Patent Description:
In avionics, various communications systems are used in an aircraft for performance of the aircraft. Such aircraft mounted communication systems often involve and use various electronics systems and antenna elements for communicating with ground-based or satellite-based communication systems.

To that end, the antenna elements that are used for such communication systems are usually mounted on the outside of the plane, such as to a fuselage surface where they are exposed, in use, to outside elements in flight. As such, the system electronics and antenna elements as well as other outside airframe equipment (OAE) must be securely mounted to the plane and usually covered with a radome or cover of some kind for protection from the elements and in flight debris, such as birds. For mounting such elements and OAE systems, usually an adaptor plate or frame of some kind is used, and the antenna elements and other electronic elements of the systems are mounted to the adaptor plate. The adaptor plate or frame is then mounted to the surface of the aircraft fuselage in an appropriate position. One such adaptor plate is the CarlisleIT ARINC <NUM> plate from Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc.

As may be appreciated, the outside surface or skin of an aircraft is not always a smooth and consistent surface due to its construction from various sections that are coupled together and secured onto the aircraft frame. Usually a lightweight metal such as aluminum or alloys of aluminum are used. Furthermore, the aircraft and outside aircraft surface are subject to significant temperature variations that cause the fuselage to expand and contract in different ways during usage that are not always consistent.

Therefore, such considerations must be taken into account when mounting antenna and electronic system adaptor plates to aircraft. The adaptor plates must be affixed properly so that they lie tightly against the surface. Furthermore, they must be able to move and adjust as the surface of the plane expands and contracts in order to reduce fatigue of the plates. In the past, universal joints have been utilized for mounting or installing such adaptor plates to provide some movement and adjustability as the adaptor plate is installed. However, even with such elements, in order to achieve proper mounting alignment and height (Z-axis) adjustments, installers have to use shims, mechanical spacers and other additional elements between the adaptor plates and aircraft surface. As may be appreciated, because of different aircraft surfaces and variables, different Z-axis scenarios are often encountered during installation. Furthermore, to achieve alignment and installation there may be a certain amount of pre-load on some of the mounting elements that may result in part fatigue. As may be appreciated, such necessities and concerns make the mounting process more difficult as well as slow the process down significantly.

Accordingly, there is a need to improve the process of installation of adaptor plates and electronic/antenna systems to an aircraft outside surface. There is further a need to standardize or simplify the installation process for such outside adaptor plates and systems. There is further a need to generally simplify the mounting process for mounting an element to a surface of a structure or device when that surface layout may vary slightly from surface to surface. There is a further need to generally simplify the mounting process to mount an element to a surface of a structure that may vary slightly from surface to surface.

<CIT> discloses a mounting system for mounting an element to a surface includes a mounting element having a base and a threaded shaft extending from the base along an axis. The base is configured for mounting to a surface. An incremental nut rotates on the threaded shaft and moves up and down on the shaft. A fitting is coupled with the incremental nut and the fitting is further configured for coupling with an element to mount the element to a surface at a selected height above the surface. Apertures are formed in the incremental nut and fitting and the apertures of the incremental nut aperture and fitting are aligned at a plurality of rotational positions of the incremental nut along the threaded shaft for adjusting the height of the nut and fitting. In one embodiment the threaded shaft includes an aperture that is aligned with the incremental nut apertures for locking the nut at a selected height.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the detailed description given below, serve to explain various aspects of the invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the sequence of operations as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes of various illustrated components, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular, thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or illustration. The embodiments shown in <FIG> are not covered by the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a mounting arrangement using the mounting systems for mounting antenna systems and electronic communication systems to a surface, such as an aircraft surface. Referring to <FIG>, the mounting arrangement <NUM> for mounting a system, such as an antenna system, is shown. The mounting arrangement <NUM> is mounted onto a surface <NUM>, such as the outer surface of the fuselage or wing of an aircraft. In accordance with one embodiment invention, the arrangement <NUM> uses a plurality of mounting systems <NUM> of the invention that couple with the element <NUM>, such as an adaptor plate, and also couple with a series of fittings <NUM> on the surface <NUM>. The fittings <NUM> may include universal bearings for movement of the various mounting systems <NUM> with respect to the fittings <NUM>. The fittings, in turn, are attached to surface <NUM> and thus provide some movement of the systems <NUM> and the mounted element <NUM> on that surface.

The mounting systems <NUM> are coupled with element <NUM> and are coupled with the fittings <NUM> at a plurality of positions on surface <NUM>. Therefore, the mounting systems may provide the desired adjustability and freedom of movement at several positions on the mounted element <NUM>. In one example, the element <NUM> that is to be mounted to surface <NUM>, such as an adaptor plate or frame, may contain one or more antenna systems <NUM> and/or other communications systems <NUM> for use by an aircraft. Such antenna systems <NUM> and communications systems <NUM> may include a variety of different components. Furthermore, although an adapter plate <NUM> or other frame is described herein for being secured to the surface <NUM>, such as an aircraft surface, other different elements may be mounted to other surfaces using the disclosed mounting systems. Thus, the mounting systems are not limited to mounting aircraft elements to an aircraft surface but may be used for other mounting arrangements wherein the adjustments and freedom of movement provided are desired. Generally, with aircraft systems, for the purpose of protection, a radome <NUM> or some other cover is utilized and is coupled with the adapter plate <NUM> to protect the systems <NUM>, <NUM> in flight as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary layout of fitting elements that might be utilized on a mounting surface <NUM> for mounting the adapter plate <NUM> utilizing the mounting systems <NUM>. Specifically, various mounting systems <NUM> would each be coupled or fixed to the adaptor plate and would engage a respective fitting <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Generally, such fittings will include spherical bearings or other elements <NUM> that provide movement of the mounting systems <NUM> and adapter plate <NUM> at the various positions or locations on surface <NUM>. Prefered mounting system provide additional movement in certain reference axes <NUM> as well as adjustability in certain axes as illustrated in <FIG> and discussed herein.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of one exemplary adapter plate <NUM> to be mounted using the mounting systems. As illustrated in <FIG>, various of the mounting elements <NUM> are coupled with plate <NUM> at multiple positions on the plate <NUM> that align with the positions of the fittings <NUM> for securing the plate with the fittings <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates different embodiments of mounting systems as discussed herein that may be used at different points or positions on the adapter plate <NUM> to provide the desired adjustability and freedom of movement. In accordance with one feature, several of the elements <NUM> provide height (Z-axis) adjustability and freedom of movement. Different height adjustments thus allow for the general rotational positioning of the adapter plate <NUM> about the X-axis <NUM> as illustrated by reference arrow <NUM> (See <FIG>). Other mounting elements or systems <NUM> might be utilized in other areas of the adapter plate <NUM> in addition to the disclosed mounting systems but may not provide the adjustability of the disclosed mounting elements. Embodiments of the exemplary mounting elements <NUM> as disclosed herein have different adjustability and freedoms of motion and thus have somewhat different constructions.

