US20120318942A1

US20120318942A1 - Flower pot holder

Info

Publication number: US20120318942A1
Application number: US13/495,865
Authority: US
Inventors: William Merker
Original assignee: Merker Ornamental Iron Inc
Current assignee: Merker Ornamental Iron Inc
Priority date: 2011-06-14
Filing date: 2012-06-13
Publication date: 2012-12-20

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a flower pot comprises an object holding device and a plate. The object holding device is dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot. The plate is affixed to the object holding device such that a first flat major surface of the plate extends radially out from the object holding device and the first flat major surface is orthogonal to the cross-section of the object holding device. A first clipping device is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface of the plate. Similarly, a second clipping device is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface of the plate. The first and second clipping devices are fixedly positioned in spaced apart opposing fashion so as to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such that the cross section of the object holding device extends horizontally out from the plate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/496,723, filed on Jun. 14, 2011, entitled “FLOWER POT HOLDER,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various aspects of the present invention relate generally to support structures for items such as flower pots, and more specifically to self-supporting holders that temporarily mount on a baluster without requiring fasteners or other external devices for securement.
A baluster, such as typically found on stairways, decks, fences and other structures, provides a convenient location that is suitable for decoration. For instance, a baluster may be decorated by hanging or otherwise suspending items such as potted plants, flowers, art or other decorative items. In order to decorate such areas, a support structure such as a bracket or holder may be attached to the baluster, from which the decorative item is suspended.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the present invention, an apparatus for holding a flower pot comprises an object holding device and a plate. The object holding device is dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot. The plate is affixed to the object holding device such that a first flat major surface of the plate extends radially out from the object holding device and is orthogonal to the cross-section of the object holding device. To mount the holder to a baluster, a first clipping device is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface of the plate. Similarly, a second clipping device is affixed to and extends from the first flat major surface of the plate. The first and second clipping devices are fixedly positioned in spaced apart opposing fashion so as to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such that the cross section of the object holding device extends horizontally out from the plate. As such, the vertical channel has a fixed cross-section. In this manner, the apparatus temporarily secures to a baluster when installed such that the baluster passes through the channel, even while the object holding device is empty.
According to further aspects of the present invention, a holder comprises an object holding device defining a ring having rim, and a plate that extends radially out from the rim of the ring. The plate has a first flat surface oriented orthogonal to the cross section of the rim. Additionally, the holder includes a first clipping device having a first member and a second member. The first member has a length extending out from the plate orthogonal to the first flat surface and the second member extends out from the end of the first member in a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member and towards the rim. The holder also includes a second clipping device having a first member and a second member. The first member has a length extending out from the plate orthogonal to the first flat surface and the second member extends out from the end of the first member in a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member and away from the rim. The first clipping device and the second clipping device are so positioned on the plate so as to form a channel therebetween.
The holder is temporarily installable onto a baluster such that the baluster passes through the channel and the flat surface of the plate is adjacent a first side of the baluster, the first member of the first clipping device is adjacent to a second side of the baluster, both the second member of the first clipping device and the second member of the second clipping device are adjacent to a third side of the baluster and the first member of the second clipping device is adjacent to a fourth side of the baluster.
According to yet further aspects of the present invention, an apparatus for holding a flower pot is provided, where the apparatus attaches to a baluster having a first, second, third and four side. The apparatus comprises an object holding device and a plate affixed to the object holding device. The object holding device is dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot. The plate comprises a first horizontal side, a second horizontal side, a first vertical side, and a second vertical side. A first clipping device is affixed to the plate. The first clipping device includes a first member that runs orthogonal with the first horizontal side of the plate, and a second member that runs parallel with the horizontal side of the plate. Similarly, a second clipping device is affixed to the plate. The second clipping device includes a first member that runs orthogonal with the second horizontal side of the plate, and a second member that runs parallel with the second horizontal side of the plate. In this regard, when the apparatus is installed on the baluster, the plate engages the first side of the baluster, the first member of the first clipping device engages the second side of the baluster, the second member of the first clipping device and the second member of the second clipping device both engage the third side of the baluster, and the first member of the second clipping device engages the fourth side of the baluster.
Various embodiments of the invention are provided in the following detailed description. The invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and the details may be capable of modifications in various respects without departing from the invention itself. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not in a restrictive or limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a holder according to various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the holder of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of an alternative holder to FIG. 1 where first and second clipping devices are generally U-shaped;

