Abstract:
A synthetic turf border system that utilizes multiple turf border elements of the same or different lengths and shapes to provide a flexible synthetic turf border system that cleanly affixes synthetic turf around an entire area regardless of the shape of the area is presented herein. The presented synthetic turf border system conforms to the shape of a given area by either providing pre-shaped angular and non-angular components, or by allowing individual elements, namely turf border bases, to rotate through degrees of arc in relationship to each other as necessary to fit the area. Synthetic turf is attached to the border bases then cut before final securement to the system.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to borders for synthetic grass turf and, more specifically, to a system for bordering synthetic grass turf regardless of the shape of the given area. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Traditionally, athletic fields and other landscaped areas of private and public properties are covered with a natural grass covering. Recently, however, many athletic fields have been converted from a natural grass covering to an artificial, or synthetic, turf covering. Some synthetic turf coverings can be less expensive and less time-consuming to maintain compared to natural grass coverings. In addition, natural grass coverings can be difficult to grow in some environments, such as desert regions, spaces shaded by buildings, domed fields, and high traffic areas. Moreover, in areas where natural grass is unable to grow properly or adequately, injuries can result from inadequate footing on such ailing natural grass. In addition, ailing natural grass coverings are typically unsightly. 
         [0003]    Some synthetic turf coverings have improved over the years. Such coverings now have a very similar appearance to natural grass coverings. Other improvements to synthetic turf systems include the use of impact attenuating safety padding that provide additional cushioning and elasticity, thus giving synthetic turf nearly the same advantages as natural grass coverings. 
         [0004]    Typically, synthetic turf is comprised of a layer of thatch or other porous material which has been impregnated with artificial grass-like material, with a preference being placed upon a more natural appearance and texture. In order to achieve a preferred artificial grass length, shorter filaments and filler may be added to supplement fullness and provide upright support to the turf. 
         [0005]    The prior art is replete with inventions for securing synthetic turf in a given area. These inventions are typically referred to as synthetic turf borders. According to the prior art, in order to secure synthetic turf to a preferred area, a user must insert nails or staples to the edge of the turf every few inches to prevent peeling or unevenness. This quickly becomes disadvantageous on larger-scale areas such as sports fields. Over time, these nails and staples may become exposed or dislodged, creating hazards to those frequenting such areas. Another disadvantage of the prior art lies in the need for the user to purchase bordering materials, such as rebar, nail boards, and concrete curbs to separate the turf from other surfaces and contain any loose filler within the turf. It could be said there lies a need for a more modular securement device which requires fewer man hours and less material to install. 
         [0006]    Some turf borders in the prior art rely on timbers to create a stop point for the artificial turf. In these artificial turf border applications, the timbers are used to break the transition from turf to other surfaces, prevent turf slippage, and to prevent loose turf fillers from exiting the artificial surface. Generally, timbers are stand-alone units, and perform the task of creating an obstacle between surfaces. Often, these timbers appear as exposed pieces of wood and create an unsatisfactory appearance in a synthetic turf area. It could be said there lies a need for a turf border system that not only secures turf in a given area, but also provides the artificial turf with an attractive, finished appearance. 
         [0007]    The present invention satisfies the numerous deficiencies of the prior art by providing the user with a ground-securable turf border system comprised of border pieces of varying length that impart a clamping force upon the turf material thereby preventing slippage or damage to the turf. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention provides a synthetic turf border system that utilizes multiple length turf border bases of the same or different shapes and lengths to allow for a flexible synthetic turf border system that cleanly affixes synthetic turf around an entire area regardless of the shape of the area. The presented synthetic turf border system conforms to the shape of a given area by allowing individual system elements to rotate through degrees of arc in relationship to each other as necessary to fit the area. Synthetic turf is attached to the border elements then cut before final securement to the system. 
         [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention provide for attaching the synthetic turf to turf border bases using fasteners then clamping the synthetic turf into position using turf border clamps that affix to the top of the turf border bases. The clamping method of securing the synthetic turf requires less connections compared to using nails or staples as required by traditional turf border systems. The border clamps also act to protect the edge of the synthetic turf from tampering or damage. 
