Abstract:
A solid polymeric fence post having a cross-shaped axial opening therein that readily and easily receives a T-shaped or Y-shaped metal fence post. The fence post provides an aesthetic and pleasing appearance while simultaneously facilitating ease of installation and permitting the use of wood, polymeric, or metal rails, offering more aesthetic options. The fence post also provides greater flexibility in attaching electrical deterrents in a more secure and pleasing manner than with traditional metal fence posts.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of and claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/732,319 filed Dec. 1, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/836,722 filed Jun. 19, 2013, the entire disclosure of both of which is incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to fence posts, and more particularly to a decorative and functional synthetic resin post that is securely mounted on a steel fence post and to a fence constructed therefrom. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In the past, fence posts were typically formed from wood, spaced at periodic intervals. These posts were installed by digging holes for each post and then inserting the post in the hole. This is time consuming and labor intensive. The rails used with the traditional wood fence posts include wood beams, boards, or wire. As an alternative to wood posts, metal fence posts are sometimes used, particularly for use with wire rails. Such metal fence posts are commonly formed with a T-shaped cross section (known as a “T-post”). These are typically available in standard and heavy duty configurations. Variations of the metal fence post include a Y-shaped cross section. 
         [0004]    One disadvantage with metal fence posts is that they are unattractive. Another disadvantage is that insulators are required when electric fencing is desired. Finally, the posts are only useful for metal fencing, and there is no readily available method for attaching plank rails to metal fence posts without substantial modification or alteration. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This invention is intended to replace many of the current fence designs that require holes to be dug and then either wood or plastic fence posts be fitted in the holes. 
         [0006]    The invention utilizes common steel T-posts that are driven into the ground. Polymeric posts are then placed over the steel T-posts. The design is unique in that the polymeric post is designed with a cross-shaped (+) cavity or hole that extends into the post from the lower end and allows the post to be snugly inserted over either a standard or heavy duty steel T-post. The cavity/hole is designed so that it provides a friction fit, thus eliminating fasteners and preventing the post from being lifted by an animal rubbing against it. The ability to drive a steel T-post into the ground and then simply place the polymeric post over the steel T-post allows the fence to be built quickly, be strong, and be economical. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a traditional T-shaped metal fence post or T-post; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of a fence section employing the post of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of one embodiment the fence post of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the fence post shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an overhead cross-sectional view of the fence post shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    For purposes of the following description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivatives of such terms shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 2 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and configurations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts of this invention. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting unless expressly stated otherwise. 
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view of one embodiment of a fence  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a number of spaced fence posts  12  extending upwardly from the ground  14  and interconnected by a plurality of rails  16 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each fence post  12  comprises an elongated polymeric body having any one of a number of geometric cross-sectional shapes (square, rectangular, round, etc.). In the embodiment shown, the fence posts  12  have rectangular cross-sections (as shown in  FIG. 5 ). In one embodiment of the invention, each post  12  is formed from a polymeric material such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or other forms of polymer that are readily available. Moreover, it is preferred that the blend of polymer used be capable of having a UV stabilizer added thereto to make it resistant to UV radiation. 
         [0014]    As shown in the drawings, each post  12  includes a cross-shaped cavity  20  extending substantially through the length thereof from at a lower end of the post  22 . The dimensions of the cavity  20  are preferably configured so as to tightly receive the cross-sectional dimension of a typical T-shaped steel post  24  that is or was previously anchored or otherwise placed in the ground  14 . A cross-shaped cavity  20  with flanges a quarter of an inch wide is generally satisfactory to create a snug fit on a typical T-post  24 . To keep the fence post  12  firmly anchored to the steel post  24 , fasteners or anchors (not shown) may be driven through the sides of the polymeric fence post  12  at predetermined locations to penetrate the fence post  12  and engage the steel post  24  disposed within the cavity  20 . 
         [0015]    Unique with the invention are the slots  28  formed along one side of the post  12 . By having these slots  28 , horizontal wood or solid plastic board rails  16  may be inserted into the slots  28  and then covered with a vertical stile or cover panel  30  attached to the fence post  12  by screws  32  positioned between the ends of the adjacent rails  16  to hold the railing in place. This allows the fencing material of the rails  16  to expand or contract with temperature changes. The polymeric fence post  12  may also be manufactured without slots  28 . Post  12  may be used where the owner wanted to install some type of electric fencing material such as vinyl tape, electrical braided rope, or wire. The electric fencing material can be easily attached to posts  12  without the need for separate insulators. 
         [0016]    As briefly mentioned above, posts  12  may have any geometric shape, including rectangular, square, round, and the like. They can be made in various lengths depending on the intended use. For example, a sixty inch post may have a forty-eight inch cavity that could be used over a steel T-post that is driven into the ground so that only a portion is left above ground. A six-foot post can have a sixty-inch cavity for a higher fence. Corner posts generally should be longer so that such posts can be set in concrete to withstand the pulling force exerted on the fence. Corner posts may also have the horizontal slots formed on adjacent sides for the fencing material. End posts can be used for end of fence runs or where a gate or opening is needed. These posts are also generally longer so as to allow them to be set in concrete and have the slots on one side. 
         [0017]    It is contemplated that fence posts be made from a plastic material such as recycled plastic milk jugs or some other plastic. Dyes can be added during manufacture to produce white, black, brown, gray, or some other color that is desired to be throughout the post. The posts can also have wood grain texture molded in to simulate real wood. Because the posts are generally manufactured from a polymer, the posts are resistive to rotting, insects, and sunlight deterioration. 
         [0018]    The fence  10  of the present invention is very easy to build. First, the corner or end posts are installed in concrete. Then the steel posts  24  are placed in the ground  14  at proper spacing depending on whether wood rails  16  are to be used. If wood rails  16  are to be used, the spacing should be such that the ends of each rail  16  are centered on the steel posts  24 . Then plastic posts  12  are slid or tapped down over the steel posts  24 . Wood rails  16  are installed into the slots  28  on each fence post  12  and secured by installing a short vertical board  30  over the slots  28 . 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , using screws  32 , the vertical board  30  is attached to the fence post  12 . The screws  32  are installed into the vertical board  30  such that each screw  32  is centered in each slot  28  and does not pass through any wood rail  16 . This allows for each rail  16  to expand and contract but does not allow it to move so much that it will slip out of the slot  28  in which the rail  16  is installed. If a solid post (without slots) is used, the fencing material, braided wire rope, vinyl strapping, or electrical wire is simply attached to each post using screws, staples, or nails. The fence is easy to build, and, when completed, the fence is durable and visually appealing. 
         [0020]    The only disadvantage of the design of the present invention is that, in most instances, the posts are somewhat heavy. This, however, can really be an advantage, since once installed the posts form sturdy fences that provide significant resistance to being lifted by an animal. There are many other advantages to this type of fence post as well. The ease of installation, yet strength of build that is created by utilizing easily installed steel posts is an important feature. The ease of using many different types of fencing material, including electrical fencing without the need for insulators, is another significant feature. Finally, these posts are capable of being very competitively priced by being made from recycled plastic as compared to other fencing options. This use of recycled materials is also good for the environment, as it reduces landfill waste. 
         [0021]    The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.