GREENERY EDGE CONTROL METHOD AND EDGING DEVICE

Abstract

A horticultural edging device includes at least one cap for location adjacent a green periphery, and a drive mechanism for moving the cap between a first (closed) position and a second (open) position, then returning the cap to the first position wherein at least a portion of the green periphery is covered and growth inhibited.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. A horticultural edging device for controlling overgrowth from an edge of horticultural greenery, the overgrowth extending beyond the edge of the greenery, the horticultural edging device comprising at least one cap positioned adjacent the edge of the greenery when installed, the cap operable for movement in a cyclical mode which includes movement of the cap from a first position in which at least some of the overgrowth in the region of the cap can overlie the cap, to a second position in which at least some of the overlying growth can enter a capture area below the cap, and thereafter return to the first position in which the overgrowth below the cap is entrapped under the cap.

8. The device according to claim 7, further comprising a drive mechanism for causing movement of the cap between the first and second positions.

9. The horticultural device according to claim 7, wherein the cap is mounted for pivotal movement between the first and second positions.

10. The horticultural device according to claim 7, wherein the cap is mounted for movement in a substantially vertical direction between the first and second positions.

11. The horticultural device according to claim 7, further comprising a body said cap being operatively mounted to said body.

12. The horticultural device according to claim 8, comprising a timer associated with the drive mechanism and arranged to cause selective operation thereof.

13. The horticultural device according to claim 7, wherein the cap comprises a strip having opposed spaced apart edges.

14. The horticultural device according to claim 7, comprising biasing means for urging the cap into the first position.

15. The horticultural device according to claim 8, wherein the drive mechanism is manually operable.

16. The horticultural device according to claim 8, wherein the drive mechanism is powered.

17. The horticultural device according to claim 7, wherein the cap is mounted for a combination of pivotal and substantially vertical movement between the first and second positions.

18. A method for controlling overgrowth from an edge of horticultural greenery, the overgrowth extending beyond the edge of the greenery, the method including the steps of: locating horticultural edging device in accordance with claim 7 adjacent the edge of the horticultural greenery and moving the at least one cap from the first position to the second position and thereafter returning the at least one cap from the second position to the first position.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the device further includes a drive mechanism for causing the movement between the first and second positions, the method including step of and activating the drive mechanism to cause the movement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates in schematic cross section one embodiment of the device of the present invention which includes a cap in the form of a strip that may be rotated about a hinged edge;

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates in schematic cross section an embodiment of the device of the present invention wherein the cap may be vertically raised and lowered;

[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a device of the present invention located at the periphery of a lawn bordered by two brick walls that meet to form a corner;

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates in schematic cross section a device according to the present invention and auxiliary devices installed at the edge of a footpath;

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates in schematic cross section the capture range of a device according to the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates in schematic cross section the sequence of operation of a device according to the present invention; and

[0067] FIG. 7 again illustrates in schematic plan view two embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0069] The device and method of the present invention does not interfere with the general growth of an expanse of lawn. The present invention is specifically directed to the over-growth along the periphery of a lawn, comprising the horizontal growth that invades areas adjacent the lawn. This is the overgrowth that the prior art addresses by clipping or chemical means to stop the lawn from outgrowing its space and overtaking surrounding spaces such as footpaths or gardens.

[0070] The green edging device of the present invention comprises at least one cap for location adjacent a green periphery and a drive mechanism for controlling translational movements, such as pivoting or levering of the cap, between a first position and a second position to cover the overgrowth at the green periphery.

[0071] The cap will have any a suitable width, thickness, length and configuration for the intended purpose. Typically, the cap is made of a material having the flexibility, opacity, durability, weather resistance and surface finish required for the application. The cap may also be designed in accord aesthetic considerations, such as having a colour, pattern or texture that matches or contrasts surrounding footpaths, ornaments or building colours.

[0072] The drive mechanism may configured according to the type of movement required for the desired application. For example, the drive mechanism may include hinges, pistons, screws, hydraulic components, pneumatic components or magnetic components. The drive mechanism may be actuated by a motor, or a wound clock-work mechanism, or manually, or may include a motor having a manual override.

[0073] Typically, any motor used to actuate the drive mechanism is located adjacent the cap, either above ground or buried. The motor may be associated with any convenient source of power including mechanical, electric, battery or solar power or combinations thereof. The device of the present invention may also be manually operated, or include a manual override. For example, a user may have a proprietary tool by which they can operate the drive mechanism.

[0074] FIG. 1 depicts in cross section an embodiment of the device of the present invention. FIG. 1 depicts the cap of the device in the form of a strip (1) in the first position, installed adjacent a concrete footpath (2) and lawn (3) covering soil (4). The strip (1) follows the desired lawn periphery (5) and the desired lawn height. The strip (1) is hinged and a drive mechanism (6) moves the strip (1) between the first position and a second position, then returning the strip (1) to the first position.

[0075] The strip may also undergo other translational movements to entrap the lawn growth. These include lifting and sliding movements. The strip may be lifted, slid, or otherwise moved from a first position to a prescribed height (secondary position) subsequently return to the first position.

[0076] FIG. 2 depicts a further embodiment of the device of the present invention. While the cap in the form of a strip depicted in FIG. 1 is hinged along one edge, the cap depicted in FIG. 2 is raised and lowered. This embodiment is particularly useful for location between pavers. Alternatively, the cap may have a second function as a paver of any convenient shape. Multiple caps may be used to provide steps of a pathway.

[0077] FIG. 2A depicts the cap (10) in the fully lowered first position and surrounded by lawn (3) that is starting to overgrow the periphery about the cap. FIG. 2B depicts the cap in the second position, lifted vertically by the drive mechanism (not shown) in the direction of the arrow so that the cap (10) is slightly higher than the blades of grass. FIG. 2C depicts the cap (10) as it returns towards the first position, catching the overgrowing blades of grass and pressing them towards the soil (4). FIG. 2D depicts the cap (10) once it has returned to the first position with the overgrowth firmly packed beneath the cap (10). The cap (10) has a flat upper surface that is in horizontal alignment with the height of the lawn. FIG. 2E depicts the cap (10) with lawn overgrowth decomposing underneath due to pressure and lack of light.

[0078] The device may include a function that slightly raises or lowers the cap when the lawn is mowed. Slightly lowering the cap beneath the height of the lawn would facilitate an improved cut at the edges of the cap. Alternatively, lifting the cap slightly may lift lawn overgrowth slightly into the blades of the mower, again improving the mower finish around the cap.

[0079] The cap may vary in shape and width to cover parts of the lawn periphery that are not readily accessible with a lawn mower. FIG. 3 depicts the periphery of a lawn (15) within two brick walls (11, 12) which form a corner that restricts lawn mower access. In this embodiment of the device, the corner cap (13) is configured with a curved internal edge, allowing the lawn mower to cover all of the lawn. The width of the cap increases into the corner (distance y is greater than distance x) and the cap thus covers the unreachable space in the lawn.

[0080] If the device is manually operated then the operator may use a proprietary tool to drive the apparatus, which facilitates the required movements of the cap.

[0081] The device of the present invention may additionally include a timer to regulate the operations of the device, actuating the drive mechanism to move the cap between the first position and the second position and optionally, subsequent positions. The repetition of the movement cycle (frequency) is intended to repeatedly cover and restrict any new lawn growth at the periphery of the lawn. The frequency, timing and duration of the cycle is typically under the direct or remote control of the operator and can be pre-set. Optimally the user will have the option of following suggested settings from a program (such as an app) or a manual.

[0082] The timer may be actuated by the motor, or a wound clock-work mechanism, or manually, or may include a manual override.

[0083] As mentioned above the cycle comprises movement of the cap from the first position to the second positon and then return to the first position. Optionally, the movement cycle has a duration of less than a minute. Setting an appropriate cycle frequency is important for efficacy of the device.

