Method and apparatus for collecting yard debris

Abstract

An apparatus for collecting leaves and other yard debris supports a flexible bag in an open configuration. The apparatus has a frame for supporting the flexible bag, the frame having a shape that defines an opening through which the flexible bag is draped, at least one straight member defining an opening for receiving the flexible bag, and a flexible, closed-loop member for securing the flexible bag to the frame. The frame also has at least two retaining surfaces extending from the frame for retaining the flexible, closed-loop member. The apparatus can be used as a tool to collect leaves or other yard debris directly.

1 . An apparatus for collecting yard debris, comprising:
 a frame defining an opening for receiving an open end of a bag, wherein the frame comprises a first straight member defining at least a portion of the opening;   a flexible member comprising a length of flexible material separate from the bag and coupled so as to form a closed loop with an unstretched circumference smaller than a perimeter of the frame; and   two or more discontinuous retaining surfaces extending from the frame and configured to retain at least a portion of the length of flexible member about the frame and about at least a portion of the bag.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the two or more discontinuous retaining surfaces comprise three discontinuous retaining surfaces; and
 the frame is in a substantially triangular shape.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the three discontinuous retaining surfaces are defined by a first and a second lip extending from the frame and configured to accommodate the flexible member there between. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame further comprises an attachment member for attaching a handle. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame comprises extruded c-channel steel. 
   
   
       6 . An apparatus for collecting yard debris, comprising:
 a frame defining an opening for receiving an open end of a bag, wherein the frame comprises at least one straight U-channel member defining at least a portion of the opening, wherein the U-channel member of the frame is configured both to retain a portion of a closed loop of flexible material and a portion of the open end of a bag and to strengthen the frame;   a support member secured across a portion of the frame opening to strengthen the frame; and   a handle coupled to the support member.   
   
   
       7 . An apparatus for holding a bag, comprising:
 a frame defining an opening for receiving an open end of the bag; and   a closed elastic loop separate from the bag extending around the entire perimeter of the frame and securing the open end of the bag to the entire perimeter of the frame in an open configuration.   
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the frame comprises a U-channel member facing outwardly relative to the frame opening and cradles a portion of the elastic loop and a portion of the bag on the frame perimeter. 
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for holding open a bag, comprising:
 a frame comprising a first retaining surface and a second retaining surface, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface extending outwardly from the frame and forming a channel between the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface on the perimeter of the frame;   an opening defined by the frame, the opening having an open end of the bag draped over it; and   a closed elastic loop separate from the bag around the entire perimeter of the frame, thereby securing the bag continuously to the entire perimeter of the frame in an open configuration, wherein at least a portion of the closed elastic loop is secured within the channel.   
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the frame further comprises a straight edge portion defining at least a portion of the opening. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the frame is in a substantially triangular shape. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the frame comprises an attachment member for attaching a handle. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the closed elastic loop has an unstretched circumference smaller than a perimeter of the frame. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein a cross-section of at least a portion of the channel is generally U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, or concave. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising at least one cutout providing manual access to the loop secured about the frame. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a handle coupled to the frame. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the handle is adjustable in length. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , further comprising a support member secured to the frame at a plurality of locations relative to the handle, the support member extending across at least a portion of the frame opening to structurally reinforce the frame. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the handle is coupled to the support member. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of the opening formed by the frame comprises a straight length. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the opening formed by the frame has a shape selected from the group comprising a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, a hexagon, a circle, and an oval. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the frame comprises extruded c-channel steel. 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the closed elastic loop comprises a substantially circular cross-section. 
   
   
       24 . An apparatus for holding open a bag, comprising:
 a frame having a continuous outer perimeter, the frame comprising a first retaining surface and a second retaining surface, the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface extending outwardly from the frame and forming a channel between the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface on the perimeter of the frame; and   an opening defined by the frame.   
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , further comprising a handle coupled to the frame. 
   
   
       26 . A method for filling a bag, comprising:
 securing an opening of a bag to a frame, the frame comprising a straight leading edge;   positioning the straight leading edge in contact with an underlying surface;   grasping a handle secured to the frame; and   urging the frame in the direction of the opening of the bag toward a material, so as to contain the material within the bag.   
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the grasping the handle secured to the frame comprises grasping the handle with two hands. 
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the material comprises yard debris. 
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the opening of the bag is secured to the frame by a closed elastic loop. 
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the closed elastic loop is secured continuously to and directly against the entire perimeter of the frame. 
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the closed elastic loop is retained by one or more retaining surfaces extending from the frame. 
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the frame comprises a support member extending across at least a portion of an opening of the frame. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the handle is coupled to the support member. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the urging the frame in the direction of the opening of the bag toward a material, so as to contain the material within the bag comprises scooping the material into the bag.