U.S. patent number RE45,399 [Application Number 13/986,245] was granted by the patent office on 2015-03-03 for mounting structure for fire protection systems.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Victaulic Company. The grantee listed for this patent is Victaulic Company. Invention is credited to Charles Kafenshtok, Charles V. Oakes.
United States Patent |
RE45,399 |
Kafenshtok , et al. |
March 3, 2015 |
Mounting structure for fire protection systems
Abstract
In an embodiment of the present invention there is disclosed a
mounting assembly for a sprinkler reducer. The assembly includes a
mounting bracket having a locking unit, a latitudinal support bar
to which the mounting bracket is movably coupled, and a pair of
longitudinal support units which are coupled to opposite ends of
the support bar.
Inventors: |
Kafenshtok; Charles (Highland
Park, IL), Oakes; Charles V. (Woodstock, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Victaulic Company |
Easton |
PA |
US |
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Assignee: |
Victaulic Company (Easton,
PA)
|
Family
ID: |
39328971 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/986,245 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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13556441 |
Jul 24, 2012 |
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11877415 |
Jun 15, 2010 |
7735787 |
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60862813 |
Oct 25, 2006 |
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Reissue of: |
12646460 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
7784746 |
Aug 31, 2010 |
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Reissue of: |
12646460 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
7784746 |
Aug 31, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/75; 169/37;
248/343; 248/342; 239/283; 248/317 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B
9/0428 (20130101); E04B 9/006 (20130101); E04B
9/001 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A62C
13/78 (20060101); A62C 13/76 (20060101); B05B
15/06 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;169/37,51
;248/68.1,73,74.1,75,221.11,222.11,222.14,316.1,316.5,317,342,343 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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Y1-20-0415188 |
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May 2006 |
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KR |
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Primary Examiner: Gorman; Darren W
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Oliff PLC
Parent Case Text
.Iadd.This is one of two reissue applications of U.S. Pat. No.
7,784,746. The first reissue application is application Ser. No.
13/556,441, filed Jul. 24, 2012. This reissue application is a
reissue divisional of Reissue application Ser. No. 13/556,441.
.Iaddend.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a divisional application of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/877,415, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional
Application 60/862,813 filed on Oct. 25, 2006.
Claims
We claim:
1. A support assembly for positioning and supporting a sprinkler
reducer in a ceiling, the support system comprising: a latitudinal
support unit having two ends opposed from one another; a pair of
longitudinal support units separately positioned on the two ends of
the latitudinal support unit, each longitudinal support unit
includes a support region for receiving and supporting a top
portion of a T-shaped ceiling frame member; .Iadd.and .Iaddend. a
mounting bracket positioned on the latitudinal support unit between
the pair of longitudinal support units for positioning and
supporting the sprinkler reducer, the mounting bracket .[.having.].
.Iadd.including: a base having .Iaddend.a pair of sidewalls
extending from a base wall to form a mounting channel along .[.a.].
.Iadd.an .Iaddend.entire length of the base wall, the .[.mounting
bracket.]. .Iadd.base .Iaddend.further having a mouth such that the
latitudinal support unit may be positioned between the sidewalls in
the mounting channel against the base wall, each sidewall includes
an opening along an end of the sidewall opposite the base wall, the
opening having a predetermined shape to accommodate a portion of a
profile defined by the sprinkler reducer, each sidewall further
includes a through hole and a flange; and a locking unit being
shaped from a wire and having a pair of ends positioned in the
through holes in each sidewall such that the locking unit may pivot
about the through holes, the locking unit further including first
intermediate sections extending from the pair of ends, the first
intermediate sections traversing the openings in the sidewalls and
having a predetermined shape to accommodate another portion of the
profile defined by the sprinkler reducer, the locking unit further
including second intermediate sections extending from the first
intermediate sections to engage the flanges on the sidewalls, and
further including a handle section extending from and joining the
second intermediate sections.
2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal
support units are further defined by having: a top element having
an opening therethrough; two oppositely positioned side elements
extending downwardly from the top element, each side element
includes a support bar window for receipt of an end, from the two
ends of the latitudinal support bar, a top tightening element
positioned through the opening in the top element for securing the
end of the latitudinal support .[.bar.]. .Iadd.unit.Iaddend.; and a
lower portion of each side element includes a flange extending
inwardly towards the opposite side element, positioned under the
flanges, the lower portions bend towards the oppositely positioned
side element to create a first section defining the support region
between the flanges and the first sections for receiving and
supporting the top portion of the T-shaped ceiling frame member,
the lower portions further bend from the first sections to create
leg elements that position against the T-shaped ceiling frame
member below the top portion thereof.
