The present invention relates to a support system, and in particular a support system for supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid. Typically, the conduit may carry heated fluid, and an installed support system and conduit may, together, be described as a heating system.

In order to provide a heating system in a room, it is known to provide a conduit in or on a floor area of that room that is capable of carrying a fluid. The conduit will then be covered, and heated fluid passed through the conduit in order to heat that room. In one basic example, the conduit may be in some way embedded or similar in screed (e.g. cement, or the like), to both support the conduit and retain the conduit in position. However, in this basic example, the use of screed or similar may not satisfactorily retain one or more sections of conduit in position prior to the screed setting or solidifying. Alternatively and/or additionally the use of screed may simply be inconvenient or messy. Thus, in a development known in the prior art, it is known to use pre-formed support elements that may be laid on a floor, the support elements comprising one or more straight or curved recesses that are provided to receive, retain and support sections of conduit. For instance, a typical example of an existing support system is shown in GB2388181 .

In the example system shown in GB2388181 , the support system does indeed serve the purpose of supporting sections of conduit. However, the system does no more than this. That is, the system appears to be a direct replacement for the (alternative) use of relatively inconvenient and messy screed. The use of the pre-formed elements does not appear to have been developed in any further way to take advantage of the pre-formed nature of the elements.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the system disclosed in GB2388181 has associated disadvantages. In the disclosed system, central support elements are provided with straight recesses for supporting a straight length of conduit. Peripheral or edge support elements are also provided, these elements being provided with curved recesses for supporting curved sections of the conduit that extend beyond the central support elements. A straight recess of the main support element is aligned with and joined together with a curved recess of the peripheral support element to form a continuous recess. This is such that the conduit is continuously supported either by a recess in the main support element or by a recess in the edge support element, as that conduit extends around support system as a whole. This continuous recess and associated continuous support is thus an example of the direct replacement of the use of screed with the more convenient and less messy use of pre-formed support elements. However, a disadvantage of the use of such pre-formed support elements as disclosed in GB2388181 is the need to align and join together the recesses of the main support elements and peripheral support elements. Although this is a core principle of GB2388181 , this very alignment and joining together of the recesses can be problematic. For instance, the recesses need to be accurately aligned, particularly if the conduit entirely fills the recess, to avoid the conduit being pinched or otherwise damaged by misalignment. Such misalignment might occur during installation or use of the system. Even if the mouths of recesses are widened, for example by providing a rebate, the problem is not totally avoided and, at least in the system of GB2388181 , at least coarse alignment is still required to provide the required functionality of continuous support.

It is an example aim of example embodiments of the present invention to at least partially obviate or mitigate one or more disadvantages of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, or to at least provide an alternative to existing methods and/or apparatus. According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support system for supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, the support system comprising: one or more main support elements, each of the main support elements comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit; one or more peripheral support elements for abutting against an end of one or more main support elements, each of the one or more peripheral support elements comprising at least one substantially curved recess for receiving a curved section of conduit, wherein, each of the peripheral support elements is shaped such that, when an abutment region of one or more of the peripheral support elements is abutted against one or more of the main support elements, the substantially straight recess of the main support element is spaced apart from the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element.

One or more peripheral support elements may comprise a plurality of curved recesses for receiving a curved section of conduit, and/or a plurality of curved recesses each having a different radius of curvature for receiving a curved section of conduit having substantially that radius of curvature.

One or more peripheral support elements may comprise one or more substantially straight recesses for receiving a straight section of conduit. One or more peripheral support elements may comprise one or more recesses configured to receive a straight section of conduit and/or a curved section of conduit.

The one or more recesses configured to receive a straight section of conduit and/or a curved section of conduit may each have a curved sidewall and an opposing substantially straight sidewall.

The one or more peripheral support elements may each comprise a first section that is provided with one or more recesses configured to support a curved section of conduit, or a plurality of such recesses wherein each recess has a different radius of curvature.

The first section may comprise the abutment region.

The one or more peripheral support elements may each comprise a second section that is provided with one or more recesses configured to support a straight section of conduit, or one or more recesses configured to support either a straight or curved section of conduit.

