US0083.

56778B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,356,778 B2

Birli et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jan. 22, 2013

(54) MODULAR ROOFTOP PIPESUPPORT 4,618,114. A 10/1986 McFarland

4,826,113 A 5, 1989 Winters
(75) Inventors: Mary E. Birli, Garfield Heights, OH 4,835,933 A * 6/1989 Yung ............................... 52/685
(US); Scott E. Anderson, Garrettsville 5,014,939 A * 5/1991 Kraus et al. ..................... 248,70
s s s 5,040,753. A 8, 1991 Roth ............................ 248,742
OH (US); Edward J. Lynch, Akron, OH 5,217,191 A 6, 1993 Smith
(US); Raymond S. Laughlin, 6,092,960 A * 7/2000 McCallion ...................... 404f70
Middlefield, OH (US); Eric C. Osborn, 6,105,216 A 8/2000 Opperthauser
Medina, OH (US); Raymond M. Olle, 6,206,613 B1* 3/2001 Elkins ........................... 405,157
Broadview Heights, OH (US) 6,679,460 B2 * 1/2004 Nicolia et al. ............... 248.74.1
6,682,025 B2 1/2004 Turner et al.
(73) Assignee: ERICO International Corporation, 6,866.445 B2 * 3/2005 Semler .......................... 404,119
Solon, OH (US) (Continued)
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 DE 1849260 U 4, 1962

(21) Appl. No.: 12/641,575

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(22) Filed: Dec. 18, 2009
International Search Report and Written Opinion from correspond
(65) Prior Publication Data ing International Application No. PCT/US09/68658.
US 2010/O1555.45 A1 Jun. 24, 2010 (Continued)
Related U.S. Application Data
Pri
(60) Provisional application No. 61/138,583, filed on Dec. rimary Examiner
Examiner — Amvy J Sterli
erl1ng
18, 2008, provisional application No. 61/152,401, (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Renner, Otto, Boisselle &
filed on Feb. 13, 2009. Sklar, LLP
(51) Int. Cl.
FI6L 3/00 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT
(52) U.S. Cl. ............. 248/73; 248.6599;it;E. An extruded or molded elastomeric (e.g., rubber) or poly
(58) Field of Classification Search s 248/49 meric multi-piece (e.g., two-piece) modular pipe Support sys
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -248f68.1, 6 s tem utilizes a wide base with protrusions and/or recesses, and
See application file for complete search history • us a separate top with recesses and/or protrusions that engage the
protrusions and/or recesses of the top. The tops are configured
(56) References Cited to securely capture a pipe/conduit without any additional
parts, straps, etc. The top may have one or more pipe-receiv
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS ing recesses for receiving the pipes (conduits).
3,152,784. A * 10/1964 Robinson ..................... 248.74.1
3,968.323 A 7, 1976 Blanchet
4,502,653 A 3/1985 Curtis, Jr. 19 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
 US 8,356,778 B2
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS JP 2003 156179 A1 5, 2003

JP 2003-240162 A 8, 2003
7,621,486 B1* 11/2009 Barrepski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.65 KR 20-0156739 Y1 9, 1998
2006, O131465 A1 6/2006 Lynch, Jr. et al.
2007, 012003.6 A1 5, 2007 Ole et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
2008. O148535 A1 6, 2008 Saintin et al.
“OLYFLOW PipeGuard”, OMG Roofing Products, Agawam, Mas
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS sachusetts, (2008), www.olyfast.com.
DE 19805401 A1 8, 1999 Supplementary European Search Report from corresponding Euro
FR 1123839. A 9, 1956 pean Application No. 09837967.0.
GB 1328792 A 9, 1973
JP 10-274358. A 10, 1998 * cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 1 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2

Fig. 2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 2 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 3 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2

Fig. 6
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 4 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 5 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 6 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 7 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 8 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 9 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2

400

Fig. 18
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 10 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 11 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 12 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 13 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2

5OO

Fig. 26
U.S. Patent Jan. 22, 2013 Sheet 14 of 14 US 8,356,778 B2
 US 8,356,778 B2
1. 2
MODULAR ROOFTOP PIPE SUPPORT can Support single or multiple runs of pipe, or even be used to
create a strut "bridge' connecting two or more bases; inter
This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 to U.S. locking teeth on pedestals of the top mesh with teeth on
Provisional Application No. 61/138,583, filed Dec. 18, 2008, channels in the bottom to facilitate elevation changes; uni
and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/152,401, filed 5 form spacing of interlocking teeth allows for precise height
Feb. 13, 2009. Both of the above applications are incorpo adjustment in regular increments; the orientation of (e.g.,
rated herein by reference in their entireties. downward angle of) the interlocking teeth cause them to
flatten upon application of the load, wedging the teeth into the
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION mating opening on the bottom, effectively locking the top half
10 of the support to the bottom without the need for glue or
1. Field of the Invention additional fasteners; distal arms extending up from the top
This invention relates to the rooftop pipe Supports. that almost completely encircle the pipe/conduit; option to
2. Description of the Related Art use an interlocking latch mechanism in the distal arms that
There is a general need to provide Support for rooftop when closed provides a secure method of retaining the pipe/
piping systems such as electrical conduits, natural gas piping 15 conduit without the use of separate straps or fittings; a catch
and condensate drain lines. The Supports must elevate the that is past the vertical but above the horizontal, in the upper
piping or equipment high enough to clear common rooftop quadrants of the pipe section—this location ensures that the
obstacles (like expansion joints and seams). The elevation pipe is retained even if the latch should accidentally open;
also serves to keep the piping from lying directly in standing accommodates multiple sizes of pipe inside the top by using
water or to provide the necessary slope for drain or conden collapsible sections that are attached to the distal arms so that
sate lines. In addition, the supports often need to be free a secure fit is achieved on the Smaller pipe size, and where the
floating to avoid penetrating the roof membrane, as well as to collapsible section pushes out of the way to accommodate
accommodate movement in the piping system due to expan Successively larger pipe sizes; use of a plastic, Steel or wire
sion or contraction in the piping due to extreme temperature latch or clip that snaps over the return lips on each of the distal
fluctuations. Currently, the most common method of provid 25 arms to effect a positive closure to prevent the pipe from being
ing Support uses short lengths of pressure-treated lumber lifted out of the pipe support; use of the channel in one version
(typically a nominal 4"x4") as a support, with the pipe held in of the base to accept a pipe and facilitate even lower eleva
place using commonly available 1 or 2-hole pipe straps. tions, such as might be desired when running condensate
There are a number of issues with this method of support: lines, which are sloped to facilitate proper drainage and are
the wood will eventually rot to the extent that it is no longer 30 often run at heights as low as 5.1 cm (2 inches); use of a small
providing the necessary Support, the hardware will rust, splin insert plug with distal arms that encircle the pipe/conduit and
ters or sharp edges on the wood can penetrate the roof mem is inserted into the base channel to provide support for a pipe
brane, etc. In addition, the wood is heavy and difficult to running inside the channel itself use of interchangeable tops
move, and additional tools (saw and screwdriver or socket to facilitate Support of more than one run of pipe/conduit; use
wrenches) are required for installation. More recently, quasi 35 of bridge or platform tops that span multiple bases and Sup
engineered rooftop pipe Supports have been introduced into port multiple runs of pipe/conduit or even sections of formed
the market. These products, while overcoming many of the metal strut; an option to installa bridge containing the toothed
issues associated with the lumber method, may have their pedestals across multiple bases and attach a variety of differ
own shortcomings, as most require the use of struthardware ent styles of pipe straps to the bridge to secure the pipe/
to secure the pipe, and most do not offer the ability to accom 40 conduit; and use of a formed stamped steel or molded rubber
modate elevation changes. Further, some of these products strap with anchor holes for roof penetrations, wherein the
are very light, leaving them prone to movement by wind and strap is passed through the channel opening in the bottom of
errant workers. the support to effect a positive attachment to the roof deck
through the pre-punched holes in regions where such attach
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 45 ment is required by Code or specification to meet wind load
requirements.
An extruded or molded elastomeric (e.g., rubber) or poly According to other aspects of the invention, an extruded
meric multi-piece (e.g., two-piece) modular pipe Support sys rubber modular pipe support system that utilizes a variety of
tem utilizes a wide base with one or more toothed slots/ tops, many with V-shaped troughs, to Support multiple sizes
channels, and a separate top with a matching number of 50 and/or runs of pipe/conduit that are secured in the V-trough
toothed posts that engage the toothed channels in the afore with an adjustable strap. The aforementioned tops are con
mentioned base. The slots allow an installer to easily facilitate nected to a series of bases via dovetail-style connections, the
elevation changes without the need for tools. The tops may be bases being available in a variety of heights to facilitate eleva
configured to securely capture a pipe/conduit without any tion changes on the piping system, with integral fold under
additional parts, straps, etc. 55 blocks or additional spacer blocks available that can be
The present product addresses, and overcomes, issues of attached to the bases via additional dovetail joints in the bases
prior supports. In effect it provides all of the same benefits of to facilitate incremental elevation changes.
the “lumber pipe support' method without any of the draw At least Some Supports described herein address and over
backs. The product is easy to carry, but also self-ballasting by come drawbacks of Some prior Supports. Further, present
virtue of the weight associated with the material (e.g., 60 supports described herein provide all of the same benefits of
extruded rubber) used in the base. No tools are required for the lumber support method without any of the drawbacks. The
installation. Most importantly the modular design easily product is easy to carry, but self-ballasting by virtue of manu
facilitates elevation changes by simply sliding or Snapping facturing it (for example) by extruding rubber. No tools are
the top out of the base and sliding it back in at a different required for installation, and the modular configuration facili
height. 65 tates elevation changes by simply sliding out one base and
A rooftop pipe Support has one or more of the following sliding in another of different height or folding out or sliding
features: modular design consisting of a variety of tops that in additional spacer blocks to achieve the desired height.
 US 8,356,778 B2
3 4
According to an aspect of the invention, a modular pipe the top portion to the base by engaging a protrusion in one of
Support includes a variety of tops that can Support single or the top portion or the base with the other of the top portion or
multiple runs of pipe, or even be used to create a strut"bridge' the base.
that connects two or more bases. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
According to another aspect of the invention, there are the invention comprises the features hereinafter fully
V-shaped troughs in two versions of the modular tops. The described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The
V-shaped trough serves to position single or multiple runs of following description and the annexed drawings set forth in
pipe in the V and allows a small number oftops to Support a detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention.
large range of pipe diameters. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of
According to yet another aspect of the invention, dovetail 10 the various ways in which the principles of the invention may
slots in the extruded profiles are used to connect the tops to the be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of
bottoms, as well as to accept the steel strap attachments and the invention will become apparent from the following
the spacer “legs” that allow for additional height adjustment. detailed description of the invention when considered in con
The rubber can be extruded with male dovetails in one com
junction with the drawings.
15
ponent and the female dovetail in the second component. The BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
dovetails allow an end-user to field assemble the rooftop pipe
Support to the desired height, without requiring the use of The annexed drawings, which are not necessarily accord
tools ing to Scale, show various aspects of the invention.
According to still another aspect of the invention, female FIG. 1 is an oblique view of a rooftop pipe support in
dovetails are in both the top and bottom components, and a accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
steel or plastic “bowtie' connector serves as a spline to field FIG. 2 is an oblique view of a rooftop pipe support in
join the two components together at the dovetails. accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a spacer FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a rooftop pipe support in
block allows for one height adjustment when in a vertical 25 accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a
position, and a second height adjustment when rotated 90 Support that is a bridge that attaches to two bases and Supports
degrees and installed horizontally. multiple runs of pipe.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, a col FIG. 4 is an oblique view showing a large base Support with
ored, perforated/slotted rubber, plastic, or other material strap two posts, illustrating the concept of collapsible web section
is used as a means to secure the pipe to the block in lieu of strut 30 to fit multiple sizes of pipe, according to an embodiment of
the invention.
clamps or 1 or 2-hole pipe straps. The advantage of the strap FIG.5 is an oblique view showing a large base support with
is that it will accommodate a wide range of pipe sizes and two posts, illustrating another embodiment of a concept of
requires no tools to install. By manufacturing the strap in a collapsible web section to fit multiple sizes of pipe.
bright, high visibility color the strap also serves as a warning 35 FIG. 6 is an oblique view showing a small base Support,
to maintenance personnel about a potential trip hazard on the illustrating a concept for the retention strap that facilitates
roof. It will be appreciated that any of a variety of bright strap positive anchoring to a roof deck. The retention strap may be
colors may be utilized. a stamped metal or molded rubber/plastic retention strap for
According to another aspect of the invention, there are fixing the Support to roof decking.
spaced slots in the attachment strap. The slots are spaced to 40 FIG. 7 is an oblique view of another embodiment supportin
allow for an appropriate fit for the pipe size being Supported. accordance with the present invention.
The fit will hold the pipe in the pipe support without restrict FIG. 8 is an oblique view of the support of FIG. 7, with the
ing axial movement, but by stretching the strap tighter an insert in an extended position away from the rooftop.
installer can secure a tight fit that does restrict axial move FIG. 9 is an oblique view of yet another embodiment Sup
ment. 45 port in accordance with the present invention.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, a dual FIG. 10 is an oblique view of still another embodiment
V-block modular top has a collapsing center that can accom Support in accordance with the present invention.
modate a larger range of pipe sizes. The center collapses to FIG. 11 is an oblique view of a three-part support in accor
create a single large V-block from the two small V-blocks. dance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
According to still another aspect of the invention, fold 50 FIG. 12 is an oblique view of a Support according to
under legs that originate either from the sides or center of the another embodiment of the present invention.
bottom block. The legs can be folded out/under via an FIG. 13 is a side view of the support of FIG. 12.
attached hinge to facilitate a height adjustment. Expanding on FIG. 14 is a side view showing the support of FIG. 12, with
this concept, a second hinge on the fold out/under block a pair of Supports attached.
would allow the block to be folded again, effectively doubling 55 FIG. 15 is a side view showing the support of FIG. 12, with
the height increase. a pair of legs attached.
According to an aspect of the invention, a rooftop pipe FIG. 16 is an oblique view of a support according to still
Support includes: a base; and a top portion (insert) having a another embodiment of the present invention.
pipe-receiving recess. One of the top portion or the base has FIG. 17 is a side view of the support of FIG. 16.
protrusions that engage recesses in the other of the top portion 60 FIG. 18 is an oblique view of a support according to yet
or the base, holding the base and the top portion together. another embodiment of the present invention.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of FIG. 19 is a side view of the support of FIG. 18.
Supporting a pipe above a roof, the method including the steps FIG. 20 is an oblique view of a support according to a still
of providing a base in contact with the roof selecting a top further aspect of the invention.
portion that is engagable with the base, wherein the top por 65 FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the support of FIG. 20.
tion is one of a set of top portions, engageable with the base, FIG.22 is an oblique view of a support top portion accord
that have pipe-receiving Surfaces; and mechanically coupling ing to another aspect of the invention.
 US 8,356,778 B2
5 6
FIG. 23 is a side view of the top portion shown in FIG. 22. The teeth.36 and 56 and the slots 38 and 58 may be sloped,
FIG. 24 is an oblique view of a Support top portion accord So as to better Support the pipe or other object resting in the
ing to yet another aspect of the invention. recess 16. To that end the insert teeth 56 may slope downward
FIG. 25 is a side view of the top portion shown in FIG. 24. as they extend from the insert body 54. The base teeth.36 may
FIG. 26 is an oblique view of a support top portion accord extend upward from the side elements 46 and 48. It will be
ing to still another aspect of the invention. appreciated that the sloping teeth.36 and 56 better resist forces
FIG. 27 is a side view of the top portion shown in FIG. 26. from above than horizontal teeth would. As the teeth 56
FIG. 28 is a side view of a support according to a further deform under the weight of a load, the teeth 56 are better
aspect of the invention. wedged into the base slots 38. The teeth 36 and 56 may be
10 sloped at an angle of about 30 degrees to the horizontal,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION although it will be appreciated that other slope angles may be
utilized.
An extruded or molded elastomeric (e.g., rubber) or poly The various Supports may be made from a variety of Suit
meric multi-piece (e.g., two-piece) modular pipe Support sys able materials, for instance including suitable rubber and/or
tem utilizes a wide base with protrusions and/or recesses, and
15 plastic. More broadly, the materials may be extruded or
a separate top with recesses and/or protrusions that engage the molded elastomeric or polymeric materials.
protrusions and/or recesses of the top. The tops are configured The position of the insert 14 relative to the base 12 may be
changed by changing which of the base teeth 36 are engaged
to securely capture a pipe/conduit without any additional by the insert teeth 56. The insert 14 may be disengaged from
parts, straps, etc. The top may have one or more pipe-receiv the base by sliding the insert 14 relative to base 12 in the
ing recesses for receiving the pipes (conduits). direction of the width of the base 12 and the insert 14, the
FIG. 1 shows a small base support with a plug insert for direction in which pipes or other objects would extend when
elevations below 10 cm (4 inches). The support 10 includes a laid in the recess 16. The modular design of the support 10
base 12 and an insert (top portion) 14. The terms “insert” and easily facilitates elevation changes by simply sliding the top
“top portion' may be used interchangeably in this description 25 out of the base 12 (or the insert 14) and sliding or Snapping it
for parts that engage bases of various Supports. The insert 14 back in at a different height.
