Flexible debris collection apparatus

Abstract

A debris collection apparatus that is generally shaped as a rectangular sheet and fabricated of a flexible plastic material. The apparatus' front-to-back form is that of a shallow arch or upwardly extending curve. A leading edge of the apparatus is beveled to facilitate the debris pick-up process. Two corners of the apparatus are formed with diagonally-oriented finger tabs, that are raised above the surface of the rest of the sheet, or cut-outs defining handles. The debris collection apparatus may be manufactured using an injection molding process. The apparatus is fabricated of lightweight materials chosen to provide an appropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity. The apparatus possesses a simple, yet scalable, design that may be economically manufactured and sold to provide for widespread use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application derives priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 572,034, filed: May 17, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to cleaning implements and, more particularly, to an apparatus used in collecting debris for disposal and, even more particularly, to a flexible debris collection apparatus that may be folded into a U-shape to retain any debris contained within and facilitate its transfer into a trash receptacle. [0004] 2. Description of the Background [0005] Conventional dustpans consist of a rigid or semi-rigid, metal or plastic, flat tray with low walls on three sides and a thin edge on the fourth side. In use, the thin edge is placed against a flat surface containing dust or other small particulate matter and a broom or brush is used to transfer the debris over the thin edge and onto the top surface of the flat tray. A handle is typ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a debris collection apparatus that facilitates the pick-up, retention, and transfer of debris into a trash receptacle.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a debris collection apparatus having finger tabs or handles that assist with its usage.

[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a debris collection apparatus that possesses a simple and scalable design.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris collection apparatus that is fabricated of a lightweight material providing an appropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity.

[0019] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a debris collection apparatus that is inexpensive to manufacture and sell to provide for widespread use and disposability.

[0021] While the rectangular form is preferred, other quadrilateral shapes (e.g. trapezoids) may be used for the apparatus of the present invention. The present invention may be manufactured using an injection molding process. The present invention is fabricated of lightweight materials chosen to provide an appropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity. The present invention possesses a simple, yet scalable, design that may be economically manufactured and sold to provide for widespread use.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, each of these prior art devices fall short of the optimum configuration for a debris collection apparatus.

The Hoefler device, while fabricated of a flexible material, does not provide the user with any flexibility as to the form the apparatus may take during use (i.e. it is designed to be folded into a predetermined configuration).

Finally, the finger tabs of the Ouellette device merely provide the means for holding onto the device, they do not allow for the reconfiguration of the device into a user-determined form.

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