U.S. patent application number 13/970017 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for biodegradable lawn waste collection system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Green Bag, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Green Bag, LLC. Invention is credited to Brent Lee Burchfield, Ryan Scott Crisp, Eric James Fickas, Herman Jones, Paul Perry Kolada, Michael Anthony Lorenz, Donald Collins Meves, Shannon Staats.
Application Number | 20140050423 13/970017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43386910 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140050423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burchfield; Brent Lee ; et
al. |
February 20, 2014 |
Biodegradable lawn waste collection system
Abstract
A biodegradable lawn waste collection system is provided. The
system generally includes a waste receiver, a shaping insert, and a
handle. The waste receiver may comprise a mesh structure having a
filling end and a sealing end. The mesh structure may be formed
from a biodegradable polymer composition. The shaping insert is
configured for removable reception within the filling end of the
waste receiver. The shaping insert provides the waste receiver with
rigidity and stability when filling the waste receiver with lawn
waste. After the waste receiver has been filled with lawn waste,
the shaping inert is removed and the filling end is secured, such
as by tying a knot. The full waste receiver is then releasably
attached to the handle, which enables the full waste receiver to be
easily carried or dragged to a desired destination.
Inventors: |
Burchfield; Brent Lee;
(Powell, OH) ; Crisp; Ryan Scott; (Lewis Center,
OH) ; Fickas; Eric James; (Powell, OH) ;
Kolada; Paul Perry; (Bexley, OH) ; Lorenz; Michael
Anthony; (Gahanna, OH) ; Meves; Donald Collins;
(Gahanna, OH) ; Staats; Shannon; (Ostrander,
OH) ; Jones; Herman; (Pataskala, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Green Bag, LLC |
Dallas |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Green Bag, LLC
Dallas
TX
|
Family ID: |
43386910 |
Appl. No.: |
13/970017 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12823613 |
Jun 25, 2010 |
8511895 |
|
|
13970017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2250/105 20130101;
B65B 67/1205 20130101; B65F 2240/138 20130101; B65D 33/06 20130101;
B65D 33/007 20130101; B65F 1/1415 20130101; B65F 1/0013 20130101;
B65D 29/00 20130101; B65F 2220/106 20130101; B65F 1/0006 20130101;
B65B 67/1238 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/33 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00; B65D 33/06 20060101 B65D033/06; B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A waste receiver for collecting lawn waste, comprising: an
extruded tubular mesh structure formed from a compostable polymer
composition, wherein the extruded tubular mesh structure has a
pre-receiving configuration having a pre-receiving diameter
(D.sub.PR), a pre-receiving width (W.sub.PR), and a pre-receiving
volume, and the extruded tubular mesh structure is capable of
expanding to a receiving configuration having a receiving diameter
(D.sub.R), a receiving width (W.sub.R), and a receiving volume, and
wherein the extruded tubular mesh structure has a Munsell color
with a hue in the range of about 1R to about 10Y and a value in the
range of about 0 to about 5.
27. The waste receiver of claim 26, wherein the extruded elongate
tubular mesh structure is processed to form an extruded planar
sheet mesh structure by expanding the extruded tubular mesh
structure with an expansion device and then cutting the expanded
extruded tubular mesh structure to form the extruded planar sheet
mesh structure.
28. The waste receiver of claim 26, wherein the pre-receiving
diameter (D.sub.PR) is at least 10 percent of the receiving
diameter (D.sub.R).
29. The waste receiver of claim 28, wherein the pre-receiving
diameter (D.sub.PR) is no more than 40 percent of the receiving
diameter (D.sub.R).
30. The waste receiver of claim 28, wherein the compostable polymer
composition comprises polylactic acid.
31. The waste receiver of claim 26, wherein the receiving diameter
(D.sub.R) is at least 3 times greater than the pre-receiving
diameter (D.sub.PR).
32. The waste receiver of claim 26, further including a gripping
tab secured to the mesh structure at a filling end of the waste
receiver.
33. A waste receiver for collecting lawn waste, comprising: an
extruded tubular mesh structure formed from a compostable organic
starch; wherein the extruded tubular mesh structure, when placed
within a composting environment, composts within a time frame set
forth in ASTM Standard D6400; wherein the extruded tubular mesh
structure maintains its structural integrity as a waste receiver
for collecting lawn waste prior to being placed within the
composting environment.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/220,869, filed on Jun. 26, 2009,
which is hereby incorporated by reference as if completely written
herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0005] The present disclosure relates to lawn waste collection
methods and devices, and more particularly, to a biodegradable lawn
waste collection system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Many homeowners and commercial establishments with lawns,
trees and other landscaping have a desire to keep such areas in an
aesthetically pleasing condition. Often times this requires cutting
the lawn, pruning trees and shrubs, and raking up leaves and twigs.
Such activities result in yard or lawn waste that must be
discarded.
[0007] A common method for disposing of such lawn waste is to
collect the waste in large, paper lawn bags. After the lawn waste
is collected in the paper lawn bags, the bags are typically picked
up by a lawn waste recycling service or dropped off at a lawn waste
recycling center.
[0008] Paper lawn bags have many drawbacks. First, paper lawn bags
can be easily torn during normal use. Next, when paper lawn bags
become wet they tend to disintegrate and are nearly impossible to
handle. Paper lawn bags are also difficult to open and keep open
when filling with lawn waste. Twigs and other lawn waste have a
tendency to pierce through paper lawn bags. Finally, paper lawn
bags are often difficult to carry and move when filled with lawn
waste.
[0009] Although paper lawn bags have a number of drawbacks, they
also have several advantages. One such advantage is that paper lawn
bags are compostable. Still another advantage is that paper lawn
bags are relatively inexpensive. Finally, empty paper lawn bags
have the benefit of being light weight and easy to transport.
[0010] There remains an unfilled need to provide a lawn waste
collection system that retains and improves on the benefits of
paper lawn bags, while also addressing the many drawbacks
associated with paper lawn bags. The present disclosure provides a
solution to this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In its most general configuration, the biodegradable lawn
waste collection system advances the state of the art with a
variety of new capabilities and overcomes many of the shortcomings
of prior methods and systems in new and novel ways. In its most
general sense, the system overcomes the shortcomings and
limitations of the prior art in any of a number of generally
effective configurations.
[0012] Disclosed herein is a biodegradable lawn waste collection
system designed and configured to allow users to easily and
efficiently collect and dispose of all types of lawn waste in an
environmentally friendly manner. The system generally includes a
waste receiver, a shaping insert, and a handle.
[0013] The waste receiver includes a filling end, a sealing end,
and generally includes a mesh structure formed from a biodegradable
polymer composition. In one embodiment, the waste receiver has an
extruded tubular mesh structure formed from a biodegradable polymer
composition comprising polylactic acid.
[0014] The shaping insert is configured for removable reception
within the filling end of the waste receiver. The shaping insert
provides the waste receiver with rigidity and stability when
filling the waste receiver with lawn waste. The shaping insert may
have a number of different configurations. In one particular
embodiment, the shaping insert comprises a collapsible tube having
a circular shaping insert perimeter and a spring-coil secured to
the collapsible tube.
[0015] The handle is designed and configured to facilitate the
transport of at least one waste receiver containing lawn waste. The
handle includes at least one attachment port for releasable
attachment with the waste receiver. In a particular embodiment, the
handle includes at least three attachment ports for releasable
attachment with up to three waste receivers filled with lawn
waste.
[0016] Numerous alterations, modifications, and variations of the
preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those
skilled in the art and they are all anticipated and contemplated to
be within the spirit and scope of the method and system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Without limiting the scope of the biodegradable lawn waste
collection system as disclosed herein and referring now to the
drawings and figures:
[0018] FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of embodiments of components
of a biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a process for expanding
a mesh structure of a waste receiver of the biodegradable lawn
waste collection system, not to scale;
[0020] FIG. 3 shows embodiments of portions of a mesh structure of
a waste receiver of the biodegradable lawn waste collection system,
not to scale;
[0021] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0022] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0023] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0024] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0025] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0026] FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of a
shaping insert of the biodegradable lawn waste collection system,
not to scale;
[0027] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a portion of an
embodiment of a shaping insert of the biodegradable lawn waste
collection system, not to scale;
[0028] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to scale;
[0029] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert in a storage
position being inserted into an embodiment of a waste receiver, not
to scale;
[0030] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert in a storage
position after it has been inserted within an embodiment of a waste
receiver, not to scale;
[0031] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert moving to an
expanded position in an embodiment of a waste receiver, not to
scale;
[0032] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert in an
expanded position in an embodiment of a waste receiver, not to
scale;
[0033] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a shaping insert in an
expanded position being removed from an embodiment of a waste
receiver, not to scale;
[0034] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a waste receiver and an
embodiment of a handle of the biodegradable lawn waste collection
system, not to scale;
[0035] FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a
handle of the biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to
scale;
[0036] FIG. 19 shows a rear elevation view of an embodiment of a
handle of the biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to
scale;
[0037] FIG. 20 shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of a
handle of the biodegradable lawn waste collection system, not to
scale;
[0038] FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a mesh structure with an
embodiment of a gripping tab secured to the mesh structure, not to
scale; and
[0039] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a gripping tab.
[0040] These drawings are provided to assist in the understanding
of the exemplary embodiments of the biodegradable lawn waste
collection system as described in more detail below and should not
be construed as unduly limiting the disclosure herein. In
particular, the relative spacing, positioning, sizing and
dimensions of the various elements illustrated in the drawings are
not drawn to scale and may have been exaggerated, reduced or
otherwise modified for the purpose of improved clarity. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that a range of
alternative configurations have been omitted simply to improve the
clarity and reduce the number of drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The presently disclosed biodegradable lawn waste collection
system (10) enables a significant advance in the state of the art.
The preferred embodiments of the system (10) accomplish this by new
and novel arrangements of elements and methods that are configured
in unique and novel ways and which demonstrate previously
unavailable but preferred and desirable capabilities. The
description set forth below in connection with the drawings is
intended merely as a description of the presently preferred
embodiments of the system (10), and is not intended to represent
the only form in which the system (10) may be constructed or
utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means,
and methods of implementing the system (10) in connection with the
illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by
different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed
within the spirit and scope of the claimed system (10).
[0042] With reference generally to FIGS. 1-20, a biodegradable lawn
waste collection system (10) is shown. The biodegradable lawn waste
collection system (10) is designed and configured to allow users to
easily and efficiently collect and dispose of all types of lawn
waste or other wastes having a high moisture content. Moreover, the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system (10) provides an
environmentally friendly alternative to the ubiquitous paper lawn
bag.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 1, the biodegradable lawn waste
collection system (10) generally includes a waste receiver (100), a
shaping insert (200), and a handle (300). Each component of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system (10) will be described
in greater detail below.
[0044] The first component of the biodegradable lawn waste
collection system (10) is the waste receiver (100). As seen in FIG.
1, the waste receiver (100) includes a mesh structure (101) having
a filling end (102) and a sealing end (103). As used throughout
this specification, the term mesh structure (101) refers to a
structure having openings or holes throughout the structure at
regular or irregular intervals. Generally, the mesh structure (101)
has an open area of about 90 percent or more, while the strands of
the mesh structure (101) generally account for about 10 percent or
less of the total mesh structure (101) area. The mesh structure
(101) provides a number of benefits. For example, utilizing a mesh
structure (101) results in a waste receiver (100) that is light and
easy to carry, and also results in a smaller "carbon footprint"
when compared to conventional paper lawn bags. The mesh structure
(101) also efficiently distributes forces in the waste receiver
(100) and creates a higher strength-to-weight ratio than found in
paper lawn bags. Moreover, the mesh structure (101) imparts a
natural "rip stop" feature to the waste receiver (100), which helps
prevent a rip from propagating throughout the mesh structure (101).
Still another important benefit of the mesh structure (101) is that
it allows off-gassing or ventilation of wet lawn waste that has
begun decomposing. Moreover, the mesh structure (101) also allows a
considerable amount of moisture to drain out of the waste receiver
(100). This feature also reduces the noxious odors that typically
accompany wet stagnant waste or waste that has begun decomposing.
