Ceiling-mounted equipment suspension system for suspended ceilings

Abstract

A ceiling-mounted equipment suspension system configured for suspended ceilings, comprising a pair of vertical side connection brackets, each defining a lower rail engagement configured to attach to a grid member of the ceiling, an upper crossbar engagement defining a cross-aperture and a clamp interfacing the cross-aperture, and a spine. A crossbar is supported between the vertical side connection brackets, slidably engaged within the cross-apertures of the side connection brackets and fixed in place by tightening the clamps. The system includes a suspension pole and a connector configured for suspending the suspension pole through ceiling panels from the crossbar. The connector engages the crossbar for lateral adjustment and engages the suspension pole for vertical adjustment, allowing versatile and secure suspension of equipment from conventional suspended ceilings.

Description

Ceiling-Mounted Equipment Suspension System for Suspended CeilingsField of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to equipment suspension systems, and more particularly, to a ceiling-mounted equipment suspension system designed for use with conventional suspended ceilings. The invention is intended for securely suspending various types of equipment, such as digital displays, smoke sensors, cameras, and alarm devices, in a manner that integrates with the structural elements of suspended ceilings while allowing for easy installation, adjustment, and maintenance.Background of the Invention

[0002] Suspended ceilings, commonly installed in commercial and residential buildings, provide an aesthetic cover for building utilities such as electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems. These ceilings typically comprise a grid of interconnected T-bar or similar grid members that support lightweight ceiling panels, forming a secondary ceiling structure below the main structural ceiling. The design of suspended ceilings allows for easy access to utilities above the ceiling panels, making them a practical choice for buildings with significant infrastructure requirements.

[0003] There is an increasing need to suspend various equipment, such as digital displays, smoke sensors, cameras, and alarm devices, from conventional suspended ceilings. Such installations demand a secure and versatile suspension system that integrates seamlessly with the existing ceiling structure without compromising its integrity or aesthetics. Traditional arrangements often require complex modifications to the ceiling panels and grid, potentially increasing installation time and costs.

[0004] One prior art arrangement, Milestone AV Technologies, INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Universal Interface Suspended Ceiling Projector System, Published 31 st December 2017, [retrieved from internet on 28 May 2024 <URL:es / SYS LLLgdf> [hereinafter referred to as D1 ], is designed specifically for suspending projectors from suspended ceilings. D1 describes a suspension plate thatis affixed between the grid members of the ceiling using side channels positioned at both ends of the plate. The suspension plate features side flanges, allowing the adjacent ceiling panel portions to be cut and installed alongside the plate. The suspension plate spans the full width between the opposite grid members, with ceiling panel pieces lying on top of the flanges of the surrounding grid members and the suspension plate’s side flanges. As a result, the suspension plate remains exposed through the ceiling.

[0005] D1 allows for the suspension plate to be offset and adjusted relative to the side channels so that it lies flush with the adjacent ceiling panel portions. The suspension plate further supports a suspension pole through an aperture, which may be an elongate slot to provide lateral adjustment of the pole. However, this arrangement may limit versatility and aesthetic appeal due to the direct exposure of the suspension plate and the constraints imposed by the aperture design.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a ceiling mounted equipment suspension system, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0007] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0008] The described ceiling-mounted equipment suspension system is configured for suspending equipment from conventional suspended ceilings. The system comprises a pair of vertical side connection brackets, each defining a lower rail engagement configured to attach to a grid member of the ceiling, an upper crossbar engagement defining a cross-aperture and a clamp interfacing the cross-aperture, and a spine. A crossbar is supported between the vertical side connection brackets, slidably engaged within the cross-apertures of the side connection brackets and fixed in place by tightening the clamps. The system further includes a suspension pole and a connector configured for suspending the suspension pole through ceiling panels fromthe crossbar. The crossbar engages the connector for lateral adjustment and the suspension pole for vertical adjustment.

[0009] Unlike D1 , where the suspension plate is exposed through the ceiling and adjacent ceiling panels are cut to fit around it, the present arrangement discreetly supports the suspension pole from a vertical position, allowing the pole to penetrate a small aperture preformed through a ceiling panel. This design maintains the ceiling's aesthetics and avoids exposing structural components directly through the ceiling.

[0010] The arrangement is a relatively simple structure comprising side connection brackets, a crossbar, and a suspension pole interconnected with clamps and connectors, making it cost-effective to manufacture. Despite its simplicity, it offers a reliable, secure, and versatile solution for suspending a wide range of equipment, such as digital displays, smoke sensors, and IP cameras, from conventional suspended ceilings.

[0011] The lower rail engagements allow for quick and reliable attachment to the grid members of suspended ceilings. The spine elevates the upper crossbar engagement above the grid members, enabling the suspension pole to be supported above the ceiling panel and allowing it to penetrate through the panel from above. This vertical configuration provides adequate clearance for existing or installed ceiling services, such as electrical or data cabling, water, or gas piping, to pass beneath the crossbar without obstruction.

[0012] The detachable and slidable connection between the upper crossbar engagement and the crossbar facilitates easy assembly, even in confined spaces, and permits lengthwise insertion in restricted areas. The sliding mechanism of the crossbar relative to the side connection brackets allows for lateral adjustment, enabling the crossbar to extend across or abut any adjacent beams.

[0013] Moreover, the dual-directional sliding interface of the connector permits both lateral and vertical adjustments of the suspension pole substantially across the entire length of the crossbar between the side connection brackets, enhancing the versatility of the system. Unlike D1 , which is constrained by a relatively short aperture that limitsthe range of pole placement, the present arrangement enables the suspension pole to penetrate most of the ceiling panel area. As depicted in Figure 6, this configuration allows installation throughout approximately 95% of the ceiling panel area, excluding the challenging corner regions near the crossover junctions of the grid members. This increased placement flexibility greatly enhances the practicality of the system for various applications.

[0014] The spine preferably holds an undersurface of the crossbar more than 40 mm above the top edge of the grid member. This configuration provides sufficient clearance for existing or installed ceiling services such as electrical or data cabling, and liquid or gas piping, allowing these services to be routed under the crossbar without obstruction.

[0015] The lower rail engagement may optionally define a channel sized to fit over a bulb of the grid member, with the lower rail engagement further comprising a selfdrilling screw penetrating both sidewalls of the bulb and the lower rail engagement. This feature provides a quick and secure method of attaching the lower rail engagement to the grid member, enhancing the stability of the suspension system.

[0016] The lower rail engagement may define a side rail positioned beside the spine, with the self-drilling screw penetrating the side rail. This arrangement further improves the structural engagement of the suspension system with the grid member, minimising lateral movement and enhancing overall security.

[0017] The side rail may optionally define a screw hole for the self-drilling screw, and the side rail itself may be punched out from a centre portion of a plate forming the lower rail engagement. The lower rail engagement may define lateral portions extending from the spine, with the lateral portions and the side rail defining a channel therebetween. This configuration allows for a compact and streamlined design of the lower rail engagement, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.

[0018] The side rail can optionally be preloaded with the self-drilling screw, which facilitates quick installation. The screw hole may be sized slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the threading of the self-drilling screw, ensuring that the screw remains securely retained in the hole before final installation.

[0019] The side rail may also comprise a profile shaped to match the side profile of the bulb of the grid member, which enhances the engagement between the bulb and the side rail. This feature minimises sideways movement along the grid member, contributing to the stability of the suspended equipment. In this regard, the side rail may define a bottom edge underhanging rail which engages under the respective side of the bulb. This engagement secures the side rail against both the top and bottom edges of the bulb, providing additional security and minimising potential displacement.

[0020] The lower rail engagement and the upper crossbar engagement may optionally extend from opposite sides of the spine. This configuration allows the suspension pole to be positioned closer to the ceiling grid members, enhancing placement versatility.

[0021] The upper crossbar engagement may be defined between the spine and an adjacent portion, with the adjacent portion extending along the spine and defining a flat connection surface parallel with the spine. This design provides another way to attach the side connection bracket flat against side faces of beams.

[0022] The spine and the adjacent portion may define collocating apertures for screws, allowing the arrangement to be connected flat against a side face of a beam with at least one screw. This provides additional attachment options for various beam configurations, increasing the versatility of the suspension system.

[0023] The side connection bracket may be optionally installed upside down, with the lower rail engagement positioned above the crossbar engagement. This feature enhances the flexibility of installation in confined or unique spaces.

[0024] The crossbar may optionally extend across a beam or abut against the side face of the beam, providing a secure anchoring point and enabling customised placement of the suspended equipment.

[0025] The beam may be a channel beam, and the adjacent portion of the side connection bracket can be installed on either the external or internal surface of the web of the channel beam. This provides flexible installation options depending on the structural requirements of the ceiling setup.

[0026] The cross-apertures and the crossbar may define non-circular cross-sections, which facilitate non-rotatable engagement, maintaining the correct orientation of the suspended equipment and preventing unwanted rotation.

[0027] The clamp may optionally include a manually adjustable wingnut that interfaces with the top portion of the upper crossbar engagement adjacent to the cross-aperture. This provides a convenient and user-friendly method for securing the crossbar, especially in tight spaces.

[0028] The connector may comprise a carriage that slidably interfaces with the crossbar and a gate that closes against the carriage to define a securement aperture for the suspension pole. This dual sliding arrangement allows for precise adjustment of the suspension pole in both lateral and vertical directions.

[0029] The crossbar may be exposed by the carriage so that when the gate is closed, the suspension pole presses against the exposed portion of the crossbar, thereby preventing the carriage from sliding along the crossbar. This feature enhances the stability of the suspended equipment by preventing unwanted movement.

[0030] The carriage may define a non-rectangular channel for a corresponding non- rectangular cross-section of the crossbar, facilitating a non-rotatable engagement that keeps the carriage horizontally oriented along the crossbar.

[0031] The distal end of the suspension pole may optionally comprise a mounting plate attached directly to the distal end, providing a versatile platform for mounting various types of equipment.

[0032] The mounting plate may define a main aperture corresponding to the distal end of the suspension pole, allowing cabling to pass through, which is particularly useful for devices requiring electrical or data connections.

[0033] The distal portion of the suspension pole may include a cable exit aperture, and the mounting plate may have a corresponding cable entrance aperture. This setup facilitates neat and organised cable management, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the installation.

[0034] The mounting plate may include a pair of diametrically opposed mounting holes relative to the main aperture, offering secure attachment points for various electronicdevices. The mounting plate may be rectangular and include corner mounting holes spaced according to conventional standards such as VESA, making it adaptable for mounting digital displays or other similar equipment.

[0035] The lower rail engagement may feature cross arms configured to reach over a furring channel to engage one side of the channel while an offset mechanism bears against the opposite edge. This feature provides a stable attachment to various ceiling structures, enhancing the versatility of the suspension system. The offset mechanism may comprise a jacking screw that extends between the cross arms, securing the engagement with the furring channel and providing easy adjustment to suit various ceiling configurations. The lower rail engagement may include a side flange with an elongate channel for receiving a self-drilling screw, allowing for adjustable positioning of the engagement along the ceiling member.

[0036] The side connection bracket may optionally comprise a top channel defining the cross-aperture and a profiled baseplate comprising a horizontal web, a downwardly extending side flange, and an upwardly extending side flange. This configuration provides multiple securement points and enhances the structural integrity of the system. The horizontal web may define a screw hole for securing the side connection bracket directly to a ceiling member using a metal screw, providing a reliable attachment method in various ceiling environments. The downwardly extending flange may also define a screw hole, allowing the side connection bracket to be fastened securely to a horizontal beam, such as a timber or metal beam, enhancing the stability of the overall suspension system. The upwardly extending flange may engage underneath a side channel of an aluminium-type batten, further broadening the installation options and providing secure attachment points for diverse ceiling configurations.

