Adjustable mounting bracket apparatus and method

An adjustable mounting bracket comprising a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure and an interchangeable and/or replaceable attachment, adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.

BACKGROUND

The activities of marketing and advertising are important parts of the economy. Effective marketing and advertising introduce and promote products or services that otherwise would not be known to the consuming public. The consumer would typically desire information about a product or service before the consumer would consider purchasing that product or service. Marketing and advertising provide this information to the consumer to thereby inform the consumer about the existence of the product or service and its various attributes.

Public venue advertising is ubiquitous. Venues will often sell space to advertisers to promote specific products and generate additional revenue. The advertising can be displayed in many ways, such as on billboards, on walls, on electronic displays, on printed material, and other ways. However, because of the often remote (e.g., billboards) or transient (e.g., napkins) nature of these existing types of advertisements, they may fail to adequately grab the consumer's attention, or capture the consumer's eye in a manner that would leave the desired lasting impression. Thus, there appears to be an open niche for alternative advertising methods to accommodate the valuable commercial resource of the immediate visual area directly in front of the consumer in a captive-audience venue.

Cupholders and other seating structures such as seatbacks are frequently found in public and private venues where seating is common and beverages are served. Such seating structures are generally positioned so as to be conveniently accessible to the patrons sitting in the seats provided. For example, a typical seating structure such as a cupholder may be in position in front of the patron or in front of the patron's drinking arm, so that the patron can place their drink in the cupholder when not drinking and reach their drink easily when desired. Cupholders may be mounted or affixed to the seat backs of the row in front of a patron or on each armrest, so that they are readily accessible to the patron while at the same time not interfering with the comfort of others in the public venue.

SUMMARY

The present developments relate to a mountable adjustable bracket apparatus. In some respects, the mounting bracket is a modular bracket that may be attached to a seat structure, other seat supported apparatus, either as a base unit or retrofit apparatus. In one implementation, the mounting bracket is a modular bracket that may be attached to a wall or other vertical member. In one aspect, the mounting bracket hereof, may have an angle built-in or molded-in to the body of the mounting bracket. In this way, the mounting bracket hereof may compensate for the recline or incline of the support member to which it is attached. This may allow the attachment to be more parallel to the floor, hence the items placed in the attachment may be more parallel to the floor. This may be important because a liquid receptacle may spill its contents if it is not positioned parallel with the floor. Other items disposed with or within the attachment may also benefit from this feature.

Disclosed herein is at least an adjustable modular mounting bracket which is capable of being attached to a seat, seat back, arm rest, or seat support structure. In some implementations, the adjustable modular mounting bracket has an angle built in to the structure prior to mounting. In other implementations, the adjustable modular mounting bracket does not have an angle built-in to the structure, but nonetheless can have its cant or tilt adjusted after being secured to a structure, or after mounting.

The present disclosure also relates to advertising apparatuses and/or methods which in some implementations may be or may include a seat structure or other seat supported apparatus, either as a base unit or as a retrofit apparatus, and in some examples may include a seat, a seat back, or a cupholder or a cupholder attachment apparatus either having one or more replaceable devices attachable thereto, as in some examples including an insert or inserts, also referred to herein in some examples, as appurtenant panels and/or emblems. In many instances, either of the devices, whether panels or emblems could be used for advertising purposes, which may be adapted to be manufactured as parts of or otherwise may be installed on existing seats, either as or attachable to or apart from cupholders for improved exposure to the target audience of the advertising. The attachment portion of such an attachment apparatus may in some implementations be adapted to be an integral part of or may fit into or onto an existing cupholder that has been previously installed on a seat or seatback in the venue. Existing cupholders can have various shapes, and one or more of the cupholder attachment apparatuses described here may be adapted to a variety of existing cupholders.

In some implementations of an advertising apparatus hereof, the apparatus may be attached or removed without the use of any special tools. In other implementations, the apparatus may be desirably set as difficult to remove; one or more special tools may be adapted for mounting and/or removal. Such special tools and/or a special method for installing and/or removing such apparatuses and/or the emblems and/or other appurtenant display panels or other such devices may be implemented to avert vandalism as by undesirable removal of the apparatus, emblem or appurtenant device.

The advertising devices whether as inserts or appurtenant panels and/or emblems may be pre-attached to the advertising apparatus before installation on an existing cupholder or may be attached after the advertising apparatus has been installed on the seatback or cupholder or other support structure. When usable with a cupholder, the cupholder functionality would still be accessible to a patron after the advertising apparatus has been mounted in place. Once the appurtenant panel and/or emblem has been installed, or if it has been preinstalled, it may be visible to a patron who would be using that cupholder and in many cases may also be viewable by other patrons of the establishment. The appurtenant panel and/or emblem may also carry advertising material to thus add value in informing the patron or patrons of sponsorship or goods or services available to them. The advertising device; e.g., the appurtenant panel and/or the emblem may be removable, replaceable and/or interchangeable with other such panels or emblems carrying different advertising indicia, so that advertising messages may be readily changed upon proprietor desire.

Different versions of advertising apparatus may be installed on the same type or style of seatback, cupholder or other support structure; conversely, the same advertising apparatus may be adapted to be installed on a variety of seats, cupholders or other support structures. Installation and placement may depend on a variety of factors, including the position of the patron, the position of the seat, the type of seat, or the flow of traffic around the seat. The advertising apparatus may be made of an easily moldable material, and the appurtenant panel may also be made of an easily moldable material or often alternatively of a die cut resilient material, so that both advertising apparatus and appurtenant panel may be made in a variety of colors, and adapted to bear whatever advertising is desired. Similarly, an emblem member may be constructed from the same or different materials and/or colors and may carry one or more alternative emblems for purposes to be described hereinbelow.

These and still further aspects as shall hereinafter appear are readily fulfilled by the present developments in one or more remarkable and/or unexpected manners as will be readily discerned from the following detailed description of exemplary implementations thereof especially when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts bear like numerals throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present developments relate to a mountable adjustable bracket apparatus, or in some instances mounting bracket. In some implementations, the mounting bracket is a modular bracket that may be attached to a seat structure, other seat supported apparatus, either as a base unit or retrofit apparatus. In one implementation, the mounting bracket is a modular bracket that may be attached to a wall or other substantially vertical member. In one aspect, the mounting bracket hereof, may have an angle built-in or molded-in to the body of the mounting bracket. In this way, the mounting bracket hereof may follow the recline or incline of the substantially vertical support member to which it is attached. In other implementations, the adjustable modular mounting bracket does not have an angle built-in to the structure, but nonetheless allows for the cant or tilt to be adjusted for an attachment apparatus after being secured to a structure, or after mounting.

Moreover, the developments hereof relate to a variety of advertising apparatuses typically configured to display advertising on or adjacent an external surface highly visible to consumers. In many implementations, the advertising apparatus is adapted to be attached to a support structure, typically, a support surface which may be found in a captive-audience venue. Such a support surface in some instances may be or may be on or otherwise associated with patron seats or seating structures, as for example on seat backs or arm rests. In a further variety of examples, the advertising apparatus may alternatively be a free-standing apparatus. Some advertising apparatuses hereof may entertain no other functionality, other than providing an advertising surface; whereas, other apparatuses may have built-in alternative functionalities, such as seats or seatbacks or providing containers or supports for patron/consumer items such as drink cups, reading or writing material, programs, writing utensils, personal electronic devices, or other items. In some implementations, the advertising apparatus may be integral with or otherwise attachable to previously installed consumer item-holding apparatuses acting as the support structure, as for example being an integral cupholder/advertising apparatus or being adapted to be coupled to one or more of a variety of pre-existing or to-be-developed cupholders. Such apparatuses may be disposed in stadiums, arenas, theatres, or other public or private venues for view by the patrons thereof.

The developments disclosed herein in some implementations further relate to the use of electronically enabled digital technology to facilitate the advertisements placed on displays disposed in the seating envelope. The term seating envelope refers generally to the immediate area that a patron or consumer occupies or is seated in during an event at a captive-audience venue. The seating envelope may include the seat support structure, the seat back, the seat bottom, one or more seat stanchions, bleachers, risers, armrests, cupholders, mounting brackets, mountable holder assemblies for beverage and food holding, concession trays, container holders, and other structures that may be adapted to increase the comfort, functionality, usability, and enjoyability of the public venue and the seating areas disposed therein. The seating envelope at most public venues is limited by space available to add additional items due to the desire to provide high density seating in a confined space. Therefore, the developments hereof disclose structure and housing for an accessible cavity for storage of technology and electronics within the body of a mounting bracket. These accessible, but securable and tamper-proof cavities may provide several locations to place and store the necessary single board computer, battery, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, speaker, interactive buttons, motion sensor, occupancy sensor, charging ports, photocells, and other electronically connected and enabled apparatuses. Alternative, developments related to use of electronics and technology may be important to developments and advancements of the seating envelope generally; however, a description of the integration, use, and implementation may be beyond the scope of this disclosure and the developments hereof.

FIG. 1provides a side view of a seat support structure and one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100, cupholder110, seat stanchion120, and advertising apparatus130. In this first alternative configuration, the mounting bracket100has an angled body portion102(sometimes referred to as base, or base portion), adapted to be connected to and/or disposed on and/or with a cupholder110, and an updateable, replaceable, or advertising device130, here an appurtenant panel, which may be readily adapted for display of advertising material. In one implementation, (not displayed in thisFIG. 1) the appurtenant panel could be of a variety of a types including adhesive material on a panel or could be reverse printed or imaged on the back side of a clear material to deter scratching or vandalism to the image, or could be removable or could be integrally formed thereon, or as part thereof. In another implementation, the advertising device130, may be a flexible digital display that is connected to the electronics and technology disposed in a seat support structure140, seatback, and/or seat bottom (the seatback and seat bottom are not shown inFIG. 1). The cupholder110holds the drink container129(i.e. plastic cup, bottle, or can). In some implementations, the advertising device130may be a digital electronic display and may be black and white, grayscale, partial color, or full color, and may include an LCD (liquid crystal display), LED (light emitting diode), OLED (organic light emitting diode), AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode), plasma or PDP (plasma display panel), an e-ink display, or an e-paper display.

FIG. 2provides another implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket. In this implementation, the adjustable mounting bracket100is mounted, connected, and secured to a vertical mounting surface150. In this alternative configuration of an adjustable mounting bracket100, a flat body portion160(sometimes referred to as a base, base portion, and/or base element) is adapted to be connected to and/or disposed on and/or with a cupholder110, and an updateable, replaceable, or advertising device130, here an appurtenant panel, which may be readily adapted for display of advertising material. In one implementation (not displayed in thisFIG. 2) it could be of a variety of a types including adhesive material on a panel, or could be reverse printed or imaged on the back side of a clear material to deter scratching or vandalism to the image, or could be removable or could be integrally formed thereon, or as part thereof. In another implementation, the advertising device130, may be a flexible digital display that is connected to the electronics and technology disposed elsewhere in the seating envelope, or in some instances, shown elsewhere in this disclosure, in the mounting bracket itself. In yet other implementations, not shown here, the digital display may be a flat digital display that is disposed of and connected to the adjustable modular mounting bracket130. The implementations ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2, demonstrate that in some implementations of the developments hereof, the mounting bracket may have an angle built in to the body or base of the mounting bracket (as shown in102ofFIG. 1), while other mounting brackets described and disclosed herein, do not have an angle built in to the body or base portion of the mounting bracket (as shown in160ofFIG. 2).

