Duct support device

{
  "publication_number": "US12173921B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Duct support device",
  "abstract": "A duct support device is provided. The device includes a clamp assembly having a channel dimensioned to removably secure to a support structure, wherein a width of the channel is selectively adjustable via actuation of a pair of clamp handles affixed to the clamp assembly. A first arm member is affixed to the clamp assembly at a proximal end of the first arm member. A second arm member is pivotally affixed to a distal end of the first arm member. A third arm member is perpendicularly affixed to a distal end of the second arm member. A brace is affixed to the third arm member parallel to a longitudinal axis of the third arm member, wherein the brace extends along a length of an upper side of the third arm member. In some embodiments, a fourth arm member is perpendicularly affixed to a distal end of the third arm member.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A duct support device, comprising: a clamp assembly having a channel dimensioned to removably secure to a support structure; wherein a width of the channel is selectively adjustable via actuation of a pair of clamp handles affixed to the clamp assembly; a first arm member affixed to the clamp assembly at a proximal end of the first arm member; a second arm member pivotally affixed to a distal end of the first arm member; a third arm member perpendicularly affixed to a distal end of the second arm member; and a brace affixed to the third arm member parallel to a longitudinal axis of the third arm member; wherein the brace extends along a length of an upper side of the third arm member; wherein the clamp assembly includes a base and a pair of wall members extending from opposing ends of the base defining the channel therebetween; wherein one of the pair of wall members is slidably disposed along the base and operably connected to the pair of clamp handles; and further comprising a groove disposed on an exterior surface of one of the pair of wall members; and wherein the groove is dimensioned to slidably receive the proximal end of the first arm member therein.",
    "2. The duct support device of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the brace in a plane parallel to the upper side of the third arm member is larger than a corresponding cross-sectional area of the upper side of the third arm member.",
    "3. The duct support device of claim 1, further comprising a locking pin removably securable through coaxial apertures disposed through each of the first arm member and the second arm member, wherein the locking pin is configured to retain the first arm member at a desired angle relative to the second arm member.",
    "4. The duct support device of claim 3, wherein the locking pin is affixed to the second arm member via a cable.",
    "5. The duct support device of claim 1, wherein the brace extends along a length greater than half of a length of the third arm member.",
    "6. The duct support device of claim 1, wherein a pad is affixed to an upper surface of the brace.",
    "7. The duct support device of claim 6, wherein the pad extends along an entirety of the upper surface of the brace.",
    "8. The duct support device of claim 1, further comprising a pair of plates, each plate affixed to an upper end of a respective wall member of the pair of wall members, wherein a portion of each plate overhangs the respective wall member such that a distance between the pair of plates is less than the width of the channel.",
    "9. The duct support device of claim 1, further comprising an opening extending through one of the pair of wall members, wherein the opening is dimensioned to receive a portion of one of the pair of clamp handles therethrough when the clamp assembly is in an open position.",
    "10. A duct support device, comprising: a clamp assembly having a channel dimensioned to removably secure to a support structure; wherein a width of the channel is selectively adjustable via actuation of a pair of clamp handles affixed to the clamp assembly; a first arm member affixed to the clamp assembly at a proximal end of the first arm member; a second arm member pivotally affixed to a distal end of the first arm member; a third arm member perpendicularly affixed to a distal end of the second arm member; a fourth arm member perpendicularly affixed to a distal end of the third arm member, such that the fourth arm member is parallel to the second arm member defining a U-shape; and a brace affixed to a distal end of the fourth arm member, such that the brace is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the third arm member; wherein the clamp assembly includes a base and a pair of wall members extending from opposing ends of the base defining the channel therebetween; wherein one of the pair of wall members is slidably disposed along the base and operably connected to the pair of clamp handles; and further comprising an opening extending through one of the pair of wall members; wherein the opening is dimensioned to receive a portion of one of the pair of clamp handles therethrough when the clamp assembly is in an open position.",
    "11. The duct support device of claim 10, further comprising a locking pin removably securable through coaxial apertures disposed through each of the first arm member and the second arm member, wherein the locking pin is configured to retain the first arm member at a desired angle relative to the second arm member.",
    "12. The duct support device of claim 11, wherein the locking pin is affixed to the second arm member via a cable.",
    "13. The duct support device of claim 10, further comprising a pair of pads affixed to opposing ends of an upper surface of the brace.",
    "14. The duct support device of claim 10, further comprising a pair of plates, each plate affixed to an upper end of a respective wall member of the pair of wall members, wherein a portion of each plate overhangs the pair of respective wall member such that a distance between the pair of plates is less than the width of the channel.",
    "15. The duct support device of claim 10, further comprising a groove disposed on an exterior surface of one of the pair of wall members, wherein the groove is dimensioned to slidably receive the proximal end of the first arm member therein."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to duct installation tools. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a duct support device configured to affix to a joist or other support structure and maintain ductwork in a desired position while the duct is installed.\n\nMany contractors and construction workers install ductwork when assembling a building, however installing ductwork can be an extremely burdensome and difficult process. Due to the weight and bulk of ductwork, the installation process typically requires multiple workers to provide adequate support for the ductwork while it is secured to the building frame. Often, additional securement and stabilization is required, including chains or cables to provide additional support. Without proper support, the ductwork can become damaged as the unsupported weight may cause the ductwork to bend and distort, requiring repair or replacement.\n\nFurthermore, utilizing multiple individuals to install ductwork can be an unattractive solution from a cost-efficacy standpoint. Additionally, the overall efficiency of construction may be impacted from extended use of additional individuals in the ductwork installation process. Often, many of the additional workers required are merely providing support to the ductwork while another individual installs the ductwork, rather than performing other necessary construction tasks. Alternatively, replacing individual labor with a system of support cables or chains is a time-consuming process that requires a significant outlay of time and effort initially, further impacting efficiency of installation.",
  "cpc": [
    "F24F 13/0254",
    "B25B 1/2473",
    "B25B 5/006",
    "B25B 5/02",
    "B25B 5/166",
    "B25B 7/123",
    "E04F 21/1822",
    "E04G 17/18",
    "E04G 21/163",
    "E04G 21/165",
    "E04G 21/1841",
    "F16L 3/006",
    "F16L 3/24",
    "F16M 13/022",
    "F16M 2200/024",
    "H02G 3/263"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B25B 1/24",
    "B25B 5/00",
    "B25B 5/02",
    "B25B 5/16",
    "B25B 7/12",
    "E04F 21/18",
    "E04G 17/18",
    "E04G 21/16",
    "E04G 21/18",
    "F16L 3/00",
    "F16L 3/24",
    "F16M 13/02",
    "F24F 13/02",
    "H02G 3/00"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Jeffrey Faber"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2021-10-06",
  "publication_date": "2024-12-24",
  "grant_date": "2024-12-24",
  "priority_date": "2020-10-07",
  "application_number": "US-202117495028-A",
  "family_id": "80932306",
  "cited_by_count": 0,
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}