Patent Publication Number: US-2021161322-A1

Title: Tree Needle Catcher

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/942,901 filed on Dec. 3, 2019. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to tree skirts and debris catchers. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a tree needle catcher configured to secure to and about the lower branches of a tree to prevent needles and other tree debris from contacting a floor surface. 
     Many individuals decorate their homes with live trees during the holidays. However, over the course of the holiday, tree needles or leaves often fall from the tree branches which then can mar the appearance of the tree or decorations. Tree needles may fall into gifts, lessening the enjoyment of the recipient if they must remove detritus from their giftwrapping. Additionally, if debris accumulates, it can present a fire hazard or slipping hazard to an individual walking nearby. In order to ensure that debris doesn&#39;t accumulate, individuals may be forced to frequently clean the area, possibly on a daily basis, which can quickly become frustrating and time consuming. 
     Additionally, when landscaping an area, users may wish to ensure that a landscaping bed area is kept clear of tree needles, leaves, or other debris. Similarly, individuals would be required to frequently dean the landscaping bed in order to maintain a desired yard aesthetic. Alternatively, individuals may hire landscapers to maintain the area, however, such services are often expensive. Therefore, an inexpensive and efficient method of preventing tree debris accumulating beneath a particular tree by catching needles or leaves as they fall to reduce cleaning and maintenance time is desired. 
     In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing tree skirts and debris catchers. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of tree skirts and debris catchers now present in the known art, the present invention provides a tree needle catcher wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when preventing tree needles and other debris from contacting a floor surface. 
     The present system comprises a flexible member having a central aperture. In some embodiments, the flexible member comprises a fine mesh defining a plurality of openings therethrough. In alternate embodiments, the flexible member comprises a solid material having a plurality of openings disposed about an outer edge of the flexible member. A linear slit extends through the flexible member between the central aperture and an outer edge of the flexible member. The linear slit defines a first edge of the flexible member and a second edge of the flexible member. 
     In some embodiments, a border of the central aperture comprises an elastic material such that the central aperture is adjustable in diameter. In another embodiment, the flexible member comprises a circular cross-section such that the linear slit extends radially therethrough. In other embodiments, a fastener is disposed on each of the first edge and the second edge at a border of the central aperture, the fastener configured to removably secure the first edge to the second edge along the central aperture. In yet another embodiment, the outer edge comprises a greater thickness than the flexible member, thereby defining a hem. In some embodiments, the hem further extends along each of the first edge and the second edge. In another embodiment, a plurality of hooks is removably securable to the flexible member via the plurality of openings. In other embodiments, each hook of the plurality of hooks comprises a malleable wire having a lower hook arm and an upper hook arm, wherein each of the upper hook arm and the lower hook arm are configured to bend to a desired size. In yet another embodiment, a grommet is disposed about a perimeter of each opening of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, the plurality of openings are disposed at regular intervals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tree needle catcher. 
         FIG. 2  shows a close-up view of the slit and central aperture of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher. 
         FIG. 3  shows a close-up exploded view of the plurality of hooks of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher. 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the tree needle catcher. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher and a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tree needle catcher respectively. The tree needle catcher  11  comprises a flexible member  12  having a central aperture  13  therethrough. The central aperture  13  is dimensioned to secure about a trunk of a tree (as shown in  FIG. 4, 27 ). A linear slit  15  extends along the flexible member  12  between the central aperture  13  and an outer edge  16  of the flexible member  12 . The linear slit  15  provides access to the central aperture  13  such that the central aperture  13  is open along a portion thereof, thereby allowing a user to place the flexible member  12  about a tree trunk. In the shown embodiment, the flexible member  12  comprises a circular cross-section, such that the linear slit  15  extends radially therethrough. The circular cross-section allows the flexible member  12  to conform with the general shape of most tree bases as tree branches typically define an approximately circular cross-section from the trunk. The diameter of the flexible member  12  is contemplated to include a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of tree sizes and varieties. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the flexible member  12  comprises a fine mesh material defining a plurality of openings  14  therethrough. The plurality of openings  14  is configured to receive a hook (as shown in  FIG. 3, 22 ) therethrough to secure the flexible member  12  to the lower branches of a tree. The fine mesh material of the flexible member  12  is dimensioned such that the plurality of openings  14  formed thereby prevent needles, leaves, and other tree debris from passing therethrough, while simultaneously allowing a hook to pass therethrough. In this manner, the user can secure the flexible member  12  about a base of a tree via one or more hooks and ensure that any debris that falls from the tree is captured by the flexible member  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the entirety of the flexible member  12  comprises a fine mesh material, however, in alternate embodiments, a circular portion of the flexible member  12  adjacent to the outer edge  16  comprises a fine mesh material, while the remainder of the flexible member  12  is solid. Such an embodiment provides the user flexibility in hook placement, while ensuring that no needles or other tree debris fall through the central portion of the flexible member  12  when in use. 
