Patent Publication Number: US-8122659-B2

Title: Quick-connect/disconnect enveloping post cover

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The disclosed embodiments relate generally to vertical post arrangements. More specifically, the post arrangements related to providing more ornamental covering s for T-posts and other widely used vertical supports. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Barbed T-posts have been in use as lateral supports used to tether newly planted trees, sign posts, fence post and in numerous other applications. Covers for these posts have been developed for a number of purposes. Some examples of T-post covers include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,612,551 issued to Roy (a plastic T-post cover); 5,956,875 issued to Aughenbaugh (a sign post arrangement involving a T-post); 5,755,431 issued to Williams (a vinyl post cover); 5,022,618 issued to Barrett et al. (a post cover for a mailbox); 3,670,468 issued to Cordell, Sr. (a T-post cover for a temporary fence); 6,330,998 issued to Roy (a plastic T-post cover); 7,028,991 issued to Egan (a lock-on cap for T-posts); 4,680,428 issued to Wilson (a post cover); 6,108,970 issued to Ball (a watering bag having a post support); D554,777 issued to Roy (a T-post cover); 6,691,479 issued to Tscharner (a T-post cover); 5,731,895 issued to Owczarzak (a post-mounted reflective cover; D416,335 issued to Roy (a T-post cover); D465,585 issued to Venegas (a stanchion cover); and 5,927,694 issued to Montepiano (a post cover). 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is defined by the claims below. Embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods include a system including a rigid longitudinal a rigid longitudinal member adapted to be driven into the ground and stand substantially upright; a cover that slideably receives the rigid longitudinal member into a longitudinal corridor defined in a body of the cover, the longitudinal corridor including a cross-sectional opening, the cross-sectional opening configured to correspond to cross-sectional shape of the rigid longitudinal member such that the rigid longitudinal member is receivable into the cover; the cover including a locking mechanism, the mechanism including at least one outwardly projecting member which engages at least one portion of the rigid longitudinal member to prevent detachment after the cover is installed. This embodiment also includes a release mechanism which enables disengagement of the outwardly projecting member from the portion of the rigid longitudinal member such that the cover is rendered slideably removable from the rigid longitudinal member. In some embodiments the rigid longitudinal member is a T-post. 
     In some embodiments the portion of the rigid longitudinal member is a T-post, and in other embodiments the outwardly projecting member is a T-post barb. In more specific embodiments, (i) the outwardly projecting member includes a plurality of outwardly projecting catches, (ii) the portion of the rigid longitudinal member comprises a plurality of outwardly extending portions, each of the which is engaged by one of the outwardly projecting catches. These catches may extend outward and upward to engaging a lower sloped face on each of the outwardly extending portions of the T-post. The catches can be included on a common strip which is mounted on an inside surface of the longitudinal corridor opposite the T-post barbs. In an embodiment, each of the catches are punched into then bent outwards from the strip, the strip being constructed of a springable metal. The cover, in embodiments, is comprised of a plastic. 
     These general concepts are applicable to numerous applications for T-post mounted devices. For example, a cover like that described already could be used for: (i) tethering trees; (ii) including a water reservoir in the cover along with a metering device to continually water a tree or other plant; (iii) supporting a sign; (iv) a warning marker; (v) a net barrier support; (vi) a post for a cable fence; (vii) a banner support. 
     In other embodiments, the disclosed systems include a T-post cover having a body; a longitudinal corridor defined in the cover, the longitudinal corridor adapted to receive a T-post into the cover; a locking mechanism on a surface including a catch, the catch having a first position in which the catch extends outward and upward so that the catch is adapted to engage a lower sloped surface of a T-post barb to prevent removal of the cover after installation; and, a release mechanism, the release mechanism being made slidable between the catch and the T-post barb to compell the catch into a second less-extended position thus disengaging the catch from the barb enabling removal of the cover. In still further embodiments the cover could include slot allowing for the insertion of the release mechanism such that the release mechanism is able to come between the catch and the barb. In embodiments the release mechanism is a flexible metal strap. 
