Abstract:
An artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, where a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/359,866, entitled, “ARTIFICIAL SURFACE DIVIDER,” filed Jan. 27, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/437,178, entitled, “TURF DIVIDER,” filed Jan. 28, 2011, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     RELATED ART 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is directed to an artificial surface divider that may be used with artificial surface installation. 
         [0004]    2. Brief Discussion of Related Art 
         [0005]    Artificial turf, commonly referred to as “synthetic grass,” is a viable alternative to natural sod and other ground covers due to its realistic appearance and its water conservation attributes, particularly for drought afflicted regions. 
         [0006]    For artificial turf to be installed properly, it requires a hard edge or border for the turf material to butt against. If the artificial turf is installed without a hard edge or border, the installation is subject to weakening over time because the ends of the turf material are exposed. This exposure of the artificial turf ends commonly results in the turf pulling up and unraveling. Moreover, the base material under the artificial turf has a greater propensity to erode as water and wind can get under the exposed edge of the artificial turf. 
         [0007]    Currently, installers of artificial turf are using simple landscape and garden edging devices, such as flexible bender boards and paver restraints, in an attempt to create a firm edge. Some of these devices, while operative to temporarily create a firm edge are very time consuming and labor intensive to install. In contrast, L-shaped paver restraints are easier to install, but these L-shaped paver restraints are less aesthetically pleasing and do not provide a durable solution. 
       INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed to an artificial surface divider that may be used with artificial surface installation. 
         [0009]    It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide an artificial surface divider comprising a floor having a plurality of pads spaced apart from one another, the plurality of pads being mounted to a longitudinal housing having an overhang at least partially defining a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal gap that is open to the longitudinal channel, the longitudinal gap extending between an edge of the overhang and a floor of the longitudinal housing, wherein a longitudinal dimension of the artificial surface divider is the dominant dimension. 
         [0010]    In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, at least one of the plurality of pads comprises a frustopyramidal pad integrally formed with the longitudinal housing. In yet another more detailed embodiment, at least one of the plurality of pads comprises a triangular pad integrally formed with the longitudinal housing. In a further detailed embodiment, the longitudinal housing includes a longitudinal floor, a longitudinal rear wall, a longitudinal roof, and a longitudinal front wall, and the longitudinal front wall is spaced apart from the longitudinal floor to provide the longitudinal gap. In still a further detailed embodiment, the longitudinal floor is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal rear wall, and the longitudinal front wall is perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal floor. In a more detailed embodiment, the longitudinal channel spans a first vertical length, the longitudinal gap spans a second vertical length, and the first vertical length is greater than the second vertical length. In a more detailed embodiment, the longitudinal housing includes a flange extending away from the overhang. 
         [0011]    It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide an artificial surface divider comprising: (a) a base having a floor; (b) an upstanding wall mounted to the base; (c) an eave mounted to the upstanding wall and elevated vertically above the base, where the base, upstanding wall, and the cave cooperate to define a channel that is not entirely enclosed along a longitudinal length thereof, where a longitudinal gap exists between the eave and the floor, where the base extends perpendicularly beyond the cave, and where a vertical height of the gap is less than a vertical height of the longitudinal channel. 
         [0012]    In a more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the floor includes a plurality of pads longitudinally spaced apart from one another. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the base, the vertical wall, and the cave defining the channel have a vertical cross-section comprising a discontinuous rectangular shape. In a further detailed embodiment, the cave includes a lip nearest to the floor, a gap spacing comprises the shortest distance between the lip and the floor, and the channel comprises a vertical height greater than the gap spacing. In still a further detailed embodiment, the embodiment further includes a descending wall extending in a direction away from the upstanding wall. In a more detailed embodiment, the upstanding wall is perpendicular with respect to the base, and the descending wall is perpendicular with respect to the base. In a more detailed embodiment, the base includes a plurality of pads extending away from the channel, the plurality of pads comprising at least one of a triangular cross-section and a frustopyramidal cross-section. In another more detailed embodiment, the floor is substantially planar, the upstanding wall comprises a vertical wall perpendicularly oriented with respect to at least a portion of the base, and the overhang comprises an L-shaped section having a first wall perpendicularly mounted to a second wall. 
