Abstract:
A system to be used in t-post fence arrangements. The system comprises an adjustable locking brace having two specialized ends which permit the brace to be used in a variety of bracing configurations. The system further includes hinge pins for connecting a gate to a t-post fence. Other devices and apparatus are provided which further assist in the building and maintenance of t-post fences.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/323,175 filed on Apr. 15, 2016 and 62/243,869 filed on Oct. 20, 2015. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to fence installation and construction, and, more specifically to t-post fence bracing elements, hinge pins, and other related elements and equipment, and methods of use thereof. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Agricultural fences and similar fencing enclosures are often constructed using metal posts having a t-shaped cross-section, generally known as t-posts. These t-posts can be used as the principal supporting structure of both temporary and permanent fences. T-posts are often used in straight-run fencing but are not used for corners or bracing posts. Fences incorporating such t-posts are considerably less expensive, and generally easier and faster to install, than fences using wooden posts as anchors. Wooden posts, however, are often required for corners and bracing purposes. Power equipment is typically used to install such wooden posts. In addition, wooden fence posts are often sunk into concrete for added stability and reinforcement. Longer fences which cover greater areas may require substantial reinforcement and bracing. Accordingly, installation of a large number of wooden posts using power equipment and concrete can be costly and time-consuming. Finally, wooden posts have a finite life span which is exceeded by that of metal t-posts. Extending a fence around a large area of land generally requires the assistance of several persons and machinery in order to complete the task. 
         [0004]    Using wooden posts for corners and bracing fence posts can present certain other challenges. Wooden posts must be braced, typically with other horizontal wooden posts and diagonal steel cables, in order to properly stretch, and attach, fencing material between the posts. In addition, bracing is often necessary in fences which follow a curved path or are any length beyond fifty or so yards. Finally, due to the forces acting upon corner and support posts, both at installation and during the life of the fence, it is essential that such corner elements be adequately braced. 
         [0005]    There is, therefore, a need for a fencing system that allows one person to install a complete, reinforced fence without the need for additional manpower, heavy equipment, or other assistance. 
       OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the invention to provide a fence bracing system which can be installed by a single person. It is a further object of the invention to provide a fencing system in which no wooden posts are required. It is a further object of the invention to provide a system which can be used to assist in building a t-post fence without the need for heavy equipment or heavy machinery. It is a further object of the invention to provide a system which can be used to assist in building a t-post fence with the fewest components possible, without the need for multiple clamps or brackets and hand tools. 
         [0007]    Additional objects of the invention are to create braced corners in fences, to brace metal posts on a straight-run, as well as on an uphill or downhill fence, to assist in running fencing around trees or through wooded areas using all metal posts, to assist in running fencing into or through creeks and small streams by “reverse bracing” posts from bottom up, and to assist in the installation and bracing of gates in t-post fencing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention teaches a fence bracing system, i.e., an apparatus and method, to brace or support t-posts which are used to construct what is commonly known as a t-post fence. The system eliminates the need for cumbersome and potentially expensive wooden posts and braces for fence corners and for post bracing in straight-line fencing. The system permits a single user to brace and install a fence for a small to moderate area without the need for additional manpower or assistance, extensive tools, or heavy equipment. The system includes a plurality of locking brace elements which snap into place and serve to brace the t-posts in the fence. The locking brace elements include a narrow key-fork end and a wide angle-lock fork end. The respective ends, when applied using the method disclosed herein, are designed to be mounted at various positions on a t-post and provide secure bracing for fence posts in straight-runs, in corners, and in conjunction with gates. The various applications discussed herein, such as straight-line bracing, corner bracing, and reverse bracing, all rely upon the novel locking function of the brace element. The system can be used with a t-post fence strung with barbed wire, chain link fence, and similar fence that comes in a roll. The invention further includes specialized upper and lower gate pins for attaching a gate to a t-post and a wire-stretch bracket which further assists in stretching fencing wire from t-post to t-post. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is front view of the bracing system when in use. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the key-lock fork on a bracing element. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the angle-lock fork on a bracing element. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a close-up front view of a t-post having two bracing elements attached thereto. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a front view of straight-run bracing using the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of straight-run bracing using the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a front view of corner bracing using the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a close-up side view of a corner post braced using the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a front view of reverse bracing using the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9A  shows three views involving an extension bar. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  shows a front view of a gate braced using the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the upper gate pin when installed. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the lower gate pin when installed. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the gate pins. 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the gate pins. 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the upper gate pin, as manufactured. 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a top view of the bottom gate pin, as manufactured. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of horizontal bracing using the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is an alternate front view of a gate braced using the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of horizontal bracing using the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18B  is a perspective view of the fence and a planar view of a gate pin. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of the t-post removal function. 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the wire-stretch bracket. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the wire-stretch bracket in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    The invention consists of various elements which, when used according to the system provided herein, form a fencing system which serves to assist a user in installing and bracing a t-post type fence. The fundamental component of the system is a locking brace element. The system also includes specialized upper and lower gate pins, and a wire-stretch bracket. 