FIG. 4 is a first side view of the holder of FIG. 1 attached to a baluster according to various aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a back side view of the holder and baluster of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a second side view of the holder and baluster of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a holder 100 is illustrated according to various aspects of the present invention. The holder 100 includes an object holding frame 102 and a plate 104 that is attached to the object holding frame 102 at a connection 106. Moreover, the plate 104 includes a first clipping device 108 and a second clipping device 110. The first and second clipping devices 108, 110 are utilized to temporarily attach the holder 100 to a baluster (not shown in FIG. 1) as will be described in greater detail herein.
In an illustrative example, the object holding frame 102 defines a ring having a rim 102A. The ring of the object holding frame 102 is shown in a circular shape but can be any shape necessary to support or otherwise suspend a corresponding item (e.g., a flower pot). For instance, the object holding device 102 can be dimensioned so as to conform to the rim of the flower pot. As such, the flower pot can sit inside the ring such that the rim of the flower pot rests on the rim 102A on the ring of the object holding frame 102. In alternative configurations, the object holding frame 102 may comprise a flat solid surface, which provides a shelf for supporting a decorative item.
In an exemplary implementation, the ring of the object holding frame 102 is formed from a single generally square or otherwise rectangular hollow tube that is bent into the shape of a ring. As illustrated, the ring is generally circular. However, the ring can take on other sizes and shapes, such as square, rectangular, or other shape to support an intended item. Moreover, the object holding frame 102 is preferably made of steel or other forms of iron. The object holding frame 102 can alternatively be made of any other type of metal, plastic or other rigid material that can withstand the weight of an intended item (e.g., a flower pot). An exemplary diameter of the ring is eight inches (20.32 centimeters).
The plate 104 can be permanently attached to the object holding frame 102, such as by a weld or other suitable attachment technique. Moreover, in certain implementations, the object holding frame 102 and the plate 104 may be formed as an integral unit. In the illustrative example, the plate 104 is a generally rectangular rigid plate of flat steel or other form of iron. However, in practice, the plate 104 may be comprised of other materials. Further, the plate 104 can also take on other shapes. According to certain aspects of the present invention, the plate 104 is small and compact relative to the size of the object holding frame 102. By way of illustration, keeping with the example of an object holding frame 102 that has a circular cross-section having a diameter of eight inches (20.32 centimeters), the plate 104 can comprise a 2 inch by 2 inch (5.08 cm×5.08 cm) square plate. Thus, the plate 104 is approximately ¼ the diameter of the object holding frame 102. In alternative implementations, the height of the plate 104 when installed on the baluster, is configured to be greater than the width of the baluster.
In the illustrative example, the plate 104 has a first face 112A defining a first flat major surface and a second face 112B (not visible in FIG. 1) defining a second flat major surface. The plate 104 also has two horizontal sides, 114A and 114B and two vertical sides, 116A and 116B. In this regard, the plate 104 is oriented such that the first face 112A and second face 112B are oriented orthogonal to the object holding frame 102 so as to extend radially out from the rim 102A of the object holding frame 102. In this regard, the plate 104 is affixed to the object holding device 102 such that the first flat major surface of the plate extends radially out from the object holding device 102 (e.g., from the rim 102A of the ring), and the first flat major surface is orthogonal to the cross-section of the object holding device 102 (e.g., orthogonal to the cross-section of the rim). Moreover, the connection 106 couples the plate 104 to the object holding frame 102. For instance, the connection 106 may bisect the first vertical side 116A of the plate 104.
As a few exemplary alternative configurations, the plate 104 can be any size and shape, such as a three inch (7.62 cm) by five inch (12.7 cm) rectangle. Regardless of particular dimensions, illustrative example configurations are composed such that the object holding device 102, plate 104 and clipping devices 108, 110 will provide suitable strength, weight and durability such that holder 100 will stay affixed to the baluster without an object having to be placed into the object holding frame 102. Moreover, fasteners, nails, screws or other securements are not required to mount the holder 100 to a baluster. In other words, as will be described in greater detail herein, the holder 100 is self supporting when properly installed on a suitable baluster.
