MODULAR AND COMPACT FENCE POST REMOVER

Abstract

The present invention provides a device capable of removing deep-seated fence post without significant damage to the exterior of the fence post surface. The device of the present invention is compact, modular, and lightweight. The device is best suited to work in combination with a jack and/or hydrualic press, to lift the fence post out of the ground the corresponding distance. The device is sufficiently portable and does not require additional tool than previously mentioned. In post removing examples, the resulting assemblies provide a useful model for the intended use of the device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable mechanism for removing a fence post and methods of using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular deep-seated fence post remover and methods of using the same.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Large areas are often enclosed with a fence; fences are comprised of various materials such as chain links, wood, and concrete. Wood is the most common material utilized in fence building as it is an abundant and economic commodity. A fence has a plurality of deep-seated fence post placed at strategic locations along the fence line that serves as the backbone of the structure. Deep-seated fence post joins wood planking, woven cord, and even barbed wire; application of these materials can be found in suburban fencing, agriculture, and the transportation industry. A fence post finds itself exposed to the environment for long periods of time; this exhaust the structural integrity of the material and must be replaced or reseated. A fence post does not have a finite life. Thus it is typical for one post to reach failure prior to others.

It is frequently necessary to replace or move the fence line. When this occurs removing a deep-seated post using conventional methods is costly and can often include a bulky and awkward device to complete the process. Conventional methods include cutting the post, digging out the post, and uprooting the post with a hydraulic system. These methods are wasteful, time-consuming, and damage the fence post, which is undesirable. It would be advantageous to have a lightweight, compact, portable, and modular device which is capable of removing a deep-seated fence post without significantly damaging the post, the device should be quick and elementary to install and disassemble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular and compact device to assist in the removal of a deep-seated fence post, the device is easy to install and disassembles into a compact configuration which allows for ease of transportation. The device is intended to work in combination with a hydraulic jack and/or press; which provides sufficient mechanical advantage to remove the post from the ground.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a post removing device that is capable of fastening to various fence post geometries. In some embodiments the housing is circular and concentric to the post element, other embodiments have a rectangular housing; it is further the object of the invention for the housing to secure an engagement arm, the engagement arm is in constant contact with a hydraulic jack, the engagement arm translates the verticle force into the fence post, this method allows a single individual to quickly and efficiently remove a fence post, without assistance.

It is another object of the invention to provide a modular design, wherein the configuration and geometries of the components are interchangeable and constructed of lightweight and hard metals.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device capable of pushing a deep-seated post out of the ground; this is achieved by jacking the engagement arm up.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a post-removal device with a clamping mechanism capable of securing the housing anywhere along the length of the post, said locking mechanism could be a bolt, nut, ratchet, and vise or a combination of the fasteners mentioned. The locking mechanisms provide the methods for adjusting the distance traversed by the clamping plate. The clamping plate face may have a serrated or notched surface to prevent slippage of the clamping face along the surface of the post.

It is an object of the invention to provide a post-removal device, which utilizes different housing configuration to adapt the various geometries of fence post used in the industry.

It is further an object of the invention to provide an inexpensive, compact, and sustainable method and device to accomplish the task of removing installed (e.g., deep-seated) fence post. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon inspection of the detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a post removing device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, device 100.

FIG. 2A shows a top view of the post removing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of the post removing device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a posterior trimetric view of the post removing device of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a post removing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the post removing device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of a post removing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric semi-exploded view of the post removing device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a post removing device according to an embodiment of the present invention 400.

FIG. 10 shows an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG. 1-3.

FIG. 11 shows a posterior cross-sectional view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG. 4-5.

FIG. 13 shows a posterior cross-sectional view off FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG. 6-8e.

FIG. 15 shows a rear cross-sectional view of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 shows an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 shows a rear cross-sectional view of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows an environmental perspective view of the device of FIG. 4-5.

FIG. 19 shows an environmental side view of the device of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to FIGS. 1-19, it is seen that the present invention includes various embodiments of post removing devices, systems using the same, and methods of using the same.

