U.S. patent number RE47,497 [Application Number 15/178,365] was granted by the patent office on 2019-07-09 for latching mounting assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH. The grantee listed for this patent is Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH. Invention is credited to Karl-Heinz Fackler.
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United States Patent |
RE47,497 |
Fackler |
July 9, 2019 |
Latching mounting assembly
Abstract
Certain aspects are directed to a mounting assembly for mounting
an antenna unit or other device. The mounting assembly includes at
least one bracket and at least one retaining assembly. The bracket
can be movably positioned at multiple orientation angles with
respect to a surface. The bracket includes a latching edge that
defines multiple recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds to one
of the orientation angles. The retaining assembly is positioned
adjacent to the bracket. The retaining assembly includes at least
one protrusion that can engage one of the recesses to form a
latching connection between the bracket and the retaining assembly.
The latching connection can retain the bracket at an orientation
angle corresponding to the engaged recess.
Inventors: |
Fackler; Karl-Heinz (Wemding,
DE) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH |
Buchdorf |
N/A |
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH
(Buchdorf, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
48325802 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/178,365 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
61686019 |
Mar 29, 2012 |
|
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Reissue of: |
13834003 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
8746641 |
Jun 10, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16M
11/2014 (20130101); F16M 11/10 (20130101); F16M
13/02 (20130101); E04G 3/00 (20130101); H01Q
1/125 (20130101); F16M 2200/024 (20130101); H01Q
1/1221 (20130101); H01Q 1/1228 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01Q
1/12 (20060101); E04G 3/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Other References
China Patent Office, "Notice of Allowance for CN Application No.
201380014490.4", "from Foreign Counterpart to U.S. Appl. No.
13/834,003", dated Jun. 13, 2016, pp. 1-3, Published in: CN. cited
by applicant .
China Patent Office, "First Office Action for CN Application No.
201380014490.4", "from Foreign Counterpart to U.S. Appl. No.
13/834,003", dated Oct. 29, 2015, pp. 1-21, Published in: CN. cited
by applicant .
U.S. Patent Office, "Notice of Allowance", "from U.S. Appl. No.
13/834,003", dated Feb. 3, 2014, pp. 1-8, Published in: US. cited
by applicant .
International Search Authority, "International Search Report and
Written Opinion for PCT/IB2013/052104", "from foreign Counterpart
to U.S. Appl. No. 13/834,003", dated Aug. 8, 2013, pp. 1-11,
Published in: WO. cited by applicant .
State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of
China, "First Office Action for CN Application No. 201610730757.5",
"Foreign Counterpart to U.S. Appl. No. 13/834,003", dated Jan. 17,
2018, pp. 1-26, Published in: CN. cited by applicant .
State Intellectual Property Office, People's Republic of China,
"Second Office Action from CN Application No. 201610730757.5 dated
Aug. 31, 2018", From Foreign Counterpart of U.S. Appl. No.
13/834,003; pp. 1-11; Published in CN. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Dawson; Glenn K
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fogg & Powers LLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mounting assembly for mounting a device, the mounting assembly
comprising: at least one bracket movably positionable at each of a
plurality of orientation angles with respect to a surface and
comprising a latching edge defining a plurality of recesses, each
of the plurality of recesses corresponding to a respective one of
the plurality of orientation angles; and at least one retaining
assembly positionable adjacent to the at least one bracket, the at
least one retaining assembly comprising at least one protrusion
adapted to engage at least one recess of the plurality of recesses
to form a latching connection between the at least one bracket and
the at least one retaining assembly; wherein the latching
connection is configured to retain the at least one bracket at a
respective one of the plurality of orientation angles corresponding
to the at least one reces; and wherein the latching edge is formed
from a semi-rigid material, the semi-rigid material adapted to bend
away from the at least one retaining assembly in response to a
force applied by the at least one protrusion to a portion of the
latching edge between two of the plurality of recesses and further
adapted to bend toward the at least one retaining assembly in
response to a cessation of the force.
2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one
bracket is adapted to be laterally positioned with respect to the
surface at each of the plurality of orientation angles and further
comprising: at least one additional bracket adapted to be movably
and longitudinally positioned at each of an additional plurality of
orientation angles with respect to the surface and comprising an
additional latching edge, the additional latching edge defining an
additional plurality of recesses, each of the additional plurality
of recesses corresponding to a respective one of the additional
plurality of orientation angles; and at least one additional
retaining assembly positionable adjacent to the at one least
additional bracket, the at least one additional retaining assembly
comprising at least one additional protrusion adapted to engage at
least one additional recess of the additional plurality of recesses
to form an additional latching connection between the at least one
additional bracket and the at least one additional retaining
assembly, wherein the additional latching connection is configured
to retain the at least one additional bracket at a respective one
of the additional plurality of orientation angles corresponding to
the at least one additional recess.
3. The mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mounting
mechanism configured for coupling the mounting assembly to at least
one of a structure or a fixed object.
4. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the device comprises
an antenna unit.
5. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one
bracket is coupled to the at least one retaining assembly via a
fastening device, wherein the fastening device is configured to
allow rotation of the at least one bracket.
6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one
protrusion is adapted to generate an audible indicator in response
to the at least one recess being engaged.
7. The mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
spring-loaded retention mechanism configured to exert at least one
force adapted to cause the at least one protrusion to engage the at
least one recess.
8. The mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the spring-loaded
retention mechanism comprises at least one of: a compression spring
configured to apply the at least one force to the at least one
retaining assembly in the direction of the latching edge; or an
expansion spring configured to apply the at least one force to the
latching edge in the direction of the at least one retaining
assembly.
9. The mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one
protrusion comprises at least one pin, wherein the spring-loaded
retention mechanism is disposed in the at least one retaining
assembly and the spring-loaded retention mechanism comprises: at
least one chamber; the at least one pin disposed in the at least
one chamber adjacent to the latching edge; and at least one
compression spring disposed in the at least one chamber adjacent to
the at least one pin.
