Abstract:
The present invention provides landscape edging blocks, block systems, and methods of manufacturing such blocks and block systems. Landscape edging blocks of the invention can be used to separate landscape regions from each other. For example, landscape edging blocks of the invention can be used to separate a lawn from a decorative bed or garden such as those containing flowers, shrubs, trees, and the like. Landscape edging blocks of the invention preferably include a display surface wherein aggregate material of the landscape edging block is exposed on at least a portion of the display surface to a greater degree than on at least one other surface of the landscape edging block. Also, landscape edging blocks of the invention preferably include an overlapping engagement system for positioning adjacent block with respect to each other. The overlapping system inhibits growth of grass or other vegetation between two adjoining blocks. Landscape edging blocks of the invention may be straight or curved, thus allowing multiple blocks to be assembled to form various configurations.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to the field of landscaping. More particularly, the present invention relates to blocks that can be used to construct a border, curb, or edge, for decorative purposes or for separating landscape regions as well as methods of manufacturing such blocks.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Numerous methods and materials exist for the construction of borders or edging for landscaping or site improvement work. Such borders or edges serve several functions. First, they can be decorative and provide an orderly transition from one landscape region to another such as from a garden area to a lawn, or from a lawn to a sidewalk, for example. Second, they can serve to separate different areas with different forms of vegetation or other landscaping elements. Third, such borders or edges can serve to reduce maintenance requirements such as removing weeds, or trimming back vegetation that would otherwise spread. If installed sufficiently low to the ground, they can also ease the process of lawn mowing by reducing or eliminating the need to hand trim the border areas of the lawn after mowing the main areas with a conventional lawn mower.  
         [0003]     One method for the construction of edgings, for use around gardens and lawn regions or to divide sections of a garden or lawn, involves the use of extended lengths of flexible metal or plastic edging materials. These materials are then anchored by digging a trench, placing the edging material within the trench, anchoring the edging material by driving spikes through it into the ground, and then back-filling the trench with dirt. Such methods are common and relatively inexpensive, but have several disadvantages. First, these edgings do not have a natural, orderly appearance that is aesthetically pleasing in a landscaping application, having instead a man-made appearance. Also, these materials are not easily fixed in straight lines or measured curves due to their flexible nature. Many times, the plastic is difficult to straighten after having been packaged coiled or wound. Further, these materials are readily susceptible to damage or displacement during lawn mowing, digging, and other activities, such as where sharp objects may contact the material, especially a plastic material. Additionally, such edgings are susceptible to heaving from frost action in climates where the ground freezes.  
         [0004]     Other methods of providing an edging include using natural stones or man-made bricks or blocks. Such stones or bricks are usually installed by digging a shallow trench and placing the stones or bricks more or less continuously along the length of the trench. Such materials may also simply be placed on top of the ground without digging a trench. Natural stone has long been used for this application; however, natural stone typically has irregular shapes and requires labor-intensive fitting of the natural stones along the border or edging or costly cutting of the stones to fit with one another. The irregularity of surface features also makes natural stone difficult to accommodate lawn mowing. Bricks or other rectangular blocks of clays, cements, or the like may also be used for lawn edging using similar installation techniques. However, rectangular blocks do not lend themselves to the construction of non-linear or curved edgings, which are found in many landscaping applications. For curved or angled patterns, the rectangular bricks or blocks need to be cut in order to avoid gaps that are undesirable as they may allow penetration of grass roots or other vegetation and to provide an orderly appearance.  
         [0005]     Another method for forming an edging or border has been to pour a concrete edging in place. The disadvantages of this method are the expense and effort involved. To install such an edging, an adequate trench must be dug, then forms must be constructed laying out the line of the edging, then the concrete must be mixed, poured, and allowed to cure. Such edgings may also require the placement of expansion material filled joints, and are susceptible to cracking. In addition, such edgings are not readily removed in the event a change in the contour of the lawn or garden border is desired. Finally, such edgings do not provide a desirable natural appearance.  
         [0006]     There have also been efforts to address some of these deficiencies in the prior art through masonry block designs and wet cast concrete designs that are meant specifically for use as an edging. These designs use either single units that are capable of being laid in straight or curved lines, or multiple unit systems with curved and straight pieces. These products are produced on concrete masonry block or paving machines, or through pre-casting with numerous concrete forms, and are designed to allow the construction of curved edgings. Such curbing suffers from many of the limitations discussed above regarding edging, e.g., lack of curvilinear construction without time-consuming and costly on-site cutting, and susceptibility to heaving from freeze/thaw cycles.  
