Accessory Mounting Device

Abstract

An accessory mounting device for mounting accessories to deck balusters includes a mount that is coupled to a baluster of a railing. An arm is coupled to the mount wherein the arm is extends outwardly relative to the baluster of the railing. The arm includes a first beam that is angled to extend outwardly and upwardly relative to the mount. A second beam is coupled to and extends from the first beam. The second beam extends upwardly from the first beam wherein the second beam is parallel to the baluster of the railing. A receptacle is removably couplable to the arm. The receptacle includes a base that is positionable on the second beam and a frame that is coupled to and extends upwardly from the base. An accessory is removably couplable to the receptacle.

Claims

1. A mounting assembly comprising: a mount being configured to be coupled to a baluster of a railing; an arm being coupled to the mount wherein the arm is configured to extend outwardly relative to the baluster of the railing, the arm including: a first beam being angled to extend outwardly and upwardly relative to the mount; and a second beam being coupled to and extending from the first beam, the second beam extending upwardly from the first beam wherein the second beam is configured to be parallel to the baluster of the railing; a receptacle being removably couplable to the arm, the receptacle including: a base being positionable on the second beam; and a frame being coupled to and extending upwardly from the base; and an accessory being removably couplable to the receptacle.

2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the mount further comprising: a plate; and a tongue being coupled to and extending outwardly from the plate.

3. The mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the tongue has a T-shaped cross-section.

4. The mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the tongue has a rectangular-shaped cross-section.

5. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the arm further comprising a groove extending into the first beam, the groove having a shape being complementary to a shape of the tongue wherein the tongue is positionable within the groove to couple the arm to the mount.

6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the second beam of the arm further comprising an upper edge defining an opening into the second beam, the opening extending inwardly through the second beam and outwardly through the first beam wherein the arm is hollow.

7. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the accessory further comprising an elongated holder, the elongated holder including: an insert being positionable within the frame of the receptacle; a hub being coupled to and extending from the insert; a column being coupled to and extending upwardly from the hub wherein the column is configured to be parallel to the baluster of the railing while the elongated holder is coupled to the receptacle; and a board being coupled to the column.

8. The mounting assembly of claim 7, the elongated holder further comprising a ring being coupled to and extending upwardly from the board.

9. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the accessory further comprising a light having a size being complementary to a size of the frame of the receptacle wherein the light is positionable within the frame of the receptacle and wherein the receptacle is configured to position the light proximate to the baluster of the railing.

10. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the accessory further comprising a cup holder being positionable within the frame of the receptacle, the cup holder extending upwardly from the receptacle wherein the cup holder is configured to be positionable proximate to the baluster of the railing.

11. The mounting assembly of claim 10, the cup holder further comprising: a bottom section having a shape being complementary to a shape of the frame of the receptacle wherein the bottom section is positionable within the frame; and a top section having a circular shape wherein the cup holder being configured to receive a beverage container and wherein the cup holder is configured to support the beverage container adjacent to the baluster of the railing.

12. The mounting assembly of claim 1, the accessory further comprising a stand extending upwardly from the receptacle.

13. The mounting assembly of claim 12, the stand further comprising a strut having a size being complementary to a size of the frame of the receptacle wherein the stand is positionable within the frame of the receptacle; and a truss being coupled to and extending upwardly from the strut, the truss having a width exceeding a width of the truss wherein the truss extends outwardly from the frame of the receptacle when the stand is coupled to the receptacle.

