Finish guard

Abstract

A trim guard, that surrounds wooden posts sunken into the ground, as well as other embedded structures is disclosed. The trim guard protects the posts or support structures from mechanical abrasion from devices such as rotary weed trimmers.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to mechanical sleeves that protect fence posts, mailbox posts, or any structure that is embedded into the earth, from deterioration from environmental elements and mechanical abrasion such as weed cutting devices. The sleeve is designed to surround the post or other structure and drain water away from the structure, thereby reducing corrosion from metallic structures and reducing degradation from biological agents and attendant rotting.[0002]While a preferred embodiment of the invention will be illustrated with respect to protecting wooden fence posts from attack by rotary string trimmers used in landscaping and ground maintenance operations it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this application, but has wider utility in connection with protecting any in-ground object which is subject to repeated attack by equipment which has the tendency of destroying the aesthetic appearance or the structural integrity of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Wood most often used for large fenced areas, horse and cattle farms, parks, golf courses and the like are typically soft, less expensive pressure treated pine poles six to eight feet in length. Fence contractors will generally install such posts using hydraulic post extractors to remove a weakened or broken post, or power augers for digging holes for a new fence. Pressure treated pine is a relatively soft wood and will not stand up under the abrasive action of the plastic or nylon string cutter. Nylon has a tensile strength of 22,000 PSI, an impact strength of 2.2 to 2.6 ft. lb. / in and a compressive strength of 29,400 PSI. The wood fibers are eroded away by the abrasive action of the tip of the nylon string exposing the untreated substrate to rapid enabling attack from moisture and insects which enter the post at the erosion zone near the ground line. The sleeves of the present invention can be made of any hard plastic or thermo-setting resin such as polyvinylchloride having an ultraviolet stabilizer additive to prevent discoloration and deterioration over time from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The resin should have a flexibility without cracking or breaking down to approximately 15 degree F. allowing for installation during cold weather conditions. Depending on costs, other high density plastics may be used such as HDPE (high density polyethylene) having a tensile strength of 34,800 PSI, impact of 0.4 to 4.0 ft. lb. / in. and compression of 3,000 PSI; or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) having a tensile strength of 7,000 PSI, impact of 2.0 to 6.0 ft. lb. / in. and a compression strength of 12,500 PSI are just two examples of the plastic other than PVC which may be used for the sleeves. Posts having the sleeve installed will not need to be repainted near the ground line resulting in further cost savings in both labor and material. Posts are generally spray painted or brush painted with external enamel, usually white in the horse farm industry. Alternatively a creosote based material having a black, matt finish is applied to the fence post providing a protective covering. The sleeve, if installed prior to installation of the posts, or before extensive edging has occurred will protect wood from being removed by the abrasive action of the string cutter. However, even if installed after substantial erosion has occurred fence life will be increased and fence maintenance expenditures significantly reduced for the land owner.

Problems solved by technology

ves. Posts having the sleeve installed will not need to be repainted near the ground line resulting in further cost savings in both labor and mate

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