10. A mounting assembly for mounting a device for rotation in a
lateral direction and a longitudinal direction with respect to a
surface, the mounting assembly comprising: at least one first
bracket movably positionable at each of a plurality of lateral
orientation angles with respect to the surface and comprising a
first latching edge defining a first plurality of recesses, each of
the first plurality of recesses corresponding to a respective one
of the plurality of lateral orientation angles; at least one first
retaining assembly positionable adjacent to the at least one first
bracket, the at least one first retaining assembly comprising at
least one first protrusion adapted to engage at least one first
recess of the first plurality of recesses to form a first latching
connection between the at least one first bracket and the at least
one first retaining assembly, wherein the first latching connection
is configured to retain the at least one first bracket at a
respective one of the plurality of lateral orientation angles
corresponding to the at least one first recess; at least one second
bracket coupled to the first bracket and movably positionable at
each of a plurality of longitudinal orientation angles with respect
to the surface and comprising a second latching edge defining a
second plurality of recesses, each of the second plurality of
recesses corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of
longitudinal orientation angles; and at least one second retaining
assembly positionable adjacent to the at least one second bracket,
the at least one second retaining assembly comprising at least one
second protrusion adapted to engage at least one second recess of
the second plurality of recesses to form a second latching
connection between the at least one second bracket and the at least
one second retaining assembly, wherein the second latching
connection is configured to retain the at least one second bracket
at a respective one of the plurality of longitudinal orientation
angles corresponding to the at least one second recess; wherein at
least one of the first latching edge or the second latching edge is
formed from a semi-rigid material, the semi-rigid material adapted
to bend away from a respective retaining assembly in response to a
force applied by a respective protrusion to a portion of the
respective latching edge between two recesses and further adapted
to bend toward the respective retaining assembly in response to a
cessation of the at least one force.
11. The mounting assembly of claim 10, further comprising a
mounting mechanism configured for coupling the mounting assembly to
at least one of a structure or a fixed object.
12. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein the device comprises
an antenna unit.
13. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the
at least one first bracket or the at least one second bracket is
respectively coupled to the at least one first retaining assembly
or the at least one second retaining assembly via a fastening
device, wherein the fastening device is configured to allow
rotation of the respective bracket.
14. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the
at least one first protrusion and the at least one second
protrusion is adapted to generate an audible indicator in response
to the respective recess being engaged.
15. The mounting assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the
at least one first retaining assembly and the at least one second
retaining assembly further comprises at least one spring-loaded
retention mechanism configured to exert at least one force adapted
to cause a respective protrusion to engage a respective recess.
16. The mounting assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one
spring-loaded retention mechanism comprises at least one of: a
compression spring configured to apply the at least one force to a
respective retaining assembly in the direction of a respective
latching edge; or an expansion spring configured to apply the at
least one force to the respective latching edge in the direction of
the respective retaining assembly.
17. The mounting assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the
at least one first protrusion and the at least one second
protrusion comprises at least one pin, wherein the at least one
spring-loaded retention mechanism is disposed in a respective
retaining assembly, the at least one spring-loaded retention
mechanism comprising: at least one chamber; the at least one pin
disposed in the at least one chamber adjacent to the respective
latching edge; and at least one compression spring disposed in the
at least one chamber adjacent to the at least one pin.
.Iadd.18. A mounting assembly for mounting a device, the mounting
assembly comprising: a first bracket to mount the mounting assembly
to the device; a mounting mechanism; and a second bracket coupling
the first bracket to the mounting mechanism, the first bracket
movably positionable at a first orientation angle and the mounting
mechanism movably positionable at a second orientation angle; a
first retaining assembly coupling the second bracket to the first
bracket, wherein the first retaining assembly is configured to
retain the first bracket at the first orientation angle; and a
second retaining assembly coupling the second bracket to the
mounting mechanism, wherein the second retaining assembly is
configured to retain the mounting mechanism at the second
orientation angle; wherein the mounting mechanism comprises dual
mounting features, the dual mounting features including a first
mounting feature to mount the mounting assembly to a planar
structure and a second mounting feature to mount the mounting
assembly to a pole-like structure; wherein the first bracket
comprises a first longitudinally oriented surface, a second
longitudinally oriented surface, and a laterally oriented
connecting member having a planar surface oriented perpendicular to
the first longitudinally oriented surface and the second
longitudinally oriented surface; and wherein one or more fastening
tabs extend outward from the first longitudinally oriented surface
and the second longitudinally oriented surface, the fastening tabs
configured to mount the mounting assembly to the device; wherein
the first longitudinally oriented surface is rotationally coupled
to the second bracket at a first point of rotation, and the second
longitudinally oriented surface is rotationally coupled to the
second bracket at a second point of rotation; and wherein the
planar surface comprises a first distal edge and a second distal
edge, wherein the first distal edge extends from the first
longitudinally oriented surface to the second longitudinally
oriented surface and the second distal edge extends from the first
longitudinally oriented surface to the second longitudinally
oriented surface, wherein the first distal edge and the second
distal edge define opposing edges of the laterally oriented
connecting member, wherein the first distal edge extends away from
the first point of rotation further than the second distal edge
extends away from the first point of rotation, and the first distal
edge extends away from the second point of rotation further than
the second distal edge extends away from the second point of
rotation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises a mounting bracket; wherein the first mounting
feature comprises a first surface of the mounting bracket
configured to be held against the planar structure in connection
with the mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure;
and wherein the second mounting feature comprises a second surface
of the mounting bracket configured to be held against the pole-like
structure in connection with the mounting assembly being mounted to
the pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises a mounting bracket; wherein the first mounting
feature comprises a flat surface of the mounting bracket configured
to be held against the planar structure in connection with the
mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure; and
wherein the second mounting feature comprises a recess formed in
the mounting bracket configured to receive the pole-like structure
in connection with the mounting assembly being mounted to the
pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.21. The mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein the first
mounting feature is configured to fasten the flat surface of the
mounting bracket to the planar structure in connection with the
mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure; and
wherein the second mounting feature is configured to clamp the
mounting bracket to the pole-like structure received in the recess
formed in the mounting bracket in connection with the mounting
assembly being mounted to the pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. A mounting assembly for mounting a device, the mounting
assembly comprising: a first bracket to mount the mounting assembly
to the device; a mounting mechanism to mount the mounting assembly
to a structure; and a second bracket coupling the first bracket to
the mounting mechanism, the first bracket movably positionable at a
first orientation angle and the mounting mechanism movably
positionable at a second orientation angle; a first retaining
assembly coupling the second bracket to the first bracket, wherein
the first retaining assembly is configured to retain the first
bracket at the first orientation angle; and a second retaining
assembly coupling the second bracket to the mounting mechanism,
wherein the second retaining assembly is configured to retain the
mounting mechanism at the second orientation angle; and wherein the
first bracket comprises a first longitudinally oriented surface, a
second longitudinally oriented surface, and a laterally oriented
connecting member having a planar surface oriented perpendicular to
the first longitudinally oriented surface and the second
longitudinally oriented surface; wherein one or more fastening tabs
extend outward from the first longitudinally oriented surface and
the second longitudinally oriented surface, the fastening tabs
configured to mount the mounting assembly to the device; and
wherein the first longitudinally oriented surface is rotationally
coupled to the second bracket at a first point of rotation, and the
second longitudinally oriented surface is rotationally coupled to
the second bracket at a second point of rotation; and wherein the
planar surface comprises a first distal edge and a second distal
edge, wherein the first distal edge extends from the first
longitudinally oriented surface to the second longitudinally
oriented surface and the second distal edge extends from the first
longitudinally oriented surface to the second longitudinally
oriented surface, wherein the first distal edge and the second
distal edge define opposing edges of the laterally oriented
connecting member, wherein the first distal edge extends away from
the first point of rotation further than the second distal edge
extends away from the first point of rotation, and the first distal
edge extends away from the second point of rotation further than
the second distal edge extends away from the second point of
rotation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The mounting assembly of claim 22, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises dual mounting features, the dual mounting
features including a first mounting feature to mount the mounting
assembly to a planar structure and a second mounting feature to
mount the mounting assembly to a pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The mounting assembly of claim 23, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises a mounting bracket; wherein the first mounting
feature comprises a first surface of the mounting bracket
configured to be held against the planar structure in connection
with the mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure;
and wherein the second mounting feature comprises a second surface
of the mounting bracket configured to be held against the pole-like
structure in connection with the mounting assembly being mounted to
the pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The mounting assembly of claim 23, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises a mounting bracket; wherein the first mounting
feature comprises a flat surface of the mounting bracket configured
to be held against the planar structure in connection with the
mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure; and
wherein the second mounting feature comprises a recess formed in
the mounting bracket configured to receive the pole-like structure
in connection with the mounting assembly being mounted to the
pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The mounting assembly of claim 25, wherein the first
mounting feature is configured to fasten the flat surface of the
mounting bracket to the planar structure in connection with the
mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure; and
wherein the second mounting feature is configured to clamp the
mounting bracket to the pole-like structure received in the recess
formed in the mounting bracket in connection with the mounting
assembly being mounted to the pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. A mounting assembly for mounting a device, the mounting
assembly comprising: a first bracket to mount the mounting assembly
to the device; a mounting mechanism to mount the mounting assembly
to a structure; and a second bracket coupling the first bracket to
the mounting mechanism, the first bracket movably positionable at a
first orientation angle and the mounting mechanism movably
positionable at a second orientation angle; a first retaining
assembly coupling the second bracket to the first bracket, wherein
the first retaining assembly is configured to retain the first
bracket at the first orientation angle; and a second retaining
assembly coupling the second bracket to the mounting mechanism,
wherein the second retaining assembly is configured to retain the
mounting mechanism at the second orientation angle; wherein the
first bracket comprises a first longitudinally oriented surface, a
second longitudinally oriented surface, and a laterally oriented
connecting member having a planar surface oriented perpendicular to
the first longitudinally oriented surface and the second
longitudinally oriented surface; and wherein one or more fastening
tabs extend outward from the first longitudinally oriented surface
and the second longitudinally oriented surface, the fastening tabs
configured to mount the mounting assembly to the device; wherein
the first longitudinally oriented surface is rotationally coupled
to the second bracket at a first point of rotation, and the second
longitudinally oriented surface is rotationally coupled to the
second bracket at a second point of rotation, wherein the first
longitudinally oriented surface is parallel to the second
longitudinally oriented surface; and wherein the planar surface
comprises a first distal edge and a second distal edge, wherein the
first distal edge extends from the first longitudinally oriented
surface to the second longitudinally oriented surface and the
second distal edge extends from the first longitudinally oriented
surface to the second longitudinally oriented surface, wherein the
first distal edge and the second distal edge define opposing edges
of the laterally oriented connecting member, wherein the first
distal edge extends away from the first point of rotation further
than the second distal edge extends away from the first point of
rotation, and the first distal edge extends away from the second
point of rotation further than the second distal edge extends away
from the second point of rotation..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The mounting assembly of claim 27, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises dual mounting features, the dual mounting
features including a first mounting feature to mount the mounting
assembly to a planar structure and a second mounting feature to
mount the mounting assembly to a pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The mounting assembly of claim 28, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises a mounting bracket; wherein the first mounting
feature comprises a first surface of the mounting bracket
configured to be held against the planar structure in connection
with the mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure;
and wherein the second mounting feature comprises a second surface
of the mounting bracket configured to be held against the pole-like
structure in connection with the mounting assembly being mounted to
the pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The mounting assembly of claim 28, wherein the mounting
mechanism comprises a mounting bracket; wherein the first mounting
feature comprises a flat surface of the mounting bracket configured
to be held against the planar structure in connection with the
mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure; and
wherein the second mounting feature comprises a recess formed in
the mounting bracket configured to receive the pole-like structure
in connection with the mounting assembly being mounted to the
pole-like structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The mounting assembly of claim 30, wherein the first
mounting feature is configured to fasten the flat surface of the
mounting bracket to the planar structure in connection with the
mounting assembly being mounted to the planar structure; and
wherein the second mounting feature is configured to clamp the
mounting bracket to the pole-like structure received in the recess
formed in the mounting bracket in connection with the mounting
assembly being mounted to the pole-like structure..Iaddend.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This .Iadd.Reissue Application is a reissue of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/834,003, filed Mar. 15, 2013, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,746,641, issued Jun. 10, 2014, and U.S. patent
.Iaddend.application .Iadd.Ser. No. 13/834,003 .Iaddend.claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/686,019.Iadd.,
.Iaddend.filed Mar. 29, 2012.Iadd., now expired, .Iaddend.and
titled "Latching Mounting Assembly," the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to telecommunications
equipment and more particularly (although not necessarily
exclusively) to a latching mounting assembly for mounting antennas
or other telecommunication devices.
BACKGROUND
A telecommunication system may include antenna units and other
devices that are positioned in various physical locations
throughout a geographical area serviced by the telecommunication
system. Antenna units and other devices may be affixed to
structures or objects in various locations via mounting assemblies.
For example, a mounting assembly may be used to attach an antenna
unit to a wall or pole and to orient the antenna unit at a fixed
angle to provide signal coverage. Reconfiguring the
telecommunication system to improve or otherwise modify signal
coverage may involve reconfiguring the mounting assembly such that
the antenna unit is oriented at a different angle.
Mounting antenna devices or other equipment may involve multiple
tools for adjusting an orientation angle of the mounting assembly
and/or removing screws or other fastening devices in order to
adjust the orientation of the mounting assembly. The use of
multiple tools and/or the removal of fastening devices may increase
the complexity of adjusting the orientation angle and may increase
the likelihood that such tools and fastening devices are
inadvertently lost when adjusting the orientation angle.
Apparatuses and systems are desirable for simplifying the process
of adjusting the orientation of a mounted device.
SUMMARY
Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed
to a latching mounting assembly.
In one aspect, a mounting assembly for mounting a device is
provided. The mounting assembly includes at least one bracket and
at least one retaining assembly. The bracket can be movably
positioned at multiple orientation angles with respect to a
surface. The bracket includes a latching edge that defines multiple
recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds to one of the
orientation angles. The retaining assembly is positioned adjacent
to the bracket. The retaining assembly includes at least one
protrusion that can engage one of the recesses to form a latching
connection between the bracket and the retaining assembly. The
latching connection can retain the bracket at an orientation angle
corresponding to the engaged recess.
In another aspect, a mounting assembly is provided for mounting a
device for rotation in a lateral direction and a longitudinal
direction with respect to a surface. The mounting assembly includes
at least one first bracket, at least one second bracket coupled to
the first bracket, at least one first retaining assembly, and at
least one second retaining assembly. The first bracket can be
movably positioned at multiple lateral orientation angles with
respect to the surface. The first bracket includes a first latching
edge defining multiple recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds
to a lateral orientation angle. The first retaining assembly is
positioned adjacent to the first bracket. The first retaining
includes at least one first protrusion that can engage at least one
of the recesses of the first latching edge to form a first latching
connection between the first bracket and the first retaining
assembly. The first latching connection can retain the first
bracket at a given lateral orientation angle corresponding to the
engaged recess. The second bracket can be movably positioned at
multiple longitudinal orientation angles with respect to the
surface. The second bracket includes a second latching edge
defining multiple recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds to a
longitudinal orientation angle. The second retaining assembly is
positioned adjacent to the second bracket. The second retaining
includes at least one second protrusion that can engage at least
one of the recesses of the second latching edge to form a second
latching connection between the second bracket and the second
retaining assembly. The second latching connection can retain the
second bracket at a given longitudinal orientation angle
corresponding to the engaged recess. In another aspect, a mounting
assembly is provided for mounting a device for rotation in a
lateral direction and a longitudinal direction with respect to a
surface. The mounting assembly includes at least one first bracket,
at least one second bracket coupled to the first bracket, at least
one first retaining assembly, and at least one second retaining
assembly. The first bracket can be movably positioned at each of
multiple lateral orientation angles with respect to the surface.
The first retaining assembly can be positioned adjacent to the
first bracket. The first retaining assembly can retain the first
bracket at one of the lateral orientation angles. The second
bracket is coupled to the first bracket. The second bracket can be
movably positioned at each of multiple longitudinal orientation
angles with respect to the surface. The second retaining assembly
can be positioned adjacent to the second bracket. The second
retaining assembly can retain the second bracket at one of the
longitudinal orientation angles.
In another aspect, an assembly is provided. The assembly includes
an antenna unit and a mounting assembly coupled to the antenna
unit. The antenna unit can provide signal coverage in a geographic
area. The mounting assembly includes at least one bracket and at
least one retaining assembly. The bracket can be movably positioned
at multiple orientation angles with respect to a surface. The
bracket includes a latching edge that defines multiple recesses.
Each of the recesses corresponds to one of the orientation angles.
The retaining assembly is positioned adjacent to the bracket. The
retaining assembly includes at least one protrusion that can engage
one of the recesses to form a latching connection between the
bracket and the retaining assembly. The latching connection can
retain the bracket at an orientation angle corresponding to the
engaged recess.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a latching mounting assembly for
mounting a device according to one aspect.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of lateral bracket of a latching
mounting assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 3 is a top view of a latching edge of the lateral bracket
according to one aspect.
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
lateral bracket engaging a retaining assembly according to one
aspect.
FIG. 5 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
engaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 6 is a top view of the lateral bracket being rotated according
to one aspect.
FIG. 7 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
disengaging from a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
lateral bracket disengaged from a retaining assembly according to
one aspect.
FIG. 9 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
reengaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
lateral bracket reengaged with a retaining assembly according to
one aspect.
FIG. 11 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
engaged with a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
lateral bracket engaged with a retaining assembly according to one
aspect.
FIG. 13 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
disengaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
lateral bracket disengaged from a retaining assembly according to
one aspect.
FIG. 15 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
reengaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 16 is a side view of a latching edge of a lateral bracket
reengaged with a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a lateral bracket coupled to a
longitudinal bracket of a latching mounting assembly according to
one aspect.
FIG. 18 is a side view of a latching edge of the longitudinal
bracket according to one aspect.
FIG. 19 is a side view of a longitudinal bracket engaged with a
retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 20 is a perspective side view of a longitudinal bracket
engaged with a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 21 is a perspective side view of the longitudinal bracket
being rotated according to one aspect.
FIG. 22 is a side view of a latching edge of a longitudinal bracket
disengaging from a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
longitudinal bracket disengaged from a retaining assembly according
to one aspect.
FIG. 24 is a side view of a latching edge of a longitudinal bracket
reengaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 25 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
longitudinal bracket reengaged with a retaining assembly according
to one aspect.
FIG. 26 is a side view of a latching edge of a longitudinal bracket
engaged with a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
longitudinal bracket engaged with a retaining assembly according to
one aspect.
FIG. 28 is a side view of a latching edge of a longitudinal bracket
disengaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of a latching edge of a
longitudinal bracket disengaged from a retaining assembly according
to one aspect.
FIG. 30 is a side view of a latching edge of a longitudinal bracket
reengaging a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 31 is a side view of a latching edge of a longitudinal bracket
reengaged with a retaining assembly according to one aspect.
FIG. 32 is a side view of a spring-loaded retaining pin engaging a
recess of a latching edge according to one aspect.
FIG. 33 is a side view of a spring-loaded retaining pin disengaging
a recess of a latching edge according to one aspect.
FIG. 34 is a side view of a spring-loaded retaining pin reengaging
a recess of a latching edge according to one aspect.
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a latching mounting assembly
mounting a device mounted to a wall according to one aspect.
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a latching mounting assembly
mounting a device mounted to a pole according to one aspect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Certain aspects and examples are directed to a latching mounting
assembly for an antenna or other device. The latching mounting
assembly, such as a pedestal, can be adjusted by rotating a
longitudinal or lateral bracket of the latching mounting assembly
from a first orientation angle, such as a tilt angle or azimuth
angle, to a second orientation angle. The longitudinal bracket or
lateral bracket can be rotated without removing fastening devices
such as bolts or screws from the latching mounting assembly,
thereby reducing the risk of an adjustment to the latching mounting
assembly causing a loss of the fastening device.
Each of the longitudinal bracket and/or lateral bracket can be
formed to include rounded gears or other latching edges. A latching
edge can include grooves, teeth, or other recesses. The mounting
assembly can include one or more retaining assemblies for engaging
the latching edges. Each retaining assembly can engage the grooves,
teeth, or other recesses of a respective bracket. A retaining
assembly engaging the grooves, teeth, or other recesses can provide
a latching connection between a bracket and the retaining assembly.
The latching connection can retain the respective bracket of the
latching mounting assembly at a given orientation angle. Such
aspects can allow the bracket to be retained at the given
orientation angle without using other fastening devices, such as
screws or bolts, to hold the longitudinal or lateral bracket in a
fixed position.
The retaining assembly can include a pin or other rigid protrusion
coupled to or integral with a planar surface adjacent to a
respective bracket. An example of a planar surface is as a metal
plate. The planar surface can be configured to move in response to
a force applied by the movement of the longitudinal bracket or
lateral bracket in one or more directions. The movement of the
planar can cause a pin or other protrusion of the retaining
assembly to engage or disengage one of the recesses of a latching
edge. For example, the planar surface can be coupled to a
compression spring and/or be formed from a metal having a
sufficient flexibility allowing the planar surface to move toward
or away from the latching edge in response to the respective
application or cessation of a force applied to the planar surface
by a latching edge being moved. The movement of the planar surface
to away from or toward the latching edge can cause the pin to
respectively disengage or reengage the latching edge
In additional or alternative aspects, the latching mounting
assembly can indicate a change to an orientation angle using an
audible indicator. The audible indicator can be generated by the
retain assembly engaging a groove or other recess, similar to the
operation of a ratchet. A non-limiting example of an audible
indicator is a clicking noise.
In additional or alternative aspects, the latching mounting
assembly can include one or more additional fastening devices, such
as bolts or screws, which can be used with the one or more
retaining assemblies. The one or more additional fastening devices
can be tightened to retain a longitudinal or lateral bracket of the
latching mounting assembly at a given orientation angle. The one or
more additional fastening devices can be loosened to allow
adjustment of the orientation angle of the latching mounting
assembly. For example, an additional fastening device, such as a
screw or bolt, can prevent the adjustment of a bracket by blocking
the spring action of the retaining assembly. The screw or bolt can
thus be used to modify the locking function of the latching
mounting assembly. The locking function can be modified from the
retaining assembly using a forced closure principle to provide a
forced blocking function to the screw or bolt using a formed
closure principle to provide a hard blocking function. The latching
mounting assembly can obviate the need to remove screws during
mounting process and reduce the number of parts that can be lost
during adjustment.
Detailed descriptions of certain examples are discussed below.
These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to
the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to
limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections
describe various additional aspects and examples with reference to
the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, and
directional descriptions are used to describe the illustrative
examples but, like the illustrative examples, should not be used to
limit the present invention. The following aspects and examples use
directional descriptions such as "above," "below," "upper,"
"lower," "upward," "downward," "left," "right," "lateral,"
"longitudinal," etc. in relation to the illustrative examples as
they are depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward
the top of the corresponding figure, the downward direction being
toward the bottom of the corresponding figure, the leftward
direction being toward the left of the corresponding figure, and
the rightward direction being toward the right of the corresponding
figure.
FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a latching mounting assembly
102 for mounting a device 110. The latching mounting assembly 102
can include a lateral bracket 104, a longitudinal bracket 106, and
a mounting mechanism 108. The latching mounting assembly 102 can be
rotated or otherwise moved in a lateral direction by rotating or
otherwise moving the lateral bracket 104. The latching mounting
assembly 102 can be rotated or otherwise moved in a longitudinal
direction by rotating or otherwise moving the longitudinal bracket
106. The latching mounting assembly 102 can be mounted or otherwise
attached to an object or structure via the mounting mechanism
108.
A non-limiting example of a device 110 is an antenna unit. The
antenna unit can be configured to provide signal coverage in a
geographic area. Modifying an orientation angle of the lateral
bracket 104 and/or the longitudinal bracket 106 can modify which
portion of a geographic area is serviced by the antenna unit.
In some aspects, the mounting mechanism 108 can be attached to the
lateral bracket 104 and the device 110 can be coupled to the
longitudinal bracket 106, as depicted in FIG. 1. The longitudinal
bracket 106 can include or be coupled to a planar mounting surface
configured to be coupled to the device 110. In some aspects, the
device 110 can be coupled to the mounting surface via one or more
suitable fastening devices inserted through one or more openings in
the planar surface of the longitudinal bracket 106, as depicted in
FIG. 1. Non-limiting examples of suitable fastening devices include
screws, bolts, wing nuts, etc. In other aspects, the device 110 can
include one or more tabs and can be coupled to the mounting surface
by inserting the tabs into one or more respective slots in the
mounting surface or otherwise engaging the slots with the tabs. In
other aspects, the mounting surface can include one or more tabs
and can be coupled to the mounting surface by inserting the tabs
into one or more respective slots in the body of the device 110 or
otherwise engaging the slots with the tabs.
In other aspects, the longitudinal bracket 106 can be configured to
be coupled to the mounting mechanism 108 and the lateral bracket
104 can be configured to be coupled or otherwise attached to the
device 110. The lateral bracket 104 can include a planar mounting
surface configured to be attached or coupled to the device 110 as
described above.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view depicting the lateral bracket 104. The
lateral bracket 104 can include laterally oriented surfaces 202a,
202b and a longitudinally oriented connecting member 204.
In some aspects, the laterally oriented surfaces 202a, 202b can be
oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the ground. The term
"substantially parallel" is used herein to refer to an angle
between two surfaces having a range between zero degrees and
forty-five degrees. A non-limiting example of a laterally oriented
surface can include a laterally oriented plate or other planar
surface. The laterally oriented surfaces 202a, 202b can be formed
from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material, such as (but not
limited to) metal or plastic. The laterally oriented surfaces 202a,
202b can be oriented substantially parallel to one another. The
laterally oriented surfaces 202a, 202b can respectively include
openings 206a, 206b. A suitable fastening device, such as (but not
limited to) a rod or nut, can be positioned in one or more of the
openings 206a, 206b to couple the lateral bracket 104 to the
mounting mechanism 108.
Each of the laterally oriented surfaces 202a, 202b can be integral
with or coupled to the longitudinally oriented connecting member
204. The longitudinally oriented connecting member 204 can be
substantially perpendicular to the one or more laterally oriented
surfaces. The term "substantially perpendicular" is used herein to
refer to an angle between two surfaces having a range from
forty-five degrees to ninety degrees.
At least one of the laterally oriented surfaces 202a, 202b of the
lateral bracket 104 can include a latching edge. For example, FIG.
3 is a top view depicting a latching edge 302 formed from the
laterally oriented surface 202a of the lateral bracket 104. The
latching edge 302 can define an arc shape. The latching edge 302
can be formed to include a group of recesses 304. The recesses 304
can include multiple recesses of any suitable shape, such as (but
not limited to) teeth, cogs, etc. The recesses 304 can be spaced at
equal intervals from one another. Each of the recesses 304 can
correspond to an increment in an orientation angle of the lateral
bracket 104, such as (but not limited to) 2.5.degree. or
5.0.degree..
In some aspects, a laterally oriented surface 202a can include an
opening 306 308 configured to receive a fastening device. The
opening 306 can be, for example, a lateral slot. The opening 306
can be shaped so as to be parallel to the latching edge 302. One or
more fastening devices, such as a fastening device 308, can be
inserted through the opening 306. Examples of fastening device can
include, but are not limited to, a screw, a bolt, a wing nut, a
pin, etc. The one or more fastening devices can be selectively
tightened and loosened. Tightening the one or more fastening
devices can prevent the lateral bracket 104 from being laterally
rotated. Loosening the one or more fastening devices can allow the
lateral bracket 104 to be laterally rotated. The one or more
fastening devices can remain inserted through the opening 306. In
other aspects, the one or more fastening devices can be omitted.
Using a single fastening device or one or more fastening devices of
the same type can allow the lateral orientation angle of the
lateral bracket 104 to be adjusted using a single tool.
In some aspects, visual markers can be stamped or otherwise applied
to one or more faces of the latching edge 302. Each of the visual
markers can correspond to a lateral orientation angle of the
lateral bracket 104.
The latching edge 302 can engage a retaining assembly of the
lateral bracket 104 as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a
partial perspective view depicting a retaining assembly 402
engaging the latching edge 302 of the movable lateral bracket 104.
The retaining assembly 402 can include retaining pins 404a, 404b or
other suitable rigid protrusions coupled to or integral with a
planar surface 406 adjacent to the laterally oriented surface 202a.
The planar surface 406 can be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid
material, such as sheet metal.
The retaining assembly 402 can be coupled to or adjacent to the
laterally oriented surface 202a. The retaining assembly 402 can be
positioned such that the retaining pins 404a, 404b can engage the
recesses 304 of the latching edge 302. For example, the retaining
assembly 402 can be oriented substantially parallel to the
laterally oriented surface 202a and substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinally oriented connecting member 204, as depicted in
FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 is a side view depicting the retaining assembly 402 engaging
the latching edge 302. In some aspects, the planar surface 406 can
be coupled or adjacent to an expansion spring 408. An expansion
spring can include a spring that is configured to resist a tensile,
or stretching, force expanding the spring. The expansion spring 408
can be compressed by the retaining pins 404a, 404b engaging the
recesses 304 of the latching edge 302.
The planar surface 406 can be configured to move in response to a
force applied to the retaining pins 404a, 404b via one or more of
the recesses 304, as depicted in FIGS. 6-10. FIG. 6 is a top view
of lateral bracket 104 being moved. The movement of the lateral
bracket 104 is depicted by a leftward arrow in FIGS. 6 and 7. A
force applied to the retaining pin of the retaining assembly via
one or more of the grooves or teeth can cause the retaining pins
404a, 404b to disengage from the recesses 304 and the expansion
spring 408 to extend, as depicted by the upward arrow in FIG. 7.
The disengagement of the retaining pins 404a, 404b from the
recesses 304 is depicted in the partial perspective view of FIG.
8.
Continuing to move the lateral bracket 104 can cause the retaining
pins 404a, 404b to re-engage the recesses 304, as depicted in FIGS.
9 and 10. The movement of the lateral bracket is depicted by the
leftward arrow in FIG. 9. The extended expansion spring 408 can
apply a force to the latching edge 302 in a direction perpendicular
to the latching edge 302 and in the direction of the planar surface
406. The force applied by the expansion spring 408 can be opposed
by the static force provided by the portions of the latching edge
302 between the recesses 304. Moving the retaining pins 404a, 404b
to engage another set of the recesses 304 can cause the opposing
static force to cease, thereby allowing the expansion spring 408 to
compress and move the lateral bracket 104 toward the planar surface
406, as depicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 9. Moving the
lateral bracket 104 toward the planar surface 406 can cause the
retaining pins 404a, 404b to re-engage the recesses 304, as
depicted in FIG. 10.
In other aspects, a compression spring can be used to cause the
retaining pins 404a, 404b to engage the recesses 304. For example,
FIG. 12 depicts a compression spring 502 causing the retaining pins
404a, 404b to engage the recesses 304. The compression spring 502
can be adjacent to or coupled to a fixed object 504. A compression
spring can include a spring that is configured to resist an applied
force compressing the spring. The compression spring 502 can expand
and apply a force against the planar surface 406 in the direction
of the latching edge 302, as depicted by the upward arrow in FIG.
11. The force applied to the planar surface 406 can cause the
retaining pins 404a, 404b to engage the recesses 304, as depicted
in FIG. 12.
FIG. 13 depicts the movement of the lateral bracket 104 using a
leftward arrow. A force applied to the retaining pins 404a, 404b by
the movement of the lateral bracket can cause the retaining pins
404a, 404b to disengage from the recesses 304 and the compression
spring 502 to compress, as depicted by the downward arrow in FIG.
13. The disengagement of the retaining pins 404a, 404b from the
recesses 304 is depicted in the partial perspective view of FIG.
14.
Continuing to move the lateral bracket 104 can cause the retaining
pins 404a, 404b to re-engage the recesses 304, as depicted in FIGS.
15 and 16. The movement of the lateral bracket is depicted by the
leftward arrow in FIG. 15. The compressed compression spring 502
can apply a force to the planar surface 406 in a direction
perpendicular to the planar surface 406 and in the direction of the
latching edge 302. The force applied by the compression spring 502
can be opposed by the static force provided by the portions of the
latching edge 302 between the recesses 304. Moving the retaining
pins 404a, 404b to engage another set of the recesses 304 can cause
the opposing static force to cease, thereby allowing the
compression spring 502 to extend and move the planar surface 406
toward the latching edge 302, as depicted by the upward arrow in
FIG. 15. Moving the planar surface 406 toward the latching edge 302
can cause the retaining pins 404a, 404b to re-engage the recesses
304, as depicted in FIG. 16.
In some aspects, the compression of the expansion spring 408 and/or
the expansion of the compression spring 502 can generate an audible
indicator, such as a clicking noise. Generating an audible
indicator can allow the angle of the lateral bracket 104 to be
adjusted without viewing visual markers corresponding to the
respective lateral orientation angles of the lateral bracket
104.
In additional or alternative aspects, the expansion spring 408
and/or the compression spring 502 may be omitted. The metal or
other material from which the planar surface 406 is formed can be
sufficiently flexible such that a force applied to the retaining
pins 404a, 404b can cause the retaining pins 404a, 404b to
disengage from the recesses 304. The metal or other material can
have a sufficient resilience such that the cessation of a force
applied to the retaining pins 404a, 404b via the latching edge 302
can cause the retaining pins 404a, 404b of the retaining assembly
to reengage the recesses 304.
FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the lateral bracket 104
coupled to the longitudinal bracket 106 via a mounting surface 601.
