Pipe support

#The present invention relates generally to pipe supports, and, more specifically, to a new pipe support especially useful for supporting pipes, such as gas lines, on building roofs.

#The current practice of securing a gas line or other pipe to a roof is to use supporting blocks of treated wood or redwood which are placed six feet or less apart along the pipe and at all turns and junctions. The pipe is secured to the wood blocks by galvanized strips.

#The current practice has several disadvantages. The wood blocks deteriorate after time because of exposure to water and sunlight. This causes the supporting system to be unstable and requires the blocks to be replaced. Another disadvantage is that the galvanized strips do not allow for expansion and contraction of the pipe. This can also lead to an unstable support.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the new support; and

#FIG. 2 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along the line 2—2 of FIG. 1.

#Referring now to the drawing, the new pipe support of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10. It is a unitary member formed of a flexible, rubber-like material, such as an elastomer resistant to exposure to water and sunlight. As shown, the unitary pipe support 10 includes a platform base 11, converging, flexible legs 12 extending away from the base 11 and a connecting wall 13 between the sides 12. The base 11, legs 12 and the connecting wall 13 form a triangular support body having a triangular passageway 14 extending lengthwise through the support 10. The passageway 14 channels water through the support to prevent the water from accumulating around the pipe and support system.

#The unitary support 10 further include flexible clamping arms 15 that extend from the connecting wall 13 to form the sides of a pipe receiving and supporting chamber 16. The distal ends of the arms 15 that are spaced apart to provide a gap 17. The arms 15 can be spread apart by deflecting the legs 12 toward each other to permit a pipe (not shown) to be introduced through the gap 17 and captured in the chamber 16. The flexibility of the arms 15 and the manner in which they are spread apart permit the support 10 to be used with pipes of different diameters. As shown, the arms 15 are curved outwardly of the legs 12 so as to conform with the outside of a pipe. Also, as shown, the connecting wall 13 has longitudinally extending, pipe engaging serrations 18 that act to stabilize the pipe within the chamber 16 and drain water through the chamber to prevent its accumulation.

#The platform base 11 has a groove or slot 20 that extends longitudinally of the support 10 midway between the legs 12. The groove or slot 20 forms a hinge point that permits the base 11 to flex inwardly of the triangular body when the legs 12 are pressed together to open the arms 15.