Abstract:
An audio equipment holder and bracket device that conveniently mounts to a vehicle. The device comprises a substantially planer platform for retaining the audio equipment, and at least one leg with the first end secured to the platform, and a second end terminating at a connection point that allows for releasable securement to the vehicle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an audio equipment holder and bracket device for mounting to a vehicle. In particular, a bracket device with a substantially planer platform for retention of the audio equipment and at least one leg having a first end secured to the platform and a second end with a terminal connection point for releasably securing to the vehicle. 
     2. Background of the Prior Art 
     In recent years, a number of small battery operated, highly portable audio equipment devices have been developed for use in a variety of settings. While these devices prove useful in a number of applications, they require the user to carry the device on their person. This can prevent or impede the user from engaging in other activities like for example, using lawn and garden equipment. Additionally, individuals may want to adapt existing audio equipment for use with lawn and garden equipment without buying a separate device. Accordingly, a need exists for a bracket device and audio equipment holder that allows for convenient mounting to a vehicle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention comprises providing a convenient means for mounting audio equipment to a vehicle, like a lawn and garden tractor. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification, drawings, and claims. 
     The present invention intends to overcome the difficulties encountered heretofore. To that end, the present invention comprises an audio equipment holder and bracket device that conveniently mounts to a vehicle. The device comprises a substantially planer platform for retaining the audio equipment, and at least one leg with the first end secured to the platform, and a second end terminating at a connection point that allows for releasable securement to the vehicle. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the radio bracket (without mounting feet). 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the radio bracket. 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the radio bracket. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the radio bracket and tractor. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the figures, FIG. 3 shows up bracket device  10  comprised of a platform  14 , a first leg  16 , and a second leg  28 . A piece of audio equipment  12 , mounts to the substantially planer platform  14  with mounting feet  38 . In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the mounting feet  38  bolt to the platform  14  and secure to the audio equipment  12  in a suitable manner. For example, with screws, bolts, glue, and the like. 
     The first leg  16  includes a first end  18  that connects to the platform and extends away therefrom. Additionally, the first leg  16  also includes a second end  20  with a terminal portion  24 , and a U-shaped central portion  22  connecting the first end  18  and the second end  20 . The terminal portion  24  of the first leg  16  includes a bolt hole  26 . In an identical manner, the second leg  28  also includes a first end  30 , and a second end  32 , with a terminal portion  36  including a bolt hole  26 , and an U-shaped central portion  34  connecting the first end  30  and the second end  32 . 
     FIG. 4 shows that the first leg  16  and the second leg  28  releasable secure to a fender  102  of a lawn tractor  100 . In particular, the U-shaped central portion  22  of the first leg  16 , and the U-shaped central portion  34  of the second leg  28  capture the fender  102  of the lawn tractor  100 . Bolts  40  secure through bolt holes  26  in the top side of the fender  102  thereby connecting the terminal portion  24  of the first leg  16  and the terminal portion  36  of the second leg  28  to the lawn tractor  100 . Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the present invention contemplates a wide variety of similar or equivalent mounting systems without departing from the scope of the intended invention. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the lawn tractor  100  is a lawn and garden tractor of the type available from John Deere. The particular advantage of using a John Deere lawn and garden tractor comprises the fact that the bracket  10  can mount to the fender of a John Deere lawn and garden tractor through the existing tractor hand-hold hardware in relatively little time, with simple tools, and without disfiguring or altering the tractor in any manner. 
     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the radio bracket  12  is constructed of conventional spring steel stock. The platform  14  measures 8¼″ by 4½″ and ⅛″ in thickness. The legs  16 ,  28  measure 7″ in height, 1″ in width, and ⅛″ in thickness. From the bottom of the curved portion of the legs  16 ,  28  to the beginning of the terminal portion  22 ,  34  measures 3¾″. The terminal portion  24 ,  36  of the legs  16 ,  28  measures 1¾″ with a {fraction (5/16)}″ bolt hole  26 . 
     The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present inventions. The foregoing embodiments and the methods described herein may vary based on the ability, experience, and preference of those skilled in the art. Merely listing the steps of the method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of the method. The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the claims are so limited. Those skilled in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.