Patent Publication Number: US-2023136367-A1

Title: Device and methods for preventing weed growth and/or grass growth

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. Provisional Application 63/275,751, filed Nov. 4, 2021, entitled, “DEVICE AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING WEED GROWTH AND/OR GRASS GROWTH,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     . The present disclosure relates to a device and methods for preventing growth of weeds and/or grass as well as a device and methods for protecting an area enclosure apparatus from damage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Unwanted weeds and grass frequently grow under and around fences. This results in the inconvenience and nuisance of removing such unwanted weeds and grass, as well as difficulty in removing the unwanted weeds and grass. 
     In order to mitigate the invasion of weeds, methods such as chemical treatments, sheets, weed barrier systems, weed tilling, weed trimming with a weed trimmer and manual weed pulling, which is tedious and physically demanding, are generally used. Chemical treatments have disadvantages due to the chemicals utilized, which may kill some weed varieties, but can likewise be hazardous to garden plants as well as people and animals. Weed sheets generally involve a long black plastic sheet where holes are required for plant insertion. However, weed sheets are cumbersome and require creation of a hole for each plant. Tilling of weeds through use of a rototiller or the like is useful in large non-crop areas, such as between plant rows. However, tilling is not feasible in areas where garden plants are in close proximity to one another or where a fence is proximally located. Manual weed pulling is tedious, time consuming and physically demanding on the individual who weeds. If a gardener goes away for an extended time and does not tend regularly to the weed pulling, then weeds can quickly grow out of control. 
     Current weed removal devices for use around a fence or other area enclosure apparatus include, for example, weed trimming tools or other weed removal devices. Use of currently available weed removal devices often damage the lower portion of a fence and are time and labor intensive. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved devices and methods that prevent unwanted weed growth and unwanted grass growth in close proximity to a fence or other area enclosure apparatus. 
     The present disclosure is directed to overcoming these and other deficiencies in the art. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a fence guard device. The fence guard device includes a plurality of guard sections that are is configured to be positioned under a fence and abutted together longitudinally along the fence. Once positioned under the fence, the fence guard sections each have an inclined side surface extending laterally from the fence. When a lawn mower having a mower deck and a mower blade is used to mow vegetation proximate to the fence, a distal end of the inclined side surface of each guard section extends under the mower blade as the mower deck abuts against and along the inclined side surfaces. Accordingly, the inclined side surfaces of the fence guard device provide a positive guide for the mower deck of the lawn mover to follow and, when the distal ends of the inclined side surfaces of each guard section extends under the mower blade, the vegetation gets cut by the mower blade up to the distal ends of the inclined side surfaces of each guard section. 
     A fence guide device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a first guard section and a second guard section. Each guard section includes a top and a bottom surface substantially parallel to each other. An inclined side surface extends laterally between the top and bottom surfaces. The first and second guard sections are configured to be positioned under a fence and abutted together at respective longitudinal ends of each guard section. When a lawn mower having a mower deck and a mower blade is used to mow vegetation proximate to the fence, a distal end of the inclined side surface of each guard section extends under the mower blade as the mower deck abuts against and along the inclined side surfaces. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, when the distal ends of the inclined side surfaces of each guard section extends under the mower blade, the vegetation gets cut by the mower blade up to the distal ends of the inclined side surfaces of each guard section. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, a longitudinally extending groove is disposed in the top surface or the inclined surface of each guard section. When the first and second guard sections are abutted together and positioned under the fence, the fence fits within each groove of the first and second guard sections. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the top surface and the bottom surface of each guard section is spaced apart by a section depth. The groove of each guard section has a groove depth that is less than the section depth of each guard section. Additionally, the groove of each guard section does not extend through to the bottom surface of each guard section. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the first and the second guard section each include a channel border portion disposed in the respective longitudinal end of each guard section. When the first and second guard sections are abutted together, the channel border portions of each guard section abut together to form a channel therebetween. The channel is configured to receive a post of the fence therein. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the channel border portions of the first and second guard sections being operable to form an open channel that partially receives the post of the fence when the first and second guard sections are abutted together. Additionally, a third guard section is operable to abut against the channel border portions of the first and second guard sections to form a closed channel that surrounds the post of the fence. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the inclined side surface and the bottom surface of each section form an acute angle at the distal end of the inclined side surface. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the acute angle formed between the inclined side surface and the bottom surface is about between 70 degrees and 30 degrees. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the first and second guard sections are secured by fasteners when abutted together. 
     In some examples of the present disclosure, the first and second guard sections are secured together by tongue and groove fasteners disposed on the first and second guard sections. 
     Another fence guide device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes a first guard section and a second guard section configured to be positioned under a fence and abutted together at respective longitudinal ends of each guard section. The first and second guard sections each include a top surface and a bottom surface substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a section depth. An inclined side surface extends laterally between the top and bottom surfaces. The inclined side surface forms an acute angle with the bottom surface. A groove is disposed in the top surface or the inclined surface. The groove extends longitudinally along a length of the guard section. A channel border portion is disposed in the respective longitudinal end of each guard section. When the first and second guard sections are abutted together and positioned under the fence, the fence fits within the groove of the first and second sections and the channel border portions of the first and second guard sections abut to form a channel within which the post of the fence fits. When a lawn mower having a mower deck and a mower blade is used to mow vegetation proximate to the fence, a distal end of the inclined side surfaces of each guard section extends under the mower blade as the mower deck abuts against the inclined side surfaces. 
     A method for preventing weed growth and/or grass growth in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a fence guard device having a first and a second guard section. Each guard section includes a top and a bottom surface substantially parallel to each other, a channel border portion disposed on a longitudinal end, and an inclined side surface extending laterally between the top and bottom surfaces. The first and second guard sections are abutted together under a fence. The channel border portions of each guard section are abutted together to form a channel therebetween such that the channel receives at least a portion of a post of the fence therein. Vegetation proximate to the fence is mowed using a lawn mower having a mower deck and a mower blade. The mower deck is abutted against and along the inclined side surfaces of each guard section such that a distal end of the inclined side surface of each guard section extends under the mower blade. The vegetation is cut with the mower blade up to the distal ends of the inclined side surfaces of each guard section. 
     In some examples of the method of the present disclosure, a longitudinally extending groove is disposed in the top surface or the inclined surface of each guard section. Additionally, the fence is fit within each groove of the first and second guard sections when the first and second guard sections are abutted together and positioned under the fence. 
     In some examples of the method of the present disclosure, the first and second guard sections are fastened together with fasteners when the first and second guard sections are positioned under the fence. 
     It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and may be used to achieve the benefits and advantages described herein. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    depicted an example of a type of a fence that is protected by a fence guard system, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  2    depicted another example of a type of a fence that is protected by a fence guard system, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  3    depicts an example of a top perspective view of a fence guard device, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  4    depicts an example of a cross sectional view of the fence guard device of  FIG.  3    taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  3   , in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  5    depicts an example of a perspective view of a lawn mower being used to mow vegetation proximate to a fence that is protected by a fence guard device, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  6 A  depicts an example of a cross sectional view of the lawn mower of  FIG.  5   , in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  6 B  depicts another example of a cross sectional view of the lawn mower of  FIG.  5   , in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  7    depicts another example of a top perspective view of a fence guard device, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  8    depicts an example of a top view of the fence guard device, wherein the first and second guard sections are secured together with fasteners, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  9 A  depicts an example of a top view of a straight first guard section of the fence guard device, wherein the first guard section secures to a second guard section with tongue and groove fasteners, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  9 B  depicts an example of a top view of a right angle second guard section of the fence guard device, wherein the second guard section secures to a first guard section with tongue and groove fasteners, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  10 A  depicts an example of a side cross sectional views of the fence system, wherein the groove is disposed entirely in the top surface of the first guard section, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  10 B  depicts an example of a side cross sectional views of the fence system, wherein the groove is disposed partially in the top surface and partially in the inclined side surface of the first guard section, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  10 C  depicts an example of a side cross sectional views of the fence system, wherein the groove is disposed entirely in the inclined side surface of the first guard section, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  11 A  depicts an example of a top perspective view of the fence system, wherein the shape of the channel, the position of the groove and the way the first and second guard sections abut together are configured in a certain way, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  11 B  depicts another example of a top perspective view of the fence system, wherein the shape of the channel, the position of the groove and the way the first and second guard sections abut together are configured in a certain way, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  11 C  depicts another example of a top perspective view of the fence system, wherein the shape of the channel, the position of the groove and the way the first and second guard sections abut together are configured in a certain way, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  11 D  depicts another example of a top perspective view of the fence system, wherein the shape of the channel, the position of the groove and the way the first and second guard sections abut together are configured in a certain way, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  11 E  depicts another example of a top perspective view of the fence system, wherein the shape of the channel, the position of the groove and the way the first and second guard sections abut together are configured in a certain way, in accordance with aspects described herein; 
         FIG.  11 F  depicts another example of a top perspective view of the fence system, wherein the shape of the channel, the position of the groove and the way the first and second guard sections abut together are configured in a certain way, in accordance with aspects described herein; and 
         FIG.  12    depicts an example of a flow diagram of a method of preventing weed growth or grass growth, in accordance with aspects described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain examples will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. One or more examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting examples and that the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example maybe combined with the features of other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The terms “significantly”, “substantially”, “approximately”, “about”, “relatively,” or other such similar terms that may be used throughout this disclosure, including the claims, are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing from a reference or parameter. Such small fluctuations include a zero fluctuation from the reference or parameter as well. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ± 10%, such as less than or equal to ± 5%, such as less than or equal to ± 2%, such as less than or equal to ± 1%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.5%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.2%, such as less than or equal to ± 0. 1%, such as less than or equal to ± 0.05%. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , examples are depicted of at least two types of a fence  200  that is protected by a fence guard system  100 , according to aspects described herein. The fence  200  may be any suitable type of fence system, such as chain link fences ( FIG.  1   ), wood fences ( FIG.  2   ), wrought iron fences (not shown) or the like. The fences  200  may include a longitudinally extending fence body  204  supported by fence posts  202 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3    an example is depicted of a top perspective view of a fence guard device  100  (such as illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ), according to aspects described herein. Also, referring to  FIG.  4   , an example is depicted of a cross sectional view of the fence guard device  100  taken along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  3   , according to aspects described herein. The fence guard device  100  may be composed of any suitable material. 
     The fence guard device  100  may include a plurality of guard sections, such as first guard section  102  and second guard section  104 . Each guard section  102 ,  104  is configured to be positioned under a fence  200  (see  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) and abutted together at respective longitudinal ends  110 ,  112  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . The first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  each include a top surface  106  and a bottom surface  108  substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a section depth  114 . 
     An inclined side surface  116  extends laterally between the top  106  and bottom surfaces  108 . The inclined side surface  116  forms an acute angle  118  with the bottom surface  108 . The acute angle  118  may be, for example, between 30 degrees and 70 degrees. 
     A longitudinally extending groove  120  may be disposed (or positioned) in either the top surface  106  or the inclined surface  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . The groove  120  may extend longitudinally along a length  122  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . In the example illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the groove  120  is disposed in the top surface  106  of the guard sections  102 ,  104 . However, as seen and discussed with reference to  FIGS.  10 A- 10 D , the groove  120  may also be disposed in the inclined side surface  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . 
     The top surface  106  may be small relative to the bottom surface  108 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the top surface  106  may simply be a line shaped apex of the inclined side surface  116  intersecting a top edge of the groove  120 . 
     When the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together and positioned under the fence  200 , the body  204  of the fence  200  fits within each groove  120  of the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104 . The groove  120  advantageously helps to maintain the guard sections  102 ,  104  in alignment under the fence  200 , without having to modify the fence or without having to use attachment devices to secure the guard sections  102 ,  104  to the fence  200 . 
     The groove  120  of each guard section  102 ,  104  has a groove depth  124  that is less than the section depth  114  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . Additionally, the groove depth  124  does not extend through to the bottom surface  108  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the feature that the groove  120  does not penetrate through to the bottom surface  108  is true even if the groove  120  is disposed in the inclined side surface  116  rather than the top surface  106 . Advantageously, by not extending the groove  120  through to the bottom surface  108 , the entire area of the bottom surface  108  covers the vegetation under the guard sections  102 ,  104 , including the area at the bottom of the groove  120 . This helps to prevent any vegetation from growing under the fence  200  in locations that would be hard to reach and/or trim. 
     The first guard section  102  may include a channel border portion  124  and the second guard sections  104  may also include a channel border portion  126 . The channel border portions  124 ,  126  may be disposed in the respective longitudinal end  110 ,  112  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . When the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together, the channel border portions  126 ,  128  of each guard section  102 ,  104  abut together to form a channel  130  therebetween. The channel  130  is configured to receive a post  202  of the fence  200  therein. Advantageously, the feature of the channel border portions  124 ,  126  forming a channel  130  that is operable to receive a post  202  of the fence  200  therein, enables the guard sections  102 ,  104  to extend along the body  204   
     Advantageously, therefore, when the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together and positioned under the fence  200 , the body  204  of the fence  200  fits within the groove  120  of the first and second sections  102 ,  104 . Additionally, the channel border portions  126 ,  128  of the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut to form the channel  130  within which the post  202  of the fence  200  fits 
     Also, advantageously (and as discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIGS.  5  and  6    herein), when a lawn mower  300  having a mower deck  302  and a mower blade  304  is used to mow vegetation  306  proximate to the fence  200 , a distal end  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  extends under the mower blade  304  as the mower deck  302  abuts against and along the inclined side surfaces  116 . Accordingly, when the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  extends under the mower blade  304 , the vegetation  306  gets cut by the mower blade up  304  to the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , an example is depicted of a perspective view of a lawn mower  300  being used to mow vegetation  306  proximate to the fence  200  that is protected by fence guard device  100 , according to aspects described herein. Also, refereeing to  FIG.  6 A , an example is depicted of a cross sectional view of the lawn mower  300  of  FIG.  5   , taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5   , according to aspects described herein. 