3. The support assembly of claim 2, wherein each side element
further .[.include.]. .Iadd.includes .Iaddend.a sill positioned
below each support bar window and extending inwardly towards the
opposite side element for supporting the end of the latitudinal
support .[.bar.]. .Iadd.unit.Iaddend..
4. The support assembly of claim 3, wherein each side element
further includes ends extending from the leg elements, the ends
having a slight outwardly flared region.
5. The support assembly of claim 4, wherein the ends of each side
element include extending side sections such that the ends of each
side element have a width greater than a width defined by the side
elements.
6. The support assembly of claim 5, wherein the side elements
further include aligned openings for receiving a side tightening
element which is capable of moving the leg elements of the two side
elements towards each other and away from each other.
7. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the openings in the
sidewalls are positioned such that a remaining portion of the
sidewall is present on either side of the opening.
8. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking unit
.[.is.]. has a rigid construction.
.Iadd.9. A mounting bracket positionable on a lateral support bar
of a support assembly in a ceiling and for supporting a sprinkler
assembly, the mounting bracket comprising: a base configured to
engage the lateral support bar and having an opening sized and
configured to receive and engage the sprinkler assembly; a locking
unit movably coupled to the base and movable between an open
position permitting insertion of the sprinkler assembly into the
opening and a closed position in which the sprinkler assembly is to
be secured by the base and the locking unit; and a locking member
that locks the locking unit in the closed position and includes an
elongated shaft that is substantially perpendicular to the lateral
support bar when the locking member locks the locking unit in the
closed position, wherein the elongated shaft engages the base and
the locking unit when the locking member locks the locking unit in
the closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.10. The mounting bracket according to claim 9, wherein: the
base comprises a first base wall and a first pair of sidewalls
extending from the first base wall in spaced apart relation to one
another, each of the first pair of sidewalls defines the opening
and the opening is positioned opposite the first base wall; and the
locking unit is pivotally coupled to at least one of the first pair
of sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.11. The mounting bracket according to claim 10, wherein the
locking unit comprises: a second base wall; and a second pair of
sidewalls extending from the second base wall in spaced apart
relation from one another, wherein the second pair of sidewalls is
pivotally coupled to the first pair of sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The mounting bracket according to claim 11, wherein the
elongated shaft is coupled to one of (a) the locking unit or (b)
the first pair of sidewalls; and the mounting bracket includes at
least one slot positioned in the other of (a) the locking unit or
(b) the first pair of sidewalls, the elongated shaft engaging the
at least one slot when the locking unit and the locking member are
in the closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The mounting bracket according to claim 11, wherein the
first pair of sidewalls and the second pair of sidewalls are
oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the opening..Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. A support assembly for positioning and supporting a
sprinkler head assembly in a ceiling having ceiling frame members,
the support assembly comprising: a latitudinal support bar having
two ends and a length to extend between two of the ceiling frame
members; a pair of end brackets, each one of the end brackets being
positioned at a respective one of the ends of the latitudinal
support bar and configured to engage one of the ceiling frame
members; and a mounting bracket positioned on the latitudinal
support bar between the end brackets and for supporting the
sprinkler head assembly, the mounting bracket comprising: a base
configured to engage the latitudinal support bar and having an
opening sized and configured to receive and engage the sprinkler
head assembly; a locking unit movably coupled to the base and
movable between an open position permitting insertion of the
sprinkler head assembly into the opening and a closed position in
which the sprinkler head assembly is to be secured by the base and
the locking unit; and a locking member that locks the locking unit
in the closed position and includes an elongated shaft that is
substantially perpendicular to the latitudinal support bar when the
locking member locks the locking unit in the closed position,
wherein the elongated shaft engages the base and the locking unit
when the locking member locks the locking unit in the closed
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The support assembly according to claim 14, wherein: the
base comprises a first base wall and a first pair of sidewalls
extending from the first base wall in spaced apart relation to one
another, each of the first pair of sidewalls defines the opening
and the opening is positioned opposite the first base wall; and the
locking unit is pivotally coupled to at least one of the first pair
of sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. The support assembly according to claim 15, wherein the
locking unit comprises: a second base wall; and a second pair of
sidewalls extending from the second base wall in spaced apart
relation from one another, wherein the second pair of sidewalls is
pivotally coupled to the first pair of sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The support assembly according to claim 16, wherein: the
elongated shaft is coupled to one of (a) the locking unit or (b)
the first pair of sidewalls; and the mounting bracket includes at
least one slot positioned in the other of (a) the locking unit or
(b) the first pair of sidewalls, the elongated shaft engaging the
at least one slot when the locking unit is in the closed
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The support assembly according to claim 16, wherein the
first pair of sidewalls and the second pair of sidewalls are
oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the opening..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. A mounting bracket positionable on a support assembly and
for supporting a sprinkler assembly in a ceiling, the mounting
bracket comprising: a base having a first base wall and a first
pair of sidewalls extending from the first base wall in spaced
apart relation to one another, each of the first pair of sidewalls
having an opening sized and configured to receive and engage the
sprinkler assembly; and a locking unit having a second base wall
and a second pair of sidewalls extending from the second base wall
in spaced apart relation from one another; wherein the second pair
of sidewalls is pivotally coupled to the first pair of sidewalls
and the locking unit is movable between a closed position in which
the base and the locking unit secure the sprinkler assembly and an
open position permitting insertion and removal of the sprinkler
assembly into and from the openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The mounting bracket according to claim 19, wherein the
openings are opposite the first base wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The mounting bracket according to claim 19, wherein the
first pair of sidewalls and the second pair of sidewalls are
oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The mounting bracket according to claim 19, further
comprising: a locking member that locks the locking unit in the
closed position and includes an elongated shaft coupled to one of
(a) the locking unit or (b) the first pair of sidewalls; and at
least one slot positioned in the other of (a) the locking unit or
(b) the first pair of sidewalls, wherein the elongated shaft
engages the at least one slot when the locking unit is in the
closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The mounting bracket according to claim 22, wherein the
elongated shaft is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the openings when the elongated shaft engages the
slot..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. A support assembly for positioning and supporting a
sprinkler assembly in a ceiling having ceiling frame members, the
support assembly comprising: a latitudinal support unit having two
ends; a pair of longitudinal support units, each one of the
longitudinal support units being positioned at a respective one of
the ends of the latitudinal support unit, each one of the
longitudinal support units including a support region engageable
with one of the ceiling frame members; and a mounting bracket
positioned on the latitudinal support unit and for supporting the
sprinkler assembly, the mounting bracket comprising: a base having
a first base wall and a first pair of sidewalls extending from the
first base wall in spaced apart relation to one another, each of
the first pair of sidewalls having an opening sized and configured
to receive and engage the sprinkler assembly; and a locking unit
having a second base wall and a second pair of sidewalls extending
from the second base wall in spaced apart relation from one
another; wherein the second set of sidewalls is pivotally coupled
to the first set of sidewalls and the locking unit is movable
between a closed position in which the base and locking unit secure
the sprinkler assembly and an open position permitting insertion
and removal of the sprinkler assembly into and from the
openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The support assembly according to claim 24, wherein the
openings are opposite the first base wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The support assembly according to claim 24, wherein the
first pair of sidewalls and the second pair of sidewalls are
oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The support assembly according to claim 24, further
comprising: a locking member that locks the locking unit in the
closed position and includes an elongated shaft coupled to one of
(a) the locking unit or (b) the first pair of sidewalls; and at
least one slot positioned in the other of (a) the locking unit or
(b) the first pair of sidewalls, wherein the elongated shaft
engages the at least one slot when the locking unit is in the
closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The support assembly according to claim 27, wherein the
elongated shaft is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the openings when the elongated shaft engages the
slot..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A mounting bracket for supporting a sprinkler assembly,
the mounting bracket comprising: a base configured to engage a
latitudinal support unit, wherein the base comprises: a first base
wall; and a first pair of sidewalls extending from the first base
wall wherein each of the first pair of sidewalls includes a first
opening having a shape to accommodate at least a portion of a
profile defined by the sprinkler assembly; and a locking unit
movably coupled to the base, wherein the locking unit comprises: a
second base wall; and a second pair of sidewalls extending from the
second base wall, wherein each of the second pair of sidewalls
includes a second opening having a shape to accommodate at least a
portion of a profile defined by the sprinkler assembly; wherein the
locking unit is movable between a closed position so as to secure
the sprinkler assembly in a position between the locking unit and
the first base and an open position permitting insertion and
removal of a sprinkler assembly into and from the first
openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, wherein the
first openings are opposite the first base wall and the second
openings are opposite the second base wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, further
comprising a locking member including a locking shaft for locking
the locking unit in the closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The mounting bracket according to claim 31, wherein the
locking shaft is coupled to the base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The mounting bracket according to claim 32, wherein the
locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The mounting bracket according to claim 31, wherein the
locking shaft is coupled to the first pair of
sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The mounting bracket according to claim 34, wherein the
locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the first pair of
sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The mounting bracket according to claim 31, wherein the
locking shaft is an elongated threaded shaft, the locking member
includes a locking nut, and the locking nut is tightened on the
locking shaft to lock the locking unit in the closed
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, wherein the
locking unit is pivotally coupled to the base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, wherein the
locking unit is coupled to the first pair of
sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The mounting bracket according to claim 38, wherein the
locking unit is pivotally coupled to the first pair of
sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, wherein the
first pair of sidewalls and second pair of sidewalls are oriented
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first
and second openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The mounting bracket according to claim 31, wherein the
locking shaft is substantially perpendicular to the latitudinal
support unit when the locking shaft locks the locking unit in the
closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A support assembly for supporting a sprinkler assembly
comprising: a pair of spaced longitudinal support units; a
latitudinal support unit extending between and being supported by
the pair of longitudinal support units; and a mounting bracket
supported by the latitudinal support unit and comprising a base and
a locking unit; wherein the base comprises: a first base wall; and
a first pair of sidewalls extending from the first base wall,
wherein each of the first pair of sidewalls includes a first
opening having a shape configured to receive and engage the
sprinkler assembly; and the locking unit is movably coupled to the
base, wherein the locking unit comprises: a second base wall; and a
second pair of sidewalls extending from the second base wall,
wherein each of the second pair of sidewalls includes a second
opening having a shape configured to receive and engage the
sprinkler assembly; wherein the locking unit is movable between a
closed position so as to secure the sprinkler assembly in a
position between the locking unit and the base and an open position
permitting insertion and removal of the sprinkler assembly into and
from the first openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The support assembly according to claim 42, wherein the
first openings are opposite the first base wall and the second
openings are opposite the second base wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The support assembly according to claim 42, wherein the
mounting bracket is coupled to the latitudinal support unit by
positioning the latitudinal support unit between the first pair of
sidewalls such that the first pair of sidewalls is substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latitudinal support
unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The support assembly according to claim 42, further
comprising a locking member including a locking shaft for locking
the locking unit in the closed position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The support assembly according to claim 45, wherein the
locking shaft is coupled to the base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The support assembly according to claim 46, wherein the
locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the base..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The support assembly according to claim 45, wherein the
locking shaft is coupled to the first pair of
sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The support assembly according to claim 48, wherein the
locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the first pair of
sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The support assembly according to claim 45, wherein the
locking shaft is an elongated threaded shaft, the locking member
includes a locking nut, and the locking nut is tightened on the
locking shaft to lock the locking unit in the closed
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The support assembly according to claim 45, wherein the
locking shaft is substantially perpendicular to the portion of the
sprinkler assembly in the first and second openings when the
locking shaft locks the locking unit in the closed
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The support assembly according to claim 42, wherein the
first pair of sidewalls and second pair of sidewalls are oriented
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first
and second openings..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. A mounting bracket positionable on a lateral support bar
of a support assembly between two end brackets and for supporting a
sprinkler head assembly in a ceiling, the mounting bracket
comprising: a base configured to engage the lateral support bar
between the two end brackets and including an opening sized and
configured to receive and engage a portion of the sprinkler head
assembly; and a locking unit comprising a pair of connected and
substantially parallel retention members that are pivotally mounted
to the base; wherein the locking unit is rotatable between a closed
position in which the locking unit retains the sprinkler assembly
in a position between the locking unit and the base and an open
position permitting insertion and removal of the sprinkler assembly
into and from the opening..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The mounting bracket according to claim 53, wherein the
base includes a pair of connected and substantially parallel
sidewalls configured to slidably receive the lateral support bar
between them..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The mounting bracket according to claim 54, wherein each
of the pair of sidewalls partially defines the opening sized and
shaped to receive and engage the portion of the sprinkler
assembly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The mounting bracket according to claim 55, wherein each
of the retention members is rotatably attached to a different one
of the sidewalls..Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The mounting bracket according to claim 53, wherein the
retention members rotate in unison about the same axis between the