[0084] Preferably, the timer is programmable so that the timing, frequency and duration of operation can be varied with the seasons, type of greenery, average temperatures, rainfall, available nutrients, local climate or other relevant parameters. For example, if the greenery comprises a short leafed slow growing grass in a cool temperate or dry terrain, the cap may only need to move once a week, whereas a long leafed, vigorous growing grass in a warm temperate climate might require the cap to be moved daily. The frequency is preferably optimised so that the growth of the peripheral greenery does not overgrow the cap and its capture area and compromise its operation.

[0085] The timer may be associated with any convenient source of power including mechanical, electric, battery or solar power or combinations thereof. The timer may also be manually operated, or include a manual override. For example, a user may have a proprietary tool by which they can operate the drive mechanism.

[0086] The device of the present invention may be mounted to an existing garden feature adjacent the periphery of the lawn such as a concrete footpath edge and will be required to accurately follow that edge. In another embodiment of the present invention, the device of the present invention may be used to edge one variety of ground cover, dividing it from another type of ground cover such as two different varieties of lawns, or a lawn and a moss cover. In another embodiment of the present invention the device is used to edge ground covers at different heights, such as areas of lawn of different heights, for aesthetic or artistic purposes. Thus, the device of the present invention may be located at the periphery of different types of greenery to create many and varied divisions, not just an outer perimeter.

[0087] In applications where there is an absence of an existing garden structure or other tangible divider between the lawn and another area of the garden the device will perform the function of edging the periphery of the lawn. Clearly the structural integrity of the device must be appropriate for the application. For example, the device may also perform the function of a soil retainer, being the support for the soil and other loads applied near the periphery. Alternatively, if the cap is to be used as a paver or step in a path, it must be sufficiently robust to withstand bodyweight and repeated footfalls.

[0088] The device of the present invention must also be installed appropriately, for example, it may need to fit neatly, so as to avoid formation of projecting edges or steps to avoid forming stumbling hazards or other mobility hazards to pedestrians or cyclists or others who might traverse the device or come into close proximity.

[0089] Preferably, the timing of the movement of the strip between the first position and the second position avoids causing any mobility hazards. For example, the timer may trigger the cycle at 3:00 am when it would be unlikely that people would be walking over the device. Speeding up the movement cycle may also reduce the mobility hazard, by reducing the time that the strip is lifted and thus constitutes a hazard. The movement cycle for example can take only a few seconds at an appropriate time. The movement cycle may also only need to be triggered once every few days.

[0090] Other safety features may include warning devices such as flashing lights adjacent the device to warn those nearby of the movement of the strip. Such measures may be taken for example, in public gardens where it is more likely that people are about at all times of the day or night. There is less of a need for warning devices in a suburban back-yard where it would be unlikely that there are people walking over or near the device at 3:00 am.

[0091] The device may also include other lighting features that are particularly helpful in low light situations or bad weather, such as lights that are manually turned on or automatically activated by sensors at night for safety or security. Lighting may also be useful for delineating the edge of a footpath, road or driveway. Alternatively, or in addition, lighting may simply be used to beautify the garden of footpath.

[0092] It will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art that the device may be associated with other useful garden features such as a sound system, public address system, surveillance cameras or microphones.

[0093] FIG. 4 depicts a further embodiment of the device of the present invention installed at the edge of a cement footpath (21) adjacent the periphery of a lawn (24) on soil (22). The drive mechanism is provided as a module (27). The device includes a water pipe (29) for a watering system and a nozzle (32) for spraying water onto the lawn (22). An electrical conduit (26) carries electrical cable to supply power to the device and a conduit (28) is provided for hydraulic or pneumatic systems if they are required to drive movement of the cap. A conduit (25) is also provided for a data cable to microphones, cameras, speakers and the like. A spare conduit (30) is provided for any other needs. Fittings (31) are provided for use with the lighting, speakers or cameras. Solar panels (33) collect energy for battery storage.

[0094] Periodic inspection and maintenance would assist in keeping the device in proper position and alignment, so that it operates efficiently and does not become a tripping hazard or mobility hazard. The device may have a manual or automatic maintenance function that allows it to be opened for adjustment or cleaning, particularly to remove green debris or soil, and then returned to the first position.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment the device includes a cleaning apparatus that automatically brushes, sweeps or washes decomposed greenery out from under the cap when it is in the second (open) position.

