Fence Installation Method

What is this patent about?

’687 is related to the field of fence installation , specifically addressing the problem of time-consuming and labor-intensive methods that require digging holes and using concrete to set fence posts. Traditional fence installation is often hampered by frozen ground, inclement weather, and the mess created by digging and concrete spillage.

The underlying idea behind ’687 is to simplify fence installation by using a system where beams are driven directly into the ground, eliminating the need for digging. The key inventive insight is that tubular posts can then be slid over these beams, and the interaction between the beam and the tube ensures that the post automatically attains a substantially vertical orientation without requiring separate leveling structures.

The claims of ’687 focus on a method comprising driving beams into the ground, sliding tubes over the beams to achieve vertical alignment, and connecting the tubes with rails. The independent claims emphasize the absence of additional leveling structures between the beams and tubes, and the use of longitudinal channels in the beams to align and support the rails.

In practice, the method involves driving I-beams into the ground using a mallet or similar tool. The I-beams have longitudinal channels that run along their length. Tubular posts with corresponding holes are then slid over the I-beams. As the tube slides down, the beam's outer surfaces engage the tube's inner surfaces, automatically aligning the tube vertically. Horizontal rails are then inserted through the holes in the tubes, with the rail ends projecting into the longitudinal channels of the I-beams.

This method differentiates itself from prior approaches by eliminating the need for digging holes and using concrete. The direct driving of beams and the self-aligning nature of the tubular posts significantly reduce installation time and labor. The use of longitudinal channels provides a secure and straightforward way to connect the rails to the posts, further simplifying the installation process and reducing waste.