Utility post and method of use

Abstract

A utility post is provided that includes a first flange, a second flange, and a rib. The first flange resides in a plane and the second flange resides in the same plane. The rib is perpendicular to the plane. First, second, and third apertures are also provided, the first aperture defined through the first flange, the second aperture defined through the second flange, and the third aperture defined through the rib.

1 . A utility post, comprising:
 first and second flanges,   a rib,   the utility post defining a length, and one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib residing along the length,   the first and second flanges extending generally oppositely and away from the rib,   the rib extending generally perpendicular to the first and second flanges, and   a plurality of apertures defined through the first flange, the second flange, and the rib and disposed generally parallel to the length.   
     
     
         2 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which the first and second flanges are each planar. 
     
     
         3 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which the first and second flanges are coplanar. 
     
     
         4 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which adjacent apertures of the plurality of apertures defined through the first flange reside less than three and one-half inches apart. 
     
     
         5 . The utility post of  claim 4 , in which adjacent apertures of the plurality of apertures defined through the second flange reside less than three and one-half inches apart and in which adjacent apertures of the plurality of apertures defined through the rib reside less than three and one-half inches apart. 
     
     
         6 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib are of substantially equal lengths. 
     
     
         7 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which the first flange, the second flange, and the rib are of substantially equal lengths. 
     
     
         8 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which the first flange and the second flange are integral and in which the rib is welded to the first and second flanges. 
     
     
         9 . The utility post of  claim 1 , in which the utility post defines a length and in which one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib terminate at a lower end that resides at an acute angle to the length. 
     
     
         10 . A utility post, comprising:
 a first flange, the first flange extending in a first direction and residing in a first plane;   a second flange, the second flange extending in a second direction and residing in a second plane,   a rib, the rib being connected to the first flange and being perpendicular to the first plane;   a first aperture, the first aperture defined through the first flange;   a second aperture, the second aperture defined through the second flange; and   a third aperture, the third aperture defined through the rib.   
     
     
         11 . The utility post of  claim 10 , in which the first plane is coplanar with the second plane. 
     
     
         12 . The utility post of  claim 10 , further including a fourth aperture defined through the first flange, the fourth aperture residing less than three and one-half inches below the first aperture. 
     
     
         13 . The utility post of  claim 10 , in which at least two of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib are of substantially equal lengths. 
     
     
         14 . The utility post of  claim 10 , further including plural additional apertures defined through and residing along the lengths of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib. 
     
     
         15 . The utility post of  claim 10 , in which the first flange and the second flange are integral and in which the rib is welded to the first and second flanges. 
     
     
         16 . The utility post of  claim 13 , in which the utility post defines a length and in which one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib terminate at a lower end that resides at an acute angle to the length. 
     
     
         17 . A method of constructing a fence, comprising the steps of:
 fixing a first utility post to the ground,   fixing a second utility post to the ground a predetermined distance from the first utility post,   wherein each of the first and second utility posts comprises
 first and second flanges, 
 a rib, 
 the utility post defining a length, and one or more of the first flange, the second flange, and the rib residing along the length, 
 the first and second flanges extending generally oppositely and away from the rib, 
 the rib extending generally perpendicular to the first and second flanges, and 
 a plurality of apertures defined through the first flange, the second flange, and the rib and disposed generally parallel to the length. 
   attaching a first upper rail between the first and second utility posts by use of fasteners disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one of the first and second flanges of each respective utility post;   attaching a first lower rail between the first and second utility posts by use of fasteners disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one of the first and second flanges of each respective utility post;   the first upper rail and the first lower rail defining a first plane between them on their first sides and a second plane between them on their opposite sides;   connecting first plural vertical pickets to the first upper rail and the first lower rail on the first plane; and   connecting second plural vertical pickets to the first upper rail and the first lower rail on the second plane.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further including the step of attaching an intermediate rail between the first and second utility posts and between the upper rail and the lower rail by use of fasteners disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one of the first and second flanges of each respective utility post, and connecting the plural vertical pickets to the intermediate rail. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further including the step of connecting a vertical picket to the fence, upon a first side of the first utility post on the first plane, and connected a separate vertical picket to the fence upon a side opposite the first side of the first utility post on the second plane. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further including the steps of:
 fixing a third utility post to the ground a predetermined distance from the first utility post, and   attaching a second upper rail between the first and third utility posts by use of fasteners disposed through one or more of the apertures defined through one of the first flange and the rib of each respective utility post, the second upper rail being perpendicular to the first upper rail.