Abstract:
An adjustable collapsible refuse funnel has a generally planar body formed of a relatively rigid but flexible and shape-retentive material, the body having a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges, the body being deformable into a funnel configuration by bringing the rear corner portions of the body into overlapping relation and releasably connecting the overlapping rear corner portions to form a throat, leaving the front portion of the body adjacent to the front edge in generally planar configuration. Attachment means for releasably attaching a leaf bag or other refuse container are provided on the body. Creases are preferably formed in the body to facilitate forming the rear portion into a throat while maintaining the generally planar configuration of the front portion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/459,308, filed Apr. 1, 2003, titled “Adjustable Collapsible Refuse Funnel”. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention generally relates to refuse receptacle devices, and in its preferred embodiments more specifically relates to a collapsible funnel device for holding leaf/refuse bags and facilitating the raking or sweeping of leaves and other refuse into a bag.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Leaf or trash bags are well known and commonly used for the collection and disposal of leaves and other types of refuse from lawns and other generally flat areas from which it is raked or swept and placed in bags. In order to reduce their cost and bulk, such leaf or trash bags are typically made of thin plastic material with sufficient tensile strength to hold low density materials such as leaves or paper, but with no rigidity or “body” whatsoever. As a result, the bags will not stand alone when empty, and must be supported in some manner for filling. Although bags can be held open by hand, this approach is very inefficient and can be very frustrating when a single person is attempting to fill bags. It is also often desirable to be able to rake or sweep leaves and other refuse into a bag with the bag lying flat, and it is almost impossible for a single person to hold a bag open by hand while raking or sweeping refuse into it.  
           [0004]    Various approaches have been attempted in an effort to address the problem of supporting a bag in an open position for filling, with varying degrees of success. Placing a bag inside an existing trash can or box will provide support for the bag and allow it to be filled from the top, but this approach does not readily accommodate raking or sweeping refuse into the bag. Further, a filled bag can be difficult to remove from a trash can.  
           [0005]    A number of devices have been devised for the specific purpose of holding or supporting a leaf or trash bag while it is filled, but all such devices known in the prior art have disadvantages or drawbacks. One such device comprises a rigid structure with a pair of centrally pivoting legs, designed to fold flat for storage and to support a bag suspended between the legs when open. The only means of adjustment for bags of differing sizes is the degree to which the legs are pivoted open, which can result in excessive force against the top of the bag and tearing of the bag. This device is useable only in an upright position, and does not securely hold the bag in place to prevent slipping. In addition, a filled bag can be difficult to remove from between the legs of the device without tearing the bag.  
           [0006]    Another device is formed as a flexible, shape retentive plastic sheet that can be rolled into a cylinder and placed inside a bag. When the rolled sheet is released it partially unrolls until constrained by the bag, so that the force of the sheet against the inside of the bag holds it in an open, generally cylindrical form. When the bag is filled, the sheet is slipped from the open end of the bag. Although a bag opened with this device can be placed on its side for filling, only a small area is in contact with the ground because of the cylindrical form, and raking or sweeping material into the bag is difficult. Use of this device can be cumbersome for a single person because it is necessary to hold the rolled sheet to prevent it from unrolling while, at the same time, holding the bag open and inserting the rolled sheet into the bag. This device will accommodate different sized bags, although the force holding and supporting the bag will vary and the bag may slip along the sheet and become disengaged during handling and filling.  
           [0007]    Yet another device includes a body with a funnel-like opening with a large throat to which a bag can be attached. The body is supported by legs so that the bag can be hung from the body, secured by clips, between the legs or with the legs in the interior of the bag. The bag is then filled from the top. In some variations the bag and support structure may be placed on the ground, either with or without the legs, so that leaves, etc. can be raked or swept into the bag, but the design of the body does not facilitate use in a horizontal orientation and it can be difficult to push leaves, etc. through the opening to fully fill the bag. These structures are of rigid construction with no provision for adjustment to accommodate bags of different sizes. In addition. they are relatively large and bulky, and require a significant amount of storage space.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides a device that is particularly suited and specifically designed to securely hold and support an open leaf or trash bag in a horizontal orientation on the ground, floor, or other generally flat surface, and to provide an expansive opening to guide leaves, etc. into the bag, to greatly facilitate raking or sweeping of leaves, etc. into the bag by a single person. An empty bag may be quickly and easily attached to the device, and a filled bag may be easily removed from the device without spilling the contents of the bag.  
           [0009]    The body device of the invention is formed as a flat sheet, for ease of transportation and storage prior to use, which can be easily and quickly formed into a three dimensional configuration for use and then returned to a flattened configuration for storage between uses. The rear corner portions of the body may be easily rolled toward each other and overlapped to form a generally cylindrical throat, or passageway, for leaves and other refuse. Releasable connection means, preferably in the form or interlocking tabs and slots disposed in the respective rear corner portions of the body, allow the body to be maintained in the overlapping configuration. The degree of overlap, and thus the size of the throat, is preferably adjustable, allowing the device to readily accommodate bags of differing sizes. A variety of alternative connection means may be used.  
           [0010]    In the preferred embodiment, a pair of angled creases are formed in the front portion of the body, each extending from a point near one of the front corners of the body at an angle to the front edge toward the rear edge of the body. When the rear corner portions of the body are overlapped the front portion of the body bends at the creases so that the front portion of the body between the creases and inward from the front edge remains generally planar. The planar, or flat, configuration facilitates entry of leaves and other refuse onto the body and into a container. In the preferred embodiment a front crease is also formed in the body parallel to and slightly inward from the front edge, allowing the front edge portion of the body to be bent downward to further assist in maintaining the flat configuration of the front portion of the body and to form a lip to further facilitate entry of refuse over the front edge. Additional creases may also be formed along the side edges and the rear edge of the body for additional stiffening effect.  
           [0011]    Attachment means in the form of tabs or ears are provided in the preferred embodiment of the body, for attachment of the drawstring or upper edge of a leaf bag to the body. The attachment tabs are disposed so that the throat of the device is received partially inside the bag or other container. A variety of alternative attachment means may be used.  
           [0012]    The structure and features of preferred and alternative embodiments of the device of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, assembled for use, with a bag attached.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, in flattened configuration.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, assembled for use as in FIG. 1, without a bag.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the invention, assembled for use, without a bag.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device of the invention, in a flattened configuration.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a second alternative embodiment of the device of the invention, in a flattened configuration.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the device of the invention, illustrating optional features. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    Referring now to the drawing figures, with initial emphasis on FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment of the device of the invention is formed as a generally rectangular thin planar body  10 , of a relatively stiff, but flexible and generally shape retentive material. In the preferred embodiment the material of construction of the body is an inexpensive and readily available material such as plastic, heavy pasteboard or cardboard. However it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not dependent upon any particular material, and that a variety of materials, such as sheet metal, may be used so long as the material has suitable characteristics for the functioning of the device of the invention.  
         [0021]    Body  10  is initially formed as a generally rectangular flat sheet, as shown in FIG. 2, with an upper face  11 , a lower face  12 , a front edge  13 , a rear edge  14 , and side edges  15  and  16 . In the preferred embodiment the front and side edges are straight, and rear edge  14  is curved through the majority of its length. The curvature of the rear edge of the body is symmetrical, with the shallow curve or arc beginning at a point along the rear edge slightly inward from the corner formed by the rear edge and side edge  16 , and extending to a point slightly inward from the opposite side edge  15 . A tab  17  is formed at the intersection of rear edge  14  and side edge  15 , so that tab  17  extends outwardly from the main portion of body  10 . A second tab,  18 , is formed inward toward the interior of body  10  from tab  17  by making a, e.g., parabolic cut in the body, freeing the portion of the body comprising tab  18  so that it can be deformed outwardly from the plane of the body with its outer end extending toward the interior of the body, opposite tab  17 . A line bisecting tabs  17  and  18  is oriented at an angle relative to side edge  15  of the body of the device.  
         [0022]    A series of slots  19  is formed in body  10  across and in generally perpendicular relation to a line extending from the intersection of rear edge  14  and side edge  16  toward the interior of the body at generally the same angle relative to side edge  16  as the line bisecting the tabs relative to side edge  15 . The length of each of slots  19  is equal to or slightly larger than the width of the bases of tabs  17  and  18 , so that tabs  17  and  18  can be inserted through selected slots  19  when the device is prepared for use. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the number of slots is four, but the number of slots could be changed if desired within the scope of the invention. The slots are symmetrically spaced, with the distance between adjacent slots preferably being half the distance between the bases of tabs  17  and  18 .  
         [0023]    At least one pair of bag retaining tabs or ears  20   l  (left) and  20   r  (right) are disposed in body  10  in mirrored relation across a bisector line extending between the front and rear edges of the body and equidistant from the side edges. In the preferred embodiment a second pair of ears  21   l  and  21   r  are provided. The ears are formed by making a, e.g., parabolic cut in the body in the same manner used to form tab  18 , so that the ears can be pushed outwardly from the plane of the body at an angle to the body, like tab  18 . In the preferred embodiment ears  20   l  and  21   l , and ears  20   r  and  21   r  are respectively oriented on a line generally perpendicular to the line bisecting tabs  17  and  18 , and on a line generally perpendicular to the line of slots  19 , and extending toward the respective sides of the body.  
         [0024]    It is preferred that pre-formed creases be provided in the front portion of the body of the device to facilitate forming the body into the optimal configuration for receiving leaves or other refuse and funneling them into a collection bag during use of the device. In the preferred embodiment a front crease  22  extends between side edges  15  and  16  parallel to front edge  13  a short distance inward from the front edge. Crease  22  allows a narrow strip along the front edge of the body to be bent downward to form a stiffening lip  23  that also serves as an entry ramp for leaves, etc. over the front edge of the device. A pair of angled creases  24  and  25  extend in mirrored relation from the intersection of crease  22  with side edge  15  and with side edge  16 , respectively, toward the interior of body  10 . Each of creases  24  and  25  preferably extend at an angle of less than forty-five degrees relative to the respective side edge  15  and  16 , through a length less than half the length of side edges  15  and  16 .  
         [0025]    To form the device into the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and prepare it for attachment of a bag and use in the collection of refuse, the rear corner portions of the body are lifted and brought toward each other so as to draw the rear portion of the body into a curvature and toward a generally cylindrical configuration. The left rear corner portion of the body is brought over the right rear corner portion of the body, with the upper face of the left rear portion (which includes tabs  17  and  18 ) adjacent to the lower face of the right rear portion (which includes slots  19 ). Tab  18  is deflected from the plane of the body and inserted into a selected one of slots  19 , and tab  17  is inserted into the second adjacent slot toward the interior of the body, securely but releaseably connecting the rear corner portions of the body together. With the stiffening lip  23  folded downward, the front edge portion of the body remains flat as the rear portion is curved. The body folds along creases  24  and  25  so that the front portion of the body between those creases, designated by reference numeral  26 , remains substantially flat and planar. The portions of the body between each of creases  24  and  25  and the respective adjacent side edge curve upward and inward from the adjacent crease. With tabs  17  and  18  received in the selected slots  19 , and with the stiffening at the front edge of the body provided by lip  23 , the device is very stable in its assembled configuration and will retain that configuration until the tabs are removed from the slots. Therefore, the device may be easily carried from place to place in the assembled configuration, and will easily withstand the forces and stresses of use without collapsing. To complete the preparation for use, a bag is placed over the rear portion or throat of the device, and ears  20  or  21  are used to secure the bag in place. It is preferred that the ears are disposed on the body so that they are in generally opposed relation on either side of the assembled device. If a collection bag with drawstring closures is used, as shown in FIG. 1, the drawstrings can be placed over the selected ears to secure the bag. If a bag without drawstrings is used, the top (open) edges of the bag can be gathered and folded over the ears to secure the bag.  
         [0026]    As configured for use, the device of the invention provides a wide, flat entry area for leaves, etc. at the front of the device, and a smooth transition into a generally cylindrical throat through which leaves and other refuse may be easily passed to the interior of a collection bag attached to the device. The width of the front edge of the device substantially eliminates the problem of raking or sweeping leaves, etc. past the opening into a collection bag and along the sides of the bag. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the upper portion of the device above the flat portion is open, providing an unrestricted entry area for leaves, etc., allowing leaves to be directed into the throat from an upwardly inclined angle, which is particularly useful when filling bags from a pile of leaves. The provision of a plurality of slots  19  allows the dimension of the throat of the assembled device to be adjusted to accommodate bags of different sizes, and the provision of a plurality of ears for bag attachment also accommodates a variety of sizes and types of bags. Because the device is stable in its assembled configuration, and because bags are securely attached to it, the device and attached bag may be lifted from the ground to assist in settling leaves, etc. in the bag, and then returned to a horizontal position to receive more leaves, etc. through the device. It can be seen, therefore, that the device of the invention facilitates the collection and bagging of leaves and other refuse materials to a degree unavailable from devices known in the prior art.  
         [0027]    Even greater stability can be imparted to the body of the device of the invention by forming either or both of side creases  27  and  28 , and/or rear creases  29  and  30  in the body, as shown in FIG. 5. The side creases are particularly useful when body  10  is constructed of a lightweight material such as pasteboard, but may be used in conjunction with any material of construction. As shown in FIG. 5, side creases  27  and  28  extend parallel to side edges  15  and  16 , respectively, a short distance inward from those side edges, and through a portion of the length of the side edges. The body of the device is bendable at the side creases so that a strip of the body may be bent away from the plane of the remainder of the body at each crease to resist any tendency of the edges of the body to deform in the area of the creases. Similarly, rear creases  29  and  30  are symmetrically disposed adjacent to rear edge  14  on either side of a centerline of the body extending between the front edge and the rear edge equidistant from the two side edges. A thin strip of the rear edge may be bent outwardly in relation to the interior of the throat, to stiffen the rear edge and resist any tendency of the throat portion of the device to close during use.  
         [0028]    When a session of use of the device has been completed, the device can be easily flattened again for storage. Without a bag attached to the device, tabs  17  and  18  are simply removed from slots  19 , releasing the rear corners of the body and allowing it to return to a planar configuration. The flattened device may then be stored flat against a wall, requiring almost no storage space. Alternatively, if desired, the body could be rolled into a tube and secured with, e.g., rubber bands or string, and stored in that configuration. Depending upon the material selected for construction of the device, a single device can be used through a period of many years, could be used for one season and then discarded, or could be used once and discarded; and it can be seen that the present invention provides a previously unprecedented level of flexibility in that context as well.  
         [0029]    Although the foregoing description of the invention has emphasized the preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that a variety of alternative embodiments and variations in the structure of the device may be employed within the scope of the invention. Non-limiting examples of such alternative approaches are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIG. 5 tabs  17  and  18  are replaced by a strip  31  of one part of an interlocking two part hook and loop fastener material, such as Velcro®, and slots  19  are replaced by a plurality of strips  32  of the second part of that material (shown in phantom). It should be understood in the context of this alternative approach that a plurality of strips  31  may be used, for more secure connection. Similarly, a single strip  32  may be used with a single strip  31 , although that design would eliminate the adjustability of the device.  
         [0030]    In a second alternative embodiment of the connection means, two part releasable snap structures may be used, as shown in FIG. 6. In this alternative approach, at least one first part  33  of the snap structure is connected to one face of the body in the rear corner portion thereof, and at least one second part  34  of the snap structure is connected to the opposite face of the other rear corner portion of the body, so that first and second parts are brought into mating relation when the body is configured for use.  
         [0031]    It will also be understood by those of reasonable skill in the art that alternative means for attaching a bag or other refuse container to the device of the invention may be employed within the scope of the invention as illustratively described herein.  
         [0032]    Additional features may also be provided in further alternative embodiments of the device, if desired. For example, although lip  23  tends to engage the surface on which the device is placed and hold it in position, if it is desired to assure that the device is firmly maintained in a fixed position on the ground, apertures  35  may be provided near the front edge of the body, and pins  36  inserted through the apertures and into the ground to securely hold the device in place, as illustrated in FIG. 7. As also shown in FIG. 7, a stiffening bar  37 , of e.g., metal or heavy plastic, may be connected, either removably or permanently, to the front edge  13  of the body, if desired, to assure that the front edge remains straight and portion  26  of the body remains flat through repeated uses of the device. If such as stiffening bar is provided, crease  22  may be omitted, since the stiffening bar performs much of the same function as lip  23  of the preferred embodiment.  
         [0033]    The description of the preferred embodiment, and the discussion of some alternative embodiments and variations in the structure of the device, are intended to be illustrative and not for purposes of limitation. It is to be understood that further embodiments and variations can be devised, within the scope of the invention as illustratively shown and described. It is intended that all such alternatives and variations are encompassed within the scope of the following claims.