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.

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; and  
 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 including: 
 a base having a pair of sidewalls extending from a base wall to form a mounting channel along a an entire length of the base wall, the mounting bracket base 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 unit; 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 includes 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 unit. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       20. The mounting bracket according to claim 19, wherein the openings are opposite the first base wall. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       25. The support assembly according to claim 24, wherein the openings are opposite the first base wall. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       32. The mounting bracket according to claim 31, wherein the locking shaft is coupled to the base. 
     
     
       33. The mounting bracket according to claim 32, wherein the locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the base. 
     
     
       34. The mounting bracket according to claim 31, wherein the locking shaft is coupled to the first pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       35. The mounting bracket according to claim 34, wherein the locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the first pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       37. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, wherein the locking unit is pivotally coupled to the base. 
     
     
       38. The mounting bracket according to claim 29, wherein the locking unit is coupled to the first pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       39. The mounting bracket according to claim 38, wherein the locking unit is pivotally coupled to the first pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       46. The support assembly according to claim 45, wherein the locking shaft is coupled to the base. 
     
     
       47. The support assembly according to claim 46, wherein the locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the base. 
     
     
       48. The support assembly according to claim 45, wherein the locking shaft is coupled to the first pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       49. The support assembly according to claim 48, wherein the locking shaft is pivotally coupled to the first pair of sidewalls. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       56. The mounting bracket according to claim 55, wherein each of the retention members is rotatably attached to a different one of the sidewalls. 
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       58. The mounting bracket according to claim 56, wherein the retention members are first and second wire portions connected by a third wire portion. 
     
     
       59. The mounting bracket according to claim 56, wherein the retention members are first and second plates connected by a third plate. 
     
     
       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.   
     
     
       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. 
     
     
       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.