GB2518183A

GB2518183A - Improvement in surface covering edging

Info

Publication number: GB2518183A
Application number: GB1316260.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lloyd Bowie
Original assignee: KINLEY SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: KINLEY SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-12
Filing date: 2013-09-12
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Also published as: GB201316260D0

Abstract

The edge support 100 comprises an elongate support member comprising a wall panel 201 and a base panel 202. The base part includes a way of anchoring the support and a number of gripping protrusions 601. The gripping parts may be ridges which may be hook shaped or incorporating one or two grooves. The gripping parts may also be tooth like cusp shaped projections. The support may include receiving channels that run along the wall panel for receiving a substantially rectangular interconnecting joiner part for linking two supports together. The base part may extend outwardly from both sides of the upstanding, orthogonally extending wall panel thereby forming a substantial upside down in use - T shaped support.

Description

Improvement in surface covering edging

Field of the invention

The field of the invention is surface covering edge protection and more particularly edging for rigid surface coverings.

Background

Boundaries between surface coverings such as tarmac, lawns, chippings etc. can be easily damaged, even when a hard rigid material such as tarmac or concrete is used. In order to address this problem, it is common to provide some type of edging that protects the edge of the rigid material and defines the boundary between the surface coverings. Typically, such an edging comprises a metal strip, which includes a wall panel to divide the surface coverings and a base panel which provides a suitable support for the wall panel. Such an edging often has an L-shaped cross-section. This type of edging can providc cxccllcnt protcction for thc cdgcs of concrete, tarmac and similar rigid surfaces.

However, a problem which can occur when using such a metallic strip with a rigid surface covering is that such coverings are liable to move and break away from the edging, creating an unsightly gap between the path or road area and the adjacent lawn or other surfacing. The conventional approach to dealing with this problem is to accept that some disturbance is inevitable and should be repaired afterwards by, for example, filling in any gaps in the surface covering. This solution can prove inconvenient in that additional surface covering needs to be laid after the main laying has been completed, and may also result in visible joins or changes of shade in the surface covering.

Summary of the invention

In its broadest aspcct, the present invention provides an edge support lbr a surface covering comprising an elongate support member, comprising a wall panel thr supporting the surface covering and a base panel; the base panel comprising anchoring means fbr attaching the base panel to a base course and further comprising a plurality of gripping protrusions lbr impiuving a grip between the surface covering and the edge support.

Preferably at least one of the plurality of gripping protrusions comprises at least one ridge extending outwards from the base panel.

Preferably the plurality of gripping protrusions comprises two outwardiy extending ridges.

Preferably the at least one ridge comprises a first side proximal the wall panel and a second side distal the wall panel, wherein the first side comprises at least one groove.

Preferably thc groovc extends substantially parallel to a length of the ridgc.

Pitferably the at least one ridge comprises a substantially hook-shaped cross-section.

Optionally the at least one ridge comprises a plurality of grooves.

Optionally the plurality of gripping protrusions comprises a plurality of tooth-like protrusions.

Optionally at least one of the tooth-like protrusions is ousp-shaped.

Optionally the anchoring means comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from an outer surface of the base panel.

Preferably the edge support further comprises securing means to secure the edge support to a second edge support, the securing means comprising a receiving channel for a joiner section and a limiting means for limiting motion of the joiner section along a length of the channel.

Preferably the receiving channel is defined by a first runner and a second runner, and the limiting means comprises ajoiner stopper located in the channel.

Optionally the channel is defined by a casing located on the wall panel, the casing being open at an outward edge and a joining edge of the wall panel.

Optionally, the edge support further comprises a lip located in the channel at the joining edge, the channel being configured to receive a substantially rectangular bridge shaped joiner section.

Optionally the base panel extends either side of the wall panel; and the wall panel and thc base panel combine to form a substantially T shaped cross-section.

Optionally the base panel comprises gripping protrusions on both sides of the wall panel.

Brief description of the Figures

The above and other aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a boundary between two surface coverings with an

edging according to the prior art;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an edging according to the prior art Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fitting of an edging according to the prior art Figure 4 is a side view of the fitting of an edging according to the prior art FigureS is a top view of a problem with the prior art; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an edging according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7is a side view of the edging of the embodiment of Figure 6; Figure 8 is top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention Figure 9 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the invention Figure 10 is a top view ofthe embodiment of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of an anchoring means according to an alternative cmbodirncnt of thc invcntion; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a prior art mechanism for joining edging sections; Figure 13 is a side view of the joining mechanism of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view ofjoined sections according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of joined sections according an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 is a top view ofjoincd sections according yct another embtcnt Figure 17 is a cross section view of the embodiment of Figure 16; Figure iSis a ifirther cross-sectional view ofthe embodiment of Figures 16 and 17; Figure 19 is a T-shaped edging section according to an altemative embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an edging according to the prior art being used to separate two different surface coverings and to protect the edge of these surface coverings. Edging 100 is positioned along a boundary 101 between a first surface covering 102, which is typically a rigid covering such as tarmac or concrete and a second covering 103, which may be a lawn, gravel etc. Both surface coverings are located upon a base course 104.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a typical edging according to the prior art. Edging comprises a substantially L-shapcd cross section, with a wall panel 201 attached to base panel 202 at connecting line 203. Typically, the edging is a single integrally moulded section. Wall panel 201 typically comprises a solid retaining wall with free edge 204 placed upward in use. Base panel 202 typically comprises a plurality of apertures for anchoring spikes (not shown) and a plurality of bending gaps 206, which taper from a narrowest point at connecting line 203 to a widest point at outward edge 207, and facilitate the shaping of edging 100 to a boundary between surface coverings.

Typically, for ease of manufacturing and supply, edging sections 100 are provided in standard lengths. Typically therefore multiple sections will be needed for a given boundary, the edging sections being joined at joining edge 208. Edging may be constructed from metal such as aluminium, although other materials are known.

The usc of such an edging is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the fitting of such an edging around tarmac and/or a lawn, according to the prior art. Figure 3 illustrates first surface covering 102 and a second surface covering 103, located upon base course 104. An anchoring means is provided comprising apertures through which anchoring spikes 301 may be urged. Anchoring spikes 301 are then hammered into base course 104, thus securing edging 100 in place. Figure 4 is a side view of the prior art fitting of the edging of Figure 3.

When tarmac or concrete sets, it will not necessarily bond to metal or other materials which may be used for edging such as that described above. Natural movement or settlement of the base on which the surface covering is set frequently occurs. These two phenomena can together result in a gap developing between the surface covering and the edging.

This is illustrated in Figure 5, which is a perspective view of first surface covering 102, in this case a resin bound aggregate surface known as ClearMac TM lawn next to second surface covering 103, in this case a lawn, separated by edging 100. Due to the natural movement or settlement of the base course, gap 501 has developed between first surface covering 102 and edging 100. This is unsightly if left and can result in unsightly debris and/or wccds collecting in thc gap. If the gap is fixed by mcans of the conventional method of repair, unsightly join lines can result in the surface, in addition to the inconvenience of relaying the surface after the main work has been completed. The present invention provides a simple method of avoiding this problem by demonstrating that tarmac or concrete surfaces may be held in place relative to edging sections by the simple use of provision of an improved grip to the base section of the edging.

This method comprises the provision of an additional grip between edging 100 and first surface covering 102, in the form of one or more gripping protrusions extending from base panel 202. These gripping protrusions hold the surface covering in place relative to the edging. In an embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 6, the gripping protrusion takcs the form of the provision of additional ridge 601. In the embodiment shown, the ridge runs the length of the edging, substantially along the middle of the base panel. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that this is not the only way to implement such a ridge. For example, the edge could zigzag along the base panel, or there could be a plurality of such ridges. The invention is not limited to any one arrangement of the ridge.

Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 6. Ridge 601 is shaped so as to provide groove 701 to improve attachment to the edging to second surface covering 102. In the embodiment shown, a single groove runs substantially the length of ridge 601. In an embodiment, ridge 601 has a hook-like cross-section. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements to improve cohesion between second surface covering 102 and ridge 601 are possible, such as providing a plurality of grooves running substantial parallel to the length of ridge 601. Alternatively transverse ridges may be provided. The invention is not limited to any one arrangement of grooves or ridges.

Figure 8 is top view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the continuous ridges of the previous embodiment are replaced by a plurality of staggered short ridges 801.

Figure 9 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the invention, in which tooth-like protrusions 901 extend from base panel 202 to provide grip with first surface covering 102. In an embodiment the protrusions arc cusp shaped with the point of the cusp facing the wall panel. Figure 10 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 9.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many other ways in which a grip between base panel 102 and first covering surface 102 may be achieved and the invention is not limited to any one method of providing such a grip.

In use, sections of edging are laid down at the boundary between a first surface, comprising a soft or loose covering, typically gravel or a lawn and a second surface, comprising a rigid covering, typically tarmac or concrete. Sections of edging according to the invention are laid down along the surface covering boundary, with the base panel on the side of the boundary where the rigid surface covering is located.

The base section is secured to a base course with an anchoring means. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchoring means comprises a plurality of apertures located in the base panel, through which spikes may be driven. Figure 11 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the anchoring means is provided by a plurality of tooth-like protrusions 1101 on outer surface 1102 of base panel. These tooth-like protrusions provide a grip between edging 100 and base course 1103. In yet another embodiment of the invention, both apertures for spikes and tooth-like protrusions are provided. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that there arc many alternative anchoring means which fall within the scope of the invention. The invention is not limited to any one anchoring means or arrangement.

Edging according to the invention is typically supplied in standard lengths for convenience of manufacture and supply. To achieve the correct length of edging for a given boundary, multiple sections of edging are typically required, with sections cut to length if needed. At joins between sections, gaps must be left to allow for thermal expansion of the sections as the temperature of the surrounding environment changes.

A simple mechanism is needed to join these sections together and position them at the correct spacing. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a prior art mechanism for joining edging sections. An upper 1201 and a lower runner 1202 are provided on wall panel 202. These runners define a channel 1203 into which a joiner section 1204 is inserted.

Figure 13 is a side view of the joining mechanism according to the prior art. Runners 1201 and 1202 are provided with lips 1301 to retain joiner section relies on the installer to correctly space the sections.

Accordingly, in another embodiment of the invention there are provided limiting means to limit the motion of the joiner sections along the length of the channel, in order to facilitate the spacing of edging sections. In an embodiment, the limiting means comprises joiner stoppers. Figure 14 is a perspective view of joined sections according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Channel 1204 is provided with joiner stoppers 1401 to prevent the movement of joiner section 1204 beyond a certain point and to ensure a minimum size of gap 1402. In use, a first edging section 1403 is laid onto the boundary between first and second surface coverings, joiner section 1204 is inserted into channel 1203 and a second edging section 1404 is placed into position by urging channel 1204 around joiner section 1203. Second edging section 1404 is then urged against first edging section 1403 to the maximum extent possible, to leave edging section 1403 and 1404 laid in the correct position with the correct gap between them. Figure 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the continuous joiner channel is replaced with a receiving section 1501. Figure 16 is atop view of yet another embodiment, in which the joiner channel is replaced by a substantially elongate casing 1601, open at free edge 204 of edging 100 and at joining edge 208 of edging. Casing 1601 receives joiner section 1203, providing a join and a minimum spacing between sections. Figure 17 is a cross section view from joining end of edging 100 of the embodiment of Figure 16. Figure 18 is a sectional view along line A-A of Figure 17 ofyet another embodiment of the invention, in which additional lip 1801 is provided to provide a maximum as well as a minimum spacing when used in conjunction with rectangular bridge shaped joiner section 1802. If the length of protrusion 1803 is the substantially same as the length 1804 of rccciving channel 1705, then a tight fit and conscqucntly an exact spacing between edging sections may be achieved.

The embodiments of Figures 6 -11 and 14 -18 provide a secured edging for a boundary between a soft or loose surface covering and a rigid surface covering.

Figure 19 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, which provides a T-shaped edging 1901, with base panel 1902 extending either side of wall panel 201. This embodiment allows the securing of rigid surface coverings on either side of the edging, thus providing for boundaries for example between tarmac and concrete or similar rigid surface coverings.

The invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An edge support for a surface covering comprising an elongate support member, comprising a wall panel for supporting said surface covering and a base panel; said base panel comprising anchoring means for attaching said base panel to a base course and further comprising a plurality of gripping protrusions for improving a grip between said surface covering and said edge support.
2. An edge support as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of gripping protrusions comprises at least one ridge extending outwards from said base panel.
3. An cdgc support as claimed in claim 2, whercin said plurality of gripping protrusions comprises two outwardly extending ridges.
4. An edge support as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said at least one ridge comprises a first side proximal said wall panel and a second side distal said wall panel, wherein said first side comprises at least one groove.
5. An edge support as claimed in claim 4 whcrcin said groovc extcnds substantially paraHd to a length of said ridge.
6. An edge support as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one ridge comprises a substantially hook-shaped cross-section.
7. An edge support as claimcd in any of dams 4 to 6 wherein said at least onc ridge comprises a plurality of grooves.
8. An edge support as claimed in any of thc preceding claims whcrcin said plurality of gripping protrusions comprises a plurality of tooth-like protrusions.
9. An edge support as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one of said tooth-like protrusions is cusp shaped.
10. An edge support as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said anchoring means comprises a plurality of protrusions extending from an outer surface of said base panel.
11. An edge support as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising securing means to secure said edge support to a second edge support, said securing means comprising a receiving channel for a joiner section and a limiting means for limiting motion of said joiner section along a length of said channel.
12. An edge support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said receiving channel is defined by a first runner and a second runner, and said limiting means comprises a joiner stopper located in said channel.
13. An edge support as claimed in claim 11, wherein said channel is defined by a casing located on said wall panel, said casing being open at an outward edge and a joining edge of said wall panel.
14. An edge support as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a lip located in said channel at said joining edge, said channel being configured to receive a substantially rectangular bridge shaped joiner section.
15. An edge support system as claimed in any of claims Ito 12, wherein said base panel extends either side of said wall panel; and said wall panel and said base panel combine to form a substantially T shaped cross-section.
16. An edge support system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said base panel comprises gripping protrusions on both sides of said wall panel.
17. An edge support substantially as herein described with reference to figures 6 toll and l4to 19.II