Background of the Invention Bushfires pose a major threat to properties and property owners. Typically, burning embers which float through the air as a result of a bushfire will tend to set alight foliage or other flammable matter that has accumulated in the guttering of properties. This quite often results in the entire property becoming consumed by fire.

One solution to this problem has been for residents to douse the outside of their properties with water so as to reduce the flammability of the property. However, this can be an exhaustive and time-consuming activity and one which must be regularly performed by a property-owner in order to ensure that it does not catch alight.

Moreover, if the person is required to evacuate the property due to the imminent approach of the bush fire, the person is no longer able to douse water on to the property and its susceptibility to catching fire may therefore increase considerably.

Summary of the Invention The present invention seeks to provide a method and apparatus for securely mounting a sprinkler to a roof.

In a first broad form, the present invention provides an apparatus for releasably mounting a sprinkler on a roof, including a mounting means having first and second rotatably-coupled

portions, the first portion being rotatable relative to the second portion into a selectably fixed position wherein the first portion abuts against a first surface of the roof and the second portion abuts against a second surface of the roof, whereby, a sprinkler coupled to the mounting means is releasably mounted to the roof.

Preferably, the mounting means includes a first and a second rotatably-coupled plate. The plates are advantageous in seeking to provide stability for the mounting means, for instance, when water is first pumped into the sprinkler, and the sudden release of water pressure as the water exits the sprinkler result in a jerking movement of the sprinkler.

Preferably, the first surface of the roof and the second surface of the roof form a ridge- capping to which the mounting means is secured.

Preferably, the first and second plates are contoured to complement the first and second surfaces respectively. This is advantageous where the surface of the roof to which the mounting means is mounted, is irregular (eg. a corrugated surface).

Preferably, the plates include flanged portions. More preferably, the flanged portions are inwardly-facing and extend substantially perpendicular to the plates. Also preferably, the flanged portions abut flush against the edges of the ridge capping when in use. The inclusion of flanged portions provides a further element of stability to the mounting means in that the flanged portions of the plates will abut against the edges of the ridge-capping upon which it is mounted such that the plates are less likely to slide off the ridge-capping.

Preferably, the flanged portions include an anchor. More preferably, the anchor is a metal bar. The inclusion of an anchor, is advantageous in providing the plates with mass such that they are less inclined to slide off the surface of the roof.

Preferably, the first and second portions include an adhesive surface. The adhesive surface provides additional securement and stability for the mounting means to the roof.

Alternatively, the mounting means includes a magnet for securing the base plates to the roof. For instance, the magnet may include a material such as neodymium iron boron.

More preferably, a magnet is disposed on each corner of the base plates.

Also preferably, the plates include injection-moulded plastic which is advantageous in terms of providing ease of manufacture. Also preferably, the plates include stiffening beads running substantially parallel to the width of the plates. The stiffening beads provide the advantage of increasing rigidity in the plastic plates.

Preferably, the sprinkler includes a first opening for dispensing water. Also preferably, the sprinkler includes a second opening for receiving a supply of water from a tap. The supply of water is typically fed into the sprinkler opening via a conduit. In one preferred embodiment, the conduit includes a metal pipe. Preferably, the sprinkler is inter- connectable with other sprinklers so as to permit the mounting of a network of sprinklers on a roof. This is advantageous for instance where a property to be protected is quite large and a single sprinkler alone would provide inadequate protection from fire.

In a second broad form, the present invention provides an apparatus, for releasably mounting a sprinkler on a roof, including a sprinkler head coupled to a mounting means; said sprinkler having a first opening for dispensing water, and a second opening for receiving water from a water supply; said mounting means including first and second rotatably-coupled plates, the first plate being rotatable relative to the second portion into a selectably fixed position wherein the first plate abuts against a first surface of the roof and the second plate abuts against a second surface of the roof, whereby, a sprinkler coupled to the mounting means is releasably mounted to the roof.

Preferably, the sprinkler is inter-connectable with a second sprinkler by a hose, a first end of the hose being adapted to sealingly engage with the sprinkler, and a second end of the hose being adapted to sealingly engage with an opening disposed on the second sprinkler.

Preferably the base plates include cut-outs. More preferably, the dimensions of the cut- outs are such that, when the base plates are rotated together into substantially co-planar alignment the sprinkler head may be rotated substantially into the cut-outs of the base plates. Advantageously, this allows the present invention to be adapted into a relatively compact arrangement which may be beneficial for packaging purposes.

Brief Description of Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a side-view of a first embodiment of the present invention wherein it is releasably mounted to a substantially asymmetrical ridge-capping of a roof.

- Figure 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention releasably mounted to a substantially flat ridge-capping of a roof.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention releasably mounted to a substantially symmetrical ridge-capping of a roof.

Figure 4 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a second portion of the mounting means.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the second portion shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows an exploded-view of a first embodiment of a sprinkler adaptor and a sprinkler head.

Figure 7 depicts a side view of the first embodiment of a sprinkler adaptor shown in Fig. 6.

Figure 8 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of a second portion including a cut-out and magnets.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention In a first embodiment of the present invention, a mounting means is included having a first portion (1) rotatably coupled to a second portion (2) as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The first portion (1) and the second portion (2) are of substantially similar shape and dimensions and include rectangular-shaped plates (1,2) approximately 3 mm thick. Figure 4 shows a front-view of a plate (1,2) and Fig. 5 shows a side view of the same plate (1,2) used as a first and second portion (1,2) in this embodiment. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the plates (1,2) may not be substantially similar but are adapted to be hingedly coupled together in other configurations.

It should be noted that although in the present embodiment, the plates (1,2) of the mounting means are to be mounted to a ridge-capping (20) of a roof as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the mounting means may be used to mount a sprinkler to other portions of a roof surface.

In the present embodiment, the plates (1,2) are formed from injection-moulded plastic using techniques commonly known to persons skilled in the art. It would also be understood by a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments, the first and second portions (1,2) may include other suitable materials such as metal sheets.

The plates (1,2) each include a set of four stiffening ridges (10) which run parallel along substantially the entire width of the plates (1,2) as shown in Fig. 4. The stiffening ridges (10) are moulded integrally with the plates (1,2) at the time of manufacture and provide suitable rigidity to the plastic plates (1,2) in use. The number of stiffening ridges (10) which are moulded on to each plate (1,2) may vary depending upon the size and dimensions of the plates and the nature of the material being used.

The plates (1,2) each include a pair of tabs (13) having screw-threadable apertures as shown in Fig. 4. As will be discussed in further detail below, the tabs (13) assist in rotatably coupling the plates (1,2) together to form a hinge (5) arrangement The plates (1,2) also include flanged portions (3,4) which are substantially perpendicular to the plates (1,2). The flanged portions (3,4) are disposed on the opposite ends of the plates (1,2) from where the tabs (13) are located and the flanged portions (3,4) are inwardly directed such that when the plates (1,2) are positioned on the ridge-capping (20), the flanged portions (3,4) are directed downwardly toward the surface of the ridge-capping (20). The flanged portions (3,4) are also integrally moulded on to the plates (1,2) at the time of manufacture.

The length of the flanged portions (3,4) may be selected based upon the dimensions of the roof surface to which the plates (1,2) of the mounting means is to be secured. For instance, in this embodiment, the mounting means is to be secured to the ridge-capping (20) of the roof as shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In this instance, the flanged portions (3,4) extend approximately the length of the thickness of the ridge-capping (20) such that the plates (1,2) of the mounting means are able to sit flush against the surface of the ridge-capping (20). The flanged portions (3,4) are also positioned along the plates (1,2) such that when the plates (1,2) are resting upon the surface of the ridge-capping (20), the flanged portions (3,4) abut snugly against the sides of the ridge-capping (20). It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments of the present invention that the positioning of the flanged portions (3,4) along the length of the plates (1,2) may be adjustable such that the flanged portions (3,4) are able to abut snugly against the sides (8,9) of ridge-cappings of varying dimensions.

Metal bars (11) are attached to the plates (1,2) proximally to the flanged portions as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The metal bars (11) assist in anchoring the mounting means to the ridge- capping (20). The metal bars (11) extend substantially along the entire length of the plates (1,2) and in this embodiment are releasably snap-fitted into a recess formed between the flanged portion (3,4) and a secondary wall (19) disposed on each plate (1,2). It is noted that

in other embodiments of the present invention, other suitable materials and configurations known to persons skilled in the art may be employed in place of metal bars (11). For instance, the metal bars (11) may be replaced with sand-filled containers.

The sprinkler head (21) is attached to the plates (1,2) of the mounting means using a sprinkler adaptor (14). A front-view of the sprinkler head used in the present embodiment is shown in Fig. 6 and a side-view of the same sprinkler head (14) is depicted in Fig 7. In the present embodiment, the sprinkler adaptor (14) includes an injection-moulded plastic T-shaped conduit having a first opening (22), a second opening (23), and a third opening (24). The first opening (22) includes a screw-thread which is adapted to engage with a complimentary screw-thread disposed on the sprinkler head (21). The second opening (23) is connected to a hose via a hose adaptor (17) and the hose is in turn connected to a tap which selectively permits flow of water to the sprinkler head (21). The third opening (24) is releasably sealed using a sealing cap (15). However, in alternative embodiments, the sealing cap (15) may be removed from the third opening (24) and a hose may be fitted to the third opening (24). The hose in turn may be connected to another sprinkler adaptor so as to facilitate a network of interconnected sprinklers.

The sprinkler adaptor (14) also includes a pair of tabs (16) which are adapted to be coupled to the plates (1,2) of the mounting means.

In use, the plates (1,2) of the mounting means are rotatably coupled together by interleaving the tabs (13) of each plate together with the tabs of the sprinkler adaptor (14) whereby the apertures of each tab are aligned for co-axial screw-threading engagement.

Screws (12) are then inserted into the aligned apertures (18) whereby the plates (1,2), and the sprinkler adaptor are rotatably-coupled together along a the common hinge (5).

The hinge (5) arrangement formed at the junction of the plates (1,2) and the sprinkler adaptor (14) is of sufficient rigidity that when the plates (1,2) are rotated relative to one another into any given position, the plates (1,2) remain fixed in that position until further force is applied to re-position the plates (1,2). Thus, the plates (1,2) may be arranged in a

range of angles to complement the angles of various ridge-cappings.

In alternative embodiments, the tabs (16) of the sprinkler adaptor (14) may not be interleaved with the tabs of the plates (1,2) but may be further rotatably coupled to the plates (1,2) by an additional hinge means.

In order to mount the sprinkler (21) to the ridge-capping (20) of the roof, the relative angle of the rotatably-coupled plates (1,2) are first adjusted into position by rotating either or both plates (1,2) until the relative angle of the plates (1,2) substantially corresponds with the angle of the ridge-capping (20) to which the plates (1,2) of the mounting means are to be mounted. When the plates (1,2) have been forcibly oriented into an angle which complements the angle of the ridge-capping (20), the rigidity inherent in the hinge (5) arrangement will be such as to substantially hold the relative position of the plates (1,2).

In this way, the relative angle and positioning of the plates (1,2) is can be selectably fixed.

In alternative embodiments, a bracket may be further employed to releasably hold the plates (1,2) into any given position.

The first plate (1) is then positioned relative to a first surface (6) of the ridge capping (20) such that the first plate (1) abuts against the first surface (6), and the second plate (2) is similarly positioned relative to the second surface (7) such that it abuts against the second surface (7). In the present embodiment, the first and second surfaces (6,7) of the ridge- capping (20) are substantially planar and as the first and second plates (1,2) are also substantially planar, the first and second plates (1,2) will tend to lie flush against the first and second surfaces (6,7) respectively. However, the first and second plates (1,2) may not necessarily lie flush against the first and second surfaces (6,7) of the ridge-capping (20).

The flanged portions (3,4) of the first and second plates (1,2) are also positioned so as to abut against the ridge-capping sides (8, 9). Thus, the plates (1,2) of the mounting means are positioned so as to snugly surround the ridge-capping (20).

Once the plates (1,2) have been positioned, the sprinkler head is oriented relative to the

plates (1,2) until it is positioned substantially vertically upright relative to the ground. The inherent rigidity of the hinge (5) arrangement and/or the use of an additional fastener ensures that the sprinkler head (21) is able to substantially maintain its upright orientation in use. By way of example, Figs. 1 to 3 show the sprinkler head (21) mounted to various roof-top configurations.

Figure 8 shows a front view of a plate (27) that may alternatively be used as a first and second portion as described in relation to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The plate (27) includes a cut-out (26) and magnets (28) disposed substantially adjacent to the comers of the plate (27). The magnets (28) are disposed on a surface of the plate (27) which is to abut against the surface of the roof.

The dimensions of the cut-out (26) are such that the sprinkler is able to rotate relative to the first and second portions and in to the cut-outs of the first and second portions in order to provide a compact arrangement suitable for storage when not in use.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.