FENCE POST

BACKGROUND
Field

The present invention relates to a fence post. More particularly, the invention relates to a fence post, such as a T-post, having features that improve installation and use.

Description of the Related Art

A T-post is a metal fence post typically used to support various types of wire or wire mesh. The end view of the post creates an obvious T, Y, V, or other shape. Along the length of the post, there are wire retainers that prevent the barbed wire or mesh from sliding up or down the post. The posts are driven into the ground with a manual or pneumatic post pounder. T-posts are often used to form long sections of fence that separate one property or field, so they need to be inserted into the ground in a level manner and at a consistent, predetermined depth. While there are different types of fence posts, there is a continuing need for fence posts, such as T-posts, having improved features.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a fence post including a body, a depth spade, and an insertion spade. The body including a first cylindrical member, second cylindrical member, a third cylindrical member and one or more wire retainers. The first cylindrical member, second cylindrical member, and third cylindrical member are coupled to one another by at least one point on a circumference of the first cylindrical member, second cylindrical member, and third cylindrical member. The one or more wire retainers spaced along a length of the body. The depth spade located at a first location on the length of the fence post. The insertion spade located at a second location on the length of the fence post.

In another embodiment, a fencepost hammer rod including a top flange including a recess, a body, wherein a first end of the body is coupled to and extends from the top flange, and an insertion portion, coupled to and extending from a second end of the body constructed and arranged to be inserted into an aperture of a fence post.

In another embodiment, a method for inserting a fencepost into ground comprising: engaging a lower end of the fence post with the ground, the lower end including an insertion spade; engaging a hammer rod with the fence post, wherein the hammer rod comprises a level; leveling the fence post with respect to the ground, wherein leveling the fence post with respect to the ground comprises using the level to ensure the fence post is normal to the ground; applying a force to the hammer rod to insert the fence post into the ground; and halting insertion of the fence post when a portion of a depth spade of the fence post is level with the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a T-post with a hammer rod shown thereabove, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a detail front view of a spade member of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a detail front view of another spade member of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a top view of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a top view of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2E is a top view of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the T-post with the hammer rod shown thereabove, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the T-post taken along 4-4 of FIG. 3, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a partial section view of an upper portion on the T-post along 7-7 of FIG. 3 with the hammer rod shown inserted, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a view of the T-post during insertion into the ground, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a section view showing a recessed level in the hammer rod head, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10A is a section view showing a level recessed in the hammer rod head, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10B is a section view showing a level uninstalled from the hammer rod head, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11A is a section view showing an integrated cap and level, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 11B is a section view showing an integrated cap and level from the hammer rod head, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an indicator cap, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12B is a front view of the T-post including the indicator cap according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of wire stay, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 13B is a front view of two T-posts including the wire stay according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of hot wire stay, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14B is a top view of the T-post with the hot wire stay installed on the top surface of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14C is a front view of the T-post with hot wire stays installed on a side surface of the T-post, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a collar, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 15B is a front view of the T-post with the collar installed, according to one or more embodiments.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to welding, interference fitting, and/or fastening such as by using bolts, threaded connections, pins, clips, and/or screws. The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to integrally forming. The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to direct coupling and/or indirect coupling, such as indirect coupling through components such as links.

In this disclosure, “T-post” and “post” are used interchangeably. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a T-post 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. Although this embodiment is directed to a T-post, it is contemplated the description is equally applicable to other types of fence posts. The T-post 100 may be coated with materials including, but not limited to, bedliner, polyuria hybrids, and polyethylene (HDPE). Also shown in FIG. 1 is a hammer rod 110 used to urge the T-post 100 into the ground as will be described herein.

The T-post 100 includes a body 140 having spaced wire retainers 150 along its length. The T-post 100, in the embodiment shown, is constructed of three separate cylindrical body members 135 fastened together to form a single body 140. While the embodiment shown utilizes cylindrical body members 135 to form the body 140 of the T-post, it will be understood that the T-post body can be constructed in any suitable manner so long as it has enough rigidity to tolerate being hammered into the ground. In some embodiments, the body members 135 are rebar and are welded together. Also shown is a wire retainer 150, one of a plurality of wire retainers 150 formed along the length of the T-post 100 and separated by a predetermined distance, thereby determining the distance between adjacent strands of wire 180. In some embodiments, the wire retainer 150 is a groove etched into one or more of the body members 135.

