Patent ID: 6330998
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: E04H

Abstract:
A combination studded steel T-post and an extruded plastic sheath for covering the studded steel T-post, the combination comprising:a studded steel T-post having generally a T-shaped cross-section defined by a stem and a haunched flange having a belly side and a dorsal side, wherein the stem inserts into the belly side of the haunched flange and wherein the flange has opposite eave portions which extend from origins in the stem insertion to respective free edges, and extending down the lengthwise axial run of the dorsal side there is formed a row of generally uniformly spaced studs; and wherein said T-post the has such a size that the T-post is capable of sliding inside a hole having a nominal inside diameter D; with,an extruded plastic sheath for covering the studded steel T-post, comprising:a tubular wall having inner and outer sides and surrounding a main lumen sized sufficiently large to allow the T-post to slide axially therein;a series of rails which project into the lumen from origins on the inner side of the tubular wall, wherein the series of rails comprise a pair of generally parallel temple rails for defining a close-fitting slideway for the row of studs, a pair of cooperating base rails defining a close-fitting slideway for the stem of the T-post and being located generally diametrically opposite the temple rails, and, a pair of generally opposed eave rails intermediate the temple and base rails for guiding the belly sides of the opposite eaves;wherein said tubular wall is sized to define a nominally round conduit having a nominal inside diameter in excess of 30% greater than D in order to facilitate sliding of the extrusion-produced sheath over the T-post and thereby avoid undue binding or sticking.