Leaf loader devices and methods

Abstract

A holding device that is adapted to fit within the opening of a refuse bag to hold the refuse bag open, and a grasping device that is effective to grasp leaves and other debris to load the leaves and other debris into the refuse bag are provided. The holding and grasping devices are particularly effective in that they increase the efficiency of filling standard refuse bags with leaves, sticks, grass, and other debris since the holder maintains the bag in an open position while the grasper is used to load leaves into the bag.

1 . A leaf loading kit, comprising: 
 holding device for use in holding open a refuse bag comprising an elongate, substantially planar member having opposed first and second ends, and a mating element formed on at least one of the first and second ends and adapted to removably and mate the first end to the second end to form a substantially cylindrical member, wherein the first and seconds ends are adjustably matable such that a circumference of the elongate, substantially planar member is adjustable when the opposed ends are mated to one another, and wherein the elongate member has a length extending between the first and second ends that is sufficient to fit within the opening of a refuse bag and to hold the bag in an open position when the first and second ends are mated to one another; and    a grasping device separate from the holding device and having a substantially elongate shape with handle members formed on opposed ends thereof.    
   
   
       2 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate, substantially planar member includes a first pair of female mating elements formed on the first end thereof, and a second pair of male mating elements formed on a second end thereof and matable with the first pair of female mating elements.  
   
   
       3 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein each of the first and second pair of mating elements is disposed along a side edge of the first and second ends of the elongate, substantially planar member.  
   
   
       4 . The kit of  claim 2 , wherein each female mating element comprises a bolt member and each male mating element comprises a slot having a first portion adapted to removably receive the bolt member and a second portion adapted to retain the bolt member.  
   
   
       5 . The kit of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate, substantially planar member includes a length extending between the first and second ends that is greater than a width of the elongate, substantially planar member.  
   
   
       6 . A leaf loading kit, comprising: 
 a sleeve member having opposed ends adapted to mate to one another to form a substantially cylindrical member, the opposed ends being adjustably matable to one another such that a circumference of the sleeve member is adjustable;    a grasping device separate from the sleeve member and having a substantially elongate shape with handle members formed on opposed ends thereof.    
   
   
       7 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein the sleeve member includes a first pair of female mating elements formed on the first end thereof, and a second pair of male mating elements formed on a second end thereof and matable with the first pair of female mating elements.  
   
   
       8 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein each of the first and second pair of mating elements is disposed along a side edge of the first and second ends of the sleeve member.  
   
   
       9 . The kit of  claim 7 , wherein each female mating element comprises a bolt member and each male mating element comprises a slot having a first portion adapted to removably receive the bolt member and a second portion adapted to retain the bolt member.  
   
   
       10 . The kit of  claim 6 , wherein the sleeve member includes a length extending between the first and second ends that is greater than a width of the sleeve member.  
   
   
       11 . (Cancelled).  
   
   
       12 . (Cancelled).