has a pipe-receiving recess 16 for receiving one or more pipes FIG. 2 shows an alternative support 70 that utilizes the
or other objects. The term pipe, as used in this description, same base 12 as the support 10 shown in FIG.1. However the
should be construed broadly to include other objects that support 70 uses a different insert 72, an insert with a post 74
could be Support along runs, such as conduits. The pipe 30 that extends vertically much farther than the insert body 54
receiving recess 16 is bounded by a rounded bottom surface (FIG. 1) of the insert 14 (FIG. 1). This allows a pipe-receiving
20 of the insert 14, upon which a pipe or other object can rest. recess 76 defined by arms 84 and 86 of the insert 72 to be
The bottom surface 20 has a groove 22 therein. The insert 14 located at a greater height above the base 12. The inserts 14
may include a pair of arms 24 and 26 that extend around sides and 72 may be configured so that the insert 14 is used to mount
and at least part of the top of the recess 16. The arms 24 and 35 pipes or other objects at a lesser height above the roof, and the
26 may have respective radial protrusions or lips 30 and 32 at insert 72 is used to mount pipes or other objects at a greater
distal (free) ends of the arms 24 and 26. The protrusions 30 height above the roof. The inserts 14 and 72 may constitute a
and 32 may be clipped together to close the top of the recess set of inserts, both couplable to the base 12, that a user may
16. A clip for holding together the ends of the arms 24 and 26 select from for a specific situation.
may take any of a variety of Suitable forms and materials. 40 The insert 72 has alternating teeth and slots that are similar
Examples of Suitable materials include plastic, Steel, or wire. to the teeth 56 and slots 58 (FIG. 1) of the insert 14 (FIG. 1).
The base 12 may have a trapezoidal or triangular shape, The insert 72 has more teeth than the insert 14, enabling the
being wider at the bottom than at the top. The base 12 has a insert 72 to supporta heavier loadata greater height above the
series of angled base teeth 36, with angled base slots or roof (and above the base 12). The insert 72 may be a small
channels 38 between adjacent of the teeth.36. The teeth.36 and 45 base insert for smaller pipe sizes, and is shown elevated to 15
the slots 38 are located on either side of a central channel 40, cm (6 inches) height.
running vertically from the top of the base 12 to a bottom wall The insert arms 84 and 86 have locking ends 88 and 90 that
44 of the base 12. The base 12 has triangular elements 46 and overlap and interlock to close off the recess 76. The end 88
48 on opposite sides of the channel 40. The elements 46 and may overlap the end 90, with the end 88 having an inward
48 have cutouts (open areas) in their centers, where no mate 50 protrusion 92 (toward the recess 76) that engages a corre
rial is present. This reduces the amount of material needed, sponding recess 94 in the end 90. The engagement of the
and reduces the weight of the base 12. The teeth 36 and the protrusion 92 with the recess 94 occurs not at the top of the
slots 38 are on surfaces of the elements 46 and 48 that face recess 76, but off to the side of the object-receiving recess 76.
inward to the central channel 40. For example the overlapping and locking may occur over the
The insert 14 has a body 54 below the recess 16. The body 55 upper quadrant of the recess 76 on the side of the insert arm
54 has insert teeth 56 protruding out of opposite sides. Insert 86. The insert arm 84 may be longer than the insert arm 86.
slots or channels 58 separate adjacent of the insert teeth 56 on The insert arm 84 may be stretched to overlap the arm 84 to
each side of the insert body 54. The insert 14 and the base 12 get the protrusion 92 into the corresponding recess 94. The
are configured to engage one another, to hold the two parts arm 84 can then be released, resiliently recoiling to some
together. Toward that end the insert teeth 56 are configured to 60 extent, locking the arms 84 and 86 together.
fit into the base slots 38, and the base teeth 36 are configured FIG. 3 shows a bridge support 100 that includes a pair of
to fit into the insert slots 58. The base teeth 36 and the insert bases 12, and an insert 104. The insert 104 has a pair of
teeth 56 may be configured to be mating parts, filling Substan toothed posts 106 and 108 that support a series of pipe
tially all the space between the teeth 36 and 56. In other receiving recesses 110, 112, 114,116,118. The posts 106 and
words, the base teeth 36 may fill substantially all of the insert 65 108 may be similar to the post 74 (FIG. 2), and may engage
slots 58, and insert teeth 56 may fill substantially all of the the teeth of the bases 12 in a similar manner. The recesses
base slots 38 that the insert teeth 56 engage. 110-118 may be similar to the pipe- or object-receiving
 US 8,356,778 B2
7 8
recesses described above, and may have closures similar to amount of material and weight of the insert 204. The arms 228
that of the arms 84 and 86 (FIG. 2). and 230 have lips on their distal ends. The lips can be clipped
FIG. 4 shows a support 120 that has an insert 124 that together by a clip such as the clip 140 (FIG. 4).
engages a base 122. The insert 124 has toothed posts 126 and The top of the insert body 214 has ridges 234 on it. The
127 that engage respective toothed openings/channels 128 ridges 234 face the bottom of the recess 226. The ridges 234
and 129 the base 122 in a manner similar to that of other separate grooves 236 between them. The ridges 234 run lon
embodiments described above. The insert 124 also has gitudinally, in the same direction as the pipes or other objects.