         [0034]    The locking brace element  100 , also referred to as a t-brace, can be seen in  FIG. 1 . When in use, the locking brace element  100  is rigidly fixed to one or more t-posts to provide support for such posts. The locking brace element  100  comprises an elongated, L-shaped body  110 , formed of metal in the preferred embodiment, which is comprised of two sections, a key-lock section  120  and a wide angle-lock section  130 . The key-lock section  120  terminates in a key-lock fork  140 . The angle-lock section  130  terminates in a wide-angle fork  150 . A plurality of adjustment apertures or holes  160  are longitudinally spaced from one another at substantially regular intervals along the length of the bracing element body  110 . In the preferred embodiment, the adjustment holes are positioned every two inches. The positioning of the holes away from the bend of the bar&#39;s L-channel is calculated to assure that when locked together, the two portions of the body  110  are flat on top of one another in order to transfer strength without placing extra stress on the locking bolt. 
         [0035]    The two sections of the body, the key-lock section  120  and angle-lock section  130 , are joined by a hinge pin  170 , which is a removable nut and bolt. The bolt of the hinge pin  170  passes through apertures  160 , on both the first and second portions of the bracing element  100 , which have been axially aligned, i.e., the apertures  160  in each section are aligned such that the bolt of the hinge pin  170  can pass through the corresponding aperture on each section in order to connect the two sections  120 ,  130 . It will be recognized that the hinge pin may be positioned within any pair of aligned apertures in order to create the hinge at any desired point. The placement of the hinge pin  170  can be used to adjust the overall length of the bracing element  100 . Further, the hinge pin  170  allows limited rotation about the bolt such that the sections  120 ,  130  may be folded onto each other for ease of storage and transport. The locking brace  100  also includes a locking bolt and wing nut  175  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) for rigidly securing the body when in operation. 
         [0036]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the narrow key-lock fork  140  is formed by a first-end  160  of the body  110 , a center portion  170 , and a flange  180 . The center portion  170  extends orthogonally from the edge of body  110  and is essentially flat with a forward tongue  190  and a rear tongue  200 . When in use, the forward tongue  190  applies pressure to the curvature of the t-post, thereby strengthening the bracing function. This tongue also allows a user to utilize the key-fork to twist a t-post that may have been driven slightly out of alignment with the fence line. The tongue  190  further allows the locking brace to be installed from either direction on a t-post. The rear tongue  200 , which is shorter than the forward tongue  190 , serves to stabilize a t-post and locking brace when the locking brace is used for horizontal bracing. 
         [0037]    The extension of the upper tongue from the center portion  170  results in the formation of two upper channels  210 . The upper channels keep the key-lock fork locked into place when the locking brace is angled down in use. These channels also assist with various other bracing functions. The extension of the lower tongue from the center portion  170  results in the formation of two lower channels  220 . When in use, the key-lock fork  140  secures the locking brace  100  to the narrow dimension of a standard t-post. The fork width E is of such dimensions that the lock space  240  is able to slide under the knob of a standard t-post and will clear the other side of the t-post by approximately 1/16 of an inch. The key-lock fork  140  may be composed of separate pieces or formed integrally with the body  110 . The key-lock fork  140  engages the t-post when locking pressure is applied at ninety degrees or at any smaller angle, down to forty-five degrees to the t-post at contact pressure point. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the wide-angle fork  150 , also referred to as the rotating angle fork, is formed by the second end  250  of the L-shaped body  110 , a center portion  270 , and a flange  280 . The center portion  270  extends orthogonally from the edge of the body  110  and has two parallel edges which run perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the body  110  and of the flange  280 . The wide-angle fork  150  is wider than the key-lock fork and as wide as the widest portion of a conventional t-post. This permits the wide-angle fork, when inserted under the key-lock fork, to provide support for corners in any direction in the fence, as shown in  FIG. 8 . The wide-angle fork serves as a wide stop at ground level on a t-post in order to insure that the brace will not loosen over time. The width B of the lock space  300  is sufficient to clear the widest dimension of a t-post, as indicated above. The rear edge  290  of the wide-angle fork serves as a point of contact on the wide-angle fork when the brace is being used for horizontal bracing. The rear edge  290  is forcibly engaged with the t-post under the t-post knob in horizontal corner bracing or gate bracing. The wide-angle fork  150  may be composed of separate pieces or formed integrally with the body  110 . 