[0096] Preferably, the device operates with a frequency that avoids greenery overgrowing the cap while it is in the first (closed) position and stop it operating properly. In other words, the greenery at its periphery has grown past the capture range of the cap. The capture range for the cap will vary with factors such as the dimensions of the cap and the variety of greenery.

[0097] FIG. 5 illustrates the concept of a capture range with reference to the edging device of the present invention when located at the periphery of a lawn (37) and adjacent a concrete path (39).

[0098] As depicted in FIG. 5A, within the capture range of the device, the lawn overgrowth (35) has only partially overgrown the cap (36) and the cap can freely move from the first position, to the second position and return to the first position, capturing the overgrowth under the cap (36) (FIG. 5B). As depicted in FIG. 5C, when the overgrowth has exceeded the capture range of the device, the cap is so overgrown that it either cannot move, or cannot move sufficiently to capture the overgrowth under the cap (FIG. 5D).

[0099] FIG. 6 illustrates in cross section the sequence of operation of a device according to the present invention. FIG. 6A shows the cap (40) in the first (closed) position with blades of grass (42) comprising a lawn adjacent an edge. The cap remains in this position until a timer initiates the movement cycle. FIG. 6B shows the blades of grass (42) beginning to encroach upon the cap. The blades of grass would typically grow taller and depending on the type of lawn, runners may also grow towards the edging device and invade the area adjacent the cap. In this manner, the desired perimeter of the law would start to be lost.

[0100] FIG. 6C illustrates the cap lifting according to a pre-determined movement cycle to the second (open) position. In the second position the cap is sufficiently raised to capture the lawn overgrowth invading the edging. FIG. 6D illustrates the cap lowering and returning to the first position. The cap thus clutches and encapsulates part of the overgrowing lawn (44) that was invading the edging.

[0101] FIG. 6E illustrates the cap continuing its return to the first position. The lawn overgrowth (44) is covered by the cap. The ecological factors favouring lawn growth are diminished under the cap, leading to withering and eventual termination of the encapsulated overgrowth. FIG. 6F illustrates the encapsulated lawn under the cap decomposing (46) into the soil. Alternatively, the dead remnants of the overgrowth may be cleaned out according to a maintenance programme. Optimally, only regular lawn mowing would be required and the lawn would not exceed the desired perimeter defined by the edging device of the present invention.

[0102] FIG. 7 again illustrates in plan view two embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7A illustrates a hinged cap version of the edging device showing a fixed structure (51) such as a concrete footpath defining the desired lawn perimeter. The cap (52) is shown in the first position, flush with the ground level and the arrow indicates the preferred height to which the cap (52, shown by broken lines) may rise above the lawn (54). The cap (52) pivots about a powered hinge (56) associated with the body (50) of the edging device located adjacent the desired lawn perimeter.

[0103] FIG. 7B is substantially the same as FIG. 7A but the cap (52) is powered to move vertically up and down in the direction of the arrow from the first position to the second position by virtue of a mechanism (58) that works on a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or magnetic basis.

[0104] The method of the present invention could for example, include the following steps: [0105] a. The edging device of the present invention is located at a green area, such as the edge of a lawn, customised to fit the desired peripheral shape; [0106] b. A timer associated with the edging device is programmed to trigger desired frequency, duration and timing of operation; [0107] c. The timer triggers the drive mechanism to initiate movement of the cap; [0108] d. The cap takes a few seconds to move from the first position to the second position; [0109] e. The cap takes a few more seconds to return to the first position, encapsulating, covering and pressing on any new lawn growth that was overtaking the cap; [0110] f. The covering cap remains in the first position, depriving the newly covered lawn overgrowth of light, and possibly moisture or other ecological factors required for survival; [0111] g. The cap remains in the first position until at a pre-programmed date and time, when the timer again triggers the drive mechanism to initiate movement of the cap and steps c to f are repeated, thus continually addressing growth at the edge of the lawn.

[0112] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0113] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0114] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0115] “Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.