Device for holding paving blocks

A device for holding paving blocks includes a front plate for contacting the paving blocks and a base plate for contacting a ground surface. Linking the front plate to the base plate is a plurality of support structures. Each support structure includes a boss member adapted to receive an anchor used to anchor the holding device to the ground surface, first and second support members which link the boss member to the face plate and which engage the face plate at opposed angles, and a third support member which links the boss member to the ground plate.

BACKGROUND

The following relates generally to a holding device for use in holding the edge of paving blocks or bricks.

As described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,240,343 and 5,375,941, paving blocks are commonly used in landscaping to achieve both a decorative and a utilitarian function. However, the natural freezing and thawing cycle of the ground upon which the paving blocks are laid, as well as vehicular and pedestrian traffic, causes movement of the paving blocks. Such movement of the paving blocks may cause a permanent displacement of the paving blocks to the detriment of the decorative and utilitarian function sought to be achieved.

SUMMARY

A device for holding paving blocks is disclosed which provides an improved means for inhibiting movement of the paving blocks. To this end, the device for holding paving blocks includes a front plate for contacting the paving blocks and a base plate for contacting a ground surface. Linking the front plate to the base plate is a plurality of support structures. Each support structure includes a boss member adapted to receive an anchor used to anchor the holding device to the ground surface, first and second support members which link the boss member to the face plate and which engage the face plate at opposed angles, and a third support member which links the boss member to the ground plate.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the device for holding paving blocks will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth illustrative embodiments which are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the holding device may be employed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements, a device for holding paving blocks is described. More particularly, the device for holding paving blocks10includes a front plate12which is adapted to engage the edge of paving blocks, such as bricks. To this end, the front plate12is substantially vertical, although it may be provided with a slight angle that causes the front plate12to exert a retaining force upon the edge of bricks positioned against the front plate12. When utilized in connection with paving blocks in the form of bricks, it is preferred that the front plate12have a height of approximately two inches, approximately meaning within excepted manufacturing tolerances. Additional preferred measurements for the front plate12are a length of approximately ten feet and a thickness of approximately one-quarter inch. It will be understood that these dimensions, and others set forth hereinafter, may be changed to adapt the holding device10for other uses.

To support the holding device10upon a ground surface, the holding device10includes a base plate14that is linked to the front plate12by force transferring support structures which will be described hereinafter in greater detail. For engaging the ground surface, the base plate14is provided with a generally horizontal surface, i.e., one that is generally perpendicular to the front plate12. In a preferred embodiment, the base plate14is in the form of a strip of material that is spaced from the front plate12thereby providing openings for grass and other vegetation to grow within the openings. In the exemplary embodiment, the base plate14also has a length of approximately ten feet and a width of approximately one-half inch. If it is desired to form a bendable member, the base plate14may be cut across its rear edge and, if required, a portion thereof removed. In this fashion, the bending can be achieved in a concave or convex fashion to go around curves formed by paving blocks. The cutting and/or removal of portions of the base plate14may be facilitated by providing the base plate14with pre-formed surfaces adapted to be easily cut or bent to break, e.g., lines of structural weakness.

For transferring forces received at the front plate12, for example from paving blocks under load, to the base plate14, a plurality of support structures are provided which function to link the front plate12to the base plate14. More particularly, the support structures comprise first and second upstanding support members16a,16bwhich engage the front plate12at an angle. As illustrated, the angles at which the first and second support members16a,16bengage the front plate12are opposed. The first and second upstanding support members16a,16bconverge upon a boss member18which includes an aperture20for receiving a nail, spike, or the like type of anchor which is used to anchor the holding device10to the ground surface. Preferably, the aperture20formed in the boss member18is angled (at its top) towards the front plate12to provide added load bearing support. In the illustrated example, the boss member18is provided with an approximate diameter of one inch and the aperture20, which may have a diameter of three-eighths of an inch, is provided with an angle of approximately ten degrees. The boss member18′ may also be adapted to include an aperture20′ that is, in turn, adapted to receive either a rounded spike or a flattened spike, such as a landscape spike, as seen inFIG. 8. As further illustrated, the apertures20of the respective boss members18of the support structures may be spaced by approximately five inches, which is seen to provide enhanced anchoring stability.

To further link the boss member18of the support structures to the base plate14, the support structures include at least one upstanding support member22. Preferably, the support structure includes third and fourth upstanding support members22a,22bwhich engage the base plate14at an angle. As illustrated, the angles at which the third and fourth support members22a,22bengage the base plate14are opposed. In this manner, when viewed from the top, the first, second, third, and fourth support members have the general appearance of an “X.” When viewed from the side, the support members have a generally triangular shape which facilitates the transfer of load from the face plate12to the base plate14. In the illustrated embodiment, an approximate five inch spacing is provided between the locations where the first and second support members18a,18bengage the face plate12and an approximate three and one-half inch spacing is provided between the locations where the third and fourth support members22a,22bengage the base plate14. It is at the general location where the third and fourth support members meet the base plate14that deformations may be provided to the base plate14to facilitate the cutting/removal of portions of the base plate14.

For use in connecting adjacently positioned holding devices10, the holding device is preferably provided with side plates24a,24bwhich are provided with complimentary fastening structures. For example, one side plate24amay be provided with a male attaching device while the other side plate24bmay be provided with a female attaching device that is adapted to receive the male attaching device to thereby securely join two adjacently positioned holding devices10. When engaged, it is preferred that the side pate24aof one holding device10be flush with the side plate24bof the adjacent holding device10. It will also be appreciated that it may be desired to provide the attaching devices with the ability to releasably lock two adjacent holding devices10. For example, the male attaching device may be provided with a head and the female attaching device may be in the form of a circular hole having a downwardly extending channel which functions to prevent the head of the male attaching device from being moved perpendicularly with respect to the side plate24b.

In order to make the holding device10any suitable process may be used. However, the unique shape of this device permits the use of injection molding of a plastic or synthetic resin to provide a strong device, which may be used in an efficient manner.

While the invention has been described with respect to the described embodiments in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments.

All patents, patent applications, and other references cited within this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.