The longitudinally oriented connecting member 204 of the lateral
bracket 104 can be coupled to or integral with the mounting surface
601. The longitudinal bracket 106 can be coupled to the mounting
surface 601 via any suitable fastening device. Non-limiting
examples of suitable fastening devices include screws, bolts, wing
nuts, etc.
The longitudinal bracket 106 can include longitudinally oriented
surfaces 602a, 602b and a laterally oriented connecting member 604.
In some aspects, the longitudinally oriented surfaces 602a, 602b
can be oriented perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the
ground. Examples of a longitudinally oriented surface can include a
longitudinally oriented plate formed from metal or another suitable
rigid or semi-rigid material. Each of the longitudinally oriented
surfaces 602a, 602b can be integral with or coupled to the
laterally oriented connecting member 604.
At least one of the longitudinally oriented surfaces 602a, 602b of
the longitudinal bracket 106 can include a latching edge. For
example, FIG. 18 is a side view depicting a latching edge 702
formed in the longitudinally oriented surface 602a of the
longitudinal bracket 106. The latching edge 702 can define an arc
shape. A latching edge of each of the longitudinally oriented
surfaces 602a, 602b can be formed to include a group of grooves,
such as the recesses 704 of the latching edge 702. The recesses 704
can include any suitable shape, such as (but not limited to) teeth,
cogs, etc. The recesses 704 can be spaced at equal intervals from
one another. Each of the recesses 704 can correspond to an
increment in the angle of the bracket, such as (but not limited to)
2.5.degree. or 5.0.degree.. In some aspects, visual markers can be
stamped or otherwise applied to one or more faces of the
longitudinally oriented surfaces 602a, 602b. Each of the visual
markers can correspond to a longitudinal orientation angle of the
longitudinal bracket 106.
In some aspects, each of the longitudinally oriented surfaces 602a,
602b can include an opening configured to receive a fastening
device, such as the opening 706 in the longitudinally oriented
surface 602a. The opening 706 can be, for example, a longitudinal
slot. The longitudinal slot can be shaped to as to be parallel to
the latching edge 702. One or more fastening devices, such as a
fastening device 708, can be inserted through the opening 706.
Examples of fastening device can include, but are not limited to, a
screw, a bolt, a wing nut, a pin, etc. The one or more fastening
devices can be selectively tightened and loosened. Tightening the
one or more fastening devices can prevent the longitudinal bracket
106 from being longitudinally rotated. Loosening the one or more
fastening devices can allow the longitudinal bracket 106 to be
longitudinally rotated. In other aspects, the one or more fastening
devices can be omitted. Using a single fastening device or one or
more fastening devices of the same type can allow the longitudinal
orientation angle of the longitudinal bracket 106 to be adjusted
using a single tool.
The latching edge 702 can engage a retaining assembly coupled to
the longitudinal bracket 106, as depicted in FIGS. 19-20. FIG. 19
is a side view depicting a retaining assembly 802 engaging the
latching edge 702 of the movable longitudinal bracket 106. The
retaining assembly 802 can include retaining pins 804a, 804b or
other suitable rigid protrusions coupled to or integral with a
planar surface 806 adjacent to the longitudinally oriented surface
602a. The planar surface 806 can be formed from a rigid or
semi-rigid material, such as sheet metal.
The retaining assembly 802 can be coupled to or adjacent to the
longitudinally oriented surface 602a. The retaining assembly 802
can be positioned such that a retaining pins 804a, 804b can engage
the recesses 704 of the latching edge 702. For example, the
retaining assembly 802 can be oriented substantially parallel to
the longitudinally oriented surface 602a and substantially
perpendicular to the laterally oriented connecting member 604.
FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view depicting the retaining
assembly 802 engaging the latching edge 702. In some aspects, the
planar surface 806 can be coupled or adjacent to an expansion
spring 808. The expansion spring 808 can be compressed by the
retaining pins 804a, 804b engaging the recesses 704 of the latching
edge 702.
The planar surface 806 can be configured to move in response to a
force applied to the retaining pins 804a, 804b via one or more of
the recesses 704, as depicted in FIGS. 21-25. FIG. 21 is a partial
perspective side view of longitudinal bracket 106 being moved. The
movement of the longitudinal bracket 106 is depicted by a downward
arrow in FIGS. 21 and 22. A force applied to the retaining pin of
the retaining assembly via one or more of the grooves or teeth can
cause the retaining pins 804a, 804b to disengage from the recesses
704 and the expansion spring 808 to extend, as depicted by the
leftward arrow in FIG. 22. The disengagement of the retaining pins
804a, 804b from the recesses 704 is depicted in the partial
perspective view of FIG. 23.
Continuing to move the longitudinal bracket 106 can cause the
retaining pins 804a, 804b to re-engage the recesses 704, as
depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25. The movement of the lateral bracket is
depicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 24. The extended expansion
spring 808 can apply a force to the latching edge 702 in a
direction perpendicular to the latching edge 702 and in the
direction of the planar surface 806. The force applied by the
expansion spring 808 can be opposed by the static force provided by
the portions of the latching edge 302 between the recesses 704.
Moving the retaining pins 804a, 804b to engage another set of the
recesses 704 can cause the opposing static force to cease, thereby
allowing the expansion spring 808 to compress and move the
longitudinal bracket 106 toward the planar surface 806, as depicted
by the rightward arrow in FIG. 24. Moving the longitudinal bracket
106 toward the planar surface 806 can cause the retaining pins
804a, 804b to re-engage the recesses 704, as depicted in FIG.
25.
In other aspects, a compression spring can be used to cause the
retaining pins 804a, 804b to engage the recesses 704. For example,
FIG. 12 depicts a compression spring 902 causing the retaining pins
804a, 804b to engage the recesses 704. The compression spring 902
can be adjacent to or coupled to a fixed object 904. The
compression spring 902 can expand and apply a force against the
planar surface 806 in the direction of the latching edge 702, as
depicted by the leftward arrow in FIG. 26. The force applied to the
planar surface 806 can cause the retaining pins 804a, 804b to
engage the recesses 704, as depicted in FIG. 27.
FIG. 28 depicts the movement of the longitudinal bracket 106. A
force applied to the retaining pins 804a, 804b by the movement of
the lateral bracket can cause the retaining pins 804a, 804b to
disengage from the recesses 704 and the compression spring 902 to
compress, as depicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 28. The
disengagement of the retaining pins 804a, 804b from the recesses
704 is depicted in the partial perspective view of FIG. 29.
Continuing to move the longitudinal bracket 106 can cause the
retaining pins 804a, 804b to re-engage the recesses 704, as
depicted in FIGS. 30 and 31. The movement of the lateral bracket is
depicted by the downward arrow in FIG. 30. The compressed
compression spring 902 can apply a force to the planar surface 806
in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface 806 and in the
direction of the latching edge 702. The force applied by the
compression spring 902 can be opposed by the static force provided
by the portions of the latching edge 302 between the recesses 704.