         [0007]     Paver stones, though usually used for areas such as patios and walkways, have also been used as landscape edging. Typically, pavers are restrained by plastic or metal strips fixed in a manner similar to the flexible edging materials discussed above. For similar reasons, pavers and their edge restraints are also difficult to fix in straight measured curves, and are susceptible to heave from freeze/thaw cycles.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0008]     The present invention provides landscape edging blocks, block systems, and methods of manufacturing such blocks and block systems. Landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention can be used to enclose a landscape region, separate landscape regions from each other, provide a distinctive appearance to a landscape region, provide a landscape border that prevents growth of vegetation between adjacent blocks, and provide a landscape border that is easy to mow around. For example, landscape edging blocks of the present invention can be used to enclose a tree or to separate a lawn from a decorative bed or garden such as those containing flowers, shrubs, trees, and the like.  
         [0009]     Landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention provide many advantages. For example, such blocks provide an edging that can be easily and economically manufactured. In one preferred embodiment, landscape edging blocks are provided that can be used to form curved as well as straight landscape edges or borders with the same blocks. Advantageously, such landscape edging blocks can be made with the same mold. Moreover, economies of scale can be realized in manufacturing such blocks because plural individual landscape edging blocks can be made from one body that can be created by any block forming process, such as molding. That is, a body can be formed and subsequently divided to provide plural landscape edging blocks. However, blocks in accordance with the present invention can be formed individually and do not need to be formed by dividing a body to form plural blocks. Advantageously, a surface that is created when a cement-based body is divided into individual blocks has a surface with an aesthetically pleasing appearance and can be used as a display surface for the individual landscape edging block. Preferably, the display surface is provided as a block top surface to create a decorative effect facing upward as opposed to front decorative faces common with retaining blocks. Thus, when dividing a body into plural blocks, it is preferable to divide the body to create top surfaces of each block.  
         [0010]     Landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention can also provide segmented landscape edging that has overlapping joints. Overlapping joints advantageously inhibit growth of grass and other vegetation between the blocks and thus provide a neat and groomed appearance to the landscape area. An overlapping joint also allows for small adjustments in alignment of adjacent blocks without creating gaps between blocks.  
         [0011]     Another advantage of the landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention is that such blocks provide a landscape edging that is easy to initially install and easy to later modify, if desired. The edging of the present invention is easier to work with than concrete landscape edging that is poured or cast in place with a machine, which is a labor intensive process. Individual blocks for edging allow for modifications in alignment and positioning of the edging, as compared to poured edging. As such, any desired curve or path can be easily formed at any time. Moreover, individual blocks can be easily disassembled and relocated if a landscape edge or border needs to be moved or redefined.  
         [0012]     Landscape edging bocks of this invention advantageously provide a landscape edging that is durable and attractive. The cement-based edging of the present invention is able to withstand lawn mowing equipment, which often damages flexible plastic edging. Additionally, the edging of the present invention is less likely to be damaged or displaced by soil movement due to frost heave. Cast in place concrete edging can often crack due to frost heave.  
         [0013]     A further advantage of the landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention is that such blocks provide-an edging that facilitates landscape maintenance. The edging blocks of the present invention are preferably capable of being sufficiently buried so that the mower deck of a lawn mower can ride over the edging and thus reduce or eliminate the need for trimming. Moreover, landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention may include a key at an abutting region of such blocks that can help to prevent blocks from shifting with respect to each other.  
         [0014]     Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, a landscape edging block is provided. Preferably, this landscape edging block comprises a body having first and second sides, first and second ends, a ground engaging surface extending between the first and second ends, and a display surface spaced from the ground engaging surface. Preferably, the body comprises a cement-based material containing an aggregate material. The display surface preferably comprises at least a surface portion wherein the aggregate material is exposed to a greater degree than on at least one other surface of the body.  
         [0015]     In another aspect of the present invention a landscape edging block is provided. Preferably, this landscape edging block comprises a body having first and second ends, a ground engaging surface extending between the first and second ends, a display surface spaced apart from the ground engaging surface, a first engagement portion extending from the first end, and a second engagement portion similar to the first engagement portion extending from the second end.  
         [0016]     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a landscape edging block is provided. Preferably, this method comprises a step of forming a landscape edging block from a cement-based material containing an aggregate material. The landscape edging block preferably has first and second sides, first and second ends, a ground engaging surface extending between the first and second ends, and a display surface spaced from the ground engaging surface. This method also preferably includes a step of at least partially exposing the aggregate material on at least a portion of the display surface to a greater degree than on at least one other surface of the landscape edging block.  
