Sleeve for vinyl fence post anchor

Abstract

An anchor post sleeve for use with an injected metal anchor post in a vinyl fence system is disclosed. The anchor post sleeve includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body configured to be positioned over the injected metal anchor post and to extend above the metal anchor post. One or more radial support flanges extend radially outward from the cylindrical body, and one or more vinyl post backing flanges are connected to the radial support flanges. The vinyl post backing flanges are configured for positioning within a hollow vinyl fence post disposed over the anchor post sleeve. The anchor post sleeve may be configured for use with a gate post.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 745,624, filed Jan. 15, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to the field of vinyl fence post. Particular embodiments relate to improvements in vinyl fence posts in particular those for supporting a gate and associated hardware.BACKGROUND

[0003] A vinyl fence is typically assembled by installing a series of pickets between two vinyl posts. The most common practice of installing the posts is to excavate a hole and inserting the post into the ground. The post and hole are filled with dirt, concrete, foam or other stabilizing material. New methodologies utilize an excavation free method that involves mechanically injecting or inserting the metal anchor post into the ground. After the metal anchor posts installed in the ground, hollow vinyl fence posts, which positioned around the metal anchor post. The vinyl fence post typically has a square cross section. In contrast, the metal anchor posts are typically a cylindrical post in the form of a pipe, typically being a 1-⅞″ metal post. Brackets (such as PVC, Polypropylene, vinyl, or metal brackets) are typically utilized to position the hollow vinyl post on the metal anchor post, forming a fence post. The brackets retain the vinyl post in position and maintain the vinyl fence post in position.

[0004] Generally, in order to save money and materials, metal anchor posts that extend the entire height of the vinyl fence post are not utilized. The vinyl fence post is secured onto the round cylindrical metal anchor post first at the base at ground level by a support bracket. A second support bracket is typically installed at the top of the metal anchor post. The narrow brackets fill the void around the metal anchor post to provide a connection between the vinyl post and the cylindrical metal anchor post, providing two spaced apart supports to the vinyl fence and stabilizing the vinyl posts that is positioned over the metal anchor post.

[0005] Gate posts of the fence are positioned where a gate is installed in the fence. The gate posts support the weight of the gate and provide structural framing to attach gate hardware fasteners to the vinyl posts. Typically, a gate is installed on hinges that are secured to the gate post. The gate swings open and closed causing added stress on the gate post. The vinyl fence post presents an issue because the hardware can rip out of a vinyl post installed over the injected cylindrical metal anchor post. Thus typically a separate post support is installed that is anchored in concrete. This type of gate post is significantly more time consuming as typically the base of the post must be excavated to form a hole for the concrete, concrete must be poured into the hole, the post support secured in or to the concrete, and the concrete allowed to cure. It is faster and simpler to install all of the metal anchor posts at once, but the injected metal anchor posts do not provide enough structure on which to position gate hardware nor enough support for the weight of the gate swinging.SUMMARY

[0006] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined herein.

[0007] In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,”“etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to improvements in vinyl fence posts, and more particularly to an anchor post sleeve configured for use with injected metal anchor posts in vinyl fence systems, including gate posts subjected to increased loading.

[0009] In conventional vinyl fence installations utilizing injected metal anchor posts, hollow vinyl fence posts are positioned over cylindrical metal posts and stabilized using upper and lower brackets. While suitable for standard fence sections, such configurations do not provide sufficient structural reinforcement for gate posts, which are subjected to increased stresses from gate weight and repeated opening and closing. As a result, gate hardware fasteners may loosen or pull out of the vinyl post, or the post may deform or fail over time. Conventional solutions typically require excavation and concrete footings, significantly increasing installation time and cost.

[0010] The disclosed anchor post sleeve addresses these deficiencies by providing an elongate structural insert that slides over an injected metal anchor post and extends upward into the interior of a hollow vinyl fence post. The anchor post sleeve includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body configured to circumvolve the metal anchor post, one or more radial support flanges extending outward from the cylindrical body, and one or more vinyl post backing flanges connected to the radial support flanges. The vinyl post backing flanges are positioned to engage interior surfaces of the vinyl fence post and provide structural backing for attachment of gate hardware.

[0011] In various embodiments, the anchor post sleeve may include two, three, or four vinyl post backing flanges arranged in opposing, U-shaped, L-shaped, or substantially square configurations. The support flanges may be oriented perpendicular to the radial support flanges and may include chamfered or angled corners to avoid interference with interior corners of the vinyl fence post. The anchor post sleeve may be manufactured in multiple lengths and sizes to accommodate standard four-inch and five-inch nominal vinyl fence posts and varying fence heights.

[0012] The anchor post sleeve may be secured to the injected metal anchor post using one or more fasteners and allows a vinyl fence post to be installed over the sleeve without excavation or concrete. The disclosed system and method provide increased structural rigidity for gate posts, enable secure attachment of gate hardware, and preserve the installation speed and efficiency associated with no-dig fence systems. The anchor post sleeve can me manufactured as an extrusion, and cut to the desired length.

[0013] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical prior art vinyl fence.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially assembled prior art vinyl fence illustrating metal anchor posts with attached prior art brackets.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a prior art fence.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a prior art gate post with a detail view of the post support.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a section view of an embodiment of two embodiments being different sized anchor post sleeves.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a section view of one of the embodiments of FIG. 5 of a metal anchor post sleeve having two opposing vinyl post backing flanges positioned within a vinyl post.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a section view of the second of the embodiments of FIG. 5 of a metal anchor post sleeve having two opposing vinyl post backing flanges positioned within a vinyl post.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a section view of an embodiment of an anchor post sleeve having two vinyl post backing flanges.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a section view of an embodiment of an anchor post sleeve having two vinyl post backing flanges arranged in a U shape.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a section view of an embodiment of an anchor post sleeve having two vinyl post backing flanges arranged in an L shape.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art view and typical view of a vinyl fence. The vinyl fence 2 is assembled on a series of panels 3 that are formed by pickets 6 positioned between posts 4. The depicted embodiment utilizes horizontal support rails 7 to maintain structural integrity in the pickets. Typically, vinyl fence styles utilize a top and a bottom rail.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a view of the vinyl fence displayed in FIG. 1 in a partially assembled state. FIG. 2 illustrates a series of metal anchor posts 8 that have been inserted into the ground. The cylindrical metal anchor posts are configured to support vinyl fence post. The vinyl fence posts are typically hollow and positioned over the metal anchor posts. The vinyl posts typically have a hollow square cross section whereas the cylindrical posts have a hollow circular cross section. Upper brackets 12 are positioned on the top of the metal anchor posts and affixed to the post by fasteners 14 extending through the upper bracket and into the steel post. A second support bracket, typically referred to as a lower bracket, is positioned at the base of the vinyl post where the steel posts meet the ground. This lower bracket 10 secures the base of the vinyl post to the metal anchor post.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the prior art system. The metal anchor posts 8 are illustrated extending into the ground 16 securing the metal anchor post vertically and horizontally. The lower bracket is then placed onto the metal anchor post followed by the upper bracket. The hollow vinyl post 4 is then positioned onto the metal anchor post and secured to the lower bracket and upper bracket.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the prior art typical version of installing a gate post and gate onto the fence system utilizing a typical excavation method. The gate 20 is secured by a hinge 30 to gate post 22. The vinyl gate post has a metal insert 24 that has sidewalls 25 that provide a metal support for fasteners to attach the hinge to the post. This also provides structural reinforcement to the post when the gate is swinging by virtue of being secured in the ground during the excavation process, preventing the gate from tearing through the vinyl or off of the vinyl. The insert is secured in a concrete footing in the ground. To establish the concrete footing, a hole was excavated and filled with concrete, which is allowed to cure. The insert is either positioned into the uncured concrete which cures thus retaining the insert in place, or the insert can be positioned in a bracket that is secured to the concrete footing.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates two preferred embodiments of the invention (A and B). FIG. 5A illustrates a preferred embodiment of an elongate anchor post sleeve configured for use with the steel post. The elongate anchor post sleeve has a hollow cylindrical center 44 that is configured to circumvolve a steel post of the no dig system. Two radial support flanges 46, 48 extend radially outward from the outer circumference of the center cylindrical support. The cylindrical support is configured such that the opening 44 is installed onto the metal anchor post that has been injected into the ground. The metal anchor post sleeve slides onto the metal anchor post and rests on the ground such that the metal anchor post extends at least to the height required for gate installation, preferably the entire height of the gate post which is most commonly six feet, but can be five feet, five and a half feet, or a different height. The radial support flanges 46, 48 extend outward to perpendicular vinyl post backing flanges 50, 56. The vinyl post backing flanges approximately the width of each vinyl post 54 to corners 51 that are angled to provide support and avoid damaging the corners of vinyl posts which are installed on the elongate anchor post sleeve. FIG. 5B illustrates a larger embodiment of the elongate anchor post sleeve for 5-inch nominal posts. This elongate anchor post sleeve 56 is configured for installing on larger vinyl posts 58.

[0030] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate section views of the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a third end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 6.

[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment in which three vinyl post backing flanges 62, 64, 66 are assembled as a U shape. The vinyl post backing flanges are attached by radial flanges 72, 74 to cylindrical body 80 of the elongate anchor post sleeve. The elongate anchor post sleeves are constructed with a 2.56″ diameter center void, for positioning the elongate anchor post sleeve onto the metal anchor post that has been installed in the ground.

[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment in which the elongate anchor post sleeve is formed with vinyl post backing flanges in the shape of an L. The elongate elongate anchor post sleeve has a tubular body 82 defining central cavity 80. The tubular body is configured for circumvolving a metal anchor post. Two radial support flanges 84, 86 extend from the tubular body to two vinyl post backing flanges formed in the shape of an L. Corners 92 are angled at approximately 45 degrees in the depicted embodiment to facilitate placement of the vinyl fence post sheath onto the metal elongate anchor post sleeve.

[0034] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the contemplated embodiments carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

[0035] While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of this disclosure. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined herein.

Examples

third embodiment

[0032]FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment in which three vinyl post backing flanges 62, 64, 66 are assembled as a U shape. The vinyl post backing flanges are attached by radial flanges 72, 74 to cylindrical body 80 of the elongate anchor post sleeve. The elongate anchor post sleeves are constructed with a 2.56″ diameter center void, for positioning the elongate anchor post sleeve onto the metal anchor post that has been installed in the ground.

fourth embodiment

[0033]FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment in which the elongate anchor post sleeve is formed with vinyl post backing flanges in the shape of an L. The elongate elongate anchor post sleeve has a tubular body 82 defining central cavity 80. The tubular body is configured for circumvolving a metal anchor post. Two radial support flanges 84, 86 extend from the tubular body to two vinyl post backing flanges formed in the shape of an L. Corners 92 are angled at approximately 45 degrees in the depicted embodiment to facilitate placement of the vinyl fence post sheath onto the metal elongate anchor post sleeve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 745,624, filed Jan. 15, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The disclosure generally relates to the field of vinyl fence post. Particular embodiments relate to improvements in vinyl fence posts in particular those for supporting a gate and associated hardware.BACKGROUND

[0003] A vinyl fence is typically assembled by installing a series of pickets between two vinyl posts. The most common practice of installing the posts is to excavate a hole and inserting the post into the ground. The post and hole are filled with dirt, concrete, foam or other stabilizing material. New methodologies utilize an excavation free method that involves mechanically injecting or inserting the metal anchor post into the ground. After the metal anchor posts installed in the ground, hollow vinyl fence posts, which positioned around the metal anchor post. The vinyl fence post typically has a square cross section. In contrast, the metal anchor posts are typically a cylindrical post in the form of a pipe, typically being a 1-⅞″ metal post. Brackets (such as PVC, Polypropylene, vinyl, or metal brackets) are typically utilized to position the hollow vinyl post on the metal anchor post, forming a fence post. The brackets retain the vinyl post in position and maintain the vinyl fence post in position.

[0004] Generally, in order to save money and materials, metal anchor posts that extend the entire height of the vinyl fence post are not utilized. The vinyl fence post is secured onto the round cylindrical metal anchor post first at the base at ground level by a support bracket. A second support bracket is typically installed at the top of the metal anchor post. The narrow brackets fill the void around the metal anchor post to provide a connection between the vinyl post and the cylindrical metal anchor post, providing two spaced apart supports to the vinyl fence and stabilizing the vinyl posts that is positioned over the metal anchor post.

[0005] Gate posts of the fence are positioned where a gate is installed in the fence. The gate posts support the weight of the gate and provide structural framing to attach gate hardware fasteners to the vinyl posts. Typically, a gate is installed on hinges that are secured to the gate post. The gate swings open and closed causing added stress on the gate post. The vinyl fence post presents an issue because the hardware can rip out of a vinyl post installed over the injected cylindrical metal anchor post. Thus typically a separate post support is installed that is anchored in concrete. This type of gate post is significantly more time consuming as typically the base of the post must be excavated to form a hole for the concrete, concrete must be poured into the hole, the post support secured in or to the concrete, and the concrete allowed to cure. It is faster and simpler to install all of the metal anchor posts at once, but the injected metal anchor posts do not provide enough structure on which to position gate hardware nor enough support for the weight of the gate swinging.SUMMARY

[0006] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined herein.

[0007] In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,”“etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to improvements in vinyl fence posts, and more particularly to an anchor post sleeve configured for use with injected metal anchor posts in vinyl fence systems, including gate posts subjected to increased loading.

[0009] In conventional vinyl fence installations utilizing injected metal anchor posts, hollow vinyl fence posts are positioned over cylindrical metal posts and stabilized using upper and lower brackets. While suitable for standard fence sections, such configurations do not provide sufficient structural reinforcement for gate posts, which are subjected to increased stresses from gate weight and repeated opening and closing. As a result, gate hardware fasteners may loosen or pull out of the vinyl post, or the post may deform or fail over time. Conventional solutions typically require excavation and concrete footings, significantly increasing installation time and cost.

[0010] The disclosed anchor post sleeve addresses these deficiencies by providing an elongate structural insert that slides over an injected metal anchor post and extends upward into the interior of a hollow vinyl fence post. The anchor post sleeve includes an elongate hollow cylindrical body configured to circumvolve the metal anchor post, one or more radial support flanges extending outward from the cylindrical body, and one or more vinyl post backing flanges connected to the radial support flanges. The vinyl post backing flanges are positioned to engage interior surfaces of the vinyl fence post and provide structural backing for attachment of gate hardware.

[0011] In various embodiments, the anchor post sleeve may include two, three, or four vinyl post backing flanges arranged in opposing, U-shaped, L-shaped, or substantially square configurations. The support flanges may be oriented perpendicular to the radial support flanges and may include chamfered or angled corners to avoid interference with interior corners of the vinyl fence post. The anchor post sleeve may be manufactured in multiple lengths and sizes to accommodate standard four-inch and five-inch nominal vinyl fence posts and varying fence heights.

[0012] The anchor post sleeve may be secured to the injected metal anchor post using one or more fasteners and allows a vinyl fence post to be installed over the sleeve without excavation or concrete. The disclosed system and method provide increased structural rigidity for gate posts, enable secure attachment of gate hardware, and preserve the installation speed and efficiency associated with no-dig fence systems. The anchor post sleeve can me manufactured as an extrusion, and cut to the desired length.

[0013] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical prior art vinyl fence.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially assembled prior art vinyl fence illustrating metal anchor posts with attached prior art brackets.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic of a prior art fence.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a prior art gate post with a detail view of the post support.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a section view of an embodiment of two embodiments being different sized anchor post sleeves.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a section view of one of the embodiments of FIG. 5 of a metal anchor post sleeve having two opposing vinyl post backing flanges positioned within a vinyl post.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a section view of the second of the embodiments of FIG. 5 of a metal anchor post sleeve having two opposing vinyl post backing flanges positioned within a vinyl post.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a section view of an embodiment of an anchor post sleeve having two vinyl post backing flanges.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a section view of an embodiment of an anchor post sleeve having two vinyl post backing flanges arranged in a U shape.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a section view of an embodiment of an anchor post sleeve having two vinyl post backing flanges arranged in an L shape.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art view and typical view of a vinyl fence. The vinyl fence 2 is assembled on a series of panels 3 that are formed by pickets 6 positioned between posts 4. The depicted embodiment utilizes horizontal support rails 7 to maintain structural integrity in the pickets. Typically, vinyl fence styles utilize a top and a bottom rail.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a view of the vinyl fence displayed in FIG. 1 in a partially assembled state. FIG. 2 illustrates a series of metal anchor posts 8 that have been inserted into the ground. The cylindrical metal anchor posts are configured to support vinyl fence post. The vinyl fence posts are typically hollow and positioned over the metal anchor posts. The vinyl posts typically have a hollow square cross section whereas the cylindrical posts have a hollow circular cross section. Upper brackets 12 are positioned on the top of the metal anchor posts and affixed to the post by fasteners 14 extending through the upper bracket and into the steel post. A second support bracket, typically referred to as a lower bracket, is positioned at the base of the vinyl post where the steel posts meet the ground. This lower bracket 10 secures the base of the vinyl post to the metal anchor post.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the prior art system. The metal anchor posts 8 are illustrated extending into the ground 16 securing the metal anchor post vertically and horizontally. The lower bracket is then placed onto the metal anchor post followed by the upper bracket. The hollow vinyl post 4 is then positioned onto the metal anchor post and secured to the lower bracket and upper bracket.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates the prior art typical version of installing a gate post and gate onto the fence system utilizing a typical excavation method. The gate 20 is secured by a hinge 30 to gate post 22. The vinyl gate post has a metal insert 24 that has sidewalls 25 that provide a metal support for fasteners to attach the hinge to the post. This also provides structural reinforcement to the post when the gate is swinging by virtue of being secured in the ground during the excavation process, preventing the gate from tearing through the vinyl or off of the vinyl. The insert is secured in a concrete footing in the ground. To establish the concrete footing, a hole was excavated and filled with concrete, which is allowed to cure. The insert is either positioned into the uncured concrete which cures thus retaining the insert in place, or the insert can be positioned in a bracket that is secured to the concrete footing.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates two preferred embodiments of the invention (A and B). FIG. 5A illustrates a preferred embodiment of an elongate anchor post sleeve configured for use with the steel post. The elongate anchor post sleeve has a hollow cylindrical center 44 that is configured to circumvolve a steel post of the no dig system. Two radial support flanges 46, 48 extend radially outward from the outer circumference of the center cylindrical support. The cylindrical support is configured such that the opening 44 is installed onto the metal anchor post that has been injected into the ground. The metal anchor post sleeve slides onto the metal anchor post and rests on the ground such that the metal anchor post extends at least to the height required for gate installation, preferably the entire height of the gate post which is most commonly six feet, but can be five feet, five and a half feet, or a different height. The radial support flanges 46, 48 extend outward to perpendicular vinyl post backing flanges 50, 56. The vinyl post backing flanges approximately the width of each vinyl post 54 to corners 51 that are angled to provide support and avoid damaging the corners of vinyl posts which are installed on the elongate anchor post sleeve. FIG. 5B illustrates a larger embodiment of the elongate anchor post sleeve for 5-inch nominal posts. This elongate anchor post sleeve 56 is configured for installing on larger vinyl posts 58.

[0030] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate section views of the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a third end view of the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 6.

[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment in which three vinyl post backing flanges 62, 64, 66 are assembled as a U shape. The vinyl post backing flanges are attached by radial flanges 72, 74 to cylindrical body 80 of the elongate anchor post sleeve. The elongate anchor post sleeves are constructed with a 2.56″ diameter center void, for positioning the elongate anchor post sleeve onto the metal anchor post that has been installed in the ground.

[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment in which the elongate anchor post sleeve is formed with vinyl post backing flanges in the shape of an L. The elongate elongate anchor post sleeve has a tubular body 82 defining central cavity 80. The tubular body is configured for circumvolving a metal anchor post. Two radial support flanges 84, 86 extend from the tubular body to two vinyl post backing flanges formed in the shape of an L. Corners 92 are angled at approximately 45 degrees in the depicted embodiment to facilitate placement of the vinyl fence post sheath onto the metal elongate anchor post sleeve.

[0034] Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the contemplated embodiments carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

[0035] While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures and described in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of this disclosure. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined herein.

Examples

third embodiment

[0032]FIG. 9 illustrates a third embodiment in which three vinyl post backing flanges 62, 64, 66 are assembled as a U shape. The vinyl post backing flanges are attached by radial flanges 72, 74 to cylindrical body 80 of the elongate anchor post sleeve. The elongate anchor post sleeves are constructed with a 2.56″ diameter center void, for positioning the elongate anchor post sleeve onto the metal anchor post that has been installed in the ground.

fourth embodiment

[0033]FIG. 10 illustrates a fourth embodiment in which the elongate anchor post sleeve is formed with vinyl post backing flanges in the shape of an L. The elongate elongate anchor post sleeve has a tubular body 82 defining central cavity 80. The tubular body is configured for circumvolving a metal anchor post. Two radial support flanges 84, 86 extend from the tubular body to two vinyl post backing flanges formed in the shape of an L. Corners 92 are angled at approximately 45 degrees in the depicted embodiment to facilitate placement of the vinyl fence post sheath onto the metal elongate anchor post sleeve.

Claims

1. An elongate anchor post sleeve for use with an injected metal anchor fence post, comprising:an elongate hollow cylindrical body configured for sliding over a metal anchor post injected in the ground, said elongate hollow cylindrical body configured to circumvolve the injected metal anchor post and extend above said metal anchor post;at least one radial support flange extending radially outward from the cylindrical body;at least one vinyl post backing flange connected to said radial support flange and held apart from said elongate hollow cylindrical body by said radial support flange, said vinyl post backing flange configured to provide backing to a vinyl fence post slid over said elongate anchor post sleeve to provide structural rigidity and to support gate hardware attached to the vinyl fence post.

2. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said post sleeve is configured to fit four inch vinyl posts standard in the industry.

3. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said elongate anchor post sleeve is configured to fit five inch vinyl posts.

4. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said at least one radial support flange comprises two radial support flanges extending radially outward from the cylindrical body.

5. The anchor post sleeve of claim 3 wherein said radial support flanges extend from opposite positions on a wall of said cylindrical body.

6. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said at least one vinyl post backing flange comprises two radial support flanges configured in the shape of an L.

7. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said at least one radial support flange comprises three vinyl post backing flanges, wherein said three vinyl post backing flanges are in a U shape.

8. The anchor post sleeve of claim 7 further wherein said at least one vinyl post backing flange comprising four vinyl post backing flanges, wherein said vinyl post backing flanges are in the shape of square.

9. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said at least one post sleeve is approximately six feet in length.

10. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said at least one post sleeve is approximately five feet in length.

11. The anchor post sleeve of claim 1 wherein said at least one vinyl post backing flange is perpendicular to said radial flange.

12. A vinyl fence assembled on a ground surface, said vinyl fence comprising a gate post, a series of pickets, and a gate attached to said gate post, wherein:said gate post comprising:an anchor post injected into the ground;an anchor post sleeve comprising an elongate hollow cylindrical body configured for sliding over a metal anchor post injected in the ground, said elongate hollow cylindrical body configured to circumvolve the injected metal anchor post and extend above said metal anchor post;at least one radial support flange extending radially outward from the cylindrical body;at least one vinyl post backing flange connected to said radial support flange and configured to provide backing to a vinyl fence post slid over said elongate anchor post sleeve to provide structural rigidity and to support gate hardware attached to the vinyl fence post; anda vinyl post positioned onto said anchor post sleeve such that said vinyl post backing flange is positioned directly behind a side wall of said vinyl post;wherein said gate is attached to said gate post by gate post hardware, said gate post hardware connected to said gate post by connectors extending through said vinyl post and secured in said vinyl post backing flange.

13. A method of assembling a vinyl fence post, said method comprising:the step of providing a cylindrical metal anchor post injected into the ground;the step of providing a post sleeve comprisinga cylindrical body configured for sliding over the cylindrical metal anchor post such that said cylindrical body circumvolves the metal anchor post;radial support flanges extending radially from the cylindrical body; andtwo vinyl post backing flanges connected to said radial support flanges and a center of said vinyl post backing flanges and configured to provide backing to the vinyl fence post to provide structural rigidity and to support gate hardware attached to the metal anchor post;the step of positioning said post sleeve onto said metal anchor post such that said cylindrical body circumvolves said metal anchor post;the step of affixing the post sleeve to the metal anchor post with a fastener; andthe step of positioning a vinyl post sheath to said post sleeve.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of attaching gate hardware to said vinyl fence post by attaching fasteners to one of said support flanges.

Images