AU2020102609A4

AU2020102609A4 - Duct Saddle

Info

Publication number: AU2020102609A4
Application number: AU2020102609A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David J. McIntosh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-06
Filing date: 2020-10-06
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Anticipated expiration: 2028-10-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to a duct saddle comprising a body comprising an arcuate duct supporting surface, the body comprising a connecting portion adapted to releasably receive a strap, wherein the connecting portion comprises an aperture with a resilient extension member extending therein, and at least a pair of cable receiving apertures that cooperates to removably secure a cable, wherein the pair of cables receiving apertures are located at opposing ends of the body. The present invention allows for a duct to be supported using multiple mechanisms. 1/5 130 125 112 100 124 140 122 120 135 111 126 152a 154 112' 152a' 140' 125' FIG1

Description

1/5 130 125

112 100 124 140 122

120

135 111

126

152a 154

112' 152a'

140' 125'

FIG1

TITLE

Duct Saddle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of support devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a duct. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a duct saddle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] Temperature regulation is important to ensure that the internal temperature of a building is at a desirable temperature. In this regard, ducts are utilized to convey fluid or gases from one location to another location; and are utilized in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Ducts are typically insulated for energy efficiency and also light weight to facilitate ease of installation. However, there are potential inefficiencies and energy wastage if the ducts are not installed or supported properly.

[0004] Typically, straps or cables are utilized in supporting a duct from a beam, roof or rafter. However, the straps or cables alone do not adequately support the duct due to the small contact area thereof with the duct. This can lead to the strap or cable embedding into the duct and causing restricted airflow through the ducting system. This can negatively affect the overall efficiency of the system.

[0005] Additionally, it is difficult to install the straps and cables. Furthermore, the use of metal straps can have sharp edges which can pose as an occupational health and safety issue.

[0006] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues or to at least provide a commercial alternative to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a duct saddle comprising: a body comprising an arcuate duct supporting surface; the body comprising: a connecting portion adapted to releasably receive a strap, wherein the connecting portion comprises an aperture with a resilient extension member extending therein; and at least a pair of cable receiving apertures that cooperates to removably secure a cable, wherein the pair of cables receiving apertures are located at opposing sides of the arcuate body.

[0008] In one embodiment, each cable receiving aperture is dimensioned to receive a predetermined cable.

[0009] In an embodiment, the pair of cable receiving apertures are aligned. In one embodiment, the pair of cable receiving apertures are adjacent opposing edges of the body.

[0010] In one embodiment, the body further comprises strap engaging portions. In one embodiment, the body further comprises openings.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting portion further comprises a second resilient extension member extending therein. In one embodiment, the second resilient member extends from an opposite side relative to the resilient member. In one embodiment, the first resilient extension member and/or the second resilient extension member is/are deflectable.

[0012] In some embodiments, the body is an arcuate body. In one embodiment, the body comprises an outer surface. In an embodiment, the outer surface substantially conforms to the arcuate duct engaging surface.

[0013] In embodiments, the body comprises one or more connecting portions. The one or more connecting portions are spaced apart.

[0014] In some embodiments, the body comprises two or more pairs of cable receiving apertures. Each pair of cable receiving aperture are spaced apart.

[0015] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of supporting a duct including the steps of:

providing a duct saddle comprising a body comprising an arcuate duct supporting surface, the body comprising a connecting portion adapted to releasably receive a strap, wherein the connecting portion comprises an aperture with a resilient extension member extending therein, and at least a pair of cable receiving apertures that cooperates to removably secure a cable, wherein the pair of cables receiving apertures are located at opposing sides of the body;

securing one end of a cable to a surface;

threading the other end of the cable through one of the two cable receiving apertures;

engaging a duct with the arcuate duct supporting surface;

threading the other end of the cable through the other of the two cable receiving apertures; and

securing the other end of a cable to a surface,

to thereby support a duct.

[0016] The duct saddle and components thereof are as substantially described for the first aspect.

