BE1026357B1 - border - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a border (1) for flowerbeds, car parks or driveways providing a non-rectilinear support for a linear secondary device, for example a lighting device.

Description

border

Technical Field The present invention relates to a border, for example to delimit a lawn or a driveway.

Prior art [0002] The document FR2883306 A1 describes a terracotta or concrete border. This border can serve as a support for a light device. This known border does not allow curves to be drawn. This known border also does not allow the light device to follow the curve of a flower bed or a driveway.

Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is a border which can serve as a support for a light device so that it follows the curve of a flower bed or a driveway.

Another object of the present invention is a border for defining a curved flowerbed or a curved driveway.

To this end, the invention proposes an edge intended to be mechanically coupled with the ground and comprising:

• a first segment, and • a second segment;

the first segment and the second segment each comprising:

• a first part intended to be mechanically coupled with the ground, • a second part, and • a third part comprising a first cavity arranged to receive at least part of a flexible secondary device;

the second part forming a mechanical connection between the first part and the third part;

BE2018 / 5388 characterized in that the first segment and the second segment are separated by an intermediate space such that the first segment and the second segment can form an angle in a horizontal plane when the first parts of the first and second segments are mechanically coupled with the ground The intermediate space allows the first segment to be perpendicular to a curve at a first point on the curve and for the second segment to be perpendicular to the curve at a second point on the curve.

The first segment can be seen as a first section of the border and the second segment as a second section of the border. The first and second segments can be considered to be essentially perpendicular to the length of the border. Preferably, when no force is applied to the border, the first segment is essentially parallel to the second segment. The border can include many segments. For example, it can include at least three or four segments.

In the context of this document, the "bottom" direction is to be considered when the first parts of the first and second segments are mechanically coupled with the ground, for example driven into the ground or fixed above a device. coupling itself embedded in the ground.

Preferably, the second part extends essentially vertically when the first part is mechanically coupled with the ground, for example by being driven into the ground.

The third part can be surmounted by another element, of any shape or function.

The first part could be called "lower part", the second part could be called "middle part" and the third part could be called "upper part".

BE2018 / 5388 The secondary device may for example be a slender and flexible element in its length. The secondary device is preferably a linear lighting device providing light over a certain length. This can be for example a light garland, a light ribbon or a flexible neon light.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first part is bevelled in order to be able to sink easily into the ground.

The border is preferably at least partially opaque. Preferably, it is completely opaque.

The first part is preferably essentially vertical when it is mechanically coupled with the ground.

Preferably, the first cavity forms a notch in the third part.

The border according to the invention allows to retain the earth, so for example that the flower bed it delimits is higher than the ground. For example, the first part can be provided so that soil is present on two sides and the second part provided so that soil is present on one side. Preferably, the third part is above ground.

Preferably, the border according to the invention does not require an additional fixing element to hold in the ground. Indeed, the first part allows good support in the ground or a good coupling with the ground without having to use an additional hook, screw or nail.

Preferably, the first segment and the second segment are arranged to be essentially vertical when the first parts of the first and second segments are mechanically coupled with the ground. The second part, which is essentially vertical, allows the secondary device to be moved away from the ground. This allows, in the case where the secondary device is a lighting device, that the illuminated ground area is

BE2018 / 5388 larger than if the lighting device was close to the ground. This therefore enhances the visibility of the border.

It is possible that the border includes a locating element making it possible to differentiate the first part from the second part. For example, a line in relief at the junction between the first part and the second part allows the installer of the border to know that it is the minimum part of the border that must be driven into the ground for the border to be stable.

Preferably, the third part is wider than the second part, in order to be able to understand the first cavity. For example, the third part may include a portion projecting from the second part. The limit between the third part and the second part can be seen as the lower limit of the protruding portion.

It is also possible that the first part is bevelled or narrower than the second part. This makes it easier to sink the first part into the ground and to identify the boundary between the first part of the second part. For example, the first part may be bevelled on one side and vertical on the other side.

Preferably, the first part is full. In other words, it does not include a through hole. This allows it to be particularly solid and easy to drive into the ground.

Preferably, the first part is essentially vertical when it is mechanically coupled with the ground.

Preferably, the second part is full. In other words, it has no holes. This allows it to be particularly solid and able to retain soil present on one side of the border.

Preferably, the first part is symmetrical. Preferably, the second part is symmetrical.

Preferably, the third part is asymmetrical, for example so that the lighting device illuminates only one side of the border.

BE2018 / 5388

However, it could be symmetrical while remaining within the scope of the invention.

