Dual pipe anchor

#This invention relates, generally, to innovations and improvements in pipe anchors of the known general type for anchoring running lengths of pipe to structural supports. In particular, the invention relates to new and improved pipe anchors for anchoring pipes of different diameters in railroad cars to structural supports such as cross bearers in the cars. Pipe anchors of the general type to which the present invention relates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,546,792 dated Mar. 27, 1951 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,538 dated Sep. 16, 1980.

#Heretofore, pipe anchors have been provided wherein each pipe anchor is configured so as to be used with a pipe of a particular size or diameter. Hence, for anchoring pipes of different diameters, heretofore, it has been necessary to use pipe anchors which correspond to the various diameters of pipe to be anchored. For example, one size of pipe anchor may be used to anchor a half-inch pipe while a different size pipe anchor will be used to anchor a three-quarter inch pipe.

#In various different installations or situations such as in railroad cars, pipes of two fairly close diameters may be used which require anchoring. Heretofore, the installers have had to have available and use supplies of pipe anchors for each of the two sizes of pipe. Since the anchor bases of the pipe anchors are substantially identical in appearance for different sizes of pipe, considerable care has to be taken to use the proper pipe anchors. Otherwise, a workman may install an anchor base of the wrong size to a structural member and later have to remove it and replace it with an anchor base of the correct size.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dual pipe anchor embodying the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a plan view of a dual pipe anchor as shown in FIG. 1 in its assembled and installed condition clamping one size of pipe;

#FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dual pipe anchor shown in FIG. 2;

#Referring to the drawings, a dual anchor embodying the present invention is indicated therein generally at 5 comprising an anchor base indicated generally at 6 and a pipe-clamping wedge indicated generally at 7 (two identical wedges being shown in FIG. 1). In FIG. 1, the anchor base 6 is shown mounted on a structural member indicated generally at 8 which typically could be a cross bearer or other structural member in a railroad car underframe. In FIG. 1, one wedge 7 is shown in association with a pipe 10 shown in broken line while another wedge 7 is shown at the opposite end of the anchor base 6 in association with a pipe 11 of smaller size shown in broken line. Normally, only a pipe of one size will be anchored in the pipe anchor 5 and only one pipe-clamping wedge 7 will be utilized. Only in the situation where the ends of two pipes of different sizes abut in the pipe anchor 5 will two wedges 7 be utilized. Thus, in FIGS. 2-4, the pipe anchor 5 is shown with the wedge 7 driven into place on the anchor base 6 so as to clamp in place a running length of pipe 11 of the smaller size. In FIGS. 5-7, a wedge 7 is shown in its driven condition clamping a running length of pipe 10 of the larger size to the anchor base 6 of the pipe anchor 5.

#While the anchor base 6 has a special configuration in accordance with this invention, the pipe-clamping wedges 7 may be of known configuration and previously used commercially in combination with a pipe anchor base which is capable of accommodating and anchoring a pipe of only one size to a support structure.

#While in FIGS. 4 and 7 the anchor base 6 is shown secured to the structural member 8 by welds W, it will be understood that other means of attachment such as fasteners of known type such as bolts and nuts may be utilized in lieu of the welds.