[0017] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a duct saddle of the present invention;

FIG 2 shows a front view of the duct saddle of FIG 1;

FIG 3 shows a top view of the duct saddle of FIG 1;

FIG 4 shows the duct saddle of FIG 1 engaging a duct utilizing a single cable; and

FIG 5 shows the saddle duct of FIG 1 engaging a duct utilizing a pair of cables.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in duct saddle. Accordingly, the apparatus and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0021] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

[0022] Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0023] As used herein, the term 'about' means the amount is nominally the number following the term 'about' but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0024] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in a duct saddle comprising: a body comprising an arcuate duct supporting surface; the body comprising: a connecting portion adapted to releasably receive a strap, wherein the connecting portion comprises an aperture with a resilient extension member extending therein; and at least a pair of cable receiving apertures that cooperates to removably secure a cable, wherein the pair of cables receiving apertures are located at opposing sides of the body.

[0025] FIGs 1-3 show a duct saddle of the present invention in a number of views. Duct saddle 100 comprises a body 110. In one embodiment, the body 110 comprises an arcuate duct engaging surface 130 and an outer surface 135. The body 110 comprises a central portion 111 and side portions 112, 112' connected thereto. In one embodiment, the body 110 has an elongate body. That is the length of the central portion 111 and side portions 112, 112' are greater than the width of the duct saddle 100.

[0026] The body 110 further comprises a connecting portion 120. In one embodiment, the connecting portion 120 is centrally located. The connecting portion 120 is adapted to removably receive a strap (not shown). The strap is suitably attached or secured to a structure in which a duct is supported therefrom. For instance, the strap may be attached or secured to a beam or roof.

[0027] The connecting portion 120 comprises an aperture 122 and a first resilient extension member 124 extending therein. Suitably, the first resilient member 124 is integrally formed with the body 110. The first resilient member

124 may be deflectable from the central portion 111 to a degree such that a strap may be retained therein by engagement with the outer surface 135 and the first resilient member 124. The connecting portion 120 may further comprise a second resilient extension 126 extending into the aperture 122. The second resilient extension member 126 may extend into the aperture 122 from an opposing end when compared to the first resilient extension member 124. Similar to the first resilient extension 124, the second resilient extension 126 may be deflectable from the plane of the body to facilitate insertion of a strap. In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 120 is in the form of an 'H'-like aperture formed into the body 110. In one embodiment, the first extension member 124 and second extension member 126 have different lengths.

[0028] In use, the first resilient member 124 and/or the second resilient member 126 may be deflected away from the arcuate duct engaging surface 130 in the direction of the outer surface 135 to facilitate retainment of a strap on the first resilient member 124. This allows for a strap to be retained in the connecting portion 120 without the need to thread the strap through the saddle before attaching the ends of the strap to a structure. This allows the saddle to be quickly and easily installable on existing strapping in a retrofit application. As such, the strap engages the outer surface 135 and the first resilient member 124 and holds the duct saddle 100 and thus duct.

[0029] It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the present duct saddle may comprise one or more connecting portions 120. In this regard, the duct saddle may be provided with a plurality of spaced apart connecting portions that can be utilized with a strap to secure the duct support to one or more structure(s). The additional connecting portions provide further stability to the duct saddle when suspended.

[0030] The body 110 may further comprise strap engaging portions 125, 125' which are adapted to engage a strap. The strap engaging portions 125, 125' may comprise an indent adapted to retain a strap therein. The indent is dimensioned such that a strap may be securely retained therein. The strap engaging portions 125, 125' alleviate the problem of a strap moving during installation and/or retainment of a duct. In one embodiment, the strap engaging portions 125, 125' and connecting portion 120 are aligned.

[0031] In one embodiment, the outer surface 135 substantially conforms to the arcuate duct engaging surface 130. The arcuate duct engaging surface 130 has an arcuate surface to facilitate engagement with a duct. In this regard, ducts typically have a cylindrical flexible structure. The arcuate surface 130 assists in engaging the duct over a certain length thereof and thus supports the duct over the same length. This advantageously spreads the support load over a portion of the duct, and alleviates the issue of crimping or folding.

[0032] In one embodiment, the body 110 suitably has a longitudinal axis that defines the arcuate duct engaging surface 130. In a further embodiment, the arcuate duct engaging surface 130 is normal to the longitudinal axis.

