# US 7,931,242 B2 · Support assemblies for pipes, conduits and tubes

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- Number: US 7,931,242 B2
- Document ID: US7931242B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/634,484
- Filed: 2009-12-09
- Published: 2010-04-08
- Granted: 2011-04-26
- Earliest claimed: 2005-02-08
- Assignees: Potential Design, Inc.
- Inventors: James William Tjerrild
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7931242B2

## CPC

- F16L 3/133: and hanging from a pendant (F16L3/14 takes precedence)
- F16L 3/227: each pipe being supported by a separate element fastened to the base
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL

## Abstract

Wall-mounted type support strut assemblies attach pipes, conduit, and tubes to surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and are easy to clean.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A support assembly for mounting to an upright support comprising:
a strut having a central section and first and second end parts, the first and second end parts being rigid extensions of the central section;
the end parts extending from the central section at angles between 100° and 130°;
the central section of the strut comprising:
a first dimension measured between the first and second end parts; and
a second dimension measured horizontally and perpendicular to the first dimension, the second dimension being substantially greater than the first dimension;
an upright support fastener assembly, secured to the first end part, comprising an anchor engaging the first end part and engageable with an upright support; and
a supported element fastener assembly securable to the second end part and to a supported element;
whereby the support assembly enhances sanitation by effectively eliminating horizontal surfaces and by spacing the strut away from the upright support.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the end parts extend from the central section in generally opposite directions.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the upright support fastener assembly further comprises a spacer positionable between the first end part and the upright support, the spacer having no horizontally oriented surfaces.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the anchor comprises a threaded nut and bolt assembly and the spacer comprises a cylindrical sleeve.

### Claim 5

A support assembly for mounting to an upright support comprising:
a strut having a central section and first and second end parts, the first and second end parts being rigid extensions of the central section;
the end parts extending from the central section at angles between 100° and 130°;
an upright support fastener assembly, secured to the first end part, comprising an anchor engaging the first end part and engageable with an upright support;
the first end part has a main portion to which the anchor is securable and a secondary, outer portion extending from the main portion at an angle of between 30° and 60°; and
a supported element fastener assembly securable to the second end part and to a supported element;
whereby the support assembly enhances sanitation by effectively eliminating horizontal surfaces and by spacing the strut away from the upright support.

### Claim 6

An upright support installation comprising:
an upright support;
a supported element; and
a support assembly, securing the supported element to the upright support, comprising:
a generally horizontally extending strut having a central section and first and second end parts, the first and second end parts being rigid extensions of the central section, the central section of the strut having:
a first dimension measured between the first and second end parts; and
a second dimension measured horizontally and perpendicular to the first dimension, the second dimension being substantially greater than the first dimension;
an upright support fastener assembly, secured to the first end part, comprising:
an anchor securing the first end part to the upright support; and
a spacer positioned between the first end part and the upright support; and
a supported element fastener assembly securing the supported element to the second end part;
the support assembly having at least substantially no horizontally oriented surfaces; and
the central section extending at an angle to horizontal of between 10° and 40° and the end parts extending from the central section at angles between 100° and 130°;
whereby the support assembly enhances sanitation by effectively eliminating horizontal surfaces and by spacing the strut away from the upright support.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The installation according to claim 6, wherein a vertical wall constitutes the upright support and the supported element comprises a generally cylindrical structure.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The installation according to claim 6, wherein the central section extends downwardly and outwardly from the first end part.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The installation according to claim 6, wherein the strut has no unused holes opening into the ambient air environment.