Ceiling suspension assembly, mountable electronic system, adjustable mounting bracket assembly and method for mounting an electronic device to a ceiling suspension system

Abstract

A adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting an electronic device to a ceiling suspension system is disclosed. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly includes clamps, a device holder, and a base component having a plurality of first apertures. The clamps are disposed spaced apart from one another and configured to engage opposing edges of a beam of the ceiling suspension system. Each clamp includes a locking knob, wherein each of the locking knobs is configured to be received within one of the plurality of first apertures to attach the clamp to the base component, and the plurality of first apertures are arranged to allow the clamps to be attached to the base component in a plurality of configurations, including different separation distances between the clamps. The device holder is coupled to the base component, wherein the device holder is configured to mount an electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting electronic devices to a ceiling suspension system, a ceiling suspension assembly for mounting electronic devices, an mountable electronic system, and a method for mounting electronic devices to a ceiling suspension system. Background Technology

[0002] Brackets are often used to mount one object to another. In particular, brackets can act as intermediate components for mounting one or more devices to a structure. Devices may include electronic devices, such as access points (APs) or the like, and structures may include ceilings, data center environments, or building walls or the like. Brackets may initially be coupled to beams of the structure using fasteners such as nails or screws, and devices may later be mounted to the brackets. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting electronic devices to a ceiling-suspended system is provided, comprising: a pair of clamps configured to mount to a beam by engaging with opposite edges of a beam of the ceiling-suspended system, wherein the clamps are spaced apart from each other along a width dimension of the beam extending between opposite edges, each clamp including a locking knob; and a base member including a plurality of first orifices, wherein each locking knob is configured to be received within one of the first orifices to attach a clamp to the base member, and the plurality of first orifices are arranged to allow the clamps to be attached to the base member in a variety of configurations, including different separation distances between clamps compatible with different beam widths. The fixtures are positioned such that, in the mounted state of the fixtures attached to the beam, a locking knob can be inserted into a subset of a plurality of first orifices, such that the fixtures are in one of a plurality of configurations in which the separation distance between the fixtures is compatible with the width of the beam; a device retainer coupled to the base component, wherein the device retainer is configured to mount electronic devices to an adjustable mounting bracket assembly; and a latching component coupled to the base component and movable between a latched position and an unlocked position, wherein the latching component is configured to, in the state of the locking knob being received within the plurality of first orifices, engage the locking knob in the latched position to attach a pair of fixtures to the base component, and disengage the locking knob in the unlocked position to allow removal of a pair of fixtures from the base component.

[0004] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a ceiling suspension assembly for mounting electronic devices is provided, comprising: a ceiling suspension system including a ceiling grid defined by a plurality of beams, wherein each of the plurality of beams is disposed between a pair of ceiling panels to support the pair of ceiling panels; and an adjustable mounting bracket assembly as described in the first aspect of this disclosure, wherein a pair of clamps are configured to engage with one of the plurality of beams.

[0005] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a mountable electronic system is provided, comprising: an adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to a first aspect of this disclosure; and an electronic device coupled to or configured to be coupled to a device holder of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0006] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for mounting an electronic device to a ceiling-suspended system is provided, wherein the method uses an adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to a first aspect of this disclosure to mount the electronic device to the ceiling-suspended system, the method comprising: engaging a pair of clamps of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly with opposite edges of a beam of the ceiling-suspended system; selecting attachment positions of the pair of clamps relative to a base member of the adjustable mounting bracket based on the width of the beam, the base member including a first orifice defining a plurality of attachment positions of the pair of clamps; inserting a locking knob of each of the pair of clamps into a subset of the first orifice corresponding to the selected attachment positions of the pair of clamps; attaching the pair of clamps to the base member by sliding a latching member of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly relative to the base member from an unlatched position to a latched position, such that the latching member engages the locking knob and prevents removal of the locking knob from the subset of the first orifice; and engaging a device retainer of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly coupled to the base member with the electronic device to mount the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Various examples will now be described below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0008] Figure 1 The illustration shows a block diagram of an adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting an electronic device to a ceiling suspension system, according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A The illustration shows a perspective view of an adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to an example of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2B An example according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2A A perspective view of a pair of clamps of an adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0011] Figure 2C An example according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2AA perspective view of the base component of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0012] Figure 2D An example according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2A A perspective view of the device retainer of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0013] Figure 2E An example according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2A A perspective view of the latching component of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0014] Figure 2F An example according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2A A perspective view of the spring-loaded pin of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0015] Figures 3A-3C The illustration shows an assembly according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 2A The adjustable mounting bracket assembly involves multiple steps.

[0016] Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the ceiling suspension system.

[0017] Figure 5A An exploded perspective view of a ceiling suspension assembly according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 5B An example according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 5A An assembly perspective view of the ceiling suspension components.

[0019] Figure 6A The illustration shows an electronic device according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 5B A partial assembly perspective view of the ceiling suspension components.

[0020] Figure 6B The illustration shows an electronic device according to an example of this disclosure. Figure 5B An assembly perspective view of the ceiling suspension components.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart depicting a method for mounting an electronic device to a ceiling suspension system using an adjustable mounting bracket assembly, according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, please refer to... Figure 1-7The components illustrated herein are used to describe some examples. However, the functions of the illustrated components may overlap, and they may be present in a small or large number of elements and components. Furthermore, the disclosed examples can be implemented in various settings and are not limited to the illustrated examples. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. However, it will be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. While several examples are described in this document, modifications, adjustments, and other implementations are possible. Therefore, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosed examples. Rather, the proper scope of the disclosed examples is defined by the appended claims.

[0023] Some buildings have a main (structural) ceiling and then a secondary (false) ceiling suspended below it. Secondary ceilings are often called drop ceilings, grid ceilings, or suspended ceilings, and typically include beams suspended from the main structural ceiling. For example, beams are often suspended from the main ceiling via one or more hangers of a predefined pattern to define the grid of the ceiling suspension system. Such beams can provide support for false ceiling components (e.g., multiple panels). Additionally, beams can be used to mount electronic devices via brackets. Beams are typically available in a variety of widths and shapes, depending on the type of panel (e.g., tiled panels, square lay-in panels, or the like) and industry standards defined in various jurisdictions. Therefore, multiple brackets may have to be designed to accommodate beams of various widths / shapes. Consequently, the usability of the brackets may be limited to (or become dependent on) the type of beam. Therefore, customers may need to order different types of brackets for mounting electronic devices to different types of beams, which can be cumbersome to manage. Additionally, it may be necessary to produce multiple different types of brackets, each with different mounting features to be installed on different types of beams, which may result in the need for additional SKUs and maintaining different inventories, thereby increasing costs.

