FENCE POST SYSTEM FOR EROSION CONTROL

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/570,093 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 26, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference thereto in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Silt fencing is used around construction sites, for road maintenance work, and the like to control erosion during construction, demolition, and repairs. Typically, posts are staked into the ground at intervals, and silt fencing is zip-tied to the posts.

A post commonly used for the silt fencing is a “T-post,” as it appears to have a T or Y shape when viewed from above. The T-posts are typically thinner and lighter (0.85 pounds/foot (lbs/ft)) and shorter (4 feet (′) in length) for residential/retail applications, and thicker (1.25 lbs/ft) and longer (5′ to 6′) for commercial or Department of Transportation (DOT) projects. These conventional posts usually are provided without a safety cap. Therefore, many local or federal government safety requirements usually require installation of safety caps at the tops of the conventional posts to prevent injuries-even impalement—in the event of a tripping or falling situation. To comply with these safety standards, separate caps must be purchased and installed on each post. For residential projects, a lightweight “mushroom cap” might suffice, but for commercial or DOT projects, the caps must be heavy duty and impalement-proof.

Moreover, the conventional silt fence posts usually have flat bottom ends, which can make staking the posts into the ground difficult if faced with hard-packed dirt. Further, staking such posts and then separately attaching caps can result in injuries, particularly to hands. Then, once the posts are in place, the ubiquitous method for connecting a silt fence to the T-posts requires utilizing zip ties. Typically, the silt fencing is pierced in two or three areas to accommodate each zip tie, and the zip ties are then attached around the T-post. However, the silt fence is only secured in the area directly behind each zip tie, so as weather and wind buffet the silt fence over time, the fence further tears in the pierced areas and eventually sags away from the post thereby making the fence ineffectual at controlling the erosion it was installed to prevent.

A solution is needed in the industry to install silt fencing with greater efficacy, to minimize damage to the silt fencing, and to improve safety.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed in general to silt fencing posts and related methods for installing silt fencing safely and efficiently to the posts.

In one embodiment, a post is provided with engineered holes, a hardened safety cap, an interchangeable bottom piece, a connector strip with apertures, and multiple self-locking fasteners such as “Christmas tree pins” that insert through the connector strip apertures and the silt fencing into the engineered holes of the post to secure a section of the fence to the post. The cap and post may be unitarily formed. While the connector strip may be a standalone component with holes therein, and self-locking fasteners could be inserted through the holes of the connector strip, alternatively, the self-locking fasteners could be unitarily constructed with the connector strip for rapid fastening to the post.

In another embodiment, a silt fence post may include a body having a first end and an opposing ground end, a cap attached to the first end, a connection assembly, the body having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for receiving the connection assembly, the ground end being removable from the body, the connection assembly being configured to attach silt fencing to the body; and a kick plate attachable to the body, the kick plate being configured to strengthen the body against external forces.

The cap in this embodiment may be unitarily formed with the body, the cap being configured to prevent impalement and to provide protection when the post is being inserted into ground. The cap, the body, and the ground end may be made of metal or composite material for durability. Still further, the body may be square in cross section for increased rigidity.

Also in this embodiment, the connection assembly may include one or more apertures formed therethrough for attaching the silt fencing, and the connection assembly may further include one or more connectors for insertion through the connection assembly, through the silt fencing, and into the post. One or more kick plate connectors may be provided for insertion through the kick plate and into the post.

Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a silt fence post according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of an attachment system to be used with the silt fence post as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an elevational view of the attachment system as in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the silt fence post system as in FIG. 1 shown in an intended use environment; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a silt fence post according to another aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical, engineering, and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term, phrase, or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary,” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.

The term “ranges” includes all combinations of sub-ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 includes ranges from, e.g., 110 to 150, 170 to 190, and 153 to 162. Similarly, “limits” means all sub-limit combinations, e.g., a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.

The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, a phrase such as: “a method involving a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structure such as ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, ‘d’ or the like,” or “a or b,” such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context for the sake of illustration, unless indicated otherwise. Also, relative terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “front,” and “rear” are intended to identify or distinguish one component or feature from another similar component or feature, unless indicated otherwise herein.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including, but not limited to.”

