Apparatus for collecting and handling yard debris utilizing a reusable receptable

Abstract

An apparatus for collecting and handling yard debris supports a flexible, reusable receptacle in an open configuration. The apparatus has a frame for supporting the receptacle, the frame having a shape that defines an opening through which the receptacle is draped, at least one straight member defining an opening for receiving the flexible receptacle, and a flexible, closed-loop member for securing the mouth of the receptacle 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. The receptacle has a hatch that can be opened to deposit the collected debris into another receptacle or other location.

1 . An apparatus for collecting and handling yard debris utilizing a flexible receptacle for easy transfer of debris, comprising:
 the flexible receptacle having an open top mouth, a generally tubular body and a hatch,   a frame defining an opening for receiving the open top mouth of the receptacle, wherein the frame comprises a first straight member defining at least a portion of the frame opening;   the open top mouth of the receptacle configured to be placed in the frame;   a closed loop of flexible material with an unstretched circumference smaller than a perimeter of the frame and configured to be secured about at least a portion of the perimeter and over at least a portion of the mouth of the receptacle at least partially surrounding the perimeter;   one or more retaining surfaces extending from the frame and configured to retain the length of flexible material about the frame and the portion of the mouth;   a handle secured to the frame and defining a longitudinal direction;   a support member secured to the frame at a plurality of locations spaced laterally relative to the handle, the support member extending across at least a portion of the frame opening, to structurally reinforce the frame; and   wherein the handle is coupled to the support member and the hatch is configured to be opened and closed by a gathering means.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the gathering means comprises a strap having hook material on a first side of the strap and loop material on a second side of the strap such that the strap can be wound in a circular motion in proximity to the hatch of the receptacle in order to gather the receptacle and close the hatch, the hook material becoming entangled with the loop material and thereby securing the hatch in a closed position. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein portions of the frame comprising the one or more retaining surfaces comprise at least a portion of one or more channel members configured to retain at least a portion of the length of flexible material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein portions of the frame comprising the one or more retaining surfaces comprise at least a portion of one or more channel members having an opening for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the length of flexible material extending along at least a portion of the one or more channel members. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more channel members further comprise at least one cutout providing manual access to the loop secured about the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the length of flexible material comprises an elastic cord. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the handle is adjustable in length. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the frame further comprises a second straight member defining at least a portion of the opening. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening formed by the frame has a shape selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, and a hexagon. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the closed loop of flexible material is configured to be secured about the entire perimeter. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured to retain the closed loop of flexible material around the entire perimeter. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle removably coupled to the receptacle. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the gathering means comprises a drawstring having a cord, the cord extending through a channel in the receptacle around a perimeter of the receptacle near the hatch and out of a port in the channel such that the cord can be grasped and pulled tight to gather the receptacle and close the hatch. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein a clasp is configured on the drawstring such that it can be closed to secure the drawstring in a closed position and wherein the clasp can be opened to release the drawstring and open the hatch. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein portions of the frame comprising the one or more retaining surfaces comprise at least a portion of one or more channel members having an opening for receiving and retaining at least a portion of the length of flexible material extending along at least a portion of the one or more channel members. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more channel members further comprise at least one cutout providing manual access to the loop secured about the frame. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the handle is adjustable in length. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the frame further comprises a second straight member defining at least a portion of the opening. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the opening formed by the frame has a shape selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, and a hexagon. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the closed loop of flexible material is configured to be secured about the entire perimeter of the frame.