14. A mounting assembly comprising: a mount being configured to be coupled to a baluster of a railing, the mount including: a plate being planar wherein the plate is configured to be positionable flush against the baluster of the railing, the plate being rectangular; and a tongue being coupled to and extending outwardly from the plate, the tongue having a T-shaped cross-section; an arm being removably couplable to the mount wherein the arm is configured to extend outwardly relative to the baluster of the railing, the arm extending upwardly from the mount while the arm is coupled to the mount, the arm including: a first beam being angled to extend outwardly and upwardly relative to the mount while the arm is coupled to the mount, the first beam being rectangular, the first beam including: a mounting face being planar wherein the mounting face is configured to be positionable flush against the plate of the mount; a groove extending into the first beam, the groove having a shape being complementary to a shape of the tongue wherein the tongue is positionable within the groove to couple the arm to the mount; a second beam being coupled to and extending from the first beam, the second beam extending upwardly from the first beam wherein the second beam is configured to be parallel to the baluster of the railing while the arm is coupled to the mount, the second beam being rectangular, the second beam including: an upper edge defining an opening into the second beam, the opening extending inwardly through the second beam and outwardly through the first beam wherein the arm is hollow; a receptacle being removably couplable to the arm, the receptacle including: a base being positionable on the second beam, the base having a size being complementary to a size of the second beam wherein the base is configured to be couplable to the second beam using a friction fit, the base having a size exceeding a size of the second beam wherein the base is positionable around an external surface of the second beam to cover the opening; and a frame being coupled to and extending upwardly from the base, the frame including: a lower panel being angled to extend upwardly and outwardly relative to the base; and an upper panel being coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower panel wherein the upper panel is parallel to the base; and an accessory being removably couplable to the receptacle.

15. The mounting assembly of claim 14, the accessory further comprising an elongated holder, the elongated holder including: an insert being positionable within the receptacle, the insert having a size being complementary to a size of the frame wherein the frame is positionable to circumscribe the insert; a hub being coupled to and extending upwardly from the insert, the hub having a width exceeding a width of the insert; a column being coupled to and extending upwardly from the hub wherein the column is configured to be parallel to the baluster of the railing while the elongated holder is coupled to the receptacle; a board being coupled to the column, the board being perpendicular to the column, the board being planar; and a ring being coupled to and extending upwardly from the board wherein the ring is configured to receive a tiki torch wherein the elongated holder is configured to position the tiki torch proximate to the baluster of the railing.

16. The mounting assembly of claim 14, the accessory further comprising a light having a size being complementary to a size of the frame of the receptacle wherein the light is positionable within the frame of the receptacle and wherein the receptacle is configured to position the light proximate to the baluster of the railing, the light including a power source being configured to power the light, the power source being a solar panel.

17. The mounting assembly of claim 14, the accessory further comprising a cup holder being positionable within the frame of the receptacle, the cup holder extending upwardly from the receptacle wherein the cup holder is configured to be positionable proximate to the baluster of the railing, the cup holder including: a drainage duct being configured to facilitate a liquid in draining out of the cup holder; a bottom section having a shape being complementary to a shape of the frame of the receptacle wherein the bottom section is positionable within the frame, the bottom section being square; and a top section having a circular shape wherein the cup holder being configured to receive a beverage container and wherein the cup holder is configured to support the beverage container adjacent to the baluster of the railing.

18. The mounting assembly of claim 14, the accessory further comprising a stand extending upwardly from the receptacle, the stand including: a strut having a size being complementary to a size of the frame of the receptacle wherein the stand is positionable within the frame of the receptacle, the strut having a square-shaped cross-section; and a truss being coupled to and extending upwardly from the strut, the truss having a width exceeding a width of the truss wherein the truss extends outwardly from the frame of the receptacle when the stand is coupled to the receptacle.

19. The mounting assembly of claim 14, the accessory further comprising a cap including: a body having a size being complementary to a size of the frame of the receptacle wherein the body is positionable within the frame of the receptacle; a cover being coupled to the body, the cover including: a peripheral wall being extending upwardly from the body, the peripheral wall including: a lower sash being angled to extend upwardly and outwardly relative to the body; a middle sash being coupled to the lower sash, the middle sash being parallel to the body; and an upper sash being coupled to the middle sash, the upper sash being angled to extend upwardly and inwardly relative to the body; and a top wall being coupled to the upper sash of the peripheral wall, the top wall being planar; and a hook being coupled to and extending outwardly from the middle sash of the peripheral wall, the hook having a U-shape wherein the hook is configured to releasably retain a string decoration, the hook being one of a plurality of hooks.

