APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A FLEXIBLE CONDUIT HAVING A RELEASABLE CONNECTOR

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit which includes a flexible member and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member. The apparatus has a releasable connector and a shock absorber. The releasable connector has a first member and a second member. When a releasing force is applied to the flexible conduit, the releasable connector separates. The shock absorber is configured to absorb a load when the releasable connector separates. The shock absorber may include a compressible material that includes a metal, such as a metal foam or a corrugated metal sheet. The releasable connector and the shock absorber may be integrally formed together.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit that includes a flexible member and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member, the apparatus comprising: a releasable connector, the releasable connector comprising: a first member; and a second member, wherein one of the first member and the second member is configured to be secured to one of the flexible conduit and a structural support member, and wherein the other of the first member and the second member is configured to be secured to the other of the flexible conduit and the structural support member, and wherein when the releasable connector is subjected to a force sufficient to overcome a predetermined force keeping the first and second members connected the first and the second members separate; a tether configured to support the flexible conduit when the releasable connector separates, wherein the tether is connected between the first and the second members of the releasable connector; and a shock absorber comprising a closed cylinder, a piston rod extending out of the closed cylinder, and a compressible material inside of the closed cylinder, the compressible material configured to be compressed and absorb a load transferred to the structural support member when the releasable connector separates.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the piston rod and one of the first and the second members of the releasable connector are integrally formed together.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressible material comprises a compressible solid.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the compressible solid comprises a metal.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the compressible solid comprises a metallic foam.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the compressible solid comprises a corrugated metal.

7. An apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit having a flexible member; and a rigid member in fluid communication with the flexible member, the apparatus comprising: a releasable connector having a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be secured to the flexible conduit, and the second member configured to be secured to a structural support member, wherein when a releasing force is applied to the apparatus, the releasable connector separates; and, a shock absorber secured to the structural support member and the releasable connector, and configured to absorb a load when the releasable connector separates, wherein the shock absorber is integrally formed with the releasable connector.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the shock absorber comprises a compressible material configured to be compressed and absorb the load transferred to the structural support member when the releasable connector separates.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the compressible material comprises a compressible solid.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the compressible solid comprises a metal.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the compressible solid comprises a metallic foam.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the compressible solid comprises a corrugated metal.

13. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein one of the first member or the second member of the releasable connector comprises a sheer pin.

14. An apparatus for supporting a conduit, the apparatus comprising: a releasable connector, a releasable connector, having a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be secured to the conduit, and the second member configured to be secured to a structural support member, wherein when a releasing force is applied to the apparatus, the members of the releasable connector separate; and a shock absorber configured to be compressed and absorb a load transferred to the structural support member when the members of the releasable connector separate, wherein the shock absorber comprises a closed cylinder, a piston rod extending out of the closed cylinder, and a compressible material inside of the closed cylinder, the compressible material configured to be compressed and absorb a load transferred to the structural support member when the members of the releasable connector separate, wherein the shock absorber is internally formed with one of the first member or the second member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first member and the piston rod are integrally formed together.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the compressible material comprises a compressible solid.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the compressible solid comprises a metal.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the compressible solid comprises metallic foam.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the compressible solid comprises a corrugated metal.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein one of the first member or the second member of the releasable connector comprises a sheer pin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The attached figures will make it possible to understand how the present disclosure can be produced. In these figures, similar reference numbers denote similar elements.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a top and side perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit according one or more embodiments to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a side cutaway view of a portion of the releasable connector of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3A is a side plan view of the shock absorber from FIG. 1 in a loaded state.

[0038] FIG. 3B is a side plan view of the shock absorber of FIG. 1 in an unloaded state.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a top and side perspective view of another embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit according one or more embodiments to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a top and side perspective view of a shock absorber used in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a top and side perspective view of another shock absorber used in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a top and side perspective, partial see-through view of another shock absorber used in one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a top and side perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a flexible conduit according one or more embodiments to the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a side, partially cutaway view of a releasable connector according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a side, partially cutaway view of a releasable connector according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a side, partially cutaway view of a releasable connector according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] A support for a flexible conduit having a releasable connector is disclosed. The flexible conduit is supported, but, when the flexible conduit is subjected to certain forces, the releasable connector disengages so as to avoid the flexible conduit breaking or to allow maximum movement. Additionally, the releasable connector may be adjusted so that the amount of force needed to disengage the releasable connector from the support is variable based upon particular applications. The apparatus may include a secondary support to support the flexible conduit if a primary support has been disengaged. Finally, the apparatus includes a shock absorber attached to either the primary support or the secondary support to allow for forces from the portions of the conduit moving due the releasable connector disengaging.

