Rigid support for multiple polymeric tubes

Abstract

A rigid tube support having no flexing sections comprised of an elongated rectangular shape having arcuated round ended slots for restraining multiple PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) tubes used in construction for hydronics and plumbing. These slots have openings to allow the tubes to be freely inserted radially into the openings. These slots further have within each of them a single semicylindrical protrusion axially oriented with the tube trapping the tube from sliding out radially once inserted. The protrusion forces the tube to be temporarily deformed during insertion. When in final position the slots are large enough to allow the tubes to freely rotate and slide axially within the support accommodating linear thermal expansion of the tubes. These larger slots also allow for tube rotation for ease of installation. The curved opening enables the support to be used horizontally as well as vertically. The support keeps the multiple tubes spaced apart and offset from the mounting surface to allow for insulation to be later applied to the tubes. Placed perpendicular and in between each of the tube openings are apertures through which fasteners are inserted. Although there are multiple apertures only two fasteners are required.

Claims

1. A water distribution tube support system comprising: a) a plurality of cylindrical crosslinked polyethylene water distribution tubes; b) a non-flexible rigid support, said rigid support being an elongated rectangular block and comprising: I. a plurality of arcuate round bottom grooves with approximately 90 degrees of arc spaced linearly through a length of said block; II. each of said grooves including a singular rigid protrusion spaced midway within said grooves; III. a plurality of apertures through said rectangular block between and perpendicular to said grooves to receive fasteners used to affix said support to a building member; and wherein said protrusions deform said water distribution tubes during insertion into said grooves but are spaced from said round bottoms so the water distribution tubes are freely rotatable and axially slideable once fully inserted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 Shows prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,741

(2) FIG. 2 Shows view of support as mounted horizontally.

(3) FIG. 3 Isometric view of 6 groove part showing fastener holes.

(4) FIG. 4 Part mounted on I-joist with tubes and insulation on alternate tubes.

(5) FIG. 5 Four groove version of support pointing out faster holes.

(6) FIG. 6 Five groove version of support.

(7) FIG. 7 Six groove version of support.

(8) FIG. 8 Side view showing tube deformed by protrusion into an elliptical shape

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCES

(9) 11. Arc of insertion 12. Tube 13. A semicylindrical protrusion 14. Holes for fasteners 15. I-joist 16. Tube insulation 17. Fastener 18. Elliptical shaped Tube as deformed by protrusion

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

(10) Typically pipes and tubes used in plumbing and hydronics are hard inelastic conduits. With the advent and adoption of PEX (polyethylene crosslinked) tubing for hydronics and plumbing new concepts are possible. Although not obvious, as PEX tubing has been in use for at least 15 years, this support takes advantage of the elastic characteristic of PEX tubing. The pipe support presented here is a unique design concept and with new functionality unlike all other pipe and tube hangers in use today it is the first to deflect the PEX tube and not the hanger in order to trap the tube into position. This enables the hanger to have a specific design clearance around the tube without the use of clamping screws or flexing hinge parts or bending or deforming sections which may fail over time and are designed to be weak so they may flex. This design also eases installation and thus reduces costs as one single support replaces many. Code often requires supports every 32 inches. Reducing the support installation time makes this invention a cost-effective solution.