GB2475302A

GB2475302A - Interlocking border wall system

Info

Publication number: GB2475302A
Application number: GB0919937A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Raymond Thomas Peatling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-11-13
Filing date: 2009-11-13
Publication date: 2011-05-18
Also published as: GB0919937D0

Abstract

A border system 1 with plank-shaped members (4, 6, 8, 10) (e.g. of wood) with ends of the member shaped such that the end is divided into a non-protruding portion, and a protruding portion comprising a hole (64, 66, fig 2a) therethrough. The end faces each have a convex curved profile. The system is assembled by positioning members so that their ends cooperate by virtue of a protruding portion of a first member being positioned in the space left by a non-protruding portion of a second member with the holes in the respective protruding portions aligned so that a rod 12. 14. 18, can be inserted therethrough to fix the members to each other and the ground beneath. The members may be pivoted around the rod due to the curved end faces.

Description

BORDERS

The present invention relates to borders, in particular border systems and other linked systems, members for such systems, methods of manufacture of such members and systems, and methods of assembly of such systems. For example, the present invention relates to border members suitable for coupling to other such border members for use in raised border systems or retaining wall systems, for example raised beds for flowers or vegetables, lawn or garden edging, shuttering, animal hutches, compost heap retainers, and so on.

Various raised border systems, such as for providing raised beds or for edging lawns and gardens, utilise brackets or housing apparatus to connect lengths of timber together in such a way as to form the raised border system.

Generally, such raised border systems are difficult or complicated to assemble.

Also, most conventional raised border systems require that the lengths of timber be at a certain, fixed angle to each other.

US 6,202,367 discloses a way in which angular flexibility can be provided. In particular, a bracket and stake provide a means to support lengths of timber at a range of different angles to each other, and to anchor the lengths of timber to the ground to create retaining walls or edging for gardens and lawns.

However, provision and fixing of such a such bracket and stake system to the wood complicates manufacture and/or assembly, and overall requires a number of different processes directed to fabrication and assembly of items made from different materials and in different types of manufacturing processes.

Moreover, conventional bracket systems tend to look unsightly in an assembled structure and detract from the natural beauty of the wooden elements of the structure, which can be exacerbated when the materials used age or decay.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a member for a border or other linked system, the member comprising a generally plank-shaped member with a length direction and a width direction, with at least one length direction end of the member shaped such that, at the shaped end or ends, in the width direction the end is divided *.* into at least two portions with at least one of the portions being a protruding portion and at least one of the portions being a non-protruding portion, the protruding portion *** 0.. * .

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extending further in the length direction than the non-protruding portion, and wherein the protruding portion comprises a hole therethrough in the width direction.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a member, the method comprising: providing a generally plank-shaped member having a length direction and a width direction; shaping at least one length direction end of the member such that, at the shaped end or ends, in the width direction the end is divided into at least two portions with at least one of the portions being a protruding portion and at least one of the portions being a non-protruding portion, the protruding portion extending further in the length direction than the non-protruding portion, the shaping being performed by removing a portion from the end such that a portion that is not removed provides the protruding portion and the newly exposed end portion that has been exposed by removal of the removed portion provides the non-protruding portion; and forming a hole through the protruding portion in the width direction.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling a border or other linked system, the method comprising: positioning a first member in a desired position; positioning a second member in a desired position such that a shaped end of the first member is positioned so as to co-operate with a shaped end of the second member such that the protruding portion of the first member is positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the second member such that the hole in the protruding portion of the first member is aligned with the hole in the protruding portion of the second member; and inserting a rod through the aligned holes thereby fixing the first and second members to each other.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a border system with generally plank-shaped members (e.g. of wood) with length direction ends of the member shaped such that the end is divided into two portions with one of the portions being a protruding portion and the other portion being a non-protruding portion, the protruding portion extending further in the length direction than the non-protruding portion, and the protruding portion comprising a hole therethrough. The end faces each have a convex curved profile. The system is assembled by positioning two members so that their ends co-operate by virtue of a protruding portion of the first member being positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the second member with the holes in the respective protruding portions of the first and second members being aligned so that a rod can be inserted therethrough to fix the members to each other. The members may be pivoted around the rod due to the curved end faces surfaces.

Further aspects are as claimed in the appended claims. * *

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Embodiments of the present inventiOn will now be described, by way of examPle, with reference to the ompanyflg drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective vieW of a raised border system comprising a first embodiment of a border member; Figure 2A is a schematic illustration of a side view of a first border member; Figure 2B is a schematic illustration of a top view of the first border member of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a schematic illustration depicting coupling of the first border member and a second border member using a securing rod; Figure 3B is a further schematic iflustration depicting coupling of the first border member and a second border member using a first securing rod; Figure 4P a further schematic illustratiofl depicting an example pivoting operation between the first border member and the second border member; Figure 4B is a further schematic illustration depicting an example pivoting operation between the first border member and the second border member; Figure 5 is a process flowchart showing steps of an example fabrication process for fabricating the first border member; Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of a side VIeW of a plank; Figure 66 is a schematic illustration of a top view of the plank; Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of the plank showing the four cuts peormed in shaping the plank; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration showing a plurality of stacked border members; Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a side view of a further embodiment of a border member; Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a side view of second further embodiment of a border member; and Figure ii is a schematic illustration of a side view of a third further embodiment of a border member.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of a raised border system 1 in which a first embodiment of a border member is implemented. In thiS embodiment, the border member is used in a raised border system for confining tOp soil 2. HoWever, in other embodiments the border member may be used in a difiereflt 0" S * appropriate system for example raised beds for flo\NerS or vegetables edging, huttering, or retafliflQ watts for use in animal hutcheS or compost heaps.

In this embodiment, the raised border system i comprises a first border member 4, a second border member 6, a third border member 8, a fourth border member 10, a first securing rod 12, a second securing rod 14, a third securing rod 16, and a fourth securing rod 18.

In this embodiment, the border memberS 4, 6, 8, 10 are each of substantiafly the same shape as each other, In this embodiment the border members are each regularlY shaped planks of wood, except that their ends are shaped fl particular ways as io described below in more detail. The border members, as is the case with plankS in general are substantially planar with a surface plane defined by a length direction (indicated by reference numeral 121) and a width direction (indicated by reference numeral 122), the member/Plank also having a thickness direction (indicated by reference numeral 123).

The length of the member in the length direction and the width of the member in the width direction are each greater than the thickness of the member in the thickness direction. As mentioned, in this embodiment the border members are regularlY shaped planks Le. each of the length, width and thickness are substantiallY uniform (except for the endshapiflQ details described below) and the plane defined by the length direction zo and width direction is substantiallY flat i.e. the plank lS not bent or warped. However, such regularity or uniformity is not essential, and in other embodiments the border members may more generally be any suitable generally ptank5haPed member, including having irregular width and/or thickness, and/or including the plane defined by the length direction and the width direction not necessarily being flat Further details of the shape of the border members 4, 6, 8, 10 are described later below with reference to Figures 2A and 2B.

In this embodiment the border members are made of hardwood. ThiS advantageoUslY provides that the border members tend to be durable, i.e. able tO withstand long periods of outdoor use without degrading. Moreover, the use of a hardwood material advantageouslY tends to avoid any requirement for preser\1ati'e treatment of the wood which may affect the quality of the tO soil 2 retained in the raised border system 1.

* In this embodiment, the securing rods 12, 14, 16, 18 are each of substantiallY the *. : same shape, namely cylindrical. The securing rods 12, 14,16, 18 are rods each having * : a first end and a second end The first ends of the securing rods 12, 14, 16 18 are * * *..a * indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numerals 20. The second ends of the securing rods 1 2, 14, 16, 18 are indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numerals 22. Also, in this embodiment the securing rods 12, 14, 16, 18 are made of recycled plastic. This advantageously tends to provide that the securing rods 12, 14, 16, 18 are durable, and that the securing rods 12, 14, 16, 18 are sufficiently flexible to avoid the rods breaking during assembly and/or disassembly of the raised border system 1. In this embodiment, the securing rods 12, 14, 16, 18 each have a diameter of 7mm.

In this embodiment, the border members 4, 6, 8, 10 are coupled together as follows. This coupling of the border members 4, 6, 8, lOis described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. The first border member 4 is coupled to the second border member 6 and the fourth border member 10 via the first securing rod 12 and the fourth securing rod 18 respectively. The second border member 6 is coupled to the first border member 4 and the third border member 8 via the first securing rod 12 and the second securing rod 14 respectively. The third border member 8 is coupled to the second border member 6 and the fourth border member 10 via the second securing rod 14 and the third securing rod 16 respectively. The fourth border member 10 is coupled to the first border member 4 and the third border member 8 via the fourth securing rod 18 and the third securing rod 16 respectively.

In this embodiment, the raised border system 1 is secured to the ground (not shown in Figure 1) by driving the first ends 20 of the securing rods 12, 14, 16, 18 in to the ground.

Figure 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of the first border member 4. The second, third, and fourth border members 6, 8, 10 are substantially the same as the first border member 4 shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 2A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of the first border member 4.

Figure 2B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the first border member 4.

The first border member 4 comprises a top surface 40, a bottom surface 41, a first stepped edge, hereinafter referred to as the "first edge 42", a second stepped edge, hereinafter referred to as the "second edge 43", a first side surface, hereinafter referred to as the "first side 44", and a second side surface, hereinafter referred to as the "second side 45".

*. : In this embodiment, the top surface 40 and the bottom surface 41 are * 35 substantially parallel and are positioned on opposite sides of the first border member 4.

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Also, the first side 44 and the second side 45 are substantially parallel and are positioned on opposite sides of the first border member 4. Thus, in this embodiment the top surface 40 and the bottom surface 41 are substantially perpendicular the first side 44 and the second side 45. The first edge 42 and the second edge 43 are described in more detail later below.

Figure 2A further shows an axis of the first border member 4, hereinafter referred to as the "central axis 48". The central axis 48 is substantially parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface 41 and is substantially parallel with the length direction 1 21.

Moreover, the central axis 48 is substantially equidistant to the top surface 40 and the bottom surface 41.

The first border member 4 has a stepped, or staggered, shape at the first edge 42. This stepped, or staggered, shape at the first edge 42 is a single step, i.e. the first edge 42 has a first portion, and a second portion that is offset from the first portion. The first portion is hereinafter referred to as the "first non-offset edge 50'. The second portion is hereinafter referred to as the "first offset edge 52".

The first offset edge 52 is a portion of the first edge 42 of the first border member 4 between the top surface 40 and the central axis 48. The first non-offset edge 50 is a portion of the first edge 42 of the first border member between the central axis 48 and the bottom surface 41.

Thus a first (length direction) end 131 of the member 4 is shaped such that in the width direction 122 the end 131 is divided into a protruding portion 132 and a non-protruding portion 133.

The first border member 4 also has a stepped, or staggered, shape at the second edge 43. This stepped, or staggered, shape at the second edge 43 is a single step, i.e. the second edge 43 has a first portion, and a second portion that is offset from the first portion. The first portion is not offset from the second edge 43 and is hereinafter referred to as the "second non-offset edge 54". The second portion is offset from the second edge 43 and is hereinafter referred to as the "second offset edge 56".

The second offset edge 56 is a portion of the second edge 43 of the first border member 4 between the bottom surface 41 and the central axis 48. The second non-offset edge 54 is a portion of the second edge 43 of the first border member 4 that is between the central axis 48 and the top surface 40.

Thus a second (length direction) end 141 (i.e. the other end) of the member 4 is : shaped such that in the width direction 122 the end 141 is divided into a protruding * 35 portion 142 and a non-protruding portion 143. In this embodiment, whereas in the case ****** * * **** * **** * S of the first length direction end 131 its protruding portion 132 is below the central axis 48 (as seen in Figure 2A), in the case of the second length direction end 141 its protruding portion 142 is above the central axis 48 (as seen in Figure 2A), i.e. the sense is alternated. However, this need not be the case, and in other embodiments both ends of the plank have their protruding portion on the same side compared to the central axis 48, as for example is the situation for the embodiment described later below with reference to, and as shown in, Figure 10 In this embodiment, the length of the first border member 4, i.e. the distance between the first non-offset edge 52 and the second non-offset edge 54, is I m. In this embodiment, the width of the first border member 4, i.e. the distance between the top surface 40 and the bottom surface 41, is 0.14m. In this embodiment, the thickness of the first border member, i.e. the distance between the first side 44 and the second side 45, is 0.02m.

In this embodiment, the first offset edge 52 is offset from the first non-offset edge 50 by a distance of 22mm. In other words, the distance between the first non-offset edge 50 and the first offset edge 52 is 22mm. This distance 5 indicated in Figures 2A and 2B by a double-headed arrow and the reference numeral 60.

In this embodiment, the second offset edge 56 is offset from the second non-offset edge 54 by a distance of 22mm. In other words, the distance between the second non-offset edge 54 and the second offset edge 56 is 22mm. This distance S indicated in Figures 2A and 2B by a doubIeheaded arrow and the reference numeral 62.

The first border member 4 further comprises a first hole 64 and a second hole 66.

The first hole 64 is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 2A and by a circle in Figure 2B.

The second hole 66 is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 2A and by a circle in FigUre 26.

In this embodiment, the first hole 64 is a hole through a portion of the first border member 4 between the central axis 48 and the bottom surface 41 i.e. the first hole 64 is a hole that extends substantially parallel with the width direction 122 through the protruding portion 132 of the first length direction end 131 of the member 4. The first hole 64 has a diameter of 7mm. The first hole 64 is positioned such that the centre of the hole is positioned 10.5mm from the first non-offset edge 50. Also, the first hole 64 is positioned such the centre of the hole is 11.5mm from the first offset edge 52.

Furthermore, the first hole 64 is positioned such that the centre of the hole is substantially equidistant from the first side 44 and the second side 45.

* In this embodiment, the second hole 66 is a hole through a portion of the first border member 4 between the central axis 48 and the top surface 40 i.e. the second * I

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hole 66 is a hole that extends substantially parallel with the width direction 122 through the protruding portion 142 of the second length direction end 141 of the member 4. The second hole 66 has a diameter of 7mm. The second hole 66 is positioned such that the centre of the hole is positioned 10.5mm from the second non-offset edge 54. Also, the second hole 66 is positioned such that the centre of the hole is 11.5mm from the second offset edge 56. Furthermore, the second hole 66 is positioned such that the centre of the hole is substantially equidistant from the first side 44 and the second side 45.

In this embodiment, the surface of the first border member 4 at the first non-offset edge 50 is curved. In particular, when viewed from above (i.e. the top view in Figure 2B) the surface of the first non-offset edge 50 is convex and substantially semi-circular in shape, the diameter of the semi-circle being equal to the thickness of the first border member 4 between the first and second sides 44, 45 at the first non-offset edge 50.

In this embodiment, the surface of the first border member 4 at the first offset edge 52 is also curved. In particular, when viewed from above (i.e. the top view in Figure 2B) the surface of the first offset edge 52 is convex and substantially semi-circular in shape, the diameter of the semi-circle being equal to the thickness of the first border member 4 between the first and second sides 44, 45 at the first offset edge 52.

In this embodiment, the surface of the first border member 4 at the second non-offset edge 54 is curved. In particular, when viewed from above (i.e. the top view in Figure 2B) the surface of the second non-offset edge 54 is convex and substantially semi-circular in shape, the diameter of the semi-circle being equal to the thickness of the first border member 4 between the first and second sides 44, 45 at the second non-offset edge 54.

