Abstract:
A foliage skirt is a device which encircles a trunk of a tree for collecting foliage clippings during trimming and subsequently removed and emptied. The device comprises a circular or ovular format comprising two halves, each provided with a lightweight and flexible plastic frame that conforms around the foliage at ground level and to any adjacent obstructions in the vicinity. Each frame half is covered by a flexible and durable mesh platform. The two halves and conjoined at a first side by a flexible hinge and at an opposing second side by a detachable hinge, thereby allowing the halves to swing open when being placed around the foliage and secured in a closed position. Foliage is trimmed using trimming tools and when completed, the device along with the clippings, are slid away from the foliage and folded upwardly and closed to contain the clippings for transport and disposal to a suitable location or into a container.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jul. 28, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to collecting devices for trimmings and lawn debris, and in particular, to a device for the collecting and removal of trimmings from woody perennials or other trees and shrubs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many Americans spend countless hours maintaining and caring for their lawns, flower beds, gardens, trees, and bushes in the yards around their homes. As a matter of pride and personal expression, these people care for their yards by cultivating the soil, removing weeds, apply fertilizer and pesticides, watering, and the like. One (1) additional task many of us are forced to do is that of trimming bushes, shrubs and trees at least once a year. While electric and gasoline powered trimmers allow us to make quick work of the actual trimming process, the cleanup process afterwards occupies most of the time. Even after a thorough raking or a vacuuming with a yard vacuum, many clippings remain behind detracting from the overall appearance. In the case of a professional landscaper, this extra time and effort can translate into lost revenue. 
     The use of various types and designs of lawn nets, leaf bags, and other devices for collecting trimmings and other lawn debris have attempted to solve these problems. Examples of these solutions can be seen by reference in several U.S. Patents. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,664, issued in the name of Hullen, discloses a method and apparatus for collecting lawn debris including flat pieces of netting placed on the ground to catch leaves as they fall from nearby trees. U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,462, issued in the name of Hensley, discloses a lawn net for capturing and retaining lawn debris which may be positioned upon a lawn for collecting debris without harming the lawn. U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,423, issued in the name of Haley, discloses a composting and leaf collection kit for removing fallen leaves and other yard waste. 
     While these devices may accomplish their specific intended purpose, each suffers from one (1) or more disadvantage or deficiency with respect to design, function, or effectiveness. In particular, the previous solutions typically are cumbersome and difficult in regards to transporting the collected lawn debris or trimmings. Additionally, these solutions do not allow the user to position the collecting device next to and around a trunk or stem of the tree or shrub which is being trimmed, leaving large open areas of the lawn surface for debris to collect. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which clippings from trees, shrubs, and bushes can be caught and disposed of in a quick manner without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art, as well as observed that there is a need for novel device for simply and effectively collecting trimmings and other debris from trees, shrubs, bushes, and hedges. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a device which simplifies post-trimming cleanup and eliminates the need for raking or lawn blowing and vacuuming. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which allows the user to easily pick up the collected trimmings and debris and transport it to a disposal location. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which allows the user to encircle the tree, bush, or shrub to prevent trimmings and debris from collecting on the lawn surface at the base of the tree, bush, or shrub. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which can be folded in half to securely hold the trimmings and debris for movement to the disposal location. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is simple and intuitive to use with little to no training. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a device which is durable and economical to manufacture. 
     One (1) or more of these and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a device including a mesh netting having adapted to receive trimmings and other debris and a semi-rigid frame affixed to the perimeter of the netting for applying a tension to the netting, thus maintaining the netting in a generally outstretched configuration. The device is positioned adjacent to a woody perennial having a trunk and branches and covering a ground surface. 
     In at least one (1) embodiment of the invention the device provides two semi-circular halves connected by a hinged connection. The device includes a pair of semi-circular mesh panels, a pair of semi-circular frames affixed to the mesh panels about an arcuate perimeter edge, and a pair of bisecting frames affixed to the mesh panel about opposing bisected edges. The two (2) halves open about a flexible joint member and the bisecting frames enclose around the base of the tree, bush, or shrub being trimmed and the two halves are connected by a detachable joint member. 