         [0017]     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a plurality of landscape edging blocks is provided. Preferably, this method includes a step of providing a body comprising a cement-based material containing an aggregate material. This method also preferably includes a step of dividing the body along a predetermined separation plane to define a plurality of landscape edging blocks. Each of the plurality of landscape edging blocks preferably has first and second sides, first and second ends, a ground engaging surface extending between the first and second ends, and a display surface at least partially defined by the predetermined separation plane spaced from the ground engaging surface. This method also preferably includes a step of at least partially exposing the aggregate material on at least a portion of a display surface to a greater degree than on at least one other surface of a landscape edging block.  
         [0018]     In yet another aspect of the present invention a method of making a landscape edge for separating a first landscape region of a ground surface from at least one other landscape region of the ground surface is provided. This method preferably comprises a step of providing a plurality of landscape edging blocks. Each landscape edging block preferably comprises a body having first and second sides, first and second ends, a ground engaging surface extending between the first and second ends, and a display surface spaced from the ground engaging surface. The body preferably comprises a cement-based material containing an aggregate material wherein the aggregate material is exposed on at least a portion of the display surface to a greater degree than on at least one other surface of the body. This method also preferably includes a step of arranging the plurality of landscape edging blocks end to end with the ground engaging surface of each landscape edging block in contact with the ground surface to form a landscape edge or border. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with a description of the embodiments serve to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a trapezoidal shaped landscape edging block in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the landscape edging block of  FIG. 1  showing a display surface of the landscape edging block in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the landscape edging block of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a plurality of landscape edging blocks similar to the landscape edging block of  FIGS. 1-3  arranged end to end to form a generally linear structure that can be used for a landscape border in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a top view of an alternate arrangement for the landscape edging blocks of  FIG. 4  which have been rearranged to form a curved structure that can be used for a landscape border in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a portion of a landscape border set into the ground and made with landscape edging blocks similar to the landscape edging blocks of  FIGS. 1-3 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the landscape border of  FIG. 6  taken along the line  7 - 7 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a body that can be divided to form plural landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a pair of landscape edging blocks that can be formed by dividing the body of  FIG. 8  in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a plurality of edging blocks having an engagement system that can be used with landscape edging blocks of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a plurality of edging blocks having an overlapping engagement system in accordance with another aspect of the present invention that can be used with landscape edging blocks of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another body in accordance with the present invention that can be divided to form plural landscape edging blocks having an overlapping engagement system;  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a pair of landscape edging blocks that can be formed by dividing the body of  FIG. 12  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the body of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  is a side view of another body in accordance with the present invention that can be divided to form plural landscape edging blocks having an overlapping engagement system; and  
         [0035]      FIG. 16  is a side view of yet another body in accordance with the present invention that can be divided to form plural landscape edging blocks having an overlapping engagement system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0036]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a first embodiment of a landscape edging block  10  in accordance with the present invention is shown. A perspective view of the landscape edging block  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 , and a top view and end view are shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , respectively. The landscape edging block  10  includes ends  12  and  14 , sides  16  and  18 , a ground engaging surface  20 , and a display surface  22  that is spaced apart from the ground engaging surface  20  thereby defining a thickness  24  of the landscape edging block  10 . Preferably, the thickness is selected so that the landscape edging block  10  can be sufficiently recessed or buried into the ground to provide a border that can be mowed over as described in more detail below.  
         [0037]     In a preferred embodiment, and as described in more detail below, the display surface  22  comprises a surface or surface portion that can be formed by dividing a larger block to form plural portions, at least one portion of which comprises an edging block such as edging block  10 . For example, a block of a cement-based material can be controllably fractured along a plane to form plural landscape edging blocks, such as the block  10 . The fracture plane preferably defines a display surface that in this case would be a roughened or split face for an individual block. This can be done by breaking or fracturing a cured block (hard split) or by creating a roughened surface without breaking the block. For example, in one embodiment, a roughened surface can be formed by a soft split technique. Typically a soft split surface is made without fracturing the blocks but rather by using a roughened insert in a mold that is used to form the blocks. For example, one method for forming a roughened surface by a soft split technique is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,078,940 and 5,217,630, which are fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Other conventionally known techniques such as those capable of at least partially exposing aggregate within a cement-based material can be used. In any case, the display surface  22  preferably provides a viewable surface or portion thereof that is not buried or otherwise covered and can have any desired appearance as described below.  