The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.

Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a silt fence post according to the disclosure is broadly designated by element number 10. As explained in detail below, multiple posts 10 can be placed at desired intervals at, for example, a construction site to install silt fencing to control erosion. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the post 10 may have a body or stake 12, a cap or head 14, and an interchangeable bottom 16. The stake 12 may include a series of engineered apertures 18 for receiving respective fasteners or “Christmas tree pins” 20, which are described below.

The stake 12 can be made of a plastic composite construction or metal for strength, longevity, reusability, and recyclability. The stake 12 may have a square shape as shown with a hollow center to provide maximum strength in all force directions, i.e., torsion, tension, flexure, compression, et cetera, as well as to provide more efficient stacking, transporting and handling. Still further, a plastic stake 12 will be temperature resistant for easier handling in extreme outdoor heat/cold and be rust resistant during storage and while in use. In addition to the examples shown and described herein, other shapes and sizes of posts, such as cylindrical, octagonal, plastic, wood, metal, et cetera, as well as combinations of materials and shapes may be provided to accommodate user requirements or environmental conditions.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the cap 14 can be formed unitarily with the stake 12. The cap 14 can also be a plastic composite construction or hardened metal to absorb hammer blows while driving the stake 12 into the ground. Furthermore, the built-in safety cap 14 can be chamfered or slightly rounded as shown to protect against impalement. The flanged cap 14 also provides a safe, secure hand-hold under the cap 14 to protect fingers and hands when holding the post 10 and hammering it into the ground.

FIG. 1 further shows that the insertion piece or bottom 16 of the stake 12 may be a pointed plastic piece. However, the bottom 16 can be removed and interchanged with, for example, metal or a carbon fiber material to accommodate specific ground conditions such as soft sand, rocky ground, and the like. Still further, the bottom 16 can be shaped differently also to modify the post 10 for specific ground conditions.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, as briefly introduced above the post 10 includes integrated apertures 18 for attaching respective fasteners 20 through a connector strip 22 to secure the silt fence to the post 10 (see FIG. 3). More specifically, the connector strip 22 may be approximately ten inches (10″) in length as shown in FIG. 2A with a series of holes or apertures 24 spaced approximately three inches (3″) apart thereby matching the apertures 18 in the post 10 (see FIG. 3).

As most clearly shown in the examples shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the connector strip 22 may be provided with the self-locking, protruding plastic pins 20 to quickly, effectively secure the silt fence to the post 10 as in FIG. 3. The pins 20 may be approximately three quarters of an inch (¾″) in length to extend through the connector strip 22. Still further, the self-locking pins 20 may be pre-formed with the connector strip 22 for rapid attachment through the apertures 18, 24. Additional lateral holes also may be provided on, e.g., left and right sides of the post 10 for running rope, wire, or electric wire without needing further accessory parts that can break off over time and increase costs.

With more particular reference now to FIG. 3, the system is shown in use with a silt fence 1 in which a post 10 introduced above has been staked into ground 3 at a worksite. More particularly, the flanged cap 14 is hammered to insert the end 16 of the stake 12 into the ground 3. Next, the silt fence 1 is positioned between the connector strip 22 and the stake 12 and respective fasteners 20 are pressed through the strip apertures 24 through the fence 1 and through the post apertures 18 to secure the silt fence 1 to the post 10.

The square posts 10 as described herein may be heavy-duty, such as 1.75″×1.75″×5′, or 1.25″×1.25″×4′ for a residential/retail version. Each embodiment may have a wall thickness of approximately 3/16″ to ¼″ for strength and durability, and although a square shape is shown by way of example, the disclosure is not limited to that shape. The posts 10 may be cylindrical, hexagonal, et cetera and have different sizes according to different construction requirements. Moreover, the stake 12 and the cap 14 may be painted or colored with a high visibility safety color such as orange for added safety,

With reference now to FIG. 4, a silt fence post according to the disclosure is broadly designated by element number 110. Multiple posts 110 can be placed at desired intervals at, for example, a construction site to install silt fencing to control erosion (see, e.g., FIG. 3). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the post 110 may have a body or stake 112, a cap or head 114, and an interchangeable bottom 116. The stake 112 may include a series of engineered apertures 118 for receiving respective fasteners or “Christmas tree pins” 120.