[0048] Accordingly, with reference the attached drawings, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with the understanding that the described embodiments are merely preferred and are not intended to be limiting.

[0049] Starting with FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure is utilized in association with a flexible conduit 11. As depicted, it is contemplated to use two or more support apparatuses 10 for a flexible conduit 11.

[0050] The flexible conduit 11 includes at least one flexible member 16 and at least one rigid member 18. Various configurations of the flexible conduit 11 are contemplated. For example, the flexible conduit 11 optionally includes, for example, two rigid elbow members 14, two flexible tube members 16, and a rigid U-shaped member 18 disposed between the two flexible tube members 16. Other configurations may be used so long as the flexible conduit 11 includes at least one rigid member 14, 18 and at least one flexible member 16. The stiffness of the members 16 and 18 is typically in relation to each other, with the rigid members 18 typically formed from metal, plastic, or the like, and the flexible members 16 typically formed from mesh covered conduits such as metal braided hose or another similar material. These materials are merely exemplary.

[0051] The apparatus 10 for supporting the flexible conduit 11 generally includes a releasable connector 12 between a rod 20 anchoring the flexible conduit 11 to a support element like a wall or ceiling and a clevis 22 surrounding one of the members of the flexible conduit 11. The rod 20 and the clevis 22 are merely exemplary and other devices, structures, or elements may be used. In addition, the releasable connector 12 optionally includes a support tether 24 that is typically not under tension when the members of the releasable connector 12 are connected. If the flexible conduit 11 is subjected to a force sufficient to cause the releasable connector 12 to separate, the support tether 24 will be subjected to a tension and will support the flexible conduit 11.

[0052] Various releasable connectors 12 are contemplated, including, but not limited to, any multipart assembly that is formed by a complementarily configured members which release when a predetermined force is applied to either member. Different means are suited to achieve the releasable connection, including, but not limited to springs, snap fit connections, and breakable joints.

[0053] A portion of an exemplary releasable connector 12 is shown in FIG. 2 in which the releasable connector 12 includes a female member 200 and a male member 220. In the depicted embodiment, the female member 200 includes a biased member 26, which engages with the detent 28 in the male member 220. A biasing element 30 provides a biasing force to the biased member 26. When the flexible conduit 11 is subjected to a force sufficient to overcome the biasing force applied to the biased member 26, the members 200, 220 of the releasable connector 12 will separate.

[0054] The biasing element 30 may be any component which provides a biasing force, such as, but not limited to, a spring. Additionally, the biasing force provided by the biasing element 30 may be adjusted so that the releasable connector 12 will be separated by the desired amount of force being applied to the flexible conduit 11.

[0055] It is contemplated that instead of the depicted arrangement, the male member 220 includes the biased member 26, and the female member 200 includes the detent 28. Additionally, it is further contemplated that additional detents 28 and biased elements 26 are included in the releasable connector 12.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in order to take up the forces that are applied when the releasable connector 12 separates, the apparatus 10 also includes at least one shock absorber 32. The shock absorber 32 may be secured to a structural support member 34, like a beam or the ceiling. The shock absorber 32 may also be secured to the flexible conduit 11.

[0057] In FIG. 1, the shock absorber 32 is attached, by a securing means 36, to the rod 20. The securing means 36 may be any structures that allow for the shock absorber 32 to be attached to the rod 20. Thus, the securing means 36 may be, for example, eyebolts, clips, clasps, threaded rods, screws, fasteners, and the like.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in this depicted embodiment the shock absorber 32 includes a rigid plate 38, which is secured to the rod 20 by the securing means 36. Additionally, the shock absorber 32 includes a first mounting bracket 40 which may be utilized to secure the shock absorber 32 to the structural support member 34. Various means are contemplated for securing the first mounting bracket 40 to the structural support member 34, including, but not limited to, adhesives, fasteners (not shown).