         [0038]     As can be seen best in  FIG. 2 , the landscape edging block  10  preferably has a trapezoidal shape when looking down at the display surface  22  when the landscape edging block  10  is installed as a portion of a landscape edge or border although other shapes are contemplated. For example, landscape edging blocks of the present invention can be square, rectangular, bullet shaped (one end convex and one end concave) or the like. Preferably, the sides  16  and  18  linearly extend between the ends  12  and  14  and are parallel to each other, as shown. However, the sides  16  and  18  do not need to be parallel and may curve or otherwise change direction in any manner in order to provide a desired appearance or structure. That is, landscape edging blocks of the present invention may be straight or may have a curvature along the sides  16  and  18  and/or ends  12  and  14  or portions thereof. Having blocks of various shapes and sizes provides versatility and allows a landscaper to customize the shape of the assembled edging to define or encompass a desired area. For example, a combination of blocks having different curve radiuses, and/or curving in opposite directions, allows one to make circular, scalloped or otherwise undulating borders. Preferably, such curved landscape edging blocks include a display surface formed in accordance with the invention.  
         [0039]     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the end  12  forms an acute angle  26  with the side  16  and the end  14  forms an acute angle  28  with the side  16 . Preferably, the angles  26  and  28  are the same in order to provide the illustrated trapezoidal shape, but the angles  26  and  28  need not be the same. A trapezoidal shape advantageously allows for plural landscape edging blocks having a display surface to be arranged to provide an unlimited variety of desired paths for a landscape edge or border while maintaining the display surface in an upwardly facing and viewable direction. That is, a plurality of similar landscape edging blocks, such as the landscape edging block  10 , can be used to provide linearly extending landscape edges as well as curved landscape edges without needing to turn the landscape edging blocks upside down thereby putting the display surface on the ground so that it cannot be seen or requiring both spaced surfaces  20  and  22  to be provided with a display feature. The landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention only need to be rotated in order to change the direction of a landscape border and the display surface can remain upwardly facing and viewable. For example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , a plurality of landscape edging blocks  30 ,  32 , and  34  having display surfaces  36 ,  38 , and  40 , respectively, are shown arranged to form a linear landscape border  42 . In  FIG. 5 , the same landscape edging blocks  36 ,  38 , and  40  are shown arranged to form a curved landscape border  44 . The linear landscape border  42  can be rearranged to form the curved landscape border  44  by rotating the landscape edging block  30  and the landscape edging block  34  by  180  degrees with respect to the landscape edging block  38 . As such, the display surfaces  36 ,  38 , and  40  can remain upwardly facing.  
         [0040]     It is noted, however, that landscape edging blocks having shapes other than the trapezoidal shape of the landscape edging block  10  described above and shown in the Figures are contemplated including curved shapes. Preferably, such landscape edging blocks include a display surface in accordance with the present invention, such as a split face or fracture surface as describe in more detail below. In particular, the angles  26  and  28  do not need to be the same. For example, one of the angles  26  and  28  could be a right angle to provide a landscape edging block having a square end. If desired, both angles  26  and  28  could be right angles to form a square or rectangular landscape edging block or both ends could be angled in the same direction such as to provide a parallelogram shape. Moreover, the angle  26  can be any desired angle and the angle  28  can be any desired angle for providing a landscape edging block for a particular application.  
         [0041]     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a typical application for landscape edging blocks of the present invention, is illustrated. Landscape edge or border  46  is shown as including landscape edging blocks  48 ,  50 , and  52  that are arranged to form a continuous border portion. Landscape edging blocks  48 ,  50 , and  52  can be similar to landscape edging block  10 , for example. As shown, the landscape border  46  provides a separation or break between landscape area  54  and landscape area  56 . For the purposes of illustration, the landscape area  56  comprises grass, such as in a yard, and the landscape area  54  comprises a flowerbed. It is noted, however, that the landscape border  46  can be used to separate or define any desired landscape areas. Often, a landscape border  46  encircles or encompasses an area such as a tree or flowerbed. Also, the landscape border  46  can be a boundary or border for keeping loose items such as decorative woodchips or rocks separated from another area such as a grass filled yard. The landscape border  46  can also be used as a border or edge for a path, walkway, driveway, patio, sandbox, pool, or the like. It is also contemplated that the landscape border  46  can also be used as a fence underlayment. As such, the landscape border  46  can be integrated with fence structures such as posts or cross-members.  
         [0042]     In  FIG. 7 , the landscape border  46  is illustrated in cross-section. The landscape edging block  50  includes a ground engaging surface  58  and a display surface  60 . As shown, the landscape edging block  50  is recessed into the ground. However, the landscape edging block  50  can be placed directly on the ground surface if desired. Preferably, when the landscape edging block  50  is to be used for separating grass from another landscape region, as illustrated, the landscape edging block  50  is recessed into the ground so that the display surface  60  is approximately even with or slightly raised to the ground. That is, the landscape edging block  50  is preferably sufficiently recessed into the ground so that a mower deck of a lawn mower can ride over the edging block  50  so that a blade of the mower deck will not interfere with or hit the edging block  50 .  
         [0043]     In accordance with one preferred aspect of the invention, a display surface of a landscape edging block preferably comprises a surface formed by fracturing, breaking, dividing, or splitting a cement-based body into plural portions such as by using hard split and/or soft split techniques. In  FIG. 8 , for example, a body  62  is shown. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the body  62  is designed so that it can be divided into landscape edging blocks  64  and  66 , shown individually in  FIG. 9 . It is noted that the body  62  can be designed to be divided into any number of individual landscape edging blocks. As an example, the landscape edging blocks  64  and  66  can be similar to the landscape edging block  10  described above and the body  62  can be made from a cement-based material by a molding process, as described in more detail below.  
         [0044]     A display surface in accordance with the present invention can also be formed by using a surface treatment after the surface is formed. That is, a surface can be formed by cutting, breaking, molding, polishing, burnishing, or other process and the surface can be subsequently treated to provide a desired appearance or finish. A display surface preferably has a roughened natural appearance but can also include smooth or flat portions, striations or grooves or other surface features. Such features may be provided after initial molding as in splitting or otherwise processing a surface, and/or as part of the body forming process as in molding with grooves or any pattern to the display surface.  
         [0045]     Preferably, in accordance with the present invention, a landscaping edging block is formed from a cement-based material that contains an aggregate such a concrete material or the like. A display surface, in accordance with the present invention, preferably comprises exposed aggregate material to give the display surface a roughened texture and a natural appearance (as compared to the unnatural look of a smooth concrete surface where a substantial amount of the aggregate material is buried or covered with cement-based material). Exposed aggregate generally includes aggregate material that is not hidden or covered by the cement-based material. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, aggregate material is exposed to a greater degree on a display surface than on other surfaces of a landscape edging block (such as surfaces that are formed by a molding process as described below).  
         [0046]     Many factors can be used when selecting aggregate material to be added to a cement-based material for making a landscape edging block in order to control the appearance of a display surface in accordance with the present invention. For example, control and/or selection of the size, shape, particle size distribution, color, ratio of aggregate to cement, and/or material, etc. can be used to achieve a desired appearance for a display surface. Moreover, any material can be used as an aggregate material including stone, metal, paint chips, glass, and the like for providing a desired visual appearance to a display surface.  
         [0047]     With reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the body  62  is preferably designed to have a shape that corresponds with the desired shape of the particular landscape edging blocks to be made. As shown, the body  62  comprises a trapezoidal shape for forming the trapezoidal shaped landscape edging blocks  64  and  66 . As such, the body  62  has a tapered shape defined by ends  68  and  70  that advantageously facilitates removal of the body  62  from a mold during a manufacturing process.  
         [0048]     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the body  62  can be divided along a plane  72  to form the landscape edging blocks  64  and  66  and to create a display surface  74  for the landscape edging block  64  and a display surface  76  for the landscape edging block  66 . However, it is noted that any surface can be used as a display surface, such as a molded, stamped, fractured, or otherwise formed surface. The body  62  can be divided by any desired technique capable of separating the body  62  into the landscape edging blocks  64  and  66 . Preferably, a technique that fractures or breaks the body  62 , such as by propagation of a crack along the plane  72  is used. For example, a chisel and hammer or any conventional or developed machine that performs a similar function can be used. Also, it is noted that a sawing or cutting process can be used, if desired. Moreover, a soft split technique can be used to form a display surface as part of a molding process.  
         [0049]     Preferably, the body  62  includes grooves  78  and  80  that can function to guide propagation of a crack through the body  62 . As shown, the groove  78  is formed in the end  68  and the groove  80  is formed in the end  70 . Preferably, the grooves  78  and  80  extend between a side surface  82  and a side surface  84  of the body  62 . A sharp blade such as a chisel blade can be positioned on a side surface  82  so that the blade extends substantially between the grooves  78  and  80  while positioned on the side surface  82 . When the blade is forced against side surface  82  with a hydraulic cylinder, for example, the blade creates a crack that propagates along the plane  72 . The grooves  78  and  80  help to guide the propagation of the crack along the plane  72 . The grooves  78  and  80  can have any configuration but preferably define a line for at least partially defining a fracture plane such as the plane  72  as illustrated. Preferably, the grooves  78  and  80  are molded into the body  62  when the body  62  is molded. However, the grooves  78  and  80  can be formed after the body  62  is formed. For example, the grooves  78  and  80  can be formed by using a chisel or by using a device such as a grinding wheel or other cutting tool, or the like.  
