Apparatus for mounting a transceiver radio unit to a component of a cellular communication system - Patents.com

Abstract

A universal mounting device suitable for use in a cellular communication system is disclosed. The mounting device can be used to mount a transceiver radio unit to an antenna structure. The mounting device includes a first mounting plate that fits the antenna structure and a second mounting plate that is coupleable to the first mounting plate and slidably adjustable relative to the first mounting plate. Openings in the second mounting plate are arranged in a pattern that matches different possible mounting fastener positions for the transceiver radio unit. At least one adjustment fastener connects the mounting plates to each other. When the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, the position of the second mounting plate is adjustable relative to the first mounting plate. When the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the position of the second mounting plate is locked relative to the first mounting plate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 087,986, filed October 6, 2020, and U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 17 / 223,514, filed April 6, 2021.

[0002] [Technical field] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein generally relate to an apparatus, device, or system used to mount a first component to a second component. For example, embodiments of the mounting apparatus may be utilized to mount a transceiver radio unit (RU) of a cellular communication system base station to another component or support structure. More specifically, embodiments of the mounting apparatus are configured to be universally compatible with RUs manufactured by different vendors such that the RUs can be quickly and easily mounted to a component, such as a base station antenna. [Background technology]

[0003] A cellular communication system includes base stations (also known as cell sites) distributed throughout a geographic region. A base station includes equipment such as an antenna, a mounting and support structure, and one or more transceiver radio units (RUs). In some deployments, the RUs may be mounted to an antenna housing, frame, or shell. A cellular system provider typically has control over the specifications and dimensions of its antenna components and associated support architecture. In contrast, however, a cellular system provider may source RUs from different vendors or manufacturers. As a result, the system provider may have little or no control over the design, configuration, dimensions, and / or mounting mechanics of the source RUs. Thus, different RUs may, but need not, be compatible with the mounting mechanics and specifications of the antenna components. Mounting incompatibility may cause significant issues, may require custom mounting hardware, and / or may require additional installation time in the field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A universal mounting apparatus for mounting a transceiver radio unit to a component of a cellular communication system is disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment of the universal mounting apparatus includes a first mounting plate having features that fit into a guide rail system of the component and are configured to slide within a channel defined in the guide rail system, at least one adjustment slot formed in the first mounting plate, a second mounting plate coupleable to the first mounting plate, openings formed in the second mounting plate arranged in a first pattern that matches different possible mounting fastener positions for the transceiver radio unit, at least one adjustment fastener for facilitating slidable adjustment of the second mounting plate relative to the first mounting plate, and at least one adjustment slot that accommodates the at least one adjustment fastener. When the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, the position of the second mounting plate is movable relative to the first mounting plate. When the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the position of the second mounting plate is locked relative to the first mounting plate.

[0005] Also disclosed is an embodiment of a system having a transceiver radio unit, a support structure for a cellular communication system, and a universal mounting device for mounting the transceiver radio unit to the support structure. The universal mounting device includes a first mounting plate having a mounting mechanism that fits the support structure, at least one adjustment slot formed in the first mounting plate, a second mounting plate coupleable to the first mounting plate, openings formed in the second mounting plate arranged in a first pattern that matches different possible mounting fastener positions for the transceiver radio unit, and at least one adjustment fastener for facilitating slidable adjustment of the second mounting plate relative to the first mounting plate. The at least one adjustment slot accommodates the at least one adjustment fastener. When the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, the position of the second mounting plate is movable relative to the first mounting plate. When the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the position of the second mounting plate is locked relative to the first mounting plate.