The mesh structure (101) also gives composting facilities the
ability to visually examine the contents of the waste receiver
(100) for prohibited items, such as glass and metal objects,
without having to open or touch the waste receiver (100). Still
further, the mesh structure (101) allows undesirable materials such
as fine dirt, dust, and small rocks or stones to be sifted out of
the mesh structure (101) before being added to a compost pile. For
example, the individual cells created by the strands of the mesh
structure (101) may have approximate dimensions of 1/2 inch long by
1/4 inch wide, which would allow fine materials to sift out. Larger
cell dimensions may be provided to allow larger materials to sift
out, but thicker strands must be utilized.
[0045] The mesh structure (101) of the waste receiver (100) may be
produced in a number of forms. By way of example only, the mesh
structure (101) may be an extruded tubular mesh, a woven tubular
mesh, or a woven stitched mesh, just to name a few. Moreover, the
mesh structure (101) of the waste receiver (100) may be formed as a
planar sheet or as an elongate tube. Preferably, the mesh structure
(101) of the waste receiver (100) is formed as an elongate tube. An
elongate tube form allows the waste receiver (100) to be easily
secured at the sealing end (103) to enable the waste receiver (100)
to hold lawn waste. By way of example, and not limitation, the
sealing end (103) may be secured by a number of methods, such as
heat staking, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, a mechanical
fastener (e.g., a clip or tie), a cinch, or by tying a knot in the
waste receiver (100) itself near the sealing end (103), just to
name a few. Further, the mesh structure (101) may be produced with
virtually any length. This provides an opportunity to produce the
mesh structure (101) with a standard pre-cut length that
corresponds to one waste receiver (100), or to produce the mesh
structure (101) with an uncut length that corresponds to multiple
waste receivers (100), which gives the end user the ability to
create a waste receiver (100) with a user specified length.
[0046] Many lawn waste removal and collection services require the
waste receiver (100) to be ground up along with the lawn waste and
added to a compost pile. Thus, the waste receiver (100) must be
biodegradable for proper disposal. The waste receiver (100)
preferably comprises a thermoplastic material formed from a
biodegradable polymer composition comprising polylactic acid (PLA).
However, one with skill in the art will recognize that a number of
biodegradable polymers, and blends thereof, may be utilized,
including but not limited to, aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters,
polyesteramides, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which include
polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB), polyhydroxyvalerates (PHV), and
polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (PHBV),
polycaprolactones, thermoplastic starch, polybutylene succinate
(PBS), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), and combinations
thereof. Many of the commercially available biodegradable polymer
compositions are suitable for use in composting applications.
[0047] It is important to make the distinction between
biodegradable and compostable. Biodegradable plastic will degrade
from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms, such as
bacteria and fungi, over a long period of time. The amount of
degradation depends on the material, the environmental conditions
present, and the time period. Moreover, the degradation of
biodegradable plastics can leave behind toxic residues.
[0048] On the other hand, compostable plastic is plastic which is
capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as
part of an available program, such that the plastic is not visually
distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic
compounds, and biomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable
materials (e.g. cellulose), and leaves no toxic residue. In order
for a plastic to be called compostable, generally three criteria
need to be met: (1) it must biodegrade, or break down into carbon
dioxide, water, biomass at the same rate as cellulose (paper); (2)
it must disintegrate, in other words the material must be
indistinguishable in the compost; and (3) the biodegradation does
not produce any toxic material and the compost must support plant
growth.
[0049] A plastic material therefore may be biodegradable but not
compostable (that is, it breaks down too slowly to be called
compostable or leaves toxic residue). The rate of biodegradation
for different biocompostables is dependent upon the composition and
thickness of the material as well as composting conditions.
Commercial composting facilities grind the materials, turn over the
piles and reach high temperatures, thus reducing the amount of time
it takes to compost and, is thus, the recommended method for
composting these products. Home composting rates are slower and can
vary, depending on how frequently the pile is turned over, the
moisture and material content and the temperature.
[0050] The term "biodegradable" used throughout this specification
refers to materials that are biodegradable and compostable. Thus,
references to biodegradable polymer compositions or biodegradable
waste receivers (100) means that the materials meet the criteria
set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
in their publication ASTM D 5511 "Standard Test Method for
Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under
High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions" and the criteria set
forth in ASTM's publication ASTM D6400 "Standard Specification for
Compostable Plastics," and other international standards generally
aligned with these methods, such as the European Standardization
Committee's EN13432.
[0051] The combination of having a mesh structure (101) and being
formed of a thermoplastic material provides the waste receiver
(100) with several advantages. One advantage is the flexibility of
waste receiver (100). This flexibility allows the waste receiver
(100) to be easily secured at the filling end (102) by tying a knot
after lawn waste is introduced into the waste receiver (100).
Similarly, the waste receiver (100) is capable of great expansion.
In one embodiment, the waste receiver (100) has an expansion ratio
of at least 3:1. As used herein, the expansion ratio is defined as
the ratio of the expanded diameter of the waste receiver (100) to
the initial non-expanded diameter of the waste receiver (100). As
an example, a waste receiver (100) having an initial diameter of 3
inches and an expanded diameter of 30 inches would have an
expansion ratio of 10:1.
[0052] Another advantage is that the waste receiver (100) has a
very large capacity to weight ratio. The capacity to weight ratio
is the ratio of the filling capacity of the waste receiver (100)
(in gallons) to the weight of an empty waste receiver (100) (in
pounds). In one particular embodiment, the waste receiver (100) has
a capacity to weight ratio of at least 990 gallon/lb. Thus, a waste
receiver (100) with a capacity to weight ratio of at least 990
gallon/lb could have an empty weight of 0.03 lbs with the ability
to hold roughly 30 gallons of material.