[0059] In the shock absorber 32 depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a first elastomeric pad 42 is attached to both the rigid plate 38 and the first mounting bracket 40. The first elastomeric pad 42 is less rigid than the first mounting bracket 40 and the rigid plate 38. Various materials are suitable for the first mounting bracket 40 and the rigid plate 38, including, but not limited to, metal and plastic. Additionally, the first elastomeric pad 42 is preferably made of rubber or other suitable material that can be temporarily deformed. These materials are merely exemplary.

[0060] The shock absorber 32 of FIGS. 3A and 3B preferably includes a second mounting bracket 44, such that the second mounting bracket 44 and the first mounting bracket 40 are disposed on opposing sides of the rigid plate 38. Additionally, a second elastomeric pad 46 may be located between and attached to the second mounting bracket 44 and the rigid plate 38.

[0061] FIG. 3A depicts the shock absorber 32 before the flexible conduit 11 is subjected to a force that causes the releasable connector 12 to separate. Therefore, the shock absorber 32, as depicted in FIG. 3A, is not experiencing any loading beyond the static loading caused by the weight of the flexible conduit 11, any liquids therein, and the apparatus 10 components.

[0062] However, FIG. 3B illustrates the shock absorber 32 after the flexible conduit 11 has experienced a force sufficient to cause the male and female members 200, 220 of the releasable connectors 12 to separate. Therefore, the shock absorber 32, through the tether support 24 is loaded by the weight of the flexible conduit 11, any liquids therein, as the flexible conduit 11 is pulled down by gravity. Accordingly, the shock absorber 32 dampens the impact experienced by the flexible conduit 11 falling.

[0063] More specifically, when the releasable connector 2 has separated, the flexible conduit 11 is pulled downward by gravity since it is no longer completely supported. Eventually, the support tether 24 will be tensioned and then the downward pull will be transferred to the shock absorbers 32. The elastomeric pads 42, 46 of the shock absorbers 32 will deform as the rigid plate 38 is pulled toward the flexible conduit 11. Thus, the elastomeric pads 42, 46 experience sheer stresses, caused by the rigid plate 38 being drawn toward the flexible conduit 11. However, the elastomeric pads 42, 46 are designed to withstand the sheer stresses, allowing the rigid plate 38 to be pulled toward the flexible conduit 11, without fracturing. This deformation can slow the rapid acceleration caused by the releasable connector 12 separating which might otherwise damage the flexible conduit 11 or the support structure 34.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 4, instead of being secured to the releasable connector 12, it is contemplated that the shock absorber 32 is secured to one of the members 14, 16, 18 of the flexible conduit 11. For example, a dampener tether 58 can be secured at one end 59 to the shock absorber 32 and a second end 61 to the members 14, 16, 18 of the flexible conduit 11. Various structures or means may be used to secure the dampener tether 58 to the members 14, 16, 18 of the flexible conduit 11, including for example a clevis or a bracket.

[0065] With reference to FIG. 5, it is further contemplated that the shock absorber includes a rotary dampener assembly 52 to slow the downward acceleration of the flexible conduit 11 when the releasable connectors 12 have separated.

[0066] The rotary dampener assembly 52 includes a rotary dampener 54, a mounting bracket 56. The rotary dampener 54 may be a rotary dashpot. The bracket 56 rotatably supports the rotary dampener 54 and is secured to the support structure 34 (see FIG. 3). The rotary dampener 54 may include a spool 60, such that the dampener tether 58 is wound around the spool 60. The rotary dampener 54 is biased to pull up on the dampener tether 58 and wind it around the spool 60. Accordingly, there is tension in the dampener tether 58 under normal conditions.