20. The mounting assembly of claim 14, further comprising a clip including: a rib having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a pair of opposing ends, the upper surface being convexly arcuate between the pair of opposing ends, the lower surface being convexly arcuate between the pair of opposing ends, the rib having a length being configured to complement a width of a top rail of the railing wherein the clip is configured for positioning over the top rail of the railing; a pair of legs being coupled to the rib, each leg of the pair of legs extending from a respective opposing end of the pair of opposing ends, each leg of the pair of legs having a length being configured to complement a height of the top rail wherein the pair of legs are configured to extend from a top edge to a bottom edge of the top rail, the pair of legs being angled to extend downwardly from the rib and inwardly toward each other; a pair of projections being coupled to the pair of legs wherein each projection of the pair of projections is positioned on a respective leg of the pair of legs, each projection of the pair of projections extending inwardly from the respective leg of the pair of legs wherein the pair of projections extend toward each other whereby the pair of projections are configured for positioning beneath the top rail to secure the clip to the top rail; and a claw being coupled to an associated leg of the pair of legs, the claw including: a ledge extending outwardly from the associated leg of the pair of legs wherein the ledge is configured to extend outwardly from the top rail, the ledge being horizontally aligned with a respective projection of the pair of projections, the respective projection of the pair of projections being coupled to the associated leg of the pair of legs; and a shoulder being coupled to the ledge, the shoulder being angled to extend upwardly from the ledge and inwardly toward the associated leg of the pair of legs wherein the shoulder is configured to releasably secure a string decoration to the clip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0012] The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of an accessory mounting device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 17 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a front isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a detail view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 26 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 29 is an in-use view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 31 thereof, a new mounting system embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

[0045] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 31, the accessory mounting device 10 generally comprises a mount 12 that is generally configured to be coupled to a baluster 14 of a railing 16, such as the railing 16 of a deck. The mount 12 may include a plate 18. The plate 18 may be planar wherein the plate 18 is configured to be positionable flush against the baluster 14 of the railing 16. The plate 18 may be rectangular. A tongue 20 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from the plate 18. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tongue 20 may have a T-shaped cross-section. In alternative embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tongue 20 may have a rectangular-shaped cross-section.

[0046] An arm 22 is removably couplable to the mount 12. The arm 22 is generally configured to extend outwardly relative to the baluster 14 of the railing 16. The arm 22 generally extends upwardly from the mount 12 while the arm 22 is coupled to the mount 12.

[0047] The arm 22 may include a first beam 24 that is angled to extend outwardly and upwardly relative to the mount 12 while the arm 22 is coupled to the mount 12. The first beam 24 may be rectangular. The first beam 24 may include a mounting face 26 that may be planar wherein the mounting face 26 is configured to be positionable flush against the plate 18 of the mount 12. A groove 28 may extend into the mounting face 26 of the first beam 24. The groove 28 generally has a shape that is complementary to a shape of the tongue 20 wherein the tongue 20 is positionable within the groove 28 to couple the arm 22 to the mount 12.

[0048] A second beam 30 is coupled to and extends from the first beam 24. The second beam 30 generally extends upwardly from the first beam 24 wherein the second beam 30 is configured to be parallel to the baluster 14 of the railing 16 while the arm 22 is coupled to the mount 12. The second beam 30 may be rectangular.

[0049] The second beam 30 may include an upper edge 32 that defines an opening 34 into the second beam 30. The opening 34 may extend inwardly through the second beam 30 and outwardly through the groove 28 extending into the mounting face 26 of the first beam 24 wherein the arm 22 is hollow. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18-20, the arm 22 and the baluster 14 of the railing 16 may be each hollow. An access aperture 36 may extend through the mount 12, the access aperture 36 is aligned with the opening 34 extending through the arm 22 when the arm 22 is coupled to the mount 12. The access opening 34 is generally configured to facilitate a user in running electrical wire 38 through the baluster 14 and into the arm 22, allowing the user to connect an external power source to the accessory mounting device 10.

[0050] A receptacle 40 is removably couplable to the arm 22. The receptacle 40 generally includes a base 42 that is positionable on the second beam 30. The base 42 may have a size that is complementary to a size of the second beam 30 wherein the base 42 is configured to be couplable to the second beam 30 using a friction fit. The base 42 may have a size exceeding a size of the second beam 30 wherein the base 42 is positionable around an external surface of the second beam 30 to cover the opening 34. A frame 46 is generally coupled to and may extend upwardly from the base 42.

