Support Assemblies for Pipes, Conduits and Tubes

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.

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 strut being jointless between the first and second parts;   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; 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.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the end parts extend from the central section in generally opposite directions. 
     
     
         3 . 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. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the anchor comprises a threaded nut and bolt assembly and the spacer comprises a cylindrical sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein 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°. 
     
     
         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 strut being jointless between the first and second parts; 
 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; 
 a supported element fastener assembly securable to the second end part and to a supported element; and 
 the support assembly having at least substantially no horizontally oriented surfaces; 
 whereby the support assembly enhances sanitation by effectively eliminating horizontal surfaces and by spacing the strut away from the upright support. 
   
     
     
         7 . The installation according to  claim 6 , wherein the upright support comprises a wall. 
     
     
         8 . The installation according to  claim 6 , wherein the supported element comprises a generally vertically extending cylindrical element. 
     
     
         9 . The installation according to  claim 6 , wherein the central section extends downwardly and outwardly from the first end part. 
     
     
         10 . The installation according to  claim 6 , wherein the strut has no unused holes opening into the ambient air environment.