Machine for loading leaves and yard debris into a yard bag

Abstract

A machine for simplifying the processes involved with yard debris bagging. The machine is comprised of a cylinder with an extended scoop, and a yard bag retainer that also serves as the primary handle. In the preferred embodiment, the two-piece plastic machine, consisting of a tapered cylinder with a hinged handle that swings into its seated position within the cylinder's opening, is inserted into an expanded yard bag. The opened edge of the yard bag is gathered and pulled forward and up, then folded over the cylinders lip. The handle is moved down into its seated position, grasping the gathered edge of the yard bag. The operator two-handedly maneuvers the scoop (extension portion of the cylinder) under a pile of leaves, lifts the scoop with the leading hand and deposits the leaves into the bottom of the yard bag. The loading the machine can vary depending on application. Loading the machines scoop by rack or shovel, or hand loading the cylinder with sharp thorny yard debris are user friendly options. The retainer/handle of the machine secures a plastic or biodegradable yard bag in place in it's opened state until the operator is ready to release it and remove the machine from the loaded yard bag.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:

Provisional Patent filed Jun. 22, 2005 #60/693,523

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of gardening. It is more specifically a machine for collecting yard debris and loading it into a bag. This invention reduces the awkwardness associated with getting yard debris into a yard bag. This invention generally systemizes the processes into easy steps to reduce time spent, while increasing the enjoyment associated with working in the yard or garden. This invention protects and supports a yard bag in it's openly expanded state, while either the operator scoop-loads leaves or other yard debris, or hand loads thorny stems, vines, etc. into the cylinder [body of device].

This idea came to me while working in my yard, filling some sixty bags with leaves and yard debris annually. The prototype is in service in my yard today. I believe anyone involved with his or her yard or garden will realize the benefits this invention offers.

Devices on the market today are related to one part of the process or another. Holding the yard bag in a open position is a popular concept. There is a stand alone yard bag support consisting of a wire type foldout frame, but it doesn't expand the bottom of the yard bag or provide a scooping function in loading. There is another yard bag holding device that shares the yard bag on the outside of the device technology, but again there is no method of scoop loading included within that design. There are a number of devices on the market for the purpose of gathering yard debris. These include but are not limited to, shovels, folding rakes (that grab the debris), brooms and dust pans etc.

This invention combines the processes into a two-motion action whereby a yard bag is controlled and loaded with yard debris. There are two separate technologies involved. The first is the shoveling up of piles of leaves or yard debris. The second is the management of an unruly yard bag opening. This invention addresses both issues while simplifying the tasks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to simplify the arduous task of controlling a plastic or biodegradable yard bag while loading it with leaves and or other forms of yard debris.

The primary function of the invention is to act as a scooping device, scooping up piles of leaves in a two motion process (scoop and lift), depositing the debris in a plastic or biodegradable yard bag.

Another object of the invention is to fill an average size yard bag with approximately two loaded scoops in a scoop and lift motion.

A further object of the invention is to position, support and secure a yard bag in an upright fashion acting as a reliable receptacle for yard clippings such as thorny vines, twigs, bushes and rose clippings without any significant damage to the yard bag while loading.

Yet another object of the invention is to assist with the disposal of lawn clippings collected in a lawn mower sack by transferring them into a yard bag. With the invention horizontally placed on the ground, a lawn mower sack can be emptied out onto the scoop of the device, then processed by way of cylinder to the yard bag without the struggle normally associated with handling a yard bag's opening. Performing this process at ground level reduces the lifting efforts required in the transfer of the lawn clipping to a disposable container.

Still another object of the invention is to function as a trash receptacle, supporting a yard bag in an upright open position in the garage or storage area.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed, a machine for collecting leaves and yard debris and loading a bag. The machine is comprised of a tapered cylinder/scoop that is inserted into a yard bag. And a bag retainer/handle that serves two functions. First, it secures the yard bag in place on the outside of the machine. Secondly, it is the primary handle by which the operator maneuvers the machine. Furthermore, the machine has another grasping point located at bottom edge of the body of the machine for two-handed operations.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed, a machine and process that makes possible the reduction of efforts normally associated with leaf or yard debris collection.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed, a machine to assist in the collection and bagging of thorny rose stems, vines and other yard clippings.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed, a machine to assist with the collection of gathered yard debris.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed, a machine for supporting a yard bag in an open, standing position, as a trash receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention inserted in an expanded yard bag.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of yard bag retainer.

FIG. 4 is side view of the yard bag retainer.

FIG. 5 is a sectional exploded view of the yard bag retainer's attaching pivot point.

FIG. 6 is over head view of the yard bag retainer.

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the yard bag retainer.

FIG. 8 is a frontal view of cylinder-scoop.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cylinder-scoop.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the cylinder-scoop.

FIG. 11 is a exploded cross sectional view of the cylinder to yard bag retainer fastening lug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly in FIG. 1, a perspective view of the invention. A tapered cylinder 1 with an extended scoop 6 and a yard bag retainer 2.

