Pivoting Garden Debris Collector for Ergonomic Gathering and Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garden debris collection methods, such as rakes and leaf vacuums, are inconvenient, time-consuming, or cumbersome, and may cause injury, especially for less able-bodied users, while leaf scoops require multiple tools and awkward positions.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a pair of pivotable bodies with collection structures and handles that allow for efficient gathering and trapping of debris using a single tool, enabling ergonomic operation and single-handed disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rakes are used to manually gather garden debris, then debris collection is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple steps (gathering into pile, then lifting into receptacle)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for debris removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gathering and lifting functions into a single device. The two bodies with collection structures can drag along the ground to gather debris, then pivot to a closed position to trap and lift the debris simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate gathering and lifting operations with traditional rakes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic pivoting motion between open and closed positions. The bodies can transition from an open dragging position for gathering debris to a closed position for trapping and lifting, allowing the device to adapt its configuration during operation to perform multiple functions efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If leaf scoops are used to assist with lifting debris, then lifting capability is improved, but the user must use two tools or discard the rake, which is inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting convenienceVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the rake and leaf scoop functions into a single integrated device. The two bodies with collection structures serve both as gathering tools when open and as lifting containers when closed, eliminating the need to switch between or use multiple separate tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions: it can drag along the ground to gather debris, pivot to trap debris, and lift the trapped debris. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate rake and leaf scoop tools, simplifying the user's toolkit while maintaining operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If leaf scoops are used for lifting debris, then lifting is assisted, but the user must assume awkward positions such as stooping, which can cause injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting assistanceVSAvoidphysical strain and injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to lift debris to a height that brings it into line with the user's receptacle, eliminating the need for stooping or bending. The lifting action occurs at a more ergonomic height, reducing physical strain on the user's back and knees

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

4Productivity

If leaf vacuums are used for collecting garden debris, then collection efficiency is improved, but the devices are heavy, require fuel or electrical power supply, and emit noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris collection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the powered vacuum system with a purely mechanical device that uses manual pivoting motion to gather and trap debris. This eliminates the need for heavy motors, fuel tanks, electrical power supplies, and noise-generating components while maintaining effective debris collection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12478005B2Device for collecting garden debris

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 CONERON JAMES

AI summary

Device for collecting garden debris from the ground. The device includes a pair of bodies and a pair of handles. Each body defines opposed ends and a collection structure extending at least partially between the ends. The bodies are configured to be pivotally securable to each other about an axis arranged adjacent one of the ends of each body such that the collection structures are opposed and extend substantially radially away from the axis. Each handle is configured to be connected to one of the bodies at a position spaced radially from the axis. Operating the handles causes the bodies to pivot between an open position, to allow dragging the bodies along the ground to gather garden debris between the collection structures, and a closed to allow trapping the gathered garden debris between the bodies.