[0053] Typically, an extruded tubular mesh structure (101) is
produced with a very long length so that it may be wrapped around a
spool to provide for easy distribution. However, when used as a
waste receiver (100), as noted above, the mesh structure (101) may
have a standard pre-cut length, e.g., 54 inches, that corresponds
to one waste receiver (100). When the extruded tubular mesh
structure (101) is first produced it has an initial configuration
including an initial width (W.sub.I), an initial diameter
(D.sub.I), and an initial volume. The initial width (W.sub.I), as
seen in FIG. 3, is the width of the extruded tubular mesh structure
(101) when laid flat. The initial diameter (D.sub.I) is referred to
as the largest diameter of a cylindrical object that can be
introduced into the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) without
substantially expanding the extruded tubular mesh structure (101).
Similarly, the initial volume is the largest volume of a
cylindrical object that can be introduced into the extruded tubular
mesh structure (101) without substantially expanding the extruded
tubular mesh structure (101). In many instances, the initial width
(W.sub.I), initial diameter (D.sub.I), and initial volume are quite
small making the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) difficult to
manipulate with one's fingers. By way of example only and not
limitation, the initial width (W.sub.I) may be in the range of
about 1/2 inch to about 2 inches. Similarly, by way of example only
and not limitation, the initial diameter (D.sub.I) may be in the
range of about 3/4 inch to about 3 inches. The initial volume may
be expressed in terms of a volume per foot of the mesh structure
(101). For example purposes only and not limitation, the initial
volume may be in the range of about 5.3 cubic inches per foot to
about 85 cubic inches per foot. Such a small initial width
(W.sub.I) and initial diameter (D.sub.I) would inevitably lead to
users trying to manipulate the extruded tubular mesh structure
(101) with various tools that could damage the structural integrity
of the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) that would render the
extruded tubular mesh structure (101) unsuitable for use as a waste
receiver (100).
[0054] In order to provide an extruded tubular mesh structure (101)
suitable for use as a waste receiver (100) it is advantageous to
subject the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) to an expansion
process, as seen in FIG. 2. The expansion process may be performed
manually or it may be automated. The first step in the process is
to introduce an expansion device (400) having an expansion diameter
(D.sub.E) within the extruded tubular mesh structure (101). By way
of example and not limitation, the expansion device (400) may
comprise a sphere, a round tipped cone, or any other smoothly
rounded shape that will not become entangled with the extruded
tubular mesh structure (101). After the expansion device (400) in
inserted into the extruded tubular mesh structure (101), the
extruded tubular mesh structure (101) may be pulled over the
expansion device (400). Alternatively, the expansion device (400)
may be pushed through the extruded tubular mesh structure (101). In
one embodiment, the expansion device (400) has an expansion
diameter (D.sub.E) that is at least three times greater than the
initial diameter (D.sub.I). In another embodiment, the expansion
device (400) has an expansion diameter (D.sub.E) that is at least
10 times greater than the initial diameter (D.sub.I). In a specific
embodiment, the expansion device (400) comprises a sphere having an
expansion diameter (D.sub.E) of at least nine inches.
[0055] Subjecting the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) to an
expansion process, such as shown in FIG. 2, causes some plastic
deformation of the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) resulting
in a new configuration, which is referred to herein as the
pre-receiving configuration. As with the initial configuration, the
pre-receiving configuration includes a pre-receiving width
(W.sub.PR), as seen in FIG. 3, a pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR),
and a pre-receiving volume. In one embodiment, the pre-receiving
width (W.sub.PR) is at least 50 percent greater than the initial
width (W.sub.I), the pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR) is at least
50 percent greater than the initial diameter (D.sub.I), and the
pre-receiving volume is at least 50 percent greater than the
initial volume. In other words, in this embodiment, the expansion
process results in a pre-receiving configuration that is at least
50 percent greater than the initial configuration. In another
embodiment, the pre-receiving width (W.sub.PR) is at least three
times greater than the initial width (W.sub.I), the pre-receiving
diameter (D.sub.PR) is at least three times greater than the
initial diameter (D.sub.I), and the pre-receiving volume is at
least three times greater than the initial volume. In other words,
in this particular embodiment, the expansion process results in a
pre-receiving configuration that is at least three times greater
than the initial configuration.
[0056] As noted above, when the extruded tubular mesh structure
(101) is in its initial configuration the extruded tubular mesh
structure (101) is difficult to manipulate with one's fingers.
However, after expansion to the pre-receiving configuration, the
extruded tubular mesh structure (101) is easier to manipulate with
one's fingers rendering it suitable for easy use with the shaping
insert (200), which is discussed in more detail below.
[0057] In still a further embodiment, the extruded tubular mesh
structure (101) may be processed to form an extruded planar sheet
mesh structure (101). For example, after the extruded tubular mesh
structure (101) undergoes the expansion process described above,
the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) is subjected to a cutting
process, which may be automated or manual, to form an extruded
planar sheet mesh structure (101) for use as a waste receiver
(100). Preferably, the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) is cut
along the length of the mesh structure (101). In this embodiment,
it is preferable for the expansion device (400) to have a much
larger expansion diameter (D.sub.E), such as about 18 inches to
about 36 inches, to provide the extruded planar sheet mesh
structure (101) with a greater width after undergoing the cutting
process. After the cutting process, multiple planar sheet mesh
structures (101) may be secured to one another, such as by heat
fusing or ultrasonic welding, to form a large, integral planar
sheet mesh structure (101). In use, the extruded planar sheet mesh
structure (101) may be placed on the ground and a user may rake,
sweep, or place lawn waste upon the extruded planar sheet mesh
structure (101). After a suitable amount of the lawn waste is on
the extruded planar sheet mesh structure (101), the user may gather
the corners of the extruded planar sheet mesh structure (101) and
secure them with a clip, twist-tie, or by forming a knot, and
dispose of the lawn waste filled mesh structure (101)
accordingly.
[0058] Because the waste receiver (100) is designed to ultimately
end up as compost material, there may be a desire to form the waste
receiver (100) with a color that somewhat blends with the other
compost material. In most instances, the compost material will have
a brown or black, relatively dark appearance. In one particular
embodiment, the waste receiver (100) is formed with a color
selected from the group consisting of: red, orange, yellow, green,
blue, violet, black, and combinations thereof, wherein the color
has an L* value that is less than or equal to 60 on the CIELAB
color measurement scale. The CIELAB color space has three
dimensions or coordinates: L*, a*, and b*, where the L* coordinate
represents lightness, which is related to the cube root of the
relative luminance of the object to the luminance of a "specified
white object." The lightness value L* ranges from zero (0), which
indicates black, to 100, which indicates white. The a* coordinate
indicates the color's position between red/magenta and green. A
negative a* value represents green and a positive a* value
represents magenta. The b* coordinate indicates the position
between the yellow (positive) and the blue (negative). The L* value
and CIELAB color space, as well as CIELUV, CIELCH and other color
spaces are known in the art.
