GB2465033A

GB2465033A - Device for protecting an area of lawn from herbicide

Info

Publication number: GB2465033A
Application number: GB0823733A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Valerie Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-30
Filing date: 2008-10-30
Publication date: 2010-05-12
Also published as: GB0823733D0

Abstract

A device for protecting lawn from herbicide or weed killer comprises of two slightly half oval-shaped pieces held together by a scissor or garden shear type screw,4, so as to be opened and closed like scissors or shears. The inner edge of each piece has a cut-out that, when the device is closed, forms a central hole1which surrounds the root of the weed, without cutting it, under the leaves in a horizontal position, and allows weed killer to be sprayed onto the leaves without harming the surrounding grass. Each piece has corresponding handle which allows the device to be opened and closed. The edges,2, are slightly raised to stop any unwanted overflow of liquid. The device may have a beveled or stepped edge,3, at the centre to overlap so that it can expand to accommodate wider rooted weeds. The device may also be used in an upright position behind or between shrubs.

Description

Lawn Guard The invention relates to a device which is intended to protect grass from weed killer which may need to be used on deep-rooted weeds, such as dandelions, in the lawn.

I find that ordinary weed killer, e.g. feed and weed, is not strong enough to kill all weeds, in particular dandelions, and is virtually impossible to dig up the whole root, so the dandelion grows again, then spreads.

A spray on weed killer also attacks the grass underneath and around the weed, so the object of this device is to provide a protective cover over the grass under the leaves of the weed. It works by being placed under the leaves of the offending weed, circling the root and covering the grass, thus preventing it from also being sprayed and, therefore killed.

It is called lawn guard', the lawn being a particular problem, but it may be used on weeds anywhere, for example behind or in front of a shrub in an upright position, to spray an awkward to reach weed and protect the shrub.

It would preferably be made of plastic, about 1� inch thick, but could be metal, in two halves joined by a scissor type screw. Plastic may be preferred material as metal would be prone to rust with continued use of the liquid.

Figure 1 Shows a front view when the device is opened out slightly.

Figure 2 Shows the two halves of the device, separated.

Figure 3 Shows the two halves of the device from a three quarter side view.

Figure4 Shows one side at a slight angle.

Figure 5 Shows the closed view from an almost full face view.

Figure 6 Depicts the central edge of the two sides.

Figure 7 Shows an end view of the overlapping edges of the two sides.

Figure 8 Is a photo of the two separate sides Figure 9 Is a computer photo print of figure 4 Figure 10 Shows the device from one side and front In figure 1, a holel, is at the centre of the body, i.e. from screw, 4, being the top, to the bottom end, to fit around the stalk of the weed so that it is not cut off when the device is closed. A hole of � inch or 1.5 centimetres should be enough to protect against most weeds but, as shown in figures 6 and 7, the two halves overlap in the centre, figure 1/3, sO that it can be not fully closed but still meet to give a wider gap but still give protection if roots are fairly large. The hole on the top overlapping edge is slightly elongated as is the hole on the underside edge of the other half, so that it will fit round a large root. The underneath of the lower edge will give adequate protection when the device is fully closed. As will the leaves, which tend to be dense in the centre of the plant. There will inevitably be some collection of liquid on the device. This should be minimal: however, if it is lifted up vertically after use the liquid will brush off onto the weed, giving a further application. Th e raised edges,2, will prevent any spillage onto the grass. If the surface of the device is slightly rough this will also help to prevent a running of liquid.

If further protection is desired a detachable, washable cover could be used to soak up the liquid.

Twelve inches, or 30 centimetres length, i.e. from the screw to base tip, and 11 inches or 28 centimetres width at the widest point should be sufficient to take up the liquid. The shape is slightly oval to allow for the outward spread spray.

The figures show a suggested handle. However the handle may vary in shape and size and I am putting a disclaimer on that as long as there is sufficient projection at the base to prevent over closure of the main body.

Claims

Claims 1. A device comprising two pieces which meet together when placed underneath a weed, without cutting the root, on top of the underlying grass, so that the grass is protected from an application of weed killer.
2. A device according to claim 1, which may be held against a shrub or a plant to protect the shrub or plant from an application of weed killer.