         [0039]    The holes  160  on the key lock portion  120  match the holes in the wide-angle fork section  130  when the two sections are slid together and the brace element is set. The locking holes in the two sections are situated such that when the locking bolts are in place, the channels on each section are flush with one another, thereby eliminating pressure on the locking bolts. This section of doubled-up channels adds strength to the center portion of the brace, reducing the tendency for it to bend under pressure. The holes are placed in such a position that when the locking bolts are inserted the octagonal heads of the bolt will not rotate when being secured with the wing nut. This added feature eliminates the need for the use of tools. 
         [0040]    A basic bracing arrangement, through the use of one bracing element  100  disposed between first and second t-posts  300 ,  310 , is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . These t-posts, as are all of those used with this invention, are conventional t-posts which are embedded into the ground. Once the hinge pin  170  is positioned within the desired adjustment hole  160 , the bracing element  100  is placed into position between the first and second t-posts  300 ,  310 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , in this configuration, the locking brace is used in diagonal position between the posts. The key-lock fork  140  is secured to the upper portion of the first t-post  300  and the angle lock fork  150  is secured to the bottom of the second t-post  310 . The bracing element  100  may be oriented base-to-tip between the posts in either direction, subject to the limitation of the locking mechanisms on the bracing element  100 . In this case, once the bracing element  100  is placed into the desired position, pressure is applied to a portion  315  of the second element which brings the locking brace into its aligned and locked position. The locked position is maintained by placing a lock bolt with wing nut  175 , and tightening same, in an adjustment hole  160 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4A  illustrates the mechanics of the bracing mechanism in standard, straight-run bracing. In  FIG. 4A , t-post  320  is being braced by a first locking brace  330 , and a second locking brace  340 . The key-lock fork  350  of the first locking brace  330  is in the primary bracing position under t-post knob  360 . The key-lock fork slides in the narrow part of the t-post (shown in  FIG. 4( b ) ). Once the opposite end of the first-locking brace is properly mounted, force or pressure will be exerted along the length of the locking brace, as shown by arrows A, which forces the locking brace into a secured position under the knob  360 . As shown, a second locking brace  340  may be secured to the t-post  320  in a conventional straight run bracing scenario. In such a case, second locking brace  340 , is mounted on the t-post. This second locking brace  340  is positioned under the first brace  330  and, when mounted, may exert an upward force on the first locking brace as shown by arrows B. This upward force serves to further secure the first locking brace  330  in position. It will be noted that while the second locking brace is secured immediately below, and in contact with, the first locking brace in  FIG. 4 , it could be installed further down on the t-post  320  at a position where it is not in contact with the first locking brace  330  in order to reach the next t-post in a fence going down a hill. 
         [0042]    The key-lock fork  140  is used to secure the bracing element to the narrow dimension of a standard t-post. Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the key-lock  140  is secured in place by first orienting the bracing element  100  in a location approximately ninety degrees from the long (vertical) axis of the t-post  320 . The key-lock  140  is pushed forward onto the t-post  320  just below a knob  350  until the tongue  190  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is in contact with the t-post  320 . The key-lock fork slides under the knob and clears the other side of the t-post (the face opposite the knob) by approximately 1/16 th  of an inch (1.5875 mm). In a standard three-post brace, the bracing element is then angled down resulting in an upward force, shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , which assists in securing the key lock fork  140  under the t-post knob. When the situation permits, or requires, the locking brace  100  can be mounted such that the body  110  is positioned on the outside of the t-post, i.e., on side of the t-post opposite that which has the fencing wire secured to it. This orientation prevents the body from obstructing the knobs of the t-post which could be problematic when stretching wire between the two braced t-posts. 
         [0043]    The preferred embodiment includes two principal straight run bracing configurations, the three post “W” configuration and the two post “X” configuration. In a normal fence run, the t-posts are often placed about the length of a t-post apart (about 6 feet apart). The locking brace does, however, include a hinge pin which is movable along the length of the locking brace. This permits a certain amount of adjustment in order to accommodate t-posts that are spaced closer or further apart than the typical six foot spacing. 
       Straight Run Bracing 
       [0044]    In the preferred embodiment, straight-run bracing of a center t-post is accomplished via a three post “W” bracing arrangement as shown in  FIG. 5 . This is accomplished by placing the key-lock fork (narrow fork) of a first locking brace  400  on the upper end of a first t-post  410  (which is the center post). The wider end (the other fork) of the first locking brace  400  is placed down near the bottom of the second t-post  420  (outside left post). The hinge on the first locking brace  400  is pushed down to align the two sections of the first locking brace  400 . The position bolt of the first locking brace  400  is slid through the desired hole and a wingnut is secured on the end of the bolt, thereby, locking the first locking brace  400  in place. 
