CA2369256A1 - Curbing for paving stones - Google Patents
Curbing for paving stones Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2369256A1 CA2369256A1 CA 2369256 CA2369256A CA2369256A1 CA 2369256 A1 CA2369256 A1 CA 2369256A1 CA 2369256 CA2369256 CA 2369256 CA 2369256 A CA2369256 A CA 2369256A CA 2369256 A1 CA2369256 A1 CA 2369256A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- curbing
- leg portion
- edge
- flange
- piece
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 33
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000003000 extruded plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 3
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000007688 edging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C11/00—Details of pavings
- E01C11/22—Gutters; Kerbs ; Surface drainage of streets, roads or like traffic areas
- E01C11/221—Kerbs or like edging members, e.g. flush kerbs, shoulder retaining means ; Joint members, connecting or load-transfer means specially for kerbs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C9/00—Special pavings; Pavings for special parts of roads or airfields
- E01C9/001—Paving elements formed in situ; Permanent shutterings therefor ; Inlays or reinforcements which divide the cast material in a great number of individual units
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
Abstract
The invention provides extruded polyvinylchloride curbing for use in defining and setting the edges of an area covered with paving stones, such as interlocking concrete paving stones. The curbing is buried in the ground and the paving stones abut a vertical leg of the L-shaped curbing, thereby defining the edge. The vertical leg of the curbing is integrally formed with a base leg at right angles thereto, the base leg having a raised, longitudinally extending ridge therein. A third leg extends longitudinally of the curbing and is attached to the vertical leg by a living hinge close to the upper edge thereof. The third leg exhibits a degree of flexibility and is provided with a latching lip along the free edge thereof, which lip is engageable with a corresponding flange along the upper inner edge of the ridge. When the third leg is engaged with the flange the curbing exhibits substantially greater rigidity than when it is not engaged. The curbing may be provided with cut-outs in the base leg, spaced apart along the length thereof to allow the curbing to define arcuate edges for the laid paving stones. The third leg can be cut transversely, or longitudinally along the living hinge, to aid in defining the arcuate edge. Flanges or walls along the free edges of the vertical and base legs can be interlocked together when one length of curbing is inverted relative to another length, for storage or transportation of the curbing.
Description
CURBING POR PAVING S'IfONES
The present invention relates to the provision of curbing for paving stones in general, and in particular to an extruded plastics curbing which exhibits strong rigidity when required but which also can be rendered flexible if necessary.
Background of the Invention Paving stones are used in landscaping situations, for decorative walkways, garden paths, laneways, patios and other projects. The paving stones can be rectangular or square, they can included both rectangular and square sections, and they can also include hexagonal and other polygonal shapes, including arcuate edges. The stones usually will be placed in the desired location, usually on a bed of crushed stone and sand, in a preordained pattern as established by the landscape architect. The resulting project may include straight edges only, arcuate edges only, or a combination of straight and arcuate edges. In order to maintain the edges in the desired position for many years it is known to use curbing, located below the upper surface of the paving stones, to define the desired edges of the project and to hold the outer peripheral course of paving stones in position, thereby preventing or at least inhibiting any movement of the outer peripheral course relative to the remaining paving stones of the project.
US Patent No. 5,375,941 dated December 27, 1994 and issued to Strobl, Jr. et al is illustrative of known curbing designs as currently available. The curbing design of that patent includes a vertical leg against which the paving stones will abut, a plurality of "belts"
extending perpendicularly to the vertical wall at the bottom edge thereof, a triangular buttress connected to each belt and to the vertical wall for strengthening purposes, an annular boss in the middle of each buttress for reception of an anchoring nail, and a "capping strip"
extending parallel to the vertical leg and connecting the free ends of the belts together along the length of the curbing. The curbing is injection moulded from a plastics material and includes means at each end for interlocking separate lengths together to create longer sections of curbing. The curbing as described above i.s intended to support paving stones along a straight edge thereof. In order to support paving stones along an arcuate edge the capping strip can be severed between one or more pairs of belts to permit flexure of the vertical leg.