In this embodiment, the surface of the first border member 4 at the second offset edge 56 is also curved. In particular, when viewed from above (i.e. the top view in Figure 2B) the surface of the second offset edge 56 is convex and substantially semi-circular in shape, the diameter of the semi-circle being equal to the thickness of the first border member 4 between the first and second sides 44, 45 at the second offset edge 56.

Thus, a border member according to a first embodiment is provided. The coupling together of two such border members will now be described with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. A method of fabrication of the above described border member is described later below with reference to Figure 5.

. : Figure 3A and 3B are schematic illustrations (not to scale) depicting an example * 35 way of coupling the first border member 4 and the second border member 6 using the *. ** ** * S I,..

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*** I. d S first securing rod 12. The example coupling operation described below with reference Figures 3A and 3B equally applies to those other couplings in the raised border system 1 mentioned above with reference to Figure 1.

The same reference numerals used in Figures 2A and 2B to indicate the above described the features of the first border member 4 are used in Figure 3A and 3B to indicate corresponding features of the second border member 6 that are shown in Figure 3Aand3B.

In this example, the first border member 4 and the second border member 6 are positioned such that: the second hole 66 of the first border member 4 and the first hole 64 of the second border member 6 are aligned; the top surfaces 40 of the first and second border members 4, 6 lie substantially on the same plane; the surface of the first border member 4 that lies on the central axis 48 of the first border member 4 through which the second hole 66 is formed abuts the surface of the second border member 6 that lies on the central axis 48 of the second border member 6 through which the first hole 64 is formed. It will be appreciated that the shaped ends of the respective members accordingly co-operate with each other, in that the protruding portion of the end of the first member 4 is positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the abutting end of the second member 6, and vice-versa in that furthermore the protruding portion of the end of the second member 6 is positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the abutting end of the first member 4.

To couple the first border member 4 and the second border member 6, the first end 20 of the first securing rod 12 is passed through the second hole 66 of the first border member 4, and then through the first hole 64 of the second border member 6.

Thus, the first and second border members 4, 6 are coupled together.

When through the first hole 64 of the second border member 6, the first end 20 of the first securing rod 12 is driven in to the ground (not shown) to advantageously secure the coupled border members to the ground.

Moreover, the first securing rod 1 2 may be driven into the ground such that the top of the first securing rod, i.e. the end opposite the first end 20, is flush with the top surface 40 of the first border member. This advantageously provides that the coupling of the border members has a flush finish. Alternatively, the first securing rod 12 may be :::: driven into the ground such that a portion of the first securing rod 12 protrudes above the top surface 40 of the first border member 4. This advantageously allows for the * attachment of one or more items thereto, for example an appropriate roof or lid to a 35 structure formed from a plurality of coupled border members. For example, a roofs made * . a... * . a a... a

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-10 -of netting may be used to keep birds away from crops raised bed made of the border members.

The portion of the first securing rod 1 2 that lies through the aforementioned holes 64, 66 is indicated by dotted lines in Figure 3B.

The above described coupling example advantageously provides that the first border member 4 is able to pivot about the first securing rod 12 relative to the second border member 6. Similarly, the second border member 6 is able to pivot about the first securing rod 12 relative to the first border member 4. This is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 A and 4B.

Also, the above described coupling example provides that portions of the coupled members overlap to some extent. This provides that the border members fit snugly to one another (due to their complementary/co-operating end-shapes) whilst still allowing for the pivoting movement mentioned above. This tends to be in contrast to conventional systems, wherein border members tend to be held at a distance by a coupling means, for example a holding bracket.

Figures 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations (not to scale) depicting an example pivoting operation between the first border member 4 and the second border member 6.

The example pivoting operation described below with reference Figures 4A and 4B equally applies to those couplings in the raised border system 1 mentioned above with reference to Figure 1.

Figures 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of a bottom view of the first border member 4 and the second border member 6 coupled as described above with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. The first border member 4 and the second border member 6 are positioned such that they lie obliquely to one another. The angle between the first border member 4 and the second border member 6 is hereinafter referred to the angle 70".

In the configuration of the first border member 4 and the second border member 6 shown in Figure 4A, the angle 70 is ninety degrees.

The angle 70 may be changed by pivoting one of the border members relative to the other border member (to which it is coupled) about the first securing rod 12. In an example pivoting operation the second border member 6 is pivoted about the first securing rod 12 relative to the first border member 4 by moving the distal end of the second border member 6, i.e. the end of the second border member 6 not coupled to the *.. first border member 4, in an arc such that the angle 70 is increased. Figure 4B shows the configuration of the border members 4, 6 after performing the example pivoting operation. The angIe 70 of Figure 4B is larger than that in Figure 4A.

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-11 -The above described example pivoting operation is facilitated by the curved surfaces of the second non-offset edge 54 and the second offset edge 56 of the first border member 4, and the curved surfaces of the first non-offset edge 50 and the first offset edge 52 of the second border member 6. These curved surfaces tend to maintain a clearance between the border members 4, 6 during the example pivoting operation (whUst nevertheless retaining a "snug" fit). Thus, the curved surfaces dvantage0u5 tend to allow for the angle 70 having a wider range of values than if the atorementb0Id surfaces were not curved. In this embodiment, the first and second border memberS 4, 6 may be pivoted such that angle 70 is in the range 50 degrees to 310 degreeS.