FIG. 3provides an implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100, disposed and secured to an angled and/or reclined mounting surface170, which may be a seat stanchion120(as inFIG. 1) or may be a seat support structure150(as inFIG. 2). Further displayed inFIG. 3, are an adjustable modular mounting bracket100, a flat body portion160adapted to be connected to and/or disposed on and/or with a cupholder110, and an updateable, replaceable, or digital advertising device130, here an appurtenant panel, which may be readily adapted for display of advertising material. Additionally,FIG. 3demonstrates how the adjustable mounting bracket100, may be adjusted to an adjustable angle138(shown as a dotted line) which allows the drink container129to be positioned in a manner which is substantially flat, or substantially level, front to back, meaning the front of the cupholder110(and consequently the drink container129) is able to be at substantially the same height or distance from the ground, as the back of the cupholder110, and furthermore being parallel to the ground may help prevent and/or reduce spilling of the beverage when placed in the cupholder110.

FIG. 4includesFIGS. 4A and 4B.FIG. 4Aprovides is a side view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102, the body portion having a front side106, a back side107, one or more projecting member(s)200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212. InFIG. 4A, the arrow105shows the direction that the body portion102would move to attach to a stanchion, support structure or seatback (not pictured inFIG. 4A). It should be noted that the angled body portion102may be fabricated with a range of angles to meet the specifications of the support structure to which the angled body portion102is designed to be attached to. The structure angle or SA° represents the degree(s) to which a structure, such as a stanchion, seatback, may be away from plumb, or vertical. The developments hereof contemplate that the structure angle may be anywhere from 0° or r to as much as 45° or more. Arrow108demonstrates that the angle of the structure may be variable, thus the SA° is also variable. Accordingly, the angled body portion102may configured and constructed with a BA° that closely conforms to the SA° to facilitate and allow the back side107to be secured to the structure.

FIG. 4Bis a side view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102, projecting member200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212, and optional technology storage compartment220. Further, the body portion102has a front side106and a back side107. The back side107is shown with more detail inFIGS. 16E, 17E, and17F and is described in more detail below.

FIG. 5includesFIGS. 5A and 5B.FIG. 5Aprovides a side view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with a flat body portion160, a front side112, a back side113, one or more projecting members200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212. The back side113is the side that is mounted to a support structure, whether a seat back, stanchion, or other structure.FIG. 5Bprovides a side view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with a flat body portion160, a front side112, a back side113, one or more projecting member(s)200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212, and optional technology storage compartment220.FIGS. 4B and 5Bdemonstrate variations of the adjustable mounting bracket100that may optionally have technology storage compartments220.

FIG. 6Aprovides an adjustable mounting bracket100, with a projecting member200, and projecting member bolt hole210.FIG. 6Bprovides an adjustable mounting bracket100, with a projecting member200, projecting member bolt hole210, cupholder110, and an updateable, replaceable, or advertising device130.FIG. 6Cprovides an adjustable mounting bracket100, with a projecting member200, a projecting member bolt hole210, and a flag holder apparatus250.FIG. 6Dprovides an adjustable mounting bracket100, with a projecting member200, a projecting member bolt hole210, and mobile phone holder apparatus260.FIG. 6Eprovides an adjustable mounting bracket100, with a projecting member200, projecting member bolt hole210, and consumer electronic holder270.FIGS. 6A, B, C, D, and E provide several variations of implementations of attachments to the adjustable mounting bracket.

FIG. 7Aprovides an isometric view of an implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102, projecting member200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212. In some implementations, the angled body portion102may have one or more connection slots126located at the top of the front side106of the body portion. These slots126receive and secure the chosen attachment to the body portion through a “friction fit” or “snap fit” approach, that is, the resilient upper attachment flange of is inserted into the slot and the dimensions of the flange and slot act to secure and stabilize the attachment to the base.

FIG. 7Bprovides an isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102, having a front side106, a back side107, one or more connection slots126, projecting members200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212, and optional technology storage compartment220.

FIG. 8provides a side view of an adjustable mounting bracket100with a flat body portion160, projecting member200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212. ThisFIG. 8demonstrates how the tilt or cant of the cupholder attachment110can be adjusted. Other attachments could likewise be adjusted to attach and project from the mounting bracket at different angles depending on the application. Arrow216shows how an attachment while secured at the top of the mounting bracket via flanges and slots, may allow the attachment to rotate with an arc-like trajectory relative to the flat body portion160.

FIG. 9shows an isometric view from the back of an adjustable mounting bracket100with connected to a cupholder110and advertising apparatus130in retracted position. This view of the mounting bracket100shows the back side113that has mounting apertures280. These mounting apertures (or mounting holes) may be fewer in number in other implementations of the adjustable mounting bracket hereof. The mounting apertures280support and secure the adjustable mounting bracket100to the different mounting surfaces whether it be a seat stanchion, vertical mounting surface, or angled and/or reclined mounting surface (none of which are shown in thisFIG. 9). The back side113may have one or more vertical support members143and one more horizontal support members144that provide structural integrity and support for the body portion of the mountable bracket.

FIG. 10provides yet another isometric view from the front and underneath of an adjustable mounting bracket100connected to a cupholder110and advertising apparatus130. The projecting members200project outwardly from the flat body portion160, to support and connect with the attachment flange290(here the attachment flange290has two flanges290aand290b) of the cupholder110attachment. The support bolt300passes through the projecting member bolt hole (210, not shown) and through the attachment flange290to a second projecting member200, where it may be secured in place by a nut and washer, or via a threaded connection of the bolt hole of the projecting member. The support bolt300is removable allowing the several attachments (described elsewhere) to be secured and placed at differing positions on the projecting members.

FIG. 11provides another isometric view of an advertising apparatus hereof, wherein the advertising apparatus130is adapted to be affixed to a support structure such as a cupholder110. This view also shows the attachment flange290, the support bolt300, the upper attachment flange310of the attachment and securing/locking tab holes321which are described in more detail withFIG. 15BandFIG. 15G, inter alia.

FIG. 12provides another isometric view of an advertising apparatus hereof, wherein the advertising apparatus130is adapted to be affixed to a support structure such as a cupholder110.FIG. 12also shows that the advertising apparatus130, in this case an appurtenant panel, may be detachable from the support structure110, noting that this may be attached to the body portion109by a variety of methods and/or devices. Further, an emblem member111is shown which may also be adapted to be integrated or attached to the cupholder110, or other attachment apparatus. The area outlined by the dashed line135shows that the emblem member111provides an addition surface for an advertisement or sponsorship to be placed. This advertisement may be a simple as a sticker; however, other implementations intricate designs or logos may be molded in to or on the emblem as well.

FIG. 13includes sub-partFIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G, and 13Hand provides a perspective view, several plan views, side views, a cut-away view, an enlarged view of a detailed area of the mountable bracket and cupholder and advertising apparatus hereof.

FIG. 13Aprovides a front perspective view of one implementation of a cupholder attachment110, including an emblem member111, advertising apparatus130, and attachment flange290. InFIG. 13A, the dashed line163is provided in relation toFIG. 13G, described in more detail below.

FIG. 13Bprovides a plan view (from the top) of a cupholder attachment and advertising apparatus hereof, including the cupholder110aand emblem member111. Also depicted is the cupholder support member400, which may support a beverage container when placed in the cupholder110. As depicted, the cupholder support member400, may be molded or fabricated to include branding or sponsorship information on the support member, as shown by the boxes of dashed line401and402.FIG. 13Cprovides a plan view (from the underside) of an implementation of a cupholder attachment110and cupholder support member400.FIG. 13Dprovides a side elevation view of a cupholder attachment110, including the attachment flange290, attachment flange bolt hole214, an updateable, replaceable, or advertising device130, detailed area309, and upper attachment flange310.FIG. 13Eprovides a view of the back of the cupholder attachment110, including the upper attachment flange310, and shows how the attachment flange290may also run vertically on the back surface of the cupholder attachment110.FIG. 13Fprovides a cut-away plan view the cupholder attachment hereof at approximately where dashed line165intersects with the cupholder attachment onFIG. 13E.FIG. 13Gprovides a cut-away side view of an implementation of the cupholder attachment110and emblem member111hereof, located at the dashed line163ofFIG. 13A.FIG. 13Hprovides an enlarged view of detailed area309including the upper attachment flange310. The upper attachment flange may be configured at a slight angle, here, x°, away from the cupholder attachment110. The angle, x°, may be approximately five (5) to fifteen (15) degrees; however, in the implementation as shown the angle of the upper attachment flange is approximately ten degrees (10°). The angling of this upper attachment flange may help hold an attachment secure, provide some additional stability, and may also provide a pivot point for the attachments while they are connected to the body portion of the mounting bracket.

FIG. 14includes sub-partFIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, and 14Fthat provide one or more of perspective views, side views, plan views, and isometric views of one implementation of the mountable bracket, cupholder, and advertising apparatus hereof.FIG. 14Aprovides a front elevation view of one implementation of a mounting bracket100hereof, including a cupholder attachment110, an emblem member111, advertising apparatus130here an appurtenant panel, and attachment flanges290a/290b. This view demonstrates that in this implementation the attachment flanges290a/290bare configured to fit inside of the projecting members200of a flat or angled body or base portion, described inter alia. Also visible is the support bolt300that extends through the bolt holes of the body portion and the bolt holes of the attachment portion to fix the cupholder attachment110at a desired angle relative to the mounted body or base portion.FIG. 14Bprovides a side elevation view of a cupholder attachment110, including the attachment flanges290a/290b, attachment flange bolt hole214, an updateable, replaceable, or advertising device130, and upper attachment flange310.

FIG. 14Cprovides a plan view (from the bottom) of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100hereof with a flat body portion160, including a backside113, including a cupholder attachment110that has a support member400for supporting beverage containers placed in the cupholder. Also shown and demonstrated inFIG. 14Cis an alternative view of how the attachment flanges290a/290brest inside of the projecting members200. Further,FIG. 14Cprovides a support bolt300that is used to secure the cupholder attachment110to the selected position via aligning the bolt holes of the attachment flanges290a/290bwith the bolt holes of the projecting members which are described above inFIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8, inter alia.

FIG. 14Dprovides a back elevation view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100having a flat back body or flat back base portion160, having a back side113, attached to a cupholder attachment110(not clearly visible from this back elevation view). The back side113has a series of mounting holes280for mounting the mounting bracket to a structure.FIG. 14Ddemonstrates how the upper attachment flange310is connected to the flat back base portion160via the connection slots126. Further, this view shows how a drink container129may rest in the cupholder attachment110.

FIG. 14Eprovides an isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100and cupholder attachment110. In this implementation the base portion is a flat back base160. The projecting members200extend horizontally from the base and provide one or more bolt holes210,212, that allow the chosen attachment to be supported and secured in place via the placement of a support bolt300that is extended through the bolt hole of one projecting member, then through the attachment flange bolt hole214, then through the corresponding attachment flange bolt hole and projecting member bolt hole on the adjacent projecting member. Also visible from this view is the emblem111, advertising apparatus130, cupholder support member400, two of the mounting bracket bolt holes280, and a drink container129. Although not included in this view, the developments hereof contemplate more than two bolt holes on the projecting members, as the projecting member may be constructed of different shapes and size for different applications and usages.

FIG. 14Fprovides yet another isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100and cupholder attachment110. In this implementation the base portion160has a flat back side113that is mounted to a structure, such as a stanchion or seat back (not pictured). The base portion160has multiple mounting bracket bolt holes280which are used to secure the mounting bracket to a suitable structure. The projecting members200extend horizontally from the base and provide one or more bolts holes as described inter alia. InFIG. 14F, only bolt hole212is visible, as the support bolt300is shown to occupy the space of bolt hole210.FIG. 14Falso shows how the attachment flange(s)290a,290bnestle inside of the space between the projecting members200. The developments hereof have thus far shown that an attachment may have two attachment flanges (as inFIGS. 11 and 13a), corresponding to a left side and a right side of an attachment, as shown in several of the implementations described herein; however, the developments hereof also recognize that in some implementations one, two, three, four, five or in some instances even more attachment flanges may be used, depending on the size, dimensions, weight, and other characteristics of the attachment being attached to the mounting bracket.