closed and open positions..Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The mounting bracket according to claim 56, wherein the
retention members are first and second wire portions connected by a
third wire portion..Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. The mounting bracket according to claim 56, wherein the
retention members are first and second plates connected by a third
plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. A bracket for mounting a sprinkler assembly to a lateral
support bar in a ceiling, the bracket comprising: a base member
including a first pair of spaced apart sidewalls connected by a
first end wall and configured to slidably receive the lateral
support bar between them, the base member also including an opening
sized and configured to receive a portion of the sprinkler
assembly; a locking unit including a second pair of spaced apart
sidewalls connected by a second end wall and rotatably coupled to
the base member; wherein the locking unit is rotatable between an
open position in which the sprinkler assembly can be inserted into
and removed from engagement with the opening and a closed position
in which the base member and the locking unit retain the sprinkler
assembly between the base member and the locking unit..Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. The bracket according to claim 60, wherein each of the
second pair of sidewalls is rotatably attached to a different one
of the first pair of sidewalls and the second sidewalls rotate
around the same axis..Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. A mounting bracket for mounting a sprinkler assembly to a
lateral support bar in a ceiling, the mounting bracket comprising:
a base configured to engage the lateral support bar and including a
pair of connected, spaced apart sidewalls, each of the sidewalls
having an opening sized and configured to engage a portion of the
sprinkler assembly; and a locking unit rotatably coupled to the
base and including a pair of connected, spaced apart side members
that rotate about the same axis; wherein the side members are
rotatably coupled to the sidewalls and the locking unit is
rotatable between a closed position in which the base and locking
unit secure the sprinkler assembly and an open position permitting
insertion and removal of the sprinkler assembly into and from the
opening..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to mounting apparatuses for
sprinklers, and more particularly to a mounting apparatus for
sprinklers which has a simple but firm mounting structure in which
a fixing bracket couples a sprinkler reducer to a support beam, and
a pair of vertical brackets mounts the support beam to a pair of
ceiling t-bar support rails.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
As well known to those skilled in the art, a plurality of ceiling
support rails horizontally extend in parallel on the ceiling in a
building to form a ceiling support structure, with a ceiling panel
being mounted to the bottoms of the ceiling support rails so as to
form a desired ceiling. A plurality of support beams are mounted on
the ceiling support rails by a plurality of mounting apparatuses so
as to hold reducers of a sprinkler system in the ceiling.
Such a conventional mounting apparatus for sprinklers includes a
pair of ceiling support rails horizontally extending in parallel to
the ceiling in the building, with a predetermined gap defined
between the pair of ceiling support rails. The conventional
mounting apparatus further includes a pair of vertical brackets
which are respectively mounted at lower ends thereof to upper ends
of the pair of ceiling support rails. The conventional mounting
apparatus further includes a support beam which is horizontally
held on upper ends of the pair of vertical brackets to be
perpendicular to the ceiling support rails, and a fixing bracket
provided at a predetermined position of the support beam between
the pair of ceiling support rails, so as to vertically hold a
sprinkler reducer which has a sprinkler head at an end thereof.
However, when the fixing bracket couples the sprinkler reducer to
the support beam and the pair of vertical brackets mount the
reducer support beam to the pair of ceiling support rails, the
conventional mounting apparatus must use a plurality of bolts as a
fastening means.
Due to the above-mentioned construction using the plurality of
bolts as the fastening means, the conventional mounting apparatus
for sprinklers is problematic in that assembling and disassembling
processes thereof are complex, thus reducing work efficiency while
installing or removing the sprinklers in or from the ceiling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance to various embodiments outlined in the present
invention, a summary of some of the embodiments is provided herein.
In one embodiment, there is provided a support assembly for
positioning and supporting a sprinkler reducer in a ceiling. The
support system includes a latitudinal support unit having two ends
opposed from one another, a mounting bracket assembly positioned
between the ends of the latitudinal support unit for positioning
and supporting the sprinkler reducer, and a pair of longitudinal
support units separately positioned on the two ends of the
latitudinal support unit.
Each longitudinal support unit may include a support region for
receiving and supporting a top portion of a T-shaped ceiling frame
member. The longitudinal support units may be further defined by
having a top element with an opening therethrough. Extending from
the top element are two oppositely positioned side elements. Each
side element includes a support bar window for receipt of an end of
the latitudinal support bar. A top tightening element positioned
through the opening in the top element can be used for securing the
end of the latitudinal support bar to the support unit. The side
elements further include lower portions with a flange extending
inwardly towards the opposite side element and positioned under the
flanges are first sections bending towards the oppositely
positioned side element. The aforementioned support region for
receiving and supporting the top portion of the T-shaped ceiling
frame member can thus be defined between the flanges and the first
sections. Extending from the first sections are leg elements that
position against the T-shaped ceiling frame member below the top
portion thereof.
