U.S. patent number 3,868,903 [Application Number 05/337,567] was granted by the patent office on 1975-03-04 for portable compacting apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Environmental Pollution Research Corporation. Invention is credited to Anthony P. Montalbano.
United States Patent |
3,868,903 |
Montalbano |
March 4, 1975 |
PORTABLE COMPACTING APPARATUS
Abstract
A portable, rollable container unit is adapted to be removably
received in a portable, rollable power unit. The units have means
for positively guiding the container unit into the power unit and a
ram in the power unit is operable to compact material in the
container unit. The apparatus includes means responsive to the
container unit being fully received in the power unit for enabling
the ram unit and for inhibiting operation of the ram unit when the
container unit is not fully received in the power unit. The
container has an openable wall door section and means is provided
for inhibiting opening of the door section of the container when
the container unit is received in the power unit.
Inventors: |
Montalbano; Anthony P.
(Freshmeadows, NY) |
Assignee: |
Environmental Pollution Research
Corporation (New Hyde Park, NY)
|
Family
ID: |
23321052 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/337,567 |
Filed: |
March 2, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
100/45; D15/123;
100/52; 100/215; 100/255; 100/295; 53/527; 100/100; 100/229A;
100/290; 312/313; 220/495.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B30B
9/3017 (20130101); B30B 9/3064 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B30B
9/30 (20060101); B30B 9/00 (20060101); B30b
001/18 (); B30b 015/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;280/43.24 ;53/124B
;141/316 ;220/65
;100/52,53,100,290,229R,229A,45,215,224,295,255 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wilhite; Billy J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Flynn & Frishauf
Claims
I claim:
1. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted, said container
being in registration with said ram when said container unit is
received in said power unit for compaction of said material;
and
at least one of said power unit and container unit including at
least one resilient rotatable member having a non-yieldably mounted
axle mounted thereon, said at least one resilient rotatable member
being engagable with the other of said power and container units
for facilitating reception of said container unit in said power
unit, said resilient rotatable member yielding upon compacting of
material in said container unit.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said receiving means of
said power unit includes an elongated channel member for guiding
and receiving said container unit.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 comprising horizontally oriented
rollable guide means on at least one of said power and container
units for guiding said container unit in said channel unit of said
power unit.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container unit
includes at least one resilient rotatable member with a
non-yieldably mounted axle mounted thereon, said resilient
rotatable member being engageable with said power unit and
providing clearance between said power unit and container unit when
compaction is not taking place, said resilient rotatable member
yielding upon compacting of material in said container unit.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said power unit includes
a lower plate member and wherein said resilient rotatable member of
said container unit engages said lower plate member, said container
unit being supported on said lower plate member during compaction
of material by said ram unit.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said resilient rotatable
member is mounted on the rear wall of said container unit; and
wherein said power unit includes a recess for receiving said
resilient rotatable member; and switch means in said recess and
coupled to said ram unit, said switch means being responsive to
said container unit being fully received in said power unit for
enabling said ram unit and for inhibiting operation of said ram
unit when said container unit is not fully received in said power
unit.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said power unit includes
at least one resilient rotatable member on the lower surface of
said power unit, said rotatable member yielding upon compaction of
material by said ram unit.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container has a
releasable wall section and includes a locking means for
selectively inhibiting releasing of said releasable wall section,
said locking means including means on the lower surface of said
container unit and extending up above the outside lower edge of
said releasable wall section of said container unit, and wherein
said container unit includes means for lifting said wall section
above said locking means to enable said wall section to be moved
over said locking means.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said locking means
includes a horizontally extending member projecting along
substantially the whole length of said wall section, said wall
section riding on said horizontally extending locking means during
releasing of said wall section, said horizontally extending means
serving as a bearing surface.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said wall section is
hingedly connected to said container and said hinge includes means
for allowing said wall section to be substantially vertically
movable.
11. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said locking means
comprises secondary locking means, and wherein said container
comprises primary locking means for locking said wall section in
the closed position.
12. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said wall section is a
door section and comprising pedal means coupled to said door
section for raising said door section to enable releasing
thereof.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said pedal means
includes a pedal operated lever pivotally coupled to said door
section and having a pivot point intermediate the foot operated
portion and pivotally connected portion thereof.
14. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container unit has
a releasable wall section, and comprising means on said power unit
engaging said wall section when said container unit is fully
received in said power unit for inhibiting releasing of said wall
section when said container unit is received in said power
unit.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said releasable wall
section is upwardly movable and wherein engaging means on said
power unit engages an upper horizontally extending surface of said
wall section to prevent upward movement of said wall section when
said container unit is received in said power unit.
16. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means for selectively
fixing said power unit in a stationary position.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said fixing means
includes a foot operated means for selectively engaging the surface
on which said power unit rolls.
18. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ram unit includes a
ram selectively driven in the vertical direction, and a pair of
guide means centrally located on a pair of opposing sides of said
ram and engaging said ram for guding said ram during vertical
movement thereof.
19. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ram unit
includes:
a ram;
a plurality of elongated screw members located at respective spaced
points around the periphery of said ram for selectively moving said
ram in a vertical direction; and
tiltable coupling means threadably engaging said elongated screw
members with said ram for allowing tilting of said ram relative to
said elongated screw members.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said ram is
substantially rectangular, and comprising four of said elongated
screw members which are tiltaby and threadably engaged with said
ram in the vicinity of the corners thereof by means of four
respective tiltable coupling members.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein said elongated screw
members are operated in tension during compaction.
22. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said tiltable coupling
means includes a plurality of ball race nut members threadably
engaging respective ones of said elongated members.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said ball race nut
members are tiltable relative to said ram.
24. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said tiltable coupling
means includes a tiltable coupling member associated with each
elongated screw member.
25. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising means for releasably
locking said container unit in said power unit including means
selectively extending from said power unit, and receptacle means on
said container unit for receiving said extending means when said
container unit is fully received in said power unit.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said extending means
resiliently extends from said power unit.
27. Apparatus according to claim 26 comprising means on said
container unit for engaging said resiliently extending means and
for selectively causing said extending means to recede relative to
said power unit so as to disengage said receptacle.
28. Apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said means for causing
said extending means to recede includes a plate member on said
container unit selectively engageable with said receptacle for
engaging said extending means and for overlapping at least a
portion of the opening of said receptacle.
29. Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said means for engaging
said extending means includes a foot operated mechanism.
30. Apparatus according to claim 29 wherein said foot operated
mechanism includes an elongated member selectively engaging said
extending means and slidably mounted to said container unit, and a
foot operated lever pivotally mounted to said elongated member and
to said container unit.
31. Apparatus according to claim 25 comprising an extending means
and receptacle on each side of said power and container units
respectively.
32. Apparatus according to claim 25 further comprising means for
releasably locking said container unit in said power unit with said
container unit partially removed from said power unit so as to
expose said container to receive material to be compacted
therein.
33. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container unit
includes means defining a container, a liner adapted to be
removably inserted in said container with a bag interposed between
said liner and said container.
34. Apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said liner extends
above the upper edge of said container.
35. Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said liner includes
vertical slots therein, and wherein said ram includes a ram head
having substantially horizontally extending supports which engage
said slots during downward movement of said ram head.
36. Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein said liner has vertical
slots therein on opposing walls thereof, said slots extending
downward from the uppermost edge of said liner.
37. Apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said slots of said
liner are dimensioned and located so as to engage an upper edge of
said container with said liner in an inverted position for
facilitating mounting of a bag thereover.
38. Apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said liner is made of a
flexible material.
39. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said power unit includes
means operable by said ram for dispensing a deodorant, or the like
on the contents of said container unit.
40. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container unit
includes a cantilever mounted container.
41. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ram unit includes a
ram, means for selectively driving said ram in the vertical
direction, and means responsive to the lowering of said ram for
locking said container unit in said power unit.
42. Apparatus according to claim 41 wherein said locking means
includes an elongated element coupled to said ram and being movable
responsive to the lowering of said ram, and a locking bar pivotally
coupled to said elongated member, said container unit having an
engaging means for engaging said pivotally mounted bar when said
elongated member is lowered responsive to lowering of said ram.
43. Apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said elongated member
is biased in its lowered position, said ram, when reaching its
upper position, engaging said elongated member to disengage said
locking bar from said container unit.
44. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ram unit includes a
ram, means for selectively driving said ram in the vertical
direction, said driving means including a ram-activated top limit
switch for inhibiting driving of said ram, and a ram-activated
reversing switch operable prior to said top limit switch for
causing said driving means to reverse in direction to place said
ram unit in condition for the next operation.
45. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said ram unit includes a
ram, drive means for selectively driving said ram in the vertical
direction, said drive means including a motor having a centrifugal
switch which is operated when the speed of said motor is reduced
below a predetermined speed.
46. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said resilient rotatable
member is made of rubber-like material.
47. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit; and
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted, said container
being in registration with said ram when said container unit is
received in said power unit for compaction of said material;
and
said power unit including at least one resilient rotatable member
on the lower surface thereof for engaging said container unit for
facilitating reception of said container unit in said power unit,
said resilient rotatable member yielding upon compacting of
material in said container unit.
48. Apparatus according to claim 47 including a plurality of said
resilient rotatable members mounted on the lower surface of said
power unit.
49. Apparatus according to claim 47 wherein said resilient
rotatable member is made of rubber-like material.
50. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted and being in
registration with said ram when said container unit is received in
said power unit for compaction of said material, said container
having a releasable wall section and a locking means for
selectively inhibiting releasing of said releasable wall section,
said locking means including means on the lower surface of said
container unit and extending up above the outside lower edge of
said releasable wall section of said container unit; and
means for lifting said releasable wall section above said locking
means to enable said releasable wall section to be moved over said
locking means.
51. Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said locking means
includes a horizontally extending member projecting along
substantially the whole length of said wall section, said wall
section riding on said horizontally extending locking means during
releasing of said wall section, said horizontally extending means
serving as a bearing surface.
52. Apparatus according to claim 50 wherein said wall section is
hingedly connected to said container and said hinge includes means
for allowing said wall section to be substantially vertically
movable.
53. Apparatus according to claim 50 including engaging means on
said power unit engageable with said releasable wall section for
inhibiting lifting of said releasable wall section when said
container unit is fully received in said power unit.
54. Apparatus according to claim 53 wherein said wall section is a
door section and said engaging means on said power unit engages an
upper horizontally extending surface of said door section to
prevent upward movement of said door section when said container
unit is received in said power unit.
55. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted and being in
registration with said ram when said container unit is received in
said power unit for compaction of said material, said container
having a releasable wall section which is upwardly movable to
release same; and
means on said power unit engaging an upper horizontally extending
surface of said wall section when said container unit is fully
received in said power unit for preventing upward movement of said
wall section when said container unit is fully received in said
power unit.
56. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted, said container
being in registration with said ram when said container unit is
received in said power unit for compaction of said material;
said ram unit including: a ram; a plurality of elongated screw
members located at respective spaced points around the periphery of
said ram for selectively moving said ram in a vertical direction;
and tiltable coupling means threadably engaging said elongated
screw members with said ram for allowing tilting of said ram
relative to said elongated screw members.
57. Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said ram unit includes
a ram which is selectively driven in the vertical direction, and a
stop member for defining the lower limit of movement of said
ram.
58. Apparatus according to claim 57 wherein said stop unit is fixed
and inhibits movement of said ram below a predetermined point.
59. Apparatus according to claim 58 wherein said ram unit includes
means for driving said ram in the vertical direction, said driving
means including means for reversing the direction of movement
responsive to the ram engaging said ram stop.
60. Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said ram unit includes
a ram selectively driven in the vertical direction, and a pair of
guide means centrally located on a pair of opposing sides of said
ram and engaging said ram for guiding said ram during vertical
movement thereof.
61. Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said ram is
substantially rectangular, and comprising four of said elongated
screw members which are tiltably and threadably engaged with said
ram in the vicinity of the corners thereof by means of four
respective tiltable coupling members.
62. Apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said tiltable coupling
means includes a plurality of ball race nut members threadably
engaging respective ones of said elongated screw members.
63. Apparatus according to claim 62 wherein said ball race nut
members are tiltable relative to said ram.
64. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted, said container
being in registration with said ram when said container unit is
received in said power unit for compaction of said material;
and
means for releasably locking said container unit in said power unit
including a pair of means selectively extending from said power
unit on either side thereof toward said container unit in the
horizontal direction transverse to the direction of insertion of
said container unit into said power unit, and receptacle means on
either side of said container unit for respectively receiving said
extending means when said container unit is fully received in said
power unit.
65. Apparatus according to claim 64 wherein each of said extending
means resiliently extends from said power unit.
66. Apparatus according to claim 65 comprising means on said
container unit for engaging said resiliently extending means and
for selectively causing said extending means to recede relative to
said power unit so as to disengage said receptacle.
67. Apparatus according to claim 66 wherein said means for causing
said extending means to recede includes a plate member on said
container unit selectively engageable with said receptacle for
engaging said extending means and for overlapping at least a
portion of the opening of said receptacle.
68. Apparatus according to claim 67 wherein said means for engaging
said extending means includes a foot operated mechanism.
69. Apparatus according to claim 68 wherein said foot operated
mechanism includes an elongated member selectively engaging said
extending means and slidably mounted to said container unit, and a
foot operated lever pivotally mounted to said elongated member and
to said container unit.
70. Apparatus according to claim 64 further comprising means for
releasably locking said container unit in said power unit with said
container unit partially removed from said power unit so as to
expose said container to receive material to be compacted
therein.
71. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, roller container unit adapted to be removably received
in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
means for guiding said container unit into said power unit; and
a container for receiving material to be compacted, said container
being in registration with said ram when said container unit is
received in said power unit for compaction of said material;
and
means for releasably locking said container unit in said power unit
including means selectively extending from said power unit, and
receptacle means on said container unit for receiving said
extending means when said container unit is fully received in said
power unit, and means for releasably locking said container unit in
said power unit with said container unit partially removed from
said power unit so as to expose said container to receive material
to be compacted therein.
72. Apparatus according to claim 71 including an additional
extending means selectively engaging said receptacle means for
locking said container unit in said partially removed position.
73. A portable compacting apparatus comprising:
a portable, rollable power unit; and
a portable, rollable container unit adapted to be removably
received in said power unit;
said power unit comprising:
means for receiving said container unit in said power unit;
a ram unit operable to compact material in said container unit when
said container unit is received in said power unit; and said
container unit comprising:
a container for receiving material to be compacted, said container
being in registration with said ram when said container unit is
received in said power unit for compaction of said material;
and
a liner adapted to be removably inserted in said container with a
bag interposed between said liner and said container, said liner
having vertical slots therein on opposing walls thereof which
extend downward from the uppermost edge of said liner.
74. Apparatus according to claim 73 wherein said liner extends
above the upper edge of said container.
75. Apparatus according to claim 73 wherein said ram includes a ram
head having substantially horizontally extending supports which
engage said slots during downward movement of said ram head.
76. Apparatus according to claim 73 wherein said slots of said
liner are dimensioned and located so as to engage an upper edge of
said container with said liner in an inverted position for
facilitating mounting of a bag thereover.
Description
This invention relates to improvements in compacting apparatus, and
more paticularly to improvements in a portable compacting
apparatus.
In many industrial situations, it is desirable to have a compacting
apparatus of large capacity but which is compact in size, capable
of being easily moved from place to place, and which may be easily
and safely handled and operated by a relatively unskilled operator.
Especially in commercial office buildings such a compactor would be
advantageous for collection of trash at the end of each
workday.
Therefore, the main objects of the present invention are to provide
a portable compacting apparatus which is compact in size with large
capacity, which is easily handled and operated, which is of
relatively simple construction, which is flexible in utility, and
which is safe to operate.
A further object of the present invention is to provide in such a
portable compacting apparatus a unique ram configuration and drive
arrangement which substantially reduces the excessive twisting or
tiling of the ram which can occur in many of the known compacting
systems. Such excessive twisting or tilting of the ram places undue
stress on the support structure and imposes greater power
requirements on the drive mechanism therefor.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a
completely self-contained compacting apparatus which is suitable
for use with disposable bags, which carries its own supply of
disposable bags, and which is capable of carrying at least one bag
of compacted material, thereby improving the portability and
utility of the apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a portable compacting apparatus
includes a portable, rollable power unit and a portable, rollable
container unit which is adapted to be removably received in the
power unit. The container unit is positively guided into the power
unit and a ram unit in the power unit is operable to compact
material in the container unit when the container unit is fully
received in the power unit. Locking means is provided for locking
the container unit into the power unit and means is provided for
inhibiting operation of the ram unit unless the container unit is
fully received in the power unit. The container unit has an
openable peripheral wall door section. The apparatus further
includes means at least on one of the power and container units for
inhibiting opening of the door section of the container unit when
the container unit is received in the power unit.
Various other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following description of the illustrated embodiment of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a compacting apparatus embodying the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the compacting apparatus of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal drive and ram
mechanism showing particularly the ram guides and the means for
transmitting power from the screw drive elements to the ram
structure;
FIG. 3A is a partial sectional view taken along the line III--III
of FIG. 3 showing the mounting of the drive screws to the ram
structure;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the removable container mechanism used in
the compacting apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a top view of the movable container device of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the movable container device of FIGS. 4
and 5, the side view being taken along the line VI--VI in FIG.
5;
FIG. 7 is a side view taken along the line VII--VII of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a view along the line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7 showing the
locking mechanism in enlarged detail;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the inner portion of the upper part of the
compacting apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for the
compacting apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the compacting apparatus of the present
invention includes a portable power or compacting section 1 and a
portable container module or section 2 which is rollable into and
out of the outer housing 3 of the power section 1. Power section 1
is rollably supported by means of a pair of rear wheels 4 and a
pair of swivel front wheels 5 (FIG. 3). Power section 1 includes a
handle 6 thereon to facilitate movement thereof by an operator. An
on-off key lock switch 7 is provided for safety reasons, and
switches 8 and 9, which are interlocked with key lock 7 are
provided for operation. Switch 9 controls the on-off mode, and
switch 8 controls the ram movement. Switches 7, 8 and 9 are
described hereinbelow with reference to the control circuit
illustrated in FIG. 10.
The movable container section 2 is rollably supported by means of
two front swivel wheels 10 (FIGS. 1 and 6) and a pair of rear
wheels 11. The movable container section 2 is rollable into and out
of the power section 1 and is guided into the power section 1 by
extending guide members 12 of power section 1 which receive the
horizontally extending members 13 and 13' (FIGS. 1 and 4) of the
movable container section 2.
The movable container module 2 is of a cantilever type design with
a compacting chamber or container 14 cantilevered from a member 15
which forms a part of the main frame of the container module 2
along with extending members 13 and 13'. The compacting chamber 14
is made of a rigid material, such as steel, and is of a generally
rectangular configuration. The compacting chamber 14 includes three
fixed walls 31, 32, 33 and an openable door 16. The door 16 is
hingedly connected to the fixed container by means of hinge 17
(FIG. 4) and is locked in place by means of latches 18 which engage
slots 19. Latches 18 extend, for example, from container wall 33.
The door 16 is fixedly connected to an outer panel 20 by means, for
example, of flanges 21 and 22 (FIG. 4). A handle 34 is carried by
outer panel 20 for use in moving the container module 2.
The door 16 is movable upwardly relative to the container 14 by
means of the pedal 23 which is movable downward by the operator's
foot in the direction of the arrow A in FIG. 6. Pedal 23 is
connected to a lever mechanism 24 which has a wheel 25 secured
thereto to act as a pivot point. Wheel 25 bears upon the base
member 15 of the container module 2. Upon depression of the pedal
23 in the direction of the arrow A, the end of the lever mechanism
24 on the other side of the pivot wheel 25 moves upward in the
direction of the arrow B shown in FIG. 6. Said other end of the
lever 24 is connected to a bracket 26, which in turn is connected
to the door 16, to lift same in the upward direction upon
depression of pedal 23 so as to release the latches 18 from the
slots 19. In the up positon, the door 16 and panel 20 are together
swingable outwardly from the container. Spring 27 biases the pedal
23 in the up or non-operative condition for maintaining the door
locked. When the door is lifted to its up state, not only are the
latches 18 released from the slots 19, but the lower end of the
door 16a (FIG. 7) is lifted up and over a channel member 28 (FIG.
7). The door 16 then "rides" on the upper surface of the channel
member 28 to its fully open condition. In the locked condition, the
channel member 28 aids in retaining the door in position and acts
as a "double" lock. Moreover, the channel member 28 aids in
disengaging the slots 19 from the latches 18 since the channel
member 28 will retain the door in its up position during movement
thereof. The upper surface of the channel member 28 acts as a
bearing surface during movement of the door 16 to its open position
and thereby facilitates opening thereof. It should be clear that
the hinge 17 is of such a design that it allows vertical movement
of the door 16 relative to the fixed portions of the container 14.
This may be accomplished by using a hinge having portions thereof
removed, as illustrated in detail in FIG. 4.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3a, the design of the ram structure
and the support and drive mechanism therefor will now be discussed.
FIG. 3 illustrates the internal structure of the power or
compacting section 1, with the outer housing thereof removed. The
power section 1 basically comprises a strong, rigid base member 35,
preferably formed of metal, to which is secured vertical support
members 36 and 37, for example by welding. Support structures 36
and 37 are illustrated in FIG. 3 as comprising channel-shaped
members. Generally channel-shaped members 38 and 39 are secured to
support structures 36, and 37, respectively, for example by
welding. Channel members 38 and 39 serve as guides for the ram 40,
which engages therewith. Extending vertically from the base 35 are
four threaded rod members 41-44, each of which have drive gears
45-48 extending therefrom below the base 35. The threaded bars
41-44 are rotatably supported in the base 35. A motor 49 is mounted
to the rear portion of the base 35 and is coupled to a drive pulley
50 by means of a belt 51. A typical motor for use in the present
invention is General Electric Co. Motor No. G5KC45PG132, 3/4 Hp
with a built-in centrifugal switch, the function of which is
discussed hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 10.
The drive pully 50 is rotatably mounted in the base 35 and has a
gear 52 extending therefrom below the base 35. A chain 53 engages
all of the gears 45-48 and 52 for driving the threaded bars. An
idler gear 54 is provided, the position of which may be adjustable
so as to adjust the tension in the drive chain 53. An additional
function of the idler sprocket 54 is to increase the "wrap" of the
chain 53 around the gear 46. For best operation, it is desirable to
have as large an angle of wrap of the chain around each gear as
possible.
The threaded bars 41-44 are threadably engaged with the ram 40 as
indicated in greater detail in FIG. 3a.
