Patent Abstract:
A mounting apparatus includes a horizontally supportable beam and one or more mounting brackets for coupling an electronic device thereto. The beam is supportable from any number of support surfaces. The mounting brackets are provided with a projection to prevent twisting of the bracket during installation on the beam. One or more circular ribs within the bracket accommodate the use of curved beams. The mounting brackets enable positioning of the electronic device longitudinally along the beam at predetermined positions.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This present application is a divisional application which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/871,799, filed Jun. 18, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic devices such as flat screen monitors or other electronic equipment are supported for use by a variety of known adjustable stands and/or extension arms. For example, there is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,691 an adjustable extension arm for mounting a monitor to a supporting surface, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The extension arm is constructed from a pair of nested channel members which form an adjustable parallelogram that permits the electronic device coupled thereto to be raised and lowered to a desired height. Such extension arms are useful when it is desired to elevate the monitor off a desk or other surface, in order that the device meets eye level or some other desired height. U.S. Pat. No. 6,499,704, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a pole stand having a base, a pole attached to the base, and a collar, which is positonable on the pole. The collar is provided with a support mount that can receive various coupling components, which may in turn be attached to an electronic device such as a monitor. 
     Despite these known adjustable stands and extension arms, there is the desire for further improvements in an adjustable support for an electronic device and mounting brackets for use therewith. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting apparatus for an electronic device, the mounting apparatus comprising an elongated beam having a longitudinal axis; and at least one bracket adapted to be coupled to an electronic device, the bracket including a body having a bore adapted to receive the beam therethrough, and a pair of spaced apart ribs extending from the body into said bore, the ribs adapted for engagement with the beam when the beam is received within the bore. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting apparatus for an electronic device, the mounting apparatus comprising an elongated beam having a longitudinal axis, the beam having a bracket engagement portion; and at least one bracket adapted to be coupled to an electronic device, the bracket including an upper bracket member pivotably attached to a lower bracket member forming a bore therebetween, one of the upper and lower bracket members including a beam engagement portion accessible within the bore, the beam engagement portion coacting with the bracket engagement portion when the beam is received within the bore to prevent the bracket from twisting about the beam. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting bracket adapted for coupling an electronic device to an elongated beam, the bracket comprising a body having a bore adapted to receive the beam therethrough, and a pair of spaced apart ribs extending from the aid body into the bore, the ribs adapted for engagement with the beam when the beam is received within the bore. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting bracket adapted for coupling an electronic device to an elongated beam, the bracket comprising an upper bracket member pivotably attached to a lower bracket member forming a bore therebetween, one of the upper and lower bracket members including a beam engagement portion accessible within the bore, the beam engagement portion adapted for coacting with a portion of the beam when the beam is received within the bore to prevent the bracket from twisting about the beam. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting bracket adapted for coupling an electronic device to an elongated beam, the bracket comprising a body having a bore adapted to receive the beam therethrough; means for preventing twisting of the body about the beam when the beam is received within the bore; and means for engaging a surface of the beam at spaced apart locations when the beam is received within the bore. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting bracket adapted for coupling an electronic device to a curved elongated beam, the bracket comprising an upper bracket member pivotably attached to a lower bracket member between an open and closed position, the upper and lower bracket members forming a through bore therebetween when in the closed position, the bore having first and second spaced apart ends, first and second ribs extending from the upper and lower bracket members into the bore, the first rib arranged adjacent the first end and the second rib arranged adjacent the second end, each of the ribs having a curved inner surface adapted for engagement with a surface of the beam when received within the bore, and a beam engagement portion accessible within the bore adapted for coacting with a portion of the beam when received within the bore to prevent twisting of the bracket about the beam. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting apparatus for an electronic device, the mounting apparatus comprising an elongated beam; and a mounting bracket adapted for coupling an electronic device to the elongated beam, the bracket comprising a body having a bore adapted to receive the beam therethrough, means for preventing twisting of the body about the beam when the beam is received within the bore, and means for engaging a surface of the beam at spaced apart locations when the beam is received within the bore. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting apparatus for an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a curved elongated beam having a longitudinal axis, the beam having a bracket engagement portion extending along the axis; and at least one mounting bracket adapted for coupling an electronic device to the beam, the bracket comprising an upper bracket member pivotably attached to a lower bracket member between an open and closed position, the upper and lower bracket members forming a through bore therebetween when in the closed position, the bore having first and second spaced apart ends, first and second ribs extending from the upper and lower bracket members into the bore, the first rib arranged adjacent the first end and the second rib arranged adjacent the second end, each of the ribs having a curved inner surface adapted for engagement with a surface of the beam when received within the bore, and a beam engagement portion accessible within the bore adapted for coacting with the bracket engagement portion of the beam when received within the bore to prevent twisting of the bracket about the beam. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting apparatus for adjusting the elevation of an electronic device coupled thereto, the mounting apparatus comprising an elongated beam having a longitudinal axis; and at least one bracket adapted to be coupled to an electronic device, the bracket including a body having a bore adapted to receive the beam therethrough, and means for adjusting the elevation of an electronic device when coupled thereto relative to the body. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting apparatus for adjusting the elevation of an electronic device coupled thereto, the mounting apparatus comprising an elongated beam having a longitudinal axis; and at least one bracket adapted to be coupled to an electronic device, the bracket including a body having a threaded opening and a bore adapted to receive the beam therethrough, and an externally threaded bushing having an opening at one end thereof, the bushing threadingly received within the threaded opening within the body; and a coupling device received within the opening of the bushing for coupling an electronic device to the bracket, whereby the elevation of the electronic device can be adjusted by advancing the bushing through the body by rotation of the bushing. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting bracket for adjusting the elevation of an electronic device coupled thereto, the bracket comprising a body adapted for coupling an electronic device thereto, and means for adjusting the elevation of an electronic device when coupled thereto relative to the body. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is described a mounting bracket for adjusting the elevation of an electronic device coupled thereto, the bracket comprising a body having a threaded opening, and an externally threaded bushing having an opening at one end thereof, the bushing threadingly received within said threaded opening within the body; and a coupling device received within the opening of the bushing for coupling an electronic device to the body, whereby the elevation of the electronic device can be adjusted by advancing the bushing through the body by rotation of the bushing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with features, objects, and advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a mounting apparatus constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an elongated beam adapted for use in the mounting apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view, looking from above, of the upper bracket member of the mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view, looking from below, of the upper bracket member of the mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the lower bracket member of the mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view illustrating a plurality of electronic devices mounted to a curved elongated beam using a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatical illustration showing the relationship of a mounting bracket coupled to a curved elongated beam in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the projection shown in the mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a mounting apparatus generally designated by reference numeral  100 . The mounting apparatus  100  includes an elongated beam  102  and at least one mounting bracket for use therewith. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the mounting apparatus  100  includes a plurality of mounting brackets  104 ,  106 ,  108 , whose construction will be described hereinafter. An electronic device such as a flat screen monitor  110  is coupled to each of the mounting brackets by means of, for example, a tilter device  112  such as known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,988, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The beam  102  is supported in a horizontal orientation overlying floor  114  by means of a stand  116 . As to be described hereinafter, the beam  102  may be also be supported from the ceiling, vertical wall or office furniture as may be desired. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated one embodiment of a beam  102  adapted for supporting an electronic device via a mounting bracket. The beam  102  is constructed as an elongated member having a circular cross-section and a predetermined radius of curvature. The beam  102 , as shown, is constructed as a solid beam from a lightweight metal such as aluminum and the like. It is contemplated that the beam  102  may be constructed from other materials such as plastics and reinforced plastics, as well as a hollow tubular member or a hollow tubular member that is filled with a secondary material such as a metal or plastic filler. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the beam  102  has a circular cross-sectional shape. This facilitates bending of the beam  102  to the desired radius of curvature. However, it is contemplated that the beam  102  may have other geometric shapes, for example, polygonal, square, oval and the like. Although the beam  102  has a predetermined radius of curvature in accordance with the preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the beam may also be linear without a radius of curvature if so desired. 
