US 4,232,845 A · On-site modular support systems for supporting cables, conduit and the like

Abstract

Modular support systems constructed from a plurality of transportable modular components which are capable of being rapidly assembled and disassembled at an on-site location. The support systems are capable of being assembled into shelves, platforms, ladders, walkways, and like structures, and may be attached to existing structural members. The support systems are comprised of a plurality of rails and metal rungs for extension between and attachment to the rails in a variety of positions to form various structures. The rungs are provided on each of their opposite transverse ends with tabs capable of fitting through complementary slots in the rails. The tabs may be displaced so as to make the ends of the rungs captive in the rails. The modular support systems also include various other components such as vertical risers, 90.degree. bends, tees, reducers, and the like. These various components may also be provided with the tabs and corresponding complementary slots for assembly and disassembly to form the various structural members. In addition, suspension rods are also provided for use with the various components to supportively suspend its various structural members. In the preferred aspect these support systems are used for holding and retaining electrical cables, conduit, and the like.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A modular support system capable of being assembled at an on-site location, said modular support system comprising:

(a) a plurality of support rails, each of said support rails being comprised of;
(1) a structural wall,
(2) means associated with said structural wall for connection of said structural wall to a generally stationary structural member,
(3) means forming a plurality of spaced apart slots in the structural wall of said rail, and
(4) a support flange angularly struck from said structural wall,
(b) a plurality of rungs, each of said rungs being comprised of;
(1) a plate having a pair of opposed end margins,
(2) a pair of leg sections extending outwardly from said plate, and
(3) at least one tab extending outwardly from each of said end margins, said tabs being sized and located to extend through said slots in the structural walls of a pair of spaced apart support rails, said tabs capable of being displaced relative to the location and shape of said slots so that said rungs are removably but captively attached to said support rails, and where said support flanges of a pair of spaced apart rails face each other when said rungs are attached to said pair of spaced apart rails, and said flanges being located so that said leg sections of said rungs are engagable with said support flanges when said rungs are attached to said pair of spaced apart rails.

6 more elements

A support system formed of a plurality of modular components for assembly and disassembly at an on-site location, said support system comprising:

(a) a plurality of support rails, each of said support rails being comprised of:
(1) a structural wall,
(2) means associated with said structural wall for connection of said structural wall to a generally stationary structural member,
(3) means forming a plurality of spaced apart slots in the structural walls of said rails, and
(4) a support flange angularly struck from said structural wall;
(b) a plurality of rungs capable of being connected to a pair of spaced apart rails to form a first substructure having said rails connected by a plurality of said spaced apart rungs, each of said rungs being comprised of:
(1) a plate having a pair of opposed end margins,
(2) a pair of leg sections extending outwardly from said plate, and
(3) at least one tab extending outwardly from each of said end margins, said tabs being sized and located to extend through said slots in the structural walls of a pair of spaced apart support rails, said tabs capable of being displaced relative to the location and shape of said slots so that said rungs are removably but captively attached to said support rails, and where said support flanges of a pair of spaced apart rails face each other when said rungs are attached to said pair of spaced apart rails, and said flanges being located so that said leg sections of said rungs are engagable with said support flanges when said rungs are attachable to said pair of spaced apart rails,
(c) a plurality of first columns capable of being supported in a generally upright position,
(d) a plurality of rail supporting brackets,
(e) cooperating locking means on said brackets and said columns for securing said brackets to said columns in a generally secured position so that said supporting rails may be retained on said rail supporting brackets,
(f) cooperating locking means on said rungs and brackets for releasably attaching said rungs to said rail supporting brackets,
(g) a plurality of first connecting plates for use with said rails,
(h) another cooperating locking means on said rails and first connecting plates for releasably attaching said rails together in an effective end-to-end relationship, and
(i) a plurality of cover plates for removable disposition over said rails connected by said rungs to form platforms therefrom.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

On-site modular support systems for supporting cables, conduit and the like

Life of this patent

On-site modular support systems for supporting cables, conduit and the like

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15