Critterfence announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has officially awarded U.S. Patent No. 12,662,846 B2 for its innovative Ground Sleeve with Set Screw and Anvil System. The patent was granted on June 23, 2026, following their original patent application filed in 2022.
This patented design represents another step forward in their commitment to developing professional-grade fencing products that make installation easier, improve performance, and innovation, the company said.
A ground sleeve is a machined tube that is driven into the ground to receive a fence post. It provides support and leverage for fence posts without the use of concrete. At the heart of the Critterfence’s invention is the integrated set screw, which provides several important benefits during and after installation:
- Locks a fence post securely inside the ground sleeve to help prevent rotation.
- Makes it easier to plumb and align fence posts for a straighter installation.
- Allows posts to be removed and reinstalled when needed by simply loosening the set screw—ideal for temporary fencing applications, removable garden fences, and future maintenance.
The patented system also includes its rugged dual-tier anvil, engineered specifically for driving both sizes of Critterfence ground sleeves into the ground. The anvil is inserted into the top of the ground sleeve and struck with a sledgehammer or gas-powered driving device, allowing installers to transfer force directly to the sleeve without damaging it.
The Critterfence anvil is engineered exclusively for use with genuine Critterfence ground sleeves. It is specifically designed for this installation system and is not intended for use with other products or applications.
