YARD WASTE COLLECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A yard waste collection device having an integral body, handle, and hardware for securing a leaf bag. The integral body has a substantially planar base, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a posterior opening. Leaves and grass clippings can be raked or swept into the integral body and through the posterior opening. A lawn or leaf bag, held in place by the hardware, collects the leaves.

Claims

1. A yard waste collection device comprising, an integral body having a continuous inner surface, a continuous outer surface and comprised of a substantially planar base surface with an anterior free-edge, a first side wall surface contiguous with the substantially planar base surface and extending vertically from the substantially planar base surface wherein a first end of the anterior free-edge terminates at the first side wall, a second side wall surface contiguous with the substantially planar base surface and extending vertically from the substantially planar base surface wherein a second end of the anterior free-edge terminates at the second side wall, and a posterior opening, disposed opposite the anterior free-edge, with a rim disposed on the side of the opening away from the anterior free-edge; a handle and shank; and hardware with which to mount a bag to the rim of the opening; wherein the anterior free-edge is at least 18 in length, and the first and second side wall are at least 12 in height.

2. The yard waste collection device in claim 1, wherein the anterior free-edge is at least 24 in length.

3. The yard waste collection device in claim 1, wherein the first and second side wall are at least 16 in height.

4. The yard waste collection device in claim 1, wherein the posterior opening is defined by at least one plane shape.

5. The yard waste collection device in claim 4, wherein the posterior opening is defined by two plane shapes.

6. The yard waste collection device in claim 5, wherein the two plane shapes defining the posterior opening are connected by an interior surface.

7. The yard waste collection device in claim 6, wherein the two plane shapes defining the posterior opening are rectangular and the interior surface is a rectangular cubic.

8. The yard waste collection device of claim 5, wherein the two plane shapes defining the posterior opening are circles and the interior surface is a cylinder.

9. The yard waste collection device of claim 8, wherein the rim is cylindrical.

10. The yard waste collection device of claim 1, wherein the integral body is further comprised of a top wall having an anterior edge, and wherein the first side wall is contiguous with the top wall; and wherein the second side wall is contiguous with the top wall.

11. The yard waste collection device of claim 10, wherein the integral body is further comprised of an angled anchor affixed to the top wall.

12. The yard waste collection device of claim 11, wherein the angled anchor provides a hand-grasp for lifting the integral body.

13. The yard waste collection device of claim 10, wherein the handle and shank attach to the angled anchor that is affixed to the top surface of the integral body, forming an acute angle between the shank and the top wall in the direction of the posterior opening.

14. The yard waste collection device of claim 1, wherein the handle and shank attach to the integral body in near proximity to the posterior opening.

15. The yard waste collection device of claim 1, wherein the integral body is molded from at least one of poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

16. The yard waste collection device of claim 16, wherein, in order to create a lightweight integral body, the at least one of PMMA, PC, ABS, PP, HDPE, and LDPE is augmented with at least one of glass beads, flue ash, or re-grind material.

17. The yard waste collection device of claim 16, wherein, in order to create a lightweight integral body, a gaseous substance is introduced into the least one of PMMA, PC, ABS, PP, HDPE, and LDPE in order to foam the integral body, creating small air pockets within the material, wherein all of the exposed surfaces of the integral body are smooth.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention is illustrated with 18 drawings on 14 sheets.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the same embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a reverse perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a side view of the first alternative embodiment of the present invention of the alternative embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention with a leaf bag attached.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a reverse perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the present invention with a leaf bag attached.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a side view of the second alternative embodiment of the present invention with a leaf bag attached.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the present invention with a leaf bag attached.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a reverse perspective view of the third alternative embodiment of the present invention with a leaf bag attached.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a side view of the third alternative embodiment of the present invention with a leaf bag attached.

[0037] FIG. 13 is an in situ view showing the relative size of the second alternative embodiment of the invention to a user.