     In still further embodiments the invention is a post cover having a partially hollow tubular body adapted to slidingly receive a post; a ratchet mechanism on the inside of the body including a plurality of catches, the catches adapted to engage features of a commercially available post preventing removal; and, a release strap receivable into the hollow body to come between the catches and the post thus causing disengagement of the catches for removal of the cover. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view showing an embodiment of the invention used as a tree support; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment for a cover as it appears before application over a T-post and  FIG. 2B  shows a front view of the ratchet strip of an embodiment the disclosed device; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a cross sectional of the cover of  FIG. 2A  as it appears after being installed onto a T-post, and  FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view of the cover internals with the T-post removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional of the cover in locked position on a T-post; 
         FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional of the cover upon the insertion of a release mechanism used to disengage and remove the cover; 
         FIGS. 6A-B  show a second embodiment having a water reservoir and a metered watering arrangement; 
         FIG. 7  shows a sign-supporting embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  shows a warning marker post embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows a temporary net-fence post embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cable-fence post embodiment; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a banner support embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for installing a decorative covers on posts, e.g., T-Posts in embodiments. 
     The disclosed is a first embodiment for a tree stake post arrangement in which an exterior enveloping cover (in one embodiment constricted mainly of a plastic, e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other similar plastic material) is installed by mounting it over a standard T-Post like those commonly used in the fanning (e.g., as fence posts) or in landscaping fields (e.g., as a support for trees). 
     One embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the most common way to secure a tree is to use a pair of opposing T-Posts—one on each side of the tree—and to tie a wire from each post to the tree. The object is to support the tree until it is well-rooted enough to support itself. The arrangement shown in  FIGS. 1-5  is a more aesthetically pleasing alternative which uses a pair  100  of identical connectable and disconnectable enveloping covers which are, in the disclosed embodiment, ornamentally-pleasing plastic tubes  100 , which may be made of plastic, and in some embodiments, HDPE. These tubes  100  are adapted to fit over a pair of predriven T-Posts  106 . Referring first to  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that each decorative cover  100  on each side of a tree  102  is used to secure and support the tree  102  using metal wire ties  104 . These conventional wire ties  104  are secured in wire seats  108  which are simply grooves on the outside of the tubes  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Also shown in  FIG. 1  is that post  100  is receivable onto the top of an already installed T-Post  106 . 
     The specifics as to how this is accomplished are revealed in  FIGS. 2-5 . An internal releasable ratchet system is provided which uses a ratchet strip  112 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 2A-B , strip  112 , comprises a body  113  and a plurality of catches  114 . The catches, in embodiments, are punch cut into body  113  of strip  112  to create a cut outline in the desired shape. Once the outline is punched, each of the catches  114  are bent outwards at a fold  115 , and then bent back close to parallel at a termination point  116 . Thus, the termination point  116  is displaced from the strip along its length, and able to act as a catch against one of a plurality of T-Post barbs  118  which are a standard part of a T-post, e.g., T-Post  106 . In one embodiment, ratched strip  112  is formed from stainless steel—springable stainless steel in some embodiments. 
     In cross section (see  FIG. 3B  in which ratchet strip  112  has been removed for clarity) it can be seen that in one embodiment, a tube body  100  is formed from a first half  122  and a second half  124  which are adhered or attached to one another using fasteners to create the one solid tube which comprises tube  100 . Alternatively, the body  100  could be formed integrally in some fashion. The tube body defined a longitudinal corridor up and down the device. In a first portion  120 , the corridor has a T-shape which corresponds to slidingly receive a post  106 . In a second portion  126 , the corridor has a face  128  on which ratchet strip is installed, and an open area  130  where the engagement between the catches  114  and T-Post barbs  118  will occur. 
     In operation, to cover a post  106 , the user fits a top  131  of the post  106  into an opening  132  at the bottom of tube  100 , and slides tube  100  down over the post through corridor  120 . When they engage the barbs  118 , a clicking sound can be heard as the ratchet-catches  114  rake over the barbs. The catches go between a compressed substantially flat state when they engage the barb (as can be seen in  FIG. 3A ) and a released state when between barbs (see  FIG. 4 , for example). Once the bottom of the cover  100  engages the ground, the post is locked thereon. This is because, once the tube  100  is installed on the post  106  the terminal ends  116  will engage the lower faces  134  on each barb preventing the tube  100  from being lifted off of the post  106 . This state of locked engagement is shown in  FIG. 4  where the terminal ends  116  are seen engaging the lower barb surfaces  134 . 
     The tube is, however, releasable. Release is made by the use of a release system which can best be seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Referring again to the locked state of  FIG. 4  in which post  100  is already installed on a T-Post  106 , an upwardly-curved slot  136  is provided for a release device  137  is shown. The beginning of the release process starts with pushing down slightly on the embodiment  100  to unload tension from the catches  114  from the T-post barb&#39;s  118 . The release device  137  includes an elongated, flexible strip of metal  138 , and a handle  140 . A tip  142  of the device  137  is receivable into the upwardly-curved slot  136 . Pushing the device  137  up into the tube  100  results in the flexible metal portion  138  sliding up through open area  130  of the corridor  126  between the catches  114  and the T-Post barbs  118  as shown in  FIG. 3A , isolating the catches  114  from engagement with the T-post barbs. Once this occurs, the catches  114  are rendered substantially flat and will not interfere with the sliding of tube  100  completely off of post  106 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The internal system arrangement in device  100  could be used to support numerous different sorts of configurations to accomplish numerous different objectives. For example, a second embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 6A-B . Referring first to  FIG. 6B , a second embodiment  600  which is an enveloping cover for a tree post stake (not shown) with a water reservoir is shown. This post comprises a main body  602  and a screw cap  604  which is treadidly received onto a top portion  606  of body  602 . Once screw cap  604  is removed, water may be introduced into a reservoir area  607  provided inside of body  602  in order to water a tree. A slow-drip mechanism (not shown), e.g., a metered hole or some other known arrangement at the bottom of the cover  602  will be used to gradually release water to perform a gradual time-delayed watering function. The system  600 , much like the  FIGS. 1-5  embodiment, is mounted on top of a T-post  612 . 
     The post cover  602  to deliver continual watering and also makes accommodation for berms which are normally built up around a new baby tree  603  to corral water. Referring to  FIGS. 6A-B , it can be seen that a berm  610  is typically built up around a tree  603  in order to pool water around the tree. 
     It should be understood that, although not shown in detail, the internals of body  608  would include a corridor and a ratchet system substantially identical to those shown in  FIGS. 2-5  (e.g., corridor  120  adapted to receive the post; the ratchet strip  112  and catches  114  used to engage the T-post barbs; the release strap system including device  137 ) used to enable body  602  to be releasably secured onto a post  612 . Metal wires  614  secured around outer channels  620  are used to tether tree  603  from both sides as shown in  FIG. 6B . 
     A third embodiment  700  shown in  FIG. 7 , which also incorporates an internal corridor and a ratchet system substantially identical to those shown in  FIGS. 2-5 ; enables a sign-post body  702  to be releasably secured onto a post (not shown because underground) in which an enveloping cover  702  is used to mount street signs (e.g., sign  704 ). In this embodiment street sign  704  is mounted upon a forward edge of the post  702  directly. More specifically, a removed rectangular portion formed in an upper portion  710  of the post body  702  is sized to receive tapped bar  706  which is fixed therein. Thus, the vertically extending mounting bar  706  is provided on the forward edge of the post cover  702  so that a sign can be affixed by putting fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) into two of a plurality of spaced threaded openings  708  provided. In embodiments, mounting bar  706  with threaded holes  708  is a one-inch solid piece of metal which is mounted on the front of the cover  702 , as is standard in the industry since sign holes are normally spaced at 1″ increments. Thus, the threaded holes  708  are adapted to be, in a preferred embodiment, one inch apart from one another so as to match the common spacing used to mount signs in the industry. 
       FIG. 8  shows a fourth—warning marker—embodiment  800 . Like with the past embodiments, a post  800  is mounted atop (ratcheted over) a standard T-post  806 . In this embodiment, a brightly colored body  802  is adapted to clearly inform a party that a hazard may or may not exist. Further, a plurality of reflector tape portions  804  can also be provided in this embodiment. Because it also incorporates an internal corridor and a ratchet system substantially identical to those shown in  FIGS. 2-5 , the cover  802  enables a warning marker to be quickly and releasably secured onto T-post installed into the ground near a hazard (for example, a hole in landscape, or any other sort of hazard). 
     A fifth embodiment  900  for a net-supporting post is disclosed in  FIG. 9 . The prior art devices used to support a netting (for example, used to temporarily cordon off a hazard) included brittle plastic posts which are fairly thin (e.g., about ¾ inches thick), and thus apt to break. Further, these conventional posts are normally supported by pin or nail-shaped metal bottom supports. 
     Device  900 , however, is thicker, more durable, and easily and quickly installed or removed. It includes a ratcheted-on sports net post  902  which works with a ratcheting system just like all the prior embodiments. Also like with all the past embodiments, the enveloping cover body  902  is secured atop a standard T-post (not shown, but would be buried in the earth beneath post  900 ) which has been pounded into the ground. The cover  900  is formed to have a body portion  902  which has on a forward portion  904  a plurality of tangs. A first pair of tangs  906  are upwardly projecting, and a third tang  908  projects downward. Together, the tangs  906  and  908  can be used to support a net  910  as shown. It should be understood that the sports net embodiment would include a plurality of posts (like post  900 ) which would be strategically located around a designated area as a boundary or barrier for exclusion or enclosure, whatever the desired use may be. 
       FIG. 10  shows a cable-fence embodiment enveloping cover arrangement  1000 . Each cover  1000  includes a body portion  1002  which is ratcheted on top of a T-post (not shown) as with the past embodiments. The post includes a forward outcropping flange portion  1004  which runs vertically up and down the post  1000  on a forward side and includes a plurality of cable-receiving transverse bores  1006 . These bores  1006  are used to receive cabling (not shown) which are used for field or farm fencing arrangements. The cabling is maintained under tension by end posts (not shown) to which the ends of each cable are secured. Those skilled in the art will also understand that turnbuckle arrangements are used to selectively tighten or loosen the tension in cables. The covers can be quickly ratcheted on, and released and provide a desirable ornamental appearance. 
     Referring now back to the commonalities of all the embodiments in  FIGS. 1-10 , it should be understood that the ratcheting mechanisms of the present invention enables quick installation. T-posts can be quickly and easily installed (by pounding) into the ground, and the coverings shown can be easily slid over the post. Plus, the catches (e.g., catches  114 ) on the ratchet strip (e.g., strip  112 ) lock against the barbs (e.g., barbs  118 ) to hold the tube on. Upon time for removal, the coverings (e.g., coverings  100 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 , and  1000 ) can easily be removed by inserting a removal strap, e.g., strap  137 ) into the upwardly curved slot and between the catches (e.g., catches  114 ) and barbs (e.g., barbs  118 ) so that the covering (e.g., covering  100 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 , and  1000 ) can be removed. 
     Beyond that, however, there is a significant amount of safety provided in that the tops of T-posts are notorious for causing injury to humans when, for example, a person falls on the top of one, or for some other reason is exposed to the top of the T-Post. With the present invention, the cover used protects people from injury by concealing the T-post with a plastic covering. 
     Another aesthetical benefit is that the cover looks more pleasing to onlookers than would an exposed T-post. T-posts are unattractive if new, and become even less attractive after being exposed to the elements for a period of time. Thus, a wide variety of post designs, even in addition to those shown in the covering embodiments  100 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 , and  1000  are possible which would fulfill aesthetic objectives. 
     Another benefit is that T-posts are very inexpensive and commonly available. Additionally, T-posts have been used for years and many are already in service in a variety of applications, e.g., in landscaping and farming applications. For these already-existing T-posts, the covers used can be immediately ratcheted on, or retrofit to save time and improve aesthetics. 
     Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.