AU2015215839B2 - A garden edge and assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A garden edge is disclosed. In one aspect, the garden edge comprises a strip, a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, and a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending thereat, said bending being substantially orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip. In one form, the garden edge further comprises apertures at opposing ends of the strip which are receivable of arms of a joiner clip used to join adjacent garden edges together. A method for joining garden edges is also disclosed, along with a garden edge assembly. - I 9, , ~ ½ ~ -~ *N. A' "~ A (~-'~' F >9 'I 'I- ~ r '3%.f 1~ 9>. I '~ A. 2 '4?½9%, (½ YI> 9½~ ~ r rr N A% N '1 i r~'N V 7 '1 'V -K fl C'9

Description

A GARDEN EDGE AND ASSEMBLY

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS [0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2014903223 titled “A GARDEN EDGE AND ASSEMBLY” and filed on 18 August 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates to a garden edge for separating or forming a border between different areas of lawn and gardens. More particularly but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a garden edge manufactured in strip form.

BACKGROUND [0003] Garden edges have been used in landscaping for many years to separate or create borders between different areas of a backyard. For example, edging may be used to separate lawn from an adjacent garden, or pathway or it may form a border around a flower bed, stone garden or tree well.

[0004] Garden edges have been manufactured in metal or plastic strip form that is flexible enough to permit the strip to bend in order to create a curved edge. Such an edge typically requires a trench to be excavated along the desired path of the edging in order to install the edge. The edge is placed in the trench and a number of stakes or pegs are usually then driven into or adjacent the edging to retain it in the ground. The trench is then backfilled along the edging. This method of installing the edge is a time consuming and arduous process that requires multiple parts (stakes, pegs etc.) in order to retain the edge in the ground.

[0005] Attempts have been made to design a metal or plastic edge that can be installed without the need for excavating a trench. Such edges however still require multiple stakes or pegs to anchor the edge into the ground, particularly when the edge is bent into a curved form. Another problem with metal or plastic edges that are flexible enough to bend into a curved shape is that because the edge lacks stiffness it is more prone to warping or dislodging over

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 time. Increased stiffness may be achieved by designing a more complex shaped strip section but this will make the edge more difficult to manufacture and install.

[0006] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0007] Certain advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, several embodiments of the present invention are disclosed.

SUMMARY [0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a garden edge comprising a strip, a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending thereat, said bending being substantially orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip, a second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness comprise slotted or perforated regions.

[0009] In one form, the plurality of ground insertion portions are tooth members comprising a triangular profile.

[0010] In one form, all of the garden edge’s ground insertion portions are substantially identical. In one form, in an alternative, not all of the garden edge’s ground insertion portions are substantially identical.

[0011] In one form, ground insertion portions at or towards ends of the strip are different to those at or toward a mid-region of the strip.

[0012] In one form, ground insertion portions at or towards ends of the strip are shorter than those at or toward a mid-region of the strip. In one form, ground insertion portions at or towards ends of the strip have a different shape to those at or toward a mid-region of the strip.

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 [0013] In one form, the tooth members are permitted to bend about the strip in a direction parallel to the direction of elongation of the strip.

[0014] In one form, the tooth members are disposed along the length of the strip such that one or more tooth members are disposed between spaced apart regions of weakness of the first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness.

[0015] In one form, spacing between regions of weakness regions of the first plurality will vary along the strip.

[0016] In one form, spacing between weakness regions of the first plurality is, at or towards ends of the strip, different to spacing at or toward a mid-region of the strip.

[0017] In one form, spacing between weakness regions of the first plurality is, at or towards ends of the strip, closer than spacing at or toward a mid-region of the strip.

[0018] In one form, each of the second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness are disposed substantially in line with opposing roots of a respective tooth member.

[0019] In one form, the strip further includes a means for retaining a peg or a part thereof.

[0020] In one form, the garden edge further includes apertures at opposing ends of the strip receivable of arms of a joiner clip used to join adjacent garden edges together.

[0021] In one form, the strip is made of metal. Typical metals that the strip can be made from include mild or galvanised steel and aluminium.

[0022] In one form, in an alternative, the strip is made from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0023] In one form, the thickness of the strip is preferably less than 3mm, however the thickness will depend on the size (height) of the strip and material.

[0024] According to a third aspect, there is provided a garden edge assembly, including a first and a second garden edge, each garden edge including a strip including a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 the ground and be retained therein, a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending of the strip thereat, said bending being orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip, a second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness comprises slotted or perforated regions, and a clip member engaging a first end hole of the first garden edge, and a second end hole of the second garden edge, to thereby join the garden edges together.

[0025] In one form, the clip member includes a base portion and a pair of spaced apart arms that protrude away from the base portion, the spaced apart arms each having a resiliently deformable portion that in a compressed position allows the arms to be inserted through the first and second end apertures and in an extended position prevents the clip member from backing out of the first and second end apertures.

[0026] In one form, the clip member is a moulded plastic push fit connector.

[0027] In one form, the clip member further includes a metal insert to strengthen the clip member.

[0028] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a garden edge assembly, including a first and a second garden edge, each garden edge including a strip including a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending of the strip thereat, said bending being orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip, a second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness comprise slotted or perforated regions, and a retaining tab comprising a first arm inserted through a first end hole of the first garden edge, and a second arm inserted through a second end hole of the second garden edge, whereupon after insertion, the first and second arms are folded back to thereby join the garden edges together.

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 [0029] In one form, the retaining tab is a pressed metal part.

[0030] In one form, the retaining tab is rectilinear. In an alternative, the retaining tab is rectilinear circular.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a garden edge including a strip of contiguous elements, each of the contiguous elements being separated by a region of weakness so as to permit adjacent contiguous elements to bend relative to each other about the region of weakness, a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, and wherein each ground insertion portion depends from an associated contiguous element and is able to bend with respect to the associated contiguous element.

[0032] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0033] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0034] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 is a rear view of a garden edge according to a first embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 is a top view of the edge of Figure 1;

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 [0037] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the detail at A of Figure 2, showing a peg receiving portion of the edge;

[0038] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a garden edge assembly showing two adjacent edges according to the first embodiment, joined by a peg;

[0039] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the detail at B of Figure 4 showing the join between adjacent edges;

[0040] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a peg used to join together adjacent edges according to the first embodiment;

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a peg used with an edge according to the first embodiment, and having means to support an irrigation tube;

[0042] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a garden edge assembly showing two adjacent edges according to a second embodiment, that are joined together;

[0043] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the detail at C of Figure 8 showing the join between adjacent edges;

[0044] Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of a garden edge assembly showing two adjacent edges according to a third embodiment, joined by a peg;

[0045] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the detail at D of Figure 10, showing the join between adjacent edges;

[0046] Figure 12 is a front view of a peg used to join together adjacent edges according to the third embodiment;

[0047] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a garden edge assembly showing two adjacent edges according to a fourth embodiment, joined by a plastic push fit clip member;

[0048] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the detail at E of Figure 13, showing the join between adjacent edges;

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 [0049] Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the assembly of Figure 13;

[0050] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the detail at F of Figure 15, showing the join between adjacent edges;

[0051] Figure 17 is an enlarged front perspective view of a garden edge assembly showing two adjacent edges according to the fourth embodiment, joined by a pressed metal clip member;

[0052] Figure 18 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the assembly of Figure 17;

[0053] Figures 19A-19D provide a series of front views of a garden edge having a clip on protective capping;

[0054] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a tree well formed by bending two garden edges, and joining them together to form a circular configuration;

[0055] Figure 21 is a perspective view of two garden edges bent into a semi-circular form, prior to joining to form a tree well;

[0056] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a garden edge bent into a star shape configuration;

[0057] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a garden edge bent into a zig-zag configuration; and [0058] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a rectangular garden bed bordered by four interconnected garden edges.

[0059] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0060] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a garden edge 10 according to a first embodiment. The garden edge 10 comprises an elongate strip 20 extending from a first end 23 to a second end 25. The strip 20 includes a plurality of ground insertion portions 30 that are disposed along the length of the strip 20 to enable the strip 20 to be inserted into the ground

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 and be retained therein. The strip 20 further includes a plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness 24 disposed along the length of the strip 20 to permit bending of the strip 20 about one or more of the regions 24. The regions of weakness 24 permit the strip 20 to bend orthogonally to a direction of elongation of the strip 20. Specifically, the regions of weakness 24 permit adjacent contiguous segments 22 of the strip 20 to bend with respect to one another to form any desired shape.

[0061] The regions of weakness 24 (which may also be referred to as lines of weakness or fold lines) are, in this embodiment, formed as slots that are cut into the strip 20. In other embodiments, instead of slots, the region or line of weakness may be formed by perforating or scoring the strip in the desired regions such that the strip is capable of bending or breaking off in these localised areas.

[0062] The ground insertion portions 30 shown in Figure 1 are teeth (a plurality of tooth members) 30 that have a triangular or V-shaped profile. The tooth members 30 are disposed along the length of the strip 20 such that one or more tooth members 30 are disposed between adjacent spaced apart regions of weakness 24. Each tooth member 30 has edges 36 that extend from a root 34 to an apex or tip 32. Although triangular shaped tooth members 30 are shown, it is to be appreciated that any suitable shape could be used that has a lead in section that allows the member to easily penetrate into the ground and that provides sufficient surface area such that once inserted into the ground, the tooth member is retained therein. In this way, the tooth members 30 enable the edge 10 to be retained in the ground without the need for additional spikes or pegs. The tooth members 30 provide an increased surface area compared to a spike or peg. Consequently, the tooth members 30 do not need to be driven as deep into the ground as a traditional spike or peg in order to achieve the same degree of ground retention. This in turn provides a considerable time saving when installing the edge 10. Instead of excavating a trench and hammering individual spikes deep into the ground, the edge 10 is itself hammered into the ground but to a much shallower extent than a spike or peg would be for the same ground retention.

[0063] The strip 20 further includes a plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness 26 that are longitudinally extending with respect to the strip 20. The regions of weakness 26 (which again may also be referred to as lines of weakness or fold lines) are transversely disposed with respect to the regions of weakness 24. The regions of weakness 26 permit the ground insertion

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 portions or tooth members 30 to bend (or break off) about the strip 20 in a direction parallel to the direction of elongation of the strip 20. Accordingly, each ground insertion portion or tooth member 30 is associated with a respective region of weakness 26 which as shown in Figure 1 may be disposed approximately in line with the roots 34 of a tooth member 30. The regions of weakness 26 shown in Figure 1 are longitudinal or horizontal slots that have been cut into the strip 20. In other embodiments, instead of slots, the region or line of weakness may be formed by perforating or scoring the strip in the desired regions such that the strip is capable of bending or breaking off in these localised areas.

[0064] The garden edge 10 shown in Figures 1-3 also includes a plurality of peg receiving portions 40, which are pressed out of alternate tooth members 30 of the strip 20. Each peg receiving portion 40 comprises a pair of retaining tabs 42 that outwardly extend from the strip 20. The retaining tabs 42 are angled inwardly towards each other at an angle of approximately 45° to the strip 20. The retaining tabs 42 form a region or space between the tabs 42 that is operable to receive a peg 60 or 60’ as shown in Figures 4-7. The retaining tabs 42 may be formed in a two-stage process including forming one or more slits in the strip 20 to form a slit profile and then pressing out the retaining tabs 42 from the slit profile.

[0065] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a garden edge assembly comprising an adjacent pair of the garden edges 10 according to the first embodiment, that are joined using a peg 60, as shown in Figure 6.The peg 60 has a first leg (or stake) 70 that is spaced apart from a second leg (or stake) 80 by a bridging element 90 that spans between an uppermost portion of the legs 70, 80. The legs 70, 80 are adapted to be driven into the ground. The legs 70, 80 have a substantially V-shaped cross-section having respective faces 72, 74 and 82, 84 that terminate in respective tip portions 75, 85. The V-shaped cross-section of each leg 70, 80 corresponds to the shape of the peg receiving portions 40 of the edge 10 such that the legs 70, 80 are able to be slidably received within the peg receiving portions 40. The bridging element 90 of the peg 60 further has a pair of openings 91 that lead to tube receiving portions 92 that are for the purpose of supporting a tube 5, as shown in Figure 4. The tube could be a polyethylene drip irrigation tube. Each leg 70, 80 is permitted to bend about the bridging element 90 at respective joint regions 93, 95. The joint regions 93, 95 have notches or grooves 96, 98 that assist in creating a bend at these positions. The bridging element 90 also has a pair of upper and lower grooves 94 located approximately midway across the bridging element 90, which permit the peg 60 to bend or break off at this position.

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2015215839 21 Jun 2019 [0066] Figure 7 illustrates a peg 60’ that represents peg 60 having been broken in half midway across the bridging element. Peg 60’ shows leg 80 of peg 60 and a remaining portion 90’ of the bridging element 90. The remaining portion 90’ of the bridging element 90 has been bent 90° about joint region 95 with respect to leg 80. Alternatively, instead of peg 60’ being formed by breaking peg 60, it could be manufactured as a stand alone peg member.

[0067] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, where there is shown a peg 60 used to join adjacent garden edges 10 together to form a garden edge assembly. When assembled, an end 25 of a first edge 10 is abutted against an end 23 of a second edge 10, and legs 70, 80 of the peg 60 are received in peg receiving portions 40 of the respective edges 10. Figures 4 and 5 also show how peg 60’ may be used to support a drip irrigation tube 5. When peg 60’ is inserted into a peg receiving portion 40 of an edge 10, the tube receiving portion 92 of the peg 60’ is positioned to support tube 5 that is axially aligned with the direction of elongation of the edge assembly.

[0068] The garden edge 10 is preferably a metal edge made from a mild or galvanised steel that is approximately 2mm in thickness. This material and thickness provides sufficient rigidity to the strip to enable it to be hammered into the ground and to maintain a straight form if adjacent segments 22 are not required to be bent to form a desired shape. Other metals such as aluminium could also be used however an aluminium strip would need to be thicker than a steel strip. Optionally, the strip could also be manufactured from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for example. The appropriate thickness of the strip will vary depending upon the size (height) of the strip and material used. In embodiments, the thickness of the strip is less than 3mm. In other embodiments, the strip thickness may be in the range of, including but not limited to 1.0mm1.2mm, 1.2mm-1.4mm, 1.4mm-1.6mm, 1.6mm-1.8mm, 1.8mm-2.0mm, 2.0mm-2.2mm, 2.2mm-2.4mm, 2.4mm-2.6mm, 2.6mm-2.8mm or 2.8mm-3.0mm.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a garden edge assembly formed by joining garden edges 10 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of the invention except that alternate ground insertion members or teeth 50 are slit to form a tongue or interlock 51. The tongue 51 is formed by cutting slots 54, 56 into opposing sides of apex 52 of a given tooth member 50. Adjacent to teeth 50 are teeth 30 that include a tongue receiving portion 100 which is a

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 section of strip 20 that has been pressed out to form a slot 105 that is receivable of a tongue or interlock 51.

[0070] Figure 9 shows how adjacent lengths of garden edge 10 may be joined together in overlapping engagement. A tongue 51 of a first edge 10 is inserted into a tongue receiving portion 100 of a second edge 10 such that side edges 102, 104 of the tongue receiving portion 100 are slidably received by slots 54, 56. This engagement interlocks adjacent edges 10 together without the need for any pegs or alike joining members. When engaged in this manner, an end segment of the first edge 10 overlaps an end segment of the second edge 10.

[0071] Referring now to Figures 10-11 there is shown a garden edge assembly formed by joining garden edges 10 according to a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment of the invention except that the edge 10 includes peg receiving portions 110, 120 for engaging with peg 200 as shown in Figure 12. To accommodate peg receiving portion 110, 120, the roots 34 of the teeth 30 are recessed deeper into the strip 20 by forming slots 35. Each peg receiving portion 110, 120 is a tab or hook member that has been pressed out from a respective tooth member 30. The tab members 110, 120 remain connected to a respective tooth member 30 along side edges 112, 122. The tab members 110, 120 shown in Figure 11 are in substantial planar alignment and directed toward each other (with respect to a given tooth member 30). The tab members 110, 120 are used to engage with a peg 200 as shown in Figure 12 to join adjacent edges 10 together so that ends 23, 25 of the first and second edges 10 abut.

[0072] The peg 200, shown in further detail in Figure 12, has a central leg 210 that is drivable into the ground and a pair of downwardly extending arms 220, 230 spaced apart from opposing flanks of the central leg 210 by slots 202, 204. In use, the arms 220, 230 are located within tab members 210, 220 of respective first and second edges 10. The slots 202, 204 permit the arms 220, 230 to engage about the tab members 110, 120. When assembled, side edge 122 of tab member 120 is received in slot 202 of the peg 200 and side edge 112 of tab member 110 is received in slot 204 of peg 200. The peg 200 further includes tube receiving portions 240 for supporting a tube such as a drip irrigation tube.

[0073] Referring now to Figures 13-18, where there is shown a garden edge assembly formed by joining garden edges 10 according to a fourth embodiment. This embodiment is similar to

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 the first embodiment except that peg receiving portions 40 have been removed and the strip 20 has apertures 27, 28 used in joining adjacent edges 10 together using clip members (or joining tabs).

[0074] Figures 14 and 16 provide detail of a clip member or retaining tab 150 that engages with an end hole 27 of a first edge 10 and an end hole 28 of a second edge 10. The clip member 150 includes a base portion 152 located on the front side 20a of the strip 20 and a pair of spaced apart arms 154, 156 that protrude away from the base portion 152, the spaced apart arms each having a resiliently deformable portion that in a compressed position allows the arms 154, 156 to be inserted through the end apertures 27, 28 and in an extended position prevents the clip member 150 from backing out of the apertures 27, 28 by exerting a retaining force on the back side 20b of the strip 20. In this respect, the clip member 150 is a snap or push fit type connector. Clip member 150 is a moulded plastic push fit connector. The clip member 150 may have a metal insert to provide additional strength. The resiliently deformable portion of the clip member 150 could include a barb, arrowhead or other suitably resilient structure.

[0075] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the clip member 150 comprises a pair of vertically spaced arms 154 at one end, and a pair of vertically spaced arms 156 at the other end. One garden edge 10 comprises a pair of vertically spaced apertures 27 for receiving arms 145, and another garden edge 10 comprises a pair of vertically spaced apertures 28 for receiving arms 156. It is expected that this arrangement would improve the stability of the connection created between the two garden edges 10 by the clip member 150, inasmuch the joined garden edges 10 are less likely to become misaligned.

[0076] In a further non-illustrated embodiment, the apertures are slots instead of holes.

[0077] In an alternative, as shown in Figures 16 and 18, a pressed metal clip retaining tab 160 is used to join adjacent edges 10 together. Retaining tab 160 has a base portion 161 located on the front side 20a of the strip 20 and a pair of spaced apart arms 162, 163 that protrude away from the base portion 161. The first arm 162 is inserted through end hole 27 of the first edge 10 and the second arm 163 is inserted through end hole 28 of the second edge 10. After insertion, the first and second arms 162, 163 are folded back onto the rear side 20b of the strip 20 to thereby join the edges 10 together. In other embodiments, a metal (e.g. steel) plate may

2015215839 21 Jun 2019 be abutted to the rear of the strip 20 and fastened to a front plate by suitable fasteners to thereby sandwich the joint section between the front and rear plates.

[0078] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the retaining tab 160 comprises a pair of vertically spaced arms 162 at one end, and a pair of vertically spaced arms 163 at the other end. One garden edge 10 comprises a pair of vertically spaced apertures 27 for receiving arms 162, and another garden edge 10 comprises a pair of vertically spaced apertures 28 for receiving arms 163. It is expected that this arrangement would improve the stability of the connection created between the two garden edges 10 by the clip member 160, inasmuch the joined garden edges 10 are less likely to become misaligned.

[0079] In a non-illustrated embodiment, the retaining tab 160 is circular.

[0080] The garden edge of the present invention may also be provided with a clip on or push on protective capping or cover, as shown for example in Figures 19A-19D, that is fitted over the top 21 of the garden edge 10. The protective capping is a safety feature providing a less dangerous top edge for the garden edge than would be the case if no capping was provided. The capping may be an extruded plastic such as a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) (or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The capping could also be made from a rolled length of metal strip formed into an inverted U, with the two ends tapering towards each other and able to be pushed onto the top of the edge to protect a person from cutting themselves on the edge. A metal capping could also serve as a restraint to hold adjacent lengths of garden edges together at the top. The inwardly tapered ends of the capping, if metal, could exert a retaining spring force onto the front and rear faces of the garden edge. In addition to improving safety and minimising the risk of injury, the clip on protective capping also improves the aesthetic appearance of an edge. Figure 19A shows a standard protective capping 2a over an edge 10 while Figures 19B-19C show variants of decorative cappings. Figure 19B includes a plurality of wave segments that extend upward from the capping 2b. Figure 19C shows a capping 2c that has a stamped wave along a side portion of the capping while Figure 19D shows a capping 2d with another decorative feature (an aztec style pattern) stamped into a side portion thereof.

[0081] Referring now to Figures 20-24 there are shown several possible configurations of garden edges and edge assemblies that may be formed using edges of the present invention.

2015215839 21 Jun 2019

Figure 20 shows a pair of edges 10 joined together to form a tree well which can aid in water retention to aid tree growth. Figure 21 illustrates that the two edges 10 are bent into a semicircular arc prior to joining the edges 10 together in a circular configuration. To bend an edge 10, segments 22 of the strip 20 are progressively bent about their respective regions of weakness 24 starting from a first end and working towards the second end of the strip 20. Figure 22 depicts an edge 100 formed into a star configuration by bending each segment 22 of the strip 20 relative to an adjacent segment about regions of weakness 24. Figure 23 illustrates an edge 10 formed into a zig-zag configuration by bending each segment 22 of the strip relative to an adjacent segment about regions of weakness 24.

[0082] Finally, with reference to Figure 24 there is shown a rectangular garden bed formed by joining together four garden edges 10 using clip members 150. The edges garden 10 forming the sides of the bed remain as straight elongate strips while the edges 10 forming the ends of the bed have end segments that are bent so as to be perpendicular to the strip to form square comers 4, 5, 6, 7 of the bed.

[0083] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0084] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0085] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. A garden edge comprising a strip, a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending thereat, said bending being substantially orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip, a second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness comprise slotted or perforated regions.

2. The garden edge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ground insertion portions are tooth members, each of which comprises a triangular profile.

3. The garden edge of claim 2, wherein the plurality of ground insertion portions are permitted to bend relative to the strip in a direction parallel to the direction of elongation of the strip.

4. The garden edge as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground insertion portions are disposed along the length of the strip such that one or more ground insertion portions are disposed between spaced apart regions of weakness of the first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness.

5. The garden edge as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness are disposed substantially in line with opposing roots of a respective ground insertion portion.

6. The garden edge as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip further includes a means for retaining a peg or part thereof.

7. The garden edge as in any one of the preceding claims, further including apertures at opposing ends of the strip which are receivable of arms of a joiner clip used to join adjacent garden edges together.

2015215839 21 Jun 2019

8. The garden edge as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strip is made of metal.

9. The garden edge of claim 8, wherein the strip is mild or galvanised steel or aluminium.

10. The garden edge as in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the strip is made from a thermoplastic material.

11. The garden edge as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the strip is less than 3mm.

12. A garden edge assembly including a first and a second garden edge, each garden edge including a strip including a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending of the strip thereat, said bending being orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip, a second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness comprise slotted or perforated regions, and a clip member engaging an aperture of the first garden edge, and a second aperture of the second garden edge, to thereby join the garden edges together.

13. The garden edge assembly of claim 12, wherein the clip member includes a base portion and at least a pair of spaced apart arms that protrude away from the base portion, the spaced apart arms each having a resiliently deformable portion that in a compressed position allows the arms to be inserted through the first and second end apertures, and which in an extended position prevents the clip member from backing out of the first and second end apertures.

14. The garden edge assembly of claim 13, wherein the clip member is a moulded plastic push fit connector.

2015215839 21 Jun 2019

15. The garden edge assembly of claim 14, wherein the clip member further includes a metal insert to strengthen the clip member.

16. A garden edge assembly including a first and a second garden edge, each garden edge including a strip including a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, a first plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness disposed along the length of the strip to permit bending of the strip thereat, said bending being orthogonal to a direction of elongation of the strip, a second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second plurality of spaced apart regions of weakness comprise slotted or perforated regions, and a retaining tab comprising a first arm inserted through a first end hole of the first garden edge, and a second arm inserted through a second end hole of the second garden edge, whereupon after insertion, the first and second arms are folded back to thereby join the garden edges together.

17. The garden edge assembly of claim 16, wherein the retaining tab is a pressed metal part.

18. A garden edge including a strip of contiguous elements, each of the contiguous elements being separated by a first region of weakness so as to permit adjacent contiguous elements to bend relative to each other about the region of weakness, a plurality of ground insertion portions disposed along the length of the strip to enable the strip to be inserted into the ground and be retained therein, wherein each ground insertion portion depends from an associated contiguous element and comprises a second region of weakness, each of which is associated with a respective ground insertion portion to permit bending thereof relative to a remainder of the strip, and wherein the first and second regions of weakness comprise slotted or perforated regions.