Gate Post Stiffener

Abstract

A gate post stiffener being formed in the shape of a C. The C-shaped stiffener may extend the entire length of the gate post. The open side allows for easy insertion of rails. The C-shape provides two consecutive sides for the attachment of two-sided hardware, providing a strong connection between the post, the C-shaped gate post stiffener, and hardware, which is critical to the integrity of the post.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates generally to fences, and more particularly to reinforcement of posts in fences.[0002]Fences are available in a number of designs and materials and are used to provide privacy, restrict entry to a piece of land and / or to provide decorative landscape accents. Wood has long been used as an acceptable material for fences. It is strong, relatively easy to install and aesthetically pleasing. However, wood fences tend to be expensive, prone to decay in moist conditions and require periodic maintenance.[0003]In order to overcome the problems with wood fencing, a number of substitute materials have been proposed, particularly plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), other types of composite materials, and pultruded fiberglass posts. These materials may be used to fabricate hollow posts, as opposed to a solid wood post. PVC is advantageous in that it is easy to manufacture into various shapes using extrusion, molding or other processes. It is c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]These and other objects and advantages are accomplished by a gate post stiffener being formed in the shape of a C. The C-shaped stiffener may extend the entire length of the gate post. The open side allows for easy insertion of rails. The C-shape provides two consecutive sides for the attachment of two-sided hardware, providing a strong connection between the post, the C-shaped gate post stiffener, and hardware, which is critical to the integrity of the post.

Problems solved by technology

However, wood fences tend to be expensive, prone to decay in moist conditions and require periodic maintenance.

Strengthening the core with foam, wood or concrete creates the difficulty of mounting a rail into the post by blocking the rail to be inserted into an opening in the post.

Moreover, since some posts are may be routed at the factory, this can create a problem when using concrete to support the post.

The concrete tends to leak out of the opening in the post, when filling the post during assembly.

The biggest disadvantage of using concrete is the labor and cost involved in the process.

The disadvantage of the H-shaped stiffener 10 is the absence of two consecutive sides for attachment of hardware thereto.

In using the H-shaped stiffener, one side of the hardware attaches to both the H-shaped post stiffener and the vinyl post and the other side attaches to only the vinyl post creating weaknesses in the attachment of the hardware to the post.

Moreover, the H-shaped stiffener is fabricated of aluminum, which is becoming increasingly expensive to use.

The intricate shape of the H with the cross rib, renders it a difficult shape to manufacture using less costly materials, such as steel.

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