GB2595844A

GB2595844A - Divider

Info

Publication number: GB2595844A
Application number: GB2005938.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Bowie Stuart
Original assignee: KINLEY SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: KINLEY SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-23
Filing date: 2020-04-23
Publication date: 2021-12-15
Also published as: GB202005938D0

Abstract

A divider for separating ground regions includes a dividing strip 200 with a first and a second side, the second side adapted to receive a bracket 300; the bracket has a first and a second side, the first side adapted for securing to said second side of said dividing strip, and a stake 500 for engagement with the second side of said bracket to, with the divider in an operative position dividing ground regions, secure said dividing strip and bracket to the ground. The dividing strip may include ridges 230 (figure 2). The stake may include teeth (540, figure 5a) on a side which faces the bracket which engage with corresponding teeth (pawl 350, figure 3e) on the bracket in a ratchet arrangement. The bracket teeth may pivot to resist removal of the stake from channels in the bracket.

Description

Divider This invention relates to a device for separating two distinct ground areas of an outside space, for example a device for dividing a patio area from a grassy area, or dividing a grassy area from a vegetable patch, and such like.

Traditionally such dividers are used for example in parks and other municipal areas and comprise for example a series of strips, for example metal strips, each with a mechanism to secure the strip in position in the ground. The strip can vary from a lm length to 30m rolls and is often approximately 2.5 metres long. The strip is adapted to receive a number of 'connectors' at fixed positions spaced along its length. Such connectors are generally positioned, in use, at 0.5m intervals along the strip and are adapted to engage with for example a spike which can be urged into the ground to secure the connector, and strip, thereto.

Disadvantages of such a traditional mechanism include the difficulty in sliding the connector along the strip into position: if the connector is to slide easily both parts must be machined accurately, and in any event it can be time consuming and challenging to ensure the connectors are positioned accurately or at all. An additional disadvantage is that the stake can be easily removed from the connector, and if this is malicious or accidental (for example by ground movement or other issues) this can cause problems. For example the divider will no longer be held in place, and the stake can thereafter sit proud of the divider causing problems for members of the public to trip, or interfere with for example lawn mowers when grounds are being maintained.

Also, such dividers are generally manufactured for industrial or municipal use, and the needs of a domestic market are not addressed.

The present invention is directed to overcoming at least some of these disadvantages.

The present invention is directed to a divider to separate ground regions including a dividing strip with a first and a second side, the second side adapted to receive a bracket, the bracket with a first and a second side, the first side adapted for securing to the second side of the dividing strip, and a stake for engagement with the second side of the bracket to, with the divider in an operative position dividing ground regions, secure the dividing strip and bracket to the ground.

Preferably the dividing strip includes a curved upper edge.

Preferably the second side of the dividing strip includes features for engagement with corresponding features on a first side of the bracket.

Preferably the dividing strip features comprise ridges.

Preferably the dividing strip features comprise an upwardly curving upper lip proximal the curved upper edge and an upwardly curving lower lip proximal a base of the dividing strip.

Preferably the corresponding bracket features comprise ridges corresponding to the divider ridges.

Preferably the corresponding bracket features comprise a downwardly curving lip for engagement with the upper lip of the bracket.

Preferably an end of the bracket distal the bracket lip is shaped to engage with the lower dividing strip lip.

Preferably the bracket engages with the divider in a snap fit.

Preferably the second side of the bracket includes at least one channel.

Preferably the at least one channel comprises opposing curved walls delineating the channel.

Preferably each curved wall includes a reinforcing brace.

Preferably the stake is an elongate structure.

Preferably the stake includes a first end, curved to receive force to urge the stake into the ground.

Preferably the stake includes a second end, narrower than the first end.

Preferably the second end is pointed.

Preferably the stake includes teeth on a side facing said bracket which, with the stake engaged with the bracket, engage with corresponding teeth on the bracket in a rachet arrangement.

Preferably the bracket includes teeth which, with the stake engaged with the bracket, correspond with the stake teeth in a rachet arrangement to retain the stake in position.

Preferably the bracket teeth pivot to receive the stake into the channels and resist removal of the stake from the channels.

Preferably the stake includes reinforcing braces extending along the length of the stake.

