U.S. patent application number 16/416458 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-21 for utility post and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is ORIGIN POINT BRANDS, LLC. Invention is credited to DUANE E. LANGENWALTER, NING XUE.
Application Number | 20190352927 16/416458 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68534469 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190352927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
XUE; NING ; et al. |
November 21, 2019 |
UTILITY POST AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A utility post is provided that includes a first flange, a
second flange, and a rib. The first flange resides in a plane and
the second flange resides in the same plane. The rib is
perpendicular to the plane. First, second, and third apertures are
also provided, the first aperture defined through the first flange,
the second aperture defined through the second flange, and the
third aperture defined through the rib.
Inventors: |
XUE; NING; (DANBURY, CT)
; LANGENWALTER; DUANE E.; (MONROE, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ORIGIN POINT BRANDS, LLC |
North Charleston |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68534469 |
Appl. No.: |
16/416458 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62673644 |
May 18, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1421 20130101;
E04H 17/1434 20130101; E04H 17/20 20130101; E04H 2017/1452
20130101; E04H 17/22 20130101; E04H 17/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/20 20060101
E04H017/20; E04H 17/14 20060101 E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. A utility post, comprising: first and second flanges, a rib, the
utility post defining a length, and one or more of the first
flange, the second flange, and the rib residing along the length,
the first and second flanges extending generally oppositely and
away from the rib, the rib extending generally perpendicular to the
first and second flanges, and a plurality of apertures defined
through the first flange, the second flange, and the rib and
disposed generally parallel to the length.
2. The utility post of claim 1, in which the first and second
flanges are each planar.
3. The utility post of claim 1, in which the first and second
flanges are coplanar.
4. The utility post of claim 1, in which adjacent apertures of the
plurality of apertures defined through the first flange reside less
than three and one-half inches apart.
5. The utility post of claim 4, in which adjacent apertures of the
plurality of apertures defined through the second flange reside
less than three and one-half inches apart and in which adjacent
apertures of the plurality of apertures defined through the rib
reside less than three and one-half inches apart.
6. The utility post of claim 1, in which one or more of the first
flange, the second flange, and the rib are of substantially equal
lengths.
7. The utility post of claim 1, in which the first flange, the
second flange, and the rib are of substantially equal lengths.
8. The utility post of claim 1, in which the first flange and the
second flange are integral and in which the rib is welded to the
first and second flanges.
9. The utility post of claim 1, in which the utility post defines a
length and in which one or more of the first flange, the second
flange, and the rib terminate at a lower end that resides at an
acute angle to the length.
10. A utility post, comprising: a first flange, the first flange
extending in a first direction and residing in a first plane; a
second flange, the second flange extending in a second direction
and residing in a second plane, a rib, the rib being connected to
the first flange and being perpendicular to the first plane; a
first aperture, the first aperture defined through the first
flange; a second aperture, the second aperture defined through the
second flange; and a third aperture, the third aperture defined
through the rib.
11. The utility post of claim 10, in which the first plane is
coplanar with the second plane.
12. The utility post of claim 10, further including a fourth
aperture defined through the first flange, the fourth aperture
residing less than three and one-half inches below the first
aperture.
13. The utility post of claim 10, in which at least two of the
first flange, the second flange, and the rib are of substantially
equal lengths.
14. The utility post of claim 10, further including plural
additional apertures defined through and residing along the lengths
of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib.
15. The utility post of claim 10, in which the first flange and the
second flange are integral and in which the rib is welded to the
first and second flanges.
16. The utility post of claim 13, in which the utility post defines
a length and in which one or more of the first flange, the second
flange, and the rib terminate at a lower end that resides at an
acute angle to the length.
