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Flexible debris collection apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Brushing, Scrubbing, And General Cleaning, Accessories, Debris Receptacle (e.g., Dustpan)Flexible debris collection apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050278887, Flexible debris collection apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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 typically attached to the tray and/or one of the low walls in order to permit ease of manipulation. Dust/particulate matter present on the dustpan is then transferred into a trash receptacle whereupon the dustpan may then be stored for future use. [0006] The present inventor is not the first to attempt to improve upon traditional dustpans used to pick up dust and other small particulate matter from floors and other horizontal surfaces. Variations on the theme are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 234,644 to Alexander, 411,855 to Klein, 422,240 to Marshall, and 5,020,185 to Hoefler, as well as U.S. Design Pat. No. D257,406 to Ouellette. [0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 234,644 to Alexander and 411,855 to Klein disclose dustpans that are formed by folding a single section of sheet metal. U.S. Pat. No. 422,240 to Marshall shows a rigid dustpan with intermediate arc to improve dust/particulate matter retention. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,185 to Hoefler discloses a disposable plastic dustpan that may be stored as a flat sheet in a stack ready for use. When needed, one sheet is peeled away from the stack and folded to form a dustpan. A non-hardening adhesive is used to hold the sheet in the folded orientation and to seal one edge to the surface requiring cleaning. After use, the dustpan is sealed to trap dust and debris within a folded pocket and then the entire device is discarded. [0009] U.S. Design Pat. No. D257,406 to Ouellette shows a pet litter retriever. Two rear corners of the apparatus are formed with integral finger tabs that assist in providing a better grip. [0010] Unfortunately, each of these prior art devices fall short of the optimum configuration for a debris collection apparatus. The Alexander, Klein, and Marshall apparatuses are rigid units formed with a pocket that is closed on all but one side. The arc formed in the tray of the Marshall apparatus is also rigid in nature. 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. [0011] To the best of the knowledge of the present inventor, no prior flexible debris collector design intended to address all of the problems outlined above exists. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved collection apparatus, and it would be greatly advantageous to provide a flexible debris collector that (1) remains fully open during the debris loading process in order to maximize area onto which debris may be placed, (2) provides the user with virtually complete control over the configuration of the apparatus during the debris pick up and transportation (i.e. to a trash receptacle) process, and yet maintains a constant pressure on a beveled leading edge to ensure thorough pick-up, (3) possesses finger tabs that assist a user in optimizing the configuration of the apparatus based on use, (4) possesses a simple, yet scalable, design fabricated of durable, lightweight, flexible materials, and (5) may be economically manufactured and sold to provide for widespread use. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved debris collection apparatus. [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. [0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a debris collection apparatus with a beveled leading edge. [0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a debris collection apparatus that is generally rectangular in shape, with a front-to-back form that is a shallow arch or upwardly extending curve to maintain a constant pressure on the beveled leading edge. [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. [0020] These and other objects are accomplished by an apparatus that is generally shaped as a rectangular sheet (i.e. possessing four 90.degree. corners) and fabricated of a flexible, resilient 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, those opposite the leading edge, are formed with diagonally-oriented finger tabs that are raised above the surface of the rest of the sheet. The tabs may be formed with a textured top surface to increase the coefficient of friction between the tabs and the hands/fingers of a user during the debris pickup/disposal process. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is formed with diagonally-oriented cut-outs defining handles, in place of the finger tabs, in the two corners opposite the leading edge. [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. Continue reading about Flexible debris collection apparatus... Full patent description for Flexible debris collection apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Flexible debris collection apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Flexible debris collection apparatus or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method and apparatus for stop log slot/guide cleaning Next Patent Application: Sensors and associated methods for controlling a vacuum cleaner Industry Class: Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Flexible debris collection apparatus patent info. 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