Abstract:
A fire suppression method and apparatus has a wall bracket which is installable to one side of a wall. The wall bracket is configured with a plurality of openings such that multiple locations for the sprinkler head may be used and the precise installation of the sprinkler head within the wall can be accomplished with a wide variety of wall constructions and sprinkler heads. The wall bracket is attachable to support members, such as wall studs, within the wall and is laterally movable between them in a generally horizontal direction. A pair of wall clips are used to secure the wall bracket to the wall studs. A pipe clamp is provided which is insertable within the bracket to retain a pipe nipple within it. The pipe nipple is adjustable relative to the wall surface to move it inwardly and outwardly relative to the wall. In this fashion, the horizontal location of the sprinkler head can be adjusted depending upon the depth of the wall and the style of sprinkler head used. The pipe nipple is attached to a flexible armover connector which allows for an almost infinite number of locations that can be used to connect the pipe nipple to the supply line of the fire suppression system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to devices and methods which may be used for the suppression of fires, including fire suppression systems which utilize one or more sprinkler heads, at least one of such sprinkler heads being attached to a fire suppression supply line by means of a flexible armover connection. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for installing a sprinkler head within a vertical wall, such sprinkler head being attached to a flexible armover connection, such that the sprinkler head is securely installed regardless of the location of the structural supports contained within the vertical wall. It also relates to an apparatus or assembly for allowing precise location and installation of the sprinkler head in an unlimited number of locations within that vertical wall relative to the structural wall supports. It also relates to an apparatus or assembly which allows for use of the apparatus or assembly with a wide variety of sprinkler head styles.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The use of water to suppress or extinguish fires is a concept as old as fire itself. And, quite probably as long as it has inhabited dwellings, mankind has long searched for the best way to effect the distribution of water within dwellings where the risk of death and destruction from fire is ever present. For many years, fire suppression systems which are installed in buildings have been comprised of a number of water supply lines installed above a suspended ceiling grid, the same type of grid which normally conceals other building utilities such as heating and cooling ducts, electrical supply lines and lighting fixtures, among other things. The water supply lines, in turn, are functionally adapted to supply water to sprinkler heads which are actuated by heat sensing means. This is, without question, old art.  
           [0003]    In the experience and observations of the inventor of the present invention, the modem day suspended ceiling assembly typically consists of an array of standard sized acoustically dampening ceiling tiles. One reality of modem building design is that building owners and architects often specify that sprinkler heads be located on a “center of tile” basis. That is, the exact vertical centerline of the sprinkler head must protrude literally through the lengthwise and widthwise center of a given standard tile. The theory is that this “center of tile” appearance is more aesthetically pleasing and acceptable to the eye. In the experience of this inventor, the “center of tile” requirement always increases installation costs and causes great problems for the installers of the concealed fire suppression system. This inventor has addressed that problem with the method and apparatus disclosed in his U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,519 entitled “Fire Suppression Method and Apparatus.” 
           [0004]    Another problem which arises in the installation of fire suppression systems within a building, and which can also increase installation costs, is that some sprinkler heads are required to be placed within a vertical wall, above or below the suspended ceiling. The problems attendant to this installation situation are somewhat similar to the center-of-tile ceiling installation described above. For example, location of the sprinkler head within the vertical wall may not coincide with the precise center between two adjacent wall supports, or wall studs. In order to deal with this problem, it is necessary to come up with some satisfactory way to locate and secure the sprinkler head at the desired location within the vertical wall.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    It is, therefore, a principal object of this invention to provide a new, useful and uncomplicated method and apparatus for effecting the locating of sprinkler heads within a vertical wall which requires only a minimal number of elements and which reduces installation costs. It is another object of this invention to provide such a method and apparatus for use within a wide variety of wall configurations and with a wide variety of commercially available sprinkler heads. It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a method and apparatus whereby the location of the sprinkler head can be accomplished in almost any position within such walls. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a method and apparatus which requires only a minimum number of steps to use in the field. It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a method and apparatus which allows for prefabrication of standard parts which are readily usable in the field throughout a wide variety of installation situations and which requires a minimum of effort on the part of the user to install them. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a method and apparatus which allows for easy access to the joints of the assembly which are situated within the wall when such access is desired or required.  