17. A method of constructing a fence, comprising the steps of:
fixing a first utility post to the ground, fixing a second utility
post to the ground a predetermined distance from the first utility
post, wherein each of the first and second utility posts comprises
first and second flanges, a rib, the utility post defining a
length, and one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and
the rib residing along the length, the first and second flanges
extending generally oppositely and away from the rib, the rib
extending generally perpendicular to the first and second flanges,
and a plurality of apertures defined through the first flange, the
second flange, and the rib and disposed generally parallel to the
length. attaching a first upper rail between the first and second
utility posts by use of fasteners disposed through one or more of
the apertures defined through one of the first and second flanges
of each respective utility post; attaching a first lower rail
between the first and second utility posts by use of fasteners
disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one
of the first and second flanges of each respective utility post;
the first upper rail and the first lower rail defining a first
plane between them on their first sides and a second plane between
them on their opposite sides; connecting first plural vertical
pickets to the first upper rail and the first lower rail on the
first plane; and connecting second plural vertical pickets to the
first upper rail and the first lower rail on the second plane.
18. The method of claim 16, further including the step of attaching
an intermediate rail between the first and second utility posts and
between the upper rail and the lower rail by use of fasteners
disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one
of the first and second flanges of each respective utility post,
and connecting the plural vertical pickets to the intermediate
rail.
19. The method of claim 17, further including the step of
connecting a vertical picket to the fence, upon a first side of the
first utility post on the first plane, and connected a separate
vertical picket to the fence upon a side opposite the first side of
the first utility post on the second plane.
20. The method of claim 18, further including the steps of: fixing
a third utility post to the ground a predetermined distance from
the first utility post, and attaching a second upper rail between
the first and third utility posts by use of fasteners disposed
through one or more of the apertures defined through one of the
first flange and the rib of each respective utility post, the
second upper rail being perpendicular to the first upper rail.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/673,644, filed on May 18, 2018,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM
[0004] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT
INVENTOR
[0005] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates to a utility post and a method
of using such a utility post and, more particularly, to a utility
post that has been optimized for use as a fence post for a fence
having horizontal rails that carry vertical pickets.
Description of the Related Art
[0007] Fences have been built of many and varied styles.
Correspondingly, various fence post configurations have been used
in the past, depending in part on the style of fence.
[0008] A particular fence style uses horizontal rails affixed to
fence posts, with vertical pickets then attached to the horizontal
rails. With this particular style of fence, though, a limitation
arises if the builder desires to attach vertical pickets to both
sides of the horizontal rails, in that the fence posts interrupt
the design because the fence posts are not designed so as to allow
an unimpeded, uniform spacing of vertical pickets along the length
of fencing including at the fence posts.
[0009] Several earlier designs of fence posts attempted to address
this problem, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,173,945;
6,530,561; 7,571,897; and 9,909,337. However, posts according to
the designs disclosed in these references are more difficult to
manufacture and are more costly to consumers. Also, the designs
disclosed in these references do not provide the versatility of
using the same style post at fence corners as may be used along
linear lengths of fencing. Particularly for consumer
"do-it-yourself" fence projects, the designs disclosed in these
references have not been simplified and are less handy.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a
less expensive, simplified, easy to use, versatile fence post
design that would allow vertical fence pickets to be installed in
uninterrupted uniformity, on both sides of the fencing.
[0011] The present invention relates to an improvement upon the
known systems and methods fence posts, and provides distinct
advantages over the conventional systems and methods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A utility post that has been optimized for use as a fence
post for a fence having horizontal rails that carry vertical
pickets is provided. As revealed in the following description and
the figures herein, this invention discovers a less expensive,
simplified, easy to use, versatile fence post design.
[0013] In accordance with certain aspects of certain embodiments of
the present technology, a utility post is provided that includes
first and second flanges, and a rib. The utility post may define a
length, and one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and
the rib may reside along the length. The first and second flanges
may extend generally oppositely and away from the rib, and the rib
may extend generally perpendicular to the first and second flanges.
A plurality of apertures may be defined through the first flange,
the second flange, and the rib and disposed generally parallel to
the length. In particular embodiments, the first and second flanges
may each be planar. In certain configurations, the first and second
flanges may be coplanar. Some examples provide that adjacent
apertures of the plurality of apertures defined through the first
flange reside less than three and one-half inches apart. Individual
forms may provide that adjacent apertures of the plurality of
apertures defined through the second flange reside less than three
and one-half inches apart and that adjacent apertures of the
plurality of apertures defined through the rib reside less than
three and one-half inches apart. In selective illustrations, one or
more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib may be of
substantially equal lengths. In specific representations, the first
flange, the second flange, and the rib may be of substantially
equal lengths. In other instances, the first flange and the second
flange may be integral and the rib may be welded to the first and
second flanges. And in particular embodiments, the utility post may
define a length and one or more of the first flange, the second
flange, and the rib may terminate at a lower end that resides at an
acute angle to the length.
