Background of the Invention [002] While everyone can appreciate the aesthetics of a well-manicured lawn, certain lawn maintenance chores are less desirable than others. For example, keeping the area under and along a fence, by walls and other like areas trimmed and free from weeds or overgrown grass is difficult. These areas are not readily accessible by a lawn mower because the blade of the lawn mower will not reach under fences or trim grass or weeds close to a wall. A string trimmer can be used to trim in these areas. However, the string from the string trimmer can become entangled in the fence or can break off due to contact with fencing material. This leads to time wasted replacing the damaged string or restringing the string trimmer. Manual weeding or grass trimming is time consuming, tedious work.

[003] Attempts to solve this problem have been made. For example, bricks, paving stones and the like can be laid under the fence. This prevents the growth of weeds and other plant materials where the bricks or paving stones are located. However, over time grass or weeds will grow in the cracks between the bricks. Once that occurs it is difficult to control the growth of the weeds and grass. Also, using bricks or paving stones as a weed barrier is expensive and typically requires a skilled professional to install.

[004] U. S. Patent No. 3,713, 624 issued to Niemann on January 30, 1973 discloses a fence guard system. The system disclosed by Niemann comprises two parts that are placed on either side of a fence panel and joined together. This system has several drawbacks. First, the two parts when placed together could leave a gap in the middle by the fence panel where weeds can grow. Also, part of the system extends above ground and into the fence, which is not aesthetically pleasing.

[005] U. S. Patent No. RE 33,037 issued to Kauffman et al. on August 29,1989 discloses a fence liner. Kauffman's invention lacks a reinforced edge portion to protect the fence liner from damage by mower blades. Kauffman's system also lacks a connection system to connect sections of the fence liner together. Additionally, Kauffman's system has a trough in the middle of the fence liner running the length of the fence liner that can allow water or soil to collect, resulting in a dirty fence liner and possibly providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. The trough section of the Kauffman's fence liner gives Kauffman's fence liner a non-continuous top surface.

[006l Therefore, there is a need for a weed barrier that overcomes the drawbacks of previous devices.

Summary of the Invention 1007] The present invention provides a weed barrier that overcomes the disadvantages of previous systems. In one embodiment, a fence liner, for placement on the ground to prevent the growth of plant material in the area underneath the placed fence liner, is disclosed. The fence liner has a fixed width and a length to cover a desired area.

The fence liner includes a top portion, a bottom portion and two reinforced edge sections running the length of the fence liner and contacting the ground. Two or more support sections are provided. The two or more support sections are formed along the length of the fence liner. A base of each support section contacts the ground.

[008l In another embodiment, a first portion of the fence liner is placed along a vertical surface and a second portion is placed along the ground. This is useful to prevent the growth of plant materials near walls or buildings. It also provides a moisture barrier near walls.

[009] In another embodiment, an apparatus to prevent the growth of weeds is provided. The apparatus includes an opaque plastic barrier having a fixed width and a length. The barrier includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion dividing the barrier along the length of the barrier. The plastic barrier includes a top portion and a bottom portion. Also included is a plurality of reinforced edge sections that contact the ground and at least a pair of support sections running the length of the apparatus. A base of each support section contacts the ground.

[0010] In another embodiment, a wall protection barrier is provided. The wall protection embodiment includes a first portion operable to be attached to a vertical surface and a second portion operable to be positioned on a ground surface. The second portion prevents the growth of plant material near the vertical surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings [00111 Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with references to the following figures wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified: [0012] FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of a weed barrier ; [0013] FIG. 2 is a view of topside of a weed barrier ; [0014] FIG. 3 is a view of the underside of a weed barrier ; [00151 FIG. 4 illustrates a tab connector ; [0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a weed barrier in use under a fence; [0017] FIG. 6 is an overhead view of a weed barrier in use with a fence; [0018] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b illustrates a weed barrier with a connector to connect multiple sections ; [0019] FIG. 8a and 8b illustrate alternative embodiments of a weed barrier ; [0020) FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the invention used as a wall liner against a wall; [0021] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment for connecting the embodiment of FIG.

9; and [0022] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the wall liner.

Detailed Description of the Drawings [0023] An improved weed barrier, according to various aspects of the present invention, provides a way to keep grass and weeds from growing under fences or near walls. The improved weed barrier when placed in areas where weed growth or other plant growth is undesired, such as under a fence prevents the growth of grass and weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing water from reaching the grass and weeds or other plant material. Without sunlight, existing weeds will die and any existing weeds will die and any existing plants will not germinate. If weed or plant growth occurs, it will not be able to penetrate the weed barrier. This allows for a neat appearance under the fence.

[0024] An improved weed barrier, according to various aspects of the present invention, generally is formed from a flexible opaque plastic material. The weed barrier may be produced in large lengths and then cut to fit a specific size and type of fence. The weed barrier is curved to allow rain and debris to readily drain off. Sections of weed barriers may be connected together using tab connectors. The weed barrier is easy to install with no or few tools required for installation. The weed barrier can be made in a color close to that of the lawn to present a pleasing appearance. In one embodiment, the weed barrier may also be used as a wall liner with a first section contacting the wall and a second section contacting the ground. This prevents weed and grass growth near walls.

[0025] For example, referring to FIGs. 1-7b, weed barrier 10 has a length, L, and a width, W. The length, L, of the weed barrier 10 may be any length desired to cover a desired area such as the area between the two fence posts. The width, W, of the weed barrier 10 also may be any width necessary to cover a desired area and prevent weed growth in an area, such as on either side of a fence. Typically, weed barrier 10 is manufactured with a fixed width, W, and a continuous length, L that can be cut to fit a given area. In one embodiment weed barrier 10 is manufactured with a width, W, of approximately five inches. Other widths can be manufactured, depending on such factors as the type of fence the weed barrier 10 is to be placed under and the desired size of the weed free area. For example, eight-inch widths and ten-inch widths can be made. The length, L, can be made to any size to cover a given area such as the area between two fence posts. For ease of handling and installation by a user, weed barrier 10 can be provided in fixed lengths, such as four-foot sections. Other lengths can be manufactured such as eight foot sections or ten foot sections depending on the type of fence the weed barrier 10 is to be installed under and the type of end user. For example, a homeowner may want the handling ease of shorter sections while a contractor may prefer longer lengths. Weed barrier 10 can also be provided in large rolls and cut to fit. Weed barrier 10 includes a first side 40 and a second side 42, each side running along the length, L, of the weed barrier on either edge of the width, W, of the weed barrier.

[00261 Weed barrier 10 is preferably made from a plastic such as polyethylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene, a combination of plastic materials or rubber material although any material can be used that is able to withstand potential damage from lawn mowers and weather extremes as well as able to stop plant material from growing through it. In one embodiment weed barrier 10 is manufactured using recycled plastic material. Weed barrier 10 is preferably made to be opaque to block sunlight.

(00271 In one embodiment, weed barrier 10 is manufactured using an extrusion process where continuous lengths of the weed barrier 10 with fixed widths may be extruded from a plastic material. Once extruded, weed barrier 10 can be cut into individual strips of materials as needed or left in large rolls. Weed barrier 10 can be made in different colors and with different patterns formed on the weed barrier 10. Weed barrier 10 can be made to match the surrounding grass or to appear to be brick or other material. For example, weed barrier 10 can be made in a green color to match the color of grass. Weed barrier 10 may be made in large rolls and cut to size using a simple cutting tool, such as a utility knife or a hole saw. Also, weed barrier 10 may be provided in precut lengths for ease of handling. Other manufacturing processes may also be used, the choice of which depends on the materials used, costs involved and available equipment.