The fence post removing device of FIG. 1-3 shows an exemplary post removing device 100 of FIG. 1. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The device includes a housing 101, an engagement arm 102, which is attached to the housing 101 through a keyway path at 103; this engagement arm translates the force from the jack to the housing, the jack mounting location is 104. The housing surface parallel to the clamping plate 106 may have a serrated surface 105a; the clamping plate also may have a serrated surface 105b, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the clamping plate 106 may have a serrated surface 105b that is symmetric to the serrated surface 105a; the finish may be normal to the contact location of the post element.

In some embodiments, either or both of the surfaces of the clamping plate and housing surface 105a may have a high friction material thereon to improve friction and purchase fo the surface with a post to be removed, either in addition to or the absence of the serrated surface shown in FIGS. 1-3. The high friction material may be a polymeric material, such as vulcanized rubber, dense polymeric foam, or other high friction material. In some embodiments, either or both of the surfaces 105a and 105b may have a textured surface operable to improve the purchase of the surface with a post to be removed, either in addition to or the absence of the serrated surface shown in FIGS. 1-3. For example, either or both of the surfaces 105a and 105b may have a knurled surface, a surface with small barb-like protrusions, etc.

The clamping plate is operable to longitudinally traverse the distance required to clamp the post; this is achieved with a clamping mechanism 107, which includes components 108-118. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 107 may be a ratchet and leadscrew mechanism. The lever arm 118 of the ratchet mechanism 107 may be mounted to the housing and spins freely on a bearing, the driving pawl 110 may be attached to the lever arm at pin 116 and sustains a constant load from the spring 111, the spring 111 may be mounted to the arm at a spring mount 112; this configuration may keep a constant load on the ratchet wheel when the lever arm is turned to rotate the gear to rotate and thread the leadscrew into the housing. The ratchet wheel may be fixed in place with a locking pawl 113 which may be attached to the housing via pin 117. The locking pawl 113 may undergo a constant load from spring 114, and the spring may be fixed in place by the spring mount 115. The post removing device of FIG. 1, may be incorporated with a jack or hydraulic lift, and post for the functionality of the device to be satisfied. FIG. 10 shows an environmental perspective of the embodiment in use.

The housing unit 101 may be constructed of a rigid material, such as a high carbon steel or aluminum alloy, a rigid polymeric material, a composite material, other appropriate materials. The length, width, and height of the housing 101 may be in a range of about 3 inches to about 12 inches (e.g., in a range of about 4 inches to about 8 inches, or any other range of values or particular value therein). The serrated surface 105a may have various geometries and is fixed to the housing 101. The engagement arm 102 may be constructed with the same materials as housing 101 and may be slid through a keyway to fix arm 102 to the housing 101. The engagement arm may have a jacking location/mount 104. The clamping plate 106 may be parallel to the surface 105a of the housing and may be constructed of the same or different materials as housing 101, and clamping plate 106 is subject to a geometric constraint determined by the shape of housing 101.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show top and bottom views of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a rear diametric view of an embodiment of the present invention; the clamping plate 106 longitudinally traverses the housing to compress the post element between the two surfaces 105a, 105b; the clamping plate achieves this movement via a ratchet mechanism 107. The lever arm 118 may be used to move the driving pawl 110 into the ratchet gear/lead nut 108, the ratchet gear 108 may be held in place by a locking pawl 113. The driving pawl 110 and locking pawl 113 may be held in their respective locations by a spring (111,114) and spring lock (112,115), the spring elements of the ratchet mechanism keep the pawls (110,113) under load to prevent slippage of the ratchet gear 108, and the pawls (110,113) are mounted to a pin at (116,117), respectively. As ratchet gear 108 is spun, the threading on the interior of the gear rotates the lead screw (109) in and out of the housing. The lead screw (109) may be constructed of a durable material (e.g., pre-hardened SAE 4140 steel). The lead screw is welded to the clamping plate 106 at location 118 in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

The assembly of FIG. 10 shows an environmental perspective for the intended use of device 100 shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Prior to the installation of device 100, the operator may carry device 100 to the location of the fence post. The ratchet mechanism is pre-assembled prior to arriving at the fence post location 121. The post removing device is first slid over the fence post 121 to the desired location and then fastened to the post, by cranking lever arm 118, which results in clamping plate 106 compressing the post element 121 between surfaces 105a and 105b, as shown in FIG. 11 (a posterior cross-sectional view of FIG. 10). In FIG. 11, the device 100 is fixed to the post 121, the engagement arm 102 is engaged in the keyway slot 103, the jacking plate 120 is placed under the engagement arm 102, the lip of the jacking plate 120 and the jacking mount 104 are aligned and the jack arm 119 may be cranked using the jack arm 119 to lift the post 121 and thereby remove it from the ground. Once the fence post 121 is sufficiently removed from the ground, the device 100 may be removed from post 121 by disengaging the locking pawl 113 from the ratchet gear 108, device 100 may be slid off the post 121. This process may be repeated for multiple fence post elements.

Without limiting the invention, FIG. 4 shows an exemplary post removing device 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The post removing device includes a central housing 201, engagement arms 202a, 202b, and a jacking or lifting location 204. The engagement arm 202a is mounted to the housing through the keyway slide 203. The inner face of the housing may have a surface 205a welded to the housing 201, a clamping plate 206 operable to longitudinally traverse the distance required to fix the device 200 to a post. In some embodiments, the surfaces 205a and 205b may have a serrated and/or textured finish as discussed hereinabove. The surface 205b of clamping plate 206 may have a serrated finish that is symmetric to a serrated finish on surface 205a. The locking mechanism 207 closes the distance between clamping plate 206 and surface 205a. A lead screw 208 is fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the clamping plate 206 at the location 209, and may be used to adjust the longitudinal distance between clamping plate 206 and surface 205a. The post removing device 200 of FIG. 4 may be used in combination with a jack or hydraulic lift. FIG. 12 shows an exemplary view of the embodiment.

The housing unit 201 may be constructed of a hard metal, such as a high carbon steel or aluminum alloy; other materials may be used depending on the weight or the cost of the material. The engagement arm 202 may be constructed with the same or different materials as the housing 201, and may be inserted into the keyway 203 to attach the arm 202 to the housing 201; the engagement arm may have a jacking location/mount 204. The keyway 203 geometry is shown in FIG. 5. The clamping plate 206 may be parallel to the surface 205a and may be constructed of the same or different materials as the housing 201, and the clamping plate 206 may have a width slightly less than the inner diameter of the housing 201.

The locking mechanism 207 may be constructed of same or different materials than housing 201. The lead screw 208 may be constructed of a material such as pre-hardened SAE 4140 or 4150 steel. The locking nut 210 may be of a similar material. The mechanism latches to the system may be operated with a wrench or similar tools. The lead screw may be fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to the clamping plate 206 at location 209.

The post removing device of FIG. 12 shows an environmental perspective for the intended use of device 200 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5. Prior to the installation of device 200, the operator may carry device 200 to the location of the fence post 210. The post removing device may first be positioned around the fence post 210 to the desired location, and then fastened to the post. Nut 210 is turned with wrench 211, and clamping plate 206 longitudinally traverses the distance required for clamping plate 206 to compress post 210 between surfaces 205a and 205b. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of device 200 in the fastened position, with the surfaces 205a and 205b compressing the fence post 210. Once device 200 is fastened to fence post 210, the engagement arm 202 may be engaged with jacking mechanism 213 placed under the engagement arm 202 as shown in FIG. 12. The jacking slot 214 and the jacking mount 204 may be aligned, and the jack arm 215 may be cranked. The post may be removed from the ground with each crank from the jack arm 215. Once the fence post 210 is sufficiently removed from the ground, the jack may be removed from the working area, and the engagement arm 202 may be removed from device 200. The device 200 may be removed from the post 210 by rotating nut 210 the opposite direction from in installation, with a wrench 211 (or another appropriate tool). The clamping plate 206 retreats along the longitudinal distance traversed during installation, and releases device 200 which may then be removed from post 210. This process may be repeated for multiple fence post elements.

The post removing device of FIG. 18 shows an environmental perspective of device 200 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-5. The post removing device 200 may first be positioned around the fence post 510 to the desired location, and then fastened to the post. Nut 210 is turned with wrench 511, and clamping plate 206 longitudinally traverses the distance required for clamping plate 206 to compress post 510 between surfaces 205a and 205b. In this implementation, two farm jacks may be utilized to distribute the force evenly throughout device 200. FIG. 19 shows a side view of device 200 in the fastened position, being operational for fence post mounted within tight spaces. Once device 200 is fastened to fence post 510, the engagement arm 202 may be engaged with jacking mechanism 513 placed parallel to the engagement arm 202 as shown in FIG. 19. The jacking plate 514 and the jacking mount 204 may be aligned, and the jack arm 515 may be cranked. The post may be removed from the ground with each crank from the jack arm 515. Once the fence post 510 is sufficiently removed from the ground, the jack may be removed from the working area, and the engagement arm 202 may be removed from device 200. The device 200 may be removed from the post 210 by rotating nut 210 the opposite direction from in installation, with a wrench 511 (or another appropriate tool). The clamping plate 206 retreats along the longitudinal distance traversed during installation, and releases device 200 which may then be removed from post 510. This process may be repeated for multiple fence post elements.