[0006] A universal mounting apparatus for mounting a transceiver radio unit to an antenna structure of a cellular communication system is also disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the universal mounting apparatus includes a first mounting plate having a mounting feature that fits the antenna structure, a second mounting plate that is coupleable to the first mounting plate and slidably adjustable such that the position of the second mounting plate is moveable relative to the first mounting plate, openings formed in the second mounting plate arranged in a pattern that matches different possible mounting fastener positions for the transceiver radio unit, and at least one adjustment fastener for coupling the first and second mounting plates together. When the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, the position of the second mounting plate is adjustable relative to the first mounting plate. When the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the position of the second mounting plate is locked relative to the first mounting plate.

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be obtained by reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an RU, an antenna structure, and a guide rail system for mounting the RU to the antenna structure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an RU, an antenna structure, and a fastener system for mounting the RU to the antenna structure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the RU, a support structure, and a portion of the mounting bracket. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an RU mounted on an antenna structure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the underside of an RU with mounting wheels arranged in two rows to fit two mounting rails. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a keyhole mounting feature. [Figure 7A] 1 includes a top view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a keyhole mounting feature. [Figure 7B] 1 includes a front view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a keyhole mounting feature. [Figure 7C] 1 includes a side view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a keyhole mounting feature. [Figure 7D] 1 includes a back view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a keyhole mounting feature. [Figure 8A]1 includes a top view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a roller guide mounting mechanism. [Figure 8B] 1 includes a front view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a roller guide mounting mechanism. [Figure 8C] 1 includes a side view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a roller guide mounting mechanism. [Figure 8D] 1 includes a back view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a roller guide mounting mechanism. [Figure 9A] 9 includes a top view of one embodiment of a guide rail that fits the universal mounting device shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 9B] 9 includes a front view of one embodiment of a guide rail that fits the universal mounting device shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 9C] 9 includes a side view of one embodiment of a guide rail that fits the universal mounting device shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a keyhole mounting feature and an adjustable mounting plate. [Figure 11A] 11 includes a plan view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 11B] 11 includes a front view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 11C] 11 includes a rear view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 11D] 11 includes a side view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device having a roller guide mounting mechanism and an adjustable mounting plate. [Figure 13A] 13 includes a plan view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 13B] 13 includes a front view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 13C] 13 includes a rear view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 13D] 13 includes a side view of the universal mounting device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable mounting plate suitable for use with a universal mounting device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view of the adjustable mounting plate shown in FIG. 14 with the adjustable portion in a raised position. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an RU mounted on the adjustable mounting plate shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. [Figure 17A] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a support structure having vertical guide channels. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a top view of the support structure shown in FIG. 17A. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18 is a front view of a mounting assembly that fits the support structure shown in FIG. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a top view of the mounting assembly shown in FIG. 18A. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a front view of two RUs mounted to a support structure by a mounting system utilizing vertical guide channels. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the subject embodiments or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description.

[0011] In the following description, certain terms may be used for reference purposes only and therefore are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower" and the like refer to the orientation of the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "outer" and "inner" describe the orientation and / or location of parts of a component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference that is made clear by reference to the text describing the component under discussion and the associated drawings. Such terms may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar meaning. Similarly, the terms "first", "second" and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

[0012] It should be understood that the various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different ways than the configurations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings.

[0013] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a "universal" mounting apparatus that facilitates mounting of a first component (e.g., a mounted component) to a second component (e.g., a support component). Embodiments of the mounting apparatus may be designed and configured to accommodate mounting of various types of components to various types of support structures. According to a non-limiting example shown and described herein, the mounting apparatus is adapted for mounting a transceiver RU of a cellular communication system to a suitable support structure, such as an antenna structure of the cellular communication system. It should be understood that embodiments of the mounting apparatus may be specifically designed to accommodate other applications, deployments, mountable components, and support structures.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view depicting RU 100, a section of antenna structure 102, and guide rail system 104 of the antenna structure. Guide rail system 104 is configured and arranged to mount RU 100 to antenna structure 102. FIG. 1 depicts RU 100 in an initial position during installation. Although hidden in FIG. 1, RU 100 includes or cooperates with roller wheels (or any suitably configured device, fixture, or mechanism that fits into guide rail system 104) that slide within channels defined in individual guides of guide rail system 104. In FIG. 1, the roller wheels of RU 100 allow RU 100 to slide to the right until it is positioned in its final mounting position. Guide rail system 104 supports the weight of RU 100 and holds RU 100 in the proper position that may be necessary to establish and maintain a particular mechanical and / or electrical connection between RU 100 and antenna structure 102. After RU 100 is installed in a desired position, it may be secured or locked in place so that it cannot slide within guide rail system 104.

[0015] FIG. 2 shows an alternative arrangement that does not utilize a guide rail system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view depicting RU 110, a section of antenna structure 112, and fastener system 114 for mounting RU 110 to antenna structure 112. Fastener system 114 may include threaded bolts or studs extending from a mounting surface of antenna structure 112 that mate with holes, slots, keyholes, or gaps formed in RU 110 or in a mounting plate secured to RU 110. This allows RU 110 to be hung on the extension bolts and secured to antenna structure 112 using nuts, lugs, or locks. Fastener system 114 supports the weight of RU 110 and holds RU 110 in the proper position that may be necessary to establish and maintain a particular mechanical and / or electrical connection between RU 110 and antenna structure 112.

[0016] 3 is a perspective view of RU 120, support structure 122, and a portion of mounting bracket 124. Mounting bracket 124 is bolted to support structure 122. Mounting bracket 124 includes offset flanges 126 that function to keep RU 120 at a fixed distance from support structure 122. In this regard, flanges 126 are offset from a surface of support structure 122. Each flange 126 has a threaded fastener 128 that extends away from support structure 122. Threaded fastener 128 fits within a slot, keyway 130, or appropriately configured cavity formed in the housing of RU 120 (or formed in a mounting plate or element attached to RU 120). The arrangement depicted in FIG. 3 may be used as fastener system 114 of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of RU 140 mounted to a portion of antenna structure 142. In FIG. 4, RU 140 is mounted to antenna structure 142 using guide rail system 144. Although only one RU 140 is depicted in FIG. 4, guide rail system 144 may be designed to accommodate installation of more than one RU on antenna structure 142. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the underside of RU 140. In the described embodiment, RU 140 includes two parallel rows of roller wheels 146 attached directly to the underside of RU 140. Roller wheels 146 must be positioned to fit the positions of the two guide rails of antenna structure 142. As a result, antenna structure 142 and RU 140 must be designed and manufactured in coordination according to consistent specifications.

[0018] The mounting device embodiments presented herein include mounting features that are “RU agnostic” in that the mounting device can be attached to different RU components (which may be manufactured by different suppliers / vendors and may have mounting holes, mounting inserts, fasteners, and / or mounting features arranged in different layouts, patterns, or orientations). Thus, the universal mounting device disclosed herein fits a variety of different RU components and serves as an interface between the RU components and their support structures. This description assumes that the mounting features of the support structure (e.g., guide rails, threaded inserts, threaded fasteners, keyholes, or slots, etc.) are arranged in a known, specified, fixed, or standardized layout such that the universal mounting device includes a simple design for mating with the support structure. However, in some embodiments, the universal mounting device can be configured to accommodate a variety of different support structure designs. In other words, the universal mounting device can be RU agnostic and support structure agnostic, if desired.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a universal mounting device 200 having a keyhole mounting mechanism. FIG. 6 shows the back / underside of only a portion of the mounting device 200. The back / underside of the mounting device 200 faces a support structure (not shown) and the front side of the mounting device 200 faces a RU (not shown). The depicted embodiment includes a universal mounting plate 202, an offset flange 204, and a keyhole 206 formed in the offset flange 204. Although not always necessary, each flange 204 includes two keyholes 206 formed therein. The mounting plate 202 may also include a similar arrangement of flanges 204 (not shown in FIG. 6) on the opposite end. In other words, the left side (hidden in FIG. 6) of the mounting plate 202 may include two offset flanges 204, each with two keyholes 206. The front side of the mounting plate 202 includes slots, holes, and / or openings arranged in a pattern or layout that accounts for and matches the different possible fastener locations of the available RU components. In this regard, the layout of the slots, holes, and / or openings accommodates a variety of different fastener locations, and therefore, mounting plate 202 is RU agnostic. Depending on the particular embodiment, mounting plate 202 and flange 204 may be integrally formed as a one-piece component, or may be manufactured as two physically separate pieces that are attached, coupled, or otherwise affixed to one another.

