초록 ▼

A seismic support system for supporting and restraining a water heater against both horizontal and vertical displacement in the event of an earthquake. The seismic support system comprises three principle components including: a bracket assembly including primary length-adjustable bracing arms for b

A seismic support system for supporting and restraining a water heater against both horizontal and vertical displacement in the event of an earthquake. The seismic support system comprises three principle components including: a bracket assembly including primary length-adjustable bracing arms for bracing an upper perimeter portion of the water heater to a nearby wall or walls; an adjustable and collapsible stand assembly for elevating the water heater above a floor surface; and plural spaced apart vertically oriented connecting members which surround and cradle the water heater and join the water heater stand assembly to the bracket assembly. Secondary bracing members are also provided to the bracket assembly extending between the primary bracing arms and the wall and/or opposite ends of the primary bracing arms in cross member fashion to provide additional rigidity. The stand assembly includes height-adjustable foot members to adapt the stand assembly to uneven floor surfaces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A stand assembly for supporting a bottom end portion of a water heater and for elevating the water heater bottom end portion and associated flame-ignitable heating elements of the water heater at a specified vertical height distance above floor level, the water heater st

[ What is claimed is:] [17.] A stand assembly for supporting a bottom end portion of a water heater and for elevating the water heater bottom end portion and associated flame-ignitable heating elements of the water heater at a specified vertical height distance above floor level, the water heater stand assembly comprising:a) three vertically oriented leg supports arranged in a tripod configuration about a common vertical center axis, said common vertical center axis being aligned substantially coordinate with a center axis of a water heater, each of said leg supports having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, said upper end portion of each of said leg supports including connection means for receivingly engaging an extension member for connection to a water heater strap assembly;b) frame means for interconnecting said three leg supports to each other, said frame means is movable between a first, compactly folded stowed position and a second, use position, and wherein said frame means further includes:i) three vertically oriented width-adjustable panel assemblies each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first inner side edge and a second outer side edge;ii) a hinge assembly connecting said three panel assemblies to one another along their respective first inner side edges to define a tri-spoke configuration when moved into said second, use position; andiii) hub means constructed to engage each of said panel assemblies for locking said panel assemblies into said second, use position;c) each of said leg supports including vertical height adjustment means constructed to adapt the stand assembly to uneven floor surfaces while maintaining said water heater in a desired horizontally level support position; andd) fastener means for fastening the respective lower end portions of each of said leg supports to a floor surface.