respective collapsible webs 130 and 131 within (or as a part The ridges 234 provide some flexibility to the top surface of
of) arms 132 and 134 that define an object-receiving recess the insert body 214. The ridges 234 allow some “give' to the
136. The collapsible webs 130 and 131 are used to provide a 10 top surface of the insert body 214, providing a softer surface
more secure fit around the full range of pipe sizes in a par for pipes or other objects to rest on.
ticular top (insert). In the support described herein the col FIG. 8 shows the support 200 with the insert 204 at the
lapsible arms (webs) 130 and 131 will make contact with the higher level in the channel 210 of the base 202. The position
Smallest size in the range for the top, then collapse outward shown in FIG. 8 is used to position pipes or other objects
towards the distal arms 132 and 134 when a larger pipe is 15 farther off a rooftop, compared to the configuration shown in
installed, ultimately collapsing completely outward against FIG. 7.
the distal arms 132 and 134 when the largest diameter pipe is FIG. 9 illustrates a support 240 which utilizes the same
installed. This provides better securing of a range of sizes of base 202 as the support 200 (FIG. 7). The support has an insert
pipes or objects. 244 with a toothed post 248 for engaging the teeth on the sides
The webs 130 and 131 may be appropriately-shaped thin of the channel 210 of the base 202. The post 248 has a number
ner pieces of the material that the rest of the insert 124 is made of holes 250 along its centerline. The holes 250 reduce the
out of. The webs 130 and 131 have shapes with curves to more amount of material needed and the weight of the insert 204. It
easily accommodate different sizes/types of objects to be is also possible to place additional objects into the holes. Such
received. The webs 130 and 131 may have thinned portions as conduit or other pipe runs, to keep the additional objects
that allow the webs 130 and 131 to preferentially bend at 25 above the rooftop.
certain points. The insert 244 has a pipe-receiving recess 256 that is wider
The height of the insert 124 relative to the base 122 may be than the post 248, and is wider than the channel 210. The
adjusted by engaging the posts 126 and 127 at different levels recess 256 is bounded by a pair of arms 258 and 260. The arms
in the toothed channels 128 and 129 of the base 122. The 258 and 260 may have lips 262 and 264 at their distal ends for
insert 124 is engaged and disengaged from the base 122 in a 30 receiving a clip, such as the clip 140 (FIG. 4), to close the
manner similar to that of other supports described herein. recess 256.
The support 120 includes a clip 140 for holding ends of the The insert 244 may be placed at various heights within the
arms 132 and 134 together, so as to close off the top of the base channel 210. The engagement of the teeth of the post 248
recess 136. The clip 140 engages and holds lips 142 and 144 with the teeth of the channel 210 is similar to that of other
at the ends of the arms 132 and 134. The clip 140 has a central 35 embodiments described herein.
body 150 and a pair of downturned ends 152 and 154 on With reference now to FIG. 10, a support 280 includes the
opposite sides of the central body 150. The clip 140 may be base 202 and an insert 284. The insert 284 includes a toothed
made of any of a variety of Suitable materials, for example post 288, having holes 290 therein. The post 288 engages the
being made of plastic, steel, or wire. channel 210 of the base 202 in a manner similar to that of
FIG. 5 shows a support 160 that includes the base 122 40 other embodiments, at any of various heights.
engaged by an insert 164. The insert 164 differs from the An insert pipe-receiving recess 296, defined by arms 298
insert 124 (FIG. 4) primary in the configuration of webs 170 and 300, is narrower than both the post 288 on which it rests,
and 171, which have a different shape from that of the webs and the channel 210. Ridges/grooves 302 of the insert 284 are
130 and 131 (FIG. 4). at the bottom of the recess 296, providing more flexibility and
FIG. 6 shows a support 180 that includes a retention strap 45 “give” for placing objects. The ridges/grooves 302 extend in
182 for fixing the base 12 to roof decking. The retention strap a longitudinal direction, the axial direction of a pipe run that
182 may be made out of stamped metal, or molded rubber or would be placed in the recess 296.
plastic, to give a few examples. The retention strap may Various elements of the various embodiments described
extendall the way across the base 12, extending from one side above may be combinable. For instance, it is possible to
of the bottom wall 44 to the other. The strap 182 may have a 50 combine in a single Support one or more of features such as:
hole or holes for receiving Suitable fasteners, such as nails, use of a collapsible webs; various mechanisms for closing a
bolts, or screws, to secure the strap 182 (and thus the support pipe-receiving recess; use of holes or other mechanisms to
180) to the roof decking. save material, reduce weight, and/or increase flexibility; use
Turning now to FIG. 7, a support 200 includes a base 202 of single or multiple posts; use of an insert as a bridge
and an insert 204. The base 202 is similar to the base 12 (FIG. 55 between two or more bases, to Support multiple pipes and/or
1), with side elements 206 and 208 that flex outward from the objects in multiple insert recesses; use of ridges at a boundary
toothed central channel 210 as an insert body 214 of the insert to a pipe-receiving recess; and use of a retention strap.
204 is inserted into the channel 210. The outward flexure is The concept of using separate pieces, such as one or more
resilient, with the side elements 206 and 208 exerting an bases that can be engaged by different types of inserts, offers
inward force on the insert body 214, after the insert 204 is 60 more flexibility in the present system over other prior systems
inserted in the base central channel 210. The inward force on the market. A user can easily interchange tops and bottoms
helps maintain the teeth of the base 202 engaged with the to create a Support tailored to the specific application. The
teeth on the insert body 214. user can select one of a set oftop portions or bases to properly
The insert body 214 has holes 222 in it. The holes 222 run obtain the desired support and/or height of the pipe/conduit
in a longitudinal direction, the same direction as objects 65 off of a rooftop. A user also has the ability to create platforms
would be oriented when placed in a recess 226 defined by or bridge units by pairing tops with Strut channel attached to
arms 228 and 230 of the insert 204. The holes 222 reduce the two or more bases.
 US 8,356,778 B2
10
The concept of using interlocking teethto join the top to the a post portion 326 and a pipe-receiving portion 328. The
base helps to easily manage incremental elevation changes. portions 326 and 328 are held together by a dove-tail connec
Most (if not all) present products rely on primitive threaded tion, with one of the portions (the pipe-receiving portion 328
rod posts to facilitate elevation changes. The threaded rods in the illustrated embodiment) having a dove-tail protrusion
typically make for an unstable post due to the relatively thin that engages a correspondingly-shaped recess in the other of
column, and the result is often a wobbly platform that does not the portions. The use of such a configuration allows further
inspire confidence in the customer. modular configuring of the Support. For instance the same
One present Support is a height adjustable design that type of post may be usable with multiple different types of
employs a single threaded rod with a shallow arc of steel pipe-receiving portions. It will be appreciated that Supports
welded to the top as a pipe Support. This support may have 10 that include four or more portions may be possible.
stability problems, and may face failure during the pipe FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment, a support 340
movement caused by the expansion and contraction cycles having a base 342, and a top portion (insert) 344 connected to
common to rooftop piping systems. The ability to easily make the base 342. The base 342 has a pair of dovetail protrusions
elevation changes is an important advantage, perhaps one of 352 and 354 on its top surface 356. The dovetail protrusions
the singularly most desirable features not currently available 15 352 and 354 have relatively narrow necks, and relatively wide
on competing products. distalends. The base 342 has a trapezoidal shape, with cutouts
The use of extruded or molded distal arms to substantially (empty spaces) 360 in the shape in order to save material and
completely encircle the pipe to facilitate retention without weight. The base 342 has a pair of dovetail-shape recesses
requiring the use of secondary pipe Straps or clamps. Other 362 and 364 on a bottom surface 366. The recesses 362 and
systems on the market (CADDY PYRAMID, Pipe Pier) ulti 364 may be used to receive dovetail protrusions, such as from
lize Strut straps—which require tools to install—to secure the legs (not shown) that could be used to increase the height of
pipe to the Support. Roofing contractors do not often have the base 342. The base 342 may be a 10 cm (4 inch) base,
easy access to strut components, so this configuration offers lifting the top portion 344 to a height of 10 cm (4 inches)
easier installation than others on the market. Further, by above the rooftop.
extruding the distal arms we engage the pipe over the length 25 The top portion 344 has a pair of dovetail-shape recesses
of the base, aiding stability and retention. If a situation (or 372 and 374 for receiving the base protrusions 352 and 354.
specification) requires a more secure retention system, a The top portion 344 may slide onto the base 342, causing the
simple stamped steel, molded plastic or spring steel wire clip protrusions 352 and 354 to engage the recesses 372 and 374.
could be used to snap over the lips of the distal arms to provide This holds the top portion 344 to the base 342.
a more secure lock. 30 The top portion 344 is a double V-groove top, with a mesh
The collapsible features in the top provide a more secure fit retention strap 378 attached to a latching mechanism 380. The
around the full range of pipe sizes in a particular top. Other top portion 344 has a pair of pipe-receiving grooves 382 and
products claim to accommodate a range of pipe sizes, but in 384 for receiving pipes or other objects. The mesh strap 378
one example when a 2.5 cm (1 inch) diameter pipe is placed is a plastic mesh Strap with Substantially square holes. The
in the top, the pipe-receiving area of the top is grossly over 35 strap 378 is attached at one side of the top portion 344. The
sized. This leads some contractors to add a sleeve of 10 cm (4 strap 378 may be pulled over the top portion of the top
inch) pipe to preclude the 2.5 cm (1 inch) pipe from simply portion, over the grooves 382 and 384, holding objects likes
lifting out of the base. In the support described herein the pipes 386 and 388 in place. The free end of the strap 378
collapsible arms will make contact with the smallest size in engages the latching mechanism 380 to hold the strap 378
the range for the top, then collapse outward towards the distal 40 over the grooves 382 and 384 and the pipes 386 and 388. The
arms when a larger pipe is installed, ultimately collapsing latching mechanism 380 is attached to the opposite side of the
completely against the distal arms when the largest diameter top portion 344 from where the mesh strap 378 is attached.
pipe is installed. The latching mechanism 380 may be a metal part with a series
Some prior supports are very difficult to positively attach of slots therein for receiving a part of mesh strap 378 therein.
(anchor) to a roof deck when roof penetrations are called for 45 The slots may be angled downward Such that the mesh strap
by building Code or specification. Installers will often use 378 is retained in the slots after the stretching force on the
roof mastic to “glue” the roof support to the roof membrane, mesh strap 378 is released.
but in specific regions of the U.S. building Codes require a It will be appreciated that a wide variety of variations on the
more positive form of attachment, typically involving roof support 340 are possible. The top portion 344 shown in FIGS.
penetrations. Such penetrations are difficult to effect on the 50 12 and 13 may be one of a variety of top portions that may be
aforementioned rooftop Supports. Utilizing the channel(s) at coupled to the base 342. For example a top portion having a
the bottom of this product, a stamped Steel, injection molded single groove may be coupled to the base 342 instead of the
plastic or rubber strap (for example the strap 182 shown in dual-groove top portion 344. As another alternative, the base
FIG. 6) with pre-punched holes can be passed through the 342 may be coupled to a top portion having features or char
channel to either side of the support when the installer has 55 acteristics of the other top portions or inserts described
easy access to pin the strap to the roof deck using the pre herein.
punched holes in the strap. As a further alternative, one or more spacerblocks or legs
In addition, the modularity of the top means we can offer may be installed at the bottom of the base 342, to increase the
tops with either a single pair or two pairs of distal arms that height of the support 340. For example one or more 2.5 cmx5
wrap around the pipe/conduit, as well as a platform with a 60 cm (1 inchx2 inch) spacerblocks or legs may be installed for
perch (or recess) for strut channel, so that a “bridge' can be 2.5 cm (1 inch) height adjustment (per block). The spacer
created using two or more bases. blocks may have dovetail protrusions on a top Surface that
It will be appreciated that the insert and/or the base engage the recesses 362 and 364 in the base 342. The spacer
described above in the various embodiments may be made up blocks may also have similarly-shaped recesses on a bottom
of multiple parts. An example is the support 320 shown in 65 recesses for receiving the protrusions of another spacerblock.