[0014] In accordance with additional aspects of other embodiments
of the present technology, a utility post is provided that includes
a first flange, the first flange extending in a first direction and
residing in a first plane. A second flange is also provided, the
second flange extending in a second direction and residing in a
second plane. A rib may be included, the rib being connected to the
first flange and being perpendicular to the first plane. A first
aperture may be defined through the first flange, a second aperture
may be defined through the second flange, and a third aperture may
be defined through the rib. In particular embodiments, the first
plane may be coplanar with the second plane. Certain configurations
offer a fourth aperture defined through the first flange, the
fourth aperture residing less than three and one-half inches below
the first aperture. In some examples, at least two of the first
flange, the second flange, and the rib are of substantially equal
lengths. Individual forms may include plural additional apertures
defined through and residing along the lengths of the first flange,
the second flange, and the rib. In selective illustrations, the
first flange and the second flange may be integral and the rib may
be welded to the first and second flanges. Specific representations
include the utility post defining a length and one or more of the
first flange, the second flange, and the rib terminating at a lower
end that may reside at an acute angle to the length.
[0015] In accordance with yet additional aspects of other
embodiments of the present technology, a method of constructing a
fence is provided, comprising the steps of fixing a first utility
post to the ground and fixing a second utility post to the ground a
predetermined distance from the first utility post. Each of the
first and second utility posts may comprise first and second
flanges and a rib. The utility post may define a length, and one or
more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib may reside
along the length. The first and second flanges may extend generally
oppositely and away from the rib, and the rib may extend generally
perpendicular to the first and second flanges. A plurality of
apertures may be defined through the first flange, the second
flange, and the rib and disposed generally parallel to the length.
The method may include the further steps of attaching a first upper
rail between the first and second utility posts by use of fasteners
disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one
of the first and second flanges of each respective utility post,
and attaching a first lower rail between the first and second
utility posts by use of fasteners disposed through one or more of
the apertures defined through one of the first and second flanges
of each respective utility post. The first upper rail and the first
lower rail may define a first plane between them on their first
sides and a second plane between them on their opposite sides. The
method may further include connecting first plural vertical pickets
to the first upper rail and the first lower rail on the first
plane, and connecting second plural vertical pickets to the first
upper rail and the first lower rail on the second plane. In
particular embodiments, the method may also include the step of
attaching an intermediate rail between the first and second utility
posts and between the upper rail and the lower rail by use of
fasteners disposed through one or more of the apertures defined
through one of the first and second flanges of each respective
utility post, and connecting the plural vertical pickets to the
intermediate rail. In certain configurations, a vertical picket may
be connected to the fence, upon a first side of the first utility
post on the first plane, and a separate vertical picket may be
connected to the fence upon a side opposite the first side of the
first utility post on the second plane. Some examples may include
the addition step of fixing a third utility post to the ground a
predetermined distance from the first utility post, and attaching a
second upper rail between the first and third utility posts by use
of fasteners disposed through one or more of the apertures defined
through one of the first flange and the rib of each respective
utility post, the second upper rail being perpendicular to the
first upper rail.
[0016] The foregoing description sets forth broadly certain
features of the present invention so that the detailed description
hereinbelow may be better understood, and so that the present
contributions to the art from this invention may be better
appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described
hereinbelow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The details of the present invention, as to both its
structure and its operation, can be understood with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a rear, side perspective view of view of a utility
post in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front, side perspective view of a utility post
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a utility post in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a utility post in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a utility post in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a left side elevation view of a utility post in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a back side elevation view of a utility post in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a utility post in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a portion of a fence
constructed with a utility post in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] It should be noted that the drawings discussed above and
below are not to scale in all instances, but may have exaggerated
dimensions in some respects to illustrate principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of
which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by
way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a
limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or
described as part of one embodiment may be used with a second
embodiment to yield a third embodiment. It is intended that the
present application include such modifications and variations as
come within the scope and spirit of the invention. Repeat use of
reference characters throughout the present specification and
appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous
features or elements of the invention.
[0029] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction or to the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of the words "including,"
"comprising," and "having" is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.
Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "connected" and
"carried by" are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect
mountings, connections, supports, or couplings. Further, such
phraseology is not limited to physical or mechanical connections or
couplings.
[0030] A utility post, generally 10, is provided. Utility post 10
may include a rib 20, a first flange 30, and a second flange 40.
Multiple apertures, for example apertures 50, 60, may be defined
through rib 20, first flange 30, and/or second flange 40. Rib 20
may define a depth D. First flange 30 and/or second flange 40 may
each define a length L.
[0031] Post 10 may be integrally formed. Alternatively, post 10 may
be configured from attachment of a rib 20 to a first flange 30 and
a second flange 40, for example by weldment. Still further
alternatively, first flange 30 and second flange 40 may be
integrally formed, or first flange 30 may be attached to second
flange 40, and then attached to rib 20. Still further, post 10 may
be roll formed, for example as illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0032] Post 10 may be fabricated from a single material, such as
steel, aluminum, plastic, polyvinyl chloride, or laminates of
various materials. Alternatively, post 10 may be fabricated from
different materials, with rib 20 comprising a first material, first
flange 30 comprising a second material, and second flange 40
comprising yet a third material.
[0033] Rib 20 may extend the full length of either first flange 30
or second flange 40, or both. Alternatively, rib 20 make extend
only a portion of the length of first flange 30 and/or second
flange 40. Still alternatively, first flange 30 may extend the full
length of rib 20, or only a portion thereof. Similarly, second
flange 40 may extend the full length of rib 20, or only portion
thereof.
[0034] In an embodiment in which flanges 30, 40 extend the full
length of rib 20, or much of the full length of rib 20, plural
apertures, such as 50, 60, 70, may be included along that full
length. So configured, post 10 would maximize the flexibility of
use by a consumer in that an upper rail, for example A or B, may be
located not necessarily at the top of post 10, but at any height as
desired in a particular application. Similarly, a lower rail A, B
might also be attached not necessarily at the bottom of post 10,
but at some other lower location as desired. Still further, an
intermediate rail A, B may also be included, at whatever location
is desired by an individual installer.
[0035] Apertures 50, 60 may be spaced such that both apertures fall
within the height of an installed rail. For example, if what is
known as a "2.times.4" length of lumber is to be used as a rail A
or B, apertures 50, 60 may be spaced closer than 31/2 inches, so as
to allow at least two screws or other fasteners to be used within
apertures 50, 60 in rail A, B, inasmuch as "2.times.4" lumber is
actually 31/2 inches in height when used as a rail in a fence
system.
[0036] In some embodiments of post 10, the lower end may be angled
to allow for easier driving of the post 10 into the ground. In
particular configurations, rib 20 may be cut at an angle not ninety
degrees to create a lower end that may be driven into the ground
more easily. Similarly, or alternatively, first flange 30 and/or
second flange 40 may be cut at an angle not ninety degrees to
create a lower end that may be driven into the ground more
easily.
[0037] Embodiments of post 10 are illustrated in the appended
figures. In FIG. 1, post 10 is illustrated as an embodiment which
first flange 30 and second flange 40 reside in a single plane. Rib
20 may extend rearwardly from flanges 30, 40, and perpendicular to
the plane in which flanges 30 and 40 reside. Multiple apertures,
for example 50, 60, 70, are defined through first flange 30, second
flange 40, and rib 20. Also in the illustrated embodiment, first
flange 30, second flange 40, and rib 20 extend for the same length,
although in alternative embodiments such co-extensive lengths are
not required. Rib 20 may terminate at one end at rib end 21 and
second flange 40 may terminate at one end at second flange end 41;
in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, rib end 21 and second
flange end 41 are perpendicular to the length of post 10.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates another view of an embodiment of a post
10, from a front perspective. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
2, first flange 30 and second flange 40 have been integrally
formed.
[0039] FIG. 3 represents a top view of a post 10. As illustrated
therein, rib 20 may be understood to define a depth D. Depth D may
be configured to be generally the dimension of the width of stock
lumber anticipated to be used as rails in a fence utilizing a post
10. For example, what is known as a "2.times.4" is lumber in which
the thickness is actually about 11/2 inches. If a post 10 were
configured for use with rails comprising "2.times.4" lumber, depth
D would be generally about 11/2 inches, or less. So configured,
vertical pickets could be attached to rails, for example A, B, on
both sides of a fence utilizing a post 10 with "2.times.4" rails A,
B, including post 10. Alternatively, for fencing in which rails
were contemplated to be, for example, what is known as "1.times.6"
lumber, depth D would be dimensioned at 3/4 of an inch or less, as
"1.times.6" lumber is actually 3/4 inch in width. So configured,
the fencing system will allow vertical pickets to be attached on
both sides of rails A, B, in a uniform, uninterrupted
configuration, including at post 10.
[0040] Also as illustrated in FIG. 3, first flange 30 and second
flange 40 may be understood to define a length L. Owing to the
versatility of post 10, length L may be configured according to
actual dimensions of nominally sized lumber. For example, if a post
10 were to be used with nominal "2.times.4" lumber, length L may be
dimensioned to be 11/2 inches or less. Alternatively, if post 10
were anticipated to be used with nominal "1.times.6" lumber, length
L may be dimension to be 3/4 inch or less, inasmuch as such lumber
is actually 3/4 inch in thickness rather than one inch in
thickness. So configured, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, post 10
would thereby allow use of post 10 not only as a post along a
linear expanse of fencing, but also as a corner post. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, post 10 is used as a corner post. Rail A is
installed at post 10 from a first direction, and rail B is
installed at post 10 in a second direction that is perpendicular to
the first direction of the rail A.
[0041] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 illustrate other views of exemplary
embodiments of a post 10, depicting first flange 30, second flange
40, and rib 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, rib end 21
and second flange end 41 have been angled to allow for easier
driving of the post 10 into the ground, at an angle not ninety
degrees to create a lower end that may be driven into the ground
more easily.
[0042] Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, rib end
21, first flange end 31, and second flange end 41 have been angled
to allow for easier driving of the post 10 into the ground, at
angles not ninety degrees to create lower ends that may be driven
into the ground more easily.
[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a utility post 10 integrally formed, by
roll forming. Apertures 50, 60, and 70 are defined through first
flange 30, second flange 40, and rib 20, respectively. A single
piece of stock may be folded at first fold 81, second fold 82, and
third fold 83 to provide a configuration according to the present
invention. Apertures 50, 60, and 70 may be defined through the firs
flange 30, the second flange 40 and the rib 20, respectively.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a portion of a fence
constructed with a utility post in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. As illustrated, first rail A and second rail
B are attached to post 10 perpendicular to one another. Pickets
P1-P8 are attached to first rail A and second rail B, by use of
fasteners, such as screws or nails, F1-F14. More specifically,
pickets P1 and P2 are attached to a first side of first rail A, and
pickets P7 and P8 are attached to the opposite side of first rail
A; pickets P3 and P4 are attached to a first side of second rail B
and pickets P5 and P6 are attached to the opposite side of second
rail B.
[0045] So configured, a post 10 may first be installed in the
ground, extending vertically upward. A first rail A may be attached
to first flange 30, for example by fasteners such as screws or
nails through apertures 50, 60. A second rail B may be attached to
second flange 40, in similar fashion. Vertical pickets, for example
P1-P8, may then be attached to rails A, B, including at post 10
because of the advantageous sizing of depth D and/or length L.
[0046] It should be appreciated that, in the above description of
embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a
single embodiment, figure, or description for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one
or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of
disclosure, however, is not be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly
recited in that claim. Moreover, any components, features, or steps
illustrated and/or described in a particular embodiment herein, can
be applied to or used with any other embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the scope of the inventions herein disclosed should
not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but
should be determined only by a fair reading of the claim that
follows.
* * * * *