Patent Abstract:
Mounting brackets for mounting microphones, lights, video, audio and photographic tools and accessories utilized in the audio/video industry to a variety of support structures or fixtures. This invention provides quick and effective attachment of numerous audio/video devices and other paraphernalia onto a wide variety of fixtures. Convenient clamping and mounting mechanisms are disclosed, as well as a kit of such mechanisms.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/966,646 filed Dec. 13, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,277, which was a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/689,942, filed Mar. 22, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,136. The entire contents of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to mounting brackets for mounting microphones, lights, video, audio and photographic tools and accessories utilized in the audio/video industry to a variety of support structures or fixtures. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Numerous mounting brackets and holders exist to provide mounting of video and/or audio equipment to a support structure. However, most brackets are designed for only one mounting position and cannot function outside that position. This fact is particularly disadvantageous to the individual who requires the flexibility to set up audio or video equipment in various “field” settings. I perceive the need for a versatile mounting bracket that makes it easy for such equipment to be quickly mounted to almost any object in any location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a mounting device for microphones, lights, video, audio, and photographic tools and accessories is provided, with the versatility to mount to almost any fixture. It is common for those involved in video, audio and photography production to be challenged with the need for innovative methods of mounting microphones and lights in studios and remote locations. Although known devices and apparatus utilized in this area are suitable for their respective specific purposes, a need remains for a device that will work well in multiple situations. Furthermore, there is a need for a device of this type that is cost-effective and space-saving. 
     This invention is directed to facilitate the methods in which microphones, lights, and other video and audio accessory equipment are set up to be utilized in the field. This invention provides an effective method of attaching various audio/video devices onto a wide variety of fixtures. The use with microphones is but one of various uses within the general application of the invention. The description below of microphone mounting is not intended to limit the applicability of the invention, but rather to demonstrate one of a variety of applications. 
     The present invention provides a mounting bracket with means for rapidly and conveniently detachably mounting a microphone or other object onto any of many readily accessible uniform and/or non-uniform objects such as a tree, pole, drop ceiling, door, handle, knob, etc. An advantage of the invention is to accomplish this purpose without tape, wire or other ad hoc methods otherwise needed to support such objects. 
     The mounting bracket comprises a pair of opposing support clips, or clamping members, pivotally attached to a connecting means, such as an adjustment screw with a pin, a spring and a circular body (“body”) with a tapered end and a threaded end. The tapered end of the body provides an interface to accept the adjustment screw, which serves as a connecting means between the circular body and support clips. The support clips pivotally attach to the adjustment screw. One end of each support clip slidably engages the tapered end of the body, while the other end of the pair of clips act as jaws that clamp about a support structure. The threaded end of the body provides an interface for a conventional microphone holder to attach to the mounting bracket. 
     In operation, the user rotates the body while the support clips and adjustment screw are held stationary. The adjustment screw and slidable ends of the support clips raise or lower in relation to the tapered end of the body. This action causes the jaws of the support clips to open or close respectively. The spring biases the support clips open as the body is rotated to extend the adjustment screw. 
     To use the mounting bracket, the user screws the threaded end of the body onto a conventional microphone holder. The user then rotates the body in a right-to-left direction while holding the support clips and adjustment screw stationary. The adjustment screw extends in relation to the body. The ends of the support clips travel upwardly along the tapered end causing the jaws to open. The spring biases the jaws open so the jaws may engage a support structure, such as the rail of a typical drop ceiling. Once the jaws are in position to engage the support structure, the user rotates the body in a left-to-right direction, which retracts the adjustment screw into the body. The ends of the support clips travel downwardly along the tapered end, causing the jaws to close about the support structure. After the mounting bracket securely attaches to the support structure, the microphone slidably attaches to the microphone holder. The microphone is securely attached to a support structure, which, in the absence of a mounting bracket of this invention, may not have been usable to efficiently support the microphone. 
     In one embodiment, the mounting bracket may attach a microphone to almost any support structure up to one inch in width or diameter. In an alternate embodiment, the mounting bracket may attach a microphone to almost any support structure up to two inches in width or diameter. In either embodiment, the mounting bracket has the capability of attaching to uniform or non uniform objects such as trees, poles, drop ceilings, pipes, doors, handles and knobs, to name just a few typical examples. 
     Accessories, desirably integrated into a kit of this invention, are designed specifically to cooperate with the mounting bracket to be even more versatile in its mounting applications. The accessories are: a desktop (desk stand) plate, a light stand (portable light adapter), a camera mounting adapter, universal joint (adjustable mounting bracket), drop ceiling light assembly, and a hook. The desk stand plate assembly allows a microphone to be positioned on a flat surface, such as a desk, when no other object is available on which the mounting bracket may clamp. The plate assembly has a weighted flat base and an integrated support, such as a tee (“T”) or channel mount (“U”) on to which the mounting bracket may clamp. 
     The shoe mount adapter of this invention allows users to attach a microphone to a video camera or other piece of video equipment. This adapter attaches to the shoe mount of the video equipment, and the mounting bracket clamps to the adapter. 