FIG. 11, which has a two-part insert (top portion) 324 that is The spacer blocks may thus be stacked to add to the height of
inserted into and engages a base 322. The insert 324 includes the base 342.
 US 8,356,778 B2
11 12
FIG. 14 shows a pair of spacerblocks 392 and 394 coupled platform with a perch (or recess) for strut channel, so that a
to the bottom of the base 342. FIG. 15 shows another alter “bridge' can be created using two or more bases. The Rubber
native, with legs 396 and 398 coupled to the bottom of the Triangle only supports a single pipe, so the present invention
base 342, coupled to the recesses 362 and 364, respectively. would offer an advantage over that design.
The legs 396 and 398 have dovetail protrusions on their side The dovetail joints are a proven method for joining two or
surfaces, for coupling to the recesses 362 and 364 with on the more sections together, and since the tops, bottoms and
legs 396 and 398 on their sides. This allows the legs to couple adjustment legs are all made out of the same base material
in an alternate way to the base 342, to provide a smaller height there should not be any risk of the connection loosening due
rise to the base 342.
to different rates of thermal expansion. Further, by using an
FIGS. 16 and 17 show an alternative support 400 that 10
interference fit in the dovetail joint, one can freeze the male
includes a top portion 404 having a single groove (recess) dovetail of one component to contract it, and heat the female
406. The top portion 404 engages the base 342 as described dovetail of the second up to expand the opening, and thus
above. The top portion 404 also includes a solid strap 410 facilitate ease of assembly, but when the parts return to room
with slots 412 therein for engaging a latch mechanism 414, a temperature they will effectively be “locked together. Fur
protrusion 416 on the side of the top portion 404. The protru 15
sion 416 is hooked downward to engage a slot 412 of the strap ther, a steel spline could be utilized in lieu of a male rubber
410. dovetail joint. The spline would be inserted into adjoining
FIGS. 18 and 19 show an alternative support 420 that female dovetails to facilitate the connection.
includes a top portion 424 having double grooves (recesses) There are a variety of concepts for providing height adjust
426 and 428. The top portion 424 engages the base 342 as ment on this system. Simple pads with a footprint matching
described above. The top portion 424 also includes a solid the base of the main support could be extruded in a variety of
strap 430 with slots 432 therein for engaging a latch mecha thicknesses, with eachpad containing one or more male dove
nism 434, a protrusion on the side of the top portion 424. tail joint(s) on top and one or more female dovetail joint(s)
FIGS. 20 and 21 show an alternative support 440 in which along the bottom to facilitate attachment of the pads to the
the top portion 424 is coupled to a base 442 by use of metal 25 main Support. The end-user would simply add more pads until
bow tiebent clips 446 and 448. The clips 446 and 448 engage he reached the desired height. The pads could also be nar
top portion dovetail recesses 452 and 454 at the bottom of the rower pads, where two pads are required to effect a height
top portion 424, and base dovetail recesses 456 and 458 at the increase, one installed on each side of the bottom of the
top of the base 442. primary support. Additional increases would be available by
FIGS. 22-27 show various ways in which a top portion 484 30
installing multiple pads into each other. As the height
receives various pipe sizes. The top portion 484 may be increases, the base would widen to maintain stability in the
coupled to any of the various bases described above. The top assembly.
portion 484 has a central collapsible web 490 with a dimple Another option employs a 2.5 cm x5.1 cm (1 inchx2 inches)
492 in it. The collapsible web 490 is between a pair of rotatable height adjustment block that provides two different
recesses 494 and 496. A strap 500 may be used to hold a pipe 35
heights by simply rotating the block 90 degrees prior to instal
or pipes against the web 490 and/or in the recesses 494 and
496. lation. This concept also utilizes the dovetail joint method of
As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, a single small or light pipe attachment.
510 rests on the dimple 492, without compressing the col A third concept developed has segmented extensions
lapsible web 490. Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, a single 40 attached to the base via a thin membrane. The extensions
heavy pipe 512 collapses the web 490. And in FIGS. 26 and could then be folded under the base and secured via pins or a
27, a pair of pipes 514 and 516 rest in the recesses 494 and keyed joint to facilitate one level of height increase. An addi
496, respectively. tional pad of material attached to the first pad could then be
FIG. 28 shows a support 520 that includes a base 522 and folded under the first pad and attached in a manner similar to
a top portion 524. The top portion 524 has three pipe-receiv 45 that described to offer a second height increase.
ing recesses 530, 532, and 534, for receiving objects such as The retention strap could be made from extruded and
pipes 540, 542, and 544. expanded plastic meshas shown in the pictures. Alternatively,
It will be appreciated that the various features of the various it could be made from rubber with a series of slots that allow
embodiments described above can be combined in a single the strap to secure a variety of pipe sizes. It will be appreciated
Support, where appropriate. 50 that other materials for the strap. Such as metal, are also
The concept of using separate pieces offers more flexibility possible. The straps could be molded or extruded from yellow
compared with others on the market. A user can easily inter plastic/rubber to serve as notice of a trip hazard as well as
change tops and bottoms to create a Support tailored to the advertising for CADDY. Other systems on the market
specific application. A user also has the ability to create (CADDY PYRAMID, Pipe Pier) utilize strut straps which
platforms by pairing tops with perches for strut channel with 55 require tools to install—to secure the pipe to the Support.