The T-post 100 further includes an insert member 160 to facilitate insertion and retention in the ground and a depth member 155 used to determine the depth of the post in the ground and facilitate insertion and prevent rotation of the T-post 100. That is, the depth spade 155 is used as a visual indicator to confirm the length of the T-post 100 inserted into the ground and the length of the T-post 100 extending from the ground. In some embodiments, the T-post 100 includes a third member 145 similarly shaped to the insert member 160 and depth member 155 disposed at a location between the insert member 160 and the depth member 155. In some embodiments, the third member 145 is disposed in the middle of the insert member 160 and the depth member 155. In some embodiments, the third member 145 may be disposed closer to one of the insert member 160 or the depth member 155.

The third member 145 is clocked in a different direction from the insert member 160 and the depth member 155 (e.g. third member 145 is rotated at an angle from the insert member 160 and depth member 155 other than 0 degrees or 180 degrees). In embodiments wherein the insert member 160 and the depth member 155 are clocked at the same angle, the third member 145 may be clocked perpendicular to the insert member 160 and the depth member 155. The third member 145 is particularly useful in applications wherein the T-post 100 is installed in a body of water. In such instances, the T-post 100 may be rocked, twisted, and otherwise manipulated to shake the T-post 100 free. In such instances, the third member 145 prevents rotation, rocking, other movement other than vertical motion for insertion and removal.

In the embodiment shown, the insert member 160, depth 155 member, and third member 145 are spade-shaped

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate detailed views of exemplary embodiments of a representative spade member (e.g. one of insert member 160, depth member 155, and third member 145), hereinafter referred to as spade member 145,155,160.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate front views of two exemplary embodiments of spade member 145, 155, 160. As shown in FIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments, the spade member 145, 155, 160 may be formed of one body. Spade member 145, 155, 160 includes a top surface 141, parallel surfaces 142, and insert surfaces 143. The insert surfaces 143 come together to form the pointed end with an insertion angle α, which angle may be from about 15 degrees to about 165 degrees.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of the spade member 145, 155, 160, wherein the spade member 145, 155, and 160 is split into two bodies. Each body includes a portion of the top surface 141, a parallel surface 142, an insertion surface 143, and a portion of the insertion angle α. In such embodiments, the spade member 145, 155, 160 is split into two bodies so that each body may be independently attached to the body 140 of the T-post 100.

The length of the top surface 141 may vary depending on the desired width of the spade member 145, 155, 160. For example, the top surface 141 may have a length from about 1 inch to about 12 inches for a one body spade member 145, 155, 160 or a combined length for a two body spade member 145, 155, 160. The length of the parallel surfaces 142 may vary depending on the desired length of the spade member 145, 155, 160 and may vary depending on the desired insertion angle α. Finally, the length of the insert surfaces 143 may vary depending on the desired width, length, and insertion angle α of the spade member 145, 155, 160.

The insert member 160, depth member 155, and third member 145 may have varying sizes such that they are different lengths and widths. In some embodiments, one or more of the insert member 160, depth member 155, and third member 145 are equal in size.

In some embodiments, the top surface 141 of the depth member 155 may be used as a reference point for depth measurement of the T-post 100 when the T-post 100 is inserted. That is, the depth member 155 is set at a predetermined height from the distal end (e.g., bottom end) of the T-post 100 and the top surface 170 of the T-Post 100 and, thus, when the top surface 141 of the depth spade 155 is disposed below, or partially below, the ground, the height of the T-Post 100 is known. This is particularly useful in installing multiple T-Posts 100 with wire strands 180 extending therebetween because a consistent height of T-Posts 100 confirms a consistent height of wire retainers 150.

In some embodiments, one or more of the insert member 160, the depth member 155, and third member 145 have a narrower or wider insertion angle α than one another. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the insert member 160 has a narrower insertion angle α than the depth member 155 and the third member 145, which members 155, 145 have substantially equal insertion angles α. The insertion angle α is configured to facilitation insertion of the spade member 145, 155, 160 thereby facilitating insertion of the T-post 100.

FIGS. 2C-2E illustrate detailed top views of the T-post 100 including different embodiments of the spade members 145, 155, 160. As shown in FIG. 2C, one or more of the spade members 145, 155, 160 may be a single body (as illustrated in FIG. 2A) coupled to an external surface of body 140 (e.g. the external surface of one or more cylindrical body members 135). As shown in FIG. 2D, one or more of the spade members 145, 155, 160 may be a single body (as illustrated in FIG. 2A) disposed through the body 140 between the cylindrical body members 135 of the T-post 100. As shown in FIG. 2E, one or more of the spade members 145, 155, 160 may be two bodies (as illustrated in FIG. 2B) each coupled to the external surface of the body 140 of the T-post 100.

The illustrative embodiments in FIGS. 2C-2E are not mutually exclusive and a person of ordinary skill would understand that any combination of the mounting embodiments shown in FIG. 2C-2E may be used for coupling the spade members 145, 155, 160 to the body 140 of the T-post. For example, the insert member 160 may be coupled to the body 140 as shown in any of FIGS. 2C-2E, the depth member 155 may be coupled to the body 140 as shown in any of FIGS. 2C-2E, and the third member 145 may be coupled to the body 140 as shown in any of FIGS. 2C-2E. Similarly, one of ordinary skill would understand that the illustrative embodiments in FIGS. 2A-2B are not mutually exclusive and any combination of the one-body and two-body configurations may be used for spade members 145, 155, 160. For example, insert member 160 may be one-body or two-bodies, depth member 155 may be one-body or two-bodies, and third member 145 may be one-body or two-bodies.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the T-post 100 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The hammer rod 110 includes a body 120 and a head 115. In some embodiments, the hammer rod 110 includes an insert portion 125. In other embodiments, the hammer rod 110 includes a bore such that the hammer rod 110 may be disposed around and atop the T-post 100.

The T-post 100 includes an aperture 130 formed in the center of the top of the T-post 100. The aperture 130 is intended to receive the insert portion 125 of the hammer rod 110 as will be further descried herein.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the T-post taken along a 4-4 of FIG. 3. The figure illustrates the aperture 130 formed in an upper end of the post. Additionally, one body member 135 (not in section) is visible.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a bottom portion of the T-post 100 including the insert member 160, the depth member 155, and the third member 145. While the members 155, 160, 145 are spade-shaped in the embodiment shown, it will be understood that there are any number of structure having shapes that can serve to help the T-post 100 avoid rotation and facilitate insertion while being inserted and any number of structures having shapes that can serve to indicate depth of a T-post 100.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the T-post 100. Visible in FIG. 6 is an insert angle 165 formed at a lower end of the T-post to facilitate the insertion of the post into the ground. In one embodiment, the angle is from 15 degrees to 45 degrees, or from 25 degrees to 35 degrees, such as 30 degrees.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an upper portion on the T-post 100 with the insert portion 125 of the hammer rod 110 shown inserted into the T-post aperture 130. As shown in FIG. 7, the insert portion 125 of the hammer rod 110 is of a length whereby, when it is completely inserted into the post aperture 130, a clearance or gap 250 remains between the top surface 170 of the post 100 and the lower surface 175 of the hammer rod body 120. In one embodiment, the gap 250 exists to ensure that pounding forces between the hammer rod 110 and T-post 100 are isolated from the top surface 170 of the T-post 100 in order to avoid scaring or deforming the top surface 170. In some embodiments, the gap 250 may be about .25 inches to about 3 inches. While a gap 250 is utilized in the embodiment of the Figure, it will be understood that the arrangement between the hammer rod 110 and the T-post 100 could be set up in any number of ways, including the arrangement wherein the top of the T-post is directly in contact with the hammer rod 110.

FIG. 8 is a view of the T-post 100 during insertion into the ground. Visible is the hammer rod 110 and post 100 as well as a manual hammer 190 used to pound the upper surface 116 of the hammer rod 110. In the Figure, two strands of wire 180 are connected to the T-post, each utilizing corresponding wire retainers 150 to ensure the wire strands 180 remain in a horizontal orientation as they extend between T-posts 100.

The T-post 100 of the present disclosure also includes embodiments to ensure the T-post 100 is vertically placed relative to the ground before and during insertion. FIG. 9 is a section view showing one embodiment of leveling the T-post 100 during insertion (e.g. making the T-post 100 perpendicular to the ground), and FIGS. 10A-10B and 11A-11B are section views of alternative embodiments for leveling the T-post 100 during insertion.

