Table Top Fence Rail System for Space-Efficient Outdoor Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an aesthetically pleasing table top solution that can efficiently utilize the existing support structure of vinyl fences, enhancing space usage in areas like yards and pools where socializing occurs, without requiring separate tables.
Innovation Solution
A table top fence rail system that integrates with existing vinyl fences, featuring a table top, cap, and securing mechanisms such as sleeves and brackets, which attach to the fence posts and rails, providing stability and versatility in design configurations like rectangular, circular, and adaptive sizing for different post widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate table is placed away from the fence to provide support for objects, then the table can be stable and functional, but it wastes space and reduces aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the table function with the fence structure by integrating a table top onto the fence rail system. The table top is secured to the horizontal rails of the fence, combining two separate functions (fence enclosure and table support) into a single integrated structure, thereby eliminating wasted space while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The fence structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the traditional enclosure function and serves as a support structure for a table top. The horizontal rails of the fence are utilized to support the table, making the fence system multi-functional and improving space utilization
2Area of stationary object
If a table top is integrated onto the fence rail, then space utilization improves and aesthetic appeal increases, but the structural stability and secure attachment become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The table top is divided into segments that can be individually secured to different portions of the fence rail structure. This segmentation allows for distributed attachment points across the horizontal rails, enhancing overall structural stability while maintaining the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
Fastening mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the table top and the fence rail structure. These intermediaries provide secure attachment while accommodating the different structural characteristics of the table top and fence components, ensuring reliable connection
3Adaptability or versatility
If the table top design is customized to fit specific fence configurations, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table top design incorporates universal mounting features that can adapt to different fence configurations. By using standardized attachment mechanisms that can be positioned at various locations along the horizontal rails, the design achieves versatility without requiring complex customizations for each fence type
Solution Approach 2:
The table top design allows for adjustable positioning along the fence rails. The fastening mechanisms can be placed at different locations to accommodate varying fence widths and configurations, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple and consistent base design
Data Source
AI summary
A table top fence rail system includes a fence, a table top including a body having planar top and bottom surfaces. The body defines an opening that extends between the top and bottom planar surfaces and is dimensioned to receive the upper end portion of a respective post of the fence. A cap is supported on the upper end portion of the post and is dimensioned to retain the planar bottom surface of the body of the table top on the upper support surface of the upper horizontal rail of the fence.