     The beam  102  is provided with a bracket engagement portion in the nature of an elongated slot  118 . The cross-sectional shape of the slot  118  may have various forms, for example, rectangular, keyhole, polygonal and the like. The slot  118  is provided extending along the longitudinal axis  119  of the beam generally arranged at its mid-point, for example, in alignment with the diameter of the beam  102 . As shown, the slot  118  is formed on the side of the beam  102  having the larger radius of curvature, i.e., outwardly of the beam. However, it is contemplated that the slot  118  may also be provided on the surface of the beam having the smaller radius of curvature, i.e., facing inwardly. Although the slot  118  has been shown as a continuous slot form one end of the beam  102  to the other, it is contemplated that the slot may be formed as segments which are discontinuous. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 through 6 , there will be described a mounting bracket constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting brackets  106 ,  108  are adapted to be slid along the beam  102  for securing at a predetermined location. On the other hand, the mounting bracket  104  is intended to have a fixed location along the beam  102 . The construction of the mounting bracket  104  will be described hereinafter. As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the mounting brackets  106 ,  108  are constructed from a body  120  which includes an upper bracket member  122  and a lower bracket member  124 , and optionally, a bushing  126 . 
     The upper bracket member  122  includes a boss  128  having an upper surface  130  and a lower surface  132 . A threaded opening  134  extends through the boss  128  between the upper and lower surfaces  130 ,  132 . A pair of spaced apart ribs  136  having an aligned through bore  138  are provided extending away from the lower surface  132  adjacent one end of the boss  128 . 
     An arcuate shaped member  140  extends away from the boss  128  having an inner curved surface  142 . The curved surface  142  is formed by a radius generally corresponding to the radius of the cylindrical beam  102 . In this regard, the shape of the inner surface  142  conforms to the shape of the beam  102 . In an embodiment where the beam  102  is polygonal in cross-sectional shape, the inner surface  142  of the upper bracket  142  will have a corresponding polygonal shape. 
     A projection  146  extends inwardly from the forward edge  148  of the arcuate shaped member  140 . The projection  146  is an elongated body having a cross-sectional shape generally conforming to the cross-sectional shape of the slot  118  formed in beam  102 . In this regard, the projection  146  is adapted to extend into the slot  118 , whereby the mounting bracket may slide longitudinally along the beam  102  while the projection is engaged within the slot. Thus, it is not a requirement that the projection  146  have the same corresponding shape as the slot  118 . Although the projection  146  has been shown as a single elongated body, it is contemplated that the projection may be formed from spaced apart segments, or a single projection whose length is shorter than the length of the arcuate shaped member  140 . The projection  146  extends inwardly into the opening formed by the inner curved surface  142  of the arcuate shaped member  140 . 
     The arcuate shaped member  140  includes a boss  150  formed outwardly thereof proximate the forward edge  148 . The boss  150  includes an opening  152  which may be threaded or non-threaded. As will be described hereinafter, the boss  150  is part of a locking assembly operative for securing the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  in assembled relationship about the beam  102 . 
     As thus far described, the arcuate shaped member  140  has an inner curved surface  142  which is generally planar between its spaced apart edges  154 ,  156 . An elongated curved rib  158  extends projecting inwardly from the inner curved surface  142  of the arcuate shaped member  140  adjacent each edge  154 ,  156 . The ribs  158  generally have a radius of curvature center corresponding to the radius of curvature center of the inner curved surface  142  of the arcuate shaped member  140 . As such, the outer edge of the ribs  158  generally lie in a circular plane parallel to the circular plane concentric with the inner curved surface  142 . Although the ribs  158  have been illustrated as continuous ribs substantially co-extensive with the edges  154 ,  156  of the inner curved surface  142 , it is contemplated that the ribs may be formed as spaced apart segments. Although the ribs generally have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, they may have other shapes such as polygonal, triangular, trapezoidal or the like. 