Moving the retaining pins 804a, 804b to engage another set of the
recesses 704 can cause the opposing static force to cease, thereby
allowing the compression spring 902 to extend and move the planar
surface 806 toward the latching edge 702, as depicted by the
leftward arrow in FIG. 30. Moving the planar surface 806 toward the
latching edge 702 can cause the retaining pins 804a, 804b to
re-engage the recesses 704, as depicted in FIG. 31.
In some aspects, the compression of the expansion spring 808 and/or
the expansion of the compression spring 902 can generate an audible
indicator, such as a clicking noise. Generating an audible
indicator can allow the angle of the longitudinal bracket 106 to be
adjusted without viewing the visual markers corresponding to the
respective longitudinal orientation angles of the longitudinal
bracket 106.
In additional or alternative aspects, the expansion spring 808
and/or the compression spring 902 may be omitted. The metal or
other material from which the planar surface 806 is formed can be
sufficiently flexible such that a force applied to the retaining
pins 804a, 804b can cause the retaining pins 804a, 804b to
disengage from the recesses 704. The metal or other material can
have a sufficient resilience such that the cessation of a force
applied to the retaining pins 804a, 804b via the latching edge 702
can cause the retaining pins 804a, 804b of the retaining assembly
to reengage the recesses 704.
In additional or alternative aspects, one or more of the retaining
assemblies 402, 802 can include one or more chambers, one or more
compression springs disposed in the respective one or more
chambers, and one or more retaining pins disposed in each of the
one or more chambers adjacent to the respective one or more
compression springs, as depicted in FIGS. 32-34. FIG. 32 depicts a
latching edge 1002 that includes recesses 1004a, 1004b. Examples of
a latching edge 1002 include a latching edge 302 or a latching edge
702. Examples of the recesses 1004a, 1004b include the recesses 304
or the recesses 704. A retaining pin 1006 can engage one of the
recesses 1004a, 1004b. FIG. 32 depicts the retaining pin engaging
the recess 1004a. The retaining pin 1006 can be wholly or partially
disposed within a chamber 1010. A compression spring 1008
positioned adjacent to the retaining pin 1006 can exert a force
against the retaining pin 1006 in the direction of the latching
edge 1002. The compression spring 1008 can be wholly or partially
disposed within a chamber 1010. The retaining pin 1006, the
compression spring 1008, and the chamber 1010 can be disposed in a
retaining assembly, such as one or more of the retaining assemblies
402, 802.
Rotating the latching edge 1002, as depicted by the leftward arrow
in FIG. 33, can cause a portion of the latching edge 1002 between
the recesses 1004a, 1004b to exert a force against the retaining
pin 1006 in the direction of the chamber 1010, as depicted by the
downward arrow in FIG. 33. The force exerted against the retaining
pin 1006 can cause the retaining pin to exert a force against the
compression spring 1008, thereby causing the compression spring
1008 to compress. Rotating the latching edge 1002 further can allow
the compression spring 1008 to expand. The compression spring 1008
expanding can apply a force to the retaining pin 1006 in the
direction of the latching edge 1002, as depicted by the upward
arrow in FIG. 34. Applying the force to the retaining pin 1006 in
the direction of the latching edge 1002 can cause the retaining pin
1006 to engage the recess 1004b.
Expanding the compression spring 1008 can generate an audible
indicator, such as a clicking noise. Generating an audible
indicator can allow the angle of a bracket (such as the lateral
bracket 104 or the longitudinal bracket 106) to be adjusted without
viewing a visual marker corresponding to the orientation angle of
the bracket.
Although FIGS. 32-34 depicts a single retaining pin 1006 disposed
in a single chamber 1010, any number of retaining pins disposed in
respective chambers can be used.
FIG. 35 depicts an example of a latching mounting assembly 102
mounting a device 110 to a wall 1102 via the mounting mechanism
108. The mounting mechanism 108 can include any suitable device,
structure, or group of devices and/or structures for coupling the
latching mounting assembly 102 to a fixed structure. The mounting
mechanism 108 can include a bracket having a flat surface. The flat
surface can be attached to a wall using any suitable fastening
devices, such as, for example, one or more screws, one or more
nails, one or more bolts, etc.
FIG. 36 depicts an example of a latching mounting assembly 102'
mounting a device 110 to a pole 1202 via the mounting mechanism
108'. The mounting mechanism 108' can include one or more clamps,
such as the clamp 1204. The clamp 1204 can be adapted to
circumferentially surround a mounting member, such as the pole
1202. The clamp 1204 can be secured using, for example, a screw or
bolt. The clamp 1204 can be tightened such that friction retains
the mounting mechanism 108' in position on the pole 1202. An
adhesive or other material having a surface with a sufficient
friction coefficient can be disposed between a surface of each of
the clamp 1204 and the pole 1202. Disposing the adhesive or other
material can increase friction used to retain the mounting
mechanism 108' in a position on the pole 1202.
In some aspects, the clamp 1204 can be oriented substantially
perpendicular to the ground such that the latching mounting
assembly 102' can be coupled to a laterally oriented pole. In other
aspects, the clamp 1204 can be oriented substantially parallel to
the ground such that the latching mounting assembly 102' can be
coupled to a longitudinally oriented pole.
The maximum angle of the longitudinal orientation and/or lateral
orientation can be determined by the type of mounting mechanism
108, the dimensions of the one or more laterally oriented surfaces,
the dimensions of the longitudinally oriented surfaces 602a, 602b
and/or the dimensions of the device mounted using the latching
mounting assembly 102. In some aspects, the dimensions of the
laterally oriented surfaces 202a, 202b, the dimensions of the
longitudinally oriented surfaces 602a, 602b and/or the dimensions
of the device 110 can be such that the maximum angle of the
longitudinal orientation and/or lateral orientation is seventy-five
degrees. In other aspects, the dimensions of the laterally oriented
surfaces 202a, 202b, the dimensions of the longitudinally oriented
surfaces 602a, 602b and/or the dimensions of the device can be such
that the maximum angle of the longitudinal orientation and/or
lateral orientation is 180 degrees.
Although FIGS. 1-36 depict a lateral bracket 104 having two
laterally oriented surfaces and a longitudinal bracket 106 having
longitudinally oriented surfaces, other configurations are
possible. In some aspects, a lateral bracket 104 can have a single
laterally oriented surface. In other aspects, a longitudinal
bracket 106 can have a single longitudinally oriented surface.
The foregoing description of aspects and features of the invention,
including illustrated examples, has been presented only for the
purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof
will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from
the scope of this invention. Aspects and features from each example
disclosed can be combined with any other example. The illustrative
examples described above are given to introduce the reader to the
general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosed concepts.
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