While the above-described curbing serves its purpose it is expensive to manufacture and it can be manufactured only in specified lengths, depending on the size of the dies that can be made. Several lengths of curbing may be required to support an edge of paving stones that is longer than the longest available length of curbing. The strength of the joint between adjacent lengths will not be as great as that of the main body of the curbing.
Furthermore, if the capping strip is cut at several places between adjacent belts, the resulting curbing will not only be flexible, to accommodate arcuate edges, it could be too flexible and difficult to handle, making it very difficult to position the curbing properly on its base.
Once the capping strip has been cut it is almost impossible for the cut length of curbing to still be used to support paving stones properly along a straight edge.
Summary of the Invention The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art as exemplified by the above-described US patent. The curbing of this invention can be extruded from suitable plastics material and then cut to any desired length, obviating the need to join short lengths of curbing together. It includes integrally formed vertical and base leg portions giving the curbing a generally L-shape in cross-section. It includes a third leg portion which is joined to the vertical leg portion by way of a flexible or living hinge and which terminates at an end projection which is adapted for engagement with a corresponding portion of the base leg portion. When the third leg is engaged with the base leg along the length thereof the curbing is extremely rigid longitudinally, meaning that it will establish and support a very straight edge of the paving stones. The third leg need not be engaged with the base leg portion of the curbing and if it is not engaged the curbing will be capable of a certain degree of flexure for gentle arcuate edges. The base leg portion can be cut at set locations along the length thereof to create relatively short sections of base leg portion, thereby allowing greater flexibility of the vertical leg portion to accommodate paving stone edges which are more sharply arcuate. Zig-zag or angled edges can be accommodated if the base leg portion and the third leg portion are cut at the corners established by straight edge sections of the paving stones and the third leg portion is engaged with the base leg portion along each length of curbing. If the third leg portion is- selectively disengaged from the base leg portions then a combination of straight and arcuate sections of a long length of curbing can be defined.
The base leg portion preferably has a plurality of openings therethrough to accept anchoring pins or nails. It also preferably has a plurality of larger openings therethrough for the reception of soil or vegetation (grass) which will help to cover the curbing and will also help to anchor it to the underlying base.
In summary of the foregoing, therefore, the present invention may be broadly considered as providing curbing for use in aligning and positioning paving stones comprising:
an elongated generally L-shaped member having a vertical alignment leg portion and a base leg portion extending generally perpendicularly from a bottom edge of the vertical leg portion; means defining a living hinge with the vertical leg portion adjacent an upper edge thereof: means defining a locking edge connected to the base leg portion, the locking edge being parallel to, spaced from, and facing the vertical leg portion and also being parallel to and spaced above the base leg portion; and a third leg portion connected to the living hinge for pivotal motion relative to the vertical leg portion, the third leg portion terminating at a projection positioned along the free longitudinal edge thereof, the projection being adapted for snap engagement with the locking edge.
Brief Descriution of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a length of curbing for paving stones in accordance with this invention.
Figure 2 is an end view of the curbing of the present invention.
Figures 2A and 2B show enlarged partial views of two forms of living hinge usable with the present invention.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of a length of curbing in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of a length of curbing with cut out zones in the base leg portion.
Figure 5 shows an end view of the curbing of this invention in abutment with a paving stone.
Figure 6 shows an end view of two lengths of curbing interlocked for shipping or storage.
Figure 7 is a top plan view showing, somewhat schematically, how the curbing might be arranged to define a concave edge for the paving stones.
Figure 8 is a top plan view showing, somewhat schematically, how the curbing might be arranged to define a convex edge for the paving stones.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 provides a perspective view of a length of curbing 10 in accordance with the present invention, it being understood that the figure is intended to show a piece of curbing generally of indefinite length, notwithstanding that production pieces will likely be available in standard lengths of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 feet or 1, 2, 3 or 4 meters. The curbing 10 is extruded lengthwise from a suitable wear resistant material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC).
The curbing 10 is generally L-shaped in end view or transverse cross-section, with a generally vertical first leg portion 12 and a generally horizontal base leg portion 14 which projects from the bottom edge of the vertical leg portion. )<n the preferred embodiment the base leg portion has a longitudinally extending, generally rectangular raised ridge portion 16 which has a flange 18 projecting towards the vertical leg portion 12 from the forward edge of the uppermost surface 20 thereof. Adjacent it free outer edge the base leg portion i4 has a pair of upstanding, transversely spaced apart walls 22, 24 with the wall 24 extending valong the free outer edge of the base leg portion and being shorter in height than the other wall 22.
The wall 22 includes a short hook or flange 26 projecting towards the free outer edge of the base leg portion. The uppermost free edge of the vertical leg portion 12 includes a vertically extending wall or flange 28 spaced slightly inwardly therefrom, defining a longitudinally extending flat shoulder portion 30.
i0 Below the shoulder portion 30 the vertical leg portion 12 is provided with a longitudinally extending inwardly projecting flange 32 which terminates at an integrally formed or "living" hinge 34 defined by a reduced thickness of the extrudate.
The hinge 34 is connected to a third leg portion 36 of the curbing, which leg portion terminates along it free edge at a latch section 38. The latch section 38 comprises an essentially U-shaped trough 40 connected at one end to the third leg portion 36, with one edge 42 being free and unconnected. The living hinge 34 permits a certain degree of flexure of the third leg portion 36 relative to the flange 32. The living hinge 34, as indicated above, is formed from a reduced thickness of the material which forms the flange 32 and the third leg portion 36. The thickness reduction can be achieved by way of opposing grooves 44, 46 in the upper and lower surfaces of the flange 32 as seen in Figure 2A or by way of a V-shaped notch 44' in the upper surface of the flange 32 as seen in Figure 2B.
The ridge 16 is provided along its length with a plurality of equally spaced apart through holes 48, preferably circular in configuration. These holes or openings are relatively small in diameter and are intended to receive anchoring pins or nails therethrough, to be driven into the underlying ground.
The zone 50 of the base leg portion between the ridge 16 and the wall 22 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced apart though holes 52 of relatively large diameter. These holes or openings are intended to receive dirt, gravel, etc. of the overlying ground and to also permit grass or other plant material to pass roots therethrough for further anchoring of the curbing.
Another feature of the curbing of this invention is shown in Figures i and 4, wherein it is seen that the base leg portion 14 is provided with at least one transverse cut-out 54 which extends from the outer free edge of the base leg portion inwardly to adjacent the vertical leg portion 12. The purpose of this cut-out will become apparent from the following description.
Figure 5 illustrates curbing 10 as it would be used in a landscaping application. In this case the curbing 10 is laid on a bed of earth and gravel B that has been previously graded to the desired level and compacted to accept the paving stones S. The curbing is located at the desired position and pins or anchoring nails P are driven through the anchoring holes 48 to hold the curbing in position. The paving stones S are laid with the first course S-1 laid against the vertical leg portion 12 of the curbing. The remaining courses can then be laid as desired.
Once the patio, laneway or whatever has been laid and the contractor is satisfied, the remaining backfiil F of earth and gravel, if desired is laid over the exposed curbing. Sod could also be laid over the curbing to hide it from view. Earth or the roots of grass can penetrate the curbing through the larger holes 52 to help anchor the curbing in place.
Figure 6 illustrates how lengths of the curbing of this invention can be interlocked together for storage or transport. It is seen that a first length IO' of curbing is inverted relative to a second length 10 and the vertical wall 28 of tree second length 10 is positioned in the space between the walls 22' 24' of the first length 10' while the vertical wall 32' of the first length 10' is positioned in the space between the walls 22, 24 of the second length 10.
The hooks 26', 26 of the first and second lengths lock with the corner of the vertical wall 28, 28' respectively to hold the lengths together. The inherent flexibility of the polyvinylchloride material from which the curbing is made allows the walls to flex sufficient to permit the lengths to be interlocked and to allow them to be separated without damage.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate somewhat schematically how the curbing of this invention can be adapted to create an arcuate perimeter for the paving stones. It will be appreciated that all details of the curbing, as for example shown in Figures 1 - 4, are not illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 for the sake of simplifying the presentation.
Figure 7 shows the curbing defining a concave edging for the paving stones. In this case the third leg portion 36 is cut generally transversely in the field centrally of each cut-out 54. By doing this the only connection between adjacent sections 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 of the curbing 10 are the bridging sections 12-1, 12-2 of the vertical leg portion 12. The material of the curbing is sufficiently flexible to allow each section 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 to be bent relative to its adjacent section to create the arcuate shape as shown. In the field the contractor would fix the first section 10-1 in place, anchoring it with pins or nails and he would then move the second section 10-2 to its desired location relative to the first section, anchoring it in place when it is at the correct location. The same would then be done with the third section 10-3.
Of course, any length of curbing could have as many sections as required to fit the landscaping architects plans. Also, if a tighter curve than is possible with the factory-installed cut-outs 54 is required the contractor could manually cut the curbing to create additional cut-outs 54 along the length of the curbing.
Figure 7 shows the third leg portion 36 locked with the flange 18 of the raised ridge 16 to give each section additional rigidity. This results in the arcuate edge being formed as a plurality of straight sections, as defined by the sections 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, joined by the shorter bridging sections 12-1, 12-2 of the vertical leg portion 12. The third leg portion 36 could be removed completely from the curbing by cutting the leg portion from the flange 32 along the living hinge 34. This would reduce the rigidity of the vertical leg portion 12, allowing an extra degree of flexibility, to help smooth out the arcuate edge.
Figure 8 illustrates a convexly arcuate edge formed in essentially the same manner as the concavely arcuate edge shown in Figure 7. The only major difference is that the third leg portion 36 must be cut more drastically at each cut-out 54 so that when the sections 10-1, i0-2, 10-3 are bent towards each other, rather than away from each other, the cut ends of the third leg portion will not interfere with each other. As indicated above, the third leg portion at the cut-outs would be cut at the hinge 34 as well as transversely to remove a section thereof at each cut-out 54.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate dramatically the flexibility in the curbing achievable by using the cut-outs 54. If only straight curbing is required then the cut-outs 54 need not be provided at all. Such a length of curbing is shown in Figure 3, representing a more basic embodiment of the present invention.
The ends of each length of curbing are cut straight across as there is no need to provide separate or integral means for interlocking consecutive lengths of curbing together.
The anchoring thereof in place by pins, nails and/or earth and gravel is sufficient to establish the desired edge for the paving stones.
The curbing of the present invention is easy to manufacture by conventional extrusion techniques and it can be produced in any desired length depending on the particular project with which it will be used. It can be customized in the field as desired, simply by cutting with a sharp knife or cutting snips. It can be laid quickly and easily and the third leg portion, integrally formed during manufacture, allows the curbing to have extraordinary rigidity, especially when it is used to define a straight edge for the paving stones.
The foregoing has described a preferred form of the present invention. It is understood however that a skilled individual could modify the invention without departing form the spirit thereof as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
The present invention relates to the provision of curbing for paving stones in general, and in particular to an extruded plastics curbing which exhibits strong rigidity when required but which also can be rendered flexible if necessary.
Background of the Invention Paving stones are used in landscaping situations, for decorative walkways, garden paths, laneways, patios and other projects. The paving stones can be rectangular or square, they can included both rectangular and square sections, and they can also include hexagonal and other polygonal shapes, including arcuate edges. The stones usually will be placed in the desired location, usually on a bed of crushed stone and sand, in a preordained pattern as established by the landscape architect. The resulting project may include straight edges only, arcuate edges only, or a combination of straight and arcuate edges. In order to maintain the edges in the desired position for many years it is known to use curbing, located below the upper surface of the paving stones, to define the desired edges of the project and to hold the outer peripheral course of paving stones in position, thereby preventing or at least inhibiting any movement of the outer peripheral course relative to the remaining paving stones of the project.
US Patent No. 5,375,941 dated December 27, 1994 and issued to Strobl, Jr. et al is illustrative of known curbing designs as currently available. The curbing design of that patent includes a vertical leg against which the paving stones will abut, a plurality of "belts"
extending perpendicularly to the vertical wall at the bottom edge thereof, a triangular buttress connected to each belt and to the vertical wall for strengthening purposes, an annular boss in the middle of each buttress for reception of an anchoring nail, and a "capping strip"
extending parallel to the vertical leg and connecting the free ends of the belts together along the length of the curbing. The curbing is injection moulded from a plastics material and includes means at each end for interlocking separate lengths together to create longer sections of curbing. The curbing as described above i.s intended to support paving stones along a straight edge thereof. In order to support paving stones along an arcuate edge the capping strip can be severed between one or more pairs of belts to permit flexure of the vertical leg.
While the above-described curbing serves its purpose it is expensive to manufacture and it can be manufactured only in specified lengths, depending on the size of the dies that can be made. Several lengths of curbing may be required to support an edge of paving stones that is longer than the longest available length of curbing. The strength of the joint between adjacent lengths will not be as great as that of the main body of the curbing.
Furthermore, if the capping strip is cut at several places between adjacent belts, the resulting curbing will not only be flexible, to accommodate arcuate edges, it could be too flexible and difficult to handle, making it very difficult to position the curbing properly on its base.
Once the capping strip has been cut it is almost impossible for the cut length of curbing to still be used to support paving stones properly along a straight edge.
Summary of the Invention The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art as exemplified by the above-described US patent. The curbing of this invention can be extruded from suitable plastics material and then cut to any desired length, obviating the need to join short lengths of curbing together. It includes integrally formed vertical and base leg portions giving the curbing a generally L-shape in cross-section. It includes a third leg portion which is joined to the vertical leg portion by way of a flexible or living hinge and which terminates at an end projection which is adapted for engagement with a corresponding portion of the base leg portion. When the third leg is engaged with the base leg along the length thereof the curbing is extremely rigid longitudinally, meaning that it will establish and support a very straight edge of the paving stones. The third leg need not be engaged with the base leg portion of the curbing and if it is not engaged the curbing will be capable of a certain degree of flexure for gentle arcuate edges. The base leg portion can be cut at set locations along the length thereof to create relatively short sections of base leg portion, thereby allowing greater flexibility of the vertical leg portion to accommodate paving stone edges which are more sharply arcuate. Zig-zag or angled edges can be accommodated if the base leg portion and the third leg portion are cut at the corners established by straight edge sections of the paving stones and the third leg portion is engaged with the base leg portion along each length of curbing. If the third leg portion is- selectively disengaged from the base leg portions then a combination of straight and arcuate sections of a long length of curbing can be defined.
The base leg portion preferably has a plurality of openings therethrough to accept anchoring pins or nails. It also preferably has a plurality of larger openings therethrough for the reception of soil or vegetation (grass) which will help to cover the curbing and will also help to anchor it to the underlying base.
In summary of the foregoing, therefore, the present invention may be broadly considered as providing curbing for use in aligning and positioning paving stones comprising:
an elongated generally L-shaped member having a vertical alignment leg portion and a base leg portion extending generally perpendicularly from a bottom edge of the vertical leg portion; means defining a living hinge with the vertical leg portion adjacent an upper edge thereof: means defining a locking edge connected to the base leg portion, the locking edge being parallel to, spaced from, and facing the vertical leg portion and also being parallel to and spaced above the base leg portion; and a third leg portion connected to the living hinge for pivotal motion relative to the vertical leg portion, the third leg portion terminating at a projection positioned along the free longitudinal edge thereof, the projection being adapted for snap engagement with the locking edge.
Brief Descriution of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a length of curbing for paving stones in accordance with this invention.
Figure 2 is an end view of the curbing of the present invention.
Figures 2A and 2B show enlarged partial views of two forms of living hinge usable with the present invention.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of a length of curbing in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of a length of curbing with cut out zones in the base leg portion.
Figure 5 shows an end view of the curbing of this invention in abutment with a paving stone.
Figure 6 shows an end view of two lengths of curbing interlocked for shipping or storage.
Figure 7 is a top plan view showing, somewhat schematically, how the curbing might be arranged to define a concave edge for the paving stones.
Figure 8 is a top plan view showing, somewhat schematically, how the curbing might be arranged to define a convex edge for the paving stones.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 provides a perspective view of a length of curbing 10 in accordance with the present invention, it being understood that the figure is intended to show a piece of curbing generally of indefinite length, notwithstanding that production pieces will likely be available in standard lengths of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 feet or 1, 2, 3 or 4 meters. The curbing 10 is extruded lengthwise from a suitable wear resistant material such as polyvinylchloride (PVC).
The curbing 10 is generally L-shaped in end view or transverse cross-section, with a generally vertical first leg portion 12 and a generally horizontal base leg portion 14 which projects from the bottom edge of the vertical leg portion. )<n the preferred embodiment the base leg portion has a longitudinally extending, generally rectangular raised ridge portion 16 which has a flange 18 projecting towards the vertical leg portion 12 from the forward edge of the uppermost surface 20 thereof. Adjacent it free outer edge the base leg portion i4 has a pair of upstanding, transversely spaced apart walls 22, 24 with the wall 24 extending valong the free outer edge of the base leg portion and being shorter in height than the other wall 22.
The wall 22 includes a short hook or flange 26 projecting towards the free outer edge of the base leg portion. The uppermost free edge of the vertical leg portion 12 includes a vertically extending wall or flange 28 spaced slightly inwardly therefrom, defining a longitudinally extending flat shoulder portion 30.
i0 Below the shoulder portion 30 the vertical leg portion 12 is provided with a longitudinally extending inwardly projecting flange 32 which terminates at an integrally formed or "living" hinge 34 defined by a reduced thickness of the extrudate.
The hinge 34 is connected to a third leg portion 36 of the curbing, which leg portion terminates along it free edge at a latch section 38. The latch section 38 comprises an essentially U-shaped trough 40 connected at one end to the third leg portion 36, with one edge 42 being free and unconnected. The living hinge 34 permits a certain degree of flexure of the third leg portion 36 relative to the flange 32. The living hinge 34, as indicated above, is formed from a reduced thickness of the material which forms the flange 32 and the third leg portion 36. The thickness reduction can be achieved by way of opposing grooves 44, 46 in the upper and lower surfaces of the flange 32 as seen in Figure 2A or by way of a V-shaped notch 44' in the upper surface of the flange 32 as seen in Figure 2B.
The ridge 16 is provided along its length with a plurality of equally spaced apart through holes 48, preferably circular in configuration. These holes or openings are relatively small in diameter and are intended to receive anchoring pins or nails therethrough, to be driven into the underlying ground.
The zone 50 of the base leg portion between the ridge 16 and the wall 22 is provided with a plurality of equally spaced apart though holes 52 of relatively large diameter. These holes or openings are intended to receive dirt, gravel, etc. of the overlying ground and to also permit grass or other plant material to pass roots therethrough for further anchoring of the curbing.
Another feature of the curbing of this invention is shown in Figures i and 4, wherein it is seen that the base leg portion 14 is provided with at least one transverse cut-out 54 which extends from the outer free edge of the base leg portion inwardly to adjacent the vertical leg portion 12. The purpose of this cut-out will become apparent from the following description.
Figure 5 illustrates curbing 10 as it would be used in a landscaping application. In this case the curbing 10 is laid on a bed of earth and gravel B that has been previously graded to the desired level and compacted to accept the paving stones S. The curbing is located at the desired position and pins or anchoring nails P are driven through the anchoring holes 48 to hold the curbing in position. The paving stones S are laid with the first course S-1 laid against the vertical leg portion 12 of the curbing. The remaining courses can then be laid as desired.
Once the patio, laneway or whatever has been laid and the contractor is satisfied, the remaining backfiil F of earth and gravel, if desired is laid over the exposed curbing. Sod could also be laid over the curbing to hide it from view. Earth or the roots of grass can penetrate the curbing through the larger holes 52 to help anchor the curbing in place.
Figure 6 illustrates how lengths of the curbing of this invention can be interlocked together for storage or transport. It is seen that a first length IO' of curbing is inverted relative to a second length 10 and the vertical wall 28 of tree second length 10 is positioned in the space between the walls 22' 24' of the first length 10' while the vertical wall 32' of the first length 10' is positioned in the space between the walls 22, 24 of the second length 10.
The hooks 26', 26 of the first and second lengths lock with the corner of the vertical wall 28, 28' respectively to hold the lengths together. The inherent flexibility of the polyvinylchloride material from which the curbing is made allows the walls to flex sufficient to permit the lengths to be interlocked and to allow them to be separated without damage.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate somewhat schematically how the curbing of this invention can be adapted to create an arcuate perimeter for the paving stones. It will be appreciated that all details of the curbing, as for example shown in Figures 1 - 4, are not illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 for the sake of simplifying the presentation.
Figure 7 shows the curbing defining a concave edging for the paving stones. In this case the third leg portion 36 is cut generally transversely in the field centrally of each cut-out 54. By doing this the only connection between adjacent sections 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 of the curbing 10 are the bridging sections 12-1, 12-2 of the vertical leg portion 12. The material of the curbing is sufficiently flexible to allow each section 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 to be bent relative to its adjacent section to create the arcuate shape as shown. In the field the contractor would fix the first section 10-1 in place, anchoring it with pins or nails and he would then move the second section 10-2 to its desired location relative to the first section, anchoring it in place when it is at the correct location. The same would then be done with the third section 10-3.
Of course, any length of curbing could have as many sections as required to fit the landscaping architects plans. Also, if a tighter curve than is possible with the factory-installed cut-outs 54 is required the contractor could manually cut the curbing to create additional cut-outs 54 along the length of the curbing.
Figure 7 shows the third leg portion 36 locked with the flange 18 of the raised ridge 16 to give each section additional rigidity. This results in the arcuate edge being formed as a plurality of straight sections, as defined by the sections 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, joined by the shorter bridging sections 12-1, 12-2 of the vertical leg portion 12. The third leg portion 36 could be removed completely from the curbing by cutting the leg portion from the flange 32 along the living hinge 34. This would reduce the rigidity of the vertical leg portion 12, allowing an extra degree of flexibility, to help smooth out the arcuate edge.
Figure 8 illustrates a convexly arcuate edge formed in essentially the same manner as the concavely arcuate edge shown in Figure 7. The only major difference is that the third leg portion 36 must be cut more drastically at each cut-out 54 so that when the sections 10-1, i0-2, 10-3 are bent towards each other, rather than away from each other, the cut ends of the third leg portion will not interfere with each other. As indicated above, the third leg portion at the cut-outs would be cut at the hinge 34 as well as transversely to remove a section thereof at each cut-out 54.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate dramatically the flexibility in the curbing achievable by using the cut-outs 54. If only straight curbing is required then the cut-outs 54 need not be provided at all. Such a length of curbing is shown in Figure 3, representing a more basic embodiment of the present invention.
The ends of each length of curbing are cut straight across as there is no need to provide separate or integral means for interlocking consecutive lengths of curbing together.
The anchoring thereof in place by pins, nails and/or earth and gravel is sufficient to establish the desired edge for the paving stones.
The curbing of the present invention is easy to manufacture by conventional extrusion techniques and it can be produced in any desired length depending on the particular project with which it will be used. It can be customized in the field as desired, simply by cutting with a sharp knife or cutting snips. It can be laid quickly and easily and the third leg portion, integrally formed during manufacture, allows the curbing to have extraordinary rigidity, especially when it is used to define a straight edge for the paving stones.
The foregoing has described a preferred form of the present invention. It is understood however that a skilled individual could modify the invention without departing form the spirit thereof as set forth in the claims appended hereto.
Claims (12)
1. Curbing for use in aligning and positioning paving stones comprising:
an elongated generally L-shaped member having a vertical alignment leg portion and a base leg portion extending generally perpendicularly from a bottom edge of said vertical leg portion;
means defining a living hinge with said vertical leg portion adjacent an upper edge thereof:
means defining a locking edge connected to said base leg portion, said locking edge being parallel to, spaced from, and facing said vertical leg portion and also being parallel to and spaced above said base leg portion; and a third leg portion connected to said living hinge for pivotal motion relative to said vertical leg portion, said third leg portion terminating at a projection positioned along the free longitudinal edge thereof, said projection being adapted for snap engagement with said locking edge.
an elongated generally L-shaped member having a vertical alignment leg portion and a base leg portion extending generally perpendicularly from a bottom edge of said vertical leg portion;
means defining a living hinge with said vertical leg portion adjacent an upper edge thereof:
means defining a locking edge connected to said base leg portion, said locking edge being parallel to, spaced from, and facing said vertical leg portion and also being parallel to and spaced above said base leg portion; and a third leg portion connected to said living hinge for pivotal motion relative to said vertical leg portion, said third leg portion terminating at a projection positioned along the free longitudinal edge thereof, said projection being adapted for snap engagement with said locking edge.
2. Curbing as defined in claim 1 wherein said base leg portion includes a raised generally rectangular ridge extending lengthwise thereof, parallel to said vertical leg portion, said locking edge projecting towards said vertical leg portion from an inner upper edge of said ridge.
3. Curbing as defined in claim 2 including a plurality of first openings through said ridge, spaced apart along the length of said curbing for reception of anchoring pins therethrough,
4. Curbing as defined in claim 3 including a plurality of second openings, of a cross-section greater than that of said first openings, through said base leg portion and spaced apart along the length of said curbing, for reception of soil or vegetation.
5. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4 including means located along the longitudinal upper edge of said vertical leg portion and along the free longitudinal edge of said base leg portion, for interlocking engagement such that one piece of said curbing can be interlockingly engaged with a second, inverted, piece of saiid curbing for transportation and storage purposes.
6. Curbing as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for interlocking engagement includes a first upwardly projecting flange spaced inwardly from said longitudinal upper edge of said vertical leg portion, an upwardly projecting second flange positioned along the free longitudinal edge of said base leg portion, and an upwardly projecting third flange parallel to and spaced inwardly from said second flange, said third flange having a locking hook thereon facing said second flange, whereby with said second piece of curbing inverted relative to said one piece of curbing said first flange of said one piece of curbing will be received between said second and third flanges of said second piece of curbing, with the locking hook of said second piece of curbing lockingly engaging an inner edge of the first flange of said one piece of curbing, and said first flange of said second piece of curbing will be received between said second and third flanges of said one piece of curbing, with the locking hook of said one piece of curbing lockingly engaging an inner edge of the first flange of said second piece of curbing:
7. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 including at least one generally rectangular cut-out zone extending from the free edge of said base leg portion to said vertical leg portion, defining at least two base leg portions along the length of said curbing, said third leg portion extending the full length of said curbing.
8. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said living hinge includes a longitudinally extending flange portion projecting inwardly of said vertical leg portion, with said third leg portion being integrally connected to said longitudinally extending flange portion by a thin flexible web of the material from which said third leg portion and said longitudinally extending flange portion are formed.
9. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said living hinge includes a longitudinally extending flange portion projecting inwardly of said vertical leg portion, with said third leg portion being integrally connected to and extending inwardly from said longitudinally extending flange portion, and with there being a longitudinally extending groove in the upper surface of said longitudinally extending flange portion at the dividing line between said third leg portion and said longitudinally extending flange portion, said groove weakening the material of said longitudinally extending flange portion along said line to permit said pivoting movement of said third leg portion.
10. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein said third leg portion is adapted to be severed from said curbing along the length of said living hinge.
11. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 7 to 10 including a cut out zone in said third leg corresponding to each cut out zone in said base leg portion.
12. Curbing as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 which is formed of an extruded plastics material.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2369256 CA2369256A1 (en) | 2002-01-24 | 2002-01-24 | Curbing for paving stones |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2369256 CA2369256A1 (en) | 2002-01-24 | 2002-01-24 | Curbing for paving stones |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2369256A1 true CA2369256A1 (en) | 2003-07-24 |
Family
ID=27626506
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2369256 Abandoned CA2369256A1 (en) | 2002-01-24 | 2002-01-24 | Curbing for paving stones |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2369256A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2543576A (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2017-04-26 | Econpro Ltd | A polymer based combined kerb drainage element and methods of manufacturing such |
-
2002
- 2002-01-24 CA CA 2369256 patent/CA2369256A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2543576A (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2017-04-26 | Econpro Ltd | A polymer based combined kerb drainage element and methods of manufacturing such |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |