Fence trim guard

Abstract

The device is comprised of two panels in the shape of Ls that are interwoven with each other when they are placed on the sides of a fence. The device is secured to the ground through a series of holes for that purpose. Additionally, an expander has been placed on the section of the device, both vertical and horizontal, to address the issue of uneven terrain.

Claims

1. A fence trim guard which is comprised of: a. a first base member; wherein the first base member has a horizontal surface and a vertical surface; wherein the vertical surface of the first base extends a predetermined distance above the horizontal surface of the first base; b. a second base member; wherein the second base member has a horizontal surface and a vertical surface; wherein the vertical surface of the second base member extends a predetermined distance above the horizontal surface of the second base member; c. an extension; wherein the extension is provided on the first base member; d. a slot; wherein a lip is provided on the bottom of the second base member; e. a plurality of spike holesprovided on the horizontal surface of the first base member and on the surface of the second base member; f. a plurality of ribs; wherein the plurality of ribs are placed on the underside of the horizontal surface of the first and second base members; g. a plurality of expanders; wherein the plurality of expanders is formed as part of the first base member; wherein the expander is integral to the vertical surface of the first base member; wherein the plurality of expanders is formed as part of the second base member; wherein the plurality of expanders is integral to the vertical surface of the second base member; wherein each expander permits its respective base member to bow.

2. A fence trim guard as described in claim 1 wherein the first base member is connected to a subsequent first base member with a base member coupling.

3. A fence trim guard as described in claim 1 wherein the second base member is connected to a subsequent second base member with a base member coupling.

4. A fence trim guard as described in claim 1 wherein the vertical surface of the first base member has at least one expander.

5. A fence trim guard as described in claim 1 wherein the vertical surface of the second base member has at least one expander.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the base members and the fence.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of the base members without the fence showing the approximate alignment of the sections when the device is installed.

(3) FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the base members showing the approximate alignment of each base member.

(4) FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the second base member showing a plurality of ribs that have been placed on the underside of the base member and a plurality of cross-slits.

(5) FIG. 5 is a top view of the base members and top line post sections that are surrounding a fence line post.

(6) FIG. 6 is a top view of the base members and top end post sections that are surrounding an end post of a fence.

(7) FIG. 7 is a front view of two base member sections, a first top line post section and a bottom line post section secured to each other and around the line post.

(8) FIG. 8 is a back view of two base member sections, a second top line post section and the bottom line post section secured to each other around the line post.

(9) FIG. 9 is a front view of the means to secure the device to an end post at the end of a fence.

(10) FIG. 10 is a side view of the base members attached to an end post.

(11) FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of a coupling to adjoin an end of one base member to an end of another base member.

(12) FIG. 12A is a top view of a line post base member.

(13) FIG. 12B is a top view of an end post base member.

(14) FIG. 12C is a top view of a rectangular base member.

(15) FIG. 13 is a fragmented isometric view of the front side of a base member of a first alternative embodiment, which allows the base member to lie flat over curved ground.

(16) FIG. 14 is a fragmented isometric view of the back side of the base member of a first alternative embodiment, which allows the base member to lie flat over curved ground.

(17) FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a second alternative embodiment.

(18) FIG. 16 is a front view of an alternative circular base section for a fence post with a clamp sitting atop the circular base section and surrounding the post of the fence.

(19) FIG. 17 is a top exploded view of the alternative circular base section.

NUMBERING DESCRIPTION

(20) 1Fence 2Line post 3End post 5Device 10First horizontal Member 10vFirst vertical member 12aFirst line post base 12bSecond line post base 14aFirst end post base 14bSecond end post base 15Hole 16Spike Hole 17aLine post base section 17bEnd post base section 17cRectangular base section 17dCircular base section 20Second Base Member 20vVertical member 25Ribs 28Attachment means 29Snap 30Nut 31Bolt 32Hinge and Rod Connection 40Slot 41Tab 60Single base member 61Vertical Member 62Strip 70Expander

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(21) This device 5 is intended to surround the bottom area of a fence 1 so that yard maintenance can be reduced. The fence itself is not being claimed but is integral to the device.

(22) A pair of two base members, a first base 10 and a second base 20 are provided and will attach on opposite sides of the fence 1. Each of the base members, 10 and 20 will be comprised of a flat horizontal section and an integral vertical member 10v and 20v respectively.

(23) When the device is surrounding the bottom of the fence such as depicted in FIG. 1, the horizontal sections of the base members will cover the ground surface and each of the horizontal sections will extend outward from the fence a predetermined distance. The distance that the horizontal portion will extend away from the fence should be long enough to enable the homeowner to maintain his or her lawn without impacting the fence and prevent animals from burrowing under the fence. Because the horizontal sections cover the ground surface, grass and other weeds cannot grow under each of the horizontal sections. Additionally, each of the vertical sections, 10v and 20v, will extend upward from the ground surface along the bottom of the fence a predetermined distance. The exact length of each of the vertical sections is determined to insure that the base members are secured to each other along the fence line without detracting from the cosmetic appeal of the device. The height of the vertical members should also be high enough to prevent the growth of weeds between the vertical sections.

(24) The vertical sections may connect to each other with a bolt 31 and nut 30 connection. Additionally, as an alternative to the bolt 31 and nut 30 there may be a prod, which will attach to a corresponding snap. It is anticipated that other connection mechanisms may alternatively or additionally be utilized by one of ordinary skill in the art to attach the two base members together.

(25) On the outside of each of the base members will be a series of spike holes 15, which are also depicted in FIG. 1. The spike holes 15 are oriented in a cross to permit the homeowner to secure this device into the ground surface with a spike. Unlike if a hole was provided, the cross orientation of the spike holes also prevent grass or weeds from growing through the device 5 when a spike is not inserted.

First Embodiment

(26) In the first embodiment, the bottom of base member 20 will be a plurality of raised ribs 25, which will give added stability and integrity of the device. The plurality of ribs 25 will also allow for draining after the device 5 is installed. When the device is installed, the ribs 25 will not be visible, but will also prevent the sections from moving as the sections are impacted by any lawn maintenance equipment. Base member 20 also provides a tab 41 that is placed periodically along the base member's bottom below the plurality of ribs 25.

(27) Because fencing will include a plurality of fence posts there must be special pieces to surround the individual fence post such as depicted in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the post base is provided with a curved member which will correspond to the curve in a line fence post. This is important because line posts are secured to one side of a fence.

(28) The base member 10 will have a slot 40 that will extend a predetermined distance from the horizontal portion 10 that will extend away from the fence such as depicted in FIG. 3. On the corresponding base member 20, a lip that will envelope a portion of the slot 40 is provided. When the two base members are connected the slot 40 will be inserted between the plurality of ribs 25 and tab 41. This will allow for water to drain along the slot 40 through the gaps between the plurality of ribs 25 and provide additional stability and strength to the device.

Second Embodiment

(29) In the second embodiment, an expander 70 is added to the vertical sections of each base member, which can be seen in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. The expanders 70 will permit the vertical members to bow to accommodate the topography where the ground is uneven.

Third Embodiment

(30) In a third embodiment, the slot and tab are not used such as depicted in FIG. 15. Instead, there is a single member 60 that is comprised of horizontal section of predetermined dimensions and a vertical member of predetermined height. A separate vertical section 62 is placed along one side of the fence and is secured to the vertical member 61 of the corresponding single member 60. The strip section 62 is connected to the vertical member 61 with a nut and bolt assembly similarly to the other embodiments covered within this disclosure.

(31) The third embodiment will prevent water from pooling as a gap is created between the end of the vertical member 61 and the top section of the single member 60.

Fourth Embodiment

(32) In the fourth embodiment, an expander 70 is added to the vertical section 61 and horizontal strip 62 (not depicted). The expanders 70 will permit the vertical members to bow to accommodate the topography where the ground is uneven.

(33) Each of the four embodiments will require additional attachments that provide material to cover areas next to or around line posts and end posts. Typically, the end post 3 is positioned so that the chain link fence runs to the middle of the post. A first end post base 14a and a second end post base 14b are provided specifically for end posts 3, which is also shown in FIG. 6. Pieces 14a and 14b mate together around the post with a hinge and rod connection 32 and at least one bolt and nut connection to prevent grass from growing up the respective end post. The first and second end post bases, 14a and 14b respectively, will determine the end of the fencing. The 14a and 14b bases also secure the ends of any of the disclosed base members, which can be seen in FIG. 6.

(34) With regards to line posts, they are typically on only one side of the fence, which can be seen in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8. A first line post base 12A and a second line post base 12B are provided specifically for line posts 2. Both line post bases, 12A and 12B, have a plurality of holes 15, and an integrated vertical section. The vertical section provided on base 12A spans partially around the line post 2 and overlaps on both sides with an adjacent base member 10 or 20. The vertical section provided on base 12B is flat and runs parallel to the fence. The plurality of holes 15 allows spikes to be easily inserted and placed into the ground for securement of the line post bases.

(35) The second line post base 12B is provided on the opposing side of the line post 2 of first line post base 12A. The two line post bases connect together with bolt and nut assemblies with can be seen in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8. The ends of the base members for any of the embodiments are to be secured between portions of the two line post bases, which can be seen in FIG. 5.

(36) FIG. 12 and FIG. 17 show ground cover sections. These sections are intended to offer additional ground coverage to further prevent grass or weed growth near fence line. These sections are to be placed under any of the base members described herein and can be seen in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 12, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17.

(37) A base member coupling is also provided to adjoin one base member to another in the event the distance between fence posts is longer than the length of a base member. The base member coupling is shown in FIG. 11.

(38) Because the fencing material will be outside, the material that will be used for this device should be resistant in all environmental conditions and should not decay or rust.