Multi-function transporter for yard debris

A yard debris transportation device includes a multi-panel assembly that is moveable between a collection configuration and a transport configuration. The panel assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth panel sections that are hingeably connected in series. In the collection configuration, the panel sections are open and substantially flat, such as laying against the ground. After yard debris is placed thereon, the panel assembly is changed to the transport configuration, forming a shell about a cavity having the yard debris therein. The end panel sections overlap in the transport configuration so that cutouts on the end panel sections overlay one another, thereby forming at least one gripping hole. The gripping hole(s) are used as a handle to carry the panel assembly with the yard debris trapped therein from the collection location to the remote dumping location. The panel assembly is inserted into a trash bag and the gripping hole(s) is released. With the panel assembly at least partially opened from the transport position, yard debris flows out the lower opening of the panel assembly and into the trash bag. The panel assembly may then be easily carried to the same collection site or a new collection site.

If you were to search for Multi-function transporter for yard debris using relaxed search criteria, these patents would come up:

What is claimed is:

1. A method of collecting and disposing of yard debris, comprising:

a) arranging a panel assembly having at least a first generally planar end panel, a second generally planar end panel, and at least two intermediate generally planar panels linking said first end panel to said second end panel in a collectionconfiguration wherein at least said intermediate panels are disposed substantially flat along a ground surface, said panel assembly including a first cutout disposed within one of said end panels and a second cutout disposed within another of saidpanels;

b) moving yard debris onto said panel assembly;

c) thereafter, folding said panel assembly into a transport configuration substantially circumferentially surrounding said yard debris in a longitudinal cavity defined by at least three of said panels and having a substantially polygonalcross-section; wherein, in said transport configuration, said first and second cutouts substantially overlap to form a first gripping hole;

d) carrying, via said first gripping hole, said panel assembly with said yard debris to a remote location;

e) thereafter, dumping said yard debris from said panel assembly at said remote location.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal cavity includes a lower opening and an upper opening disposed at respective ends thereof and wherein said dumping includes inserting said panel assembly into a trash bag, lower-opening endfirst.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said intermediate panels include a first end corresponding to said upper opening and a second end corresponding to said lower opening and wherein the width of said intermediate panels tapers in the direction fromsaid first end towards said second end.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said dumping further includes releasing said gripping hole after said inserting.

5. The method of claim 4 further including orienting said longitudinal cavity within at least 45.degree. of vertical prior to said releasing.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein said dumping further includes shaking said panel assembly substantially along the length of said longitudinal cavity after said releasing.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein, in said collection configuration, said first and second end panels, and said intermediate panels, are disposed substantially flat along a ground surface.

8. The method of claim 1 including dumping said yard debris from said panel assembly into a trash bag at said remote location.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said dumping further includes supporting said trash bag with said panel assembly from the inside of said trash bag.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein, in said transport configuration, said panel assembly circumferentially surrounds said yard debris and applies a compressive force thereto.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein, in said transport configuration, said longitudinal cavity includes first and second uncovered ends.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein said panel assembly further includes a third cutout disposed within the same end panel as said first cutout, and further including a fourth cutout disposed within the same panel as said second cutout, andwherein, in said transport configuration, said third and fourth cutouts substantially overlap to form a second gripping hole, and further including carrying, via said first and second gripping holes, said panel assembly with said yard debris to a remotelocation prior to said dumping.

13. A method of collecting and disposing of yard debris, comprising:

a) arranging a panel assembly having first and second generally planar end panels and at least two intermediate generally planar panels linking said first end panel to said second end panel in a collection configuration wherein said panels aredisposed substantially flat along a ground surface, said panel assembly including a first cutout disposed within said first end panel and a second cutout disposed within said second end panel;

b) moving yard debris onto said panel assembly;

c) thereafter, folding said panel assembly into a transport configuration substantially circumferentially surrounding said yard debris in a longitudinal cavity defined by at least three of said panels and having a substantially polygonalcross-section; wherein, in said transport configuration, said first and second cutouts substantially overlap to form a first gripping hole; said cavity including a lower opening and an upper opening disposed at respective ends thereof;

d) applying a compressive force to said yard debris in said cavity;

e) carrying, via said first gripping hole, said panel assembly with said yard debris to a remote location;

f) thereafter, dumping said yard debris from said panel assembly, said dumping including:

i) inserting said panel assembly into a trash bag lower-opening end first,

ii) releasing said gripping hole after said inserting;

iii) spreading said fourth panel away from said first panel after said releasing.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said panel assembly further includes a third cutout disposed within said first end panel and a fourth cutout disposed on said second end panel, and wherein, in said transport configuration, said third andfourth cutouts substantially overlap to form a second gripping hole, and further including carrying, via said first and second gripping holes, said panel assembly with said yard debris to a remote location prior to said dumping.