     The portable light adapter of this invention is designed to support accessory lighting on stand-alone systems, and cameras and camcorders when used in conjunction with the camera mount adapter. The attachment is capable of supporting small portable lights. 
     The universal joint (adjustable mounting bracket) of this invention provides 360 degrees of rotational ability and 90 degrees of tilt to the microphone adapter on one end and a mounting bracket on the other end. 
     The drop-ceiling light assembly of this invention is designed to mount on a ceiling track. 
     The hook of the invention is designed to thread onto the threaded end of the body of the mounting bracket. In this manner, the user has a convenient hook that can be attached almost anywhere to hang such accessories as audio or video, wiring, lighting, etc. Multiple hooks can be used to mount a sign or picture from a ceiling. 
     From the foregoing, taken with the following detailed description, it becomes apparent that this invention provides an improved device that will allow an individual to attach video, audio, and photographic tools and accessories to multiple fixtures and equipment. A feature of the invention is its versatility to function on many surfaces for many different applications. It has applications for a range of users: from the hobbyist, attaching equipment to pipes and the drop ceiling in the basement, to the professional on the road, who needs a quick and easy method to attach equipment to a wide range of objects. One aspect of this invention provides a versatile mounting bracket that is capable of mounting a microphone on almost any object up to two inches. Another aspect of this invention involves a microphone mounting kit having interrelated parts adapted to be assembled in the field to provide a mounting for a microphone on almost any available object up to five feet in diameter. 
     The present invention provides a mounting bracket for conveniently mounting audio, video, lighting, and film accessories on a support structure. In one aspect, the mounting bracket comprises a body having a tapered end and a threaded end, the tapered end having a threaded hole, and the threaded hole extending into the body. A threaded adjustment screw is engaged in the threaded hole. A pair of opposing clamping members pivotally connects to the adjustment screw, with each clamping member having a bottom end, and a jaw at the opposite end. The bottom end of each clamping member slides along the tapered end of the body, thereby moving the jaw into an opened position with the adjustment screw extended and a closed position with the adjustment screw retracted. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which a spring pivotally connects to the adjustment screw and biases open the clamping members. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which the body of the mounting bracket has a knurled portion. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which the clamping members of the bracket are coated, e.g. with enamel. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which a microphone holder is attached to the threaded end of the mounting bracket. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which a hook is attached to the threaded end of the mounting bracket. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which a light adapter is attached to the threaded end of the mounting bracket. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which a desk stand plate assembly provides means for clamping the mounting bracket. The desk stand plate is comprised of a base plate, a support structure attached to the base plate, and a fastening means for fastening the support structure to the base plate. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which the support structure of the desk stand plate comprises a “T” element. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which the support structure of the desk stand plate comprises a “U” element. 
     The present invention further provides a clamp for mounting a mounting bracket. The clamp has a C-shaped frame, having an elongated segment, and first and second short segments, a threaded hole in the first short segment of the C-shaped frame, a threaded rod protruding through the threaded hole, with the threaded rod having a handle on one end, and a flat base on the other end. A base plate connects to the outer side of the elongated segment of the C-shaped frame. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which a side plate is connected to the outer side of the second short segment of the C-shaped frame. 
     The present invention further provides an adjustable mounting bracket. The adjustable mounting bracket has a circular body, having a first ball-shaped fixture at one end; 
     a microphone adaptor, having a second ball-shaped fixture at one end; 
     a universal block having a first half and a second half, and two notched ends for receiving the first and second ball-shaped fixtures; 
     a threaded screw having a bar knob at the distal end, the threaded screw connecting 
     a bar knob, threadedly engaging the first half and second half of the universal bock; thereby clamping the notches of the universal block onto each of the ball-shaped fixtures, and providing an adjustable mounting bracket. 
     The present invention further provides a shoe mount adapter, comprising 
     a plate; 
     a microphone holder attached to the plate; 
     a cable holder attached to said microphone holder; 
     a shoe mount guide attached to the plate; 
     a shoe mount attached to the plate, opposite of the shoe mount guide; 
     whereby the shoe mount adapter provides means for attaching a shoe mount device and a microphone, and fastening a microphone cable, conveniently close to a shoe mount of a camera. 
     The present invention further provides a wireless microphone adapter, comprising a cylinder. The cylinder is attached to a plate along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and has a fastener securely attached to the outer side of the plate. The fastener receives a complementary fastener of a wireless microphone, thus providing a secure mounting for a wireless microphone. 
     The present invention further provides a drop ceiling light assembly, comprising: 
     a light cover; 
     a curved shaft having a first end and a second end; 
     a mounting bracket having an adjustment screw; and 
     a linear shaft extension having a first end and a second end; wherein the first end of the linear shaft extension is attached to a ceiling-mounted electrical box, and the second end of the linear shaft extension is attached to the first end of the curved shaft, the light cover is attached to the second end of the curved shaft, and the mounting bracket is attached to the light cover, thereby providing a means for quick installation of a multiple ceiling-mounted light. 
     The present invention further provides an embodiment in which the light cover is dome shaped. 
     The present invention further provides a kit for conveniently mounting audio, video, lighting, and film accessories on a support structure comprising: 
     at least one mounting bracket; 
     at least one desk stand plate assembly; 
     at least one clamp; 
     at least one adjustable mounting bracket; and 
     at least one shoe mount adapter. 
     The present invention further provides a method of hanging a sign from a drop ceiling comprising the step of attaching to rails of a drop ceiling a plurality of mounting brackets having hooks. This is followed by a step of attaching suspension means from the sign to the hooks of each mounting bracket. 
     Furthermore, another aspect of this invention provides a versatile mounting bracket that requires no modification of the typical professional microphone or its holder. Yet another aspect of this invention eliminates the need for tape, wire and other haphazard methods to mount microphones. An advantage of this invention is that it is easy to install without the use of tools. Another advantage of this invention is that it has applications from the hobbyist to the professional in audio and video fields. Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from a description of certain preferred embodiments below and as recited in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a mounting bracket of this invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is an elevation view of an assembled mounting bracket of this invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an elevation view of an adjustment screw; 
         FIG. 3B  is another elevation view of an adjustment screw; 
         FIG. 4  is an exaggerated plan view showing a support clip of this invention; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  show elevation view of the mounting bracket clamped to a cross beam or support structure; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the mounting bracket attached to a microphone holder and a microphone; 
         FIG. 7A  is a front view of a modified C-clamp with the mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of a modified C-clamp with the mounting bracket; 
         FIG. 8A  is a plan view of an accessory plate assembly with tee attachment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a partial cut-away elevation of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory plate assembly with channel attachment; 
         FIG. 9B  is an elevation of the embodiment of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a stand assembly; 
         FIG. 10B  is a plan view of the stand assembly of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10C  is a sectional view of the stand assembly of  FIG. 10B ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a universal assembly; 
         FIG. 11B  is an exploded view of the universal assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a plan view of the universal assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11D  is a sectional view of the universal assembly shown in  FIG. 11C ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a drop ceiling light assembly; 
         FIG. 12B  is an exploded view of the drop ceiling light assembly of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is a plan view of the drop ceiling light assembly of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12D  is a sectional view of the drop ceiling light assembly shown in  FIG. 12C ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a shoe mount adapter; 
         FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of a wireless microphone adapter; 
         FIG. 13B  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a wireless microphone adapter showing the adaptor in use with a wireless microphone; 
         FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of a portable light adapter; 
         FIG. 14B  is a plan view of the portable light adapter of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 14C  is a sectional view of the portable light adapter of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 15A  is an elevation view of a mounting bracket with a hook; 
         FIG. 15B  is an alternate elevation view of a mounting bracket with a hook attached to a support structure; 
         FIG. 15C  is a vertical cross-section of body  1520  shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B ; 
         FIG. 16  is an elevation view of a mounting bracket with a picture support hook holding a picture with a chain. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings are now described in detail. They exemplify and teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the inventive concepts described above and recited in the claims appended below. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the elements that comprise the mounting bracket  100 , adapted for mounting a microphone on almost any object up to, e.g., two inches in diameter. The mounting bracket  100  includes a circular body  120 , having a threaded end  121 , for receiving a microphone holder, and a tapered end  123 , a threaded adjustment screw  122 , a set pin  124 , a spring  126 , and two support clips  130  and  135 , each with a jaw  133  and  141  respectively for attaching the mounting bracket  100  to a support structure. The foundation of the mounting bracket  100  is the body  120  with a tapered end  123 . 
     In one embodiment, the “light-duty” embodiment, the overall length of body  120  is approximately 1¼ inch long, and at its widest point, ¾ inch in diameter. Body  120  is preferably constructed from aluminum, although alternative materials such as stainless steel or iron may be used. About 3/16 inch from its top, circular body  120  tapers inward at about a 37-degree angle until the diameter at the top of tapered end  123  is about ¼ inches. The top of tapered end  123  is centered about the diameter of body  120 . At the top of tapered end  123 , a threaded hole  125 , about ⅞ inch long and capable to accept a #10-32 screw, is drilled and tapped into the center of body  120 . Tapered end  123  is finished smooth to allow the ends of support clips  130  and  135  to slide up and down the tapered end  123 . The body  120  is knurled from below tapered end  123  for about 9/16 inch. The knurled area allows an individual to firmly grasp and rotate body  120  to open or close support clips  130  and  135 . 
     Below the knurled area, body  120  tapers inward at about a 54-degree angle until the diameter of body  120  is about ½ inch. The remaining ⅜ inch of body  120  comprises the threaded end  121 . Threaded end  121  is an external 27 UNF thread. The threaded end receives a corresponding internally 27 UNF threaded end of a microphone holder. 
     The body  120  may be of any convenient shape that provides a tapered end  123  on which the ends of support clips  130  and  135  may slide up and down and a threaded end  121  to receive a microphone holder. In preferred embodiments, the body  120  is generally cylindrical for ease of rotation. 
