Rail fence retractor

An apparatus allowing removal of a fence rail engaged with a fence post comprising:

• a. a left rail fence retractor comprising:
• i. a blade having a constant thickness along the length and width thereof, wherein said blade includes first, second, and third portions, wherein said first, second, and third portions are planar, wherein said first portion is angled with respect to said second portion, and wherein said third portion is angled with respect to said second portion;
• and,
• ii. a handle having a first and second section, wherein said first and second sections have a rectangular cross-sectional area about their respective longitudinal axes, wherein said blade third portion is sandwiched between said handle first and second sections, and wherein said handle first and second sections are affixed to one another in such a manner as to secure said blade third portion there between;
• b. a right rail fence retractor comprising:
• i. a blade having a constant thickness along the length and width thereof, wherein said blade includes first, second, and third portions, wherein said first, second, and third portions are planar, wherein said first portion is angled with respect to said second portion, and wherein said third portion is angled with respect to said second portion;
• and,
• ii. a handle having a first and second section, wherein said first and second sections have a rectangular cross-sectional area about their respective longitudinal axes, wherein said blade third portion is sandwiched between said handle first and second sections, wherein said handle first and second sections are affixed to one another in such a manner as to secure said blade third portion there between, and wherein said left rail fence retractor is a mirror-image of said right rail fence retractor.

A method for removing a fence rail from a fence post, said method comprising the steps of:

• a. positioning a retractor blade of a left rail fence retractor in a fence post slot of said fence post such that said retractor blade of said left rail fence retractor is adjacent a left slot wall of said fence post slot and a right surface of said fence rail engaged with said fence post, wherein said left rail fence refractor comprises:
• i. said retractor blade having a constant thickness along the length and width thereof, wherein said retractor blade includes first and second portions, wherein said first and second portions are planar, wherein said retractor blade includes first and second sides, and wherein said first portion is angled with respect to said second portion;
• and,
• ii. a handle having a rectangular cross-sectional area about its longitudinal axis, wherein said handle includes a rectangular-shaped recessed portion on a first exterior surface thereof, wherein said first side of said retractor blade second portion abuts said recessed portion, wherein said retractor blade is attached to said handle about said recessed portion, and wherein said second side of said retractor blade second portion is coplanar with respect to said handle first exterior surface;
• b. positioning a retractor blade of a right rail fence retractor in said fence post slot of said fence post such that said retractor blade of said right rail fence retractor is adjacent a right slot wall of said fence post slot and a right side of said fence rail engaged with said fence post, wherein said right rail fence retractor comprises:
• i. said retractor blade having a constant thickness along the length and width thereof, wherein said retractor blade includes first and second portions, wherein said first and second portions are planar, wherein said retractor blade includes first and second sides, and wherein said first portion is angled with respect to said second portion;
• and,
• ii. a handle having a rectangular cross-sectional area about its longitudinal axis, wherein said handle includes a rectangular-shaped recessed portion on a first exterior surface thereof, wherein said first side of said blade second portion abuts said recessed portion, wherein said retractor blade is attached to said handle about said recessed portion, wherein said second side of said retractor blade second portion is coplanar with respect to said handle first exterior surface, and wherein said left rail fence retractor is a mirror-image of said right rail fence retractor;
• c. manipulating said left rail fence retractor such that said retractor blade depresses a locking tab positioned on said left side of said fence rail;
• d. manipulating said right rail fence retractor such that said retractor blade depresses a locking tab positioned on said right side of said fence rail;
• e. securing said left and right rail fence retractors to said fence post in a position such that said rail fence retractors continuously depress said locking tabs on said left and right sides of said fence rail, respectively;
• and,
• f. moving said fence rail linearly through said fence post slot in a direction away from said fence post until said locking tabs have passed through said fence post slot.