Support structure for vacuum duct

Abstract

A folding structure supports a duct in a generally horizontal orientation, and permits sweeping and serpentine movement of the duct. The structure is foldable for storage and transport. The structure comprises an array of panels hinged together, with the structure biased upward from its base to its free end for counteracting the weight of the loaded duct.

1 . A duct support arm comprising an elongate structure for supporting a flexible duct in a generally horizontal position and for sweeping and serpentine movement of said duct, said support arm having a proximate end for mounting to a base and a distal end, said support arm comprising an elongate folding array of panels in end-to-end relationship when in an extended position and a side-by-side relationship when in a folded position, said panels being joined together to permit pivotal movement of said panels relative to each other in a generally horizontal plane, said support arm being adapted to be biased upwardly from said proximate end to said distal end, said support arm further comprising attachment means to attach a duct to said support arm.  
     
     
         2 . A support arm as in  claim 1 , wherein said panels comprise truss panels.  
     
     
         3 . A support arm as in  claim 1 , wherein adjacent of said panels are horizontally offset whereby adjacent panels lie in a parallel and side by side relationship when folded in on themselves.  
     
     
         4 . A support arm as in  claim 1 , wherein said attachment means comprise releasable attachment means.  
     
     
         5 . A support arm as in  claim 1 , wherein said support arm is adapted for the suspension of a duct from said support arm.  
     
     
         6 . A support arm as in  claim 5 , wherein said attachment means comprises at least 1 sling for the suspension of said duct from said support arm, said sling comprising a sling body for encircling said duct and an attachment member for releasable engagement to said support arm.  
     
     
         7 . A flexible duct supported by a duct support arm for sweeping and serpentine movement of said duct, said support arm comprising an elongate structure for supporting said duct in a generally horizontal position on or from said support arm, and having a proximate end for mounting to a base and a distal end, said support arm comprising an elongate folding array of panels in end-to-end relationship when in an extended position and a side-by-side relationship when in a folded position, said panels being joined together to permit pivotal movement of said panels relative to each other in a generally horizontal plane, said support arm being adapted to be biased upwardly from said proximate end to said distal end, said support arm further comprising attachment means to attach said duct to said support arm, said duct comprising an elongate flexible duct.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as in  claim 7 , wherein said panels comprise truss panels.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as in  claim 7 , wherein adjacent of said panels are horizontally offset whereby adjacent of said panels lie in a parallel and side by side relationship when folded in on themselves.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus as in  claim 7 , wherein said attachment means comprise releasable attachment means.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus as in  claim 7 , wherein said duct is suspended from said support arm.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus as in  claim 11 , wherein said duct is suspended from said support arm by releasable attachment means comprising at least 1 sling, said sling comprising a sling body for encircling said duct and attachment member for releasable engagement to said support arm.