Landscape timber connector

Abstract

A landscape connector is adapted for coupling respective proximal ends of adjacent landscape timbers. The landscape connector includes spaced-apart opposing top and bottom walls and opposing side walls. The top and bottom walls define respective flat outside surfaces of the landscape connector. The side walls are formed with the top and bottom walls, and define respective outwardly bowed inside surfaces of the landscape connector. The top, bottom, and side walls cooperate to form a stable housing having first and second open ends adapted for receiving respective proximal ends of the adjacent landscape timbers.

1 . A landscape connector adapted for coupling respective proximal ends of adjacent landscape timbers, said landscape connector comprising: 
 spaced-apart opposing top and bottom walls defining respective flat outside surfaces of said landscape connector;    spaced-apart opposing side walls formed with said top and bottom walls, and defining respective outwardly bowed inside surfaces of said landscape connector;    said top, bottom, and side walls cooperating to form a stable housing having first and second open ends adapted for receiving respective proximal ends of the adjacent landscape timbers.    
   
   
       2 . A landscape connector according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing defines a timber-connection angle between the first open end and the second open end.  
   
   
       3 . A landscape connector according to  claim 2 , wherein said timber-connection angle is 120 degrees.  
   
   
       4 . A landscape connector according to  claim 2 , wherein said timber-connection angle is 90 degrees.  
   
   
       5 . A landscape connector according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second open ends of said housing are located in substantial linear alignment.  
   
   
       6 . A landscape connector according to  claim 1 , and comprising a first intermediate wall formed between and parallel to said top and bottom walls of said housing, such that each of said first and second open ends is adapted for receiving respective proximal ends of two stacked timbers.  
   
   
       7 . A landscape connector according to  claim 6 , wherein said housing defines a timber-connection angle between the first open end and the second open end.  
   
   
       8 . A landscape connector according to  claim 7 , wherein said timber-connection angle is approximately 120 degrees.  
   
   
       9 . A landscape connector according to  claim 7 , wherein said timber-connection angle is approximately 90 degrees.  
   
   
       10 . A landscape connector according to  claim 6 , wherein the first and second open ends of said housing are located in substantial linear alignment.  
   
   
       11 . A landscape connector according to  claim 6 , and comprising a second intermediate wall formed parallel to said first intermediate wall and between said top and bottom walls of said housing, such that each of said first and second open ends is adapted for receiving respective proximal ends of three stacked timbers.  
   
   
       12 . A landscape connector according to  claim 11 , wherein said housing defines a timber-connection angle between the first open end and the second open end.  
   
   
       13 . A landscape connector according to  claim 12 , wherein said timber-connection angle is approximately 120 degrees.  
   
   
       14 . A landscape connector according to  claim 12 , wherein said timber-connection angle is approximately 90 degrees.  
   
   
       15 . A landscape connector according to  claim 11 , wherein the first and second open ends of said housing are located in substantial linear alignment.  
   
   
       16 . A landscape connector according to  claim 1 , and comprising means for mechanically attaching said housing to respective proximal ends of the adjacent landscape timbers.  
   
   
       17 . A landscape connector according to  claim 16 , wherein said means for mechanically attaching comprises a fastener selected from a group consisting of nails, screws, bolts, rivets, and staples.  
   
   
       18 . A landscape connector according to  claim 17 , wherein at least one of said top, bottom, and side walls of said housing defines at least one fastener opening adapted for receiving said mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       19 . A method for coupling respective proximal ends of adjacent landscape timbers, said method comprising the steps of: 
 inserting a proximal end of a first landscape timber into an open end of a multi-wall landscape connector;    inserting a proximal end of an adjacent landscape timber into a second open end of the landscape connector.    
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 19 , and comprising mechanically attaching the landscape connector to respective proximal ends of the adjacent landscape timbers.