<FIG> is a more exploded view of a portion of an overall arrangement <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Specifically, <FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a mounting element <NUM> at one position on plate <NUM> and another different embodiment of a mounting element <NUM> at another position on the adapter plate <NUM> as illustrated. The different mounting systems of the invention may be used at different positions on plate <NUM> to get desired positioning and adjustability of plate <NUM> on surface <NUM>. To that end, the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> are each coupled with the adapter plate <NUM> as shown for varying the height, in the Z-axis of the adapter plate over surface <NUM> as well as providing for various freedoms of movement with respect to other axes of the system when the adapter plate <NUM> and systems <NUM>, <NUM> and radome <NUM> are installed.

More specifically, the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> include various fittings that may be coupled with plate <NUM> through appropriate mounting holes <NUM> of the plate and appropriate bolts/fasteners <NUM>. As illustrated in the figures, the various mounting holes <NUM> may be laid out as tracks <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> for positional adjustability of the mounting systems and where they are coupled with respect to the plate. Each of the mounting system fittings, as described herein, which couple with the adapter plate <NUM> or other element that is to be mounted, also adjustably couple with other elements of the mounting system for providing the desired adjustability and freedom of movement of the invention. The other elements of the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> as described herein couple with the surface fittings <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, with appropriate bolts or other fasteners <NUM> that extend through openings in the fittings. In one use of the mounting systems of the invention, the fittings <NUM> incorporate spherical bearings and fasteners <NUM> couple through openings in the spherical bearings <NUM> as well as through appropriate openings in other elements of the mounting system as discussed herein (See <FIG>). In that way, each of the mounting systems is coupled through a universal joint to fittings <NUM> and ultimately to surface <NUM>. The fittings <NUM> are secured in an appropriate manner to the surface <NUM>, such as the outer surface of the aircraft, as is conventionally known in the art.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> coupled with the adaptor plate <NUM> to be mounted, as well as suitable fittings <NUM> on surface <NUM>. As is illustrated, the mounting systems may engage the adapter plate <NUM> or other element from above or below that element. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, mount system <NUM> has a fitting that mounts to plate <NUM> at a bottom surface or below the adapter plate, whereas mounting system <NUM> has a fitting that mounts to an upper surface or above the adapter plate with appropriate fasteners <NUM>. The plurality of apertures <NUM> along the respective mounting tracks <NUM>, <NUM> provide adjustability with respect to where the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> engage the adapter plate <NUM>. As the height of the fittings of the mounting systems are adjusted, the height of the various points of the adaptor plate are adjusted by being moved up and down in the Z-axis. The present system is not limited to how the mounting system fittings interface with or couple with the adaptor plate and other ways of fixing the adaptor plate with the mounting system may be used so that adjusting the height of the fittings will adjust the height of the adaptor plate or other mounted element.

As illustrated in <FIG>, various other positions on the adapter plate <NUM> include appropriate frame elements and mounting apertures for securing antenna systems <NUM> or communication systems <NUM> or other elements as appropriate to the plate. The adaptor plate <NUM> illustrated has an aerodynamic shape since it is used on an aircraft. The present invention is also not limited to the specific shape or configuration of adapter plate <NUM> or the systems mounted on the adapter plate <NUM>.

Turning now to the mounting systems, <FIG> is an exploded view of a mounting system <NUM>. Mounting system <NUM> includes a fitting <NUM> that is configured for coupling with an adapter plate or other element to be mounted to a surface with the mounting system. The fitting may be formed of a suitable strong and lightweight metal, such as aluminum. Fitting <NUM> includes opposing side elements <NUM> that cooperate to form a base <NUM> for the fitting. The base <NUM> includes one or more tabs or flanges <NUM> configured for receiving fasteners <NUM> and engaging with and coupling with the adapter plate to secure the fitting thereto. Fitting <NUM> also includes a bridge portion <NUM> spanning between the side elements for forming a unitary fitting that engages with other elements of the mounting system for raising and lowering the fitting <NUM> described herein.

Mounting system <NUM> further includes additional elements that sit below the fitting and are adjustable to change the height of the fitting with respect the mounting system. A mounting element <NUM> has a base <NUM> and a threaded shaft <NUM> that has external threads <NUM> thereon. An incremental nut <NUM> is threaded on the shaft. The threaded shaft extends upwardly from the base <NUM> along an axis <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The illustrated mounting element and nut may be formed of a suitable strong and lightweight metal, such as stainless steel. Generally, when the mounting system is mounted as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the threaded shaft <NUM> and axis <NUM> will generally extend in what might be defined as the Z-axis direction (see <FIG>). In that way, the mounting system provides adjustment of fitting <NUM> upwardly and downwardly along the Z-axis which translates into similar movement with respect to a portion of the adapter plate that is mounted to surface <NUM> through the mounting system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the mounting element <NUM> is in the form of a clevis element, and the base <NUM> of the clevis element <NUM> embodiment is configured for mounting to the surface <NUM>, such as through engagement with fitting <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment of the invention. The base <NUM> of the clevis element <NUM> is generally U-shaped with opposing prongs 77a, 77b having apertures 79a, 79b extending therethrough. A pin or bolt extends through the prongs 77a, 77b and respective apertures for coupling-base <NUM> and the clevis element <NUM> to a fitting <NUM>. The bolt or pin <NUM> also extends through an appropriate opening in the fitting <NUM>, such as through the opening of a spherical bearing <NUM> (See <FIG>). In that way, the clevis element <NUM> is coupled to surface <NUM> and has a freedom of motion provided by spherical bearing <NUM> that translates to a freedom of movement to the entire mounting system <NUM> on surface <NUM>. The clevis element <NUM> and threaded shaft <NUM> may also rotate about the axis of pin or bolt <NUM>.

