WO2023150745A1

WO2023150745A1 - Modular unit, system, and method for curb installation

Info

Publication number: WO2023150745A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/062036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Lewis CRAVER
Original assignee: Craver Paul Lewis
Priority date: 2022-02-06
Filing date: 2023-02-06
Publication date: 2023-08-10
Also published as: US20230250593A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a modular unit for a paver unit curb installation or a black top pavement installation. The modular unit includes a main body having elongate grooves for easy lifting using the lifting tool as well as bores to connect the modular units in series with elongate connectors. The modular unit may also have elongate spikes disposed through the bottom portion of the modular unit to secure the modular units in place and to further allow the curb installation to be placed atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units.

Description

MODULAR UNIT, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CURB INSTALLATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/307,133, filed on February 6, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present technology relates to curb installation, and more particularly, to systems and methods for installing curbs for various purposes.

INTRODUCTION

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Curb installation has been utilized for many years. Generally, curb installations require mixing concrete and using special machinery or special tools to form the shape of the curb. Typical curb installation requires several steps. One step may be preparing the ground by removing grass or other debris. Another next step may require prepping the concrete mixture which is comprised of sand, Portland cement, and water. Once the concrete mixture is created to the correct consistency, the concrete mixture may be ready to be placed on the ground and formed into the curb. Forming the shape of the curb requires special tools to carve out the concrete mixture into the desired curb shape or using special machinery that simultaneously ejects and shapes the concrete mixture into a designated shape. Minimal amounts of pressure must be gently applied during this important step to ensure the concrete mixture holds its shape.

[0005] Undesirably, one may face several concerns during this process. More specifically, the concrete mixture must be sculpted to the desired shape before the concrete mixture dries. The concrete mixture may also be made too wet or not wet enough and this may result in inconsistencies within the curb installation such as cracks forming throughout the curb.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for optimizing the efficiency of curb installation using a modular unit system and method for curb installation that replaces the need for manual curb formation which uses concrete mixing and shaping. SUMMARY

[0007] In concordance with the instant disclosure, optimizing the efficiency of curb installation using a modular unit system and method for curb installation that replaces the need for manual curb formation which uses concrete mixing and shaping, has surprisingly been discovered.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a modular unit for a curb system including a main body. The main body may include a front side, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion may further include a first side and a second side with each having elongate grooves. The main body of the modular unit may be generally L-shaped and include a top bore and a bottom bore. The top bore may be formed through the top portion and the bottom bore may be formed through the bottom portion. The bottom portion may further include several holes. Another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a modular unit for a curb system including a main body that may be a rectangular block in shape with bores and elongate grooves.

[0009] The present disclosure may also provide a curb system. The curb system may include a plurality of modular units connected in series by several elongate connectors. The elongate connectors may be disposed through each of the bores in the modular units. Additionally, elongate spikes may be disposed through the holes in the bottom portion of each of the modular units to further secure the modular units in place. The curb system may also include a grass turf unit, a stone leveling course, a stone base comprised of crushed stones, and a sand base. Paver units may be used to prepare a paver unit curb installation or pavement may be used to prepare a black top pavement installation atop the stone base.

[0010] The present disclosure further contemplates a method for installing a curb system. The curb system having a first modular unit and a second modular unit, as described hereinabove, may be provided. The first modular unit may be disposed adjacent to the second modular unit using the lifting tool. The first modular unit and the second modular unit may be connected in series. The installation atop a bottom portion of each of the first modular unit and the second modular unit may be finished. Ultimately, the curb system provides a more efficient installation of curbs. [0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. l is a top perspective view of a modular unit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a right side elevational view thereof;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view thereof;

[0015] FIG. 4 is top plan view thereof;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a top perspective environmental view of a curb system;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a top perspective environmental view of the curb system, according to another embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top perspective environmental view of the curb system, according to a further embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 10 is an exploded view the curb system shown in FIG. 7;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the lifting tool;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the lifting tool shown in FIG. 11, and further shown in use lifting the modular unit;

[0024] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the modular unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 14 is a top plan view thereof;

[0026] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0027] FIG. 16 is a right-side elevational view thereof;

[0028] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the curb system shown in FIG. 9;

[0029] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the curb system shown in FIG. 8; and

[0030] FIG. 19 is a method flowchart depicting a method of installation of a curb system, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps may be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps may be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0032] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0033] Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0034] As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3- 10, 3-9, and so on.

