FENCE BRACING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

Bracing devices, bracing system and method of using the same is disclosed which is particularly suitable for providing line and end corner bracing for conventional corner post system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a fence bracing apparatus and method of using the same that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An advantage of the invention is to provide a simple and rapid fencing system that is configured to permit anyone to make a fence that is very strong and will last years and years.

Yet another advantage of the invention is to provide a fencing system that can be installed with no special tools in a cost effective and time saving manner over the related art.

Still yet another advantage of the invention is to provide a fencing system that can be installed with adjustable diagonal braces configured to allow installation on non-level ground with various grades.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a fence post bracing member for use in a section of fence includes an elongated tubular portion having a first end having a first bracket, a second end having a second bracket and a lumen extending from the first end to the second end. The first bracket is arranged at a first angle relative to a center-line of the elongated tubular bracket and the second bracket is arranged at a second angle relative to a center-line of the elongated tubular member. The first angle is different than the second angle. The fence post member also includes an elongated member having a first end having a third bracket and the second end having no bracket. The second end of the elongated member is configured to fit within a portion of the lumen. The third bracket is arranged at a third angle relative to a center-line of the elongated member. The first angle and the third angle are substantially identical to each other.

In another aspect of the present invention, a fence post bracing member for use in a section of fence includes an elongated member having a first end having a first bracket and the second end having a second bracket. The first bracket is arranged at a first angle relative to a center-line of the elongated member. The second bracket is arranged at a second angle relative to a center-line of the elongated member. The first bracket is attached to the first end at a first offset, and the second bracket is attached to the second end at a second offset.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of installing a corner fence system includes providing a first corner fence post. Anchoring the first corner fence post to a location in the ground and measuring a distance from the first corner fence post with a non-adjustable horizontal brace, wherein the non-adjustable horizontal brace comprises an elongated member having a first end having a first bracket and a second end having a second bracket, wherein the first bracket is arranged at a first angle relative to a center-line of the elongated member, wherein the second bracket is arranged at a second angle relative to a center-line of the elongated member, wherein the first bracket is attached to the first end at a first offset, and wherein the second bracket is attached to the second end at a second offset. Next, providing a second corner fence post to a location measured and anchoring the second corner fence post to a distance in the ground.

The method further includes providing an adjustable angle brace comprising an elongated tubular portion having a first end having a first bracket, a second end having a second bracket and a lumen extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first bracket is arranged at a first angle relative to a center-line of the elongated tubular bracket and the second bracket is arranged at a second angle relative to a center-line of the elongated a tubular member, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle and an elongated member arranged within a portion of the elongated tubular such that a predetermined distance protrudes from the elongated tubular portion, the having a first end having a third bracket and the second end having no bracket, wherein the third bracket is arranged at a third angle relative to a center-line of the elongated member, wherein the first angle and the third angle are substantially identical to each other. The method also includes simultaneously attaching the non-adjustable horizontal brace and the adjustable angle brace to the first corner post and attaching the non-adjustable horizontal brace and the adjustable angle brace to the second corner post.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable bracket may replace the brackets previously shown with the horizontal braces, angle braces, adjustable horizontal braces and adjustable angle braces. The bracket may be made from material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. The bracket has movable parts that allow the bracket to fit easier and tighter around either metal or wood fence posts. This is desirable as metal and wood fence posts are not always uniform in size and are rarely driven perfectly vertical into the ground. The bracket is able to slightly adjust its size and shape which allows for imperfections in the fence posts.

The adjustable bracket may have a bracket base attached, such as by welding, to a brace. The bracket base may be any desired width, but is preferably about three to five inches in length and about one inch in width. The brace is able to perform similar functions to previously described braces. The bracket may include the bracket base with two bracket bends (about one to three inches long that are perpendicular to the bracket base), two bracket fingers (about one to four inches long and about one inch wide), two bracket rivets to each hold a bracket finger to a bracket bend, a bolt and a nut 1060. Each bracket finger may have a first end rotatably connected to a corresponding bracket bend by a corresponding bracket rivet. This configuration allows the bracket fingers to independently move from each other and from the bracket base as each bracket finger is able to rotate about its bracket rivet.

Each bracket finger may have a second end with an opening that is preferably larger than the diameter of the threaded section of the bolt, but smaller than the head of the bolt or the diameter of the nut. Once the bracket has been placed around a fence post, this configuration allows the threads of the bolt to pass through the openings in the fingers to fully enclose the fence post and the nut to be screwed onto the threads of the bolt to securely retain the fence post in the bracket.

An embodiment of the invention for attaching a wooden fence post to the ground will now be provided. To be efficient, some of the items used in this method are preferably prepared in masse prior to the start of the method. Specifically, a desired number of T-Post may be cut to a desired length: a desired number of tapered sleeves may be created having the desired shape, length and diameters: and a hole may be drilled into the bottom of a desired number of fence posts: and some pre-drilled pilot holes may be drilled into the bottom of the fence posts and screws with corresponding washers may be screwed into the pre-drilled pilot holes.

Once the materials are prepared, a shallow hole may be dug into the ground at a location where the fence post is desired. A T-Post may be pounded into the ground near the center of the shallow hole using a sledge hammer or a smash bar. The T-Post may be driven into the ground at a particular depth so that a first desired length of the T-Post is under ground and a second desired length of the T-Post is above ground.

A tapered sleeve may be driven onto the T-Post using the sledge hammer or the smash bar until a bottom of the tapered bar is at the level of the ground, i.e., at the top of the shallow hole. A hole in the bottom of the fence post, having an interior surface similar to the exterior surface of a tapered sleeve, may be placed over the tapered sleeve and driven down until the bottom of the fence post is level with the ground.

In a preferred embodiment, the fence post may be driven down over the tapered sleeve using a smash bar extension arm. A fence post catch of the smash bar extension arm may be in contact with the top of the fence post. A fence post guide of the smash bar extension arm may be place against a portion of a side of the fence post. A smash bar slide may be placed over a smash bar slide hookup of the smash bar extension arm. The smash bar may be positioned on the smash bar slide such that the smash bar may be repeatedly raised and swiftly lower on the smash bar slide to drive the fence post onto the tapered sleeve until the bottom of the fence post is level with the ground. When the bottom of the fence post is level with the ground, the screws and washers attached to the bottom of the fence post should extend into the shallow hole.

The shallow hole may be filled with cement, preferably submerging some portion of the screws and washers in the wet cement. This process may then be repeated for securely attaching any desired number of fence posts to the ground.

This Summary section is neither intended to be, nor should be, construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Additional benefits, features and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the attached figures and in the description herein below, and as described by the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that this Summary section may not contain all of the aspects and embodiments claimed herein.