         [0045]    The key-lock fork of the second locking brace element  425  is then mounted towards the top of the center post  410  and the wide fork on the bottom of a third post  430  (outside right post). The second brace can be mounted with the wide-angle fork under brace  400  with the key-lock fork at the bottom of an adjoining t-post in order to have the brace bar away from the stretched fence wire. The second brace  425  is also closed, aligned, and then secured by the position bolt in the same fashion as the first locking brace  400 . This results in an adequately braced center post  410  that can be stretched against, when installing fencing, in either direction along the fence line. 
         [0046]    Straight-run bracing can also be accomplished through the use of X-bracing, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this configuration, it only takes two posts to accomplish the same stretching as in the three post straight-run bracing. The first locking brace  440  is installed between a first post  450  and a second post  460 . It is generally preferable, to mount the first locking brace  440  such that the body  470  is behind the t-posts  450 ,  460  in order to avoid any interference with the fence wire when it is being stretched and installed. The fence wire is then stretched from the post  460  to post  450 . Once the fence wire is secured, the second locking brace  480  is installed between the posts  450 ,  460  over the fence wire. The fence wire can then be stretched from the post  450  further along the fence. In this scenario, the locking braces  440 ,  480  would typically be installed from the bottom up, and, accordingly, a user would push up, rather than push down to align and lock the two sections of each locking brace. 
       Corner Bracing 
       [0047]    The locking braces can be used to brace a corner t-post from any angle. In a typical scenario, a fence would run along a first fence line, enter a corner, and then emerge to run along a second fence line which would lie at approximately a right angle relative to the first fence line. As seen in  FIG. 7 , this bracing configuration involves a first bracing t-post  500  (in fence line A), a second bracing t-post  510  (in fence line B), a corner t-post  520 , and two locking braces  610 ,  690 . In the preferred embodiment, the corner post  520  is positioned such that the t-post knobs are facing out, in line with the fence-line A, i.e., away from the area being enclosed by the fencing, so one can wrap the wire around the outside braced corner post. If the wire were to be run in front, it would have to be held by conventional wire clips which could pop off when the fence wire is tightened. In the embodiment shown herein, the wire is being held against the braced corner post. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the key-lock  680  of first locking brace  690  is mounted on the top of the corner post  520  and angle-lock fork  630  of the locking brace  690  is mounted on the bottom of the first bracing t-post  500 . Pressure is then applied to the middle of the first locking brace  690  and this locks the two sections into place. Since the corner post  520  is sideways (relative to the second t-post  510  which is at a right angle), one must use the angle-lock side  600  on the second locking brace  610 . The angle-lock fork  600  of locking brace  610  goes on the top of the corner post  520 , just below the key lock portion  680  of the first brace  690 ; this configuration uses the first locking brace  690  as a stop and prevents the second locking brace  610  from being forced off of the corner post  520  once it is mounted. The narrow key lock portion of the second locking brace then goes to the bottom of the second-bracing t-post  510 . The second locking brace  610  is then also locked into place. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates the basic mechanics of corner bracing using the invention. Corner post  700  is being braced via first locking brace  710  and second locking brace  720 . The locked position of the key lock fork  730  of the first locking brace becomes the stop for further horizontal or right angle bracing. In this embodiment, the corner post  700  is right-angle braced from the back side of the t-post  700  (the side opposite the knobs) by the angle-fork of the second locking brace  720 , which is pressed up against the key-lock fork  730  of the first brace  710 . 
         [0050]    No diagonal wires are needed in the corners as are often required in conventional wood-post fencing arrangements. A corner post braced in this fashion is able to resist considerable lateral forces pulling along the fence line in either direction. 
       Reverse Bracing 
       [0051]    The system is also designed for another configuration, reverse bracing, which can be used in situations in which a t-post in a fence line is positioned below the general fence line, typically in a soggy or wet gully, small stream, or on a depressed surface. In conventional arrangements, which do not employ reverse bracing, the overall wire tension of the fence generally applies an upward force upon the lower positioned t-post. Over time, this pressure tends to uproot the t-post which compromises the integrity of the fence. 
         [0052]    Under these circumstances, the fence can be reverse braced using four bracing elements as shown in  FIG. 9  to insure that the depressed post is not pulled up by the force of the stretched fence wire. The t-posts are braced from the bottom-up with the key-lock forks being on the bottom. The angle-lock fork of each locking brace is held by a locked t-post which is within the normal fence line, e.g., outside the gully or ravine. 