Without limiting the invention, FIGS. 6-8 show an exemplary post removing device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post removing device includes a central housing 301, various engagement arms 302a, 302b, and 302c, and a jacking or lifting location 304a, 304b, and 304c. The engagement arms 302a, 302b, and 302c are mounted to the housing through the keyway slides 303a, 303b, and 303c, respectively. A concentric plate 305 may be rigidly attached (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to the housing 301 along the circumferential joint 305a; the concentric plate is centered 180° from the locking mechanism 308. The inner face of the concentric plate 305 may have a surface 307a, which may be frictionally enhanced with a serrated or otherwise texture surface, and/or with a high friction material, as discussed hereinabove. A clamping plate 306 may be concentric to the housing but not fixed to the housing 301. The clamping plate 306 may be used to traverse the distance required to fix the device to a post element, and the clamping plate 306 may have a surface 307b, which may be frictionally enhanced with a serrated or otherwise texture surface, and/or with a high friction material, as discussed hereinabove. The locking mechanism 308 closes the distance between clamping plate 306 and concentric plate 305. The locking mechanism may include a bolt 311 to adjust the distance traversed. The housing 301 may have a thread pitch matching the bolt 311 threading 309. The bolt 308 may press up against the clamping plate at contact location 310; this drives the clamping plate 306 toward surface 305a in order to fasten the device to the post element. The post removing device of FIG. 6 may be incorporated with a jack or hydraulic lift, and post for the functionality of the device to be satisfied. FIG. 14 shows an exemplary view of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a partially exploded view of the mechanism 300 and the locking mechanism's engagement with the clamping plate 306. The housing unit 301 may be constructed of a rigid material as described herein (e.g., a high carbon steel or aluminum alloy). The circumference of the housing 301 may be determined by the relative geometry of anticipated standard diameter post elements (e.g., in a range of 2 inches to about 12 inches). The engagement arms 302a, 302b, and 302c may be constructed of a same as or different material to the housing 301, and inserted into a keyway 303a, 303b, and 303c to attach the various arms 302a, 320b, and 302c to the housing 301. The engagement arms each have a respective jacking location/mount 304a, 304b, and 304c. It is important to note the engagement arms may be of varying lengths; this facilitates the modular nature of the device and allows for variability in power inputs. The surfaces 307a and 307b are naturally symmetric due to the concentricity of the clamping plate 306 and concentric plate 305 and may be constructed of similar materials as the housing 301. The locking mechanism 308 may be constructed of the same or different material than the housing 301 (e.g., harder materials than housing).

The post removing device of FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of the exemplary post removing device 300 of FIGS. 6-7. FIG. 8 shows the keyway locations 303a, 303b, and 303c, the geometry of the housing keyway and the geometry of the engagement arms 302a, 302b, and 302c engaged for the operation of the device 300. The jacking locations 304a, 304b, and 304c are noted as the horizontal distance from the end to the crest of the engagement arms slope.

The post removing device of FIG. 14 shows an environmental perspective for the use of device 300. Prior to installing device 300, the operator may carry device 300 to the location of the fence post 315. The post removing device may first be positioned over the fence post 315 to the desired location and then fastened to the post, by turning bolt 311 which results in clamping plate 306 compressing the post element 315 against concentric place 305. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of device 300 in the fastened position; the surfaces 307a and 307b are in direct contact with fence post 311. Once device 300 is fastened to the fence post 315, the engagement arms 302a, 302b, and 302c are in place (e.g., previously installed), the jacking mechanism 312 is placed under the engagement arm 302b, the jacking slot 313 and the jacking mount 304b are aligned, and the jack arm 314 is cranked. The post may be removed from the ground with each crank from the jack arm 314. Once the fence post 315 is sufficiently removed from the ground, the clamping mechanism 30 may be loosened, and the device 300 may be removed from post 315. This process may be repeated for multiple fence post elements.