[0067] In use, when the releasable connector 12 is separated, again the the flexible conduit 11 is pulled downward by gravity. The force of the downward pull is greater than the biasing of the rotary dampener 54. Accordingly, more of the dampener tether 58 will be unwound from the spool 60. However, this will occur slowly, as the rotary dampener assembly 52 is biased in the opposite direction. The slower descent is believed to minimize any damage that might be caused by the falling flexible conduit 11.

[0068] Turning to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a spring 300 may be used as the shock absorber 32. The spring 300 may be used in the configuration of FIG. 4, in which the tether 58 is secured to the flexible conduit 11 and the spring 300. The spring 300 may also be attached to the structural support element 34 with, for example, a bracket 302 or other conventional structures. Alternatively, the spring 300 may be disposed between the structural support element 34 and the releasable connector 12 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0069] In either configuration, when the members of the releasable connector 12 have become detached, the flexible conduit 11 will be pulled downward. The spring 300 will absorb the downward pull based on forces transferred from the tether 58 or the tether 24.

[0070] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7, it is further contemplated that the shock absorber 32 includes a closed cylinder 400 and a piston rod 402 extending out of the closed cylinder 400. Inside of the closed cylinder 400, as is known, is a fluid 404, either a hydraulic fluid such as an oil, or, a gas, like compressed air. An end of the piston rod 402, inside of the closed cylinder 400, may include a disk 406. Again, the closed cylinder 400 and the piston rod 402 may be secured to the tether 58 connected to the flexible conduit 11 and to the structural support element 34 with, again for example, the bracket 302 or other conventional structures. See, FIG. 4. Alternatively, the cylinder 400 and the piston 402 may be disposed between the structural support element 34 and the releasable connector 12 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0071] In either configuration, when the members of the releasable connector 12 have become detached, the flexible conduit 11 will be pulled downward. In the depicted configuration, the closed cylinder 400 will be pulled down from the tether 58 or the tether 24 and away from the piston rod 402. The fluid 404 in the closed cylinder 400 will be compressed by the disk 406 and the top of the closed cylinder 400 to absorb forces created by the sudden downward pull of the flexible conduit 11.

[0072] Turning to FIG. 8, in another embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorber 32 is an elastic strap or elastic tether 500. As will be appreciated, elastic strap 500 is formed from a material that is able to be deformed by a force and the returns to its original (or close to its original) form, size, and shape after the force is removed.

[0073] As depicted in FIG. 8, the elastic strap 500 has a first end 502 secured to the flexible conduit 11. A bracket (see, e.g. FIG. 7) may be used. A second end 504 of the elastic strap 500 is secured to the structural support element 34. Various structures or means may be used to secure the second end 504 of the elastic strap 500 to the flexible conduit 11, including for example a clevis or a bracket. Alternatively, the elastic strap 500 may be disposed between the structural support element 34 and the releasable connector 12 (as shown in FIG. 1). In such a case, the rod 20 may be replaced with the elastic strap 500. In either configuration, when the releasable connector 12 separates, the elastic strap 500 will absorb some of the weight of the flexible conduit 11 as it falls.

[0074] Turning to FIGS. 9 to 11, additional embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus 10 with a releasable connector 12 that is integrally formed with a shock absorber 32.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, the male member 220 of the releasable connector 12 may form the piston rod 402 that extends out of the closed cylinder 400 containing a compressible material 408. A second end of the piston rod 402, inside of the closed cylinder 400, includes the disk 406. The tether 24 of the releasable connector 12 connects the male member 220 the female member 200.

[0076] In this depicted arrangement, the female member 200 is secured to the rod 20 (FIG. 1) which may be anchored to the structural support member 34 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the closed cylinder 400 may support the flexible conduit 11 with a clevis 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Other configurations and arrangements are contemplated including, for example, the closed cylinder 400 being secured to the structural support member 34, via, for example, the rod 20, and the female member 200 supporting the flexible conduit 11 with a clevis 22.

[0077] As with the previous embodiments, if a force pulling down on the flexible conduit 11 overcomes the force of the biasing element 30, the members 200, 220 of the releasable connector 12 will become detached. Accordingly, the flexible conduit 11 will fall, and eventually the tether 24 will become taught. At this point, the closed cylinder 400 will be pulled down by the weight of the flexible conduit 11. The compressible material 408 in the closed cylinder 400 will be compressed by the disk 406 and the top of the closed cylinder 400 to absorb forces created by the sudden downward pull of the flexible conduit 11.