As shown, the threaded shaft includes an aperture <NUM> formed therethrough. The aperture is formed through the threaded shaft to extend in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the shaft <NUM> and shaft axis <NUM>. As used herein, the term aperture may refer to a through hole or passage as described that passes through the various elements. In some instances, such apertures of separate elements may then be aligned as described for securing the relative position of the elements with respect to one another. The term aperture is also used to describe through holes or passages, such as through the fittings, that have disconnected portions on different sides of the fittings, but which are aligned in space along an axis and cooperate to form a generally unitary through hole or passage to receive a pin, bolt or other locking element. Therefore, the term aperture is not meant to be limiting.

As shown, the aperture <NUM> is elongated in the direction of the shaft axis <NUM>. That is, with respect to the reference system provided in <FIG>, the aperture <NUM> is elongated in the Z-axis direction along the axis of the threaded shaft, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As described herein, the Z-axis elongation provides a height adjustment feature to the mounting systems.

Referring again to <FIG>, mounting system <NUM> further includes an incremental nut <NUM> having an opening <NUM> with internal threads that are configured for being threaded onto shaft <NUM>. In that way, the incremental nut is configured for rotating on the threaded shaft and moving up and down along the shaft axis <NUM> (Z-axis) for adjusting the height of the nut <NUM> on the clevis element <NUM>.

For providing height adjustment of fitting <NUM> and thus the adapter plate <NUM>, the fitting <NUM> is coupled with the incremental nut <NUM> and threaded shaft. To that end, the incremental nut has at least one aperture formed therethrough that is also generally perpendicular to the shaft axis <NUM>, when the nut is threaded to the shaft. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the incremental nut <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> includes a plurality of apertures <NUM>, <NUM> that extend therethrough across the incremental nut. Specifically, the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> extend from one side of the nut, through the threaded opening <NUM> and then out the other side of the incremental nut. That is, portions of the apertures are formed in opposite sides of the nut and align to form effectively the respective aperture for receiving a locking element as discussed herein.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> extend at an angle with respect to each other in the incremental nut. That is, aperture <NUM> extends at an angle to the other aperture <NUM>. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment there are the pair of apertures and they extend at angles wherein one aperture extends at an angle that is generally perpendicular to another aperture. As discussed herein, such apertures <NUM>, <NUM> provide alignment positions for the incremental nut aperture with the threaded shaft aperture <NUM> at generally <NUM> degree or <NUM>° positions around the incremental nut <NUM>.

More specifically, the incremental nut is rotated on the threaded shaft <NUM> of clevis element <NUM> to move up and down the shaft. At certain positions of rotation, one of the incremental nut apertures <NUM>, <NUM> will be aligned with the elongated aperture <NUM> through shaft <NUM>. That is, at a plurality of rotational positions of the incremental nut along the thread shaft, the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> will alternately align with aperture <NUM>. Since the apertures are generally perpendicular with each other, there will be alignment of aperture <NUM> with one or the other of the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> at <NUM> degree increments around the <NUM> degree rotation of the nut <NUM>. Upon such alignment, a locking element can engage the aligned apertures and lock the nut at a certain height position on the shaft <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiments, the locking element includes a locking pin or bolt, such as a locking pin <NUM>, that may be positioned to extend through the aligned apertures and through the shaft <NUM> and incremental nut <NUM>. This prevents further rotation of the nut on the shaft and thus locks the height of the nut and the height of the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> on the nut. Simultaneously, locking pin <NUM> extends through apertures <NUM> formed in the fitting <NUM> thereby coupling the fitting with the nut. As such, fitting <NUM> is coupled with incremental nut <NUM> such that the height of the nut <NUM> on shift <NUM> in the direction of the Z-axis <NUM> will set or determine the height of fitting <NUM> with the mounting system <NUM>. Since clevis element <NUM> is coupled with both a fitting <NUM> on surface <NUM> and the fitting <NUM>, attached to plate <NUM>, this height adjustment, in turn, sets the height of the adapter plate <NUM> over surface <NUM>. That is, the locking pin <NUM> passing through the aligned apertures <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> will prevent the incremental nut from further rotation on shift <NUM> and thus will secure the incremental nut and any fitting <NUM> coupled therewith at a selected height on the clevis element <NUM>.

As such, using the mounting element <NUM>, the height of fitting <NUM> and adapter plate <NUM> may be readily and easily adjusted on the Z-axis through rotation of the incremental nut <NUM> with locking pin <NUM> removed. Once the desired height of the nut is achieved, the locking pin <NUM> may be inserted to secure the height of incremental nut and the height of fitting <NUM> and plate <NUM> on the surface <NUM>. In accordance with one feature, the plurality of apertures <NUM>, <NUM> formed in incremental nut <NUM> provide adjustment positions at quarter turn or <NUM>° intervals or positions around the incremental nut. That is, the incremental nut <NUM> may be adjusted in increments by rotation of incremental nut <NUM> at <NUM> degree increments to achieve alignment of a respective aperture <NUM>, <NUM> with aperture <NUM>. The height adjustment achieved for each incremental turn or <NUM> degree rotation of the nut <NUM> will be determined by the thread count of the threads used to couple threaded shaft <NUM> and incremental nut <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, two apertures <NUM>, <NUM> positioned generally perpendicular to each other provide positions at <NUM> degree increments around incremental nut as discussed. However, the invention might also incorporate additional apertures, such as at <NUM> degree increments or positions around the nut <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>th turn increments). As may be appreciated, two additional apertures, like apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, would be formed through the side of the nut <NUM>. As such, the system is not limited to having just two apertures through nut <NUM> for achieving <NUM> degree increments of rotation and other smaller increments may be used. Similarly, just a single aperture might be used, and the adjustability might be in <NUM> degree rotational increments( ½ turn increments) achieved by aperture alignment.

Locking pin <NUM> might be secured in the fitting <NUM> by an appropriate cap nut <NUM> and cotter pin or split pin <NUM> that extends through a receiving aperture <NUM> formed in locking pin <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, when mounting the adapter plate <NUM> onto surface <NUM>, the plate <NUM> with fitting <NUM> coupled thereto may be positioned so that the fitting <NUM> overlies the clevis element <NUM> and incremental nut <NUM>. For adjusting the height of mounting system, the incremental nut <NUM> is rotated appropriately until a height position is reached where one of the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> aligns with aperture <NUM> in the threaded shaft <NUM>. Then, locking pin <NUM> may be inserted to secure fitting <NUM> and the plate <NUM> with the mounting system <NUM> at a suitable height above surface <NUM>.

