Debris collecting device and method

Abstract

A debris collecting device for gathering and moving quantities of debris comprising of a pliable, flexible material of sufficient size, and a plurality of elongated support members of substantially equal length. The debris collecting device is operated by a person. The debris collecting device is put over the pile of debris and the elongated support members are brought underneath the debris and then the debris collection device can be maneuvered into position for carrying and or disposal.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A debris collection device, which collects the debris from the top comprising: 
 a sheet of flexible pliable material for covering a pile of debris;    a plurality of elongated support members of substantially equal length; and    means for joining said elongated support members to said flexible pliable material.    
     
     
         2 . The debris collection device as recited in  claim 1  wherein said elongated support members each are less than 2.0 meters long.  
     
     
         3 . The debris collection device as recited in  claim 2  wherein said elongated support members each are less than 1.5 meters long.  
     
     
         4 . The debris collection device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the flexible pliable material is less than 2.0 meters wide.  
     
     
         5 . The debris collection device as recited in  claim 1  wherein said flexible, pliable material is made of polyethylene.  
     
     
         6 . The debris collection device as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a hinge connecting a first of the plurality of elongated support members to a second of the elongated support members.  
     
     
         7 . The debris collection device as recited in  claim 6  wherein the first and second elongated support members have angled ends.  
     
     
         8 . A debris collection device comprising: 
 a sheet of flexible material having a first side edge and a second side edge; a width between the first and second side edges being less than two meters and a length of the first and second side edges each being less than two meters;    a first rigid support member attached to the first side edge; and    a second rigid support member attached to the second side edge, the first and second rigid support members capable of being brought together so that the sheet of flexible material encircles debris.    
     
     
         9 . A method for collecting debris comprising the steps of: 
 placing a debris collecting device having a sheet of flexible material having a first side edge and a second side edge, a first rigid support member attached to the first side edge and a second rigid support member attached to the second side edge manually over a pile of debris;    manually moving the first rigid support member and the second rigid support member together so as to encircle at least a portion of the pile of debris; and    manually transporting the debris collecting device using the first and second rigid support members.    
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 9  wherein the steps are performed by a single person.  
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 9  wherein the steps are performed by two people.  
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 9  further comprising dumping the debris by releasing one of the support members.