The one or more peripheral support elements may each comprise a third section that is provided for abutment against adjacent peripheral support elements, and/or to serve as a spacer between adjacent support elements.

The third section may comprise a slot on a first side for engagement with a lip of an adjacent peripheral support element, and/or a lip on a second side for engagement with a slot of an adjacent peripheral support element.

The third section may be free of recesses for supporting a conduit.

The or a second section may be separated from the one or more main support elements by the or a first section; and/or the or a third section may be separated from the one or more main support elements by the or a first section and the or a second section.

The peripheral support element may comprise at least two sections, the sections being attached to one another via a relatively frangible configuration.

The relatively frangible configuration may comprise a relatively weak section or portion of the peripheral support element. One or more recesses may each comprise an integral retainer for retaining a section of conduit in position relative to the retainer and in the recess, and/or a region of the support element proximate to the recess comprises an integral retainer for retaining a section of conduit in position relative to the retainer, and in the recess.

The one or more recesses of the one or more support elements may be located in a raised region of each peripheral support element, and wherein a base of the peripheral support element extends beyond a base of the raised section.

The base of the peripheral support element may extend up to and/or beyond one or more outer dimensional extents of the raised section.

The raised section may be substantially T-shaped or substantially M-shaped. A base or bottom of the T or M may be the part of the support that is abutted against the one or more main support elements, and which forms the abutment region.

The one or more main support elements, and/or the one or more peripheral support elements, may be preformed.

Each recess may be configured to be deep enough such that a section of conduit does not protrude outside of the recess.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral support element for use in a support system for carrying a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, the support system comprising: one or more main support elements, each of the main support elements comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit; one or more of said peripheral support elements, wherein the peripheral support element comprises an abutment region for abutment against an end of one or more of said main support elements, the peripheral support element comprising at least one substantially curved recess for receiving a curved section of conduit, and wherein the peripheral support element is shaped such that, when abutted against one or more of the main support elements, the substantially straight recess of the main support element is spaced apart from the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element.

The peripheral support element may comprise one or more features as described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a support system for supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, the support system comprising: one or more main support elements, each of the main support elements comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit; one or more peripheral support elements for abutting against an end of one or more main support elements, each of the one or more peripheral support elements comprising at least one substantially curved recess for receiving a curved section of conduit, the method comprising: locating a peripheral support element relative to a main support element, the substantially straight recess of the main support element being spaced apart from the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element. The locating may comprise abutting an abutment region of the peripheral support element against the main support element. Each of the peripheral support elements may be shaped such that the substantially straight recess of the main support element is spaced apart from the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element when the peripheral and main support elements are abutted against one another and ready for mounting of a conduit in the recesses.

The method further may further comprise mounting a conduit in the recesses of the main and peripheral support elements. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a support system for supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, the support system comprising: one or more main support elements, each of the main support elements comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit; one or more peripheral support elements for abutting against an end of one or more main support elements, each of the one or more peripheral support elements comprising at least one substantially curved recess for receiving a curved section of conduit, wherein, the peripheral support element comprises at least two sections, the sections being attached to one another via a relatively frangible configuration. The relatively frangible configuration may comprise a relatively weak section or portion of the peripheral support element.

Each of the peripheral support elements is shaped such that, when an abutment region of one or more of the peripheral support elements is abutted against one or more of the main support elements, the substantially straight recess of the main support element is spaced apart from the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element.

Each of the peripheral support elements may be shaped such that, when an abutment region of one or more of the peripheral support elements is abutted against one or more of the main support elements, the substantially straight recess of the main support element is substantially aligned with and immediately adjacent to the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element One or more peripheral support elements may comprise a plurality of curved recesses for receiving a curved section of conduit, and/or a plurality of curved recesses each having a different radius of curvature for receiving a curved section of conduit having substantially that radius of curvature. One or more peripheral support elements may comprise one or more substantially straight recesses for receiving a straight section of conduit.

One or more peripheral support elements may comprise one or more recesses configured to receive a straight section of conduit and/or a curved section of conduit.

The one or more recesses configured to receive a straight section of conduit and/or a curved section of conduit may each have a curved sidewall and an opposing substantially straight sidewalk The one or more peripheral support elements may each comprise a first section that is provided with one or more recesses configured to support a curved section of conduit, or a plurality of such recesses wherein each recess has a different radius of curvature.

The first section may comprise the abutment region.

The one or more peripheral support elements may each comprise a second section that is provided with one or more recesses configured to support a straight section of conduit, or one or more recesses configured to support either a straight or curved section of conduit. The one or more peripheral support elements may each comprise a third section that is provided for abutment against adjacent peripheral support elements, and/or to serve as a spacer between adjacent support elements.

The third section may comprise a slot on a first side for engagement with a lip of an adjacent peripheral support element, and/or a lip on a second side for engagement with a slot of an adjacent peripheral support element.

The third section may be free of recesses for supporting a conduit. The or a second section may be separated from the one or more main support elements by the or a first section; and/or the or a third section may be separated from the one or more main support elements by the or a first section and the or a second section.

One or more recesses may each comprise an integral retainer for retaining a section of conduit in position relative to the retainer and in the recess, and/or a region of the support element proximate to the recess comprises an integral retainer for retaining a section of conduit in position relative to the retainer, and in the recess.

The one or more recesses of the one or more support elements may be located in a raised region of each peripheral support element, and wherein a base of the peripheral support element extends beyond a base of the raised section.

The base of the peripheral support element may extend up to and/or beyond one or more outer dimensional extents of the raised section.

The raised section may be substantially T-shaped or substantially M-shaped. A base or bottom of the T or M may be the part of the support that is abutted against the one or more main support elements, and which forms the abutment region.

The one or more main support elements, and/or the one or more peripheral support elements, may be preformed.

Each recess may be configured to be deep enough such that a section of conduit does not protrude outside of the recess.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a peripheral support element for use in a support system for carrying a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, the support system comprising: one or more main support elements, each of the main support elements comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit; one or more of said peripheral support elements, wherein the peripheral support element comprises at least two sections, the sections being attached to one another via a relatively frangible configuration.

The peripheral support element may comprise one or more features as described in relation to the fourth aspect of the invention. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a support system for supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, the support system comprising: one or more main support elements, each of the main support elements comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit; one or more peripheral support elements for abutting against an end of one or more main support elements, each of the one or more peripheral support elements comprising at least one substantially curved recess for receiving a curved section of conduit, the peripheral support element comprising at least two sections, the sections being attached to one another via a relatively frangible configuration, the method comprising: abutting an abutment region of the peripheral support element against the main support.

The method may further comprise mounting a conduit in the recesses of the main and peripheral support elements. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, support system or peripheral element substantially as herein described, or substantially as herein described with reference to the accompany Figures, or substantially as shown in the accompanying Figures. One or more features of any aspect/embodiment described herein may, where appropriate to the skilled person, replace and/or be used in combination with any one or more features of any other aspect/embodiment described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which:

Figure 1 schematically depicts a support system for supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 schematically depicts a more detailed representation and implementation of the support system of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 schematically depicts an end-on view of part of the system shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 schematically depicts a perspective top-side view of a peripheral support element as depicted in the system of Figure 2; Figure 5 schematically depicts a perspective under-side view of the peripheral support element of Figure 4;

Figure 6 schematically depicts a perspective top-side view of an alternative peripheral support element, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 7 schematically depicts a plan view of the peripheral support element of Figure 6.

Figure 1 schematically depicts a support system supporting a conduit that is capable of carrying a fluid, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The system is shown as comprising one or more main support elements 2, each comprising at least one substantially straight recess for receiving a straight section of conduit 4. The system comprises one or more peripheral support elements 6 for abutting against an end of one or more main support elements 2. Each of the one or more peripheral support elements 6 comprises at least one substantially curved recess for receiving a curve section of the conduit 4 that extends beyond the main support elements 2.

Contrary to prior art support systems, in the system of Figure 1 each of the peripheral support elements 6 are shaped such that, when an abutment region of the peripheral support element 6 is abutted against one or more of the main support elements 2, the substantially straight recess of the main support element 2 is, and remains, spaced apart from the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element 6. That is, the recesses are not joined together, and are not aligned in a continuous manner. The recesses, and/or support provided thereby, may thus be described as being discontinuous. Figure 1 shows that, as a result, certain sections 8 of the conduit 4 are not supported by either the main support element 2 or the peripheral support element 6. Because the recesses are not aligned and joined together, the problem of pinching of the conduit 4 that might otherwise occur if the recesses were joined but slightly misaligned cannot occur. Also, alignment of the recesses is not required, since the spaced apart nature of the recess allows for more flexibility in the relative location of the elements provided with those recesses. Thus, it may be easier or quicker to install the system of an example embodiment, and/or the system may be less prone to damaging the conduit 4 during installation or during use.

In addition to, or in the alternative to, solving the problems discussed above, the support system according to an example embodiment also takes greater advantage of the pre-formed nature of the constituent support elements 4, 6. The present invention facilitates the provision of extra functionality, above and beyond that which could be provided by screed alone, or above and beyond that prior art systems which seek to simply replicate the use of screed but in a more mess-free or convenient manner. In particular, in accordance with an example embodiment, the peripheral support elements 6 comprise at least two sections 10, 12, which are attached to one another via a relatively frangible configuration as denoted by dashed line 14. A first section 10 may, for instance, be used to predominantly support a curved section of the conduit 4, which conduit also extends along the straight recesses of the main support elements 2. A second section 12 may have a different functionality, for example, comprising recesses capable of carrying straight length of conduit 16 which may be return or feed lines of or for the conduit 4 that extends along the main support elements 2. The configuration 14 is relatively frangible in that the configuration 14 is perhaps relatively weak in comparison with a surrounding region, or has or is a line of weakness, and allows ready separation of adjacent sections 10, 12. The sections 10, 12 may be readily separated or kept attached if and when one or both of the required functionalities provided by the respective section are required, for example in different specific areas of an installation site or similar. The sections 4, 6 may negate a need to purchase, stock and the like different elements for different purposes, or the need to install, separately, such elements. The provision of the different sections 4, 6, and the frangible nature of the attachment of the sections 4, 6 to one another, thus adds to the functionality of the system as a whole, and may facilitate more rapid or more convenient installation or maintenance of the system.

It is to be noted that the use of "main" and "peripheral" when describing support elements is to be understood as simply distinguishing the two elements, whilst at the same time giving some context. The peripheral elements are so called because they will be used at the end of - i.e. a periphery of - a main support element to support conduit that extends beyond an end of the main element. "First" and "second" could be used to describe the elements, although this removes any context of their normal use.

Although an example embodiment of the invention has already been described in something of a general sense, embodiments of the invention will now be described in a more specific manner with reference to Figures 2 - 7. Figure 2 schematically depicts a plan view of ends of a number of main support elements 20, together with the straight recesses 22 with which the main support elements 20 are provided. The straight recesses 22 are provided for receiving and supporting straight sections of conduit 24. Curved sections of conduit 26 that extend beyond an end of the main support elements 20 are at least partially supported by peripheral support elements 28 according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the peripheral support elements 28 are substantially T-shaped, with a base end or bottom end of the T being the part of the peripheral support element 28 that is, in use, abutted against a facing end of the main support element 20. The T-shape is such that when abutted against the main support element 20, the straight recess 22 of the main support element 20 is spaced apart from a curved recess 30 of the peripheral support element 28. The curved recess 30 is provided to receive and support the curved section of the conduit 26. As already discussed above, such spacing results in a section of conduit 32 being unsupported by the main support element 20 and/or peripheral support element 28. That is, the support and/or recess provided by the main support element 20 and peripheral support element 28 are, in combination, discontinuous. The T-shape is substantially raised, to allow for the provision of recesses. The rise or height will, in general, be greater than a diameter of a conduit. The peripheral support element 28 may be provided with one or more curved recesses 30 for receiving curved sections of conduit 26. Although not shown, the recesses 30 may each have a different radius of curvature for receiving curved sections of conduit having different radii of curvature. This facilitates the use of the support element 28 in different scenarios, and allows for more flexibility in the installation of the system as a whole. That is, the conduit is not restricted to having a certain radius of curvature, which restriction might have a related restriction on the path a conduit takes when installed.

The peripheral support elements 28 might also comprise one or more substantially straight recesses 34 for receiving and supporting a straight section of conduit 36, which might be for example a feed or return line or similar, or simply an alternative to the use of support conduit in a curved manner.

One or more recesses 38 might be provided which are configured to receive a straight section of conduit and/or a curved section of conduit. This, again, adds to the functionality and versatility of the support element. Such recesses 38 might comprise a curved side wall and an opposing substantially straight side wall. This also allows for curved sections of conduit having different radii of curvature to be supported by that recess 38.

In this example embodiment, each of the recesses 30, 34, 38 is provided with an integral retainer 40. The retainers 40 might be described as, or be, clips or a taper of opposing side walls toward one another. The retainers 40 are used to retain a section of conduit in position relative to the retainer 40 and thus keep that section of conduit within the recess. An additional/alternative definition might be that a region of a support element 28 proximate to the recess in question comprises an integral retainer that is used to retain a section of conduit in position relative to the retainer, and in the recess. Both achieve the same functionality. In both examples, the integral nature of the retainer negates the need to secure the conduit using adhesive or an independent mechanical fixer, such as a self-adhesive clip, or a nail, or similar. The retainer 40 will usually be located at a position where opposing side walls of the recess are closest to one another 30, 34, 38. This facilitates retention of the conduit within the recess, regardless of whether that section of conduit is curved, straight or similar, so long as the section of conduit has a diameter which is substantially the same as the separation between the side walls, and/or within retaining limits of the retainer 40.

In this embodiment, the peripheral support elements 28 comprise different sections, each section having a different functionality. In the embodiment, each peripheral support element 28 comprises three sections 42, 44, 46. The sections 42, 44, 46 are attached to one another via a relatively frangible configuration 48. The relatively frangible configuration facilitates ready separation of the sections 42, 44, 46 from one another. The relatively frangible configuration 48 typically comprises a relatively weak section of the peripheral support element 28, for example a pre-weakened or stressed region, or a section of thinner material, or a section that has been punctured or perforated or the like. Basically, anything suitable for ensuring that the configuration 48 is weaker than surrounding sections or portions of the support element 28.

The first section 42 will typically comprise an abutment region 50 used, as described above, for abutting the pre-formed support element 28 against an end of the main support element 20. The first section 42 also typically comprises of one or more curved recesses 30 for supporting curved sections of conduit 26.

The second section 44 is separated from the main support element 20 by the first section 42. The second section might typically comprise one or more straight recesses, or recesses configured to receive either straight or curved sections of conduit. This section might be used for the running of return or feed lines around the system.

The third section 46 is separated from the main support element 20 by the first section 42 and second section 44. The third section 46 typically serves as an abutment or spacer section 52 for abutment against similar sections 52 of adjacent peripheral support elements 28, and/or to serve as a spacer between such adjacent peripheral support elements 28. These sections 52 are also provided with a configuration for use in interlocking adjacent peripheral support elements 28. In this embodiment, that configuration comprises a lip 54 on a first side of the section 52, and a slot 56 on another, substantially opposite, side of the section 52. The lip 54 can be received with and engaged and interlocked with the slot 56 of an adjacent section 52.

The third section 46 might generally be free of recesses for supporting a conduit, serving mainly as an abutment/spacer section 52. However, in another embodiment, the third section might comprise one or more recesses configured to receive a curved section of conduit, a straight section of conduit, or a straight and/or curved section. It is to be noted that the use of peripheral support elements 28 having separate sections provided therein may be used in conjunction with the discontinuous and spaced apart recesses of the peripheral support element 28 and main support element 20 as discussed above. However, the use of sections might also be used independent of such a discontinuous recess concept. For instance, sections can be used in conjunction with support elements which form part of a system in which the recesses are in fact substantially aligned and joined together, as for example shown in GB2388181 . In more detail, the sections can be used in peripheral support elements, wherein each of the peripheral support elements is shaped such that, when an abutment region of one or more of the peripheral support elements is abutted against one or more of the main support elements, the substantially straight recess of the main support element is substantially aligned with and immediately adjacent (i.e. joined, or effectively joined) to the substantially curved recess of the peripheral support element. IN summary, the use of distinct sections has advantages not explicitly related to the discontinuous recesses/support concept discussed previously.

Figure 3 is an end on view of part of a main support element 20, and a straight recess 22 provided therein, and also a peripheral support element 28 and a curved recess 30 that is provided therein. The above mentioned unsupported section of conduit 32 is also shown. Simply to emphasise the discontinuous nature of support that the recesses 22, 30 provide in combination, and the general lack of support of the section of conduit 32, it can clearly be seen in Figure 3 that the conduit 32 is unsupported as indicated by arrow 60. Also, it can clearly be seen that the curved recess 30 is quite separate from, not aligned with, and not joined with, recess 22, as indicated by separation 62. This separation 62, and perhaps to a lesser extent the unsupported nature 60, prevents the recesses 22, 30 pinching or otherwise impinging on or against the section of conduit 32, and also allows for there being no need for any sort of accurate alignment of the recesses - the flex and curvature of the conduit can accommodate this, and without being pinched by aligned, joined recesses. The arrangement emphasized in Figure 3 might thus allow for more easy or rapid installation, and/or lower the risk of damage being caused to the section of conduit 32 during installation, maintenance or use.

Figures 4 and 5 schematically depict, respectively, perspective top-side and under-side views of a support element 28, as already described in detail in relation to figure 2. The Figures are provided simply so that certain features therein are more visible to the reader, and perhaps thus more understandable. That is, the peripheral support element 28 of Figures 4 and 5 is identical to that already shown in and described with reference to Figure 2 and 3.

Figure 6 schematically depicts a different but related example embodiment of a peripheral support element 70. In this embodiment, instead of the preferred support element being substantially T-shaped, the peripheral support element 70 is substantially M-shaped. In particular, relatively raised sections 72 of a support element 70 are M-shaped. A base 74 of the peripheral support elements 70 extends up to the outer dimensional extents of the raised section 72, which gives support to those raised sections 72.

The use of an M-shaped support element 70 might allow for more rapid installation of the system as a whole, whilst still sharing all of the benefits of the embodiments already described above. The M-shape of the support element 70 might allow for more rapid installation due to fewer pieces being required in certain circumstances, and/or fewer adjustments being required, for example cutting off sections to fit in to corners or similar.

It can be seen that the outer legs of the M-shaped support element 70 substantially constitute one half of a central leg. This allows those outer sections of the M to be joined to outer sections of adjacent support elements, thus forming a complete leg for carrying and supporting sections of conduit.

Figure 7 shows the support element 70 in plan view. The support element 70 is provided with a lip 76 and, on a substantially opposite side, a slot 78, both for use in adjoining and interlocking adjacent support elements 70.

In each of the examples given above, it will be appreciated that the recesses are likely to be deep enough such that the conduit contained therein does not protrude above the recess. This might avoid damage to the conduit, if for example the system is covered with a load, for example a person or a covering. That is, raised sections of the support element in which the recesses are provided will have a rise or height that will, in general, be greater than a diameter of a conduit to be supported. The raised sections will typically have a thickness of between 10mm and 20mm inclusive, to support a conduit having a diameter also within that range.

In at least one of the embodiments described above, the discontinuous nature of the support of a conduit by separation of recesses of the peripheral or main support elements has been described. This might also be achieved in more functional terms by, when installing a system, ensuring that a gap is provided between recesses of a peripheral support element and a main support element. For instance, this might be achieved by not abutting those elements against one another. However, the shaping concept as discussed above is likely to be more beneficial, since it allows for the support elements to be butted against one another and, at the same time, for discontinuous support to be provided in a more structured and precise manner.

The support system described above may be installed over a floor or wall to conveniently provide a conduit support system over that floor or wall. The conduit is likely to carry heated fluid, thus providing an overwall or overfloor heating system. It is at least plausible that, in another embodiment, cool fluid could be passed through the conduit carried by the support system, thus providing an overwall or overfloor heating system. The support elements may be pre-formed in any particular way, using any particular material. The use of a polymer material may be convenient, due its light weight, its strength, and the ability to mould the material easily. The pre-forming may involve moulding, for example injection moulding. Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.