The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with the aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an example of a prior art connector,

Figure 2 shows one element of a divider (a strip) in accordance with the present invention, Figures 3 (a) -(e) show various views of a further element of a divider (a bracket) in accordance with the present invention, Figures 4 (a) -(e) show various views of an extended version of the element shown in Figures 3 (a) -(e), Figures 5 (a) -(c) show a still further element of a divider (a stake) in accordance with the present invention, Figure 6 shows the components of the present device engaged together in an operative orientation, and Figure 7 shows the rachet mechanism engaging the further element of Figure 3 and the still further element of Figure 5 in more detail.

Referring now to Figure 1, a prior art connector may be seen, showing the strip 100 with a first side including ridges 110 and a second side 120 adapted to receive a spike (not shown). The strip may be a metal strip, or may be made of another suitable material. The spike is received into openings 130 provided on the second side.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a strip 200 in accordance with the present invention including a first side 210, shown in the present embodiment to be a smooth surface and a second side 220. At the top of the strip the first side 210 extends in the direction of the second side to present a top surface 240 which is generally planar and curves around to form a top lip 250 overhanging the second side. At the base of the strip the first side extends in the direction of the second side to present a curved base surface which forms a base lip 270. The second side includes ridges 230, parallel to the top surface of the strip, positioned at intervals along the strip from the top surface to an end 235 distal the top side. The strip may be made from a metal material or may be made from an alternative suitable material such as a plastics material or such like.

Figure 2 also shows a second lip 260, proximal top lip 250, including a surface extending away from the second side and curving towards top lip 250 The component figures of Figure 3 show various views of a bracket 300 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In particular, Figure 3(a) shows a front elevation of the bracket, Figures 3 (b) and (c) show respective side views of the bracket, Figure 3 (d) shows a rear side of the bracket and Figure 3 (e) shows a perspective view of the rear side of the bracket.

As can be seen from both side views of the bracket, Figures 3 (b) and (c), the bracket is generally planar with a deviation 310 at a first end. In the deviation 310 the first end of the bracket is offset from the plane of the bracket. At an opposite, second end of the bracket, on the same side as the deviation, a lip 315 extends away from the bracket surface, curving towards deviation 310 and forming a channel 325.

Figure 3 (e) shows a perspective view of the rear elevation of the bracket, showing a pair of opposing curved walls 330 forming a channel 335, with respective curved walls 330 braced by supporting walls 340. Figure 3 (e) also shows a feature 350 which forms a pawl for engagement with rachet teeth formed on a stake (not shown). Figure 3 (e) also shows a second pair of opposing curved walls 330, contributing to the channel 335.

Figure 3(d) shows the pair or pairs of walls 330, the supporting walls 340 and the pawl 350.

The component figures of Figure 4 show various views of a bracket 400 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4(a) shows a planar view of the front elevation of the bracket, Figure 4 (b) shows a side view of the bracket, Figure 4 (c) shows a perspective view of the front elevation of the bracket, Figure 4 (d) shows a planar view of the rear elevation of the bracket and Figure 4 (e) shows a perspective view of the rear elevation of the bracket.

As can be seen from the side view of the bracket, Figure 4 (b), the bracket is generally planar with a deviation 410 at a first end. In the deviation 410 the end of the bracket is offset from the plane of the bracket. At an opposite, second end of the bracket, on the same side as the deviation, a lip 415 extends away from the bracket surface, curving towards deviation 410 and forming a channel 425.

Figure 4 (c) shows a perspective view of the front elevation of the bracket, showing the lip 415 and channel 425.

Figure 4(d) shows a planar view of a rear elevation of the bracket of the second embodiment, with pairs of walls 430, supporting walls 440 and pawl 450.

Figure 4 (e) shows a perspective view of the rear elevation of the bracket, showing a pair of opposing curved walls 430 forming a channel 435, the respective curved walls 430 braced by supporting walls 440. Figures 4 (d) and (e) show a single pair of opposing side walls 430, although it is contemplated that two pairs of curved walls may be selected as an alternative. Similarly in Figure 3, while two pairs of opposing curved walls are shown, a single extended pair of curved walls is also contemplated.

Figure 4 (e) also shows a feature 450 which forms a pawl for engagement with rachet teeth formed on a stake (not shown).

The bracket of the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, is extended compared to the bracket of Figure 3, the advantage of the extended bracket being that the bracket may be engaged with two adjacent strips. A first portion of the bracket, 460 shown explicitly in Figure 4 (c), is adapted to engage with an end of a first strip, and a second portion of the bracket, 480, shown explicitly in Figure 4 (c), is adapted to engage with an end of a second strip, with the middle portion of the bracket 470 shown explicitly in Figure 4 (c), the middle portion capable of engaging with both the first and the second strip, so that two adjacent strips may be secured together and secured to the ground via the one extended bracket.

Alternatively, both the first 460 and middle 470 portions of the bracket can engage with an end of a first strip, and the second portion 480 of the bracket can engage with an end of the second strip, to engage the two strips together, or any other suitable arrangement.

Figure 5 shows a stake 500 for use with the dividing strip and brackets of the present invention. The stake is elongate with a first side that curves over towards a second side to form a top edge 510 that presents a planar surface that may be relied upon to receive a force to urge the stake into the ground. The end 520 distal the top edge 510 narrows to assist efforts to urge the stake into the ground: in particular the distal end may be pointed.

The stake includes reinforcing braces 530 on the second side of the stake which extend along the length of the stake. The reinforcing braces may reduce in depth as they approach the narrow end of the stake. In use a stake is adapted to engage with a bracket such that the braces point away from the strip to which the bracket is secured. Figure 5 (a) also shows teeth 540 proximal a top edge 510 of the stake and on a surface of the stake that, in use, is facing the bracket.

Figure 6 shows an arrangement in which the separating device has been assembled. As can be seen the second side 220 of the strip 200 has a bracket 300 mounted thereon and is operatively engaged with a stake 500.

The deviation 310 at one end of the bracket 300 is inserted into the base lip 270 of the second side of the strip, and lip 315 on the bracket engages with second lip 260 on a second side of the strip to secure the bracket to the strip.

Stake 500 has been inserted into channels 335 of the rear side of the bracket.

Figure 7 shows a detail of the arrangement of Figure 6, in particular showing the rachet mechanism 710.

Although not shown, a similar arrangement provides for two strips to be secured to the ground by means of stake 500.

The method for using the device will now be discussed. Where two sections of ground are to be separated, for example an area of grass is to be separated from a patio or from an area where vegetables or flowers are to be grown, strips 200 of the required length are positioned adjacent the ground. In accordance with this first embodiment, brackets 300 are attached to a second side 220 of the strip by placing deviation 310, at one end of the bracket, into the channel created by base lip 270 of the second side of the strip and urging lip 315 of the bracket over second lip 260 of the strip to engage therewith in a snap-fit arrangement. The strip is then inserted into the ground.

The second, narrow end 520 of the stake is then urged into the channel 335 created between the opposing curved walls 330 of the bracket and into the ground. Any additional force needed to secure the stake into the ground may be applied to the top surface 510 of the stake. As the top 510 of the stake approaches the top surface 240 of the strip, teeth 540 on a surface of the stake engage with the pawl 350 on the bracket to form a rachet engagement of the stake with the bracket.

Any effort to remove the stake from its operative position securing the strip to the ground via the bracket will encounter resistance in respect of the rachet mechanism which provides for the stake to be inserted into the ground but will resist removal of the stake. In addition, accidental removal of the stake is much less likely to occur for the same reason, which will reduce the chance of the stake drifting from its location and sitting proud of the soil into which it has been inserted, or in some other way becoming loose and causing an accident or damage to machinery or other goods.

Similarly, for the arrangement of Figure 4, two strips may be placed together and a bracket 400 attached to a second side 220 of each strip, a first portion 460 of the bracket attached to a first strip, and a second portion 480 of the bracket attached to a second strip, by placing deviation 410, at one end of the bracket, into the channels created by base lips 270 of the second side of each strip and urging lip 415 of the bracket over second lip 260 of each strip to engage therewith in a snap-fit arrangement. The two strips may then be pushed together so that the third portion 470 engages with both to secure the strips together. Alternatively the portions 460, 470, 480 of the bracket may engage respective strips in slightly different ways, as is convenient.

The strips are then inserted into the ground.

The second, narrow end 520 of the stake is then urged into the channel 435 created between the opposing curved walls 430 of the bracket and into the ground. Any additional force needed to secure the stake into the ground may be applied to the top surface 510 of the stake. As the top 510 of the stake approaches the top surface 240 of the strip, teeth 540 on a surface of the stake engage with the pawl 450 on the bracket to form a rachet engagement of the stake with the bracket.

It is contemplated that as well as municipal usage, the present invention is useful in a domestic setting. The strip may be made of a metal material, in particular a metal suitable for the purpose. In particular the strip may be made from aluminium, a light but robust material. The snap fit mechanism of the bracket means that engaging the bracket with the strip becomes much simpler and more convenient, and there is no limitation as to the number of brackets that may be used or the distance between brackets in use. Finally, a stake may be used which is made of a lighter, more convenient and cheaper material compared to prior art examples, such as a plastics material.

The invention is not limited to the features as set out above but is contemplated to cover a variety of related similar arrangements, as stated for example the strip forming the divider may not be a metal strip, but may be made from a different, suitable material. In addition, the material from which the components may be made can be metal or plastics or any suitable material, the engagement of the bracket to the strip may be by a suitable means different to that of a snap fit. The pawl on the bracket may be a single tooth, or may be a series of teeth, which can act as a rachet, or some other suitable means. While the present disclosure relates to one or two curved opposing sidewalls to provide a channel for a stake to secure strips to the ground, any number of pairs is contemplated, similarly for the number of braces supporting the opposing sidewalls.

Claims

Claims 1. A divider to separate ground regions including: A dividing strip with a first and a second side, the second side adapted to receive a bracket; A bracket with a first and a second side, the first side adapted for securing to said second side of said dividing strip, and A stake for engagement with the second side of said bracket to, with the divider in an operative position dividing ground regions, secure said dividing strip and bracket to the ground.
2. The divider as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dividing strip includes a curved upper edge.
3. The divider as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second side of said dividing strip includes features for engagement with corresponding features on a first side of said bracket.
4. The divider as claimed in claim 3 wherein said dividing strip features comprise ridges.
5. The divider as claimed in claim 4 wherein said dividing strip features comprise an upwardly curving upper lip proximal said curved upper edge and an upwardly curving lower lip proximal a base of said dividing strip.
6. The divider as claimed in claim 4 wherein said corresponding bracket features comprise ridges corresponding to said dividing strip ridges.
7. The divider as claimed in claim 5 wherein said corresponding bracket features comprise a downwardly curving lip for engagement with said upper lip of said dividing strip.
8. The divider as claimed in claim 5, or 7 wherein an end of said bracket distal said bracket lip is shaped to engage with said lower dividing strip lip.
9. The divider as claimed in any one of claims Ito 3 wherein the bracket engages with said divider in a snap fit.
10. The divider as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the bracket is adapted to engage with at least one said divider in a snap fit.
11. The divider as claimed in any one of said preceding claims wherein said second side of said bracket includes at least one channel.
12. The divider as claimed in claim 11 wherein said at least one channel comprises opposing curved walls delineating said channel.
13. The divider as claimed in claim 11 wherein each curved wall includes a reinforcing brace.
14. The divider as claimed in claim 1 wherein said stake is an elongate structure.
15. The divider as claimed in claim 14 wherein said stake includes a first end, curved to receive force to urge said stake into the ground.
16. The divider as claimed in claim 15 wherein said stake includes a second end, narrower than the first end.
17. The divider as claimed in claim 15 wherein said second end is pointed.
18. The divider as claimed in any one of claims 14 -17 wherein said stake includes teeth on a side which in use faces said bracket and which, with the stake engaged with the bracket, engage with corresponding teeth on the bracket in a rachet arrangement.
19. The divider as claimed in claim 18, wherein said bracket includes teeth which, with the stake engaged with the bracket, correspond with said stake teeth in a rachet arrangement to retain the stake in position.
20. The divider as claimed in claim 19 wherein said bracket teeth pivot to receive the stake into the channels and resist removal of the stake from the channels.
21. The divider as claimed in any one of claims 14-119 wherein said stake includes reinforcing braces extending along the length of the stake.