The first clipping device 108 is affixed to, and extends from, the first flat major surface of the plate 104. Similarly, the second clipping device 110 is affixed to, and extends from, the first flat major surface of the plate 104. In this regard, the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 can be made of steel, iron, other material. Moreover, the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 can be attached to the plate 104 such as by welding or other form of attachment, or the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 can be integrally formed with the plate 104. In the exemplary configuration, the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 are fixedly positioned in a spaced-apart, opposing fashion so as to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such that the cross section of the object holding device 102 extends horizontally out from the plate 104. In this illustrative example, since the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 are fixedly positioned on the plate 104 the vertical channel has a fixed cross-section. Moreover, while two clipping devices 108, 110 are shown in the illustrative example, any number greater than one of clipping devices can be used.
Referring to FIG. 2, in an exemplary implementation as illustrated, the first clipping device 108 has a first member 108A having a length that extends or otherwise projects out from the plate 104 orthogonal from the first face 112A substantially from the corner of the first horizontal side 114A and the second vertical side 116B. The first clipping device 108 also includes a second member 108B that extends or otherwise projects out from the end of the first member 108A in a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member 108A and towards the rim 102A (and thus, in a direction parallel to the first face 112A and towards the rim 102A of the object holding device 102). In this regard, the first member 108A and the second member 108B each have an edge that lies in a plane that is parallel to the first horizontal side 114A. Moreover, the first member 108 has an edge that lies in a plane parallel to the second vertical side 116B.
The second clipping device 110 has a first member 110A having a length that extends or otherwise projects out from the plate 104 orthogonal to the first face 112A so as to be positioned adjacent to the second horizontal side 114B and inset from the second vertical side 116B. The second clipping device 110 also includes a second member 110B that extends or otherwise projects out from the end of the first member 110A in a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member and away from the rim 102A (and thus, in a direction parallel to the first face 112A and away from the rim 102A of the object holding device 102). In this regard, the first member 110A and the second member 110B each have an edge that lies in a plane that is parallel to the second horizontal side 114B.
Thus, the first member 108A of the first clipping device 108 extends parallel and in the same direction as the first member 110A of the second clipping device 110. However, the second member 108B of the first clipping device extends parallel to and in the opposite direction of the second member 110B of the second clipping device.
Keeping with the above-illustrative example, in an illustrative implementation, the first member 108A of the first clipping device 108, and the first member 110A of the second clipping device 110, may each be approximately ½″ (1.27 cm) wide and 1″ to 1¼″ (2.54-3.175 cm) in length. The second member 108B of the first clipping device 108 and the second member 110B of the second clipping device 10 may each be approximately ¼″-⅜″ (0.63-0.95 cm) in length. In this regard, the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 can be “L” shaped, “U” shaped or other shape. Moreover, one of the clipping devices 108, 110 can be a bar, while the other one of the clipping devices 108, 110 is generally U-shaped. Other configurations of the clipping devices can alternatively be implemented.
As best illustrated in FIG. 2, when looking down at the holder 100 from a top view, the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 form a channel therebetween for receiving a baluster, as will be described in greater detail below.
According to aspects of the present invention, when the cross-section of the object holding device 102 is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device 108 and the second clipping device 110 is twice the horizontal distance between the first clipping device 108 and the second clipping device 110. This arrangement allows the holder 100 to be installed on a typical square baluster using a rotational motion with the holder, as will be described in greater detail herein.
Referring to FIG. 3, for instance, the first and second clipping devices 108′, 110′ can each comprise a generally U-shaped member that is configured such that the U-shape of the first clipping device 108 opens towards the object holding device 102 and the U-shape of the second clipping device 110 opens away from the object holding device 102. Here, the first and second clipping devices 108′, 110′ are analogous to the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 discussed above, except that the shape is generally U-shaped as opposed to L-shaped or some other shape. In an illustrative implementation, the horizontal distance between a bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device and a bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, corresponds to the depth of the baluster to which the apparatus is configured to attach.
As yet another illustrative example, when the cross-section of the object holding device 102 is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device 108′ and the second clipping device 110′ (or the vertical height between the first clipping device 108 and second clipping device 110) is twice the horizontal distance between the bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device 108′ and the bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device 110′ (or of the horizontal distance between the inside surfaces of the first member 108A of the first clipping device 108 and the first member 110A of the second clipping device 110. For instance, the vertical height may be approximately 1″ (2.54 cm) and the horizontal distance can be approximately ½″ (1.27 cm).
Referring to FIG. 4, the holder 100 is illustrated mounted on a baluster 120. As illustrated, when properly installed on a suitably dimensioned baluster 120, the object holding frame 102 extends out substantially horizontally in a cantilever-like fashion. The first and second clipping devices 108, 110 cooperate with the plate 104 to temporarily suspend the holder 100 from the baluster 120 with no use of fasteners or other securements (e.g., nails, screws, etc.). Thus, the object holding device 102 and the plate 104 have sufficient weight that the holder 100 is temporarily suspended on the baluster 120 independently of securements penetrating through the plate 104 and into the baluster 120 and independently of weight added to the object holding device 102. Accordingly, the holder 100 temporarily secures to a baluster 120 when installed such that the baluster 120 passes through the channel, even while the object holding device 102 is empty. Moreover, no tools or additional items are necessary to temporarily attach the holder 100 to the baluster 120.
To install the holder 100, the holder 100 is positioned in front of the baluster 120 and is rotated so that the object holding frame 102 is angled upward relative to the plate 104. As the holder 100 is rotated up, the horizontal spacing between the free ends of the second members 108B, 110B of the clipping devices 108, 110 begins to increase to the point where the horizontal space between the free ends of the second members 108B, 110B exceeds the depth of the baluster 120. The holder 100 is then slipped around the circumference of the baluster 120 such the baluster 120 is received in the channel between the first and second clipping devices 108, 110. The first clipping device 108 should be positioned vertically higher than the second clipping device 110. In this regard, the holder 100 is allowed to pivot downward. As the holder 100 pivots downward, the first member 108A of the first clipping device 108 contacts a back side surface of the baluster 120. Similarly, the first member 110A or the second clipping device 110 contacts the front side of the baluster. The weight of the object holding frame 102, which now cantilevers from the baluster 120, causes a frictional force to be applied against the baluster 120 by the first and second clipping devices 108, 110 such that the holder 100 temporarily maintains itself in suspension on the baluster 120. Moreover, the force is strong enough to support the weight of an object placed on the object holding frame 102, e.g., a potted plant.
To remove the holder 100, the user grasps the object holding frame 102 and pivots the frame upward. Once pivoted, the user slides the holder sideways to release the baluster 120 from the channel formed between the first and second clipping devices 108, 110. The holder 100 can then be pulled away from the baluster 120. Removal of the holder 100 from the baluster 120 can be done with or without an item installed in/on the object holding frame 102.
