Patent Abstract:
A fence post assembly, as well as a fencing system and related method utilizing the fence post assembly, for forming a temporary enclosure, such as a horse corral for restraining horses. The fence post assembly is provided with an extensible and retractable fence strand, such as polytape or wire, as well as a ground anchor at one end of the post to enable the post to be anchored into the ground. The extendable and retractable fence strand is selectively positionable along the length of the post between the first and second opposite ends thereof. In addition, the fence strand can be electrically conductive to permit the enclosure to be electrified. Provision is made to maintain electrical continuity between fence strands.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/105,024, filed on Mar. 22, 2002, which, in turn, was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.  09 / 672 , 550 , filed on Sep. 28, 2000. This application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of the previously mentioned applications herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a fence post assembly for use in a portable fencing system and related method. The fence post assembly of the invention is particularly suited for use in forming a variety of animal enclosures, such as a portable horse corral and the like. However, the fence post assembly, fencing system and method also have utility in forming other types of enclosures or in defining other bounded areas.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Often times it is necessary to define a temporary enclosure or bounded area in a location that does not have an existing enclosure(s) or in which one or more additional enclosures are necessary. One example of a situation in which such a need arises is when one or more horses are brought to a location not having existing enclosures or where the existing enclosures are inadequate and must be supplemented by temporary enclosures. Rodeos, horse shows, and temporary training and/or grazing sites are examples of locations at which a temporary enclosure(s) may be necessary. Previously, when a temporary enclosure was needed, such as for one or more horses, metallic fencing sections were generally hauled to the appropriate site and assembled to form an enclosure or horse corral. Typically, the fencing sections are heavy and difficult to assemble into a complete enclosure, as well as being hard to transport due to their weight and size. In addition, an enclosure made from metallic fencing can often be considered excessive when it is realized that an enclosure made from simpler components can adequately perform the intended function.  
           [0004]    Therefore a need exists for an improved fencing system for use in forming a temporary enclosure or bounded area.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved fence post assembly, as well as a fencing system and related method utilizing the improved fence post assembly, for forming a temporary enclosure, such as a horse corral for restraining horses. The fence post assembly is provided with an extensible and retractable fence strand, such as polytape or wire, as well as a ground anchor at one end of the fence post to enable the fence post to be anchored into the ground.  
           [0006]    According to one aspect of the invention as defined in the claims, a fence post assembly is provided that comprises a fence post having first and second opposite ends, a ground anchor connected to the fence post adjacent the first end for anchoring the fence post, and a fence strand assembly connected to the fence post. The fence strand assembly includes an extendable and retractable fence strand, and the extendable and retractable fence strand is selectively positionable along the length of the fence post between the first and second opposite ends thereof.  
           [0007]    According to another aspect of the invention as defined in the claims, a portable fencing system for forming an enclosure is provided that comprises at least one fence post assembly, with the at least one fence post assembly including: a fence post having first and second opposite ends, a ground anchor connected to the fence post adjacent the first end for anchoring the post; and a fence strand assembly connected to the post. The fence strand assembly includes an extendable and retractable fence strand, and the extendable and retractable fence strand is selectively positionable along the length of the fence post between the first and second opposite ends thereof. In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of forming an enclosure comprises providing a first fence post assembly having a fence post with first and second opposite ends, a ground anchor connected to the fence post adjacent the first end for anchoring the post and a fence strand assembly connected to the post. The fence strand assembly includes an extendable and retractable fence strand, and the extendable and retractable fence strand is selectively positionable along the length of the post between the first and second opposite ends thereof. The method further includes anchoring the fence post to the ground, extending the fence strand a sufficient amount to at least partially form an enclosure; and positioning the fence strand along the length of the fence post to achieve the desired fence strand height. In still another aspect of the invention, as defined in the claims, a fence strand assembly for a fence post is provided. The fence strand assembly includes a housing that includes a clamp assembly configured for releasable engagement with the fence post whereby the housing can be connected to and selectively positioned along the fence post. In addition, a fence strand material is at least partially disposed within the housing, with the fence strand material being extendable and retractable relative to the housing. Another aspect of the invention, as defined in the claims, provides a fencing kit that comprises a plurality of fence post assemblies. Each fence post assembly includes a fence post, a ground anchor for anchoring the post, and a fence strand assembly. The fence strand assembly includes an extendable and retractable fence strand, and means for selectively positioning the fence strand along the length of the post.  
           [0008]    These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying description, in which there is described a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views:  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a fence post assembly in accordance with the 5 principles of the invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the fence post assembly.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the fence strand assembly used on the fence post assembly.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3A is a side view of an interlocking cover positioned on a crank handle used on the fence strand assembly.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the interlocking cover used on the fence strand assembly.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the fence strand assembly.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 illustrates the spindle used in the fence strand assembly.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  are perspective views of the lock lever associated with the fence strand assembly.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the hook disposed at the end of the extensible/retractable fence strand.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handle that is connected to the extensible/retractable fence strand.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 9 illustrates a plurality of the fence post assemblies forming an enclosure.  
         [0021]    FIGS.  10 A-C illustrate perspective, top and bottom views of the ground anchor.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 11 illustrates a fence strand assembly for use in an electric fence system.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11A illustrates the bottom of the fence strand assembly in FIG. 11.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 illustrates a gate handle that is used to connect a bi-polar tape to an adjacent fence strand assembly.  
         [0025]    FIGS.  12 A- 12 D illustrate a gate handle that is used to connect a bi-polar tape to an adjacent fence strand assembly which includes a releasable locking latch.  
         [0026]    FIGS.  13 A- 13 D illustrate the two primary parts of the gate handle of FIG. 12.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the power supply and control used in the electric fence system.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a ground anchor according to the invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 is cross sectional view taken through the center of the ground anchor of FIG. 15.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate how the ground anchor cooperates with the post.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 18 illustrates a fence controller that is partially inserted within a post.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 19 illustrates a back side of the controller.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the controller.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 20A and 20B is perspective view of the of the controller which includes an internal cover.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cover that cooperates with the bottom of the housing to close the bottom of the housing.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a lock lever.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIGS. 22A and 22B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a lock lever and housing which include clamping projections. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    With reference to FIG. 1, a fence post assembly  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated. The fence post assembly  10  generally includes a fence post  12 , a fence strand assembly  14  connected to the post  12  and adjustable along the length thereof, and a ground anchor  16  at one end of the post  12  to enable the post  12  to be anchored into the ground.  
         [0039]    It is to be realized that although FIG. 1 illustrates the fence post assembly  10  as having a single fence strand assembly  14 , multiple fence strand assemblies  14  can be connected to the post  12  to permit a multi-strand fence. In addition, multiple fence post assemblies  10  can be stacked together to provide a multi-strand fence. For instance, a second post  12  of a second fence post assembly  10  could be designed for securement to the end of a first post  12 , such as by using removable fasteners such as screws, whereby the second post  12  is stacked on the first post  12  to increase the height of the resulting enclosure. The second fence post assembly  10  can include one or more fence strand assemblies  14 , that cooperate with the one or more fence strand assemblies on the first post in defining the enclosure. For example, a two tiered fence post assembly could be designed having three fence strand assemblies  14  utilized on each stacked fence post, totaling a combined six fence strand assemblies  14  on the two-layer fence post assembly.  
         [0040]    In certain embodiments of the invention, a power source is connected to each fence strand assembly  14  to energize the fence post assembly  10 . The power source will generally be connected in parallel to the fence strand assembly  14  of the post assembly  10 . For example, if there are multiple fence strand assemblies  14  connected to one post  12  and all the assemblies  14  are connected to a single power source and one of the assemblies  14  malfunctions, only that one assembly  14  that had a malfunction would be effected, and potentially, not be energized. In other words, the functioning of the one malfunctioning fence strand assembly  14  would not affect the normal functioning of the other fence strand assemblies, so long as the malfunction is not to the power source itself. Using the two tiered fence post assembly from above, if one of the fence strand assemblies  14  shorted out and no longer functioned electrically, the other five fence strand assemblies would still function regardless.  
         [0041]    With continued reference to FIG. 1, as well as to FIG. 2, the post  12  has a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular shape with a first end  18  and a second end  20 . The post  12  is made from suitable material, such as metal, plastic or fiberglass. The post  12  can have a cross-sectional shape other than rectangular, such as triangular or round, if desired. Further, it is also contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the post  12  could be made solid rather than hollow.  
         [0042]    Connected adjacent to the first end  18  of the post  12  is the ground anchor  16 . The ground anchor  16  is preferably made of metal, although plastic or fiberglass could be used as well. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 10A, the ground anchor  16  includes a sleeve  22  that fits over the post  12  adjacent the first end  18 . A pin, bolt, rivet or other suitable fastener (not shown) preferably extends through holes  24  provided in the sleeve  22  and through the post  12  in order to secure the ground anchor  16  to the post  12 . Extending from the bottom of the sleeve  22  is a shaft  26  with an auger  28  disposed at the bottom end of the shaft  26 . The auger  28  permits the post  12  to be screwed into the ground, thereby anchoring the fence post  10  into the ground. The ground anchor  16  could also be designed to fit within the end  18  of the post  12 , rather than over the end  18  of the post  12 . In one implementation, a shaft  26  having a length of about 8 to about 12 inches has been found to be effective. Other shaft lengths could be used if desired.  
         [0043]    The details of an exemplary design of the ground anchor  16  are illustrated in FIGS.  10 A-C. Between the bottom of the sleeve  22  and the shaft  26  is a plate  21 . The plate  21  is designed to engage the ground when the anchor  16  is screwed into the ground, thereby providing stability to the post  12 . As is evident from FIG. 10A, the plate  21  is preferably a square with sides having dimension d 2  so that the plate extends beyond the sides of the sleeve  22  a certain distance d 1  to provide the stabilizing effect. In one implementation, it has been found that a plate  21  having a dimension d 2  equaling about 3 inches, and a distance d 1  equaling about 0.5 inches, provides adequate stability. However, it is to be realized that other plate dimensions could be used as well.  
         [0044]    To permit drainage of any moisture that may enter the post  12  or the sleeve  22 , at least one, and preferably two or more, weep holes  23  are provided in the plate  21  as best seen in FIG. 10B. In addition, the auger  28  is designed to facilitate insertion into the ground. If the auger is too wide, it is difficult to screw the anchor into the ground. Therefore, the dimensions of the auger  28  are selected to facilitate insertion into the ground. By way of example, the auger  28  can have the following dimensions:  
         [0045]    d 3 —about  2 . 5  inches  
         [0046]    d 4 —about  0 . 5  inches  
         [0047]    d 5 —about  0 . 5  inches  
         [0048]    d 6 —about 0.25 inches  
         [0049]    R—about 1.0 inch  
         [0050]    about 0.666 threads per inch.  
         [0051]    It is to be realized that the auger  28  can have other dimensions as well, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0052]    An alternate embodiment of a ground anchor  210  for anchoring the post  2  into the ground is illustrated in FIGS.  15 - 17 . The anchor  210  is designed to releasably self-lock with the post  12  and permit manual disconnection of the anchor from the post. In this embodiment, the end of the post  12  that interacts with the anchor  10  must be hollow. The anchor  210  is preferably formed entirely from plastic, such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other engineering grade plastics.  
         [0053]    Referring to FIGS.  15 - 16 , the anchor  210  comprises a central body  212  that is generally hollow and has a shape that generally matches the shape of the post  12  so that the central body  212  fits within the end of the post in close fitting relation therewith. The close fit between the body  212  and the interior of the post  12  secures the anchor and the post and prevents excessive relative movement therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the central body  212  is generally rectangular in shape so as to match the generally rectangular shape of the hollow end of the post  12 . However, the central body  212  could have other shapes, such as circular or triangular, corresponding to the shape of the post that is used.  
         [0054]    As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a cylindrical sleeve  214  through the center of the body  212  defines a passage  216 . The passage  216  permits a spike or other similar supplemental anchoring member (not shown) to extend through the center of the anchor  210  and into the ground to supplement the anchoring action of the anchor  210 .  
         [0055]    A plurality of ribs  218  (only one rib  218  is visible in FIG. 16) extend between the exterior surface of the sleeve  214  and the interior surface of the body  212  to reinforce the sleeve  214 .  
         [0056]    Surrounding the exterior of the body  212  adjacent the base end thereof is a skirt  220 . The skirt  220  includes a first flange portion  222  that extends outwardly from the body  212 , an upwardly extending portion  224 ; a second flange portion  226  that extends outwardly from the end of the portion  224 , and a downwardly extending portion  228 . A groove  230  is defined between the exterior of the body  212 , the flange portion  222  and the portion  224 , which is angled slightly away from the exterior of the body  212 . In use, the groove  230  receives the end of the post  12  therein, as is illustrated in FIG. 17B.  
         [0057]    To releasably secure the post to the anchor  210 , the anchor  210  is provided with a pair of integral locking members  232   a ,  232   b . The locking members  232   a ,  232   b  are identical to each other, so the construction and operation of only the member  232   a  will be described in detail. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, it is seen that the exterior of the body  212  is formed with a channel  234  that receives the locking member  232   a . In the illustrated embodiment, the channel  234  extends approximately the entire height of the portion of the body  212  that projects above the flange portion  226 , with the sleeve  214  defining the rear of the channel  234  along the upper end, and with the portion of the channel  234  below the sleeve  214  opening into the interior of the body  210  via a passage  236 .  
         [0058]    The locking member  232   a  comprises a locking arm  238  that extends parallel to the channel  234 , with the exterior surface of the arm  238  preferably being generally even or flush with the exterior surface of the body  212 . The arm  238  is connected adjacent one end thereof to the sleeve  214  by a connector  240 , whereby the arm  238  is cantilevered so as to permit the opposite end of the arm  238  to resiliently flex. The opposite end of the arm  238  is circular in shape and has an enlarged thickness compared to the remainder of the arm  238  (see FIG. 16) so as to form a lock button  42 . The lock button  242  is sized to interact with an aperture  244  formed in the post  12  adjacent the bottom end thereof, whereby, in use, the button  242  fits into the aperture  244  when the post  12  and anchor  210  are engaged to lock the post to the anchor. The button  242  is generally tapered in thickness, with the thickness increasing from its juncture with the remainder of the arm  238  to the bottom end of the button  242 . The tapering of the button  242  helps the post slide over the arm  232   a  as the post and anchor are being connected.  
         [0059]    The anchor  210  further includes a plurality of integral ground engaging spikes  250  which, in use, are intended to be driven into the ground for anchoring the post. In the preferred embodiment, the anchor  210  includes four integral spikes  250 . It is to be realized, however, that a larger or smaller number of spikes could be used. The spikes  250  extend from the bottom of the central body  212  at each corner thereof. Each spike  250  is formed from a plurality, preferably four, circumferentially even spaced ribs  252 . The ribs  252  are tapered such that the spikes  250  taper from adjacent the body  212  to their distal ends. The tapering of the spikes  250  facilitates insertion of the spikes  250  into the ground, with the ribs  252  providing adequate securement once the spikes are driven into the ground. Further, as described above, a spike or other member, if desired, can be inserted through the passage  216  to supplement the spikes  250 .  
         [0060]    The locking members  232   a ,  232   b  are designed to releasably connect the post  12  to the anchor  210 . With reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, to connect the post and anchor, the end of the post is slid over the body  212  of the anchor, and into the groove  230  until the end of the post  12  engages the flange portion  222 . During this time, the tapered buttons  242  are pushed inward by the post. When the apertures  244  become aligned with the buttons  242 , the resilient return force of the arms  238  force the buttons  242  outward through the apertures  244 , thereby locking the post and the anchor together. To release the post and anchor, the buttons  242 , must be pushed inward to disengage from the apertures  244 , at which point the post  12  and anchor  210  can be pulled apart.  
         [0061]    One embodiment of the fence strand assembly  14 , best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a housing  30  that is slidably connected to the post  12  to permit adjustment of the housing  30  along the length of the post  12 . The housing  30  is preferably formed from injection molded plastic, such as polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or other engineering grade plastics. However, in certain constructions such as a non-electric fence strand version, the housing or portions thereof could be formed from a metal material if desired.  
         [0062]    Disposed within the housing  30  in a cup-shaped depression  32  thereof (best seen in FIG. 4) is a roll of fence strand material  34 . The fence strand material  34  is illustrated in the figures as being a tape, such as polytape. However, it is to be recognized that other fence strand members, such as wire, rope and other slender fence strand members, could be used as well. In addition, as will be described in more detail later in the description, the fence strand material  34  can be electrified to provide an electric fence system.  
         [0063]    One end of the fence strand material  34  extends through a slot  36  formed in the side of the housing  30 , while the opposite end of the fence strand material  34  is secured to a spindle  38 . The spindle  38 , best seen in FIG. 5, includes a plurality of slots  40  therein through which the end of the fence strand material  34  extends such that rotation of the spindle in the appropriate direction causes the fence strand material  34  to be wound onto the spindle. The bottom end of the spindle  38  forms a pivot  42  which fits through a hole provided in the bottom of the cup-shaped depression  32  (see FIG. 4), with the spindle secured in place by a locking clip  44  engaging with a slot  46  in the pivot  42 .  
         [0064]    As shown in FIGS.  2 - 3 , a spool  48  is rotatably received at the top of the housing  30  and closes off the cup-shaped depression  32  so that the roll of fence strand material  34  is enclosed within the housing. The spool  48  and housing  30  prevent ingress of water, dirt and other contaminants to the roll of fence strand material  34  thereby increasing the reliability and operational life of the fence strand assembly  14 .  
         [0065]    The spool  48  includes a hole therein that receives a correspondingly shaped head  50  on the spindle  38 . As illustrated in the figures, the hole and head  50  are rectangular in shape, although it is to be realized that other shapes, such as triangular, pentagonal or the like, could be used.  
         [0066]    The housing  30  is illustrated in FIG. 4 as having an open bottom. However, the housing preferably cooperates with a housing cover  300 , illustrated in FIG. 21, that closes the bottom of the housing  30 . The housing cover  300  has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the open bottom of the housing  30 , and is secured to the housing using screws that extend through bosses  302  on the cover  300  and into threaded boss  304  (shown in FIG. 4) formed on the housing  30 . The cover  300  preferably includes a plurality of weep holes  306  to allow drainage of the interior of the housing  30 .  
         [0067]    As best seen in FIG. 3, a crank handle  52  is disposed on, formed on, or otherwise connected to the top surface of the spool  48 . The crank handle  52  is sized and shaped so as to permit manual or mechanical rotation of the spool  48 . Rotation of the spool  48  causes rotation of the spindle  38 , due to the fit of the head  50  into the spool hole. Thus, the spool  48  can be rotated via the crank handle  52 , thereby rotating the spindle  38 , to either pay-out (i.e. extend) the fence strand material  34  or wind-up (i.e. retract) the fence strand material  34 .  
         [0068]    As mentioned above and illustrated in FIG. 3, a crank handle  52  is disposed on, formed on, or otherwise connected to the top surface of the spool. The crank handle  52  is sized and shaped so as to permit manual or mechanical rotation of the spool  48 . In this embodiment, the crank handle  52  may be rigidly attached to the spool  48 .  
         [0069]    In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 3A, an interlocking cover  51  can be utilized with the crank handle  52  to alleviate the problem of an operator&#39;s fingers losing their grip on the crank handle  52 . As illustrated, the interlocking cover  51  is positioned on top of the crank handle  52 , leaving a gap between the cover and the spool  48 . With this gap, and by the design of the interlocking cover  51 , the cover is enabled to spin on the crank handle  52 . Thus, as the spool  48  is rotated, and the operator&#39;s hand becomes torqued to a point where his hand usually slips on the crank handle  52 , the interlocking cover  51  will spin on the crank handle  52  instead. Thus, the operator will not lose his grip on the crank handle  52  when rotating, ensuring easier rotation of the spool  48  and less wear on the surface of the crank handle  52 .  
         [0070]    As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the interlocking cover  51  has a pair of centrally located internal stems  55 . The stems  55  may be inserted in an aperture on the top end of the crank handle  52  when the cover  51  is assembled on to the crank handle. The stems  55  further have tabs  57  on their lower ends which facilitate the cover  51  to be interlocked with the crank handle  52 , but still enable the cover to rotate on the handle.  
         [0071]    With reference to FIGS. 3, 4,  6   a  and  6   b , a locking mechanism is preferably provided in order to lock the fence strand material  34  and prevent further retraction/extension of the fence strand material  34 . The lock mechanism includes a lock lever  54  that is pivotally secured on the housing  30  adjacent the slot  36  to control ingress/egress of the fence strand material  34  through the slot  36 . The lock lever  54  includes a pair of pivot pins  56  that snap fit into suitably provided holes in the housing  30 . A clamp bar  58  formed on the lock lever  54  forcibly clamps the fence strand material  34  against a wire finger  60  (see FIG. 4) and against the housing  30 , when the lock lever  54  is in the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and prevents further ingress/egress of the fence strand material  34  through the slot  36 . A scalloped depression  62  is formed on the lock lever  54  to permit a persons fingers) to get behind the lever to facilitate pivoting of the lever to an unlock position where the lever  54  projects from the outline of the housing  30 .  
         [0072]    An alternate embodiment of a lock lever  54 ′ is illustrated in FIG. 22. The lock lever  54 ′, which is preferably used with the construction illustrated in FIG. 11, includes a plurality of projections  59  on the clamp bar  58 ′ to enhance the clamping action of the lock lever  54 ′. The projections  59  provide an improved electrical connection between the hot and ground wires in the tape  34  exiting the housing and the wires  60   a  and  60   b . In certain alternate embodiments, there is an additional set of projections  61 , illustrated in FIG. 22A, which are located on the inner side of the slot  36  of the housing  30  just positioned opposite the projections  59  on the lock lever  54 ′. The additional projections  61  are situated on the housing  30  such that they fall between the projections  59  on the lock lever  54 ′ when the lever  54 ′ is closed, providing a “jigsaw fit” of the projections  59  and  61 , as illustrated in FIG. 22A. The consequence of the “jigsaw fit” between the two surfaces is that they work in combination to provide a solid secure grip on the tape  34  passed between the projections  59  and  61  and out of the slot  36  of the housing  30 , as illustrated in FIG. 22B. In contrast, by simply using a solitary set of projections  59  on the lever  54 ′ as the only mechanism for securing the tape  34 , there is still some chance for slippage or movement of the tape  34  between the projections  59  and the smooth inner wall of the housing  30 .  
         [0073]    The wire finger  60  discussed above forms one end of a wire  64  that extends beneath the cup-shaped depression  32  as best seen in FIG. 4. The opposite end of the wire  64  extends through a slot  66  in the housing  30  and forms a loop  68 . The loop  68  permits connection of fence strand material  34  to the housing  30 . As shown in FIG. 4, the housing  30 , such as on the bottom of the cup-shaped depression  32 , includes a plurality of wire supports  320  that holds and secure the wire  64 . In addition, the housing cover  300  in FIG. 21 includes a plurality of wire supports  322  for holding and securing the wire  64  when the cover is mounted on the bottom of the housing  30 .  
         [0074]    With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and  7 , a strand connector  70  is connected to the end of the fence strand material  34 . One embodiment of the strand connector  70  of the present invention is preferably formed from a metal, such as stainless steel, or from a suitable plastic material. The connector  70  includes a buckle end  72  provided with a series of slots  74  through which the end of the fence strand material  34  is woven like a buckle so that the end of the fence strand material and the connector  70  are securely fastened. The opposite end of the connector  70  is formed into a hook  76  which is intended to engage the loop  68  on the wire  64  to connect the end of the fence strand material  34  to an adjacent housing  30 . The construction of the connector  70  is particularly suited for use with a tape, such as polytape, as the fence strand material. If the fence strand material  34  is slender, such as wire or rope, an alternate connector that is more suited for connection to a slender fence strand member, but which also is able to connect to the housing, could be used.  
         [0075]    In certain electric fencing systems, the connector  70  would preferably be formed from metal so that electrical current is transferred from the fence strand material of one housing, through the connector  70  which connects to the loop  68  and into the wire  64  of an adjacent housing which carries the current across the adjacent housing to the finger  60  which in turn is in electrical contact with the fence strand material of the adjacent housing as a result of the clamping action provided by the lock lever  54 . In this manner, electrical continuity can be maintained. When the fence is not electrified, the connector  70  can be either metal or plastic, and connects to the housing in the manner described or in any other suitable manner.  
         [0076]    An optional embodiment of a strand connector  70  may be a gate handle  78 , illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8. The gate handle  78  can be provided to facilitate handling of the end of the fence strand material  34 . When used, the gate handle  78  is preferably formed of extruded polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other suitable plastic, and includes a channel  80  formed therethrough. The fence strand material  34  slides through the channel  80  and the buckle end  72  of the connector  70  wedges tightly into the channel  80 . Thus, when used, the gate handle  78  provides a convenient handle by which a user can grasp and hold the end of the fence strand material  34 .  
         [0077]    As mentioned, the fence strand assembly  14  is adjustable along the length of the post  12 . To accomplish the adjustment, the housing  30  is provided with a clamp assembly  82  that defines a shape, corresponding to the shape of the post  12 , to permit clamping engagement of the housing  30  with the post  12 , as shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 . The clamp assembly  82  includes a bolt  84 , a washer  86  and a knob  88  that cooperate in a manner known in the art to tighten and loosen the clamp assembly  82 . Through appropriate rotation of the knob  88 , the clamp assembly  82  is loosened and the fence strand assembly  14  can be adjusted along the length of the post  12  to the desired height. Rotation of the knob  88  in the opposite direction tightens the clamp assembly  82  and locks the fence strand assembly  14  in position. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cap  90  fits into and closes off the second end  20  of the post  12 . The cap could also fit over, rather than within, the second end of the post.  
         [0078]    Although a clamp assembly  82  has been described herein as permitting adjustment of the housing  30 , other means permitting adjustment of the housing  30  could be utilized as well. For instance, an indexing system including a plurality of indexing holes along the length of the post  12  and an indexing pin inserted through a portion of the housing  30  and into a selected one of the indexing holes could be used.  
         [0079]    As described previously, the fence post assembly  10  can be used to form an electric fence or enclosure. In an electric fence version, the fence strand material  34  must be constructed so as to permit conduction of electricity. When the fence strand material  34  is a tape, as illustrated in the figures, the type of tape used can be a bi-polar tape. Bi-polar tapes, which are generally known in the art, include a hot wire(s) and a ground wire extending along the length thereof. The fence strand tape, for either nonelectric or electric uses, also preferably includes a reflective strand r extending through the center of the tape, as shown in FIG. 12, to indicate the presence of the tape at night when light reflects off of the reflective strand.  
         [0080]    A conducting wire, rather than tape, can be used as the fence strand material  34  if desired. A suitable type of wire is polywire. The use of wire permits a longer length of fence strand material  34  to be used on the spool  48 , as compared to using tape. By way of example, for the same size spool, it has been found that the length of the wire that can be used can be up to about four time greater than the length of the tape.  
         [0081]    As discussed above, in an electric fence version, electrical continuity is required between a fence strand that connects to the housing  30  and the fence strand that exits the housing  30 . As discussed for FIGS.  1 - 8 , the wire  64  is one means that can be used to transfer electricity between fence strands. In this regard, the wire  64 , which is made of metal or other conducting material, provides the necessary electrical path through the housing  30  which in this version is made from a non-conducting material such as plastic.  
         [0082]    FIGS.  11 - 13  illustrate a construction that is designed for use when the fence strand material  34  is a bi-polar tape. Because bi-polar tape has ground and hot wires, the wire  64 ′ is constructed differently than the wire  64 , in that the loop  68 ′ of the wire  64 ′ is provided with a plastic or other non-conducting piece  69  that divides the loop  68 ′ into separate wires  68   a ,  68   b . One wire, for example bottom wire  68   a , is designed to electrically connect to the hot wire(s) in the bi-polar tape, and runs under the cup shaped depression as shown in FIG. 11A. The other wire, for example top wire  68   b , is designed to electrically connect to the ground wire(s) in the bi-polar tape, and runs through the housing, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 11, without interfering with the rotation of the roll of bi-polar tape disposed in the housing. Likewise, the finger  60 ′ is also provided with a non-conducting piece  61  that divides the finger  60 ′ into separate wires  60   a ,  60   b . The wire  60   a  is connected to the wire  68   a  via the portion that runs under the cup shaped depression, and the wire  60   b  is connected to the wire  68   b  as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 11. Therefore, the wires  60   a ,  68   a  form a first electrical path through the housing while the wires  60   b ,  68   b  form a second electrical path. The non-conducting pieces  61 ,  69  separate the first and second electrical paths from each other.  
         [0083]    As further illustrated in FIG. 11, the lock lever  54 ′ shown in FIGS. 22, 22A and  22 B having the projections  59  may be used used. When the lock lever  54 ′ is pivoted to the clamping position, the projections  59  and  61  secure the tape in position and the projections  59  and end of the lock lever  54 ′ proximate to the slot  36  press the bi-polar tape against the wires  60   a ,  60   b . The projections  59  and end of the lock lever  54 ′ provide an improved electrical connection between the hot and ground wires in the tape exiting the housing and the wires  60   a ,  60   b.    
         [0084]    In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, screws  330 ,  332  are threaded into bosses disposed adjacent to the wires  68   a ,  68   b , with the heads of the screws contacting the wires. Wire leads  334 ,  336  contact the screws  330 ,  332 , respectively, and lead to a circuit board  338  located in the housing. In this manner, electricity can be supplied to the wire  64 ′ and to the tape. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the housing preferably includes a window  339  on the top surface thereof. A signal element, such as a light emitting diode or other illumination device, is disposed underneath the window  339  and is connected to the circuit board  338  so as to illuminate when electricity is provided to the wire  64 ′. The window  339  thus provides a readily visible indicator that the fence post assembly is powered, and that the fence strand material is electrified.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIGS. 12, 13A and  13 B illustrate a gate handle  110  that is used to connect the bi-polar tape to the housing  30  while maintaining electrical continuity across the housing. The gate handle  110  may be utilized in place of the connector  70  and gate handle  78  arrangement described in FIGS.  1 - 8 . A first clamping plate  112 , shown in FIG. 13A, of the gate handle  110  cooperates with a second clamping plate  114 , shown in FIG. 3B, to clamp the bi-polar tape  34  therebetween whereby the gate handle  110  is securely attached to the end of the tape  34 , as well as providing for an electrical connection between the hot and ground wires of the bi-polar tape  34  and the hook  68 ′ on the housing. Each clamping plate  112 ,  114  is formed from a non-conducting plastic material. The tape  34  is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 12.  
         [0086]    With reference to FIG. 13A, the first clamping plate  112  includes a first end  116  adjacent which there is provided a plurality of ribs  118 . Projecting from the interior surface of the plate  112  are a plurality of stepped ribs  120 . The ribs  120  generally increase in height as they extend from the first end  116  toward a second, connecting end  122  of the plate  112 , with each rib including a series of relatively sharp, pointed tips  124 . The plate  12  further includes a trough  132  in which a pair of channels  130   a ,  130   b  are formed. A pair of projecting ribs  134   a ,  134   b , each of which has a relatively sharp tip, extends from the interior surface of the plate  112  adjacent the channels  130   a ,  130   b . In addition, an internally threaded boss  136  projects from the interior surface of the plate  112  between the trough  132  and the connecting end  122  and  6  between the ribs  134   a ,  134   b , while an internally threaded boss  137  projects from the interior surface of the plate adjacent the first end  116 .  
         [0087]    With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13A, the trough  132  forms a channel  138  that opens toward the exterior surface of the plate  112 . When the tape  34  is clamped between the plates  112 ,  114 , portions of the tape adjacent the channels  130   a ,  30   b  are disposed within the channel  138  so that the tape portions are accessible from outside the gate handle  110 . It is the portions of the tape disposed within the channel  38  that are to contact the wires  68   a ,  68   b  when the gate handle  110  is connected to the housing. As shown in FIG. 12, the tape  34  preferably includes a hot wire h and a ground wire g that will be located within the channel  138  as discussed above, so that the hot wire h is able to contact the wire  68   b , while the ground wire g is able to contact the wire  68   a.    
         [0088]    With reference to FIG. 13B, the interior surface of the clamping plate  114  that in use faces the interior surface of the clamping plate  112  is visible. A plurality of projections  140  project from the interior surface of the plate  114  adjacent a first end  142  thereof. The projections  140  are sized and shaped to fit between corresponding pairs of the ribs  118  on the plate  112  when the two plates  112 ,  114  are brought together, thereby helping to firmly clamp the tape  34  between the plates  112 ,  114 .  
         [0089]    In addition, a boss  144  having a through hole  146 , and a boss  145  having a through hole  147 , project from the interior surface of the plate  114  at locations that correspond to the locations of the bosses  136 ,  137  on the plate  112  when the two plates  12 ,  114  are secured together. The bosses  136 ,  144  and  137 ,  145  cooperate with each other to form a means whereby the two plates  112 ,  114  are securely fastened together in a releasable manner. Preferably, threaded screws (not illustrated) are used to secure the two plates, with the screws extending through the through holes  146 ,  147  of the bosses  144 ,  145  and into threaded engagement with the bosses  136 ,  137 . The screws are preferably inserted through the exterior side of the plate  1114 , and the bosses  144 ,  145  are preferably countersunk on the exterior sides thereof so that the heads of the screws are recessed into the gate handle  110 .  
         [0090]    Further ribs  148  project from the interior surface of the plate  114 , with the ribs  148  positioned to cooperate with the ribs  120  on the plate  112  in a manner to be discussed below. Each rib  148  may also include a relatively sharp, pointed tip  152 . The positioning, size and spacing of the ribs  148  are such that when the plates  112 ,  114  are secured together, each pair of ribs  148  are located between a corresponding pair of ribs  120 . As a result, the tape  34  is firmly clamped between the plates  112 ,  114 , with the pointed tips  124 ,  152  engaging with the tape  34  and helping to prevent the tape  34  from being pulled from the gate handle  110 .  
         [0091]    As mentioned above and illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13A,  13 B and  14 , the gate handle  110  is comprised of a first and second clamping plate  112 ,  114 , which are secured together to facilitate the secure attachment of the bi-polar tape  34  to the gate handle  110 . Further, in one embodiment of the present invention the clamping plates  112 , 114  of the gate handle  110  enable the hot and ground wires on the tape  34  to be electrically connected to the hook  68 ′ on the fence strand assembly housing  30  using contact strips  121  therebetween. The pair of contact strips  121 , illustrated in FIG. 13C, are positioned within the pair of first and second clamping plates  112 ,  114  and work in conjunction with the plates to facilitate a more sturdy and efficient electrical contact surface for the tape  34  to be connected to the loop  68 ′.  
         [0092]    In reference to FIG. 13C, the plates  121  are positioned in the first clamping plate  112 , one placed in the channel  130   a  and the other placed in the channel  130   b . The contact plates  121  are preferably thin rectangular plates comprised of aluminum, however another plate shape could be utilized as well as another conductive material. The plates are of a length and width such that they are held in place by the surrounding ribs  134   a ,  118 ,  120  in the channel  130   a , and by the surrounding ribs  134   b ,  118 ,  120  in the channel  130   b.    
         [0093]    An alternate embodiment of the second connecting plate  114  is illustrated in FIG. 13D. With the contact strips  121  being utilized between the first and second connecting plates  112 ,  114 , the second connecting plate  114 ′ is modified to include cross members  149  that connect the front and back ends of the two sets of ribs  148  located on the plate  114 ′. These cross members  149  provide lateral pressure against the tape  34  while the ribs  148  provide longitudinal pressure against the tape  34  to force an overall good contact between the tape  34  and the contact strips  121 .  
         [0094]    The plate  114  further includes a flange  154  adjacent an end thereof opposite the end  142 . The flange  154  cooperates with and is positioned closely adjacent to a wall  156  on the plate  112  when the plates  112 ,  114  are connected together in order to substantially close off the interior of the gate handle  110  from the exterior thereof.  
         [0095]    Returning to FIG. 13A, it is seen that the plate  112  includes a lip  158  at the connecting end  122 . In use, the interior surface of the lip  158  rests on one surface of the housing  30 , as shown in FIG. 12, while the surface formed by the flange  154  and wall  156  rest on another surface.  
         [0096]    After the tape  34  is placed between the two plates  112 ,  114  and the plates are fastened together, the gate handle  110  is connected to the housing  30  in the following manner. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the connecting end  122  is inserted through the loop  68 ′. The gate handle  110  is then rotated so that the connecting end  122  engages with the corner of the housing  30 . In particular, the interior surface of the lip  158  rests on one corner surface, while the surface formed by the flange  154  and wall  156  rest on another corner surface, thereby achieving a secure connection of the gate handle to the housing.  
         [0097]    Further, rotation of the gate handle  110  disposes the loop  68 ′ and the wires  68   a ,  68   b  thereof within the channel  138  of the trough  132 , where the wires  68   a ,  68   b  contact the ground and hot wires of the tape  34  or the contact strips  121  disposed within the channel  138 . Thus, electrical continuity is maintained between the tape  34  that connects to the housing  30 , and the tape  34  that exits the housing  30 . Disconnection is achieved by rotating the gate handle  110  to an extent that permits the connection end  122  to be removed from the loop  68 ′.  
         [0098]    As mentioned above and illustrated in FIG. 12, the gate handle  110  is used to connect the bi-polar tape  34  to the fence strand assembly housing  30  while maintaining electrical continuity across the housing  30 . As also mentioned, in connecting the gate handle  110  to the housing  30 , the connecting end is inserted through the loop  68 ′ and rotated such that the connecting end  122  engages with the housing  30 .  
         [0099]    In certain alternate embodiments, there is an additional mechanism added to the gate handle  110  to not only ensure and maintain the mechanical connection between the gate handle  110  and the loop  68 ′ on the housing  30 , but also to ensure and maintain a good electrical contact between the tape  34  and/or contact strips  121  and the loop  68 ′. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the gate handle  110  further includes a releasable locking latch  69  located on the outer surface of the gate handle  110 . The latch  69  is rotatably adjusted such that it can be put in an unlocked or open position (FIG. 12A), as well as a locked or closed position (FIG. 12B).  
         [0100]    The latch  69  is generally positioned in a recess  71  on the outer surface of the gate handle  10 .  
         [0101]    [0101]FIGS. 12C and 12D depict the recess  71 , located under the bottom end of the latch  69  and one or more locking members  73  positioned on the lower surface of the latch  69 . To operably adjoin and lock the gate handle  110  to the housing  30 , the gate handle  110  is inserted into the loop  68 ′ and the latch  69  is rotated such that the locking members  73  secure and press the loop  68 ′ into secure contact and electrical connection with the tape  34  and/or contact strips  121 . The locked latch  69  will be indicated by directing the arrow  75  to the locked symbol  79  (FIG. 12B). Alternatively, to indicate an unlocked latch  69  position, one can simply direct the arrow  75  to the unlocked symbol  77  (FIG. 12A). In one embodiment of the present invention, the latch  69  may be secured to the first clamping plate  112  of the gate handle  110  through the use of a threaded screw and washer (not shown) located on the inner surface of the plate  112 .  
         [0102]    In connecting the gate handle  110  with the latch  69  to the loop  68 ′, one must initially open the latch  69  by rotating the latch  69  counterclockwise to its unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 12A. This can be done by rotating the latch  69  until the locking members  73  stop the latch  69  from additional rotation and/or the arrow  75  points in the direction of the unlocked symbol  77 . Like previously described, the gate handle  110  can then be inserted through the loop  68 ′ and rotated such that the connecting end  122  engages with the housing  30 . Subsequently, the latch  69  is rotated clockwise to its locked position, as shown in FIG. 12B. This can be done by rotating the latch  69  clockwise until the locking members  73  stop the latch  69  from additional rotation and/or the arrow  75  points in the direction of the locked symbol  79 . When the latch  69  is utilized, a mechanical connection can be made between the gate handle  110  and the loop  68 ′ on the housing  30  that is much more stable and secure than the connection illustrated in FIG. 12. In addition, a good electrical contact between the wires  68   a  and  68   b  and the tape  34  and/or contact strips  121  is initiated and sustained through contact pressure applied by the locking members  73 , illustrated in FIGS. 12C and 12D, on the wires  68   a  and  68   b.    
         [0103]    With reference to FIG. 14, in the electric fence version, electricity can be provided by the use of one or more solar panels  150 , either mounted on the fence post assembly  10  or provided as a stand alone structure. Alternatively, one or more batteries  160  provided on or in the fence post assembly  10  can be used to provide electrical power. Preferably, the batteries are used in combination with the solar panels, with the solar panels being used to recharge the batteries. A fence controller  170  is provided for controlling operation of the fence post assembly  10 . The controller  170  can be mounted in a variety of locations, for example within the fence post  12  or on the exterior thereof, or it can be provided as a stand-alone unit.  
         [0104]    FIGS.  18 - 20  illustrate a preferred embodiment of the fence controller  170 . In this embodiment, the controller  170  is designed to be inserted as a single integral unit into the upper end of the post  12  which must be made hollow to accommodate the controller  170 . The controller  170  includes a chassis  172  that has a battery accommodation section  174  and a circuit board section  176 , as best seen in FIG. 20. The chassis  172 , which is formed from a molded plastic such as polycarbonate, ABS or other engineering grade plastics, has a shape that is similar to the shape of the hollow end of the post  12  to allow the chassis  172  to be inserted into the post as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. In the preferred embodiment, the chassis  172  is generally triangular in shape which allows the chassis to be inserted into the post  12 . The battery section  174  of the chassis  172  is constructed to receive a plurality of batteries  160  for use in powering the controller  170  and/or in providing electricity to the fence strands, as shown in FIG. 20. In the preferred embodiment, four “D” sized batteries  160  are used. However, it is to be realized that a larger or smaller number of batteries, as well as other battery types, could be used, depending upon the power requirements.  
         [0105]    Mounted within the circuit board section  176  is a circuit board  178  that contains circuitry for operating the controller  170  and the electric version of the fence post assembly  10 . The circuitry on the circuit board is designed to distribute electricity to the electric fence strand member, such as the tape  34  of FIG. 12, to electrify the fence strand member. In addition, the circuitry includes a light  180 , such as a light emitting diode (LED), which flashes when the controller is on to indicate that the controller  170  is functioning. A pair of indicator lights  182 ,  184 , one of which is preferably green and the other is preferably red, are also provided in order to provide an indication of the state of the batteries  160 . When the batteries  160  have sufficient charge, the green light is illuminated indicating that the battery level is sufficient; on the other hand, when the battery charge is not sufficient, the red light is illuminated to indicate that the batteries need to be recharged or replaced. A switch  186 , such as a toggle switch, turns the controller  170  on and off. In use, when the fence strand members are to be electrified, the switch  186  is turned to the “on” position. Once the controller is on, the LED  180  flashes thereby indicating to the user that the controller is operating. In addition, one of the lights  182 ,  184  will also be illuminated to indicate the condition of the batteries  160 .  
         [0106]    If desired, the circuitry on the circuit board  178  could also be designed to permit remote operation of the controller. In this case, the circuitry would include equipment, such as a receiver and a transmitter, that could receive remote control commands and transmit information concerning the operation to a remote location.  
         [0107]    Referring to FIGS.  18 - 20 , a cap  188  disposed at the upper end of the chassis  172  replaces the cap  90  for closing the end of the post  12 . The cap  188  is provided with a cut-out  190  on one side through which the LED  180  is visible and the switch  186  is accessible. In addition, the indicator lights  182 ,  184  extend through suitable holes in the opposite side of the cap  188  so that the lights  182 ,  184  are visible, as best seen in FIG. 19.  
         [0108]    As mentioned above and illustrated in FIGS.  18 - 20 , the circuit board section  176  is contained on the fence controller  170  and housed within a fence post  12  of the fence post assembly  10 . In certain alternate embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the fence controller  170  may include a internal cover  171  placed over the circuit board section  176 . By doing so, dual protection would be provided for persons handling the fence post assembly  10  in regards to direct exposure to the circuit board section  176 .  
         [0109]    Normally, the circuit board section  176  is primarily isolated from direct contact with an operator by being housed within the fence post  12 . However, with reference to FIG. 20A, an internal cover  171  may be placed and secured over the circuit board section  176  to provide a secondary level of isolation for the operator. The internal cover  171  would isolate the circuit board section  176  from an operator who may separate the controller  170  from the post  12 . Such a scenario is likely to occur when the batteries  160  need to be changed, or if there is an electrical malfunction with some of the circuitry in the circuit board section  176 . One mode of attachment for the internal cover  171  involves threaded screws being used in one or more holes included in the body of the internal cover  171 . The screws are screwed into corresponding bosses on the controller  170 . It is contemplated that other mechanisms for securing the internal cover  171  to the circuit board section  176  may be utilized, e.g., through the use of clamps, adhesives and the like, and it is not meant to limit the invention by detailing that the internal cover be secured with threaded screws.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 9 illustrates four fence post assemblies  10 A-D in accordance with the invention that are arranged to form an enclosure  100 . An exemplary assembly procedure to form the enclosure  100  is as follows: the four fence post assemblies  10 A-D are located at the corners of the enclosure that is to be formed. The anchors, e.g. anchors  16  or  210 , are then inserted into the ground, and the posts  12  are then attached to the anchors. The fence strand material  34  is then unwound from the roll of fence post assembly  10 A by pulling on the end of the fence strand material and/or by rotating the spool  48  in the appropriate direction. The end of the fence strand material  34  is then connected to the housing on the fence post assembly  10 B. A similar procedure is repeated for fence post assemblies  10 B-D, with the fence strand material of fence post assembly  10 B connecting to fence post assembly  10 C, the fence strand material of fence post assembly  10 C connecting to fence post assembly  10 D, and the fence strand material of fence post assembly  10 D connecting to fence post assembly  10 A. The housings are adjusted up or down along the posts as needed to provide the desired fence strand height. Although an exemplary procedure for forming the enclosure  100  has been described, other assembly procedures could be used as well.  
         [0111]    It should be realized that when the enclosure shown in FIG. 9 is to be electrified, the electrical continuity between the fence strand material of one fence post assembly and the fence strand material of another fence post assembly is maintained in the manner described above. Given the fence construction referenced in FIG. 9, if the fence strand assemblies were energized with a power source, the fence post assemblies of the fence post assemblies  10 A,  10 B,  10 C,  10 D would preferably be connected in series with one another. Thus, if one of the corresponding fence strand assemblies malfunctioned or the tape was accidentally cut between two of the assemblies, the electrical continuity of the circuit would also be broken. As previously mentioned, another alternative is to construct a fence having multiple fence strand assemblies on fence post assemblies. By utilizing a fence including multiple fence strand assemblies, one circuit may go out because of an electrical problem involving one fence strand assembly, but the other circuits involving other fence strand assemblies on the post will remain energized and provide a fence that is still energized.  
         [0112]    Instead of using four fence post assemblies  10 A-D, a larger or smaller number of fence post assemblies could be used to form the enclosure. For instance, if sufficient quantity of fence strand material  34  is available on the roll, the enclosure could be formed by running the material  34  from the housing of one fence post assembly  10 , around man-made objects such as fence posts that do not have fence strand material rolls and housings as described herein, or around natural objects such as trees, and back to the original fence post assembly where it would connect to the housing. This type of enclosure using a fence post assembly with a single housing is particularly useful when the fence strand material that is used is wire, as the length of wire that can be used on a spool is much greater than the length of tape that can be used on the spool.  
         [0113]    In addition, one or more of the fence post assemblies could be used in combination with existing structure(s) to form the enclosure. For instance, one or more fence post assemblies  10  could be used in combination with a side wall of a building or vehicle structure to form the enclosure. Moreover, the end of the fence strand material  34  could be connected to the structure, rather than to an adjacent fence post assembly.  
         [0114]    Each fence post assembly can be provided individually or as part of a kit along with one or more additional fence post assemblies. Moreover, the components of the fence post assembly  10 , including the fence strand assembly  14 , the fence post  12  and the ground anchor  16 , can be provided as separate elements, thereby permitting replacement of one of the components in the event that a component should break, fail or otherwise need replacement.  
         [0115]    To provide added stability to the fence post assembly  10 , a guy wire  200  can extend from a portion of the fence post assembly  10  with the opposite end of the guy wire  200  anchored to the ground. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the guy wire  200  can connect to the clamp assembly  82 .  
         [0116]    It is to be understood that while certain embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts described and shown. Rather, the invention is defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4