two or more bases. Roofing contractors often do not have easy access to strut
The concept of using a V-groove to Support the pipe components, so the present Support would offer easier instal
requires fewer parts to cover a complete range of pipe sizes. A lation than others on the market.
user can support 1.27 cm through 5.1 cm (0.5 inches to 2 One concept uses a series of thin stackable legs that slide
inches) pipe on the Small size, and can Support 6.4 cm through 60 into each other via the dovetail joints still employed in the
10.2 cm (2.5 inches through 4 inches) pipe on the large size current concept. Other concepts moved away from multiple
V-groove. The only other known extruded rubber support on small legs in favor of the larger leg that allows for 2.5 cm (1
the market is a one-piece design that requires 4-5 different inch) or 5.1 cm (2 inches) height adjustment, depending on
sizes to cover the full range of pipe sizes that we cover with the installation orientation. In addition, other concepts have a
two sizes. 65 webbed cross section in lieu of the solid section shown in the
In addition, the modularity of the top means we can offer original sketch, in the interest of removing excess material
tops with either a single or double V-groove, as well as a and unnecessary weight from the Support.
 US 8,356,778 B2
13 14
Another feature of other concepts is making the top a 3. A rooftop pipe Support comprising:
modular component that could be easily changed out depend a base; and
ing on the type of support required (single pipe, multiple pipe, a top portion having a pipe-receiving recess;
Strut, etc.). wherein one of the top portion or the base has protrusions
It will be appreciated that materials and features described 5 that engage protrusion-engaging recesses in the other of
with regard to one of the embodiments or concepts described the top portion or the base, holding the base and the top
herein may also be utilized with regard to other embodiments portion together;
of the invention, or concepts involved in the invention. wherein the top portion may be engaged to the base at
Although the invention has been shown and described with multiple different heights above a bottom wall of the
respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious 10 base; and
that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to wherein protrusion-engaging recesses have open ends, and
others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of the top portion and the base are engaged by sliding the
this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular protrusions into the recesses through the open ends, in a
regard to the various functions performed by the above direction substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the
described elements (components, assemblies, devices, com 15 base.
positions, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a “means' 4. The pipe support of claim3, wherein the top portion and
used to describe such elements are intended to correspond, the base are both made of an elastomeric or polymeric mate
unless otherwise indicated, to any element which performs rial.
the specified function of the described element (i.e., that is 5. The pipe support of claim3, wherein the top portion and
functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equiva the base are both made of the same material.
lent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in 6. The pipe support of claim3, wherein the top portion and
the herein illustrated exemplary embodiment or embodi the base are both made of a polymeric material.
ments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature 7. The pipe support of claim 3, wherein the base has a
of the invention may have been described above with respect Substantially trapezoidal shape.
to only one or more of several illustrated embodiments, such 25 8. The pipe support of claim 3, wherein the support is a
feature may be combined with one or more other features of modular pipe Support, with the top portion being one of a set
the other embodiments, as may be desired and advantageous of multiple top portions, each of which is configured to
for any given or particular application. engage the base.
What is claimed is: 9. The pipe support of claim 3,
1. A rooftop pipe Support comprising: 30 wherein the top portion has arms that extend away from a
a base; and remainder of the top portion in a direction away from the
a top portion having a pipe-receiving recess; bottom wall of the base; and
wherein one of the top portion or the base has protrusions wherein the arms define in part the pipe-receiving recess.
that engage protrusion-engaging recesses in the other of 10. The pipe support of claim 9, further comprising a
the top portion or the base, holding the base and the top 35 collapsible web in the pipe-receiving recess.
portion together, 11. The pipe support of claim 9, further comprising a clip
wherein the top portion may be engaged to the base at coupling the arms together.
multiple different heights above a bottom wall of the 12. The pipe Support of claim 11, wherein the clip engages
base; lips at distal ends of the arms.
wherein the pipe-receiving recess is bounded at a bottom
40 13. The pipe support of claim 9, wherein top portion has
portion of the pipe-receiving recess that is closest to the one or more grooves along a bottom of the rounded surface.
bottom wall, by a rounded surface of the top portion; 14. The pipe support of claim 3, wherein the top portion
wherein, when the top portion is engaged with the base, a includes a collapsible web that changes shape to accommo
closest distance between the rounded surface and the date different sizes of objects placed in contact with the web.
bottom wall of the base, is between, in a direction par
45 15. The pipe support of claim 3, wherein the base and the
allel to the bottom wall, a pair of other locations on the top portion are both monolithic continuous pieces of a single
material.
rounded Surface that are at a greater distance than the 16. The pipe support of claim3, wherein at least part of the
closest distance from the bottom wall; top portion is received into a vertical channel in the base.
wherein at least part of the top portion is received into a 50 17. The pipe support of claim 16,
vertical channel in the base; wherein the protrusions include teeth of the at least part of
wherein the protrusions include teeth of the at least part of the top portion;
the top portion; wherein the protrusion-engaging recesses are tooth-receiv
wherein the protrusion-engaging recesses are tooth-receiv ing recesses on opposing inner Surfaces of the channel.
ing recesses on opposing inner Surfaces of the channel; 55 18. The pipe support of claim 17, wherein the teeth are
and
wherein the teeth are angled downward, toward a bottom angled downward, toward a bottom wall of the base.
wall of the base. 19. The pipe support of claim 3, wherein the top portion
2. The pipe support of claim 1, wherein the base and the top includes a toothed post that is inserted into and engaged with
a tooth-lined channel of the base.
portion are both monolithic continuous pieces of a single
material. k k k k k