In addition thereto, each side element may further include a sill
positioned below each support bar window and extending inwardly
towards the opposite side element for supporting the end of the
latitudinal support bar. Furthermore, the ends of each side element
may include extending side sections such that the ends of each side
element have a width greater than a width defined by the side
elements. Yet further still, the side elements may further include
aligned openings for receiving a side tightening element which is
capable of moving the leg elements of the two side elements towards
each other and away from each other.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mounting
bracket assembly may include a mounting bracket having a pair of
sidewalls extending from a base wall to form a mounting channel
along a entire length of the base wall. The mounting bracket may
further have a mouth such that the latitudinal support unit may be
positioned between the sidewalls in the mounting channel against
the base wall. Each sidewall may include an opening along an end of
the sidewall opposite the base wall. The opening has a
predetermined shape to accommodate a portion of a profile defined
by the sprinkler reducer, and each sidewall further includes a
through hole and a flange. The mounting bracket assembly further
includes a locking unit that is shaped from a wire and has a pair
of ends positioned in the through holes in each sidewall such that
the locking unit may pivot about the through holes. The locking
unit may be further defined as including first intermediate
sections extending from the pair of ends, the first intermediate
sections traversing the openings in the sidewalls and having a
predetermined shape to accommodate another portion of the profile
defined by the sprinkler reducer, second intermediate sections
extending from the first intermediate sections to engage the
flanges on the sidewalls, and a handle section extending from and
joining the second intermediate sections.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the mounting
bracket assembly may be defined as having a mounting bracket
positioned on the latitudinal support unit between the pair of
longitudinal support units for positioning and supporting the
sprinkler reducer. The mounting bracket may have a pair of
sidewalls extending from a base wall to form a mounting channel
along a entire length of the base wall. The mounting bracket may
further have a mouth such that the latitudinal support unit may be
positioned between the sidewalls in the mounting channel against
the base wall. Each sidewall includes an opening along an end of
the sidewall opposite the base wall, and the openings having a
predetermined shape to accommodate a portion of a profile defined
by the sprinkler reducer. The mounting bracket assembly further
includes a locking unit being pivotally secured to at an end to
both sidewalls. The locking unit includes a pair of side members
extending downwardly from a base member, each side member further
includes an opening along an end of the side members opposite the
base member. The openings have a predetermined shape to accommodate
a portion of the profile defined by the sprinkler reducer. The base
member includes a slot positioned such that an opening to the slot
is positioned at an edge of the base member between the two side
members. The mounting bracket assembly further includes a locking
member pivotally mounted to the two sidewalls on the mounting
bracket and having an elongated shaft extending upwardly for
receipt into the slot on the base member of the locking unit. A
locking nut is positioned on the elongated shaft such that when the
locking unit is in a closed positioned about the mounting bracket
the openings in the sidewalls and in the side members align to
accommodate the sprinkler reducer and the elongated shaft may be
pivoted to be received into the slot thereby allowing the locking
nut to be tightened to secure the locking unit to the mounting
bracket and secure a sprinkler reducer positioned therebetween.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become
readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims, and from
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the
present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting structure assembly for a
sprinkler system in accordance to an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of FIG. 1 showing the mounting
bracket for the sprinkler reducer in another position;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a sprinkler reducer mounting
bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
and also showing the latitudinal support bar positioned
therein;
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of FIG. 3A with the sprinkler reducer
secured thereto;
FIG. 3C is a side view of the sprinkler reducer mounting
bracket;
FIG. 3D is a perspective view of FIG. 3C showing the locking unit
in an opened position;
FIG. 3E is a front view of FIG. 3C;
FIG. 4A is a front view of a longitudinal support unit in
accordance to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a side view of FIG. 4A
FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of line 4C taken from FIG.
4B;
FIG. 4D is a side view of a second longitudinal support unit;
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a sprinkler reducer mounting
bracket in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention and also showing the latitudinal support bar positioned
therein;
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of FIG. 5A with the sprinkler reducer
secured thereto;
FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the mounting bracket from FIG. 5A
and illustrating a locking unit in an opened position; and
FIG. 5D is another perspective view of the mounting bracket from
FIG. 5A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different
forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described
herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention. It should be understood, however, that the present
disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles
of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope
of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a sprinkler mounting assembly 100
according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.
The sprinkler mounting assembly 100 includes a mounting bracket 110
having a locking unit 120, a latitudinal support bar 130 to which
the mounting bracket 110 is movably coupled, and a pair of
longitudinal support units 140 which are coupled to opposite ends
of the support bar 130. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting bracket
110 may slide or move along the length of the latitudinal support
bar 130, such that the placement of the sprinkler system is easily
adjustable during assembly.