           [0006]    The present invention has obtained these objects. It provides for a fire suppression apparatus which has a sprinkler head support bracket which is installable to one side of a vertical wall. The support bracket is configured with a plurality of openings such that multiple locations for the sprinkler head may be used and the precise installation of the sprinkler head within the wall can be accomplished with a wide variety of wall constructions and sprinkler heads. The support bracket is attachable to support members, such as wall studs, within the wall and is laterally movable between them in a generally horizontal direction. A pipe clamp is provided which is insertable within the bracket to retain a pipe nipple within it. The pipe nipple is adjustable relative to the wall surface to move it inwardly and outwardly relative to the wall. In this fashion, the horizontal location of the sprinkler head can be adjusted depending upon the depth of the wall and the style of sprinkler head used. It is also understood that the device of the present invention could be installed in constructions which form a horizontal surface and still come within the scope of the present invention. In such installation, the vertical location of the sprinkler head could be adjusted depending upon the depth of the ceiling or floor and the style of sprinkler head used. The pipe nipple is attached to a flexible armover connector which allows for an almost infinite number of locations that can be used to connect the pipe nipple to the supply line of the fire suppression system. The foregoing and other features of the method and apparatus of the present invention will be further apparent from the detailed description which follows. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is a front and left side perspective view showing a fire suppression assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 2 is an enlarged front and left side perspective view of a fastening ring, or lock nut, portion of the fire suppression assembly shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 2A is an enlarged front and left side perspective view of a fastening bracket, or wall clip, portion of the fire suppression assembly shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 3 is an enlarged left side elevational view of the fire suppression assembly shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 4 is an exploded top plan view of the fire suppression assembly shown in FIG. 3. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0012]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 shows a fire suppression device constructed in accordance with the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the device includes a fire suppression assembly, generally identified  10 , which includes a main wall bracket  1 . The wall bracket  1  of the assembly  10  overlays a portion of a vertical wall  30 . The wall  30  is typical in that it includes a plurality of vertically extending structural support studs  34  to each common vertical side of which are attached wall board pieces  32 ,  33 , the wall board pieces  32 ,  33  being in parallel planar relationship to one another.  
         [0013]    In the preferred embodiment, the wall bracket  1  is constructed of a single piece of sheet metal material. The wall bracket  1  includes a longitudinally extending central support portion  2  and a pair of inwardly extending leg portions  3 ,  4 . The leg portions  3 ,  4  are integrally formed with the central support portion  2  and similarly run longitudinally with respect to it. Each leg portion  3 ,  4  lies in a plane which is generally perpendicular to the plane within which the central support portion  2  lies. The distal end of each leg portion  3 ,  4  includes an inwardly extending leg support portion  5 ,  6  each of which lies in a plane which is also generally perpendicular to the plane within which the leg portions  3 ,  4 , respectively, lie. The leg portions  3 ,  4  are, however, generally parallel planar in relation to the central support portion  2 . The longitudinally extending channel  11  which is defined, in part, by the central support portion  2 , the leg portions  3 ,  4  and the leg support portions  5 ,  6 , terminates at a first opening  16  at a first end  12  of the wall bracket  1  and a second opening  18  at the second end  14  of the wall bracket  1 . Defined within the central support portion  2  are at least two longitudinally extending fastener openings  13 ,  15 , each of which is generally slot-like in configuration. Also defined within the central support portion  2 , and located on center with and between the fastener openings  13 ,  15 , are a plurality of sprinkler mounting openings  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c ,  17   d.    
         [0014]    Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 in addition to FIG. 1, the fire suppression assembly  10  of the present invention also includes a concentric reducing coupling  22 , a pipe nipple  24 , a depth setting pipe clamp  50 , and a 90° elbow  38 . The concentric reducing coupling  22  essentially allows connection of the sprinkler head  40  to the first end  23  of the pipe nipple  24 . The pipe nipple  24  is also threaded at its second end  25  such that it can also be attached to the 90° elbow  38 . The elbow  38  could also assume other shapes and still come within the scope of the present invention. The purpose of the elbow  38  is to provide a connection to a flexible armover  60  and an adapter nipple  58 . See FIG. 3.  
         [0015]    The pipe nipple  24  is functionally adapted to be slidably received by the depth setting pipe clamp  50 . The pipe nipple  24  also includes pipe markings  29 , the function of which will be discussed later in this detailed description. The precise location of the pipe nipple  24  within the depth setting pipe clamp  50  can be fixed by virtue of a set screw  42  which is located within the hexagonal top portion  52  of the depth setting pipe clamp  50 . Immediately below the hexagonal top portion  52  of the depth setting pipe clamp  50  is a shoulder and flange portion  54 . The flange portion  54  is functionally adapted to rest upon and be supported by the outer surface of the central support portion  2  of the wall bracket  1 . Extending below the shoulder portion  54  of the depth setting pipe clamp  50  is a threaded bottom portion  56 . This threaded bottom portion  56  is functionally adapted to extend through any one of the holes  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c ,  17   d  defined within the central support portion  2  of the wall bracket  1 . The threaded bottom portion  56  allows the depth setting pipe clamp  50  to be removably secured to the wall bracket  1  by virtue of a fastening ring, or lock nut,  28 . See FIG. 2. The lock nut  28  includes a plurality of nubs  29  which are equally spaced about the perimeter of the lock nut  28 . Each nub  29  also extends beyond the perimeter of the lock nut  28 . In the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, four such nubs  29  are provided. In this fashion, two of the nubs  29  are in proximity to one leg portion  3  of the wall bracket  1  and two of the nubs  29  are in proximity to the other leg portion  4 . This construction prevents rotation of the lock nut  28  within the wall bracket channel  11  when the depth setting pipe clamp  50  is rotated within the hole  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c ,  17   d  of the wall bracket  1 .  
         [0016]    In the preferred embodiment, the pipe nipple  24  has a series of depth-setting markings  29  defined along one side of the nipple  24  such that the location of the sprinkler head  40  can be precisely located relative to the wall  30 , and the outer wall board  33  in particular. In the experience of the inventor, this feature allows the user to pre-set the depth of the pipe nipple  24  within the pipe clamp  50  while allowing for different wall constructions and various styles of sprinkler heads. More importantly, it allows the installer to accurately set the depth of the pipe nipple  24  without his or her need to view the opposite side of the wall  30  during installation. In this application, a horizontal type sprinkler head  40  would likely be used which would include a spray deflector to break up the pattern of spray and direct it outwardly and downwardly. The second end  25  of the pipe nipple  24  is attachable to a 90° elbow  38 . The 90° elbow  38 , in turn, is attachable to one end  62  of a flexible armover  60  by means of an adapter nipple  58 . See FIG. 3. The other end (not shown) of the armover  60  is attachable to a branch line pipe (also not shown) situated to one side of the wall  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the flexible armover  60  may be constructed of a number of commercially available flexible hoses including, but not limited to, metal, teflon, rubber, plastic or any combination of these materials. The important feature of the preferred embodiment is that the armover  60  be flexible and readily locatable relative to the main support bracket  1  without the need to disable the fire suppression system or alter any of its components.  
         [0017]    The wall bracket  1  is held in place by virtue of a pair of fastener brackets, or wall clips,  44  which are functionally adapted to be slidably received within the channel of the wall bracket  1 . See FIG. 2A. Each wall clip  44  includes a central clip body  45  defined within which is a single clip aperture  46 . The clip aperture  46  is located in the physical center of the wall clip  44  and is functionally adapted to receive a fastener  70  through it. Extending outwardly from the central clip body  45  are a pair of clip flats  48 , the clip  44  and clip flats  48  being symmetrical about the aperture  46 . Each flat  48  is functionally adapted to engage and slide along the inner surface of the leg support portions  5 ,  6  of the wall bracket  1 . While each wall clip  44  can slide along the entire length of the wall bracket channel  11 , one wall clip  44  is intended to slide generally in the area of the first fastener opening  13  of the wall bracket  1  and the other wall clip  44  is intended to slide generally in the area of the second fastener opening  15 . It is further intended that a fastener  70  be capable of passing through each slot-like fastener opening  13 ,  15  in order to secure each wall clip  44  to a wall stud  34  which lies directly behind it.  
         [0018]    In application, the user of the method and apparatus of the present invention locates that portion of the vertical wall  30  at which installation of the sprinkler head  40  is to be accomplished. It is contemplated by the inventor that the individual components of the assembly  10  reach the installer in a somewhat preassembled condition, with the principal exception of the wall bracket  1 , the wall clips  44 , the wall fasteners  70 , the lock nut  28 , the armover  60  and the sprinkler head  40 . The installer, knowing the size and depth of the wall  30  and also knowing the precise location and type of sprinkler head  40  which is to be installed, cuts a hole  36  through the wall  30  at the sprinkler head location. It is further assumed that the installer has located, by use of an electromagnetic stud locating device or other suitable method, the studs  34  which run vertically to either side of this installation location and hole  36 . A horizontal line is then scribed through the center of the hole  36 , extending the line to the studs  34  to either side of the hole  36 . The pair of wall clips  44  are attached to the wall  30 , one through to each stud  34  by means of a fastener  70 . This attachment is made loosely to allow for some movement as the assembly  10  is positioned into place. A lock nut  28  is slid through an end opening  16 ,  18  of the support bracket  1  such that the lock nut  28  is slidably moveable along the bracket channel  11 . As previously described, however, the lock nut  28  is only ever so slightly rotatable within the channel  11 , only enough so as to allow easy placement of the lock nut  28  within the channel  11 , the purpose of the nubs  29  of the lock nut  28  being to prevent rotation of the lock nut  28  within the channel  11 . The wall bracket  1  is then lifted into place and one end opening  18  of the bracket  1  is slid over a first wall clip  44  sufficiently to then allow the second wall clip  44  to engage the opposing end opening  16  of the bracket  1  as the bracket  1  is urged against the wall  30 . The wall bracket  1  is then slid into position such that the best positioned sprinkler mounting opening  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c ,  17   d  overlays the hole  36  which has been cut into the wall  30 . Depending upon the location of the hole  36  relative to the studs  34 , one of the mounting openings  17   a ,  17   b ,  17   c ,  17   d  may be used in any given application. This allows the hole  36  to be positioned anywhere between the two studs  34 . The fasteners  70  are then accessed by means of the fastener openings  13 ,  15  defined within the bracket  1  and tightened sufficiently to secure the wall clips  44  and the wall bracket  1  to the wall  30 . By this action, the flats  48  of each wall clip  44  engage the leg support portions  5 ,  6  of the wall bracket  1 . The lock nut  28  is then slid along the channel  11  such that it too is aligned with the hole  36  which has been cut into the wall  30 . The pipe nipple  24  and the pipe clamp  50  assembly are slid through the bracket  1 , the lock nut  28  and the wall  30  until the threads  56  of the pipe clamp  50  come into contact with the lock nut  28 . The pipe clamp  50  is secured to the bracket  1  by mechanical rotation of the hexagonal portion  52  of the pipe clamp  50 . The flexible armover  60  is attached to the adapter nipple  58 . Proper positioning of the pipe nipple  24  is accomplished by utilizing the pre-printed markings  29  on the pipe nipple  24 . Once the depth of the pipe nipple  24  is properly set and the assembly  10  is properly positioned, the set screw  42  of the pipe clamp  50  is tightened. This prevents further movement of the pipe nipple  24  within the pipe clamp  50 . The sprinkler head  40  is then installed at the reducing coupling  22  which is located at the opposite end of the pipe nipple  24 . It should also be noted here that the sprinkler head  40  may be installed prior to installing the pipe nipple  24  and its related assembly into the wall bracket  1 . It should also be noted here that, once the assembly  10  is charged with fluid, any leak which may be detected by the installer at the point of the joint which is created between the sprinkler head  40  and the reducing coupling  22  or at the joint which is created between the reducing coupling  22  and the pipe nipple  24  may be easily dealt with. The installer simply loosens the set screw  42  of the pipe clamp  50 , urges the assembly out from the wall  30  and repairs the leaking joint. Using the preprinted markings  29  on the pipe nipple  24 , the precise re-location of the assembly  10  within the wall  30  is accomplished.  
         [0019]    From the foregoing, it will be apparent that there has been provided a new, useful and uncomplicated method and apparatus for effecting the locating of sprinkler heads within a vertical wall which method and apparatus requires only a minimal number of elements; which reduces installation costs; which can be used within a wide variety of wall configurations and with a wide variety of commercially available sprinkler heads; which allows for the location of a sprinkler head in almost any position within such walls; which requires only a minimum number of steps to use in the field; which are readily usable in the field throughout a wide variety of installation situations; which requires a minimum of effort on the part of the user to install them; and which allows for easy access to the joints of the assembly which are situated within the wall when such access is desired or required.