         [0010]    Embodiments of the present invention also provide a turf border base equipped with a trimming guide groove to run scissors or a knife along to cut the synthetic turf at the correct length and shape. 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the present invention further provide a turf border system that utilizes turf border ground attachment devices to secure components of the system in a desired configuration. The border ground attachment devices are fasteners that secure the turf border system to the ground. In some embodiment of the present invention, the border ground attachment devices are ground-penetrating stakes that pass through components of the system then penetrate into the ground to secure the system in place. These stakes are particularly useful when the system is installed on ground such as, but not limited to, bare earth, dirt, or loose rock. In these embodiments, the border ground attachment devices pass through one or more components of the system then into the ground to prevent the components from moving. In embodiments of the present where the system is installed over hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, anchors are used as the ground attachment devices. These anchors are fasteners that are specifically designed to hold the system in place on a hard surface. 
         [0012]    The preceding brief description is intended to merely outline some functions and advantages of the present invention. The following disclosure will set forth other functions and advantages of the present invention along with novel features that distinguish the present invention from the prior art. It is to be understood that the following disclosure is by no means intended to limit the scope of the present invention or any of its embodiments. It is also to be understood that the accompanying illustrations are presented for descriptive purposes only and similarly are not intended to limit the scope of present invention or any of its embodiments. The following disclosure and accompanying illustrations may describe various features of novelty that characterize the invention. The invention does not reside any particular feature when taken in the singular, but in the combination of features as described herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE IMAGE(S) 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a top view of an exemplary layout of synthetic turf border system as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view showing the connection of turf border bases using a border ground attachment device as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of an impact attenuating safety padding attaching to a turf border base as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of synthetic turf attached to a turf border base as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of turf fasteners securing synthetic turf to a turf border base as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a turf cut groove as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a turf border top clamp attaching to a turf border base as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a single-piece turf border component with a living hinge as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a single-piece turf border component with a minimal movement hinge as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a top view of a turf border system with angled connection components as according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of an angled connection component connecting to a non-angled connecting component as according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a turf border system with angled connection components and a tongue and groove interlock system as according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying images that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. 
         [0026]    Further, the purpose of the Abstract herein is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
         [0027]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the terms “embodiment(s) of the invention”, “alternative embodiment(s)”, and “exemplary embodiment(s)” do not require that all embodiments of the apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The following descriptions of the preferred embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or use. 
         [0028]    For the purpose of clarity, all like elements will have the same numbering and designations in each of the images. The terms “synthetic turf border system”, “turf border”, “border”, “system”, “present invention”, and “invention” may be used interchangeably. In addition to the functions, features, components, and abilities of the apparatus already discussed in this specification, the synthetic turf border system may also have, but not be limited to, the following features contained within the description set forth herein. 
         [0029]    Several preferred embodiments of the synthetic turf border system are discussed in this section. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. A synthetic turf border system, as according to the present invention, is any turf border system that utilizes turf border elements of the same or various lengths and shapes to provide a flexible border system that affixes synthetic turf around an entire area regardless of the shape of the area. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary layout of synthetic turf border system as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The synthetic turf border system is comprised of a plurality of turf border units ( 112 ) that are held in place by border ground attachment devices ( FIGS. 2-4 ,  6 ,  7  ( 101 )). The turf border units ( 112 ) are formed from the individual elements of the turf border system that include: a turf border base ( FIGS. 2-7  ( 100 )), a turf border top clamp ( FIGS. 4 ,  7  ( 108 )), a safety padding fastener ( FIGS. 3 ,  4  ( 103 )), washers ( FIGS. 3-5 ,  7  ( 104 )), a turf border base padding flange ( FIG. 3  ( 105 )), a turf cut groove ( FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  12  ( 107 )), turf border top clamp fasteners ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  7 , ( 109 ), turf fasteners ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 110 )) and border ground attachment device holes ( FIG. 2  ( 111 )).  FIG. 1  also shows the turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ) that are tightened to create a clamping pressure that secures the synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) between the turf border bases ( FIGS. 2-7  ( 100 )) and the turf border top clamps ( FIGS. 4 ,  7  ( 108 )). 
         [0031]    Although  FIG. 1  illustrates the present invention in a dodecagon arrangement, the synthetic turf border system can fit an area of nearly any shape. The present invention is a collection of border units ( 112 ) that in some embodiments are the same length and shape, or in other embodiments are different lengths and shapes. The turf border units ( 112 ) form a flexible turf border system that cleanly affixes synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) in an area, regardless of the shape or size of the area. The plurality of turf border bases ( 100 ) can be rotated or positioned to form a variety of shapes and sizes during installation of the system. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown an isometric view of the connection of turf border bases ( 100 ) using a border ground attachment device ( 101 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ends of the turf border bases ( 100 ) are overlaid to form rotatable junctions by aligning border ground attachment device holes ( 111 ) present at the ends of each border base ( 100 ). Once aligned, a border ground attachment device ( 101 ) is inserted through the border ground attachment device holes ( 111 ) and into the ground thereby locking the border bases ( 100 ) in position. The border ground attachment device ( 101 ) is of sufficient length to pass through both of the border bases ( 100 ) and into the ground to a depth that firmly anchors the border bases ( 100 ) in position. 
         [0033]    The border bases ( 100 ) can be rotated in relationship to each other through a wide degree of arc to form turf borders of any shape. By way of example, the turf border bases ( 100 ) can be kept in line with each other, rotated at zero degrees of arc, so that they form a straight line, or can be positioned at ninety degrees relative to each other to form a right angle. Furthermore, the synthetic turf border system has modular properties in that it allows for any number of turf border bases ( 100 ) to be used when constructing a turf border. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of an impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) attaching to a turf border base ( 100 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) is used in synthetic turf border systems to prevent injury and increase the safety of people using the synthetic turf surface. The impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) must have shock-absorbing properties that absorb and dissipate energy from a fall. The turf border bases ( 100 ) have attachment points that allow users to easily secure the impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) when constructing a turf border. 
         [0035]    During installation of the synthetic turf border system, the impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) is laid down to form a base upon which synthetic turf will be installed ( FIGS. 4-7 ). A safety padding fastener ( 103 ) is inserted through the impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) and into a turf border base padding flange ( 105 ). A washer ( 104 ) is used to prevent the safety padding fastener ( 103 ) from damaging or tearing through the impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ). 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of synthetic turf ( 106 ) attached to a turf border base ( 100 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. Synthetic turf ( 102 ) is generally used as an alternative to natural turf because it provides several benefits such as a lower cost of maintenance and resistance to deterioration. The turf border bases ( 100 ) have attachment points that allow users to easily secure synthetic turf ( 106 ) to the border bases ( 100 ) when constructing a synthetic turf border. 
         [0037]    During installation of the synthetic turf border system, the synthetic turf ( 106 ) is laid over the impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ). The synthetic turf ( 106 ) forms a surface that can be used for sports and recreation while the impact attenuating safety padding ( 102 ) protects users and prevents injury. A plurality of turf fasteners ( 110 ) secures the edge of synthetic turf ( 106 ) to the turf border base ( 100 ). A turf border top clamp ( 108 ) attaches to the turf border base ( 100 ) and covers the edge of the synthetic turf ( 106 ). The turf border top clamp ( 108 ) finishes the synthetic turf border system with a clean, attractive appearance compared to unfinished synthetic turf border systems. A plurality of turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ) secures the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) to the turf border base ( 100 ). A clamping force is created between the turf border bases ( 100 ) and turf border top clamps ( 108 ) when the turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ) are tightened. The clamping force holds the synthetic turf ( 106 ) in place. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown an isometric view of turf fasteners ( 110 ) securing synthetic turf ( 106 ) to a turf border base ( 100 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. A washer ( 104 ) is placed between the synthetic turf ( 106 ) and the turf fasteners ( 110 ) to protect the synthetic turf ( 106 ) and prevent the turf fasteners ( 110 ) from tearing through. The turf fasteners ( 110 ) hold the synthetic turf ( 106 ) in position until a turf border top clamp ( FIGS. 4 ,  7  ( 108 )) is installed to permanently secure the synthetic turf ( 106 ). The turf fasteners ( 110 ) are also used to hold the synthetic turf in the proper position during cutting of the synthetic turf ( 106 ) using the turf cut groove ( FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  12  ( 107 )). 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a top view of a turf cut groove ( 107 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The turf cut groove ( 107 ) provides a delineable indicator of the outer edge of the synthetic turf ( 106 ) and allows users to quickly and easily cut the synthetic turf ( 106 ) to a correct length. The turf cut groove ( 107 ) is a groove inset into the top of turf border bases ( 100 ) and is positioned so that a proper amount of synthetic turf ( 106 ) remains after cutting that will prevent tearing or separating of the synthetic turf ( 106 ) from the turf border base ( 100 ). The turf cut groove ( 107 ) extends the length of a turf border base ( 100 ) which allows turf to be properly cut regardless of the rotation angle between the turf border bases ( 100 ). The cut made along one turf border base&#39;s ( 100 ) turf cut groove ( 107 ) will line up with cuts made along subsequent turf cut grooves ( 107 ) of other turf border bases ( 100 ). 
         [0040]    Synthetic turf ( 106 ) is cut using the turf cut groove ( 107 ) by positioning the synthetic turf ( 106 ) over the turf cut groove ( 107 ), then passing a cutting tool such as a knife or razorblade along the length of the turf cut groove ( 107 ) thereby cutting the synthetic turf ( 106 ). When cutting synthetic turf ( 106 ), users may, or may not, first secure the synthetic turf ( 106 ) to the turf border base ( 100 ) by attaching turf fasteners ( 110 ) to the synthetic turf ( 106 ) and the turf border base ( 100 ). The turf fasteners ( 110 ) hold the synthetic turf in position during and after a cut is made. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an isometric view of a turf border top clamp ( 108 ) attaching to a turf border base ( 100 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. Once synthetic turf ( 106 ) is secured in position using turf fasteners ( 110 ) and cut to the proper length, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) is attached to the turf border base ( 100 ) using a plurality of turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ). Washers ( 104 ) can be, but are not required to be, placed between the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and the turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ) to prevent damage to the turf border top clamp ( 108 ). 
         [0042]    The turf border top clamp ( 108 ) secures the synthetic turf ( 106 ) in position by creating a clamping pressure that clamps the synthetic turf ( 106 ) between the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and the turf border base ( 100 ). The clamping pressure is created by passing turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ) through the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and into the turf border base ( 100 ) then tightening the turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ) to draw the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and the turf border base ( 108 ) together. The clamping of the synthetic turf ( 106 ) allows fewer turf fasteners ( 110 ) to be used to hold the synthetic turf ( 106 ) in position than with traditional synthetic turf border systems. 
         [0043]    The turf border top clamp ( 108 ) is also a finishing and protective component of the present invention that provides a clean, attractive look to the synthetic turf border system. The turf border top clamp ( 108 ) covers the edge of the synthetic turf ( 106 ), the turf clamp fasteners ( 110 ), the border ground attachment device ( 101 ) and the top of the turf border base ( 100 ). 
         [0044]    The turf border top clamp ( 108 ) is shaped so that a turf border top clamp ( 108 ) can be attached to each turf border base ( 100 ) without interfering with other turf border top clamps ( 108 ) that are attached to other turf border bases ( 100 ), regardless of the rotation angle between the turf border bases ( 100 ). The turf border top clamp ( 100 ) is installed as one of the last steps during the synthetic turf border system installation process. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a single-piece turf border component with a living hinge ( 113 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of a single-piece turf border component is comprised of a turf border top clamp ( 108 ) that is connected to a turf border base ( 100 ) by way of a living hinge ( 113 ). The living hinge ( 113 ) allows the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) to be swung open through a relatively wide degree of arc relative to the turf border base thereby revealing the top of the turf border base ( 100 ). During installation of the present invention, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) is swung open so that synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) can be properly aligned on the turf border base ( 100 ). Once the synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) is properly aligned, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) is swung closed and the synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) is clamped in place. In some embodiments of the present invention, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ), living hinge ( 113 ), and turf border base ( 100 ) are constructed from a single piece of material such as plastic. In other embodiments of the present invention, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ), living hinge ( 113 ), and turf border base ( 100 ) are separate components constructed from the same, or different, material. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a cross-sectional view of a single-piece turf border component with a minimal movement hinge ( 114 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of a single-piece turf border component is comprised of a turf border top clamp ( 108 ) that is connected to a turf border base ( 100 ) by way of a minimal movement hinge ( 114 ). The minimal movement hinge ( 114 ) separates the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) from the turf border base ( 100 ) so that a gap is created between the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and turf border base ( 100 ) of sufficient size to accommodate synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )). During installation of the present invention, synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) is inserted between the turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and the turf border base ( 100 ) then clamped into place. In some embodiments of the present invention, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ), minimal movement hinge ( 114 ), and turf border base ( 100 ) are constructed from a single piece of material such as plastic. In other embodiments of the present invention, the turf border top clamp ( 108 ), minimal movement hinge ( 114 ), and turf border base ( 100 ) are separate components constructed from the same, or different, material. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a top view of a turf border system with angled connection components ( 115 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The angled connection components ( 115 ) form corners that allow for fixed angles of connection as compared to pinning system components with border ground attachment devices ( FIGS. 2-4 ,  6 ,  7  ( 101 )) and rotating the components to a desired angle as is done in other embodiments of the present invention. The present invention offers angled connection components ( 115 ) of sufficient angular variety as to allow users to achieve a turf border of any desired shape. The angled connection components ( 115 ) can be connected directly to other angled connection components ( 115 ), or to non-angled connection components ( 116 ) in order to form a desired turf border shape. 
         [0048]    Using combinations of angled connection components ( 115 ) and non-angled connection components ( 116 ) provides cleaner connections between components ( 115 ,  116 ) with smaller gaps and properly aligns cut grooves ( FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  12  ( 107 )) directly from one component to another thereby creating a continuous cut groove. This embodiment of the present invention can have a wide variety of lengths and angles as the system components ( 115 ,  116 ). The components ( 115 ,  116 ) have border ground attachment device holes ( FIG. 2  ( 111 )) to secure each component ( 115 ,  116 ) to the ground. In this embodiment the border ground attachment devices ( FIGS. 2-4 ,  6 ,  7  ( 101 )) serve as a means to anchor the components ( 115 ,  116 ) to the ground and not as a means to connect the components ( 115 ,  116 ) together. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown an exploded view of an angled connection component connecting to a non-angled connecting component as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The angled connection component is comprised of a turf border top clamp ( 108 ) and a turf border base ( 100 ) that are secured together by one or more turf border top clamp fasteners ( 109 ). A border ground attachment device ( 101 ) is inserted through the turf border base ( 100 ) to secure the angled component to the ground. 
         [0050]    A tongue and groove interlock ( 121 ) is used to connect each component of the turf border system. The tongue and grove interlock ( 121 ) comprises a tongue that extends from one component and fits into a groove within a second component. The tongue is secured within the grove by a turf border base to turf border base fastener ( 117 ) that passes through the turf border base ( 100 ) of one component and into the tongue of the second component. 
         [0051]    Tack placement indicators ( 118 ) are used in this embodiment to indicate where to place tacks when installing synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )). The tack placement indicators ( 118 ) allow for precise spacing of tacks along the components of the system. 
         [0052]    A drainage allowance ( 119 ) is formed along the bottom of the components. The drainage allowance ( 119 ) provides for proper draining of the system during periods of rain or moisture accumulation. The drainage allowances ( 119 ) extend the width of the components creating a passageway through the component from the synthetic turf area to the exterior of the border. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a turf border system with angled connection components and a tongue and groove interlock system ( 121 ) as according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tongue and groove interlock system ( 121 ) comprises a tongue extending from one component that fits into a groove of another component and is located along the central bottom portion of each component. A turf cut groove ( 107 ) extends the length of each component and provides an area in which synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) is cut. A tack strip ( 120 ) is disposed along the interior bottom portion of each component and allows padding below the synthetic turf ( FIGS. 4-7  ( 106 )) to be tacked in place. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments of the present invention, synthetic turf is held in place by attaching the synthetic turf directly to the turf border bases with fasteners such as screws, tacks, or staples. The synthetic turf is laid over the turf border bases, the fasteners are driven through the turf into the bases, and then a turf border top clamp is placed over the edge of the turf. In these embodiments, the turf border top clamp acts only as a cover to protect the edge of the synthetic turf and does not clamp down on the turf to hold it in place. These embodiments are particularly useful when the synthetic turf is of a thickness that makes securement by clamping impracticable. 
         [0055]    As set forth in this description and the attached images, a new synthetic turf border system has been developed that improves upon conventional turf borders. The various embodiments of the improved synthetic turf border system described herein can be used in a wide variety of applications. 
         [0056]    The preceding exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting, but are merely illustrative for the possible uses of the synthetic turf border system. 
         [0057]    Although certain example apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the invention either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. 
         [0058]    With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the synthetic turf border system, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and the manner of operation, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the images and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the synthetic turf border system. 
         [0059]    Directional terms such as “front”, “back”, “in”, “out”, “downward”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “vertical” and the like have been used in the description. These terms are applicable to the embodiments shown and described in conjunction with the images. These terms are merely used for the purpose of description in connection with the images and do not necessarily apply to the positions in which the synthetic turf border system may be used. 
         [0060]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the synthetic turf border system. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the synthetic turf border system to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the synthetic turf border system. While the above description describes various embodiments of the present invention, it will be clear that the present invention may be otherwise easily adapted to fit any configuration where a synthetic turf border system is desired or required. 
         [0061]    As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying images shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.