Patent Publication Number: US-6209837-B1

Title: Vertical baluster bracket

Description:
This application is based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/049,147, filed Jun. 10, 1997. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The field of the invention pertains to brackets for hanging potted plants and other decorative items and, in particular, to brackets of simple construction that may be installed without fasteners. 
     Brackets for supporting or hanging plants and other items normally require mechanical fasteners or adhesive for attachment to walls and vertical posts. Such fasteners leave unsightly holes or spots when removed, necessitating refinishing to remove the unsightly remnants. 
     Where the brackets are to be used temporarily or frequently moved, mechanical and adhesive fasteners present a particular problem because of the damage. Therefore, brackets with mechanical or adhesive fasteners may be completely unsuitable for temporary use. The vertical balusters on outdoor decks are typically left unfinished or may be painted or stained. Hanging plants are particularly attractive on such decks, therefore brackets that can be temporarily attached to such balusters without damage would be advantageous. Such a baluster bracket is described below. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The new bracket comprises a single piece of rod bent at the outboard end to provide a device for hanging a flower pot or other item. At the inboard or baluster end the rod is shaped by a series of four perpendicular bends. The length of the rod between the first and second bends and the length of the rod between the third and fourth bends are substantially the same and determined by the width of the baluster transverse to the bracket. The length of the rod between the second and third bends is determined by both the thickness of the baluster and the angle of the bracket relative to the vertical direction of the baluster. The length of the rod from the fourth bend to the end of the rod need only be sufficient to prevent tilting of the bracket when installed on the baluster. 
     To remain in position the bracket relies upon friction with the baluster in combination with the weight of the bracket and load on the bracket outboard end. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of the new bracket with the baluster in ghost view; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the new bracket with the baluster in ghost view; and 
     FIG. 3 is a side view showing the sequence of movement to install or remove the bracket from a baluster. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a baluster  10  shown broken away and ghosted. Placed on the baluster is the new bracket having an arm  12  with the outboard end  14  formed into an open loop  16  and closed eye  18 . Any suitable attachment configuration may be formed at the outboard end  14  depending on the item to be supported. 
     The bracket arm  12  extends beyond the baluster  10  to a first bend  20 . Beyond the bend  20  is a transverse portion  22  of the rod perpendicular to the arm  12 . A second bend  24  terminates the transverse portion  22 . Beyond the second bend  24  is a short lever arm  26  that is perpendicular to both the transverse portion  22  and the arm  12 . 
     A third bend  28  terminates the short lever arm  26  and a second transverse portion  30  extends from the third bend  28  in a direction perpendicular to the short lever arm  26 . As is clear from FIG. 1, the transverse portions  22  and  30  engage the back and front of the baluster  10 . To prevent the bracket from tilting on the baluster  10 , the rod includes a fourth bend  32  and a locking arm  34 . 
     The length of the transverse portions  22  and  30  is generally determined by the transverse width of the baluster  10 . The length of the short lever arm  26  is determined by a combination of the expected load at the outboard end  14  of the arm  12 , the frictional engagement of the transverse portions  22  and  30  with the baluster and thickness of the baluster. The frictional engagement includes the cross-sectional shape of the rod and the materials from which the bracket and baluster are made. 
     Illustrated in FIG. 3 is the method by which the bracket is installed on or removed from a baluster. The bracket is initially placed with the arm  12  vertical and the short lever arm  26  against the side of the baluster  10  as shown in solid outline  36 . The short lever arm  26  must extend a sufficient distance beyond the locking arm  34  to permit the arm  12  and locking arm  34  to clear the baluster  10 . As shown ghosted, the arm  12  can then be titled down  38  until the arm  12  reaches the position at  40  where the transverse portions  22  and  30  engage the back and front of the baluster  10 .