Device for preventing damage, ovaling and compromise of the ends of piping

Abstract

A device for preventing damage, ovaling, and compromise of spiral ducts and piping during transportation and storage is provided. The device has an arcuate body providing a grip portion at one end, where the grip portion turn over the outer surface of the body until it abuts it at a contact point. Along an inner surface of the body, an inner ridge radially extends. The device may slide into a duct so that the duct end is sandwiched between the grip portion and the outer surface of the body, thereby provided support against damage, ovaling, and compromise of the duct end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A safety device for preventing damage, ovaling, and compromise of rounded piping, comprising:
 an arcuate body having outer and inner surfaces extending from a front end to a rear end;   an inner ridge radially extending from the inner surface; and   a grip portion provided along the front end, the grip portion turning outward and rearward at least until a contact point abutting the outer surface.   
     
     
         2 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein the body extends for approximately six inches between the front and rear ends. 
     
     
         3 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner ridge is disposed approximately midpoint between the front and rear ends. 
     
     
         4 . The safety device of  claim 1 , wherein the grip portion terminates in a shape curving outwardly from the contact point. 
     
     
         5 . The safety device of  claim 1 , further comprising an increasing void between the grip portion and the outer surface on both sides of the contact point. 
     
     
         6 . A safety device for preventing damage, ovaling, and compromise of rounded piping, comprising:
 an arcuate body having outer and inner surfaces extending from a front end to a rear end for a distance ranging between five to seven inches;   an inner ridge radially extending from the inner surface, wherein the inner ridge is disposed approximately midpoint between the front and rear ends;   a grip portion provided along the front end, the grip portion turning outward and rearward at least until a contact point abutting the outer surface, wherein the grip portion terminates in a shape curving outwardly from the contact point; and   an increasing void between the grip portion and the outer surface on both sides of the contact point.   
     
     
         7 . A method of preventing damage, ovaling, and compromise of and the safe use of a spiral duct, comprising the steps of:
 sliding the device of  claim 1  into the spiral duct so that the outer surface is disposed within an inner circumference of the spiral duct, and wherein a duct end of the spiral duct slides past the contact point and between the grip portion and the outer surface.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein an outer circumference of the spiral duct provides a rounded protrusion; and further comprising the step of sliding said device until the rounded protrusion slides past the contact point, forming a locked engagement.