         [0013]    It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide an artificial surface divider comprising: (a) a base having a substantially planar floor with a dominant, longitudinal dimension; and, (b) an overhang with a dominant longitudinal dimension that is operatively coupled to the base, the overhang cooperating with the floor to define a recessed cavity extending longitudinally and accessible via a gap extending longitudinally between the overhang and the floor, wherein a vertical height of the gap is less than a vertical height of the cavity. 
         [0014]    It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide an artificial surface divider comprising a horizontal floor extending longitudinally and laterally, the horizontal floor including at least one opening adapted to receive an artificial surface retainer, the horizontal floor coupled to an upright flange extending longitudinally and vertically away from the horizontal floor, the upright flange being coupled to an overhang extending longitudinally, vertically, and laterally so that an edge of the overhang nearest the horizontal floor is vertically spaced apart from the horizontal floor to provide a vertical gap therebetween and laterally spaced apart from the upright flange, where at least a portion of the horizontal floor, at least a portion of the upright flange, and at least a portion of the overhang cooperate to define a longitudinal cavity. 
         [0015]    It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing an artificial surface divider, the method comprising: (a) extruding a material through a die having an orifice with a cross-section comprising: (i) a horizontal opening, (ii) an upright opening connected to the horizontal opening and extending vertically away from the horizontal opening, (iii) an overhang opening connected to the upright opening and extending horizontally away from the upright opening, the overhang opening extending toward the horizontal opening; (b) cooling the material after the material exits the die to solidify the material; and, (c) cutting the solidified material into segments having a predefined length. 
         [0016]    In a more detailed embodiment of the fifth aspect, the upright opening extends vertically above and below the horizontal opening. In yet another more detailed embodiment, the upright opening extends vertically above the horizontal opening and does not extend vertically below the horizontal opening. In a further detailed embodiment, the upright opening is perpendicular with respect to the horizontal opening. In still a further detailed embodiment, cooling the material after it exits the die to solidify the material results in: (A) a horizontal floor extending longitudinally and laterally; (B) an upright flange connected to the horizontal floor, the upright flange extending vertically and longitudinally; (C) an overhang connected to the upright flange, the overhang extending longitudinally, laterally and vertically; (D) a gap extending longitudinally and vertically between at least a portion of the horizontal floor and at least a portion of the overhang; and, (E) a longitudinal cavity cooperatively defined by the horizontal floor, the upright flange, and the overhang. In a more detailed embodiment, the method further includes the step of repetitively removing segments of the horizontal floor to create a plurality of cut-outs, where each of the cut-outs has the same shape and is equidistantly spaced apart in a repeating fashion from adjacent cut-outs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of a first exemplary artificial surface divider in accordance with the instant disclosure 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is an elevated perspective view of an end of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is an underneath perspective view from the end of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side view showing the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1  when installed as part of an artificial turf installation. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an elevated perspective view of a second exemplary artificial surface divider in accordance with the instant disclosure 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an elevated perspective view of an end of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is an underneath perspective view from the end of the exemplary artificial surface divider of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a side view showing the exemplary artificial surface divider of FIG. I when installed as part of an artificial turf installation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass artificial surface dividers and methods of manufacturing artificial surface dividers. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0031]    Referencing  FIGS. 1-6 , an exemplary artificial surface divider  100  comprises a plurality of ground pads  102  that extend outward from a common rail  104 . Each ground pad  102  has a frustopyramidal shape with a wide base  106  that connects to the rail  104 . The base  106  tapers as it extends outward from the rail  104  until reaching a flat end  108 . Interposing the flat end  108  and the base  106  is an orifice  110  that is generally centered between the flat end and the base, as well as being centered between a medial side  112  and a lateral side  114  of the pad  102 . As will be discussed in greater detail hereafter, the orifice is adapted to receive a ground spike or other retainer in order to mount the artificial surface divider  100  to an underlying base material such as dirt or packed clay. Each pad  102  includes a top surface  116  and an opposed bottom surface  118  that are substantially planar. In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface  118  is adapted to contact the underlying base material, while the top surface  116  is adapted to contact the underside of a section of artificial turf. 
         [0032]    The rail  104  comprises four rail segments  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  that are mounted to one another. The first rail segment  130  is mounted to each of the ground pads  102  and extends laterally away from the grounds pads in an opposite direction. The first rail segment  130  includes a top planar surface  140  and an opposed bottom planar surface  142  that extend longitudinally to define a lengthwise dimension L of the artificial surface divider  100 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first rail segment  130  is seamlessly mounted to each of the ground pads  102  so that the top surfaces  116  of the ground pads are co-planar with the top surface  140 , while the bottom surfaces  118  of the ground pads are co-planar with the bottom surface  142 . In this manner, the thickness of the ground pads  102  is generally the same as that of the first rail segment  130 , though it does not need to be. 
         [0033]    The second rail segment  132  is mounted to the first rail segment  130  along corresponding edges so that the segments  130 ,  132  are perpendicular. The second rail segment  132  includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  150 ,  152  that extend longitudinally along its length. Accordingly, the top surfaces  140 ,  150  of the first and second rail segments  130 ,  132  are perpendicular with respect to one another. So too are the bottom surfaces  152 ,  142  perpendicular with respect to one another. In this manner, the segments  130 ,  132  provide an L-shaped vertical cross-section. But this L-shaped cross-section does not account for the third rail segment  134 . 
         [0034]    The third rail segment  134  is mounted to the second rail segment  132  along corresponding edges so that the segments  132 ,  134  are perpendicular. The third rail segment  134  includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  160 ,  162  that extend longitudinally along its length. Accordingly, the top surfaces  150 ,  160  of the second and third rail segments  132 ,  134  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the top surfaces  140 ,  160  of the first and third segments face one another. Likewise, the bottom surfaces  152 ,  162  of the second and third segments  132 ,  134  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the bottom surfaces  142 ,  162  of the first and third segments  130 ,  134  face away (i.e., opposite) one another. In this manner, the segments  130 ,  132 ,  134  provide block C-shaped vertical cross-section. But this block C-shaped cross-section does not account for the fourth rail segment  136 . 
         [0035]    The fourth rail segment  136  is mounted to the third rail segment  136  along corresponding edges so that the segments  134 ,  136  are perpendicular. In this exemplary embodiment, the fourth rail segment  136  does not extend to contact the top surface  140  of the first rail segment  130 . Instead, an edge  180  of the fourth rail segment  136  stops short of the bottom surface  142  of the first rail segment  130 , thereby creating a longitudinal gap. The fourth rail segment  136  also includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  170 ,  172  that extend longitudinally along its length. Accordingly, the top surfaces  160 ,  170  of the third and fourth rail segments  134 ,  136  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the top surfaces  150 ,  170  of the second and fourth segments  132 ,  136  face one another. In addition, the top surfaces  140 ,  170  of the first and fourth rail segments  132 ,  136  are perpendicular with respect to one another. Similarly, the bottom surfaces  162 ,  172  of the third and fourth segments  134 ,  136  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the bottom surfaces  152 ,  172  of the second and fourth segments  132 ,  136  face away (i.e., opposite) one another. And the bottom surfaces  142 ,  172  of the first and fourth segments  130 ,  136  are perpendicular with respect to one another. In this manner, the segments  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  provide a near-rectangular vertical cross-section delineating a near-rectangular longitudinal cavity  178 . 
         [0036]    The discontinuity in the near-rectangular cross-section occurs as a result of the edge  180  not reaching the top surface  140  of the first rail segment  130 . In this exemplary embodiment, the edge  180  is tapered from the bottom surface  172  to the top surface  170  to form a point  182  along the edge adjacent the top surface. The spacing between the point  182  and the top surface  140  of the first rail segment  130  allows for insertion of the edge of an artificial turf section into the longitudinal cavity  178 . 
         [0037]    The instant artificial surface divider  100  may be manufacturing in a number of ways. In exemplary form the artificial surface divider  100  comprises an extruded thermoplastic section cut to a predetermined length. This section is the result of extruding a thermoplastic through a die having the vertical cross-section shown in  FIG. 5 . After the section has been extruded, a punch press may be used to remove material to form the cavities  184  in between respective ground pads  102 , and optionally simultaneously punching the through orifice  110  in each ground pad. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , installation of the instant artificial surface divider  100  includes compacting an aggregate sub-base  200 . After the aggregate sub-base  20 . 0  has been compacted, the artificial surface divider  100  is fastened to the sub-base  200  using heavy-duty metal nails or spikes  202  that extend through the orifices  110 . The position of the artificial surface divider  100  signifies the end of the artificial turf  204 , which is cut to size and hidden behind the fourth rail segment  136 . In order to fit the end  206  of the artificial turf  204  into the longitudinal cavity  178 , a predetermined length of artificial turf blades  208  are trimmed. It should be noted, however, that the end blades  208  need not be trimmed, particularly if the height of these blades is less than the height of the longitudinal cavity  178 . The artificial turf  204  is subsequently nailed to the artificial surface divider  100  and the sub-base  200  using more nails or spikes  202 . 
         [0039]    Exemplary dimension for the instant artificial surface divider  100  include a ⅜ inch diameter for the through orifice  110 . The ground pad  102  base is 4.5 inches long, whereas the flat end is 1.5 inches long. Each medial and lateral side  112 ,  114  of the ground pad is 2.3 inches long. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces  116 ,  118 ,  140 ,  142  of the first rail segment  130  and the ground pads  102  is 3/16 inch. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces  150 ,  152 ,  160 ,  162 ,  170 ,  172  of the second, third, and fourth rail segments  132 ,  134 ,  136  is ⅛ inch. The distance between the top surfaces  140 ,  160  of the first and third rail segments  130 ,  134  is ⅞ inch. The distance between the top surfaces  150 ,  170  of the second and fourth rail segments  132 ,  136  is ½ inch. And an exemplary distance from the point  182  to the top surface  140  of the first rail segment  130  is ⅛ inch. 
         [0040]    Referencing  FIGS. 8-12 , an exemplary artificial surface divider  300  comprises a plurality of ground pads  302  that extend outward from a common rail  304 . Each ground pad  302  has a frustopyramidal shape with a wide base  306  that connects to the rail  304 . The base  306  tapers as it extends outward from the rail  304  until reaching a flat end  308 . Interposing the flat end  308  and the base  306  is an orifice  310  that is generally centered between the flat end and the base, as well as being centered between a medial side  312  and a lateral side  314  of the pad  302 . As will be discussed in greater detail hereafter, the orifice is adapted to receive a ground spike or other retainer in order to mount the artificial surface divider  300  to an underlying base material such as dirt or packed clay. Each pad  302  includes a top surface  316  and an opposed bottom surface  318  that are substantially planar. In this exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface  318  is adapted to contact the underlying base material, while the top surface  316  is adapted to contact the underside of a section of artificial turf. 
         [0041]    The rail  304  comprises five rail segments  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  390  that are mounted to one another. The first rail segment  330 , also known as a floor, is mounted to each of the ground pads  302  and extends laterally away from the grounds pads in an opposite direction. The first rail segment  330  includes a top planar surface  340  and an opposed bottom planar surface  342  that extend longitudinally to define a lengthwise dimension L of the artificial surface divider  300 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first rail segment  330  is seamlessly mounted to each of the ground pads  302  so that the top surfaces  316  of the ground pads are co-planar with the top surface  340  of the first rail segment, while the bottom surfaces  318  of the ground pads are co-planar with the bottom surface  342  of the first rail segment. In this manner, the thickness of the ground pads  302  is generally the same as that of the first rail segment  330 , though it does not need to be. 
         [0042]    The second rail segment  332  is mounted perpendicularly to the first rail segment  330  along corresponding edges. The second rail segment  332  includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  350 ,  352  that extend longitudinally along its length. Accordingly, the top surfaces  340 ,  350  of the first and second rail segments  330 ,  332  are perpendicular with respect to one another. So too are the bottom surfaces  352 ,  342  perpendicular with respect to one another. In this manner, the segments  330 ,  332  provide an L-shaped vertical cross-section. But this L-shaped cross-section does not account for the third rail segment  334 . 
         [0043]    The third rail segment  334  is mounted perpendicularly to the second rail segment  332  along corresponding edges. The third rail segment  334  includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  360 ,  362  that extend longitudinally along its length. Accordingly, the top surfaces  350 ,  360  of the second and third rail segments  332 ,  334  are perpendicular with respect to one another; while the top surfaces  340 ,  360  of the first and third segments face one another. Likewise, the bottom surfaces  352 ,  362  of the second and third segments  332 ,  334  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the bottom surfaces  342 ,  362  of the first and third segments  330 ,  334  face away (i.e., opposite) one another. In this manner, the segments  330 ,  332 ,  334  provide block C-shaped vertical cross-section. But this block C-shaped cross-section does not account for the fourth rail segment  336 . 
         [0044]    The fourth rail segment  336  is mounted perpendicularly to the third rail segment  336  along corresponding edges. In this exemplary embodiment, the fourth rail segment  336  does not extend to contact the top surface  340  of the first rail segment  330 . Instead, an edge  380  of the fourth rail segment  336  stops short of the bottom surface  342  of the first rail segment  330 , thereby creating a longitudinal gap. The fourth rail segment  336  also includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  370 ,  372  that extend longitudinally along its length. Accordingly, the top surfaces  360 ,  370  of the third and fourth rail segments  334 ,  336  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the top surfaces  350 ,  370  of the second and fourth segments  332 ,  336  face one another. In addition, the top surfaces  340 ,  370  of the first and fourth rail segments  332 ,  336  are perpendicular with respect to one another. Similarly, the bottom surfaces  362 ,  372  of the third and fourth segments  334 ,  336  are perpendicular with respect to one another, while the bottom surfaces  352 ,  372  of the second and fourth segments  332 ,  336  face away (i.e., opposite) one another. And the bottom surfaces  342 ,  372  of the first and fourth segments  330 ,  336  are perpendicular with respect to one another. In this manner, the segments  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336  provide a near-rectangular vertical cross-section delineating a near-rectangular longitudinal cavity  378 . 
         [0045]    The discontinuity in the near-rectangular cross-section occurs as a result of the edge  380  not reaching the top surface  340  of the first rail segment  330 . In this exemplary embodiment, the edge  380  is tapered from the bottom surface  372  to the top surface  370  to form a point  382  along the edge adjacent the top surface. The spacing between the point  382  and the top surface  340  of the first rail segment  330  allows for insertion of the edge of an artificial turf section into the longitudinal cavity  378 . 
         [0046]    The fifth rail segment  390  is mounted perpendicularly to the first rail segment  330  along corresponding edges. The fifth rail segment  390  includes opposed top and bottom surfaces  392 ,  394  that extend longitudinally along its length. At the same time, an exposed edge  396  of the fifth rail segment  390 , which is opposite the second rail segment  332 , may be tapered or rounded to facilitate easier insertion of the artificial surface divider  300  into a sub-base or ground location. Accordingly, the top surfaces  340 ,  392  of the first and fifth rail segments  330 ,  390  are perpendicular with respect to one another. So too are the bottom surfaces  342 ,  394  perpendicular with respect to one another. Conversely, the fifth rail segment  390  is mounted coaxially to the second rail segment  332  along corresponding edges. In this manner, the top surfaces  350 ,  392  of the second and fifth rail segments  332 ,  390  are coaxial and co-planar with respect to one another. So too are the bottom surfaces  352 ,  394  coaxial and co-planar with respect to one another. In this manner, the first, second, and fifth segments  330 ,  332 ,  390  provide a T-shaped vertical cross-section. But this T-shaped cross-section does not account for the third and fourth rail segments  334 ,  336 . 
         [0047]    The instant artificial surface divider  300  may be manufacturing in a number of ways. In exemplary form the artificial surface divider  300  comprises an extruded thermoplastic section cut to a predetermined length. This section is the result of extruding a thermoplastic through a die having the vertical cross-section shown in  FIG. 10 . After the section has been extruded, a punch press may be used to remove material to form the cavities  384  in between respective ground pads  302 , and optionally simultaneously punching the through orifice  310  in each ground pad. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , installation of the instant artificial surface divider  300  may include compacting an aggregate sub-base  400  or other ground material. After the aggregate sub-base  400  has been compacted or whatever other ground preparation is carried out, the artificial surface divider  300  is inserted into the ground (in exemplary form, the sub-base  400 ) so that the exposed edge  396  of the fifth rail segment  390  is inserted initially into the ground while the fifth rail segment is oriented vertically. Continued movement of the fifth rail segment  390  vertically downward eventually results in the surface of the ground  400  coming in contact with the bottom planar surface  342  of the first rail segment  330  and bottom surfaces  318  of the ground pads  302 . Thereafter, heavy-duty metal nails, spikes or some other fastener  402  may extend through the orifices  310  of the ground pads  302  in order to secure the artificial surface divider  300  to the ground  400 . 
         [0049]    Presuming the artificial surface divider  300  is used with artificial turf/grass  404 , the installed position of the artificial surface divider signifies the end or boundary of the artificial turf. In other words, the artificial turf  404  is cut to the appropriate size and at least one of its edges  406  is inserted through the gap between the first and fourth segments  330 ,  336  and into the longitudinal cavity  378  to hide this edge. In exemplary form, in order to fit the edge  406  of the artificial turf  404  into the longitudinal cavity  378 , a predetermined length of artificial turf blades  408  may be trimmed. It should be noted, however, that the end blades  408  need not be trimmed, particularly if the height of these blades is less than the height of the longitudinal cavity  378 . The edge  406  of the artificial turf  404  is inserted through the gap and positioned to abut or closely approximate the top surface  350  of the second rail segment  332  in order for the edge to be housed within the longitudinal cavity  378 . Thereafter, the artificial turf  404  is fastened to the artificial surface divider  300  and the sub-base  400  using more nails, spikes or other fasteners  402 . 
         [0050]    Exemplary dimension for the instant artificial surface divider  300  include a ⅜ inch diameter for the through orifice  310 . The ground pad  302  base is 4.5 inches long, whereas the flat end is 1.5 inches long. Each medial and lateral side  312 ,  314  of the ground pad is 2.3 inches long. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces  316 ,  318 ,  340 ,  342  of the first rail segment  330  and the ground pads  302  is 3/16 inch. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces  350 ,  352 ,  360 ,  362 ,  370 ,  372  of the second, third, and fourth rail segments  332 ,  334 ,  336  is ⅛ inch. The distance between the top surfaces  340 ,  360  of the first and third rail segments  330 ,  334  is ⅞ inch. The distance between the top surfaces  350 ,  370  of the second and fourth rail segments  332 ,  336  is ½ inch. And an exemplary distance or gap from the point  382  to the top surface  340  of the first rail segment  330  is ⅛ inch. The vertical length of the fifth rail is three inches. But it should be understood that these dimensions are only representative of an example, not of the entire invention. 
         [0051]    Fabrication of either artificial surface divider  100 ,  300  may take many forms and steps. But, for purposed of exemplary explanation only, a method of fabricating either or both artificial surface dividers  100 ,  300  will now be discussed. In exemplary form, a die (not shown) is created to embody the cross-section in either  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 10 . This die is then injected with molten material, such as molten thermoplastic material, which is extruded to draw out a longitudinal shape having a uniform cross-section as shown in  FIG. 5  or  FIG. 10 . After the molten material exits the die, it remains temporarily in a viscous state that may be further deformed. In order to preserve the shape imparted by the die, liquid water is sprayed on the material exiting the die to solidify the material and create longitudinal lengths having the prescribed cross-section. Thereafter, the solidified material is cut into predefined longitudinal lengths, such as ten and eight foot sections, and readied for further processing. 
         [0052]    In particular, when the solidified material exits the die, the ground pads  102 ,  302  arc not yet completed. Rather, the solidified material includes a continuous flange that needs to be shaped (cut out in this case) in order to form the ground pads  102 ,  302 . In exemplary form, after the material is cut into predetermined lengths, each predetermined length is fed into a cutting press (not shown) in order to make several cuts at once and remove the requisite material to delineate the frustopyramidal or triangular (other shapes for the ground pads may be created) ground pads  102 ,  302 . At the same time, the cutting press may also form the openings  110 ,  310  through the ground pads that are adapted to receive fasteners such as lawn nails or garden spikes. 
         [0053]    Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the inventions contained herein are not limited to the above precise embodiment and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following proposed points of novelty. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of the invention, since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.