[0028} As seen in FIGs. 1-3, weed barrier 10 comprises a topside 11 and an underside 12. Weed barrier 10 has a continuous surface that is, a surface from trenches, troughs or ridges or any other structure where dirt, water and debris can collect. In one embodiment, the continuous surface of Weed barrier 10 is curved to allow water to drain off first side 40 and second side 42 and to help keep weed barrier 10 clean. The curved weed barrier 10 also helps to prevent dust and debris from collecting. In one embodiment, weed barrier 10 is 60-70 mils thick, which is of sufficient thickness to protect the weed barrier 10 from damage. Of course, weed barrier 10 can be made in other thickness depending on the application, expected longevity and other factors. For example, in commercial applications, where heavy-duty lawn equipment is used, weed barrier 10 may be 70-90 mils thick.

[0029] Weed barrier 10 may also includes a first reinforced edge section 22 and a second reinforced edge section 24 located at first side 40 and second side 42 of weed barrier 10, respectfully. First and second reinforced edge sections 22 and 24 may be used to help to protect weed barrier 10 from cracking or breakage due to the impact of a lawn mower's wheels or blade or a string trimmer's string. The reinforced thickened portions 22 and 24 provide an extra measure of protection. Reinforced edge sections 22 and 24 are typically 10-20 mils thicker than the rest of weed barrier 10.

[0030] Weed barrier 10, may, if desired, include support sections, shown in FIG.

1 as first T-sections 13 and second T-section 15. First T-section 13 and second T-section 15 run the length of the underside 12 of weed barrier 10 along the length, L. First and second T-sections 13 and 15 comprise leg portions 14 and 16 and base portions 18 and 20, respectfully. Base portions 18 and 20 of first T-sections 13 and second T-section 15, help to support weed barrier 10 by contacting the ground. While only two T-sections are shown in FIG. 1, in other embodiments more than or less than two T-sections 13 and 15 may be utilized. While a t-shaped T-section is illustrated in FIG. 1, T-sections can be any shape that can act as a support section and extend from the underside 12 of the weed barrier 10 with a portion of the support section contacting the ground.

[V031] First and second T-sections 13 and 15 also include a first upper tab support 17 and a second upper tab support 19, respectfully. A first edge tab support 26 and second edge tab support 28 are located along first and second side 40 and 42 of weed barrier 10, respectfully. First upper tab support 17, first edge tab support 26 and the space between the tabs form a first tab connection area 30 where a tab connector 45 (seen in FIG. 4) may be inserted to connect two different sections of weed barrier 10. Second upper tab support 19, second edge tab support 28, and the space between them form a second tab connection area 32 that may also receive a tab connector 45.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a view of the underside 12 of weed barrier 10. The base portions 18 and 20 of the T-sections 13 and 15 are shown running along the length, L, of weed barrier 10. The T-sections may also be formed intermittently along the underside 12 of weed barrier 10. Also illustrated are optional first and second reinforced edge sections 22 and 24.

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of tab connector 45. Tab connector 45 may include a plurality of holes 42 where a pin (not pictured) or similar device can be placed through and driven into the ground. Alternatively, tab connector 45 may include an area where a pin or similar device can be placed and driven into the ground instead of preformed holes. The anchoring of weed barrier 10 is shown in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 5. The pin or similar device is used to assist in anchoring the tab connector 45 to the ground after the tab connector 45 is inserted into first and/or second tab connector areas 30 and 32. When tab connectors 45 are inserted into first or second tab connection areas 30 and 32 and anchored to the ground using a pin or similar device, the weed barrier 10 is also anchored.

[0034] In use, weed barrier 10 is placed in an area where grass, weeds or other plant growth is not wanted, for example, under a fence. The weed barrier 10 is placed on the ground. First and second reinforced edge sections 22 and 24 help to hold the weed barrier 10 in place. Base portions 18 and 20 of first and second T-sections 13 and 15 initially contact the ground to support weed barrier 10. Over time first and second T- sections 13 and 15 will seat themselves into the ground in a self-anchoring fashion. The weed barrier 10 prevents sunlight and water from reaching the area under the weed barrier 10, preventing the growth of weeds and grass. The weed barrier 10 also prevents any weeds and grass from growing through the weed barrier 10. Weed barrier 10, in one embodiment, has a continuously curved surface. The continuous and curved surface allows for rain to drain off without collecting, helping to keep weed barrier 10 clean.

[0035] In one embodiment, weed barrier 10 is initially secured to the ground using pins, nails, staples or any device that can penetrate through the tab connector 45 and enter into the ground to secure the weed barrier 10. The pins are discussed in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 5 and 6.

100361 Referring to FIGs. 5-6, weed barrier 10 is placed under a fence panel 48.

As illustrated, the weed barrier 10 is placed under fence panel 48 such that a portion of weed barrier 10 is on either side of fence panel 48. Weed barrier 10 is placed on the ground 50 supported by first reinforced thickened portion 22, second reinforced thickened portion 24, and base portions 18 and 20 of T-sections 13 and 15. Optionally, pins 46 can be installed through tab connectors 45 to help hold down weed barrier 10. In the area where weed barrier 10 is placed, grass or weed growth will be suppressed and any existing grass or weed will die for lack of light and water. Grass 52 will continue to grow in areas not covered by weed barrier 10. The grass 52 can be trimmed and mowed as before, such as by a lawn mower or string trimmer. Weed barrier 10 can also be used in other areas where it is either difficult to mow or where grass or other plant growth is not desired. Areas may include transition areas between grass and trees, flowerbeds or vegetable gardens. Additionally, weed barrier 10 can be used in conjunction with an outdoor dog run. Dog runs typically consist of four sides of material, such as chain-link fencing material. Weed barrier 10 can be placed under the fence that makes up the sides of the dog run to prevent weed and grass growth. Additionally the present invention can be installed in areas between grass and sidewalks, driveways and walls.

[0037] Also illustrated in FIG. 5 are pins 46. Pins 46 are installed through tab connectors 45 and into the ground 50 to secure weed barrier 10 into place in the ground.

The pins 46 can be of any shape and manufactured from any material then can penetrate the weed barrier 10 and fix into the ground 50. For example, pins 46 can be made from a metal or a rigid plastic. To ease installation, the tab 45 may be pinned to the ground and the weed barrier inserted on to the tabs 45.

[0038] FIG. 6 is an overhead view of weed barrier 10 in use with a fence. A weed barrier 10 is placed under a fence panel 48, which is supported between fence posts 54. In actual use, there may be multiple fence panels 48 with weed barriers 10 under each fence panel 48. Depending on the spacing of fence posts 54 and the length of weed barrier 10, one or more sections of weed barrier 10 may be present. Weed barrier 10 in this embodiment includes cut out sections 56 to fit around fence post 54. In one embodiment, cut out sections 56 are formed manually using for example, a hole saw mounted on a drill, scissors, a utility knife or similar tool. Alternatively, cut out sections 56 can be formed when weed barrier 10 is manufactured in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7a and 7b, sections of weed barrier 10 can be connected with tab connectors 45 inserted in first connection area 30 and second connection area 32. Tab connector 45 connects two sections of weed barrier 10 together.

FIG. 7b illustrates a first section of weed barrier 10 and a second section of weed barrier 10'are joined using tab connector 45. Tab connectors 45 are inserted into the first and second tab connection areas 30 and 32 of first section of weed barrier 10 and first and second tab connection areas 30'and 32'of second section of weed barrier 10'. The tab connectors 45 hold the first and second sections of weed barrier 10 together. In one embodiment, pins 46 or securing devices may extend from tab connector 45 into the ground.

[0040] Alternatively, sections of weed barrier 10 can be overlapped or placed next to each other without the use of tab connector 45. In this embodiment, pins 46 may be optionally inserted through the weed barrier 10 and into the ground 50 to secure weed barrier 10.

[0041 Alternative embodiments of weed barrier 10 are illustrated in FIGs. 8a-8b.

In these embodiments, there are no reinforced side sections 22-24 or T-sections 13 and 15. By removing these elements, costs are reduced and manufacturing ease in increased.

Referring to FIG. 8a, in this embodiment, weed barrier 47 has a first tab receiving section 48 and a second tab receiving section 49 to help hold two different sections of weed barriers together. As before, the tab may be nailed in to the ground, holding both the tab and the weed barrier close to the ground. Additionally, over time, dirt enters the first and second tab receiving section 48 and 49 further integrating weed barrier 47 into the ground. In this embodiment, the furthest weed barrier 47 is from the ground is approximately. 6 of an inch, although weed barrier 47 can be manufactured with different heights depending on the application and the height of the fence it is used in conjunction with.

[0042] Another alternative embodiment for a weed barrier is shown in FIG. 8b. In this embodiment, weed barrier 61 has a top portion 51, a first side portion 53, and a second side portion 55. Weed barrier 61 is similar to weed barrier 47 of FIG. 8a except that instead of a continuous curved surface as in weed barrier 47 of FIG. 8b, weed barrier 61 may include a curved or relatively flat top portion 51 with first and second side portion 53 and 55 set off at an angle from top portion 51. Weed barrier 61 is made from the same materials as weed barrier 10 and is installed and used in the same manner.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8b, top portion 51 has an essentially continuous surface (a continuous surface is free from trenches or raised portions where dust or debris can be caught), which can be either curved or flat. The top portion 51 transitions into the first and second side portions 53 and 55, which also have a continuous surface. Whether the top portion 51 is curved or flat, wind and water from rain or a hose would wash any dust or debris from top portion 51. In a weed barrier with a non- continuous surface, the dirt and debris would be caught in the trench or other structure.

[0044] First and second side portions 53 and 55 are set off at an angle from top portion 51 and help to support the weed barrier 10 when placed on the ground. In one embodiment, the entire weed barrier is made in a single piece, for example, by an extrusion process (although any manufacturing process could be used). Alternatively, the first and second side portions could be made separately from the top portion 51 and connected together for use. First side portion 53 may include a first tab receiving section 57 and second side portion 55 may include a second tab receiving section 59.

[00451 First and second tab receiving section 57 and 59 receive a tab (as discussed previously) to help hold two different sections of weed barriers together. As before, the tab may be nailed in to the ground, holding both the tab and the weed barrier close to the ground. Additionally, over time, dirt enters the tab receiving section further integrating weed barrier 61 into the ground.

[0046] The weed barriers 47 and 61 of these embodiments are installed and used as before. The overall thickness of the material used protects the weed barriers 47 and 61 from damage without the need for reinforced side sections. In an exemplary embodiment, weed barrier 10 is 60 mils thick but other thickness can be used. In these embodiments, weed barriers 47 and 61 have a continuous curved surface, or at least a continuous surface, for allowing debris and water to run off. The rigidity of the material used, such as HDPE, helps to keep the weed barriers in place without additional supports.

[0047] FIGs. 9-11 illustrate an embodiment of the invention used against a solid wall 60 such as the side of a house. This embodiment can help prevent plant growth in hard to mow areas near the wall of a house. An additional benefit of this embodiment is that it can also form a water barrier to help prevent water from damaging foundations as well as intruding into basements by blocking water from seeping into the ground in the area where the wall liner 62 is placed. Wall liner 62 includes a wall portion 64 and a ground portion 66. The wall portion 64 is set against the wall 60. Ground portion 66 extends along the ground 70.

[0048] In one embodiment wall liner 62 is manufactured such that the angle formed between the ground portion 66 and wall portion 64 is preferably greater than 90°.

