Free-Standing Stocking with Weighted Base to Eliminate Hanging Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Christmas stocking decorations pose hazards due to weighted hangers that can cause injuries and fires, and damage to mantles from nails or screws.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible, free-standing Christmas stocking with a weighted sock and support rods that can be assembled without hooks or nails, using a footpad and interlocking sleeves to maintain an upright position, reducing fire risk and mantle damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If weighted hangers are used to hold stockings on fireplace mantles, then stockings can be displayed without nails or hooks, but the weighted hangers can cause injuries to children and damage to mantles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the weighted hanger component entirely from the stocking display system. Instead of using a weighted hanger that rests on the mantle, the stocking is designed with an integrated support structure consisting of rigid side panels and a base that directly contact the mantle surface, eliminating the harmful weighted element while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rigid side panels and a base as intermediary structural elements between the stocking and the mantle. These components distribute the weight and contact forces across a larger area of the mantle, preventing the concentrated loads that cause damage while providing stable support for the stocking.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional hanging stockings are used close to fireplaces, then festive decoration is achieved, but fire hazard increases due to proximity to heat and embers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hanging mechanism that positions stockings close to fireplace openings. By using a self-supporting structure with a base and side panels, the stocking can be positioned at a safe distance from the fire while remaining upright and visible, eliminating the fire hazard associated with traditional hanging methods.
3Reliability
If nails, hooks or screws are used to hang stockings on mantles, then stockings can be securely displayed, but extensive damage is caused to expensive mantles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely eliminates the need for nails, hooks, or screws by incorporating an integrated support structure with rigid side panels and a base that provide secure attachment through friction and geometric interlocking alone, maintaining reliability while avoiding mantle damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid side panels and base act as intermediary structures that transfer the stocking's weight and securing forces to a larger area of the mantle surface, distributing loads to prevent damage while maintaining secure display.
4Ease of operation
If traditional weighted hangers are used on fireplace mantles, then stockings can be displayed without damaging the mantle, but the weighted holder can be pulled from atop the mantle causing injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detachable weighted hanger component and replaces it with an integrated rigid support structure that is part of the stocking itself. This eliminates the hazard of a separate weighted object that could be pulled off and injure children, while maintaining easy setup through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible free standing stocking is disclosed. This invention removes the danger from a stocking that hangs over a flame (of any kind). It also eliminates the danger of being pulled off from a mount having heavy weighted holder and crushing a child head, a person's foot or injuring a pet. It eliminates the need of nailing, screwing or attaching hooks into mantels. The collapsible stocking includes a footpad that is received in a foot portion of the stocking. A weighted sock is dimensioned to be received within the foot portion and carries a malleable weighted material, which may be a granular or pelletized material. A plurality of sleeves and a corresponding plurality of rods support an upper sleeve portion of the stocking body in an upright orientation.