The present invention relates to a utility support framing system for structurally suspended concrete slab over void form foundation systems. The inventive utility support framing system avoids problems created by expansive soils which damage utility lines under foundation systems. The inventive utility support framing system permits suspending utility pipes within an interior space of the foundation system while avoiding the problems of the prior art.

Disclosed is a lockable pipe shield for a pipe support assembly, a pipe support assembly, and a method of securing a lockable pipe shield to a pipe hanger. Example aspects of the lockable pipe shield for a pipe support assembly can comprise a substantially semi-cylindrical shield body defining a first shield end, a second shield end opposite the first shield end, and an upper shield edge; and a lock tab coupled to the shield body at the upper shield edge, the lock tab bendable relative to the shield body between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the lockable pipe shield is in an unlocked configuration, and in the second position, the lockable pipe shield is in a locked configuration.

Disclosed is a lockable pipe shield for a pipe support assembly, a pipe support assembly, and a method of securing a lockable pipe shield to a pipe hanger. Example aspects of the lockable pipe shield for a pipe support assembly can comprise a substantially semi-cylindrical shield body defining a first shield end, a second shield end opposite the first shield end, and an upper shield edge; and a lock tab coupled to the shield body at the upper shield edge, the lock tab bendable relative to the shield body between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the lockable pipe shield is in an unlocked configuration, and in the second position, the lockable pipe shield is in a locked configuration.

A method of assembling a pipe hanger includes inserting a threaded rod through a suspension member; placing a lock tab washer on the threaded rod, the lock tab washer defining an edge tab, a nut tab, and a wing extending from the nut tab; threading a nut on the threaded rod, the nut defining a circumferential side defining a first face and a second face, the lock tab washer oriented between the suspension member and the nut; folding the edge tab over a side edge of the suspension member; folding the nut tab over the first face of the circumferential side of the nut; and folding the wing over the second face of the circumferential side of the nut.

A method of assembling a pipe hanger includes inserting a threaded rod through a suspension member; placing a lock tab washer on the threaded rod, the lock tab washer defining an edge tab, a nut tab, and a wing extending from the nut tab; threading a nut on the threaded rod, the nut defining a circumferential side defining a first face and a second face, the lock tab washer oriented between the suspension member and the nut; folding the edge tab over a side edge of the suspension member; folding the nut tab over the first face of the circumferential side of the nut; and folding the wing over the second face of the circumferential side of the nut.

A method and apparatus for installing pipes. The apparatus is a clamp for hanging or supporting pipe. The clamp comprises a base and a seat for receiving a pipe. The seat comprises at least two load bearing members adapted to receive the pipe. The clamp further comprises at least two side support members extending upward from the base at an oblique angle with respect to the base. The two support members each comprise an upwardly extending arm for receiving the pipe and wherein each upwardly extending arm forms an aperture for receiving a fastener to secure the pipe within the clamp. The clamp preferably comprises an integral, one-piece unit. Methods of making a pipe clamp and installing a pipe also are disclosed.

A method and apparatus for installing pipes. The apparatus is a clamp for hanging or supporting pipe. The clamp comprises a base and a seat for receiving a pipe. The seat comprises at least two load bearing members adapted to receive the pipe. The clamp further comprises at least two side support members extending upward from the base at an oblique angle with respect to the base. The two support members each comprise an upwardly extending arm for receiving the pipe and wherein each upwardly extending arm forms an aperture for receiving a fastener to secure the pipe within the clamp. The clamp preferably comprises an integral, one-piece unit. Methods of making a pipe clamp and installing a pipe also are disclosed.

Electrofusion tape and method for the production thereof for welding together with plastics pipes in particular for use in a fixed-point fastening, consisting of a jacket element preferably of an electrically insulating plastics material, at least one heating element of electrically conductive plastics material and at least two contact elements for supplying electricity to the heating element, wherein the jacket element and the heating element take the form of tapes, wherein the jacket element surrounds the heating element at least in part, wherein the contact elements are arranged in the mutually opposing marginal regions of the heating element and extend parallel to one another along the heating element.

A lock tab washer for a pipe hanger includes a washer body; an edge tab defining a first section and a second section, wherein the first section extends from the washer body and the second section is bent relative to the first section in a first direction; and first, second, and third nut tabs extending from the washer body, wherein each of the first, second, and third nut tabs are bent relative to the washer body in a second direction opposite the first direction.

A lock tab washer for a pipe hanger includes a washer body; an edge tab defining a first section and a second section, wherein the first section extends from the washer body and the second section is bent relative to the first section in a first direction; and first, second, and third nut tabs extending from the washer body, wherein each of the first, second, and third nut tabs are bent relative to the washer body in a second direction opposite the first direction.