[0051] For example, the frame 46 may include a lower panel 48, which may be angled to extend upwardly and outwardly relative to the base 42. An upper panel 50 may be coupled to and extend upwardly from the lower panel 48. For example, the upper panel 50 may be parallel to the base 42.

[0052] An accessory 52 is removably couplable to the receptacle 40. For example, the accessory 52 may include an elongated holder 54. As shown in FIG. 10, the elongated holder 54 may include an insert 56 that is positionable within the receptacle 40. More specifically, the insert 56 may have a size that is complementary to a size of the frame 46 wherein the frame 46 is positionable to circumscribe the insert 56. A friction fit may secure the insert 56 within the frame 46. Alternatively, nails, screws, or other fasteners may be used to secure the insert 56 within the frame 46.

[0053] A hub 58 may be coupled to and extend upwardly from the insert 56. The hub 58 may have a width exceeding a width of the insert 56. A column 60 may be coupled to and extend upwardly from the hub 58. The column 60 may be configured to be parallel to the baluster 14 of the railing 16 while the elongated holder 54 is coupled to the receptacle 40.

[0054] A board 62 may be coupled to the column 60. The board 62 is generally perpendicular to the column 60. The board 62 may be planar. A ring 64 may be coupled to and extend upwardly from the board 62. For example, the ring 64 may have a diameter that is configured to receive a tiki torch 66 wherein the elongated holder 54 is configured to position the tiki torch 66 proximate to the baluster 14 of the railing 16. FIG. 14 provides an example of the tiki torch 66. Other objects may also be positioned within the ring 64, such as other types of lights, decorations, or drinking containers. The column 60 may have a length that is configured to extend upwardly beyond a top rail 90 of the railing 16, such that the tiki torch 66, or other object, can be positioned above the top rail 90 of the railing 16, as shown in FIG. 16.

[0055] The accessory 52 may also be a light 68 that has a size that is complementary to a size of the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 wherein the light 68 is positionable within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 and wherein the receptacle 40 is configured to position the light 68 proximate to the baluster 14 of the railing 16. For example, a friction fit may secure the light 68 within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40. Alternatively, fasteners such as screws or nails may be used to secure the light 68 within the frame 46. The light 68 may include a power source 70 that is configured to power the light 68. For example, the power source 70 may be a solar panel, as shown in FIG. 12. In other embodiments, the power source 70 may be a battery, which may be rechargeable.

[0056] Alternatively, the light 68 may not have a power source 70. For example, the light 68 may be configured to be electrically coupled to the external power source using the electrical wire 38 which is positionable through the baluster 14 of the railing 16 and the arm 22, as shown in FIGS. 18-20 . In such embodiments, a through-hole 72 may extend through the base 42 of the receptacle 40 and the electrical wire 38 may extend through the through-hole 72 to couple to the light 68.

[0057] The accessory 52 may also include a stand 82 extending upwardly from the receptacle 40. The stand 82 may include a strut 84 that has a size that is complementary to a size of the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 wherein the stand 82 is positionable within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40. The strut 84 may have a square-shaped cross-section that is complementary to a cross-sectional shape of the frame 46. For example, a friction fit may secure the strut 84 within the frame 46. Alternatively, fasteners such as nails or screws may be used to secure the strut 84 within the frame 46.

[0058] A truss 86 may be coupled to and extend upwardly from the strut 84. The truss 86 may have a width exceeding a width of the truss 86 wherein the truss 86 extends outwardly from the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 when the stand 82 is coupled to the receptacle 40. The stand 82 may provide a place for positioning lights, drinking containers, decorations, speakers, or other objects proximate to the baluster 14 of the railing 16.

[0059] The accessory 52 may also include a cup holder 74 that is positionable within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40. The cup holder 74 may extend upwardly from the receptacle 40 wherein the cup holder 74 is configured to be positionable proximate to the baluster 14 of the railing 16. The cup holder 74 may include a drainage duct 76 that is configured to facilitate a liquid in draining out of the cup holder 74. The drainage duct 76 is shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 on the cup holder 74. In some embodiments, the drainage duct 76 may extend through the stand 82, or the board 62 of the elongated holder 54, for example to allow rain water and other fluids to drain outwardly from the stand 82 and the elongated holder 54.

