Railing-Mounted Support Arm for Space-Saving Deck Item Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for holding items are not suitable for elevated surfaces like decks, as ground-installed systems cannot be mounted on deck floors and base-type systems occupy significant space, hinder movement, and pose safety risks with items hanging above head level.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising a first and second member, where the first member has an attachment point for items and engages a railing at an angle, with additional members extending parallel to securely attach to the railing, allowing for vertical and horizontal positioning to free up deck space and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a base-type support system is mounted on a deck floor, then the system can be installed on elevated surfaces, but it occupies significant deck space and hinders movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support system extracts the attachment function from the deck floor surface and relocates it to the railing structure. By attaching to the railing instead of the deck floor, the system eliminates the need for a large base footprint, allowing the supported item to hang freely without occupying deck space or hindering movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If items are supported in an upright position above people's heads, then the support system is stable, but it creates safety hazards and obstructs vision and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support system repositions items from a vertical suspension above head level to a horizontal extension from the railing. The support arm projects outward from the railing, positioning the item at a lower height that clears the deck surface and does not obstruct vision or create safety hazards, while maintaining stability through the rigid arm structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Support systems for supporting an item on railings of a deck or other structures are disclosed. According to an aspect, a support system is attached to the railings at one end and at least one more additional point. The other end of the support system extends outwardly from the railing to support an item, such as a torch, a lamp, a lantern, a candle, and a plant basket.