     The lower bracket member  124  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 6 . The lower bracket member  124  includes an arcuate shaped member  160  having an inner curved surface  162 . The inner curved surface  162  is defined by a radius of curvature generally corresponding to the radius of curvature of the inner curved surface  142  of the arcuate shaped member  140 . The inner curved surface  162  is generally of similar shape to inner curved surface  142  so as to conform with the cross-sectional shape of the beam  102 . In this regard, the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  when in their assembled closed relationship as shown in  FIG. 3  define a through bore  164  having the general cross-sectional shape as the beam  102 . In the preferred embodiment, the bore  164  has a circular shape, although other shapes are contemplated as previously described, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the bore is arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the threaded opening  134  in boss  128 . 
     A rib  166  is formed extending outwardly from a central portion of one end  168  of the lower bracket member  124 . The rib  166  is adapted to be rotationally received within the opening  170  formed between the spaced apart ribs  136  on the upper bracket member  122  as best shown in  FIG. 5 . Rib  166  includes a through bore  172  which aligns with bore  138  within ribs  136  so as to receive an axle  174  for pivotably attaching the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  together. 
     A boss  176  is provided extending outwardly from the other end  178  of the arcuate shaped member  160 . The boss  176  has a through opening  180  which may be threaded or unthreaded. In assembled relationship, the openings  152 ,  180  are aligned with each other so as to accommodate a bolt, screw or other attachment means for securing the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  together in fixed assembled relationship. It is to be understood that other locking assemblies may be used such as clamps, hooks or other fasteners, both threaded and non-threaded, for securing the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  together. 
     An elongated curved rib  182  similar in construction to rib  158  is provided projecting inwardly from the inner curved surface  162  of the arcuate shaped member  160  adjacent its side edges  184 ,  186 . The ribs  158 ,  182  of the corresponding upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  cooperate with each other to define the radial limits of the bore  164  formed thereby. 
     The projection  146  has been described as being formed extending inwardly from the upper bracket member  122 . It is to be understood that the projection  146  may be formed, in the alternative, extending inwardly from the lower bracket member  124 . It is further contemplated that a secondary projection  146  may be formed extending from the lower bracket member  124  to cooperate with the projection of the upper bracket member  124  so as to both be received within the slot  118  of the beam  102 . 
     The mounting brackets  106 ,  108  are shown in assembled relationship in  FIG. 3 . As previously described, the lower bracket member  124  is pivotably coupled to the upper bracket member  122  by an axle  174  extending through the aligned bores  138 ,  172  of the nested ribs  136 ,  166 . This permits the mounting brackets  106 ,  178  to be positioned about the beam  102  with the projection  146  extending into the slot  118 . The upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  are secured together, by, for example, a bolt or screw extending through the aligned openings  152 ,  180  of the overlying bosses  150 ,  176 , or other such clamping assembly. 
     The bushing  126 , as best shown in  FIG. 3 , is constructed as a generally hollow tubular body having external threads at least about an upper portion of the bushing. The bushing  126  is adapted to be threadingly engaged within the threaded opening  134  within the upper bracket member  122 . The lower end of the bushing  126  is provided with an enlarged knob  188 . The knob  188  facilitates rotation of the bushing  126 , by hand, so as to advance and retract the bushing within the upper bracket member  122 . The bushing  126  is operative for supporting an electronic device by coupling same via, for example, a coupling device such as a tilter device  112 , forearm extension, extension arm or other such coupling device. The tilter device  112  is partially shown in  FIG. 3  having a downwardly depending shaft (not shown) received within the upper opening provided within the bushing  126 . The adjustability of the bushing  126  is operative for raising and lowering the height or elevation of the electronic device which is coupled to the mounting bracket  106 ,  108 . This is useful to align each of the electronic devices at the same elevation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated the mounting brackets  106 ,  108  coupled to a beam  102 . In this regard, the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  are pivotably opened to receive the beam  102 . The upper bracket member  122  is positioned about the top half of the beam  102  with the projection  146  captured within the slot  118 . The projection  146  temporarily attaches the upper bracket member  122  to the beam  102  while the lower bracket member  124  is pivoted into a closed position encircling the beam. A threaded bolt received within the aligned bosses  150 ,  176  brings the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  together in a clamping action about the beam  102 . Prior to final clamping, the brackets  106 ,  108  can be slid along the beam  102  with projection  146  extending within the slot  118  to position the bracket at the desired location. Once positioned, the mounting brackets  106 ,  108  are firmly secured to the beam by tightening the bolt or other clamping assembly as previously described. 
     A flat screen monitor  110  is coupled to each of the mounting brackets  106 ,  108  via, for example, a tilter device  112 . However, other coupling devices such as an extension arm, forearm extension or other suitable assembly may be used as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,691. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bushing  126  is used to raise or lower each of the monitors  110  so that they are arranged at the desired elevation. In the preferred embodiment, each of the monitors  110  are arranged in a common horizontal plane with their upper and lower edges in alignment with one another. The height adjustment of each of the monitors  110  is achieved by rotating the bushing  126  via knob  188 . Any number of mounting brackets  106 ,  108  may be coupled to the beam  102 , depending upon its length, to accommodate a plurality of monitors  110  or other electronic device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  have planar inner curved surfaces  142 ,  162  forming a cylindrical shape. As the beam  102  has a radius of curvature, the outer surface of the beam engages the inner curved surfaces  142 ,  162  of the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  generally at a single midpoint identified by reference numeral  190 . The ribs  158 ,  182  by extending from the side edges of the inner curved surfaces  142 ,  162  engage the outer surface of the beam  102  at two spaced apart circumscribing locations. The engagement of the ribs  158 ,  182  with the beam  102  provides enhanced mechanical coupling of the mounting brackets to the beam via the compressive force exerted thereon by the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124 . This simplifies the construction of the mounting brackets. In an alternative embodiment, the curved inner surfaces  142 ,  162  could be in the nature of a compound curve to accommodate both the cross-sectional shape of the beam  102 , as well as its radius of curvature. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there will now be described the construction of a mounting bracket  104  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As previously described, the mounting brackets  106 ,  108  are adapted to slide along the beam  102  for positioning at a desired location. The mounting bracket  104 , on the other hand, is adapted to be positioned at a fixed predetermined location along the beam  102 . To this end, the mounting bracket  104  is provided with a depending projection  192  extending away from the inner curved surface  142  of the upper bracket member  122 . The projection  192  may have a shape conforming to the shape of a corresponding opening (not shown) provided within the beam  102 . For example, projection  192  has a circular shape to be received within a circular opening within the beam  102 . However, it is noted that a circular projection  192  will fit within a square or polygonal shaped opening within the beam  102 . The opening within the beam  102  is formed at one or more predetermined locations for coupling the mounting bracket  104  thereat. It is also contemplated that the projection  192  can be provided extending from the lower bracket member  124  if desired. The construction of the mounting bracket  104  to include projection  192  typically obviates the need for providing a projection  146  as described with respect to mounting brackets  106 ,  108  which is adapted to be received within the slot  118  of the beam  102 . Although only one projection  192  is illustrated, it is to be understood that spaced apart projections can also be incorporated into the mounting bracket  104 . A downwardly depending shaft  194  extends outwardly from the lower bracket member  124 . The shaft  194  is adapted to be received within a stand  116  for supporting the beam  102  in a horizontal orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 . Generally, in all other respects, mounting bracket  104  is similar in construction to mounting brackets  106 ,  108 . 
     Mounting bracket  104 , in one embodiment, is positioned centrally along the beam  102  at its mid point to support the beam via a stand  116  supported on the floor  114 , or attached to the ceiling, or a vertical wall. It is also contemplated that the beam  102  can be supported from a desk or other structure as may be desired. It is contemplated that the beam  102  may be supported by the use of a plurality of mounting brackets  104  arranged at spaced apart locations, each coupled to a stand  114  or other support structure, with or without the use of the slideable mounting brackets  106 ,  108 . Accordingly, the mounting brackets  104 ,  106  and  108  may be used in combination with each other for supporting an electronic device such as a flat screen monitor  110  and the like at various locations along the beam  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a mounting bracket  196 . The mounting bracket  196  is of similar construction to mounting bracket  106 ,  108  as previously described. The mounting bracket  196  is constructed to include a removable projection  198  which is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 11 . The projection  198  is formed as a flat body having a u-shape by virtue of a pair of spaced apart legs  200 ,  202 . The legs  200 ,  202  are sized and shaped to be received within the slot  118  of the beam  102 . 
     The projection  198  is located between the free ends of the upper and lower bracket members  122 ,  124  whereby the legs  200 ,  202  extend inwardly into the bore  168  formed by the upper and lower bracket members. The main body of the projection  198  is attached to either an upper or lower boss  204 ,  206  of the mounting bracket  196  having openings  208  in alignment with corresponding openings  210  within the projection  198 . A screw, bolt or other fastening member may be inserted through the aligned openings for securing the projection  198  to either the upper bracket member  122  or lower bracket member  124 . Generally, in all other respects, the construction of the mounting bracket  196  is similar to the mounting brackets  106 ,  108 . Although the projection  198  has been disclosed as having U-shaped, the projection may also be constructed as a rectangular body simulating projection  146 . 
     A mounting bracket  212  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 12 . The mounting bracket  212  is constructed to accommodate a beam  102  provided with an outwardly projecting longitudinally extending rib  214 , as opposed to a slot  118 . In this regard, the inner curved surface  142 ,  162  of either of the upper or lower mounting bracket members  122 ,  124  is provided with a corresponding elongated opening  216 . Generally, in all other respects, the mounting bracket  212  is similar in construction to the aforementioned mounting brackets. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a mounting bracket  218 . Unlike the previously described mounting brackets, mounting bracket  218  is not intended to couple an electronic device thereto, but rather, to couple the beam  102  to, for example, stand  116  or other supporting structure or device. The mounting bracket  218  includes an upper bracket member  220  and a lower bracket member  124 . The construction of the lower bracket member  124  has been previously described with respect to  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the lower bracket member  124  includes a projection  146  and a downwardly depending shaft  194  as described with respect to the mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 9 . The upper bracket member  220  is similar in construction to the upper bracket member  122  as described with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , but for the projection  146  and threaded opening  134 . However, as previously described, the projection  146  may be incorporated in either the upper or lower bracket members. The upper bracket member  220  is devoid of threaded opening  134 , as the mounting bracket is not intended to be coupled to an electronic device. The upper bracket  220  member is constructed to be pivotably attached to the lower bracket member  124  in lieu of the upper bracket member  122  having the threaded opening  134 . This minimizes the number of components required to be inventory when assembling a mounting bracket. As such, the lower bracket member  124  may be coupled to either of the upper bracket members depending upon the application of the mounting bracket. 
     Mounting bracket  218  allows for the independent mounting of electronic devices to the beam  102 , separate and apart from the mounting brackets used for mounting the beam to a support. This facilitates the adjustment of the electronic devices relative to each other along the beam  102 . That is, manipulation of the mounting bracket to adjust an electronic device does not affect the position or attachment of the mounting bracket used to attach the beam  102  to a support. 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5