         [0053]    More specifically, in this configuration, two bracing elements  750 ,  760  are secured to the t-post  770  in the gully or wet ground. Unlike in the prior configurations, the key lock forks of the two bracing elements  750 ,  760  are positioned on the lower portion of the t-post  770 . The bracing elements  750 ,  760  then extend to the two respective t-posts  780 , 790  which are located on higher ground. T-posts  780 , 790  are then braced by successive t-posts  800  along the fence line. The second set of brace elements is oriented in a standard configuration: the key lock forks  810 ,  820  are positioned on the top portion of the t-posts. The key lock forks on the lower portion of the sunken post prevent that post from riding upward when pressure is applied. 
         [0054]    Further, the key lock forks  810 ,  820  of the additional bracing elements  830 ,  840  lock the angle-lock forks  850 ,  860  into place and force (upward force that may be exerted by the sunken post) is ultimately transmitted from the wide angle forks to the bracing elements and then the other t-posts  800 . This prevents the angle-lock forks  850 ,  860  from riding up and off of the bracing t-posts. 
       Brace Extension 
       [0055]    An extension bar may also be utilized in order to provide the ability to shorten the overall length of the locking brace for shipping and ease of use. This can also be used to reduce the weight of the locking brace when used in smaller applications, such as backyard fencing and gardening. 
         [0056]    Referencing  FIG. 9A , the extension bar is designed to be positioned between a key-lock portion bar  1650  and a wide-fork portion bar  1660 . In part A, the end  1670  of the key-lock portion is shown having two slots  1601  disposed to receive a hook  1602  on the extension bar B which is snapped in to the end of the fork bar. Each slot  1601  has a corresponding hole  1603  which may receive a bolt  1604  and locking nut (not shown). Part C is a flat view of the bar before an angle bar is formed. The hook  1605  is positioned slightly off-center  1606 , i.e., off the center bend, to assure it will grab the flat segment for strength. Part D is an enlarged side view of the locking hook. As seen in part E, the bolt holes used for the extension connection  1610  are located below the brace locking holes. This permits a user to insert a locking bolt from the inside of the locking bar&#39;s L-channel while holding the bolt&#39;s head to keep it from turning when the wing nut on the outside of the bar is tightened. The locking holes on the extension bar are located at the same positions and with the same spacing as on the key lock portion  1650  and the wide lock portion  1660 . This assures normal adjustment and fixation when the extension is in place and the brace is assembled. The positioning of the locking holes away from the bend of the bar&#39;s L-channel is calculated to assure that when locked together, the key lock portion bar  1650  and the wide lock portion bar  1660  are flat on top of one another in order to transfer strength from the key lock portion bar  1650  to the wide lock portion bar  1660  without placing extra stress on the locking bolts. 
       Fencing Around an Obstacle 
       [0057]    The system can be used to reinforce t-posts that are positioned around an obstacle, such as a tree, which is obstructing the path of the fence. In this arrangement, for instance, two locking braces are used to brace an outlying t-post which sits beyond an otherwise generally straight fence line. The outlying t-post is braced with a first locking brace such that the key-fork of the first locking brace is on top relative to the second locking brace, i.e., the key-fork is positioned above the second t-brace which is also attached to the outlying t-post and is also being used to brace the outside post from the other direction. This orientation prevents the top locking brace from being pushed off the outlying t-post by the second locking brace which is positioned underneath the first locking brace. 
       Hinge Pins and Gate Attachment/Bracing 
       [0058]    The system includes components, and a method of using those components, which can be used to attach a gate to a t-post, in particular to a t-post which has been reinforced using one or more locking brace elements. As seen in  FIGS. 10-12 , gate attachment is accomplished with the use of two gate pins, an upper gate pin  900  and a lower gate pin  910 . It will be recognized that in order to attach the gate  920  to the gate pins  900 ,  910 , the gate must have two mounting brackets, loops, or other such structures  930  disposed to receive the projections from the respective gate pins as do standard farm gates. 
         [0059]    As seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the pressure of the hanging gate  920  secures the upper gate pin  900  under the knob  940  of the t-post  950  and prevents it from sliding up on the post. The length of the pin projection  960 , which extends beyond the mounting bracket  930 , further strengthens the coupling. The rounded protrusion  970  of the gate pin, best seen in  FIG. 13 , guides the gate such that it can be opened to over  105  degrees from the closed position in either direction. In a locked position, the upper gate pin  900  is lined up vertically with the lower gate pin  910  and both gate pins are equidistant from the t-post  950 . 
         [0060]    As seen in  FIGS. 10 and 12 , the lower gate pin  910  is also mounted on a t-post knob and further includes a pin projection  980 . As seen in  FIG. 12 , the pressure A of the hanging gate is down and towards the t-post  950 . The gate bracket rests on washer  985  thereby evenly applying downward pressure for smoother rotation of gate  920 . When the gate pin is used with a worn gate, and the space indicated by -C- is not present, the rounded pipe shape of the gate will allow the gate to rotate smoothly on the washer and rounded side edge of the pin, preventing further wear. The extra height of pin projection  980  reduces the likelihood of the gate  920  from being accidentally lifted off of the lower gate pin. 