[0060] The cup holder 74 may have a bottom section 78 with a shape that is complementary to a shape of the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 wherein the bottom section 78 is positionable within the frame 46. For example, the bottom section 78 may have a square shape. A friction fit may secure the bottom section 78 of the cup holder 74 within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40. Alternatively, fasteners such as screws or nails may be used to secure the bottom section 78 within the frame 46. The cup holder 74 may also have a top section 80 that has a circular shape. For example, the cup holder 74 may be configured to receive a beverage container and support the beverage container adjacent to the baluster 14 of the railing 16.

[0061] The accessory 52 may also include a cap 92. The cap 92 generally includes a body 94 that has a size that is complementary to a size of the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 wherein the body 94 is positionable within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40. For example, the body 94 and the frame 46 may each have a square-shaped cross-section.

[0062] A cover 96 may be coupled to the body 94. The cover 96 may include a peripheral wall 98 that extends upwardly from the body 94. For example, the peripheral wall 98 may include a lower sash 100 that is angled to extend upwardly and outwardly relative to the body 94. In other words, the lower sash 100 may have a width that increases moving upwardly away from the body 94. A middle sash 102 may be coupled to the lower sash 100. The middle sash 102 may be parallel to the body. In other words, the middle sash 102 may have a width that is consistent moving upwardly away from the body 94. An upper sash 104 may be coupled to the middle sash 102. The upper sash 104 may be angled to extend upwardly and inwardly relative to the body 94. In other words, the upper sash 104 may have a width that decreases moving upwardly away from the body 94. A top wall 106 may be coupled to the upper sash 104 of the peripheral wall 98. The top wall 106 may be planar.

[0063] A hook 108 may be coupled to and extend outwardly from the peripheral wall 98. For example, the hook 108 may be positioned on the middle sash 102. The hook 108 generally has a U-shape wherein the hook 108 is configured to releasably retain a string decoration 134. Examples of the string decoration 134 include a string of lights, as shown in FIG. 29 or a garland, although other embodiments of the string decoration 134 are also contemplated.

[0064] The hook 108 may be one of a plurality of hooks. As shown in FIG. 24, the plurality of hooks may include two hooks that are positioned on adjacent sides of the peripheral wall 98. As shown in FIG. 25, the plurality of hooks may include two hooks that are positioned on opposing sides of the peripheral wall 98. In other embodiments, the plurality of hooks may include three or four hooks, each positioned on a respective side of the peripheral wall 108.

[0065] The accessory mounting device 10 may also include a clip 110. The clip 110 generally includes a rib 112 that has an upper surface 120, a lower surface 122, and a pair of opposing ends 124. The upper surface may be convexly arcuate between the pair of opposing ends 124. The lower surface 122 may be convexly arcuate between the pair of opposing ends 124. The rib 122 generally has a length that is configured to complement a width of the top rail 90 of the railing 16 wherein the clip 110 is configured for positioning over the top 90 rail of the railing 16.

[0066] A pair of legs 114 may be coupled to the rib 112. Each leg of the pair of legs 114 generally extends from a respective opposing end of the pair of opposing ends 124. Each leg of the pair of legs 114 may have a length that is configured to complement a height of the top rail 90 wherein the pair of legs 114 are configured to extend from a top edge 126 to a bottom edge 128 of the top rail 90.

[0067] The pair of legs 114 may be angled to extend downwardly from the rib 112 and inwardly toward each other. In other words, a distance between the pair of legs 114 may decrease moving downwardly away from the rib 112. The distance between the pair of legs 114 is measured perpendicularly to the pair of legs 114.

[0068] A pair of projections 116 may be coupled to the pair of legs 114 wherein each projection of the pair of projections 116 is positioned on a respective leg of the pair of legs 114. Each projection of the pair of projections 116 generally extends inwardly from the respective leg of the pair of legs 114. In other words, the pair of projections 116 generally extend toward each other whereby the pair of projections 116 are configured for positioning beneath the top rail 90 to secure the clip 110 to the top rail 90.

