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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/723,935 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING YARD DEBRIS, filed Mar. 15, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/118,988 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING YARD DEBRIS, filed May 12, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,236, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/403,571 entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING YARD DEBRIS, filed Apr. 13, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,135; this application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/217,018 entitled REUSABLE BAG FOR AN APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING YARD DEBRIS, filed May 26, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of lawn and garden tools and, more particularly, to an apparatus for collecting and handling yard debris utilizing a reusable receptacle for easy transfer of debris.

BACKGROUND

Bags are used for a variety of purposes, including storage, transport, handling and disposal of both valued and waste items. For example, bags are commonly used to collect and dispose of leaves accumulating on lawns and in gardens. Many home owners use a leaf rake to gather leaves into piles and then collect the leaves into bags for disposal. Whereas raking is relatively straight-forward, bagging the leaves and debris is the part of the process that is time-consuming, back-breaking and dirty. This laborious process has recently been significantly improved with the introduction of an apparatus for collecting yard debris (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,374,135, hereafter the '135 patent). The apparatus in the '135 patent supports a flexible bag in an open configuration for collecting leaves and other yard debris. It holds the bag open and a user can take the bag to the debris, rather than bringing the debris to the bag; hence, making the bagging process fast, clean, and easy.

Plastic bags are often used for collection, storage, transport and disposal of leaves and other yard debris. Perhaps the most commonly used plastic bags are 39-gallon “lawn & leaf” bags. However, other bags or receptacles can be used in place of plastic bags: some municipalities require the use of special paper bags for the disposal of yard waste while others require direct deposit of yard waste into city-provided 96 gallon dumpsters, compost bins or other receptacles. Furthermore, individuals may prefer to deposit leaves and other yard debris into their own waste handling receptacles, such as compost bins, “burn-barrels,” etc., or they may wish to relocate the debris to another location.

Plastic, or other flexible bags, generally will not support themselves in an open configuration, making such bags awkward to use and difficult to fill. Therefore, the apparatus and method for collecting yard debris described in the '135 patent was designed to handle bags and improve the process of collecting, transporting and disposing of yard debris. Although the '135 apparatus performs admirably with plastic bags, it can be difficult to use with paper bags. Emptying plastic bags filled with yard debris into compost bins, burn-barrels, paper bags, dumpsters, or other receptacles without ripping, damaging, or depositing the plastic bag in the receptacle with the yard debris can be difficult.

Therefore, a need exists for an apparatus utilizing a reusable receptacle that allows for easy collection and transfer of yard debris to other non-plastic bag receptacles or other locations.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention described and claimed herein address at least some of the foregoing limitations and problems by an apparatus that supports a flexible, reusable receptacle in an open configuration for collecting and handling yard debris. The receptacle can have a hatch for easily transferring the debris to another receptacle or location and depositing the debris without having to flip the apparatus over. In one embodiment, an apparatus has a frame for supporting a flexible, reusable receptacle, the frame having a shape that defines an opening through which the flexible receptacle may be draped, at least one straight member defining an opening for receiving the receptacle, and a flexible, closed-loop member for securing the receptacle to the frame. The frame also has a plurality of retaining surfaces extending from the frame for retaining the flexible, closed-loop member. The closed-loop member holds the reusable receptacle on the frame. The reusable receptacle is generally bag-shaped and has a mouth that attaches to the frame. The receptacle can taper from the mouth at its top towards its bottom and it has a quick-empty hatch that can be opened at the bottom and/or along the side for easy transfer of debris. The taper helps to funnel the debris to effect a clean fill of a dumpster, compost bin, paper bag, barrel, etc. or to deposit the debris in another location. The hatch eliminates the need to flip the receptacle over in order to empty its contents quickly and cleanly with minimal lifting and manipulation due to the receptacle's built-in quick-empty hatch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features and objects of the present invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of a preferred embodiment and other embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of an apparatus that supports a flexible, reusable receptacle in an open configuration for collecting and handling yard debris in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a frame for holding a flexible, reusable waste collection receptacle;

FIG. 3 illustrates an end elevation depicting a frame for holding a flexible, reusable waste collection receptacle;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation depicting a frame for holding a flexible, reusable waste collection receptacle;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of the area within circle 5 in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate details of alternate profiles of the area shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a frame according to another aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate perspective views of an apparatus for collecting yard debris holding a flexible, reusable waste collection receptacle;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting yard debris being used in a shoveling method according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting yard debris being used in a dust-pan method according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting yard debris being used in a curb-scraping method according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details.