[0059] Another well known color space is the Munsell color system.
The Munsell system is based on three color characteristics: hue,
value (lightness or darkness), and chroma (the "purity" of the
color). For example, a relatively dark brown color could be
represented by the Munsell system as 5Y 1/2 (a Munsell color), with
5Y meaning the color in the middle of the yellow hue band,
1/meaning a low lightness, and a chroma of 2. In one embodiment,
the waste receiver (100) may have a hue in a range between about 1R
and about 10Y, which includes the red hue, the red-yellow hue, and
the yellow hue, and a value in a range between about 0 and about
5.
[0060] In still another embodiment, the waste receiver (100)
includes a gripping tab (104), as seen in FIG. 21. The gripping tab
(104) helps the user in manipulating the waste receiver (100). In
addition, the gripping tab (104) provides surfaces for displaying
various indicia, such as trademarks and product information. The
gripping tab (104) is configured to be secured to the filling end
(102) of the waste receiver (100). Preferably, the gripping tab
(104) is formed of a compostable material, such as paper, and is
secured to the filling end (102) with virtually any type of
bioadhesive, which are known in the art. Moreover, the gripping tab
(104) material is configured to be flexible such that it does not
interfere with the user's ability to secure the filling end (102),
such as by tying a knot. Preferably, the gripping tab (104) is
secured to the filling end (102) such that it extends at least one
inch beyond the filling end (102). The gripping tab (104) may be
formed as a long rectangle that is coated with bioadhesive on one
surface such that folding the rectangle in half places two surfaces
coated with bioadhesive in direct opposing relationship to one
another, which may then be secured to the mesh structure (101) at
the filling end (102). To ensure adequate adhesion to the mesh
structure (101) of the waste receiver (100), the gripping tab (104)
may be formed with slits, as seen in FIG. 22. The slits allow
portions of the gripping tab (104) to better conform to the
individual strands of the mesh structure (101), which reduces void
areas that in turn provides a greater surface area for the two
surfaces coated with bioadhesive to bond.
[0061] Referring now generally to FIGS. 4-16, the next component of
the biodegradable lawn waste collection system (10) is a shaping
insert (200). The shaping insert (200) is configured for removable
reception within the filling end (102) of the waste receiver (100),
as illustrated in FIG. 12. The shaping insert (200) provides the
waste receiver (100) with rigidity and stability when filling the
waste receiver (100) with lawn waste. Moreover, the shaping insert
(200) allows the filling end (102) of the waste receiver (100) to
remain open during the filling process. The shaping insert (200)
also enables the waste receiver (100) to be positioned on its side
so that lawn waste does not have to be picked up and dropped into
the waste receiver (100). Additionally, when the waste receiver
(100) is on its side, a user may use the waste receiver (100) as a
scoop to collect lawn waste. After a user fills the waste receiver
(100) to a desired level with lawn waste, the user may simply
remove the shaping insert (200) and secure the filling end (102) to
prepare the waste receiver (100) for disposal.
[0062] To aid in the filling of the waste receiver (100), the
shaping insert (200) may be sized such that a user will not
overfill the waste receiver (100) with lawn waste. For example,
during the filling process, when the lawn waste reaches a level
that is even with the top of the shaping insert (200), this would
indicate that the waste receiver (100) is full and that no
additional lawn waste should be added.
[0063] The shaping insert (200) may be formed with a waterproof
material or may include a coating to render the shaping insert
(200) waterproof. By using waterproof materials, the shaping insert
(200) may be used in connection with wet lawn waste without
affecting the structural integrity of the shaping insert (200).
[0064] In one embodiment, the shaping insert (200) comprises a
planar substrate. The planar substrate may comprise various
materials such as thermoplastics, foams, or cardboard, just to name
a few. Preferably the planar substrate has a substantially
rectangular shape with rounded corners. The rounded corners help
ensure that the planar substrate will not become entangled with the
mesh structure (101) of the waste receiver (100), thus facilitating
reception of the planar substrate into the waste receiver (100).
The planar substrate may also include a fastening device to
removably secure a first end of the planar substrate to a second
end of the planar substrate directly opposite the first end to form
a tubular configuration. The term "tubular configuration," as used
herein, refers to a substantially vertical, hollow conduit having a
closed perimeter of virtually any shape that is open at its two
ends. For example, the fastening device may comprise a
tongue-and-groove type connection, hook-and-loop fasteners, or snap
fasteners, just to name a few. The fastening device allows the
planar substrate to retain a tubular configuration to facilitate
removable reception within the filling end (102) of the waste
receiver (100). In another embodiment, the shaping insert (200) may
comprise a planar substrate having elastic panels. The elastic
panels allow the shaping insert (200) to occupy less storage space,
and also allow the shaping insert (200) to expand when used in the
waste receiver (100).
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, in another embodiment, the
shaping insert (200) has a shaping insert perimeter (201), a
shaping insert proximal end (202), a shaping insert distal end
(203), and a continuous sidewall (204) extending between the
shaping insert proximal end (202) and the shaping insert distal end
(203) such that the shaping insert (200) has a tubular
configuration. The shaping insert perimeter (201) may have a number
of geometric configurations, such as circular, triangular, square,
and rectangular, just to name a few. Preferably, for embodiments
having a non-circular shaping insert perimeter (201), the straight
edges of the perimeter (201) are joined to one another by a rounded
edge.
[0066] The shaping insert (200) is configured with unique
relationships with respect to the waste receiver (100),
particularly with respect to the extruded tubular mesh structure
(101) initial configuration and pre-receiving configuration, and
more particularly with respect to the initial diameter (D.sub.I)
and the pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR). For example, in one
particular embodiment the shaping insert (200) includes a circular
shaping insert perimeter (201) formed with a radius that is at
least 50 percent greater than the pre-receiving diameter
(D.sub.PR). Such an embodiment ensures that the shaping insert
(200) may be easily inserted into the waste receiver (100) without
damaging the structural integrity of the waste receiver (100). In
another embodiment, the shaping insert (200) has a non-circular
shaping insert perimeter (201) formed with rounded corners, with
each rounded corner having a radius of curvature that is greater
than the initial diameter (D.sub.I). Still further, in another
embodiment, the non-circular shaping insert perimeter (201) is
formed with rounded corners, with each rounded corner having a
radius of curvature that is greater than the initial diameter
(D.sub.I), but less than the pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR).
This embodiment ensures that a rounded corner of the non-circular
shaping insert perimeter (201) is capable of easy insertion into
the waste receiver (100), but is not so small so as to become
entangled with the mesh structure (101), which could damage the
structural integrity of the mesh structure (101) making it unfit
for use as a waste receiver (100).
[0067] In one embodiment, the shaping insert (200) comprises a
collapsible tube (220), as seen in FIGS. 6-9. The collapsible tube
(220) may be collapsible vertically, horizontally, transversely,
radially, and combinations thereof. By way of example only, and not
limitation, the collapsibility of the collapsible tube (220) may be
provided by hinges, spring-coils (222), torsion springs, wire frame
members designed with a biasing configuration, or areas of reduced
strength to facilitate collapsing.
[0068] Moreover, it is preferable for the collapsible tube (220) to
have a rounded insertion edge (210), as seen in FIG. 11. In this
particular embodiment, the collapsible tube (220) is formed with a
triangular shaping insert perimeter (201) and is collapsible
transversely such that the collapsible tube (220) assumes a
relatively flat orientation that places the rounded insertion edge
(210) in a condition suitable for inserting into the waste receiver
(100). A rounded insertion edge (210) protects the structural
integrity of the waste receiver (100) by eliminating sharp edges
that could become entangled with the mesh structure (101) of the
waste receiver (100). Moreover, the rounded insertion edge (210)
promotes a reduced friction cooperation between the shaping insert
(200) and the waste receiver (100) to facilitate insertion of the
shaping insert (200) within the waste receiver (100). In a
particular embodiment, the rounded insertion edge (210) is formed
with a radius of curvature that is at least 50 percent greater than
the pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR), but is less than 5 times
greater than the pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR). A shaping
insert (200) with a rounded insertion edge (210) having a radius of
curvature within this range facilitates reception of the shaping
insert (200) within the waste receiver (100), but is not so large
that insertion of the shaping insert (200) into the waste receiver
(100) becomes unmanageable.
[0069] In a particular embodiment, seen in FIG. 9, the shaping
insert (200) has a circular shaping insert perimeter (201) and
comprises a collapsible tube (220) having a spring-coil (222)
secured to the collapsible tube (220). To protect the spring-coil
(222), a sheath (224) may be provided to enclose the spring-coil
(222). The spring-coil (222) tends to bias the collapsible tube
(220) from a storage position to an expanded position, which is
shown in FIGS. 13-15. The collapsible tube (220) may include
storage fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners,
magnets, or tie-downs to retain the collapsible tube (220) in the
storage position, as seen in FIG. 8. When in the storage position,
a user may insert the collapsible tube (220) into the filling end
(102) of the waste receiver (100), as seen in FIG. 12. After the
collapsible tube (220) is placed into the waste receiver (100), the
user may release the storage fasteners to allow the collapsible
tube (220) to transition to the expanded position, as shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15. In one embodiment, when the collapsible tube (220)
moves to the expanded position, the mesh structure (101) remains
resilient and in tension such that the mesh structure (101) remains
snug against the collapsible tube (220) and exerts a compressive
force against the collapsible tube (220). The compressive force
allows the mesh structure (101) to support its own weight, and thus
the waste receiver (100) will not collapse or simply slide off
after the collapsible tube (220) moves to the expanded position
inside of the waste receiver (100). After the collapsible tube
(220) has transitioned to the expanded position with the waste
receiver (100), the waste receiver (100) is now ready for use.
[0070] In one particular embodiment, the spring-coil (222) exerts a
longitudinal force of about 2 lbs to about 10 lbs when
transitioning from the storage position to the expanded position.
Similarly, when the collapsible tube (220) having a spring-coil
(222) is placed within a waste receiver (100), the spring-coil
(222) exerts a transverse force of about 2 lbs to about 10 lbs on
the mesh structure (101), which causes the mesh structure (101) to
expand to the receiving configuration. These spring-coil (222)
forces permit the collapsible tube (220) to overcome the
longitudinal friction force and expansion force of the mesh
structure (101). Such an embodiment permits the spring-coil (222)
to fully expand within the mesh structure (101) with minimal
involvement by the user. Moreover, the spring-coil (222)
longitudinal force and transverse force are large enough to expand
the mesh structure (101), but are not so large as to create
difficulties or a safety hazard when a user compresses the
collapsible tube (220) to the storage position. In one particular
embodiment, the amount of longitudinal force is about 10 percent to
about 30 percent of the transverse force. This provides a balanced
amount of force that allows the spring-coil (222) to fully extend
longitudinally, as well as transversely within the mesh structure
(101).
