GB2499320A

GB2499320A - Weed barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2499320A
Application number: GB1302055.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-09
Filing date: 2013-02-06
Publication date: 2013-08-14
Also published as: IES20130042A2; IES86187B2; IE20130041A1; GB201302055D0

Abstract

A weed barrier comprises three sections 2 which are interlinked to surround a tree trunk and has spikes 52 for anchoring in the ground. Each section may cover 120Â° so that when inter-connected form a circle having a central aperture. Each section may comprise a planar body of plastics material and may have four integral spikes. At one end the section may have a tongue 53 with two inter-locking apertures 54. At the other end the section may have two corresponding pegs 55 for engaging the apertures of an adjoining section. Each section may be higher on an inner curved side so that it forms a border for retention of ground covering material such as pebbles or mulch. The barrier may further comprise a flexible weed-block material configured to cover the central aperture. Also disclosed, is a landscape assembly comprising weed-proof material and the weed barrier adapted to form a path.

Description

-1 -

"A Weed Barrier"

INTRODUCTION

5 Field of the Invention

The invention relates to weed barriers for gardens and parks.

Prior Art Discussion

10

US2006/0072968 (Smiley) describes an expanding weed inhibitor for the base of a tree. The device has overlapping semi-circular wings. JP2002142569 (Masayuki) describes a weed preventative sheet for a flowerpot. JP2003289730 (Masao) describes a soil-covering sheet for trees, which is in two parts. KR20110075194 describes a ground cover for week removal at the 15 bottom of a tree.

The invention is directed towards providing an improved weed barrier which is easier to install, and/or is more durable, and/or allows easier grass cutting or other maintenance.

20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a weed barrier comprising a plurality of interlocking sections, each section comprising:

a ground-covering opaque weed barrier body;

25 spikes for staking the section in the ground; and interlock means at edges of the body for interlocking with another section.

In one embodiment, at least the body of each section includes rubber material.

30 In one embodiment, the material includes recycled rubber.

In one embodiment, the material of at least one section includes plastics.

In one embodiment, the plastics material is recycled or recyclable.

-2-

In one embodiment, the material includes glass.

In one embodiment, the body is raised, and has curved side edges forming downward slopes at 5 the edges. Preferably, an inner side edge is higher than an outer side edge so that the weed barrier body is sloped downwardly and outwardly.

In one embodiment, the interlock means comprises a tongue at one end and the body is configured at the other end to receive a tongue. Preferably, the interlock means comprises male 10 and female fasteners.

In one embodiment, the sections are configured to form an enclosure when interconnected, with a central aperture. In one embodiment, each section extends in an arc, and in a preferred embodiment the arc covers about 120°.

15

In one embodiment, the barrier further comprises a flexible weed block material configured to cover the central aperture and be retained by the sections,

In one embodiment, the sections include a pest-repelling composition,

20

In another aspect, the invention provides a landscape assembly comprising a weed-proof and porous flexible sheeting; and a weed barrier as defined above I any embodiment and being adapted to form a path by installation of the sections in lines on the sheeting with the spikes penetrating the sheeting and the ground.

25

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Brief Description of the Drawings

30 The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

-3-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a weed barrier of the invention in use, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the barrier, and Fig. 3 is a plan view of a segment of the barrier;

Fig. 4 is a set of views including top and underneath perspective, and side views of the 5 weed barrier;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative weed barrier in use; and

Fig. 6 is a pair of perspective views of a variation of the barrier of Fig. 5.

10

Description of the Embodiments

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 a weed barrier 1 comprises three sections 2 which are interlinked to surround a tree trunk and have spikes (not shown) for anchoring in the ground. Each section 2 15 covers 120° so that when inter-connected they surround a tree trunk with a uniform circle. Each section 2 comprises a planar body 51 of plastics material to cover the ground. The body 51 has four integral spikes 52 for staking the section 50 in the ground. At one end the section 50 has a tongue 53 with two inter-locking apertures 54. At the other end the section 50 has two corresponding pegs 55 for engaging the apertures 54 of an adjoining section 2.

20

The inter-connection features and the ground-engaging spikes 52 provide for a robust ground-covering ring which acts as a weed barrier and also a decorative feature for trees. Each section 2 is higher on the inner curved side so that it forms a border for retention of ground covering material such as pebbles or mulch.

25

A flexible weed block material may be used to cover the central aperture immediately adjoining the tree trunk at ground level.

The plastics material may have embedded glass particles to add weight and strength. A wide 30 range of colours may be provided. A UV protector component may be added, at a proportion chosen according to the environment.

-4-

Referring to Fig. 5 a weed barrier 100 has elongate sections 111 of rectangular shape in plan view and which are interconnected at their ends in a manner similar to the sections 2. This arrangement is particularly suitable as a border for a path.

5 The inner edges of the sections 111 are higher, providing an inner wall depth of about 35mm for accommodating pebbles. The sections 111 may be installed on top of a porous weed barrier sheeting, and stone is placed on top of the sheeting between the sections 111. In this way a new footpath can be made on a lawn. In general, the depth at the inside edge of the sections of any embodiment may be in the range of 20mm to 50mm in order to hold in a dressing such as stone 10 or bark mulch or compost.