[0035] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0036] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0037] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0038] The present technology provides a modular unit 100 for a curb system shown generally in the accompanying FIGS. 1-6 as well as a modular unit 100' for a curb system shown in FIGS. 13-16. The present disclosure also contemplates a curb system 200, shown in FIGS. 7- 10 and FIGS. 17-18. The modular unit 100, 100' may be used within the curb system 200 as described below.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, a modular unit 100 may include a main body 110 with a front side 112, a rear side 114, a top portion 116, and a bottom portion 118. The top portion 116 may have a first side and a second side 117. The first side 115 may include a first elongate groove 120, shown in FIG. 3, and the second side 117 may include a second elongate groove 122, shown in FIGS. 1-2. As an example, the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may be continuous, uninterrupted, and extend from the front side 112 of the modular unit 100 to the rear side 114 of the main body 110 of the modular unit 100. Additionally, the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may each be referred to as a “lifting groove,” because they are designed to engage a lifting tool 210, as further described below. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable number of elongated grooves 120,122 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0040] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, and as an example, the radius of the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may be about one-half inch (0.5”). The first elongate groove 120 may be disposed on a first side 115 of the modular unit 100. The second elongate groove 122 may be disposed on a second side 117 of the modular unit 100, adjacent to and spaced apart from the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 at a predetermined distance. As a non-limiting example, the predetermined distance may be about one-half inch (0.5”). One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable dimensions for forming the first elongate groove 120, the second elongate groove 122, and the modular unit 100 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, each of the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may be co-planar with a first plane where the first plane may be oriented substantially parallel with the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of the main body 110. In some embodiments, the first plane may be substantially horizontal upon installation of the modular unit 100. Desirably, the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 may be designed to allow the modular unit 100 to be easily lifted and carried using a lifting tool 210, as depicted in FIGS. 11-12. The lifting tool 210 may have rounded ends 212 that are designed to sit comfortably in the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122 of the modular unit 100 for gripping the modular unit 100. Advantageously, the rounded ends 212 may have a radius equal to the radius of the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122, and thereby configured to engage with the first elongate groove 120 and the second elongate groove 122.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the main body 110 of the modular unit 100 may be generally L-shaped, allowing the paver unit or black top pavement installation to sit atop the bottom portion 118 of the modular unit 100. In some embodiments, the top portion 116 may include a top portion height (Hl) and the bottom portion 118 may also include a bottom portion height (H2). The top portion height (HI) may be less than the bottom portion height (H2). In certain embodiments, and as a non-limiting example, the top portion height (Hl) may be about three and one-half inches (3.5”) and the bottom portion height (H2) may be about four inches (4”). One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the top portion height (Hl) and the bottom portion height (H2) within the scope of the present disclosure. In a particular embodiment, the top portion 116 may also include a top portion width (Wl) and the bottom portion 118 may also include a bottom portion width (W2). Generally, the top portion width (Wl) is less than the bottom portion width (W2). As a non-limiting example, the top portion width (Wl) may be about four inches (4”) and the bottom portion width (W2) may be about ten inches (10”). One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the top portion width (Wl) and the bottom portion width (W2) within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] The top portion 116 may further include a top bore 124 formed through the top portion 116 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114. The bottom portion 118 may include a bottom bore 126 formed through the bottom portion 118 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114. The top portion 116 of the main body 110 may be bisected by a second plane, and the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 may be disposed on a second plane and co-planar with the second plane. As a non-limiting example, the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 may have a diameter of about five-eighths of an inch (5/8”). One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 may be designed to allow elongate connectors 204 to be placed through the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 which ultimately connects each modular unit 100 in series, as further described below.

[0044] As non-limiting examples, the elongate connectors 204 may be formed from steel or fiberglass. The elongate connectors 204 may also be referred to as “fiberglass rebar,” which similarly connects each of the modular units 100 in series. One suitable type of the elongate connectors 204 may include PINKBAR® fiberglass rebar, commercially available from Owens Corning. One of ordinary skill in the art may also select other suitable materials for the elongate connectors 204 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 and 4-5, the bottom portion 118 may include a top side 128 and a bottom side 130 with several holes 132 formed in the bottom portion 118 through the top side 128 to the bottom side 130. Advantageously, the holes 132 may be continuous and uninterrupted to allow for an object to pass through the holes 132. As such, the holes 132 in the bottom portion 118 of the modular unit 100 may allow elongate spikes 202 to be placed through the holes 132 and into a subgrade to secure the modular unit 100 in place. Desirably, each of the elongate spikes 202 may be equally spaced apart on the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100 to allow for a stable hold with an equal distribution of pressure and weight. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the elongate spikes 202 within the scope of the present disclosure. The elongate spikes 202 may also be referred to as “landscape spikes.”

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the present disclosure further contemplates a curb system 200. Advantageously, the modular unit 100 may be used to build a variety of curbs, sidewalks, or driveways. It further eliminates the need for concrete mixing and special machinery or special tools to shape the concrete mixture into curbs. More specifically, FIGS. 7 and 10 illustrate a paver unit installation using the modular units 100 and, in some instances, several modular units 100. The modular units 100 may include a first modular unit 206 and a second modular unit 208 each having a main body 110 with a front side 112, a rear side 114, a top portion 116, and a bottom portion 118. The modular units 100 may be connected in series by the elongate connectors 204 placed through the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126 of the first modular unit 206 and the second modular unit 208. Advantageously, a latex bonding agent (not shown) may be disposed in between the first modular unit 206 and the second modular unit 208 to keep weeds from seeping out of the modular units 100 when connected in series. Additionally, the latex bonding agent may provide additional stability to adhere the modular units 100 together, along with the elongate connectors 204. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable agents for further securing the modular units 100 in series. The latex bonding agent may also be referred to as “super sand,” which similarly may be placed in between each of the modular units 100 to provide stability. The elongate spikes 202 may be further disposed through the holes 132 in the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100 and into a subgrade, securing the modular units 100 in place.

[0047] With continued reference to FIGS. 7-10, the curb system 200 may also include a stone leveling course 233, a stone base 207, a sand base 201, and paver units 211. In some embodiments, the curb system 200 may include an optional geo-grid fabric 203 disposed under the stone base 207 and over the top of stone leveling course 233. The geo-grid fabric 203 may be made of metal and have several ribs 205 arranged in a lattice which define many apertures. Advantageously, the geo-grid fabric 203 may be placed under the stone base 207 for increased stability of the curb installation atop the bottom portion 118 of the modular units 100. The stone base 207 may be disposed adjacent to the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100. In some instances, the stone base 207 may be comprised of numerous crushed stones 209 which may cover the top of the optional geo-grid fabric 203 and the stone leveling course 233.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 7 and 10, the sand base 201 may be disposed on the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of the modular unit 100 extending over the top of the stone base 207. In some embodiments, the sand base 201 may include a predetermined height, a predetermined width, and a predetermined length. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for forming the sand base 201 within the scope of the present disclosure. The sand base 201 may also include a top surface that is flattened to allow the paver units 211 to be placed on the top surface. The paver units 211 may include a front side 213, a rear side 215, a top side 217, and bottom side 219 and are disposed adjacent to one another for a paver unit curb installation.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the curb system 200 may further include a grass turf unit 221 having a bottom portion 223 comprised of dirt 225 and a top portion 227 comprised of grass 229. The top portion 227 and the bottom portion 223 may have a predetermined height and the grass turf unit 221 may have a predetermined width. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the grass turf unit 221 within the scope of the present disclosure. The grass turf unit 221 may be further disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100.

[0050] In contrast, FIGS. 8 and 18 illustrate a black top pavement installation. The curb system 200 may include several modular units 100. The modular units 100 may include a first modular unit 206 and a second modular unit 208. The modular units 100 may be connected in series by the elongate connectors 204 placed through the top bore 124 and the bottom bore 126. As described hereinabove, the latex bonding agent may be disposed in between the first modular unit 206 and the second modular unit 208 to keep weeds from seeping out of the modular units 100 when connected in series and to add additional stability to lock the modular units 100 together. The elongate spikes 202 may be further disposed through the holes 132 in the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100 and into a subgrade, securing the modular units 100 in place. In contrast to the paver unit installation as depicted in FIG. 7, the grass turf unit 221 may be placed adjacent to and on top of the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100 for the black top pavement installation. More specifically, the grass turf unit 221 may be disposed on an opposite side of the pavement 231 with each of the modular units 100 securely placed in between the grass turf unit 221 and the black top pavement installation.

[0051] Additionally, with further reference to FIGS. 8 and 18, the curb system 200 may include a stone leveling course 233, a stone base 207 comprised of numerous crushed stones 209, and pavement 231. The stone base 207 may be disposed on the top of the stone leveling course 233. The pavement 231 may be disposed on the top surface of the stone base 207 adjacent to each of the modular units 100. In some embodiments, the pavement 231 may include a predetermined length, a predetermined width, and a predetermined height. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the pavement 231 within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 13-16, and in another embodiment of the disclosure, the modular unit 100' may be a rectangular block in shape instead of having an L-shape like the modular unit 100. For purpose of clarity, structure shown in FIGS. 13-16 that is like or related to structure shown in FIGS. 1-6, is depicted with the same reference number and a prime symbol (')•

[0053] In contrast to the modular unit 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 with an L-shape, the modular unit 100' shown in FIGS. 13-16 illustrate the first elongate groove 120' and the second elongate groove 122' disposed on the first side 115' and second side 117' of the modular unit 100'. The first elongate groove 120' and the second elongate groove 122' may have a one-half inch (0.5”) radius. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable dimensions for forming the modular unit 100' within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, each of the first elongate groove 120' and the second elongate groove 122' may be co-planar with a first plane. In some embodiments, the first plane may be substantially horizontal upon installation of the modular unit 100'. The first elongate groove 120' and the second elongate groove 122' are designed to allow the modular unit 100' to be easily lifted and carried using the lifting tool 210, as depicted in FIGS. 11-12. The lifting tool 210 may have rounded ends 212 that are designed to sit comfortably in the first elongate groove 120' and the second elongate groove 122' of the modular unit 100' for gripping.

[0054] Additionally, the modular unit 100' may have bottom bores 126’ disposed from the front side 112' to the rear side 114' of the modular unit 100'. As a non-limiting example, the bottom bores 126’ may have a diameter of about five-eighths of an inch (5/8”). One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable dimensions for forming the bottom bores 126’ and the modular unit 100' within the scope of the present disclosure. The bottom bores 126’ allow elongate connectors 204 to be placed through the bottom bores 126’ to connect each modular unit 100' in series. In contrast to the modular unit 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6, the modular unit 100' shown in FIGS. 13-16 does not provide a bottom portion 118 with holes 132 to allow elongate spikes 202 to be disposed through the holes 132. The modular unit 100' may simply be secured in place using the elongate connectors 204 through the bottom bores 126’.

[0055] FIGS. 9 and 17 illustrate the curb system 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the modular unit 100' may be used to build a variety of curbs, sidewalks, or driveways. It further eliminates the need for concrete mixing and special machinery or special tools to shape the concrete mixture into curbs. In particular, FIGS. 9 and 17 depict a curb installation using a modular unit 100' as shown in FIGS. 13-16. The curb system 200 includes several modular units 100'. The modular units 100' may include a first modular unit 206' and a second modular unit 208'. In contrast to the curb system installation depicted in FIGS. 7 and 10, the modular units 100' are connected in series by the elongate connectors 204 placed through the bottom bores 126’. As described hereinabove, the latex bonding agent may be disposed in between the first modular unit 206' and the second modular unit 208' to keep weeds from seeping out of the modular units 100' when connected in series and to add additional stability to lock the modular units 100' together.

[0056] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, the curb system 200 may further include a stone leveling course 233, a stone base 207 comprised of numerous crushed stones 209, and pavement 231. In some embodiments, the curb system 200 may include an optional geo-grid fabric 203 disposed under the stone base 207 and over the top of stone leveling course 233. The geo-grid fabric 203 may be made of metal and have several ribs 205 arranged in a lattice which define many apertures. The stone base 207 may be disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100' and on the top of the optional geo-grid fabric 203 and the stone leveling course 233. The pavement 231 may be disposed on the top surface of the stone base 207.

[0057] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 17, the curb system 200 may further include a grass turf unit 221 having a bottom portion 223 comprised of dirt 225 and a top portion 227 comprised of grass 229. In some embodiments, the top portion 227 and the bottom portion 223 may have a predetermined height and the grass turf unit 221 may have a predetermined width. One of ordinary skill in the art may select suitable dimensions for the grass turf unit 221 within the scope of the present disclosure. The grass turf unit 221 is disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100' as shown in FIGS. 9 and 17.

[0058] The present disclosure further contemplates a method 300, shown in FIG. 19. In a first step 302, several modular units 100, 100' may be provided. The modular units 100, 100' may include a first modular unit 206, 206' and a second modular unit 208, 208' where each of the modular units 100, 100' have a main body 110, 110' with a front side 112, 112', a rear side 114, 114', a top portion 116, 116', and a bottom portion 118, 118' as described hereinabove. The modular unit 100 may also include a top bore 124 formed through the top portion 116 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114 of the modular unit 100. Additionally, the modular unit 100 may include a bottom bore 126 formed through the bottom portion 118 from the front side 112 to the rear side 114 of the modular unit 100. In another embodiment and in contrast, the modular unit 100' may include bottom bores 126’ formed through the top portion 116' from the front side 112' to the rear side 114' of the modular unit 100'.

[0059] In a second step 304, the first modular unit 206, 206' may be disposed adjacent to the second modular unit 208, 208'. More specifically, the rear side 114, 114' of the first modular unit 206, 206' may be disposed adjacent to the front side 112, 112' of the second modular unit 208, 208' using the lifting tool 210.

[0060] The first modular unit 206, 206' may be connected to the second modular unit 208, 208' in series, in a third step 306. Advantageously, the first modular unit 206 may be connected to the second modular unit 208 by disposing the elongate connectors 204 through the top bore 124 of the first modular unit 206 and into the top bore 124 of the second modular unit 208 as well as disposing the elongate connectors 204 through the bottom bore 126 of the first modular unit 206 and into the bottom bore 126 of the second modular unit 208. In another embodiment, the first modular unit 206' may be connected to the second modular unit 208' by disposing the elongate connectors 204 through the bottom bores 126’ of the first modular unit 206' into the bottom bores 126’ of the second modular unit 208'.

[0061] In a fourth step 308, the installations above the bottom portion 118, 118' of each of the modular units 100, 100' may be finalized. The finalization above the bottom portion 118, 118' may include either finishing a paver unit installation atop the bottom portion 118, 118' of each of the modular units 100, 100' or finishing a black top pavement installation atop the bottom portion 118, 118' of each of the modular units 100, 100'.

[0062] The finalization of a paver unit installation atop the bottom portion 118, 118' of each of the modular units 100, 100' method may include excavating a ground surface in order to provide an excavated path. A stone leveling course 233 may be applied to the excavated path. The step further includes disposing an optional geo-grid fabric 203 on the stone leveling course 233. A stone base 207 may be comprised of numerous crushed stones 209 and disposed adjacent to the bottom portion 118, 118' of the modular units 100, 100'. The step additionally may include placing a sand base 201 on the upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100 as well as on top the stone base 207. In another embodiment, the sand base 201 may be placed adjacent to the bottom portion 118' of each of the modular units 100' and on top of the stone base 207. The sand base 201 may be flattened to provide a smooth surface for the paver units 211 to be placed on the top of the sand base 201. Finally, in some embodiments, the paver units 211 may be disposed on the top of the sand base 201 where the rear side 215 of each paver unit is disposed adjacent to the front side 213 of each paver unit 211 to complete the paver unit curb installation. In some embodiments, a grass turf unit 221 may be disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100, 100' opposite the paver unit installation.

[0063] The finalization of a black top pavement installation atop the bottom portion 118, 118' of each of the modular units 100, 100' method includes excavating a ground surface in order to provide an excavated path. A stone leveling course 233 may be applied to the excavated path. Further, a stone base 207 may be comprised of numerous crushed stones 209 and disposed adjacent to the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100, 100'. The step additionally includes disposing the black top pavement on the top of the stone base 207 to further complete the black top pavement installation. In some embodiments, a grass turf unit 221 may be disposed on an upper surface 119 of the bottom portion 118 of each of the modular units 100 opposite the black top pavement installation. In another embodiment, the grass turf unit 221 may be disposed adjacent to each of the modular units 100' opposite the black top pavement installation.

[0064] Advantageously, the modular unit 100, 100' and the curb system 200 of the present disclosure provide for efficient curb installation using either the modular unit 100 or the modular unit 100'. In particular, the modular unit 100, 100' eliminates the need for concrete mixing that further includes using special machinery or special tools to shape the concrete mixture into curbs. The modular unit 100, 100' further provides curb systems 200 that may accommodate paver unit installations as well as black top pavement installations. The modular unit 100, 100' may also be used to build sidewalks and driveways, and many other installations. Finally, the modular unit 100, 100' and the curb system 200 provide for sturdy and long-lasting curb installations due to the unique embodiments of the present disclosure as described hereinabove.

[0065] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well- known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods may be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular unit for a curb system, comprising: a main body having a front side, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first elongate groove and the second side having a second elongate groove.

2. The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein each of the first elongate groove and the second elongate groove is continuous, uninterrupted, and extends from the front side to the rear side of the main body.

3. The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the second elongate groove is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from an upper surface of the bottom portion at a predetermined distance.

4. The modular unit of Claim 3, wherein the predetermined distance is about one-half inch (0.5”).

5. The modular unit of Claim 3, wherein each of the first elongate groove and the second elongate groove is co-planar with a first plane.

6. The modular unit of Claim 5, wherein the first plane is oriented substantially parallel with the upper surface of the bottom portion of the main body. The modular unit of Claim 5, wherein the first plane is substantially horizontal upon installation of the modular unit. The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the first elongate groove has a one-half inch (0.5”) radius. The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the top portion has a top bore formed through the top portion from the front side to the rear side, the bottom portion has a bottom bore formed through the bottom portion from the front side to the rear side, and the top portion of the main body is bisected by a second plane, and the top bore and the bottom bore are disposed on and co-planar with the second plane. The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the bottom portion has a top side and a bottom side, and a plurality of holes is formed in the bottom portion from the top side to the bottom side. The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the top portion has a top portion width and the bottom portion has a bottom portion width, the top portion width being less than the bottom portion width. The modular unit of Claim 11, where the top portion width is about four inches (4”) and the bottom portion width is about ten inches (10”). The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the top portion has a top portion height and the bottom portion has a bottom portion height, the top portion height being less than the bottom portion height. The modular unit of Claim 13, where the top portion height is about three and one-half inches (3.5”) and the bottom portion height is about four inches (4”). The modular unit of Claim 1, wherein the main body is one of generally L-shape and generally rectangular block in shape.

A curb system, comprising: a plurality of modular units including a first modular unit and a second modular unit, each of the modular units having a main body having a front side, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first elongate groove and the second side having a second elongate groove, wherein the modular units are connected in series. The curb system of Claim 16, wherein the top portion of each of the modular units has a top bore formed through the top portion from the front side to the rear side, and the bottom portion of each of the modular units has a bottom bore formed through the bottom portion from the front side to the rear side. The curb system of Claim 17, further comprising a plurality of elongate connectors, each of the elongate connectors disposed through the top bores and bottom bores of each of the modular units, whereby the modular units are connected.

19. A method for installation of a curb system, comprising steps of: providing a plurality of modular units including a first modular unit and a second modular unit, each of the modular units having a main body having a front side, a rear side, a top portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first elongate groove and the second side having a second elongate groove; disposing the first modular unit adjacent to the second modular unit; connecting the first modular unit to the second modular unit in series; and finishing an installation atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein the step of finishing the installation atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units includes one of the steps of: finishing a paver unit installation atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units; finishing a black top pavement installation atop the bottom portion of each of the modular units.