[0071] In one embodiment, prior to inserting the shaping insert
(200), i.e., the collapsible tube (220), within the waste receiver
(100), the extruded tubular mesh structure (101) is in the
pre-receiving configuration. After the shaping insert (200) is
allowed to expand within the extruded tubular mesh structure (101),
the expansion causes some degree of plastic deformation of the
extruded tubular mesh structure (101) resulting in an additional
configuration, which is referred to herein as the receiving
configuration, as seen in FIGS. 13-15. As discussed above with
respect to the initial configuration and the pre-receiving
configuration, the receiving configuration includes a receiving
width (W.sub.R), which is best seen in FIG. 3, a receiving diameter
(D.sub.R), as seen in FIG. 13, and a receiving volume. In one
embodiment, the pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR) is at least 10
percent of the receiving diameter (D.sub.R). This particular
embodiment ensures that the mesh structure (101) has dimensions
that allow a user to easily manipulate the mesh structure (101)
with their fingers rendering it suitable for easy use with the
shaping insert (200). In another embodiment, the pre-receiving
diameter (D.sub.PR) is no more than 40 percent of the receiving
diameter (D.sub.R). In still another embodiment, the pre-receiving
diameter (D.sub.PR) is within a range of about 10 percent of the
receiving diameter (D.sub.R) to about 40 percent of the receiving
diameter (D.sub.R). This embodiment provides a waste receiver (100)
having a mesh structure (101) with dimensions that allow easy
manipulation with one's fingers, but are not so large that the
waste receiver (100) becomes awkward to use. In yet another
embodiment, the receiving width (W.sub.R) is at least three times
greater than the pre-receiving width (W.sub.PR), the receiving
diameter (D.sub.R) is at least three times greater than the
pre-receiving diameter (D.sub.PR), and the receiving volume is at
least five times greater than the pre-receiving volume. In other
words, in this embodiment, the mesh structure (101) is capable of
expanding to a receiving configuration that is at least three times
greater than the pre-receiving configuration. Such expansion is
beneficial for increasing the volume of waste that can be
collected, but it also facilitates efficient packaging of the waste
receivers (100) by being able to package the waste receivers (100)
in the smaller pre-receiving configuration.
[0072] In an alternative embodiment, the collapsible tube (220) may
include a rigid collar. The rigid collar further facilitates the
cooperation between the collapsible tube (220) and the waste
receiver (100) by providing a lip onto which a user can secure the
filling end (102) when the collapsible tube (220) is transitioned
to the expanded position. In this embodiment, the collapsible tube
(220) may be retained in the storage position by the cooperation of
a loop or strap of material at the bottom of the collapsible tube
(220) with a projection tab formed in the rigid collar.
Alternatively, the rigid collar may be formed with a flexible wire
handle that cooperates with the loop or strap of material to retain
the collapsible tube (220) in the storage position.
[0073] In yet another embodiment, the shaping insert (200) may
include an expandable lattice structure. The expandable lattice
structure may be hinged in such a way that the shaping insert (200)
is capable of expanding radially outward. This allows the shaping
insert (200) to be easily inserted into the filling end (102) and
subsequently expanded for use, as seen in FIG. 11.
[0074] The shaping insert (200) may include handles to aid in
removing the shaping insert (200) from the waste receiver (100), as
seen in FIG. 16. In one embodiment, the shaping insert (200)
includes a first proximal handle (205) secured to the shaping
insert proximal end (202) and a second proximal handle (206)
secured to the shaping insert proximal end (202) in direct opposing
relationship to the first proximal handle (205). For example, for a
shaping insert (200) having a circular shaping insert perimeter
(201), the second proximal handle (206) would be positioned 180
degrees from the first proximal handle (205), as seen in FIG. 5. In
this embodiment, the shaping insert (200) would be inserted within
the waste receiver (100) such that the first and second proximal
handles (205, 206) are adjacent the filling end (102). Thus, the
first and second proximal handles (205, 206) facilitate removal of
the shaping insert (200) from the waste receiver (100) after the
waste receiver (100) has been filled with lawn waste. In the same
way, the shaping insert (200) may include a first distal handle
(207) secured to the shaping insert distal end (203) and a second
distal handle (208) secured to the shaping insert distal end (203)
in direct opposing relationship to the first distal handle (207).
In this embodiment, the shaping insert (200) would be inserted
within the waste receiver (100) such that the first and second
distal handles (207, 208) are adjacent the filling end (102) to
facilitate removal of the shaping insert (200) from the waste
receiver (100). In a further embodiment, the shaping insert (200)
includes first and second proximal handles (205, 206), as well as
first and second distal handles (207, 208) as previously described,
as illustrated in FIG. 9. This particular embodiment allows the
shaping insert (200) to be inserted into the waste receiver (100)
without regard for whether the shaping insert proximal end (202) or
the shaping insert distal end (203) is positioned adjacent to the
filling end (102); after all, in this embodiment a handle will
always be adjacent to the filling end (102).
[0075] In still a further embodiment, the shaping insert (200)
comprises a collapsible tube (220) with a spring-coil (222) secured
to the collapsible tube (220) and further includes first and second
proximal handles (205, 206) and first and second distal handles
(207, 208), as described above, and seen in FIG. 9. In this
particular embodiment, when the collapsible tube (220) is
compressed to a storage position, the first distal handle (207)
substantially aligns with the first proximal handle (205) and the
second distal handle (208) substantially aligns with the second
proximal handle (206), as shown in FIG. 8 with respect to the first
distal handle (207) and the first proximal handle (205). As used
here, the term "substantially aligns" means that a portion of each
handle, e.g., first distal and first proximal handle (207, 205),
are in the same vertical plane. This embodiment may further include
a first proximal fastening device (205a) secured to a portion of
the first proximal handle (205) and a first distal fastening device
(207a) secured to a portion of the first distal handle (207), with
the first distal fastening device (207a) configured for cooperative
engagement with the first proximal fastening device (205a), as seen
in FIG. 9. Similarly, this embodiment may include a second proximal
fastening device (206a) secured to a portion of the second proximal
handle (206) and a second distal fastening device (208a) secured to
a portion of the second distal handle (208), with the second distal
fastening device (208a) configured for cooperative engagement with
the second proximal fastening device (206a), also seen in FIG. 9.
By way of example only, and not limitation, the fastening devices
(205a, 206a, 207a, 208a) may comprise cooperating hook-and-loop
type fasteners or cooperating snap fasteners, just to name a
couple. Thus, in this embodiment, when the collapsible tube (220)
is compressed to the storage position, the first proximal handle
(205) may be secured to the first distal handle (207) through the
cooperative engagement of the first proximal and first distal
fastening devices (205a, 207a), and the second proximal handle
(206) may be secured to the second distal handle (208) through the
cooperative engagement of the second proximal and second distal
fastening devices (206a, 208a) to thereby retain the collapsible
tube (220) in the storage position.
[0076] As seen in FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the fastening devices
(205a, 206a, 207a, 208a) are secured to the first and second
proximal handles (205, 206) and the first and second distal handles
(207, 208) such that the resiliency of the spring-coil (222) places
the engaged fastening devices (205a, 207a and 206a, 208a) in
tension. This occurs, for example, when the fastening devices
(205a, 207a and 206a, 208a) are located on the first and second
proximal handles (205, 206) and the first and second distal handles
(207, 208), as seen in FIG. 12. In this particular embodiment, the
resiliency of the spring-coil (222) places a biasing force on the
engaged fastening devices (205a, 207a and 206a, 208a), which may
tend to cause the engaged fastening devices (205a, 207a and 206a,
208a) to disengage. However, in an alternative embodiment, the
fastening devices (205a, 206a, 207a, 208a) are secured to the first
and second proximal handles (205, 206) and the first and second
distal handles (207, 208) such that the resiliency of the
spring-coil (222) places the engaged fastening devices (205a, 207a
and 206a, 208a) in shear. In one embodiment, to place the engaged
fastening devices (205a, 207a and 206a, 208a) in shear, one part of
the engaged fastening device (205a, 207a and 206a, 208a) is secured
to a portion of the handle (205, 206, 207, 208) that is also
secured to the continuous sidewall (204), seen well in FIG. 10 with
respect to the first proximal fastening device (205a), while the
other part of the engaged fastening device (205a, 207a and 206a,
208a) is secured to a portion of the handle (205, 206, 207, 208)
that is not secured to the continuous sidewall (204), as seen in
FIG. 9 with respect to the first and second distal fastening
devices (207a, 208a). When the engaged fastening devices (205a,
207a and 206a, 208a) are in shear, a much greater force must be
applied to separate the engaged fastening devices (205a, 207a and
206a, 208a) compared to when the engaged fastening devices (205a,
207a and 206a, 208a) are in tension. As a result of the shear
force, it is much less likely that the fastening devices (205a,
207a and 206a, 208a) will become unintentionally disengaged.
[0077] In yet another embodiment, the shaping insert (200)
incorporates handles at only one end, for example, at the shaping
insert proximal end (202). In this embodiment, the first proximal
handle (205) and the second proximal handle (206) may each include
a pair of cooperating fastening devices secured to opposite sides
of the handles (205, 206). Thus, when the shaping insert (200) is
compressed, the handles (205, 206) may be wrapped around the
compressed sides of the shaping insert (200) so that the pair of
cooperating fastening devices on the first proximal handle (205)
come into engagement and the pair of cooperating fastening devices
on the second proximal handle (206) come into engagement to thereby
retain the shaping insert (200) in the compressed storage position.
It should be noted that this embodiment is equally applicable when
applied to the shaping insert distal end (203).
[0078] Moreover, the shaping insert (200) may include a removable
lid. For example, the removable lid may be attached to the shaping
insert (200) via a zipper, snaps, or hook-and-loop fasteners. The
removable lid allows the shaping insert (200) itself to be utilized
as a storage container. The removable lid may be attached at the
shaping insert proximal end (202), the shaping insert distal end
(203), or at both ends (202, 203).
[0079] With reference now to FIGS. 17-20, the final component of
the biodegradable lawn waste collection system (10) is a handle
(300). The handle (300) is designed and configured to facilitate
the transport of at least one waste receiver (100) containing lawn
waste. As seen throughout FIGS. 17-20, the handle (300) includes at
least one attachment port (310) for releasable attachment with the
waste receiver (100).
[0080] The handle (300) preferably comprises a durable
thermoplastic material. However, the handle (300) could be formed
of wood, metal, or combinations of woods, metals, and plastics.
Moreover, the handle (300) may include a foam material to provide
cushioning to the hands and fingers of a user.
[0081] Referring now specifically to FIG. 17, the at least one
attachment port (310) is configured as a recess to releasably
attach the waste receiver (100). When the waste receiver (100) is
picked up with, or dragged by, the handle (300), the weight of the
waste receiver (100) will bear against the handle (300) and tend to
lock the waste receiver (100) in position. The at least one
attachment port (310) may also include a port depression. The port
depression provides a seat in which a secured filling end (102) may
bear on the handle (300), as seen in FIG. 18. The port depression
may have a diameter in the range of about 1/4 inch to about 1 inch
in order to seat the secured filling end (102).
[0082] In one embodiment, the handle (300) includes at least two
attachment ports (310) for releasable attachment with up to two
waste receivers (100). In another embodiment, seen in FIGS. 18 and
19, the handle (300) includes at least three attachment ports (310)
for releasable attachment with up to three waste receivers (100).
The three attachment port (310) embodiment allows a user the
flexibility to handle one, two, or three waste receivers (100) in a
balanced manner. For instance, when handling a single waste
receiver (100) the center attachment port (310) may be used.
Moreover, when handling two waste receivers (100), the outer two
attachment ports (310) may be used to balance the load. These
embodiments allow multiple full waste receivers (100) to be
transported by carrying or dragging the waste receivers (100) to
the disposal destination. This is a great improvement over
conventional paper lawn bags that are often difficult to transport
individually, much less more than one at a time.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 19, in yet another embodiment, the
handle (300) may be formed with a clip (320). The clip (320) allows
a user to easily attach the handle (300) to a belt, a belt loop, or
a pants' pocket when the handle (300) is not being utilized to
carry waste receivers (100). The clip (320) and handle (300) may be
formed as a single molded piece. Moreover, the clip (320) may be a
separate piece that is subsequently joined to the handle (300) by a
fastener or adhesives.
[0084] Numerous alterations, modifications, and variations of the
preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those
skilled in the art and they are all anticipated and contemplated to
be within the spirit and scope of the disclosed biodegradable lawn
waste collection system (10). For example, although specific
embodiments have been described in detail, those with skill in the
art will understand that the preceding embodiments and variations
can be modified to incorporate various types of substitute and or
additional or alternative materials, relative arrangement of
elements, and dimensional configurations. Accordingly, even though
only few variations of the biodegradable lawn waste collection
system (10) are described herein, it is to be understood that the
practice of such additional modifications and variations and the
equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the
biodegradable lawn waste collection system (10) as disclosed
herein. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed.
* * * * *