[0024] A technical solution to the aforementioned problems includes providing an adjustable mounting bracket assembly that can be assembled to accommodate beams of various widths and / or shapes and / or industry-standard beams in a ceiling-suspended system, allowing electronic devices to be mounted onto the ceiling-suspended system. Additionally, in some examples, such an adjustable mounting bracket assembly can be assembled without the use of any tools. In one or more examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly may include a pair of clamps, a base component, a latching component, and a device retainer. The pair of clamps may be configured to be mounted onto a beam and releasably coupled to the base component via the latching component. The clamps may be coupled to the base component in several different configurations that take into account different separation distances between the pair of clamps. This allows the pair of clamps to accommodate beams of various widths. The latching component may be coupled to the base component and movable between a latched position and an unlocked position to allow the pair of clamps to be attached to and removed from the base component. The device retainer may be coupled to the base component and provide support to the base component. The device retainer may be additionally configured to mount electronic devices onto the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

[0025] As described above, the clamps can be selectively attached to the base component in various configurations. Specifically, in some examples, each clamp has locking knobs that engage with the base component and a latching component to attach the clamp to the base component. The base component includes a plurality of first orifices, and when the pair of clamps is attached to the base component, the locking knobs are received within a subset of the first orifices. The configuration of the clamps can be varied among the aforementioned multiple configurations by changing which subsets of the first device the clamps engage with. Specifically, the plurality of first orifices define a plurality of different attachment positions that provide different separation distances between the clamps, and thus the separation distance between the clamps can be selectively controlled by selecting which subsets of the first orifices the pair of clamps engages with. Thus, for example, the attachment position of the pair of clamps can be selected based on the width of the beam such that the separation distance between the clamps is proportionate to the width of the beam. In this way, the adjustable mounting bracket can accommodate beams of various widths. Once the locking knobs have been inserted through the first device, they can be engaged by the latching component to prevent the locking knobs from being withdrawn from the first orifices. Specifically, the latching member can be slidably disposed in a pair of guide channels of the base member and movable along the pair of guide channels between a latched position, wherein the latching member can engage a locking knob extending through the first orifice; and an unlocked position, wherein the latching member disengages from the locking knob. When the latching member is engaged with the locking knob, it prevents the locking knob from retracting from the first orifice, and when the latching member is disengaged from the locking knob, it allows the locking knob to retract from the first orifice. In this way, the clamp is selectively attached to the base member via the first orifice and the latching member.

[0026] In some examples, the latching member includes a plurality of keyholes corresponding to and aligned with the plurality of first orifices. Each keyhole includes a second orifice configured to align with a corresponding one of the first orifices when the latching member is in the unlocked position and to receive a locking knob when one of the locking knobs is inserted through the corresponding first orifice. More specifically, each locking knob includes a body and a head, wherein the head is wider than the body, and the second orifice is configured to allow insertion of the head through it. When the locking knob is inserted through the first and second orifices, the locking knob moves along a first direction perpendicular to a face of the base member from which a clamp extends. Each keyhole also includes an engagement groove extending from the second orifice along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the face of the base member. When the latching member is in the latched position, the engagement groove aligns with the corresponding first orifice. Additionally, the engagement groove is wider than the body of the locking knob but narrower than its head. Thus, the body can be received within the engagement groove, but the head of the locking knob cannot pass through the engagement groove. Therefore, after the head of the given locking knob has been inserted through the second orifice of the given keyhole, the latching member can then move from the unlatched position to the latched position, causing the body of the given locking knob to slide from the second orifice into the engagement groove of the given keyhole (where the relative movement between the body and the engagement groove occurs along a second direction). In this state, the edge of the engagement groove of the given keyhole (and the surrounding portion of the latching member) engages (i.e., abuts) the head of the locking knob and prevents the head from retracting through the engagement groove along a first direction. When the latching member moves from the latched position to the unlatched position, the body of the given locking knob slides out of the engagement groove and back into the second orifice of the given keyhole, and thus the given locking knob can be retracted through the second orifice along a first direction. In this way, the latching member can selectively engage or disengage from the locking knob to selectively secure the clamp to the base component or allow removal of the clamp from the base component. Furthermore, in some examples, the device retainer may include a flange that engages with a pair of guide grooves on the electronic device to mount the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly. Thus, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly allows the electronic device to be mounted to a ceiling-suspended system. In some examples, the latching member may include a fastener (e.g., a spring-loaded pin) that, when in the latched position, engages with a locking hole formed in the device retainer to retain the pair of clamps to the base member. Similarly, the electronic device may include another fastener (e.g., another spring-loaded pin) that, when the electronic device is mounted to the flange, engages with a locking opening formed in the device retainer to retain the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket.

[0027] Adjustable mounting brackets offer flexibility, upgradeability, serviceability, reduced costs, and supply chain benefits because they can be easily assembled to be compatible with beams of various widths. Specifically, it may not be necessary to maintain or produce different types of adjustable mounting brackets, each with different mounting features, thus avoiding the costs associated with designing and manufacturing multiple types of brackets. Additionally, the number of required SKUs can be reduced, and the need to maintain different inventories can be avoided, further lowering costs. Furthermore, because the various mounting features of adjustable mounting brackets are designed as either sliding fasteners or spring-loaded pins, they may not require tools or special fasteners to mount electronic devices to the ceiling suspension system. Therefore, adjustable mounting brackets are inexpensive to assemble, maintain, and replace.

[0028] Refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A block diagram of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is depicted. It should be understood that... Figure 1 This is not intended to depict a specific shape, size, or other structural detail accurately or to scale, and embodiments of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 may have different numbers and arrangements of the illustrated components, and may also include other parts not shown. In one or more examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 may be a suspension member attached to a structure suspended from a ceiling, wall, or the like and providing support for a load (e.g., an electronic device, lighting fixture, or the like). In some examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is attached to a ceiling suspension system 170 and configured to provide support for an electronic device 190.

[0029] Some buildings (such as data centers (not shown), university campus buildings, offices, retail facilities, or other buildings) have a main ceiling 172 (main structure) and a secondary ceiling 174 (false ceiling) that is then suspended below the main ceiling 172. Specifically, the secondary ceiling 174 typically includes beams 176 suspended from the main ceiling 172. For example, beams 176 are suspended from the main ceiling 172 via one or more hangers 178 of a predefined pattern to define the ceiling grid 180 of the ceiling suspension system 170. Each beam 176 is used to provide support to false ceiling components (e.g., multiple ceiling panels 182). Additionally, at least some of the beams 176 are used to mount electronic devices 190 to the ceiling suspension system 170 via adjustable mounting bracket assemblies 100. Typically, beams 176 are available in a variety of widths and shapes, depending on the type of ceiling panel 182 (e.g., tiled ceiling panels, square exposed ceiling panels, or the like) and industry standards defined in various jurisdictions. Therefore, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 has been designed to fit beams 176 of various widths / shapes.

[0030] In some examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 includes a pair of clamps 102, a base member 104, and a latching member 106. In some examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 also includes a device retainer 108. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is configured to accommodate beams 176 of various widths / shapes to allow electronic devices 190 to be mounted to the ceiling suspension system 170.

[0031] In some examples, each clamp 102 in the pair of clamps may be spaced apart from each other and engage with the beam 176 of the ceiling suspension system to allow the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 to be suspended from the ceiling suspension system 170. Specifically, the clamp 102 may engage with flanges on opposite sides of the beam 176. Each clamp 102 may include a locking knob ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), the locking knob can be configured to receive in a plurality of first openings in the base component 104 ( Figure 1 (Not shown) A clamp 102 is attached to the base portion 104 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 within one of the following configurations: In one or more examples, the plurality of first orifices may be arranged on the base portion 104 such that they allow the pair of clamps 102 to be attached to the base portion 104 in various configurations (e.g., by inserting a locking knob into different subsets of the first orifices), wherein at least some of these configurations include different separation distances between the pair of clamps 102. Therefore, the position of the clamp 102 attached to the base portion can be selected based on the width / shape of the beam 176, such that the clamp 102 has a separation distance commensurate with the width of the beam.

[0032] Furthermore, the latching member 106 may be coupled to the base member 104 and may be configured to move between a latched position and an unlocked position. In one or more examples, the latching member 106 may be configured to, with the locking knob received within the plurality of first orifices, a) engage with the locking knob of the pair of clamps 102 in the latched position to attach the pair of clamps 102 to the base member 104, and b) disengage the locking knob in the unlocked position to allow removal of the pair of clamps 102 from the base member 104.

[0033] Further, the device retainer 108 may be coupled to or configured to be coupled to the base component 104. In some examples, the device retainer 108 is fixedly (permanently) coupled to the base component 104, or is a component of the base component. In other examples, the device retainer 108 is removably coupled to the base component 104, for example via tabs and slots (as described below). The device retainer 108 is also configured to mount the electronic device 190 to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100. In some examples, the device retainer 108 is fixedly (permanently) coupled to the electronic device 190, or is a component of the electronic device. In other examples, the device retainer 108 is removably coupled to the electronic device 190, for example via mounting flanges (as described below). Although the device retainer 108 is illustrated and described herein as part of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 for ease of description, in some examples, the device retainer 108 may be considered as part of the electronic device 190.

[0034] In some examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is mounted to the beam 176, and the electronics 190 is not coupled to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 when the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is mounted to the beam 176. In some other examples, the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is coupled to the electronics 190 before it is mounted to the beam 176.

[0035] In an example where beam 176 is part of ceiling suspension system 170, the combination of adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 and ceiling suspension system 170, with adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 mounted to beam 176, may be referred to herein as ceiling suspension assembly 101. In some examples, ceiling suspension assembly 101 may be considered part of a building (e.g., a data center) and may be provided to allow electronic device 190 to be mounted to main ceiling 172 via ceiling suspension assembly 101. Specifically, ceiling suspension assembly 101 includes ceiling suspension system 170 having ceiling grid 180 defined by the plurality of beams 176, each of which is disposed between a pair of ceiling panels 182 to support such a pair of ceiling panels 182. Ceiling suspension assembly 101 further includes adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100, wherein the pair of clamps 102 are configured to engage with one of the plurality of beams 176.

[0036] In some examples, the combination of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 and the electronics 190 coupled thereto may be referred to herein as a mountable electronic system 103, which can be mounted to the ceiling suspension system 170. Specifically, the mountable electronic system 103 includes the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 and the electronics 190, which is coupled to or configured to be coupled to a device holder 108 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100.

[0037] The example configuration of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100, the ceiling suspension system 170, and the electronic device 190 (in the form of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200, the ceiling suspension system 400, and the electronic device 600) is discussed in more detail below in the example of Figures 2-7.

[0038] Although beam 176 has been described above as part of a stepped ceiling, this is merely an example, and the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 can be used with beam 176 of any type of structure. For example, in some embodiments, beam 176 is a structural member of the main ceiling (rather than a secondary ceiling). As another example, in some embodiments, beam 176 is part of a structure that is neither a main ceiling nor a secondary ceiling, such as: a wall, shelf, partition, utility or HVAC duct or its supporting structure, or any other structure with a beam that can be engaged by clamp 120.

[0039] Turning now to Figure 2-7, an example adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 will be described. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 is an example configuration of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 described above, but the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 100 is not limited to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. Figure 2A A perspective view of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 is depicted. Figure 2B Depicting Figure 2A A perspective view of a pair of clamps 202 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. Figure 2C Depicting Figure 2A A perspective view of the base component 204 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. Figure 2D Depicting Figure 2A A perspective view of the device holder 208 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. Figure 2E Depicting Figure 2A A perspective view of the latching component 206 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. Figure 2F Depicting Figure 2A A perspective view of the spring-loaded pin 210 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. In the following description, for ease of illustration, the spring-loaded pin 210 is also described. Figures 2A-2FIt should be understood that embodiments of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 may have different numbers and arrangements of the illustrated components, and may also include other parts not shown.

[0040] Refer to the attached diagram, i.e. Figure 2A The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 is a suspension component that can be used to mount electronic devices 600 (such as...). Figure 6A As shown) Installed into the ceiling suspension system 400 (e.g. Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram). The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 includes the pair of clamps 202, base component 204, latch component 206, device retainer 208, and spring-loaded pin 210.

[0041] Turning Figure 2B The clamps 202 include a first clamp 202A and a second clamp 202B. Each of the first clamps 202A and the second clamp 202B includes a support post 220, a locking knob 212 at a first end 214 of the support post 220, and a hook 216 at a second end 218 of the support post 220. More specifically, each clamp 202 may include a first end portion 222 coupled to the first end 214 of the support post 220 and a second end portion 224 coupled to the second end 218 of the support post 220, wherein the first end portion 222 and the second end portion 224 extend laterally (e.g., vertically) from the support post 220. The first end portion 222 and the second end portion 224 may also be described herein as flanges, respectively. For example, the locking knob 212 is formed to extend from the bottom surface of the first end portion 222, which faces the base member when the clamp 202 is coupled to the base member 204. In one example, the second end portion 224 includes a portion extending outward from the support post 220, while a part of the second end portion 224 includes a portion extending inward from the support post 220. A hook is formed on the second end portion 224. In some examples, the second end portion 224 extends inward from the support post 220.

[0042] Furthermore, the locking knobs 212 of each clamp in the pair of clamps 202 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance “S1” along the length of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 (as shown in Figure 10). Each locking knob 212 includes a head portion 226 and a body portion 228 connected to a first end portion 222. In some examples, the diameter of the head portion 226 is larger than the diameter of the body portion 228. The locking knobs 212 are configured to be inserted through a first aperture 240 through the base member 204 (see Figure 10). Figure 2CAs described in more detail below, the diameter of the head portion 226 is therefore smaller than the diameter of the first aperture 240. Furthermore, the head portion 226 has an edge section 226A and a tapered section 226B. The tapered section 226B facilitates easier insertion of the locking knob 212 through the first aperture 240.

[0043] Each hook 216 may have a U-shaped cross-section and may define a receiving seat 230 or recess into which a portion of the beam (not shown) of the ceiling suspension system 400 may be received. In some examples, the first clamp 202A and the second clamp 202B are configured such that hook 216A in the first clamp 202A faces hook 216AB in the second clamp 202B, and the locking knobs 212A and 212B of the first clamp 202A are vertically downward (as used herein, "vertical" and "downward" refer to directions parallel to the thickness dimension shown in Figure 10). When the clamp 202 is attached to the base member 204, the locking knobs 212A and 212B of the first clamp 202A are separated from each other by a separation distance "D" along the width dimension. As will be described in more detail below, the separation distance “D” is variable, depending on which first holes 240 the locking knob 212 is inserted into.

[0044] Turning Figure 2C The base component 204 is configured to act as a coupler component that couples the pair of clamps 202 and the device holder 208 together. For example, the base component 204 allows the pair of clamps 202 to be releasably coupled to the base component 204 and the device holder 208 to be attached to the base component 204, as discussed in more detail below. In some examples, the base component 204 includes a first side portion 232, a second side portion 234, a pair of peripheral end portions 236, a pair of guide channels 238, a plurality of first orifices 240, and a plurality of slots 242.

[0045] As described above, the first opening 240 is configured to allow the locking knob 212 of the clamp 202 to be inserted through it (see...). Figure 2A , Figure 3C and Figure 5AThe diameter of each of the plurality of first openings 240 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the locking knob 212 (e.g., the diameter of the edge segment 226A in the head portion 226 of the locking knob 212) to allow the locking knob 212 to be inserted through it. Additionally, the number of existing first openings 240 is greater than the number of existing locking knobs 212, and therefore less than all of the first openings 240 are utilized when the clamp 202 is coupled to the base component 204. This allows the clamp 202 to selectively attach to the base component 204 at a plurality of possible attachment locations, each attachment location associated with a different subset of the first openings 240. In some examples, the plurality of first openings 240 includes a first set of first openings 240A and a second set of first openings 240B, which are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a second distance “S2” along the length of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 (as shown in Figure 10). In one or more examples, the second distance “S2” may be equal to the first distance “S1” (e.g., ...). Figure 2B As shown in Figure 10), and therefore when the clamp 202 is coupled to the base component 204, the locking knob 212 of the clamp 202 can engage with one first aperture 240 from the first set of first apertures 240A and the other first aperture 240 from the second set of first apertures 240B. Further, the apertures belonging to the first set of first apertures 240A are spaced apart from each other along the width of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 (as shown in Figure 10). Similarly, the apertures belonging to the second set of first apertures 240B are linearly spaced apart from each other along the width of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. In particular, in some examples, each first aperture 240 in the first set of first apertures 240A has a corresponding first aperture 240 in the second set of first apertures 240B, and each such pair of corresponding first apertures 240 is located in a similar position relative to each other along the width dimension. Furthermore, these similarly positioned apertures 240 define the aforementioned multiple attachment positions where the clamp 202 can be attached to the base component 204. For example, in Figure 2CIn the example, each of the first group of first orifices 240A and the second group of first orifices 240B includes six first orifices 240 (labeled 240-1 to 240-6 in the figure), thus forming six pairs of corresponding first orifices 240 associated with six attachment positions. Specifically, orifices 240-1 from the first group of first orifices 240A and the second group of first orifices 240B form a first pair defining a first attachment position, orifices 240-2 from the first group of first orifices 240A and the second group of first orifices 240B form a second pair defining a second attachment position, and so on to obtain each such pair. In some examples, orifices 240-3 and 240-4 are separated from each other by a first separation distance "D1", orifices 240-2 and 240-5 are separated from each other by a second separation distance "D2", and orifices 240-1 and 240-6 are separated from each other by a third separation distance "D3".

[0046] Therefore, the separation distance "D" between the locking knobs 212 (as mentioned above) Figure 2B The separation distance discussed may vary depending on which pair of first orifices 240 each clamp 202 engages with. For example, if one clamp 202 engages with orifice 240-3 and the other clamp 202 engages with orifice 240-4, the separation distance “D” between the locking knobs 212 may be equal to “D1”. Or, if one clamp 202 engages with orifice 240-2 and the other clamp 202 engages with orifice 240-5, the separation distance “D” between the locking knobs 212 may be equal to “D2”. Or (the original “Of” should be changed to “Or”, the translation has been corrected), if one clamp 202 engages with orifice 240-1 and the other clamp 202 engages with orifice 240-6, the separation distance “D” between the locking knobs 212 may be equal to “D3”. Although only a few examples of separation distances are described herein and labeled in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that other separation distances can be achieved by coupling the clamp 202 to the first orifice 240 in different combinations.

[0047] In some examples, the guide channels 238 include a first guide channel 238A extending from a corresponding side portion (e.g., the first side portion 232) and a second guide channel 238B extending from the second side portion 234. The guide channels 238 couple the latching member 206 to the base member 204, as will be referred to below. Figure 2E and Figure 3A A more detailed description follows. It can be noted that the first side portion 232 and the second side portion may be referred to as a pair of side portions. Each of the pair of guide channels 238 has a U-shaped seat 244 that allows the base member 204 to receive the latching member 206 and to slidably move relative to the base member 204 between a latched position and an unlocked position.

[0048] In some examples, the plurality of slots 242 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the width of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. Specifically, each of the plurality of slots 242 is arranged along a central axis that extends along the length of the base member 204. Further, the width, thickness, and length of each of the plurality of slots 242 may be equal to the tab 256 of the device retainer 208 (e.g., Figure 2D The width and length (as shown in the figure).

[0049] Turning Figure 2D The device retainer 208 may be a load-holding element of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. In some examples, the device retainer 208 includes a plurality of pillars 246, one or more support flanges 248 coupled to one end 250 of each of the plurality of pillars 246, and flanges (e.g., mounting flanges 252) coupled to opposite ends 254 of each of the plurality of pillars 246. In some examples, the opposite ends 254 of each of the plurality of pillars 246 may be coupled to a central axis of the mounting flange 252 extending along the length of the device retainer 208. The plurality of pillars 246 includes a first pillar 246A, a second pillar 246B, and a middle pillar 246C disposed between the first pillar 246A and the second pillar 246B. Each of the first pillar 246A and the second pillar 246B may include a protruding section forming a tab 256. In some examples, the width, thickness, and length of each tab 256 may be equal to the plurality of receiving slots 242 (e.g., Figure 2C The width, thickness, and length of the corresponding slots (as shown in the diagram). Each tab 256 can extend into the plurality of slots 242 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 2CThe device retainer 208 is coupled to the base member 204 in the corresponding slot shown in the diagram. In some examples, the first pillar 246A and the second pillar 246B respectively include a first locking hole 258A and a second locking hole 258B (or locking opening). In some examples, the first locking hole 258A may be configured to lock the latch member 206 to the device retainer 208 in the latched position. Similarly, the second locking hole 258B may be used to lock the electronic device 600 to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. The first pillar 246A and the second pillar 246B further include a first support flange 248A and a second support flange 248B. The middle pillar 246C includes a third support flange 248C and a fourth support flange 248D. Further, each of the first support flange 248A, the second support flange 248B, the third support flange 248C, and the fourth support flange 248D may include a hole 260 and a rivet 262 disposed in the corresponding hole 260. In one or more examples, rivet 262 may protrude beyond the corresponding support flange 248 and contact base member 204 to maintain a gap between base member 204 and device retainer 208, allowing latching member 206 to move between latched and unlocked positions. Multiple remaining sections 264 of the central support 246C may contact base member 204 to provide support to base member 204 at its central region.

[0050] Turning Figure 2E The latching member 206 can be a locking element of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. In this example, the latching member 206 includes a base 206A having a plurality of latch holes 265. Each of the latch holes 265 includes a second aperture 266 and an engagement groove 268 extending from the second aperture 266. The latching member 206 also includes an opening 284. Specifically, each of the plurality of second apertures 266, the plurality of engagement grooves 268, and the opening 284 is a through-hole extending between an inner surface and an outer surface (not labeled) of the base 206A. Figure 2E As shown, in some examples, two or more keyholes 265 may share a common second opening 266. In other words, in some examples, a single second opening 266 may be part of a plurality of keyholes 265 and therefore may have a plurality of engagement slots 268 extending therefrom. The latching member 206 further includes a locking flange 286 and a handle 288 extending downward from the base 206A.

[0051] Each of the keyholes 265 corresponds to one of the first openings 240 and is positioned to be vertically aligned with the corresponding first opening 240. Furthermore, specifically, when the latching member 206 is in the unlocked position, the second opening 266 of each keyhole 265 is vertically aligned with the corresponding first opening 240, such that if one of the locking knobs 212 extends through the corresponding first opening 240, then the locking knob 212 also extends through the second opening 266. In an example where the second opening 266 is shared by multiple keyholes 265, the second opening 266 is aligned with each of the first openings 240 corresponding to the multiple keyholes 265. Furthermore, when the latching member 206 is in the latched position, the engaging groove 268 is vertically aligned with the corresponding first opening 240, such that if one of the locking knobs 212 extends through the corresponding first opening 240, then the locking knob 212 also extends through the engaging groove 268. Therefore, the keyhole 265 can be arranged in a similar position to the first opening 240. Therefore, in Figure 2E In the example illustrated, the keyholes 265 are arranged as a first group of keyholes 265A corresponding to the first group of first openings 240A, and a second group of keyholes 265B corresponding to the second group of first openings 240B, and the separation distance "S3" along the length dimension between these groups can be equal to the separation distances "S1" and "S2" described above. Additionally, the separation distance along the width dimension between the engagement grooves 268 can be the same as the separation distance between the corresponding first openings 240. For example, engagement grooves 268-3 and 268-4 can be separated by a distance "D4" equal to a distance "D1", engagement grooves 268-2 and 268-5 can be separated by a distance "D5" equal to a distance "D2", and engagement grooves 268-1 and 268-6 can be separated by a distance "D6" equal to a distance "D3".

[0052] An opening 284 is formed between a pair of peripheral end portions 292 of the base 206A. Specifically, the opening 284 is formed between the first set of lock holes 265A and the second set of lock holes 265B. Further, the opening 284 extends toward one of the peripheral end portions 292 by protruding between the third engagement groove 268-3 and the fourth engagement groove 268-4 in the first set of lock holes 265A, and extends toward the other of the peripheral end portions 292 by protruding between the third engagement groove 268-3 and the fourth engagement groove 268-4 in the second set of lock holes 265B.

[0053] A locking flange 286 extends downward from the central axis (not labeled) of the base 206A. In some examples, the locking flange 286 has a threaded hole 299A. A handle 288 extends downward from the central axis of the base 206A. Specifically, the handle 288 is located at one of the peripheral end portions 292 of the base 206A.

[0054] refer to Figure 2F The spring-loaded pin 210 includes a handle portion 294, a body portion 296, and a locking pin 298. The body portion 296 interconnects the handle portion 294 to the locking pin 298. Specifically, the body portion 296 includes a spring (not shown) that is connected to the handle portion 294 and the locking pin 298 in an uncompressed condition. In other words, in the uncompressed condition, the spring pushes the locking pin 298 to protrude beyond the body portion 296. In this example, when the handle portion 294 is pulled, the spring can be compressed against the body portion 296, allowing the locking pin 298 to retract into the body portion 296. Sections of the body portion 296 have reverse threads 299B that engage with threaded holes 299A of the locking flange 286 to couple the spring-loaded pin 210 to the latching member 206.

[0055] Return to reference Figure 2A The latching member 206 can be slidably inserted into the pair of guide channels 238 of the base member 204. The tab 256 in the device retainer 208 can be coupled to a corresponding slot in the plurality of slots 242 of the base member 204 to couple the device retainer 208 to the base member 204. In this example, the central support 246C is positioned between the openings 284 and allows the latching member 206 to move relative to the base member 204 and the device retainer 208 between a latched position and an unlocked position without interfering with the device retainer 208. In the unlocked position of the latching member 206, the plurality of first apertures 240 in the base member 204 can be aligned with corresponding second apertures among the plurality of second apertures 266 in the latching member 206, thereby allowing the locking knob 212 of the pair of clamps 202 to extend through a subset of the first apertures 240 and a corresponding subset of the lock holes 265 to releasably couple the pair of clamps 202 to the base member 204. Figures 3A-3C The example explains in detail how to assemble the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200.

[0056] Figure 3A A perspective view of the assembly consisting of the base component 204 and the latch component 206 of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 is depicted. Figure 3B Depicting with Figure 3A A perspective view of the assembly consisting of the latching component 206 and the base component 204 of the device retainer 208. Figure 3C A perspective bottom view of an adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 comprising a pair of clamps 202, a base component 204, a latching component 206, a device retainer 208, and a spring-loaded pin 210 is depicted. In the following description, for ease of illustration, the following description is also presented... Figures 3A-3C .

[0057] refer to Figure 3AA latching member 206 is slidably inserted into the base member 204 from one of its peripheral end portions 236. Specifically, the latching member 206 is disposed between the pair of guide channels 238 of the base member 204 and is longitudinally pushed to insert the latching member 206 into the base member 204. In this example, the latching member 206 is slidable into the base member 204 until the plurality of second orifices 266 in the latching member 206 align with the plurality of first orifices 240 in the base member. In other words, the latching member 206 is pushed until it reaches the unlatched position.

[0058] refer to Figure 3B The device retainer 208 is coupled to the base member 204. For example, at least some of the plurality of supports 246 protrude through the opening 284 and contact the base member 204. Specifically, the device retainer 208 is arranged along the opening 284 of the latch member 206 such that the middle support 246C and the second support 246B of the device retainer 208 are located within the opening 284, while the first support 246A is located outside the opening 284. In this example, the one or more support flanges 248 of the plurality of supports 246 may contact the base member 204 via corresponding rivets 262 to provide support to the base member 204. Further, the plurality of remaining segments 264 of the middle support 246C contact the base member 204 to provide support to the base member 204. In one or more examples, the tabs 256 of the device retainer 208 (e.g., protruding sections at the ends of the first post 246A and the second post 246B) are pushed into corresponding slots 242 in the pair of slots 242 to couple the device retainer 208 to the base member 204. Since the middle post 246C and the second post 246B are disposed along an opening 284 of the latching member 206 and coupled to the base member 204, the opening 284 allows the latching member 206 to move relative to the base member 204 and the device retainer 208 between a latched position and an unlocked position without interfering with the middle post 246C and the second post 246B of the device retainer 208. In some examples, when the device retainer 208 is coupled to the base member 204, the second post 246B of the device retainer 208 is disposed behind the locking flange 286 of the latching member 206.

[0059] The spring-loaded pin 210 is further coupled to the latching member 206. Specifically, the reverse thread 299B in the body portion 296 of the spring-loaded pin 210 can engage with the threaded hole 299A of the locking flange 286 to couple the spring-loaded pin 210 to the latching member 206. In this example, the locking pin 298 of the spring-loaded pin 210 (as...) Figure 2F (As shown) The second pillar 246B of the contact device retainer 208 is held in a compressed state by the second pillar 246B.

[0060] refer to Figure 3C The clamps 202 are releasably coupled to the base component 204. Specifically, the locking knob 212 of each clamp 202 is configured to receive within one of the plurality of first openings 240 and a corresponding second opening 266 of the plurality of second openings 266 (e.g., Figure 3A As shown in the diagram). In some examples, the clamp 202 is based on beam 476 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 4 The widths of the fixtures (as shown in the diagram) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. For example, the fixture 202 may first be positioned with the beam 476 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, this engagement determines the required spacing of the clamps 202, and the clamps 202 can then be attached to the base member 204 by selecting an attachment position that matches the required spacing of the clamps 202. Further, each of the pair of clamps 202 is inserted into a pair of first orifices 240 and a corresponding pair of locking holes 265, the pair of first orifices and the pair of locking holes corresponding to the selected attachment position of the clamp 202. More specifically, by movement along the vertical direction, each of the locking knobs 212 of the clamps 202 is inserted through a second orifice 266 aligned with the first orifice 240 through one of the first orifices 240 and the corresponding locking hole 265. In other words, the pair of clamps 202 are disposed in a subset of the plurality of first orifices 240 and a subset of the plurality of second orifices 266 to allow the pair of clamps 202 to be attached to the base member 204 in one of a variety of configurations, including different separation distances between the pair of clamps 212 based on the width of the beam 476 (e.g., “D1”, “D2”, “D3”). Later, the latching member 206 is slidably pushed longitudinally into the base member 204 along a first direction 20 (perpendicular to the vertical direction) to place the latching member 206 in a non-latched position (e.g., Figure 3A As shown in the diagram, the latches 202 are moved to the latched position, thereby attaching the pair of clamps 202 to the base member 204. In some examples, when the latch member 206 is pushed to the latched position, the body portion 228 of each locking knob 212 (as shown in the diagram) moves to the latched position, thereby attaching the pair of clamps 202 to the base member 204. Figure 2B As shown, the locking knob 212 slides laterally (parallel to the first direction 20) out of the second orifice 266 through which it was previously inserted and into the engagement groove 268 extending from the second orifice 266. Therefore, in the latched position of the latching member 206, each locking knob 212 engages with the engagement groove 268, which extends from the second orifice 266 through which the locking knob 212 was previously inserted. Specifically, when the latching member 206 is in the latched position, the body portion 228 of a given one of the locking knobs 212 (as shown) slides laterally (parallel to the first direction 20) out of the second orifice 266 through which it was previously inserted and into the engagement groove 268. Figure 2BAs shown, the locking knob 212 protrudes through one of the plurality of first orifices and through one of the plurality of engagement slots 268, and the head portion 226 (e.g., edge segment 226A) of the given one engages with the edge 268-R of the given one of the plurality of engagement slots 268 to prevent the given one of the locking knobs 212 from being removed from the given one of the plurality of first orifices 240, thereby allowing the latching member 206 to latch the pair of clamps 202 to the base member 204. Further, when the latching member 206 moves to the latched position, the locking pin 298 of the spring-loaded pin 210 engages with the first locking hole 258A of the device retainer 208 to hold the latching member 206 in the latched position.

[0061] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a ceiling suspension system 400 is depicted. The ceiling suspension system 400 includes a ceiling grid 480 defined by a plurality of beams 476. Each of the plurality of beams 476 is disposed between a pair of ceiling panels 492 to support the pair of ceiling panels 492. In the illustrated example, the pair of ceiling panels 492 are square exposed-frame panels. In some other examples, the pair of ceiling panels 492 may be tile-shaped panels without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some examples, the pair of clamps 202 (such as...) Figure 2B (As shown) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and mounted to the plurality of beams 476, depending on the width / shape of each of the plurality of beams 476.

[0062] Figure 5A An exploded perspective view of the ceiling suspension assembly 500 is depicted. Figure 5B Depicting Figure 5A An assembled perspective view of the ceiling suspension assembly 500. In the following description, for ease of illustration, it is also described... Figures 5A-5B Ceiling suspension components 500 include Figure 4 Ceiling suspension system 400 and Figure 3C Adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. As discussed herein, ceiling suspension system 400 (such as...) Figure 5A The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 includes a beam 476 and a hanger 478 that suspends the beam 476 from the ceiling (not shown). The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 includes a pair of clamps 202, a base component 204, a latching component 206, a device retainer 208, and fasteners (e.g., spring-loaded pins 210).

[0063] refer to Figure 5AThe pair of clamps 202 are detachably coupled to beam 476. Specifically, each clamp 202 in the pair includes a hook 216 (e.g., a guide recess) that engages with opposite edges 476A of each beam 476 to releasably couple the pair of clamps 202 to the ceiling suspension system 400. In some examples, the pair of clamps 202 are later coupled to a base component 204 to mount an adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 to the ceiling suspension system 400. Specifically, the pair of clamps 202 are spaced apart from each other depending on the width of beam 476, and a locking knob 212 is aligned with the plurality of first openings 240 and the plurality of second openings 266. Specifically, the locking knob 212 of the first clamp 202A is aligned with: a) a third pair of first openings defined by openings 240-3 of the first set of first openings 240A and the second set of first openings 240B from the first opening 240, and b) a third pair of second openings defined by openings 266-3 of the first set of lock holes 265A and the second set of lock holes 265B from the lock hole 265. Similarly, the locking knob 212 of the second clamp 202B is aligned with: a) a fourth pair of first openings defined by openings 240-4 of the first set of first openings 240A and the second set of first openings 240B from the first opening 240, and b) a fourth pair of second openings defined by openings 266-3 of the first set of lock holes 265A and the second set of lock holes 265B from the lock hole 265.

[0064] refer to Figure 5BInitially, in the unlocked position of the latching member 206, the locking knob 212 of each of the clamps in the pair of clamps 202 is inserted into the corresponding plurality of first orifices 240 and the plurality of second orifices 266 (e.g., a third pair of first and second orifices and a fourth pair of first and second orifices). In other words, in the unlocked position, each of the plurality of second orifices 266-3 in the third pair of second orifices is aligned with the corresponding first orifice in the plurality of first orifices 240-3 in the third pair of first orifices to allow the locking knob 212 from the first clamp 202A to pass through the first orifice 240-3 and the second orifice 266-3. Similarly, in the unlocked position, each of the plurality of second holes 266-4 in the fourth pair of second holes is aligned with a corresponding first hole in the plurality of first holes 240-4 in the fourth pair of first holes to allow the locking knob 212 from the second clamp 202B to pass through the first holes 240-4 and the second holes 266-4. Later, the latching member 206 moves from the unlocked position to the latched position to allow the locking knob 212 to engage with the corresponding engagement slot in the plurality of engagement slots 268. Specifically, when the latching member 206 moves from the unlatched position to the latched position: a) the first clamp 202A slides to engage with the engagement slot 268-3 from the third pair of engagement slots, and b) the second clamp 202B slides to engage with the engagement slot 268-4 from the fourth pair of engagement slots, thereby attaching the pair of clamps 202 to the base member 204 in one of a variety of configurations, including different separation distances (e.g., “D1”) between the pair of clamps 202 based on the width of the beam 476. In other words, in the latched position of the latching member 206, the engagement slots 268-3, 268-4 engage with the locking knob 212 and prevent the locking knob 212 from being removed from the first orifices 240-3, 240-4. Specifically, the body portion 228 of a given one of the locking knobs 212 (as shown in the image) Figure 2B As shown, the locking knob 212 protrudes through one of the plurality of first orifices 240 and through one of the plurality of engagement slots 268, and the head portion 226 (e.g., edge segment 226A) of the given one engages with the edge 268-R of the given one of the plurality of engagement slots 268 to prevent the given one of the locking knobs 212 from being removed from the given one of the plurality of first orifices 240. In some examples, the fastener of the latch member 206 (e.g., the locking pin 298 of the spring-loaded pin 210) engages with a locking hole (e.g., a first locking hole 258A) formed in the device retainer 208 to hold the latch member 206 in the latched position.

[0065] Figure 6A The electronic device 600 and Figure 5B A partial assembly perspective view of the 500-cell ceiling suspension assembly. Figure 6B The electronic device 600 and Figure 5B An assembled perspective view of the ceiling suspension assembly 500. In the following description, for ease of illustration, it is also described... Figures 6A-6B As discussed herein, the ceiling suspension assembly 500 includes an adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 and a ceiling suspension system 400. The ceiling suspension system 400 includes a plurality of beams 476 and hangers 478 suspending the plurality of beams 476 from a main ceiling (not shown). The adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200 includes a pair of clamps 202, a base component 204, a latching component 206, a device retainer 208, and a spring-loaded pin 210.

[0066] In some examples, electronic device 600 is an access point (AP). In other examples, electronic device 600 may be a switch, router, or the like. Electronic device 600 includes a pair of guide recesses 602 and fasteners (e.g., a second spring-loaded pin 604). The pair of guide recesses 602 are coupled to a top portion of electronic device 600. In one or more examples, the pair of guide recesses 602 define a receptacle for receiving a mounting flange 252 of device holder 208, thereby coupling electronic device 600 to adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200.

[0067] The second spring loading pin 604 is similar to Figure 2F The spring-loaded pin 210. Therefore, for the sake of brevity in this disclosure, the second spring-loaded pin 604 is not discussed in more detail herein. When the electronic device is coupled to the device holder 208, the second spring-loaded pin 604 is disposed on the pair of guide grooves 602 and is alignable with the second locking hole 258B of the device holder 208. As in Figure 2F As discussed in the example, the second spring-loaded pin 604 includes a second locking pin 698 that protrudes beyond the body 696 of the second spring-loaded pin 604 in an uncompressed condition and retracts into the body 696 of the second spring-loaded pin 604 in a compressed condition.

[0068] As can be seen in this article, for ease of illustration, Figure 6B The ceiling suspension system 400 is not shown, and this non-illustrated representation of the ceiling suspension system 400 should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure. Reference Figure 6B The pair of guide grooves 602 fully engage with the flange 252 to couple the electronic device 600 to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200. In this example, when the electronic device 600 is coupled to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200, the second locking pin 698 of the second spring-loaded pin 604 moves to an uncompressed state, thereby allowing the second spring-loaded pin 604 to protrude into the second locking hole 258B of the device holder 208 to retain the electronic device 600 in the adjustable mounting bracket assembly 200.

[0069] Figure 7 A flowchart is provided illustrating method 700 for mounting electronic devices to a ceiling-suspended system using an adjustable mounting bracket assembly. It may be noted herein that method 700 is, for example, combined with... Figures 2A-2F , Figures 3A-3C , Figure 4 , Figures 5A-5B and Figures 6A-6B Method 700 is described as follows: it begins at block 702 and continues to block 704.

[0070] At block 704, method 700 includes engaging a pair of clamps of an adjustable mounting bracket assembly with opposite edges of a beam in a ceiling suspension system. In some examples, each clamp in the pair includes a hook (e.g., a guide recess) to receive the beam and mount the pair of clamps to the ceiling suspension system. Method 700 continues to block 706.

[0071] At block 706, method 700 includes selecting the attachment position of the pair of clamps relative to the base component of the adjustable mounting bracket based on the width of the beam. In some examples, the pair of clamps may be spaced apart from each other based on the width / shape of the beam. In particular, the base component includes a first aperture defining a plurality of attachment positions of the pair of clamps. Thus, in one or more examples, the first aperture arranged along the width of the base component allows the pair of clamps to be attached to the base component in a variety of configurations, including different separation distances between the pair of clamps. Method 700 continues to block 708.

[0072] At block 708, method 700 includes: inserting a locking knob of each of the pair of clamps into a subset of the first orifices corresponding to a selected attachment position of the pair of clamps. In some examples, the subset of the first orifices may include a first pair of first orifices, a second pair of first orifices, a third pair of first orifices, a fourth pair of first orifices, a fifth pair of first orifices, and a sixth pair of first orifices. The third and fourth pairs of first orifices define a first separation distance, the second and fifth pairs of first orifices define a second separation distance, and the first and sixth pairs of first orifices define a third separation distance. In some examples, inserting the locking knob of each clamp into the subset of the first orifices further includes: further inserting the locking knob into a subset of the second orifices in a latching member disposed in an unlatched position. In some examples, the latching member is slidably disposed in a guide channel of a base member and moved to an unlatched position in which the first orifice in the base member is aligned with the second orifice of the latching member. Specifically, the second aperture may include a first pair of second apertures aligned with the first pair of first apertures, a second pair of first apertures aligned with the second pair of first apertures, a third pair of second apertures aligned with the third pair of first apertures, a fourth pair of second apertures aligned with the fourth pair of first apertures, a fifth pair of second apertures aligned with the fifth pair of first apertures, and a sixth pair of second apertures aligned with the sixth pair of first apertures. In this example, when the locking knob of each clamp is inserted into the first aperture, the locking knob further passes through the corresponding subset of the second apertures of the latching member. The method continues to block 710.

[0073] At block 710, method 700 includes attaching the pair of clamps to the base member by sliding the latching member relative to the base member from a latched position to a latched position, such that the latching member engages a locking knob and prevents removal of the locking knob from a subset of the first orifices. Specifically, as the latching member further moves from the latched position to the latched position, the locking knob of each clamp slides into and engages with a corresponding engagement slot in the engagement groove of the latching member to retain the pair of clamps to the base member. As the latching member slides from the latched position to the latched position, a body portion of a given one of the locking knobs protrudes through a given one of the first orifices and through a given one of the engagement slots of the latching member, and a head portion of the given one of the locking knobs engages with an edge of the given one of the engagement slots to prevent removal of the given one of the locking knobs from the given one of the first orifices. In one or more examples, each engagement slot in the engagement groove extends from at least one second orifice. In such examples, each engagement slot and the corresponding second orifice may be collectively referred to as a lock hole of the latching member. In some examples, method 700 further includes engaging a fastener (e.g., a spring-loaded pin) of the latching member with a locking hole formed in the device retainer to retain the latching member in the latched position. The method continues to block 712.

[0074] At block 712, method 700 includes engaging an electronic device with a device retainer of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly coupled to a base component to mount the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly. In some examples, the device retainer includes a flange that engages with a pair of guide recesses of the electronic device to allow mounting of the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly. In some examples, method 700 further includes engaging a fastener (e.g., a second spring-loaded pin) of the electronic device with a second locking hole (or opening) formed in the device retainer to retain the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly. Method 700 ends at block 714.

[0075] Adjustable mounting brackets offer flexibility, upgradeability, serviceability, reduced costs, and supply chain benefits because they can be easily assembled to be compatible with beams of various widths. Specifically, it may not be necessary to maintain or produce different types of adjustable mounting brackets, each with different mounting features, thus avoiding the costs associated with designing and manufacturing multiple types of brackets. Additionally, the number of required SKUs can be reduced, and the need to maintain different inventories can be avoided, further lowering costs. Furthermore, because the various mounting features of adjustable mounting brackets are designed as either sliding fasteners or spring-loaded pins, they may not require tools or special fasteners to mount electronic devices to the ceiling suspension system. Therefore, adjustable mounting brackets are inexpensive to assemble, maintain, and replace.

[0076] In the above description, various directional or spatial relationship terms, such as vertical, upward, downward, and horizontal, are used. It should be understood that these terms are used in relation to the orientations shown in the figures, but are not intended to limit the orientation of the device or system relative to some external reference frame in which it may be deployed. For example, “vertical” as used herein refers to a direction parallel to the thickness dimension illustrated in the figures, but this direction does not necessarily have to be aligned with the “vertical” direction defined herein with respect to the building in which the device or system is deployed. For example, if the bracket is mounted to a wall (rather than a ceiling), the direction described herein as vertical may be oriented horizontally relative to the reference frame containing the wall.

[0077] Numerous details have been set forth in the foregoing description to provide an understanding of the subject matter disclosed herein. However, embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these details. Other embodiments may include modifications, combinations, and variations of the details discussed above. The following claims are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. An adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting electronic devices to a ceiling-suspended system, comprising: A pair of clamps configured to be mounted to the beam by engaging with the opposite edges of the beam of the ceiling suspension system, wherein the clamps are spaced apart from each other along the width dimension of the beam extending between the opposite edges, and each clamp includes a locking knob; A base component including a plurality of first orifices, wherein each of the locking knobs is configured to be received in one of the first orifices to attach the clamp to the base component, and the plurality of first orifices are arranged to allow the clamp to be attached to the base component in a plurality of configurations, the plurality of configurations including different separation distances between the clamps compatible with different beam widths, and wherein, in an installed state in which the clamp is mounted to the beam, the locking knobs are insertable into a subset of the plurality of first orifices such that the clamp is in one of the plurality of configurations in which the separation distance between the clamps is compatible with the beam width; A device holder coupled to the base component, wherein the device holder is configured to mount the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly; and A latching member coupled to the base member and movable between a latched position and an unlocked position, wherein the latching member is configured to: engage with the locking knob in the latched position to attach the pair of clamps to the base member, and disengage from the locking knob in the unlocked position to allow removal of the pair of clamps from the base member, provided that the locking knob is received within the plurality of first orifices.

2. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The base component further includes a pair of guide channels, each guide channel extending along a corresponding side portion of a pair of side portions of the base component, and wherein the latching component is slidably coupled to the base component via the pair of guide channels.

3. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The latching component includes a plurality of engagement slots arranged to align with the plurality of first orifices in the latching position of the latching component, wherein at least some of the engagement slots engage with the locking knob in the latching position and prevent the locking knob from being removed from the plurality of first orifices.

4. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 3, in, The latching component further includes a plurality of second openings, each second opening being configured to allow one of the locking knobs to pass through the second opening. Each of the plurality of engagement grooves extends from one of the plurality of second orifices, and When the latching component is in the unlocked position, each of the plurality of second orifices is aligned with at least one of the plurality of first orifices to allow the locking knob to pass through the plurality of first orifices and the plurality of second orifices.

5. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the locking knobs has a body portion and a head portion, and when the latching member is in the latched position, the body portion of a given locking knob protrudes through a given first orifice of the plurality of first orifices and through a given engagement slot of the plurality of engagement slots, and the head portion of the given locking knob engages with the edge of the given engagement slot of the plurality of engagement slots to prevent the given locking knob from being removed from the given first orifice of the plurality of first orifices.

6. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The latching component further includes a fastener configured to engage with a locking hole formed in the device retainer to retain the latching component in the latching position.

7. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The device retainer includes a flange and a plurality of posts coupled to the flange and the base member, wherein the latching member includes an opening that allows at least some of the plurality of posts to protrude through the opening and contact the base member, and wherein the opening further allows the latching member to move relative to the base member and the device retainer between the latched position and the unlatched position without interfering with the device retainer.

8. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The flange is configured to engage with a pair of guide grooves of the electronic device to mount the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

9. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 8, wherein, With the electronic device mounted to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly, the fasteners of the electronic device are configured to engage with a locking opening formed in the device retainer to hold the electronic device in the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

10. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first orifices are arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the width of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly, so as to allow the pair of clamps to have different separation distances depending on which combination of the plurality of first orifices receives the locking knob.

11. The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each clamp includes a hook configured to engage with the beam to mount the adjustable mounting bracket assembly to the ceiling suspension system.

12. A ceiling-mounted suspension assembly for mounting electronic devices, comprising: A ceiling suspension system comprising a ceiling grid defined by a plurality of beams, wherein each of the plurality of beams is disposed between a pair of ceiling panels to support the pair of ceiling panels; and The adjustable mounting bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of clamps is configured to engage with one of the plurality of beams.

13. An installable electronic system, comprising: The adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1; as well as An electronic device coupled to or configured to be coupled to the device holder of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

14. A method for mounting an electronic device to a ceiling-suspended system. in, The method uses the adjustable mounting bracket assembly according to claim 1 to mount the electronic device to the ceiling suspension system, the method comprising: Engage the pair of clamps of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly with the opposite edges of the beams of the ceiling suspension system; The attachment positions of the pair of clamps relative to the base component of the adjustable mounting bracket are selected based on the width of the beam, the base component including a first orifice defining a plurality of attachment positions of the pair of clamps; Insert the locking knob of each of the pair of clamps into a subset of the selected attachment positions of the first aperture corresponding to the pair of clamps; The pair of clamps are attached to the base member by sliding the latching member of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly relative to the base member from the unlocked position to the latched position, such that the latching member engages the locking knob and prevents the locking knob from being removed from the subset of the first aperture; and The device retainer, which is coupled to the base component of the adjustable mounting bracket assembly, engages with the electronic device to mount the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, When the locking knob of each clamp is inserted into the first orifice, the latching member is in the unlocked position, and the locking knob further passes through a corresponding subset of the second orifice of the latching member.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, When the latching member slides from the unlocked position to the latched position, the body portion of a given locking knob of the locking knob protrudes through a given first orifice and through a given engagement groove in the engagement groove of the latching member, and the head portion of the given locking knob of the locking knob engages with the edge of the given engagement groove in the engagement groove to prevent the given locking knob of the locking knob from being removed from the given first orifice in the first orifice, and wherein each engagement groove in the engagement groove extends from a second orifice in the second orifice.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The fastener of the latching component engages with a locking hole formed in the device retainer to hold the latching component in the latching position.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Engaging the device holder to the electronic device includes engaging the flange of the device holder with a pair of guide grooves of the electronic device to allow the electronic device to be mounted to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The fasteners of the electronic device engage with the locking openings formed in the device retainer to hold the electronic device to the adjustable mounting bracket assembly.

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