Sweep releaf

Abstract

A device for use with a flexible trash bag which maintains the entrance of said bag in a fully open position which incorporates a “dust pan” like ramp to facilitate the filling of said bag and the methods of use and features included is herein disclosed. The device is inserted into the opening of said bag. The base ramp has two opposing legs attached which are angled slightly outward from vertical to provide a force pushing against the bags sides maintaining the opening. The legs and base flange employ a number of pegs that project into the material of the bag keeping the bag on the frame. The base ramp extends a sufficient length to allow for free standing stability. The base ramp has two enclosed foot “stirrups” attached to opposite ends of said ramp which when utilized, provide stability to the device. This method of operation frees both hands to operate the sweeping tool by pulling the debris between the legs into the opened bag.

1 . A device for holding open a bag which facilitates filling said bag with leaves, trimmings, household dirt, construction debris and the like comprising: 
 (a) A flat “dust pan” shaped base adapted to support said device, said base approximately 16″ wide extending a sufficient length to allow for free standing stability;    (b) Said base incorporates a flange on the back underside of the ramp which raises the ramp slightly allowing the debris to enter over the lip of the bag;    (c) Said base flange has a number of pegs protruding towards the entrance of the base which protrude into the material of the bag for keeping said bag on said base flange;    (b) Two foot stirrups attached at opposite ends of the ramp enclosed at the front to prevent contact with debris, allowing two feet to be inserted and apply foot pressure for added stability and gripping force when using the device;    (c) Two legs attached to said base at opposite ends of the ramp behind said stirrups. Said legs are attached by insertion into two L shaped cavities matching the form of the legs, of sufficient depth to provide stability, with one leg of the L running front to back and the other leg of the L running perpendicular away from each other;    (d) Said cavaties are incorporated into the base at slightly outward from vertical angles located just behind the stirrups. When snapped into place the legs apply an outward force to the inside lip of the bag causing the bag to remain open, creating a rectangular shape with three sides being the device and the forth side being the top lip of the bag itself.    (e) The legs of said apparatus having a length equal to app. ¼ the total circumference of the bag to be used, various lengths used for various sized bags. The legs have a snap-locking design that allows the legs to be removed for ease of storage. The snap-lock feature is duplicated at both ends of each angled leg. Said feature allows each leg to fit either slot.    (f) Said legs have a number of pegs protruding towards the entrance of the base which protrude into the material of the bag for keeping said bag on said base flange;    (f) Said legs can be used as handles to pick up and relocate the device by (1) grasping each leg along with the lip of the bag, (2) applying a minimal outward force to keep the bag attached to the leg and base flanges, (3) pick up the device with bag attached and relocate.    (g) Said legs are used to dump the accumulated debris from the front of the bag to the bottom of the bag by (1) grasping each leg along with the lip of the bag, (2) applying a minimal outward force to keep the bag attached to the leg and base flanges, (3) raising the device with bag attached causing the debris to fall to the bottom of the bag, and (4) relocate the device where needed. These steps are to be repeated as necessary until the bag is sufficiently filled whereupon the device is removed and the bag can be tied shut and disposed of.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  being made of injection molded plastic of a chemical formula that provides ridgidity combined with slight flexibility.  
   
   
       3 . A method for using said apparatus for facilitating filling a trash bag with leaves, trimmings, household dirt, construction debris and the like by; 
 (a) inserting said assembled apparatus into opening of said trash bag;    (b) placing sides of said trash bag over said legs;    (c) placing both feet into said stirrups;    (d) sweeping said debris into bag over said ramp until opening is full;    (e) grasping both legs and sides of bag simultaneously applying outward pressure to maintain the position of the bag on the apparatus;    (f) raising said apparatus causing collected debris to fall into the bottom of said trash bag;    (g) repeating steps (d) thru (f) until said trash bag is sufficiently full;    (h) removing said apparatus from said trash bag and tying shut said trash bag.