The secondary device is preferably in the form of a tube, the tube having a section of any shape. For example, the secondary device may have the shape of a tube of circular, square section, etc. This can be for example a pipe, a cable, an electric cable, a light garland, an LED garland, a light strip or a flexible neon light.

The first part can for example have a height between 5 cm and 20 cm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first cavities are arranged to mechanically block the secondary device. For example, the opening of the first cavity downwards is sufficiently narrow to block the secondary device in the first cavity, or the first cavity is closed downwards. One way to make the opening of the first cavity sufficiently narrow to block the secondary device, while allowing easy insertion of the latter, is that the opening is at least partially delimited by projecting elements. The border can for example be manufactured by extrusion or injection.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first cavities open out through an opening oriented downwards when the first parts of the first and second segments are mechanically coupled with the ground.

The opening thus allows, for example, to pass the light emitted by the lighting device downwards. This allows for example to light the ground well by marking the limit of a driveway.

It is possible that the opening is horizontal. The opening may also be tilted. For example, the opening can be in a

BE2018 / 5388 plane between 0 and 45 ° with the horizontal. Preferably, the opening is not vertical.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and the second segments each include an opaque wall located above its first cavity when its first part is mechanically coupled with the ground.

This allows the border to block the light emitted by the lighting device upwards and therefore makes it possible to avoid dazzling motorists or pedestrians.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first segment and the second segment are identical.

This simplifies the manufacture of the border, for example it makes it easier to extrude. It also makes the border more even.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first part of each of the first and second segments is intended to be driven into the ground.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first part of each of the first and second segments is intended to be coupled with a coupling device driven into the ground.

This coupling device can be a preexisting border for example, on which is fixed the first part.

In one embodiment of the invention, in each of the first and second segments, the first part is an extension of the second part.

This allows the border to be particularly easy to manufacture and solid. In addition, it is particularly easy to package and easy to drive into the ground. It is also more elegant than if the first part included horizontal elements.

BE2018 / 5388 In one embodiment of the invention, in each of the first and second segments, the first part is of thickness equal to or less than the second part.

This allows the border to be particularly easy to drive into the ground.

In one embodiment of the invention, the border further comprises a second cavity.

Preferably, the second cavity is essentially parallel to the first cavity. There may be more than two cavities, preferably parallel to each other.

The second cavity can for example be arranged to pass one or more elongated element (s) as at least one pipe and / or at least one cable. The second cavity can itself form a pipe.

A cable allows the border to provide a discreet means of routing electricity. When several lighting devices are arranged one after the other, the cable makes it possible to supply a second lighting device, located downstream from the power source. The cable can be a power cable, for example 12 V DC, 24 V DC or 220 V AC. The cable can also be an internet connection cable, for example Ethernet, which, connected to an outdoor wifi terminal, allows a wifi connection from the outside. In addition, the cable can be a cable for running away from animals or a guide cable for a robotic mower. Several cables may also be present in the second cavity.

The cavity allows the transport of microprocessor power and the placement of microprocessors spaced several meters apart, for example to repeat the WIFI, Bluetooth signal, etc.

BE2018 / 5388 The cavity is used to supply sensors spaced several meters apart, making it possible to follow the movement of pedestrians or cars and to illuminate only part of the paths.

A pipe makes it possible to bring water discreetly to a point in a garden.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second cavity is in communication with the first cavity. For example, the second cavity can open into the first cavity. This allows the elongated member to be hidden and retained by the secondary device. Preferably, the second cavity opens only into the first cavity.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second cavity is separated from the first cavity. For example, the border may include a hermetic obstruction between the first and second cavities. This can allow the second cavity to be electrically and / or mechanically isolated. This can be useful, for example, in passing water into the second cavity, using it as a hose.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second part has a thickness of between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 4 and 8 mm.

The inventor has found that such a thickness makes it possible to obtain a solid and flexible border. It is possible that the thickness of the first part is equal to the thickness of the second part.

In one embodiment of the invention, the third part has a height of at least 5 mm, preferably between 5 and 50 mm, more preferably between 10 and 30 mm.

The inventor has found that such a height made it possible to accommodate the first cavity without the weight of the third part causing the border to collapse.

In one embodiment of the invention, the total of the heights of the second part and of the first part is between 80 and 500 mm.

BE2018 / 5388 The inventor has found that such a height allows the first part to be sufficiently sunk into the ground while the second part is sufficiently far from the ground.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first segment and the second segment are part of the same object. The intermediate space is preferably also part of this object.

Preferably, the intermediate space comprises a flexible material so that it can be bent horizontally.

Thus, the border comprises, in this intermediate space, a material allowing the first and the second segments to make an angle between them. The border is then preferably continuous and made of flexible material between the first and the second segments.

In the context of this document, a flexible material can comprise a set of different materials. It may in particular comprise a plurality of essentially vertical rigid structures and a flexible filling material making it possible to join the rigid structures.

The flexible material is preferably opaque. The flexible material is preferably homogeneous. The flexible material is preferably isotropic. However, it is possible, while remaining within the scope of the invention, that the flexible material is anisotropic. For example, it can be arranged to be more rigid in a vertical direction than in a horizontal direction.

The flexible material makes the mechanical junction between the first and the second segments, allowing the border to serve as a means of separation between two spaces. For example, the first of these spaces can be a parterre where the ground level is raised above the ground level in the second of these spaces.

BE2018 / 5388 [0069] In one embodiment of the invention, the first segment, the second segment and the intermediate space are made of a flexible material.

Preferably, the flexible material is the same for the first segment, the intermediate space and the second segment. Preferably, there is no demarcation between the first segment and the intermediate space or between the second segment and the intermediate space. The middle space is the direct and continuous extension of the first segment and the second segment. For example, the intermediate space can have a section identical to the section of the first segment.

The flexible material can be, for example, a polymer, EPDM, PVC. The flexible material can include several flexible materials.

The flexible material, in addition to providing a means for obtaining an angle between the first and the second segments, allows the border to be rolled up to be packaged. This saves space during handling.

In one embodiment of the invention, one of the first, second and third parts is made of a material different from that of the others of the first, second and third parts.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flexible material has a Young's modulus of between 1 and 4000 MPa. For example, it can have a Young's modulus between 1 and 20 MPa, especially if it is EPDM, or a Young's modulus between 0.35 and 4 GPa, especially if it is PVC.

The applicant has found that such a material allows sufficient vertical rigidity and horizontal flexibility.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flexible material has a Young's modulus and an elastic limit such that the radius of curvature of the edge in a horizontal plane can be less than 50 mm and the angle vertical bending of the border is less than 10 ° when the first

BE2018 / 5388 parts of the first and second segments are mechanically coupled with the ground.

Indeed, it is preferable that the edge material is flexible enough so that it can be curved with a radius of curvature less than a threshold of 50 mm while being rigid enough to have a certain vertical hold, for example such that the angle between the second part and the vertical is less than 10 °. The limits of 50 mm and 10 ° have been determined by the inventor to be suitable. It is possible, while remaining within the scope of the invention, to choose other limits. For example, the material could be chosen so that the radius of curvature of the border in a horizontal plane is less than 1000 mm, 250 mm, 100 mm, 25 mm, 10 mm. In addition, the material could be chosen so that the angle between the second part and the vertical is less than 30 °, 20 °, 5 °, 4 °, 2 ° or 1 °.

Having a certain rigidity also makes it possible to obtain wide curves which are more elegant than tight curves.

In addition, the rigidity allows the border not to deform under the weight of the earth when there is a height demarcation in the ground level between the two sides of the border.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and the second segments are included in different objects.

The border thus comprises a plurality of segments, each segment being a different object. When the first parts of the first and second segments are mechanically coupled with the ground, the segments are interconnected by the secondary device which passes into the cavity of each segment. Preferably, the first and second segments are then made of a rigid material, for example wood, metal, or rigid PVC.

BE2018 / 5388 [0082] In one embodiment of the invention, the objects have a horizontal rhombic, parallelepiped, elliptical, oval or circular section.

This allows to arrange the objects closely while obliquing them with respect to each other.

In one embodiment of the invention, the objects have a rectangular horizontal section.

The invention further provides a system comprising an edge according to an embodiment of the invention and a secondary device disposed at least partially in the first cavity of each of the first and second segments of the edge. This system is preferably a lighting system intended to be installed outside.

The first cavity is preferably arranged to receive and mechanically block the secondary device. For example, the edges of the opening may spread when the secondary device is inserted and then be replaced by blocking the secondary device. This spacing is facilitated by the flexibility of the material.

Preferably, the first cavity has a cross-section, the circle having a diameter equal to the diameter of the secondary device. The opening of the first cavity represents between 150 ° and 179 ° of the circle, so that the secondary device can be mechanically inserted into the first cavity, but that it remains blocked there.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first segment and the second segment are part of the same object.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first segment, the second segment and the intermediate space are made of flexible material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and the second segments and the intermediate space satisfy the following inequalities:

BE2018 / 5388 h ^ gpi (1) o <“green, max ^c m ^D

Μ? (2) □ Klim

Ζσ where:

• e _m is the thickness of the second part, • h _m is the height of the second part, • h _s is the height of the third part, • g is the acceleration of Earth's gravity, • pi is the mass per unit length of an assembly formed by the third part and the secondary device, • E is the Young's modulus of the flexible material, • σ is the elastic limit of the flexible material, • Overt.max is ^a bending angle vertical equal to 10 °, and • Ru _m is a radius of curvature equal to 50 mm.

Equation (1) allows the border to be rigid enough not to be vertically deformed too much. Equation (2) allows the border to be flexible enough to follow the curve of a flowerbed.

It should be understood that any other model making it possible to determine the Young's modulus and / or the elastic limit could be used while remaining within the scope of the invention.

It is also possible, while remaining within the scope of the invention, that Qvert.max is equal to 4 ° and / or R _um equal to 25 mm.

It is preferred that the first and second segments satisfy the following inequalities:

(hi + h _m + h _s ) ² gpi r · <“green, max ^c (hi + h _m + h _s ) E _n

- <Rllm where:

• hi is the height of the first part, and

BE2018 / 5388 • p is the mass per unit length of the border and the secondary device.

These conditions modify the possible range of the Young's modulus and the possible range of elastic limit with respect to equations (1) and (2).

In one embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a second border, the secondary device being arranged at least partly in the first cavity of each of the first and second segments of the second border.

This allows many borders to be aligned by having secondary devices which pass in certain places from one border to the other. It is therefore not necessary that the length of a border is equal to the length of a secondary device.

In one embodiment of the invention, the borders form a closed curve.

This allows you to define a flowerbed in the middle of a lawn for example. In addition, if the soil is higher in the flower bed, the border according to the invention makes it possible to retain the soil in the flower bed. The flexible shape of the border prevents any earth leakage because the outline of the flowerbed does not have any corners.

In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary device is a lighting device.

The invention further provides a method of installing a system in which:

• a border according to one of the embodiments of the invention is installed by mechanically coupling with the ground a first part of a first segment and a first part of a second segment so that the first segment and the second segment make an angle in a horizontal plane and • a secondary device is installed by placing it, at least partly in a first cavity of a third part of the first

BE2018 / 5388 segment and in a first cavity of a third part of the second segment.

The advantages mentioned for the device apply mutatis mutandis to the method.

In one embodiment of the invention, the border is a border in which the intermediate space comprises a flexible material and the border is curved during its installation.

The invention further provides a method of manufacturing a border according to any embodiment of a border according to the invention.

Preferably, the manufacturing comprises an extrusion step. The extrusion is particularly suitable for making a border in which the intermediate space comprises a flexible material.

The manufacturing can for example use a method of coextrusion in which the edge is manufactured in a first material and a pipe is manufactured at the same time, in a second material, at least partially in the first or the second cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0107] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following detailed description for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures among which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a border according to a first possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates a border according to a second possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3a illustrates a sectional view of an edge according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3b illustrates a sectional view of a system according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

BE2018 / 5388

FIG. 4a illustrates a sectional view of an edge according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4b illustrates a sectional view of a system according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of an edge according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a border part according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7a illustrates a sectional view of a border part according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7b illustrates a sectional view of a border part according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7c illustrates a sectional view of an edge part according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a border part according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate a sectional view of part of an edge according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 10a is a side view of a possible shape of the first segment in a variant of the second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 10b is a front view of the first segment illustrated in FIG. 10a,

FIG. 11 is a view from the top of the borders according to the first embodiment of the invention, when they are mechanically coupled with the ground,

FIG. 12 is a view from the top of an edge according to the second embodiment of the invention, when it is mechanically coupled with the ground,

BE2018 / 5388

- Figure 13 is a top view of an edge according to another variant of the second embodiment of the invention, when it is mechanically coupled with the ground,

FIG. 14 is a first illustration of a model used in the context of the development of the present invention, and

- Figure 15 is a second illustration of a model used in the development of the present invention.

Modes of Carrying Out the Invention The present invention is described with particular embodiments and references to figures, but the invention is not limited by these. The drawings or figures described are only schematic and are not limiting.

In the context of this document, the terms "first" and "second" serve only to differentiate the different elements and do not imply an order between these elements.

In the figures, identical or similar elements may have the same references.

FIG. 1 illustrates a border 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a border 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In the first and second embodiments of the invention, the border 1 comprises a first segment 10 and a second segment 20 separated by an intermediate space 30.

The first segment 10 comprises a first part 11 intended to be mechanically coupled with the ground, a third part 13 intended to receive at least part of a secondary device (not shown) and a second part 12 mechanically joining the first part 11 and the third part 13. The third part 13 comprises a first cavity 15 (FIG. 2) for housing at least part of a secondary device. The

BE2018 / 5388 first cavity 15 is preferably closed upwards by an opaque wall 18 (FIG. 2) and open downwards through an opening 16.

The second segment 20 comprises a first part 21 intended to be mechanically coupled with the ground, a third part 23 intended to receive at least a part of the secondary device (not illustrated) and a second part 22 mechanically joining the first part 21 and the third part 23. The third part 23 comprises a cavity 25 (FIG. 2) for housing at least part of the secondary device. The cavity 25 is preferably closed upwards by an opaque wall 28 (Figure 2) and open downwards through an opening 26 (Figure 2).

Preferably, the first 10 and the second 20 segments are identical.

In the first embodiment of the invention (Figure 1), the first segment 10 and the second segment 20 are part of the same object. Preferably, the intermediate space 30, the first segment 10 and the second segment 20 are made of a flexible material and the intermediate space 30 is included in the border 1. This allows the border 1 to be curved during its installation. in the ground and therefore that the secondary device is also curved. Preferably, the first and second segments are made of the same flexible material as the intermediate space 30. The flexible material can have a Young's modulus of between 1 and 4000 MPa. Preferably, the segments 10, 20 have a rectangular horizontal section.

In the second embodiment of the invention (Figure 2), the intermediate space 30 is discontinuous: the first 10 and the second 20 segments are not mechanically coupled by the edge 1, they are included in objects different. This allows the planes of the first 10 and second 20 segments to be intersecting, and therefore that the secondary device is curved when it passes through the first 10 and second 20 segments. When the system comprising border 1 and the device

BE2018 / 5388 secondary is installed, the first 10 and the second 20 segments are coupled both by the ground and by the secondary device. It is possible that the border also includes a coupling element, for example a cable, coupling the first 10 and the second 20 segments. Preferably, the segments 10, 20 have a rectangular, triangular, circular, oval, elliptical or rhombic horizontal section (FIG. 13).

FIG. 3a illustrates a sectional view of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3a may as well correspond to the first as to the second embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3a makes it possible to illustrate different characteristics of the first segment 10. Since it is preferred that the second segment 20 is identical to the first segment 10, it is clear that the description given with reference to FIG. 3a can also be 'apply to the second segment 20. In addition, if the intermediate space 30 has a section identical to that of the first segment 10, the description made with reference to FIG. 3 can also apply to the intermediate space 30.

The following parameters are illustrated in FIG. 3a for the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3a:

• r is the radius of a tube used to model the third part

13, • η is the radius of the cylindrical hollow of said tube, • r _t is the thickness of the wall of said tube, • e _m , the thickness of the second part 12, • and, the thickness of the first part 11 , • hi is the height of the first part 11, • h _m is the height of the second part 12, and • h _s is the height of the third part 13.

BE2018 / 5388 The second part 12 preferably extends more in height than in thickness (Λ _{; η} > e _m ), in order to move the secondary device away from the ground while keeping the border 1 elegant, discreet and flexible.

Preferably, the first part has, over its entire height, a thickness equal to or less than the minimum thickness of the second part ( ^e m, min max) · For example, the first part can form a point towards the low. Preferably, the first part does not have a projecting part with respect to the second part.

Preferably, the first part is an extension of the second part.

The first cavity 15 can have a section of any shape. The first cavity 15 may for example have a section in an arc of a circle (FIGS. 3, 4, 7a, 8, 10a), in a trapezium (FIGS. 5, 7b), in a rectangle (FIGS. 6, 7c), or in any other form .

The opening 16 of the cavity preferably makes it possible to insert a secondary device of standard size, and to block it at least partially inside the cavity 15 once it is inserted.

In the first embodiment of the invention, it is preferable that the first segment 10, the second segment 20 and the border 1 in the intermediate space 30 respond to the following inequalities:

h _m ² g _Pl (1) p <Vvert, max £

h-sE _R (2) z7 ^<R, '”where:

• g is the acceleration of Earth's gravity, • pi is the mass per unit length of the assembly formed by the third part 13 and the secondary device 51, • E is the Young's modulus of the flexible material, • σ is the elastic limit of the flexible material,

BE2018 / 5388 • övert.max is the maximum vertical bending angle, and • R _am is the radius of curvature that it is preferable to be able to obtain. Thus, the dimensions and characteristics of the materials are chosen to obtain good vertical hold, by giving a maximum value to G _green , while allowing a horizontal curvature, by giving a maximum value to R.

D _vertmax can for example be equal to 10 ° or 4 °. R _lim can for example be taken equal to 500mm, 250 mm, 50 mm or 25 mm. For EPDM, R _lim is preferably of the order of a few tens of mm. For PVC, R _iim is preferably of the order of a few hundred mm.

These formulas were derived based on the following model.

First constraint: The border must be flexible enough to bend horizontally up to a certain radius of curvature R _lim without breaking. This constraint is particularly strong in the third part because this is where the stress will be the greatest.

The quadratic moment of a tube of radius r having a trough of radius η and a wall of thickness r _t can be calculated by

Ιχχ = ξ (r ⁴ - (r - rt) ⁴ ) ~ nr ³ rt [0132] The inertia module of this tube is worth

Z = £; (r ⁴ - (r - rt) ⁴ ) “nr ² rt [0133] The radius of curvature for a moment Μ applied and for a material having a Young's modulus E is = ^πτ ~ ³ ^ ^E Μ Μ [0134] A the elastic limit, i.e. for the maximum moment M _max tolerated by the tube before it breaks, we obtain the radius of curvature R _min nr ³ r _t E p - ^{L n} min - _M ^IVi max

BE2018 / 5388 [0135] The elastic limit is reached for

Mmax = σΖ = anr ² r _t where CT is the elastic limit and Z is the modulus of inertia.

Therefore, rE ^R min ~ _ (T [0137] So, so that the border 1 is able to bend in a horizontal plane with a radius of curvature R without breaking, its characteristics are chosen so that the equation be satisfied:

rE - = ^R min < ^R rE [0138] This therefore amounts to saying that the quotient - cannot exceed a limit value, which is the radius of curvature that one wishes to reach. As r is smaller than h _s , if h _s E - <Rtim σ

we always have rE < ^R lim σ [0139] We can also consider that h _s is close to 2r and therefore h _s E

-b <it Π[0140] Therefore, the constraint can be written as a function of r or as a function of / i _s .

It is also possible, while remaining within the scope of the invention, to replace h _s by + h _s or / i _m + h _s + ht in equation (2).

Second constraint: the border must not lean too vertically under the action of its weight and the secondary device. There is therefore a maximum permissible vertical bending angle. This constraint is particularly strong in the third part because it is the part furthest from the ground and potentially the heaviest.

BE2018 / 5388 [0143] The quadratic moment associated with the rectangular section of the second part as a function of its thickness e _m and its length b is _ be _m ^{3 xx} 12 [0144] It is linked to the Young's modulus and to the moment applied, Μ, by the equation

Μ _ / 1 1 \ / _xx \ Z? Rq) [0145] R is the radius of curvature. R _o is the initial radius of curvature and is considered here as infinite because border 1 is initially rectilinear.

[0146] So

E ₌ be _m ³ E

Μ 12 Μ [0147] The vertical bending angle for a height h _m is therefore _ h _m _ 12 MZi _m ~~ R ~ be _m ³ E [0148] It is the height of the second part which is taken here this is because 10 the first part is mechanically coupled with the ground and it can be considered that the weight is exerted at a distance h _m from the ground or from the coupling device. However, it would be possible to replace h _m by Zi _m + h _s / 2, h _m + h _s or h _m + h _s + in equation (1) while remaining within the scope of the invention.

The moment due to gravity over a length b for a mass per unit length of the third part 13 p _t is

Μ = h _m gp _L b. 12 V Therefore, if one does not want to exceed a maximum vertical bending angle of 0 _vertmax , the border must meet the following condition:

BE2018 / 5388 h _m ² gpt _n p <“green, max ^e m ^ß [0151] It should be understood that any other model making it possible to determine the Young's modulus and / or the elastic limit could be used while remaining within the scope of the invention. In particular, the mathematical and physical development presented here could be adapted more precisely to different forms of the border according to the invention.

[0152] Figure 3b illustrates a sectional view of a system 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. The border 1 illustrated in FIG. 3b is identical to the border 1 illustrated in FIG. 3a, except with regard to the first part 11 which is narrowed only on one side with respect to the second part 12.

The system 50 comprises a secondary device 51 disposed in the first cavity 15 so as to be blocked therein.

FIG. 4a illustrates a sectional view of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4a can correspond as well to the first as to the second embodiments of the invention.

In addition to the features already present in the embodiment of the invention illustrated with the aid of FIG. 3a, the border 1 illustrated in FIG. 4a comprises a second cavity 17. The second cavity 17 is preferably arranged to make pass an elongated element 52. Preferably, the second cavity 17 opens downward into the first cavity 15. Preferably, the second cavity 17 is closed upwards by the opaque wall 18. The second cavity 17 may have a circular section , in an arc, rectangular, parallelipiped, ...

The border 1 illustrated in Figure 4a also has a first beveled part 11. It is also possible, while remaining within the scope of the invention, that only one of the side surfaces of the first part be bevelled.

BE2018 / 5388 [0157] Figure 4b illustrates a sectional view of a system 50 according to an embodiment of the invention. The border 1 illustrated in FIG. 4b is identical to the border 1 illustrated in FIG. 4a, except as regards the first part 11 which is bevelled only on one side with respect to the second part 12.

The system 50 comprises a secondary device 51 disposed in the first cavity 15 so as to be locked in the latter and an elongated element 52 disposed in the second cavity 17.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. We see in particular an example of a first cavity 15 of trapezoidal section and opening 16 delimited by projecting elements 61.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a part of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. We see there in particular an example of a first cavity 15 of rectangular section, of opening 16 delimited by projecting elements 61, and of second cavity 17 separated from the first cavity 15 by a hermetic obstruction.

[0161] Figure 7a illustrates a sectional view of part of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. We see there in particular an example of a first cavity 15 of circular section, of opening 16 delimited by projecting elements 61, and of second cavity 17 of circular section and opening into the first cavity 15 by a communication 62.

[0162] Figure 7b illustrates a sectional view of part of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. We see there in particular an example of a first cavity 15 of trapezoidal section, of opening 16 delimited by projecting elements 61, and of second cavity 17 of circular section and opening into the first cavity 15 by a communication 62.

BE2018 / 5388 [0163] Figure 7c illustrates a sectional view of a portion of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. We see there in particular an example of a first cavity 15 of rectangular section, of opening 16 delimited by projecting elements 61, and of second cavity 17 of circular section and opening into the first cavity 15 by a communication 62.

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of part of an edge 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. We see in particular an example of a first cavity 15 of semi-circular section, of opening 16, and of second cavity 17 of circular section and separated from the first cavity 15 by a hermetic obstruction.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectional view of part of a border 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in which the first part 11, 21 of each of the first 10 and second 20 segments is intended to be coupled with a coupling device 70 driven into the ground 80. For this purpose, the first part 11, 21 preferably comprises a cut 71, for example an essentially vertical cut and opening out through a lower surface of the first part 11, 21.

Figures 5 to 9 can correspond to the first as well as to the second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10a is a side view of a possible shape of the first segment 10 in a variant of the second embodiment of the invention. Figure 10b is a front view of the first segment 10 illustrated in Figure 10a. According to this variation, the second segment 20 can be identical to the first segment 10. The first segment 10 can for example have a triangular section. Preferably, the cavity 15 is closed downwards and upwards and has lateral openings which make it possible to pass the secondary device laterally. When the edge 1 is put in place, the secondary device is inserted into the cavities 15, 25 of the segments and is kept far from the ground by the segments.

BE2018 / 5388

For a lighting system, the lighting comes from the parts of the secondary device that are between the segments.

Figure 11 is a top view of the borders 1a, 1b according to the first embodiment of the invention, when they are installed. The first 10 and the second 20 segments can be taken at numerous locations on each of the borders 1a, 1b. The flexibility of the intermediate space 30 allows the first 10 and the second 20 segments to make an angle a in the plane of the figure which is a horizontal plane.

Figure 12 is a top view of an edge 1 according to the second embodiment of the invention, when installed. The border 1 includes many first 10 and second 20 segments. The absence of material in the intermediate space 30 allows the first 10 and the second 20 segments to make an angle a in the plane of the figure which is a horizontal plane.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an edge 1 according to another variant of the second embodiment of the invention, when it is installed. The segments 10, 20 here have a rhombic horizontal section, which allows them to be both close and inclined relative to each other in a horizontal plane.

Figures 14 and 15 are illustrations of a model used in the development of the present invention. They arise from the following equalities:

rE ^R min ~ _ „12 h _m r ^{θ =} T ^ ^9P, ~ Ë ~ [0172] In other words, the invention relates to a border 1 for flowerbeds, parking spaces or driveways providing non-support straight for a linear secondary device, for example a lighting device.

The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have purely illustrative value and do not

BE2018 / 5388 should not be considered as limiting. In general, the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above. The use of the verbs "to understand", "to include", "to comprise", or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article "a", "an", or of the definite article "le", "la" or "Γ", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements. Reference numbers in the claims do not limit their scope.