Turning to FIG. 9, the hammer rod head 115 is constructed with first, second and third recesses having increasingly reduced diameters 210 a, b, c. In some embodiments diameters 210a, b, and c may range from about.25 inches to about 1 inch. A level 200 is disposed in the third diameter 210c and retained therein by a threaded retention ring 220 constructed and arranged to be threaded into the second diameter 210b to secure the level 200 therebelow. The level 200 and retention ring 220 are recessed and protected from damage from hammering. That is, the level 200 and the retention ring 220 do not extend above the upper surface 116 of the hammer rod 110. As shown, the first recess has a diameter 210a that is smaller than the outer diameter 194 of the head 192 of manual hammer 190, so that the head 192 of manual hammer 190 is not able to move through the first recess.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate another embodiment of ensuring a level surface. The level 200 is removably disposed in a recess 225 of the hammer rod 110 and may be at least partially exposed above the upper surface 116 of the hammer rod 110. The recess 225 ensures that the level 200 held in a constant position relative to the hammer rod 110 and T-post 100 to ensure level insertion.

FIGS. 11A-11B teach another embodiment for leveling a T-post 100 wherein a cap 235 includes a level 200 assembled to its top surface. The cap 235 includes an underside that is substantially complementary in shape to the hammer rod head 115. When the T-post 100 is ready to be inserted into the ground, the cap 235 is placed on the upper surface 116 of the hammer rod head 115. With the cap in place, the integrated level 200 provides an indication as to whether the T-post 100 and the hammer rod 110 are level to the ground. The cap 235 may then be removed and the T-Post 100 is inserted into the ground while maintaining the leveled position as previously indicated by the level 200. During insertion, the cap 235 may be replaced onto the upper surface 116 of the hammer rod 110 at any point to confirm the T-post is level to the ground.

In operation, the T-post 100, utilizing particular embodiments taught herein, can be used as follows: A T-post 100 is held in place with its angled lower end 165 touching the ground at the point where the T-post 100 will be inserted. Thereafter, the T-post 100 is leveled, whether it be utilizing a hammer rod 110 with a level 200, using the cap 230, or my simply using a level 200 disposed on the top of the T-post 100. After confirming the T-post 100 is level, the hammer rod 110 is engaged with T-Post 100 to apply a force to the T-Post 100 for insertion. In some embodiments, the insert portion 125 of the hammer rod 110 is inserted into the post aperture 130 leaving a predetermined gap 250 between surfaces as shown in FIG. 7. Thereafter, a force is applied to the hammer rod 110 to insert the T-post 100 into the ground. During the insertion process, the location of the depth spade 160 relative to the ground can be monitored. At a predetermined depth, based on the location of the depth spade 160, such as the top surface of the depth spade 160 being level with the ground, the insertion is complete. At any time during insertion of the post, its orientation can be checked using the level 200. At any time during the process, horizontal strands of wire 180 are placed and retained on the T-post using the wire retainers 150.

Turning to FIGS. 12A-12B, in some embodiments, the T-post 100 may further comprise an indicator cap 300. In some embodiments, the indicator cap 300 is installed after the T-post 100 is inserted into the ground. FIG. 12A illustrates a prospective view of the indicator cap 300. FIG. 12B illustrates the indicator cap 300 installed on a T-post 100. The indicator cap 300 is cylindrical with a spherical top and may be disposed on the top surface 170 of the T-post 100, as shown in FIG. 12B. The indicator cap 300 comprises a bore 301 through the bottom of the indicator cap 300 that is complementary to the shape of the T-post 100. In the present embodiment, the T-post 100 is constructed of 3 separate cylindrical body members 135 fastened together to form the single body 140 with an aperture 130 formed in the center of the top of the T-post 100. As such, the bore 301 of the indicator cap 300 is shaped complementary to that (e.g., three intersecting cylindrical bores). In some embodiments, said bore 301 does not extend completely through the indicator cap 300 to provide a stopping surface for engagement with the top surface 170 of the T-post 100. In some embodiments, the bore 301 may extend through the entirety of the indicator cap 300 from bottom to top. The indicator cap 300 may be made out of a plastic material, a metal material, and/or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, indicator cap 300 is constructed of a hard material and may be used as an alternative hammer rod.

The indicator cap 300 is configured to be slid over the top of the T-post 100 to where the indicator cap 300 covers the top surface 170 of the T-post 100. The indicator cap 300 is installed onto the top of the T-post 100 to provide for better visibility for the T-post 100. As such, the indicator cap 300 may be brightly colored using colors like red, orange, yellow, white, or any color or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the indicator cap 300 may be reflective, may be made of glass, may include glass or particles for reflective purposes, or may shine to aid in visibility as well. Further, in some embodiments, the indicator cap 300 may include visibility aids 302 such as lights or LED lights disposed on any side or top of the indicator cap 300, for decorative or visibility purposes. In embodiments containing visibility aids 302 requiring electricity, such as lights, the visibility aids 302 may be operated by solar power.

In some instances, T-posts 100 are installed in places where they may be encountered by third parties in low light or low visibility conditions. For instance, T-posts 100 may be installed near a road or well-traveled place where a person may come into close proximity to the T-post 100. In some instances, the T-posts 100 may be installed in a body of water. Such T-posts 100 may be hard to see, whether it be passersby, anglers, or boaters. As such, the visibility aids 302 and bright colors included on the indicator cap 300 aid in T-post 100 visibility so as to avoid the possibility collision with the T-post 100 or fence line.

Turning to FIGS. 13A-13B, in some embodiments, a wire stay 400 is used between two or more T-posts 100. FIG. 13A illustrates a prospective view of a wire stay 400 in an open configuration. FIG. 13B illustrates a wire stay 400 installed between a pair of T-posts 100 in the closed configuration. As stated above, T-posts 100 maintain wire strands 180 running horizontally extending from T-post 100 to T-post 100 and being held by wire retainers 150.

In some embodiments, it is desired that those wire strands 180 to stay uniformly spaced even in sections of the fencing where the wire strand 180 is not being held by T-posts 100, that is, in between T-posts 100. For instance, when T-posts 100 are separated by a certain distance such that the wire strands 180 are more likely to deflect or sag and leading to non-uniform spacing between the wire strands 180.

The wire stay 400 is made up of a first body 401 and a second body 402. The first body 401 and the second body 402 may be made out of materials including, but not limited to, plastic, ceramic, and PLA (polylactic acid). The first body 401 and second body 402 each comprise a mating surface 403. In the illustrated embodiment, the first body 401 and the second body 402 are semi-cylindrical with the mating surfaces 403 being the flat portion of the semi-cylinder, however, the first body 401 and second body 402 may be any shape so long as the mating surfaces 403 are complementary such that they mated to one another. The first body 401 and second body 402 may be coupled by at least one hinge (not shown) so that the wire stay 400 may be configured in the open configuration (shown in FIG. 13A) and the closed configuration (shown in FIG. 13B) wherein the mating surfaces 403 are mated to one another. The hinge is used to open and close the wire stay 400. In some embodiments, the first body 401 and the second body 402 are not hingedly coupled to one another and the open configuration is defined as the first body 401 and the second body 402 disassembled from one another such that the mating surfaces 403 are not mated to one another.

The first body 401 and the second body 402 each include wire retaining grooves 404. The wire retaining grooves 404 are vertically spaced horizontal grooves cut into the mating surfaces 403 of the first body 401 and second body 402. The wire retaining grooves 404 may be spaced at the same distance as the wire retainers 150 of the corresponding T-posts 100 to ensure the wire strands 180 are uniformly spaced in locations between T-posts 100. The number of wire retaining grooves 404 depends on the number of wire strands 180 used in the system. The illustrated wire stay 400 is a 4 wire strand wire stay 400. Wire stays 400 may be used for systems with two wire strands 180, three wire strands 180, four wire strands 180, five wire strands 180, six wire strands 180, or more wire strands 180. The presently illustrated embodiment is a wire stay 400 for a system with four wire strands 180. It should be noted that the wire stay 400 used, whether it be for two, three, four, five, six, or more wire strands 180, should have at least an amount of wire retaining grooves 404 corresponding to the number of wire strands 180 used in the system. The wire retaining grooves 404 may be spaced in different axial locations along the first body 401 and the second body 402. However, the spacing should be based on the spacing of the wire strands 180 connected to the T-posts 100 and/or the desired spacing of the wire strands 180 at the location of the wire stay 400. In some embodiments, one or more of the wire strands 180 is a hot wire 180 strand (e.g. an electrically charged wire), and thus, in some embodiments, the wire stay 400 insulates the wire strands 180 from one another.

Finally, the wire stay 400 includes fastening holes 405 axially spaced along the first body 401 and the second body 402. The presently illustrated embodiment includes three fastening holes 405 in each of the first body 401 and second body 402. In some embodiments, the fastening holes 405 extend through the first body 401 and only extend partially into the second body 402. In some embodiments, the fastening holes 405 extend completely through the second body 402.

The fastening holes 405 of the first body 401 are aligned with the fastening holes 405 of the second body 402. The fastening holes 405 are used to fasten the first body 401 and second body 402 together in the closed configuration such that the mating surfaces 403 are mated to one another.

In operation, at least one wire stay 400 is placed between two T-posts 100. Initially, the wire stay 400 is in the open configuration and the wire strands 180 are placed in the wire retaining grooves 404. The wire stay 400 is then configured into the closed configuration, wherein the mating surfaces 403 are mated to one another. Once the wire stay 400 is in the closed configuration, fasteners are disposed through the fastening holes 405 in the first body 401 and the second body 402 to keep the wire stay 400 in the closed configuration retaining the wire strands 180 in the wire retaining grooves 404 therefore maintaining even spacing of the wire strands 180 between the T-posts 100.

Turning to FIGS. 14A-14C, in some embodiments, the system includes hot wire strands 180. That is, the wire strands 180 are electrically charged. In some embodiments, one or more of the wire strands 180 are hot wire strands 180 and the remaining wire strands 180 are not hot wire strands. In some of said embodiments, the system includes hot wire stays 500. The hot wire stay 500 allows for modularity in containing, directing, and/or insulating electrically charged wire strands 180 without grounding the electrically charged wire strands 180 in the process, thus causing the electrically charged wire strand 180 to be useless for its intended purpose. Therefore, the hot wire stay 500 is used to contain, insulate, and/or direct electrically charged wire 180 along a fence line created by the T-Posts 100. The hot wire stay 500 may be made of PLA, ceramic, and/or any non-conductive (e.g. insulating) material.

The hot wire stay 500 may be assembled to a side of the T-Post 100 in embodiments where the wire strands 180 are run along the side of the T-post 100 (as shown in FIG. 14C) or may be assembled to the top surface 170 of the T-Post 100 in embodiments where the wire strands 180 are run along the top of the T-post 100.

The hot wire stay 500 includes a first body 501 and a second body 502. The first body 501 has a top portion 503 and a bottom portion 504 both of which are generally cylindrical in shape. The first body 501 and the second body 502 may have a length of about .5″ to about 6.″ The top portion 503 has a larger diameter than the bottom portion 504 and may include a profile around its circumference. The profile may include, but is not limited to, gripping features for users to turn the first body 501 manually. In some embodiments, the features include tooling features for a tool, such as a wrench, screwdriver, allen wrench, or hex head to thread the first body 501 into the second body. The top portion 503 is used to thread the first body 501 into the second body 502. The bottom portion 504 is threaded so that the first body 501 may be threaded into the second body 502. The second body 502 is also generally cylindrical and shape and also has a top portion 505 and a bottom portion 506. The top portion 505 includes extensions 507 extending from the bottom portion 506. The extensions 507 are shaped in such a way that there is a bore 508 between the extensions 507 but the circumference of the extensions 507 is discontinuous. The bore 508 is threaded so that the bottom portion 504 of the first body 501 may be threaded into the top portion 505 of the second body 502. The bottom portion 506 of the second body 502 is disk shaped and includes an inner surface 509 that defines the end of the bore 508 such that when the first body 501 is threaded into the second body 502, the bottom of the bottom portion 504 of the first body 501 contacts or comes close to contacting the surface 509. The bottom surface of the bottom portion 504 may be flat or may be concave. The bottom surface is mounted to the T-post 100 by methods including, but not limited to, a fastener, an adhesive, or a zip-tie.

In operation, the bottom surface of the bottom portion 504 of the second body 502 is mounted to a surface of the T-Post 100 where hot wire strands 180 are to be run. The one or more wire strands 180 are run between two or more of the extensions 507 of the second body 502 of the hot wire stay 500. In some embodiments, one or more wire strands 180 are run between the extensions 507 so that the one or more wire strands 180 bisects the hot wire stay 500 (e.g., the gap between the extensions 507 that the wire strand 180 enters the hot wire stay 500 is 180 degrees away from the gap between the extensions 507 that the wire strand 180 exits the hot wire stay 500). An example illustration of such an embodiment is shown illustrated as wire strand 180a in FIG. 14A and is shown in FIG. 14C. In some embodiments, the one or more wire strands 180 are inserted between extensions 507 so that the one or more wire strands 180 make a 90 degree turn within the hot wire stay 500 (e.g. the gap between the extensions 507 that the wire strand 180 enters the hot wire stay 500 is 90 degrees away from the gap between the extensions 507 that the wire strand 180 exits the hot wire stay 500). An example illustration of such embodiment is shown illustrated as wire strand 180b in FIG. 14A and is shown in FIG. 14B. Still, in other embodiments, there may be more or less extensions 507 than are illustrated (e.g. two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more extensions 507) such that the wire strand 180 may be inserted through and diverted at another angle within the hot wire stay 500. In some embodiments, more than one wire strand 180 may be inserted through the hot wire stay 500 in the same, or different, directions passing through the hot wire stay 500 at the same or different angles.

After running one or more wire strands 180 through the second body 502, the first body 501 is threaded into the bore 508 of the second body 502 to retain the one or more wire strands 180 and insulate the wire strands 180 from the body 140 of the T-post 100.

In some embodiments, the bottom portion 506 of the second body 502 is coupled to a side of the T-Post 100. An example of such embodiments is illustrated in FIG. 14C. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 506 of the second body 502 is coupled to the top surface 170 of the T-post 100. An example of such embodiments is illustrated in FIG. 14B.

While FIG. 14B illustrates a hot wire stay 500 assembled to the top surface 170 of the T-post 100 with the wire strand 180 making a 90 degree turn within the hot wire stay 500, it should be appreciated that a hot wire stay 500 assembled to the top surface 170 of the T-post 100 may include a wire strand 180 passing through the hot wire stay 500 at any angle. Similarly, while FIG. 14C illustrates a hot wire stay 500 assembled to the side of the T-post 100 with the wire strand 180 bisecting the hot wire stay 500 at a 180 degree angle, it should be appreciated that a hot wire stay 500 assembled to the side of the T-post may include a wire strand 180 passing through the hot wire stay 500 at any angle.

Turning to FIGS. 15A-15B, in some embodiments, the system includes a collar 600. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the collar 600. FIG. 15B is a front view of the T-Post 100 with the collar 600 installed. The collar 600 is used as a mounting point for a turnbuckle 601. The turnbuckle 601 is coupled to the T-post 100 and the ground a predetermined distance away from the T-post 100 for added stability in the system. In some embodiments, the ground end of the turnbuckle 601 is mounted to a stake 605 secured in the ground. The collar 600 is generally cylindrical with a bore 602 therethrough. The bore 602 may be circular or may be complementary to the circumferential shape of the T-post 100. The collar 600 further includes a number of mounting tabs 603. Although the illustrated embodiment includes two mounting tabs 603, the collar may include one, two, three, four, or more mounting tabs 603 depending on the amount of stability required in the system, and therefore the number of turnbuckles 601 used in the system.

The bore 602 of the collar 600 is disposed about the body 140 of the T-post 100 at a desired height. The collar 600 may then be coupled to the T-post 100 through methods included, but not limited to, welding. A first end of the turnbuckle 601 is then coupled to a mounting tab 603 and a second end of the turnbuckle 601 is coupled to the ground. In some embodiments, the first end of the turnbuckle 601 is mounted to the mounting tab 603 through a hole 604 in the mounting tab 603. The turnbuckle 601 may then be used to increase tension between the first end and the second end of the turnbuckle 601 thus anchoring the T-post 100 to the ground at a second point and stabilizing the T-post 100. In one or more embodiments, more than one turnbuckle 601 is used to stabilize the T-post 100 from multiple directions.

Any one or more components of the above described embodiments may be integrally formed together, directly coupled together, and/or indirectly coupled together and are not limited to the specific arrangement of components illustrated in FIGS. 1-15B. Any one or more of the embodiments of the T-Post 100 or its components may be combined in whole or part with any one or more of the embodiments of the T-Post 100 and it's components.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a number of embodiments and examples, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that all modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims may include all such modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The disclosure also contemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein may be substituted in for one or more of the other aspects described. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

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