     In the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 1B , the flexible member  12  comprises a solid material, wherein the plurality of openings  14  are defined about a perimeter of the flexible member  12 . In some embodiments, the plurality of openings  14  is disposed at regular intervals about the perimeter to ensure that the flexible member  12  is properly supported on a tree about an entirety thereof. The interval at which openings are places can vary across embodiments to ensure that sufficient securement points are provided to the user. In this manner, the flexible member  12  cannot sag between adjacent openings of the plurality of openings  14 , thereby preventing debris collected therein to fall therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of openings  14  further comprise a grommet  25  about a perimeter thereof, wherein the grommet  25  is configured to provide structural integrity to the plurality of openings  14 . In this manner, the grommets  25  prevent the plurality of openings  14  from tearing when significant weight is applied to the flexible body  12 . In some embodiments, the grommets  25  comprise a rigid metal reinforcing member, whereas in other embodiments, the grommets  25  comprise a fabric reinforcement member to allow the plurality of openings  14  to flex. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a close-up view of the slit and central aperture of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher. In some embodiments, the central aperture  13  further comprises an elastic border  19 , wherein the border  19  is configured to selectively expand the diameter of the central aperture  13 , such that the central aperture  13  can secure about tree trunks of various sizes. Furthermore, the elasticity of the border  19  secures the central aperture  13  about the tree trunk to prevent needles, leaves, or other debris from falling between the trunk and the flexible member  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the central aperture  13  is open along a portion thereof due to the linear slit  15 . This linear slit  15  defines a first edge  17  and a second edge  18  of the flexible member  12 . In some embodiments, the first and second edges  17 ,  18  overlap when secured about a tree trunk, such that the linear slit  15  can be secured in a closed position via insertion of a hook through the overlapping layers of the flexible member  12 . This opening can be securely closed via a fastener  20  disposed on the border  19  along each of the first and second edges  17 ,  18 . The fastener  20  is shown as a snap closure, however other fasteners  20  are contemplated in alternate embodiments, including hook and loop fasteners and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible member  12  further comprises a hem  21  about the outer edge  16 . The hem  21  comprises a thickness greater than the remainder of the flexible member  12  to increase structural integrity of the flexible member  12  about a perimeter thereof. In some embodiments, the hem  21  comprises a flexible reinforcement strip folded over and affixed to the outer edge  16 . In some such embodiments, the hem  21  is sewn together about the ends opposite the fold, whereas in alternate embodiments, the hem  21  is secured together over the outer edge  16  via an adhesive, such as a heat activated adhesive typically used with fabric materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the hem  21  further extends along the first and second edges  17 ,  18  to the central aperture  13  where the hem  21  contacts the border  19 . In this manner, the entirety of the central portions of the flexible member  12  are enclosed by the hem  21 . In this manner, the hem  21  prevents fraying and tearing of the flexible member  12  about the perimeter thereof. For example, and as further described elsewhere herein, the hem  21  can provide a strengthened section about which a hook can be secured to ensure the hook remains affixed to the flexible member  12  without tearing the mesh or material of the flexible member  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a close-up exploded view of the plurality of hooks of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher. In the shown embodiment, a plurality of hooks  22  are secured through the plurality of openings  14  of the flexible member  12 . In some embodiments, the plurality of hooks  22  each comprise a malleable wire having an upper hook arm  24  and a lower hook arm  23 , wherein each of the upper and lower hook arms  24 ,  23  can be bent and folded to secure to a variety of objects. The lower hook arm  23  is inserted through an opening of the plurality of openings  14  to and can be secured to the flexible member  12  by bending the lower hook arm  23  about the flexible member  12 . In some such embodiments, the lower hook arm  23  can be folded about the hem  21  of the flexible member  12  such that the lower hook arm  23  is closed about the hem  21 , thereby ensuring that the hook  22  is affixed to the flexible member  12 . The upper hook arm  24  can then be opened to secure about a tree branch or other securement location, such that the attached flexible member  12  is supported by the plurality of hooks  22 . In other embodiments, the plurality of hooks  22  are rigid hook members to maximize strength and stability thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the tree needle catcher in use. In one use, the plurality of hooks  22  can be inserted through the plurality of openings of the flexible member  12  and secured thereto. The flexible member  12  can then be secured about a tree trunk  27  via inserting the tree trunk  27  through the linear slit to be encircled by the central aperture  13 . In some embodiments, the central aperture  13  can then be secured in the closed position via the fasteners as previously described. Once closed about the tree trunk  27 , the user can then secure the linear slit in a closed position via overlapping the first and second edges of the flexible member  12  and securing a hook of the plurality of hooks  22  through the overlapping layers of the flexible member  12 . The user can then secure each hook of the plurality of hooks  22  to a tree branch  26  along a base of the tree such that the flexible member is suspended thereunder. Debris  28 , such as needles, leaves, and the like that fall from the tree branches  26  then are captured by the flexible member  12 , ensuring that the surrounding area is not littered in debris  28 . In this manner, the user can maintain the cleanliness and safety of the area directly under a desired tree to minimize the effort required to maintain and clean the surrounding area. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art, With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.