     In at least one (1) alternate embodiment the device provides a rectangular mesh panel, a first half frame portion, a second half frame portion, and a hinged connection. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the invention may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The invention can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a foliage skirt  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is an environmental view of a foliage skirt  10  depicting a detached state around a tree  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is another environmental view of a foliage skirt  10  depicting an attached state around a tree  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a flexible joint assembly  50  of the foliage skirt  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is an exploded view of a detachable joint assembly  60  of the foliage skirt  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a close-up view of a detachable joint assembly  60  of the foliage skirt  10  depicting an attached state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of an attachment means between a first mesh portion  26  and a first bisecting frame member  24  of the foliage skirt  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate rectangular embodiment  80  of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  foliage skirt 
               20  first platform portion 
               22  first perimeter frame section 
               24  first bisecting frame section 
               26  first mesh panel 
               27  first mesh edge 
               28  groove 
               29  adhesive 
               30  gap 
               35  orifice 
               37  perforation 
               40  second platform portion 
               42  second perimeter frame section 
               44  second bisecting frame section 
               46  second mesh panel 
               47  second mesh edge 
               50  flexible joint assembly 
               60  detachable joint assembly 
               61  joint member 
               62  joint aperture 
               64  latching fixture 
               66  ball fastener 
               70  common fastener 
               72  fastener aperture 
               80  alternate rectangular embodiment 
               82  long side frame section 
               84  short side frame section 
               86  rectangular mesh portion 
               88  fold-line 
               100  tree 
               110  hedge 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5  and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted in  FIG. 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a foliage skirt (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a device  10  that collects clippings from foliage such as bushes, shrubs, and trees during a trimming process. The device  10  generally comprises a circular or ovular-shaped platform being separated in half comprising a first platform portion  20  and a second platform portion  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The first platform portion  20  further comprises a semi-rigid perimeter frame all around which further comprises a semi-circular first perimeter frame section  22  and a linear first bisecting frame section  24 . The frame sections  22 ,  24  are envisioned to be made using a semi-rigid material such as plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, or the like, forming a solid or hollow structure preferably having a circular cross section of about one (1) inch in diameter and envisioned to be manufactured in an extrusion process. The bisecting frame member  24  is to be capable of bowing in an arcuate manner around a trunk portion of the tree  100  preceding a trimming task (see  FIG. 2   b ). The frame sections  22 ,  24  encompass a flexible flat first mesh panel  26  having a first mesh edge  27  comprising a resilient reinforcing edge affixed to and spans a distance between the frame members  22 ,  24 , thereby forming a framed platform structure. The first platform portion  20  provides an attachment means to the second platform portion  40  being affixed to via a permanently joined flexible joint assembly  50  and a detachable joint assembly  60  at opposing corner locations. The second platform portion  40  comprises a mirrored shape of the first platform portion  20  having like materials and construction and comprising respective elements including a second perimeter frame section  42 , a second bisecting frame section  44 , and a second mesh panel  46  having a second mesh edge  47 . The joint members  50 ,  60  allow the device  10  to be split apart forming a pie-shaped gap  30  between the bisecting frame members  24 ,  44  as well as allowing the device  10  to be folded in half in a “clamshell-like” manner (see  FIGS. 2   a ,  3 ,  4   a , and  4   b ). 
     The frame sections  22 ,  24 ,  42 ,  44  and mesh panels  26 ,  46  are envisioned to be made using plastic extruded or molded processes and are further envisioned to be introduced in a variety of decorative colors and patterns based upon a user&#39;s preference. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , environmental views of the device  10 , depicting installation around a tree  100 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The device  10  encircles a trunk section of a tree  100  during trimming, allowing easy removal and emptying of captured vegetation, thus saving time and effort during the clean-up process. The device  10  is provided in a circular or ovular format comprising two (2) conjoined semi-circular half portions  20 ,  40  capable of easy detachment via the detachable joint assembly  60 , thereby allowing the device  10  to pivot open forming a gap  30  between the bisecting frame sections  24 ,  44  to be placed around the trunk portion of the tree  100 . The detachable joint assembly  60  is then rejoined causing the bisecting frame sections  24 ,  44  to assume an arcuate shape around the trunk portion, thereby maximizing an amount of trimmed foliage to be captured by the device  10 . Additionally, the joint members  50 ,  60  allow the device  10  to be folded upwardly in a “clamshell-like” manner to contain the clippings for transport and disposal thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view of a flexible joint assembly portion  50  of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The flexible joint assembly  50  comprises a cylindrical length of flexible material envisioned to be rubber, latex, plastic, or the like, which allows orbital motioning of the platform portions  20 ,  40  with respect to each other. Each end portion of the flexible joint assembly  50  is inserted into a respective orifice  35  portion molded into an end portion of the first  22  and second  42  perimeter frame sections and is secured preferably using a common fastener  70  such as a rivet, screw, or the like, or may also be affixed using a common industrial adhesive with equal benefit. 
     It is further understood that the device  10  is not limited to the illustrated design of the flexible joint  50 , and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other designs of the joint  50  are possible such as ball-and-socket type devices, combined single-axis hinging devices, and the like without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , exploded and attached states of a detachable joint assembly  60  of the device  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The detachable joint assembly  60  provides a flexible joining means between the first  22  and second  42  perimeter frame portions positionally opposite thereto, and in a similar manner, as the aforementioned flexible joint assembly  50 ; however, the detachable joint assembly  60  also provides removably attachable features which enable a user to easily detach the adjacent first  22  and second  42  frame portions from each other (see  FIG. 2   a ). The detachable joint assembly  60  comprises a flexible rubber or plastic joint member  61  further comprising an elongated ovular or rectangular shape, envisioned to have a rectangular cross section. The joint member  61  further comprises a pair of joint apertures  62  formed through at opposing end portions. The detachable joint assembly  60  also comprises a pair of latching fixtures  64  each of which comprise a cylindrically-shaped molded plastic component being sized so as to provide sliding insertion and securement into adjacent orifice portions  35  of respective first  22  and second  42  perimeter frame sections in a similar manner as the previously described flexible joint assembly  50 , also using common fasteners  70  and corresponding fastener apertures  72  (see  FIG. 3 ). The latching fixtures  64  further comprise respective protruding ball fasteners  66  extending perpendicularly from respective side surfaces. The ball fasteners  66  provide an interference fit when inserted into respective joint aperture portions  62  of the joint member  61 , thereby providing a removably detachable and flexible connection between the first  20  and second  40  platform portions. However, it is also understood that the design of the detachable joint assembly  60  is not limited to the illustrated design, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other designs are possible without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a section view of an attachment means between a first mesh portion  26  and a first bisecting frame member  24  of the device  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The frame portions  22 ,  24 ,  42 ,  44  provide a rugged attachment to the respective mesh edges  27 ,  47  of the mesh panels  26 ,  46 . A single joint is shown here between the first bisecting frame section  24  and the first mesh panel  26  for example sake. The second bisecting frame section  44  and second mesh panel  46  are affixed in an identical fashion. The joint between the first mesh panel  26  and the first bisecting frame section  24  is preferably formed using a rectangularly-shaped groove  28  molded into an outer surface of the first bisecting frame section  24  and being sized to slidingly receive the first mesh edge  27  thereinto. The first mesh edge  27  is securely held within the adhesive groove  28  using a common industrial adhesive  29 ; however, it is understood the device  10  is not limited to the illustrated attachment of the mesh panels  26 ,  46 , and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other attachment methods are possible such as fasteners, molded locking features, and the like without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device  10 . 
     The first  26  and second  46  mesh panels are preferably made using a flexible plastic sheet material approximately one-eighth (⅛) to one-quarter (¼) of an inch thick and containing a continuous pattern of equally-spaced geometric perforations  37  therethrough, being approximately one-eighth (⅛) of an inch in diameter, thereby providing a means for air or moisture to pass through during use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an alternate rectangular embodiment  80  of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate rectangular embodiment  80  of the present invention utilizes similar materials and construction methods as the preferred embodiment  10  described above; however, the alternate rectangular embodiment  80  is configured into a rectangular format, thereby being useful for applications such as, for example, along side portions of a row of common hedges  110 , as seen here. The alternate embodiment  80  comprises a single rectangular mesh panel  86  a pair of opposing long side frame section  82  and two pairs of short side frame sections  84 . A pair of short side frame sections  84  is perpendicularly affixed to opposing ends of each long side frame section  82 . A pair of opposing flexible joint assemblies  50  connects the corresponding short frame section  84  on each end of the long side frame sections  82  to define a generally rectangular frame to which the rectangular mesh panel  86  attaches. The pair of flexible joint assemblies  50  attach to hollow end portions of the each short side frame sections  84  in a substantially similar manner as described for the preferred device embodiment  10  and allow the alternate embodiment  80  to be folded in half lengthwise along a central fold-line  88  for containing, transporting, and disposing of contained foliage. It is further understood that other versions of the device  10  comprising additional perimeter shapes may be provided being useful for additional specific applications of the device  10 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b , and installed in terms of an alternate embodiment  80  as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the preferred embodiment of the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: detaching one (1) or both ball fastener portions  66  of the detachable joint assembly  60  from respective fastener apertures  72 ; opening the device  10  by pivoting the platform portions  20 ,  40  about the flexible joint assembly  50  forming a gap  30  between the bisecting frame sections  24 ,  44 ; placing the device  10  around a trunk or base portion of a foliage, such as a tree, shrub, or bush; closing the device  10  around the tree  100  or bush by motioning the platform portions  20 ,  40  together causing the bisecting frame sections  24 ,  44  to form an arcuate shaped gap  30  around the tree  100 ; joining the platform portions  20 ,  40  together by inserting one (1) or both ball fasteners  66  through respective joint apertures  62  of the detachable joint assembly  60  to secure the device  10  around the tree  100  to be trimmed; trimming the tree  100 , bush, shrub, or the like, using conventional tools; allowing trimmed foliage to drop upon mesh panel portions  26 ,  46  of the device  10  until a trimming task is completed; separating the detachable joint assembly  60  using ball fastener  66  and joint aperture  62  portions; separating first  20  and second platform portions of the device  10  minimally so as to minimize spillage; dragging the device  10  and contained trimmings away from the trunk portion of the tree  100 ; reattaching the detachable joint assembly  60  as previously described; folding the device  10  upwardly in half in a “clamshell-like” manner, if desired; transporting and disposing of the trimmings contained within the folded device  10  at an appropriate location or container; and, benefiting from reduced time and effort spent during a clean task following tree  100  and bush  110  trimming afforded a user of the present device  10 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternate rectangular embodiment  80  of the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: abutting a long side portion of the alternate rectangular embodiment  80  against a side portion of a row of hedges  110 ; trimming a side portion of the hedges  110  above the alternate rectangular embodiment  80  in a conventional manner, allowing trimmings to fall thereonto; folding the alternate rectangular embodiment  80  lengthwise in half by bending the flexible joint assemblys  50  in a “clamshell-like” manner to contain, transport, and dispose of the trimmings; and, repeat the procedure described above for the remaining side portion of the row of hedges  110 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.