Without limiting the invention, FIG. 9 shows a semi-exploded view of an exemplary post removing device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post removing device includes a central housing 401, various engagement arms 402a, 402b, and 402c, and a jacking or lifting location 404a, 404b, and 404c. The engagement arms 402a, 402b, and 402c are mounted to the housing through the keyway slides 403a, 403b, and 403c, respectively. The bolt 410a, 410b, and 410c are used to fasten the engagement arms to the housing 401; the bolts are threaded into the machine holes 411a, 411b, and 411c. A concentric plate 405 is welded to the housing 401 along the circumferential joint 405a; the concentric plate is centered 180° from the clamping mechanism 408. The inner surface 407a of the concentric plate 405 may have a frictionally enhanced with a serrated or otherwise textured surface, and/or with a high friction material, as discussed hereinabove. The clamping plate 406 is concentric to the housing but is not fixed to the housing 401, clamping plate 406 is used to traverse the distance required to fix the device to a post element, and the inner surface 407b of the clamping plate 406 may have a frictionally enhanced with a serrated or otherwise texture surface, and/or with a high friction material, as discussed hereinabove. The clamping mechanism 408 closes the distance between clamping plate 406 and concentric plate 405; the mechanism may use a bolt 412 to adjust the distance traversed. The housing 401 has a thread pitch matching the bolt 412 threading 409. The bolt may 408 presses up against the clamping plate at contact location 417; this fastens the device 400 to the post element. The bolt 412 may be connected to the clamping plate at the contact location 417 by a rotatable connection. For example, the bolt may have a flange at its distal end that is nested within a complementary circular cavity on the clamping plate at contact location 417. The post removing device of FIG. 9 may be incorporated with a jack or hydraulic lift, and post for the functionality of the device to be satisfied. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary view of the embodiment.

The housing unit 401 may be constructed of a rigid material, such as a high carbon steel or aluminum alloy, rigid polymeric material, or other appropriate materials. The engagement arms 402a, 402b, and 402c may be constructed of the same or different material as the housing 401; the engagement arms each have a respective jacking location/mount 404a, 404b, and 404c. The surfaces 407a and 407b may have varying textures or features, but are naturally symmetric due to the concentricity of the clamping plate 406 and concentric plate 405, and may be constructed of similar materials as the housing 301. The clamping mechanism 408 may be constructed of the same or different materials as housing 401. For example, the bolt 412 may be constructed of a material such as high carbon or high-speed steel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9, demonstrates the keyway locations 403a, 403b, and 403c; the location of the keyways are mounted horizontal to the ground, and the engagement arms 402a, 402b, and 402c include male slotting elements into the keyway locations 403a, 403b, and 403c. The jacking locations 404a, 404b, and 404c are noted as the horizontal distance from the end to the crest of the engagement arms slope. The advantage of this embodiment allows for a greater variability as the top mounted keyway 403a, 403b, and 403c slots reduce the necessity to incorporate longer engagement arms for variable torque input. The same goal is accomplished by reducing the depth of the engagement arms 402a, 402b, and 402c with respect to the center of the housing 401, along the keyway slots 403a, 403b, and 403c, the arms are lined up with bolt holes 411a, 411b, and 411c and bolts 410a, 410b, and 410c fasten the arms in place, at their respective locations.

The post removing device of FIG. 16 shows an environmental perspective for the use of device 400 shown in FIG. 9. Prior to using device 400, the operator may carry device 400 to the location of the fence post 413. The post removing device is first slid over the fence post 413 to the desired location and then fastened to the post, by turning bolt 412 which results in clamping plate 406 compressing the post element 413 against concentric plate 405. FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of device 400 in the fastened position; the surfaces 407a and 407b compress the fence post 413. Once device 400 is fastened to fence post 413, the engagement arm 402b is positioned in keyway 403b. Once the engagement arm is a satisfactory location according to the installer, the jacking mechanism 414 is placed under engagement arm 402b as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Jacking plate 415 is centered with respect to the jacking location 404b, the jack arm 416 may be cranked, and the post is removed from the ground with each crank from jack arm 416. Once the fence post 413 is completely removed from the ground, the jack is removed from the working area, and the engagement arm 402b may be removed from device 400. The device 400 may be removed from post 413 which is accomplished by disengaging the locking mechanism with the removal of bolt 412; device 400 may then be slid off post 413. This process may be repeated for multiple fence post elements.

Claims

1. A device for removing a fence post, comprising;

a. a housing operable to be positioned around a fence post;

b. a clamping mechanism operable to firmly clamp the fence post in the housing;

c. at least one engagement arm having a keyway with a pre-determined geometry;

d. at least one keyway slot for receiving said keyway of said at least one engagement arm, wherein said at least one keyways slot has a geometry that is complementary to the at least one keyway of the at least one engagement arm; and

e. at least one location along the engagement arm for engaging a jack or other lift mechanism.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein housing is rectangular and has two symmetrical plates which are parallel to the fence post when said housing is positioned around said fence post, wherein one of the plates is fixed to the housing, and clamping plate is operable to be advanced toward the fence post to apply compressive stress to said fence post and fasten the fence post in said housing.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The device of claim 2, wherein said clamping plate has a textured surface for enhancing purchase on the surface of said fence post.

6. (canceled)

7. The device of claim 1, comprising a plurality of engagement arms, said plurality of engagement arms have varying lengths.

8. The device of claim 7, comprising a plurality of keyway slots, allowing multiple engagement arms to be engaged with the housing simultaneously.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the engagement location is on a bottom surface of the at least one engagement arm and may include a nesting structure for receiving a saddle of a jack.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein post remover is modular and can be disassembled into a compact configuration for easy storage.

11. A device for removing a post, comprising;

a. a housing operable to be positioned around a fence post; and

b. a clamping mechanism operable to firmly clamp the fence post in the housing; and

c. at least one engagement arm having a keyway with a pre-determined geometry; and

d. at least one keyway slot for receiving said keyway of at least one engagement arm, wherein said at least one keyway slot has a geometry that is complementary to the keyway of the at least one engagement arm; and

e. at least one location along said at least one engagement arm for a jack or other lifting mechanism.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein said housing is rectangular and, has two symmetrical plates which are parallel to the fence post when said housing is positioned around said fence post, wherein one of the plates is fixed to the housing, and the clamping plate is operable to be advanced toward the fence post to apply compressive stress to said fence post and fasten the fence post in said housing.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The device of claim 12, wherein said clamping plate has a textured surface for enhancing purchase on the surface of said fence post.

16. (canceled)

17. The device of claim 11, comprising a plurality of engagement arms, said plurality of engagement arms have varying lengths.

18. The device of claim 17, comprises a plurality of keyway slots, allowing multiple engagement arms to be engaged with the housing simultaneously.

19. The device of claim 11, wherein the engagement location is on bottom surface of the at least one engagement arm, and may include a nesting structure for receiving a saddle of a jack.

20. The device of claim 11, wherein post remover is modular and can be disassembled into a compact configuration for easy storage.

21. A device for removing a post, comprising;

a. a housing operable to be positioned around a fence post; and

b. a clamping mechanism operable to firmly clamp the fence post in the housing; and

c. at least one engagement arm having a keyway with a pre-determined geometry; and

d. at least one keyway slot for receiving said keyway of said at least one engagement arm, wherein said at least one keyway slot has a geometry that is complementary to the at least one keyway of the engagement arm; and

e. at least one location along the engagement arm for engaging a jack or other lifting mechanism.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein said housing is circular and has two symmetrical locking plates which are concentric to the fence post when said housing is position around said fence post, where in wherein one of the plates is fixed to the housing, and clamping plate is operable to be advanced toward the fence post applying compressive stress to said fence post and fasten the fence post in said housing.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. The device of claim 21, comprising a plurality of engagement arms, said plurality of engagement have varying lengths.

28. The device of claim 27, comprising a plurality of keyway slots located radially along the housing, allowing multiple engagement arms to be engaged with the housing simultaneously.

29. The device of claim 21, wherein the engagement location is on a bottom surface of the at least one engagement arm, and may include a nesting structure for receiving a saddle of a jack.

30. The device of claim 21, wherein post remover is modular and can be disassembled into a compact configuration for easy storage.

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)