Lighted curbing and flatwork and method of manufacture

• US 6,123,443 A
• Filed: 09/11/1998
• Issued: 09/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Todd Conway
• Original Assignee: Todd Conway
• Inventors: Conway, Todd
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): TON, ANABEL
• Application Number:
  US09/152,221
• Time in Patent Office: 746 Days
• Field of Search: 362/145, 362/153.1, 52/102
• US Class Current: 362/576
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/547 illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 2011/1048 with lighting means
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/26 of rope form, e.g. LED lighting ropes, or of tubular form
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/032 the surface being a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/03 rechargeable by exposure to light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 2200/10 of light guides of the optical fibres type
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/027 for indicating kerbs, steps or stairs
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/109 of gardens
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/001 the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/72 in street lighting

Abstract

An apparatus and method of lighted ground curbing, flatwork and other structures having a recessed channel formed therein for receiving a length of flexible sheathed lighting. The separately sheathed lighting is adequately protected independent of the curbing, flatwork or other structure, and is powered by a power source residing separately and independently of the curbing, to thereby eliminate any need for electrical sockets or protective covering to be included as part of the curbing or flatwork portion. The lighting operates to project a substantially continuous stream of light extending continuously along the recess formed in the curbing, flatwork or other structure.

Claims

1. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, flexible hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for removably inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means.

2. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein substantially all portions of the curbing means are constructed entirely of a material capable of blocking transmission of light therethrough.

3. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel extends along a majority length of the curbing means, and wherein the sheath has a length of at least a majority length of the channel.

4. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means comprises an elongate member having a length, and wherein the channel is formed to extend along the entire length of said curbing means.

5. The ground curb system of claim 4, wherein the hollow sheath is disposed within the channel and extends along the entire length of said curbing means.

6. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel has a cross-sectional area that is less than one-tenth of a cross-sectional area of the curbing means.

7. The ground curb system of claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional area of the channel is less than one-fifteenth of a cross-sectional area of the curbing means.

8. The ground curb system of claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional area of the channel is less than one-twentieth of a cross-sectional area of the curbing means.

9. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel is formed in a rear section of the curbing means.

10. The ground curb system of claim 9, wherein the rear section of the curbing means defines a substantially vertically-extending face, and wherein the channel is formed in said vertically-extending face.

11. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means includes a front section having a convex face, and wherein the channel comprises a recessed channel formed in the convex face of said front section.

12. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a recessed channel formed in a front section of the curbing means, and wherein said curbing means includes a second recessed channel formed in a rear section thereof, said second recessed channel having an open side along its length.

13. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the sheath is flexible and bendable.

14. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel is continuous and uninterrupted along its length and extends along a majority length of the curbing means.

15. The ground curb system of claim 14, wherein the sheath resides continuously within the open channel without exiting any portion of the open side of said channel when placed for operation.

16. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the open channel of the curbing means is defined by sidewalls and wherein the sheath is narrower than said open channel to thereby enable either insertion or removal of said sheath into and from said channel, respectively, without exposing said light source means to potential contact with the walls defining said channel.

17. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the sheath is flexible and has an interior width, and wherein the light source means resides within said sheath and has a smaller width than the interior width of said sheath to thereby enable said flexible sheath to bend without breaking said light source means contained within said sheath.

18. The ground curb system of claim 17, wherein the sheath is bendable into a circle having a diameter of less than two feet without breaking the light source means.

19. The ground curb system of claim 17, wherein the sheath is bendable into a circle having a diameter of less than one foot without breaking the light source means.

20. The ground curb system of claim 17, wherein the sheath is bendable into a circle having a diameter of less than six inches without breaking the light source means.

21. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the light source means comprises a bundle of light-emitting fibers.

23. The ground curb system of claim 21, wherein the bundle of fibers comprises flexible plastic fibers.

24. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the light source means comprises:

solar power means for receiving sunlight and producing electricity therefrom; and

artificial light means disposed within the channel of the curbing means for receiving the electricity from the solar power means and producing artificial light therefrom.

25. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the light source means comprises:

laser power means for producing laser light within the channel of the curbing means.

26. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means is formed of concrete.

27. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the curbing means is formed as a crown portion extending lengthwise along said curbing means, and wherein the channel is formed in said crown portion.

28. The ground curb system of claim 27, wherein the curbing means comprises a front sidewall, an opposing rear sidewall, and a top wall extending from the rear sidewall inwardly and at least partially toward the front sidewall, and wherein the crown portion includes a first portion extending from the front sidewall inwardly toward the rear sidewall and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion into a junction with the top wall, such that the second portion of the crown portion and the top wall collectively form a concave surface.

29. The ground curb system of claim 28, wherein the open channel is formed in the second portion of the crown portion.

30. The ground curb system of claim 29, wherein the curbing means has a length and wherein the open channel extends, without interruption, along the entire length of the curbing means.

31. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means comprises a barrier means for blocking plant growth from spreading between the first terrain area and the second terrain area.

32. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 50 pounds per cubic foot.

33. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 100 pounds per cubic foot.

34. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 130 pounds per cubic foot.

35. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the light source means comprises a plurality of sequentially spaced light bulbs disposed in the sheath.

36. The ground curb system of claim 35, wherein the light bulbs are spaced within the sheath at a spacing of at least four bulbs per foot.

37. The ground curb system of claim 35, wherein the light bulbs are spaced within the sheath at a spacing of at least six bulbs per foot.

38. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the curbing means has a length and wherein the open channel extends, without interruption, along the entire length of the curbing means.

39. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel is a recessed channel formed in a front section of the curbing means, said front section having a convex curvilinear cross-sectional shape.

40. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the open side of the channel remains uncovered along its length when the sheath resides within said channel.

41. The ground curb system of claim 1, wherein the channel of the curbing means is defined by sidewalls and wherein said curbing means is formed from an uncured, flowable material having a non-rigid consistency prior to being cured, said ground curb system further comprising:

bracing means removably placeable in the channel of the curbing means prior to curing of said curbing means for preventing collapse of the sidewalls defining said channel during curing of said curbing means.

42. The ground curb system of claim 41, wherein the bracing means comprises at least one elongate member.

43. The ground curb system of claim 42, wherein the bracing means comprises a polymeric foam material.

44. The ground curb system of claim 1, further comprising a mold defining a shape of the curbing means, said mold having an interior surface defining a concave shape and an elongate projection disposed on said interior surface defining a shape of the channel of the curbing means.

45. The ground curb system of claim 44, wherein the elongate projection has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a square and a rectangle.

46. The ground curb system of claim 44, wherein the mold comprises a first side and an opposing second side, and a first open end and an opposing second open end, said first and second open ends residing between the first and second sides.

47. The ground curb system of claim 44, wherein the mold comprises a generally arcuate shape configured for forming the curbing means in an arcuate shape.

48. The ground curb system of claim 47, wherein the mold comprises a generally semi-circular shape configured for forming the curbing means in a semi-circular shape.

49. The ground curb system of claim 44, wherein the elongate projection is hollow and includes an upper opening and an end opening defining a movement feed path extending from the upper opening through the hollow projection and out of the end opening.

50. The ground curb system of claim 49, wherein the projection is configured and dimensioned to permit feeding along the movement feed path of a bracing means removably placeable in the channel of the curbing means prior to curing of said curbing means for preventing collapse of sidewalls defining said channel during curing of said curbing means.

22. The ground curb system of 21, wherein the bundle of fibers comprises flexible glass fibers.

51. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area; and

illumination means for projecting light from the curbing means, said illumination means comprising a flexible hollow sheath removably disposable on the curbing means and a light source means for producing light within said flexible hollow sheath.

52. The ground curb system as defined in claim 51, wherein said flexible sheath has an interior width and wherein the light source means is disposed within said flexible sheath and has a smaller width than the interior width of the flexible sheath to thereby enable said flexible sheath to bend without breaking said light source means contained within said sheath.

53. The ground curb system of claim 51, wherein the illumination means is bendable into a circle having a diameter of less than one foot without breaking the light source means.

54. The ground curb system of claim 51, wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 100 pounds per cubic foot.

55. A lighted flatwork structure comprising:

a flatwork structure for supporting either static loads or dynamic loads; and

illumination means for projecting light from the flatwork structure, said illumination means comprising a flexible hollow sheath removably disposable on the flatwork structure and a light source means for producing light within said flexible hollow sheath.

56. The lighted flatwork of claim 55, wherein the flatwork structure comprises a sidewalk having a recessed channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length, and wherein the illumination means resides within said recessed channel.

57. The lighted flatwork of claim 55, wherein the flatwork structure comprises a wall having at least one recessed channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length, and wherein the illumination means resides within said recessed channel.

58. The lighted flatwork of claim 55, wherein the flatwork structure comprises stairs having at least one recessed channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length, and wherein the illumination means resides within said recessed channel.

59. The light flatwork of claim 58, wherein the channel extends along a corner section of the stairs without extending across any corner of the stairs.

60. The ground curb system of claim 58, wherein the channel is formed within steps of the stairs and extends continuously across several sequential steps and around male and female corners of said steps, and wherein the illumination means residing within said channel extends flexibly within said channel and thus also across said several sequential steps and around male and female corners of said steps.

61. The ground curb system of claim 55, wherein the flatwork structure has a recessed channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length, and wherein the illumination means resides within said recessed channel.

62. The ground curb system of claim 55, further comprising a mold defining a surface of the flatwork structure, said mold having an interior surface and including an elongate projection disposed on said interior surface defining a shape of the channel of the flatwork structure.

63. The ground curb system of claim 62, wherein the elongate projection has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a square and a rectangle.

64. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a recessed channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length;

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein substantially all portions of the curbing means are constructed entirely of a material capable of blocking transmission of light therethrough;

wherein the channel extends along a majority length of the curbing means, and wherein the sheath has a length of at least a majority length of the channel;

wherein the curbing means comprises an elongate member having a length, and wherein the recessed channel is formed to extend along the entire length of said curbing means;

wherein the hollow sheath is disposed within the recessed channel and extends along the entire length of said curbing means;

wherein the cross-sectional area of the recessed channel is less than one-fifteenth of a cross-sectional area of the curbing means;

wherein the sheath is flexible and bendable;

wherein the channel is continuous and uninterrupted along its length and extends along a majority length of the curbing means;

wherein the sheath resides continuously within the open channel without exiting any portion of the open side of said channel when placed for operation;

wherein the open channel of the curbing means is defined by sidewalls and wherein the sheath is narrower than said open channel to thereby enable either insertion or removal of said sheath into and from said channel, respectively, without exposing said light source means to potential contact with the walls defining said channel;

wherein the sheath is flexible and has an interior width, and wherein the light source means resides within said sheath and has a smaller width than the interior width of said sheath to thereby enable said flexible sheath to bend without breaking said light source means contained within said sheath;

wherein the sheath is bendable into a circle having a diameter of less than one foot without breaking the light source means;

wherein the curbing means is formed of concrete;

wherein the curbing means comprises a front sidewall, an opposing rear sidewall, and a top wall extending from the rear sidewall inwardly and at least partially toward the front sidewall, and wherein the crown portion includes a first portion extending from the front sidewall inwardly toward the rear sidewall and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion into a junction with the top wall, such that the first and second portions of the crown portion collectively form a concave surface;

wherein the curbing means comprises a barrier means for blocking plant growth from spreading between the first terrain area and the second terrain area;

wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 100 pounds per cubic foot;

wherein the light source means comprises a plurality of sequentially spaced light bulbs disposed in the sheath;

wherein the light bulbs are spaced within the sheath at a spacing of at least four bulbs per foot;

wherein the open side of the recessed channel remains uncovered along its length when the sheath resides within said channel;

wherein the recessed channel is formed in a rear section of the curbing means;

wherein the rear section of the curbing means defines a substantially vertically-extending face, and wherein the recessed channel is formed in said vertically-extending face.

65. The ground curb system of claim 64, wherein the curbing means includes a front section having a convex face, and wherein said curbing means includes a second recessed channel formed in the convex face of said front section, said second recessed channel having an open side along its length.

66. The ground curb system of claim 64, further comprising a mold defining a shape of the curbing means, said mold having an interior surface defining a concave shape and an elongate projection disposed on said interior surface defining a shape of the channel of the curbing means.

67. The ground curb system of claim 66, wherein the elongate projection has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a square and a rectangle.

68. A method of assembling a ground curb system, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) placing upon a predetermined area of terrain a curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon said terrain and forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area; and

(b) removably placing on the curbing means an illumination means for projecting light from said curbing means, said illumination means comprising a flexible hollow sheath and light source means for producing light within said flexible hollow sheath.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein step (a) further comprises forming the curbing means by advancing an at least partially uncured compound through a mold having an interior surface and a projection projecting inwardly from said interior surface, in a manner sufficient to cause said compound to mold around said projection to thereby form an open, recessed channel in the curbing means.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein step (a) further comprises advancing the compound through a mold having the projection disposed on a rear, substantially planer section of said mold.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein step (a) further comprises advancing the compound through a mold having the projection disposed on a convex face of a front section of the mold.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein step (b) further comprises placing the sheath within the open, recessed channel.

73. The method of claim 69, wherein step (a) further comprises advancing the compound through a mold that is characterized by an absence of abrupt corners or grooves except for the projection.

74. The method of claim 69, wherein step (a) further comprises advancing the compound through the mold wherein the projection has a cross-section shape selected from the group consisting of a square or a rectangle.

75. The method of claim 69, wherein step (a) further comprises advancing a cementitious compound through the mold.

76. The method of claim 69, wherein step (a) further comprises removably placing a bracing means in the channel of the curbing means prior to curing of said curbing means for preventing collapse of sidewalls defining said channel during curing of said curbing means.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein step (a) further comprises feeding the bracing means through the projection of the mold as the uncured compound is advanced through the mold.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein step (a) further comprises feeding the bracing means along a movement path through the projection that progresses first (i) through an upper opening in the projection, then (ii) through a majority length of the projection, then (iii) through an end opening in the projection and into the channel.

79. The method of claim 76, wherein step (a) further comprises removably placing a bracing means made of a polymeric foam material in the channel of the curbing means.

80. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel extends along a majority length of the curbing means, and wherein the sheath has a length of at least a majority length of the channel.

81. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means comprises an elongate member having a length, and wherein the channel is formed to extend along the entire length of said curbing means.

82. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel has a cross-sectional area that is less than one-tenth of a cross-sectional area of the curbing means.

83. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel is formed in a rear section of the curbing means.

84. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means includes a front section having a convex face, and wherein the channel comprises a recessed channel formed in the convex face of said front section.

85. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel comprises a recessed channel formed in a front section of the curbing means, and wherein said curbing means includes a second recessed channel formed in a rear section thereof, said second recessed channel having an open side along its length.

86. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of the curbing means;

wherein the sheath is flexible and bendable.

87. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel is continuous and uninterrupted along its length and extends along a majority length of the curbing means.

88. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the open channel of the curbing means is defined by sidewalls and wherein the sheath is narrower than said open channel to thereby enable either insertion or removal of said sheath into and from said channel, respectively, without exposing said light source means to potential contact with the walls defining said channel.

89. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light, within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the sheath is flexible and has an interior width, and wherein the light source means resides within said sheath and has a smaller width than the interior width of said sheath to thereby enable said flexible sheath to bend without breaking said light source means contained within said sheath.

90. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the light source means comprises a bundle of light-emitting fibers.

91. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the light source means comprises;

solar power means for receiving sunlight and producing electricity therefrom; and

artificial light means disposed within the channel of the curbing means for receiving the electricity from the solar power means and producing artificial light therefrom.

92. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein a portion of the curbing means is formed as a crown portion extending lengthwise along said curbing means, and wherein the channel is formed in said crown portion.

93. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means comprises a barrier means for blocking plant growth from spreading between the first terrain area and the second terrain area.

94. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 50 pounds per cubic foot.

95. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a right source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 100 pounds per cubic foot.

96. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side alone its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means has a density of at least 130 pounds per cubic foot.

97. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the light source means comprises a plurality of sequentially spaced light bulbs disposed in the sheath.

98. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the curbing means has a length and wherein the open channel extends, without interruption, along the entire length of the curbing means.

99. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel is a recessed channel formed in a front section of the curbing means, said front section having a convex curvilinear cross-sectional shape.

100. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the open side of the channel remains uncovered along its length when the sheath resides within said channel.

101. A ground curb system comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

wherein the channel of the curbing means is defined by sidewalls and wherein said curbing means is formed from an uncured, flowable material having a non-rigid consistency prior to being cured, said ground curb system further comprising;

bracing means removably placeable in the channel of the curbing means prior to curing of said curbing means for preventing collapse of the sidewalls defining said channel during curing of said curbing means;

wherein the bracing means comprises at least one elongate member;

wherein the bracing means comprises a polymeric foam material.

102. A ground curb system, comprising:

curbing means for residing in a stationary position upon terrain and for forming an elongate boundary between a first terrain area and a second terrain area, said curbing means having a channel formed therein, said channel having an open side along its length; and

a continuous, elongate, hollow sheath and a light source means for producing light within said sheath, said sheath being configured and dimensioned for inserting into the open side along the length of the channel and residing within said channel to thereby project light outwardly from, and along at least a portion of, the curbing means;

further comprising a mold defining a shape of the curbing means, said mold having an interior surface defining a concave shape and an elongate projection disposed on said interior surface defining a shape of the channel of the curbing means.