Returning toFIG. 14F, also shown are connection slots126which facilitate the connection of the cupholder attachment110to the base portion160via the upper attachment flanges described inFIG. 7A, inter alia. Furthermore,FIG. 14Fprovides an advertising apparatus130, cupholder support member400, that are also described herein.FIG. 14Fprovides a base portion160with a flat back113that has multiple mounting bracket bolt holes280, the implementation shown here has six; however, the number of bolt holes may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or even more bolt holes depending on the type of attachment that may be connected to the adjustable mounting bracket. For example, if a flag pole attachment such as that ofFIG. 6Cis attached to a mounting bracket with the developments and adjustable features hereof, in some instances, it may be desirable to construct the mounting bracket with a greater number of mounting bracket holes, such as 8 or more, as the object being supported by the mounting bracket attachment may be heavier, or may be subject to additional strain, such as from natural forces such as wind gusts, and therefore it may be desirable to have an additional number of bolts and bolt holds to secure the mounting bracket to the support structure.

FIG. 15includes sub-partFIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15G, and 15H, and these views include a plan view, an isometric view, two side views, two back elevation views, and enlarged view of a detailed area of the mounting bracket100having a flat black113.FIG. 15Ais a plan view of the mounting bracket100having a front side112and a back side113, including a flat backside body portion160. The projecting members200extend from the front side112and are described in further detail throughout this application. The bracket inFIG. 15Aalso provides upper connection slots126which allow the upper attachment flanges (described elsewhere) to connect to the body portion160. Also provided inFIG. 15Aare securing tabs or locking tabs320. The securing tabs or lock tabs320may project horizontally from the mounting bracket100and fasten and secure a desired attachment to the mounting bracket100. One feature of these tabs is that if the attachment is adjusted to a 0° of cant, or a fully retracted position, the support bolt (described inFIG. 14A, inter alia) may not be necessary to secure, retain, or support the attachment in the retracted position. The securing tabs or locking tabs320may be resiliently deformable so that the securing or locking tabs320will return to or toward their original disposition and shape after having been forced to move during the installation of an attachment or during removal of an attachment.FIG. 15Gprovides an enlarged image of the securing tabs or locking tabs320which are molded into the mounting bracket and project and/or extend therefrom. The dashed lines of with arrows322demonstrate that the securing tabs320may be pushed towards each other which would allow the tabs to be inserted in to securing slots (aka securing/locking tab holes as inFIG. 11) located on the desired attachment, in some instances, the securing slots may be located on the attachment flange portion of the attachment. In some implementations the securing tabs may have ends that have perpendicular projections, protrusions, spurs, hooks, points, or extensions that facilitate the securing tabs connection to the desired attachment.

FIG. 15Bprovides an isometric view of an implementation of the mounting bracket described inFIG. 15A. From this view, the mounting bolt holes280can be seen and the projecting member bolt holes210,212are also visible. The shape and configuration of other portions of the front side112may be variable depending on a variety of factors.

FIG. 15CandFIG. 15Dprovide a side elevation views of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with a flat body portion160, a front side112, a back side113, one or more projecting members200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212. The back side113is the side that is mounted to a support structure, whether a seat back, stanchion, or other suitable structure.

FIG. 15EandFIG. 15Fprovide back elevation views of a back side113of an a flat-backed body portion160. The mounting bolt holes280are visible in these depictions.FIG. 15F also points out the connection slots126that are visible from such a perspective.

As mentioned previously,FIG. 15Gprovides an enlarged image of the securing tabs or locking tabs320. These locking tabs320(or sometimes referred to as securing tabs320) extend from the front side112of the body portion160. The locking tabs/securing tabs could similarly be used, implemented, or configured to work with an angled body portion such as the implementations shown inFIG. 17A,FIG. 17B, inter alia.

FIG. 15Hprovides yet another isometric view of an example of an implementation hereof including a flat backed body portion160, where the back side113is flat which allows the body portion to be mounted to the surface of a substantially vertical structure.FIG. 15His similar to that ofFIG. 9above; however, here no attachment is connected to the base, which allows for the connection slots126to be seen. The mounting bolt holes280are also clearly visible from this view.

FIG. 16includes sub-partFIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, and 16G, and these provide plan views, isometric views, a side view, and perspective views, of a mounting bracket with an angle built in and an implementation of a cupholder attachment is disposed therewith.

FIG. 16Aprovides a plan view from above an adjustable mounting bracket100having a back side107and a front side (which in this view is obscured due to the presence of the cupholder attachment110). The cupholder attachment110has a cupholder support member400and an emblem member111. The angled body102is visible from this plan view.

FIG. 16Bprovides an isometric view of an adjustable mounting bracket100having a back side107and a front side (which in this view is obscured due to the presence of the cupholder attachment110). The cupholder attachment110has a removable emblem111placed into the rim of the cupholder. In this implementation, the cupholder attachment further includes an advertising apparatus130, here, an appurtenant panel. The angled body portion102connects and attaches to the cupholder attachment110. InFIG. 16Bthe cupholder attachment110is shown in a retracted position, that is, the cupholder attachment's cant or tilt is not adjusted to lift the cupholder attachment up and away from the retracted position.

FIG. 16Cprovides an elevational side view of an adjustable mounting bracket100having a back side107and a front side (which in this view is obscured due to the presence of the cupholder attachment110). The cupholder attachment110has a removable emblem111placed into the rim of the cupholder. In this implementation, the cupholder attachment further includes an advertising apparatus130, here, an appurtenant panel. The angled body portion102connects and attaches to the cupholder attachment110. InFIG. 16Cthe cupholder attachment110is shown in a retracted position, that is, the cupholder attachment's cant or tilt is not adjusted to lift the cupholder attachment up and away from the retracted position. The projecting member bolt holes210,212, can be seen on the projecting member200.

FIG. 16Dprovides an elevational front view of an adjustable mounting bracket100including a cupholder attachment110. Also included inFIG. 16Dis an emblem111and advertising apparatus130, here an appurtenant panel.

FIG. 16Eprovides an elevational back view of an implementation of adjustable mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102. This view shows the back side107of an angled body portion which is also identified and described inFIGS. 4A and 4B, inter alia. In this implementation, the mounting bolt holes280may be configured in a manner to allow placement of the mounting bolt at one of several locations. In this implementation, the mounting bolt holes may also be referred to as mounting bolt channels.FIG. 16Ealso shows the connection slots126. This angled body portion102may have vertical support members143and horizontal support members144that may give the body portion sufficient structure and support to support the weight and pressure of any of the attachments that may disposed thereto or thereon.

FIG. 16Fprovides a plan view (from the bottom) of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100hereof with an angled body portion102, including a backside107, including a cupholder attachment110that has a support member400for supporting beverage containers placed in the cupholder. Also shown and demonstrated inFIG. 16Fis an alternative view of how the attachment flanges290rest inside of the projecting members200. Further,FIG. 16Fprovides a support bolt300that is used to secure the cupholder attachment110to the selected position via aligning the bolt holes of the attachment flanges290with the bolt holes of the projecting members which are described above inFIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8, inter alia.FIG. 16Falso shows securing tabs or locking tabs320.FIG. 16Falso includes a support bolt nut301that attaches to support bolt300.

FIG. 16Gprovides yet another isometric view of one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102attached to a cupholder attachment110. In this implementation, the mounting bolt holes280may be configured in a manner to allow placement of the mounting bolt at one of several locations. In this implementation, the mounting bolt holes may also be referred to as mounting bolt channels281. Also shown inFIG. 16Gis an advertising apparatus130, in this case an appurtenant panel, and an emblem111.

FIG. 17includes sub-partFIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, 17G, and 17H, and these provide one or more plan views, isometric views, elevational side views, and enlarged view of a detailed area of the mounting bracket with an angle built in.

FIG. 17Aprovides an overhead plan view of a mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102, having a front side106and a back side107. In this view, the projecting members200extend from the front side106. Also visible from this view are the mounting bolt holes280or mounting bolt channels281, connection slots126, and securing tabs320.

FIG. 17Bprovides an isometric view of a mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102, having a front side106and a back side107. In this view, the projecting members200horizontally extend from the front side106. Also visible from this view are the connection slots126and securing tabs320.

FIG. 17CandFIG. 17Dprovide elevational side views of a mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102having a front side106and back side107, one or more projecting member(s)200, and projecting member bolt holes210,212.

FIG. 17EandFIG. 17Fprovide two additional back elevational views of a mounting bracket100with an angled body portion102. BothFIG. 17EandFIG. 17Fshow the mounting bolt holes280or mounting bolt channels281.

FIG. 17Gprovides an enlarged image of the securing tabs or locking tabs320. These locking tabs320(or sometimes referred to as securing tabs or securing clips320) extend from the front side106of the body portion102.

FIG. 17Hprovides yet another isometric view of a mounting bracket100hereof, having a front side106and back side107. The angled body portion102has one or more, or a plurality of mounting bolt holes280or mounting bolt channels281.

FIG. 18includes sub-partFIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D. These figures ofFIG. 18provide cut-away sectional views and elevation views, of the mountable bracket, cupholder, and advertising apparatus connected to a seat structure.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bprovide cut-away sectional views of an implementation of a mounting bracket100, cupholder attachment110, drinking container129, and emblem member111.FIG. 18Balso shows the angled body portion102, seat stanchion120, and seat support structure140.

FIGS. 18C and 18Dprovide elevational side views of a seat support structure and one implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket100, cupholder110, seat stanchion120, and advertising apparatus130. In this configuration, the mounting bracket100has an angled body portion102adapted to be connected to and/or disposed on and/or with a cupholder110, and an updateable, replaceable, or advertising device130, here an appurtenant panel, which may be readily adapted for display of advertising material.FIGS. 18C and 18Dalso demonstrate how this implementation of an adjustable mounting bracket may be attached to a seat support structure140. In the implementations ofFIGS. 18C and 18D, one or more holes161(three shown inFIGS. 18C and 18D) may be established for the purpose of receiving a tool configured to allow the user to remove the panel and replace the panel with updated advertising material.

FIG. 19Aprovides an isometric view of an emblem member111which may be attached, adapted, or integrated with an attachment, whether a cupholder, flag holder, or otherwise. The emblem member111may be secured using mounting screws141to complete an assembly of an attachment apparatus according hereto to provide additional advertising space. The boxes (advertising spaces) identified by dashed lines135and137demonstrate that a primary logo may be placed inside the area defined by dashed line135and a secondary logo may be placed inside that area defined by dashed line137.FIG. 19Bprovides an overhead plan view of an emblem member111, advertising space135, and mounting screw141.

FIG. 19CandFIG. 19Dprovide elevational side views of an emblem member111having advertising spaces135,137, and emblem mounting hole147. In this implementation, the mounting screw141may be used to secure and attach the emblem member111to the selected attachment, described inter alia.FIG. 19Eprovides a cutaway view of an emblem member111and mounting screw141.

FIG. 19Fprovides a front elevational view of an emblem member111having advertising spaces135,137, and emblem mounting hole147. In this implementation, the mounting screw141may be used to secure and attach the emblem member111to the selected attachment, described inter alia.FIG. 19Gprovides a plan view from the bottom of an emblem member111. From this view, emblem member alignment guides148are shown. The alignment guides148may help the emblem be secured to the attachment via corresponding slots or channels that may exist in the structure of the attachment to which the emblem is secured.FIG. 19Hprovides yet another isometric view of an emblem member111, mounting screw141, and emblem mounting hole147.

What is shown inFIGS. 20A-20Fare views of a mounting bracket and advertising apparatus and tools related to installation of an implementation hereof. Particularly,FIG. 20Aprovides an isometric view of an adjustable mounting bracket100including an exploded pre-mount of a cupholder attachment110in a position for which it may be adapted to be connected to a flat backed mounting bracket160(note, that the cupholder attachment or other attachments described may be connected or disposed on or with an angled body mounting bracket as well).FIG. 20Ashows also that the appurtenant panel130may be detachable from the attachment apparatus110, noting that this appurtenant panel130may be attached to the attachment apparatus110by a variety of methods and/or devices. Further an emblem member111is shown which may also be adapted or integrated with or attached to the attachment portion110(note the mounting screws141which may be used for this purpose) to complete an assembly of a mounting bracket apparatus100according hereto to provide additional advertising space.

FIG. 20Bprovides views of tool700which may be used with the attaching or removing an advertising apparatus130. In general, and as shown inFIG. 20B, the tool700includes a handle701, one or more legs702connected to the handle701and one or more respective clip-engaging portions703connected to the respective leg portion702.

FIGS. 20C, D, E, and F provide some more detail of one type of replaceable advertising device, e.g., an appurtenant panel130. Portions of note include the face surface131which might be used for indicia, particularly, though not necessarily of an advertising type, and may be of a variety of alternative forms, whether integrally formed with or removably or irremovably set thereon or therein. A potential advantage of an appurtenant panel130may be that it could be relatively easily removable (though perhaps preferably with a particular tool to avert undesirable, vandalistic removal) and replaceable with an alternative panel (not shown), differing primarily (if perhaps solely) in the indicia displayed on or as a part of the panel130. Fast and efficient removal, installation and/or replacement may thus be achievable. Note, though stickers such as those often used previously may also be used here, many typical implementations would not use stickers and use instead interchangeable, replaceable panels130which each have discrete presentations screen printed directly thereunto or molded directly thereinto, the discrete presentations often being of different branding or sponsorship, venue or team affiliation or the like. Moreover, the front face of the panel130may be of different shapes, sizes and/or may include alternative messaging types, as for example, electronic or electromagnetic presentations such as light emitting diode (LED) presentations, or other electronic presentation forms providing visual or aural (or other sensory) signals (as for example, liquid crystal display (LCD), e-paper, e-ink, plasma or other presentation forms), such presentations perhaps providing scrolling, static, flashing, random and/or updateable custom messaging, such messaging alternatively being re-programmable on particular panels130or being set such that alternative messaging is provided by replacing the LED or other electronic presentation panel130. Re-programmability might include an ability to broadcast or near-cast a re-programming signal to one or more electronic presentation panels130simultaneously or serially. Radio Frequency (RF) signals could be usable here. RF Identification (RFID) could be useable herefor. Presentations aurally could be sent via one or more advertising apparatuses to an individual patron via the airspace between the patron and the advertising device, or to listening device such as a headset or an earbud. The listening device could be radio frequency enabled to receive radio frequency signals from the advertising apparatus, such as being an AM or FM or like radio device. Any of these could be used for general advertising, general announcements, play-by-play announcements along or alternatively involving provision of player statistics, or the like or venue advertisements.

Functional portions of the panel130which might provide for detachable attachment of a panel to a cupholder attachment110(or other mounting bracket attachment described herein, e.g. flag holder, phone holder, etc.) might include one or more slots132, and, may in some implementations be on one or, as shown inFIG. 20C, on both lateral sides of the panel130. In some cases, as for example shown inFIG. 20C, among others, the slots132may be in or adjacent a respective one or more tongues133. As shown inFIG. 20E, a tongue133may be inserted into a receiving area155of an attachment110. The tongue133may then ride up a ramped catch160(see e.g.FIG. 20F) until the slot132may be engaged thereby (a dashed line representation of a tongue caught on/by a catch156is shown inFIG. 20F). This would provide for holding the appurtenant panel130in place relative to the attachment110and thereby provide a desirable visibility for the replaceable advertising indicia on the panel130, if any, and thereby provide an advertising function of the overall combination.

In some implementations, a removal of an appurtenant panel130may be effected by releasing the tongue and slot combination133/132from the catch156. In the implementations inFIGS. 20D and 20E and 20F, one or more holes161(three shown inFIG. 20E) may be established for the purpose of receiving a tool700with a tongue-engaging portion701. The tongue-engaging portion701may then engage the tongue133moving it so that the slot132will no longer by caught by the catch160. The tongue and slot combination133/132may then be removed from the receiving area155. Note, in a variety of implementations like this, the panel or a part thereof, as for example, the tongue, or part of the panel adjacent to the tongue, might be resiliently deformable so that the panel and the tongue will return to or toward their original disposition after having been forced to move either by the ramped catch160during installation, or by a tool700at removal. A tool700may have different sized or spaced prongs for insertion in the respective apertures or holes161.

FIGS. 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21Dprovide yet another alternative version and implementation of the developments of an adjustable mounting bracket and attachment apparatus hereof.FIG. 21Aprovides an isometric view of an advertising apparatus hereof, wherein the advertising apparatus130is adapted to be affixed to a support structure such as a cupholder110. Note, however, in this implementation, the attachment110has projecting members390that are used to connect to a body portion or base portion103that has support flanges295, such as that ofFIG. 21B. It should be noted that in this implementation the attachment apparatus110may still possess an upper attachment flange310to secure and connect the top of the attachment to the top of the base portion103, via connection slots126. One optional feature for an implementation such as that ofFIGS. 21A and 21Bis that the base portion103may have slots103svisible on the front side103athat provide an opening for the projecting members390to extend through and beyond the surface of the back side103b. The projecting members390may have one or more bolt support holes391,392which may be used to position the cant or tilt of the attachment relative to the base103. A support bolt (not shown inFIG. 21AorFIG. 21B) may pass through bolt hole391or392of the projecting member390and then pass through the bolt hole393on the support flange295of the base portion103. In this way, the attachment110may be positioned at one of several positions to adjust the cant or tilt of the attachment.

FIG. 21Cprovides an isometric view of an advertising apparatus hereof, wherein the advertising apparatus130is adapted to be affixed to a support structure or attachment such as a cupholder attachment110. Note, however, in this implementation the attachment110has securing tabs or locking tabs330that extend from the back of the attachment110. These securing tabs/locking tabs330may be used to connect to a body portion104that has support flanges295, such as those ofFIG. 21D. In the implementation ofFIGS. 21C and 21D, the attachment apparatus110may still have an upper attachment flange310to secure and connect the top of the attachment110to the top of the base portion104, via connection slots126. The securing tabs/locking tabs330may be used to attach the attachment110to the base portion104by squeezing or pinching the securing tabs/locking tabs330towards each other and placing the tabs ends (or spurs)331through the support holes340a,340blocated on the support flange295of the base portion104. In this way, the attachment110may be positioned and supported at one of several positions to adjust the cant or tilt of the attachment.

The developments hereof include an adjustable mounting bracket comprising:

a body portion having a front side, a back side, and at least one mounting hole defined therein, the body portion being adapted to be connected or disposed on a support structure via the at least one mounting hole;

the body portion having a projecting member connected thereto and projecting therefrom, the projecting member being adapted to receive and support an attachment element which is one or more of removable, interchangeable, and replaceable relative to the body portion and projecting member, the projecting member having one or more holes or attachment members and the attachment element having one or more attachment members or holes configured to be corresponding to one or more holes or attachment members of the projecting member, and

said projecting member thereby being configured to receive and support the attachment element via a cooperative connectability of the one or more holes members to secure the attachment to element the projecting member.

Advertising apparatuses such as a seat attachment apparatus, adjustable modular mounting bracket, digital display, cupholder, personal effects holder, or a combination of two or more of these apparatuses may thus provide convenient and attractive ways to display advertising in such a manner as to make it highly visible to the consumer. In some instances, such as with an attachment apparatus base configured to be easily mounted and secured in a visible location, and often having one or more detachable advertising devices, either or both of a front portion for display of the advertising, and/or optionally an advertising emblem member portion for interchangeable display of advertising or other indicia. An ease and/or quickness of changing or replacing the front or emblem members can be attractive features for changing advertising or other indicia, either in semi- or substantially permanently installed dispositions of the base unit, and/or for the advantage of mass producing base members or units on a larger scale for alternative locale usage, with production of fewer of each of different advertising/indicia devices for different locales. Thus, molds would not need to be changed for base members carrying locale-specific information/advertising/indicia. Note, exemplar locales or markets for use hereof may including places where the seating envelope plays a role in creating a consumer's experience such as, stadiums and arenas (municipal, local, college or professional sports venues, raceways and e-gaming arenas, e.g.), churches, movie theatres, casinos, concert venues or mass transit.

As introduced above, a variety of alternative structures may implement the advertising/indicia changing methods and/or apparatuses hereof. Support structures may come in different forms, including but not limited to seat back structures of a variety of sizes, shapes and/or styles, cupholders, a portable device or mobile device attachment apparatus, a pole holder, or other storage or holding apparatus, armrests, and other structures that may be present or available in the seating envelope of a venue. Thus, the support structure may be free-standing or may be pre-attached to or may simply be a seat structure, such as a seat back or arm or another portion of a seat. Support structures may be on structures other than seats or otherwise. Free-standing structures may take many shapes depending upon a particular locale. Moreover, though retrofit apparatuses have been described in some implementations of the developments hereof, the scope and content hereof is not so limited, and instead may include base structures which may incorporate the typically relative “quick” change advertising replacement options described herein. Still furthermore, the connection mechanisms hereof are illustrative only as well and not limitative of the scope and content hereof. Other connection mechanisms for either display panels or emblem members may be used to the same or substantially the same effect, and thus be covered hereby.

Apparatuses hereof may be made by any of a variety of methods and/or of a variety of materials. In many instances, impact resistant and/or ultraviolet (UV) stable resin or material may be selected. Plastics molded to integral or unitary forms as shown herein may be typical, though other forms and materials may be used as well. Sonic welding and/or glues and epoxies may be used to achieve certain combinations of shapes as well. Moreover, any of many alternative colors and/or color schemes may be used, whether for matching team or other affiliation, or for matching locale usage. The developments hereof also contemplate using glow-in-the-dark resins or material, either for the advertising inserts or as part, or incorporated in specific locations on the mounting bracket or attachment, for example, on the rim of the cupholder attachment, or along the top back edge of an attachment. Shapes and sizes are not limited to those shown and described here either, as sizes and shapes may be selected to adapt to any of many alternative support structures. Also, embossing and/or debossing of messages, logos or alternative communicative or decorative features, as part of the manufacturing process on any one or more surfaces may also be used, as for one example on the top surface adjacent or in lieu of the emblem member. If plural parts are used, different colors and/or embossing or other schema may be used to enhance interchangeability.

Furthermore, the developments hereof in some instances and implementations contemplate the use and integration of fragrances, scents, or aromas into any of the molded plastic products that are utilized for the apparatuses described. These fragrances may be utilized to impart a desired scent into the general area of the seating envelope and generally improve the olfaction observed, perceived, and/or detected by the patrons of the venue or establishment. In some instances, the fragrance or aroma may be embedded in the molded plastics for the critical components of the advertising apparatus or body member. In other implementations the fragrance or scent may be embedded in a discrete attachable, detachable, and removable strip that is designed to be placed and secured in concealed, unobtrusive, inconspicuous, low-key, or other hidden positions such under a horizontal member of the seat structure, under a seat back, or under an arm or other portion of a seat. The developments hereof contemplate using scents such as fresh cut grass, popcorn, or other desirable scents that may improve the ambiance and environment observed and experienced by the patron. Moreover, in some settings the implementations contemplate the use of a discrete attachable, securable, and subsequently detachable strip that is designed to absorb malodors. These deodorizing strips may be similarly placed and secured in concealed, unobtrusive, inconspicuous, or other hidden locations within the seating envelope.

Although the present developments have been described with reference to preferred implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that one or more changes may be made in form and/or detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed inventions.