     An adjustment screw  122 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , is preferably made from stainless steel and threads into body  120  via hole  125 . Adjustment screw  122  is about 1⅛ inch long, of which about ⅞ inch is threaded #10-32 to correspond to hole  125 . Adjustment screw  122  terminates in a flat-sided bulbous head  127  opposite the threaded end. A hole  128 , about ⅛ inch in diameter, is centrally located in head  127 , perpendicular to the flat side. A vertical slot  129 , about 1/32 inch wide, extends perpendicular to hole  128  through screw head  127  and terminates just below hole  128 . Slot  129  accepts a “V”-shaped spring  126 , preferably made of steel, that contains a loop at the closed-end of the “V”. The loop is sized to correspond to the size of hole  128  in the adjustment screw head  127 , about ⅛ inch in diameter. Spring  126  slides into slot  129  so the spring loop and hole  128  correspond. 
     The clamping mechanism of the mounting bracket  100  is provided by two support clips  130  and  135 . Support clips  130  and  135  are “T”-shaped; the vertical component is about ¾ inch long, and the horizontal component, or jaws  133  and  141  respectively, are about 2 inches long.  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the relationship of the curvilinear shape of the vertical component and the channel-shape of jaws  133  and  141 . Support clips  130  and  135  are preferably constructed from stainless steel and finished with a hard enamel. The enamel finish helps prevent the support clips  130  and  135  and the jaws  133  and  141  from scratching or gouging the support structure, on which the mounting bracket  100  clamps. Positioned about ⅜ inch from the bottom of support clips  130  and  135  is the center line of the holes on the pair of ears  131 ,  131 A and  137 ,  137 A integrally formed on each support clip  130  and  135  respectively. Ears  131 ,  131 A,  137 , and  137 A extend inwardly at right angles from either side of the vertical component of support clips  130  and  135  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     After spring  126  is installed in slot  129 , holes of ears  131  and  131 A on support clip  130  are placed in a corresponding relationship with hole  128 . Next, holes of ears  137  and  137 A on support clip  135  are placed in corresponding relationship with the holes of ears  131  and  131 A as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Support clips  130  and  135  and spring  126  are properly installed in relation to the adjustment screw  122  when the spring  126  engages and exerts tension against the vertical components of both support clips  130  and  135  as shown in  FIG. 2A . After support clips  130  and  135 , spring  126  and adjustment screw head  127  are aligned, a set pin  124  slides into the aligned holes to securely integrate the components. The set pin  124  is about 0.120 inch in diameter, about 0.005 inches smaller than the diameter of the holes. The 0.005 inch difference in dimensions between the holes and set pin  124  exist to allow for a snug fit without “slop.” The clearance still allows for smooth rotation of support clips  130  and  135  about adjustment screw head  127  and set pin  124 . After set pin  124  is installed, both ends of pin  124  are compressed to cause the surface area of the ends to increase and prevent pin  124  from sliding out of hole  128 . 
     An adjustment nut  132 , about ⅝ inch in diameter with an internal 27 UNC thread screws over the threaded end  121  of body  120 . The adjustment nut locks the microphone holder in place. A protective cap (not shown) which slides over the threaded end may, if desired, be used to protect the threads of the threaded end  121  when the mounting bracket  100  is not in use. 
       FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  illustrate the mounting bracket  100  properly assembled. In the full-open state, the bottom ends of support clips  130  and  135  are positioned on the uppermost position of tapered end  123 . Adjustment screw  122  is extended from body  120 ; spring  126  biases open support clips  130  and  135 ; and jaws  133  and  141  are at their furthest distance from each other. This distance is about one inch. The mounting bracket  100  may clamp to almost any object that is less than about 1½ inch in diameter or width. 
     If body  120  rotates from left to right and support clips  130  and  135  and adjustment screw  122  are held stationary, the adjustment screw  122  retracts into circular body  120  causing the ends of support clips  130  and  135  to slide down tapered end  123 . 
     As the ends of support clips  130  and  135  slide down the tapered end  123 , the support clips  130  and  135  rotate about set pin  124 , causing jaws  133  and  141  to come together. When adjustment screw  122  travels to its limit within body  120 , the bottom ends of support clips  130  and  135  slide down to the end of tapered end  123 , and jaws  133  and  141  engage each other and mounting bracket  100  is in the closed position. 
     To open jaws  133  and  141 , body  120  is caused to rotate from right to left while support clips  130  and  135  and adjustment screw  122  are held stationary. The adjustment screw  122  extends from body  120 , and the ends of support clips  130  and  135  travel up tapered end  123  causing support clips  130  and  135  to rotate about set pin  124  forcing jaws  133  and  141  to open. In every position, other than closed, spring  126  biases support clips  130  and  135  open. Without spring  126 , there would not be any forces to maintain support clips  130  and  135  open, and jaws  133  and  141  would close upon each other in a haphazard manner. Spring  126  prevents jaws  133  and  141  from flopping closed while the user maneuvers mounting bracket  100  about the support structure. 
     An alternate embodiment, the heavy-duty embodiment of the mounting bracket, provides a mounting bracket enabled to clamp onto an object that is about two inches in diameter or width and also to support heavier loads than the light-duty embodiment. The heavy-duty embodiment of the mounting bracket can support maximum weight of 22 pounds. In this embodiment, body  120  is approximately 1¼ inches long and, at its widest point, one inch in diameter. Body  120  is preferably constructed from aluminum, although alternative material such as stainless steel may be used. In the heavy-duty embodiment, about ¼ inch from its top, circular body  120  tapers inward at about a 34-degree angle until the diameter at the top of tapered end  123  is about ¼ inch. The top of the tapered end  123  is centered about the diameter of body  120 . At the top of tapered end  123 , a hole  125 , about ⅞ inch long and capable to accept a #1/4-20 thread is drilled and tapped into body  120 . Tapered end  123  is finished smooth to allow the ends of support clips  130  and  135  to slide up and down tapered end  123 . Circular body  120  is knurled from below the tapered end  123  for about ½ inch. The knurled area allows an individual to firmly grasp and rotate body  120  to open or close support clips  130  and  135 . Below the knurled area, body  120  tapers inward until the diameter of body  120  is about ⅝ inch. The remaining ⅜ inch of body  120  comprises threaded end  121 . Threaded end  121  is an external 27 UNF thread. Threaded end  121  receives a corresponding internally 27 UNF threaded end of a standard microphone holder. 
     Adjustment screw  122  can be made with various dimensions and thread configurations to accommodate a variety of applications, such as light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty, as an example. 
     The clamping mechanism of mounting bracket  100  is provided by two support clips  130  and  135  as shown in  FIG. 4 . For the heavy-duty embodiment, support clips  130  and  135  are “T”-shaped; the vertical component is about 2 inches long and the horizontal component, or jaws  133  and  141 , is about 2 inches long. A supporting gusset  140  and  142  is attached to support clips  130  and  135 . Gussets  140  and  142  add stability to support clips  130  and  135  to enable this embodiment of mounting bracket  100  to support more weight than the light-duty embodiment. Support clips  130  and  135  are constructed from stainless steel and finished with a hard enamel. The enamel finish helps prevent support clips  130  and  135  and jaws  133  and  141  from scratching or gouging the support structure (not shown) on which mounting bracket  100  clamps. 
     Positioned about ¾ inch from the bottom of support clips  130  and  135  is the center line of the holes on the pair of ears  131 ,  131 A, and  137 ,  137 A integrally formed on each support clip  130  and  135  respectively. Ears  131 ,  131 A and  137 ,  137 A extend inwardly at right angles from either side of the vertical component of support clips  130  and  135  as shown in  FIG. 4 . After spring  126  is installed in slot  129 , holes of ears  131  and  131 A are placed in a corresponding relationship with hole  128 . Next, holes of ears  137  and  137 A are placed in corresponding relationship with the holes of ears  131  and  131 A in a similar fashion as in the light-duty embodiment. Support clips  130  and  135  and spring  126  are properly installed in relation to the adjustment screw  122  when the spring  126  engages and exerts tension against the vertical components of both support clips  130  and  135 . After support clips  130  and  135 , spring  126  and adjustment screw head  127  are aligned, a set pin  124  slides into the aligned holes to securely integrate the components. The set pin  124  is about 0.120 inch in diameter, about 0.005 inch smaller than the diameter of the holes. The 0.005 inch difference in dimensions between the holes and set pin  124  exist to allow for a snug fit without “slop.” The clearance allows for smooth rotation of the support clips  130  about adjustment screw head  127  and set pin  124 . After set pin  124  is installed, both ends of pin  124  are compressed to cause the surface area of the ends to increase and prevent pin  124  from sliding out of hole  128 . 
     A nylon protective cap (not shown) of ⅝ inch in diameter slides over threaded end  121  of body  120 . The protective cap protects the threads of the threaded end  121  when the mounting bracket  100  is not in use. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate two views of mounting bracket  500  clamped to a support structure  534 . The figures illustrate an inverted “T” support structure, such as the framework for a drop ceiling, only for demonstration purposes. The mounting bracket has the capability of attaching to uniform or non uniform objects such as trees, poles, drop ceilings, pipes, doors, handles and knobs, just to name a few. The main difference between this embodiment, and that shown in  FIG. 1 , is the shape of the support clips  530  and  535 . The other referenced components, body  520 , tapered end  523 , and threaded end  521  function in a similar manner to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Threaded end  521  of circular body  520  is threaded to accept the standard 27 UNF thread of a conventional microphone holder used in the sound recording trade. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates use of the mounting bracket shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , here indicated as  600  clamped to a support structure  634  and attached to a microphone holder  636 . Slidably attached to the microphone holder is a microphone  638 . 
       FIGS. 7 through 16  illustrate the accessories that when combined in a kit, make the mounting bracket even more versatile.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a mounting bracket with a custom designed C-clamp,  700 . 