The feature of mounting system <NUM> provides and adjustment range in the Z-axis <NUM> for quick and proper mounting of the plate at the position on the plate where the mounting system is located. The movement and Z-axis adjustment is illustrated by reference arrows <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The range of adjustment in height is provided by the length of the elongated aperture <NUM> along the shaft axis. As the incremental nut moves up and down the shaft of the clevis element, there will be certain upper and lower positions wherein the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> will no longer align with elongated aperture <NUM> to receive a locking pin <NUM>. More specifically, as noted herein, the aperture <NUM> formed in the threaded shaft <NUM> is elongated in the direction of the shaft axis or Z-axis <NUM>, and as such, the elongated aperture <NUM> has a length dimension in the Z-axis Lz. Inthe system, the length dimension Lz of the elongated aperture is greater than the diameter of the corresponding apertures <NUM>, <NUM> the incremental nut <NUM> as well as locking pin <NUM>. As such, the height adjustment of the incremental nut <NUM> and fitting <NUM> along the Z-axis <NUM> and shaft <NUM> is provided over a height range as dictated by the length Lz of the elongated aperture <NUM>. Accordingly, by incremental turns of the incremental nut <NUM> the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> move up and down shaft <NUM> and still provide for aperture alignment at various height positions along shaft <NUM> until the ends of the elongated aperture <NUM> are reached and any further incremental turns will not provide for full alignment of an aperture <NUM>, <NUM> with the aperture <NUM> for passing locking pin <NUM> through the aligned apertures.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, incremental nut <NUM> is rotated to provide alignment wherein the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned with aperture <NUM> so that the aperture may be engaged with locking pin <NUM> and fitting <NUM> at a selected height. Depending upon the length Lz of the elongated aperture, there will be a maximum height position for locking pin <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As noted, rotation of the nut <NUM> past that maximum position will not result in alignment of the apertures to allow the locking pin <NUM> to pass through the apertures. Similarly, there will be a lower height limit at the bottom end of the aperture <NUM> dictating the lowest Z-axis height for the nut and the fitting <NUM>. The dimension of the elongation Lz with respect to aperture <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM> millimeters (mm)-<NUM> millimeters (mm) and for providing a range of overall height adjustment for fitting <NUM> and adapter plate <NUM>. In that way, the mounting system effectively provides a range of movement that may be essentially + <NUM> up to ± <NUM> between the minimum and maximum height adjustments.

Ths provides a simple incremental adjustment of the mounting height for fitting <NUM> and thus provides a quick and easy height adjustment for certain points of the adapter plate without requiring shims or other structures between the plate <NUM> mounting structures and surface <NUM>. This provides a significant savings in time and complexity in mounting the plate element.

In addition to the movement provided by the spherical bearing <NUM> of the fitting <NUM>, the mounting system <NUM> also provides additional freedom of movement for the fitting <NUM> and plate <NUM> along the Y-axis or axis <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Referring to the orientation of a reference system <NUM>, the fitting may slide laterally along the axis <NUM> of locking pin <NUM> or the Y-axis when mounted. Still further, the fitting may rotate about that same Y-axis as shown as fitting rotates on or about the locking pin <NUM>. This provides further movement and adaptability of the system once it is mounted to adapt to the expansion and contraction of the surface <NUM>, such as on an aircraft surface, after the plate is mounted.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a mounting system 52which includes a mounting element <NUM> having a base <NUM> and a threaded shaft <NUM> extending from the base along an axis <NUM>. As with mounting system <NUM>, the shaft generally will extend along the reference Z-axis when mounting system <NUM> is coupled with an appropriate fitting on surface <NUM>. The illustrated mounting element <NUM> is in the form of a clevis element that is also generally u-shaped with opposing prongs 130a, 130b having apertures 132a, 132b extending therethrough. A pin or bolt <NUM> extends through the prongs 130a, 130b and respective apertures for coupling the base <NUM> and the overall clevis element <NUM> to a fitting, such as fitting <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pin or bolt <NUM> also extends through an appropriate opening in the fitting <NUM>, such as through the opening of a spherical bearing <NUM> (see <FIG>). In that way, the clevis element <NUM> is coupled to surface <NUM> and has a freedom of motion provided by spherical bearing <NUM>. Clevis element <NUM> and shaft <NUM> also rotate about the axis of pin or bolt <NUM>.

The threaded shaft <NUM> includes external threads <NUM> that match with internal threads in hole <NUM> of an incremental nut <NUM> that is configured for rotating on shaft <NUM>. Specifically, the incremental nut <NUM> is configured for rotating on the threaded shaft and moving up and down along the shaft axis <NUM> for adjusting the height of a nut on the clevis element <NUM> and adjusting the height of a fitting <NUM>. As with mounting system <NUM>, the fitting might be made of aluminum and the clevis element and incremental nut of stainless steel.

The mounting system <NUM> also includes a fitting <NUM> that is configured for coupling with an adapter plate or other element to be mounted with the mounting system <NUM>. Fitting <NUM> is configured to be mounted on a top surface of the mounting plate <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. Whereas mounting system <NUM> has a fitting configured for mounting to a bottom surface of the adapter plate. Fitting <NUM> maybe coupled with an adapter plate <NUM> or some other element in a number of different ways and thus the system is not limited to how the fitting of mounting system <NUM> might engage and couple with the adapter plate. Fitting <NUM> generally includes a base <NUM> that includes two opposing side elements <NUM> that each have one of more flanges <NUM> extending therefrom. Fitting <NUM> also includes a bridge portion <NUM> that couples with the side elements <NUM> of the base <NUM> and engages with other elements of the mounting system <NUM> for raising and lowering the fitting <NUM> as described herein. The flanges <NUM> may be secured to the adapter plate <NUM> with one or more fasteners <NUM> extending through appropriate openings <NUM> in the flanges.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>, when the mounting system <NUM> is coupled with a fitting <NUM>, the threaded shaft <NUM> would generally extend in what might be defined as the Z-axis of direction (see <FIG>) and that way, mounting system provides adjustment of the fitting <NUM> upwardly and downwardly along a Z-axis <NUM> which translates into a similar movement with respect to a portion of the adapter plate or other element that is mounted to surface <NUM> through the mounting system <NUM>.

For coupling fitting <NUM> with the clevis element and incremental nut, the fitting <NUM> and incremental nut each include at least one aperture formed therethrough. When the fitting <NUM> is coupled with the incremental nut, the apertures are aligned for receiving one or more locking elements, such as locking pins, that pass through the aligned apertures for securing the incremental nut with the fitting. More specifically, an incremental nut aperture and a fitting aperture would be aligned at one of a plurality of rotational positions of the incremental nut along the threaded shaft.

Referring to <FIG>, the incremental nut includes apertures <NUM>, <NUM> extending on opposite sides of the incremental nut and on either side of the threaded opening <NUM>. Generally, the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are formed parallel to each other on opposite sides of the nut and opening <NUM>. The apertures <NUM>, <NUM> act together and secure the fitting with nut <NUM> as described herein. The incremental nut <NUM> also includes another pair of parallel apertures <NUM>, <NUM> each on an opposite side of the incremental nut and on either side of the threaded opening <NUM>. The pair of apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented essentially perpendicular to the other pair of parallel apertures <NUM>, <NUM> on the incremental nut. The fitting <NUM> includes corresponding apertures <NUM>, <NUM> that may align with a respective pair of apertures <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, <NUM> on the incremental nut <NUM>, depending upon the rotation of the incremental nut along the threaded shaft <NUM>. As such, the perpendicular pairs of apertures <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> provide alignment of the incremental nut apertures with the respective fitting apertures <NUM>, <NUM> generally at <NUM> degree positions around the incremental nut. That is, as the incremental nut is rotated, and nut apertures are aligned with apertures <NUM> and <NUM>, the nut may be rotated <NUM> degree and again aligned with the apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. Apertures <NUM>, <NUM> might be aligned at one rotational position with apertures <NUM> and <NUM>, and then apertures <NUM>, <NUM> might be aligned at another rotational position that is <NUM> degrees for the first position. Respective locking pins <NUM>, <NUM> pass through the aligned apertures <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective incremental nut apertures, such as either aperture pair <NUM>, <NUM> or aperture pair <NUM>, <NUM>. Again, with respect to the fitting <NUM>, reference to an aperture <NUM> or <NUM> refers to the disconnected portions of a respective aperture that are positioned on either side of the fitting element and are aligned in space to form a single aperture, as illustrated in <FIG>. As such, reference numerals <NUM> and <NUM> refer singularly to the various portions of the aperture that allow respective locking pins <NUM>, <NUM> to pass through the entire fitting and through the aligned apertures in the incremental nut <NUM>.

Accordingly, incremental nut <NUM> is configured for rotating on the threaded shaft and moving up and down along the shaft axis for adjusting the height of the nut, on the clevis element. Because the incremental nut and fitting are coupled together, the variation of the height of the nut also varies the height of the fitting <NUM> as illustrated by reference arrows <NUM> in <FIG>.

In accordance with another feature of the mounting system, the clevis element <NUM> has an aperture <NUM> formed through the base <NUM>. The fitting has a corresponding aperture <NUM> formed in the base <NUM> and particularly through the side elements <NUM> of the base of the fitting. Aperture <NUM> aligns with aperture <NUM> formed in the base <NUM> of the fitting <NUM> when the fitting is positioned with the incremental nut and secured therewith using locking pins <NUM>, <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> and <NUM> are aligned for receiving a bolt <NUM> that extends through the fitting base aperture <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and also through the clevis element base aperture <NUM> for further securing the fitting with the clevis element. In accordance with one feature of the mounting system <NUM> invention, the fitting base aperture <NUM> is elongated in the Z-axis direction, which is essentially is the direction of the shaft axis <NUM> making reference to the Z-direction is defined in <FIG>. The elongated aperture has a length Lz as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. That is, the aperture <NUM> is elongated in the direction of height adjustment similar to the elongated aperture <NUM> of mounting system <NUM>. The bolt <NUM> is threaded as is the aperture <NUM>.

The range of height adjustment for the mounting system is determined by the elongation dimension Lz of the aperture <NUM>. The elongation allows the nut <NUM> and the fitting <NUM> to move in the Z-axis with respect to the bolt <NUM> a certain distance and still achieve an alignment between the aperture <NUM> and bolt <NUM> and the aperture <NUM>. This thereby allows incremental height adjustments of the fitting <NUM> based upon the rotation of the incremental nut <NUM>. The range of height adjustment and alignment before the fitting aperture <NUM> would no longer align with aperture <NUM> depends upon the elongated length Lz of aperture <NUM>. As such, the length Lz or effective height of the elongated aperture <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> provides an upper and lower limit with respect to the incremental and rotational height adjustment of the incremental nut <NUM> and fitting <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the incremental nut is illustrated essentially at its highest position wherein bolt <NUM> engages the bottom of the elongated aperture <NUM>. The Lz with respect to aperture <NUM> may be in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> and provide an overall height adjustment for fitting <NUM> and adapter plate <NUM> which is raised and lowered along with the fitting <NUM> as noted by reference arrow <NUM> in <FIG>.

When assembling the mounting system <NUM>, incremental nut <NUM> may be coupled with shaft <NUM> of the clevis element and fitting <NUM> may be coupled with the clevis element through bolt <NUM> and the apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. Incremental nut <NUM> may be rotated in incremental fashion to a desired height. The fitting can move up and down with respect to bolt <NUM> due to the aperture <NUM>. Incremental nut <NUM> may then be coupled with the fitting <NUM> through the appropriate locking pins <NUM>, <NUM> extending through the aligned apertures of the fitting <NUM> and the respective aperture pairs in the incremental nut <NUM>. The locking pins <NUM>, <NUM> also prevent further rotation and lock the height of the nut.

For further adjusting the height of the fitting <NUM> and adapter plate <NUM>, the locking pins <NUM>, <NUM> may be removed and the incremental nut maybe rotated to move up or down on shaft <NUM> for varying the height. The locking pins <NUM> and <NUM> may then be reinserted to secure the incremental nut with the fitting and also to lock the height of the incremental nut <NUM> on shaft <NUM> and thus lock the height of the overall mounting system <NUM> with respect to surface <NUM>. As noted, the incremental nut <NUM> may be adjusted in <NUM> degree rotational increments for alignment of the respective apertures <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, <NUM> with the fitting apertures <NUM>, <NUM>. The height adjustment for each incremental rotation of the nut will again be determined by the thread count of threads used a couple shaft <NUM> and incremental nut <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, two apertures pairs are positioned generally perpendicular to each other to provide positions at <NUM> degree increments around incremental nut as discussed. However, the system might also incorporate additional apertures or pairs of apertures, such as at <NUM> degree increments or positions around the nut <NUM>. As may be appreciated, additional apertures, similar to apertures <NUM>-<NUM> might be formed through the side of the nut <NUM>. As such, the system is not limited to having just two aperture pairs through nut <NUM> for achieving <NUM> degree increments of rotation and other smaller increments may be used. Similarly, just a single aperture pair might be used, and the adjustability might be in <NUM> degree rotational increments achieved by aperture alignment.

The locking pins might be secured with the fitting and through the appropriate aligned apertures with appropriate cap nuts <NUM> and cotter pins or split pins <NUM> that extends through a receiving apertures <NUM> formed in locking pins <NUM>, <NUM>.

Bolt <NUM> will be threaded into the threaded aperture <NUM> and provides Y-axis adjustment to the fitting <NUM> with respect to the clevis element <NUM>. Rotation of the threaded bolt <NUM>, moves the bolt right or left with respect to the threaded aperture <NUM> in the clevis element and thus will move the fitting <NUM> left or right along the Y-axis. Once the desired position is achieved, the threaded bolt may be capped with the threaded cap-nut <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> to lock the position of the fitting in the Y-axis.

Once the adapter plate <NUM> or portion thereof is mounted to surface <NUM> with mounting system <NUM>, the portion or point of adapter plate is locked in the Y-axis and Z-axis. The parallel bolts <NUM>, <NUM> will generally prevent rotation about that same Y-axis. In that way, the mounting system <NUM> does not provide rotational movement on the Y-axis as does the system of mounting system <NUM>.

Accordingly, the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> as described herein provide desired adjustment of the height of adapter plate <NUM> or some other element mounted to surface <NUM> using the mounting systems. Specifically, the height adjustable long Z-axis may be readily and incrementally achieved by rotation of the incremental nut elements of each of mounting systems. Once the desired height adjustment (Z-axis) and Y-axis adjustment are achieved, the incremental nuts may be locked into position with appropriate locking elements coupled with the incremental nuts and fitting elements to thereby lock the height of the fitting element and in turn the height of the adapter plate or other mounted element with respect to surface <NUM>. The mounting systems further provide some linear and rotational freedom of movement along the Y-axis as disclosed herein in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of a mounting arrangement using additional embodiments of the mounting systems of the present invention for mounting elements to a surface, such as, for example, mounting antenna systems and electronic communication systems to a surface, such as an aircraft surface. Referring to <FIG>, the mounting arrangement <NUM> for mounting a system, such as an antenna system, is shown. The mounting arrangement <NUM> is mounted onto a surface <NUM>, such as the outer surface of the fuselage or wing of an aircraft, for example. In accordance with one embodiment invention, the mounting arrangement <NUM> uses a plurality of mounting systems <NUM> of the invention that couple with the element <NUM> that is to be mounted, such as an adaptor plate, and also couple with a series of respective fittings <NUM> or other elements that are secured on the surface <NUM>. The fittings <NUM> may include universal bearings for movement of the various mounting systems <NUM> with respect to the fittings <NUM> as noted herein with respect to other embodiments of the invention. The fittings, in turn, are attached to surface <NUM> in an appropriate manner and thus provide some movement of the systems <NUM> and the mounted element <NUM> on or with respect to that surface <NUM>.

The mounting systems <NUM> of the invention are coupled with one or more elements <NUM> and are coupled with the fittings <NUM> at a plurality of positions on surface <NUM>. Therefore, the invention may provide the desired adjustability and freedom of movement at several positions on the mounted element <NUM>. In one example, the element <NUM> that is to be mounted to surface <NUM>, such as an adaptor plate or frame, may contain one or more antenna systems <NUM> and/or other communications systems <NUM> for use by an aircraft. Such antenna systems <NUM> and communications systems <NUM> may include a variety of different components. The present invention is not limited to the systems that would be mounted using the invention. Furthermore, although an adapter plate <NUM> or other frame is described herein as an element for being secured to the surface <NUM>, such as an aircraft surface, other different elements may be mounted to other surfaces using the inventive mounting systems. Thus, the mounting systems of the invention are not limited to mounting aircraft elements to an aircraft surface but may be used for other mounting arrangements wherein the adjustments and freedom of movement provided by the invention are desired. Generally, with aircraft systems, for the purpose of protection, a radome <NUM> or some other cover is utilized and is coupled with the adapter plate <NUM> to protect the systems <NUM>, <NUM> in flight as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary layout of fitting elements that might be utilized on a mounting surface <NUM> for mounting the adapter plate <NUM> or other element utilizing the mounting systems <NUM> of the invention. Specifically, various mounting systems <NUM> would each be coupled or fixed to the adaptor plate and then would engage a respective fitting <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. Generally, such fittings will include spherical bearings or other elements <NUM> (see element <NUM> of <FIG>) that provide movement of the mounting systems <NUM> and adapter plate <NUM> with respect to the fittings <NUM> at the various positions or locations on surface <NUM>. The mounting system of the invention then provides additional movement in certain reference axes <NUM> as well as adjustability in certain axes as illustrated in <FIG> and discussed herein.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of one exemplary mounted element or adapter plate <NUM> to be mounted using the mounting systems of the invention. As illustrated in <FIG>, various of the mounting elements <NUM> are coupled with or secured with the plate <NUM> at multiple positions on the plate <NUM>. The positions align with the positions of the fittings <NUM> for securing the plate with the fittings <NUM> in accordance with embodiments of the invention. <FIG> illustrates different embodiments of mounting systems as discussed herein that may be used at different points or positions on the adapter plate <NUM> to provide the desired adjustability and freedom of movement. In accordance with one feature of the invention, several of the elements <NUM> provide a height or vertical (Z-axis) adjustability and freedom of movement of the invention with respect the mounting surface <NUM>. Different height or Z-axis adjustments thus allow for the general rotational positioning of the adapter plate <NUM> about the X-axis <NUM> as illustrated by reference arrow <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. Other mounting elements or systems <NUM> might be utilized in other areas of the adapter plate <NUM> in addition to the mounting systems of the invention but may not provide the adjustability of the mounting elements of the invention. Embodiments of the exemplary mounting elements <NUM> as disclosed herein have different adjustability and freedoms of motion as desired in mounting element <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment of a mounting system using elements of the invention, the system uses certain embodiments of the mounting elements <NUM> at positions on plate <NUM> and other different embodiments of mounting elements <NUM> at other positions on the adapter plate <NUM> as illustrated. The different mounting systems of the invention may be used at different positions on plate <NUM> to get desired positioning and adjustability of plate <NUM> on surface <NUM>. To that end, the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> are each coupled with the adapter plate <NUM> as shown for varying the height, in the Z-axis of the adapter plate over surface <NUM> as well as providing for various freedoms of movement with respect to other axes of the system when the adapter plate <NUM> and systems <NUM>, <NUM> and radome <NUM> are installed.

More specifically, the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> include various fittings that may be coupled with plate <NUM> through appropriate mounting holes <NUM> of the plate and appropriate bolts/fasteners <NUM>. As illustrated in the figures, the various mounting holes <NUM> may be laid out as tracks <NUM>, <NUM> on either side of the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> for positional adjustability of the mounting systems and where they are coupled with respect to the plate. Each of the mounting system fittings, as described herein, which couple with the adapter plate <NUM> or other element that is to be mounted, also adjustably couple with other elements of the mounting system for providing the desired adjustability and freedom of movement of the invention. The other elements of the mounting systems <NUM>, <NUM> as described herein couple with the surface fittings <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, with appropriate bolts or other fasteners <NUM> that extend through openings in the fittings. In one use of the mounting systems of the invention, the fittings <NUM> incorporate spherical bearings and fasteners <NUM> couple through openings in the spherical bearings <NUM> as well as through appropriate openings in other elements of the mounting system as discussed herein. In that way, each of the mounting systems is coupled through a universal joint or other structure to fittings <NUM> and ultimately to surface <NUM>. The fittings <NUM> are secured in an appropriate manner to the surface <NUM>, such as the outer surface of the aircraft, as is conventionally known in the art.

<FIG> disclose one embodiment of a mounting system in accordance with the present invention. Such a mounting system is utilized to mount an element, such as a frame or antenna and electronic system to a surface, such as an aircraft surface. Referring to <FIG>, the mounting system <NUM> includes a mounting post <NUM> that has a base <NUM> that is configured for mounting to a surface <NUM>. Specifically, the mounting post base <NUM> includes a clevis element <NUM> that extends on either side of the fittings <NUM> to be secured therewith as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The clevis element has apertures <NUM> to receive fastener <NUM>. The mounting post <NUM> also includes a portion <NUM> that extends from base <NUM> and is threaded on an outer surface thereof. The mounting post <NUM> fits inside of a mounting plate <NUM>. The mounting plate has a center opening <NUM> for receiving the mounting post such that the mounting plate is freely movable along the height of the post. To that end, the mounting plate may freely move up and down with respect to the post <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> also includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> for securing the mounting plate with the element <NUM> to be mounted. Generally, the apertures <NUM> will be located around the outside of the center opening <NUM> which receives the mounting post. The mounting plate also includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> positioned around the mounting plate that will align with apertures of an adjustment plate <NUM> as discussed and illustrated in <FIG> for fixing the location or rotation of the adjustment plate at a plurality of incremental positions.

Referring again to <FIG>, the mounting system <NUM> includes an adjustment plate <NUM> which has a threaded opening <NUM> having threads <NUM> on an internal surface thereof as illustrated. The adjustment plate threaded opening <NUM> is configured to receive the mounting post <NUM> and to rotate on the threaded mounting post. More specifically, the adjustment plate can incrementally rotate on the threaded mounting post <NUM> for adjusting the position of the adjustment plate <NUM> along the height of the mounting post. As used in the illustrated embodiments, the adjustment plate <NUM> is used to raise and lower the height of the mounting plate <NUM> and whatever element is mounted to the adjustment plate. That is, it provides movement along a Z-axis. To that end, the mounting system <NUM> provides an interface between the surface <NUM> and element <NUM> and the specific element to be mounted, such as elements <NUM>. The mounting system provides adjustability, and specifically vertical adjustability between the element <NUM> and the surface <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the adjustment plate <NUM> is configured to encircle the mounting post <NUM> and includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> positioned around the adjustment plate for fixing the adjustment plate at a plurality of incremental rotational positions. Specifically, the adjustment plate <NUM> may be rotated incrementally on the threaded post to move along that post. At a desired position along the post, one or more of the apertures <NUM> may be aligned with specific corresponding apertures <NUM> in the mounting plate. Then, using one or more fasteners, <NUM>, such as screws, the adjustment plate <NUM> may be secured at its rotational position along the height of the mounting post <NUM>. When the mounting plate <NUM> is thereby secured with the adjustment plate, such an arrangement also fixes the location of the mounting plate <NUM> in height along the mounting post <NUM>. In that way, the mounting plate <NUM> may be raised and lowered with respect to the mounting post <NUM> thereby raising and lowering the element <NUM> with respect to the mounting post <NUM>, and ultimately with respect to element <NUM> and surface <NUM>. The mounting system <NUM> provides adjustability with respect to the distance between the mounting surface <NUM> and the mounted element <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, that distance is a vertical distance or Z axis distance, but the invention is not limited to the direction of the adjustability utilizing the inventive mounting system.

<FIG> illustrates the mounting system secured with element <NUM> and with element <NUM> on a surface, such as the surface of an airplane. The adjustment plate is rotated on post <NUM> to a desired position and then secured to the mounting plate, which in turn is secured to element <NUM>. Since the mounting post <NUM> is secured with element <NUM> as part of surface <NUM>, the adjustment of the adjustment plate <NUM> and mounting plate <NUM> provides the desired positioning of the mounted elements <NUM> with respect to the surface <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an adjustment range is indicated with respect to the mounting system <NUM>. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the adjustment plate <NUM> has been rotated on the threaded mounting post <NUM> such that the adjustment plate is generally flush with the top surface <NUM> of the mounting post. As shown in the cross-section of <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> of adjustment plate <NUM> is shown generally flush with the post top surface <NUM>. Before fixing the position of the adjustment plate <NUM> with respect to the mounting plate <NUM>, the adjustment plate <NUM> may be rotated on the threaded mounting <NUM> post for moving up and down along the post as illustrated in <FIG>. This provides varying degrees of adjustability for mounting element <NUM>. For example, to lower the position of element <NUM> with respect to surface <NUM>, the adjustment plate <NUM> may be freely rotated to move downwardly along the threaded mounting post <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. To rotate, the fastener <NUM> must be removed from engagement with mounting plate <NUM> If the adjustment plate is then secured in that lower position, that essentially lowers the position of element <NUM> respect to surface <NUM>. In that way, the mounting system may be used to adjust a degree of freedom, in this case the Z-axis, between element <NUM> and surface to <NUM>. The universal joint <NUM> provides the interface between element <NUM> and the mounting system <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the adjustment plate includes the plurality of apertures <NUM> that are positioned around the adjustment plate at various angular intervals. Similarly, the plurality of apertures <NUM> in the mounting plate <NUM> are positioned around the mounting plate and opening <NUM> for being aligned with the adjustment plate apertures as the adjustment plate rotates. In that way, the adjustment plate may be incrementally rotated on the threaded mounting posts so that the apertures <NUM> are aligned with the apertures <NUM> for incremental adjustment. In one embodiment the invention, the apertures <NUM> are positioned around the adjustment plate <NUM> at intervals of approximately <NUM> degrees for fixing the adjustment plate at those various incremental positions. Smaller or greater angular intervals may be used, and the invention is not limited to specific placements. That is, the number of apertures <NUM> may be increased or decreased to increase or decrease the incremental adjustment of the adjustment plate on the mounting post and thus the incremental adjustment of the height of element <NUM> with respect to surface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the mounting post is configured for providing movement along the mounting post for an adjustment of the adjustment plate height in the range of -<NUM> to + <NUM> or around <NUM> millimeters in range, although a greater or lesser range might be provided, and the invention is not limited to a specific range of adjustment.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the mounting system provides multiple degrees of freedom and adjustment of an element to be mounted <NUM> with a mounting surface <NUM>. The mounting system <NUM> has certain elements similar to the mounting system <NUM> as described herein. As such, for those common elements, common reference numerals are utilized.

Referring now to <FIG>, the mounting system <NUM> includes a mounting post <NUM> as described herein and an adjustment plate <NUM> that threadably engages with the threaded mounting post <NUM>. Rotation of the adjustment plate <NUM> moves the adjustment plate up and down or along the mounting post as described herein. The mounting post <NUM> also interfaces with elements <NUM> on the mounting surface <NUM> as described here.

The mounting plate <NUM> has some similarities with respect to mounting plate <NUM> but also differences. For example, the mounting plate includes center opening <NUM> that receives the mounting post <NUM> and the mounting plate is freely movable along the mounting post. That is, the center opening is sized larger than the mounting post. Mounting plate <NUM> also includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> for fixing the adjustment plate to the mounting plate and also for securing the rotation of the adjustment plate at a desired rotational position along the mounting post <NUM> as adjustment plate <NUM> moves up and down on the post.

However, to provide additional freedom of movement with respect to the element <NUM> that is to be mounted, the mounting plate <NUM> has one or more arms <NUM> that are positioned on a side of the mounting plate. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, two arms <NUM> are positioned at opposing sides of the mounting plate <NUM>. The arms <NUM> provide the structure for mounting the mounting plate to element <NUM>. Also, the arms <NUM> provide some adjustability between the mounting plate <NUM> and the element <NUM> so that the element <NUM> may move in another axis with respect to the mounting plate.

More specifically, the arms <NUM> have apertures <NUM> formed therein which align with similar apertures <NUM> within brackets <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. A suitable fastener <NUM>, such as a bolt, extends between apertures <NUM> within the bracket <NUM> and through the apertures <NUM> in the various arms <NUM> of the mounting plate. A bracket <NUM> is utilized for each of the arms <NUM>. To that end, the brackets are formed to have a portion <NUM> that receives the arm <NUM> for aligning the apertures <NUM> and <NUM> to receive fastener <NUM>. In one embodiment, the width Wa at each of the arms <NUM> is smaller than the width Wb of the portion <NUM> of the bracket. In that way, the arm <NUM> has some play in the bracket and may move from side to side, along the axis defined by fastener <NUM> within the corresponding brackets <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> formed in the mounting plate arm <NUM> extend in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the mounting post <NUM> when the mounting system is assembled as illustrated in <FIG>.

To that end, the arms <NUM> and brackets <NUM> provide a degree of freedom in a direction perpendicular to the degree of movement or freedom along the mounting post <NUM>. Therefore, if the movement along the mounting post <NUM> is considered to be in the Z-axis, then the adjustment along an axis <NUM> defined by an elongated fastener <NUM> might be in the X-axis or the Y-axis. In that way, the mounting system <NUM> provides an adjustability in multiple directions or provides adjustment in multiple degrees of freedom between the element <NUM> to be mounted and the surface <NUM> on which the element is mounted. For mounting the mounting plate <NUM> and brackets <NUM> to element <NUM>, the apertures <NUM> in the brackets <NUM> may be aligned with one or more corresponding apertures <NUM> in the element <NUM> for securing the mounting system <NUM> with element <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the brackets <NUM> may be positioned proximate the respective tracks <NUM>, <NUM> of element <NUM>.

As noted, the adjustment plate <NUM> may be incrementally rotated and then secured with respect to mounting plate <NUM> to set the height or distance of the mounting plate <NUM> and attached element <NUM> along the mounting post <NUM>. Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, different height adjustments for element <NUM> are shown along the mounting post <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates a higher adjustment, wherein <FIG> illustrates a lower adjustment wherein the adjustment plate has been rotated on the mounting post to a lower position to lower the element <NUM> such as discussed with respect to <FIG>.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the additional degree of freedom provided by the mounting system <NUM> is illustrated. Specifically, the element <NUM> is shown mounted using the mounting system <NUM> onto surface <NUM> and element <NUM>. Since the arms <NUM> are movable within the brackets <NUM>, the element <NUM> may move in the direction of arrows <NUM> with respect to surface <NUM> thus providing an additional degree of freedom, that is generally perpendicular to that provided by Z-axis or height adjustment along the mounting post <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate different positions of the respective arms <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> within the corresponding brackets <NUM> along the axis <NUM> of fastener <NUM>.

In that way, the mounting systems <NUM> and <NUM> may be utilized on an element <NUM> to be mounted to a surface <NUM> and thus provide adjustability in degrees of freedom at certain points on the element <NUM>. As noted herein, the different mounting elements <NUM> and <NUM> might be utilized at the different positions and locations along the length and width of an element <NUM> and thus provide different degrees of freedom and adjustability at different areas on the element <NUM>. (See, for example, <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A mounting system for mounting an element to a surface comprising a mounting post having a base configured for mounting to a surface, the mounting post being threaded on an outer surface thereof, and a mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured for being secured to the element to be mounted, characterized in that the mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a center opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) for receiving the mounting post, the mounting post extending through the center opening (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) being freely movable along the mounting post, and in that the system further comprises an adjustment plate (<NUM>) including a threaded opening to receive the mounting post, the adjustment plate (<NUM>) located above the mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to rotate on the threaded mounting post for adjusting the position of the adjustment plate (<NUM>) along the mounting post, and the adjustment plate (<NUM>) configured for being fixed to the mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) to secure the mounting plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) at a selected position along the mounting post for adjusting the distance between the surface and an element to be mounted.