The apparatus for collecting and handling yard debris utilizing a reusable receptacle is designed to give the user an eco-friendly solution to handling their leaves and/or debris so that they are not limited to just putting the debris in plastic bags. The receptacle can be a reusable bag made of rip-stop polyester (e.g., tent material), nylon (e.g., kite material) or any other suitably tough and flexible material and it fits onto the frame in a similar manner as plastic bags. However, unlike plastic bags, the receptacle is tough, and extremely difficult to tear or puncture. Thus, it is ideal for handling sticks, leaves, thorns, and other yard debris. In addition to being extremely rugged, the receptacle has another distinguishing feature: it has a “hatch” at the bottom and/or on the side. This hatch allows the user to quickly dump the bagged load of leaves or debris into the final containment element or location of their choice whether that be paper yard refuse bags, compost piles, burn piles, city provided yard waste dumpsters, etc.

The receptacle is uniquely sized for the top (i.e., mouth) to fit the perimeter of the frame. The receptacle has a volume capacity of approximately 30 gallons—although it can have a larger or small capacity in other embodiments. In proximity to the hatch is a gathering means. In one embodiment, the gathering means comprises a hook-and-loop material strap that can be cinched tight and secured so as to close the hatch of the receptacle. When the hatch is not gathered and cinched shut, the receptacle is not a bag at all but is more like a hollow tube. Cinching the hatch makes the receptacle resemble a bag. This hatch allows the user a quick and easy way to transfer gathered debris to a final containment element or location of their choice. In one embodiment, the gathering means offers the user a quick one-handed means for opening the hatch and emptying the collected debris. In other embodiments, other types of gathering means besides a hook-and-loop material strap are utilized. Furthermore, the receptacle is not necessarily limited to being reusable; it could be disposed of after a single use, if desired.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates an apparatus for collecting yard debris in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 comprises a frame 102 for supporting a flexible receptacle (not shown), an elastic retainer 104 for securing the receptacle to the frame 102, and a handle 106. In certain embodiments, the perimeter of the frame 102 defines a triangular shape that mimics the natural shape the perimeter of a disposable plastic bag assumes when a person tries to hold such a bag open using their feet and one hand. The frame 102 having a triangular shape is strong, provides a secure three-point hold on the bag/receptacle thereby supplementing the action of the elastic retainer 104, and closely matches the shape of most leaf rakes and many brooms. Furthermore, because the receptacle is held to the frame 102 along a perimeter, the frame 102 can support a receptacle of considerable weight without fear of the receptacle pulling off of the frame 102.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the frame 102 comprises a leading edge member 108, a first supporting member 110, a second supporting member 112, and a yoke 114. In an embodiment, the frame 102 is fabricated from sheet metal such as 18 gauge cold-rolled steel, although other suitably strong steel, plastic, composite, or other materials can also be used. Each member 108, 110, 112 of the frame 102 can be joined end-to-end to each other member to form a substantially equilateral triangle. Alternatively, the frame 102 can be constructed of a single supporting member bent in two places and joined together at the ends. The length of each member 108, 110, 112 is carefully chosen to provide a perimeter that fits commonly used plastic lawn and leaf bags in the range of 30-gallon and up. In an embodiment, each member 108, 110, 112 is approximately 21.7 inches (55 cm) long so that the perimeter of the frame 102 is approximately 65 inches (165 cm). In an embodiment sized to fit a receptacle of a particular capacity, such as a 30-gallon receptacle, larger capacity receptacles can be easily accommodated by gathering the open end of the larger receptacle, draped over the frame 102, into pleats or otherwise, around the frame and securing the open end to the frame 102 with the elastic retainer 104. Alternatively, the lengths of the members 108, 110, 112 can be shorter or longer to provide a shorter or longer perimeter for use with smaller- or larger-capacity bags/receptacles. Smaller capacity receptacles, such as common, plastic grocery store bags, for example, or small-capacity trash bags in the range of 7-gallon to 13-gallon capacity, for example, can be secured to a smaller frame and used as a “pooper scooper” for gathering pet excrement, cleaning smaller areas and the like.

In some embodiments, the yoke 114 can be coupled to one corner of the frame 102, and comprises a yoke plate 116 supporting a handle receiver 118. The yoke plate 116 can be a generally triangular plate coupled to two adjacent supporting members 110, 112, and fabricated from the same material as the members 108, 110, 112. The receiver 118 can be coupled to the yoke plate 116 and to adjacent supporting members 110, 112. The receiver 118 defines a generally cylindrical interior volume for receiving a generally cylindrical handle. In an embodiment, the handle can be made of wood and secured to the receptacle using threaded fasteners (not shown) inserted through attachment holes 120 formed in the receiver 118. Alternatively, the handle receiver 118 can be threaded to receive a threaded end of a wooden or metal handle, or some other attachment means can be utilized. In yet another embodiment, the handle can comprise multiple sections, wherein the end of each section fits in the next section (or into the receiver for the final section) and metal pop-up snap buttons can be used to ensure the components stay together once assembled and yet allow for easy disassembly.

To aid the installation and removal of the elastic retainer 104, a crescent-shaped cutout 122 can be formed in the leading edge member 108. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the members 108, 110, 112 can be formed as channels having opposing flanges for capturing the elastic retainer 104 therebetween. The crescent-shaped cutout 122 can be formed or cut into at least one of such flanges. The members 108, 110, 112 define an open space 124 inside the triangular frame 102, according to an aspect of the present invention.

Turning now to FIG. 3, the leading edge member 108 exemplifies a general shape of one embodiment of members 108, 110, 112, as channels having opposing flanges 126, 128 extending outwardly from the frame 102 and configured to retain the elastic retainer 104 therebetween. Handle receiver 118 encloses a generally cylindrical volume for receiving a generally cylindrical handle. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the handle and the handle receiver 118 are other shapes besides generally cylindrical.

Turning now to FIG. 4 and to FIG. 5, the general shape of members 108, 110, 112 is shown in more detail, according to one aspect of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, elastic retainer 104 rests upon a generally flat surface 130 between opposing flanges 126, 128 of an exemplary member 108 having a U-shaped channel.

Turning now to FIGS. 6A-6B, an alternative exemplary member 108′ supports elastic retainer 104 upon a radiused surface 130′ between opposing flanges 126′ and 128′ defining a C-shaped channel. An alternative exemplary member 108″ supports elastic retainer 104 upon a bi-planar surface 130″ between opposing flanges 126″ and 128″ defining a V-shaped channel.

Turning now to FIG. 7A, a frame 202 according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a first side 204, a second side 206, and a third side 208, connected end-to-end and defining an opening 210 for receiving an open end of a bag/receptacle. The frame 202 further comprises one or more retaining surfaces 212A-212F extending outwardly from the frame 202 and configured to retain an elastic loop 104 stretched to fit around a perimeter of the frame 202. A yoke 214 can be mounted to one corner of the frame 202 and configured to receive a handle.

Turning now to FIG. 7B, one side 208 of frame 202 is depicted in cross-section, wherein the sides 204, 206, 208 of frame 202 can be formed as U-shaped channels having flanges 214A-B extending inwardly from the frame 202 and configured to reinforce or stiffen the sides 204, 206, 208. Retaining surfaces 212A-212B can be located at the corners of frame 202, in pairs spaced apart to receive elastic retainer 104 between the pairs of retaining surfaces 212A-212B, 212C-212D, and 212E-212F. The retaining surfaces 212A-212F can be posts affixed to or integral with the sides 204-208, located proximal to upper and lower edges of each side 204-208 to reduce a tendency for the elastic retainer 104 to slip off the frame 202. Referring now to FIG. 7C, the retaining surfaces 212A-212F can also be plates affixed to the corners of frame 202, extending outwardly from the frame 202 and proximal to upper and lower edges of each side 204-208, as shown for example in FIGS. 7C-7D. FIG. 7D depicts side 208 of frame 202 in cross-section, in which retaining surfaces 212C-212D can be affixed to or integral with the side 208 and proximal to upper and lower edges thereof, spaced apart to receive the elastic retainer 104 therebetween.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the frame 102/202 can define other shapes such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, circle, oval, or an irregular shape. A frame formed in any of the aforementioned shapes can be provided with retaining surfaces for capturing or retaining a bag-clamping element, such as the elastic retainer 104, and a feature such as yoke 114 suitable for attaching a handle 106. The frame 102/202 provides a continuous perimeter for securing the bag or reusable receptacle to the apparatus via the elastic retainer 104.

Turning now to FIGS. 8A-8B, the apparatus 100 can be used with a flexible receptacle 132, which can be installed upon the frame 102 by passing the receptacle 132 through the frame, draping the top, open end of the receptacle 132 over the frame 102 or 202, and securing the receptacle 132 to the frame 102/202 with elastic retainer 104. The receptacle 132 should overlap the sides of frame 102 by 2-3 inches (5.0-7.5 cm), although other amounts of overlap are contemplated. As shown in FIG. 8A, the top, open end or mouth of the receptacle 132 overlaps the outside of the frame 102/202, but the receptacle 132 can also be installed from the outside of the frame 102/202 with the top, open end overlapping inside the frame 102/202 as shown in FIG. 8B. The elastic retainer can be placed along one of the sides of frame 102/202, around two corners at either end of the one side, and stretched to fit around the remaining corner and along the two remaining sides. The elastic retainer installed as described captures the open end of the receptacle 132 between the retainer 104 and the channels of frame 102 or the posts 212A-212F of frame 202. With the receptacle 132 securely retained against frame 102/202, the apparatus 100 can be used to collect leaves or other yard debris using one or more of several different methods.

The apparatus for collecting and handling yard debris utilizing a reusable receptacle 100 is designed to give the user an eco-friendly solution to handling their leaves and/or debris so that they are not limited to just putting the debris in plastic bags. The receptacle 132 can be a reusable bag made of rip-stop polyester (e.g., tent material), nylon or any other suitable material and it fits onto the frame 102/202 in a similar manner as plastic bags. However, unlike plastic bags, the receptacle 132 is tough, and extremely difficult to tear or puncture. Thus, it is ideal for handling sticks, leaves, thorns, and other yard debris. In addition to being extremely rugged, the receptacle 132 has another distinguishing feature: it has a hatch 133. The hatch 133 allows the user to quickly dump the bagged load of leaves or debris into the final containment element or location of their choice whether that be paper yard refuse bags, compost piles, burn piles, city provided yard waste dumpsters, etc. As depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the hatch 133 is illustrated at the bottom of the receptacle 132; in other embodiments, the hatch 133 is located on a side of the receptacle 132, on a side and a portion of the bottom, or along the entire bottom as well as at least one side or a portion thereof.

The receptacle 132 is uniquely sized for its top (i.e., mouth) to fit the perimeter of the frame 102/202. In one embodiment, the receptacle 132 has a volume capacity of approximately 30 gallons—other embodiments can have a larger or small capacity. In proximity to the hatch 133 is a gathering means 134. In one embodiment, the gathering means 134 comprises a hook-and-loop material strap that can be cinched tight, as shown in FIG. 8A, and secured so as to close the hatch 133 of the receptacle 132. In another embodiment, the gatherings means 134 comprises a zipper, in yet another, it comprises a drawstring. When the hatch 133 is not gathered and cinched shut, the receptacle 132 is not a bag at all but is more like a hollow tube, as shown in FIG. 8B. Cinching the gathering means 134 closes the hatch 133 and makes the receptacle 132 resemble a bag as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

In an embodiment where the gathering means 134 is a drawstring, the drawstring comprises a length of cord within a channel near the hatch 133 and extending out of a port in the channel. To close the hatch 133, a user simply grasps the portion of the cord extending out of the port and pulls, thereby drawing the hatch 133 closed. A drawstring clasp can be used to retain the drawstring and secure the hatch 133 in a closed position.

The hatch 133 allows the user a quick and easy way to transfer gathered debris to a final containment element of their choice. In one embodiment, the gathering means 134 offers the user a quick one-handed means of opening the hatch 133 and emptying the collected debris from the receptacle 132. In this embodiment, the gathering means 134 comprises a strap having a first side and a second side. The first side has either a hook material or a loop material while the second side has either a loop material or a hook material, respectively. The hatch 133 of the receptacle 132 is manually gathered together and held closed initially by the user. Then the user is able to wrap the gathering means 134 around the gathered bottom of the receptacle 132 and cinch the hatch 133 tightly closed. When the second side of the gathering means 134 contacts the first side, the hook and loop materials adhere to each other effectively locking the gathering means 134 to itself and ensuring the hatch 133 of the receptacle 132 is held closed after the user releases their grip on the receptacle 132. In this embodiment, one end of the gathering means 134 strap is attached to the receptacle 132 near the hatch 133 while the other end, i.e. the tag end, of the gathering means 134 strap is unattached. In other embodiments, the gathering means 134 can be attached in other ways.

Once the user has maneuvered yard debris into the receptacle 132 and desires to empty it, the user simply grasps the tag end of the gathering means 134 and pulls, causing the hook and loop material on the strap to separate, releasing the gathering means 134 and opening the hatch 133 on the receptacle 132. The gathered yard debris contents of the receptacle 132 can then be allowed to flow out the hatch 133 and into a final containment element or other location. In other embodiments, other types of gathering means 134 besides a hook-and-loop material strap are utilized. For example, the gathering means could employ a plurality of snaps, buckles, magnets, drawstrings, zippers, etc. instead of hook and loop materials. Furthermore, the receptacle 132 is not necessarily limited to being reusable; it could be disposed of after a single use, if desired.

Turning now to FIG. 9, the shovel method allows a user to collect yard debris directly, filling a significant portion of the receptacle 132 in one scoop. Grasping the handle 106 with both hands, and placing the frame 102/202 so that leading edge member 108/204 contacts the ground, a user urges the apparatus 100 forward as if using a shovel, to scoop leaves or other yard debris directly into the receptacle 132. This method significantly speeds the process of collecting yard debris, and significantly reduces repetitive bending, twisting, and stooping. The shoveling motion is familiar to people because most people have used a shovel or at least have seen a shovel used before.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the dust-pan method can be used to fill the receptacle 132 with the aid of a rake or broom. Grasping the handle 106 with one hand, and placing the frame 102/202 so that leading edge member 108/204 contacts the ground, a user grasps a rake, broom, or other implement in the other hand, and uses the other implement to direct leaves or other yard debris into the receptacle 132. The apparatus 100 provides a natural, flat leading edge easing the application of this method with a broom, rake or other implement. The dust-pan method is also familiar to people since most people have used a broom and dust pan at some time.

Turning now to FIG. 11, the curb-scraping method can be used to fill the receptacle 132 by capturing leaves that have accumulated in gutters on the street, up against a curb. Grasping the handle 106 and placing the frame 102/202 so that leading edge member 108/204 contacts the pavement, a user pushes the apparatus 100 forward while keeping one corner in contact with the curb, scraping the curb to scoop leaves or other yard debris directly into the receptacle 132. The curb-scraping method reduces the need to rake leaves or other yard debris into piles and then bag the debris. Since leaves can tend to collect in gutters and pile up against a curb, the apparatus 100 can be used to collect these leaves directly into the receptacle 132.

The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the described articles of manufacture and methods. It will further be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes may be made in the embodiments of the present invention without departing from its true spirit. This description is intended for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of this invention should be limited only by the language of the following claims.

Claims

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.