Vented scooping device

Abstract

A filtering gutter or trench cleaning device with directional fluid exit is advantageous in the cleaning process. The invention includes an open scoop like structure with two sides that are connected by a bottom portion and a rear portion. At least one of these portions includes a directional vent that allows water to exit as the debris stays within the structure. The directional capacity of the vent includes a void angle that directs the flow of water. If the water is desired to be removed in this manner as well as the solid debris, while the device is empty, a liner can be inserted into the exposed cavity, thus enabling a water tight seal within the cavity. The bottom portion in the front of the invention can also include a plurality of teeth extending from the bottom portion, away from the rear portion. The invention may also include a top portion which is moveably mounted to the invention, thereby allowing access to the inside by manipulation of the top portion, scooping up debris and then closing the top portion, capturing the debris within the cavity of the invention. This top portion may also include a vent to allow water to drain therefrom.

What is claimed is:  
     
         38 . A vented scooping device comprising: 
 a first side portion disposed substantially parallel to a second side portion and connected by a bottom portion;    a rear portion connecting said first side, said second side and said bottom portions, the portions in combination defining a cavity there between, the rear portion including a directional vent; and    a handle in fixed communication with said rear portion and without obstructing said directional vent and positioned outside of said cavity, whereby material from said cavity can be discharged through said directional vent away from said handle.    
     
     
         39 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , wherein said directional vent is comprised of at least one void of adequate dimension so as to allow water to flow through but small enough such that leaf material cannot pass through.  
     
     
         40 . The scooping device as described in claim  39 , wherein said dimension is between 0.05 and 0.25 inches.  
     
     
         41 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , wherein said directional vent is comprised of a plurality of voids arranged in a series of columns and rows.  
     
     
         42 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , wherein said directional vent has a void angle between 45 and 85 degrees with respect to said bottom portion.  
     
     
         43 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , further comprising a plurality of teeth extending from said bottom portion, away from said rear portion.  
     
     
         44 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , further comprising a rigid liner that is receivable by at least a portion of said cavity, thereby obstruction said vent.  
     
     
         45 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , further comprising a top portion, moveably mounted to a portion of said combination, allowing access to said cavity by manipulation of said top portion.  
     
     
         46 . The scooping device as described in claim  38 , wherein said top portion includes a top knob, the knob accessible by at least one digit of a hand of a user while the hand is in contact with said handle.  
     
     
         47 . A vented scoop comprising: 
 a structure comprising, in combination, two side portions, a bottom portion and a rear portion, the combination defining a cavity there between;    a handle in fixed communication with a portion of said combination, without interference of said directional vent and positioned outside of said cavity; and    a directional vent in at least one portion of said combination, thus enabling controlled discharge of fluid from said cavity through said directional vent away from said handle.    
     
     
         48 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , wherein said directional vent is comprised of at least one void of adequate dimension so as to allow water to flow through but small enough such that leaf material cannot pass through.  
     
     
         49 . The scooping device as described in  claim 48 , wherein said dimension is between 0.05 and 0.25 inches.  
     
     
         50 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , wherein said directional vent is comprised of a plurality of voids arranged in a series of columns and rows.  
     
     
         51 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , wherein said directional vent has a void angle between 45 and 85 degrees with respect to said bottom portion.  
     
     
         52 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , further comprising a plurality of teeth extending from said bottom portion, away from said rear portion.  
     
     
         53 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , further comprising a rigid liner that is receivable by at least a portion of said cavity, thereby obstruction said vent.  
     
     
         54 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , further comprising a top portion, moveably mounted to a portion of said combination, allowing access to said cavity by manipulation of said top portion.  
     
     
         55 . The scooping device as described in  claim 47 , wherein said top portion includes a top knob, the knob accessible by at least one digit of a hand of a user while the hand is in contact with said handle.  
     
     
         56 . A method of removing debris from a water filled structure without soiling the hand of a user, including the steps of: 
 providing a scooping device, the device including: 
 a structure comprising, in combination, two side portions, a bottom portion and a rear portion, the combination defining a cavity there between;  
 a handle in fixed communication with a portion of said combination, without interference of said directional vent and positioned outside of said cavity; and  
 a directional vent in at least one portion of said combination, thus enabling controlled discharge of fluid from said cavity through said directional vent away from said handle;  
   grasping said handle with one hand and inserting the scoop in said water filled structure;    moving said scoop in said structure such that said debris and water are received within said cavity;    allowing said water to discharge through said directional vent, away from the hand of the user; and    removing said scoop from said structure, and dumping said debris within said cavity.    
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein said handle of said scoop is fixed to said rear portion thereof and said directional vent is also positioned in said rear portion below said handle, said vent having a void angle between 45 and 85 degrees.