[0069] The pair of legs 114 may be pivotable relative to the rib 112. For example, clip 110 may be made of a resiliently deformable material, such as a semi-flexible plastic, wherein the pair of legs are configured to pivot outwardly relative to each other as the clip 110 is positioned over the top rail 90. By pivoting outwardly relative to each other, the pair of legs 114 allow the pair of projections 116 to slide across the opposing sides of the top rail 90, as indicated in FIG. 30. Once the pair of legs are positioned to extend from the top edge 126 to the bottom edge 128 of the top rail 90, and the rib 112 is positioned adjacent to the top rail 90, as shown in FIG. 31, the pair of legs 114 may pivot inwardly toward each other to secure a position of the clip 110 on the top rail 90. In other words, the pair of legs 114 may exert pressure on opposing sides of the top rail 90 to inhibit the clip 110 from sliding along the top rail 90. In some embodiments, the pair of legs 114 may be parallel to each other while the clip 110 is positioned over the top rail 90.

[0070] A claw 118 may be coupled to an associated leg of the pair of legs 114. In some embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 28, the claw 118 may be a pair of claws, each coupled to a respective leg of the pair of legs 114.

[0071] For example, a ledge 130 may extend outwardly from the associated leg of the pair of legs 114. In other words, the ledge 130 is generally configured to extend outwardly from the top rail 90. The ledge 130 may be horizontally aligned with a respective projection of the pair of projections 116. The respective projection of the pair of projections 116 is generally the projection that is coupled to the associated leg of the pair of legs 114.

[0072] A shoulder 132 may be coupled to the ledge 130. The shoulder 132 is generally angled to extend upwardly from the ledge 130 and inwardly toward the associated leg of the pair of legs 114. The shoulder 132 is generally configured to releasably secure the string decoration 134 to the clip 110. In other words, a distance between the shoulder 132 and the associated leg of the pair of legs 114 may decrease moving upwardly away from the ledge 130. The distance is generally measured parallel to the ledge 130. The distance between the shoulder 132 and the associated leg of the pair of legs 114 adjacent to the ledge 130 may be configured to complement a diameter of the string decoration 134 to secure a position of the string decoration 134 within the claw 118.

[0073] In use, the mount 12 can be coupled to as many of the baluster 14s of the railing 16 as the user desires. The mount 12 and the arm 22 may be positioned to extend inwardly toward the decking, as shown in FIG. 17, or the mount 12 and the arm 22 may be positioned on the opposite side of the baluster 14 to extend outwardly away from the decking. The user can also determine the position of the mount 12, and the arm 22, relative to the decking and the top rail 90, based on the design preferences or needs of the user.

[0074] The tongue 20 on the mount 12 and the groove 28 on the arm 22 secure the arm 22 to the mount 12. The receptacle 40 provides increased flexibility for choosing the accessory 52 which is removably couplable to the receptacle 40. The accessory mounting device 10 allows the user to customize the positioning and type of lights, cup holders, and other accessories which can be coupled to the baluster 14s of the deck. For example, the user may place the cup holder 74 within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 around areas of the deck where the user has arranged seating, allowing the user and guests to place beverage containers within the cup holder 74 instead of on the decking itself. Similarly, the user may place the stand 82 within the frame 46 of the receptacle 40 to provide a surface on which the user can store objects, such as playing cards, keys, or snack plates.

[0075] The user may couple the cover 96 to the receptacle 40 to position the string decoration 134 along the railing 16. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the cover 96 can be coupled to the receptacle 40 on one baluster 14 of the railing 16, and the cup holder 74 can be coupled to the receptacle 40 on another baluster 14 of the railing, allowing the user to position the string decoration 134 along the railing and to place beverage containers within the cup holder 74.

[0076] The user may also couple the clip 110 to the top rail 90 to position the string decoration 134 along the railing 16. As shown in FIG. 29, the clip 110 can be used to position the string decoration 134 along the railing 16. FIG. 29 does not show the accessory 52 being attached to the receptacle 40, but in other embodiments the accessory 52 may be coupled to the receptacle 40 on one or more baluster 14 of the railing 16, and the clip 110 may be coupled to the top rail 90 of the railing 16, for example being positioned between adjacent balusters.

[0077] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0078] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word comprising is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article a does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.