Compactor With Single Ring-supported Bag

Abstract

A waste compactor comprising a substantially closed cabinet having an extendible ram assembly mounted adjacent the upper end thereof and means for supporting a disposable bag under the ram assembly. The cabinet is provided with a door on the lower front side thereof for permitting access to the bag. The bag is supported on a substantially rectangular ring, which ring in turn is supported on suitable ledges formed on the inner surfaces of the cabinet walls. The ledges enable the support ring to be slid outwardly of the cabinet when the door is open to permit interchanging of the bags. A chute is swingably mounted on the cabinet for permitting waste to be deposited into the bag. The chute is movable into a closed position wherein it substantially closes the front wall of the cabinet. The chute, when in the closed position, coacts with the door to prevent opening of same, and also coacts with a safety device to permit energization of the ram assembly. The safety device prevents actuation of the ram assembly when the chute is in its open position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a waste disposal device for compacting paper and related compressible waste products and, in particular, relates to an improved waste compacting device which is of compact size and provides maximum operator safety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wast compacting devices have been gaining wide acceptance for compacting disposable waste and trash. The known waste compacting devices have particularly found wide acceptance in large buildings, such as factories, cafeterias, schools, hospitals and the like. While most of these known compacting devices have operated satisfactory for their intended purpose, nevertheless most of these known devices have been extremely large and mechanically complex, thereby requiring that the device be normally maintained in a fixed position. These known devices have thus been unable to adapt to the various use situations encountered. Particularly, due to their extreme size and weight, the known devices cannot be readily moved about and thus lack the portability desired in many use situations. Further, the size of the known devices have prevented their use in situations where available space is severely limited.

Another disadvantage of many of the known compacting devices has been their lack of safety devices for protecting the operator during the compacting operation. Since compactors of this type are often utilized in locations such as schools and hospitals wherein they are operated by relatively unskilled personnel, there exists a substantial danger of injury to the personnel due to improper operation of the compacting device. Not only does this lack of safety devices present a hazardous situation, but it has also prevented the adoption and utilization of waste compacting devices in many situations.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved waste compacting device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide:

1. An improved waste compacting device which is small, compact and readily movable to enable its use either as a stationary device, such as in a small restaurant, or as a portable device, such as in the hospital wherein the device is moved along the hospital corridors to enable waste to be deposited and compacted therein as the waste is collected from the individual hospital rooms.

2. A waste compactor, as aforesaid, which provides for maximum safety of the operating personnel by permitting compacting of the waste only when the compactor is in a totally closed condition.

3. A waste compactor, as aforesaid, which includes suitable control structure for preventing actuation of the ram assembly when the compactor is in an open position enabling waste or trash to be deposited therein.

4. A waste compactor, as aforesaid, which includes a small and lightweight structure for permitting a disposable bag to be easily and efficiently suspended within the compacting device for permitting the collection and compacting of waste therein.

5. A waste compactor, as aforesaid, wherein the bag is supported on a small ringlike member which is positioned within the compactor cabinet and can be readily slidably removed from the cabinet to permit a filled bag to be removed and a new empty bag to be repositioned within the device.

6. A waste compactor, as aforesaid, which permits efficient compaction of all types of disposable and compressible waste or trash within a disposable bag, such as a plastic bag, with the filled bag being easily removed from the machine and replaced with a new bag without requiring any undue effort or lifting on the part of the operating personnel, whereby the machine can thus be readily maintained and manipulated by both men and women.

7. A waste compactor, as aforesaid, which is pleasing in appearance, which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, which can be readily maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, which can be readily moved about, which can be moved through convention doorways, and which utilizes conventional 110 volt electrical energy for operation of same to thus permit the device to be utilized at any selected location.

Other objects and purposes of the present invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with devices of this type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the improved compacting machine constructed according to the present invention, same being illustrated in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a portion of the compacting device and illustrating the loading chute in its open position.

FIG. 3 is a side, central sectional view of the compacting device, same being illustrated in its closed position and with the ram in its upward retracted position.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side sectional view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating the loading chute in its open position.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line V--V of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the bag support ring and its coaction with the cabinet.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, enlarged perspective view of the lower portion of the waste compactor and illustrating same with the lower door open, the loading chute removed, and the bag supporting ring partially withdrawn from the cabinet.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary front view of the control knobs positioned to lock the loading chute in its closed position to enable energization of the ram for compacting purposes.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line IX--IX of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line X--X of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating the control knobs in a released position wherein the loading chute is open and the extendible ram assembly is de-activated.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line XII--XII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the inner end of the manually actuated control rod and its coaction with the main control switch.

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but illustrating an alternate control structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, the words "upwardly," "downwardly," "leftwardly" and "rightwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects and purposes of the present invention are met by a waste compactor comprising a substantially closed cabinet having a fluid pressure operated extendible ram assembly mounted adjacent the upper end thereof and having means for supporting a disposable bag under the ram assembly. The cabinet is provided with a door on the lower front side thereof for permitting access to the bag. The bag is supported on a substantially rectangular ring, which ring in turn is supported on suitable ledges formed on the inner surfaces of the cabinet walls. The ledges enable the support ring to be slid outwardly of the cabinet when the door is open to permit interchanging of the bags. A chute is swingably mounted on the cabinet for permitting waste to be deposited into the bag. The chute is movable into a closed position wherein it substantially closes the front wall of the cabinet. The chute, when in the closed position, coacts with the door to prevent opening of same, and also coacts with a safety device to permit energization of the ram assembly. The safety device prevents actuation of the ram assembly when the chute is in its open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a waste compactor 10 constructed according to the present invention, which compactor includes a substantially boxlike housing 11 containing therein a ram assembly 12 (FIG. 3) for permitting waste to be compacted within a disposable receptacle, such as a flexible plastic bag.

The housing 11 includes a pair of opposed and substantially parallel side walls 13 and 14 fixedly interconnected by a back wall 16, a top wall 17 and a bottom wall 18. An intermediate partition 19 is disposed within the housing and extends thereacross in substantially parallel relationship with the back wall 16 and divides the housing into a front trash receiving compartment 21, in which is positioned the ram assembly 12, and a rear equipment compartment 22.

The front side of the housing 11 is closed by means of upper and lower doors 23 and 24, respectively, each of which is pivotally connected along one vertical edge thereof (along the leftward edge in FIG. 1) to the adjacent side wall 13 to enable the doors to be individually swingably moved into an open position substantially as illustrated by the door 24 in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the doors 23 and 24 are vertically spaced from one another, and a movable loading chute 26 is disposed between the doors for enabling waste to be loaded into the device. The chute 26, when in the closed position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, results in the front side of the housing 11 being totally closed and lies substantially flush with the upper and lower doors 23 and 24, respectively. However, the chute 26 is swingably movable into an open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, to enable trash to be deposited into the device.

To permit waste to be deposited and compacted within the compactor 10, same is provided with a disposable receptacle therein, such as a flexible plastic bag 27 (FIG. 3). The bag 27 is suspended within the lower portion of the front compartment 21 by means of a support ring 28 which, as illustrated in FIG. 7, comprises a substantially endless hooplike member having a substantially rectangular configuration. The ring 28, in the preferred embodiment, is constructed from an elongated tubular steel rod of circular cross section, which rod is bent into a substantially square configuration with the free ends of the rod being positioned closely adjacent one another and preferably welded together so that the resulting ring 28 thus substantially comprises an endless member. While this mode of construction is preferred for purposes of manufacturing efficiency and economy, nevertheless it will be recognized that numerous other manufacturing techniques can be utilized for manufacturing the support ring 28.

The ring 28 is slidably supported on the housing 11 by a pair of substantially parallel and horizontally elongated lower guide rails 29 and 31, which guide rails are fixedly secured to the inner surfaces of the side walls 13 and 14, respectively. A further pair of horizontally elongated upper guide rails 32 and 33 are respectively fixedly secured to the side walls 13 and 14 and are disposed directly adjacent but spaced slightly upwardly from their corresponding lower guide rails 29 and 31, respectively. The pair of guide rails 29 and 32 as secured to the side wall 13 and the opposite pair of guide rails 31 and 33 as secured to the side wall 14 define a pair of substantially elongated channels which enable the ring 28 to be supported on the housing 11 within the compartment 21 in a substantially horizontal plane. The ring 28 is horizontally slidably outwardly so as to enable the ring to be withdrawn from the cabinet. FIG. 7 illustrates the ring 28 partially withdrawn from the cabinet when the lower door 24 is in an open position.

While the ring 28 has one pair of parallel sides supported on the lower rails 29 and 31, the opposite pair of parallel sides of the ring 28 are similarly supported. For this purpose, a rear support rail 34 is fixedly secured to the back wall 16 and extends between the lower guide rails 29 and 31. A front support rail 36 similar to the rear rail 34 is also fixedly secured to the inner surface of the front door 24, which front support rail 36 also extends between the adjacent ends of the lower guide rails 29 and 31 when the door 24 is in a closed position. The rails 29, 31, 34 and 36 thus define a substantially rectangular or square support surface for engaging the four sides of the ring 28 when same is positioned within the cabinet.

The support ring 28 is initially positioned in external surrounding relationship to the upper free edge of the bag 27, whereupon the upper free edge of the bag 27 is then folded outwardly around the ring 28 so as to assume a position substantially as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

To insure that all trash is deposited into the bag 27 when suspended from the ring 28, the upper guide rails 32 and 33 are each provided with a substantially triangular cross section, so that the upper surfaces thereof slope inwardly and downwardly to thus act as deflectors for causing the trash to fall inwardly into the interior of the bag 27. A further similar deflector rail 37 is fixedly secured to the rear wall 16 directly above the rear support rail 34, which rear deflector rail 37 extends between the rearward ends of the upper guide rails 32 and 33. A deflector flange 38 is also positioned adjacent the front side of the cabinet, which flange extends between and is fixedly secured to the opposite side walls 13 and 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6, and is positioned at an elevation directly above the front side of the support ring 28.

To permit the lower door 24 to be locked in a closed position, same is provided with a rotatable locking knob 39 thereon, which knob actuates a conventional latching mechanism designed for locking engagement with the adjacent side wall 14 for permitting the door 24 to be fixedly locked to the cabinet in its closed position.

The ram assembly 12, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is disposed adjacent the upper end of the compartment 21 and is substantially coaxially aligned with the ring 28, whereby energization and extension of the ram assembly causes the ram to extend downwardly into the interior of the bag 27 for compacting the waste therein. The ram assembly 12 includes a fluid pressure cylinder 41 which is preferably a telescopic, double-acting, hydraulic cylinder having the upper end thereof fixedly secured to the top wall 17 and having a compacting shoe 42 on the lower end thereof. The construction of the fluid pressure cylinder 41 is explained in greater detail in my copending application, Ser. NO. 874 940, filed Nov. 7, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,006 which issued May 22, 1973, and thus further description of same is not believed necessary.

Pressure fluid is supplied to and from the cylinder 41 by conduits 43 and 44, which conduits in turn are connected to a conventional double solenoid operated four-way valve 46. The four-way valve 46 is connected to a power unit which, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a conventional rotary pump 47 disposed within an oil reservoir 48 and driven by a conventional electric motor 49. The valve 46 has a conventional pressure switch (not shown) associated therewith for causing the valve to be automatically shifted upon attainment of a predetermined pressure to thus cause automatic reversal in the direction of travel of the compacting ram.

Considering now the loading chute 26, same includes a front wall structure which comprises a pair of superimposed front plates 51 and 52 which are fixedly connected together The frontmost plate 51 has a flange 53 fixedly secured along the lower front edge thereof, which flange 53 projects outwardly and downwardly. Further, the rearmost plate 52, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, projects downwardly beyond the lower edge of the plate 51, whereupon the front flange 53 and the lower edge of the rearmost plate 52 thus define a space therebetween into which extends the upper edge of the lower door 24 and the upper edge of the deflector flange 38. This structure effectively acts as a hinge to enable the chute 26 to be swingably moved between the closed and opened positions illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

The chute 26 also has a further flange 54 secured to the front side of the plate 51 adjacent the uppermost edge thereof. Flange 54 diverges outwardly and downwardly and effectively functions as a handle to enable manual gripping of the chute 26 for permitting swinging same between its open and closed positions. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper edge of the flange 54 and the uppermost edge of the front plate 51 are designed to overlap the lowermost edge of the upper door 23 when the chute is in the closed position. The purpose of this overlap will be explained hereinafter.

To assist in guiding the deposited trash into the bag 27, the chute 26 includes a pair of substantially parallel and identical side plates 56 positioned internally of an directly adjacent the opposite side walls 13 and 14. The side plates 56 each include a tapered upper edge 57 which enables the chute 26 to be freely pivotally swung between its open and closed positions. The tapered edge 57 also enables the chute 26, after same has been swung a small distance away from its closed position, to be vertically lifted upwardly to clear the upper edge of the door 24 and the deflector flange 38, whereby the chute 26 can then be totally disconnected and removed from the housing 11. Each side wall 26 also has a shoulder 58 formed on the rearward edge thereof, which shoulder functions as a stop member and engages the lower inner edge of the upper door 23 for maintaining the chute in its open position. In the open position, the front plates 51 and 52 project outwardly and upwardly relative to the housing to thus enable trash to be deposited thereon, whereupon the trash then slides inwardly into the housing so as to be deposited into the bag 27.

The compactor 10 of the present invention also includes a suitable control system 61 associated therewith, which system includes means for permitting actuation of the power unit for causing activation of the ram assembly and also includes safety means for positively preventing activation of the ram assembly except when the chute is in its closed position. The control system 61 includes an interlock knob 62 rotatably supported on the upper door 24 adjacent the lower corner thereof. Interlock knob 62 is fixedly secured to the forward end of a shaft 63 which is rotatably supported by a sleeve bearing or hub 64, the latter being fixedly secured to the door 23. The knob 62 has an undercut annular recess 66 having a width sufficient to accommodate therein the uppermost edges of the plate 51 and flange 54 when they are positioned to overlap the lowermost edge of the upper door 23 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The interlock knob 62, which has a profile approximating a circular disk, is also provided with a large flat 67 thereon which, when in its lowermost horizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 11, is disposed at an elevation slightly above the uppermost edges of the flange 54 and plate 51 to enable the chute 26 to be pivotally swung outwardly into its open position.

The control system 61 also includes an actuator knob 71 mounted on the door 23 directly adjacent the interlock knob 62. The actuator knob 71, which includes an enlarged annular flange 72 positioned directly adjacent the front side of the upper door 23, is fixedly connected to the front end of an elongated control rod 73, which rod 73 has its front end extending through and slidably supported within an opening 74 formed in the door 23. The control rod 73 extends horizontally across the depth of the front compartment 21, and the rearward end of the control rod 73 slidably extends through a further opening 76 as formed in the intermediate partition 19. The rearward end of control rod 73 has therein a recess 77 into which extends an actuator lever 78 of a conventional On-Off electrical switch 79. The switch 79 is a conventional three-position switch which is electrically interconnected to the motor 49 for controlling energization thereof.

When the actuator knob 71 and control rod 73 are in their innermost position (as illustrated by solid lines in FIGS. 9 and 13), the switch 79 is in its off position whereupon the motor 49 is de-energized. The control knob 71 and rod 73 are slidably moved outwardly into their outermost position as illustrated by dotted lines in FIGS. 9 and 13 so as to start the machine and cause energization of the motor, in which position an appropriate relay is energized. After the initial starting of the comparator, then the control knob 71 and rod 73 are pushed inwardly into the intermediate position illustrated by dotted lines in FIGS. 9 and 13 to thus maintain the motor 49 energized. It should also be noted that the flange 72, when the knob 71 is in its innermost position, extends into the undercut recess 66 formed on the interlock knob 62 for preventing the knob 71 from being pulled axially outwardly, thereby preventing the motor from being energized when the interlock knob 62 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 11. However, when the interlock knob 62 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 8, then the interlock knob 62 does not overlap the flange 72 whereupon the knob 71 and control rod 73 can be freely moved into the start and operate positions as illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 9.

To insure that the control system 61 prevents energization of the ram assembly when the chute is in its open position, there is additionally provided a locking pin 81 which is disposed within a casing 82 fixedly secured to the inner side of the upper door 23. The locking pin 81 has the forward end thereof slidably disposed within an opening 83 as formed in the upper door 23, and a spring 84 coacts between the pin 81 and casing 82 for resiliently urging the pin 81 to project forwardly through the opening 83. The pin 81 is positioned so as to be engaged and depressed by the upper edge of the front plate 51 when the chute is in its closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 10. With the lock pin 81 in its depressed position, the interlock knob 62 is thus freely rotatable so that same can be rotated to cause the knob to overlap the upper edges of the flange 54 and plate 51, due to their extending into the undercut recesses 66, thereby preventing the chute from being opened. This position, which is clearly illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, also results in the flat 67 being disposed directly opposite the actuator knob 71 so that the knob 71 is thus freely manually movable to permit energization of the motor and actuation of the ram assembly if desired.

However, when the interlock knob 62 is rotated into the position illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 for causing the flange 72 to extend into the undercut recess 66, thereby preventing actuation of the motor, then the flat 67 is positioned above the uppermost edge of the flange 54 and front plate 51 as illustrated in FIG. 11. This thus enables the chute 26 to be moved into the open position illustrated in FIG. 2, whereupon the spring 84 then resiliently urges the pin 81 outwardly so that same projects beneath the flat 67. The pin 81 thus prevents the knob 62 from being rotated back into the release position illustrated in FIG. 8. The locking pin 81 thus causes the knob 62 to be always positioned so that the flange 72 of the actuator knob extends into the undercut recess 66. The knob 61 thus cannot be manually actuated so long as the locking pin 81 projects below the flat 67, whereby the motor 49 can thus not be energized, and likewise the ram can thus not be extended so long as the chute 26 is in its open position. This thus provides maximum safety for the persons utilizing the device.

The compactor 10 is additionally provided with a drain hole or opening 86 formed within the bottom wall 18, which opening in turn communicates with a removable drip pan 87 which is disposed between the bottom wall 18 and the supporting surface (such as a floor) on which the compactor 10 is disposed. Any liquid which leaks from the plastic bag 27 will accordingly pass through the opening 86 and be collected within the drip pan 87.

OPERATION

The operation of the compactor constructed according to the present invention will be briefly described to insure its complete understanding thereof.

Assuming that the comparator 10 is in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein the chute 26 is in its open position and the control system 61 is in the position illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, then waste can be deposited on the chute 26, which waste will slide inwardly and fall into the bag 27. The center of gravity of the chute 26 is positioned outwardly from the front wall of the housing, and thus causes the chute to remain in its open position whereupon the stop shoulders 58 abut the lower front edge of the upper door 23. The chute 26 will thus remain in its open position until manually closed.

After a sufficient amount of waste has been deposited into the bag 27 so as to loosely fill same, then the chute 26 is manually swung inwardly into its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 3, whereupon the upper edge of the chute overlaps the lower edge of the upper door 23. The upper edge of the chute 26 thus engages the locking pin 81 and causes same to be depressed into the position illustrated in FIG. 10. Depression of the locking pin 81 releases the knob 62, whereupon the operator then rotates the interlock knob 62 from the position illustrated in FIG. 11 into the position illustrated in FIG. 8 so that the knob 62 overlaps the upper edge of the chute to retain the chute in its closed position.

The operator then pulls the actuator knob 71 axially outwardly into the outermost dotted line position illustrated in FIG. 9, which causes energization of a relay to thus actuate the motor 49. This causes rotation of the pump 47 so that pressure fluid is then supplied through the valve 46 to the pressure cylinder 41 to cause extension of the ram assembly 12. As the ram assembly extends downwardly the actuator knob 71 can be returned to its intermediate position illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 9. The pressure fluid supplied to the cylinder 41 causes the shoe 42 to be removed downwardly as illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 3 to cause the waste to be compacted within the plastic bag, the compacting force being transmitted from the bag onto the bottom wall 18 of the housing. When a predetermined pressure is developed within the cylinder 41, irrespective of the extension of the ram, then the valve 46 is automatically shifted by a pressure switch (now shown) to cause pressure fluid to be supplied to the lower end of the ram assembly so that the ram assembly is then retracted upwardly into its original position as illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 3. The ram will continue to automatically cycle until the actuating knob 71 is again pushed inwardly into its original position (as shown by solid lines in FIG. 9) whereupon the ram will be automatically returned to its uppermost retracted position, and the motor 49 will be de-energized.

After the ram assembly has been de-energized, the operator can then again manually rotate the interlock knob 62 into the position illustrated in FIG. 11 to cause the flange 72 to extend into the undercut recess 66, thereby preventing further actuation of the knob 71 and energization of the motor. With the interlock knob 62 rotated into the position of FIG. 11, this releases the upper edge of the chute 26 so that same can again be manually swung downwardly into the open position, which movement also enables the locking pin 81 to again be resiliently urged outwardly so as to extend adjacent the flat 67. The locking pin 81 thus prevents the interlock knob 62 from being rotated into a position wherein it would release the actuator knob 71. The compactor 10 is thus in position to permit further waste to be deposited into the bag 27.

After the bag is substantially filled with waste, and assuming that the chute 26 is in the open position illustrated in FIG. 4, the operator will then swing the chute 26 toward its closed position. However, the chute will not be fully closed, but rather will be swung into a position between its fully open and fully closed positions, whereupon the operator will then manually grasp the chute and lift same vertically (as permitted by the tapered edges 57) a sufficient extent to enable the rearmost front plate 52 to be disposed above the upper edge of the deflector flange 38 and lower door 24. When this position is reached, then the complete chute 26 can be manually withdrawn and disconnected from the compactor 10. The operator will then unlock and manually rotate the door knob 39, whereupon the lower door 24 can then be swung into its open position as illustrated in FIG. 7. The support ring 28 and the filled bag 27 as supported thereon can then be slidably removed from the machine, with the ring being slidably moved upwardly so as to remove same from the filled bag. The filled bag is then removed from the immediate vicinity of the machine for disposal at a different location, and a new empty bag 27 then has the free edges thereof inserted through the ring 28, with the upper edge of the bag then folded outwardly and downwardly around the ring. The ring 28 with the free upper edge of the bag folded therearound is then again slidably inserted between the opposed pairs of upper and lower guide rails 29, 31, 32 and 33 until the ring is fully disposed within the compartment, whereupon the rear side of the ring is positioned between the rear support rails 34 and 37. The door 24 is again swung closed, causing the front support rail 36 to be disposed directly under the front side of the support ring 28. The knob 39 is again closed to thus lock the lower door 24 in its closed position.

The operator will then again insert the side plates 56 of the chute 26 into the opening between the housing side walls 13 and 14, and will position the chute such that the upper edges of the deflector flange 38 and lower door 24 extend into the space between the lower flange 53 and the lower edge of the rearmost front plate 52. The chute 26 is thus again positioned in its open position as illustrated in FIG. 4, thereby enabling trash to be deposited into the new empty bag as suspended from the ring 28.

When the chute 26 is mounted on the waste compactor 10, it will be noted that the lower door 24 cannot be accidentally opened, even if the locking knob 39 is released, due to the manner in which the lower flange 53 and the lowermost edge of the plate 52 overlap the upper edges of the door 24 and the deflector flange 28. Since the deflector flange 38 is fixedly secured to and extends between the side walls 13 and 14, this thus provides a positive support for the chute 26 due to the overlap with the lowermost edge of the front plate 52. Further, since the lower flange 53 overlaps the upper edge of the door 24 when same is closed, this results in the door 24 being positively retained by the flange 53 on the chute 26, which chute 26 in turn is positively retained by the overlap between the diverter flange 38 and the lower edge of the plate 52. The door 24 can thus not be opened without first removing the chute 26. In this manner, it is not possible for an operator to gain access to the bag compartment without first removing the chute, which in turn requires that the knob 62 and 71 be properly positioned so that the power unit and ram assembly are deactivated. This system thus insures the complete safety of the operator since the compacting operation (that is, energization of the ram) can be performed only when the complete housing is closed.

It should also be noted that the support ring 28, due to the manner in which it coacts with the free edge of the bag 27, also provides for a firm gripping of the edge of the bag to prevent the bag from slipping off the ring due to the forces imposed thereon when the ram is extended to compact waste within the bag. Particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the free edge of the bag 27 wraps outwardly and around the ring 28, so that the free edge of the bag is thus disposed between the ring 28 and the upper surface of the supporting rails, such as the upper surface of the guide rail 29. Accordingly, when extension of the ram causes a downwardly directed force to be imposed on the bag, this force is transmitted from the bag onto the ring 28, causing the ring 28 to be pulled downwardly into firm gripping engagement with the supporting rails, such as the guide rail 29. However, since the free edge of the bag is interposed between the ring 28 and the supporting guide rail 29, this results in the free edge being tightly clamped between the ring 28 and the associated guide rails, thereby preventing the bag from being pulled off of the ring by the compacting forces.

MODIFICATION

FIG. 14 illustrates therein a modified control system which is similar to the control system 61 described above in that it includes means for permitting actuation of the power unit for causing activation of the ram assembly and also includes safety means for positively preventing activation of the ram assembly except when the chute is in its closed position. The control system again includes an actuator knob 71' which is slidably mounted substantially centrally of the door 23 and is connected to an elongated control rod 73' which in turn actuates a conventional three position on-off electrical switch 79'. The switch 79' is electrically interconnected to the motor for controlling energization of the motor-pump unit, which in turn controls the activation of the ram assembly. The actuator knob 71' and its association with the switch 79' is identical to the actuator 71 and switch 79 as illustrated in FIG. 4 except that the structure illustrated in FIG. 14 is mounted substantially centrally of the door 23 and the switch is mounted directly adjacent the inside surface of the door.

To prevent actuation of the ram assembly when the chute 26 is open, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 utilizes a conventional magnetically actuated switch 91 which is mounted directly adjacent the inside surface of the door 23, and is also mounted directly adjacent the lower edge of the door 23 substantially as illustrated in FIG. 14. To permit actuation of the magnetic switch 91, a conventional permanent magnet 92 is secured to the upper edge of the chute 26, such as by being positioned between the plate 51 and the flange 54.

In this embodiment the invention, the switch 91 is connected in series with the relay which is used for energizing the motor. Thus, so long as the switch 91 remains in an open position, such as whenever the chute is open, then the motor cannot be activated irrespective of the position of the control switch 79'. However, when the chute is closed, magnet 92 causes closure of switch 91 so that the motor can be energized by actuation of the control switch 79'. The remaining structure and operation of the embodiment of FIG. 14 is otherwise the same as previously described.

Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a waste compactor having a housing and a fluid pressure operated ram assembly mounted on the upper end of said housing and vertically extendible downwardly for compacting waste within a receptacle, comprising the improvement wherein:

said housing includes a plurality of walls defining a substantially closed housing having a vertically extending compartment in the interior thereof, said walls defining an access opening communicating with at least the lower part of said compartment;

said ram assembly being disposed in the upper portion of said compartment and having a portion thereof fixedly connected to said housing;

support means associated with the housing adjacent the lower portion of said compartment for supporting a receptacle spaced downwardly from and substantially aligned with said ram assembly;

movable wall means associated with said housing and positioned for association with said lower portion of said compartment for closing at least part of said access opening to prevent access to said lower portion, said wall means being movable between a closed position wherein it closes part of said access opening and an open position wherein it is spaced from said access opening to permit a receptacle to be positioned in or removed from said lower portion of said compartment;

chute means movably mounted on said housing and positioned for association with a central portion of said compartment as disposed between said ram assembly and said receptacle, and means swingably mounting said chute means on said housing for movement between a closed position wherein it closes the remainder of said access opening and an open position wherein it projects outwardly from said housing for permitting waste to be desposited into said receptacle, said means swingably mounting the chute means on said housing enabling said chute means to be totally disconnected and removed from said housing;

said chute means also including means thereon coacting with said movable wall means for preventing said movable wall means from being moved into its open position whenever said chute means is mounted on said housing, said movable wall means being movable into its open position to permit a receptacle to be positioned in or removed from the lower part of said compartment only when said chute means is totally disconnected from said housing;

control means for permitting extension of said ram means and compaction of waste within said receptacle only when said chute means and said movable wall means are in their respective closed positions.

2. In a waste compactor having a housing and a fluid pressure operated ram assembly mounted on the upper end of said housing and vertically extendible downwardly for compacting waste within a receptacle, comprising the improvement wherein:

said housing includes a plurality of walls defining a substantially closed housing having a vertically extending compartment in the interior thereof, said walls defining an access opening communicating with at least the lower part of said compartment;

said ram assembly being disposed in the upper portion of said compartment and having a portion thereof fixedly connected to said housing;

support means associated with the housing adjacent the lower portion of said compartment for supporting a receptacle spaced downwardly from and substantially aligned with said ram assembly;

movable wall means associated with said housing and positioned for association with said lower portion of said compartment for closing at least part of said access opening to prevent access to said lower portion, said wall means being movable between a closed position wherein it closes part of said access opening and an open position wherein it is spaced from said access opening to permit a receptacle to be positioned in or removed from said lower portion of said compartment;

chute means movably mounted on said housing and positioned for association with a central portion of said compartment as disposed between said ram assembly and said receptacle, and means swingably mounting said chute means on said housing for movement between a closed position wherein it closes the remainder of said access opening and an open position wherein it projects outwardly from said housing for permitting waste to be deposited into said receptacle;

power means including a motor-pump unit operatively interconnected to said ram assembly for supplying pressure fluid thereto to cause extension and retraction of said ram assembly; and

control means for permitting extension of said ram means and compaction of waste within said receptacle only when said chute means and said movable wall means are in their respective closed positions, said control means including electrical switch means electrically connected to said motor for controlling energization thereof;

said control means further including interlock means movable between a first position permitting actuation of said switch means when said chute means is in said closed position and a second position positively preventing actuation of said switch means when said chute means is in said open position.

3. A waste compactor according to claim 2, wherein said interlock means is movably mounted on said housing and manually movable between said first position wherein said interlock means engages said chute means and holds same in said closed position while permitting actuation of said switch means and said second position wherein it is disengaged from said chute means for enabling same to be moved into said open position while positively preventing actuation of said switch means.

4. A waste compactor according to claim 3, wherein said control means includes an actuator member movably mounted on said housing and operatively interconnected to said switch means for permitting manual actuation of same, said actuator member being positioned externally of said housing so as to be manually accessible, said actuator member being manually movable between a first location wherein said motor-pump unit is de-energized and a second location wherein said motor-pump unit is energized;

said interlock means including an interlock member movably mounted on said housing adjacent said actuator member, said interlock member being manually movable between said first and second positions, said interlock member when in said first position engaging said chute means for positively holding same in said closed position while being free of connection with said actuator member for enabling free movement thereof, said interlock member when in said second position being free of engagement with said chute means for enabling same to be moved into its open position while being engaged with said actuator member for locking same in said first location; and

said control means further including safety means coacting with said interlock member for preventing same from releasing said actuator member when said chute means is in said open position, said safety means being automatically released from said interlock member when said chute means is moved to said closed position.

5. A waste compactor according to claim 4, wherein said interlock member is rotatably mounted on said housing directly above the upper edge of said access opening, and said actuator member being mounted directly adjacent said interlock member and linearly movable between said first and second locations in a direction substantially transverse to the plane of rotation of said interlock member.

6. A waste compactor according to claim 2, wherein the means swingably mounting the chute means on the housing enables the chute means to be totally disconnected and removed from said housing; and

said chute means also including means thereon coacting with said movable wall means for preventing said movable wall means from being moved into its open position whenever said chute means is mounted on said housing, said movable wall means being movable into its open position to permit a receptacle to be positioned in or removed from the lower part of said compartment only when said chute means is totally disconnected from said housing.

7. A waste compactor according to claim 6, wherein said movable wall means comprises a door hingedly connected to said housing about a substantially vertical hinge axis and is swingably movable between said open and closed positions;

said chute means being swingably mounted on said housing for swinging movement about an axis substantially adjacent the upper edge of said door, and said chute means including downwardly projecting flange means positioned adjacent said axis and projecting downwardly so as to overlap the upper edge of said door for preventing said door from being moved into its open position whenever said chute means is mounted on said housing.

8. A waste compactor according to claim 2, wherein said interlock means includes magnetically actuated switch means mounted on said housing and magnet means fixedly mounted on said chute means and positioned for actuating said last-mentioned switch means when said chute means is in said closed position.

9. A waste compactor for permitting the depositing and compacting of waste within a flexible bag, comprising:

housing means;

support means coacting with said housing means for holding a bag adapted to have waste deposited and compacted therein;

said support means including a substantially planar endless hoop of substantially rectangular configuration for permitting the free edge of said bag to be folded therearound;

means mounting said hoop on said housing means for permitting same to be disposed in a first position within said housing means wherein said bag is suspended within the interior of said housing means for permitting waste to be deposited therein, and a second position disposed at least partially in front of said housing means for permitting a bag to be mounted on or removed from said hoop,

said mounting means including a pair of elongated and substantially parallel guide rails fixedly mounted on said housing means and positioned for engaging opposite sides of said hoop, said guide rails extending substantially horizontally and permitting said hoop to be slidably displaced therealong for permitting said hoop and the bag mounted thereon to be slidably displaced forwardly of said housing means into said second position; and

extendible ram means mounted on said housing adjacent the upper end thereof for compacting waste within said bag when said bag is disposed in said first position, said ram means being disposed above and in substantial alignment with the interior of said bag when said bag is supported on said hoop and is disposed in said first position.

10. A waste compactor according to claim 9, wherein said mounting means includes a further pair of substantially parallel and horizontally extending support rails positioned closely adjacent and directly above said guide rails for defining substantially horizontally elongated guide channels therebetween, said hoop when disposed in said first position having opposite sides thereof confined within said guide channels, said hoop being manually slidably movable within said guide channels so as to be disposed in said second position wherein same is positioned forwardly of said housing, said hoop being soley slidable horizontally when displaced between said first and second positions.

11. A waste compactor according to claim 9, further including chute means swingably mounted on said housing means at an elevation between the upper and lower ends thereof for permitting waste to be deposited into said bag when same is disposed in said first position, said chute means being swingably movable between a substantially closed position wherein same is disposed substantially vertically and coextensive with the front side of said housing means, and an open position wherein same projects outwardly and upwardly from the front side of said housing means for permitting waste to be deposited into said bag; and

horizontally swingable door means pivotally connected to said housing means adjacent the lower end thereof, said door means being normally disposed substantially flush with the front side of said housing means for at least partially closing the lower part of the front side thereof, said door means being disposed directly below said chute means and being positioned directly in front of said support means and the bag supported thereby, said door being swingable away from said front side of said housing means to permit said support means to be moved to said second position to enable the bag to be loaded into and unloaded from said housing means.

12. A waste compactor according to claim 11, wherein said ram means includes a fluid pressure cylinder, and a motorpump unit operatively interconnected to said fluid pressure cylinder for causing extension and retraction of said ram means; and

control means for permitting extension of said ram means and compacting of waste within said bag only when said chute means and said door means are in their respective closed positions, said motor-pump unit being deactivated whenever said chute means is in its open position.

13. A waste compactor according to claim 12, wherein said chute means includes means coacting with said housing means for enabling said chute means to be totally disconnected and removed from said housing means, and interlock means coacting between said chute means and said door means for positively maintaining said door means in its closed position whenever said chute means is mounted on said housing means.

14. In a waste compactor having a housing and a fluid pressure operated ram assembly mounted on the upper end of said housing and vertically extendible downwardly for compacting waste within a flexible bag, comprising the improvement wherein:

said housing includes a plurality of walls defining a substantially closed housing having a vertically extending compartment in the interior thereof, said walls defining an access opening communicating with at least the lower part of said compartment;

said ram assembly being disposed in the upper portion of said compartment and having a portion thereof fixedly connected to said housing;

support means associated with the housing adjacent the lower portion of said compartment for supporting a bag spaced downwardly from and substantially aligned with said ram assembly, said support means including a substantially endless rectangular ring adapted to have the upper free edge of said bag folded therearound;

said support means further including ledge means fixedly mounted on said housing for removably supporting said ring within a substantially horizontal plane within said compartment, whereby said ring permits said bag to be suspended with the lower portion of said compartment, said ring being removable from said housing for permitting flexible bags to be removed from or mounted thereon;

movable wall means associated with said housing and positioned for association with said lower portion of said compartment for closing at least part of said access opening to prevent access to said lower portion, said wall means being movable between a closed position wherein it closes part of said access opening and an open position wherein it is spaced from said access opening to permit a bag to be positioned in or removed from said lower portion of said compartment;

chute means movably mounted on said housing and positioned for association with a central portion of said compartment as disposed between said ram assembly and said bag, said chute means being movable between a closed position wherein it closes the remainder of said access opening and an open position wherein it projects outwardly from said housing for permitting waste to be deposited into said bag;

said ledge means including at least a pair of substantially parallel elongated guide rails mounted on said housing and positioned for engaging a pair of opposite parallel sides of said rectangular ring for supporting said ring in said housing, said ring being supported in said housing at an elevation directly below said chute means; and

control means for permitting extension of said ram means and compaction of waste within said receptacle only when said chute means and movable wall means are in their respective closed positions.

15. A waste compactor for permitting the depositing and compacting of waste within a flexible bag, comprising:

housing means;

support means coacting with said housing means for holding a bag adapted to have waste deposited and compacted therein;

said support means including a ringlike support member for permitting the free edge of said bag to be folded therearound;

means mounting said ringlike support member on said housing means for permitting same to be disposed in a first position within said housing wherein said bag is suspended within the interior of said housing for permitting waste to be deposited therein, and a second position disposed at least partially in front of said housing means for permitting a bag to be mounted on or removed from said ringlike support member;

extendible ram means mounted on said housing adjacent the upper end thereof for compacting waste within said bag when said bag is disposed in said first position, said ram means being disposed above and in substantial alignment with the interior of said bag when said bag is supported on said support member and is disposed in said first position;

chute means swingably mounted on said housing means at an elevation between the upper and lower ends thereof for permitting waste to be deposited into said bag when same is disposed in said first position, said chute means being swingably movable between a substantially closed position wherein same is disposed substantially vertically and coextensive with the front side of said housing means, and an open position wherein same projects outwardly and upwardly from the front side of said housing means for permitting waste to be deposited into said bag; and

horizontally swingable door means pivotally connected to said housing means adjacent the lower end thereof, said door means being normally disposed substantially flush with the front side of said housing means for at least partially closing the lower part of the front side thereof, said door means being disposed directly below said chute means and being positioned directly in front of said support means and the bag supported thereby, said door being swingable away from said front side of said housing means to permit said support means to be moved to said second position to enable the bag to be loaded into and unloaded from said housing means;

said chute means including means coacting with said housing means for enabling said chute means to be totally disconnected and removed from said housing means, and interlock means coacting between said chute means and said door means for positively maintaining said door means in its closed position whenever said chute means is mounted on said housing means.