Support bracket for countertops and shelving

Abstract

In a first embodiment, a wall mount bracket including an elongated cantilevered support arm and spaced apart mounting plates are used to secure a countertop thereatop. Alternately, the elongated arm cooperates with a mounting area for use with a kitchen island or similar mounting. The cantilevered arms define floating arms which are readily mounted to support structures.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mounting bracket for securing structure to a vertical support, comprising:
 (a) an elongated arm including a top wall and at least one sidewall, the bracket having an interior channel; and   (b) means for mounting the arm to a vertical support.   
     
     
         2 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the means for mounting comprises:
 a pair of spaced apart mounting plates integral with the elongated arm, the mounting plates being spaced apart and each plate having at least one aperture, the apertures being in registry for receiving a fastener therethrough to secure the bracket to the vertical support.   
     
     
         3 . The bracket of  claim 2 , which further comprises:
 a downwardly depending second sidewall integrally formed with the top wall and spaced apart from the first sidewall, the sidewalls cooperating to define an interior channel therebetween, the sidewalls and top wall cooperating to define an inverted U.   
     
     
         4 . The bracket of  claim 3 , further comprising a truss extending from each sidewall to an associated mounting plate. 
     
     
         5 . The bracket of  claim 4 , wherein the spaced apart mounting plates have a height less than that of the elongated arm and truss, the space above the top surface of the mounting plate and below the top wall of the elongated arm defining a seating area for engaging a joist. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . (canceled)