By making the angle greater than 90° and by using flexible materials for wall liner 62, when the wall liner 62 is placed against a wall (which typically makes a right angle to the ground) a spring tension will be formed and the wall liner 62 will have a natural tendency to push back to the angle at which it was manufactured. In one embodiment the angle is approximately 105°. Alternatively, an angle between 95'and 115'can be used. Indeed any angle greater than 90° can be used depending on the flexibility and resiliency of the material used to manufacture wall liner 62. This causes wall portion 64 and ground portion 66 to push against wall 60 and ground 70 helping to hold wall liner 62 in place.

Optionally, the top of wall portion 64 may be caulked or taped to create a watertight seal.

In another embodiment, wall portion 64 is optionally anchored to the wall 60 using screws, bolts or any other means to attach the wall portion 64 to the wall 60.

[0049] Ground portion 66 may also include one or more support sections such as T-sections 68 that include a base portion 69 connected to a leg portion 71. The T-section 68 initially supports ground portion 66 of wall liner 62 when placed on the ground 70.

Over time, T-sections 68 may sink into the ground 70 further securing the ground portion 66. Ground portion 66 is preferably made from an opaque material to prevent sunlight from reaching the ground 70, thus preventing the growth of plant material. The grass 72 will still grow outside of the ground portion 66. Ground portion 66 also includes a reinforced edge section 73 along the side of ground portion 66 furthest from the wall 60.

Reinforced edge section 73 assists in holding down ground portion 66 as well as providing a reinforced area at the edge of ground portion 66 that is resilient to damage from lawn mower blades, string from string trimmers and the like.

[0050] Wall portion 64 may be manufactured to match or complement the wall 60 to which it is attached or affixed. The wall portion 64 and ground portion 66 are preferably manufactured from a single piece of material. Alternatively, wall portion 64 and ground portion 66 may be manufactured separately and then attached using conventional means. In one embodiment, wall liner 62 is manufactured from a plastic material using an extrusion process similar to that used to manufacture weed barrier 10.

Preferred materials include plastics such as polyethylene, high density polyethylene and the like although any material capable of preventing grass from growing through it, of blocking some or all of the sunlight shining on it and of repelling water falling on it can be used to manufacture wall liner 62. In one embodiment, recycled plastic may be used.

In one embodiment the ground portion 66 covers three inches of ground and the wall portion 64 extends one and seven-eighths of an inch above the lowest part of ground portion 66. Other lengths for both ground portion 66 and wall portion 64 can be chosen.

In one embodiment, ground portion 66 can be manufactured to be sufficiently long enough to help protect a building's foundation and subterranean levels (such as a basement) from water intrusion. Additionally, ground portion 66 is higher near the wall then at the reinforced edge 73. This allows water to flow off of ground portion 66 and away from the wall 60.

[0051] Multiple wall liners are shown connected and placed along wall 60 in FIG.

8. In this embodiment there is a first wall liner 76 and a second wall liner 78. First and second wall liners 76 and 78 are cut at a 45° angle such that first wall liner 76 and second wall liner 78 meet neatly at a corner. The first wall liner 76 and second wall liner 78 can be fixed into the position using a right angle tab connector 80. Right angle tab connector 80 is shown with dashes to denote the fact that it would not be visible from this view.

Instead of connecting in this manner, sections of wall liners 62 may be placed with the ends of each section of wall liner 62 butting up against each other.

[0052] An alternative embodiment of wall liner 62 is illustrated in FIG. 11. As was the case for the embodiment of the weed barrier 10 illustrated in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, wall liner 62 does not have reinforced side section 73 or t-section 68. This helps to reduce the cost and size of wall liner 62, as well as ease manufacturing. In this embodiment, wall liner 62 has a first tab receiving section 82. The first tab receiving section 82 comprise a first side 83, that, along with the bottom of wall liner 62, forms a first notch 86 and a second side 85, which, along with the bottom of wall liner 62 forms a second notch 88. In this embodiment, tabs (not pictures) are inserted into first tab receiving section 82 to connect sections of wall liner 62 together.

[0053] Having now described preferred embodiments of the invention modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is thus not limited to the preferred embodiments, but is instead set forth in the following clauses and legal equivalents thereof.