[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clamping means for the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamping means for the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the same alternative embodiment of the clamping means for the present invention as shown in FIG. 15, with the retaining hoop articulated.

[0041] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamping means for the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a clamping means for the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The following descriptions are not meant to limit the invention, but rather to add to the summary of invention, and illustrate the present invention, by offering and illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, a yard waste collection device.

[0044] FIGS. 1-3 show a first embodiment of the present invention 11, a yard waste collection device. The present invention 11 has an integral body 14, fabricated from poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA or tradenames Plexiglass or Lucite), polycarbonate (PC or tradename Lexan), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), steel, zinc, or aluminum. The present invention 11 has to be lightweight in order to be lifted with one arm by a user to collect leaves and other yard debris. Due to the substantial size of the integral body 11, as further detailed in this section, the material needs to be lightweight.

[0045] The integral body 14 has an interior surface 6 and an exterior surface 7. The integral body has a substantially planar base 5, a first side wall 3, a second side wall 1, and a top wall 4. An angled anchor 8 is affixed to the top wall 4.

[0046] The integral body 14 has several discernible features. The integral body has a substantially planar base 5 connected to a first side wall 3, and a second side wall 1. The substantially planar base 5 is contiguous with both the first side wall 3 and the second side wall 1. The side walls 1, 3 have a height 20. The height 20 of the side walls 1, 3 is at least 12. In many embodiments, it is preferable for the height 20 of the side walls 1, 3 to be at least 16. The angle between the substantially planar base 5 and the first side wall 3 is substantially orthogonal, although that is not a requirement of the present invention 11. The angle between the substantially planar base 5 and the second side wall 1 is substantially orthogonal, although that is not a requirement of the present invention 11. The angle between the substantially planar base 5 and the side walls 3, 1 can also be slightly obtuse, or slightly acute.

[0047] Because the substantially planar base 5 is part of the integral body 14, the substantially planar base 5 has an interior surface 5 and an exterior surface (not shown). The first side wall 3 has an interior surface (not visible) and an exterior surface 7. The second side wall 1 has an interior surface 6 and an exterior surface (not visible).

[0048] The substantially planar base 5 has an anterior free edge 2. The anterior free edge 2 has a first end 12 that terminates at the first side wall 3. The anterior free edge 2 has a second end 13 that terminates at the second side wall 1. The anterior free edge 2 has a length 21 between the first end 12 and the second end 13. The length 21 of the anterior free edge 2 is at least 18. In certain embodiments, it is preferable for the length 21 to be greater than 24, the approximate width of a standard leaf rake. A beveled surface transitions between the interior surface 5 of the substantially planar base 5 and the anterior free edge 2.

[0049] The integral body 14 has a posterior opening 15. The posterior opening 15 is defined by at least one plane shape 15, in this case, a rectangle 15. A groove 10 defines a rectangular cubic rim 9 visible on the exterior surface of the integral body 14. A debris bag (see FIG. 4, 370) can be attached to the rim 9 by placing the debris bag 370 over the rim 9 and groove 10 and wrapping a bungy cord (not shown) around the device 11, or using other hardware to capture the debris bag 370.

[0050] The present invention 11 has a handle 30 attached to the integral body 14 at an angled anchor 8 on the top wall 4. The handle 30 has a screw attachment 32 at one end. The handle 30 has a shank 31 with a diameter 33. The angled anchor 8 has a screw receptacle. By attaching the handle 30 to the integral body 14 at the angled anchor 8 at the screw receptacle, a torque angle is created. The handle 30 creates an acute angle with the top wall 4 towards the posterior opening 15. When there is no debris bag 370, the present invention will tilt forward, towards the anterior free edge 2. When a debris bag 370 is attached and filled, the present invention 11 will be balanced. Alternately, the angled anchor 8 provides a hand-hold that can be used by a user to manipulate the integral body 14 directly, allowing the user to lift and empty the integral body 14.

[0051] FIGS. 4-12 show three alternative embodiments of the present invention 211, 311, 411, a yard waste collection device with an integral body 250, 350, 450. The integral body 250, 350, 450 has a substantially planar base 212, 312, 412 connected to a first side wall 215, 315, 415, and a second side wall 238, 338, 438. The substantially planar base 212, 312, 412 has an interior surface 212, 312, 412 and an exterior surface 229, 329, 429. The first side wall 215, 315, 415 has an interior surface 215, 315, 415 and an exterior surface 228, 328, 428. Like the first side wall, 215, 315, 415, the second side wall 238, 338, 438, has an interior surface (not visible) and an exterior surface 238, 338, 438. The three embodiments in FIGS. 4-12 do not have a top wall or surface. The first side wall 215, 315, 415 has a top edge 220, 320, 420. The second side wall 238, 338, 438 has a top edge 221, 321, 421.

[0052] The substantially planar base 212, 312, 412 has an anterior free edge 214, 314, 414. The anterior free edge 214, 314, 414 terminates at the first side wall 215, 315, 415 at a first end 260, 360, 460. The anterior free edge 214, 314, 414 terminates at the second side wall 238, 338, 438 at a second end 261, 361, 461. The anterior free edge 214, 314, 414 has a length 21 (see e.g., FIG. 4) between the first end (see e.g., 260) and the second end (see e.g., 261). The length 21 of the anterior free edge 214, 314, 414 is at least 18. In certain embodiments, it is preferable for the length 21 to be greater than 24, the approximate width of a standard leaf rake. A beveled surface 213, 313, 413 transitions between the substantially planar base 212, 312, 412 and the anterior free edge 214, 314, 414.

[0053] An interior edge fillet 233, 333, 433 defines the transition between the interior surface 212, 312, 412 of the substantially planar base 212, 312, 412 and the interior surface 215, 315, 415 of the first side wall 215, 315, 415. Likewise, an interior fillet (not shown) defines the transition between the interior surface 212, 312, 412 of the substantially planar base 212, 312, 412 and the interior surface (not shown) of the second side wall 238, 338, 438.

[0054] An exterior edge fillet 231, 232, 241, 331, 332, 341, 431, 432, 441 defines the transition between the exterior substantially planar base 229, 329, 429, on the one hand, and the exterior surface 228, 328, 428 of the first side wall 215, 315, 415 and the exterior surface 238, 338, 438 of the second side wall 238, 338, 438, on the other hand. The exterior surface 228, 328, 428 of the first side wall 215, 315, 415 and the exterior surface 238, 338, 438 of the second side wall 238, 338, 438 are connected by an exterior curved surface 230, 330, 430.

[0055] In the three alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-12, the integral body 250, 350, 450 the posterior opening is defined by two plane shapes 218, 318, 418, 248, 348, 448. A first plane shape of the posterior opening 218, 318, 418 is on the interior surface of the integral body 250, 350, 450 and a second plane shape of the posterior opening 248, 348, 448 is on the exterior surface of the integral body 250, 350, 450. The posterior openings 218, 318, 418, 248, 348, 448 are all defined by a plane shape 218, 318, 418, 248, 348, 448. In FIGS. 4-6, the posterior openings 218, 248 are connected with an interior cylindrical surface 224. In FIGS. 7-9, the posterior openings 318, 348 are connected with an interior cylindrical surface 324. In FIGS. 10-12, the posterior openings 418, 448 are connected with an interior cylindrical surface 424. In this case, the plane shapes 218, 318, 418 and 248, 348, 448 are circles, and the interior surface connecting the two plane shapes are cylinders 224, 324, 424.

[0056] A first interior edge 219, 319, 419 provides the transition between the interior surface 215, 315, 415 of the first side wall 215, 315, 415 and the interior surface (not visible) of the second side wall 238, 338, 438. The first interior edge 219, 319, 419 defines the lower boundary of the posterior opening 218, 318, 418 on the interior surface of the integral body 250, 350, 450. A semi-cylindrical top surface 222, 322, 422 connects the first side wall 215, 315, 415 with the second side wall 238, 338, 438. The first interior edge 219, 319, 419 is contiguous with a second interior edge 245, 345, 445 of the semi-cylindrical top surface 222, 322, 422. Together the first interior edge edge 219, 319, 419 and the second interior edge 245, 345, 445 define the plane shape 218, 318, 418 of the posterior opening 218, 318, 418.

[0057] A cylindrical rim 225, 325, 425 terminates at the posterior opening 248, 348, 448 in the exterior surface of the integral body 250, 350, 450. The cylindrical rim can be truncated like 225 or extended like 325, 425. The extended cylinder 325 can either be parallel to the substantially planar base 312, or the extended cylinder 425 can be angled with respect to the substantially planar base 412. For the first alternative embodiment in FIG. 5, the rim 225 has an edge 226. For the second and third alternative embodiments, in FIGS. 8 and 11, respectively, the rim 325, 425 edge is obscured by a retaining ring 360, 460, used to hold a standard lawn or leaf bag 370, 470. The cylindrical rim 225, 325, 425 is the external cylindrical surface 225, 325, 425 corresponding to the interior cylindrical surface 224, 324, 424 of the posterior opening 248, 348, 448.

[0058] The present invention 211, 311, 411 has a handle 223, 323, 423 attached to the integral body 250, 350, 450 by a handle shank 227, 327, 427. The handle shank 227, 327, 427 is attached orthogonally to the semi-cylindrical top surface 222, 322, 422. The handle shank 227, 327, 427 can have a telescoping feature 239, 339, 439, allowing the length of the handle shank 227, 327, 427 to be adjusted. The handle 223, 323, 423 is attached near the posterior opening 211, 311, 411, meaning that the integral body 250, 350, 450 will tend to tilt forward, towards the anterior free edge 214, 314, 414 when lifted by the handle 223, 323, 423, while empty. When the debris bag 370 is full, the integral body 250, 350, 450 will tend to be balanced when lifted by the handle 223, 323, 423

[0059] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the present invention 311 being used, in situ, by a user 600. A standard leaf bag 370 is attached to the present invention 311 with a retainer ring 360. The handle shank 327 is adjusted with a telescoping feature 339 so that the grasp hand 323 is at the proper height for the user 600 to grasp it with their hand 601. With reference to FIGS. 10-12, by angling the cylindrical rim 425 with respect to the substantially planar base 412, a user 600 can more easily use gravity to dump leaves by tilting the invention. When lifting the integral body 450 by the handle 423, while the leaf bag 370 is empty, the integral body 450 will tend to tilt forward. When lifting the integral body 450 by the handle 423, while the leaf bag 370 is full, the integral body 450 will tend to tilt towards the posterior opening 418, which will force the debris into the leaf bag 370 through gravity.

[0060] A standard leaf bag 370, 470 is connected to the present invention 11, 111, 211, 311, 411 with hardware attached to the rim 25, 125, 225, 325, 425. FIGS. 14-18 show several potential embodiments of hardware. FIG. 14 shows a plurality of retaining clips 610 attached to an extended cylindrical rim 325. The retaining clips 610 are made with spring steel, and capture a law bag 370, 470 with a friction fit.

[0061] FIGS. 15 and 16 show a hinged retainer ring 620 connected to the cylindrical rim 325. The retainer ring has a tightening screw 622, a hinge 621, and the ring, itself, 620. The retainer ring 620 captures law bags 370, 470 with a friction fit. FIG. 17 is a variation on the retainer ring 630, in which there is no hinge. The retainer ring 630 separates from the cylindrical rim 325. The retainer ring 630 captures law bags 370, 470 with a friction fit, and is tightened using a screw 631.

[0062] FIG. 18 shows standard spring clamps 640 durably attached to the cylindrical rim 325. The spring clamps 640 hold law bags 370, 470 with a friction fit. The spring clamps 640 are opened by squeezing or depressing the handle 641.