Vertical surface weed barrier structure

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is attachable onto any upright vertical surface and functions as a deterrent for the prevention of vegetation and/or weed growth adjacent thereto. More particularly the invention pertains to a structure formed from three interconnected outwardly projecting tabs. The structure is of simple construction, can be easily installed in numerous variable positions, and includes additional optional features of engineering choice.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to brackets, shields, guards, apparatuses, or any device that is attachable onto an upright vertical surface and functions as a deterrent for the prevention of vegetation and/or weed growth adjacent thereto. More particularly the invention pertains to a structure formed from three interconnected outwardly projecting tabs. The structure is of simple construction, versatile, can be attached onto any vertical surface, is cost effective to produce, market, and sell.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known within the field of landscaping or the like that weed control is especially difficult to resolve against vertical surfaces such as surfaces adjacent the lower edge of fences, buildings and any other structures of that nature. Most often to eliminate such growth, the landscaper must utilize a trimmer of some type, such as a hand clipper, hedging shear, a “weed-wacker”, a “weed-eater™” etc. These devices are most difficult, cumbersome, time consuming and simply not efficient in use. Furthermore, a lawn mower is not feasible as it is not constructed to easily align along the edge of an upright surface. Still other types of weed control attempts incorporate the need for pesticides which are not environmentally friendly and are not necessarily safe for use around children and/or animals.

To further address and resolve this weed control issue elongated weed guards or barriers have been proposed. For example within the known prior art weed control is addressed within the following U.S. Patents.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,458, filed on Apr. 21, 2004, entitled “FENCE POST SHIELD” teaches a shield having two opposing upright strips which are interconnected forming substantially a centralized opening for support of a fence post and wire fence therein. In theory this shield prevents weed growth from around the outside perimeter of the fence and fence post. However, this type of shied is most ineffective, it is not cost efficient to produce and is not usable for any other type of structure such as a wall, a wooden fence or the like.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,497,472, 5,660,374 and D558,903 each address weed control assemblies that incorporate outwardly extending structures having a centralized elongated trough for receiving the lower edge of a wire fence therein. Again, these assemblies are simply not efficient and not functional for use and/or easily installed against any upright vertical surface of user choice.

Therefore there remains a great need for a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is easily installed, cost effective to produce, market and sell, is compact for shipping, versatile in use and most importantly is of very simple construction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vertical surface weed barrier structure that overcomes the inherent disadvantages, drawbacks, problems, and overall inefficiencies associated within all of the known prior art in a manner heretofore not taught.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is of simple construction and formed from only three interconnected outwardly projecting tabs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vertical surface weed barrier structure that can be made from any suitable material of engineering choice, such as but not limited to, aluminum, steel, plastic, etc.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is extremely versatile and can be installed in numerous positions of user choice.

Also another object of the present invention is to provide a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is aesthetically pleasing and appealing when viewed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a vertical surface weed barrier structure that is compatible for use with any type of lawnmower as it will not interfere in any manner whatsoever.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent when taken into consideration with the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is substantially a perspective overview of a first embodiment for the present invention.

FIG. 2 is substantially a front view of FIG. 1 depicting the general structure thereof.

FIG. 3 is substantially a side view of the structure and depicts one possible first installation position when installed on top of the ground surface and within the earth below the vertical surface object.

FIG. 4 is substantially a side view of the structure and depicts one possible second installation position when installed on top of the earth and attached onto the vertical surface object.

FIG. 5 is substantially a side view of the structure and depicts one possible third installation position when installed on top of the earth and attached onto the vertical surface object.

FIG. 6 is substantially a partial enlarged view of one component of the structure and depicts one possible configuration for an anchor means for securing the structure in place when installed underground.

