Patent Publication Number: US-2023160201-A1

Title: Insulation mounting bracket

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/017,270, filed Apr. 29, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in full. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The general inventive concepts relate to insulation systems and, more specifically, to a mounting bracket for use in insulation systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     High rise buildings are typically constructed with concrete slab floors that “float” within an outer skin (i.e., windows and cladding materials interfaced with an aluminum framework). In other words, the outer skin does not carry the load of the floors. The intersection of the exterior (curtain) walls and these floor slabs provide a gap through which a fire on one floor may spread/climb vertically to floors above. Consequently, it is well known to insulate these gaps with fire-resistant materials to retard the spread of a fire from one floor to the next. This insulation takes the form of curtain wall insulation, safing insulation, and the like that fit in and around the framework (e.g., mullions and transoms). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,309,100, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a conventional curtain wall insulation system. 
     A conventional curtain wall insulation system  100  is shown in  FIG.  1   . The curtain wall insulation system  100  is useful for insulating a curtain wall structure  150  connected to a building structure (not shown). As one of skill in the art will appreciate, a curtain wall structure  150  is a type of exterior wall system commonly used on buildings, such as high-rise buildings, wherein the curtain wall structure  150  does not bear the load of the building structure. As see in  FIG.  1   , the curtain wall structure  150  is spaced from a floor slab  160  of the building structure to define a perimeter void  170 . The curtain wall structure  150  includes framing defined by at least first and second vertically disposed and parallel mullions  152 , at least one upper horizontally disposed transom  154 , and at least one lower horizontally disposed transom  156 . The curtain wall insulation system  100  provides thermal insulation and also provides a barrier to inhibit the spread of fire from one floor of a building to an upper adjacent floor through the perimeter void  170 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the curtain wall insulation system  100  includes a curtain wall insulation  102 . The curtain wall insulation  102  may be formed of various materials based on a desired failure temperature of the material such as mineral wool, which can maintain its integrity for more than five hours at temperatures of nearly 2,100° F. Such curtain wall insulation  102  is commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Ind. The curtain wall insulation  102  may have a thickness of 1 inch to 8 inches, and a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot to 8 pounds per cubic foot. The curtain wall insulation  102  is disposed within the framing and mechanically attached to the framing. Accordingly, the size and shape of the curtain wall insulation  102  will typically depend on the size and shape of the framing into which the curtain wall insulation  102  is being installed. The curtain wall insulation  102  may be mechanically attached to the framing with insulation hangers (not shown), such as Impasse® insulation hangers available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Ind., or by other conventional means used to mechanically attach curtain wall insulation  102  to the framing, such as impaling pins or screws. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the curtain wall insulation system  100  also includes a safing insulation  104  having a bottom surface  105  and a top surface  106 . The safing insulation  104  is disposed within the perimeter void  170  and compression fit between the curtain wall insulation  102  and the floor slab  160 . The safing insulation  104  inhibits flames and hot gases from moving from a first floor to an adjacent upper floor through the perimeter void  170 . As with the curtain wall insulation  102 , the safing insulation  104  may be formed of various materials based on a desired failure temperature of the material. In certain embodiments, the safing insulation  104  comprises mineral wool. The safing insulation  104  may have a thickness of 1 inch to 8 inches, and a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot to 8 pounds per cubic foot. Such safing insulation  104  is commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Ind. When installed, the safing insulation  104  is commonly compressed to varying degrees, but normally it is compressed to approximately 25%. After installation, the safing insulation  104  provides fireproof sealing of the perimeter void  170 . Because the safing insulation  104  is compressed when installed, it provides some capability to expand which can seal openings or cracks that might otherwise develop in the perimeter void  170 . Slight variations in the size of the perimeter void  170  due to expansion or other environmental changes are accommodated by the safing insulation  104  since it is compressed when placed in the perimeter void  170 , and thus can provide an effective seal under various conditions. 
