Barrier for the bottom of fences

Abstract

An improved blocking member and vegetation barrier for the bottom of fences. A ground covering member has first and second opposite ends and opposite rolled under edges, and it somewhat rigid but somewhat flexible. The ground covering member can be placed directly on the ground even if the ground undulates relative to the fence bottom, and can be kept in that position once the riser is secured to the fence. The ground covering member can be resilient and create reactionary force if it is pressed against the ground. This can further assist in maintaining the blocking member and vegetation barrier in a fixed position relative the ground and the fence. The device can be made in lengths that can be interconnected with one another and/or installed between fence posts.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A barrier apparatus for covering and deterring vegetation growth at and near fence bottoms, foundations, or other structures comprising: 
 (a) an elongated member having first and second opposite ends and opposite sides;    (b) each opposite side comprising a rolled under edge.    
     
     
         2 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member is made of plastic.  
     
     
         3 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member is approximately ten feet long.  
     
     
         4 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member includes a pre-formed opening near said first end.  
     
     
         5 . The barrier of  claim 5  wherein the second end is devoid of any preformed openings.  
     
     
         6 . The barrier of  claim 5  further comprising a preformed slot between the perimeter of the elongated member and the preformed opening.  
     
     
         7 . The barrier of  claim 6  wherein the slot is between the outer edge of the first end and the preformed opening.  
     
     
         8 . The barrier of  claim 1  wherein the rolled under edge is radiused.  
     
     
         9 . The barrier of  claim 8  wherein the radius is on the order of 14″ to 15″.  
     
     
         10 . A method of covering ground or vegetation under a fence that is mounted on a plurality of fence posts comprising: 
 (a) manufacturing a plurality of elongated members each having first and second opposite ends and opposite sides, with each opposite side comprising a rolled under edge;    (b) placing an elongated member under the fence;    (c) placing a succeeding elongated member under the fence;    (d) overlapping a first end of a succeeding elongated member next to the second end of the elongated member;    (e) continuing with still further elongated members if needed.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising preforming an opening in the first end of the elongated members and forming a slot from the perimeter of the elongated member to the opening, then manipulating the elongated member to position the opening around a first fence post, placing the remainder of the elongated member under the fence.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising, measuring the distance between first and second fence posts and cutting the second end of the elongated member so that it approximately abuts the second fence post when the opening of the first end of the elongated member is installed around the first fence post.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising, placing the opening of another elongated member around the second fence post, measuring the distance to a third fence post and cutting, if needed, the another elongated member to fit between the second and third fence posts.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising manipulating the first end of the another elongated member to cause its rolled under edges to snap over the opposite edges of the second end of the elongated member.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising overlapping adjacent ends of elongated members.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising placing an arching member between opposite sides of an elongated member to raise the vertical height of the middle of the elongated member at and around the position of the arch.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the arching member comprises a piece placed underneath the elongated member and held in place between said rolled under edges.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the arching member is fabricated from trimmings of an elongated member.  
     
     
         19 . A kit for covering the ground under or near a fence or structure on or in the ground comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of elongated ground cover members, each having a uniform size and shape, namely an elongated member having first and second opposite ends and opposite sides;    (b) each opposite side comprising a rolled under edge;    (c) a preformed opening in the first end of at least one of the plurality of elongated members.    
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19  further comprising each elongated member includes a preformed opening in its first end.