     The lawn mower  300  includes a mower deck  302  that houses a mower blade  304 . The mower deck  302  is used to protect a user from the mower blade  304  during operation of the lawn mower  300 . The mower deck  302  also provides a barrier to protect the blade  304  from being damaged by objects, such as the foundation of a building (now shown) or the body  204  and post  202  of the fence  200 , that the mower is in proximity to. 
     When the fence guard device  100  is installed under the fence  200 , and the mower is used to mow vegetation proximate to the fence  200 , the distal end  132  of the inclined side surface  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  is operable to extend under the mower blade  304  as the mower deck  302  abuts against and along the inclined side surfaces  116 . In other words, the inclined side surfaces  116  of the fence guard device  100  provide a positive guide for the mower deck  302  of the lawn mower  300  to follow. When the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  extend under the mower blade  304 , the vegetation  306  gets cut by the mower blade  304  up to the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . Advantageously, this leaves no additional unwanted vegetation  306  that needs to be cut or trimmed in the vicinity of the fence  200  by an additional operation (such as by trimming with a lawn trimmer). 
     It is important to note that in the example illustrated in  FIG.  6 A , the inclined surface  116  forms an acute angle  118  with the bottom surface  108 , but does not extend all the way down to intersect with the bottom surface  108  of the fence guard sections  102 ,  104 . Rather the distal end  132  of the inclined surface is positioned above the bottom surface. A vertical edge  133  connects the bottom surface  108  to the distal end  132  of the inclined surface  116 . However, even though the distal end  132  of the inclined surface  116  does not intersect with the bottom surface  108 , the distal end  132  still extends far enough to reach under the mower blade  304  as the mower deck  302  abuts against and along the inclined side surfaces.  116 , so that the vegetation  306  gets cut by the mower blade  304  up to the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 B , another example is depicted of a cross sectional view of the lawn mower  300  of  FIG.  5   , taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  5   , according to aspects described herein. In this example, the inclined surfaces  116  extend all the way down to the bottom surface  108  to form the acute angle  118 . Additionally, the distal ends  132  form the intersection between the inclined side surface  116  and the bottom surface  108  of the fence guard device  100 . Again, the inclined surface  116  extends far enough to reach under the mower blade  304  as the mower deck  302  abuts against and along the inclined side surfaces  116 , so that the vegetation  306  gets cut by the mower blade  304  up to the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , another example is depicted of a top perspective view of a fence guard device  100 , according to aspects described herein. In this example, the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are configured to abut together at substantially right angle to each other. This type of configuration may be used to deploy the fence guard device  100  around a corner of a fence  200 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the channel border portions  126 ,  128  of the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are operable to form an open channel  130 A that partially receives the post  202  of the fence  200  when the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together. In that case, a third guard section  134  may be operable and utilized to abut against the channel border portions  126 ,  128  of the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  to form a closed channel  130  that surrounds the post  202  of the fence  200 . The third guard section  134  may also help prevent vegetation growth around the rear of the fence  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , an example is depicted of a top view of the fence guard device  100  wherein the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are secured together with fasteners  136  when the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together, in accordance with aspects described herein. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the fasteners  136  are bar fasteners that may be screwed into both longitudinal ends  110 ,  112  of their respective guard sections  102 ,  104 . However, any appropriate fastener or fastener system may be used to secure the guard sections  102 ,  104  together. 
     Referring to  FIGS. A.  9 A and  9 B , examples are depicted of top views of the first fence guard section  102  ( FIG.  9 A ) and second guard section  104  ( FIG.  9 B ) of the fence guard device  100 , wherein the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are secured together with tongue and groove fasteners  138  when the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together, in accordance with aspects described herein. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  9 A , the first guard section  102  is a straight section, while in  FIG.  9 B  the second guard section  104  is a right angle section. Additionally, the inclined surfaces  116  extend from an upper distal edge  140  of the groove  120  all the way down to the distal end  132  of the inclined side surface  116  where the inclined side surface intersects with the bottom surface  108  to form the acute angle  118  (see  FIG.  6 B ). As such, the top surface  110  is simply the line formed by the intersection of the upper distal edge  140  of the groove  120  and the upper end of the inclined side surface  116 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 A,  10 B and  10 C , various examples are depicted of side cross sectional views of the fence system  100 , wherein the groove  120  is disposed in either the top surface  106  or the inclined side surface  116  of the first guard section  102 , in accordance with aspects described herein. In  FIG.  10 A , the groove  120  is disposed entirely in the top surface  106 . In  FIG.  10 B , the groove  120  is disposed partially in the inclined side surface  116  and partially in the top surface  106 . In  FIG.  10 C , the groove  120  is disposed entirely in the inclined side surface  106 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 E , various examples are depicted of top perspective views of the fence system  100 , wherein the shape of the channels  130 , the position of the groove  120  and the way the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together changes, in accordance with aspects described herein. 
     In  FIG.  11 A , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together at substantially right angles and further abut with a third guard section  134  to form a substantially square channel  130 . The groove  120  is in the top surface  106 . 
     In  FIG.  11 B , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together in a substantially straight line to form a substantially rectangular channel  130 . The groove  120  is in the top surface  106   
     In  FIG.  11 C , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together in a substantially straight line to form a substantially round channel  130 . The groove  120  is in the inclined side surface  116 . 
     In  FIG.  11 D , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together at substantially right angles and further abut with a third guard section  134  to form a substantially square channel  130 . The groove  120  is in the inclined side surface  116 . 
     In  FIG.  11 E , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together at substantially right angles and further abut with a third guard section  134  to form a substantially square channel  130 . The groove  120  is in the inclined side surface  116 . 
     In  FIG.  11 F , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  abut together at substantially right angles and further abut with a third guard section  134  to form a substantially round channel  130 . The groove  120  is in the inclined side surface  116 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , an example is depicted of a flow diagram of a method  400  of preventing weed growth or grass growth, in accordance with aspects described herein. 
     The method  400  begins at  402 , wherein a fence guard device  100  is provided. The fence guard device includes a first and a second guard section  102 ,  104 . Each guard section  102 ,  104  includes:
     a top surface  106  and a bottom surface  108  that are substantially parallel to each other;   a channel border portion  126 ,  128  disposed on a longitudinal end  110 ,  112 ;   an inclined side surface  116  extending laterally between the top and bottom surfaces  106 ,  108 ; and   a longitudinally extending groove disposed in the top surface or the inclined surface of each guard section.   

     At  404  of method  400 , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are abutted together under a fence  200 . 
     At  406 , the fence  200  is fit within each groove  120  of the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104 . More specifically, the longitudinal body  204  of the fence  200  is fit within the groove  120 . The groove helps to secure the guard sections  102 ,  104  in place. 
     At  408  of method  400 , the channel border portions  126 ,  128  of each guard section  102 ,  104  are abutted together to form a channel  130  therebetween. The channel is configured to receive at least a portion of a post  202  of the fence  200  therein. Advantageously, the channel  130  enables the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  to be placed around the fence posts  202  of the fence  200  without modifying or damaging the fence posts  202 . 
     At  410 , the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are fastened together with fasteners  136  when the first and second guard sections  102 ,  104  are positioned under the fence  200 . The fasteners may be tongue and groove fasteners  138 . 
     At  412 , vegetation  306  proximate to the fence  200  is mowed using a lawn mower  300  having a mower deck  302  and a mower blade  304 . 
     At  414  of method  400 , the mower deck  302  is made to abut against and along the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  such that a distal end  132  of the inclined side surface  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  extends under the mower blade  304 . 
     At  416  of the method, the vegetation  306  is with the mower blade  304  up to the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . 
     Advantageously, the method  400  enables a user of the lawn mower  300  to use the inclined side surfaces  116  of the fence guard device  100  as a positive guide for the mower deck  302  of the lawn mower  300  to follow. Using the inclined side surfaces  116  as a positive guide enables the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104  to extend under the mower blade  304 . Therefore, the vegetation  306  gets cut by the mower blade  304  up to the distal ends  132  of the inclined side surfaces  116  of each guard section  102 ,  104 . This leaves no additional unwanted vegetation  306  that needs to be cut or trimmed in the vicinity of the fence  200  by an additional operation (such as by trimming with a lawn trimmer). 
     The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations. 
     It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail herein (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. 
     Although the invention has been described by reference to specific examples, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the described examples, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.