Leaf collecting and hauling tarpaulin

Abstract

A lawn tarpaulin of strong, flexible material for collecting and hauling leaves and lawn debris is described consisting of a rectangular tarpaulin with two or more weighted and partially stiffened edges. Both the weight and stiffening are provided by a plurality of strips of stiff dense material, such as metal strips, fastened to the tarp edges alternating with short gaps of flexible tarpaulin edge between them. This allows the tarpaulin to be folded for convenient storage. The weighted edges keep the tarpaulin from bowing in the wind and stable when raking debris onto the tarpaulin. A handle attached to one corner of the tarpaulin connects the opposite corner and to at least one central point on a front edge for hauling. The partially stiffened edges cause the tarpaulin to assume a shape while hauling that encloses the load and prevents spillage.

1 . An apparatus for conveniently receiving, hauling, and dumping leaves and lawn debris comprising:
 a substantially rectangular tarpaulin of strong flexible material and smooth surfaces having a front edge with a first and second end and a rear edge;   said front edge bearing a plurality of releasable connective means spaced equidistant from each other starting from the first and ending equidistant from the second end;   an elongated handle flexibly attached at the second end of the front edge, said handle bearing one or more connective means able to firmly but releasably connect with said connective means on the tarpaulin front edge;   a plurality of essentially equal length strips of stiff dense material fastened along the tarpaulin edges running from front edge to the back edge, each strip separated from the adjacent one by a short distance of flexible tarpaulin edge.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the tarpaulin has grommets spaced approximately evenly around its periphery, and the strips of stiff, dense material are sized so that the grommets fall in the space between said strips. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the stiff, dense material consists of strips of sheet metal folded over the tarpaulin edge and fastened through the tarpaulin edge. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  in which the tarpaulin has hemmed edges and the strips of stiff dense material are sewn or heat sealed inside said hem. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled)