Mounting device for attaching a support apparatus to a support surface

Abstract

A mounting device for removably attaching a support apparatus to a work surface. The mounting device utilizes a single clamp or bracket for engaging a support surface and a connection means for the support apparatus. The clamp comprises a single substantially C-shaped planar member for slidably engaging the edge of a work surface. The mounting device comprises a one piece planar member defined by a upper support member, an end member, and a base member which define a receptacle for receiving a portion of a support surface. A retractable arm attaches to the base member of the mounting device which interconnects the support surface mounting device and the computer input device support.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A mounting device for removably attaching a support apparatus to a work surface comprising: 
 (a) a single clamp member; and    (b) a retractable mounting arm attached to the clamp member.    
     
     
         2 . The mounting device of  claim 1  where in the clamp member comprises: 
 (a) a base member;  
 (b) an upper support member;  
 (c) an end member, wherein the base member and the upper support member are connected to said end member maintaining said base member and upper support member in general spaced relationship defining a receptacle therebetween for receiving a portion of a support surface; and  
 (d) an attachment means for attaching the retractable support arm to the clamp member.  
 
     
     
         3 . The mounting device of  claim 2  wherein any one of the base member, the upper support member, or the end member or any combination thereof is adapted to be mounted to a variety of articulated and/or stationary platform device mounting arms.  
     
     
         4 . The mounting device of  claim 2  wherein the base member, the end member, and the upper support member are integral with each other in such a manner that the clamp has an overall C-shaped appearance.  
     
     
         5 . The mounting device of  claim 1  wherein the clamp member comprises a generally C shaped planar member formed from a single planar sheet of material.  
     
     
         6 . The mounting device of  claim 2  wherein the end member interconnecting the base member and the upper support member is being configured to resiliently bias a portion of a received support surface.  
     
     
         7 . The mounting device of  claim 1  wherein the clamp member is configured to dimensionally fit and receive a portion of a support surface.  
     
     
         8 . The mounting device of  claim 2  wherein the mounting means is defined by at least one hole for attaching a variety of articulated and/or stationary platform device mounting arms.  
     
     
         9 . The mounting device of  claim 2  wherein the upper support member has a first length in a direction substantially perpendicular to end member, the base member having a second length in said direction substantially perpendicular to said end member, said first length being substantially greater than said second length.  
     
     
         10 . A mounting device of  claim 2  wherein a shim device is positioned onto either the lower surface of the upper support member or the upper surface of the base member whereby the receptacle resiliently biases the received portion of a support surface.  
     
     
         11 . A mounting device of  claim 2  wherein a surface protection material is attached to portions of the base member, the upper support member, and the end member in contact with the received portion of a support surface.  
     
     
         12 . A mounting device of  claim 2  wherein portions of the base member, the upper support member, and the end member in contact with the received portion of a support surface have a sufficient coefficient of friction to preclude inadvertent movement/slippage thereon.  
     
     
         13 . A mounting device of  claim 1  wherein the attachment means is adapted attach a variety of articulated and/or stationary platform device mounting arms.