Leaf and debris chute

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6708742
  • Patent Number
    6,708,742
  • Date Filed
    Friday, March 15, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, March 23, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A chute apparatus for collecting leaves and debris includes: (a) an upper chute portion having an open front portion, the chute portion including a back portion with a front end that is wider than its rear end, and two smaller, matching chute sides attached to either side of the back chute portion; and (b) an open-ended lower channel portion connected to the chute portion, the channel portion having four sides: an upper section, a channel back section opposite to the channel upper section, and two narrower channel side sections, which are opposite to one another and which connect the channel upper section to the channel back section. The chute apparatus may also include clips on the sides, or an external ridge, for removably attaching the edges of a trash bag. In one embodiment, which does not include a channel portion, the chute sides are hinged for achieving a folded, storage position and various open positions with different degrees of angle.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Technical Field




The present invention relates to a chute apparatus for facilitating leaf and debris collection.




2. Background Information




Many municipalities have relatively new laws prohibiting the dumping or burning of leaves and other debris. The debris must therefore be collected in trash bags, sometimes a specific type, size or color of trash bag, and set on the curb for pickup by a trash service, or hauled to a specified disposal location. Unfortunately, raking up and bagging fall leaves is difficult for a single person to undertake, particularly if the individual is handicapped or infirm. Once the leaves are raked into piles, it is difficult to hold the garbage or leaf bag open and at the same time insert handfuls of slippery leaves. Some people put one foot on the edge of the trash bag, lean over and hold the bag open with one hand, and attempt to scoop in leaves with the other hand. Since only a comparative few leaves can be inserted with each handful or rake full, the job is labor intensive and sometimes results in back sprains, spasms, and aching muscles.




The inexpensive chute apparatus of the present invention makes collecting leaves quicker and easier. It markedly decreases the amount of bending and stretching necessary to do yard work, and is especially helpful for older or infirm people. It can also be used for collecting outdoor trash, such as discarded napkins, paper cups, brochures, and other debris after a church festival, for example. It is versatile and can be used with a trash bag or garbage can. The chute apparatus can be hung in the garage or stored outdoors when it is not in use. A smaller, lightweight embodiment can be used indoors for sweeping up debris on a table, in a work space, etc.




BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The present invention is a chute apparatus for collecting leaves or debris, which includes:




(a) an upper chute portion having an open front portion, the chute portion comprising a back portion, the back chute portion having a front end that is wider than its rear end, and two matching chute sides attached to either side of the back chute portion, the front end of the back chute portion being wider than each of the chute sides; and




(b) an open-ended lower channel portion connected to the chute portion, the channel portion comprising four sides: an upper section, a channel back section opposite to the channel upper section, and two narrower channel side sections, which are opposite to one another and which connect the channel upper section to the channel back section;




wherein the narrower end of the back chute portion is connected to the channel back section; and the two chute sides are connected at their lower ends to upper ends of the two opposite channel sides.




Also included herein is an alternate embodiment comprising a chute portion without a channel portion, wherein the chute sides are hinged to the back chute portion; an alternate embodiment comprising clips on the sides for holding a trash bag on the outside of the channel portion; and an alternate embodiment comprising a partial front portion and a ridge for holding a trash bag.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS




A more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein examples of the invention are shown, and wherein:





FIG. 1

shows a perspective view of a chute apparatus according to the present invention;





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the chute apparatus according to

FIG. 1

, shown with a full trash can;





FIG. 3

is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a chute apparatus according to the present invention, shown with a trash bag;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of the chute apparatus of

FIG. 3

, shown with a trash bag clipped on;





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a chute apparatus according to the present invention;





FIG. 6

is a perspective view of the chute apparatus of

FIG. 5

, shown with a trash bag;





FIG. 7

is a top plan view of the chute apparatus of

FIG. 6

, shown in a folded position;





FIG. 8

is a perspective view of a corner portion of the chute apparatus according to

FIG. 5

;





FIG. 9

is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a chute apparatus according to the present invention; and





FIG. 10

is a cross-sectional view of the chute apparatus of

FIG. 9

, taken across line


10





10


.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also, in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “front,” “back,” “within,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Referring in more detail to the drawings, the invention will now be described.




Turning first to

FIG. 1

, a chute apparatus, generally referred to as


10


, according to the present invention is shown in use on a lawn. In

FIG. 1

, a user is raking fallen leaves


11


and other lawn debris into the chute apparatus


10


, which has been placed on its back on the ground. A lower portion of the chute apparatus


10


fits closely into a trash receptacle


12


, which is also laying on its back. The chute apparatus


10


may include a trash receptacle


12


designed to fit closely over the chute apparatus, or an appropriately sized conventional open trash receptacle may be employed. The trash receptacle


12


preferably includes upper and lower handles


13


on its upper side for lifting the trash receptacle


12


with the chute apparatus


10


in it. The chute apparatus


10


preferably also includes a handle


14


on its upper side, as shown in

FIG. 1

, for aid in lifting the chute apparatus out of the trash receptacle once it is full, or the task has been completed.




Referring to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, the chute apparatus


10


is comprised of an upper chute portion


15


and a lower channel portion


16


. The channel portion is preferably generally rectangular or square-shaped as shown, although it can be semi-circular in cross-section. The leaves


11


and other debris are raked into an open front portion


17


of the chute portion


15


. The open front portion of the chute portion is narrower than the rear portion of the chute. The chute portion


15


comprises a back portion


18


, which is wider in the front than the rear. The back portion


18


preferably has straight edges, but its longitudinal sides may alternatively be slightly curved in at its mid-section, forming a generally hour glass shape (not shown). The back chute portion


18


is bordered on its opposite long edges by two chute sides


19


, the chute sides being approximately at right angles to the back portion


18


. Each of the chute sides


19


and the chute back portion


18


preferably form an angle of between about 80 and 110 degrees. This angle facilitates collection of the debris being swept into the front of the chute portion. The upper edges of the two chute sides preferably project outward slightly, forming flanges


20


. In addition to giving additional strength to the chute, the flanges


20


catch some of the stray debris that is tossed up by the raking action.




Continuing with

FIG. 2

, the open-ended channel portion


16


comprises four sides: an upper section


21


, a channel back section


22


opposite to the upper section, and two narrower channel side sections


23


, which are opposite to one another and which connect the channel upper section


21


to the channel back section


22


. The narrower end of the back chute portion


18


is connected to the back section


22


of the channel portion, which is preferably generally rectangular or square in shape. The seam between the two sections is smooth so as not to impede movement of the debris through the channel portion


15


; in fact, the two sections may be formed of one molded piece, or the entire chute apparatus may be formed in a mold. The chute apparatus is preferably made of a plastic (most preferred), wood, aluminum, or resin material, although it can be made of any suitable synthetic or naturally occurring material. The two chute sides


23


are connected (or continuous) at their lower ends to the upper ends of the two opposite channel sides


23


. Both ends of the channel portion


16


are open to allow passage of the debris from the chute portion


15


into the trash receptacle


11


.




To use the chute apparatus


10


, the channel portion


16


of the chute apparatus is placed into an empty trash receptacle


12


. The chute apparatus


10


may include its own close-fitting trash receptacle, or a conventional garbage can may be used. If the chute apparatus includes a trash can, two handles are preferred at opposite ends of the front face of the trash can (see

FIG. 1

) to facilitate lifting the trash can when it is full. The chute apparatus and trash receptacle are then tipped over onto their backs on the ground in the desired location of the yard, as shown in FIG.


1


. The chute apparatus is then in a generally horizontal position. A pile of leaves or other debris is swept into the open front of the chute portion


15


. Once the user is finished, he or she upends the chute apparatus and receptacle, so the chute apparatus is in a generally vertical position. The user then pulls the chute apparatus


10


out of the trash receptacle, as shown in

FIG. 2

, preferably shaking the chute apparatus


10


as it is removed so the leaves


11


remain in the trash receptacle


12


. The chute apparatus


10


lifts easily and cleanly out of the trash can. The leaves and other debris in the trash receptacle are then disposed of in a conventional manner.




Once the yard work is complete for the day, the chute apparatus


10


can be stored in the garage or, since it is preferably made of a durable plastic material, outdoors until its next use. Since it is durable and has no sharp edges, small children can crawl through it and play with it between uses. The chute handle


14


preferably projects away from the front of the chute portion, as shown in

FIG. 2

, so it can be hung over a nail or hook in a garage wall for off-the-ground storage of the chute apparatus.




Second Embodiment




Alternatively, as illustrated in

FIGS. 3 and 4

, clips


25


are attached to the outside of the two channel side sections


23


for removable attachment of a trash bag. This most preferred, lightweight embodiment employs a trash bag


26


instead of a trash receptacle for holding the leaves/debris. The rigid channel portion


16


holds the upper part of the trash bag


26


open while the leaves are loaded in. This decreases the labor involved in yard work. With this apparatus, a second person is not required to hold the trash bag open while the first person loads it with leaves.




To use this embodiment, the user pulls the upper part of a conventional plastic trash bag


26


over the outside of the channel portion


16


, as shown in

FIG. 3

, and attaches an upper edge


27


of the trash bag to the clips


25


on either side of the channel portion, as shown in FIG.


4


. Other suitable means of attachment, such as clamps or snaps, may be used instead of clips. The user then lays the chute apparatus


10


on its back near the leaf pile or other debris to be collected. Once the user rakes the leaves, mulch or other debris into the chute portion


15


of the chute apparatus


10


, he or she tips the chute apparatus up, shakes it a few times, unfastens the top edge


27


of the trash bag


26


from the clips


25


, and sets the chute apparatus aside. The user then closes the top of the loaded trash bag and disposes of it in a conventional, acceptable manner. The user can then load another trash bag


26


onto the chute apparatus


10


and repeat the process. This embodiment is particularly well-suited for disposing of lightweight debris, such as fallen leaves. The leaves slide easily into the leaf bag without tearing the bag.




Third Embodiment




Turning now to

FIGS. 5 through 8

, an alternate embodiment


30


of the chute apparatus is collapsible to a flat position, as shown in

FIG. 7

, for easy storage on a shelf, under a porch, etc. As is apparent from

FIGS. 5 and 7

, this embodiment


30


of the chute apparatus has a chute portion


15


, but no channel portion. This chute apparatus


30


comprises an open front portion


17


; a back portion


18


having a front end


28


that is wider than its rear end


29


; and two matching chute sides


19


attached to either side of the back chute portion


18


. The front end of the back chute portion


18


is wider than each of the chute sides


19


; and an upper edge of each chute side forms a flange


20


. The flanges


20


, strengthen the chute and catch a certain amount of airborne debris. The two chute sides


19


are hinged along opposite sides of the back chute portion


18


. In each of these embodiments, the front edge


32


of the chute may be sloped downward to facilitate collection of small debris.




As seen in

FIGS. 5-7

, the hinges


31


connecting the chute sides


19


to the back chute portion


18


preferably extend substantially the length of the chute sides


19


. The hinges


31


are preferably stepped so that the side flaps


19


can be opened at any desired angle and remain in position until they are moved again by the user. This is advantageous because the user may wish to have the chute sides


19


at right angles to the back chute portion


18


for assisting in collecting a small amount of lightweight debris (e.g., from sweeping the kitchen), or at a wider, obtuse angle to prevent larger debris, or a large pile of debris, from escaping along the outer edges of the chute. In the folded, storage-ready position shown in

FIG. 7

, the inside surface of the side flaps


19


contact the inside surface of the back chute portion


18


. The side flaps


19


open outwardly in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG.


7


. In addition to allowing for a folded, storage position, then, the hinges


31


permit various open positions with different degrees of angle. This chute apparatus is also preferably made of a plastic-type material. The first and second embodiments herein, which are shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

, and


3


and


4


, respectively, may similarly comprise hinges


31


in the chute portion


15


.




In use, the front edge


27


of a standard sized trash bag


26


is attached to the chute apparatus


30


by means of clips


25


, as shown in FIG.


6


. The clips


25


are attached to the outside lower end portion of each of the chute sides


19


(see

FIG. 7

) for the removable attachment of a trash bag to the chute apparatus.




As shown in

FIGS. 6 and 8

, one option for holding the chute sides


19


in an open position during use is a removable key


33


and corresponding aperture


34


in each chute side. The key


33


preferably has the shape of a capital “F”, as shown in FIG.


8


. The F-shaped key has a long spine


35


and two prongs at a right angle to the spine


35


. Each chute side has one aperture at its lower end (therefore the trash bag obscures the key in FIG.


6


). The aperture


34


has the same shape as a lower prong


36


of the F-shaped key in cross-section. The lower prong


36


therefore closely fits through the aperture


34


from which placement it projects into an interior of the chute


30


. When the key


33


is in place in the aperture


34


, the spine


35


of the F-shaped key


33


is adjacent to and supports the outside surface of a chute side


19


. When the key


33


is in the aperture


34


, an outer (upper) prong


37


of the “F” key is adjacent to and supports the outside surface of the back chute portion


18


. The two keys


33


are placed in the apertures


34


on both sides of the chute by the user to hold the chute apparatus


30


in an open position.




Fourth Embodiment





FIGS. 9 and 10

show a fourth alternate embodiment


40


of the chute apparatus, which can be used outdoors or indoors. In addition to facilitating collection of leaves and other debris outdoors, it can be used indoors, for example for collecting crumbs and other refuse swept up from a table surface, work space, or kitchen floor. This embodiment


40


of the chute apparatus comprises open front and rear ends; a back chute portion


18


with a front end


28


that is wider than its rear end


29


; and two matching chute sides


19


attached to either side of the back chute portion


18


. The front end of the back chute portion


18


is wider than each of the chute sides


19


. An upper edge of each chute side forms a flange


20


. The chute apparatus


40


further comprises a partial front portion


41


with a rear edge


42


that is continuous with the rear edges of the two adjacent chute sides and the back chute portion


18


. As shown in

FIG. 9

, a small ridge


43


encircles the chute apparatus


40


, passing just below the front edge


44


of the partial front portion


41


. The partial front portion


41


adds strength to the structure, and a convenient handle, front edge


44


, for picking up and directing the apparatus.





FIG. 10

shows the chute apparatus


40


in cross-section. This cross-section is taken across lines


10





10


of the chute apparatus of FIG.


9


. The ridge


43


can be seen along the upper front portion


41


and the outside of the lower back portion


18


. For purposes of illustration, a trash bag is shown in outline in FIG.


10


. Because the trash bag is a standard size, it has a known diameter and its upper edge fits closely over the ridge


43


. The ridge dispenses with the need for clips or other means of attachment. Even though the edge of the trash bag fits tautly over the ridge, it is easy to put on and, once the task is complete, remove. The ridge may include a slit at one point for the insertion of a clip or clothespin if tighter attachment of the edge of the trash bag is needed.




In

FIG. 10

, the chute apparatus


40


is shown lying on the ground


38


. It can be seen that the back chute portion


18


is somewhat bent, or buckled, inward at its midsection


45


towards the interior of the chute. This feature forces the front edge


32


of the back chute portion


18


to press into the ground


38


. Since the ground is often relatively soft or grassy, this facilitates the raking of leaves, or the sweeping of crumbs or other debris, into the chute apparatus. On the other hand, the bend is not marked, so the slope to the ribbed midsection


45


is not steep enough to disrupt the flow of the debris down the chute into the trash bag


26


or other trash receptacle. This feature is preferably present in all embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ridge


43


along the outside (bottom) of the back chute portion


18


projects slightly into the ground, which also helps to maintain the chute apparatus in position. Since the back chute portion


18


is bent inward, the bottom edge of the chute sides


19


where they meet the back portion


18


are also slightly V-shaped to compensate.




Any of these embodiments are available in a larger size, which will work with a 30 to 60 gallon trash can or bag, for example, for yard work, and medium or smaller sizes, which will work with a 10 to 15 gallon trash can or bag, for example, for indoor use. The fourth embodiment herein with an accompanying five to ten gallon trash can is preferred for indoor use. In the latter case, the front portion of the chute portion is preferably slightly wider than the width of a broom. The second embodiment herein is preferred for outdoor use.




The trash can


11


and/or the chute apparatus


10


,


30


,


40


optionally includes two wheels, particularly for the larger embodiments herein. One wheel is attached to each end of a lower edge of the trash can or chute apparatus. To move the trash can or chute apparatus, the user leans the trash can or chute back on the wheels, lifting the opposite edge off the ground, and pushes the trash can or chute to the desired location.




From the foregoing it can be realized that the described device of the present invention may be easily and conveniently utilized for the collection of fallen leaves or other debris. It is to be understood that any dimensions given herein are illustrative, and are not meant to be limiting.




While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terms, this description is for illustrative purposes only. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, and that such are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. It is intended that the doctrine of equivalents be relied upon to determine the fair scope of these claims in connection with any other person's product which fall outside the literal wording of these claims, but which in reality do not materially depart from this invention.




Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.




Brief List of Reference Numbers Used in the Drawings






10


chute apparatus






11


leaves






12


trash receptacle






13


trash receptacle handles






14


chute handle






15


chute portion






16


channel portion






17


open front portion of chute






18


back chute portion






19


chute sides






20


flanges






21


channel upper section






22


channel back section






23


channel side sections






25


clip






26


trash bag






27


edge of trash bag






28


front end of back chute portion






29


rear end of back chute portion






30


alternate embodiment of chute apparatus






31


hinge






32


front edge






33


key






34


aperture in chute side






35


spine of F-shaped key






36


lower prong of F-shaped key






37


outer prong of F-shaped key






38


ground






40


fourth alternate embodiment of chute apparatus






41


partial front portion






42


rear edge of front portion






43


ridge






44


front edge of front portion






45


bent midsection



Claims
  • 1. A chute apparatus for collecting leaves or debris, the apparatus comprising:(a) an upper chute portion having an open front portion, the chute portion comprising a back portion, the back chute portion having a front end that is wider than its rear end, and two matching chute sides attached to either side of the back chute portion, the front end of the back chute portion being wider than each of the chute sides; (b) an open-ended lower channel portion connected to the chute portion, the channel portion comprising four sides: an upper section, a channel back section opposite to the channel upper section, and two narrower channel side sections, which are opposite to one another and which connect the channel upper section to the channel back section; and (c) clips, which are attached to the outside surface of the two side sections of the channel portion, for removable attachment of a trash bag to a bottom portion of the chute apparatus; wherein the narrower end of the back chute portion is connected to the channel back section; and the two chute sides are connected at their lower ends to upper ends of the two opposite channel sides.
  • 2. A chute apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper edge of each chute side forms a flange.
  • 3. A chute apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the chute sides and chute back portion are at an angle of between about 80 and 110 degrees.
  • 4. A chute apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the back chute portion is bent inward at its midsection.
  • 5. A chute apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a trash can, which closely fits over a majority of the outside of the channel portion.
  • 6. A chute apparatus for collecting leaves and debris, the apparatus comprising open front and rear ends; a back chute portion, with a front end that is wider than its rear end; and two matching chute sides attached to either side of the back chute portion, the front end of the back chute portion being wider than each of the chute sides; and wherein an upper edge of each chute side forms a flange; the apparatus further comprising a partial front portion adjacent to the chute sides, the front portion having a rear edge that is continuous with the rear edges of the two adjacent chute sides and the back chute portion.
  • 7. A chute apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the back chute portion is bent inward at its midsection.
  • 8. A chute apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the front edge of the back chute portion is sloped downward.
  • 9. A chute apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a small ridge encircling the chute apparatus, the ridge passing just below a front edge of the partial front portion.
  • 10. A chute apparatus for collecting leaves and debris, the apparatus comprising open front and rear ends; a back chute portion, with a front end that is wider than its rear end; and two matching chute sides attached to either side of the back chute portion, the front end of the back chute portion being wider than each of the chute sides; and further comprising a removable key and corresponding aperture in each chute side for holding the chute sides in an open position during use; and wherein an upper edge of each chute side forms a flange.
  • 11. A chute apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the key is “F” shaped, a lower prong of the “F” key closely fitting through the aperture into an interior of the chute portion, a spine of the “F” key supporting a chute side, and an outer prong of the “F” key supporting the back chute portion.
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