FENCE POST SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Fence posts for constructing a wire fence, fence stays, and methods for constructing a wire fence are provided. The fence posts include a stem portion having a front edge connected to a rear portion or flange by a first bend portion. Receiving apertures are disposed in the stem portion of each fence post. The receiving apertures each include a slot portion and a retaining portion. The slot portion can taper from a relatively wide opening along the front edge of the fence post to a relatively narrow portion at an intersection between the slot portion and the retaining portion. The retaining portion is formed as an arc centered on the slot portion. The fence posts additionally include a base portion configured to be received in the ground. Fence stays, configured with receiving apertures like those of the fence posts, but without base portions, are also provided.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a fence post for use in providing a wire fence, and methods for providing a wire fence. Embodiments of the present disclosure can also include a fence stay for use between fence posts.

BACKGROUND

Wire fences, including but not limited to wire mesh, barbed wire, and plain wire fences, can provide an economical and effective fencing solution. Metal posts are often preferred for wire fences, as they can provide a more reliable, durable, and economical support structure than wood posts. Metal fence posts for use with wire fences include T-posts and U-channel posts, which typically feature metal tabs that can each receive and support a horizontally extending wire. Other examples of metal fence posts include studded T-posts, in which fence wires are held against the studs by wire clips. Still other examples include “Peach”, T and Y-posts with holes or notches for receiving fence wires formed in edges or flanges. Although it is usually relatively quick and easy to attach fence wires to posts having tabs, flanges, or notches, the security of the resulting attachment is often wanting, as it is relatively easy for a fence wire to become detached from the post. Ensuring the security of the attachment between the fence wires and such posts requires separate clips. However, using clips adds to the overall cost of the fence, adds to the time required to build the fence, and can result in the need for additional crew members, as installation can be a two-person operation. Designs having holes through which the fence wires are threaded are more secure, but it is relatively difficult and time consuming to construct a fence in that manner. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a fence post for use with wire fences that enabled the fencing material to be quickly and easily attached to the post in a secure and economical manner.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are fence systems and forming methods that incorporate a fence post configured to allow for the easy and secure connection of a fence wire to the fence post. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the fence post includes a forward edge, for instance as part of a stem portion, and a rear support or reinforcing structure, for instance as part of a rear flange portion. The forward edge and rear support portions of the fence post can be formed from a unitary piece of material. One or both of the stem portion and the rear flange portion of the fence post can be configured as flat, curved, or rolled members. A fence post as disclosed herein can include a bend portion that joins the stem portion to the rear flange portion. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fence post is formed from a unitary piece of material with a flat stem portion, and a rear flange portion that includes a flat intermediate portion, a flat back portion, and a rear edge portion. In accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, the fence post can, in a top plan view, have a T, U, symmetrical, or asymmetrical form. The stem of the fence post defines a forward edge that includes a number of receiving apertures formed therein. Each receiving aperture in the forward edge of the stem can include a tapered slot extending from the forward or front edge of the stem of the fence post and towards the rear flange of the fence post. The tapered slot intersects a curved retaining portion. A base portion of the fence post can include serrations. In addition to a fence post, a fence stay that in a top plan view has a planar, U-shaped, T-shaped, or asymmetric form and that incorporates the same or a similar number of receiving apertures having tapered slots and curved retaining portions as formed in the fence post, can be provided. Fence posts and fence stays in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be formed from, for example, a metal, composite, or plastic material.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a wire fence using posts and stays in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is formed by placing fence posts in the ground at selected intervals along a fence line. Fence wire is then strung, typically starting from a first reinforced or braced corner post or from an H brace, through a number of intermediate fence posts, to a second reinforced or braced corner post or to an H brace. At least the intermediate fence posts include fence posts with receiving apertures configured as disclosed herein. The fencing wire is engaged with the receiving apertures by pushing it through the slot, and into the curved retaining portion, where the wire is retained. Fence stays with receiving apertures configured as disclosed herein can be disposed between fence posts by engaging the fencing wire with the receiving apertures formed in the fence stay by pushing it through the slot and into the curved retaining portion. Accordingly, a wire fence can be quickly and securely constructed.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following description, particularly when understood in view of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIG.1, a wire fence104constructed using fence posts108and fence stays112in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. The fence104includes corner posts, H-braces, or the like, hereinafter referred to herein as simply braces110, between which one or more wires120are strung. As described in greater detail elsewhere herein, the fence posts108and fence stays112include receiving apertures116for receiving wires120of the wire fence104. The fence posts108are secured in the ground124, for example by pounding base portions of the fence posts108into the earth. The fence stays112are typically suspended above the ground124by the wires120. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the wires120can be barbed or unbarbed. Although only two fence posts108and one fence stay112are illustrated between the braces110, it should be appreciated that the number of fence posts108and the number of fence stays112between a pair of braces110are not limited to any particular number.

