Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COt~T~'rION E'RONT RECEPTACI,E FOR ms~ u~r; CO~-r FCTION
Cross-reference to Related Application
This application is a continuatlon-in-part of ~.S.
Patent Application Se~ial ~o. 08/797,310, filed February
7, 1997, and entitled, A RESIDENT~AL REFUSE CO~LECTION
SYSTEM, INCLUDING A FRONT RECEPTACLE WITH A CAN LIFTING
MECHANISM, pending, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/015,062, filed on April 9,
1996, and which is hereby expressly incorporated by
reference.
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a system and
apparatus for collecting refuse and more particularly, to
an improved refuse collection system including a can
handling mechanism.
Background of the Invention
A recent development in the collection of refuse has
been the use of a front-loading type refuse vehicle.
Typically, these front-loading type vehicles have large
dump arms with front forks which extend in front of an
operators cab in order to puck up large refuse receptacles
or dumpsters. The front forks are inserted into fork
supporting members attached to the dumpster such that the
large dump arms can pick up the dumpster and raise it over
the collection vehicle and dump the refuse into the refuse
hopper of the vehicle. In order to use such a front-
loading type collection vehicle (most commonly used for
commercial refuse collection and with large refuse
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receptacles or dumpsters), there must be some convenient
way to pick up and dump residential and similar refuse
cans.
A combination front receptacle has been recently
introduced to enable front-loading type refuse collection
vehicles to be used for residential refuse collection.
The combination front receptacle combines an open front
refuse receptacle which is mounted forwardly of the
collection vehicle with a can gripping and lifting
mechanism, in order to pick up ~grip) a residential refuse
can and to dump into contents into the receptacle ~i.e.,
to lift the residential refuse can into a position so that
the contents fall into the front receptacle). Such a
com~ination front receptacle generally can be easily
~5 mounted on the front forks of the large dump arms of the
vehicle.
Because many refuse cans are now being made of
plastic or other similar materials, they lend themselves
easily to mechanical collection, that is, being gripped
and then dumped by mechanical arm or a similar mechanism
The use of hinged tops for such residential refuse cans
has further aided the implementation of mechanical
collection.
An example of a conventional combination front
receptacle is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,308,211,
issued to Bayne. This patent discloses a combination
front receptacle mounted on the front-loading forks of the
refuse collection vehicle. A can gripping and lifting
mechanism is provided on the collection side of the front
receptacle. The can gripping and lifting mechanism of
this patent is designed to be used with only certain types
and configurations of residential refuse cans
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Furthermore, the residential refuse cans must be properly
positioned with respect to the mechanism in order for the
refuse cans to be properly gripped and lifted for dumping.
This need for exact positioning of the refuse cans before
being gripped and lifted, slows down the collection
process because it requires the driver or some other
person to leave the vehicle and physically move the refuse
can into place.
Another example of a conventional combination front
receptacle is disclosed in ~.S. Patent No. 5,984,245,
issued to Zopf. This patent discloses an intermediate
refuse receptacle mounted on the front-loading forks of
the refuse collection vehicle. The intermediate receptacle
includes a side are and grabber assembly for automatically
grasping a specifically configured refuse can fitted with
a pair of horizontal grab bars. In operation, the side
arm assembly is extended outwardly to the specially
configured refuse can. The grabber assembly is then
extended vertically in between the grab arms such that the
refuse can is retained by; the side arm assembly The
refuse can is then lifted by the side arm assembly and
lifted into the intermediate receptacle. Finally, the
empty refuse can is returned to its original location and
the grabber and sidearm assemblies retracted.
Residential refuse collection typically requires the
loading and emptying of a variety of types and sizes of
refuse cans. These cans may include differing sizes,
cross-sectional shapes as well as cans made from differing
materials. However, most residential refuse cans are
sized to ho~d a conventional amount of refuse. What is
needed, is a combination receptacle capable of gripping
and lifting a wide variety of residential refuse cans.
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In addition to the problem of needing a system
capable of loading and emptying the wide variety of
available refuse cans, it is often necessary to load and
empty a refuse dumpster or other non-can type refuse
container. For example, a neighborhood having single
family residences which uses refuse cans and an adjacent
condominium complex which uses dumpsters. In these
instances, the front or intermediate receptacle must be
removed, if possible, and the dumpster then emptied.
