AU2016100347A4 - A Garden Edging System - Google Patents

A Garden Edging System Download PDF

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AU2016100347A4
AU2016100347A4 AU2016100347A AU2016100347A AU2016100347A4 AU 2016100347 A4 AU2016100347 A4 AU 2016100347A4 AU 2016100347 A AU2016100347 A AU 2016100347A AU 2016100347 A AU2016100347 A AU 2016100347A AU 2016100347 A4 AU2016100347 A4 AU 2016100347A4
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connector
edging
portions
strips
edging strips
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AU2016100347B4 (en
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Daniel Gobbo
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Abstract

Abstract Various forms of a modular construction system are described. One form is a garden edging assembly that is made up of angled connectors for fitment with one or more panels in the form of edging strips. In another form the system is a storage system made up of one or more panels that are interconnected by connectors adapted to engage one or more the storage panels. The present invention also relates to a modular building which is quickly and easily erectable. The building components are made up of components including connectors and building panels that can be interconnected by the connectors. The connectors and the building panels are adapted to be transported to a site in modular form. Different forms of connectors having fasteners or fastening elements are used to interconnect the various forms of the panels which are provided with complementary fasteners or fastening elements to matingly connect to the fasteners or fastening elements of the connector to form an interconnected array of panels in desired shapes or configurations which are substantially rigid and self supporting. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT

Description

- 1 A GARDEN EDGING SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to modular construction systems. In one form, the invention relates to assemblies of various components to form modular construction systems for a variety of purposes. In one form, the modular construction system is a garden edging system. In one form, the garden edging system has more than one edging strips and at least one connector for joining adjacent edging strips to form an interconnected modular array of strips and connectors. Background of the Invention Garden edging systems generally include a number of edging strips of different sizes that are at least partially inserted into the ground and retained in position using stakes to support the edging strips and at spaced apart locations. In addition, the edging strips may be joined together to provide strength and to give an impression of a continuous edging strip using a joining mechanism such as a bracket. A bracket typically has pre-drilled holes for an installer to insert screws therethrough into the edging strips to join adjacent edging strips together. Another type of joining mechanism includes a sleeve to receive adjacent edging strips which are inserted therein. This sleeve may also have pre-drilled holes for the installer to insert screws therethrough to fix the adjacent edging strips together. However, such joining mechanisms protrude from the edging strips and the use of screws is time consuming and cumbersome. Further, unless special screws such as stainless steel screws, which are expensive, are used, the screws corrode, such as by rusting, and fail prematurely. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT -2 Summary of the Disclosure There is described and illustrated herein a garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips, each edging strip having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front face and an opposing back face and opposed side edges and a pair of channels extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of each edging strip comprises openings to the pair of channels; and at least one connector comprising at least two first portions and at least two second portions, wherein each of the at least two first portions extend from the connector and are otherwise not connected to one another, and each of the two second portions extend from the connector and are otherwise not connected to one another; wherein each of the first portions are adapted to mate with one of the openings of one of the side edges of an edging strip respectively; and each of the second portions are adapted to mate with one of the openings of another one of the side edges of an edging strip respectively, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges wherein the gardening edging system further comprises: a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent to the edging strips to substantially prevent the edging strips from moving; and a plurality of fastening means; wherein, in use, each stake can be retained to the front face of the edging strip using a respective fastening means. In an embodiment the connector further comprises an intermediate portion located intermediate of the first portions and the second portions of the connector, said intermediate portion acting as a support for the first portion and the second portion; and wherein the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the edging strips when interconnected by the connector. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 3 There is described and illustrated herein a method of joining adjacent edging strips in accordance with the garden edging system, the method comprising: mating the first portions of the connector with the openings of one of the edging strips; and mating the second portions of the connector with the openings of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. There is described and illustrated herein a garden edging comprising a plurality of edging strips joined using the system or using the method described above. According to an aspect there is provided a modular construction system comprising: at least one member having a first part of a fastener located at or towards one end; at least one connector having a second part of the fastener; the first part of the fastener having a complementary configuration to the second part of the fastener provided on the connector to facilitate cooperative engagement of the two parts of the fastener to interconnect the member to the connector. In an embodiment the modular construction system may further comprise at least two members wherein the connector is locateable intermediate of the two members. In an embodiment, the first part of the fastener includes a receiving part and the second part of a fastener includes a projection, wherein the receiving part is configured to matingly receive the projection for cooperatively interconnecting the member and the connector. In an embodiment the receiving part comprises an inwardly directed surface. In an embodiment the first part of a fastener defines a 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 4 channel adapted to matingly receive the second part of the fastener. In an embodiment, the at least one member or each of the members includes a hollow extrusion forming at least a part of the first part of the fastener. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion includes at least one channel extending at least partially through the member. In an embodiment, the connector comprises a first portion adapted to mate with the first part of the fastener of a first member and a second portion adapted to mate with a first part of a fastener of a second member to inter-connect the two members at their respective ends with the connector. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured so as to permit the two members to be detachably attached to the connector. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to enable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to enable attachment of adjacent members to the connectors so that the members are arranged to extend from the connector at different angles to each other. In an embodiment of the connector, the first part of the connector is angularly inclined to the second part at one of the following angles (a) 300; (b) 450 (c) 60'; (d) 90'; (e) 120'; (f) 1800. In an embodiment, the said first and second portions of the connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with hollow channels in each of the at least two members to interconnect the members through the connector. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 5 In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions are each tapered. In an embodiment, the said first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion between the connector and the member when mating the members and the connector In an embodiment, the connector further comprises an intermediate portion located intermediate of the first portion and the second portion of the connector, said intermediate portion acting as a support for the first portion and the second portion. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the members when interconnected by the connector. In an embodiment, the connector includes an auxiliary fastening element adapted to vertically fasten one connector with respect to another connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes an aperture to receive a fastening member, wherein the aperture is located on an upper surface or a lower surface of the connector. In an embodiment, the aperture is located in the intermediate portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes a projecting member. In an embodiment, the modular construction system is a garden edging system. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 6 In another aspect there is provided a garden edging system comprising a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and at least one connector comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges of the edging strips. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion comprises two channels extending through the edging strips. In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise mating portions adapted to mate with said two hollow channels of the edging strips. In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise an aluminium hollow extrusion. In an embodiment, each connector is formed from moulded plastics. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the connector comprises an intermediate portion disposed between said first and second portions adapted to abut against the respective side edges of the 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT -7 joined adjacent edging strips. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from said first and second portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. In an embodiment, the first and second portions are each tapered. In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the edging strips and the connector. In another aspect there is provided a garden edging system comprising a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and a plurality of connectors comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges; wherein at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion and at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion. In an embodiment, a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent to the edging strips to prevent the edging strips from moving. In an aspect there is provided a method of joining adjacent edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one side edge of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel, the method comprising mating a first portion of a connector with an opening of one of the edging strips; and 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 8 mating a second portion of the connector with an opening of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. In another aspect there is provided a method of assembling a modular construction system comprising the steps of fastening a first part of a fastener of a member at or towards one end thereof with a connector having a second part of the fastener, the first part of the fastener having a complementary configuration to the second part of the fastener; and facilitating cooperative engagement of the two parts of the fastener with one another to interconnect the member to the connector. In another aspect there is provided a garden edging system comprising:a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and at least one connector comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. In another aspect there is provided a storage system comprising at least two panels having opposed ends and each panel having at least a first part of a fastener located at or towards one of the panel's ends, and at least one connector locatable intermediate of the at least two panels includes a second part of a fastener; wherein the first part of the fastener includes a complementary configuration with respect to the second part of the fastener and is configured to cooperatively engage at least two member with the connector, thereby at least partially enclosing a space. In an embodiment the connector further comprises at least 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 9 two portions a first portion and a second portion, wherein each portion is adapted to be cooperatively engaged with at least the part of a fastener of the at least two panels. In an embodiment, each of the at least two panels include a receiving part, and the connector includes at least two projections, wherein each of the receiving part is configured to matingly receive at least one projection thereby cooperatively engaging and inter-connecting the panels and the connector to form part of the storage system. In an embodiment the receiving part is a channel. In an embodiment the at least two panels include a hollow extrusion forming at least a part of the first part of the fastener. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion includes at least one channel extending through the panel. In an embodiment, the connector includes a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the panels and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the panels, thereby in use joining adjacent panels at the respective ends thereof. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to be detachably attachable to the ends of respective members. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are configured to enable relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to enable relative movement between adjacent panels inter-connected by the connector during use to adopt different configurations to one another. In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 10 angularly inclined to the second portion, preferably movably angularly inclined. In an embodiment, the first and second portions of the connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with hollow channels in each of the at least two panels. In an embodiment, the first and second connector portions are each tapered. In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the panel and the connector In an embodiment, the connector comprises an intermediate portion between the first portion and the second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second connector portions so that in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of connected panels. In an embodiment, the connector includes an auxiliary fastening element adapted to fasten one connector vertically with respect to another connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastening member. In an embodiment, the aperture is located in the intermediate portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the auxiliary fastening element includes a projecting member. In an embodiment, the storage system comprising of any one comprises at least two connectors vertically connected to 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 11 one another wherein at least one connector comprises a first connecting element and at least another connector comprises a second connecting element, wherein the connecting elements are adapted to vertically connect the first connector and the second connector. In an embodiment the at least one connecting element includes a projecting member, and the at least another element includes an aperture wherein the projecting member is adapted to be received in the aperture thereby vertically connecting the two connectors. Brief Description of Embodiments In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges of the edging strips. For example, an edging strip may not be joined to adjacent edging strips at both edges. In this example, one edge of the edging strip is closed while the other has an opening to the channel to join with an adjacent edging strip. In another example, the edging strip has openings on both side edges to receive connectors and join adjacent edging strips thereto. In an embodiment, the hollow extrusion comprises two channels extending through the edging strips. In another embodiment, three or more channels extend through the edging strips, where the number of channels extending through the extrusion provides the desired rigidity for the edging strips. For example, edging strips that are tall relative to their length may be reinforced by having more than two channels extending therethrough. In an embodiment the first and second portions of a connector comprise mating portions adapted to mate with the two hollow channels of the edging strips. In the above embodiment where the hollow extrusion comprises two channels, the mating portions include two protruding tabs adapted to be 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 12 inserted and mate with the two corresponding hollow channels of the edging strip. It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the number of mating portions corresponds to the number of hollow channels in the edging strip. In an embodiment, the edging strips comprise an aluminum hollow extrusion. In another embodiment, the edging strips comprise a steel hollow extrusion or extrusion of another suitable material, such a metal alloy or a plastic or a combination of different materials. In a further embodiment, the edging strips are formed from mounded plastics. In an embodiment, each connector is formed from moulded plastics. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connector may be formed from extruded or pressed plastics and may be formed from thermoplastics or thermosetting polymers. Alternatively, the connectors may be formed from another suitable material such as a metal alloy. In one form, the surface treatment of the strips and edges is such that both, have the appearance of being made from the same material even if they are manufactured from different materials, such as for example components made from plastics materials which are coated to look like metal components In an embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 1800 to the second portion of the connector. In another embodiment, the first portion of the connector is disposed at 900 to the second portion of the connector. It is to be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the angle between the first and second portion of the connector may be allocated at any desired angle for the particular application (e.g. 600 in a triangular configuration of edging strips), and that the connector may have at least one additional portion or sometimes two additional portions adapted to mate with an opening of another edging strip to join at least three or four adjacent edging strips at their respective side edges. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 13 In another embodiment, a first portion of a connector is movably fastened to a second portion of the connector. The movable fastener is in the form of a hinge in this emobodiment. The hinge includes a first part in the form a profiled edge with a plurality recesses situated in the first portion of the connector. The hinge includes a second part which includes a plurality of projections extending from an edge of the second portion of the connector. The plurality of projections in the second portion of the connector are movably received in the plurality of recesses in the first portion of the connector to form a hinged connection between the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector. The first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector are also adapted to mate with the two hollow channels of the edging strips as described in the earlier embodiments. The movable fastening of the first portion of the connector with the second portion of the connector allows the edging strips to be disposed at any angle and further, the angle between adjacent edging strips may be varied by moving the first connector portion and the second connector portion with respect to one another about the hinged connection. In an embodiment, the connector comprises an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second portions adapted to abut against the respective side edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. In an embodiment, the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second portion so that in use the protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the joined adjacent edging strips. In an embodiment, the first and second portions are tapered to mate with the openings of the edging strips to form an interference fit. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 14 In an embodiment, the first and second portions comprise at least one flute adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion when mating the edging strips and the connector. According to another aspect there is provided a garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel; and a plurality of connectors comprising a first portion adapted to mate with an opening of one of the edging strips and a second portion adapted to mate with an opening of another one of the edging strips, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges; wherein at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 90 degrees to said second portion and at least one of the connectors comprises said first portion disposed at 180 degrees to said second portion. It may be envisaged that the first portion of the connector and the second portion of the connector may be disposed at any angle with reference to one another. Further, as described in earlier embodiments this angle may not necessarily be fixed and may be varied. In an embodiment, the garden edging system further comprises a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent the edging strips to prevent the edging strips from moving. The stakes are configured to work in cooperation with the edging strips to engage the edging strips on a supporting surface. For example, a supporting surface may be in the form of a garden bed. According to another aspect, there is provided a method of joining adjacent edging strips having opposed side edges and a channel extending therethrough, wherein at least one side edge of the edging strips comprises an opening to the channel, the method comprising: 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 15 mating a first portion of a connector with an opening of one of the edging strips; and mating a second portion of the connector with an opening of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges. Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained, examples of embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure la is a side view of one form of the modular construction system in the form of a garden edging system according to an embodiment showing two edging strips and a connector in the unjoined position; Figure lb is a side view of the garden edging system of Figure la in the joined position; Figure 2a is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a garden edging system according to an embodiment showing two edging strips and a connector having first and second portions disposed at 900 to each other in the unjoined position; Figure 2b is a perspective view of the garden edging system of Figure 2a in the joined position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of an edging strip according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a side view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system deployed in the form of a garden edging system according to an embodiment; Figure 7 is a top view of the garden edging system of Figure 6; 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 16 Figure 8 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a hinged connector; Figure 9 is an end view of a first part of a hinge in the first connector portion and a second part of a hinge in the second portion of the hinged connector shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a top view of the hinged connector shown in Figure 8; Figure 11 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector; Figure 12 is a top view of the connector shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of an angled connector; Figure 14 is a top view of the angled connector shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a canopy panel; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the canopy panel shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 is a first perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector; Figure 18 is a second perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a first perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a connector; Figure 20 is a second perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 19; Figure 21 is first perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of another connector; Figure 22 is a second perspective view of the connector shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a perspective view of perspective view of another form of the modular construction system deployed in the form of a canopy system according to an embodiment; Figure 24 is a perspective view of another form of the modular construction system in the form of a sand pit system. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 17 Detailed Description According to the embodiment, there is provided a system 10 including edging strips 12 having opposed side edges 14 and a channel 16 extending therethrough, and a connector 18 as shown in Figure la. The connector 18 includes a first portion 20 adapted to mate with an opening of the channel 16 of one of the edging strips 12 and a second portion 22 adapted to mate with an opening of the channel 16 of another edging strip 12 so that adjacent edging strips 12 can be joined together as shown in Figure lb. The connector 18 shown in Figure la has its first 20 and second 22 portions disposed at 1800 to each other so that the adjacent edging strips 12 can be joined together to form a longer edging strip. As described, the joined adjacent edging strips 12 have a flush top edge to give the impression of a seamless edge. Also as described, the edging strips 12 include a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges 14. It is envisaged that some edging strips 12 in the system 10 will have opening at both side edges 14 at some will have opening at only one side edge 14 where joining is not required. It also envisaged that the profile of the extrusion and the length of the edging strips 12 may vary according to the application and user requirements. An example of common dimensions of edging strips 12 and connectors 18 provided in the garden edging system 10 include: edging strips comprising 80mm X 4mm; 80mm X 6mm; 100mm X 4mm and 100mm x 6mm extrusion profiles, and 500mm, 1000mm, 2000mm, 4000mm and 6000mm lengths; 900 connectors comprising: 50mm X 50mm x 6mm or 4mm profiles; and 1800 connectors comprising: 50mm X 100mm X 6mm or 4mm profiles. In an example, a garden edging system 10 is provided with a number of edging strips 12 having different lengths but the same extrusion profile (e.g. 2 X 500mm, 1000mm, 2000mm and 4000mm edging strips having a 80mm X 4mm 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 18 profile), and a number of corresponding profile connectors 18 (e.g. 8 x 900 connectors and 8 x 1800 connectors having a 80mm X 4mm profile). In another example, the garden edging system 10 is provided for a particular application such as tree edging. In this example, four edging strips 12 of suitable length and profile and four 900 connectors 18 are provided for installers. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the edging strip 12 showing the hollow extrusion disposed as two channels 24 extending through the edging strip 12 and thus forming the opening of the edging strips 12. In this case, the connectors 18 are adapted to have their first 20 and second 22 portions adapted to mate with the two hollow channels 24 of the edging strip 12, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 shows a 1800 connector 18 having a first portion 20 with two mating portions 26 adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of the edging strip 12 at the side edge 14. Also, the second portion 22 of the connector 18 has two mating portions 28 adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of another edging strip 12 at the side edge 14, so that, in use, the connector 18 joins adjacent edging strips 12 at 1800 to each other. Figure 5 shows a 900 connector 18 also having first and second portions 20 & 22 having respective mating portions 26 & 28 which are adapted to mate with the openings formed by the two hollow channels 24 of adjacent edging strips 12 at the respective side edges 14 to join adjacent edging strips 12 at right angles to each other. In addition, the connector 18, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, has mating portions 26 & 28 that are tapered for ease of assemble and to provide an interference fit between the connector 18 and the opening of the side edge 14 of the edging strip 12. Furthermore, to enhance adhesion of the mating of 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 19 the connector 18 with the respective openings of the edging strips 12, the mating portions 26 & 28 have flutes 29 extending along a surface of the mating portions 26 & 28. The flutes 29 are adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion. That is, the flutes 29 are tapered so that when the mating portions 26 & 28 are inserting into the openings of the respective side edges 14 of the edging strips 12 a portion of the flute 29 extending beyond the height of the channel is sheared off to provide a close interference fit and provide adhesion to more securely join adjacent edging strips 12. Thus, in use, an installer would join adjacent edging strips 12 at their respective side edges by mating the first portion 20 of the connector 18 with an opening of one of the edging strips 12 by inserting the mating portions 26 into the opening and subsequently mating the second portion 22 of the connector 18 with an opening of an adjacent edging strip 12 by inserting the mating portions 28 into the opening, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips 12 at the respective side edges to create garden edging. The connector 18, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, also includes an intermediate portion 30 disposed between the first portion 20 and the second portion 22 adapted to abut against the respective side edges 14 of the joined adjacent edging strips 12. Thus, in use, the mating portions 26 & 28 are inserted into the respective openings of the edging strips 12 until the side edges 14 of the edging strips 12 abut against the intermediate portion 30. As described, the intermediate portion 30 protrudes from the first portion 26 and the second portion 28 of the connector 18, so that in use the protrusion of the intermediate portion 30 is flush with the respective top edges of the adjacent joined edging strips 12. In this way, the edging strips 12 are joined in a seamless fashion as the profile of the connectors 18 and the edging strips 12 is the same. The connectors 18, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5, are 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 20 deployed in an embodiment of a garden edging system 10 shown in Figure 6 using the above described method of joining edging strips 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, six edging strips 12, four 900 connectors 18, and two 1800 connectors 18 are deployed to define a garden bed 32. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that edging strips 12 may be partially inserted into the ground or may be deployed above ground to define the garden bed 32. In a further embodiment, four edging strips 12 and four 90' connectors 18 are deployed to define another garden bed 36, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, it can be seen that the intermediate portion 30 of the connectors 18 is flush with the side edges 12 to provide a continuous top edge of the garden edging. Also shown are stakes 34 that are driven into the ground of the garden bed 36 to prevent the edging strips 12 from moving inwards (e.g. by impact). The mating of adjacent edging strips 12 prevents the edging strips 12 from moving outwards. It is envisaged that the stakes are made from aluminum or other suitable material (e.g. plastics), and, in one example, the stakes 34 have a dimension of 30mm X 4mm X 300mm with a point at one end. In addition, the stakes 34 may have a pre-drilled hole so that the stakes can be retained to the inside panel of the edging strip 12 using a fastening means such as a screw. According to another embodiment, there is provided a hinged connector 100 as shown in Figures 8 to 10. The connector 100 includes a first element 102 movably fastened with a second element 104 forming a hinge connection. The first element includes a profiled edge with recesses 107 and 105 which are configured to engage projections 108 and 106 on the second element 104 forming a complementary configuration. The first portion 102 includes two mating portions 102(a) and 102(b) adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of the edging strip 12 at the side edge 14 of the edging strip shown in Figure 3. Also, the second portion 104 of the connector 100 has two mating portions 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 21 104(a) and 104(b) adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 24 of another edging strip 12 at the side edge 14 of the edging strip shown in Figure 3, so that, in use, the connector 100 movably joins adjacent edging strips 12 to each other. It may be understood that a hinged connection between elements 102 and 104 allows for edging strips 12 to be disposed at any angle and further, the angle between the edging strip 12 may be varied by moving the elements 102 and 104 with respect to one another about the hinged connection. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 12, there is provided a connector 50 that includes includes a four different portions 102, 112, 104 and 114 each of which are adapted to mate with an opening of the channel 16 of one of the edging strips 12 so that adjacent four different edging strips 12 can be joined together. Each of the four different portions include mating portions. For example portion 102 includes mating portions 102(a) and 102(b). Similarly, mating portion 112 includes mating portions 112(a) and 112(b). Portions 104 and 114 are include further mating portions 104(a) and 104(b) and 114(a) and 114(b) as shown in Figure 11. Therefore, the connector 50 is adapted to connect four different edging strips 12. According to another embodiment shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 there is provided a connector 60. Like reference numerals denote like features described earlier in the specification. It may be noted that portions 102 and 104 are disposed at an angle of approximately 45'. Such a connector 60 can aid in connecting 2 edging panels at an angle of 45'. It is to be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the edging strips 12 may be made from a material having suitable hardness, rigidity and corrosion properties such as aluminum or suitable plastics. For example, the edging strips 12 may be manufactured from 6063 extruded aluminium alloy of T-6 hardness. Also, the edging strips 12 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 22 may be finished in a mill finish (e.g. a natural aluminium finish) or may be powder coated to provide a desired colour. According to yet another embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 18, there is provided a system including canopy panels 220 having opposed side edges 222 and channels 224 extending therethrough as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16, and a connector 200 as shown in Figure 17 and in Figure 18. The connector 200 includes a first portion 202 and a second portion 204. The first portion 202 includes mating portions 202(a)and 202(b). The second portion 204 includes mating portions 204(a)and 204(b). The mating portions 202(a) and 202(b) are adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 224 of the canopy panel 220. Similarly mating portions 204(a) and 204(b) are also adapted to mate with the opening formed by the two hollow channels 224 of the canopy panel 220 at the side edge 222 of the canopy panel 220 shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12. The connector also includes a connecting member 206 that connects the first portion 202 with second portion 204. The connector 200 shown in Figures 17 and Figure 18 has its first 20 and second 22 portions disposed at 900 to each other so that the adjacent canopy walls 220 can be joined together to form an angled canopy panel. As described, the joined adjacent canopy panels 220 have a flush top edge to give the impression of a seamless edge. Also as described, the canopy walls 220 include a hollow extrusion forming the opening at at least one of the side edges 14. It is envisaged that some canopy panels 220 in may have openings at both side edges 222 and some will have opening at only one side edge 222 when joining is not required. According to yet another embodiment another connector 300 is hereby presented in Figure 19 and Figure 20 in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) are tapered for ease of assemble and to provide an interference 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 23 fit between the connector 300 and the opening of the side edge 222 of the canopy panel 220 shown in Figure 11 and in Figure 12. Furthermore, to enhance adhesion of the mating of the connector 300 with the respective openings 224 of the canopy panel 220 the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) have flutes 310 extending along a surface of the mating portions. The flutes 310 are adapted to be sheared off in use to provide adhesion. That is, the flutes 310 are tapered so that when the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) are inserting into the openings of the respective side edges 222 of the canopy panels 220 a portion of the flute 310 extending beyond the height of the channel is sheared off to provide a close interference fit and provide adhesion to more securely join adjacent canopy panels 220. Each of the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) include features in the form of intersecting grid walls 315. These grid walls 315 provide additional structural support and act as an aid to structural integrity for the mating portions 202(a), 202(b), 204(a) and 204(b) when the mating portions are received into the openings of the canopy panels 220. According to yet another embodiment another connector 400 is hereby presented in Figure 21 and Figure 22 in which once again like reference numerals refer to like parts. As shown connecting member 206 includes a passageway 207 for securing the connectors on a surface during use. The connectors 200, connectors 300 or connectors 400, as shown in Figures 17 to 22, may be deployed in an embodiment of a canopy system 1000 shown in Figure 23 using the above described method of joining canopy panels 220. In the embodiment shown in Figure 19, 8 canopy panels 220, eight 900 connectors 400, are deployed to define a system 1000. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 4 canopy panels 220 connected by 4 connectors 400 may be partially inserted into the ground or may be deployed above ground to define the base 500 of the canopy system 1000. The passageway 207 in each of the connectors 400 are adapted to receive a post 550. A upper section 600 of the system 1000 is defined by 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 24 another 4 canopy panels 220 connected by connectors 400. The 4 connectors 400 include passageways which act a socket to receive posts 550 and connect canopy panels 220. It is to be appreciated that the connectors 400 may be disposed at angles other than 900 and similar systems with complex shapes requiring connectors that dispose canopy panels at angles such as for example 450, 600, 1350 may also be used to deploy further improvements of the embodiment described herein. Another embodiment shown in Figure 24 relates to a sandpit system 2000. The connectors 200, connectors 300 or connectors 400, as shown in Figures 13 to 18, may be deployed in an embodiment of the sandpit system 2000 shown in Figure 20 using the previously described method of joining canopy panels 220. In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, 4 canopy panels 220, four 90' connectors 400, are deployed to define the sandpit system 2000. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that 4 canopy panels 220 connected by 4 connectors 400 may be partially inserted into the ground or may be deployed above ground to define a base 500 for the sand pit system 2000. It is to be appreciated that the connectors 400 may be disposed at angles other than 900 and similar systems with complex shapes requiring connectors that dispose canopy panels at angles such as for example 45', 600, 1350 may also be used to deploy further improvements of the embodiment described herein. In further embodiments the connectors 400 may not only connect panels 220, but may further be connected vertically. For example a connector 400 may be fastened to another connector vertically by way of a fastening means that may be received in passageway 207 of two vertically attached connectors 400. The advantage presented by such a system is that it defines a multiple stack storage assembly that allows modular construction. Such systems present flexibility in relation to the units height in addition to units shape. It will also be appreciated by those persons skilled in 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 25 the art that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT

Claims (5)

1. A garden edging system comprising: a plurality of edging strips, each edging strip having a top edge, a bottom edge, a front face and an opposing back face and opposed side edges and a pair of channels extending therethrough, wherein at least one of the side edges of each edging strip comprises openings to the pair of channels; and at least one connector comprising at least two first portions and at least two second portions, wherein each of the at least two first portions extend from the connector and are otherwise not connected to one another, and each of the two second portions extend from the connector and are otherwise not connected to one another; wherein each of the first portions are adapted to mate with one of the openings of one of the side edges of an edging strip respectively; and each of the second portions are adapted to mate with one of the openings of another one of the side edges of an edging strip respectively, thereby in use joining adjacent edging strips at the respective side edge; and wherein the gardening edging system further comprises: a plurality of stakes adapted to be inserted into the ground adjacent to the edging strips to substantially prevent the edging strips from moving; and a plurality of fastening means; wherein, in use, each stake can be retained to the front face of the edging strip using a respective fastening means.
2. A garden edging system according to claim 1 wherein the connector further comprises an intermediate portion located intermediate of the first portions and the second portions of the connector, said intermediate portion acting as a support for the first portion and the second portion; and wherein the intermediate portion protrudes from the first and second connector portions so that 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT - 27 in use said protrusion of the intermediate portion is flush with respective top edges of the edging strips when interconnected by the connector
3. A garden edging system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the connectors comprises said first portions disposed at 90 degrees to said second portions and at least one of the connectors comprises said first portions disposed at 180 degrees to said second portions.
4. A method of joining adjacent edging strips in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3, the method comprising: mating the first portions of the connector with the openings of one of the edging strips; and mating the second portions of the connector with the openings of an adjacent edging strip, thereby joining the adjacent edging strips at the respective side edges.
5. Garden edging comprising a plurality of edging strips joined with at least one connector using the system of any one of claims 1 to 3 or using the method of claim 4. 7583557 1 (GHM.4er- PR3818 A[ J 4 DFNISFT
AU2016100347A 2011-09-29 2016-03-31 A Garden Edging System Ceased AU2016100347B4 (en)

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AU2012201901A AU2012201901A1 (en) 2011-09-29 2012-03-30 A Garden Edging System
AU2016100347A AU2016100347B4 (en) 2011-09-29 2016-03-31 A Garden Edging System

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GB2355470B (en) * 1999-07-16 2003-03-12 Armillatox Ltd Structural systems and elements therefor
US7409796B2 (en) * 2003-07-09 2008-08-12 Rael Sacks Extruded landscape edging strip and method of making same
US7966766B2 (en) * 2009-03-24 2011-06-28 Vogler Michael R Raised garden bed kit

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