With reference now generally to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, in the exemplary implementation, the channel formed between the first clipping device 108 and the second clipping device 110 is generally square or rectangular. As such, the particular exemplary holder 100 is suitable for use on a baluster 120 having a generally rectangular cross-section with dimensions similar to that of the channel. In this regard, when the holder 100 is temporarily attached to the baluster 120, the plate 104 is positioned adjacent to a first side of the baluster 120. The first member 108A of the first clipping device 108 is positioned adjacent to a second side of the baluster 120. Both the second member 108B of the first clipping device 108 and the second member 110B of the second clipping device 110 are positioned adjacent to a third side of the baluster 120 and the first member 110A of the second clipping device 110 is positioned adjacent to a fourth side of the baluster 120.
Specifically, a baluster will typically have four sides. The clipping devices 108, 110 (optionally in conjunction with the plate 104) can touch all four sides of the baluster 120. Additionally, as the diameter and shape of balusters vary, the clipping devices 108, 110 can be any shape, length and width such that the holder 100 will hold an intended item (e.g., a flower pot) onto a baluster without any other assistance or means. In this regard, not even the weight of the intended item is necessary for the holder to maintain a self-suspending position on the baluster 120. While discussed herein in the context of a flower pot holder in conjunction with balusters, it is to be appreciated that this invention is suited to be placed on poles, railings, or any of the like so long as the channel formed between the first clipping device 108 and the second clipping device 110 correspond to the cross-section of the pole, rail, post, etc.
As noted in greater detail herein, when the holder 100 is mounted to a vertical support structure, e.g., a baluster, the object holding frame 102 extends radially out orthogonal to the baluster. In this regard, where the object holding frame 102 comprises a loop, an axis passing through the loop is substantially parallel to the baluster 120.
In an illustrative implementation, the entire flower pot holder 100 is made of painted, powder coated or otherwise colored metal, e.g., steel. However, the flower pot holder 100 can be made of alternative materials so long as the material can be made with sufficient strength, weight and durability to be able to hold itself on a baluster without having an object within the object holding frame 102 and/or without any other means or assistance, e., securements such as nails, screws, etc. The plate 104 is welded onto the object holding frame 102. Similarly, the clipping devices 108, 110 are welded onto the plate 104. However, any other method of attachment can be used to adhere the plate 104 to the object holding frame 102, the clipping devices 108, 110, or both to the plate 104. method of attachment.
As noted above, the clipping devices 108, 110 are arranged on the plate 104 in such a way that the flower pot holder 100 stays in place on the baluster 120 without a flower pot having to be placed in the object holding frame 102. Also, as noted in greater detail herein, the structures described more fully herein can be used to hold a multitude of objects such as buckets of water, buckets of rocks, any type of decoration or any type of object which an individual would want to be affixed to a baluster not only on the outside deck, front porch and stairwell area, but also in the lawn or inside a building or having a stairwell.
According to various aspects of the present invention, a holder is provided that readily attaches and detaches from a baluster, such as a stairway rail, a deck post, fence post, etc. In this regard, the surfaces of the baluster may each be flat and smooth. Accordingly, the surfaces of the holder that are adjacent to the flat surfaces of the baluster may also be flat to provide a suitably sized contact area to create the holding force necessary to temporarily suspend the holder 100 on the baluster. The holder attaches and detaches quickly from a baluster without tools, fasteners or other extra items. Moreover, the holder attaches and detaches from the baluster without requiring adjustments, or other user-configurable changes to the holder. Still further, the compact design of the holder allows the device to take up a minimal footprint of the baluster, thus providing the ability to use the holder, even in environments with constrained space availability. In this manner, the small size of the plate 104 allows the flower pot holder 100 to be used in multiples (e.g., on opposite sides of a baluster, in close proximity to each other, etc.). Yet further, the design of the holder facilitates self supporting on the baluster without requiring the additional weight of the item to be held, thus making it easy to install and use the holder.
It is understood that the above is a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and that various changes, alterations and modifications that would be apparent to someone skilled in art could be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for holding a flower pot comprising:

an object holding device dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot;

a plate affixed to the object holding device such that a first flat major surface of the plate extends radially out from the object holding device and the first flat major surface is orthogonal to the cross-section of the object holding device;

a first clipping device affixed to and extending from the first flat major surface of the plate; and

a second clipping device affixed to and extending from the first flat major surface of the plate;

wherein:

the first and second clipping devices are fixedly positioned in spaced apart opposing fashion so as to form a vertical channel therethrough when oriented such that the cross section of the object holding device extends horizontally out from the plate, the vertical channel having a fixed cross-section; and

the apparatus temporarily secures to a baluster when installed such that the baluster passes through the channel, even while the object holding device is empty.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object holding device comprises a rectangular hollow tube that is bent into an annular ring.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device and the second clipping device is twice the horizontal distance between the first clipping device and the second clipping device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second clipping devices each comprise a generally U-shape member that are configured such that the U-shape of the first clipping device opens towards the object holding device, and the U-shape of the second clipping device opens away from the object holding device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the horizontal distance between a bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device and a bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, corresponds to the depth of the baluster to which the apparatus is configured to attach.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device and the second clipping device is twice the horizontal distance between the bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device and the bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device.

7. A holder comprising:

an object holding device defining a ring having rim;

a plate extending radially out from the rim of the ring, the plate having a first flat surface oriented orthogonal to the cross section of the rim;

a first clipping device having:

a first member and a second member, the first member having a length extending out from the plate orthogonal to the first flat surface and the second member extending out from the end of the first member in a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member and towards the rim; and

a second clipping device having:

a first member and a second member, the first member having a length extending out from the plate orthogonal to the first flat surface and the second member extending out from the end of the first member in a direction orthogonal to the length of the first member and away from the rim;

wherein:

the first clipping device and the second clipping device are so positioned on the plate so as to form a channel therebetween; and

the holder is temporarily installable onto a baluster such that the baluster passes through the channel and:

the flat surface of the plate is adjacent a first side of the baluster;

the first member of the first clipping device is adjacent to a second side of the baluster;

both the second member of the first clipping device and the second member of the second clipping device are adjacent to a third side of the baluster; and

the first member of the second clipping device is adjacent to a fourth side of the baluster.

8. The holder of claim 7, wherein the object holding device and the plate have sufficient weight that the holder is temporarily suspended on the baluster independently of securements penetrating through the plate and into the baluster.

9. The holder of claim 7, wherein the object holding device and the plate have sufficient weight that the holder is temporarily suspended on the baluster independently of weight added to the object holding device.

10. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the first and second clipping devices are permanently attached to the plate so as to define a channel having a fixed cross-section therebetween.

11. The holder according to claim 7, wherein ring comprises a single shaped rectangular hollow tube.

12. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the height of the plate when installed on a baluster is less than or equal to one quarter of the diameter of the ring.

13. The holder according to claim 7, wherein the height of the plate when installed on the baluster, is configured to be greater than the width of the baluster.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device and the second clipping device is twice the horizontal distance between the first clipping device and the second clipping device.

15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first and second clipping devices each comprise a generally U-shape member that are configured such that the U-shape of the first clipping device opens towards the object holding device, and the U-shape of the second clipping device opens away from the object holding device.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the horizontal distance between a bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device and a bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, corresponds to the depth of the baluster to which the apparatus is configured to attach.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, when the cross-section of the object holding device is oriented horizontally, the vertical height between the first clipping device and the second clipping device is twice the horizontal distance between the bottom of the U-shape of the first clipping device and the bottom of the U-shape of the second clipping device.

18. An apparatus for holding a flower pot, where the apparatus attaches to a baluster having a first, second, third and four side; the apparatus comprising:

an object holding device dimensioned to conform to the rim of the flower pot;

a plate affixed to the object holding device, wherein the plate comprises a first horizontal side, a second horizontal side, a first vertical side, and a second vertical side; and

a first clipping device affixed to the plate comprising a first member that runs orthogonal with the first horizontal side of the plate, and a second member that runs parallel with the horizontal side of the plate; and

a second clipping device affixed to the plate comprising a first member that runs orthogonal with the second horizontal side of the plate, and a second member that runs parallel with the second horizontal side of the plate,

wherein the plate engages the first side of the baluster;

wherein the first member of the first clipping device engages the second side of the baluster;

wherein the second member of the first clipping device and the second member of the second clipping device each engage the third side of the baluster; and

wherein the first member of the second clipping device engages the fourth side of the baluster.