Otherwise, the truck must return later without the
combination front receptacle to empty the dumpster. Thus,
there is a need for a refuse collection system which
includes a front or other intermediate refuse receptacle
having a refuse can handling and emptying system which is
quickly and efficiently removed and reattached to the
refuse collection vehicle.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention enables the collection of
residential refuse more quickly than the conventional
methods. By employing the system and apparatus of the
instant invention, a given refuse co~lection route can be
collected more quickly and thus more economically. In
addition, the system and apparatus of the present
invention allows refuse collection from both refuse cans
and dumpsters. This capability allows both residential
and commercial refuse collection within a single route.
In collecting residential refuse, many municipalities
require the refuse can to be placed near the curb for
collection. The system of the present invention enables
a refuse collection vehicle operator to grip a refuse can
(left adjacent the curb) of most any conventional size or
shape, lift and dump it, without leaving the cab of the
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vehicle. In addition, the system of the present invention
does not require perfect placement of the refuse can next
to the gripping mechanism. Thus, the present invention
provides safety and efficiency not available in the
conventional method of using a co~binatior. front
receptacle for collecting residential refuse.
The present invention also satisfies the need for a
combination front receptac~e which is capable of gripping
and dumping refuse cans of differing sizes and made from
differing materials. By using a refuse can handling
assembly having a plurality of gripping fingers, a system
of the present invention can grab refuse cans having
differing shapes and well as differing diameters. In
addition, the need for an operator to adjust the gripping
mechanism or other devices on differing cans is
eliminated.
A combination front receptacle according to the
present invention includes a gripping and lifting arm
mechanism which is extendable or telescopic. In other
words, the gripping and lifting arm mechanism is
extendable to the side of the front receptacle in order to
grip a refuse can which is not right next to the mechanism
(also known as the refuse can handling assembly). The
gripping and lifting arm are mounted on a trolley assembly
which is capable of 60" of travel, however, the trolley
assembly may be designed to have more or less travel as
needed. This design allows the gripping and lifting arm
to reach out and grab the refuse can without requiring the
vehicle operator to leave the vehicle. Thus, the refuse
can be dumped into the front receptacle and replace don
the curb in a minimum amount of tim. Therefore, the
productivity, safety and efficiency of the refuse
collection is significantly increased.
,
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A combination front receptacle for collecting refuse
with a front-loading refuse collection vehicle according
the principles of the present lnvention includes a refuse
receiving front receptacle or bucket and a refuse can
handling assembly. The front receptacle is supported and
retained on the front forks of the large dump arms of the
refuse collection vehicle and has a bottom, a back panel,
two side panels, and an open top for receivin~ refuse.
The refuse can handling assembly is connected to the front
receptacle and includes a trolley extension for moving
laterally along the front of the front receptacle, a
lifting arm, pivotable on the trolley extension, and a
plurality of gripping fingers operatively connected to the
lifting arm, for gripping a refuse can and dumping in into
1~ the front receptacle.
Part of the refuse can handling assembly may be
recessed into a recess formed in the front panel of the
front receptacle. By positioning a trolley extension
inside of the front panel of the front receptacle, the
size of the front receptacle may be increased without
increasing the total longitudinal length of the front
receptacle, the trolley portion, and the lifting arm and
the gripping fingers together. The increased capacity of
the front receptacle is an advantage because the vehicle
operator may dump more residential refuse cans into the
front receptacle before needing to stop to dump the front
receptacle into the main refuse hopper of the vehicle.
The combination front receptacle of the present
invention includes a front receptacle having an open box
shape of such generally used receptacles, with a bottom,
four sides and a substantially open top. An elongated
recess is formed laterally along a front side of the
receptacle. A trolley extension and its supporting
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structure are positioned inside or partially inside of the
recess. The supporting structure for the trolley
extension generally includes an upper and lower guide.
Adjusting elements are provided on the upper and/or lower
gu des so that the wearing of the guides maya be
compensated for. Ideally, the upper and lower guides are
made of angle rails. the trolley extension slides
laterally along the upper and lower guides to extend
toward the curb side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the
~0 trolley extension is preferably driven by a hydraulic
cylinder.
The trolley extension carries the lifting arm, which
further carries the gripping fingers, which actually grip
the refuse can. The trolley extension is movable
laterally with respect to the collection vehicle as well
as the front receptacle. An upper guide and a lower guide
mounted on the front of the comblnation receptacle movably
support the trolley extension. The lifting arm is
pivotally coupled to the distal end of the trolley
~0 extension and further carries the gripping fingers (or
lever arms) which actually grip around the refuse can.
Specifically, the gripping fingers grip the refuse can
around its body, then the lifting arm pivots to lift the
refuse can over the side of the front receptacie and dump
the contents of the refuse can into the front receptacle.
The lateral movement of the trolley extension
accordingly moves the lift arm and the gripping fingers
outwardly to meed the refuse can sitting by the curb. In
other words, the trolley extension moves laterally until
the gripping fingers touch or are close to the refuse can.
Then, the gripping fingers are closed to grab or grip the
refuse can. If needed, the lifting arm may be slightly
raised in order to lift the bottom of the refuse can off
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the ground. Next, the trolley extension is returned to
its retracted position. The llfting arm then raises the
refuse can and pivots it until the contents are dumped
into the front receptacle or bucket. The lifting arm then
returns the refuse can to a nearly upriqht position, and
the trolley extension returns to the extended position
where it picked up the refuse can. At that point, the
lifting arm sets the refuse can on the ground and the
gripping fingers are pivoted open to release the refuse
can. All of the elements of the refuse can handling
assembly are then returned to their normal or retracted
position.
A manifold assembly is mounted to the front
receptacle and fluidly connected to a first fluid connect
assembly half and a second fluid connect assembly half.
A first connect assembly mating half and a second connect
assembly mating half are attached to the collection truck
for removable connection with the respective connect
assemblies on the combination front receptacle.
In another broad aspect of the present invention, the
manifold assembly is a single block manifold supporting
and fluidly interconnecting a plurality of proportional
valves. A plurality of hydraulic control lines fluid
lnterconnect with proportional valves to a plurality of
actuators. The actuators are provided for lateral
movement of the trolley assembly, pivoting of the lifting
arm and gripping of the gripping fingers. A second
plurality of hydraulic control lines fluidly interconnect
the first and second connect fluid connect assembly halves
with the manifold assembly.
In yet another broad aspect of the present invention,
the manifold assembly comprises a single block manifold
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fluidly interconnecting a plurality of solenoid operated
hydraulic proportional valves. An electrical connector in
electrical connection with the solenoid operated hydraulic
proportional valves is mounted on the front receptacie for
connection with a second electrical connector on the
collection vehicle. This electrical connection provides
both electrical power and control signals for operation of
the hydraulic proportional valves and thus the actuators
of the combination front receptacle.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention,
a retention device is coupled to said trolley extension
for retaining the lifting arm while in the retracted
position. In this way, the lifting arm may ~e secured in
the lowered or retracted position while dumping the front
receptacle into the main refuse receptacle of the refuse
collection vehicle. The retention device includes a
reversible locking or lock member attached to either said
trolley extension or said front receptacle and a locking
post extending outwardly from the lifting arm. The
locking post fits within the reversible locking member
when the lifting arm is in the lowered or retracted
position such that the reversible locking member may be
locked.
In yet another broad aspect of the present invention,
each of the gripping fingers has a generally opposing
proximal portion which is coupled to the lifting arm.
Each of the these proximal portions are coupled through a
lifting arm and extend laterally outwardly to a distal
portion. The proximal portions pivot across a single
plane between an open position and a closed position.
However, the distal portions are oriented downwardly and
upwardly so as to overlap in the closed position. Thus,
the gripping fingers provide a proximal gripping surface
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across a single plane and yet overlap across their distal
portions to allow engagement with a narrower or smaller
diameter refuse can.
The invention, together with additional features and
advantages thereof, which was only summarized in the
foregoing passages, will become more apparent to those of
skill in the art upon reading the description of the
preferred embodiments, which follows in this
specification, taken together with the following drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a refuse
collection vehicle for use with the combination front
receptacle of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a combination front
receptacle with a can lifting mechanism of the instant
invention, in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 2, with
dumping action occurring;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the combination front
receptacle with can lifting mechanism in accordance with
the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a diagrammatical illustration of a front
receptacle or bucket in accordance with the present
lnventlon;
Fig. 6 a diagrammatical illustration of a variation
of the front receptacle or bucket in accordance with the
present invention;
.. .. . .
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Fig. 7 is a simplified cross sectional view of the
trolley extension and lifting arm of the embodiment shown
in Fig. 4;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the trolley extension
of Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a simplified cross sectional view of an
alternate version of the trolley extension of Fig. 4;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the alternate
version of the trolley extension as illustrated in Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the front receptacle
with cam lifting mechanism in accordance with another
version of the present invention;
Fig. llA is an enlarged perspective view of the
trolley extension and lifting arm of Fig. 11;
Fig. 11~ is an enlarged view of the support member
illustrated in Fig. 11;
Fig. llC is an enlarged view of the rear roller of
Fig. 11;
Fig. 12 is a cut away view of the front receptacle of
the version of the present invention shown in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is an end view of the trolley extension of
Fig. 11;
Fig. 14A and 14B are partial perspective views of the
trolley extension and lifting arm of Fig. 11 in the
contracted and extended positions;
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Fig. 15 is an illustration of the gripping fingers of
the version of Fig. 11;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the combination
receptacle of Fig. 11 with the lifting arm and gripping
fingers indicated by dotted lines;
Fig. 17 is an illustration of a portion of the
combination receptacle of Fig. 11 in which the lifting arm
is indicated by dotted lines and is in the raised
position; and
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the combination front receptacle according
to the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
A combination front receptacle for refuse collection,
including a front receptacle and can lifting mechanism in
accordance with the present invention will be described in
connection with Figs. 1-4. Specifically, Fig. 1 is a side
view illustrating a typical refuse collection truck to be
used with the combination front receptacle in accordance
with the present invention.
The refuse collection vehicle is generally indicated
by reference numeral 10. Refuse collection vehicle 10 is
generally known as a front-loading refuse collection
vehicle. This vehicle typically includes a forwardly
positioned operator cab 12 and large dump arms 14 which
are pivoted at pivot 28 and extend upwardly from the pivot
point above the operator cab 12 and down toward the front
of the vehicle. This design always allow access to the
operator cab and is generally a safety feature. The large
12
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dump arms 14 are preferably operated by hydraulic power.
At the end of each dump arm 94, a front-loading or front
fork 16 extends forwardly. The main frame 30 of the
vehicle is supported by wheels 26. A short distance
behind the operator cab 12 is the main receptacle or
refuse hopper 18. The refuse hopper 18 includes an
opening on the top thereof in order to allow the refuse to
be dumped therein. Dotted lines 33 indicate the large
dump arms 14 in a dumping position. Compacting body 20 is
located directly behind the refuse hopper 18. The end of
compacting body 20 is covered by end cap 22 which hinges
from hinge 24 and opens to allow the refuse to be dumped
at a dump site.
Front receptacle 32, is illustrated in Fig. 1, rests
upon front fork 16 and is supported by the large dump arms
14 as indicated by arrows 36. Front receptacle 32 may be
secured to front forks 16 by a chain, pins inserted into
the forks, hydraulic locks or by a myriad of other ways.
Reference numeral 34 illustrates the front receptacle 32,
in the dump mode above the refuse hopper 18.
Figs. 2 and 3 show perspective views of an embodiment
of a combination front receptacle 40 according to the
principles of the present invention, including the front
receptacle 32 and a can lifting mechanism 42. In
particular, Fig. 2 illustrates the situation in which a
refuse can 38 such as a typical plastic or metal garbage
can is first being gripped, while Fig. 3 illustrates the
situation in which the refuse can 38 is being lifted and
dumped into the front receptacle 32.
The combination front receptacle 40 includes the
front receptacle (or bucket) 32 and the refuse can
handling assembly generally 42. ~The refuse can handling
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assembly 42 is illustrated for simplicity in Figs. 2 and
3. In ~ig. 4, described ~elow, the refuse can handling
assembly 42 is illustrated in more detail). Specifically,
the refuse can handling assembly 42 generally includes a
trolley extension 44, a lifting arm 46 and a pair of
gripping fingers 48. Briefly, the front receptacle or
bucket 32 has a front panel 56, side panels 57 and 58, a
back panel 60 and a bottom 61. An open top allows for
dumping of refuse therein. Trolley extension 44 is
generally inset into cut out portion 59 of front panel 56
of the front receptacle 32. The trolley extension 44 has
a proximal end 45 and a distal end 47 and is adapted for
shifting or sliding movement in the lateral direction (as
described in detail below). A lifting arm 46 is mounted
to the distal end 47 of trolley extension 44 and pivots
adjacent the trolley extension 44 to lift and dump the
refuse can 38 into the front receptacle 32. Gripping
fingers 48 grip the refuse can 38 for the lifting and
dumping operation.
Fig. 3 illustrates the situation in which the refuse
can 38 has been gripped by gripping fingers 48, has been
lifted and is being dumped by way of the lifting arm 46.
Refuse 62 can be seen falling from the can 38 into the
front receptacle or bucket 32. The lifting arm 46 is then
pivoted ~ack to the normal or retracted position which
returns the refuse can 38 to its position next to curb 52.
Gripping fingers 48 are then again opened and the refuse
can 38 is released. The trolley extension 44 is then
returned to its normal or fully retracted position, or
even to a partially retracted position, withdrawing the
lifting arm 42 and gripping fingers 48, also, into the
retracted position. When the front receptacle 32 is
completely filled with refuse, the large dump arms 14 pull
the complete combination receptacle 40 over the operator
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cab 12 and the tapered faring 64, located above the
operator cab 12. The refuse can handling assembly 42 may
then be locked into the fully retracted position using a
reversible or unlocking lock member (Fig. 18). The refuse
is then dumped into refuse hopper 18, immediately behind
tapered faring 64.
Fig. 4 shows a detailed illustration of the
combination front receptacle refuse collection system 40.
As described above, combination front receptacle 40
generally includes a front receptacle (or bucket) 32,
having a front panel 56, side panels 57 and 58, and a back
panel 60. Of course, it also includes a bottom panel,
which cannot be seen in this view. A trolley extension or
trolley 44 is located in cut out portion 54 of the front
receptacle 32. Specifically, cut out portion 54 extends
inwardly into the interior of front receptacle 32 from the
front panel 56, thereof. Trolley 49 extends laterally in
the cut out portion 54 and rides along upper guide 66 and
lower guide 68, which are respectively mounted on upper
and lower portions of cut out portion 54. The specific
shapes of the upper end and lower guides will be described
below.
A hydraulic cylinder 70 is mounted at a first end 72
to the front receptacle 32 and is mounted at a second end
thereof 74 to the trolley extension 44. As the hydraulic
cylinder 70 is forced to extend and retract under
hydraulic pressure supplied from the refuse collection
vehicle, the trolley extension 44 moves laterally along
the upper and lower guides. The trolley 44 includes a
retracted position in which it is substantially within the
bounds of the front receptacle 32. In other words, in its
retracted position (Fig. 16), trolley extension 44 does
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not extend substantially outward beyond either side panel
57 or 58.
The lifting arm 46 is mounted intermediate the two
opposing ends of trolley extension 44. Generally, it is
preferable that the pivot 82, upon which the lifting arm
46 is mounted to the trolley extension 44, is slightly
closer to the curb side end of trolley extension 44 than
the end opposite the curb side. Lifting arm 46 may
include a lateral arm 76 which, in the retracted position,
extends generally parallel to trolley extension 44.
Lateral arm 76 is generally parallel to the plane of front
panel 56. Side extension 78 extends generally rearwardly
from an end of lateral arm 76, remote from pivot 82. Side
extension 78 is generally perpendicular to lateral arm 76
and is also substantially parallel to the plane of side
panel 57. Bracket 80 extends outwardly from lateral arm
76 near pivot 82. One end of hydraulic cylinder 84 is
attached to bracket 80, while the opposite end thereof is
attached to a bracket 86, located on trolley extension 44
and near the end opposite the curb side.