[0020] FIG. 7 includes a top view (FIG. 7A), a front view (FIG. 7B), a side view (FIG. 7C), and a back view (FIG. 7D) of one embodiment of a universal mounting device 300 having a keyhole mounting mechanism. FIG. 7 does not include a back perspective view. FIG. 10 is a back perspective view of a similar mounting device. With reference to FIG. 7, the mounting device 300 generally includes, but is not limited to, a universal mounting plate 302 that defines a surface or portion of the mounting device 300, holes 304 formed in the mounting plate 302, an offset flange 306 that extends vertically in the front, side, and back views of FIG. 7, and holes 308 (e.g., slots or keyholes) formed in the offset flange 306. The holes 304 are arranged in any suitable pattern or arrangement intended to accommodate the locations of a number of different RU fasteners, as described above. In some embodiments, the holes 304 are generally arranged in a top-bottom arrangement, although the holes 304 may be formed and distributed throughout the mounting plate 302. An offset flange 306 protrudes from the underside of mounting plate 302 so that the RU is offset from the support structure after installation. See, for example, FIG. 10 which depicts a similar keyhole flange extending from the underside of a mounting plate. The universal nature of holes 304 allows mounting apparatus 300 to suitably mount to RU components using, for example, threaded fasteners. The RU components can then be mounted to a support structure (e.g., an antenna structure) using holes 308. The RU components can then be secured to the support structure using nuts, clips, locks, clamps, or the like.

[0021] FIG. 8 includes a top view ( FIG. 8A ), a front view ( FIG. 8B ), a side view ( FIG. 8C ), and a back view ( FIG. 8D ) of one embodiment of a universal mounting apparatus 400 having a roller guide mounting mechanism. FIG. 8 does not include a back perspective view, and FIG. 12 is a back perspective view of a similar mounting apparatus. With reference to FIG. 8 , the mounting apparatus 400 generally includes, but is not limited to, a universal mounting plate 402 that defines a surface or portion of the mounting apparatus 400, holes 404 formed in the mounting plate 402, and offset roller assemblies 406 that extend horizontally in the front, top, and back views of FIG. 8 . The holes 404 are arranged in a suitable pattern or arrangement intended to accommodate a number of different RU fastener locations, as described above. In some embodiments, the holes 404 are generally arranged in a top-bottom arrangement, although the holes 404 may be formed and distributed throughout the mounting plate 402. Each offset roller assembly 406 includes one or more rollers 408, preferably multiple rollers 408 arranged side-by-side. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 utilizes five rollers 408 per roller assembly 406, although more or less than five may be used. The offset roller assemblies 406 protrude from the underside of the mounting plate 402 so that the RU is spaced from the support structure after installation. See, for example, FIG. 12, which depicts a similar roller assembly extending from the underside of a mounting plate. The universal nature of the holes 404 allows the mounting device 400 to be compatible and mounted to the RU component using, for example, threaded fasteners. The RU component may then be mounted to the support structure (e.g., antenna structure) by sliding the rollers 408 into compatible, spaced guide rails located on the support structure (see FIG. 1). The RU component may then be secured to the guide rails using nuts, clips, locks, clamps, locking plates, levers, or the like.

[0022] FIG. 9 includes a plan view ( FIG. 9A ), a front view ( FIG. 9B ), and a side view ( FIG. 9C ) of one embodiment of a guide rail 420 that fits the universal mounting device 400 shown in FIG. 8 . Two instances of the guide rail 420 are attached (or integral) to a support structure and are arranged parallel with a desired spacing to fit the spacing of the roller assemblies 406. The guide rail 420 includes holes 422, at least one slot, or other features that accommodate mounting hardware for fastening the guide rail 420 to a support structure, such as an antenna component. The guide rail 420 includes locking elements 424 (one at each end) for locking the rollers 408 in place after the RU is mounted to the support structure. For example, the locking elements 424 may include fasteners such as bolts, end caps or plates, or latches. When installed as in FIG. 9 , the locking elements 424 prevent the roller assemblies 406 from sliding within the guide rail 420. Thus, the locking elements 424 hold the RU in its mounted position.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a universal mounting device 500 having a keyhole mounting mechanism and an adjustable mounting plate. FIG. 11 includes a top view (FIG. 11A), a front view (FIG. 11B), a rear view (FIG. 11C), and a side view (FIG. 11D) of the universal mounting device 500. The mounting device 500 generally includes, but is not limited to, an adjustable universal mounting plate 502 that defines a surface or portion of the mounting device 500, holes 504 or openings formed in the mounting plate 502, at least one offset upper flange 506, at least one offset lower flange 508, and holes 510 (e.g., slots, keyholes) formed in the offset flanges 506, 508. The holes 504 are arranged in a suitable pattern or arrangement intended to accommodate a number of different RU fastener locations, as described above. In some embodiments, an upper array of holes 504 is formed in an upper portion 502A of the mounting plate 502 (e.g., a section of one mounting plate) and a lower array of holes 504 is formed in a lower portion 502B of the mounting plate (e.g., a section of the other mounting plate). The two arrays may include the same or different patterns of openings. Offset flanges 506, 508 protrude from the underside of the mounting plate 502 so that the RUs are offset from the support structure after installation.

[0024] In contrast to the mounting device 300 depicted in FIG. 7 (which includes a fixed or stationary mounting plate 302), the mounting plate 502 of the mounting device 500 is slidably adjustable such that two separate mounting plates are matable with each other. In this regard, the upper portion 502A and / or the lower portion 502B may move in at least one dimension relative to the other dimension. According to the described embodiment, the upper portion 502A is slidably adjustable relative to the lower portion 502B. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper portion 502A and the lower portion 502B include adjustment slots 512 that are shaped and sized to accommodate adjustment fasteners, such as retention elements or threaded fasteners. When the fasteners are loosened, the upper portion 502A may move up and down relative to the lower portion 502B. When the fasteners are tightened, the position of the upper portion 502A is locked relative to the lower portion 502B. Thus, at least one adjustment fastener is accommodated in the at least one adjustment slot to facilitate slidable adjustment of the upper portion 502A relative to the lower portion 502B. This increases the flexibility and adaptability of the mounting plate 502. Although not shown, a universal mounting apparatus of the type disclosed herein may be adjustable in multiple directions (e.g., vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc.) and may have any number of degrees of freedom. Additionally, embodiments of the mounting apparatus 500 may be configured such that the position of the hole 510 is adjustable in at least one dimension.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a universal mounting apparatus 600 having a guide rail mounting mechanism (e.g., roller guide) and an adjustable mounting plate, and FIG. 13 includes a top view (FIG. 13A), a front view (FIG. 13B), a rear view (FIG. 13C), and a side view (FIG. 13D) of the universal mounting apparatus 600. The mounting apparatus 600 generally includes, but is not limited to, an adjustable universal mounting plate 602 that defines a surface or portion of the mounting apparatus 600, holes 604 or openings formed in the mounting plate 602, at least one offset upper flange 606, at least one offset lower flange 608, and rollers 610 or equivalent gliding or sliding mechanisms formed in the offset flanges 606, 608. In practice, the mounting apparatus may include one elongated upper flange instead of two small flanges as shown. Additionally, three or more rollers 610 may be used in each row (upper and lower). The holes 604 are arranged in any suitable pattern or array intended to accommodate a number of different RU fastener locations, as described above. In some embodiments, an upper array of holes 604 is formed in an upper portion 602A of the mounting plate 602 and a lower array of holes 604 is formed in a lower portion 602B of the mounting plate 602. The two arrays may include the same or different patterns of openings. Offset flanges 606, 608 protrude from the underside of the mounting plate 602 to allow the RUs to be offset from the support structure after installation.

