and second jaws  54 ,  58  are substantially “V” shaped and define a pair of angled surfaces  56  configured to support the pipe  14  in a substantially horizontal orientation. The angled surfaces  56  also limit lateral movement of the conduit with respect to the table  18 . The angled surfaces  56  include a plurality of pipe engaging ribs  62  to restrict rotation of the pipe  14  with respect to the table  18 . 
     The lip  46  of the table  18  includes an exterior surface  70  adjacent the first surface  38  and an interior surface (not shown) adjacent the second surface. The lip  46  of the table  18  allows for attachment of a portable power tool, such as a band saw  78  or other pipe cutting device. The band saw  78  includes a handle  82  for releasably engaging to the first surface  38  of the table  18  and thereby coupling the band saw  78  to the pipe stand  10 . In other embodiments, the handle  82  is a first handle and engages the first surface  38  and a second handle extends from the band saw  78  and engages the second surface or the lip  46 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , one of the supports  22  includes four GFCI outlets  86 ; however, in other embodiments, any number or type of outlets  86  may be included on the support  22 . Each outlet  86  provides electrical power to an electrical component or accessory, such as the band saw  78 , via an accessory power cord  90  of the component. The electrical power is supplied from a remote power source (e.g., wall outlet, power generator, battery) to the outlets  86  by way of a pipe stand power cord  94 . A first portion (not shown) of the pipe stand power cord  94  is positioned within the support  22  and extends from the outlets  86  to a base  102  of the support  22  that abuts the support surface  26 . Proximate the base  102 , a second portion  106  of the pipe stand power cord  94  protrudes from the support  22  and is connectable to the remote power source (not shown). Each outlet  86  is a local power source such that, for example, the portable power tools (e.g., the band saw  78 ) may be powered directly by the pipe stand  10  (i.e., by the outlets  86  located on the support  22 ). The local power source allows the portable power tools to be operated without the use of known equipment or accessories, such as extension cords, rechargeable battery packs, etc. 
     In other embodiments, more than one support  22  of the pipe stand  10  includes the outlets  86 . In one embodiment, a single pipe stand power cord  94  is wired within the pipe stand  10  to the outlets  86  of each support  22 . In another embodiment, three pipe stand power cords  94  (one for each support  22 ) are used to supply electrical power to the outlets  86  of each support  22 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , each support  22  is pivotally coupled to the table  18 . The pivotal coupling allows each support  22  to fold inwardly, creating compact portability and storage capabilities for the pipe stand  10 . In addition, the table  18  as well as the shelf  30  may be collapsible, therein providing an even more-compact pipe stand  10 . 
     In other embodiments, each support  22  includes a wheel (not shown) coupled to its base  102 . The wheels create a mobile pipe stand  10  and allow a user to transport the pipe stand  10  to various locations. In addition, each wheel may include a brake such that the user may lock the pipe stand  10  in a specific position and prevent any movement of the pipe stand  10  with respect to the support surface  26 . 
     The shelf  30  of the pipe stand  10  ( FIG. 1 ) supports and stores various items that may be used by the user. For example, the shelf  30  may support a pipe  14 , paper documents, a radio, portable power tools, extension cords, etc. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a clamping device  110  for resisting movement of the pipe  14  with respect to the pipe stand  10 . The clamping device  110  may be removably coupled to the table  18  of the pipe stand  10 . The clamping device  110 , illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , includes a clamping mechanism, for example, a winch (not shown) and a chain  118  for engaging a portion of the circumference of the pipe  14 . The clamping device  110  removably couples the pipe  14  to the table  18  (e.g., to the jaws  54 ,  58  of the table  18 ). The clamping mechanism is positioned beneath the table  18 , proximate the second surface, to prevent interference of the clamping device  110  with any pipe operations (i.e., pipe cutting). The chain  118  may extend from the clamping mechanism, over the pipe  14 , and through an aperture  122  of the table  18 . Tightening of the chain  118  with the clamping mechanism secures the pipe  14  to the pipe stand  10  and resists movement of the pipe  14  in a vertical direction  126 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In further embodiments, additional types of clamping devices may be coupled to the pipe stand  10 . For example,  FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate a clamping device  130  that includes a winch  134  and a chain  138  movable by the winch  134 . The winch  134  is removably coupled to the table  18  of the pipe stand  10 . In other embodiments, the winch  134  may be removably coupled to one of the supports  22 . The illustrated winch  134  is hand-powered and cranks or rolls the chain  138  against the pipe  14  to tighten or secure the pipe  14  to the table  18 . In other embodiments, the winch  134  may be powered by a motor or a pump. 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C  is an alternative embodiment for a pair of jaws  142 ,  146  for the pipe stand  10 . The first jaw  142 , illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C , includes a groove  150  that separates the first jaw  142  into a first portion  154  and a second portion  158 . The chain  138  of the clamping device  130  sits in the groove  150  and engages a greater amount of the circumference of the pipe  14  than the chain  118  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The second jaw  146  ( FIG. 3B ) engages a smaller surface area of the pipe  14 . In addition, the second jaw  146 , in comparison to the first and second jaws  54 ,  58  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), supports pipes  14  having a greater diameter. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another clamping device  162  for coupling to the pipe stand  10 . The clamping device  162  includes a ratchet tool  166  and a vise jaw  170 . The ratchet tool  166  is hand-powered to actuate the vise jaw  170 . The vise jaw  170  engages the pipe  14  and firmly holds the pipe  14  between the vise jaw  170  of the clamping device  162  and, for example, the first jaw  142  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ). 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a vise clamping device  174  for coupling to the pipe stand  10 . The vise clamping device  174  includes a quick clamp  178 , a bar  182  movable and engageable within the quick clamp  178 , and a vise jaw  186  coupled to the bar  182 . The pipe  14  is firmly held between the vise jaw  188  coupled to the bar  182  and the first jaw  142  ( FIGS. 3A-3C ). 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate another clamping device  190  for coupling to the pipe stand  10 . The clamping device  190  includes a clutch mechanism  194  and a cable  198 . The cable  198  is tightened by the clutch mechanism  194  and firmly holds the pipe  14  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) within a jaw  202 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pipe stand  10  also includes a threaded rod cutter  200  used to machine threads onto the pipe  14 . The threaded rod cutter  200  is built into the lip  46  of the pipe stand  10  and includes a housing and a cutting assembly (not shown). In other embodiments, the threaded rod cutter is removably coupled to the table  18 . For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates a threaded rod cutter  210  that may be removably coupled to the pipe stand  10 . The threaded rod cutter  210  is a hand-held tool and includes a housing  212  and a cutting assembly  214 . The threaded rod cutter  210  may be removably coupled to the table  18  by attaching the housing  212 , for example, to the lip  46  of the table  18 . To machine the threads onto the pipe, the pipe  14  may be supported by either of the pair of vise jaws  54 ,  58  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) or the threaded rod cutter  210 . In other embodiments, the threaded rod cutter  210  may be removably coupled to one or more of the supports  22 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a leveling assembly  218  for the pipe stand  10 . The leveling assembly  218  includes a bubble level  222  and a fine-adjustment knob  226 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bubble level  222  is positioned on the table  18  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a fine-adjustment knob  226  is integrated into each of the supports  22 . The user may observe the bubble level  222  and accordingly adjust the height of the table  18  via the fine-adjustment knobs  226  on the supports  22 . Observation and adjustment of the bubble level  222  and fine-adjustment knobs  226 , respectively, occurs until the bubble level  222  indicates that the table  18  of the pipe stand  10  is substantially level. In other embodiments, the bubble level  222  is removable from the pipe stand  10 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a flex-light  230  that may be coupled to the pipe stand  10  for illuminating the table  18 . The flex-light  230  includes a light source  234  (e.g., a light bulb) and a flexible cord  238 . The flexible cord  238  may extend from, for example, the first surface  38  of the table  18 . The flexible cord  238  couples the light source  234  to the table  18 . To direct the light source  234  and therein illuminate a desired location, the user moves the flexible cord  238  to position the light source  234  proximate the desired location. When the flex-light  230  is in the desired position and the user releases the flexible cord  238 , the flexible cord  238  retains the released position. In other embodiments, the pipe stand  10  includes multiple flex-lights  230  that couple to the table  18  or to the supports  22 . The flex-light  230  is powered by the local power source (i.e., the outlets  86 ) and a power cord, or by the remote power source and internal wires electrically communicating with the flex-light  230 . 
     In other embodiments, one or more hooks are built into the pipe stand  10  for supporting various items, such as a radio, extension cords, extra band saw blades, battery charger, etc. The hooks may be positioned on the table  18 , the shelf  30 , one or more of the supports  22 , or combinations thereof. In addition, the hooks may be pivotable or substantially fixed with respect to the pipe stand  10 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a radio is built into the table  18  of the pipe stand  10 . For example, the radio is coupled to the second surface of the table  18 . The radio may be powered via a battery (not shown) and/or the local power source (i.e., the outlets  86 ). The electrical connection between the outlets  86  and the radio may be a hard-wired connection, such as a power cord, or internally wired such that the radio may be powered by the pipe stand power cord  94 . In other embodiments, various electrical components (e.g., portable power tools, a radio, lights, etc.) are built into the pipe stand  10  such that electrical power is supplied through the pipe stand  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the pipe stand  10  includes a holster for supporting and storing a power tool, such as, for example, a grinder, a drill, etc. In one embodiment, the holster is defined by a recessed area in the table  18 . The recessed area is shaped to complement the supported power tool. In another embodiment, the holster is a removable structure coupled to any of the table  18 , supports  22 , or shelf  30 . The holster may include an aperture to allow a drill bit or blade to remain attached to the power tool when stored in the holster. 
     The pipe stand  10  may also include battery operated tools, such as a grinder, a pipe cleaner, or a pipe rotator. Each battery operated tool may be integrated into the pipe stand  10 . For example, the pipe cleaner may be built into or coupled to the table  18  of the pipe stand  10 . 
     In addition to the outlets  86 , the pipe stand  10  includes, in some embodiments, a battery charger. The battery charger may be of various types of battery chargers, such as a 12-Volt, an 18-Volt, or a 28-Volt. In other embodiments, the pipe stand  10  includes more than one battery charger and therein more than one type of battery charger. The battery charger may be positioned in various locations on the pipe stand  10 . For example, the battery charger may be positioned on one of the supports  22 , on the second surface of the table  18 , or on the shelf  30 . The battery charger may also be positioned proximate the outlets  86 . 
     In some embodiments, the pipe stand  10  includes a conduit holder or multiple conduit holders for the storage of pipes  14 , which is coupled to one of the supports  22  of the pipe stand  10 . In one embodiment, the conduit holder is coupled to one of the supports  22  and includes a base having a cavity for retaining ends of pipes  14  and a ring for holding the pipes  14  substantially parallel to the said support  22 . The base of the conduit holder is positioned proximate the base  102  of the support  22  and the ring of the conduit holder is positioned proximate the table  18  of the pipe stand  10 . In another embodiment, the conduit holder is a single tubular holder having one closed end and one open end for inserting pipes  14 . 
     In other embodiments, the conduit holder is coupled to the table  18 . The conduit holder may be a single tubular holder having one closed end and one open end. The table  18  includes an aperture that extends from the first surface  38  to the second surface of the table  18 . The aperture is dimensioned to permit multiple pipes  14  to be inserted length-wise through the aperture. The conduit holder may be coupled to the table  18  such that the open end of the conduit holder is positioned about a periphery of the aperture of the table  18 , therein permitting multiple pipes  14  to be inserted through the aperture. The pipes  14  are then held within the conduit holder for the user to reach upon when needed. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate a pipe stand  242  according to another embodiment of the invention. The pipe stand  242  includes a table  246  and a support assembly  250  for elevating the table  246  with respect to the support surface  26 . The pipe stand  242  may include any of the various accessories discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The pipe stand  242  is movable between a first position shown in  FIG. 10A  (i.e., an upright or elevated position) and a second position shown in  FIG. 10B  (i.e., a collapsed or folded position). The support assembly  250  is a scissor-like structure including two hinged portions  254 A,  254 B that move the pipe stand  242  between the first and second positions. When the pipe stand  242  is in the first position, the user may actuate a handle  258  of the support assembly  250  to disengage or release the two hinged portions  254 A,  254 B from the first position, and thereby allow the table  246  of the pipe stand  242  to collapse to the second position such that the table  246  and two hinged portions  254 A,  254 B are substantially parallel to one another. 
     The table  246  of the pipe stand  242  includes a clamping device  262  and an extension arm  266 . The clamping device  262  ( FIG. 10C ), is similar to the clamping device  130  illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3C ; however, in other embodiments, the clamping device  262  may be any of the clamping devices discussed above or other clamping devices. The extension arm  266  ( FIGS. 10D and 11 ) is extendable from the table  246  of the pipe stand  242  to a first position (i.e., an extended position illustrated in  FIG. 11 ) to assist in supporting a pipe  14  having an increased length. The extension arm  266  may also reduce stress and strain in the pipe  14  typically caused by the cantilevered weight of the increased length hanging off the table  246 . 
     The extension arm  266  includes a jaw  270  ( FIGS. 10A and 10D ) coupled to the extension arm  266  to aid the clamping device  262  in firmly holding the pipe  14  to the table  246  for machining. Furthermore, the jaw  270  may be removably coupled to the roller  270  to resist movement of the pipe  14  parallel to a rotation axis  278  of the roller  270 . The extension arm includes a roller  274  ( FIGS. 10B and 11 ), which allows a user to easily move the pipe  14  with respect to the table  246 . 
     Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exits within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Technology Category: b