[0078] In some configurations, the rigid members 14, 18, of the flexible conduit 11 may be relatively heavy such that they may cause the compressible material 408 in the shock absorber 32 to be compressed before the members 200, 220 of the releasable connector 12 have separated. As will be appreciated, if the shock absorber 32 has been prematurely subjected to compression forces prior to the members 200, 220 of the releasable connector 12 separating, the shock absorber 32 may not be able to fully absorb the high loads when the members 200, 220 are separated by a sufficiently strong force.

[0079] Accordingly, the compressible material 408 inside of the closed cylinder 400 may be a compressible solid that, preferably comprises a metal that is relatively corrosion resistant, such as steel, gold, copper, or aluminum, to name a few. For example, the compressible solid may be a metallic foam or a corrugated metal product, like aluminum foam, or a corrugated aluminum sheet. Such a compressible solid has sufficient strength to fully support the weight of the flexible conduit 11 under normal conditions without prematurely compressing. However, when the members 200, 220 of the releasable connector 12 separate, the compressible solid compresses to absorb the energy and weight of the flexible conduit 11 as it falls.

[0080] Moreover, by using compressible material 408 that comprises a metal, such as the metal foam, the shock absorber 32 may have a longer life span compared with other materials that may degrade overtime.

[0081] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the female member 200 of the releasable connector 12 is disposed within the closed cylinder 400 of the shock absorber 32. Additionally, as can be seen, the disk 406 is located on the male member 220 (which also forms the piston 402 of the shock absorber 32). In this configuration, the disk 406 is located between the first end of the piston 402 (inside of the female member 200) and the second end of the piston 402 which extends out of the closed cylinder 400. The second end of the piston 402/male member 220 may support the flexible conduit 11 with a clevis 22 (see, FIGS. 1 and 4). The shock absorber 32 is again filled with a compressible material 408.

[0082] As with the prior embodiments, when a force is applied that is sufficient to overcome the force of the releasable connector 12, the male member 220 will be pulled downward and out of the releasable connector 12. The disk 406 will also be pulled downward, and begin compressing the compressible material 408 against a bottom of the closed cylinder 400. The compressible material 408 compresses to absorb the energy and weight of the flexible conduit 11 as it falls.

[0083] Turning to FIG. 11, in a further embodiment, the members 450, 402 of the releasable connector 12 include a shear pin 450 and the rod 402 of the shock absorber 32. As is known, the shear pin 450 is designed to fracture upon the application of a predetermined force.

[0084] An upper end of the rod 402 includes an attachment member, like a loop, that can be used to secure the device to the structural support member 34 (see, FIG. 1). A lower end of rod includes the disk 406.

[0085] A lower end of the closed cylinder 400 includes an attachment member that may be used to support the flexible conduit 11 with a clevis 22 (see, FIGS. 1 and 4). The upper end of the rod extends out of an aperture in the upper end of the closed cylinder 400. Again, a compressible material 408 is disposed between the lower and upper ends of the closed cylinder 400.

[0086] When a force overcomes the predetermined force of the shear pin 450, the shear pin 450 will fracture. The closed cylinder 400 will be pulled downward and the compressible material 408 will be compressed between the upper end of the closed cylinder 400 and the disk 406, allowing forces to be absorbed.

[0087] In the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11, it is contemplated that a second shock absorber is provided which may initially support the flexible conduit 11 until the force is large enough to start compressing the compressible material 408 when the flexible conduit 11 suddenly falls.

[0088] In sum, with a shock absorber 32, the present invention provides for suitable and sufficient support for larger flexible conduits 11 and minimizes damage when release connectors 12 separate. As depicted, it is contemplated to use two or more support apparatuses 10 for a flexible conduit 11. Additionally, the present invention provides sufficient support for large or heavy conduits to avoid prematurely transferring excess loads to the shock absorber 32.

[0089] As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the disclosure is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modifications which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specification and description. It should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.