Fence Tightening Device

Abstract

A fence tightening device is disclosed, which can be used to tighten various types of fences, including but not limited to silt fences. The fence tightening device comprises a body component that is configured in a pitchfork shape with three prongs and a handle component. A chain is attached to the handle component, which allows the device to be secured to the fence and maintain optimal tension. The device functions by inserting the body component through the fence, enabling the device to create tension around the fence posts. The device provides an efficient way to tighten fences without the need for machinery.

Claims

1. A fence tightening device that provides a user with a steel fork used to tighten various types of fences, the fence tightening device comprising: a body component; and a handle component; wherein the body component includes a plurality of tines; wherein the handle component is secured to the body component; and further wherein the body component is inserted into a fence to create tension around fence posts, to tighten the fence without a need for machinery.

2. The fence tightening device of claim 1, wherein the fence tightening device is used to adjust and tighten a chain-link fence, a wire fence, a chicken wire fence, or a silt fence.

3. The fence tightening device of claim 2, wherein the silt fence comprises a permeable woven section stretched between fence posts.

4. The fence tightening device of claim 3, wherein the body component is configured in a pitchfork shape with multiple tines.

5. The fence tightening device of claim 4, wherein the handle component is approximately 2-4 feet in length.

6. The fence tightening device of claim 5, wherein the handle component has a first end and a second end.

7. The fence tightening device of claim 6, wherein the first end is secured to the body component via welding, screws, or pins.

8. The fence tightening device of claim 7, wherein the second end includes a handle or a textured grip area.

9. The fence tightening device of claim 8, wherein the body component includes a base with multiple tines extending out from it.

10. The fence tightening device of claim 9, wherein the base is a horizontal component that measures approximately 1-2 feet in length.

11. The fence tightening device of claim 10, wherein the base includes three tines secured via welding, pins, or screws.

12. The fence tightening device of claim 11, wherein the three tines each measure approximately 6-12 inches in length.

13. The fence tightening device of claim 12, wherein the handle component comprises a chain that is secured to the fence to maintain tension created to tighten the fence.

14. A fence tightening device that provides a user with a steel fork used to tighten various types of fences, the fence tightening device comprising: a body component configured in a pitchfork shape; and a handle component comprising a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is secured to the body component via welding, screws, or pins; wherein the second end includes a handle or a textured grip area; wherein the body component includes a base with three tines extending out from it; wherein the body component is inserted into a fence to create tension around fence posts, to tighten the fence without a need for machinery; and further wherein the handle component comprises a chain that is secured to a fence to maintain tension created to tighten the fence.

15. The fence tightening device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

16. The fence tightening device of claim 14, wherein components of the fence tightening device are manufactured of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.

17. The fence tightening device of claim 14, wherein the fence tightening device is used to adjust and tighten a chain-link fence, a wire fence, a chicken wire fence, or a silt fence.

18. The fence tightening device of claim 14, wherein the three tines each measure approximately 6-12 inches in length.

19. The fence tightening device of claim 14, wherein the base is a horizontal component that measures approximately 1-2 feet in length.

20. A method of tightening a fence without the need for machinery, the method comprising the following steps: providing a fence tightening device comprising a body component configured in a pitchfork shape with three prongs and a handle component; inserting the body component through a fence to create tension around the fence posts; securing a chain attached to the handle component to the fence to maintain the tension created; and tightening the fence without the need for machinery.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fence tightening device of the present invention showing the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fence tightening device of the present invention showing the length of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fence tightening device of the present invention showing the length of the prongs in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fence tightening device of the present invention showing the width of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of tightening a fence without the need for machinery in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0026] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0027] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a fence tightening device that provides users with a fence tightening tool that resembles a pitchfork. There is also a long felt need in the art for a fence tightening device that allows users to adjust and tighten almost any type of fence, including silt fences. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a fence tightening device that enables users to place the fork tines through the fence to create tension around the posts and effectively tighten the fence. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that utilizes a chain that works in conjunction with the tines to maintain optimal tension. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a fence tightening device that offers a way to tighten fences without the need for machinery. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a fence tightening device that comprises three prongs.

[0028] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel fence tightening device. The device is a steel fork which can be used to tighten various types of fences, including but not limited to silt fences. The fence tightening device comprises a body component that is configured in a pitchfork shape with three prongs and a handle component. A chain is attached to the handle component, which allows the device to be secured to the fence and maintain optimal tension. The device functions by inserting the body component through the fence, enabling the device to create tension around the fence posts. The device provides an efficient way to tighten fences without the need for machinery. The present invention also includes a novel method of tightening a fence without the need for machinery. The method includes the steps of providing a fence tightening device comprising a body component configured in a pitchfork shape with three prongs and a handle component. The method also comprises inserting the body component through a fence to create tension around the fence posts. Further, the method comprises securing a chain attached to the handle component to the fence to maintain the tension created. Finally, the method comprises tightening the fence without the need for machinery.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the fence tightening device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the fence tightening device 100 is an improved fence tightening device 100 that provides a user with a steel fork used to tighten various types of fences 110. Specifically, the fence tightening device 100 comprises a body component 102 that includes prongs/tines 106 and a handle component 104. A chain 108 is attached to the handle component 104, which allows the device 100 to be secured to the fence 110 and maintain optimal tension. The device 100 functions by inserting the body component 102 through the fence 110, enabling the device 100 to create tension around the fence posts 112. The device 100 provides an efficient way to tighten fences 110 without the need for machinery.

[0030] Generally, the presently disclosed invention of a fence tightening device 100 can be utilized to adjust and tighten almost any type of fence 110, such as a chain-link fence, a wire fence, a chicken wire fence, or a silt fence. A silt fence 110 is composed of a permeable geotextile 114, such as woven, non-woven and mono-filament plastics, stretched between wooden or metal posts 112 driven into the ground in regular intervals. The geotextile 114 acts as a surface filter so the pores clog quickly to hold the rainwater back while the sediment settles out. The bottom of the geotextile 114 is trenched to prevent rainwater from running underneath. A wire or chain-link fence, also held up by the posts 112, can be placed behind the geotextile 114 to help reduce the stretching of the geotextile 114 as it holds back water and accumulated sedimentation. Furthermore, proper attachment of the geotextile 114 to the posts 112 is critical to combine the strength of the geotextile 114 and posts into a unified structure. Silt fence 110 failure, such as falling over and infiltration, caused by poor installation techniques is a major issue. Thus, the silt fence 110 must be inspected routinely after runoff events.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the fence tightening device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is configured in a pitchfork shape with multiple prongs/tines 106 and a handle component 104. The handle component 104 has a first end 200 and a second end 202 with a first end 200 being secured to the body component 102. The second end 202 typically includes a handle 204 or textured grip area 206 for ease in use. Specifically, the handle 204 or textured grip area 206 may be firmly grasped and gripped by a user when the device 100 is in use. The length of the handle component 102 can vary but can be approximately 2-4 feet in length depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, the body component 102 includes a base 208 with multiple tines 106 extending out from it. The base 208 is a horizontal component that measures approximately 1-2 feet in length. Typically, there are three tines 106 but any suitable number of tines 106 can be utilized as is known in the art. The tines 106 are secured to the base 208 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as welding, pins, screws, etc. The tines 106 each measure approximately 6-12 inches in length.

[0032] In operation, the tines 106 of the body component 102 are inserted through the fence 110 needing to be tightened. The body component 102 via the handle component 104 can then be moved downwardly, pivoted, twisted and/or turned to tighten the fence 110, as needed. This creates tension around the fence posts 112 and effectively tightens the fence 110, stretching the woven or wired fence sections 114 positioned between the fence posts 112 in a desired position. Specifically, the fence tightening device 100 is applied to the fence 110 that needs tightening, by inserting the multiple tines 106 through the fence 110 and pushing down on the handle component 104 to engage the fence post 112 and secure the woven or wired fence sections 114 in a taunt position. Thereafter, both hands are free to staple or tighten the staples on the post 112, as needed.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the fence tightening device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 300. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 300 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 300 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be fence post, silt fence, or brand related.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the handle component 104 comprises a chain 108. The chain 108 can be any suitable length as is known in the art. The chain 108 is secured to the handle component 104 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as welding, screws, pins, etc. In operation, the chain 108 is secured to the fence 110, preferably secured to the fence posts 112 to maintain the tension created to tighten the fence 110. Further, the body component 102 is inserted into the fence woven/wire 114 at opposite sides of the post 112 and then the handle component 104 is swung downwardly, tensioning the woven/wire sections 114 and wrapping the same slightly about the fence post 112, away from the stapled portions, in both directions. The chain 108 is then used to secure the tension created at the sides of the post 112. The user's hands are free to secure the woven/wire sections 114 in this taunt position, since the device 100 is locked in the position via the chain 108. The device 100 is then removed with the slack of the fence woven/wire sections 114 taken up. Thus, the fence 110 is tightened without the need for machinery.

[0035] Furthermore, the fence tightening device 100 is manufactured of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., or any other suitable durable material as is known in the art.

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of tightening a fence without the need for machinery. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing a fence tightening device comprising a body component configured in a pitchfork shape with three prongs and a handle component. The method also comprises at 502, inserting the body component through a fence to create tension around the fence posts. Further, the method comprises at 504, securing a chain attached to the handle component to the fence to maintain the tension created. Finally, the method comprises at 506, tightening the fence without the need for machinery.

[0037] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein fence tightening device, fence device, tightening device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the fence tightening device 100 of the present invention.

[0038] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the fence tightening device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fence tightening device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the fence tightening device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the fence tightening device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the fence tightening device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0039] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0040] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.