An example method of fabricating the first border member will now be described with reference to Figure 5. The described example method equally applies to the fabrication of the second, third and fourth border members 6, 8, 10.

Figure 5 is a process flowchart showing steps of an example fabrication process for fabricating a first border member 4 according to the present embodiment.

At step s2, a plank of hardwood is provided.

Figures 6A and 6B are schematic illustrations (not to scale) of the plank 100 Figure 6A is a schematic illustration of a side view of the plank ico. Figure 6B is a schematic illustration of a top view of the plank 100. The same reference numerals as those used in Figure 2A and 2B have been used to indicate corresp0nd0 surfaces.

In this embodiment, the plank 100 is substantially rectangular cbOid in shape.

The plank has a length 80, a width 82, and a thickness 84. The length 80 is 1 m. The width 82 is 0.14m. The thickness 84 is 0.02m. The length 80, width 82 and thickness 84 are in respective correspondence to the earlier described length direction 121, width direction 122 and thickness direction 123.

At step s4, the plank 100 is shaped by removing portionS of the plank 100. In this example the plank is shaped by performing four cuts into the plank 100 using an appropriate saw, for example a bed saw.

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of the plank ico showing the four cuts, hereinafter referred to as the first cut 90", the "second cut 92", the "third cut * .. 30 94", and the "fourth cut 96", made at step s4. The four cutS 90, 92, 94, 96 are indicated *s' in Figure 6 by dotted lines.

The first cut 90 is made in to the first edge 42 of the plank 100, substantially * . equidistant from the top surface 40 and the bottom surface 41 of the plank 100. The first cut 90 is made such that it is substantially parallel to the top and bottom surfaces 40, 41 and extends into the plank 100 for a distance of 22mm from the first edge 42. a... a a... * a

-12 -The second cut 92 is made in to the top surface 40 of the plank 100, at a distance of 22mm from the first edge 42. The second cut 92 is made such that it is substantially parallel to the first and second edges 42, 43, and extends into the plank for a distance of 0.07m, i.e. such that it meets the first cut 90.

Thus, a portion of the plank 1 00 that has at its borders the first cut 90, the second cut 92, a portion of the first edge 42, and a portion of the top surface 40 is removed.

The third cut 94 is made in to the second edge 43 of the plank 100, substantially equidistant from the top surface 40 and the bottom surface 41 of the plank 100. The third cut 94 is made such that it is substantially parallel to the top and bottom surfaces 40, 41 and extends into the plank 100 for a distance of 22mm from the second edge 43.

The fourth cut 96 is made in to the bottom surface 41 of the plank 100, at a distance of 22mm from the second edge 43. The fourth cut 96 is made such that it is substantially parallel to the first and second edges 42, 43, and extends into the plank for a distance of 0.07m, i.e. such that it meets the third cut 94.

:15 Thus, a portion of the plank 100 that has at its borders the third cut 94, the fourth cut 96, a portion of the second edge 43, and a portion of the bottom surface 41 is removed.

At step s6, surfaces of the shaped plank are curved. The surfaces that are curved are as follows: the surface corresponding to the second cut 92, the surface corresponding to the unremoved portion of the first edge 42, the surface corresponding to the fourth cut 96, and the surface corresponding to the unremoved portion of the second edge 43. These surfaces are curved such that, when viewed from above, the surface has a convex semi-circular shape along the whole of the surface, the diameter of the semi-circular surface being the thickness 84 of the plank 100.

In this embodiment, the curving of the aforementioned surfaces is performed using an appropriately shaped router. However, in other embodiments, the curving of any of the aforementioned surfaces is performed using a different appropriate wood shaping procedure.

At step s8 the first and second holes 64, 66 are drilled. * * *

* 30 The first hole 64 is drilled to form a hole through a portion of the shaped plank *S..

* **** between the surface corresponding to the first cut 90 and the bottom surface 41, The first hole 64 has a diameter of 7mm. The first hole 64 is positioned such that its centre is S. * * * 10.5mm from the surface corresponding to the unremoved portion of the first edge 42, and such that its centre is 11.5mm from the surface corresponding to the second cut 92. **** *i*

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-13 -Furthermore, the first hole 64 is positioned such that it is substantially equidistant from the first side 44 and the second side 45.

The second hole 66 is drilled to form a hole through a portion of the shaped plank between the surface corresponding to the third cut 94 and the top surface 40. The second hole 66 has a diameter of 7mm. The second hole 66 is positioned such that its centre is 10.5mm from the surface corresponding to the unremoved portion of the second edge 43, and such that its centre is 11.5mm from the surface corresponding to the fourth cut 96. Furthermore, the second hole 66 is positioned such that it is substantially equidistant from the first side 44 and the second side 45.

Thus, a fabrication process for fabricating a first border member 4 is provided.

This fabrication process is advantageously simple. The wood is processed using simple, conventional wood shaping processes, i.e. cutting/sawing, routing, and drilled.

The provided border members provide that a structure built from a plurality of such border members, such as the raised border system described above with reference to Figure 1, tends to be easier to assemble than structures formed using conventional border members. Moreover, these structures tend to be advantageously relatively simple to disassemble. This ease of assembly/disassembly is facilitated by the need of only a single securing rod to couple together more than one border member. In particular, no additional tools, such as screws, or nails, tend to be required for assembly.

Moreover, in this embodiment the border members are coupled using a simple securing rod. This advantageously tends to avoid the need for complicated bracket or housing

apparatus present in the prior art.

A further advantage provided by the above described border members is that they are advantageously simple and/or cheap to produce. The simple and/or low cost production of the border members tends to be facilitated by the border members being made from a single piece of hardwood. This advantage also tends to be facilitated by the relatively simple cutting, routing and drilling processes involved in the fabrication of the border members, such as the processes described above with reference to Figure 5, including the aspect that other types of materials and resultantly different process set-ups are not involved. S...

Moreover, the securing rods being of simple rod shape tends to provide for simple, low cost production of the rods. * * S

* A further advantage provided for by the border members and securing rods being *:: made from a respective single materials, i.e. hardwood and recycled plastic respectively, using a relatively simple processes, is that the border members and the securing rods S... *S..S * .

-14 -tend to be more environmentally friendly that conventional systems which tend to use many materials and/or complicated fabrication processes.

A further example provided for by avoiding the use of complicated housing or bracket apparatus to couple the border members, or the use of additional elements, such as nails or screws, is that structures formed from the border members of the present invention tend to be aesthetically pleasing than those formed from conventional border members. This additionally avoids any need for a user to hide unattractive elements, for example unsightly coupling means.

A further advantage provided by the above described border members and securing rods is that the securing of any structure formed using the border members and securing rods to the ground is provided for. The securing rods tend to be driveable into the ground, thus securing a structure built using them.

A further advantage provided by the above described border members and securing rods is that the pivoting of one border member with respect to another member (as described above with reference to Figures 4a and 4B) tends to be advantageously durable. For example, the pivoting operation tends to be more resistant to ceasing up than conventional means which may use, for example, hinged or pivoting mechanisms which may become rusted or blocked with dirt after extend periods outdoors.

A further advantage provided for by the above described border members and securing rods is that the coupling of members, such as that described above with reference to Figures 3A and 3B, tends to provide that portions of the coupled together members overlap to some extent. This advantageously tends to provide that the length of a structure having a plurality of above described border members along its length is sum of the lengths of the individual border members. In contrast, the length of a structure having a plurality of conventional border members along its length is the length of the border members, plus the additional lengths of the portions of any coupling means for the members, e.g. brackets, which do not overlap with the length of the border members. This advantageously tends to make it easier for a user requiring a structure having specific dimensions formed from a plurality of coupled together members, to determine the number of border members required to form the required structure. This *** coupling of members also tends to provide for a more uniform, and aesthetically pleasing, appearance of a structure formed from a plurality of above described border members because no additional brackets or housings are required.

In the above embodiments, four border members are arranged/coupled/fixed substantially in a square to provide a raised border system. However, in other 0***

S *.**

-15 -embodiments any number of border members may be arranged in any appropriate shape. In other words, in other embodiments any number of border members may be coupled together at any angle. Also, any plural number of border members, i.e. 2 or more, may be arranged/fixed/coupled in a non-closed loop arrangement. For example, if two sides of a rectangular area of soil are already closed in or otherwise supported (e.g. on a sloping bank), then only two members might be needed to retain the remaining exposed lengths of soil.

Moreover, in other embodiments border members may be arranged such that they are stacked on top of other border members. For example, two border members may be coupled together such that a securing rod is positioned through the first hole of both border members and such that the top surface of one border member is in contact with the bottom surface of the other border member. Also, as shown schematically in Figure 8, two (or more) such stacked border members 204 may additionally be coupled to a further border member (or plural border members 204) all fixed by a single rod 212.

Thus an assembled border system or other finished product assembly (e.g. a hutch or e.g. a retainer for compost) can be assembled with plural sides, one or more sides having plural stacked members. This advantageously tends to allow a user to form structures of different heights and/or a structure having portions of different heights using the border members and securing rods.

In the above embodiments, the structure formed from the border members and securing rods is a raised border system for retaining top soil. However, in other embodiments the structure formed is a different appropriate structure for a different purpose or purposes. For example, a plurality of borders may be coupled in a line to provide a lawn border or soil border.

Moreover, in other embodiments additional features are incorporated in to body of a border member to facilitate a different purpose. For example, Figure 9 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a second embodiment of a border member, hereinafter referred to as the "second member 102". The same reference numerals as those used in the description and Figures for the first embodiment have * 30 been used to indicate the same features. In addition to the features of the above **** ***** described embodiment of athe first border member 4, the second member 102 comprises a mesh window' 104, i.e. a features formed by removing a mid portion of the ** * * * border member to form a through hole between the first and second sides 44, 45, and * covering said through hole with a mesh such that light and air may propagate through the hole and such that the contents of a structure formed using the second member 1 02 a *a** ***** a * -16 -are retained. The mesh may, for example be a wire mesh or any other appropriate material. This advantageously tends to allow for increased light/air propagation between the side sides of the second member 102. This feature tends to be advantageous in many situations, for example, a structure built using one or more of the further border members and used as a composter would benefit from the increased air flow which would tend to speed up the composting process. A further example structure, for example an animal hutch built using one or more of the second members 102 would benefit from the increased air flow and the increased visibility through the member allowed for by the mesh.

In the above embodiments, the border members are substantially straight or flat, i.e. the sides of a member are substantially parallel or perpendicular to other sides of the member as described above with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. However, in other embodiments a member may be a different appropriate shape. For example in other embodiments the sides of the border member are curved so as to allow for circular, or arced, structures to be formed.

In the above embodiments, the border members have the dimensions described above. However, the values given above are not essential. In other embodiments one or more border members may have different appropriate dimensions.

In the above embodiments, the border members are made of hardwood.

However, in other embodiments the border members are made of different a appropriate material or materials, for example cheaper woods e.g. treated soft woods, or materials other than wood, for example chipboard, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), plastics, etc. In the above embodiments, the securing rods are made of recycled plastic.

However, in other embodiments the securing rods are made of a different appropriate material or materials, for example wood.

In the above embodiments, the raised border system does not comprise a lid or roof. However, in other embodiments the structure formed using the border members and securing rods comprises a lid or roof. For example, an animal hutch may be provided by the use of a solid roof, a crop propagation area may be provided by the use * 30 of a clear roof. In some embodiments, the roof is sloped to provide for rain run-off. In * .S.

***** other embodiments the roof or lid is adapted to fit and/or secure to the border system, for example, a roof may comprise one or more holes into which one or more of the securing * rods may fit.

*:* In the above embodiment, the surfaces of the border member at the first non-offset edge, the first offset edge, the second non-offset edge, and the second offset S** *.IS * S..... *

-17 -edge are each curved with a convex shape to provide for an increased range of angles through which coupled border members may pivot relative to each other. However, in other embodiments, substantially convex shapes other than curved as such may be used. For example, a series of straight edges may be provided that functionally together act curve-like, allowing at least a certain extent and ease of rotational freedom between fixed members, even though they are not curved in the sense of smoothly defining a shape such as, for example, a semi-circle. However, in other embodiments one or more of the aforementioned surfaces is differently curved or otherwise shaped such that the same functionality is provided for. Also, in other embodiments, not all of the aforementioned surfaces are substantially convex, i.e. some of them may be flat or concave, nevertheless those of the surfaces that are convex still allow for a degree of pivoting movement of one border member relative to another border member to which it is coupled, albeit not as good as the degree of pivoting movement allowed for by the embodiments in which all the above mentioned surfaces are convex.

In the above embodiments, a border member is fabricated using a fabrication process as described above with reference to Figure 5. However, in other embodiments the border member is fabricated using a different appropriate process.

In the above embodiments, a border member is fabricated from a single piece of material. However, in other embodiments the border member is fabricated from more than one piece of material.

In the above embodiments, the first offset edge is contiguous with the top surface, and the second offset edge is contiguous with the bottom surface. This allows border members to be coupled together such that there is a snug fit that allows for pivoting movement of the border members, as mentioned above. However, in other embodiments the border members are configured differently such that the snug fit and the allowance for pivoting movement are maintained. For example, Figure 10 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a third embodiment of a border member, hereinafter referred to as the third member 106". The same reference numerals as those used in the description and Figures for the first embodiment have been used to indicate the same features. The third member 106 has the first offset edge *. 52 contiguous with the bottom surface 41, and the second offset edge 54 contiguous *..., with the bottom surface 41. Also, the third member 106 has the first hole 64 through a portion of the second further member 106 between the central axis 48 and the top *. surface 40 and proximate the first non-offset edge 50. The third member may be coupled *: to other border members, inverting it if necessary, in a corresponding way to the border S... sS'

S.....

-18 -member of the first embodiment. This coupling maintains the snug fit and the allowance for pivoting movement.

In the above embodiment, border members couple together such that a single portion of one border member overlaps a single portion of the other border member to which it is coupled. In other words, the first border member has, at one edge a stepped, or staggered, shape that is a single step. However, in other embodiments one or more pairs of border members couple together such that more than one portion of one border member overlaps a portion of the other border member to which it is coupled, i.e. a border member has a stepped edge having more than one step. For example, Figure 11 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a side view of a fourth embodiment of a border member, hereinafter referred to as "the fourth member 108". The same reference numerals as those used in the description and Figures for the first embodiment have been used to indicate the same features. The fourth member 108 comprises a first non-offset edge 50, a first offset edge 52, a second non-offset edge 54, a second offset edge 56, a third non-offset edge 500, a third offset edge 520, a fourth non-offset edge 540, and a fourth offset edge 560. The fourth member 108 has the shape of two first border members joined together such that the top surface 40 of one border member is in contact with the bottom surface 41 of the other member, and such that the first edges 42 of the members are aligned, and such that the second edges 42 of the members are aligned.

In the above embodiments, the shaped ends are in essence provided by removing a stepped portion from some of the width of the plank at the end, such that the remaining portion provides an extended or protruding portion. However, this need not be the case, and in other embodiments shaped ends that have the same shapes as described above may instead be provided by attaching an added portion to some of the width of the plank at the end such that this added portion provides the extended or protruding portion. * * * *. 30 **** * ** * * * S * ** * * S... *.*S

*...S.

S

Claims

-19 -CLAIMS1. A member for a border or other linked system, the member comprising a generally plank-shaped member with a length direction and a width direction, with at least one length direction end of the member shaped such that, at the shaped end or ends, in the width direction the end is divided into at least two portions with at least one of the portions being a protruding portion and at least one of the portions being a non-protruding portion, the protruding portion extending further in the length direction than the non-protruding portion, wherein the protruding portion comprises a hole therethrough in the width direction, and wherein the end face of at least one of the protruding portions, or of at least one of the non-protruding portions, or of at least one of the protruding portions and at least one of the non-protruding portions, has a substantially convex profile when viewed from above the shaped end in a viewing direction substantially parallel with the width direction of the plank.
2. A member according to claim 1, wherein the substantially convex profile is a substantially curved profile,
3. A member according to claim 2, wherein the substantially curved profile is substantially a semi-circular shape.
4. A member according to claim 3, wherein the substantially semi-circular shape has a diameter substantially equal to the thickness of the member.
5. A member according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein all the protruding portions have the substantially convex profile.
6. A member according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein all the non-protruding portions have the substantially convex profile. S... * . S* 30
7. A member according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein there is only one protruding * .* * ***. portion and only one non-protruding portion at the or at each shaped end. *S **
8. A member according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein both length direction ends of the member are shaped as claimed. *S** *555S**SSSS S * -20 -
9. A member according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the member is made from one piece of material.
10. A member according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the member is made of wood.
11. A set of members for a border or other linked system, the set comprising at least two members according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein a shaped end of a first of the members of the set is shaped so as to co-operate with the shaped end of a second member of the set such that the protruding portion of the first member can be positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the second or further members such that the hole in the protruding portion of the first member is aligned with the hole in the protruding portion of the second member.
12. A border or other linked system, the system comprising: a rod; and at least two members according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein a shaped end of a first of the members of the set is shaped so as to co-operate with the shaped end of a second member of the set such that the protruding portion of the first member can be positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the second or further members such that the hole in the protruding portion of the first member is aligned with the hole in the protruding portion of the second member; wherein the rod diameter is smaller than the diameter of the holes through the protruding portions of the members such that the rod can be passed through and positioned in the aligned holes to attach the two members to each other.
13. A method of manufacturing a member according to any of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: providing a generally plank-shaped member having a length direction and a width * 30 direction; **** ***** shaping at least one length direction end of the member such that, at the shaped end or ends, in the width direction the end is divided into at least two portions with at * * . least one of the portions being a protruding portion and at least one of the portions being *:*4 a non-protruding portion, the protruding portion extending further in the length direction than the non-protruding portion, the shaping being performed by removing a portion from **** * *.*S** * * -21 -the end such that a portion that is not removed provides the protruding portion and the newly exposed end portion that has been exposed by removal of the removed portion provides the non-protruding portion; forming a hole through the protruding portion in the width direction; and providing a substantially convex profile to the end face of at least one of the protruding portions, or of at least one of the non-protruding portions, or of at least one of the protruding portions and at least one of the non-protruding portions, the substantially convex profile being substantially convex when viewed from above the shaped end in a viewing direction substantially parallel with the width direction of the plank.
14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the substantially convex profile is a substantially curved profile.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the substantially curved profile is substantially a semi-circular shape.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the substantially semi-circular shape has a diameter substantially equal to the thickness of the member.
17. A method according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the substantially convex profile is provided to all the protruding portions.
18. A method according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the substantially convex profile is provided to all the non-protruding portions.
19. A method according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein only one protruding portion and only one non-protruding portion is provided at the or at each shaped end.
20. A method according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the shaped end is * * * provided at both length direction ends of the member.S*.. :
21. A method according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the plank-shaped member * * is a single piece of material.*S.*SSS *S *S S.S * S-22 -
22. A method according to any of claims 13 to 21, wherein the member is made of
23. A method of assembling a border or other linked system, the method comprising: positioning a first member according to any of claims 1 to 10 in a desired position; positioning a second member according to any of claims 1 to 10 in a desired position such that a shaped end of the first member is positioned so as to co-operate with a shaped end of the second member such that the protruding portion of the first member is positioned in the space left by the non-protruding portion of the second member such that the hole in the protruding portion of the first member is aligned with the hole in the protruding portion of the second member; and inserting a rod through the aligned holes thereby fixing the first and second members to each other.
24. A method according to claim 23, further comprising driving the rod into the ground or other matter below the members thereby securing the members to the ground or other matter below the members.
25. A method according to claim 23 or claim 24, further comprising pivoting one or both of the members around the rod to position the members in a further desired combination of positions.
26. A method according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the positions of the members are such that the members are fixed relative to each other at an angle other than a right angle.
27. A border or other linked system member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
28. A set of members for a border or other linked system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. * * *29. A border or other linked system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.* 30. A method of manufacturing a member for a border or other linked system as * * * * hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.31. A method of assembling a border or other linked system as hereinbefore ** 35 described with reference to the accompanying drawings. ****S * S