     The custom designed C-clamp  700  comprises a C-shaped frame  791  having an elongated segment and two short segments, with a threaded hole  792  in the first short segment, a threaded rod  793  with steel handle  794  on one end and flat base  795  on the other end, a steel base plate  796  on the outer side of the elongated segment of the C-shaped frame  791 , and a steel side plate  798  on the outer side of the second short segment of the C-shaped frame  791  which is opposite the threaded hole  792 . The steel handle  794  has ball knobs  789  at the two ends. The steel base  796  is 0.13″ thick, 3.13″ long, and 1″ wide. The steel side plate  798  is 1″ square and 0.13″ thick. The C-clamp  700  can be mounted on any surface by tightening the threaded rod  794  until the flat base  795  exerts sufficient pressure the surface of the object to be clamped to secure it in place. The mounting bracket  100  can be clamped onto the C-clamp  700  either by clamping onto the base plate  796  or onto the side plate  798  by the clamping procedure described hereinabove. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  represent two embodiments of desk stand plate assemblies  800  and  900  that can be used in conjunction with the mounting bracket  100 . 
     In  FIG. 8A , desk stand plate assembly  800  comprises a plate  844  and “T” element  846 . Plate  844  is about 5¼ inch square by ¼ inch thick. The “T” element  846  corresponds in length to the plate  844  and is about ¼ inch high and about ½ inch wide at its base and 1 inch wide at its top and mounts flush with one end of the plate  844 . The “T”  846  attaches to the plate  844  by countersinking three #10-32×⅜ inch UNF flat head screws. Plate  844  and “T” element  846  are preferably constructed of plastic, but can be alternatively fabricated from various other materials such as aluminum or steel. 
     In  FIGS. 9A and 9B , desk stand plate assembly  900  comprises a steel plate  948  and a steel “U” element  950 . Plate  948  is about 5½ inch square by ⅛ inch thick. The “U” element  950  is about ¼ inch shorter in length than the plate  98  and is about 1 inch wide by ¼ inch high. The “U” element  950  mounts in an inverted position on the plate so one long side is about ⅝ inches from one end of the plate  948  and the ends of the “U”  950  are about ¼ inch from the side of the plate  948 . The “U”  950  attaches to the plate  948  by tack welding along an interface between the end of the “U”  950  and the top of plate  948 . The desk stand plate assembly  900  may be painted to give it a finished look. 
     Plate assemblies  800  and  900  can be used in conjunction with mounting bracket  100  if only a flat mounting surface such as a table or podium is available. For example, a speaker or singer may be positioned behind a table or podium and no other surfaces are convenient to attach mounting bracket  100  to position a microphone. In this situation, plate assemblies  800  and  900  rest on the flat surface. The plate assemblies ( 800  or  900 ) provide a support structure suitable to support mounting bracket  100 . In the case of plate assembly  800  or  900 , the mounting bracket  100  clamps to the “tee”  846  or “U”  950  respectively. The microphone holder then threads onto mounting bracket  100  and a microphone may be positioned accordingly to record or amplify the voice of the speaker or singer. Plate assemblies  800  and  900  are designed to accept multiple mounting brackets  100  so microphones from various individuals or organizations may be neatly positioned in front of the speaker or singer. 
       FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  10 C illustrate stand assembly  1000 . The stand assembly comprises bottom shaft  1052 , top shaft  1054 , sleeve  1056 , and bushing  1058 . One end of the bottom shaft  1052  has a hole  1057  with internal 10-32 UNF threads to attach an adjustment screw  122  and hence the support clips  130 ,  135 . The other end of the bottom shaft  1052  has the threaded end with ¾-16 threads on which the sleeve  1056  is fastened on. The outer diameter of the bottom shaft  1052 , top shaft  1054 , and the sleeve  1056  are about ¾ inch, 0.61 inch, and 1 inch respectively. The top shaft  1054  has one smooth end  1059  which slides into the bottom shaft and a threaded end  1061  with external ⅝-27 UNF to receive a corresponding internally 27 UNF threaded end of a microphone holder. Stand assembly  1000  can be used in conjunction with the desk stand plate assemblies  800 ,  900 . First, the bottom shaft is secured to either the “T” element  846  of the desk plate assembly  800  or the “U” element  950  of the desk plate assembly  900  using the adjustment screw  122 , pin  124 , spring  126  and two support clips  130 ,  135 . Once the bottom shaft  1052  is secured to the desk stand plate assembly  800 ,  900 , a bushing  1058  is slid onto the top shaft  1054  followed by sleeve  1056 . After adjusting the desired height required for microphone, the sleeve  1056  is fastened onto the bottom shaft  1052  by engaging its internal threads with the external threaded end of the bottom shaft  1052 . The top shaft  1054  is thereby attached to the bottom shaft  1052  via the sleeve  1056 . Conventional microphone holder is then attached to the threaded end  1061  of the top shaft by the standard 27 UNF thread. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B,  11 C and  11 D illustrate various views of an adjustable mounting bracket, referred to as the universal assembly  1100 . The universal assembly  1100  comprises a circular body  1120  with ball-shaped fixture (generally referred to as “ball end”)  1167 , a microphone adapter or threaded end  1121  with ball end  1168 , and a cylindrical block with two notches, each notch being adapted for receiving a ball end. This cylindrical block is referred to as a universal block and comprises two separable parts  1160  and  1161  and two spherical sockets  1162  and  1163 , and a bar knob  1166  with threaded end used to hold the two parts of the universal block  1160  and  1161  together. The ball and socket joints of the universal assembly provide 360 degrees of rotational freedom. The universal assembly also provides 90 degrees of tilt to both the circular body  1120  and the threaded end  1121  via the slits  1165  and  1169  with respect to the universal block. 
     Assembly of the universal block is easy, following the steps of first placing the ball end  1167  of the circular body  1120  in the socket  1162  and ball end  1168  of the threaded end  1121  in the socket  1163 , followed by securing the two pieces  1160  and  1161  of the universal block with the bar knob  1166 . Bar knob  1166  is attached to threaded screw  1171 . Threaded screw  1171  engages with threaded hole  1173  in universal block part  1161 . The orientation of the circular body  1120  and threaded end  1121  can be adjusted before tightening the bar knob. The two support clamps  130 ,  135  can now be attached to the circular body  1120  using the adjustment screw  122 , pin  124  and “V” spring  126  as described above. The threaded end  1121  of the universal assembly  1100  can be attached to the conventional microphone holder via ⅝-27 UNF thread. 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C, and  12 D illustrate various views of the drop ceiling light assembly  1200 . The purpose of drop ceiling light assembly  1200  is to provide an anchoring point for a mounting bracket  100 , that holds a light (not shown) which is receives electricity from wires (not shown) originating from electric box  1278 . The drop ceiling light assembly comprises a light cover  1270 , nut  1271 , thin nut  1272 , curved shaft  1273 , sleeve cover  1274  for connecting curved shaft  1273  with linear shaft extension  1275 , shaft nut  1276 , another thin nut  1277 , an electric box  1278 , an electric box cover  1279 , a modified mounting bracket  1220 , and an adjustment screw  1222 . 
     Assembly of the drop ceiling light assembly requires inserting the curved shaft  1273  into the modified mounting bracket  1220 , securing the mounting bracket to the light cover  1270  using the nut  1271  and thin nut  1271 , attaching the extension shaft  1275  to the curved shaft  1273  by sleeve cover  1274 , and finally securing the extension shaft  1275  to the electric box  1278  by shaft nut  1276  and thin nut  1277 . The support clips  130  and  135  can be attached to the modified mounting bracket using the adjustment screw  1222 , pin  124 , and spring  126 . The light cover  1270  hides the light, wires and mounting bracket from view when mounted on a ceiling. This embodiment provides for quick installation of multiple ceiling-mounted lights. For example, in a restaurant, it is feasible to use this embodiment to install a light above each table in the restaurant quickly and efficiently. Note that while the light cover  1270  illustrated is “dome shaped”, those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes are possible, such as a substantially flat shape or a cubic shape, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a shoe mount adapter  1300  that provides for attaching both a light source and a microphone to a camera. Shoe mount adapter  1300  comprises plate  1302 . Attached to the plate is microphone holder subassembly  1303  and shoe mount subassembly  1305 . Microphone subassembly holder  1303  is comprised of a microphone holder  1304 , which is fastened to plate  1302  via locknut  1316 . A means for securing a microphone cable is provided via cable holder  1320 , which is held in place at a desired position via locknut  1310 . Tension spring  1312  holds cable holder  1320  open to the extent allowed by locknut  1310 , such that a microphone cable may be held by cable holder  1320 . The microphone holder subassembly  1303  is additionally held in place by wing nut  1308 , which is fastened onto threaded screw  1314 . Threaded screw  1314  extends outward from plate  1302 . 
     Shoe mount subassembly is comprised of shoe mount guide  1322 . Shoe mount guide  1322  has two grooves, indicated generally as  1326 . Grooves  1326  engage with the standard shoe mount found on many types of cameras. Shoe mount guide  1322  is fastened to plate  1302  via shoe mount locknut  1306 . Shoe mount  1324  is attached to the opposite side of plate  1302  as the shoe mount guide  1322 . 
     To use the shoe mount adapter  1300 , shoe mount guide  1322  slides into the standard shoe mount of a camera (not shown). A light may then be placed in shoe mount  1324 , and a microphone may be placed in microphone holder  1304 , thereby providing a convenient way to attach both a light source, and an external microphone to a camera. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate embodiments of a wireless microphone adapter  1350  that may be placed in microphone holder  1304  ( FIG. 13 ) in place of an external microphone. Wireless microphone adapter  1350  has cylinder  1352  that is received by microphone holder  1304 . Cylinder  1352  is attached to plate  1354  along its longitudinal axis. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13A , cylinder  1352  is attached to plate  1354  via one or more brackets  1356 . Alternatively, as in  FIG. 13B , it is possible to use another means of attachments, such as welds, or adhesives. 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates a wireless microphone  1372  attached to a wireless microphone adapter  1350 . Plate  1354  has a fastener  1358  securely attached to the outer side of plate  1354 . The outer side is the side opposite cylinder  1352 . The fastener is preferably a “hook and loop” type of fastener, such as VELCRO, or an equivalent. Wireless microphone  1372  is attached to plate  1364 . Plate  1364  has a complementary fastener  1368  mounted thereon. Fastener  1368  engages with fastener  1358  of the wireless microphone adapter  1350 , thereby providing a secure mounting for a wireless microphone, having the advantage of quick attachment and removal. 
       FIGS. 14A ,  14 B, and  14 C illustrate an alternate embodiment of mounting bracket  1400  used in conjunction with supporting small, portable accessory lighting on stand-alone systems, cameras and camcorders. Similar to the different embodiments for a microphone holder previously discussed, this mounting bracket for portable lighting is designed for two sizes to accommodate lightweight and heavy lighting loads. In this embodiment of the mounting bracket  1400  (also referred to as a portable light adapter), body  1420  is approximately 2¼ inches long. Additionally, near the top of body  1420 , for example, 1½ inch from the top of body  1420 , the diameter reduces to ½ inch for a length of ½ inch to form channel  1480  and then the diameter increases to the original diameter, forming circular end  1421 . Body  1420  is preferably constructed from aluminum, although alternative materials such as stainless steel may be used. 
     In the light-duty embodiment of portable light adapter  1400 , body  1420  is about ¾ inch in diameter. About 3/16 inch from the top, body  1420  tapers inward at about a 37 degree angle until the diameter at the top of the tapered end  1423  is about ¼ inch. The top of the tapered end  1423  is centered about the diameter of body  1420 . At the top of tapered end  1423 , a hole  1425 , about 5/32 inch in diameter and ⅞ inch long, is drilled and tapped for a #10-32 thread. Tapered end  1423  is finished smooth to allow the ends of the support clips  130  and  135  to slide up and down tapered end  1423 . 
     Circular body  1420  is knurled from ⅝ inch below the top of tapered end  1423  to about 1½ inch below the top of tapered end  1423 . The knurled area allows an individual to firmly grasp and rotate body  1420  to open or close support clips  130  and  135 . Below the knurled area, the diameter of body  1420  reduces to ½ inch for a length of ½ inch to form channel  1480 . The remaining ¼ inch of body  1420  comprises the circular end  1421 . At circular end  1421 , a hole  1482 , about ⅕ inch in diameter and ⅞ inch long is drilled and tapped for #¼-20 thread. Circular end  1421  receives a corresponding threaded end of a standard portable light fixture. The portable light fixture also clamps to channel  1480  via a set screw (not shown). Support clips  130  and  135  attach to body  1420  using adjustment screw  122 , set pin  124  and spring  126  as earlier described. Using this embodiment, an individual is able to attach portable lighting onto almost any support structure up to 1 inch in diameter or width that may not have been feasible without mounting bracket  1400 . 
     In the heavy-duty embodiment of the portable light adapter  1400 , body  1420  is about 1 inch in diameter. About ¼ inch from the top, body  1420  tapers inward at about a 34 degree angle until the diameter at the top of the tapered end  1423  is about ¼ inch. The top of the tapered end  1423  is centered about the diameter of body  1420 . At the top of tapered end  1423 , a hole  1425 , about ⅕ inch in diameter, is drilled the entire length of body  1420  and tapped for a #¼-20 thread. Tapered end  1423  is finished smooth to allow the ends of the support clips  130  and  135  to slide up and down tapered end  1423 . Circular body  1420  is knurled from ⅝ inch below the top of tapered end  1423  to about 1½ inch below the top of tapered end  1423 . The knurled area allows an individual to firmly grasp and rotate body  1420  to open or close support clips  130  and  135 . Below the knurled area, the diameter of body  1420  reduces to ½ inch for a length of ½ inch to form channel  1480 . The remaining ¼ inch of body  1420  comprises the circular end  1421 . Circular end  1421  receives a corresponding threaded end of a standard portable light fixture. The portable light fixture also clamps to channel  1480  via a set screw. Support clips  130  and  135  attach to body  1420  using adjustment screw  122 , set pin  124  and spring  126  as earlier described. Using this embodiment, an individual is able to attach portable lighting onto almost any support structure up to 2 inches in diameter or width that may not have been feasible without mounting bracket  1400 . 
       FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C illustrate an alternate embodiment of the mounting bracket to hold light-weight objects. In this embodiment, body  1520  is based on body  120  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . However, body  1520  does not include the threaded end  121  that is present in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . Hole  1525  is drilled through the entire body allowing a hook  1585  to threadedly attach to the mounting bracket  1500 . Alternatively, body  1520  with hole  1525  and hook  1585  may be molded from plastic in a unibody fashion. Support clips  130  and  135  would attach to this embodiment as previously discussed. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates use of the mounting bracket shown in  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B and  15 C, here indicated as  1600 . In this embodiment, mounting bracket  1600  (also referred to as a picture support hook) is used to hang pictures, a sign, or the like, referenced as  1689 , from a drop ceiling using a suspension means of chain  1688 . Note that cable, rope, or other suitable material may be used as the suspension means without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     It is intended that some or all of the aforementioned embodiments may be part of a kit. This kit provides solutions for photographers, studio technicians, videographers, and the like, for mounting the needed accessories such as lights and microphones. Modifications and changes from the specified form of the invention herein shown and described as a preferred embodiment will occur to those skilled in the art. All such modifications and changes not departing from the spirit of the invention are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5