FIG.2is a side view in elevation of a fence post108in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;FIG.3is a rear view in elevation of a fence post108in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; andFIG.4is a top plan view of a fence post108in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the fence post108can be generally T-shaped in top plan view, with a front facing stem portion204disposed in first plane and a rear flange portion208across a rear edge of the stem portion204and disposed in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane. Receiving apertures116are formed at intervals along the stem portion204. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving apertures116can be formed at intervals corresponding to typical spacing between horizontal wires in wire mesh fencing material, enabling use of the fence posts108and fence stays112with such materials, in addition or as an alternative to barbed or un-barbed wire fencing material. As an example, but without limitation, the receiving apertures116can be disposed at 2 inch intervals over all or a majority of the length of the fence post108or fence stay112.

The stem portion204of the fence post108can be joined to the rear flange portion208, thereby providing a reinforced structure. A series of tabs230in a rear edge of the stem portion204and corresponding slots232formed in the rear flange portion208(seeFIG.3) can be provided to reinforce the connection between the stem portion204and the rear flange portion208. Whether or not tabs230and slots232are provided, the stem portion204and the rear flange portion208can be welded glued, fused, or otherwise interconnected to one another. Alternatively or in addition, the rear flange portion208can include a channel that partially receives the stem portion204, as shown inFIG.4. A base portion236of the fence post108can include teeth or serrations240in the front edge220of the stem portion204, in the side edges222of the rear flange portion208, or in both the front edge220of the stem portion204and the side edges222of the rear flange portion208.

With reference now toFIG.5, which presents a detailed view of a portion of a fence post108in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure in a side view in elevation, the receiving apertures116can be seen to include a slot portion216that extends from the front edge220of the stem portion204toward the rear flange portion208. The slot portion216of each receiving aperture116terminates at a retaining portion224. In accordance with the least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot portion216can be tapered. For example, when considered in a side elevation view, the slot portion216can gradually narrow, from a wider opening section504disposed along the front edge220of the fence post108to a narrower end section508at an intersection228between the slot portion216and the retaining portion224. Accordingly, the slot portion216and the retaining portion224are in communication with one another. As an example, a distance between opposing sides of the slot portion216at the opening section504can be multiple times (e.g. 3 or 4 times) a diameter of a fence wire120intended for use with the fence post108, while the distance between the opposing sides of the slot portion216at the end section508of the slot portion216immediately adjacent to the retaining portion224can be the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the fence wire120. The retaining portion224of each receiving aperture116can include an upper portion244and a lower portion248that each extend from an area of intersection between the slot portion216and the retaining portion224. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper244and lower248portions of the retaining portion224can be of equal length, and thus the retaining portion224can be centered relative to the slot portion216. In accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, the retaining portion224can be configured as an arc that is centered on the end section508of the corresponding slot portion216, and that curves from the intersection228with the end section508of the slot portion216, back towards the front edge220of the fence post108. Alternative configurations of receiving apertures116are possible. For example, instead of arced upper244and lower248portions, the retaining portion224can include upper244and lower248portions configured as a pair of linear arms that extend from the intersection228with the slot portion216, and back towards the front edge220of the fence post. As yet another example, the upper244and lower248portions can extend from the intersection228with the slot portion216and towards the rear flange portion208. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a width of the retaining portion224is greater than a diameter of the fence wire120.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fence post108can be formed from a unitary piece of material, rather than from separate pieces that are joined to one another. A fence post108formed from a unitary piece of material can be configured as or similarly to the embodiment depicted inFIGS.2-5, for instance where the fence post108is formed from a polymer. Alternatively, and with reference now toFIGS.6-12, a fence post108in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be formed from a single piece of material, for example steel, that begins as a flat sheet and that is rolled or bent to form a stem portion204and a rear flange portion208. As best shown inFIGS.8and10, the front edge220of the stem portion204, can correspond to a fold line804along a centerline of the fence post108, with receiving apertures116formed in opposing first808and second812sides or portions of the stem portion204. The first808and second812sides of the stem portion204extend from the fold line804along the front edge220of the fence post108, to the rear flange portion208. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the front edge220and the centerline of the fence post108in a plan view can be coincident with one another. Moreover, the first808and second812sides of the stem portion204can be parallel or nearly parallel (e.g. within +/−15 degrees) to one another. As shown inFIGS.8and10, the first808and second812sides of the stem portion204can be spaced apart from one another. Alternatively, the first804and second808sides of the stem portion204can be in contact with one another. The rear flange208in such embodiments includes a first side or portion816that extends from the first side or portion808of the stem portion204, and a second side or portion820that extends from the second side or portion812of the stem portion204. In addition, the rear flange portion208can feature contours824and surfaces that serve to stiffen the fence post108. Note that embodiments of the present disclosure encompass fence posts108in which the proportions of the various elements can differ. For instance, the first816and second820sides or portions can include lateral sections817and821that are larger than associated depth portions818and822and that have relatively small terminal portions819and823(seeFIG.8), or lateral portions817and821that are smaller than associated depth portions818and822and that have relatively larger terminal portions819and823(seeFIGS.9and10). In at least some implementations, the proportions illustrated inFIGS.9and10can provide advantages strength and stiffness characteristics.

As in other embodiments, the receiving apertures116can be formed at intervals in the fence post108. Moreover, considered in profile, the receiving apertures116can be configured in the same or a similar way as in other embodiments. Accordingly, each of the receiving apertures116includes a slot portion216that extends from the front edge220of the fence post108to a retaining portion224of the receiving aperture116. Moreover, the slot portion216can narrow with increasing distance from the front edge220of the fence post108. In addition, the retaining portion224can extend from either side from an intersection between the retaining portion224and the slot portion216. The retaining portion224can be arced, or can extend linearly from the intersection with the slot portion216, and generally bends or extends back towards the front edge220of the fence post108. However, where the fence post108is formed from a single rolled or bent piece of material, the receiving apertures116each include a first half or element116aformed in the first side808of the stem portion204, and a second half or element116bformed in the second side812of the stem portion204(seeFIG.10). The slot portions216of the first116aand second116bhalves of any one receiving aperture116meet at the front edge220of the fence post108. In addition, the first half116aof any one receiving aperture116is disposed immediately adjacent the second half116bof that one receiving aperture116, such that, considered in a side elevation view, the halves116aand116bare aligned with one another, and effectively present a single receiving aperture116to a fence wire120.

A blank1104, prior to being rolled into a final shape of the fence post108, is illustrated in a front side elevation view inFIG.11. A partial section of the blank1104, encompassing two of the receiving apertures116formed therein, is illustrated inFIG.12. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after consideration of the present disclosure, after the blank1104has been rolled into the cross-sectional shape of the completed fence post108, the two sides or halves of each of the apertures116are aligned with one another.

In accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure, a fence post108can be formed from a single, unitary piece of material902and can include a flat front or stem portion204that is joined or interconnected to a rear flange portion208by a single bend portion908. For instance, and as illustrated inFIGS.13-16, a fence post108can be formed such that it includes a rear flange portion208made up of a plurality of flat or curved segments or portions that are joined to one another by bend portions. Note that the fence post108is illustrated in a fully formed condition inFIGS.13and14, whileFIG.15illustrates a flat blank or piece of material902prior to being rolled or folded in the fully formed condition, and whileFIG.16is a detail taken fromFIG.15and illustrates aspects of the apertures116formed in the stem portion204and example dimensions of various portions of the fence post108.

The fence post108can be formed with the various portions configured such that the fence post108is asymmetric when considered in a top plan view and relative to a first reference plane928that is parallel to or coincident with a plane of the stem portion204. For example, and as most clearly shown inFIG.14, which is a top plan view of the fence post108ofFIG.13, the fence post108can include a flat stem portion204defining a front edge220of the fence post that is joined to a rear flange portion208that includes a plurality of flat portions by a first bend portion908. In the example ofFIG.14, the rear flange portion208includes a flat intermediate portion904with a first end joined to the flat front edge220by the first bend portion908, a flat back portion912with a first end joined to a second end of the flat intermediate portion904by a second bend portion916, and a flat rear edge portion920with a first end joined to a second end of the flat back portion912by a third bend portion924.

Each of the different flat portions204,904,912, and920can be at a different angle relative to the first reference plane928. For example, and without limitation, the stem portion204can be disposed in a plane that is coincident with or parallel to the first reference plane928. The intermediate portion904can be disposed in a plane that is at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the reference plane928and 30 degrees relative the stem portion204; the back portion912can be at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the reference plane928and 60 degrees relative to the intermediate portion904; and the rear edge portion can be at an angle of −8 degrees relative to the first reference plane928and 98 degrees relative to the back portion912(seeFIG.14). Accordingly, the flat intermediate portion904, the flat back portion912, and the flat rear edge portion920can all be at non-zero angles relative to the stem portion204. In addition, when considered in the top plan view, the lengths of the flat portions904,912, and920and the angles of the bend portions908,916, and924can be selected such that all of the flat intermediate portion904, the second bend portion916, all of the flat back portion912, the third bend portion924, and the flat rear edge portion920, including a back edge932of the material902, are all on the same side of a second reference plane936that passes through the first bend portion908and that is perpendicular to the first reference plane928(and perpendicular to a plane of the flat stem portion204). The lengths of the flat portions904,912, and920and the angles of the bend portions908,916, and920can also be selected such that an opening940is formed between the back edge932and an interface between the stem portion204and the first bend portion908.

As shown inFIG.16, the receiving apertures116included in the stem portion204of the fence post108as depicted inFIGS.14and15can be formed prior to creating bend portions908,916, and924in the material902. In addition, the configuration of the apertures116when viewed in side elevation can be the same as or similar to the receiving apertures116in other embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the receiving apertures116include a slot portion216that extends from the front edge220of the stem portion204toward the first bend portion908and the rear flange portion208. The slot portion216of each receiving aperture116terminates at and is in communication with a retaining portion224. The slot portion216can be tapered, such that it gradually narrows from a relatively wide opening section504disposed at the front edge220of the stem portion204to a relatively narrow end section508at an intersection228between the slot portion216and the retaining portion224. For example, a distance between the opposing surfaces of the slot portion216at the front edge220can be several times a diameter of a wire120that the fence post108is designed to be used with, while the distance between the opposing surfaces of the slot portion216at the end section508can be slightly larger than or the same as the diameter of the wire120. In accordance with still further embodiments, for example where the wire120is suitably malleable or where the wire120is formed from multiple strands and presents a diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the wire120at a particular orientation, the distance between the opposing surfaces of the slot portion216at the end section508can be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the wire. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving apertures116are placed along the entirety of the front edge220of the stem portion204(as shown inFIGS.13and15).

Other configurations of a fence post108are possible, including configurations in which there is no opening940between the back edge932and the stem portion204, and configurations in which the back edge932is disposed between the second reference plane936and the front edge220of the stem portion204. Alternatively or in addition, a fence post108can have a greater or lesser number of flat portions and a corresponding greater or lesser number of bend portions. Moreover, different segments of the fence post108can be non-planar. For example, as illustrated inFIG.17, a fence post108in accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure can include a rear flange208that is formed from a single, curved rear portion944that is joined to a flat stem portion204by a first bend portion908. Moreover, in the example ofFIG.17, the back edge932of the material is adjacent to the first bend portion908. As in other embodiments, the fence post108shown inFIG.17can include a plurality of apertures116disposed at intervals along a front edge220of the fence post108stem portion204.

With reference now toFIG.18, a fence stay112in accordance with the least some embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured as a member having an overall length that is less than an overall length of a fence post108, and in which a number of receiving apertures116are provided. For use as part of a particular fence104, the number of receiving apertures116and the spacing between the receiving apertures116along the length of the fence stay112can be the same as the number and the spacing of the receiving apertures116in the fence posts108used in that fence104. Moreover, the receiving apertures116can include slot portions216and curved retaining portions224that are the same as or similar to the receiving apertures116of the fence posts108. A fence stay112can be configured to have the same or a similar shape in cross-section as a fence post108. Alternatively, a fence stay112can differ from the fence posts108in that the fence stay112can have a different shape in cross-section from a fence post108. For example, a fence stay112may include only a flat or rolled stem portion204, without a separate or integrated flange portion208. In addition, the fence stay112differs from the fence post108in that it does not include a base portion236.

With reference now toFIGS.19-21, a fence stay112in accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided as part of a fence stay assembly1204in which two or more fence stays112aand112bare interconnected, to increase the effective length of the fence stay112. In such an embodiment, the fence stays112aand112bcan be joined to one another by a collar or connector1208. In addition, a fence stay112in accordance with such further embodiments can include a stem portion1212, a rear flange portion1216, and a spine portion1220on a side of the rear flange portion1216opposite the stem portion1212. In such further embodiments, the connector1208can include an interior aperture1224that is configured to receive the fence stays1212. In addition, the connector1208can include an internal stop1228to ensure that each fence stay112aand112boccupies only a portion of the connector1208. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after consideration of the present disclosure, by enabling two or more fence stays112to be joined to one another, the effective length of the fence stay112can be increased, to accommodate taller fences. A fence stay112configured as shown inFIGS.19and20can also be used singly, for example where an extended length is not required.

A fence post108and a fence stay112in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be formed from various materials, including but not limited to metal, such as steel or aluminum, a composite, such as a carbon fiber composite or fiberglass, or plastic, such as high density polyethylene. In accordance with the least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fence104can be built using fence posts formed from a metal, and fence stays112formed from a plastic. Fence posts108and fence stays112can be used in connection with plain wire, barbed wire, wire mesh, or other fencing materials.

With reference now toFIGS.22and23, a grommet1704in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In general, the grommet1704can be used to help secure a fence wire120within a receiving aperture116of a fence post108or a fence stay112. An example configuration of a grommet1704is shown in a side elevation view inFIG.22. In general, the shape of the grommet1704follows or mirrors the shape of the retaining portion224of a receiving aperture116. A slot1708is formed in the grommet1704, to allow the grommet1704to be placed around a fence wire120after the fence wire120has been placed in the retaining portion224of a receiving aperture116. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a location of the slot1708is selected so that it is not adjacent to the slot portion216when the grommet1704is installed in a receiving aperture116. As shown inFIG.23, the grommet1704can include a first flange1804and a second flange1808, joined to one another by a connecting portion1812. When installed in a receiving aperture116, the first flange1804can rest against a first side surface808of a fence post, while the second flange1808can rest against a second side surface820of the fence post108or fence stay112. When installed, a grommet1704as disclosed herein can better secure a fence wire120within a receiving aperture116. In addition, a grommet1704can insulate the fence wire120from the fence post108or fence stay112. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the grommet1704can be formed from plastic, a polymer, rubber, or the like.

FIG.24is a flowchart illustrating steps of a process for constructing a wire fence104in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Initially, at least first and second braces110are set at ends of the intended fence line (step704). Fence posts108configured in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure are then placed at intervals along the intended fence line (step708). The manner of setting the fence posts108can depend on the design parameters for the fence104, the expected forces that will be placed on the fence104, the characteristics of the ground124, and the like. As an example, the fence posts108can simply be pounded into the ground124. As another example, the fence posts108can be placed in holes in the ground124that are then filled with concrete. Next, a fence wire120is strung from the first corner or H brace110, and across the front edges220of the fence posts108, placing the wire120in a receiving aperture116of each of the fence posts108(step712). Placing the fence wire120in a receiving aperture116can include pushing the fence wire120into the slot portion216, past the narrow rear portion of the slot portion216, and back into the retaining portion224. The particular receiving aperture116in which the fence wire120is placed can be selected based on the desired distance between the ground124and the fence wire120. A desired amount of tension can then be placed on the fence wire120, and the free end of the fence wire120can be secured to the second corner or H brace110(step716).

At step720, a determination can be made as to whether additional fence wires120are to be strung along the fence line. If one or more additional fence wires120are desired, the process can return to step712, with each such additional wire120occupying a different receiving aperture116of any given fence post108than any other wire120. In addition, if more than one fence wire120is installed along the fence line, one or more fence stays112can be joined to the fence wires120. In general, a fence stay can be used to maintain a desired spacing between fence wires120in areas between a brace110and a fence post108, or between fence posts108. Joining a fence stay112to the fence wires120can include placing each fence wire120in a different receiving aperture116of the fence stay112by receiving the wire in the respective slot portions216, past the narrow rear portion of the slot portion216, and back into the retaining portion224. In accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, where the total vertical span of the fence wires120is greater than a length of an individual fence stay112, two or more fence stays112can be joined to one another using one or more collars1208to provide a fence stay assembly1204with an increased effective length. Whether used singly or combined into a fence stay assembly1204, a fence stay112is typically suspended above the ground124by the wires120.

In accordance with the least some embodiments of the present disclosure, after placing a fence wire120in an aperture116of a fence post108or a fence stay112, a grommet1704can be placed around the wire120and in the aperture116. In particular, the wire120can be placed through a slot1708in the grommet1704, and the grommet1704can then be placed in the aperture116. A fence wire120can thus be secured within the retaining portion224of the aperture116.

If it is determined at step720that no additional fence wires120are required along the fence line, a determination can next be made as to whether additional fence lines are desired (step724). If additional fence lines are desired, the process can return to step704and one or more additional corner or H braces can be set. Otherwise, the process can end.

Embodiments of the present disclosure facilitate the construction of a wire fence104that includes fence posts having unique profiles in plan view. In addition, fence posts108having uniquely configured receiving apertures116are provided, ensuring a secure connection between fence wires120and the fence posts108. Specifically, by providing relatively long receiving slot portions216that terminate in arced retaining portions224, fence wires120can be joined to fence posts108quickly and easily. Moreover, the receiving aperture116and arced retaining portion224configuration, alone or in combination with a slot portion216that narrows from the front edge220of the fence post108toward the retaining portion224, reduces the possibility that the fence wire120will become disconnected from the fence post108. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure enable a wire fence104to be constructed without requiring the use of additional clips to hold the fence wires120to the fence posts108or fence stays112. In addition, the arced retaining portions224allow for limited changes in the relative spacing between the fence wires120. This compliance or give can promote the longevity of the fence104. Grommets1704in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fast and relatively easy way to increase the security of the attachment of a fence wire120to a fence post108or fence stay112when desired.

As examples, but without limitation, a metal fence post108in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can be 66 inches long, with a stem portion204that is one and three-quarter inches from the front edge220to the interface with the rear flange208. The rear flange can have a width of one and a half inches to two inches. In embodiments in which the fence post108is formed from a single, rolled piece of metal, the stem portion204can extend for about ¾ inch from the front edge220to the side portions816and820. The lateral sections817and821can extend for about ¾ inch from the stem portion204, the depth portions818and822can extend for about 1 inch from the lateral sections817and821, and the terminal portions819and823can be about ⅜ of an inch. In at least some embodiments, serrations or teeth240can be formed at 1 inch intervals in the base portion236of the fence post108. At the front edge220of each receiving aperture116, the corresponding slot portion216can have an opening or height that is 3/16 of an inch, and a height at the intersection228with the retaining portion224of less than 3/32 of an inch. The length of the slot portion216, from the front edge220of the post108to the retaining portion224can be about ½ inch. The retaining portion224of an aperture116may be centered on the corresponding slot portion216, can extend for about one half an inch from the slot portion216, can follow a radius of curvature of about half an inch, and can have a width of ⅛ of an inch. The fence post108can include, for example, twenty-two receiving apertures116, spaced at 2 inch intervals.

The fence post108ofFIGS.13-16can be formed in various lengths, the size and number of the flat portions, and the angle and number of the bend portions can all be selected depending on the application. As an example, the fence post108can be formed from a piece of flat steel or other material that is about 66 inches in length, about 3.8 inches in width, and about 0.135 inches in thickness. From such a piece of material902, and where the fence post108includes a rear flange portion208having a flat intermediate portion904, a flat back portion912, and a flat rear edge portion920, a distance between the front edge220of the stem portion204and the first bend portion908can be about 1.2 inches, a distance between an end of the flat intermediate portion904at the first bend portion908and an end of the flat intermediate portion904at the second bend portion916can be about 1.0 inches, a distance between an end of the flat back portion912at the second bend portion916and an end of the flat back portion912at the third bend portion924can be about 1.0 inches, and a distance between an end of the flat rear edge portion920at the third bend portion924and an end of the flat rear edge portion920that is coincident with the back edge932of the fence post108can be about 0.6 inches, where about is +/−0.03 inches.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in such or in other embodiments and with the various modifications required by their particular application or use of the disclosure. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.