The yard bag retainer has an opening 5 that matches up with the opening 3 in the tapered cylinder when the yard bag retainer 2 is in it's latched position, serving as the primary [leading] handle.

An opening 4 on the tapered cylinder serves as secondary handle.

Referring to FIG. 2, the Yard Bag Loader has been inserted into a yard bag 8.

Referring to FIG. 3, a detailed view of the yard bag retainer 2 showing the securing pivot points (9 and 10) to be identical and located on either end of the yard bag retainer. A protruding lip 13 extends outward to interface with the intake opening of the tapered cylinder to index and maintain the latched position of the yard bag retainer. The lip further aids the handling of the primary handle 5/3, by widening the area at which the the yard bag retainer and tapered cylinder interface, offering a stronger, smoother grasping point.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side view of the yard bag retainer. The pivot point 9, the extended lip 10 and the primary handle 5.

Referring to FIG. 5, a sectional view of the left side of the yard bag retainer, illustrating the attaching pivot point 9. The larger area of peanut shaped hole 9 accommodates the insertion of the lug 12 located inside the tapered cylinder. With the stud inserted, a downward pressure is applied to the yard bag retainer, positioning the lug in the securing, pivotal point of the hole 9.

Referring to FIG. 6, an overhead dimensional view of the yard bag retainer.

Referring to FIG. 7, a frontal dimensional view of the yard bag retainer.

Referring to FIG. 8, a frontal view of the tapered cylinder/scoop, illustrating the position of the mounting lugs (2 and 11) for the yard bag retainer, left and right, located inside the tapered cylinder.

Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view of the tapered cylinder/scoop, depicting it's curvature.

Referring to FIG. 10, a side view of the cylinder/scoop, illustrating it's degree of taper.

Referring to FIG. 11, a sectional dimensional view of the lugs, (11 and 12) located inside the cylinder/scoop.

This invention, machine, while performing its basic functions is a device of simplistic nature. This is a stand-alone device for the purpose of getting piles of fallen leaves and other various yard debris into a yard bag. A person using two hands operates the device. Bending over a pile of fallen leaves, the person operating the machine slides the scoop portion of the device under the pile of leaves, raising the scoop end and depositing the load into the bottom of the cylinder, thus loading the bag. Approximately two of these actions result in the filling of an average size yard bag.

The device in a horizontal position on the ground is an excellent receptacle for yard debris that would normally be picked up then lifted up into a standing receptacle. This device eliminates that lifting up motion, reducing the effort required to perform the task.

This device greatly assists in dealing with thorny, hard-to-handle yard clippings such as roses, vines, twigs and clippings that are especially hard to transfer into a yard bag without damaging the yard bag. With the device inserted inside an expanded yard bag, the bag is protected from punctures and tearing by the debris while loading.

When the device is not being used in the yard or garden, it can continue to be useful as a trash receptacle, supporting a yard bag in a garage or storage area.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A machine for collecting leaves and yard debris and loading a bag. The machine is comprised of:

A tapered cylinder/scoop that is inserted into a yard bag

A combination bag retainer and primary handle

A second grasping point for two handed operations

2. The invention as claimed in 1 wherein the handle mounted on the inside of the body of the machine, moves into position securing and supporting a yard bag in a manageable open position.

3. The invention as claimed in 1 wherein two pieces of plastic comprise the device.

4. The invention as claimed in 1 wherein the body of the machine is a cylinder with a metered taper to allow for unit stacking in transport and in a retail environment.

5. A machine and process that makes possible the reduction of efforts normally associated with leaf or yard debris collection.

6. The machine as claimed in 5 wherein the operator holds the machine in a horizontal position at ground level.

7. The machine as claimed in 5 wherein the operator guides the scoop portion of the machine, in a shoveling motion under a pile of leaves or yard debris.

8. The machine as claimed in 5 wherein the operator lifts the scoop portion of the machine with the leading hand, depositing the leaves or yard debris into the bottom of the cylinder portion of the machine.

9. The machine as claimed in 5 wherein the operator stands the machine up vertically.

10. The machine as claimed in 5 wherein the operator lifts the machine up out of the yard bag, depositing the load directly into the yard bag.

11. A machine to assist in the collection and bagging of thorny rose stems, vines and other yard clippings.

12. A machine as claimed in 11 wherein the machine is in an upright/vertical standing position, and is loaded by hand while supporting an open, expanded yard bag.

13. The machine as claimed in 11 wherein a yard bag is protected from ripping and tearing by the device while being loaded with thorny garden clippings.

14. The machine as claimed in 11 wherein the machine is lifted out of the yard bag, depositing the thorny, sharply appointed debris in the yard bag.

15. (canceled)

16. The machine as claimed in 11 wherein a pile of gathered debris can be placed on the scoop portion of the device.

17. The machine as claimed in 11 wherein an operator lifts the scoop with the leading hand, depositing the debris into the cylinder portion of the machine.

18. The machine as claimed in 11 wherein the operator stands the machine up vertically.

19. The machine as claimed in 11 wherein the operator lifts the machine up and out of the yard bag, depositing the load in the yard bag.

20. (canceled)