Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present patent application claims the benefits of priority of commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application No. 62/239,313, entitled "Spray Catcher" and filed at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on October 10, 2015; the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to liquid spray shield and catcher device and method thereof for use during spraying a house plant to collect left-over of liquid while shielding a surrounding area of the plant from the liquid.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Most of the house plants, flower or herbs need to be sprayed regularly with liquids such as water or herbicides. While spraying, a significant portion of liquids is inadvertently sprayed in the environment. Since the potted house plants are usually in close proximity to household furniture, decoration, wall or window, these objects can be damaged by such regular exposition to liquids. The user may have to move around the plant to avoid spraying in the direction of these objects, but most of the time not all the foliage is easily accessible to do so. Alternatively, the user may move the plant away from these objects before spraying. This action is not always possible depending on the weight, size, location, or accessibility of the plant. Another problem with such spraying is that the significant portion of liquids that is lost in the environment is wasted and cannot be used again for watering or moistening the plant.

[0004] In the past, there have been a variety of complex devices used to collect the excess of liquid and/or to shield the environment of a house plant while being sprayed. These devices are either bulky or inconvenient to use, to operate or to store like plant shower curtains (US3681872 and US4223477) or cumbersome panels (US4052815). Hand-held devices have also been provided so that the excess of liquid is arrested and directed to the pot plant (US6065244 and GB 2304022) or collected (CA1288595). However, none of them are adapted to be used with different plant or foliage sizes. Also, while spraying, the users of these devices have to move around the potted plant in order to being able to effectively protect the immediate environment surrounding the plant. Lastly, these devices cannot be stored easily in the close area of the plant. As a result of these short-comings of the prior art, there is a need to develop an improved liquid spray shield and catcher device.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a liquid spray shield and catcher device to help the user that is spraying liquids on plants.

[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a spray shield and catcher device for catching sprayed liquid, the device comprising at least two panels, each panel being pivotally connected to at least another panel, the at least two panels being adapted to pivot between an open configuration wherein the at least two panels form a reservoir adapted to collect the sprayed liquid and a closed configuration wherein the panels are folded upon each other defining at least one longitudinal fold.

[0007] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel of the spray shield is curved.

[0008] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel is pivotally connected to at least another curved panel via at least one panel joint.

[0009] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel comprises lateral edges, the device further comprising at least one groove defined in at least one of the lateral edges of the at least two panels.

[0010] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one handle mounted to at least one of the panels.

[0011] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises:

at least one handle is pivotally mounted to at least one of the panel joints, the at least one handle being adapted to follow the movement of the panels between the open and close configurations; and

at least one handle joint.

[0012] According to one preferred embodiment, the at least one handle is pivotally mounted to the at least one panel joint with one or more hinges. [0013] According to one preferred embodiment each panel is pivotally connected to at least another panel with at least one hinge, wherein the at least one handle hinge is aligned with at least one of the hinge of the panels.

[0014] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel is made of a semi-rigid material.

[0015] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel joint further comprising at least two portions. The at least two portions of each panel joint may be connected to one another with at least one panel joint bend such that the panel joint has a substantially V-shape preventing lateral side leakage.

[0016] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel comprises a front edge, each panel joint further comprising at least one weld line extending from the front edge of each panel to the handle, sealing the at least two portions of each panel joint to the panel joint bend.

[0017] According to one preferred embodiment, at least one of the portions is of a substantially triangular shape formed by at least two hinges, base of the substantially triangular shape being located at one end of the device and apex of the substantially triangular shape is located at the panel joint bend.

[0018] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel comprises a front edge, the apex of the substantially triangular shape being at the front edge of the panel.

[0019] According to one preferred embodiment, each panel comprises edges, at least one of the edges of at least one of the panels being curved.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, each panel comprises lateral edges, the device further comprising at least one groove defined in at least one of the lateral edges of the at least two panels, the at least one groove being aligned with the at least one panel joint bend.

[0021] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one fold located on each side of the pivoting connection between the panels, the fold forming a T- shaped longitudinal assembly.

[0022] According to one preferred embodiment, the handle is made of at least two portions.

[0023] According to one preferred embodiment, the handle portions are connected with a snap fastener between each other and to the panel or panel joint via at least one snap stud and socket pair. [0024] According to one preferred embodiment, the handle portions are connected between each other and to the panel or panel joint using one from the group of glue, clamp, welding, hinges or seams between each other and to the panel or panel joint.

[0025] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises at least one holder attachment to attach at least one sprayer device.

[0026] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a pin to attach the at least one sprayer device between the panels when in close configuration.

[0027] According to one preferred embodiment, the handle further comprises at least one aperture to hook the device.

[0028] According to one preferred embodiment, the device further comprising a weld line, wherein the weld line extends along only one of the at least two portions to seal the front panel joint and the panel joint bend.

[0029] The device is adapted to be used in an opened configuration to arrest and collect sprayed liquids.

[0030] The device is also adapted to be folded along the panel joint in a closed configuration for storage.

[0031] At least one of the lateral edges of the device may further comprise at least one groove to assist in abutting the device to the trunk of the plant under the foliage.

[0032] The device may further comprise a handle adapted to be affixed to the device and integrated to the panels and panel joint, the handle having a handle joint in order to follow the movement of the panels between the opened and closed configurations of the device.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method to collect sprayed liquid, the method comprising the steps of:

1) holding a spray shield and catcher device within direction and spraying distance of a sprayer device;

2) forming a reservoir adapted to collect the sprayed liquid with at least two panels pivotally connected to one another;

3) spraying liquid towards the spray shield and catcher device using the sprayer device; and 4) collecting spray liquid in excess in the reservoir.

[0034] The method may further comprise the step of folding the panels of spray shield and catcher device on one another. According to one preferred embodiment, the step of folding the spray shield and catcher device is performed with one hand of a user.

[0035] According to one preferred embodiment, the step of holding the spray shield and catcher device further comprises the step of placing the spray shield and catcher device in a substantially horizontal position.

[0036] According to one preferred embodiment, the step of spraying liquid further comprises the step of holding the sprayer device in a frontal approach.

[0037] According to one preferred embodiment, the step of spraying liquid further comprises the step of holding the sprayer device in a lateral approach.

[0038] According to one preferred embodiment, the step of spraying liquid further comprises the step of holding the sprayer device in both frontal and lateral approaches.

[0039] According to one preferred embodiment, the step of holding the spray shield and catcher device further comprises the step of holding the device behind a plant.

[0040] According to one preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the step of pouring the liquid collected in the reservoir in a pot of the plant.

[0041] The device and method according to the invention may help a user that is spraying liquids on plants of different sizes to open and close the device with the hand holding the device while the other hand is holding the sprayer device. Furthermore, the device efficaciously arrests and collects the excess of sprayed liquids without having to move around the potted plant, this allowing protecting the immediate environment of the plant. Also, the device being foldable, it can be easily stored in the immediate environment of the plants.

[0042] Other and further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be obvious upon an understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be described or will be indicated in the appended claims, and various advantages not referred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon employment of the invention in practice. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0044] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of the first embodiment of the device while being used during a frontal approach.

[0045] Figure 2 is a larger side perspective view of Figure 1 of the device while being used during a frontal approach.

[0046] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment with the two configurations of the device.

[0047] Figure 4 is a side view of the closed configuration of the device.

[0048] Figure 5 is a top view of the opened configuration of the device.

[0049] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the opened configuration of the device.

[0050] Figure 7 is a side view of the opened configuration of the device with a substantially horizontal position to collect liquid.

[0051] Figure 8 is a side view of the opened configuration of the device with an inclined position compared to Figure 7 to poor liquid into plant's pot.

[0052] Figure 9 is a side view of the second panel in the plan indicated in Figure 5.

[0053] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the device while being used during a second lateral approach.

[0054] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the device while being used during a first lateral approach.

[0055] Figure 12 is a top exploded view of the opened configuration of the device's mold.

[0056] Figure 13 is a top exploded and perspective view of the opened configuration of the device's mold.

[0057] Figure 14 is a front view of the opened configuration of the device at the weld bend in the plan indicated in Figure 13. [0058] Figure 15 is a front view of the opened configuration of the device at the back weld bend near the handle, in the plan indicated in Figure 13.

[0059] Figure 16 is a top partial view of the opened configuration of the device's mold.

[0060] Figure 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the device while being assemble with a sprayer device, partially in phantom.

[0061] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 17 while being assemble with a sprayer device.

[0062] Figure 19 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device while being hold by a user's hand.

[0063] Figure 20 is a side view of the closed configuration of the device.

[0064] Figure 21 is close up view of the weld line.

[0065] Figure 22 is a front view of the opened configuration of the device at the weld bend in the plan indicated in Figure 19.

[0066] Figure 23 is a top exploded view of the opened configuration of the device's mold.

[0067] Figure 24 is a top exploded and perspective view of the opened configuration of the device's mold.

[0068] Figure 25 is a front view of the opened configuration of the device at the weld bend in the plan indicated in Figure 24.

[0069] Figure 26 is a front view of the opened configuration of the device at the back weld bend near the handle, in the plan indicated in Figure 24.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0070] A novel liquid spray shield and catcher device will be described hereinafter. Although the invention is described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein are by way of example only and that the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited thereby.

[0071] A liquid spray shield and catcher device and method of use in accordance with the principles of the present invention may help the user that is spraying liquids on plants of different sizes to efficaciously arrest and collect the excess of sprayed liquids without having to move around the potted plant in order to protect the immediate environment of the plant. Also, the device can be made of semi-rigid material such as but not limited to plastic and is adapted to be easily stored in the immediate environment of the plants, such as but not limited to a drawer, a shelf or underneath a house furniture.

[0072] A first embodiment according to the present invention is shown in FIG.l and FIG.2, wherein the liquid spray shield and catcher device 10 is used during operation. The user holds the device by the handle 50 using one hand, while spraying the plant 80 with liquids 70 by holding a sprayer device 60 with the other hand. During operation, the device is used in an opened configuration so that it can arrest and collect the sprayed liquids 70, such as water or herbicides.

[0073] FIG.3 shows the opened configuration (dotted lines) and the closed configuration (full lines) of the device. In the closed configuration, the top surface 13 of the first panel 20 and the second panel 30 are facing each other, so that the bottom surface 12 of the panels is visible. Following the opening of the device, represented by the dotted arrows, the top surface 13 of the panels 20, 30 is visible. The first panel 20 and the second 30 are configured to be hingedly connected by at least one panel joint 15 along the longitudinal axe of the device 10. The at least one panel joint 15 may comprise longitudinal folds, hinges or a combination thereof. Therefore, the panels 20, 30 are adapted to pivot along the longitudinal axe in order to change the configuration of the device for the desired purpose, i.e. the opened configuration during operation or the closed configuration for storing the device.

[0074] Importantly, in the opened configuration, the first panel 20 and the second panel 30 possess an obtuse angle along the transversal axe of the device, as also shown in the front views of the device in FIG.14 and FIG.15. The obtuse angle of the panel 20, 30 aims at retaining the collected liquid in the middle of the device 10. The at least one panel joint is preferably located across the middle of the device with two panels 20, 30 of similar size and shape, but one skilled in the art can understand that the size and shape of the panels may vary so that additional longitudinal or transversal folds may also be adapted to different location on the device.

[0075] FIG.4 shows a side view of the closed configuration representing the bottom surface 12 of the first panel 20, which comprises a first front edge 21, a first back edge 22, a first lateral edge 23. Also shown is the panel joint 15 as well as the handle 50 located at the comer of the first back edge 22 and the panel joint 15. The panel joint 15 may have at least two parts comprising a front panel joint part 16 and a back panel joint part 18. The at least two panel joint parts 16, 18 are connected at a panel joint bend 19, so that the panel joint 15 has a substantially V-shape. As it will be explained in more detail below, this particular form of the panel joint 15 aims at generating a reservoir 40 for collecting the liquid, where the angular elevation of the front panel joint part 16 and the corresponding portion of the panels 20, 30 may prevent leakage of the liquid by the front edges 21, 31, as illustrated in FIG.7. Moreover, the panel joint 15 may comprise at least one weld line 17 extending from the front edge of the panels through the handle 50 in order to assemble and seal the two panel joint parts 16, 18 and the panel joint bend 19.

[0076] Understandably, in other embodiments, the panel joint parts 16, 18 could be thermoformed to form a reservoir for receiving liquid. In further embodiments, the panels 20 and 30 could also be thermoformed using any material adapted to thermoforming.

[0077] FIG.5 shows a top view of the opened configuration representing the top surface 13 of the first panel 20 and the second panel 30 together with the handle 50 and the at least one panel joint 15 across the middle of the device 10. In this first embodiment, the back panel joint part 18 is of substantially triangular shape formed by a first hinge 24 and a second hinge 34, with the panel joint bend 19 at its apex and the handle 50 at its base. These hinges 24 and 34 are adapted to allow the respective first panel 20 and the second panel 30 to pivot along the longitudinal axe in order to get the opened or the closed configurations of the device.

[0078] Still referring to FIG. 5, the handle 50 is attached to the device between the first and second back edges 22, 32 of both panels 20, 30. The handle 50 comprises at least one handle hinge 54 along the longitudinal axis. FIG. 5 shows two handle hinges 54 that are aligned with the first hinge 24 and the second hinge 34.

[0079] In this opened configuration, the first front edge 21 and the second front edge 31 may form a front inward curvature 25. This particular front inward curvature 25 aims to abut the device to the plant's trunks 82 of different sizes during a frontal approach, as illustrated in FIG.2. Similarly, the first lateral edge 23 and the second lateral edge 33 may have a first lateral inward curvature 27 and a second lateral inward curvature 37, respectively.

[0080] Moreover, the first lateral edge 23 and the second lateral edge 33 may have a first lateral groove 29 and a second lateral groove 39, respectively. These lateral grooves can be abut to a plant's trunk to properly arrest and collect the sprayed liquids during a first lateral approach and a second lateral approach as illustrated in FIG.11 and FIG.10, respectively.

[0081] In addition, the first lateral groove 29 and a second lateral groove 39 are aligned with the panel joint bend 19 to form a depression 35 of the top surface 13 of both panels to make two curved panels 20, 30. The depression 35 of the top surface 13 is also shown on a perspective front view of the device in FIG.6, as well as on the side view of the second panel in FIG.9. The purpose of the depression of the top surface, together with the above-mentioned obtuse angle of the first panel 20 and the second panel 30, is to generate a reservoir 40 to collect the liquid, as illustrated in FIG.7.

[0082] FIG.7 shows the liquid 70 (dotted line) that is collected in the reservoir 40 when the device is maintained substantially horizontal in its opened configuration. Then, the device can be front tilted, as indicated by the arrow in FIG.8 for pouring the collected liquid along the longitudinal fold 14 into the plant's pot.

[0083] FIG.12. shows the mold of the device 10 with the first panel 20 and second panel 30 that are adapted to be connected at the back panel joint part 18 along the longitudinal axe. The back panel joint part 18 may comprise a first hinge 24 and a second hinge 34 as well as a first fold 26 and a second fold 36, which are located from either side of a longitudinal fold 14. Upon mounting of the device, the longitudinal fold 14, the first fold 26 and the second fold 36 may be configured to form a T-shaped assembly, as shown in FIG. 13 as well as in the front view of FIG. 15. This T-shaped assembly may be maintained by the weld line 17. The weld line 17 may also extend to the front panel joint part in order to joint and seal the two panels 20, 30 together between the panel joint bend 19 and the front edges 21, 31.

[0084] Still referring to FIG. 12, the internal surface of the molds of the handle 50 is shown, which comprises three parts: the first top handle part 51, the second top handle part 52 and the bottom handle part 53 with its at least one handle hinges 54. In addition, FIG.12 shows the snap fastener system of the internal surface of these three parts 51, 52, 53 which are aligned with a plurality of apertures 55 on the first back edge 23 and the second back edges 33 of their respective panels, as also shown in FIG.13. The bottom handle part 53 comprises the snap studs 56, which connect to their corresponding snap sockets 57 on the first top handle part 51 and the second top handle part 52, in order to attach the handle to the device. The final handle assembly is shown on FIG.16. One skilled in the art can understand that the number and location of the snap studs 56 and snap sockets 57 may vary. Also, other fastener systems may be used including but not limited to adhesive such as glue, clamp, weld or seam.

[0085] FIG.14 shows the front view of the opened configuration of the device 10 at the panel joint bend 19 in the plan indicated in Figure 13. This also represents a front view of the obtuse angle of the first panel 20 and the second panel 30 forming the reservoir 40.

[0086] FIG.15 shows another front view of the opened configuration of the device 10 at the back panel joint part 18, near the handle 50, in the plan indicated in Figure 13. In contrast to the front view shown in FIG.14, where the first fold 26 and second fold 36 are no longer present at the panel joint bend, FIG.15 shows the above-mentioned T-shaped assembly. Also, both FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show the at least one weld line 17.

[0087] Another embodiment according to the present invention is the device assemble with a sprayer device 60 for storage purposes or to be exposed as such on the store shelves, as shown in FIG.17 and FIG.18. In such assembly, the first lateral edges and the second lateral edges may comprise at least one pin 62 to retain the sprayer device 60 between the two panels in a substantially closed configuration. FIG.17 and FIG. 18 also show a second pin 64 that may be use to keep the head of the sprayer device 60 in place.

[0088] Another aspect of the invention is also shown in FIG.17 and FIG. 18, where the handle may comprise an orifice 66, so that the device can be hooked for storage.

[0089] Another embodiment according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 19 to 26. FIG. 19 shows the device in an opened configuration being held via the handle 50 by a user's hand. The first panel 20 comprises a first front edge 21, a first back edge 22 and a first lateral edge 23. Similarly, the second panel 30 comprises a second front edge 31, a second back edge 32 and a second lateral edge 33. The two panels 20, 30 are hingedly connected to a panel joint 15, which comprises at least two parts: a front panel joint part 16 and a back panel joint part 18. In contrast with the first embodiment described above, the at least one weld line 17 is present on the front panel joint part 16 only, as shown in the FIG. 19 to FIG. 22.

[0090] In this opened configuration, the first front edge 21 and the second front edge 31 may form a front inward curvature 25. This particular front inward curvature 25 aims to abut the device to the plant's trunks of different sizes during a frontal approach, as illustrated in FIG.2. Similarly, the first lateral edge 23 and the second lateral edge 33 may have a first lateral inward curvature 27 and a second lateral inward curvature 37, respectively. [0091] Moreover, the first lateral edge 23 and the second lateral edge 33 may have a first lateral groove 29 and a second lateral groove 39, respectively. These lateral grooves can be abut to a plant's trunk to properly arrest and collect the sprayed liquids during a first lateral approach and a second lateral approach as illustrated in FIG.11 and FIG.10, respectively.

[0092] FIG.20 shows a side view of the closed configuration representing the bottom surface 12 of the first panel 20, which comprises a first front edge 21, a first back edge 22, a first lateral edge 23. Also shown is the panel joint 15 as well as the handle 50 located at the comer of the first back edge 22 and the panel joint 15. The panel joint 15 may have at least two parts comprising a front panel joint part 16 and a back panel joint part 18. The at least two panel joint parts 16, 18 are connected at a panel joint bend 19, so that the panel joint 15 has a substantially V-shape. This particular form of the panel joint 15 aims at generating a reservoir 40 for collecting the liquid, where the angular elevation of the front panel joint part 16 and the corresponding portion of the panels 20, 30 may prevent leakage of the liquid by the front edges 21, 31 when the device is held substantially horizontal.

[0093] FIG.20 also shows the at least one weld line 17 adapted to seal the bottom of the reservoir 40 and to assemble and seal the two panels 20, 30 together at the front panel joint part 16. This weld line 17 is also shown in FIG. 21, in a close-up view of the reservoir 40 with liquid 70.

[0094] FIG.22 shows the front view of the opened configuration of the device 10 at the front panel joint part 16 in the plan indicated in Figure 19. This also represents a front view of the obtuse angle of the first panel 20 and the second panel 30, as well as the weld line 17 used to seal the two panels 20, 30 together.

[0095] FIG.23 and FIG.24 show the mold of the device 10 with the first panel 20 and second panel 30 that are adapted to be hingedly connected to the panel joint 15 at the first hinge 24 and the second hinge 34, respectively. The back panel joint part 18 is of substantially triangular shape formed by a first hinge 24 and a second hinge 34, with the panel joint bend 19 at its apex and the handle 50 at its base. These hinges 24 and 34 are adapted to allow the respective first panel 20 and the second panel 30 to pivot along the longitudinal axe in order to get the opened or the closed configurations of the device.

[0096] Still referring to FIG. 23, the internal surface of the molds of the handle 50 is shown, which comprises three parts: the first top handle part 51, the second top handle part 52 and the bottom handle part 53 with its handle hinges 54. In addition, FIG.23 shows the snap fastener system of the internal surface of these three parts 51, 52, 53 which are aligned with a plurality of apertures 55 on the first back edge 23 and the second back edges 33 of their respective panels, as also shown in FIG.24. The bottom handle part 53 comprises the snap studs 56, which connect to their corresponding snap sockets 57 on the first top handle part 51 and the second top handle part 52, in order to attach the handle to the device. One skilled in the art can understand that the number and location of the snap studs 56 and snap sockets 57 may vary. Also, other fastener systems may be used including but not limited to adhesive such as glue, clamp, weld or seam.

[0097] FIG.25 shows the front view of the opened configuration of the device 10 at the panel joint bend 19 in the plan indicated in Figure 24. This also represents a front view of the obtuse angle of the first panel 20 and the second panel 30 forming the reservoir 40.

[0098] FIG.26 shows another front view of the opened configuration of the device 10 at the back panel joint part 18, near the handle 50, in the plan indicated in Figure 24. It is shown the first hinge 24 and the second hinge 34 on either side of the back panel joint part 18, as well as the obtuse angle formed by the first panel 20 and the second panel 30.

[0099] Another embodiment according to the present invention is a method for arresting and collecting the sprayed liquids using the liquid spray shield and catcher device, in which the device is first opened in an opened configuration as shown in FIG.3. Secondly, the user may use at least one or a combination of the frontal approach (as shown in FIG. l and FIG.2), the first lateral approach (as shown in FIG.11) and the second lateral approach (as shown in FIG.10). By doing so, the user does not have to move around the potted plant in order to be able to effectively protect the immediate environment surrounding the plant. Next, the excess of liquid 70 is collected in the reservoir 40 as shown in FIG.7. This liquid 70 can then be poor into the plant's pot as shown in FIG.8. Lastly, the device may be stored in the closed configuration (as shown in FIG.3, full lines) or with a sprayer device 60 as shown in FIG.17 and FIG.18. Interestingly, since the closed configuration of the device is substantially flat, one can easily store the device in the immediate environment of the plants, such as but not limited to a drawer or underneath a house furniture like a couch, a sofa, a table or a cabinet.

[00100] While illustrative and presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations except insofar as limited by the prior art.