Abstract:
A lawn decoration comprising edging and a clip connected to the edging, the clip including a rope light accepting portion.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/888,113, filed Feb. 5, 2007. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns borders for edging, and more particularly relates to illuminated borders for edging. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     An aspect of the present invention is to provide a lawn decoration comprising edging, a clip and a rope light. The edging includes an elongated post portion for sticking into the ground and an elongated enlarged top at a top of the post portion. The clip is connected to the edging. The clip includes at least one top portion and a rope light accepting portion, with the top portion covering more than 270 degrees of a circle and defining an opening. The clip is connected to the edging by placing the top of the edging into an area defined by the top portion of the clip through the opening. The rope light is located in the rope light accepting portion of the clip. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a lawn decoration comprising a clip and a rope light. The clip is for connecting to edging. The clip includes at least one annular top portion and a rope light accepting portion, with the annular top portion extending in a circle for almost 360 degrees. The annular top portion includes an opening for accepting a circular top of the edging therein to connect the clip to the edging. The rope light extends through the rope light accepting portion of the clip. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a lawn decoration comprising edging, a clip and a rope light. The edging includes an elongated planar post portion for sticking into the ground and defining a divided area in a yard. The clip is connected to the edging. The clip includes a top portion and a rope light accepting portion, with the top portion having an opening for accepting a top of the elongated planar post portion of the edging therein. The rope light receiving portion is substantially annular and includes a slot. The clip is connected to the edging by placing the top of the edging into the opening. The rope light is located in the rope light accepting portion of the clip through the slot. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an end view of the first embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a first assembly step. 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of the first embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a second assembly step. 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the first embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a third assembly step. 
         FIG. 5  is an alternative clip of the first embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a second alternative clip of the first embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a clip of the second embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an end view of the second embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a first assembly step. 
         FIG. 10  is an end view of the second embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a second assembly step. 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of the second embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a third assembly step. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an adapter for use with the illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an end view of a clip and the adapter of the illuminated border of the present invention in a first assembly step. 
         FIG. 14  is an end view of the clip and the adapter of the illuminated border of the present invention in a second assembly step. 
         FIG. 15  is an end view of the clip and the adapter of the illuminated border of the present invention in a third assembly step. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an end view of a fourth embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a first assembly step. 
         FIG. 18  is an end view of a fourth embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a second assembly step. 
         FIG. 19  is an end view of a fourth embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a third assembly step. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of an illuminated border of the present invention. 
         FIG. 23  is an end view of the sixth embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a first assembly step. 
         FIG. 24  is an end view of the sixth embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a second assembly step. 
         FIG. 25  is an end view of the sixth embodiment of the illuminated border of the present invention in a third assembly step. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a clip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 26A  is a perspective view of a modified version of the seventh embodiment of the clip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a clip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  is a front view of the eighth embodiment of the clip of the present invention. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of a ninth embodiment of a clip of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as orientated in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The reference number  10  ( FIGS. 1-6 ) generally designates an illuminated border embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the illuminated border  10  comprises landscape and/or border edging  12 , a plurality of clips  14  and a rope light  16 . The plurality of clips  14  are used to attach the rope light  16  to the landscape edging  12  to provide illumination to the landscape edging  12 . The rope light  16  is well known to those skilled in the art and includes at least one illuminated wire within a circular enclosure. The rope light  16  includes a plug at one end for inserting into a socket to illuminate the rope light  16 . The rope light  16  is preferably flexible to allow the rope light  16  to be curved. 
     In the illustrated example, the landscape edging  12  comprises typical landscape edging as is well known to those skilled in the art. The landscape edging  12  is typically used to separate two portions of a person&#39;s yard (e.g., separating woodchips from grass). The landscape edging  12  comprises a vertical panel  18  configured to be inserted into the ground  20  and an elongated, enlarged top portion  22 . In the illustrated example, the top portion  22  can be substantially circular. However, it is contemplated that the top portion  22  could define a square, a rectangle or any enlarged geometric shape. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the vertical panel  18  can include a pair of angled projections  24  forming a prong for maintaining the landscape edging in the ground  20 . It is contemplated that the landscape edging  12  can be formed from extruded plastic and the top portion  22  can be solid or hollow (as illustrated). The clips  14  are configured to be connected to the top portion  22  of the landscape edging  12  to form the illuminated border  10 . 