[0037] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a ceiling-mounted equipment suspension system configured for suspending equipment such as digital displays, smoke sensors, cameras, and alarm devices from conventional suspended ceilings.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the lower rail engagement specifically designed for secure and reliable attachment to a T-bar.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a mounting plate that may be directly affixed to the distal end of the suspension pole.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a perspective view at one end of the system.

[0043] Figure 5 shows the connector comprising a carriage slidably engaging the crossbar with a gate defining a securement aperture for the suspension pole.

[0044] Figure 6 depicts the penetration coverage of the suspension pole through the ceiling panel, allowing installation throughout approximately 95% of the ceiling panel area.

[0045] Figure 7 shows a side connection bracket in accordance with an embodiment which may be installed flat against a side of a beam.

[0046] Figure 8 shows the side connection bracket installed upside down, with the rail engagement positioned above the crossbar engagement.

[0047] Figure 9 shows the side connection bracket attached to a channel beam comprising a central web and side flanges.

[0048] Figure 10 shows the side connection bracket attached to both internal and external surfaces of the web of a channel beam.

[0049] Figure 1 1 shows a side connection bracket designed for connecting to top hat furring channels with an offset mechanism.

[0050] Figure 12 shows the side connection bracket in accordance with a further embodiment.

[0051] Figure 13 illustrates the side connection bracket installed in an opposite orientation compared to the configuration shown in Figure 12.

[0052] Figure 14 shows the horizontal web of the side connection bracket being screwed directly onto a side flange of a ceiling member.

[0053] Figure 15 shows the downwardly extending flange of the side connection bracket fastened to a horizontal beam, such as a timber beam.

[0054] Figure 16 shows the upwardly extending flange of the side connection bracket engaging underneath a side channel of an aluminium-type batten.

[0055] Figure 17 shows another view of the upwardly extending flange engaging an aluminium-type batten.

[0056] Figure 18 shows an embodiment where the lower rail engagement and the upper crossbar engagement extend from opposite sides of the vertical spine.Description of Embodiments

[0057] Figure 1 shows a ceiling-mounted equipment suspension system 100 configured for suspending equipment such as digital displays, smoke sensors, cameras, alarm devices, and similar items from conventional suspended ceilings 101. The suspended ceilings comprise grid members 102 having side flanges 103 that support ceiling panels 104 between them.

[0058] The system 100 includes a pair of vertical side connection brackets 105. Each side connection bracket 105 defines a lower rail engagement 106 configured to attach to a respective grid member 102 of the ceiling 101 and an upper crossbar engagement 107 defining a cross-aperture 108 and a clamp 109 interfacing with the cross-aperture 108. Each side connection bracket 105 further comprises a vertical spine 1 19 that positions the upper crossbar engagement 107 above the lower rail engagement 106.

[0059] The system 100 further comprises a crossbar 1 10 supported between the vertical side connection brackets 105. The crossbar 1 10 is slidably engaged within the cross-apertures 108 of the vertical side connection brackets 105 and can be fixed in place by tightening the clamps 109 of the vertical side connection brackets 105. In the embodiment shown, the clamp 109 comprises a manually adjustable wingnut 1 1 1 having a screw 1 13 threaded through a top portion 1 12 of the upper crossbar engagement 107 into the cross-aperture 108 to press against a surface of the crossbar 1 10.

[0060] The system 100 further includes a suspension pole 1 14 and a connector 1 15 configured for suspending the suspension pole 1 14 from an elevated position abovethe ceiling panel 104 through the panels 104 of the suspended ceiling 101. An aperture 1 16 may be cut through one of the panels 104 to accommodate the suspension pole 1 14, and this aperture may be finished with an annular finishing plate 1 17. The connector 1 15 slidably engages the crossbar 1 10 for lateral adjustment and also engages the suspension pole 1 14 for vertical adjustment.

[0061] The arrangement of Figure 1 is designed to suspend various equipment from conventional suspended ceilings, achieving a load rating of at least 7 kg in embodiments, and allowing for versatile placement. Figure 6 shows an underside view of the suspended ceiling 101 , illustrating that the arrangement of Figure 1 can position the suspension pole 1 14 anywhere through a ceiling panel 104, except for the corner regions 1 18, which are typically difficult to access. This configuration allows for approximately 95% coverage of the ceiling panel 104 area.

[0062] Furthermore, the vertical spine 1 19 raises the crossbar 1 10 sufficiently above the ceiling panels 104, providing space underneath to accommodate existing or installed ceiling services, including electrical or data cabling, or liquid or gas pipework. Preferably, the vertical spine 1 19 positions the undersurface of the crossbar 1 10 more than 40 mm above the top edge of the grid member 102.

[0063] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein the lower rail engagement 106 is specifically designed for secure and reliable attachment to a T-bar 120. The T-bar 120 is typically folded from a single sheet of metal to define an upper bulb 121 , a vertical web 122, and side flanges 103. In this embodiment, the lower rail engagement 106 defines a channel sized to fit over the bulb 121 of the T-bar 120. The lower rail engagement 106 further includes a self-drilling screw 123 that penetrates both sidewalls 124 of the bulb 121 and the lower rail engagement 106. This arrangement provides a reliable and secure connection, minimising movement or displacement despite the upright position of the vertical side connection brackets 105. More specifically, the lower rail engagement 106 may define a side rail 125 adjacent to the vertical spine 1 19, with the side rail 125 and the vertical spine 1 19 defining the channel between them. The self-drilling screw 123 penetrates the side rail 125 for additional stability.

[0064] In some embodiments, the side rail 125 may be punched out from a centre portion of a plate forming the lower rail engagement 106, defining lateral portions 126 (best seen in Figure 7) extending from the spine 1 19. The lateral portions 126 and the side rail 125 define the channel therebetween. The side rail 125 may include a screw hole for the self-drilling screw 123. As shown in Figure 7, the side rail 125 may be preloaded with the self-drilling screw 123, with the screw hole being slightly smaller than the maximum diameter of the threading of the screw to retain it before installation. When the screw is driven, it forces the self-drilling screw 123 through the screw hole and into the sidewalls 124 of the bulb 121.

[0065] Preferably, the side rail 125 has a profile shaped to match the side profile of the bulb 121 to enhance the engagement of the bulb 121 and minimise sideways movement, especially along the direction of the T-bar 120. As shown in Figure 2, the side rail 125 may define a bottom edge underhanging rail 127 that engages underneath a respective side of the bulb 121 , ensuring a secure grip on both the top and bottom edges of the bulb 121.

[0066] Figure 18 depicts an embodiment where the lower rail engagement 106 and the upper crossbar engagement 107 extend from opposite sides of the vertical spine 1 19. This arrangement allows the connector 1 15 to slide close to or directly against the grid member 102, enabling the suspension pole 1 14 to reach the edges of the ceiling panel 104 as previously described in relation to Figure 6.

[0067] The versatile design of the side connection brackets 105 is further illustrated in Figures 7-10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 18, the upper crossbar engagement 107 is defined between the vertical spine 1 19 and an adjacent portion128 spaced apart from and parallel to the vertical spine 1 19. A bottom curved portion129 may connect the vertical spine 1 19 and the adjacent portion 128, enclosing them to provide additional structural integrity.

[0068] The adjacent portion 128 and the vertical spine 1 19 define collocating screw holes 133, into which various types of screws 131 (e.g., wood screws, metal screws, self-drilling screws) may be inserted. The adjacent portion 128 forms a flat connection face, which, as shown in Figure 7, can be secured flat against a side face 132 of abeam 133. Figure 8 demonstrates the side connection bracket being installed upside down, with the rail engagement 106 positioned above the crossbar engagement 107.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, the crossbar 1 10 extends beyond the beam 133, either across its top or bottom surface. However, Figure 8 illustrates an alternative configuration where the end of the crossbar 1 10 abuts the side face 132 of the beam 133. Figure 7 shows an installation on a wooden beam with wood screws, while Figure 8 shows the use of concrete screws or bolts for a concrete beam, and Figure 9 depicts installation on a steel beam using metal screws, including self-drilling screws.

[0070] Figure 9 further illustrates the attachment of the side connection bracket 105 to an external surface of a web 134 of a channel beam comprising side flanges 135, while Figure 10 shows attachment to an internal surface of the web 134. In Figure 10, the channel beam is oriented similarly, with the crossbar 1 10 connected between on e side connection bracket 105 attached internally and another side connection bracket 105 attached externally.

[0071] Figure 5 depicts the connector 1 15 comprising a carriage 136 that slidably engages the crossbar 1 10. A gate 137, hingedly coupled to the carriage 136, defines a securement aperture 130 between the gate 137 and the carriage 136, which can be secured using a bolt 139. The securement aperture 130 and the suspension pole 1 14 may have noncircular cross-sections to ensure non-rotatable engagement of the suspension pole 1 14 by the connector 1 15.

[0072] A portion 140 of the crossbar 1 10 may be exposed by the carriage 136 so that, when the gate 137 is closed, the suspension pole 1 14 presses against this exposed portion 140, preventing the carriage 136 from sliding along the crossbar 1 10. The carriage 136 may define a non-rectangular channel therethrough, corresponding to the cross-section of the crossbar 1 10 (e.g., a square cross-section), facilitating non- rotatable engagement and keeping the carriage 136 properly aligned along the crossbar 1 10.

[0073] Figure 3 illustrates a mounting plate 138 that may be directly affixed to the distal end of the suspension pole 1 14. Referring to Figure 1 , the mounting plate 138 may be horizontally suspended directly from the end of the suspension pole 1 14 andwelded in place. The mounting plate 138 may define a main aperture 142 aligned with the distal end of the suspension pole 1 14, allowing cabling routed through the suspension pole 1 14 to exit via the main aperture 142.

[0074] The distal end of the suspension pole 1 14 may comprise a cable exit aperture 139, while the mounting plate 138 may define a corresponding cable entrance aperture 140. For equipment requiring data connectivity, such as an IP camera, an Ethernet cable can be routed through the top of the suspension pole 1 14, through the suspension pole’s interior, and then out through the cable exit aperture 139 and into the cable entrance aperture 140 of the mounting plate 138. The cable entrance aperture 140 may be configured to align with an RJ45 socket of the attached equipment.

[0075] The mounting plate 138 may further define side mounting holes 141 positioned diametrically opposite the main aperture 142, suitable for attaching screws for electronic devices such as smoke sensors. The mounting plate 138, as shown in Figure 3, may also be rectangular and include corner mounting holes 144 spaced according to conventional TV mounting bracket standards, such as a VESA mount. For digital displays, the mounting plate 138 may be positioned at an angle or vertically at the distal end of the suspension pole 1 14.

[0076] Figure 1 1 shows a side connection bracket 105 in an embodiment where the lower rail engagement 106 is designed to connect to top hat furring channels 143. In this embodiment, the lower rail engagement comprises cross arms that extend over the furring channel 143 and engage its opposite side. An offset mechanism 145, which bears against an opposite edge 146 of the furring channel 143, secures the engagement. The offset mechanism 145 may include a jacking screw 147, such as a wingnut, that extends between the cross arms, pressing against the adjacent edge 146 of the furring channel 143 and pulling the distal portions of the cross arms against the opposite edge for secure attachment. The lower rail engagement 106 may also feature side flanges 149 with an elongate channel 150 through which a self-drilling screw 151 can be inserted to engage a side flange 103 of the furring channel 143.

[0077] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the side connection bracket 105, comprising a top channel 152 that defines the cross-aperture 108 through which the crossbar 1 10 extends, and a profiled baseplate 153 with a horizontal web 154, a downwardly extending side flange 155, and an upwardly extending side flange 156. Figure 13 illustrates how the side connection bracket 105 can be installed in an opposite orientation compared to the configuration shown in Figure 12.

[0078] The horizontal web 154 may define a screw hole 157. As shown in Figure 14, the horizontal web 154 can be screwed directly onto a side flange 103 of a ceiling member using a metal screw 155 through the screw hole 157. The metal screw 155 may be a self-drilling screw. Figure 12 further shows the downwardly extending flange 155 defining a screw hole 158, and Figure 15 illustrates that the side connection bracket 105 can be fastened to a horizontal beam, such as a timber beam 133, using a screw 159 (such as a wood screw) through the screw hole 158.

[0079] Figures 16 and 17 show how the upwardly extending flange 156 engages underneath a side channel of an aluminium-type batten 161 .

[0080] In use, the arrangement shown in Figure 1 allows for the secure suspension of equipment from a suspended ceiling. The user first installs the vertical side connection brackets 105 by attaching the lower rail engagements 106 to the grid members 102 of the ceiling 101. The crossbar 1 10 is then inserted through the crossapertures 108 of the side connection brackets 105 and secured in place by tightening the clamps 109. An aperture 1 16 is cut through a selected ceiling panel 104, and the suspension pole 1 14 is installed through the aperture. The connector 1 15 allows for both lateral and vertical adjustments of the suspension pole 1 14, providing flexibility in the positioning of the suspended equipment. Once the suspension pole 1 14 is properly positioned, the desired equipment can be mounted onto the distal end of the suspension pole 1 14 using the mounting plate 138. The described arrangement ensures stable, secure, and versatile equipment suspension, accommodating various equipment types and allowing easy access for maintenance and adjustments.

[0081] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it willbe apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A ceiling mounted equipment suspension system configured for suspended ceilings, the suspension system comprising: a pair of vertical side connection brackets, each side connection bracket defining: a lower rail engagement configured to attach to a grid member of the ceiling; an upper crossbar engagement defining a cross-aperture and a clamp interfacing the cross-aperture; and a spine; a crossbar supported between the vertical side connection brackets, the crossbar slidably engaged within cross-apertures of the vertical side connection brackets and fixed in place by tightening of the clamps of the vertical side connection brackets; a suspension pole; and a connector configured for suspending the suspension pole through panels from the crossbar, wherein the connector slidably engages the crossbar for lateral adjustment and the suspension pole for vertical adjustment.

2. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the spine holds an undersurface of the crossbar more than 40 mm above a top edge of the grid member.

3. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the lower rail engagement defines a channel sized to fit over a bulb of the grid member, and wherein the lower rail engagement further comprises a self-drilling screw penetrating both sidewalls of the bulb and the lower rail engagement.

4. The suspension system of claim 3, wherein the lower rail engagement defines a side rail beside the spine, and wherein the self-drilling screw penetrates the side rail.

5. The suspension system of claim 4, wherein the side rail defines a screw hole for the self-drilling screw.

6. The suspension system of claim 4, wherein the side rail is punched out from a centre portion of a plate forming the lower rail engagement, wherein the lower rail engagement defines lateral portions extending from the spine and wherein the lateral portions and the side rail define the channel therebetween.

7. The suspension system of claim 4, wherein the side rail is preloaded with the selfdrilling screw.

8. The suspension system of claim 5, wherein the screw hole is smaller than a maximum diameter of the threading of the self-drilling screw.

9. The suspension system of claim 4, wherein the side rail comprises a profile shaped to a side profile of the bulb.

10. The suspension system of claim 9, wherein the side rail defines a bottom edge underhanging rail which engages under a respective side of the bulb.1 1 . The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the lower rail engagement and the upper crossbar engagement extend from opposite sides of the spine.

12. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the upper crossbar engagement is defined between the spine and an adjacent portion, and wherein the adjacent portion extends along the spine thereby defining a flat connection surface parallel with the spine.

13. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the spine and the adjacent portion comprise collocating apertures for a screw.

14. The suspension system of claim 12, wherein the connection surface is connected flat against a side face of a beam in use with at least one screw.

15. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein the side connection bracket is installed with the lower rail engagement above the crossbar engagement.

16. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein the crossbar extends across the beam in use.

17. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein an end of the crossbar abuts a side face of the beam in use.

18. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein the beam is a channel beam, and wherein the adjacent portion is installed to an external surface of a web of the channel beam.

19. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein the beam is a channel beam, and wherein the adjacent portion is installed to an internal surface of a web of the channel beam.

20. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the cross-apertures and the crossbar define non-circular cross-sections.21 . The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the clamp comprises a manually adjustable wingnut screwably interfacing a top portion of the upper crossbar engagement adjacent to the cross-aperture.

22. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a carriage slidably interfacing the crossbar and a gate closing against the carriage to define a securement aperture for the suspension pole.

23. The suspension system of claim 22, wherein the crossbar is exposed by the carriage to contact the suspension pole.

24. The suspension system of claim 22, wherein the carriage defines a non- rectangular channel therethrough for a corresponding non-rectangular cross-section of the crossbar, thereby facilitating non-rotatable engagement, keeping the carriage horizontally oriented along the crossbar.

25. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the suspension pole comprises a mounting plate attached directly to the distal end.

26. The suspension system of claim 25, wherein the mounting plate comprises a main aperture corresponding with the distal end of the suspension pole.

27. The suspension system of claim 25, wherein a distal portion of the suspension pole comprises a cable exit aperture.

28. The suspension system of claim 25, wherein the mounting plate comprises a cable entrance aperture.

29. The suspension system of claim 25, wherein the mounting plate comprises a pair of mounting holes diametrically arranged with respect to the main aperture.

30. The suspension system of claim 25, wherein the mounting plate is rectangular and comprises mounting holes at corners thereof.

31. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein the lower rail engagement comprises cross arms configured to reach over a furring channel in use to engage a side of the furring channel and comprises an offset mechanism configured to bear against an opposite edge of the furring channel.

32. The suspension system of claim 31 , wherein the offset mechanism comprises a jacking screw extending between the cross arms.

33. The suspension system of claim 31 , wherein the lower rail engagement comprises a side flange and an elongate channel through which a self-drilling screw can be inserted.

34. The suspension system of claim 1 , wherein each side connection bracket comprises a top channel defining the cross-aperture and a profiled baseplate comprising a horizontal web, a downwardly extending side flange, and an upwardly extending side flange.

35. The suspension system of claim 34, wherein the horizontal web defines a screw hole.

36. The suspension system of claim 35, wherein the horizontal web is screwed onto a side flange of a ceiling member using a metal screw through the screw hole in use.

37. The suspension system of claim 34, wherein the downwardly extending flange defines a screw hole.

38. The suspension system of claim 37, wherein the downwardly extending flange is fastened to a side of a horizontal beam in use with a screw through the screw hole.

39. The suspension system of claim 34, wherein the upwardly extending flange engages underneath a side channel of an aluminium-type batten in use.

40. A method of suspending equipment from a ceiling using the suspension system of claim 1 , the method comprising:attaching the lower rail engagements of the pair of vertical side connection brackets to grid members of the ceiling; inserting the crossbar into the cross-apertures of the vertical side connection brackets; adjusting the crossbar laterally and fixing it in place by tightening the clamps of the vertical side connection brackets; inserting the suspension pole into the connector; adjusting the connector laterally along the crossbar and vertically along the suspension pole to achieve the desired position; securing the suspension pole by tightening the connector against the crossbar; positioning the suspension pole through an aperture in a ceiling panel; and mounting the equipment onto the distal end of the suspension pole.

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