Referring now also to FIGS. 3A-3E, the mounting bracket 110
includes two sidewalls 150 separated by a base wall 152 having a
predetermined width such that the two sidewalls 150 are spaced
apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The mounting
bracket 110 has a mouth 154 at an end opposite the base wall 152.
The two sidewalls 150 also include a through hole 156 and a flange
158. The mounting bracket 110 further has a mounting channel 160
formed along the length of base wall 152 and between the two
sidewalls 150 to allow receipt of the latitudinal support bar 130.
This permits the latitudinal support bar 130 to be positioned
against and be supported by the entire base wall 152, which may be
an improved manner of support than the prior art. The two sidewalls
150 further include a U-shaped opening 162 positioned in the
sidewalls 150 such that a remaining portion 164 is present on
either side of the opening 162. The U-shaped opening 162 has a
predetermined curvature to accommodate the profile of a sprinkler
reducer 146. The U-shaped opening 162 may further be defined as
having a curved end 163 that mates to two longitudinal ends 165. As
known in the art, the sprinkler reducer 146 may be attached at one
end to a flexible tubing 142, which is further secured to a water
supply pipe 144.
The mounting bracket 110 further includes a locking unit 120 that
may be preferably rigidly constructed, such as, but not limited to,
a steel wire bent to form the shape as described herein. The
locking unit 120 includes a pair of ends 166 to pass through the
through holes 156 on each sidewall 150. The locking unit 120 bends
from the pair of ends 166 to form first leg portions 168 that
traverse the length of U-shaped opening 162 running along one of
the remaining portions 164. Extending beyond the two sidewalls 150,
the first leg portions 168 then bend to from latitudinal portions
170 that traverse the U-shaped opening 162. At the opposite side of
the U-shaped opening 162, the locking unit 120 bends to form second
leg portions 172, which run down the opposite remaining portions
164 towards the flanges 158. The locking unit 120 then forms mating
portions 174 that can be positioned against the flanges 158 (to
lock the sprinkler reducer 146 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in place).
From the mating portions 174 the locking unit 120 bends to form a
handle portion 176 that connects the two mating portions 174 on
either sides of the locking unit 120.
During operating, the sprinkler reducer 146 is positioned in the
U-shaped opening 162 and the locking unit 120 is moved such that
the latitudinal portions 170 are positioned against the sprinkler
reducer 146. The mating portions 174 are locked against the flanges
158, thereby locking the sprinkler reducer 146 into position. The
sprinkler reducer 146 is thus supported by the latitudinal portions
170 and the U-shaped opening 162. To remove the sprinkler reducer
146, the mating portions 174 are unlocked from the flanges 158
allowing the locking unit to pivot away from the sprinkler reducer
146 about its ends 166 and the through holes 156.
Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C, there is shown one of the pairs of
longitudinal support units 140, which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and
used to connected the latitudinal support bar 130 to connect the
sprinkler system to a ceiling frame section 50 or more particularly
to a frame support member 55. As is well known in the industry, the
frame support members 55 have a T-shaped portion 57 near its top
portion that is used to connect to the longitudinal support units
140, as discussed in greater detail below.
Each longitudinal support unit 140 includes two side members 200
that extend downwardly from a top member 202. Each side member 200
includes a support bar window 204 for receipt of an end of the
latitudinal support bar 130. A sill member 206 is positioned below
each support bar window 204 extending inwardly towards the opposite
side member 200.
The sill member 206 lends support to or helps seat the latitudinal
support bar 130 that is inserted through the support bar window
204. The top member 202 includes a threaded aperture 208 to receive
a tightening element 210 (shown in FIG. 1), such as a screw, that
can be used to lock the longitudinal support unit 140 in a
substantially rigid position against the latitudinal support bar
130.
A lower portion 212 of side member 200 moves inwardly at a first
section 220 towards each other and then turns downwardly to ends
214 of each of the side members 200. Positioned above the first
sections 220 on both side members 200 are flanges 222. The area
between the flanges 222 and the first sections 220 creates a
latitudinal support region 215 along the first sections 220 and the
side member 200 for receiving the top of the T-shaped portion
57.
The ends 214 of the side members 200 may have a slight outwardly
flared region 216 to help accommodate the top of the T-shaped
portion 57 of the frame support member 55. The ends 214 further
include extending side sections 218 that make the ends 214 wider
then the widths of the side members. This serves as a means to help
grab into the top of the T-shaped portion 57 when the sprinkler
system is in use and is exhibiting a large amount of back pressure.