     In certain embodiments, the curtain wall insulation system  100  includes a reinforcement member  130  attached to and disposed between the mullions  152  and behind the curtain wall insulation  102 . The reinforcement member  130  is positioned at a level corresponding to a level of the safing insulation  104 , which level is commonly referred to as the safing line. The reinforcement member  130  prevents bowing or deformation of the curtain wall insulation  102  due to the compression fit of the safing insulation  104 . The reinforcement member  130  may have various shapes or configurations. For example, the reinforcement member may have a T-shape, as shown in  FIG.  1   , an L-shape, or may be formed as a channel (e.g., C-shaped channel, U-shaped channel). Brackets (not shown) may be used to attach the reinforcement member  130  to the mullions  152 . The reinforcement member  130  may be formed of various materials including, but not limited to, steel, galvanized steel, ceramics, and other heat resistant materials. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the curtain wall insulation system  100  includes a mullion cover hanger  110  that is attached to the mullions  152  and a mullion cover  120  that is attached to the mullion cover hanger  110 . The mullion cover  120  protects the mullions  152  from hot flames and gases during a fire. The mullion cover  120  may be formed of various materials based on a desired failure temperature of the material. In certain embodiments, the mullion cover  120  comprises mineral wool. The mullion cover  120  may have a thickness of 1 inch to 8 inches, and a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot to 8 pounds per cubic foot. Such mullion covers  120  are commercially available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Ind. 
     In certain embodiments, and as shown in  FIG.  1   , the curtain insulation system  100  includes a lower mullion cover  121  attached to the mullion cover hanger  110 , and an upper mullion cover  123  attached to the mullion cover hanger  110 . The lower mullion cover  121  is installed so that a top surface  122  of the lower mullion cover  121  will abut a bottom surface  105  of the installed safing insulation  104 . Similarly, the upper mullion cover  123  is installed so that a bottom surface  124  of the upper mullion cover  123  will abut a top surface  106  of the installed safing insulation  104 . This configuration provides an effective seal of insulation that inhibits hot flames and gases from reaching the mullions  152 . 
     As discussed above, the mullion cover hanger  110  can be attached to a mullion  152  (with fasteners, such as screws, or by welding) at a point above a floor slab  160  and at a point below the floor slab  160 , where an installer has relatively open access for using electric tools, such as a power drill, electric screwdriver, or welder. After the mullion cover hanger  110  is installed on the mullion  152 , an installer can easily attach the mullion cover  120  to the mullion cover hanger  110  without using electric tools, such as a power drill or electric screwdriver, or additional fasteners. 
     During a fire, there is a lot of turbulence, movement, and gravitational pull, all of which can cause the insulation to become dislodged, thereby allowing the fire to propagate to the next floor. Accordingly, mechanical fasteners are typically used to secure the insulation (e.g., the curtain wall insulation  102 ) to the building structure (e.g., the mullions  152  and the transoms  154 ,  156 ). 
     A conventional approach to mounting curtain wall insulation relies on mounting brackets. As shown in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 C , a conventional mounting system  200  includes a vertical hanger  210 , a horizontal hanger  230 , and a locking washer  250 . 
     The vertical hanger  210  includes a body  212 , a first leg  214 , a second leg  216 , and a flange  218 . The first leg  214  extends from and perpendicular to the body  212 . The second leg  216  extends from and perpendicular to the body  212 . The flange  218  extends from and perpendicular to an end of the first leg  214 . The flange  218  includes an aperture therethrough that forms a mounting hole  220 . The mounting hole  220  is used to mount the vertical hanger  210  to a mullion via a fastener (e.g., screw). An end of the second leg  216  includes a pair of prongs  222 , which are separated from one another by a gap. Each of the prongs  222  tapers into a pointed end. 
     The horizontal hanger  230  includes a body  232 , a first leg  234 , a second leg  236 , and a flange  238 . The first leg  234  extends from and perpendicular to the body  232 . The second leg  236  extends from and perpendicular to the body  232 . The flange  238  extends from and perpendicular to an end of the first leg  234 . The flange  238  includes an aperture therethrough that forms a mounting hole  240 . The mounting hole  240  is used to mount the vertical hanger  230  to a transom via a fastener (e.g., screw). An end of the second leg  236  includes a pair of prongs  242 , which are separated from one another by a gap. Each of the prongs  242  tapers into a pointed end. 
     The locking washer  250  includes a body  252  with an aperture therethrough that forms a slot  254 . The slot  254  has a thickness and width sufficient for the prongs  222  of the vertical hanger  210  and the prongs  242  of the horizontal hanger  230  to pass therethrough. 
     The conventional mounting system  200  functions as follows. Multiple vertical hangers  210  and multiple horizontal hangers  230  are interfaced with a portion of curtain wall insulation sized to fit within a curtain wall region (i.e., at least a portion of a region framed by a pair of parallel mullions and a pair of parallel transoms). More specifically, each vertical hanger  210  is pressed through the insulation so that a rear face of the insulation abuts the body  212  of the hanger  210 , a side of the insulation abuts the first leg  214  of the hanger  210 , and the prongs  222  extend through the insulation and beyond a front face of the insulation. Likewise, each horizontal hanger  230  is pressed through the insulation so that a rear face of the insulation abuts the body  232  of the hanger  230 , a side of the insulation abuts the first leg  234  of the hanger  230 , and the prongs  242  extend through the insulation and beyond a front face of the insulation. The second leg  216  of each vertical hanger  210  and the second leg  236  of each horizontal hanger  230  functions as a shelf-like ledge that supports the weight of the insulation. 
     For each pair of prongs  222 ,  242  extending through the insulation, a locking washer  250  is manually pressed onto the prongs so that the prongs pass through the slot  254  of the locking washer  250 , as shown in  FIG.  3 A . Then, the prongs are manually bent in opposite directions, as shown in  FIG.  3 B , to effectively lock the insulation on the respective hangers  210 ,  230 . In this manner, the curtain wall insulation is interfaced with the hangers  210 ,  230 . 
     Thereafter, the curtain wall insulation can be positioned and mounted in the curtain wall region. More specifically, a fastener (now shown), such as a screw, passes through the mounting hole  220  of each vertical hanger  210  to secure the hanger  210  to a mullion. Likewise, a fastener (now shown), such as a screw, passes through the mounting hole  240  of each horizontal hanger  230  to secure the hanger  230  to a transom. In this manner, the curtain wall insulation (e.g., curtain wall insulation  102 ) is mechanically secured within the curtain wall region, as shown in the insulation installation  400  of  FIG.  4 A . Typically, a piece of insulation (i.e., the mullion cover  123 ) is then positioned over the mullion  152  to protect it in the event of a fire, as shown in the insulation installation  400  of  FIG.  4 B . The mullion cover  123  can be secured to the curtain wall insulation  102  via fasteners, such as spiral screws  402  or other separate mounting hangers/brackets. 
     While effective in mounting insulation within a curtain wall, the conventional insulation mounting system  200  requires transport and manual installation of many pieces (e.g., x brackets and x locking washers for a total of 2x pieces), which results in a relatively lengthy installation time. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for an improved insulation mounting system that requires transport and manual installation of significantly fewer pieces (e.g., ≤x total pieces) and, thus, can result in a significantly reduced installation time. 
     SUMMARY 
     The general inventive concepts relate to an insulation mounting system, including an innovative mounting bracket for use therein. The mounting bracket can support the insulation without the use of locking washers. Furthermore, the design of the mounting bracket allows for the installation of curtain wall insulation without the use or installation of a separate reinforcing member (e.g., T-shaped backer bar). Accordingly, insulation can be mounted more quickly using the insulation mounting system, as opposed to conventional insulation mounting systems. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a mounting bracket is disclosed that comprises a bracket body having a middle portion, a first leg, a second leg, and at least one reinforcing member, wherein the middle portion extends between and connects the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg extends from the middle portion in a first direction, wherein the second leg extends from the middle portion in the first direction, and wherein the at least one reinforcing member extends from the middle portion in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite of one another. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the middle portion is greater than a depth of the first leg and a depth of the second leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a depth of the middle portion is equal to a height of the first leg and a height of the second leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a depth of the middle portion is equal to a height of the second leg and is less than a height of the first leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg is perpendicular to the middle portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg includes at least one aperture. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg includes a mounting flange that extends from and perpendicular to an end of the first leg. In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange includes an aperture. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the second leg is perpendicular to the middle portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a depth of the second leg is greater than a depth of the first leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the second leg is equal to a height of the first leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the second leg is less than a height of the first leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the second leg includes a body having one or more barbs and a tapered end. In some exemplary embodiments, the body includes a plurality of the barbs. In some exemplary embodiments, the body includes four of the barbs. In some exemplary embodiments, a number of the barbs on one side of the body differs from a number of the barbs on the opposite side of the body. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the second leg is symmetrical about a central axis of the body. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg and the second leg are parallel to one another. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member is perpendicular to the middle portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member extends from the middle portion at an angle in the range of 45° to 90°. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the bracket body includes two reinforcing members space from one another by a distance that is less than or equal to a width of the middle portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the at least one reinforcing member is less than a height of the middle portion, a depth of the first leg, and a depth of the second leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the at least one reinforcing member is equal to a height of the middle portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the at least one reinforcing member is less than or equal to a height of the middle portion and is more than half of the height of the middle portion. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the at least one reinforcing member is less than a depth of the first leg and is more than half of the depth of the first leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height of the at least one reinforcing member is less than a depth of the second leg and is more than half of the depth of the second leg. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member is a flange. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the bracket body is a unitary structure. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the bracket body is made of galvanized steel. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a curtain wall insulation system is disclosed that comprises a plurality of mounting brackets and a curtain wall insulation, each of the mounting brackets comprising a bracket body having a middle portion, a first leg, a second leg, and at least one reinforcing member, wherein the middle portion extends between and connects the first leg and the second leg, wherein the first leg extends from the middle portion in a first direction, wherein the second leg extends from the middle portion in the first direction, and wherein the at least one reinforcing member extends from the middle portion in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite of one another. Each of the mounting brackets may also have any of the other features shown, described, or otherwise suggested herein. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the curtain wall insulation system is free of a reinforcing member disposed at or in proximity to a safing line of the curtain wall insulation system. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a depth of the second leg is less than a depth of the curtain wall insulation. 
     Other aspects and features of the general inventive concepts will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of various exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The general inventive concepts, as well as embodiments and advantages thereof, are described below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side sectional diagram of a representational portion of a conventional curtain wall insulation system. 
         FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  2 C  illustrate various components of a conventional insulation mounting system.  FIG.  2 A  shows various views of a vertical hanger.  FIG.  2 B  shows various views of a horizontal hanger.  FIG.  2 C  shows a locking washer for interfacing with the vertical hanger of  FIG.  2 A  and the horizontal hanger of  FIG.  2 B . 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  illustrate the locking washer of  FIG.  2 C  interfacing with the horizontal hanger of  FIG.  2 B . 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate the conventional insulation mounting system of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  being used to mount curtain wall insulation. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  illustrate an insulation mounting bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment.  FIG.  5 A  is a perspective view of the mounting bracket.  FIG.  5 B  is a plan view of the mounting bracket.  FIG.  5 C  is a detailed view of a second leg of the mounting bracket.  FIG.  5 D  is a front elevational view of the mounting bracket.  FIG.  5 E  is a side elevational view of the mounting bracket. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a portion of a test setup used to conduct a test in accordance with ASTM E2307-19 as described in the example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several illustrative embodiments will be described in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure merely exemplifies the general inventive concepts. Embodiments encompassing the general inventive concepts may take various forms and the general inventive concepts are not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. 
     The general inventive concepts relate to an insulation mounting system, including innovative mounting brackets for use therein. The mounting brackets are one-part structures that replace conventional multi-part structures for mounting insulation, such as in a curtain wall space. For example, these unitary mounting brackets can support the insulation without the use of locking washers. Furthermore, the design of the unitary mounting brackets allow for installation of curtain wall insulation without the use or installation of a separate reinforcing member (e.g., T-shaped backer bar) as used in conventional insulation mounting systems. Accordingly, insulation can be mounted more quickly using the insulation mounting system of the present invention, as opposed to conventional insulation mounting systems. 
