Post and coupling combination

Abstract

A post and coupling combination is disclosed. The combination includes a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A post and coupling combination comprising: 
 a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and    at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.    
     
     
         2 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein the post end of the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the at least one channel in the post.  
     
     
         3 . The combination according to  claim 2 , wherein the protrusions complement the shape of the re-entrant portions of the at least one channel in the post.  
     
     
         4 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.  
     
     
         5 . The combination according to  claim 4 , wherein the attachable component end of the coupling has a second spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the attachable component.  
     
     
         6 . The combination according to  claim 5 , wherein the second pair of protrusions complements the shape of the re-entrant portions of the channel formed in the attachable component.  
     
     
         7 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein an attachable component end of the coupling has a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.  
     
     
         8 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachable component is a rail.  
     
     
         9 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein the attachable component is a hinge.  
     
     
         10 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein the component is a latch.  
     
     
         11 . The combination according to  claim 1 , wherein each channel is dovetail-shaped as seen in cross-section.  
     
     
         12 . The combination according to  claim 1 , further including an anchoring spike adapted at a first end for driving into ground, and adapted at a second opposing end for receiving the post once driven into ground.  
     
     
         13 . The combination according to  claim 12 , wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit within the inside of an end of the post.  
     
     
         14 . The combination according to  claim 12 , wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit over the outside of an end of the post.  
     
     
         15 . The combination according to  claim 1 , further including an anchoring bracket adapted at a first end for setting into concrete, and adapted at a second opposing end for receiving the post once set into concrete.  
     
     
         16 . The combination according to  claim 15 , wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit within the inside of an end of the post.  
     
     
         17 . The combination according to  claim 15 , wherein the second end includes a square tube adapted to fit over the outside of an end of the post.  
     
     
         18 . The combination according to  claim 1 , further including a protective coating on at least part of the inside surface of the post to prolong the durability of the post.  
     
     
         19 . A post and coupling combination comprising: 
 a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and    at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.    
     
     
         20 . The combination according to  claim 19 , wherein a post end of the coupling has an opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of channels formed in opposing sides of the post.  
     
     
         21 . The combination according to  claim 20 , wherein an attachable component end of the coupling has a second opposing pair of substantially parallel spaced apart arms adapted for embrace engagement of a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.  
     
     
         22 . The combination according to  claim 19 , wherein the coupling is further engaged, at an attachable component end of the coupling, with an elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in a side of the attachable component and extending substantially parallel to the attachable component's longitudinal axis such that the attachable component and the post are mutually adjustable relative to each other along their longitudinal axes.  
     
     
         23 . The combination according to  claim 22 , wherein the attachable component end of the coupling has a spaced pair of protrusions extending in opposing directions adapted for re-entrant engagement within the channel formed in the attachable component.  
     
     
         24 . The combination according to  claim 23 , wherein the pair of protrusions complements the shape of the re-entrant portions of the channel formed in the attachable component.  
     
     
         25 . A kit of parts for a post and coupling combination, the kit comprising: 
 a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and    at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.    
     
     
         26 . A kit of parts for a post and coupling combination, the kit comprising: 
 a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and    at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.    
     
     
         27 . A post and coupling combination for use in building elements of a fence, the combination comprising: 
 a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and    at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.    
     
     
         28 . A post and coupling combination for use in building elements of a fence, the combination comprising: 
 a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel formed in at least two sides of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis; and    at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, with a pair of elongate channels formed in opposing sides of the post and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.