         [0050]     By dividing the body  62  by a technique involving fracturing or breaking, an aesthetically pleasing appearance can be obtained. This is because when a molding process is used to form the body  62 , the surfaces of the mold are typically smooth to facilitate easy removal of the body  62  from the mold. Such smooth surfaces can have an unnatural look. Thus, by fracturing the body  62 , a roughened surface can be obtained that has a more natural and esthetically pleasing appearance.  
         [0051]     Landscape edging blocks of the present invention such as the landscape edging blocks  64  and  66  preferably comprise an engagement system for mating adjacent landscape edging blocks when such blocks are assembled to form a landscape edge or border. By use of the term “engagement system,” what is meant is a system that has portions that are capable of engaging, meshing, interlocking, interjoining, or otherwise coordinating together to provide abutting relation. Preferably, an overlapping engagement system is used as is described in more detail below. Some exemplary engagement systems that can be used with landscape edging blocks of the present invention are disclosed in Applicants&#39; copending U.S. patent application to Anderson et al., entitled “Landscape Edging, and Methods,” filed on Aug. 13, 2003 and having application Ser. No. 10/639,822, which disclosure is fully incorporated by reference herein.  
         [0052]     With reference to  FIG. 9 , landscape edging block  64  includes side surfaces  82  and  84  that are preferably generally normal to surface  74 , as shown. However, side surfaces  82  and  84  can be provided at any angle to surface  74 . Similarly, landscape edging block  66  includes side surfaces  86  and  88  that are preferably also generally normal to surface  76 , as shown. Likewise, side surfaces  86  and  88  can be provided at any angle to surface  76 . Landscape edging blocks  64  and  66  can be positioned next to each other so that the end  84  of the block  64  will abut the end  88  of the block  66  as illustrated in  FIG. 10  thereby forming a butt joint. As such, the ends  84  and  88  together form an engagement system.  
         [0053]     As mentioned above, an overlapping engagement system is preferably used with any of the edging blocks in accordance with the present invention. Referring to  FIG. 11 , an exemplary overlapping engagement system in accordance with another aspect of the present invention is shown that can be used with any of the landscape edging blocks of the present invention. Landscape edging blocks having any shape (trapezoidal, bullet-shaped, for example) can be used. As illustrated, landscape edging blocks  90 ,  91 , and  92  are arranged to form a landscape border  93 . Preferably, the landscape edging blocks  90 ,  91 , and  92  comprise display surfaces  94 ,  95 , and  96  and ground engaging surfaces  97 ,  98 , and  99 , respectively. Preferably, landscape edging block  91  includes an upper engagement portion  100  at a first end  101  and an upper engagement portion  103  at a second end  105 . Preferably, the upper engagement portion  100  at the first end  101  is similar to the upper engagement portion  103  at the second end  105 . As illustrated, the landscape edging block  90  includes a lower engagement portion  107  at a first end  109  and a similar lower engagement portion  111  at a second end  113 . Likewise, as illustrated, the landscape edging block  92  includes a lower engagement portion  115  at a first end  117  and a similar lower engagement portion  119  at a second end  121 . As such, the landscape edging block  91  is preferably different (with respect to the engagement portion) from the landscape edging blocks  90  and  92  and a pair of landscape edging blocks such as the block  90  and  91  form a system that can be used to provide a landscape border in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0054]     Preferably, an upper engagement portion such as the upper engagement portion  100  and a lower engagement portion such as the lower engagement portion  111  are designed to be able to fit together so that at least a portion of the upper engagement portion and the lower engagement portion overlap with each other as illustrated. As shown, the upper engagement portion  100  preferably provides an extension of the display surface  95  of the block  91  and the lower engagement portion  111  preferably provides an extension of the ground engaging surface  97  of the block  90 . As such, the upper engagement portion  100  is complimentary to the lower engagement portion  111  to provide an overlapping joint. It is noted, that such an overlapping joint can be provided in any manner by using any type of engagement portion or mating feature such that at least a portion of one landscape edging block overlaps at least a portion of another landscape edging block for providing a landscape edging border. Providing this type of overlapping joint can prevent vegetation from growing in between the landscape edging blocks. Moreover, by using an overlapping engagement system, adjustments in alignment of adjacent blocks can be made without creating gaps between the blocks based upon the degree of overlap. The illustrated upper and lower engagement portions  100 ,  103 ,  107 ,  111 ,  115  and  119  are defined by vertical and horizontal surfaces to create an overlap system in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, it is preferable that the upper and lower portions are complimentary to provide a good fit with one another. However, the features need not comprise any or all complimentary surfaces to provide an overlap system in accordance with the present invention. Such surfaces themselves can be other than flat and arranged in any way other than vertical and horizontal (angled, for example) in order to create an overlap.  
         [0055]     Optionally, an engagement system can include features or structure for preventing lateral movement between adjacent blocks, which features can be incorporated within the block design or may include additional elements or hardware. Movement of this type can be caused by large mowers pushing against the blocks. Such structure can include locking features or elements such as a male and female locking system to prevent lateral movement of adjacent blocks. For example, a keyed structure such as a tongue and mortise can be used.  
         [0056]     With reference to  FIG. 12 , a preferred embodiment of a body  102  is illustrated. The body, as shown, includes sides  146  and  148 , ends  150  and  152 , and a top  154  and bottom  156 . The body  102  can be used to form landscape edging blocks  104  and  106  shown individually in  FIG. 13  that use an example of an overlapping engagement system in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the overlapping engagement system used by the blocks  104  and  106  is similar to the overlapping engagement system described above with respect to  FIG. 11  although any other overlapping engagement system can be used. Preferably, the body  102  is designed so that it can be divided along plane  108  and may be similar to the body  62  described above. In particular, the body  102  preferably includes grooves  110  and  112 , which can be similar to the grooves  78  and  80  described above with respect to the body  62 . Also, the body  102  is preferably overall trapezoidal in shape, as described above with respect to the body  62 , for forming trapezoidal shaped landscape edging blocks; however, the body  102  can be formed to have any desired shape as is noted above.  
         [0057]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the landscape edging block  104  preferably includes a display surface  114 , a ground engaging surface  116 , sides  118  and  120 , and ends  122  and  124 . Preferably, the end  122  includes a lower engagement portion  126  and the end  124  includes a similar lower engagement portion  128 , as illustrated. The landscape edging block  106  preferably includes a display surface  130 , a ground engaging surface  132 , sides  134  and  136 , and ends  138  and  140 . Preferably, the end  138  includes upper engagement portion  142  and the end  140  includes a similar upper engagement portion  144 , as illustrated. The display surfaces  114  and  130  are preferably formed by fracturing or breaking as described above although other techniques may be used. Preferably, the lower engagement portions  126  and  128  are designed to form an overlapping engagement system with the upper engagement portions  142  and  144 . For example, an overlapping engagement system as shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 11  can be incorporated into the design of body  102  and thus the block designs.  
         [0058]     With reference to  FIG. 14 , the side  148  of the body  102  is shown prior to being separated into the landscape edging blocks  104  and  106 . Preferably, and as shown, the width  160  of the landscape edging block  106  is less than the width  162  of the landscape edging block  104 . The display surfaces  114  and  130  can therefore be formed to have the same dimensions, as illustrated. Moreover, this allows the engagement portions  122 ,  128 ,  138 , and  144  to be defined while also providing equally sized display surfaces for each block.  
         [0059]     In  FIG. 15 , a side view of another body  170  is shown. The body  170  can be used to form landscape edging blocks  172  and  174  that preferably use an overlapping engagement system in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the overlapping engagement system used by the blocks  172  and  174  is similar to the overlapping engagement system described above with respect to  FIG. 11  although any other overlapping engagement system can be used. Preferably, the body  170  is designed so that it can be divided along plane  176  and may be similar to the body  62  described above. The body  170  may also include grooves or other feature for providing a guide for dividing the body  170  along the plane  176 . For example, grooves, score lines, or other similar features that function in a manner similar to the grooves  78  and  80  described above with respect to the body  62  may be used to guide division of the body  170  along the plane  176 . Moreover, a soft split technique can be used to divide the body  170  into the blocks  172  and  174 . Also, the body  170  may have an overall trapezoidal shape, as described above with respect to the body  62 , for forming trapezoidal shaped landscape edging blocks; however, the body  170  can be formed to have any desired shape as is noted above.  
         [0060]     In  FIG. 16 , a side view of yet another body  180  is shown. The body  180  can be used to form landscape edging blocks  182  and  184  that preferably use an overlapping engagement system in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the overlapping engagement system used by the blocks  182  and  184  is similar to the overlapping engagement system described above with respect to  FIG. 11  although any other overlapping engagement system can be used. Preferably, the body  180  is designed so that it can be divided along plane  186  and may be similar to the body  62  described above. The body  180  may also include grooves or other feature for providing a guide for dividing the body  180  along the plane  186 . For example, grooves, score lines, or other similar features that function in a manner similar to the grooves  78  and  80  described above with respect to the body  62  may be used to guide division of the body  180  along the plane  186 . Moreover, a soft split technique can be used to divide the body  180  into the blocks  182  and  184 . Also, the body  180  may have an overall trapezoidal shape, as described above with respect to the body  62 , for forming trapezoidal shaped landscape edging blocks; however, the body  180  can be formed to have any desired shape as is noted above.  