The ram 40 of FIG. 3 is a rigid structure which is threadably
engaged with the threaded rods 41-44 at the upper end thereof. The
upper end of the ram 40 comprises a box type structure 55 having
box-type extending portions 56-59. The extending portions 56-59 are
dimensioned such that the outer extremities 56'-59' form a close,
slidable fit with the ends of the support channels 36 and 37. The
inner portions 56"-59" are spaced such that pairs of the box-type
members 56-59 cooperate to slidably engage around the channel
members 38 and 39 which extend vertically to guide the ram
structure. By virtue of this unique arrangement, the ram 40 is
positively guided throughout its travel in such a manner that
excessive twisting and bending of the ram structure relative to its
support structure is avoided.
FIG. 3a illustrates the internal construction of each of the
rectangular box-type structures 56-59. The internal construction of
FIG. 3a is obscured from view in FIG. 3. Referring now to FIG. 3a,
within each structure 56-59 is a substantially horizontally
extending plate 60 having an aperture 61 therethrough for passage
of a threaded bar, for example bar 41. A plate 62 having a beveled
opening 65 on its upper surface is secured to the plate 61 by means
of screws and bolts 63 and 64. Further secured to the plate 60 by
means of bolts 63 and 64 is an inverted cylindrical member 66
having an aperture 67 in its upper end for passage therethrough of
bar 41. Inside of the inverted cylindrical member 66 is a ball race
nut which threadably engages the bar 41, as indicated in FIG. 3a.
The housing 68 of the nut contains a plurality of balls 69 which
engage grooves within the nut 68 and which also engage the threads
of the bar 41. The nut housing 68 is loosely mounted within the
inverted cylinder 66 and has a beveled lower surface which movably
engages the beveled surface 65 of the plate 62. As seen in FIG. 3a,
by virtue of this arrangement, the nut housing 68 is able to be
angularly displaced within the cylindrical housing 66 so as to
enable the ram to tilt slightly relative to the drive screws 41-44
without binding the drive mechanism. Thus, more efficient driving
is achieved and a lower horsepower can be used to drive the ram. A
typical ball race nut is manufactured by Saginaw Steering Gear Div.
General Motors.
Still referring to FIG. 3a, within the cylindrical housing 66 are
resilient members 70 and 71 which tend to retain the nut 68 in a
given position, but which are resilient enough to allow for
movement thereof relative to the cylindrical member 66. A cover
member 72 having an aperture 73 therein is provided and preferably
contains a lubrication wick for lubricating the bar 41 as it passes
therethrough.
By virtue of the unique construction of the ram and drive
configuration of the present invention, most efficient use is made
of the ball race nut since such nuts are best operated with the bar
41 in tension. In the present invention, during compacting when the
ram 40 is being pulled downward, the bars 41-44 are in tension and
therefore provide most efficient use of the ball race nut
construction. Further, such an arrangement allows the drive
mechanism to be relatively simple and compact, thereby leading to a
more advantageous configuration of the compactor.
Below the box-type upper structure 55 of the ram, there is located
another box-type structure 74 having a horizontally extending
strengthening plate 75 mounted therein. Below the box-type
structure 74 is the head of the ram 76 wich comprises a plate in a
plurality of horizontally extending support and strengthening
elements 77, 78. It should be clear that the strengthening elements
77 and 78 could take any form. Interposed between the ram head 76
and the box-type structure 74 is a rubber or other flexible
material sealing flap 79 which is dimensioned such that it acts as
a scraper along the sides of the compacting container during
compaction of material. The flexible scraper 79 is easily replaced
by removal of the ram head structure 76.
A ram stop device 80 is secured to each side of the support
structure 36 and 37 so as to prevent the ram from moving too far
downwardly in the compactor. On the upper surface of the ram stop
member 80, which preferably comprises sheet metal welded, for
example, to the side supports 36 and 37, are rubber bumpers 81 and
82. It should be clear, however, that other types of ram stops may
be used, as desired.
Further, in connection with the ram and drive configuration of the
present invention, the provision of four threaded drive screws
41-44, each located at a respective corner of the ram 40, provides
extremely efficient and positive drive of the ram. Such a
configuration reduces twisting and bending of the ram during
compaction to a minimum and effectively reduces the power
requirements of the drive mechanism and enables thinner threaded
rods 41-44 to be used. Thus, the compacting apparatus is enabled to
be made more compact and the costs of the various components are
reduced.
At the end of the power unit 1 at which the operator stands there
is located a mechanism 83 for locking the compacting apparatus in a
given position during use. The locking mechanism 83 comprises a
first pedal 84 for lowering a locking block 85 against the floor to
lock the apparatus in position. A second pedal 86 is provided to
release the locking mechanism upon depression thereof. The locking
mechanism 83 is conventional and the operation thereof should be
apparent. A typical locking mechanism is a Payson floor lock No.
558.
In use, the container section 2 is rolled into the outer housing of
the power section 1 with the members 13 of the container section
engaged by the portions 12 of the power section. In order to aid in
engagement of the portable container section 2 with the power
section 1, power section 1 includes a pair of rollers 90, 91
rotatably mounted therein and extending slightly above the upper
surface of the base member 35. At the end of the container 14 are
rotatably mounted a pair of additional rollers 92, 93. In addition,
at the end of the support members 13 and 13' are mounted respective
rollers 94 and 95. As should be apparent, rollers 92, 93 roll over
the upper surface of the base member 35 of the power unit, and
rollers 94, 95 engage the side surfaces of portions 12 of the power
unit. These rollers cooperate to make it extremely easy to engage
the movable container section 2 into and out of the power section
1. The various rollers are formed of a resilient material, such as
medium hard rubber, so that during compaction the rollers become
slightly compressed so that the forces of compaction are borne by
the bottom of the container 14 bearing against the upper surface of
the base member 35 of the power unit 1. If the rollers were not
made of such resilient material, the forces of compaction would be
applied to the rollers which would most likely become deteriorated
in a short period of use.
In FIG. 4, the vertical plate 160 of the power unit 1 is shown.
FIG. 9 shows the location of the plate 160 in better detail. Plate
160 has openings and receptacles 161, 162 extending inwardly
therein within which the wheels 92 and 93 are received when the
container unit 2 is pushed into the power unit 1. An electrical
interlock switch 163 is mounted to the receptable 162 which has a
hole 164 therein. The operating lever of the switch 163 extends
through the hole or aperture 164 and is actuated by the wheel 93
when the container section 2 is pushed into the power unit 1. The
switch 163 is electrically interconnected in the electrical
actuating circuit of the compactor so that the ram cannot be
operated unless the switch 163 is actuated by a wheel 93. This is a
further safety feature of the present invention. A discussion of
switch 163 in connection with the circuitry of the compactor is
given hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 10.
The switch 163 is mounted in the recess defined by the receptacle
162. This makes it still more difficult for an unauthorized person
to operate the compactor without insertion of the container section
2. Also, if a child crawls into the compactor the provision of the
switch 163 for receptacle 162 renders it more difficult for the ram
to be inadvertently lowered.
For the purpose of safety, when the movable container section 2 is
rolled into the power section 1, it becomes locked therein. The
locking mechanism prevents disengagement of the units during
compaction, thereby improving operator safety. The locking
mechanism is shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the
drawings. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5-8, the lock mechanism
comprises a slidable bolt 100 which is mounted to the base member
35 of the power module (see FIG. 3) so as to be movable in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement
of the container section 2 when it is moved into and out of the
power section 1. The bolt 100 is similar to the bolt used in a
standard door lock. A similar bolt 101 is mounted to the base 35 of
the container unit in a similar manner. Horizontally extending
member 13 has an aperture 102 therein (FIGS. 4 and 6) for receiving
the bolt 100. A similar aperture 103 is provided on horizontally
extending member 13' for engagement with bolt 101. As is apparent
from FIG. 5, when the movable container section 2 is inserted into
the power section 1, the free end of horizontally extending member
13 pushes the bolt 100 inward in the direction of the arrow C due
to the inclined surface of the bolt 100 which engages the member
13. As the movable container section is further pushed into the
power section, the bolt 100 engages the aperture 102 and, due to
spring loading, is forced into the aperture to lock the power and
movable sections 1 and 2, respectively, together, At the same time,
bolt 101 engages aperture 103 in a similar manner.
In order to release the movable container section 2 from the power
section 1, a pedal 104 coupled to a release mechanism is provided.
The release mechanism is most clearly shown in FIG. 7. The pedal
104 is secured to a lever arm 105 which is pivotally connected to
the horizontally extending member 13 by means of, for example, a
bolt 106. Rivets, or the like, could also be used. The lever arm
105 is connected to an arm 107 which has a slot 108 at one end
thereof which is slidably connected to the horizontally extending
member 13 by means of, for example, bolt 109. The remote end of arm
107 is bent over to form an angle (see FIG. 6), the bent over
portion 111 being engaged in a slot 110 formed in the horizontally
extending member 13. In order to release the bolt 101 which engages
the horizontally extending member 13', a bar 112 (FIGS. 5 and 7) is
connected to the lever 105 and extends horizontally across the
container member 1 to engage an arm 113 which is similar to arm
107.
In order to release the movable container section 2 from the power
section 1, the pedal 104 is depressed, thereby pivoting the lever
105 in the direction of the arrow D (FIG. 7). This causes the arm
107 to move in the direction of the arrow E (FIG. 7), thereby
causing the bent over end 111 to move in the direction of the arrow
E to force the bolt 100 against its spring bias away from the
horizontally extending member 13. Similarly, the arm 113 on the
other side of the movable container section 2 operates to release
the bolt 101 from horizontally extending member 13'. Then, the
movable container section 2 can be withdrawn from the power section
1 by the operator. After the container section 2 is moved out of
engagement with the bolts, the foot pedal 104 can be released.
As a further safety feature, an additional bolt 114 (FIG. 5) is
provided at the end of the base 35 of the power section 1. A
similar bolt is provided on the other side, and is not shown in the
drawings. For convenience, bolt 114 is only shown in FIG. 5. Upon
withdrawal of the container section 2, the bolt 114, and its
counterpart on the opposite side, will engage the apertures 102 and
103 of members 13 and 13', respectively. This prevents the
container section from being inadvertently moved too quickly out of
the system. In this position wherein the bolts 114, and its
counterpart, locks with the movable container, the container
section 14 can be loaded by an operator. After loading, the
container section 2 can then be pushed completely into the power
section for operation of the compactor. However, if it is desired
to completely remove the container section 2 from the power section
1, when bolt 114 engages section 13, all that is necessary is for
the operator to again depress pedal 104 so as to release bolt 114
from the engaging aperture 102 as described above in connection
with bolts 100 and 101. This positive secondary locking feature is
important for safety and convenience of operation of the
apparatus.
While the above locking arrangement is positive and secure, for
further safety an additional locking arrangement is provided which
becomes activated when the ram 40 is lowered for compaction.
Referring to FIG. 9, an elongated bar member is slidably mounted in
the power section 1 and includes a bent over section 121 which
engages an upper surface of the ram 40. The lower section of the
bar 120 is pivotally connected to a latch member 122 by means of a
bolt or rivet 123. Latch member 122 is pivotally connected at a
fixed pivot point 124 to a member 125 which extends from the lower
surface of the base 35 of the power section 1. The end 122a of the
latch 122 selectively engages a slot 126 in the horizontally
extending member 13 when the latch member 122 is pivoted in the
counterclockwise direction referring to FIG. 8. When the ram 40 is
in its fully up position (as shown in FIG. 9), the bar 120 is
raised to its uppermost position, thereby lowering the free end
122a of latch 122 to its lowermost position wherein it is
disengaged from the horizontally extending member 13 of the movable
container section 2. When the ram 40 is lowered, during operation
or for any other reason, the bar 120 is caused to lower due to the
action of spring 127 (FIG. 9) so as to cause the latch 122 to pivot
in the counterclockwise direction so as to engage slot 126 of
member 13 of the container section 2. In this manner, during
operation of the ram, the container section 2 and the power section
1 are further locked together by means of a second lock, thereby
enhancing the safety of the overall system.
In accordance with the further feature of the invention, an aerosol
can of deodorant and/or disinfectant 130 is mounted within the
power section 1 (FIG. 9) and is activated by means of a member 131
on the ram 40 so as to spray a given amount of the contents of the
can 130 on the surface of the material in the compacting chamber
when the ram is operated at its uppermost position. In operation,
the ram member 131 engages the roller member 132 carried by a pivot
arm 133 to actuate the spray can. When member 131 engages the
roller 132, the pivot arm is caused to rotate in the
counterclockwise direction about pivot point 134 to cause material
to be sprayed out of the can 130 as indicated by the arrow F.
The can 130 is located within a housing in the power section 1 and
is accessible for replacement by means of a door 135 thereon which
is openable in the direction of the arrow G (FIG. 9). A clip 136 is
provided within the housing to retain the can 130 in position.
The movable container section 2 incorporates a liner similar to
that disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,340, issued May
22, 1973. The contents of this patent are incorporated herein by
reference.
Referring to FIG. 4, the liner construction of the present
invention is illustrated in greater detail. The liner 140 is of
generally rectangular shape and is made of a substantially rigid,
but flexible material, such as polyethylene. The liner 140 is
preferably fabricated as an integral structure, but it may be
fabricated of several pieces jointed together.
The upper portion 142 of the liner 140 extends above the upper
level of the compacting chamber 14. In this connection, see FIG. 1
wherein the liner 140 is shown inserted into the compacting chamber
14. The upper portion 142 of the liner has slots 144 formed
therein. The slots are located so that when the ram 40 is lowered
to its lowermost compacting position, the portions 145 of the ram
which connect the ram head to the drive structure pass through the
slots 144 in the upper portion of the liner. When a container is
loaded with material to be compacted, the material which is above
the upper level of the compacting chamber 14, but which is below
the upper level of the liner 140, is not subject to great
compacting pressure. Therefore, the upper portion 142 of the liner
is provided so that the container may be advantageously loaded and
so that the compacting action which causes greater compacting
forces in the portion defined by the compacting chamber 14 are
efficiently used. In compacting material, it is desired to have a
large free space at the upper portion of the compacting chamber for
accepting material to be compacted. On compaction, however, only a
smaller portion of the compacting chamber will be effectively
utilized. If the compacting chamber 14 were extended to reach the
upper level of the liner 142, then the amount of metal and other
high strength components would be increased. In addition, the
overall height of the compactor would be increased, thereby
increasing the cost of the system and increasing the weight and
difficulty of handling of the movable container. Since the slots
144 are relatively narrow, it has been found that there is no
danger of refuse or other material to be compacted from falling out
of the liner through the slots. As mentioned above, the slots in
the upper portion of the liner are provided so that the ram may
pass therethrough and compact the material within the chamber 14 so
as to provide more efficient utilization of component materials.
Slots 144 in the liner 140 afford the main advantage of greater
effective compaction chamber capacity while minimizing overall
height of entire compactor. This is a very important feature of the
invention.
As described in copending Application Serial No. 171,711, a plastic
or other disposable bag 146 is located between the outer chamber 14
and the liner 140. See FIG. 1. In accordance with the teachings of
application Ser. No. 171,711, the liner 140 is bottomless. After
compaction, the door 20 is opened by depression of the pedal 23,
thereby opening the door 16 to the compaction chamber 14. This
effectively releases some pressures built up on the liner and
enables the liner 140 to be easily lifted out of the compacting
chamber 14. Thus, the compacted material will remain in the plastic
or other disposable bag 146, which can then be tied and easily
removed from the apparatus.
A further safety feature of the present invention is the provision
of an additional locking member 147 on the housing of the power
section 2 which prevents the door 20 from being opened when the
container section 2 is locked into the power section 1. The lock
147 is illustrated best in FIG. 1. When the container section 2 is
engaged into the power section 1, the lock member 147 is located
above the upper surface 20a as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1.
This prevents the door 20 from being raised by depression of the
pedal 23 when the power and movable sections of the compacting
apparatus are engaged.
A further feature of the compacting apparatus is the provision in
the rear portion of the power section 1 of a compartment for
storing a roll of plastic or other type of disposable bag for use
with the compacting device. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, a roll of
such disposable bags 150 is mounted in the rear compartment which
is covered by an openable cover 151. Below the roll of bags 150 is
a power cord stored on a reel 152. The power cord may be reeled
out, as desired, and then, after use of the compacting apparatus,
may be reeled back into the storage chamber due to the spring
action of the reel. This is an extremely convenient arrangement and
enhances the portability of the compacting apparatus.
Also, at the rear end of the power unit 1 is located a drop shelf
153 which may be lowered for storage of bags of compacted material.
See, for example, FIG. 2 wherein one bag 154 of compacted material
is shown on the open shelf 153. When the portable compactor of the
present invention is used in large installations, such a
self-storage feature of bags of compacted material is extremely
important and enhances the efficiency of utilization of the
compactor. This eliminates the need for collection of compacted
bags of material throughout the premises.
When a portable compacting apparatus of the type of the present
invention is used in various locations, in many instances the floor
on which the unit is used is not level. The floor may be wavy or
contain various portions which are uneven. By virtue of the roller
guide mechanisms of the present invention which include rollers 90
and 91 on the power section and rollers 92, 93, 94 and 95 (FIG. 4)
on the movable container section 2, the insertion of the movable
section 2 into the power section 1 is facilitated even if the floor
is not level. For example, if the container section 1 is rolled
down an inclined section of the floor toward the power section 1,
the rollers 92, 93 will engage the upper surface of the base 35 of
the power section to facilitate engagement. Also, the rollers 94
and 95 facilitate alignment and accurate insertion of the movable
container 2 into the power section 1 with a minimum of
difficulty.
Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown the electrical control and
operating circuit for a compactor of the present invention. The
lock switch 7 and switches 8 and 9 are illustrated in FIG. 10, as
well as safety switch 163. Also provided in the apparatus in a top
limit switch 166 which is ram activated as illustrated in FIG. 9.
When the ram reaches its uppermost permitted position, the ram
actuates the operating lever of switch 166 to effectively cut-off
the main power. Also provided is a hidden lock switch 165 (FIG. 9)
which is hidden in the compartment which holds the spray can 130.
The hidden lock switch 165 is incorporated into the circuit of FIG.
10 such that the operator of the apparatus can turn on the hidden
lock switch with a key and then operate the ram (for example for
testing or cleaning purposes) without the necessity of having the
container module located inside the power unit.
As shown in FIG. 10, the motor 49 includes a main motor winding 170
which is connected across the main power supply by means of a main
power relay 171 upon actuation of the proper combination of
switches in the control circuit. The motor 49 further includes a
starting capacitor 172, a starting winding 173 and a centrifugal
switch 174, all of which are connected in series. This series
connection of elements is connected to a reversing relay 175 which
is actuated by a reversing switch 167 which is ram activated (FIG.
9). The reversing switch 167 is located so as to be operated when
the ram is in a slightly lower position than the position for
actuating top limit switch 166. As the ram is lowered, first the
top limit switch closes and then after the ram lowers slightly
further, the reversing switch closes. The operation of the circuit
of FIG. 10 is described in more detail below.
With power off, the compacting unit 2 is pushed in place into the
power unit 1. The compactor ram 40 is in its upper position with
both the top limit switch 166 and the reversing switch 167 in the
open position as shown in FIG. 10. Then, power is turned on by
means of turning on the lock switch 7 and operating the on-off
switch 9. With power on, the unit is activated by pressing the
momentary start switch 8. This provides power to the main power
relay 171 and causes the motor 49 to operate to move the ram
downward. As the ram begins its initial downward movement, the top
limit switch 166 closes, thereby allowing the operator to release
the momentary start switch. Then, the reversing switch closes
activating the reversing relay 175. However, no reversal of the ram
movement occurs since the motor centrifugal switch is open during
rotation of the motor shaft. The ram 40 continues its downward
movement and operates to compact material in the container.
When compaction is completed, that is, when the ram is driven
against the ram stop 80, the motor rpm's decreases, thereby causing
the centrifugal switch 174 to close. This results in causing an
upward movement of the ram since the reversing relay 175 was
previously actuated by means of the reversing switch 167. At the
top of travel, the ram 40 will first contact the reversing switch
167 to cause same to open. The ram continues its upward movement
until top limit switch 166 is activated, thereby automatically
shutting the unit off.
An advantage of the ram stop 80 in connection with the circuitry
and construction of the present invention is that as the ram 40
contacts the ram stop 80, the motor slowly begins to slow down. As
the motor slows down, the centrifugal switch 174 therein operates
to cause the direction of rotation of the motor to be reversed.
Thus, the motor is thrown into reverse when it is operating at a
relatively low rpm. This reduces the strain and electrical
requirements placed on the motor. If a conventional type of sensing
arrangement were used for sensing the bottom of travel of the ram,
the motor would be thrown into reverse when it is operating at a
relatively high speed, thereby imparting unnecessary wear and tear
on the motor arrangement. With the present invention, a smooth
transitional and reversing operation is achieved while imparting
minimum wear on the motor and drive chain.
The hidden lock switch 165 is used only for maintenance operations
when the ram must be partially or fully lowered with the carriage
or container section 2 removed from the power section 1.
Various other types of control circuits may be used in connection
with the compacting apparatus of the present invention. The
above-described control circuit illustrated in FIG. 10 has been
found to be advantageous and has been described by way of
example.
An important constructional feature of the apparatus of the present
invention is the "cantilever-type" construction of the portable
container unit. This type of construction allows the unit to be
fully inserted into the power unit so as to enable the overall
apparatus to the more compact. The forces of compaction are borne
by the base plate 35 of the power unit.
A further important advantage of the slots 144 in the liner 140 is
that these slots facilitate setting up of the container unit with a
disposable bag. For example, in setting up the unit for use, it is
necessary to insert the liner 140 into a disposable bag 146, such
as a plastic bag. In the case of plastic, the bag 146 is somewhat
limp and could be difficult to handle. In accordance with the
present invention, the liner 140 is mounted on the upper edge of
the container 14 with the upper edge of the container engaging
slots 144 on opposing walls of the liner. Thus, the slots of the
liner saddle the chamber wall with the liner in an inverted
position. Then, the bag 146 is easily applied over the liner 140.
Then, the liner 140 with the bag therearound is inserted in the
container 14 resulting in the configuration illustrated in FIG.
1.
It should be clear that various aspects of the present invention
are suitable for use in any type of compacting system, whether it
be a portable system or a substantially permanently installed
system. For example, the locking mechanism by means of which the
openable door section 20 is maintained in the closed position when
the container unit is fully received in the power unit is equally
applicable for use with systems in which the power unit is not
portable as in the embodiment described hereinabove. Moreover, the
outboard connected screw drive arrangement using the elongated
screws operated in tension is equally usable in compacting systems
other than the portable system described herein. The screw drive
arrangement preferably includes four screws spaced at around the
corners of a rectangular shaped ram. Still further, the slotted
liner which provides intercourse between the ram and the liner
during compaction is particularly advantageous and is useful in
compacting systems other than portable compacting systems.
While the invention has been described herein in connection with
specific apparatus, it should be clear that various modifications
and alterations can be made to the design thereof within the scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *