U.S. patent application number 11/305797 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for self-retaining post protector.
Invention is credited to Edgar Edward Donabedian.
Application Number | 20070138452 11/305797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38172417 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070138452 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donabedian; Edgar Edward |
June 21, 2007 |
Self-retaining post protector
Abstract
A post protector with integrally molded self-retaining features
to help secure this device to the base of wooden posts to prevent
damage that is typically caused by corded grass trimming tools.
This four panel device can be assembled to free standing posts or
posts that are used in pre-existing fence construction, and it
contains features to allow the post protector to be modified to
accommodate swing set support posts. The integrated self-retaining
features of this device can also be used to market or display this
device in retail outlets. In another embodiment of this invention,
an integrally molded flange or a series of flanges are used to
prevent grass or vegetation from growing between the self-retaining
post protector and the post itself. In yet another embodiment of
this invention this device contains flanges on each of the four
panels to prevent the rotating cord from moving over the top edge
to further protect the post.
Inventors: |
Donabedian; Edgar Edward;
(Livonia, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edgar Donabedian
17321 Country Club
Livonia
MI
48152
US
|
Family ID: |
38172417 |
Appl. No.: |
11/305797 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 12/2292
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/001 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/00 20060101
E04H017/00 |
Claims
1. A self-retaining post protector for protecting a square or
rectangular post comprised of: a device having typically four
panels integrally connected through continuous material
construction, and is further defined by having two interior panels
and two exterior panels that are manufactured with appropriately
sized reduced cross sections at respective corners to allow this
device to be easily folded for assembly, which is made possible
through the use of standard molding process that will produce this
device in a flat or developed state. Said reduction in cross
section creates hinges to connect respective panels for
self-retaining continuity and strength. Through the use of features
exclusive to this device and respective manufacturing techniques,
this device can also be designed to fit a variety of geometrically
shaped posts, such as circular or octagonal sections.
2. The post protector of claim 1 wherein the geometry of said post
protector is conducive and suitable, but not limited to, the use of
Polypropylene material of appropriate grade and composition.
3. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally
molded flange on the top edge of each of the panels described in
claim 1 that are projected outward with an appropriate length to
prevent rotating cord of grass trimmer from moving over top edge of
this device to further protect post from inadvertent damage.
4. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally
molded tab centrally located on the edge of one of the two exterior
panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retention
feature on said tab to attach to and through a facilitating opening
on the second exterior panel to provide a means of retention upon
assembly to secure and locate device described in claim 1 to a
post.
5. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally
molded tab or a plurality of molded tabs on and along the edge of
one of the two exterior panels described in claim 1 with an
integrally molded retention feature on said tab(s) to attach to and
through facilitating opening(s) on the second exterior panel to
provide a means of retention upon assembly to secure and locate
device described in claim 1 to post.
6. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally
molded tab on and along the entire edge of one of the two exterior
panels described in claim 1 with an integrally molded retention
feature on said tab to attach to a facilitating opening that is
integrally molded on and along the entire edge of the second
exterior panel to provide a means of retention upon assembly to
secure and locate device described in claim 1 to post.
7. The post protector of claim 1, having an integrally molded
attachment feature on exterior panel used to accommodate and
facilitate attachment of said molded tab described in claim 4 for
use in marketing and displaying this device described in claim 1 by
means of accommodating standard looped-wire hangers typically used
in retail businesses.
8. The post protector of claim 1, having an integrally molded
attachment features on exterior panel used to accommodate and
facilitate attachments of said molded tabs described in claim 5 for
use in marketing and displaying this device described in claim 1 by
means of accommodating standard looped-wire hangers typically used
in retail businesses.
9. The post protector of claim 1, having integrally molded sets of
holes on exterior panels described in claim 1 for use in marketing
and displaying of this device described in claim 1 by means of
accommodating standard wire rods typically used in retail
businesses.
10. The post protector of claim 1, further comprising an integrally
molded single flange or a plurality of flanges on inside surfaces
of the interior and exterior panels described in claim 1 that would
be directed inward to contact the post to prevent grass or
vegetation from growing between the said post protector and the
post itself. Said molded flange(s) can also used to create an
opposing force in self-retaining feature described in claim 4 and
claim 5 to further strengthen joint.
11. A post protector as in any of the preceding claims that further
comprises integrally molded grooves that reside on the inside
surfaces of the interior and exterior panels described in claim 1
that correspond and equate to the resultant standard angle of
common swing set support posts, to provide a means of guiding
modification of present invention prior to assembly and
installation on to said posts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] a. Field of Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to wooden post protection,
and, more particularly, to a new and improved means of protecting
such posts from damage typically caused by rotating corded grass
trimming tools that can be applied to free standing posts or posts
that are used in typical fence, deck or swing set support
construction while offering a means of self retention onto said
posts.
[0003] b. Description of Related Art
[0004] During typical grounds and landscape maintenance, many
people have and are experiencing a problem with deterioration of
the posts caused by powered grass trimming tools with rotating cord
or cords. Even the more experienced and diligent of users find it
difficult to avoid contacting posts during this process and would
require significantly more time to do so. As many homeowners and
professional landscape and maintenance crews are interested in
completing their tasks in a timely fashion, the special care to
avoid posts is typically not taken and subsequent damage occurs.
The result of damage is initially an unsightly condition due to
wear of the wood, and eventually becomes a structural concern as
maintenance continues.
[0005] With continued maintenance and contact, the post will become
unstable and will eventually need to be replaced. Considering the
various types of post applications, the effects of damage,
deterioration and replacement can be very costly and time
consuming.
[0006] As posts are typically used in fence, deck and swing set
construction, it is very important to protect these to avoid the
aforementioned complication. Thus, the development of such a device
that can readily accomplish this would be desirable.
[0007] Prior art exists to address this problem, but is limited and
restricted in a variety of ways from performing this function
efficiently and on a variety of post applications. For example,
Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 discloses a three-sided device that
is intended for use on pre-existing fence posts, claiming that
prior art could not achieve assembly to this type of construction
as the vertical fencing panels would prohibit installation of prior
devices to the post. Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 references
prior art such as Goodrich U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713, which discloses
a device to incase a utility pole prior to installation, and
Company U.S. Pat. No. 405,658, which discloses a cylindrical pole
protector, both of which are deemed unsuitable for assembly on to
posts that are previously erected. This is also true for Nesbitt
U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1, which defines a device
that is suitable for free standing post protection, but due to its
design and manufacturing process, is also deemed not suitable for
assembly on to posts that are used in pre-existing fence
structures. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
device that can not only be used on pre-existing fences, but also
is capable of being used on free standing posts as well. Unlike
Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713, the present invention can
accomplish this with only a single device. Duggan U.S. Pat. No.
5,311,713 requires the use of two three-paneled devices, installed
opposite to each other, to protect free standing posts.
[0008] In addition to vertical post applications, such as mailbox
or fence posts, there are also post applications where the posts
may be at an angle other than 90 degrees to the ground, or posts
that are secured to ground with a grade other than 90 degrees to
the post, which also require protection. Examples include a swing
set with standard A-frame support posts or a backyard deck with
post supports secured to a pitched or graded landscape. If prior
art such as Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,713 were used in these
applications, the post protector would not sit flush on the ground,
which would allow portions of the post to be exposed and prone to
damage. However, Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1
does disclose a device capable of protecting a swing set support
post, which is accomplished through a preformed device; it is not
capable of also being used on a vertical post application with the
same device without leaving portions of the post exposed to damage,
as previously described. It is an object of the present invention
to provide a device that provides provisions to accommodate
non-vertical post applications, such as a swing set support posts,
with a single device that can also be used for vertical post
applications that are again either free standing or used in
previously constructed fence applications. As will be further
defined, this is accomplished in the present invention by providing
integrally molded cut guide grooves that are designed to correspond
and equate to the standard angle of the A-frame support posts, and
after modification, the present invention will sit flush on the
ground.
[0009] Also, through the use of the molding process and material
selection, the present invention can be customized to fit various
grade applications, as may be seen with many backyard deck support
posts.
[0010] Furthermore, as previously described, the task of lawn
maintenance, specifically around post applications, is typically
completed in a hurried fashion. Because of this, it is an object of
the present invention to include a series of integrally molded
flanges on the topmost edge of this device to prevent the rotating
cord of the grass trimming tool from moving up and over the post
protector.
[0011] Equally important to protecting the post, a device should be
reliably secured to the post, as it will be subject to contact by
not only the grass trimmer, but also others tools, such as the lawn
mower. Prior art, such as Duggan U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,356 and
Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. US20050005540A1, disclose unique
means in which to accomplish this, but each have limitations and
require additional effort and material. For example, Duggan U.S.
Pat. No. 5,622,356 uses spring tension from two panels of a three
panel device for the primary means of retention and offer holes for
fasteners as a secondary means of attachment. If the fasteners are
not used, there is potential for the three-sided device to be
disengaged from the post upon contact. Also, Nesbitt U.S. Pat. App.
Pub. No. US20050005540A1 discloses the use of adhesive as a means
of securing respective device to a post. In addition to adding
material cost, adhesive may be prone to deterioration through
exposure to elements that may weaken respective joint. It is an
object of the present invention to provide a unique and robust
means of securing the post protector to a post through integrally
molded self-retention features, resulting in a low cost and
efficient design.
[0012] Although inventions exist to either protect a post or to
control the growth of grass or vegetation around a post, none of
these appear to be capable of fulfilling both of these attributes
with the same device. As the aforementioned patents do provide a
means of post protection, albeit with said limitations, they do not
provide a means of controlling the growth of grass or vegetation
between the post protector and the post itself. For example,
O'Berry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,255 does provide a means to
prevent growth of grass or vegetation around posts; it does not
provide any means of protection for the post itself. It is an
object of the present invention to provide a single device with
features capable of not only protecting the post, but also capable
of controlling the growth of grass or vegetation between the post
protector and the post itself.
[0013] With the intention of providing the present invention for
mass commercial and residential use, this device was designed to
accommodate an ever increasing demand for retail floor and shelving
space. This is achieved through manufacturing the present invention
in a flat or developed state and the use of integrally molded
hinges to ease consumer assembly. In addition to a slender design,
the present invention incorporates a unique self-retaining feature
as a means for hanging this device for display or marketing in its
as-manufactured state. Also, a series of holes are offered to allow
this device to be hung in a vertical or horizontal orientation to
provide additional flexibility for retail outlets to optimize
display arrangements.
[0014] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, the present invention provides a means to
secure a post protector to a post in a variety of applications
including pitched or graded surfaces, pre-existing fence posts or
free standing posts, using integral self-retention features all
contained within a single device. Constructed of molded durable
plastic material, the present invention can be either
molded-in-color or painted.
[0016] Furthermore, being constructed of molded material readily
allows self-retaining post protector to be designed to accommodate
a variety of post sections of either square, rectangular, circular,
and octagonal, or variations of these shapes. This process also
allows for flanging to be used on topmost edge to prevent
inadvertent damage caused if grass-trimming cord slides up and over
the post protector. Flanging used on inside surfaces of present
invention will prevent grass or vegetation from growing between
post protector and the post itself, while creating an opposing
force in self-retaining feature to further strengthen this
joint.
[0017] Another principal object of this invention is the use of a
slot feature, which is used in conjunction with self-retaining
feature, to be used as a means of hanging present invention in
retail businesses for marketing purposes. This advantage is present
through the use of molding process and will significantly reduce
the required retail floor space, allowing this product to be
marketed in a variety of places.
[0018] Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the
invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the
following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it
is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the
invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and
intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] 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 preferred
embodiments of the invention and together with the detail
description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In
the drawings:
[0020] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a wood post with typical
damage caused by the rotating cord of a grass trimming tool;
[0021] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a wood post with first
embodiment of the post protector of the present invention shown
assembled onto said post;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of
the present invention taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing
self-retention features and integral hinge design;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 2 showing a second embodiment of the present invention with
inwardly directed flanges;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the
present invention with an alternate self retention slot and added
holes;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the third embodiment of the present
invention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the fourth embodiment of the
present invention showing the post protector assembled to a post
with self retention features on the side of the post in lieu of
corner attachments as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and
18;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of the fifth embodiment of the
present invention showing the post protector assembled to a post
with self retention features on the side of the post in lieu of
corner attachments as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and
18;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 7 showing details of alternate self-retention feature;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of
FIG. 8 showing details of alternate self-retention feature;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention showing the post protector assembled to one of
two swing set support posts;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sixth embodiment of present
invention showing integrally molded cut guide grooves;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment
of the present invention taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 5 showing
an outwardly directed flange on topmost edge;
[0033] FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 8 showing the
eight embodiment of the present invention with alternate
self-retention feature;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of
the present invention taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12 showing
integrally molded cut-guide groove(s);
[0035] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the
present invention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state
being hung by respective self-retention slot using single looped
wire hanger;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the
present invention shown in its developed or as-manufactured state
being hung by alternate hole features using multiple wire
hangers;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a typical fence showing an
alternate application of present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, which illustrates a wooden post 10
showing damage and deterioration to the base of the post that is
typically caused by the rotating cord of a grass trimming tool
during regular lawn maintenance. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the first
embodiment of present invention, where FIG. 2 illustrates
self-retaining post protector 12 assembled to wooden post 11 for
the purposes of protecting it from damage shown in FIG. 1.
Preferred height h of post protector 12 in FIG. 2 is approximately
6 inches. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of wooden post 11 and
self-retaining post protector 12 showing the four panel
construction with two interior panels 12b and 12c, and two exterior
panels 12a and 12d, which are connected through integrally molded
hinges 13a, 13b and 13c. FIG. 3 further illustrates self-retention
features comprised of an integrally molded tab 14 that is centrally
located and attached to exterior panel 12d and is inserted through
properly sized integrally molded slot feature 15 on the adjacent
exterior panel 12a upon assembly. Each of the interior and exterior
panels 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are approximately 0.10 inches thick,
and are of sufficient width w and W to protect either a 4.times.4
inch or a 4.times.6 inch wooden post. For example, when used with a
4.times.4 inch post, w and W would have equal dimensions of
approximately 3.80 inches to accommodate actual post size of 3.50
inches, and if used with a 4.times.6 inch post, width w would
remain at approximately 3.80 inches, while width W would be
approximately 5.80 inches to accommodate actual post size of 5.50
inches. Hinge features 13a, 13b and 13c are comprised of reduced
cross sections to a minimum thickness of 0.06 inches to allow for
this device to be easily folded and assembled, while providing
desired protection. The use of Polypropylene material readily
accommodates a molding process, making it possible to develop
integrally molded self-retaining features 14 and 15 and hinges 13a,
13b and 13c. Having the ability to protect all four sides of a post
with an integral retention feature allows for the present invention
to be installed on free standing posts, such as a mail box post, or
posts that are previously assembled and used in typical fence
construction, as discussed in detail below. As many different
colors may be desirable to match existing structures, the use of a
molding process and Polypropylene material allows for this device
to be either molded in color or painted as desired to match
specific applications. Furthermore, the molding process also allows
for modification of the mold dies to include graining or texturing
of exterior surfaces of panels 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d to further
enhance the protective properties of this device, while helping to
prevent painted versions from chipping. It should be noted and
understood that the aforementioned construction and manufacturing
technique of the present invention can be applied to accommodate a
variety of post sizes and shapes, including circular or
octagonal.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates the second
embodiment of the present invention with integrally molded,
inwardly directed flanges 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d that will help
prevent the growth of grass or vegetation between this device and
the post itself. Said flanges, molded circumferentially and
connected to each of the panels 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d described in
FIG. 3, will also provide additional strength in the self-retention
joint by creating an opposing (outward) force in the joint. It
should be noted that respective flanges are not required for
sufficient joint or retention performance. A single flange (not
shown), or a plurality of flanges, as seen in FIG. 4, can be used
with equal effectiveness in their purpose.
[0040] Referring next to FIG. 5, the third embodiment of the
present invention 12e is shown in an assembled state with
self-retaining tab 14 inserted through corresponding slot feature
15a. Integrally molded slot feature 15a and holes 17a, 17b, 17c and
17d are designed to be used to hang this device for display or
marketing.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, the third embodiment of the present
invention 12e is shown in its as-manufactured or flat state having
centrally located retaining tab 14 on exterior panel 12d and
corresponding integrally molded slot feature 15a on exterior panel
12a. As previously described, integrally molded hinges 13a, 13b and
13c (13b not shown in FIG. 6) readily allow for ease of assembly,
without compromising integrity and purpose of this invention. Also
shown are holes 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d, which can be used
independently with slot feature 15a, and are not required for post
protection.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, the fourth embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated with the type and location of
self-retention features 18a and 18b residing on the side of the
post protector, in lieu of the corner location as seen in FIGS. 2,
3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. This alternative requires the use
of four hinges that would be constructed similar to hinges defined
in FIG. 3.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 8, the fifth embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated with the type and location of self
retention features 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d residing on the side of
the post protector, in lieu of the corner location as seen in FIGS.
2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 16, 17 and 18. This alternative requires the
use of four hinges that would be constructed similar to hinges
defined in FIG. 3.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 9, which illustrates details of retention
features 18a and 18b, and engagement for side panel retention
feature location.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates details of retention
features 19a and 19b, and engagement for side panel retention
feature location. A plurality of retention tabs can be used as
shown in FIG. 8, or a single tab that is centrally located on the
side panel can be used with equal effectiveness.
[0046] Referring next to FIG. 11, a swing and support posts are
illustrated, which introduces the sixth embodiment of the present
invention 12f assembled to post 21 to prevent damage to the base of
respective posts, as can be seen on post 20. These posts 20 and 21
are secured to the swing set through a standard bracket 22 that is
typically used in swing set construction. The resulting angle
.theta. is approximately 50 degrees, which is governed by support
bracket 22.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 12, post protector 12f is shown its
as-manufactured or flat state having integrally molded cut-guide
groove's 23a, 23b and 23c, with .beta.1 and .beta.2 equal to
approximately 25 degrees, which correspond and equate to resultant
angles established by standard swing set support bracket 22 shown
in FIG. 11. As seen in FIG. 12, cut-guide grooves reside exterior
panel 12a and interior panels 12b and 12c only. No cut-guide groove
is required on exterior panel 12d for this application. The
resulting configuration, after modification, provides complete
perimeter protection to the post by allowing this device to sit
flush onto the ground. It should be noted and understood that a
plurality of cut guide grooves could be used that correspond and
equate to resultant angles of other varying degrees of post
installations. Being molded in a flat state allows for the present
invention to be placed safely and firmly on a suitable work surface
for modification using standard metal shears or razor knife prior
to assembly.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 13, the seventh embodiment of the present
invention is shown by providing integrally-molded outwardly
directed flange 24 of length l of approximately 0.5 inches to
prevent the cord of the grass trimming tool from inadvertently
moving up and over the top edge of this device to further protect
the post. Flange 24 could be integrally molded to the top of each
of the four panels 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d as illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 14, the eighth embodiment of the
present invention is shown by providing a slotted tab 25 to engage
and secure end panels, as opposed to solid tabs 19a and 19cas shown
in FIG. 8. It should be noted and understood that this method of
retention could be used on either side panel location as seen in
FIG. 8, or corner panel application as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6,
16, 17 and 18.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 15, integrally molded cut-guide
grooves 23a, 23b and 23c, as seen in FIG. 12, are comprised of a
depth d of approximately 0.08 inches.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the third embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated in its as-manufactured or flat
state using self retention feature slot 15a as a means to hang this
device on a typical looped wire hanger 26, while FIG. 17
illustrates holes 17a and 17b being used to hang this device by two
standard wire hangers 27a and 27b. Hole features 17c and 17d are
also provided to provide flexibility on orientation. For example,
to optimize retail space, it may be desirable to hang this device
in a horizontal state, as which point 17a and 17d or 17b and 17c,
could be jointly used with hangars 27a and 27b.
[0052] Referring next to FIG. 18, an alternate application of
present invention is shown, which illustrates an advantage of
present invention as compared to prior art by being capable of
being assembled to a post that is used in pre-existing fence
construction. This is made possible by manufacturing present
invention in a flat state with integral hinge features to allow the
post protector 12e (shown in FIG. 18 less hole features 17a, 17b,
17c and 17d) to be slid between fence post 28 and vertical fence
boards 29 that are typically secured to stringer board 30 of
thickness T of approximately 1.75 inches prior to being folded for
assembly. The height h of approximately 6 inches of the present
invention 12e also allows the present invention to have sufficient
clearance to stringer boards 30, which are typically constructed to
height H of approximately 8 to 12 inches above the ground.
[0053] While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are
presently considered to be preferred, it is understood that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed examples. Modifications
in addition to those discussed can be made without departing from
the invention. For example, as previously mentioned, use of the
aforementioned construction method and features can be applied to
posts with a variety of cross sections, including circular or
octagonal. Furthermore, the retention features can be comprised of
a variety of end fittings, such as barbed, circular or tapered
features.
* * * * *