[0026] In contrast to the mounting apparatus 400 depicted in FIG. 8 (which includes a one-piece fixed or stationary mounting plate 402), the mounting plate 602 of the mounting apparatus 600 is slidably adjustable such that two separate mounting plates are matable with each other. In this regard, the upper portion 602A and / or the lower portion 602B may move in at least one dimension relative to the other dimension. According to the described embodiment, the upper portion 602A is slidably adjustable relative to the lower portion 602B. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper portion 602A and the lower portion 602B include adjustment slots 612 shaped and sized to accommodate adjustment fasteners, such as retention elements or threaded fasteners. When the fasteners are loosened, the upper portion 602A may move up and down relative to the lower portion 602B. When the fasteners are tightened, the position of the upper portion 602A is locked relative to the lower portion 602B. Thus, at least one adjustment fastener is accommodated in at least one adjustment slot to facilitate slidable adjustment of the upper portion 602A relative to the lower portion 602B. This increases the flexibility and adaptability of the mounting plate 602. Although not shown, a universal mounting apparatus of the type disclosed herein may be adjustable in multiple directions (e.g., vertically, horizontally, diagonally, etc.) and may have any number of degrees of freedom. Additionally, embodiments of the mounting apparatus 600 may be configured such that the position of the rollers 610 is adjustable in at least one dimension.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable mounting plate 700 suitable for use with a universal mounting device (with the adjustable portion in a lowered position), and FIG. 15 is a front view of the adjustable mounting plate 700 (with the adjustable portion in a raised position). The mounting plate 700 includes a pattern of holes in the slidable upper portion and a different pattern of holes in the lower portion. These and other hole patterns may be utilized in the mounting plates disclosed herein. Additionally, the slidable upper portion may include two or more physically separate sections (having a pattern of openings) that are adjustable in at least one dimension relative to each other. Similarly, the lower portion may include two or more physically separate sections (having a pattern of openings) that are adjustable in at least one dimension relative to each other. FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an RU 708 mounted on the adjustable mounting plate 700 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The corresponding support structure is not shown in FIG. 16.

[0028] Figure 17 shows components of a mounting system utilizing vertical guide channels and slidable locking elements. Figure 17A is a front perspective view of a section of a support structure 804 having two vertical guide rails 802, and Figure 17B is a top view of support structure 804. Figure 18A is a front view of a mounting assembly 810, and Figure 18B is a top view of mounting assembly 810. Figure 19 is a front view of two RUs mounted to a support structure by a mounting system utilizing vertical guide channels.

[0029] In the described implementation, two vertical guide rails 802 are attached to (or integral with) a support structure 804. The guide rails 802 are spaced apart a specified distance to match the spacing of corresponding mounting fixtures 806 located on the RUs 808. Each guide rail 802 defines a slot or channel that receives at least one of the mounting fixtures 806. The mounting fixtures 806 may, for example, resemble a bolt head that is latchable, lockable, or movable from an unlocked position to a locked position.

[0030] When the mounting fixtures 806 are in the unlocked position, they may slide freely within the channels of the guide rails 802. This allows an installer to position and "drop" the RUs 808 into the guide rails from the top end of the guide rails. The RUs 808 may then be moved up or down within the guide rails 802 until they are located in the desired vertical position. At that point, the mounting fixtures 806 may be latched, manipulated, or otherwise actuated in their locked position to secure in place within the guide rails 802, thereby holding the RUs 808 in the desired vertical position. FIG. 18 depicts front and top views of a mounting assembly 810 that includes at least two of the mounting fixtures 806. At least one instance of the mounting assembly 810 is attached to (or integral with) the RUs 808. In some embodiments, at least two instances of mounting assembly 810, an upper mounting assembly 810 and a lower mounting assembly 810, are attached to the RU 808 and provide four mounting fixtures 806 that act to lock the RU 808 in place relative to the guide rails 802. In some embodiments, the mounting fixtures 806 may be incorporated into a universal mounting plate of the type described above to accommodate different RU components.

[0031] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit in any way the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient guide for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, including equivalents known and foreseeable at the time of filing the patent application.

Claims

1. 1. A universal mounting apparatus for mounting a transceiver radio unit to an antenna structure of a cellular communication system having a guide rail system, comprising: a first mounting plate including at least one alignment slot formed therein and having a feature that matches the guide rail system, the feature configured to slide within a channel defined in the guide rail system of the antenna structure; a second mounting plate coupleable to the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate including a plurality of openings arranged in a first pattern that matches locations of a plurality of different mounting fasteners for a plurality of different transceiver radio unit types; at least one adjustment fastener for facilitating slidable adjustment of the second mounting plate relative to the first mounting plate while the transceiver radio unit is coupled to the second mounting plate, wherein the at least one adjustment slot of the first mounting plate and at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the second mounting plate accommodate the at least one adjustment fastener; Including, when the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, a position of the second mounting plate is movable relative to the first mounting plate; when the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the position of the second mounting plate is locked relative to the first mounting plate. Universal mounting device.

2. a support structure associated with an antenna of a cellular communication system, the support structure including a guide rail system configured to receive one or more transceiver radio units; a universal mounting apparatus for mounting a plurality of different transceiver radio unit types to the support structure, each of the different transceiver radio unit types having a different mounting fastener location, the universal mounting apparatus comprising: A first mounting plate, At least one adjustment slot; a mounting mechanism that fits onto the guide rail system of the support structure; the first mounting plate having a second mounting plate having a plurality of openings formed therein, the plurality of openings being arranged in a pattern that matches the locations of the different mounting fasteners for the plurality of different transceiver radio unit types; and at least one adjustment fastener for facilitating slidable adjustment of the second mounting plate relative to the first mounting plate while the transceiver radio unit is coupled to the second mounting plate, wherein the at least one adjustment slot of the first mounting plate and at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the second mounting plate accommodate the at least one adjustment fastener; The universal mounting device, Including, when the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, a position of the second mounting plate is movable relative to the first mounting plate; when the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the position of the second mounting plate is locked relative to the first mounting plate. system.

3. 1. A universal mounting apparatus for mounting any of a plurality of different transceiver radio unit types to an antenna structure of a cellular communication system having a guide rail system, the universal mounting apparatus comprising: a first mounting plate including an alignment slot formed therein and having a feature that matches the guide rail system, the feature configured to slide within a channel defined in the guide rail system of the antenna structure; a second mounting plate coupleable to the first mounting plate, the second mounting plate including a plurality of openings arranged in a first pattern that correspond to the locations of a plurality of different mounting fasteners respectively corresponding to the plurality of different transceiver radio unit types; at least one adjustment fastener for facilitating slidable adjustment of the second mounting plate relative to the first mounting plate while one of the plurality of different transceiver radio unit types is coupled to the second mounting plate, wherein the adjustment slot of the first mounting plate and at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the second mounting plate accommodate the at least one adjustment fastener, such that when the at least one adjustment fastener is loosened, the second mounting plate is movable relative to the first mounting plate and when the at least one adjustment fastener is tightened, the second mounting plate is held in a fixed position relative to the first mounting plate; and Universal mounting equipment, including:

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