Exploration of versatile clamping mechanism and brace system for table attachment to lamp posts and poles in urban settings

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to explore potential designs for a table that attaches to poles and street signs outside food trucks. A convenient placement of tables could greatly facilitate and improve the eating experience for food truck customers and simultaneously keep people nearby for repeated business and community development. A table design without legs, that uses existing structures, such as street signs, telephone poles and lamp posts for support, was initially explored. Three goals were identified for the table's functionality. These goals included clamping to signs and poles of various diameters, safely supporting large loads and a simple, quick deployment process. Initial prototypes failed in fulfilling all three goals, largely due to inappropriate clamping mechanisms. In choosing a ratchet tie down strap as the final clamping mechanism, further improvements and designs were explored. Ultimately, an all in one table and brace system, involving an unfolding table surface was settled on.