Break-apart flue support strut and attachment strap

Abstract

An exhaust flue support includes an elongate flue strut having a non-flat channel portion integral with a flat portion; and a mounting strap, these parts formed from a common piece of sheet metal and joined together by plural frangible tabs whereby the strap is easily broken away from the strut. The strap has fastening elements for joining the opposing ends. The flat portion of the strut provides a bendable tab capable of joining the strut to the strap when the strap encircles an exhaust flue.

1 . An exhaust flue support apparatus comprising: an elongate flue strut having a non-flat channel portion integral with a flat portion; and a mounting strap; the strut and strap formed from a common piece of sheet metal and joined together by plural frangible tabs whereby the strap is easily broken away from the strut; the strap providing at opposing ends thereof, fastening elements for joining the opposing ends, the flat portion of the strut providing, at one end, a bendable tab capable of joining the strut to the strap when the strap encircles an exhaust flue.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the channel portion and the flat portion of the strut are perforated for securement to a surface.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the channel portion is one of V-shaped and U-shaped.  
   
   
       4 . An exhaust flue support apparatus comprising: a plurality of flue support units formed from a single piece of sheet metal, wherein the units are mutually joined by frangible tabs, the units being easily broken apart by manual bending of the frangible tabs; each of the flue support units providing: 
 a) an elongate strut having a non-flat channel portion integral with a flat portion; and    b) a mounting strap; 
 the strut and strap joined by the frangible tabs so as to be easily broken apart by manual bending of the frangible tabs; the strap providing at opposing ends thereof, fastening elements for joining the opposing ends, the flat portion of the strut providing, at one end, a bendable tab in a position capable of joining the strut to the strap when the strap encircles an exhaust flue.  
   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein, in each of the units, at least one of the channel portion and the flat portion is perforated for securement to a surface.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein, in each of the units, the channel portion is one of V-shaped and U-shaped.  
   
   
       7 . An exhaust flue support apparatus comprising: an elongate flue strut having a non-flat channel portion; and a mounting strap; the strut and strap formed from a common piece of sheet metal and joined together by plural frangible tabs whereby the strap is easily broken away from the strut; the strap providing at opposing ends thereof, fastening elements for joining the opposing ends, the strut providing, at one end, a bendable tab capable of joining the strut to the strap when the strap encircles an exhaust flue.