         [0061]    The distance between the t-post and a locked lower gate pin exactly matches the distance between the t-post and a locked upper gate pin. This places both gate pins in a vertical position to the t-post thereby minimizing wear. When tilted, the lower gate pin&#39;s thickness rests against the wings of the t-post, securely locking the lower gate pin  910  into the correct position. The angle of bend of the lower gate pin  910 , in conjunction with both pressure points of -F-, guarantees that the pin projection  980  will sit parallel to post. When locked, the knob on the t-post keeps the lower gate pin from slipping down on t-post. 
         [0062]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11, 13, and 14 , the reversible design of the upper gate pin  900  allows a gate to be mounted to the left or right of a standard t-post. It includes a mounting notch  1000  which is used to clear the knobs on the t-post during installation and easily slides onto the t-post with a 1/32″ clearance on three sides. The guide tongue  1010  helps to slide the gate pin onto the t-post. D as shown in  FIG. 15  reflects the critical distance to lock the upper gate pin into a horizontal position when the gate is hung. The outward pressure of the gate keeps the gate pin under the knob  940  on the t-post. The entire upper gate pin  900  locks onto the t-post via pressure from the gate pulling away from post. 
         [0063]    The curved locking tongue  1020  follows the curvature in a standard t-post. The design of the upper gate pin allows the gate to swing open to  105  degrees or more, in either direction, from the closed position in the fence. The extra length of the pin projection helps secure and add strength to the gate pin, even for a heavy gate. L is the distance between edge of tongue and end of slot; this utilizes the thickness of the gate pin metal, and reduces up and down wiggle of the gate pin. The space H is disposed to receive the projections of the t-post for extra stability as the tongue  1020  slides the distance D under the knob into communication with the interior section of the t-post. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 16 , the design of the bottom gate pin also allows a gate to hang to the left or right of a standard t-post. The gap  1030  between locking tongues  1040  and  1050 , with 5/16″ thick steel, is needed to tilt the lower gate pin to a 45 degree angle in order to achieve the vertical position of the pin projection  980 . A clearance of 1/32″ on three sides of the t-post&#39;s knobs allows the lower gate pin  910  to slide down and into position on the t-post. The extended distance of slots  1060  allows t-post&#39;s wings to lock onto post when tilted down and into a 45 degree position. The curvature  1050  of the gate pin matches that of a t-post, thereby, assuring a tight fit onto the post. The rear tongue  1040  is shaped to prevent most horizontal movement when gate is hung. It also allows the lower gate pin to slip toward the gate past the knob on the post, assuring a firm and steady position. This results in the gate pin being tightly locked into position. The washer  985  is added for ease of rotating the gate. The height/length of the pin projection  980  extends past that of female part on the gate for added strength. With the top projection pointing down, this combination assures that no accidental lifting/removal of gate is possible, as discussed more fully below. 
         [0065]    In practice, installation of a gate using the gate pins is quite simple. Referring now to  FIGS. 10-13, and 17 , once the t-post  950  which will serve as a gate post has been selected, the bottom gate pin  910  is slid down the gate post  950  to a desired height, e.g., a position which approximately corresponds with the lower bracket on the gate  920 . This bottom gate pin  910  is then tilted and moved forward in order to securely mount it on the knobs  1090  of the gate post  950 , as seen in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . The female lower mounting bracket of the gate  920  is then lowered onto the bottom gate pin  910  such that it is sitting on the upward facing projection of the pin. In a preferred embodiment, a washer  985  is mounted on the pin projection and the lower mounting bracket of the gate actually rests on the washer when attached. The upper gate pin  900  is then slid down the t-post  1080  until it is in a desired position, e.g. a position which corresponds with the upper bracket on the gate. The upper gate pin  900  is then moved forward to lock it into place, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The upper gate pin  900  is mounted just below a t-post knob. Once locked, the knob prevents the mounting pin from being forced upward along the t-post. When in use, the weight of the gate will pull the upper gate pin along the long axis of the gate so as to apply pressure to the upper gate pin and further secure the gate in place. 
         [0066]    The upper gate pin is positioned so that the projection from the pin body faces down, toward the ground. This is done in order to prevent an animal from lifting the gate off of the gate pins. It will be recognized that, depending on the design of the gate, it may be possible for an animal to insert its head between the sections of the gate. Such an animal might then raise its head and, under a conventional arrangement, this could force the gate up and off the mounting pins. The instant arrangement is a more secure design as it prevents the gate from being forced over the mounting projections and dismantling the gate. 
