US20080277638A1

US20080277638A1 - Cat confinement fence

Info

Publication number: US20080277638A1
Application number: US12/116,797
Authority: US
Inventors: David Alan Benner; Matthew E. Hough; Constantino Valerio
Original assignee: Purrfect Fence LLC
Current assignee: Purrfect Fence LLC
Priority date: 2007-05-07
Filing date: 2008-05-07
Publication date: 2008-11-13

Abstract

A cat confinement fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area includes a plurality of posts spaced apart and mounted in the ground to define the confinement area. Each of the posts includes a main section and a pivoting section. A first end of each main section is mounted in a ground surface and a second end of each main section is secured to the pivoting section. The pivoting section is pivotable between an upright position and an extended position. Upper fencing is mounted to and between the plurality of posts and extends across at least a portion of the main section and at least a portion of the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts. A resilient member is mounted proximate to the second end of the main section of each post and biases the pivoting section of the respective post toward the upright position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/916,362 filed May 7, 2007 entitled “Cat Confinement Fence”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an animal confinement fence and, more particularly, to a cat confinement fence having a plurality of posts with a main section that is mounted in the ground and a pivoting section that is pivotably mounted to a top or second end of the main posts. A continuous, flexible fencing is mounted to the main and pivoting sections of each of the posts to surround a confinement area.
It is known to provide a confinement area for outdoor exercise within which a pet may be held to prevent escape. Many structures and methods are known in the animal confinement art to retain animals in the confinement area including physical fences, invisible fences, cages, runs, leads and other structures and methods. However, cages are often undesirable if the confinement area is to be used by the pet owner for other activities and invisible fences and leashes do not keep other animals out. Additionally, pets such as cats are particularly adept climbing animals and are traditionally difficult animals to contain within a confinement area because of their climbing abilities, relatively small size and generally athletic build. Cats have been able to defeat many types of conventional fencing and confinement structures by climbing or jumping over fencing, digging or urging their way under fencing or squeezing their way through, under or around the confinement structures. As a result, many cat owners confine their cats permanently within their home without the ability to venture outside to avoid the risk that their cat will defeat the confinement structure.
It would therefore be desirable to construct an open top confinement structure that generally prevents cats and other animals from escaping the confinement area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a cat confinement fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area. The cat confinement fence includes a plurality of posts spaced apart and mounted in the ground to define the confinement area. Each of the posts includes a main section and a pivoting section. A first end of each main section is mounted in a ground surface and a second end of each main section is pivotably secured to the pivoting section. The pivoting section is pivotable between an upright position and an extended position. Upper fencing is mounted to and between the plurality of posts and extends across at least a portion of the main section and at least a portion of the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts. A resilient member is mounted proximate to the second end of the main section of each post and biases the pivoting section of the respective post toward the upright position.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a post for a cat confinement fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area wherein the post is used with a flexible fencing that extends between a plurality of the posts to define the confinement area. The post comprises a main section that is mounted in the ground at a first end. A pivoting section is pivotably mounted to the main section at a second end of the main section. The pivoting section is pivotable between an upright position and an extended position. A knuckle is pivotably mounts the main section to the pivoting section. The knuckle limits the pivoting section to pivotable movement from the upright position toward and away from the confinement area to the extended position. A resilient cord is secured to the main section and the pivoting section. The resilient cord biases the pivoting section toward the upright position.
In another aspect, the invention is directed to a cat containment fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area. The cat containment fence comprises a plurality of posts that are mounted to the ground and surround the confinement area. Each of the posts has a main section and a pivoting section. A first end of the main section of each post is mounted in the ground and a second end of the main section of each post is pivotably mounted to the pivoting section. The pivoting section is pivotable between an upright position and an extended position. Generally flexible mesh upper fencing is secured to the plurality of posts and continuously extends across at least a portion of the main and pivoting sections of each of the posts. The flexible upper fencing flexes when the pivoting section moves to and between the upright and extended positions. A knuckle secures the second end of each of the main sections of each post to the respective pivoting section. A resilient cord is secured to the main section and the pivoting section of each post. The resilient cord biases the pivoting section toward the upright position. A lower fence flared onto and staked to the ground at a lower edge and overlaps with the upper flexible fencing at an upper edge. The lower fencing constructed of a generally rigid wire mesh material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodiment which is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front interior perspective view of a portion of a cat confinement fence in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one of the posts of the cat confinement fence shown in FIG. 1 with the post shown in an extended position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the cat confinement fence shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a greatly magnified front interior perspective view of a post of the cat confinement fence shown in FIG. 1, wherein the post in the extended position; and

FIG. 5 is a front elevational interior view of an access point or door for the cat confinement fence shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a cat confinement fence in accordance with the present invention, and designated parts thereof. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”. The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-5, a preferred embodiment of a cat containment fence 1 and related parts of the cat containment fence 1 for limiting a pet cat 7, or similarly sized animal, from escaping from a confinement area 6, in accordance with the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the cat containment fence 1 is designed to contain the cat 7 within the predetermined confinement area 6, typically a yard of a home 11. The confinement area 6 is defined or bounded by a plurality of spaced apart posts 2 and potentially, at least one side of the house 11 (see FIG. 3) although the plurality of posts 2 may completely surround the confinement area 6. The posts 2 are preferably spaced at approximately ten to twelve foot (10-12′) intervals, but may be spaced at nearly any distance to define the confinement area 6. The plurality of posts 2 are anchored into the ground 9, preferably by sliding a first end 8 a of the posts 2 into a post sleeve 10 that is tapped into the ground 9, for example using a driving cap (not shown). The first end 8 a of the post 2 is retained in the post sleeve 10 preferably by a friction fit or fastener and the post sleeve 10 provides stability for the post 2 as well as permits proper alignment of the posts 2 relative to the confinement area 6. The post sleeves 10 also eliminate the need for an installer to pound the posts 2 into the ground 9 from a significant height, thereby eliminating the need for the installer to climb a ladder to pound the posts 2 into the ground 9. Further, the post sleeves 10 eliminate the need for the installer to dig holes into the ground 9 before inserting the posts 2 in the ground 9. The fence 1 is not limited to the inclusion of the post sleeves 10 and the posts 2 may be directly driven into the ground 9 or the posts 2 may be mounted in the ground 9 in any suitable manner such as through the use of cement. However, the post sleeves 10 are preferred to mount the posts 2 in the ground 9 such that the posts 2 are positioned at a preferred depth and are rotatable to a preferred orientation relative to the ground 9, as will be described in greater detail below. The post sleeves 10 are preferably approximately two feet (2′) long such that the posts 2 are mounted approximately two feet into the ground 9 to provide stability to the posts 2. The post sleeves 10 may have nearly any length or size that permits stable mounting of the posts 2. The post sleeves 10 also preferably include a drain hole 10 a proximate a lower end to permit fluid, generally water, to flow out of the post sleeve 10 into the ground 9.
Each of the posts 2 preferably includes a main section 2 a that is anchored in the ground 9 and a pivoting section 2 b that is pivotably mounted to a second end 8 b of the main section 2 a proximate the top of the post 2. The main section 2 a is preferably constructed of a one and three-eighths inch (1⅜″) diameter steel pipe that is galvanized and powder coated black having a height of four to six feet (4-6′), depending upon the type of animal retained within the confinement area 6 and the site location. However, the main section 2 a may be constructed of nearly any type of material and have nearly any size and shape that enables mounting to the ground 9 and performing the additional functions of the posts 2 of the preferred cat containment fence 1, as will be described in greater detail below. For example, the main section 2 a may be constructed of a high strength extruded polymeric material or a carbon fiber epoxy material having a square or rectangular shape and a greater or shorter height than the above-described height range. The pivoting section 2 b is preferably constructed of a one and three-eighths inches (1⅜″) diameter aluminum pipe having a length of eighteen to twenty-four inches (18-24″). However, the pivoting section 2 b may be constructed of a rectangular, wooden pole that is pivotably mounted to the main section 2 a. The above-described constructions of the main section 2 a and pivoting section 2 b are preferred based upon their durability, cost, weight and adaptability to forming the posts 2.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the pivoting section 2 b is pivotable between an upright position (FIG. 1) and an extended position (FIGS. 2 and 4) relative to the main section 2 a. The pivoting section 2 b is preferably able to pivot in generally a single imaginary plane at least ninety degrees (90°) and preferably at least one hundred eighty degrees (180°) relative to the main section 2 a. The pivoting section 2 b is pivotable from the extended position, wherein the pivoting section 2 b is positioned generally coaxially or parallel relative to the main section 2 a, to the extended position, wherein the pivoting section 2 b is positioned non-coaxially or at an angle relative to the main section 2 a. The pivoting section 2 b is preferably extendable to a position where the pivoting section 2 b is positioned at least perpendicular relative to the main section 2 a. Pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b toward the confinement area 6 generally urges the cat 7 back into the confinement area 6 if the cat 7 climbs above the main section 2 a and pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b away from the confinement area 6 generally urges any creatures that climb the cat containment fence 1 from outside of the confinement area 6 out or away from the confinement area 6. The pivoting section 2 b is not limited to being pivotable on a single plane or through the generally one hundred eighty degree angle relative to the main section 2 a and may be pivotable in nearly any manner relative to the main section 2 a. For example, the pivoting section 2 b may be mounted to the main section 2 a on a ball joint to pivot nearly anywhere within a half of a sphere volume defined by a central pivoting point at the second end 8 b of the main section 2 a and the pivoting section 2 b. However, the one hundred eighty degree pivoting in a single plane of the pivoting section 2 b relative to the main section 2 a is preferred such that the pivoting section 2 b generally remains at a constant distance between adjacent posts 2 and pivots exclusively toward or directly away from the confinement area 6.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the main section 2 a and pivoting section 2 b are preferably separated by a knuckle 5. The knuckle 5 preferably limits pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b through the angle of approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) relative to the main section 2 a. The knuckle 5 preferably includes a top fitting 5 a that is received into or encompasses the lower end of the pivoting section 2 b and a lower fitting 5 b that is received into or encompasses the second end 8 b of the main section 2 a. The knuckle 5 is preferably constructed of machined aluminum, a high density injection molded polymeric material or a nylon material, but the knuckle 5 may be constructed of nearly any material and have nearly any configuration that permits mounting to the pivoting section 2 b and the main section 2 a and supports pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b relative to the main section 2 a. The knuckle 5 guides the pivoting motion of the pivoting section 2 b relative to the main section 2 a and is preferably configured to limit the movement of the pivoting section 2 b relative to the main section 2 a to the above-described one hundred eighty degrees on a single plane. The knuckle 5 may also be configured to limit the pivoting movement of the pivoting section 2 b to a ninety degree angle toward the confinement area 6 through stops formed or machined into the knuckle 5.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the cat containment fence 1 preferably includes lower fencing 3 that is mounted to the main portion 2 a of the posts 2 and upper, flexible fencing 4 that is mounted to an upper portion of the main portion 2 a and the pivotable portion 2 b. The lower fencing 3 is preferably constructed of a one and one-half to two inch (1½-2″) steel, welded wire mesh fencing that is coated black, but may be constructed of nearly any material and have nearly any type of configuration that is able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the lower fencing 3 and secure the cat 7 within the confinement area 6. The lower fencing 3 is preferably mounted such that a lower edge 3 a is flared onto and toward the containment area 6 on the ground 9 and is staked to the ground with the spikes 13 to limit the cat 7 from escaping beneath the lower fencing 3. In addition, the one and one-half to two inch (1½-2″) steel, welded wire mesh fencing is preferred for the lower fencing 3 because the steel material discourages cats 7 that are either intended for confinement or other animals, for example, wild animals including rabbits, groundhogs, raccoons and dogs, from chewing holes in the lower fencing 3. The lower fencing 3 also preferably generally prevents predators of the confined cats 7 or other cats from entering the confinement area 6 and may be solidly secured to the ground 9 to keep the confined cats 7 from escaping under the lower fencing 3. However, the lower fencing 3 may be constructed of nearly any type of fencing or material including a polymeric-type fencing. The lower fencing 3 is preferably, continuously mounted between the posts 2 to create a continuous barrier around the confinement area 6, but may be comprised of several pieces of fencing that are spliced together or overlapped to form a continuous barrier around the confinement area 6 or to encompass the confinement area 6 along with an existing structure, such as the house 11.
Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the upper fencing 4 is preferably mounted between the posts 2 above the lower fencing 3 such that the upper fencing 4 extends continuously across the main section 2 a and the pivoting section 2 b to a top end of each of the posts 2. The upper fencing 4 is preferably constructed of a one and one-half to two inch (1½-2″) polymeric mesh grid fencing that is flexible to permit pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b relative to the main section 2 a without significantly impacting the performance of the upper fencing 4. The upper fencing 4 may be constructed of an extruded polypropylene mesh grid having grid openings that are small enough to prevent cats 7 from squeezing through the grid openings. The upper fencing 4 continuously extends across at least a portion of the main section 2 a and the pivoting section 2 b at each of the posts 2 to form a continuous upper fencing 4 between the main and pivoting sections 2 a, 2 b. However, the upper fencing 4 may be constructed of nearly any type of fencing that is able to confine the cat 7 within the confinement area 6 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the cat confinement fence 1. Specifically, the upper fencing 4 may be constructed of nearly any type of fencing that permits pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b relative to the main section 2 a during use and extends continuously across the main and pivoting sections 2 a, 2 b. However, the one and one-half to two inch (1½-2″) polymeric mesh grid fencing is preferred for its light weight, ease of assembly, durability, ability to flex, relatively non-intrusive appearance and adaptability to mounting to the posts 2.
The lower and upper fencing 3, 4 is preferably secured between the posts 2 with zip ties 12 or other securing mechanisms including stapling, clamping, adhesive bonding, hook and loop material or nearly any fastening mechanism (not shown) that is able to secure the fencing to the posts 2 to surround the confinement area 6 and which is generally resistant to tampering, specifically by cats 7 that are confined. An upper edge 3 b of the lower fencing 3 preferably at least partially overlaps at least a portion of the upper fencing 4 such that no gaps are formed in the fencing 3, 4 between the posts 2.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cat confinement fence 1 also includes a resilient biasing member 14 that biases the pivoting section 2 b toward the upright position relative to the main section 2 a. The resilient biasing member 14 is preferably constructed of a resilient cord, such as a steel spring or a bungee cord that is secured between the main section 2 a and the pivoting section 2 b to bias the pivoting section 2 b toward the upright position. The resilient biasing member 14 preferably extends through a hollow portion of the main section 2 a, the knuckle 5 and the pivoting section 2 b to provide a bias force to the pivoting section 2 b, but the resilient biasing member 14 may be mounted to nearly any portion of the posts 2 to provide the biasing force. The resilient biasing member 14 is not limited to the bungee cord construction and may be constructed of nearly any biasing member including a spring, spring/damper, active biasing mechanism or other biasing member that biases the pivoting section 2 b toward the upright position. In addition, the biasing member 14 may be configured to have various biasing forces associated therewith depending upon the type of cat 7 that is confined. For example, the biasing force of the resilient biasing member 14 is typically less when a domestic or house cat 7 is confined when compared to the biasing force that would be required to retain a lion within the confinement area 6.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, to erect the cat confinement fence 1, the post sleeves 10 are inserted into the ground 9 such that an upper end of the post sleeves 10 are generally flush with the ground 9 and the first ends 8 a of the main section 2 a are inserted into a hollow of the post sleeves 10. The posts 2 are preferably spaced approximately ten to twelve feet (10-12′) apart to define the confinement area 6. In addition, the posts 2 are preferably positioned in the sleeves 10 such that the pivoting section 2 b is positioned in an orientation wherein the pivoting section 2 b pivots toward and/or away from the confinement area 6. The post sleeves 10 accommodate rotation of the posts 2 relative to the ground 9 such that the pivoting section 2 b may be oriented for pivotable movement toward and away from the confinement area 6 when moving from the upright position toward the extended position. The lower fencing 3 is secured to the posts 2 at a preferred height of two to three feet (2-3′) above the ground 9 and is flared onto the ground 9 approximately six to twelve inches (6-12″) between the posts 2. The lower fencing 3 is preferably secured to the posts 2 using the zip ties 12 and the lower edge of the lower fencing 3 is secured to the ground 9 using the spikes 13 between the posts 2. The upper fencing 4 is mounted to and between the posts 2 above the lower fencing 3 such that the upper fencing continuously extends between the main section 2 a and pivoting section 2 b of each of the posts 2. The upper fencing 4 overlaps the lower fencing 3 and is secured to the posts 2 and the lower fencing 3 using the zip ties 12. The preferred upper fencing 4 is relatively simple to mount and secure to the posts 2 at up to at least nine feet (9′) from the ground 9 due to its light weight and flexibility. Once the lower and upper fencing 3, 4 are secured to the posts 2, the fencing 3, 4 provide stability to the cat confinement fence 1.
In operation, the cat 7 is released into the confinement area 6. When the cat 7 attempts to climb the fence 1, the cat 7 may scale the lower fencing 3 with little flexing of the fence 1, may scale the upper fencing 4 with some flexing of the plastic, flexible upper fencing 4 at least up to the knuckle 5 and the weight of the cat 7 typically causes the pivoting section 2 b to quickly pivot toward the ground 9 when the weight of the cat 7 overcomes the biasing force of the resilient member 14. The quick pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b toward the confinement area 6 causes the cat 7 to release its grip from the upper flexible fencing 4 and fall back into the confinement area 6. Specifically, when the cat 7 reaches the pivoting section 2 b, the knuckle 5 quickly flips the cat 7 and the pivoting section 2 b toward the secured area 6 and preferably quickly stops pivoting when positioned generally perpendicularly to the main section 2 a. The quick movement of the pivoting section 2 b and upper fencing 4 typically causes the cat 7 to release its grip from the upper fencing 4 and jump back into the confinement area 6. In addition, the quick interruption of the pivoting further causes the cat 7 to release its grip and fall into the confinement area 6. When the weight of the cat 7 is no longer hanging from the upper fencing 4 proximate the pivoting sections 2 b, the biasing force of the resilient biasing member 14 urges the pivoting section 2 b from the extended position toward the upright position. In the upright position, the cat confinement fence 1 is again prepared to prevent the cat 7 or another cat (not shown) from escaping the confinement area 6. Further, limiting pivoting of the pivoting section 2 b ninety degrees toward the confinement area 6 from the upright position generally urges the cat 7 back into the confinement area 6. Likewise, if a cat 7 or other animal from outside the confinement area 6 attempts to climb over the cat containment fence 1, the pivoting section 2 b pivots away from the confinement area 6 when the cat 7 or other animal climbs to a specific height and urges the animal away from the confinement area 6. The lower welded wire mesh fencing 3 generally prevents chewing holes in the lower fencing 3 and the extension of the lower fencing 3 onto the ground generally prevents the cat 7 from escaping the confinement area 6 or predators from entering the confinement area 6 beneath the lower fencing 3.
Referring to FIG. 5, the cat containment fence 1 may also include an access door or point 20 located between two adjacent posts 2′. The access door 20 provides a entry and exit location such that people, equipment, lawn mowers, animals or other items may enter and exit the confinement area 6 without having to climb over or under the cat containment fence 1 or otherwise maneuver around the fence 1. The access door 20 preferably includes a pair of fencing panels 21 a, 21 b that include a respective edge 21 a′, 21 b′. The edges 21 a′, 21 b′ are preferably comprised of a solid but flexible material such as canvas or a polymeric sheet that are secured to the flexible mesh of the panels 21 a, 21 b. The panels 21 a, 21 b are preferably constructed of a similar mesh as the upper fencing 4. The edges 21 a′, 21 b′ of the panels 21 a, 21 b are preferably releasably mounted to each other by a zipper 22. A lower flap 23 of the panels 21 a, 21 b includes grommet holes 24 therein that are staked to the ground 9 by the spikes 13 to limit a cat 7 from escaping beneath the access door 20. The zipper 22 may be zipped and un-zipped to erect or break-down the access door 20 to alternatively provide a barrier or an opening between the adjacent posts 2. When the zipper 22 is zipped, the cat 7 is contained in the confinement area 6 and when the zipper 22 is un-zipped, an opening is provided between the two posts 2 and people, vehicles, equipment, lawn mowers and/or animals are able to gain access to or move out of the confinement area 6. Specifically, the access door 20 is desirable for permitting a lawn mower to enter the confinement area 6 to mow the grass therein and may subsequently be zipped to create the barrier. In operation, the access door 20 operates to prevent the cat 7 from escaping from the confinement area 6 in the same or a similar manner to the remainder of the cat confinement fence 1. Because the upper portions of the panels 21 a, 21 b are secured to the pivoting sections 2 b of the adjacent posts 2′, the panels 21 a, 21 b pivot in a similar manner to the upper fencing 4 as described above.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cat confinement fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area, the cat confinement fence comprising:

a plurality of posts spaced apart and mounted in the ground to define the confinement area, each of the posts including a main section and a pivoting section, a first end of each main section mounted in a ground surface and a second end of each main section pivotably secured to the pivoting section, the pivoting section pivotable between an upright position and an extended position;

upper fencing mounted to and between the plurality of posts and extending across at least a portion of the main section and at least a portion of the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts; and

a resilient member mounted proximate to the second end of the main section of each post and biasing the pivoting section of the respective post toward the upright position.

2. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1, wherein the upper fencing covers substantially all of the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts.

3. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1, wherein the upper fencing is constructed of a flexible polymeric material.

4. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts is generally co-axial with the main section in the upright position.

5. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts extends into the confinement area when in the extended position.

6. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1 further comprising:

a knuckle pivotably securing the main section of each of the plurality of posts to the respective pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts.

7. The cat confinement fence according to claim 6, wherein the resilient member is constructed of a resilient cord secured to the main section of a post and the pivoting section of the respective post.

8. The cat confinement fence according to claim 7, wherein each resilient member is contained within the pivoting section of the respective post.

9. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1 further comprising:

lower fencing having an upper edge and a lower edge, the lower fencing secured to and extending between the posts proximate the ground, the lower fencing constructed of a generally rigid material, the lower edge extending into the confinement area on the ground and the upper edge at least partially overlapping the upper fencing.

10. The cat confinement fence according to claim 9, wherein the lower fence is constructed of a welded steel grid.

11. The cat confinement fence according to claim 10, wherein the upper fencing is constructed of a flexible polymeric material.

12. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of post sleeves mounted in the ground, each of the post sleeves associated with one of the posts and each post sleeve securing the first end of the respective post in the ground at a predetermined depth.

13. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1 further comprising an access gate for allowing a person to enter and exit the confinement area, the access gate extending between two adjacent posts.

14. The cat confinement fence according to claim 13, wherein the access gate includes a pair of fencing panels that are releasably mounted to each other by a zipper.

15. The cat confinement fence according to claim 14, wherein the access gate includes a lower flap that extends onto the ground within the confinement area to limit an animal from escaping beneath the access gate.

16. The cat confinement fence according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts is only pivotable about a single imaginary plane.

17. A post for a cat confinement fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area wherein the post is used with a flexible fencing extending between a plurality of the posts to define the confinement area, the post comprising:

a main section mounted in the ground at a first end;

a pivoting section pivotably mounted to the main section at a second end of the main section, the pivoting section pivotable between an upright position and an extended position;

a knuckle pivotably mounting the main section to the pivoting section, the knuckle limiting the pivoting section to pivotable movement from the upright position toward and away from the confinement area to the extended position; and

a resilient cord secured to the main section and the pivoting section, the resilient cord biasing the pivoting section toward the upright position.

18. The post according to claim 17, wherein the pivoting section is only pivotable about a single imaginary plane.

19. The post according to claim 18 further comprising a post sleeve secured to the ground and surrounding the first end of the main section to position the first end of the main section at a predetermined depth in the ground.

20. A cat containment fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area, the cat containment fence comprising:

a plurality of posts mounted to the ground and surrounding the confinement area, each of the posts having a main section and a pivoting section, a first end of the main section of each post mounted in the ground and a second end of the main section of each post pivotably mounted to the pivoting section, the pivoting section pivotable between an upright position and an extended position;

generally flexible mesh upper fencing secured to the plurality of posts and continuously extending across at least a portion of the main and pivoting sections of each of the posts, the flexible upper fencing flexing when the pivoting section moves to and between the upright and extended positions;

a knuckle securing the second end of each of the main sections to the respective pivoting section;

a resilient cord secured to the main section and the pivoting section of each post, the resilient cord biasing the pivoting section toward the upright position; and

a lower fence flared onto and staked to the ground at a lower edge and at least partially overlapping with at least a portion of the upper flexible fencing at an upper edge, the lower fencing constructed of a generally rigid wire mesh material.