This also serves as a means to prevent rocking of the mounting
apparatus on the frame support members 55.
Positioned through the side members 200 near the positions of the
flanges 222 are threaded openings 224 for receiving a tightening
bolt 226 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). When the tightening bolt 226 is
tightened, the side members 200 move towards each other causing the
ends 214 to pinch against sides of the frame support member 55 and
securing the T-shaped portion 57 in the latitudinal support region
215. Conversely, when the tightening bolt 226 is loosened, the ends
214 release and the longitudinal support unit 140 may be removed
from the frame support member 55.
Referring now also to FIG. 4D, there is shown a longitudinal
support unit 140 that includes a secondary threaded opening 224a
positioned above the primary threaded opening 224. Either opening
224 or 224a could be used to secure the longitudinal support unit
140 to the side of a ceiling structure or wall. In addition, the
longitudinal support unit 140 illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C could also
be secured to a wall of other mountable structure by using a
mounting member through the threaded opening 224. In some instances
when a ceiling frame section is not used or provided, the mounting
structure 100 can still be secured in a building to a wall, I-beam,
or other mountable structures.
Referring now also to FIGS. 5A-5G, there is shown a second type of
mounting bracket 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention. The mounting bracket 300 includes two sidewalls
302 separated by a base wall 304 having a predetermined width such
that the two sidewalls 302 are spaced apart from one another by a
predetermined distance. The mounting bracket 300 has a mouth 306 at
an end opposite the base wall 304. The mounting bracket 300 further
has a mounting channel 308 formed along the length of base wall 304
and between the two sidewalls 302 to allow receipt of the
latitudinal support bar 130. This permits the latitudinal support
bar 130 to be positioned against and be supported by the entire
base wall 304, which may be an improved manner of support than the
prior art. The two sidewalls 302 further include a U-shaped opening
310 positioned in the sidewalls 302 such that a remaining side
portion 312 is present on either side of the opening 310. The
U-shaped opening 310 has a predetermined curvature to accommodate
the profile of a sprinkler reducer 146. The U-shaped opening 310
may further be defined as having a curved end region 314 that
merges into to two longitudinal ends 316.
The mounting bracket 300 further includes a locking unit 320 that
is pivotally secured to at pivot points 322 on both sidewalls 302,
and preferably located at one of the remaining side portions 312.
The locking unit 320 includes a pair of side members 324 that
extend downwardly from a base member 326. The base member 326 may
also have a width W2 that is greater then the width W1 defined by
the base wall 304 on the mounting bracket 300. Alternatively, the
side members 324 may extend at an angle A1 from the base member
326. In either instance, the side members 324 would have an
interior section 328 that would overlap the exterior section 341 on
the sidewalls 302. The side members 324 further include a U-shaped
opening 350 positioned in the side members 324 such that remaining
side portions 352 are present on either side of the openings 350.
The U-shaped opening 350 has a predetermined curvature to
accommodate the profile of a sprinkler reducer 146. The U-shaped
opening 350 may further be defined as having a curved end region
354 that merges into to two longitudinal ends 356.
The base member 326 further includes a slot 330 positioned such
that an opening 332 to the slot is positioned at an edge 334 of the
base member 326. The locking unit 320 further includes a locking
member 336 defined has having an elongated shaft 338 pivotally
connected at one end 340 to the sidewalls 302 of the mounting
bracket 300. The pivotal connection includes a transverse section
342 pivotally connected at points 344 to the interior region 346 of
the sidewalls 302. The elongated shaft 338 is threaded to receive a
locking nut 348.
During operating, the sprinkler reducer 146 is positioned in the
U-shaped opening 310 and the locking unit 320 is pivoted such that
its U-shaped opening 350 is also positioned against the sprinkler
reducer 146. The elongated shaft 338 is then pivoted such that it
is received in the slot 330 and the locking nut 348 is turned to
tightly secure the locking unit 320 with the mounting bracket 300.
The sprinkler reducer 146 is thus supported and secured within the
two U-shaped openings defined by the locking unit 320 and the
mounting bracket 300. To remove the sprinkler reducer 146, the
locking nut 348 is loosened such that the elongated shaft 338 is
able to pivot out of the slot and the locking unit 320 may pivot
into an opened positioned away from the sprinkler reducer 146.
From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that
numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the
invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect
to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is
intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover
by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the
scope of the claims.
* * * * *