Fig. 6 shows a weed barrier 120 for a similar use, in this case having rectangular elongate sections 121 and corner pieces 122. Again, the interconnection and ground engaging spikes are similar to those of Figs. 1 to 4.

15

It will be appreciated that the invention provides for very simple and effective prevention of weed growth at a border. The body covers a large area and because it is staked into the ground it can not be easily dislodged. It is even possible to use a lawnmower along its edge due to the curved configuration with a narrow shape on the outer edge. Even if it is desired to temporarily 20 remove a section, this can easily be done. Also the interlocking arrangements allow excellent versatility in use.

It will also be appreciated that the invention provides proofing protection around trees and plants, but would allow traffic by lawnmowers, thus always providing a clean border. The spikes 25 grip soil or a flexible weed barrier such as a weed mat, in order to keep it in place. The centre hole for the stem of a plant is recessed to allow it to be filled with bark mulch or other material to suppress weeds and provide a good appearance, while allowing water and nutrients to the roots. Its moisture retention benefits are important in warm climates.

30 The sections are clipped together to surround a plant, or straight sections are used at flower beds or to provide edging for footpaths. A recycled combination of plastics, glass and rubber may be used for the sections. Such a material would be non-penetrable but would provide a clean presentable surface with different colours available. It will have a gentle slope which will ensure that water will run off which will help to keep clean.

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The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied in construction and detail. For example, the product may be used for the bases of lamp posts traffic signs with the use of resins or other materials to fill the centre section to make grass cutting easier.

5

Also, the material may be impregnated with a composition which deters dogs and/or insects, thus helping to reduce the changes of dog fouling at the location or insect plant damage. Such a material is described for example in US5102662. The invention may be provided as a kit with sections to form a number of rings around trees and also sections as illustrated in Figs. 5 and/or 6 10 for decorative pathways and beds or lawn borders in the same style in a garden or park.

Claims

A weed barrier comprising a plurality of interlocking sections, each section comprising: a ground-covering opaque weed barrier body;

spikes for staking the section in the ground; and interlock means at edges of the body for interlocking with another section.

A weed barrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the body of each section includes rubber material.

A weed barrier as claimed in claim 2, wherein the material includes recycled rubber.

A weed barrier as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the material of at least one section includes plastics.

A weed barrier as claimed in claim 4, wherein the plastics material is recycled or recyclable.

A weed barrier as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the material includes glass.

A weed barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body is raised, and has curved side edges forming downward slopes at the edges.

A weed barrier as claimed in claim 7, wherein an inner side edge is higher than an outer side edge so that the weed barrier body is sloped downwardly and outwardly.

A weed barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the interlock means comprises a tongue at one end and the body is configured at the other end to receive a tongue.

A weed barrier as claimed in claim 9, wherein the interlock means comprises male and female fasteners.

A weed barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sections are configured to form an enclosure when interconnected, with a central aperture.

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5

12. A weed barrier as claimed in claim 11, wherein each section extends in an arc.

13. A weed barrier as claimed in claim 12, wherein the arc covers about 120°.

14. A weed barrier as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the barrier further comprises a flexible weed block material configured to cover the central aperture and be retained by the sections.

10 15. A weed barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sections include a pest-repelling composition.

16. A landscape assembly comprising a weed-proof and porous flexible sheeting; and a weed barrier as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 and being adapted to form a path by 15 installation of the sections in lines on the sheeting with the spikes penetrating the sheeting and the ground.

INTELLECTUAL 8

*.*. .V PROPERTY OFFICE

Application No: GB1302055.7 Examiner: Bryony Barcelo

Claims searched: 1-16 Date of search: 6 June 2013

Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17

Documents considered to be relevant:

Category

Relevant to claims

Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance

X,Y

X: 1-7, 9, 11, 12, 15 Y: 13

US4268992A

Scharf; see figures 2 and 3

X,Y

X: 1-6, 9-12,15, 16 Y: 14

DE10230182 A1

Fenske; see figures 1 and 9 and abstract translation

X

1-5,9,11, 15, 16

US2002/189162A1 Richet; see figure 2

X

1-8, 16

US4945675A Kendrick; see figure 1

X

1-6, 9, 10, 15, 16

CH652565 A5 Baer; see figures

Y

13

FR2723510 A1 Montay; see figures 1 and 2

Y

14

FR2657229 A1

Berthollet; see abstract translation and figures

A

-

DE2521881 A1

Wilberg; see figure and abstract translation

Categories:

X

Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive

A

Document indicating technological background and/or state

step

of the art.

Y

Document indicating lack of inventive step if

P

Document published on or after the declared priority date but

combined with one or more other documents of

before the filing date of this invention.

same category.

&

Member of the same patent family

E

Patent document published on or after, but with priority date

earlier than, the filing date of this application.

Field of Search:

x

Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKC :

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk

INTELLECTUAL

PROPERTY OFFICE

Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC

The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report

WPI & EPODOC

International Classification:

Subclass

Subgroup

Valid From

A01G

0013/02

01/01/2006

A01G

0001/08

01/01/2006

Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk