IES20130042A2

IES20130042A2 - A weed barrier

Info

Publication number: IES20130042A2
Application number: IES20130042A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Sean Jones
Original assignee: Sean Jones
Priority date: 2012-02-09
Filing date: 2013-02-06
Publication date: 2013-05-08
Also published as: GB201302055D0; IE20130041A1; IES86187B2; GB2499320A

Abstract

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. Bach section (2) covers 1200 so that when inter-connected they surround a tree trunk with a uniform circle. Bach section (2) comprises a planar body (51) of plastics material to cover the ground, and 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 has two corresponding pegs (55) for engaging the apertures (54) of an adjoining section (2). 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.

Description

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 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.

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; 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.

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.

IE 1 30 0 42 -2In 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 tlie 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 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°.

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Brief Description of the Drawings 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:IE 1 30 0 42 _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 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.

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 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 2 in the ground. At one end the section 2 has a tongue 53 with two inter-locking apertures 54. At the other end the section 2 has two corresponding pegs 55 for engaging the apertures 54 of an adjoining section 2.

The inter-connection features and the ground-engaging spikes 52 provide for a robust groundcovering 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.

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 range of colours may be provided. A UV protector component may be added, at a proportion chosen according to the environment.

IE 1 3 0 0 4 2 -4Referring 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.

The inner edges of the sections 111 arc 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 he 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 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 123 and a comer piece 122. Again, the interconnection and ground engaging spikes are similar to those of Figs. 1 to 4.

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 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, hut would allow traffic by lawnmowers, thus always providing a clean border. The spikes 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.

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.

IE 1 3 0 0 4 2 -5The 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.

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 for decorative pathways and beds or lawn borders in the same style in a garden or park.

IE 1 3 0 0 4 2

Claims

1.Claims -61. A weed barrier comprising a plurality of interlocking sections, each section comprising: a ground-covering opaque weed barrier body; 5 spikes for staking the section in the ground; and interlock means at edges of the body for interlocking with another section.

2. A weed barrier as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body is raised, and has curved side edges forming downward slopes at the edges; and wherein an inner side edge is higher 10 than an outer side edge so that the weed barrier body is sloped downwardly and outwardly.

3. A weed barrier as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the interlock means comprises a tongue at one end and the body is configured at the other end to receive a tongue; and 15 wherein the interlock means comprises male and female fasteners.

4. A weed barrier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sections are configured to form an enclosure when interconnected, with a central aperture; and each section extends in an arc.

5. A weed barrier as claimed in claim 4, wherein the barrier further comprises a flexible weed block material configured to cover the central aperture and be retained by the sections.