         [0061]     Landscaping edging blocks of the invention can be designed to have an aesthetic look selected to complement the landscaping and the property. For example, the landscape edging blocks can have a color rather than merely cement or concrete color. Common colors include gray, sand, tan, red, brown, and the like. The blocks may have a mottled look. The color can be present throughout the block, which is done by adding pigment to the concrete during manufacture of the block, or the color can be present on only the surface of the block. For example, a surface of a landscape edging block can be stained with a dye to provide a desired appearance.  
         [0062]     The landscape blocks can additionally or alternatively have a decorative or ornamental surface pattern, such as a brick pattern, a field stone pattern, or the like. A natural, rough look, simulating the appearance of broken stone, could alternatively been used. Such patterns can be provided to the block during molding of the block, or can be subsequently applied.  
         [0063]     Landscape edging blocks of the present invention, can be made by conventional block forming techniques used in the cement and concrete industry. Although the term “cement-based” is used herein, it is understood that any material can be used to form the landscape edging blocks. One method for making landscape edging blocks of the invention is by a “poured in place” method, where concrete is poured into a mold. A preferred technique is one commonly referred to as dry casting or known under the trade name of “Dri-Cast.” Using this method, the cast concrete block is removed from the mold prior to a curing step. When using a casting or dry casting method, typical concrete ingredients, water, cement, sand, and aggregate, are mixed. Pigment may be optionally added. A wide variety of mixtures are known to make blocks having various characteristics such as strength, water absorption, density, shrinkage, and other factors meeting ASTM standards and depending on the desired application of the block. When using dry casting techniques, the amount of water in the mixture is significantly less than that used for common concrete casting or wet casting. After mixing, the mixture is placed in a hopper that transports the mixture to a block molding machine. Any block molding machine known in the art may be used. Suitable molding machines for dry casting procedures are available, for example, from Besser Company of Alpena, Mich. The mixture or fill is then poured or loaded into a mold sitting on a large plate. The mold is configured to provide the desired block as a single unit. Often, multiple blocks are obtained from one mold. After filling, the top of the mold is scraped with a cut-off bar to remove excess concrete mixture. The mold and concrete is then subjected to vertical compression to consolidate the concrete within the mold for a period of time sufficient to form a solid, contiguous block. Generally, each block producing cycle has a duration of six to twelve seconds at a total load of 1500 to 2000 pounds. Additionally, the mold and/or the plate may be agitated during compression. Once the compression is complete, the plate is lowered vertically away from the mold into a de-molding or stripped position and the newly molded block is pushed downward through the mold so that it remains on the plate. Accordingly, the trapezoidal shaped blocks of the present invention can be easily removed from a mold because the trapezoidal shape provides tapered sides that easily release from a mold. It is noted that landscape edging blocks in accordance with the present invention may include any desired drafts or tapers on any portion of the block for facilitating release from a mold as part of a molding process.  
         [0064]     Once the block is formed, it is cured by various means known in the art. Typically, blocks are cured in kilns for up to twenty-four hours under pressure and/or under high temperature, typically with steam. Once cured, multiple connected blocks may be separated by known methods. After being separated, individual blocks are palletized or otherwise packaged for shipment or storage.  
         [0065]     Landscape edging blocks of the present invention can be installed by a professional landscaper or by a homeowner, using minimal equipment. Prior to installation, the design for the desired edging border should be planned. Using a combination of straight and arced blocks, either or both convex and concave blocks, provides a natural, flowing edging that adapts to the landscape and is aesthetically pleasing.  
         [0066]     Once obtained, the blocks can merely be placed on the ground surface. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to remove any grass or other vegetation that would be present under the edging blocks. A trench or ditch may be dug to seat the blocks. It may be desirable to include a base of gravel, rock or sand under the blocks for stability and/or to provide for drainage. Once a first block is placed on the ground, the first end of the first block is placed against the second end of a second block. In such a continuing manner, the individual blocks are arranged to create the desired edging. It is not necessary that the first end of a first block tightly abut the second end of a second block. Especially where an overlapping engagement system is used, a slight spacing can be maintained between adjacent blocks without allowing grass or other vegetation to grow therebetween. Similarly, it is not necessary that the first end of the first block be square with the second end of the second block, rather, the blocks may be angled with respect to one another.  
         [0067]     Because of the individual blocks forming the edging border, the layout of the landscape edging can be changed, as desired. For example, the shape of the edging border can be modified, or additional blocks can be added or removed to change the shape and enclosed size of the border.  
         [0068]     The present invention has now been described with reference to certain specific embodiments. The foregoing detailed description has been given for clarity of understanding. Others may recognize that changes can be made in the described embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the exact details and structures described herein.