The stake 112 in FIG. 4 can be made of a plastic composite construction or metal for strength, longevity, reusability, and recyclability. The stake 112 may have a square shape as shown with a hollow center to provide maximum strength in all force directions, i.e., torsion, tension, flexure, compression, et cetera, as well as to provide more efficient stacking, transporting and handling. Still further, a plastic stake 112 will be temperature resistant for easier handling in extreme outdoor heat/cold and be rust resistant during storage and while in use. In addition to the examples shown and described herein, other shapes and sizes of posts, such as cylindrical, octagonal, plastic, wood, metal, et cetera, as well as combinations of materials and shapes may be provided to accommodate user requirements or environmental conditions. Still further, the various dimensions, lengths, spacing, and number of apertures and components may be varied to accommodate different tasks and requirements.

Also shown in FIG. 4 are additional apertures 126 and a reinforcement plate or “kick plate” 128. Here, the apertures 126 are formed near the bottom 116 of the post 110, usually on the same side as the fence connection holes 118. The kick plate 128 is used with more difficult or stringent projects such as government DOT tasks. The kick plate 128 can be fastened with self-locking fasteners 120, screws, or a built-in fastener on the kick plate 128. The size of the kick plate 128 may be approximately six to nine inches in height by four inches wide by one-sixteenth inch to three-sixteenth inches in thickness.

By way of example and not of limitation, exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein may include but are not limited to:

EMBODIMENT 1: A silt fence post comprising a cap, a body, a ground end, and a connection assembly, the body having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for receiving the connection assembly, the ground end being interchangeable.

EMBODIMENT 2: The silt fence post as in embodiment 1, wherein the cap is unitarily formed with the body, the cap being configured to prevent impalement and to provide protection when the post is being inserted into ground.

EMBODIMENT 3: The silt fence post as in embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the cap, the body, and the ground end are made of metal or high-strength composite material.

EMBODIMENT 4: A silt fence post as in embodiments 1, 2, or 3, wherein the body is square in cross section.

EMBODIMENT 5: The silt fence post as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the connection assembly is configured to attach a silt fence.

EMBODIMENT 6: The silt fence post as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the connection assembly includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for attaching a silt fence.

EMBODIMENT 7: The silt fence post as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the connection assembly includes a plurality of connectors configured for insertion through the connection assembly, through a silt fence, and into the post.

EMBODIMENT 8: The silt fence post as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the ground end is selected to accommodate different ground conditions.

EMBODIMENT 9: A silt fence post comprising a body having a first end and an opposing ground end, a cap attached to the first end, a connection assembly, the body having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for receiving the connection assembly, the ground end being removable from the body, the connection assembly being configured to attach silt fencing to the body; and a kick plate attachable to the body, the kick plate being configured to strengthen the body against external forces.

EMBODIMENT 10: The silt fence post as in embodiment 9, wherein the cap is unitarily formed with the body, the cap being configured to prevent impalement and to provide protection when the post is being inserted into ground.

EMBODIMENT 11: The silt fence post as in embodiments 9 or 10, wherein the cap, the body, and the ground end are made of metal or composite material.

EMBODIMENT 12: The silt fence post as in embodiments 9, 10, or 11, wherein the body is square in cross section.

EMBODIMENT 13: The silt fence post as in any one of embodiments 9 through 12, wherein the connection assembly includes a plurality of apertures formed therethrough for attaching the silt fencing.

EMBODIMENT 14: The silt fence post as in any one of embodiments 9 through 13, wherein the connection assembly includes a plurality of connectors configured for insertion through the connection assembly, through the silt fencing, and into the post.

EMBODIMENT 15: The silt fence post as in any one of embodiments 9 through 14, further comprising a plurality of kick plate connectors configured for insertion through the kick plate and into the post.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation and does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.