     A single-piece mounting bracket  500 , according to one exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 E . Although specific dimensions are illustrated in some of the drawings, the general inventive concepts are not limited to the disclosed dimensions. 
     The mounting bracket  500  includes a bracket body  502  that includes a middle portion  510 , a first leg  520 , a second leg  530 , and at least one reinforcing member  540 . The bracket  500  can be made of any suitable material. In some exemplary embodiments, the bracket  500  is made of a metal including, but not limited to, steel, galvanized steel, brass, and aluminum. Ceramic materials may also be used to form the bracket  500 . In certain embodiments, the bracket  500  is formed of galvanized steel, and preferably 20 gauge galvanized steel. 
     As seen in  FIG.  5 A , the middle portion  510  extends between and connects the first leg  520  and the second leg  530  to one another. In some exemplary embodiments, a height mp h  of the middle portion  510  is greater than a depth fl d  of the first leg  520  and a depth sl d  of the second leg  530 . In some exemplary embodiments, a depth mp d  of the middle portion  510  is equal to a height fl h  of the first leg  520  and a height sl h  of the second leg  530 . In some exemplary embodiments, a depth mp d  of the middle portion  510  is equal to a height sl h  of the second leg  530  and is less than a height fl h  of the first leg  520 . 
     The first leg  520  extends from the middle portion  510  in a direction forward of the middle portion  510 , as seen in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 E . In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg  520  is perpendicular to the middle portion  510 . In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg  520  includes at least one aperture  522  therethrough to form a mounting hole. The at least one aperture  522  may be used to mount the bracket  500  to a support structure (e.g., mullion, transom) via a fastener (e.g., screw). In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg  520  includes a mounting flange  524  that extends from and perpendicular to an end of the first leg  520 . In some exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange  524  includes an aperture  522  therethrough to form a mounting hole. In some exemplary embodiments, the aperture  522  extends through a depth fl d  of the first leg. In some exemplary embodiments, the aperture  522  extends through a height fl h  of the first leg. In some exemplary embodiments, the first leg  520  includes an aperture  522  that extends through a height fl h  of the first leg and a mounting flange  524  having an aperture  522  that extends through a depth fl d  of the first leg  520 . 
     As seen in  FIGS.  5 A and  5 E , the second leg  530  extends from the middle portion  510  in a direction forward of the middle portion  510 . In some exemplary embodiments, (a central axis ca of) the second leg  530  is perpendicular to the middle portion  510 . In some exemplary embodiments, a depth sl d  of the second leg  530  is greater than a depth fl d  of the first leg  520 . In some exemplary embodiments, a height sl h  of the second leg  530  is equal to a height fl h  of the first leg  520  before the mounting flange  524 . In some exemplary embodiments, a height sl h  of the second leg  530  is less than a height fl h  of the first leg  520 . The second leg  530  includes a body  532  having one or more barbs  534 . The body  532  includes a tapered end  536  beyond the barbs  534 . The tapered end  536  facilitates passage of the second leg  530  into a piece of insulation, while the barbs  534  are operable to hold/secure the insulation on the second leg  530 . The body  532  of the second leg  530  may function as a shelf-like ledge operable to support the weight of the insulation. In some exemplary embodiments, a depth sl d  of the second leg  530  is less than a depth of a piece of insulation with which the mounting bracket  500  is used. Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, the second leg  530  does not extend completely through the insulation, which maintains the integrity of a facing of the insulation, if present. While the illustrated embodiment shows the same number of barbs  534  on each side of the body  532 , the general inventive concepts are not so limited. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more barbs  534  are only on one side of the body  532 . In some exemplary embodiments, the number of barbs  534  on one side of the body  532  differs from the number of barbs  534  on the other side of the body  532 . While the illustrated embodiment shows the second leg  530  to be symmetrical about the central axis ca, the general inventive concepts are not so limited. In some exemplary embodiments, the size, shape, and/or positions of the barbs  534  differ on opposite sides of the central axis ca of the body  532 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 C , in one specific exemplary embodiment, the body  532  of the second leg  530  includes four distinct barbs, i.e., a first barb  534 - 1 , a second barb  534 - 2 , a third barb  534 - 3 , and a fourth barb  534 - 4 . A size, shape, and angle of the first barb  534 - 1  and the second barb  534 - 2  are the same. A size, shape, and angle of the third barb  534 - 3  and the fourth barb  534 - 4  are the same. In this exemplary embodiment, at least one of the size, shape, and angle of the first and second barbs  534 - 1 ,  534 - 2  is different from that of the third and fourth barbs  534 - 3 ,  534 - 4 . In this exemplary embodiment, the angle of at least the first and second barbs  534 - 1 ,  534 - 2  is 42 degrees. The general inventive concepts contemplate that the barbs  534  can have any angle suitable to hold the insulation once it is impaled on the second leg  530 . 
     As mentioned above, the bracket body  502  includes at least one reinforcing member  540 . The at least one reinforcing member  540  extends from the middle portion  510  in a direction rearward of the middle portion  510  (i.e., opposite the aforementioned forward direction). In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member  540  is a flange. In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member  540  extends from the middle portion  510  in a direction (or from a side) different and/or opposite than a direction (or side) that the first leg  520  and the second leg  530  extend from the middle portion  510 . As seen in  FIG.  5 A , each of the reinforcing members  540  extend along a height dimension of the middle portion  510  and project outward along a depth dimension behind the middle portion  510 , whereas the first leg  520  and the second leg  530  are extend across a width dimension of the middle portion  510  and project outward along a depth dimension in front of the middle portion  510 . In other words, the at least reinforcing member  540  extends behind the middle portion  510  and the first leg  520  and the second leg  530  extend in front of the middle portion  510 . In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member  540  is perpendicular (i.e., 90°) to the middle portion  510 , as seen in  FIG.  5 B . In some exemplary embodiments, the at least one reinforcing member  540  extends from the middle portion  510  at an angle of less than or equal to 90°, such as at an angle in the range of 45° to 90°. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5 B , in one specific exemplary embodiment, the bracket body  502  includes two reinforcing members  540  extending from and perpendicular to the middle portion  510 . In this exemplary embodiment, the two reinforcing members  540  are spaced from one another by a distance that is less than or equal to a width mp w , of the middle portion  510 . In this exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing members  540  have a rectangular shape. The general inventive concepts contemplate that the bracket body  502  can have additional reinforcing members  540  extending from the middle portion  510  or a single reinforcing member  540  extending from the middle portion  510 , preferably along a central axis of the middle portion. Furthermore, the general inventive concepts contemplate that the reinforcing member  540  can have any suitable shape, such as triangular, that allows the reinforcing member  540  to function as described herein. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than a height mp h  of the middle portion  510 , a depth fl d  of the first leg  520 , and a depth sl d  of the second leg  530 . In some exemplary embodiments, a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540  is equal to a height mp h  of the middle portion  510 . In some exemplary embodiments, a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than or equal to a height mp h  of the middle portion  510  but more than half of the height mp h  of the middle portion  510  (i.e., 0.5mp h &lt;rm h &lt;mp h ). In some exemplary embodiments, a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than a depth fl d  of the first leg  520  but more than half of the depth fl d  of the first leg  520  (i.e., 0.5fl d &lt;rm h &lt;fl d ). In some exemplary embodiments, a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than a depth sl d  of the second leg  530  but more than half of the depth sl d  of the second leg  530  (i.e., 0.5sl d &lt;rm h &lt;sl d ). 
     In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm d  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than a height mp h  of the middle portion  510 , a depth fl d  of the first leg  520 , and a depth sl d  of the second leg  530 . In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm d  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540 . In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm d  of the reinforcing member  540  is equal to a height rm h  of the reinforcing member  540 . In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm d  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than or equal to half of a height mp h  of the middle portion  510  (i.e., rm d &lt;0.5mp h ). In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm d  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than or equal to three-quarters of a depth fl d  of the first leg  520  (i.e., rm d &lt;0.75fl d ). In some exemplary embodiments, a depth rm d  of the reinforcing member  540  is less than or equal to half of a depth sl d  of the second leg  530  (i.e., rm d &lt;0.5sl d ). 
     The at least one reinforcing member  540  provides the bracket body  502  with greater structural integrity to resist deformation when acted on by external forces. In particular, when the mounting bracket  500  is used to install insulation (e.g., curtain wall insulation  102 ), the at least one reinforcing member  540  increases a depth of the mounting bracket  500  and provides at least one additional surface that is operable to bear against a support structure (e.g., mullion, transom) and thereby increase resistance to deformation by external forces, such as external forces exerted on a curtain wall insulation  102  due to the compression fit of a safing insulation  104 . Accordingly, the mounting brackets  500  disclosed herein having at least one reinforcing member  540  can be used in a curtain wall insulation system  100  to prevent bowing or deformation of curtain wall insulation  102  due to the compression fit of the safing insulation  104  without the need for a separate reinforcement member (e.g., T-shaped backer bar  130 ) at or near the safing line. 
     In operation, one or more mounting brackets  500  are interfaced with a support structure (e.g., the mullion  152 , the transoms  154 ,  156 ) in proximity to a location where insulation (e.g., the curtain wall insulation  102 ) is to be installed. More specifically, one or more mounting brackets  500  are secured to mullion  152  and transoms  154 ,  156  via fasteners, such as screws. After attaching the mounting brackets  500  to the mullion  152  and transoms  154 ,  156 , curtain wall insulation  102  can be pressed onto the second leg  530  of each mounting bracket  500  such that the second leg  530  of each mounting bracket  500  penetrates the curtain wall insulation  102  such that a rear face of the curtain wall insulation abuts the middle portion  510  of each mounting bracket  500  and the barbs  534  on each second leg  530  effectively hold the curtain wall insulation  102  in place. The barbs  534  are suitable to secure the curtain wall insulation  102  to the mounting bracket  500  without the need for any additional structure (e.g., locking washers). 
     Alternatively, an insulation system incorporating the mounting brackets  500  of the present disclosure may be installed in a manner similar to an insulation system that utilizes the vertical hangers  210  and horizontal hangers  230  shown in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . In particular, multiple mounting brackets  500  are interfaced with a portion of curtain wall insulation sized to fit within a curtain wall region (i.e., at least a portion of a region framed by a pair of parallel mullions and a pair of parallel transoms). More specifically, each mounting bracket  500  is pressed into the insulation so that a rear face of the insulation abuts the middle portion  510  of the mounting bracket  500 , a side of the insulation abuts the first leg  520  of the mounting bracket  500 , and the second leg  530  extends into, but not through, the insulation and the barbs  534  on the second leg  530  effectively secure the insulation to the mounting brackets  500 . In this manner, the curtain wall insulation is interfaced with the mounting brackets  500 . 
     Thereafter, the curtain wall insulation can be positioned and mounted in the curtain wall region. More specifically, a fastener (now shown), such as a screw, passes through the aperture  522  of each mounting bracket  500  to secure the mounting bracket  500  to a mullion or a transom. In this manner, the curtain wall insulation (e.g., curtain wall insulation  102 ) is mechanically secured within the curtain wall region. Typically, a piece of insulation (i.e., mullion cover) is then positioned over the mullion to protect it in the event of a fire. The mullion cover can be secured to the curtain wall insulation via fasteners, such as spiral screws or other separate mounting hangers/brackets. 
     It will be obvious to one of ordinary skill into the art, that any suitable number of the mounting brackets  500  can be used to secure the insulation (e.g., the curtain wall insulation  102 ) in the desired spaces. 
     Because the mounting bracket  500  operates to effectively install and affix the insulation without the need for locking washers and the like, the mounting bracket  500  allows for a simpler and quicker installation of fire perimeter insulation. Furthermore, because the mounting bracket  500  includes an integrated reinforcing member  540 , there is no need to install a separate reinforcing member (e.g., T-shaped backer bar) required in conventional fire perimeter insulation systems and, thus, the mounting bracket  500  allows for a simpler and quicker installation of fire perimeter insulation. 
     Example 
     The following example illustrates the performance of mounting brackets according to the present disclosure as compared to conventional horizontal Impasse® insulation hangers (“conventional horizontal hangers”) available from Thermafiber, Inc. of Wabash, Ind., which are shown in  FIG.  2 B . This example is for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In this example, a test was conducted in accordance with ASTM E2307-19 “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test Apparatus.” This test standard is intended to test for a system&#39;s ability to impede vertical spread of fire from a floor of origin to that above through a perimeter void, the void between an exterior wall assembly and a floor assembly. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the test setup includes two identical pieces of mineral wool insulation  102 ,  102   a  (i.e., curtain wall insulation) attached to aluminum framing including mullions  152  and transoms  154 . One piece of mineral wool insulation  102  was attached to the transom  154  using five mounting brackets  500  according to the present disclosure and two conventional vertical hangers  210  to attach the mineral wool insulation  102  to the mullions  152 . The other piece of mineral wool insulation  102   a  was attached to the transom  154  using five conventional horizontal hangers  230  and two conventional vertical hangers  210  to attach the mineral wool insulation  102   a  to the mullions. The spacing of the five mounting brackets  500  attached to transom  154  and the spacing of the five conventional horizontal hangers  230  attached to transom  154  was identical. In addition, the mounting brackets  500  and the conventional horizontal hangers  230  were made of the same material and had the same thickness. 
     After conducting the test in accordance with ASTM E2307-19, it was observed that the mounting brackets  500  held its insulation  102  in place better than the conventional horizontal hangers  230  held its insulation  102   a  in place. This was observed by how much each piece of insulation  102 ,  102   a  sagged or drooped after being exposed to the fire test conditions at three points. When the insulation  102 ,  102   a  sags, gaps can be created in void material (i.e., safing insulation) that, if large enough, may allow flames to pass through causing the fire to spread. The first point corresponded to the edges of the mineral wool insulation  102 ,  102   a  adjacent the center mullion  152 , the second point corresponded to the first mounting bracket  500  and the first conventional horizontal hanger  230  spaced from the center mullion  152 , and the third point corresponded to the second mounting bracket  500  and the second conventional hanger  230  spaced from the center mullion. The sag at the first point for the mineral wool insulation  102  attached with the mounting brackets  500  was about 0.4 inches, whereas the sag at the first point for the mineral wool insulation  102   a  attached with the conventional horizontal hangers  230  was about 1 inch. The sag at the second point for the mineral wool insulation  102  attached with the mounting brackets  500  was about 0.4 inches, whereas the sag at the second point for the mineral wool insulation  102   a  attached with the conventional horizontal hangers  230  was about 0.8 inches. The sag at the third point for the mineral wool insulation  102  attached with the mounting brackets  500  was about 0.3 inches, whereas the sag at the third point for the mineral wool insulation  102   a  attached with the conventional horizontal hangers  230  was about 0.7 inches. 
     These results indicate that the mounting brackets  500  of the present disclosure maintain their shape and strength under fire exposure conditions better than the conventional horizontal hangers  230 . In addition, these results indicate that the mounting brackets  500  of the present disclosure can provide a safer curtain wall insulation system than the conventional horizontal hangers  230  because the insulation is less likely to sag or droop, which reduces the ability of a fire to spread. 
     The scope of the general inventive concepts presented herein are not intended to be limited to the particular exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. From the disclosure given, those skilled in the art will not only understand the general inventive concepts and their attendant advantages, but will also find apparent various changes and modifications to the devices and systems disclosed. For example, while the exemplary embodiments described and shown herein relate to fire perimeter insulation, the inventive mounting brackets could be used to install other forms of insulation in building cavities. It is sought, therefore, to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concepts, as described and/or claimed herein, and any equivalents thereof.