         [0067]    When in use, the gate post  950  may sag over time due to weight of the gate  920 . Alternatively, a user may desire to incline the t-post  950  away from the gate during installation in order to raise the height of the gate, i.e., raise the level of the bottom of the gate. This might be desired if, for instance, the gate was mounted on an incline or uneven terrain. In that case, a user may wish to incline the t-post so as to provide more ground clearance for the bottom of the gate. Conversely, the gate can also be lowered slightly by inclining the t-post towards the gate. 
         [0068]    The foregoing positioning can be accomplished by moving the gate post either backward or forward along the axis of the fence and securing it in position using the horizontal bracing function of this invention, an example of which is shown in  FIG. 17 . The length of the bracing element  1085 , i.e. the horizontal brace, is adjustable so that the gate post can be inclined or tilted, in either direction, along the fence line, as desired. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIGS. 17-18 , ultimately the gate post  950  is secured to another t-post  1090  via the horizontal brace  1100  and the angled brace  1110 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . The gate  920  is secured to the gate post  950 , which is further braced by other t-posts in the fence, thereby providing a strong gate. 
         [0070]    The user may want to swing mounted gate 180° on one side of the fence due to a severe slop in the terrain on either side of the fence. It is also often desirable to be able to swing the gate more than just 90° to either side of the line of the fence, as not to have a single post hold the gate open in the field, away from the fence, so animals or wind will not accidentally close gate. However, the post holding the gate open may get in the way of activities on the field. A solution to the above scenarios is provided via the alternate placement of the gate post in the line fence. Instead of the hinge pins being set in line with the fence (the conventional method), the gate post is now driven into the ground with the t-post&#39;s knobs in line with the fence and facing the gate opening; this is a 45° rotation of the gate post as shown in  FIG. 18A . Utilizing the foregoing method of turning the t-post 45° toward the gate opening  1501  places the mounted hinge pins at 90° to the line fence  1508 . This configuration allows the gate to swing its full distance, in excess of 200°, on one side of the fence. With this option there is no single post required to hold the gate open. The closed gate is now able to swing open the entire 180° in the line fence to rest against the existing fence. The bracing for this configuration can only be accomplished by via horizontal bracing shown in  FIGS. 17, and 18A . The horizontal brace  1510  in this scenario uses its wide fork back hooking function to lock onto the gate post  1500  below the t-post knob  1504  now facing toward the gate opening  1501 . This not only holds the gate post vertically, but also assures that the horizontal brace  1510  does not slip off t-post. The weight of the gate adds additional stability. The opposite end of the horizontal brace  1510  terminating in the narrow key-lock fork  1503  locks below the knob  1505  on the t-post  1507  in the fence, keeping it from slipping off the post. A diagonal brace  1110 , as seen in  FIG. 18A , is recommended to carry the weight of any metal gate longer than four feet. The adjusting holes  1509  in the horizontal brace can be adjusted, moving the gate post back or forward, so the bottom of the gate conforms to the slope of the terrain in the fence line when shut. 
       Deer Flag Pins 
       [0071]    Deer flag pins are clips that attach to the top of a standard t-post to gain an extension of height on the t-post. Deer can jump a fence as high as two meters. The clips are designed to hold a common piece of ½ inch plastic pipe  1801 . The user can choose the length of the pipe as to the height of the detraction wire  1815  the person wants.  FIG. 18B  provides drawing of the deer flag pin use. Part  1800  shows the basic invention as described in  FIG. 12  using the special slide on action to achieve the diagonal locking of the clip. The deer flag pin is made of lightweight steel so it may be easily bent using only the fingers of the hand or small pliers. This bend  1808  is enabled as shown so when bent the center of the pin pointing up not only in line with the t-post  1813  but also in the center of the plastic pipe that will slide over,  1804 , or as viewed in  1819 . The bend  1808  is designed to conform to the tongue  1809 . The deer flag clips slide onto t-post by the cutouts  1806  and the rear tongue  1807  to allow a smooth downward motion onto the t-post. The extended notches  1805  are designed to tilt down on the projections of the t-post and lock into a 45° angle. From that downward angle the user bends the pin  1804  up, parallel with the t-post. The extension pipe used is ½ inch ID (inside diameter  1803 ). The pin  1819  as shown in bent position is far enough off the curvature from the t-post,  1820  so pipe  1801  with ID  1803  can slip over exact dimension of,  1804  with its rounded tip  1810  for ease of male and female union  1818 . The deer flag pins  1816  when slipped down, angled and bent, will rest on t-post  1813  just above a post&#39;s knob,  1817  and will be prevented from slipping down further. When the overall thickness of the pipe  1802  is on section  1819 , the distance  1820  is minimal so the pipe extensions are vertically ridged. The perspective view shown in  18 B shows a fence wire and distracting flags  1815  hanging from pipe extensions  1801  which are mounted by clips  1816  onto t-posts  1813  and connected by fence wire  1814  attached to the lower portions of the t-posts  1813 . 
       T-Post Removal 
       [0072]    The locking brace  100  may also be used as a tool to assist with the removal of a t-post that has been driven into the ground. Referring to  FIG. 19 , the key-lock fork  1200  end of a locked locking brace  1220  is positioned just below a knob projection  1230  on a t-post that the user desires to remove from the ground. A fulcrum  1240 , in this embodiment a 2×4 wood block, is then placed below, and essentially perpendicular to, the key lock fork section  1200 . The locking brace  1220  is first shortened to the minimum length such that the two sections of the body  110  overlap. Pressure is then applied to the opposite end  1250  of the locking brace in a downward direction as shown in  FIG. 19 . Using the locking brace as a lever in this fashion permits one to apply considerable force to the t-post in order to drive the t-post up and out of the ground. This reduces the amount of work that must be done and, more importantly, eliminates the need for any additional tools or equipment to accomplish the removal task. 
       Wire Stretch Bracket 
       [0073]    The system also includes a removable wire-stretch bracket that can be positioned, as necessary, in order to assist in stretching fencing wire between metal-t-posts. The bracket snaps onto a respective t-post providing a location to receive a wire stretcher. The bracket is reversible, i.e., it can be mounted from either direction on the t-post, so it can be used for stretching in either direction, left or right. The bracket permits an ordinary wire stretcher to “hook” to the bracket and then rotate about the wire-stretch bracket until the fencing wire is taut. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIGS. 20-21 , the wire-stretch bracket  1260  is essentially C-shaped with upper  1270  and lower  1280  retention arms. Each arm ends in a u-shaped projection  1290 ,  1300  which is capable of sliding on either side of a t-post when in use. The open areas  1310 ,  1320  within the center of the u-shaped projections are disposed to accept the body of the t-post when the bracket  1260  is mounted for use. The u-shaped projection  1310  on the upper arm  1290  includes a limiting notch  1330  which, when the bracket  1260  is installed, contacts the knob  1340  on the t-post; this prevents backward travel of the wire-stretch bracket  1260  once it has been mounted. The tongues  1350 ,  1360  on the bracket  1260  assure that the bracket is sturdily locked onto the t-post when pressure from the stretching tool is applied. The distance, J, allows a user to grab, pull, and stretch wire, thereby creating adequate space to easily clip fencing wire onto the t-post. The curvature of the bracket, G, and the distance between points  1370  and  1380  assist in guiding the bracket through the space provided between knobs on the t-post. 
         [0075]    The extended lip or protrusion of the bracket beyond the t-post, F, facilitates alignment of the fencing wire. When securing the wire to a t-post, the wire can be pushed or moved down or up into a horizontal position, by using a pipe, hammer handle, or similar implement, so as achieve the desired right angle orientation to the t-post. 
         [0076]    When in use, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the wire-stretch bracket  1260  snaps onto a t-post  1390  at two locations, a first, upper location  1400  between two “knobs” and a second lower location  1410  between two other “knobs”. The wire-stretch bracket  1260  is mounted by sliding the top u-projection at a downward angle onto the t-post at a location between two t-post knobs. Then the bracket  1260  is straightened, relative to the ground such that the top surface is then generally parallel to the ground, resulting in the bottom u-projection being rotated onto the lower location of the t-post, again between two t-post knobs. The two u-brackets are then seated between the respective t-post knobs. The upper notch prevents the bracket from traveling backward and falling off of the t-post. The wire-stretch bracket can be mounted in either direction on the t-post so as to stretch wire from either the left or the right of any particular t-post. 
         [0077]    In the preferred embodiment, there are four sets of stretching grooves  1420 . Each set of grooves is composed of a notch on the left flange  1450  and a notch on the right flange  1460 . The notches are shaped such that the upper portion of the two upper notches (A) and the lower portion of the two bottom notches (B) extend essentially perpendicular from the respective flange. 
         [0078]    The stretching grooves  1420  are disposed to receive the teeth from a wire stretcher  1430 . The teeth fit into the notches and one can then pivot about the notch in order to stretch the fence wire  1440  as shown in  FIG. 21 . The notches also help maintain the position and stability of the wire stretcher while stretching and prevent the wire-stretcher from slipping off of the bracket  1260  when in use. 
         [0079]    While the invention has been described in reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that certain modifications or variations may be made to the device without departing from the scope of invention described in the foregoing specification.