     The illustrated clips  14  comprise a portion  26  for connection to the landscape edging  12 , a C-shaped cradle or rope light receiving portion  28  and a flange  30 . In use, the C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28  is configured to accept the rope light  16  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The top portion  22  of the landscape edging  12  is inserted into the portion  26  of the clip  14  and the clip  14  is rotated (if circular) until the flange  30  abuts against the vertical panel  18  of the landscape edging  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , thereby providing the illuminated border  10 . Preferably, the portion  26  extends for approximately 270 degrees of a circle (even if in a non-circular configuration). As illustrated in  FIGS. 2-4 , the portion  26  includes a flange  32  for assisting in maintaining the rope light  16  within the C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28 , with the flange  32  forming part of the C-shaped rope light receiving portion or cradle  28 . It is contemplated that the clips  14  can be formed from extruded plastic, by injection molding or out of metal. In the illustrated example, the clips  14  have a length of approximately one to four inches and a plurality of the clips  14  are spaced along the top portion  22  of the landscape edging  12  along the landscape edging  12 . It is further contemplated that the clips  14  could not include the flange  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the clips  14  can have either a flat edge  34  at the end of the portion  26  or a saw tooth edge  36  at the end of the portion  26 . Other end configurations are also contemplated.  FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative clip  14 , wherein the clip  14  includes an end of the portion  26  having a plurality of annular grooves  38 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a second alternative clip  14 , wherein the clip  14  includes an L-shaped receiving leg  40  for accepting Christmas lights or a plant description card holder. It is contemplated that the L-shaped receiving leg  40  could be used with any of the clips  14  described herein (either above or below). 
     The reference numeral  10   a  ( FIGS. 7-11 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for the illuminated border. Since illuminated border  10   a  is similar to the previously described illuminated border, similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIGS. 7-11 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. The second embodiment of the illuminated border  10   a  includes a clip  14   a  that does not include the flange  30  of the first embodiment of the illuminated border  10   a  (although one could be used) and the portion  26   a  extends for approximately 360 degrees. It is contemplated that the clips  14  can be formed from extruded plastic, by injection molding or out of metal. In the illustrated example, the clips  14  have a length of approximately one to four inches and a plurality of the clips  14  are spaced along the top portion  22  of the landscape edging  12  along the landscape edging  12 . 
       FIGS. 12-15  illustrate an adapter  42  that could be used with any of the clips described herein (either above or below). The adapter  42  is used to connect the clips  14  to landscape edging  12  that does not include a top portion  22 . The adapter  42  comprises a tube  44  having a lower slot  46  therein. The lower slot  46  is configured to accept a top portion of the vertical panel  18  of the landscape edging  12 . Furthermore, the tube  44  is configured to be inserted into the portion  26 ,  26   a  of the clip  14 ,  14   a . Therefore, the adapter  42  allows the clips  14 ,  14   a  to be connected to landscape edging  12  that does not include the top portion  22 . It is contemplated that the tube  44  could be solid or could have a hollow interior, with ends of the tube  44  having circular faces, thereby providing the tube  44  with a cylindrical body. 
     The reference numeral  10   b  ( FIG. 16 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a third embodiment for the illuminated border. Since illuminated border  10   b  is similar to the previously described illuminated border, similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIG. 16 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. The third embodiment of the illuminated border  10   b  includes a plurality of clips  14   b  that have a plurality of portions  26   b  for connection to the landscape edging  12   b , but a single extended C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   b  that extends along and is connected to all of the plurality of portions  26   b  of the clips  14   b . It is contemplated that the clips  14   b  could include the flanges (similar to the flanges  30  above) and that the plurality of portions  26   b  could extend for approximately 360 degrees (as shown) or approximately 270 degrees. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the plurality of portions  26   b  could include any of the ends as described above in the first embodiment of the illuminated border  10 . It is further contemplated that the clips  14   b  can be formed from plastic or metal. In the illustrated example, the plurality of portions  26   b  of the clips  14   b  have a length of approximately one to four inches and the plurality of the portions  26   b  of the clips  14  are spaced along the top portion  22   b  of the landscape edging  12   b  along the landscape edging  12   b.    
     The reference numeral  10   c  ( FIGS. 17-19 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fourth embodiment for the illuminated border. Since illuminated border  10   c  is similar to the previously described illuminated border, similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIGS. 17-19 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “c” in the numerals of the latter. The fourth embodiment of the illuminated border  10   c  includes clips  14   c  having the entrance to the C-shaped rope light receiving portions  28   c  being located with the portions  26   c  of the clip  14   c . Therefore, the rope light  16   c  must be inserted into the C-shaped rope light receiving portions  28   c  before the portions  26   c  of the clip  14   c  is connected to the adapter  42  or the top portion  22   c  of the landscape edging  12   c  (although it is contemplated that the rope light  16   c  could be threaded into the C-shaped rope light receiving portions  28   c  after the clips  14   c  have been connected to the landscape edging  12   c ). It is contemplated that the clips  14   c  could include the flanges  30  and that the plurality of portions  26   c  could extend for approximately 360 degrees (as shown) or approximately 270 degrees. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the plurality of portions  26   c  could include any of the ends as described above in the first embodiment of the illuminated border  10 . It is further contemplated that the clips  14   c  can be formed from extruded plastic, by injection molding or out of metal. In the illustrated example, the clips  14   c  have a length of approximately one to four inches and are spaced along the top portion  22   c  of the landscape edging  12   c  along the landscape edging  12   c.    
     The reference numeral  10   d  ( FIG. 20 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fifth embodiment for the illuminated border. Since illuminated border  10   d  is similar to the previously described illuminated border, similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIG. 20 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “d” in the numerals of the latter. The fifth embodiment of the illuminated border  10   d  is identical to the first embodiment of the illuminated border  10 , except that the landscape edging  12   d  and the clips  14   d  are integral (such that the clip  14   d  does not include the portion  26  for connection to the landscape edging  12  or the flange  30 ), thereby forming a one-piece illuminated border  10   d . Furthermore, the flange  32   d  is connected to the top portion  22   d  of the landscape edging  12   d  instead of the portion  26 . It is contemplated that the illuminated border  10   d  can be formed from extruded plastic or metal. 
     The reference numeral  10   e  ( FIGS. 21-22 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a sixth embodiment for the illuminated border. Since illuminated border  10   e  is similar to the previously described illuminated border, similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIGS. 21-22 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “e” in the numerals of the latter. The sixth embodiment of the illuminated border  10   e  comprises a plurality of posts that just include a cradle comprising a circular portion  100  for accepting the rope light  16  therein and a stake  102  for sticking into the ground  20   e . Alternatively, it is contemplated that any of the clips  14 ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c  or  14   d  described above or  14   f  and  14   g  described below could be connected to the cradle comprising the circular portion  100 , with the rope light being connected to the clip  14 ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c  or  14   d  described above or  14   f  and  14   g  described below (see, for example,  FIGS. 23-25 ). 
     The reference numeral  14   f  ( FIG. 26 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a seventh embodiment for the clip. Since clip  14   f  is similar to the previously described clip  14 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIG. 26 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “f” in the numerals of the latter. The seventh embodiment of the clip  14   f  comprises an edging receiving portion  26   f  (e.g., C-shaped) for connection to the landscape edging and a C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   f  connected to an outside of the edging receiving portion  26   f . In use, the rope light receiving portion  28   f  is configured to accept the rope light as described above. The top circular portion of the landscape edging is inserted into the edging receiving portion  26   f  of the clip  14   f , thereby providing an illuminated border. Preferably, both portions extend for approximately 270 degrees of a circle. It is contemplated that the clips  14   f  can be formed from extruded plastic, by injection molding or out of metal. In the illustrated example, the clips  14   f  have a length of approximately one to four inches and a plurality of the clips  14   f  are spaced along the top circular portion of the landscape edging along the landscape edging. 
     The reference numeral  14   f ′ ( FIG. 26A ) generally designates a modified version of the seventh embodiment for the clip. Since clip  14   f ′ is similar to the previously described clip  14   f , similar parts appearing in  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 26A , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “f′” in the numerals of the latter. The modified version of the seventh embodiment of the clip  14   f ′ comprises an edging receiving portion  26   f ′ (e.g., C-shaped) for connection to the landscape edging and a C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   f ′ connected to an outside of the edging receiving portion  26   f ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 26A , the C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   f ′ is located adjacent an apex of the edging receiving portion  26   f ′. In use, the rope light receiving portion  28   f ′ is configured to accept the rope light as described above. The top circular portion of the landscape edging is inserted into the edging receiving portion  26   f ′ of the clip  14   f ′, thereby providing an illuminated border. Preferably, both portions extend for approximately 270 degrees of a circle. It is noted that the edging receiving portion  26   f ′ could include flared ends  177  for assisting in accepting the top portion of the landscape edging therein. Furthermore, the C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   f ″ could include substantially parallel walls  179  extending from the edging receiving portion  26   f ′. It is contemplated that the clips  14   f ′ can be formed from extruded plastic, by injection molding or out of metal. In the illustrated example, the clips  14   f ′ have a length of approximately one to four inches and a plurality of the clips  14   f ′ are spaced along the top circular portion of the landscape edging along the landscape edging. 
     The reference numeral  14   g  ( FIGS. 27 and 28 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having an eighth embodiment for the clip. Since clip  14   g  is similar to the previously described seventh embodiment of the clip  14   f , similar parts appearing in  FIG. 26  and  FIGS. 27-28 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “g” in the numerals of the latter. The eighth embodiment of the clip  14   g  is substantially identical to the seventh embodiment of the clip  14   f , except that the eighth embodiment of the clip  14   g  includes an arcuate adapter leg  200  extending into a space  202  defined by an interior of the edging receiving portion  26   f . The arcuate adapter leg  200  is configured to help support the clip  14   g  on an edging having a top circular portion that has a smaller outer periphery than the inner periphery of the edging receiving portion  26   f  or an edging having a planar top (e.g., without the top circular portion). It is contemplated that any of the clips  14 ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d  or  14   f  described above could include the arcuate adapter leg  200 . 
     The reference numeral  14   h  ( FIG. 29 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a ninth embodiment for the clip. Since clip  14   h  is similar to the previously described embodiment of the clip  14 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-6  and  FIG. 29 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “h” in the numerals of the latter. The ninth embodiment of the clip  14   h  includes an edging receiving portion  26   h  for connection to the landscape edging and a C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   h  connected to an outside of the edging receiving portion  26   h . The edging receiving portion  26   h  is configured to be connected to landscape edging  12  that does not include a top portion  22  (for example, metal edging such as the edging  12  shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  above). The edging receiving portion  26   h  includes a first side wall  181  and a second side wall  183  connected by a top spanning portion  185 . The first side wall  181 , the second side wall  183  and the top spanning portion  185  define a slot  187  for accepting the top of the edging therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   h  is connected to the first side wall  181  of the edging receiving portion  26   h . However, it is contemplated that the C-shaped rope light receiving portion  28   h  could be connected to the second side wall  183  or the top spanning portion  185  of the edging receiving portion  26   h . Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first side wall  181  and/or the second side wall  183  could include a projection  189  extending into the slot  187  to assist in maintaining the top of the edging within the slot  187 . It is contemplated that the clips  14   h  can be formed from extruded plastic, by injection molding or out of metal. In the illustrated example, the clips  14   h  have a length of approximately one to four inches and a plurality of the clips  14   h  are spaced along the top circular portion of the landscape edging along the landscape edging. 
     The foregoing detailed description is considered that of a preferred embodiment only, and the particular shape and nature of at least some of the components in this embodiment are at least partially based on manufacturing advantages and considerations as well as on those pertaining to assembly and operation. Modifications of this embodiment may well occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention after learning the nature of this preferred embodiment, and the invention lends itself advantageously to such modification and alternative embodiments. For example, it is contemplated that the illuminated border could include a cap that would fit over the clip and/or the rope light to prevent light for escaping, thereby allowing certain sections of the illuminated border from emitting light. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the all of the clips discussed above could include multiple rope light receiving portions or cradles (i.e., more than one) and associated flanges  32 . Moreover, it is contemplated that every part of the illuminated border (e.g., edging and/or clip and/or cradle) could be made of metal or plastic. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.