Additionally, the disclosure herein is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner. Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to provide an understanding to those of ordinary skill in the art of one or more representative embodiments supporting the claims. Thus, it is important that the claims be regarded as having a scope including constructions of various features of the present disclosure insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the methods and apparatuses consistent with the present disclosure (including the originally filed claims). Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to encompass and include obvious improvements and modifications of the present disclosure.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible, utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary side view of a horizontal brace according to an embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary end view of the horizontal brace of FIG. 1A:

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary perspective end view of the horizontal brace of FIG. 1A:

FIG. 1D illustrates an exemplary perspective second end view of the horizontal brace of FIG. 1A:

FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary top view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary side view of a non-adjustable angle brace according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A:

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary side end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A:

FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary side end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A:

FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary perspective end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A:

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary side view of an adjustable angle brace according to an embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary side end view of an adjustable angle brace of FIG. 3A:

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace of FIG. 3A:

FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace of FIG. 3A:

FIG. 3E illustrates an exemplary side view of an adjustable angle brace sleeve of FIG. 3A:

FIG. 3F illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace sleeve of FIG. 3E;

FIG. 3G illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace sleeve of FIG. 3E;

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary view of installed fencing system according to another embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the assembled fencing system of FIG. 4A:

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary view of assembled fencing system according to another embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary top view of the assembled fencing system of FIG. 5A:

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary side view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of installing a fencing system on non-sloped ground:

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of tensioning a fencing wire; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of installing a fencing system on sloped ground.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket that has a bracket base connected to two bracket fingers by a corresponding bracket rivet that allows the bracket fingers to independently move from each other and from the bracket base.

FIG. 11 illustrates four of the brackets in FIG. 10 holding four braces to a post.

FIG. 12 illustrates a bracket that may be attached to wood.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method for securely attaching a fence post to the ground.

FIG. 14 illustrates how a fence post may be attached to the ground even when the T-Post is not perpendicular to the ground.

FIG. 15 illustrates a T-Post inserted into a center of a wooden log to simulate being partially driven underground.

FIG. 16 illustrates a tapered sleeve that may be placed over the T-Post in FIG. 15 and inside a bottom hole in a fence post.

FIG. 17 illustrates the tapered sleeve over the T-Post, where the T-Post has already been driven into the ground (simulated by being in a block of wood in the picture).

FIG. 18 illustrates a smash bar that may be used to drive the T-Post into the ground, drive the tapered sleeve over the T-Post and drive a fence post onto the tapered sleeve.

FIG. 19 illustrates a fence post with a hole configured to receive the tapered sleeve and two pre-drilled pilot holes for screws and washers.

FIG. 20 illustrates a screw and washer attached to the bottom of the fence post.

FIG. 21 illustrates possible details for the screw and the washer when screwed into the bottom of the fence post.

FIG. 22 illustrates a fence post placed over the tapered sleeve ready to be driven down.

FIG. 23 illustrates a smash bar extension arm placed over the fence post to assist in driving the fence post down.

FIG. 24 illustrates a smash bar slide that may be attached to the smash bar extension arm to assist in driving the fence post down.

FIG. 25 illustrates a smash bar placed over the smash bar slide to assist in driving the fence post down.

FIG. 26 illustrates possible dimensions for the T-Post, tapered sleeve, and the hole in the fence post.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a possible method of attaching a fence post to the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “comprising.” “including.” “containing,” “is,” “are,” and “characterized by,” are grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps unless explicitly stated otherwise.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including.” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

In order to more fully appreciate the present disclosure and to provide additional related features, the following references are incorporated therein by reference in their entirety:

- (1) U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,322 by Wagner which discloses a bracing system particularly suitable for providing line and end corner bracing for “T-post” fence construction. The bracing system comprises slidable collars which are positioned over the posts and located vertically between the lugs at a desired location. A wedging arrangement is used to secure the collar between adjacent lugs on the posts, and the collar has provisions for accepting accessories to permit a rigid cross-brace, typically also another “T-post”, to be inserted therebetween for providing rigid cross-bracing between adjacent “T-posts” of the fence. Accessories also are disclosed to adapt the posts for uses other than fences.
- (2) U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,550 by Wickham, et al. which discloses a connector plate for use with T-posts permitting great versatility in bracing, extending, guying and otherwise enhancing the utility and strength of T-posts. The connector comprises a rigid plate having a minor portion and a major portion connected at an angle which may be oriented variably on a T-post by virtue of unique aperture arrangements and have other such plates and T-posts quickly connected thereto.
- (3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,109 by Miller which discloses improved fence bracing members, and a method of using the bracing members on metal T-posts of a fence. The bracing members include two substantially identical elongated first members each made of corrosion resistant tubing, and further having somewhat flexible U-shaped or hooked oppositely disposed ends. Each hooked end of the first bracing members is apertured to receive a single bolt to allow the compressing of the hook onto a T-post. The first bracing members are structured for spanning horizontally between, and attaching with the hooked portions placed around a T-post. One first bracing member is placed adjacent the ground, and one first bracing member is placed adjacent the upper ends of the T-posts. An elongated straight bracing member having bolt receiving apertures at two oppositely disposed terminal ends thereof, is used for a diagonal brace between the two vertical T-posts, extending at an angle from an attachment point to the upper bracing member adjacent one T-post, downward at an angle to an attachment point to the lower bracing member adjacent the other T-post. Nuts and bolts are used to attach the bracing members on T-posts installed in the ground. The bracing members having the hooked ends have been structured in a manner which allows the brace to be used as a measuring gage for quickly determining the proper distance two T-posts should be set apart prior to bracing.
- (4) U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,235 by Kilmer which discloses, an improved fence post system that permits insertion of a fence post into the earth and attachment of a support brace without the use of tools. A fence post unit includes an augered base, a removable extension piece and a bracket. The bracket may be used alternately to support a handlepiece which is rotated in order to auger the post into the ground, and to couple a support brace. Several units may be coupled to form a corner fence post. The base unit is equipped with a stabilizer device for lateral support.
- (5) U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,143 by Ferrarin which discloses a universal post connector for interconnecting fence posts and braces either of which may be a pipe post or tee post at any horizontal or vertical angle and at any position along the length of each. The universal connector is also adaptable to tee posts and pipe posts of all standard cross-sectional sizes. The preferred embodiment includes a pair of sleeves and a pair of collars to interconnect two tee posts. At least one sleeve is slipped onto each tee post and fastened thereto at any position along the length of the tee post using a fastening device. A collar encircles each sleeve and is clamped at any position along the length of the sleeve. A coupler pivotally interconnects the collars and locks the collars at variable angles with respect to each other. In the case where a pipe post is used in place of a tee post, the collar can be directly clamped to the pipe post without using a sleeve.
- (6) U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,433 by Auldridge which discloses a fence system using extruded bars of T-shaped cross-section to form posts and rails, and a plurality of connectors to connect the T-bars. The connectors have vertical and horizontal V-channels within which the T-bars are secured. Each V-channel has a pair of sides which meet at a vertex, and an open end. A plurality of clamping mechanisms each include a cross plate which extends across the open end of the V-channel to hold the T-bar therein, and a pair of J-bolts which secure to both the V-channel sides and the cross plate. An inverted U-channel extends between the cross plate and the T-bar to directly engage the T-bar and hold it tightly against the vertex of the V-channel. The T-bar has a plurality of spaced protuberances thereon. A transverse pin extends across the U-channel so that when the clamping mechanism is engaged with the T-bar, interference between the transverse pin and the protuberances prevent the T-bar from slipping longitudinally within the V-channels. Both upper and lower connectors may be provided at each post to provide a dual horizontal rail fence.
- (7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,598 by Collins which discloses a fence post connector including a securement section for securing the post connector to a fence post and at least one receiving section for receiving an item to be joined. The item to be joined may be the end of a stabilizing fence post, a gate hinge, etc. For attachment to a T-post, a closure member captures the T-post between a pair of spaced arms extending from the receiving section and travel of the post connector along the T-post is limited by adjacent lugs extending from the T-post. These lugs may cooperate with the closure member, an arm, or the portion of the connector spacing the arms, to limit sliding. For attachment to a wood post, at least one arm abuts the post with an opening through which a fastener, such as a nail or screw; extends into the post. The post connector is generally used to connect fence posts in reinforcing configuration and loosely connects the various fence posts. The loose connection allows easy assembly of the various posts and tightening of one or more wires between posts tightens the posts and post connectors into a substantially rigid section of fence.
- (8) U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,136 by Bailey which discloses a fence assembly including a first fence post extending upwardly from the ground: a first tubular member having a first upper end and a first lower end, the first tubular member being received over but not connected to the first fence post such that the first lower end rests upon the ground: a first lug laterally extending from the first tubular member: a second fence post extending upwardly from the ground: a second tubular member having a second upper end and a second lower end, the second tubular member being received over but not connected to the second fence post such that the second lower end rests upon the ground: a second lug laterally extending from the second tubular member: a brace having opposing ends: a first connection means for removably connecting one end of the brace to the first lug: and a second connection means for removably connecting the other end of the brace to the second lug. According to another aspect of the invention, a combination of a tubular member and pairs of fixed and rotatable sleeves with lugs extending therefrom can be received over a fence post for use in numerous possible fencing configurations.

Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary side view of a horizontal brace according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary end view of the horizontal brace of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary perspective end view of the horizontal brace of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D illustrates an exemplary perspective second end view of the horizontal brace of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E illustrates an exemplary top view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1E, a horizontal brace 100 for a fencing system includes a first end 102, a second end 104, and a middle section 103 extending from the first end 102 to the second end 104. A bracket 106 is attached in an offset configuration to the first end 102 in a co-linear orientation (in the same orientation as a centerline) of the middle section 103. A bracket 108 is attached in an offset configuration to the second end 104. The bracket 106 includes first section 110, a middle section 112 and a second section 114. The first section 110 and middle section 112 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The second section 114 and middle section 112 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. A bracket 108 is attached in an offset configuration to the second end 104. The bracket 108 includes first section 111, a middle section 113 and a second section 115. The first section 111 and middle section 113 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The second section 115 and middle section 111 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. Bracket 106 includes a first hole 116 and a second hole 118. Bracket 108 also includes a first hole 117 and a second hole 119. The bracket shown in FIG. 1E can be used for the first bracket 106 and second bracket 108. In a preferred embodiment, each of the brackets has length in a range from about 2 inches to about 8 inches or greater and a thickness in a range from about 0.06 inches to about 0.25 inches or greater.

In one embodiment, the middle section 103 can be a conventional T-post or Y-post made of metal, e.g., steel, alloy, thermoplastic, rail steel and combinations of the same. When using the conventional T-Post or Y-post, the end portions are removed to make ends a ninety-degree angle configured to receive a brace. The horizontal brace 100 includes studs or nubs or protrusions 105 spaced along the length of the brace. These protrusions 105 are configured to allow the brace to couple between the protrusions 105. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the protrusions is uniform throughout the length of the middle section 103. The spacing could be in the range from about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches or greater between the protrusions 105. Optionally and/or alternatively, the spacing may be non-uniform.

The first bracket 106 and the second bracket 108 are made from material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. Referring to FIG. 1E, the bracket includes a first section 110, middle section 112, and second section 114. Each of the brackets 106 and 108 includes one or more perforations or holes 122 configured to allow the bracket to bend to an angle in the range from about ( ) degrees to about 180 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is bent to an angle of about 90 degrees between the first section 110 and middle section 112 and the bracket is bent to an angle of about 90 degrees between the middle section 112 and the second section 114. The perforations 122 are optional and allow the brackets to be more easily bent without breaking or distorting. Optionally and/or alternatively, a crease may be formed along an imaginary line of the performations and/or the material may be thinned or removed along the imaginary line of performations. Optionally and/or alternatively, each of the sides may be notched (along an imagenary line of the performations) to remove a notch of material in range from about 0.06 inches to about 0.25 inches or greater. Also, any combination of notches, performations, creasing and/or removed or thinned material may be utilized. The performations, notches, creases, and/or removed material create a living hinge that allows the bracket to be moved to a desired angle as described herein. For example, the perforations may be in range from about 0.001 inch to 0.025 inch or greater. In a preferred embodiment, the perforations have an oblong geometry are about ⅛ inch in diameter. The first section 110 also includes a hole 116 configured and sized to receive a square portion of a bolt (not shown) to allow a portion of the bolt to reside in the hole. The second section 114 also includes a hole 118 configured and sized to receive a square portion of a bolt (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 1C, the bracket 106 is welded to an end portion of the middle section 103 of the post. The bracket is positioned or attached in an offset 120 configuration, the offset 120 being in a range from about 5 percent to about 50 percent or greater relative to the welded surface, e.g., the percentage is the percentage of the total width of the end portion. Other conventional attachment methods may be utilized to attach the brackets 106 and 108 to end portions of the midsegment 110. Bracket 108 also includes an offset 121 at the same percentage as the offset 120.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary side view of a non-adjustable angle brace according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary side end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary side end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary perspective end view of the non-adjustable angle brace of FIG. 2A.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, the non-adjustable brace 200 for a fencing system includes a first end 202, a second end 204, and a middle section 203 extending from the first end 202 to the second end 204. A bracket 206 is attached in an offset 211 to an end portion of the first end 202 at angle 213 relative to a centerline of the middle section 203. The bracket 206 is attached, e.g., welded, at an offset 211 and angled 213 configuration to the second end 204. The bracket 206 includes first section 210, a middle section 212 and a second section 214. The first section 210 and middle section 212 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The second section 214 and middle section 212 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections.

The second end 204 includes a bracket 208 attached in an offset 215 and angle 213. The bracket 208 includes first section 217, a middle section 219, and a third section 221. The first section 217 and middle section 219 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The second section 221 and middle section 219 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. Bracket 206 includes a first hole 216 and a second hole 218. Bracket 208 also includes a first hole 224 and a second hole 226. The bracket shown in FIG. 1E can be used for the first bracket 206 and second bracket 208. In a preferred embodiment, each of the brackets has length in a range from about 2 inches to about 8 inches or greater and a thickness in a range from about 0.06 inches to about 0.25 inches or greater.

In one embodiment, the middle section 203 can be a conventional T-post or Y-post made of metal, e.g., steel, alloy, thermoplastic, rail steel and combinations of the same. When using the conventional T-Post or Y-post, the end portions are removed to make ends a ninety-degree angle configured to receive a brace. The middle section 203 includes studs or nubs or protrusions 205 spaced along the length of the brace. These protrusions 205 are configured to allow the brace to couple between the protrusions 205. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the protrusions is uniform throughout the length of the middle section 203. The spacing could be in the range from about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches or greater between the protrusions 205. The height of the protrusions 205 can be in a range from about 0.05 inches to about 0.75 inches or greater.

The non-adjustable brace 200 is made from material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 206, 208 is shown in FIG. 1E and explained herein.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the bracket 206 is welded to an end portion of the middle section 203 of the non-adjustable brace 200. The bracket 206 is positioned or attached in an offset 211 in a range from about 5 percent to about 50 percent or greater. The percentage is the percentage of the total width of the end portion. Other conventional attachment methods may be utilized. The bracket 206 is positioned or attached at an angle 213 in a range from about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle 213 is about 45 degrees. The bracket 208 is positioned or attached, e.g., welded, at an offset 215 in a range from about 5 percent to about 50 percent or greater. The percentage is the percentage of the total width of the end portion. Other conventional attachment methods may be utilized. The bracket is positioned or attached at an angle 227 in a range from about 5 degrees to about 60 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle 227 is about 45 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle 227 and angle 213 are substantially identical.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary side view of an adjustable angle brace according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary side end view of an adjustable angle brace of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3E illustrates an exemplary side view of an adjustable angle brace sleeve of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3F illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace sleeve of FIG. 3E. FIG. 3G illustrates an exemplary end view of an adjustable angle brace sleeve of FIG. 3E.

FIGS. 3A-3E, the adjustable brace 300 for a fencing system includes a first unit 302 and a second unit 304. The first unit 302 includes a first end 306, a second end 308, and a middle section 310 extending from the first end 306 to the second end 308. A bracket 307 is attached to the first end 306.

The bracket 307 is attached, e.g., welded, at angle 312 relative to a centerline of the middle segment 310. The bracket 307 includes first section 312, a middle section 314, and a second section 316. The first section 312 and the middle section 314 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The second section 316 and middle section 314 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The second end 308 includes no bracket and has a T-shape or Y-shape. Of course, the second end 308 can have any shape or geometry.

The middle segment 310 includes studs or nubs or protrusions 315 spaced along the length of the middle segment 310. These protrusions 315 are configured to allow the brace to couple between the protrusions 315. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the protrusions is uniform throughout the length of the middle section 310. The spacing could be in the range from about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches or greater between the protrusions 315. The height of the protrusions 315 can be from about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches or greater. The bracket 307 includes a first hole 318 and a second hole 320 dimensioned to receive a predetermined geometry of an attachment mechanism, e.g., bolt. The bracket 307 can also have an offset as described herein. The second end 308 is dimensioned to fit within a portion the second unit 304.

The second unit 304 includes a first end 322, a second end 324 and middle section 325 extending from the first end 322 to the second end 328. The first end 322 includes a bracket 326 and the second end 324 includes a bracket 328. The bracket 326 includes first section 330, a middle section 332 and a second section 334. The first section 330 includes a hole 336 and the second section 334 includes a hole 338. The bracket 326 is attached at an angle 340 in a range from about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angle 227 is about 45 degrees.

The second end 324 includes a bracket 328 including a first section 342, a middle section 344 and a second section 346. The first section 346 includes a hole 348 and the second section 346 includes a hole 350. The bracket 328 is attached along a center line of the middle segment 325 and not an offset and no angle. The bracket 328 is positioned orthogonal to the middle segment 325.

The middle section 325 is a hollow structure dimensioned to allow the first end 308 and a portion of the middle segment to be received within the hollow structure. The hollow structure includes a lumen 352 extending from the first end to a second end of the middle segment 325. The lumen can have any cross-sectional geometry, e.g., circle, triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, and combinations of the same. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional geometry is a circle.

The first unit 302 can include a T-post or Y-post made of metal, e.g., steel, alloy, thermoplastic, rail steel and combinations of the same. When using the conventional T-Post or Y-post, the end portions are removed to make ends a ninety-degree angle configured to receive a brace. The first unit 302 includes studs or nubs or protrusions 315 spaced along the length of the brace. These protrusions 315 are configured to allow the brace to couple between the protrusions 315. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the protrusions 315 is uniform throughout the length of the middle section 310 of the first unit 302. The spacing could be in the range from about 0.10 inches to about 2 inches or greater between the protrusions 315. The first unit 302 and second unit 304 can be made of a material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. The first unit 302 and the second unit 304 are made from material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. Optionally and/or alternatively, any of the brackets 307, 326 and 328 can include an offset as described herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary view of installed fencing system according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the assembled fencing system of FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, in one embodiment components described herein, can be used as part of system 400 with existing structures to allow for rapid deployment. The system 400 includes an existing corner post 402, e.g., wood post and a conventional second post 404, e.g., metal T-post or Y-post. Of course the corner post 402 can also be a conventional metal T-post or Y-post. The non-adjustable brace 100 having a first end 102 and a bracket 106 is attached to the fence post 402 and the second end 104 having a bracket 106 is attached to the fence post 404. The bracket 106 of horizontal brace 100 is widened to substantially fit the geometry of the post 402, and a first bolt 401 is positioned through holes 116 of bracket 104 and a second bolt (not shown) is positioned through hole 118 of bracket 106. A third bolt 406 is positioned through the holes 117, 118 of bracket 108. The first bolt 401 and second bolt are configured to attach to wood in this embodiment. The performations 122 assist with the ease of widening, i.e., less pressure is required to widen as compared to a bracket without performations. The bracket 108 of horizontal brace 100 is narrowed to substantially fit the geometry of the post 404, and a second bolt 406 is positioned through the first hole 224 and second hole 226.

The bolt 406 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 108 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions. Optionally and/or alternatively, when no protrusions are utilized and the bracket 108 attaches to the post with a compressive force of the bolt 406 and nut (not shown).

The non-adjustable angle brace 200 having a first end 202 and a bracket 208 is attached to the fence post 402 and the second end 204 having a bracket 206 is attached to the fence post 404. The bracket 208 of the non-adjustable angle brace 200 is widened to substantially fit the geometry of the post 402, and a bolt 410 and another bolt (not shown) is positioned through holes 116, 118 of bracket 208 to attach the bracket to the fence post 402. A bolt 412 is positioned through the holes 117, 118 of bracket 206. The bolt 410 is configured to attached to wood in this embodiment. The performations 122 assist with the ease of widening. i.e., less pressure is required to widen as compared to a bracket without performations. The bracket 206 of brace 200 is narrowed to substantially fit the geometry of the post 404, and a bolt 412 is positioned through the first hole 218 and second hole 216. The final assembly is a corner assembly.

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary view of assembled fencing system according to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary top view of the assembled fencing system of FIG. 5A.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, in one embodiment components described herein, can be used as part of system 500 with existing structures to allow for rapid deployment as a mid-span assembly, which are required when distances are in a range from about 700 ft to about 1500 feet or greater between the corner posts and assembly. The system 500 includes a first corner post 502, e.g., a metal T-post or Y-post, and a second post 504, e.g., metal T-post or Y-post. In this embodiment, the non-adjustable brace 100 does not include an offset, but may include an offset as discussed herein. The non-adjustable brace 100 having a bracket 106 is attached to the fence post 502. The bracket 106 of horizontal brace 100 is narrowed to fit or substantially fit the geometry of the post 502 and a bolt 510 is positioned through the first hole 116 and second hole 118 of the bracket 106 and secured to a nut. The bolt 510 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 106 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions when present or to fit the geometry of the post 502. Optionally and/or alternatively no protrusions are utilized and the bracket attaches to the post with a compressive force of the bolt and nut.

Bracket 108 is attached to the fence post 504. The bracket 108 of horizontal brace 100 is narrowed to fit or substantially fit the geometry of the post 504 and a bolt 512 is positioned through the first hole 117 and a second hole 118 of the bracket 108 and secured to a nut. The bolt 512 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 108 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions when present or to fit the geometry of the post 504. Optionally and/or alternatively no protrusions are utilized and the bracket attaches to the post with a compressive force of the bolt and nut.

The non-adjustable angle brace 200 is at a first position A and the non-adjustable brace 200 at a second position B. Each non-adjustable angle brace 200 having a first bracket 204 and second bracket 206.

The non-adjustable angle brace 200 at a first position A has a bracket 206 narrowed to fit or substantially fit the geometry of the post 502 and a bolt 514 positioned through the first hole 216 and second hole 218 of the bracket 206 and secured to a nut. The bolt 514 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 206 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions when present or to fit the geometry of the post 502. Optionally and/or alternatively no protrusions are utilized and the bracket attaches to the post with a compressive force of the bolt and nut.

The non-adjustable angle brace 200 at a first position A has a bracket 208 narrowed to fit or substantially fit the geometry of the post 504 and a bolt 516 positioned through the first hole 224 and second hole 226 of the bracket 206 and secured to a nut. The bolt 516 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 204 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions when present or to fit the geometry of the post 504. Optionally and/or alternatively no protrusions are utilized and the bracket attaches to the post with a compressive force of the bolt and nut.

The offset 211 of bracket 206 and the offset 215 of bracket 204 are positioned on the same side to the same percentage offset. In a preferred embodiment, the offset 211 and 215 is about 0.25 inches or greater.

The non-adjustable angle brace 200 at a second position B has a bracket 206 narrowed to fit or substantially fit the geometry of the post 502 and a bolt 518 is positioned through the first hole 216 and second hole 218 of the bracket 206 and secured to a nut. The bolt 518 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 206 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions when present or to fit the geometry of the post 502. Optionally and/or alternatively, when no protrusions are utilized the bracket attaches to the post with only compressive force of the bolt and nut.

Bracket 206 of the non-adjustable angle brace 200 at a second position B has a bracket 206 narrowed to fit or substantially fit the geometry of the post 504 and a bolt 520 positioned through the first hole 224 and a second hole 226 of the bracket 206 and secured to a nut. The bolt 520 is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 204 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions when present or to fit the geometry of the post 504. Optionally and/or alternatively, no protrusions are utilized the bracket attaches to the post with only a compressive force of the bolt 520 and nut.

The offset 211 of bracket 206 and the offset 215 of bracket 204 are positioned on the same side to the same percentage offset. In addition, the offset of the brackets in brace 200 in position A are each on an opposite side from the offset of brackets of brace 200 shown in position B. This allows the braces to be closer together at a mid-point C. In a preferred embodiment, the offsets 211 and 215 is about 0.5 inches. Referring to FIG. 5B, because the offset of braces in position A and position B are on different sides it allows the braces to be arranged closer together and pass at mid-point C.

Optionally and/or alternatively, a tensioning unit 520 and tensioning unit 522 can be utilized. These tensioning units allow the fence posts 502 and 504 to be strengthened. When tensioning as described in FIG. 8 the fence posts may bend or bow. The tensioning unit 513 includes optional tie downs 524 to allow a user to connect a fencing wire with a clip or tie. The tensioning unit 513 is a hollow sleeve of any geometry configured to slide over the fence post and provide strength. The length of the unit can be adjusted to any length less than the length of the fence post. In another embodiment, the tensioning unit 522 includes first bracket 526 and a second bracket 528. The brackets 526, 528 include holes as described herein and is attached with bolts as described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary side view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus 600 is configured to be utilized when constructing the fence. The apparatus includes a bracket shown in FIG. 1E having a first section 602, middle section 604 and third section 606. The first section 602 and middle section 604 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. The third section 606 and middle section 604 are arranged at an angle of about ninety degrees between the two sections. A first hole 608 and second hole 610 are also included in the bracket. A coupling unit 614 is positioned on the apparatus 600 and one or more extension units 612 are coupled to the coupling unit. Optionally and/or alternatively, the bracket has a V-shape by eliminating the middle section 604, thereby the first section 602 and third section 606 connect at an angle in a range from about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees or greater. In a preferred embodiment, the angle is in a range from about 50 degrees to about 75 degrees. In a most preferred embodiment, the angle is about 67 degrees.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of installing a fencing system on non-sloped ground.

Referring to FIG. 7, the method 700 includes determining where a fence belongs between two or more predetermined points. This can be done with a surveyor or other method as known in the art. Locate a first corner post location and locate a second corner post location. When the topography between the first corner post location and the second corner post location is substantially flat one can use the non-adjustable angle braces 100 and 200, as described herein in view of method 700. When the topography between the first corner post location and the second corner post location is substantially not flat, e.g., pm a hill or angled, one can use the adjustable angle braces 300 as described herein in view of method 900.

In method 700 the method includes step 702 of providing a corner post at a first predetermined location. The corner post may be any conventional corner post, e.g., wood, T-Post, Y-Post and the like. In a preferred embodiment, a T-Post is set about 2 feet into the ground at the first location. Next, in step 704, a horizontal brace 100 is extended from the first corner post to where the second post should be posited, e.g., to provide an accurate measurement. A second corner post is provided in step 706. A horizontal brace 100 is provided in step 708 and a non-adjustable angle brace 200 is provided in step 710. Optionally, in step 712 a tensioning unit 508 or 506 can be utilized. In step 714 the horizontal brace 100 and non-adjustable angle brace 200 are installed simultaneously. In one embodiment, as shown in either FIG. 4A or 5A, the bracket 108 and 204 are arranged and attached to the first corner post simultaneously with attachment mechanisms, e.g., bolts and nuts. Next the bracket 106 and 206 are attached to the second corner post simultaneously with attachment mechanisms, e.g., bolts and nuts. In step 716, the process is repeated with a corner post at the second predetermined location, which is at a different geographic location.

Now, a first corner post assembly, as shown in FIG. 4A or 5A, is positioned at a first geographic location and a second corner post assembly is posited at a second geographic location. As described herein the assembly of 5A only includes one angle brace, e.g., position A or B.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of tensioning a fencing wire. Referring to FIG. 8, after the two corner post assemblies are installed a guidewire is positioned between the two corner post assemblies in step 802. If the distance is 200 yards or more a mid-span brace as shown in FIG. 5A should be utilized (step 804). Also, optionally, vertical posts, T-posts or Y-posts, are positioned at predetermined intervals, e.g., in a range from about 6 ft or greater between each post. Other conventional posts may be utilized, e.g., plastic, metal, wood, composite, and combinations of the same. Next, in step 808 the fence wire is attached to each corner post assembly in a first position or between the mid-span and corner post assembly when used. The first position is top most position and pulled corner to corner in step. A tensioner as known in the art is used in step 812 to achieve a predetermined tension on the fence wire. The predetermined tension may be about 40 lbs/ft2 to about 80 lbs/ft2 or greater. The wire is now attached at the predetermined location via a wire attachment clip in step 814. Optionally, prior to tensioning the wire a clip as shown in FIG. 6 may be utilized. This process is repeated for the number via step 816 to achieve a predetermined number of wires, e.g., 2-5 wires or more, at different locations. Typically, the wires are spaced a substantially equal distance between each wire. The fence wires may include straight wire, braided wire, barb wire, razor wire, and any other conventional fence wire.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of installing a fencing system on sloped ground. Referring to FIG. 9, the method 900 includes determining where fence belongs between two or more predetermined points. When the topography between the first corner post location and the second corner post location is substantially not flat, e.g., on a hill, angled, or a slope, one can use the adjustable angle braces 300 as described herein in view of method 900.

In method 900 the method includes step 902 of providing a corner post at a first predetermined location. The corner post may be any conventional corner post, e.g., wood, T-Post, Y-Post and the like. In a preferred embodiment, a T-Post is set about 2 feet into the ground at the first location. Next, in step 904, a horizontal brace 100 is extended from the first corner post to where the second post should be posited, e.g., to provide an accurate measurement to the second post. A second corner post is provided in step 906. A horizontal brace 100 is provided in step 908 and an adjustable angle brace 300 is provided in step 910. Optionally, in step 912 a tensioning unit 508 or 506 can be utilized. In step 914 the horizontal brace 100 and an adjustable angle brace 300 are installed simultaneously.

In this embodiment, the adjustable angle brace is adjusted to the desired distance by moving the first unit to a desired location within a lumen 352 of the second unit 304. After the desired length is established a bolt is placed through holes in bracket 328 and tightened with a nut to prevent further movement. In a preferred embodiment, the second unit 302 includes protrusions and the bolt resides between two protrusions. The bolt is attached to a nut to allow the bracket 329 to tighten and be a locked position between two protrusions. Optionally and/or alternatively, no protrusions are utilized and the bracket attaches to the post with a compressive force of the bolt and nut.

In step 914, the bracket 326 and 108 are attached to the first corner post simultaneously with attachment mechanisms, e.g., bolts and nuts. In addition, the bracket 306 and bracket 106 are attached to the second corner post. This step on the second corner may or may not be done simultaneously. In step 916, the process is repeated with a corner post at the second predetermined location, which is at different geographic location. Next the fencing wire can be applied as described herein with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket 1000. The illustrated bracket 1000 may replace the brackets previously shown with the horizontal braces 100, angle braces 200, adjustable horizontal braces 300 and adjustable angle braces 300. The bracket 1000 may be made from material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. The bracket 1000 has movable parts that allow the bracket 1000 to fit easier and tighter around either metal or wood fence posts. This is desirable as metal and wood fence posts are not always uniform in size and are rarely driven perfectly vertical into the ground. The bracket 1000 is able to slightly adjust its size and shape which allows for imperfections in the fence posts.

The bracket 1000 may have a bracket base 1010 attached, such as by welding, to a brace 1070. The bracket base 1010 may be any desired width, but is preferably three to five inches in length and about one inch in width. The brace 1070 is able to perform similar functions to previously described braces. The bracket 1000 may include the bracket base 1010 with two bracket bends 1020 (about one to three inches long), two bracket fingers 1040 (about one to four inches long and one inch wide that are perpendicular to the bracket base 1010), two bracket rivets 1030 to hold a bracket finger 1040 to a bracket bend 1020, a bolt 1050 and a nut 1060. Each bracket finger 1040 may have a first end rotatably connected to a corresponding bracket bend 1020 by a corresponding bracket rivet 1030. This configuration allows the bracket fingers 1040 to independently move from each other and from the bracket base 1010 as each bracket finger 1040 is able to rotate about its bracket rivet 1030.

Each bracket finger 1040 may have a second end with an opening that is preferably larger than the diameter of the threaded section of the bolt 1050, but smaller than the head of the bolt 1050 or the diameter of the nut 1060. Once the bracket 1000 has been placed around a fence post, this configuration allows the threads of the bolt 1050 to pass through the openings in the fingers 1040 to fully enclose the fence post and the nut 1060 to be screwed onto the threads of the bolt 1050 to securely retain the fence post in the bracket 1000.

FIG. 11 illustrates four of the brackets 1000 in FIG. 10 holding four corresponding braces 1070 to a metal fence post 1100. In this illustration the two top braces 1070 are welded to horizontal braces 100, while the two bottom braces 1070 are welded to angled braces 200. The horizontal braces 100 and angled braces 200 may either be of the fixed or the adjustable type. The illustration reveals how the bracket fingers 1040 of each bracket 1000 may be slightly rotated to more securely hold their brackets 1000 to the fence post 1100. Also illustrated is how the nut 1600 may be tightened down on the threads of the bolt 1050 to securely attach the bracket around the metal fence post 1100. While a metal fence post 1100 is illustrated in FIG. 11, the fence post 1100 could also be made of wood.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket 1200 that may be attached to a wood brace 1250, which could be either a horizontal brace 100 or an angled brace 200 as long as it is made of wood. The bracket 1200 may be made from material including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. The bracket 1200 has movable parts that allow the bracket 1200 to fit easier and tighter around either metal or wood fence posts. As stated for the bracket 1000 in FIG. 10, this is desirable as metal and wood fence posts are not always uniform in size and are rarely driven perfectly vertical into the ground. The bracket 1200 is able to slightly adjust its size and shape in a manner similar to bracket 1000 in FIG. 10, which allows for imperfections in the fence posts 1100.

The bracket 1200 may have two bracket arms 1250. Each bracket arm 1250 may run down a side of the wooden brace 1270 and be attached to the wooden brace 1270 using one or more screws 1280. The wooden brace 1270 may be able to perform similar functions as the previously described metal braces. The bracket 1200 may include a bracket base 1210 with two bracket bends 1220, two bracket fingers 1240, two bracket rivets 1230, a bolt 1050 (not shown in FIG. 12) and a nut 1060 (not shown in FIG. 12). Each bracket finger 1240 may have a first end rotatably connected to a corresponding bracket bend 1220 by a corresponding bracket rivet 1230 and a bracket washer 1260. This configuration allows the bracket fingers 1240 to independently move from each other and from the bracket base 1210 as each bracket finger 1240 is able to rotate/swing/pivot about the bracket rivet 1030 that attaches the bracket finger 1240.

Each bracket finger 1240 may have a second end with an opening that is preferably larger than the diameter of the threaded section of the bolt 1050, but smaller than the head of the bolt 1050 or the diameter of the nut 1060. Once the bracket 1200 has been placed around a fence post, this configuration allows the threads of the bolt 1050 to pass through the openings in the fingers 1040 to fully enclose the fence post and the nut 1060 to be screwed onto the threads of the bolt 1050 to securely retain the fence post in the bracket 1000.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method for securely attaching a wooden fence post 1900 (illustrated in FIG. 19) to the ground. The method starts with a hole 1300 being dug at a location where the wooden fence post 1900 is desired. The hole 1300 may have any shape, diameter or depth. However, the wider and the deeper the hole 1300, the more securely the fence post may be attached to the ground. However, a wider and deeper hole 1300 takes longer to dig and requires more cement 1320 (higher cost) to be used. A shallower hole 1300 results in a less securely attached fence post to the ground, but is quicker to dig (faster construction time) and requires less cement 1320 (lower cost) to be used. In a preferred embodiment, the hole 1300 in the ground is roughly circular, has a diameter of about eight to 10 inches and is between eight and 10 inches deep.

A T-Post 1320 may be driven into the ground preferably as near to the center of the hole 1300 as possible. A sledge hammer may be used to drive the T-Post into the ground or alternatively, a smash bar 1800 (Shown in FIG. 18) may placed over the T-Post 1300 and dropped onto the T-Post 1300 to drive the T-Post 1300 into the ground. The depth that a first end of the T-Post is driven into the ground may be between about one and three feet, with a preferred depth of greater than about 28 inches to the surface of the ground (not the bottom of the hole 1300). A second end of the T-Post 1300 that remains above the ground may be any desired height, but is preferably between about 10 and 24 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the T-Post 1300 above the ground is 16 inches. Cement 1310 may be poured into the hole 1300 and preferably filled until the cement 1310 is level with the surface of the ground outside the hole 1300).

FIG. 14 illustrates that a fence post 1900 may be attached to the ground when the T-Post 1320 is preferably between 60 and 120 degrees from the ground (30 degrees from vertical).

FIG. 15 illustrates a T-Post 1300 inserted into a center of a wooden block to simulate the T-Post 1300 being partially driven underground. In preferred embodiments, 16 inches of T-Post are sticking above the ground.

FIG. 16 illustrates a tapered sleeve 1600. In preferred embodiments, the tapered sleeve 1600 is tapered so as to have wider diameter sections near its bottom and narrower diameter sections near its top. The tapered sleeve 1600 may be uniformly tapper, but preferably has a number of different sections having any desired lengths and diameters. As a specific non-limiting example, the tapered sleeve 1600 may have three sections; a first section 1630 at the bottom of the tapered sleeve 1600 may be 8 inches long and have a diameter of 1 and ⅝ inches: a second section 1620 in the middle of the tapered sleeve 1600 may be 6 inches long and have a diameter of 1 and ½ inches: and a third section 1610 at the top of the tapered sleeve 1600 may be 2 inches long and have a diameter of 1 and ⅜ inches. In other embodiments, other numbers of sections may be used with other lengths and widths.

The tapered sleeve 1600 (shown in FIG. 16) may be placed over the T-Post 1320 (shown in FIG. 15) as illustrated in FIG. 17. In preferred embodiments, the T-Post 1320 is wide enough to come into contact with an inner portion of the tapered sleeve 1600. The tapered sleeve 1600 may be tapped down the T-Post 1320 using a sledgehammer or a smash bar 1800 as illustrated in FIG. 18 to create a compression fit. The tapered sleeve 1600 is tapped down the T-Post 1320 until a bottom of the tapered sleeve 1600 is at about the same level as the surface of the cement 1310, i.e., same level as the ground. In preferred embodiments, as much of the T-Post 1320 is in contact with as much of the inner surface of the tapered sleeve 1600 as possible to create the most secure connection between the T-Post 1320 and the tapered sleeve 1600. FIG. 17 illustrates the tapered sleeve 1600 after being tapped down over the T-Post 1310, where the T-Post 1310 has already been driven into the ground (simulated by the T-Post being in a block of wood in FIG. 17).

FIG. 18 illustrates a smash bar 1800 that may be used to drive the T-Post 1310 into the ground, drive the tapered sleeve 1600 over the T-Post 1310 and/or drive a fence post 1900 over the tapered sleeve 1600. The smash bar 1800 is made of a durable and heavy material, including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. The smash bar 1800 comprises a hollow cylinder with one end open and one end closed. The item to be driven may be placed in the hollow cylinder through the open end of the smash bar 1800. When the smash bar 1800 is raised and then dropped on the item to be driven the closed end of the smash bar 1800 impacts the item and drives the item down. One or two handles may be attached to the smash bar 1800 to make the smash bar 1800 easier to carry and to raise and drop the smash bar 1800 onto items to be driven down.

FIG. 19 illustrates a wooden fence post 1900 with a hole 1910. The interior surface of the hole 1920 in the fence post 1900 is preferably shaped to match the exterior dimensions of the tapered sleeve 1600. In some embodiments the interior surface of the hole 1920 is slightly smaller (between 1/16 and ¼ of an inch) than the exterior of the tapered sleeve 1600 so that a compression fit is formed when the fence post 1900 is tapped down over the tapered sleeve 1600.

In one example embodiment, the interior surface of the hole 1920 in the fence post 1900 may be created by: drilling a first hole having a first desired depth, such as about 16 inches deep and a desired width, such as about or a little less than 1 and ⅜ inches wide: drilling a second hole over the first hole and a second desired depth, such as about 14 inches deep and a desired width, such as about or a little less than 1 and ½ inches wide: and finally drilling a third hole over the second hole having a third desired depth, such as about 8 inches deep and having a desired width, such as about 1 and ⅝ inches wide. The first hole, second hole and third hole preferably share the same center spot on the bottom of the fence post 1900.

The number of the holes, the depths of the holes and the diameter of the holes are preferably selected so that the resulting interior surface of the hole 1900 matches the exterior surface of the tapered sleeve 1600 that is being used. This process may be used to create a hole 1910 in the fence post 1900 with an interior surface that matches the exterior surface of the used desired tapered sleeve 1600, such as the tapered sleeve 1600 shown in FIGS. 16 and 26.

In other embodiments, the diameter of the holes created in the fence post 1900 are slightly smaller, by about 1/32 to ⅛ of an inch, than the corresponding diameter of the tapered sleeve 1600 being used. This allows a compression fit when the fence post 1900 is driven down onto the tapered sleeve 1600, which has been driven down over a T-Post 1320, which has been driven down into the ground. In preferred embodiments, the lower sections of the hole 1900 and corresponding lower sections of the tapered sleeve 1600 have a larger diameter than the upper sections of the hole 1900 and corresponding upper sections of the tapered sleeve 1600.

FIG. 19 also shows two pre-drilled pilot holes 1920 for two screws and corresponding washers. FIG. 20 illustrates a screw 2000 and washer 210 attached to the bottom of the fence post.

FIG. 21 illustrates possible dimensions for the screw 2000 and the washer 2010 when screwed into the bottom of the fence post 1900. While the illustrated number of pre-drilled holes is two and the number of illustrated screws 2000 and washers 2010 is one, any number of screws 2000 and corresponding washers 2010 may be used. In a preferred embodiment, two screws 2000 and two corresponding washers 2010 may be partially screwed into the bottom of the fence post 1900. These partially screwed in screws 2000 and washers 2010 may act as anchors when submerged in the wet cement and the cement dries to further securely attach the fence post 1900 to the ground.

FIG. 22 illustrates a fence post 1900 placed over a tapered sleeve 1600 already driven down as the bottom of the fence post 1900 is already level to the top of the wood block which symbolizes the surface of the ground. In preferred embodiments, this position is only reached after driving the fence post 1900 down over the tapered sleeve 1600. The fence post 1900 may be driven down over the tapered sleeve 1600 using any desired method.

FIG. 23 illustrates a smash bar extension arm 2300 that may be used to drive the fence post 1900 down over the tapered sleeve 1600. The smash bar extension arm 2300 is made of a durable material, including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. The smash bar extension arm 2300 may have any desired shape. In a preferred embodiment, the smash bar extension arm 2300 has a fence post catch 2310 with a flat bottom for resting on a top of a fence post 1900, a fence post guide 2320 that runs along a portion of the length of the fence post 1900 and a smash bar slide hookup 2330 configured to receive a smash bar slide 2400) as illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 24 illustrates a smash bar slide 2400 that may be attached to the smash bar extension arm 2300 via the smash bar slide hookup 2330 to assist in driving a fence post 1900 down. The smash bar slide 2400 may be made of a durable material, including one or more of metal, steel, iron, thermoplastic, alloy and combinations of the same. FIG. 25 illustrates a smash bar placed over the smash bar slide to assist in driving the fence post 1900 down.

FIG. 26 illustrates preferred dimensions for the T-Post 1320, tapered sleeve 1600 and the interior surface of the hole 1910 in the fence post 1900.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a method of attaching a fence post 1900 to the ground. To be efficient, some of the items used in the method are preferably prepared in masse prior to the start of the method in FIG. 27. Specifically, a desired number of T-Post 1320 may be cut to a desired length: a desired number of tapered sleeves 1600 may be created having the desired shape, length and diameters: and a hole 1910 may be drilled into the bottom of a desired number of fence posts 1900; and some pre-drilled pilot holes 1920 may be drilled into the bottom of the fence posts 1900 and screws 2000 with corresponding washers 2010 may be screwed into the pre-drilled pilot holes 1920.

Once the materials are prepared, a shallow hole 1300 may be dug into the ground at a location where a fence post 1900 is desired. (Step 2700) A T-Post 1320 may be pounded into the ground near the center of the shallow hole 1300 using a sledge hammer or a smash bar 1800. The T-Post 1320 is driven into the ground at a particular depth so that a first desired length is under ground and a second desired length is above ground. (Step 2710)) A tapered sleeve 1600 may be driven onto the T-Post 1320 using the sledge hammer or the smash bar 1800) until a bottom of the tapered bar 1600 is at the level of the ground, i.e., at the top of the shallow hole 1300. (Step 2720) A hole 1910 in the bottom of the fence post 1900 may be placed over the tapered sleeve 1600 and driven down until the bottom of the fence post 1900 is level with the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the fence post 1900 may be driven down the tapered sleeve 1600 using a smash bar extension arm 2300. A fence post catch 2310 of the smash bar extension arm 2300 may be in contact with the top of the fence post 1900. A fence post guide 2320 may be place against a side of the fence post 1900. A smash bar slide 2400) may be placed over a smash bar slide hookup 2330 of the smash bar extension arm 2300. The smash bar 1800 may be positioned on the smash bar slide 2400 such that the smash bar 1800 may be repeatedly raised and swiftly lower on the smash bar slide 2400 to drive the fence post 1900 onto the tapered sleeve 1600 until the bottom of the fence post 1900 is level with the ground. When the bottom of the fence post 1900 is level with the ground, the screws 2000 and washers 2010 attached to the bottom of the fence post 1900 should extend into the shallow hole 1300. (Step 2730) The shallow hole 1300 may be filled with cement, preferably covering some portion of the screws 2000 and washers 2010. (Step 2740) This process may then be repeated for any desired number of fence posts 1900.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations of embodiments, sub-combinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

The inventions and methods described herein can be viewed as a whole, or as a number of separate inventions, that can be used independently or mixed and matched as desired. All inventions, steps, processed, devices, and methods described herein can be mixed and matched as desired. All previously described features, functions, or inventions described herein or by reference may be mixed and matched as desired.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FENCE BRACING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

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