FIG. 7 is substantially a side view depicting a modification that allows folding of the structure and illustrates a shipping configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now in detail to the drawings wherein like characters refer to like elements therein. As depicted in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment for the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) of the present invention includes an elongated first tab member (12), an elongated second tab member (14) and an elongated third tab member (16). Each tab member (12, 14 & 16) having a first end and a second end. The first end of each said tab member (12, 14 & 16) being interconnected together providing a centralized base intersection (18). As illustrated, the elongated first tab member (12) extends outwardly and away from the centralized base intersection (18) and the elongated second tab member (14) extends outwardly and away from the centralized base intersection (18). Thus, the elongated first tab member (12) and the elongated second tab member (14) are opposed from each other and the elongated third tab member (16) extends outwardly and away from the centralized base intersection. It is to be noted that the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) is applicable for use with any vertical surface of installer choice and is not to be limited to use with any specified object of choice. Thus the upright vertical surface (20) as depicted herein is only exemplary and illustrated for clarification purposes as it may be a fence or a wall, etc. Furthermore, the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) can be installed in any preferred position of installer choice as described and clarified within the following description.

As depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 & 3 the preferred position of installer choice is a position whereby the elongated first tab member (12) and the elongated second tab member (14) provide an X-axis. The elongated third tab member (16) provides a Y-axis. Thus, as depicted the elongated third tab member (16) protrudes downwardly from the centralized base intersection (18) along the Y-axis. Whereby when the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) is installed, the elongated first tab member (12) and the elongated second tab member (14) are positioned on top of the ground surface (22-A), a bottom portion of the upright vertical surface (20) is positioned on top of the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) and the elongated third tab member (16) protrudes downwardly into the earth (24). It is to be understood the illustration in FIG. 1, depicts that the installer choose to install the horizontal bottom end of the upright vertical surface (20) onto the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) at a location on top of the centralized base intersection (18). This is only exemplary of one possible position of installer choice as the bottom portion of the upright vertical surface (20) can be positioned anywhere on top of the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10). For example, if the upright vertical surface (20) is a pre-existing wall or the like, the installer may choose to install the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) adjacent the pre-existing wall whereby the upright vertical surface (20) could be positioned at one end of either the first or second tab members (12 or 14) and not on top of the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10), respectively. Therefore, there are numerous variable positions of installer choice and thus the invention is not limited to any specific installation restrictions.

As depicted in FIG. 4 the preferred position of installer choice is a position whereby the elongated first tab member (12) and the elongated second tab member (14) provide an X-axis and the elongated third tab member (16) provides a Y-axis. Thus, as depicted the elongated third tab member (16) protrudes upwardly from the centralized base intersection (18) along the Y-axis. Whereby when the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) is installed, the elongated first tab member (12) and the elongated second tab member (14) are positioned on top of the ground surface (22-A), a bottom portion of the upright vertical surface (20) is positioned on top of the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) and the elongated third tab member (16) protrudes upwardly against the exterior side of the upright vertical surface (20). Again, FIG. 2 is only exemplary as there are numerous variable positions of installer choice and thus the invention is not limited to any specific installation restrictions.

As depicted in FIG. 5 the preferred position of installer choice is a position whereby the elongated first tab member (12) and the elongated second tab member (14) provide a Y-axis and the elongated third tab member (16) provides an X-axis. Whereby, when the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) is installed the elongated third tab member (16) protrudes outwardly from the centralized base intersection (18) along the X-axis on top of the ground surface (22), the elongated first tab member (12) extends upwardly against the exterior side of the upright vertical surface (20) and the elongated second tab member (14) protrudes downwardly into the earth (24). Again, FIG. 3 is only exemplary as there are numerous variable positions of installer choice and thus the invention is not limited to any specific installation restrictions.

It is to be noted the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) as described above is fully functional as is. However, there are some additional optional features that may be included depending on engineering choice. For example, it may be beneficial to provide an anchor means for securing the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) into the earth (24). Any suitable anchor means of engineering choice is an option thus the following description is only exemplary of one possible anchor means. As depicted in FIG. 6, the second end of the elongated third tab member (16) is bent outwardly and upwardly forming an upward pointed spike (26) of which functions as a stability ground support anchor. It is to be understood that depending on engineering choice any one of the elongated tabs (12, 14 or 16) may include the spike (26) if considered necessary.

Yet another manufacturing optional feature for the present invention is to modify the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) into a more appropriate shipping configuration of engineering choice. For example, if desired the second end of the elongated third tab member (16) is of a thickness more than the thickness of the second end of the elongated third tab member so as to allow folding thereof into a shipping configuration as depicted in FIG. 7. Wherein, the shipping configuration as illustrated depicts that the elongated first tab member (12) extends outwardly and away from the centralized base intersection (18) and the elongated second tab member (14) extends outwardly and away from the centralized base intersection (18). Thus, the elongated first tab member (12) and elongated second tab member (14) are opposed from each other providing an X-axis and the elongated third tab member (16) when folded extends outwardly and away from the centralized base intersection (18) in alignment beneath the elongated first tab member (12). Again, depending on engineering choice FIG. 6 is only exemplary as one possible modification for a shipping configuration.

It is to be noted that the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) may further include the option of having one or multiple holes for receiving a fastener there through so as to allow the installer to fixedly attach the vertical surface weed barrier structure (10) onto the upright vertical surface (20) at a location of choice. For example as depicted in FIG. 5, the elongated first tab member (12) is fixedly attached onto the upright vertical surface (20) by a fastener (28). Again this is only exemplary as any suitable fastener of user choice is applicable and the invention is not limited to any specific type of fastener.

Yet another option for the present invention is to include an aesthetically pleasing alteration of engineering choice. For example, either one of the elongated tabs (12, 14 or 16) may include a design such as flowers, animals, or any appealing design that is aesthetically attractive. Although, not shown this is to be an inherent optional feature. Furthermore it is to be noted that the present invention may also be used to define a perimeter or boundary. For example, typical homes or the like normally have a property line defined by a fence. Thus, the present invention when installed thereon can signify the property line thereof.

It can now be seen herein disclosed is a new and simplified vertical surface weed barrier structure that is novel and most advantageous when compared to any existing prior art. The structure is cost effective to manufacture market and sell. More importantly the structure is versatile, easy to install, aesthetically pleasing when viewed and effectively eliminates weed growth in a manner heretofore not taught, suggested, or implied within the known prior art.

Furthermore, it is to be understood the present invention can be of any size, length or shape of engineering choice. For example, the structure may be produced in varying lengths of which are equal to standard fence post spacing or the like.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatuses.

Claims

1. A vertical surface weed barrier structure comprising: an elongated first tab member; an elongated second tab member; and an elongated third tab member; each said tab member having a first end and a second end, said first end of each said tab member being interconnected together providing a centralized base intersection, said elongated first tab member extending outwardly and away from said centralized base intersection, said elongated second tab member extending outwardly and away from said centralized base intersection, said elongated first tab member and said elongated second tab member being opposed from each other and said elongated third tab member extending outwardly and away from said centralized base intersection,

whereby:

when said vertical surface weed barrier structure is attached onto an upright vertical surface, said vertical surface weed barrier structure functions as a deterrent for the prevention of vegetation and/or weed growth adjacent thereto.

2. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 1 is to be installed against said upright vertical surface in the preferred position of installer choice.

3. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 2 wherein said preferred position of installer choice comprising; a position whereby said elongated first tab member and said elongated second tab member provide an X-axis, said elongated third tab member provides a Y-axis and said elongated third tab member protrudes downwardly from said centralized base intersection along said Y-axis.

4. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 2 wherein said preferred position of installer choice comprising; a position whereby said elongated first tab member and said elongated second tab member provide an X-axis, said elongated third tab member provides a Y-axis and said elongated third tab member protrudes upwardly from said centralized base intersection along said Y-axis.

5. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 2 wherein said preferred position of installer choice comprising; a position whereby said elongated first tab member and said elongated second tab member provide a Y-axis, said elongated third tab member provides an X-axis and said elongated third tab member protrudes outwardly from said centralized base intersection along said X-axis.

6. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 1 wherein said second end of said elongated third tab member is bent outwardly forming a ground support anchor.

7. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 1 wherein said second end of said elongated third tab member is of a thickness more than the thickness of said second end of said elongated third tab member so as to allow folding thereof into a shipping configuration.

8. The vertical surface weed barrier structure of claim 7 wherein said shipping configuration comprising: said elongated first tab member extending outwardly and away from said centralized base intersection, said elongated second tab member extending outwardly and away from said centralized base intersection, said elongated first tab member and said elongated second tab member being opposed from each other providing an X-axis and said elongated third tab member when folded extending outwardly and away from said centralized base intersection in alignment beneath said elongated first tab member.