The Bush Bib:

The Bush Bib:

The Bush Bib is a nylon drop-cloth for removing debris cut from and found around shrubs, trees, etc.  The Bush Bib is different from other catchers in that it provides a removable ground cover that does not require clumsy, rigid supports.

Removable ground covers or debris catchers of various types are commonly used for cleanup after trimming a bush or tree.  Many people use old sheets or blankets, or invest in sheets of plastic drop-cloth material.  However, old sheets and blankets are cumbersome to work with.  Furthermore, plastic is typically a one-time-use product which means continually purchasing plastic for this use can get expensive over time.   For this reason, many professional landscapers prefer to have a reusable debris catcher that is quick and efficient to work with.

Unfortunately, most of the debris catchers developed for this purpose are difficult for a single user to handle.  Ground covers of this sort commonly employ some type of framework or fencing around the perimeter of the cover.  This is intended to help support the weight of the cover when filled with debris and
prevent spilling.  Nevertheless, these covers have a tendency to become nearly impossible to maneuver once they have been filled with debris.  This limitation is prominent in even the most commonly used debris catchers.

The Bush Bib comprises a nylon cloth material which includes a pouch for holding debris and two pairs of eyelets for attaching a pulling means.   The cloth provides a slit starting at one end of the Bib and terminating at a hole in the center.  Together, the slit and central hole allow the user to neatly wrap the Bush-Bib around the tree so as to provide an easier cleanup.   On the same end where the slit begins, four circular rings, or eyelets, are symmetrically positioned along the edge of the Bib.   These eyelets provide the means of attaching a rope for pulling the Bush Bib.

While the Bush Bib is illustrated as having a rectangular shape, the design of the cloth can be of different sizes and shapes depending on the intended use of the Bib.  In some applications, the accessibility of particular trees or bushes may depend on the landscape.  For example, in situations where a tree or bush is growing close to a building, or has an exceptionally unusual shape, the slit would be formed on a short end of the Bib to make the other sides longer, thereby taking full advantage of the available work space.   While no specific dimensions have been indicated for the size of the Bush Bib, the Bib may be sized according to the anticipated needs.

The pouch or pocket is sewn around the edges to ensure a strong and secure holding capacity for the clippings from the tree or bush.  Once filled, the Bush Bib can be easily carried or towed away for proper disposal.   The pouch can also include additional features designed to hold special gardening tools and items such as trowels, shears, seeds, gloves, etc.  Other attachments, such as chain-linked hooks for use with a riding mower (not shown), can also be used as a pulling means.  The eyelet rings are preferably made of stainless steel, but may also be gold plated, anodized aluminum and/or a titanium alloy.  The Bush Bib is comprised of a durable and water resistant material such as nylon.

Another advantageous quality of the Bib's material is that it can be easily cleaned by rinsing with water, and quickly dried by convection thereby reducing the effects associated with mildew during storage.  The Bush Bib is currently patent pending at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

Inventor:  William Kartisek, 5037 Tipperary, Christiansted, V.I. 00820 (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Phone (340) 713-0003
E-mail: [email protected]

since May 1, 2000