Abstract:
A device and method for collecting matter into a container. The device includes a passageway with an entrance and an exit. The passageway exit is removably affixed to the entrance of a collection container, such as a recyclable bag. The passageway entrance includes a lip projection with lateral wings upon which a user can stand. While standing on the lateral wings, a user can manually direct matter, such as dead leaves, into the collection container via the projecting lip of the device, thereby increasing work efficiency. Furthermore, the device can be collapsed or unfolded into a substantially flat configuration for ease of transport and storage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a method for collecting matter, such as dead leaves, by using a device that fits within the entrance of a horizontally oriented container, thereby allowing the user to stand on lateral wings of the device&#39;s projected lip to better guide matter into the container while securing the container to the ground. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    As trash districts and municipalities become more environmentally conscious, plastic bags containing organic matter have become prohibited and are not accepted by trash haulers. One alternative solution is a recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, paper bag. Generally, this recyclable bag has a standard dimension of 16 inches length by 12 inches width by 35 inches height, with a 30 gallon/50 pound capacity. However, the recyclable bag has several drawbacks. 
         [0003]    The most common method of bagging organic yard waste matter, such as leaves, before the plastic bag ban was to line a larger capacity garbage can with a plastic bag, fill and compact it with organic matter, pull out the bag out, tie it shut, insert a new bag, and start all over. The larger capacity of a standard garbage can and bag allowed for the disposal of a larger volume of organic matter with less effort than the 30 gallon recyclable bag. For example, the sturdy sides of the garbage can ensured greater pressure could be applied to the compaction of leaves without damaging or penetrating the plastic bag. In contrast, there is not a standard garbage can with slightly larger dimensions than the standard recyclable bag to perform the same actions. 
         [0004]    In effect, the new recyclable bags have sacrificed some of the main advantages of the garbage-can-and-plastic-bag method. These include capacity, durability, and efficiency of effort. Loading the new recyclable bags is a less-efficient, energy-consuming process because leaves are raked into piles and then hand-loaded into smaller recyclable bags that do not always stay open or vertical. 
         [0005]    Therefore, a device is needed to assist a user to collect matter into a container in a manner at least as efficient as the garbage-can-and-plastic-bag method. One proposed manner includes placing the container in a horizontal position and using a device removably affixed to the container entrance to facilitate matter collection. Preferably, the device includes a projected lip with lateral wings which the user can stand upon. The weight of the user secures containers such as recyclable bags while the user manually inserts matter into the opening of the device by using the projected lip as a ramp. 
         [0006]    A general object of the invention is to provide a device which overcomes one or more of the problems associated with the collection of matter into a container. 
         [0007]    A more specific object is to provide a method which can be used to overcome one or more of the problems associated with the collection of matter into a container. 
         [0008]    The general object of the invention can be obtained, at least in part, by removably affixing the device to a container, stepping on the lateral wings of the lip projection and guiding matter into the entrance of the device, and therefore the container, by use of a tool such as a rake or broom. 
         [0009]    Further objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds and the features of novelty which characterize the present invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the specification. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Due to widespread recycling efforts and ordinances, it is desirable to make yard waste collection more efficient. This can be accomplished by keeping the bag in a stationary position, reducing the failure of recyclable bags, increasing the resistance to compaction, making possible a greater capacity of leaves to be disposed of in each bag, and to help save time and user energy in the leaf collection process. The technical innovation and novelty of the present invention is demonstrated by the addition of the projected lip and lateral step wings to a frame that sits inside the bag entrance, thereby allowing the bag to remain in place during collection and compaction activities. This, in effect, changes the most common method of leaf collection into standardized bags from a vertical orientation to horizontal. Standing and raking leaves, grass clippings, or general yard waste directly into a container via the present invention potentially eliminates a step in the collection process and reduces the need to bend over, demonstrating an improvement in utility over the prior art. Additionally, the present invention alleviates physical strain of the user by reducing significant stress to the back and knees. In one embodiment, the rigid construction of the present invention protects the bag from failure. In another embodiment, the present invention is collapsible. In yet another embodiment, the present invention can be unfolded and returned to a flat form which can then be easily stored for later use. The technical innovation of the present invention is novel in that the prior art has no such reference or feature comparable to the combination of a projected lip and lateral step wings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The aforementioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of several embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation of the present invention for use in collecting matter. Pertinently exposed by this embodiment is the generally horizontal orientation of the device and planar projecting lip with coplanar lateral wings which aid in structural stability. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top elevation of another embodiment of the present invention showing flat pieces of material that can be folded to form a funnel-type passageway. Pertinently exposed by this embodiment are flaps that interweave to help secure the resulting passageway when the material is folded. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  provides a side elevation of yet another embodiment of the present invention showing the device in use with a collection container in a generally horizontal orientation. 
       
    
    
       [0015]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent several embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, in one form or another, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    The present invention relates specifically to a device for collecting matter into a container comprising a passageway having an entrance and an exit; wherein said entrance has at least one planar projecting lip extending from said passageway entrance at an obtuse angle; and wherein said planar projecting lip has lateral wings extending coplanar on opposite sides of said planar projecting lip. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the present invention includes a passageway entrance that has a larger area than the passageway exit. The resulting funnel-shaped passageway helps facilitate a snug connection when the passageway exit is affixed to the entrance of the collection container. Alternatively, the coplanar lateral wings can act as a contact point with the entrance of the collection container so that the present invention does not fall into the collection container. 
         [0018]    One embodiment of the present invention has a dimensioned passageway opening size of 16 inches by 12 inches tapered to 15.5 inches by 11.5 inches passageway exit for easy insertion into standard recyclable lawn bag. The passageway opening incorporates a 4 inch projecting grade lip with two (2) four inch by four inch step tabs on each side of the passageway entrance for securing the bag to a generally horizontal surface by the weight of the user. The present invention is constructed of rigid materials including, but not limited to, plastic, corrugated plastic, metal, corrugated metal, alloy, corrugated alloy, wood and wood products, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, rigid paper products, stiffened fabric, fiberglass, any suitable rigid material, or combinations thereof. Additional materials used to affix the pieces of rigid materials together, or affixing the collection container to the present invention, include, but are not limited to, liquid adhesives, solid adhesives, tape, clipping means, clasping means, pressured bands, rubber bands, ropes, strings, twines, wires, tacks, stakes, serrated edges, nails, screws, hook and loop fasteners, or combinations thereof. 
         [0019]    The present invention can be pre-formed, cast, or made using some other manufacturing or construction technique. In one embodiment, the present invention is constructed using High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In another embodiment, the present invention is constructed using a foldable cardboard model. Generally, the present invention will be available in variable sizing options to accommodate multiple bag sizes. 
         [0020]    The present invention may also replace the coplanar lateral wings on the projecting lip with simple rods, foot pads, straps, shoe housings, or any other functional equivalent that allows a user to secure the device to his/her feet and/or legs. 
         [0021]    Additionally, the present invention can be constructed so that it is collapsible. This can be done is several ways. For example, the present invention can be constructed from a single flat piece of material that can be folded into the passageway. If the passageway is only temporarily affixed, then it may be undone and returned to its original flat form. Another example includes the use of hinges such that two opposite sides of the passageway can be collapsed, allowing the passageway frame to be reduced in total volume. By allowing the present invention to collapse into a single flat piece or a smaller total volume, it can be stored more easily for reuse. A further advantage is the easy assembly of the present invention from the storage position to the operable configuration. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment of the present invention, it can be constructed so that the passageway is securely affixed to the collecting container. For example, one method for affixing the container to the passageway can include incorporating clips onto the outside of the passageway that attach to the opening of the container. Other examples include replacing the aforementioned clips with a hook and loop fastener or clamps. 
         [0023]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the device has at least one handle, handhold, or grip. The handle, handhold, or grip can be placed anywhere on the passageway entrance, or the outside of the passageway itself. Multiple handles, handholds, or grips can also be placed on the present invention to aid in orientation, storage, connection, or removal of the collection container. 
         [0024]    Additionally, one embodiment of the present invention can have a passageway entrance with at least one planar projecting lip extending from said entrance at an obtuse angle, wherein said obtuse angle provides direct contact to a generally horizontal surface. The obtuse angle of the planar projecting lip can then be used as a ramp to direct matter from the ground, or any generally horizontal surface, into the collection container via the passageway. Various angles may assist in this process and should not be limited to obtuse angles. A ninety-degree, or right, angle may also provide contact with a generally horizontal surface. Additionally, a need may arise wherein the planar projecting lip could best serve its function by being angled acutely to the passageway entrance. For example, if the collection container is placed in a hole, the projecting lip could be angled to a higher elevated generally horizontal surface where it could come in contact with and serve as a ramp for directing matter into the collection container. 
         [0025]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes the passageway entrance having at least one planar projecting lip extending from said entrance at an obtuse angle, wherein said obtuse angle provides direct contact to a generally horizontal surface, wherein said planar projecting lip and/or lateral wings are affixed to said generally horizontal surface. This can be accomplished by using integral external spikes adapted to the outside of the projecting lip and/or lateral wings that can be driven into the ground. Another embodiment of the present invention would involve the use of stakes inserted into precut holes in the projecting lip and/or lateral wings that can be driven into the ground or other generally horizontal surfaces. Any person having ordinary skill in the art would have no trouble extrapolating alternative methods for affixing the present invention to a generally horizontal surface. Affixing the present invention to the ground would allow the user to freely move around the collection container, increasing the number of angles for directing matter into the container. 
         [0026]    At the same time, an alternate embodiment of the present invention can have a passageway entrance wherein at least one planar projecting lip extending from said entrance at an obtuse angle, wherein said obtuse angle provides direct contact to a generally vertical surface. The closed end of the collection container would be in direct contact with the ground or any generally horizontal surface, and the present invention could be inserted into the entrance of the collection container. The combination of the present invention and collection container could then be placed in contact with a generally vertical surface, such as a wall. This would allow the entrance of the collection container to remain open as a user inserts matter into the passageway entrance. Additionally, this scenario allows the user to use the generally vertical surface as a backstop when inserting matter into the passageway entrance, and ultimately, the collection container. 
         [0027]    Another embodiment of the present invention exists wherein the passageway entrance has at least one planar projecting lip extending from said entrance at an obtuse angle, wherein said obtuse angle provides direct contact to a generally vertical surface, wherein said planar projecting lip and/or external wings are affixed to said generally vertical surface. The projecting lip and/or external wings can have be affixed with materials that include, but are not limited to, liquid adhesives, solid adhesives, tape, clipping means, clasping means, pressured bands, rubber bands, ropes, strings, twines, wires, tacks, stakes, serrated edges, nails, screws, hook and loop fasteners, or combinations thereof. Any person having ordinary skill in the art would have no trouble extrapolating alternative methods for affixing the present invention to a generally vertical surface. 
         [0028]    In addition to the various embodiments of the present invention, it may be used in a novel manner. For example, a method for collecting matter into a container, wherein the present invention is fitted into the entrance of said container, wherein the device&#39;s passageway exit is inserted into the entrance of said container, said container placed in a generally horizontal position on the ground; a user stands on the lateral wings extending coplanar on opposite sides of the planar projecting lip; and the user manually directs matter into the entrance of said device. 
         [0029]    The user also can apply pressure via the inside of his/her legs to help affix the container to the device while said user stands on the lateral wings extending coplanar on opposite sides of the planar projecting lip. In this manner, the user can complement any material already used to affix the present invention to the collection container. Alternately, no material may be necessary to affix the present invention to the collection container because the pressure provided by the user&#39;s legs would suffice to keep both the present invention and the collection container secured. 
         [0030]    Alternately, the present invention may be used in a different manner. A method for collecting matter into a container, wherein the present invention is fitted into the entrance of said container, wherein the device&#39;s passageway exit is inserted into the entrance of said container, said container placed in a generally vertical position; wherein said planar projecting lip and/or lateral wings extending coplanar on opposite sides of said planar projecting lip is affixed to a generally vertical surface; and a user manually directs matter into the entrance of said device. 
         [0031]    As used herein the term “affixed” generally refers to the physical attachment in any way of at least one separate piece to another by standard means, including, but not limited to, liquid adhesives, solid adhesives, clipping means, pressured bands, rubber bands, ropes, strings, twines, wires, tacks, stakes, serrated edges, nails, screws, hook and loop fasteners, or a combination thereof. 
         [0032]    As used herein the term “obtuse” refers to an angle of ninety (90) degrees or an angle between ninety (90) and one-hundred-eighty (180) degrees. 
         [0033]    The foregoing descriptions of illustrated embodiments of the present invention have been offered for purposes of description, and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed. The descriptions were selected to best explain the principles of the present invention and practical application of these principals to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below. 
         [0034]    The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed in the detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art might utilize their teachings. 
         [0035]    Referring to the illustrations,  FIG. 1  is a side elevation of one embodiment  10  of the present invention. The funnel-type passageway  12  is defined by having opening  14  having a greater area than exit  16 . The passageway opening  14  has an obtuse-angled planar projecting lip  18  with coplanar lateral wings  20  on each side of the passageway entrance  14 . 
         [0036]    Continuing the description with another illustrated embodiment,  FIG. 2  shows a flat piece of material according to another embodiment  50  of the present invention that can be folded to form a funnel-type passageway. Solid lines between sections represent creases. Passageway section (base)  22  includes a planar projecting lip  18  that includes two planar lateral wings  20  that extend beyond the width of said passageway section (base)  22 . Passageway sections  24  and  28  form the sides of the funnel-type passageway. When the piece of material is folded at the creases such that passageway section (top)  26  and passageway end section  30  at least partially overlap, the piece of material forms a funnel-type passageway similar to device embodiment  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The passageway section (top)  26  and passageway end section  30  preferably include flaps  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42 . These flaps are separated by cuts through the pieces of material, as opposed to creases. Thus, the flaps can be interleaved when sections  26  and  30  overlap, thereby securing or helping to secure the end sections together. For example, flap  32  could be placed over flap  38 , flap  34  could be placed under flap  40 , and flap  36  could be placed over flap  42 . Sections  26  and  30  could then be slid together until the sections are stopped by the ends of the cuts. The cuts preferably are proper lengths so that the end sections overlap to form the proper sized section. 
         [0037]    An alternate embodiment would omit end section  30 . The passageway would then be formed by affixing section  26  to section  28  by standard means, including, but not limited to, tape, liquid adhesive, screws, nails, hook and loop fastener, or combinations thereof. 
         [0038]    Continuing the description of yet another illustrated embodiment with occasional reference to the elements shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3  shows in further detail the present invention  60  combined with a collection container  46  oriented in a generally horizontal position. The passageway exit  16  has been inserted into collection container entrance  48 . Funnel-type passageway  12  provides easy insertion and a snug fit with collection container entrance  48 . As before, passageway entrance  14  has a planar projection lip  18  with coplanar lateral wings  20  extending outside the width of passageway entrance  14 . 
         [0039]    Alternatively, the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  can be orientated in a generally vertical position so that the collection container  46  is underneath the present invention  60 . In this way, the closed end of the collection container is placed upon the ground and the present invention would allow collection container entrance  48  to remain open during use. Further, projecting lip  18  and/or coplanar lateral wings  20  may be used to affix the present invention to a generally vertical support structure, such as a wall, thereby allowing the collection container to be easily replaced when full without moving the device. 
         [0040]    While several different embodiments of the present invention are conceivable, a common feature of all will be the projection planar lip  18  with the coplanar lateral wings  20  extending forth from the passageway entrance  14 . 
         [0041]    While the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, it may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.