Claims (32)

1. Border (1) intended to be mechanically coupled with the ground and comprising: • a first segment (10), and • a second segment (20); the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) each comprising: • a first part (11, 21) intended to be mechanically coupled with the ground, • a second part (12, 22), and • a third part (13, 23) comprising a first cavity (15, 25) arranged to receive at least part of a flexible secondary device; the second part (12, 22) forming a mechanical connection between the first part (11,21) and the third part (13, 23); characterized in that the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) are separated by an intermediate space (30) such that the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) can form an angle (a) in a horizontal plane when the first parts (11,21) of the first (10) and second (20) segments are mechanically coupled with the ground. 2. Edge (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first cavities (15, 25) open out through an opening (16, 26) oriented downwards when the first parts (11, 21) of the first (10) and second (20) segments are mechanically coupled with the ground. 3. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first (10) and the second (20) segments comprise BE2018 / 5388 each an opaque wall (18, 28) situated above its first cavity (15, 25) when its first part (11, 21) is mechanically coupled with the ground. 4. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) are identical. 5. Edge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first part (11, 21) of each of the first (10) and second (20) segments is intended to be driven into the ground. 6. border (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first part (11, 21) of each of the first (10) and second (20) segments is intended to be coupled with a coupling device (70) sunk into the ground (80). 7. Border (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first part (11, 21) comprises a cutout (71) intended to receive a part of the device (70) sunk into the ground. 8. A border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each of the first (10) and second (20) segments, the first part (11, 21) is an extension of the second part (12, 22). 9. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in each of the first (10) and second (20) segments, the first part (11, 21) is of thickness equal to or less than the second part (12, 22). BE2018 / 5388 10. Edge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second cavity (17). 11. Edge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second cavity (17) is in communication with the first cavity (15, 25). 12. Edge (1) according to claim 10, wherein the second cavity (17) is separated from the first cavity (15, 25). 13. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second part (12, 22) has a thickness of between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 4 and 8 mm. 14. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the third part (13, 23) has a height of at least 5 mm, preferably between 5 and 50 mm, more preferably between 10 and 30 mm. . 15. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the total of the heights of the second part (12, 22) and of the first part (11,21) is between 80 and 500 mm. 16. Border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) are part of the same object. BE2018 / 5388 17. Border (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first segment (10), the second segment (20) and the intermediate space (30) are made of a flexible material. 18. Edge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the flexible material has a Young's modulus of between 1 and 4000 MPa. 19. Border (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, in which the flexible material has a Young's modulus and an elastic limit such that the radius of curvature of the border (1) in a horizontal plane can be less than 50 mm and the vertical bending angle of the border is less than 10 ° when the first parts (11, 21) of the first (10) and second (20) segments are mechanically coupled with the ground. 20. Border (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first (10) and the second (20) segments are included in different objects (19, 29). 21. Border (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the objects (19, 29) have a horizontal rhombic, parallelepiped, elliptical, circular, oval or rectangular section. 22. System (50) comprising a first border (1a) formed by a border (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a secondary device (51) disposed at least partially in the first cavity (15, 25) of each of the first (10) and second (20) segments of the first border (1a). BE2018 / 5388 23. System (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) are part of the same object. 24. System (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the first segment (10), the second segment (20) and the intermediate space (30) are made of a flexible material. 25. System (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the first and second segments (10, 20) and the intermediate space (30) satisfy the following inequalities: 12 h _m ² gpt (1) 3 p “green, max ^e m ^ß Μ? (2) o Klim ίσ where: • e _m is the thickness of the second part (12, 22), • h _m is the height of the second part (12, 22), • h _s is the height of the third part (13, 23), • g is the acceleration of Earth's gravity, • pi is the mass per unit length of an assembly formed by the third part (13, 23) and the secondary device (51), • E is the Young's modulus of the material flexible, • σ is the elastic limit of the flexible material, • Overt, max is a vertical bending angle equal to 10 °, and • R _lim is a radius of curvature equal to 50 mm. 26. System (50) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, further comprising a second border (1b), the secondary device being disposed at least partially in the first cavity (15, 25) of BE2018 / 5388 each of the first (10) and second (20) segments of the second border (1b). 27. Exterior system (50) according to the preceding claim, in which the edges (1a, 1b) form a closed curve. 28. System (50) according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the secondary device is a lighting device. 29. Method of installing a system (50) in which: • a border (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 is installed by mechanically coupling with the ground a first part (11) of a first segment (10) and a first part (21) of a second segment (20) so that the first segment (10) and the second segment (20) make an angle (a) in a horizontal plane, and • a secondary device (51) is installed by arranging it, at least in part , in a first cavity (15) of a third part (13) of the first segment (10) and in a first cavity (25) of a third part (23) of the second segment (20). 30. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the border (1) is a border according to any one of claims 16 to 19 and the border (1) is curved during its installation. 31. Method for manufacturing a border (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, preferably comprising a step of extruding the border (1). __ BE2018 / 5388 32. Method of manufacturing a border (1) according to any one of claims 16 to 19 and comprising a step of extruding the border (1).