Railing attachment device

Abstract

A device for attaching an item to a railing using: a) a first coupling adapted to be attached to a railing; and b) a second coupling adapted to be attached to an item. The first coupling engages the second coupling and once engaged, the first coupling and the second coupling cannot be separated unless they are disengaged from each other.

1 . A device for attaching an item to an outdoor stable surface comprising: 
 a) a first coupling adapted to be attached to the stable surface;    b) a second coupling adapted to be attached to an item;    wherein the first coupling engages the second coupling when the second coupling is rotated with respect to the first coupling and, as this rotation occurs, the second coupling moves axially as the second coupling is rotated;    wherein once the first coupling and second coupling are engaged, the first coupling and the second coupling cannot be separated unless they are disengaged from each other.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first coupling has first teeth thereon and the second coupling has second teeth thereon and the couplings are engaged and disengaged when the teeth engage and disengage.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the teeth are engaged when the second coupling is twisted in a first direction about a common axis of rotation of the first coupling and the second coupling; and 
 wherein the teeth are disengaged when the second coupling is twisted in a second direction about the axis of rotation.    
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first coupling and the second coupling have a circular cross-section.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first coupling and the second coupling are engaged via the use of ramp-shaped clips.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the ramp-shaped clips have engaging teeth thereon.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the ramp shaped clips have engaging protrusions formed thereon.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is a railing.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the item is a tray.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the item is a plant-holder.  
   
   
       11 . An item attached to a railing comprising: 
 a) a first coupling adapted to be attached to the railing;    b) a second coupling attached to the item;    wherein the first coupling engages the second coupling when the second coupling is rotated with respect to the first coupling and, as this rotation occurs, the second coupling moves axially as it is rotated;    wherein once the first coupling and second coupling are engaged, the first coupling and the second coupling cannot be separated unless they are disengaged from each other.    
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the second coupling is formed integrally with the item.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the item is a tray.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the item is a planter.