[0033] The body 100 comprises a pair of cable receiving apertures 140, 140'. The cable receiving apertures 140, 140' cooperate to removably secure a cable (not shown). Each cable receiving aperture 140, 140' is located at opposing side portions 112, 112', respectively. In other words, each cable receiving aperture 140, 140' is located at opposing sides, suitably lateral sides, of the body 110. That is, each cable receiving aperture 140, 140' The cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are suitably located adjacent an edge of the side portions 112, 112'. In one embodiment, the cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are located generally mid-way along the length of the body at an outer periphery thereof. Preferably, the cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are aligned such that a cable evenly supports the duct saddle. In one embodiment, the cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are aligned along a latitudinal plane of the body. That is, each of the pair of cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are equidistant to a front and rear end (direction of the duct to be engaged) of the body 110. In order words, each of the pair of cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are located at the balance point to a front and rear end of the body 110.

[0034] It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the present duct saddle may comprise one or more pairs of cable receiving apertures. In this regard, each pair of cable receiving apertures may be spaced apart from one another and can be utilized with a plurality of cables to secure the duct support to a structure.

[0035] In use, the cable receiving apertures 140, 140' securely hold a cable. In this regard, one end of the cable may be attached to a structure, the other end may be threaded through one cable receiving aperture 140, along the outer surface 135 through the other cable receiving aperture 140', and then attached to the structure. The cable then supports the duct saddle 100 and the engaged duct. Preferably, the cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are dimensioned such that a cable fits loosely within the aperture to provide ease of installation and adjustment. When the duct rests on the saddle, the weight of the duct prevents any movement and keeps the duct saddle in place with no kinking, no sagging and restriction free.

[0036] Preferably, the cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are dimensioned for the cable to be utilized. In this regard, the cable may be provided with industry standard radii, and the apertures 140, 140' are dimensioned appropriately for these cables. The cable receiving apertures 140, 140' are dimensioned such that the movement of the cable, when received in the cable receiving apertures, is minimal whilst maintaining relatively easy location through the cable receiving apertures. The cable receiving apertures 140, 140' may also be dimensioned for cables with a non-circular cross-section.

[0037] The body 110 comprises at least one ridged portion. In the embodiment shown, the body 110 comprises a pair of ridged portions 150, 150'. Each pair of ridged portion 150, 150' comprises a pair of substantially parallel spaced ridges 152a, 152b, 152a', 152b' that define a trough 154, 154' therebetween, respectively. The ridged portions 150, 150' facilitate lateral flex in the body 110 and thus arcuate duct engaging surface 130. In this regard, as a cable is received in the cable receiving apertures 140, 140', gravity will push a central portion 111 of the duct saddle towards the ground, and pull the edge portions 112, 112' towards the structure. This facilitates engagement of the duct that is being supported. The ridges also assist in engaging a duct by producing degree of lateral flex in the duct saddle 100. While providing a ridged, load distributing effect along the longitudinal axis.

[0038] The body 110 may further comprise openings formed therein. These openings are suitably formed of any shape and sized provided that they do not affect the structural strength and rigidity of the duct saddle 100. In one embodiment, the openings are polygonal in shape. In the embodiment shown, some openings are triangular in shape. These openings advantageously provide a lighter weight duct saddle 100 that is easier to install. Furthermore, less material is required to manufacture the duct saddle and as such makes the present duct saddle more economically viable. In one embodiments, the openings are formed in the body. In an embodiment, the openings are formed from a periphery of the body.

[0039] The duct saddle and components thereof may be integrally formed. As used herein, the term 'integrally formed' refers to being formed from a single unitary piece of material. The duct saddle may be formed of a synthetic material. Preferably, the duct saddle is formed of a light weight synthetic material. Non limiting examples include plastic. Non-limiting examples of plastic include polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0040] Advantageously, the present duct saddle alleviates the problem of a duct sagging or crimping, and this allows free flow of fluid therein. Furthermore, the present duct saddle may be utilized with a strap and/or a cable to support it to a structure. It will be appreciated that the connecting portion may releasably receive a strap, and the cable receiving apertures may removably secure a cable. As such, the present invention allows for multiple methods of securing the duct saddle to a structure, and thus a duct to a structure. It will be appreciated that a cable would be unsuitably for retainment in the connecting portion as cables typically have a thickness that is much greater than a strap. Typically, a cable has a circular or substantially circular cross-section. In the event that a cable is retained in the connecting portion, the cable would sit above the arcuate duct engaging surface, push into the duct and impede the fluid flow in the duct being supported thereon.

[0041] The provision of the cable receiving apertures allows for a cable to be inserted through the cable receiving apertures and along the outer surface 135. The cable supports the duct saddle and thus the duct without impeding fluid flow in the duct. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that a pair of cables may be utilized with the present duct saddle. In this regard, one cable may be inserted through one cable receiving aperture and the other cable may be inserted through the other cable receiving aperture. These cables may be provided with an anchor at one end thereof to retain them in each respective cable receiving aperture.

[0042] Furthermore, should the installer wish to ensure the support of the duct saddle and the duct being held, the installer may utilize both cables and straps to attach the duct saddle to a structure. As such, the present duct saddle facilitates additional attachment points to further ensure that the duct saddle and duct are adequately secured.

[0043] In one embodiment, the cable support is provided in conjunction with a cable, a strap and/or a duct.

[0044] In a second aspect, the invention resides in a method of supporting a duct including the steps of:

securing one end of a cable to a surface;

engaging a duct with the arcuate duct supporting surface;

securing the other end of a cable to a surface,

to thereby support a duct.

[0045] The duct saddle and cable are as substantially described hereinabove.

[0046] In one embodiment, the method further includes securing one end of a strap to the surface. In an embodiment, the method further includes securing the other end of the strap to the surface. In a further embodiment, the method further includes retaining the strap in the first connecting portion.

[0047] In one embodiment, the method includes the step engaging multiple duct saddles to a duct to support said duct from a surface.

[0048] FIG 4 shows two duct saddles 100 secured to a surface 220. The duct saddles 100 each have a cable 200 inserted through one of the pair of cable receiving apertures 140. One end of the cable 200 is secured to the surface 220. The other end of the cable is inserted through the other cable receiving aperture 140 'of the pair of cable receiving apertures (not shown) and is subsequently secured to the surface 220. The arcuate duct support surface (not shown) engages the duct, and supports the duct over a length thereof. It will be appreciated that the load is spread across the length of the duct engaging the duct saddles and as such less sagging and crimping is observed.

[0049] FIG 5 shows two duct saddles 100 secured to a surface 220, similar to that shown in FIG 4. The duct saddle 100 utilizes a pair of cables 200 inserted through each of the pair of cable receiving apertures 140, 140' (aperture 140' not shown). One end of cable 200 is secured to the surface 220. The other end of the cable 200 may be inserted through cable receiving aperture 140, and then provided with an anchor that prevents the cable 200 from releasing from the cable receiving aperture 140. In the embodiment shown, the cable 200 may be secured to itself by use of a lock 201. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the cable 200 may be secured by any means that prevents the cable being released from the cable receiving aperture 140. Non-limiting examples of the securing means include tying a knot in the cable, providing an anchor device, or attaching it to itself. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the other cable for insertion into the cable receiving aperture 140' is performed in a similar manner as that described hereinabove.

[0050] In the event that a cable is difficult to secure to the surface, an installer may utilize a strap to secure the duct to the surface. It will be appreciated that the installer is can use a cable and/or a strap to secure the duct saddle to the surface.

[0051] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims

1. A duct saddle comprising:

a body comprising an arcuate duct supporting surface; the body comprising:

a connecting portion adapted to releasably receive a strap, wherein the connecting portion comprises an aperture with a resilient extension member extending therein; and

at least a pair of cable receiving apertures that cooperates to removably secure a cable, wherein the pair of cables receiving apertures are located at opposing sides of the body.

2. The duct saddle of claim 1, wherein each cable receiving aperture is dimensioned to receive a predetermined cable.

3. The duct saddle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pair of cable receiving apertures are aligned.

4. The saddle of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is an arcuate body.

5. A method of supporting a duct including the steps of:

securing one end of a cable to a surface;

engaging a duct with the arcuate duct supporting surface; threading the other end of the cable through the other of the two cable receiving apertures; and securing the other end of a cable to a surface, to thereby support a duct.