As hydraulic cylinder 84 extends and retracts, the
lateral arm 76 of lifting arm 46 is forced to pivot around
pivot 82, thus lifting a load of refuse to be dumped into
the front receptacle 32. The gripping fingers generally
indicated by reference numeral 48 include actuating
mechanism 88, which is mounted to the side extension 78 of
lifting arm 46. Further, the gripping fingers 48 may
include individual gripping elements 90, each having
rollers 94 or contact members at the end of each gripping
element 90. The individual gripping elements 90, 92 are
attached to the actuating mechanism (preferably
hydraulic actuating mechanism), such that as the hydrau~ic
mechanism extends or retracts and pivots, the individual
16
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gripping elements 90, 92 open to release a refuse can or
closed to grip a refuse can.
Hydraulic control lines 134 (Fig. 4~, may all be
connectable to compatible lines from the refuse collection
vehicle 10 itself. These connections which may include
quic~ connect type couplings, enable all the hydraulic
actuators of the combination front receptacle 40 to be
operated and controlled from inside of operator cab 12.
Thus, it is possible to make the necessary refuse
collection without the driver leaving the operator cab.
Fork supporting members 96 are provided on the
outside of side panels 57 and 58 for receiving the front
~orks 16 of large dump arms 14 therein. Fork supporting
members 96 may include slots or channels as shown, or may
include any method of attachment as contemplated and
understood by those of skill in the art.
Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate two different versions of
the cutout portion 54 which is inset into front panel 56
of combination front receptacle 40. It can be seen that
the trolley extension 44 is also inside of a plane of
front panel 56. As illustrated in Fig. 5, front panel 56
has cutout portion 54 inset inwardly from front panel 56
into portions of opposing side panels 57 and 58. Cutout
portion 59 includes generally rectangular inset portions
~8 and semi-cylindrical inset portion 100. As can be seen
from Fig. 4, the rectangular inset portion provides room
for the lateral movement of trolley extension 44.
Further, the semi-cylindrical inset portion 100 provides
additional room for hydraulic cy~inder 70 (see Fig. 4~
which is interior of the trolley extension 44. In other
words, hydraulic cylinder 70 is disposed towards the
CA 022~1121 1998-10-06
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interior of the combination front receptacle 40, with
respect to trolley extension 44.
As can be clearly seen from Fig. 4, and from Fig. 5,
when the trolley extension 44 is inset into the cutout
portion 54, it is essentially inside of the front panel 56
of the combination front receptacle 40. Prior art devices
using a type of trolley ar~ or extension have them
positioned outside of the front panel or side panel of the
combination receptacle. By insetting the trolley
extension 4~, of the present invention, either partially
or wholly inside of front panel 56, or, in other words,
moving front panel 56 outwardly to be outside of trolley
extension 44, a larger volume inside of combination front
receptacle 40 may be obtained without increasing the total
length of the combination receptacle itself. Accordingly,
more refuse cans 38 may be dumped into the combination
front receptacle 40, before it needs to be dumped, itself,
into the refuse hopper 18 of the refuse collection vehicle
10 .
Because the combination front receptacle 40 holds
more refuse, less stops are required to dump the contents
of the combination front receptacle 40, and thus it is
more efficient and less expensive for operation.
Furthermore, because the trolley extension 44 is inset
within the inside of front panel 56, an additional safety
advantage is obtained. This is because it offers less
exposure, diminishing potential injuries. Also, because
trolley extension 44 is inset inside of the front panel
56, it is maintained in a cleaner state, since it is less
likely that pieces of refuse will fall in the working
mechanis~ of the trolley extension 44.
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Fig. 6 is similar to Fig. 5, but only shows a partial
view of front receptacle 32 of combination front
receptacle 40. In this version of the front receptacle
32, the cutout portion 54, which is inset into the
interior of front receptacle 32, is only comprised of a
rectangular inset portion 102. Since there is no
corresponding semi-cylindrical inset portion 100, as in
Fig. 5, the version of Fig. 6 provides even greater
capacity than that of Fig. 5. The cutout portion 54 of
rectangular portion 102, of Fig. 6, will be described
further with regard to Figs. 8 and 10.
Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of trolley extension
44 disposed in cut out portion 54. Trolley extension 44
is supported by upper and lower guides 66 and 68,
respectively. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 4, front
panel 56 of the combination front receptacle 40 has a cut
out portion 54 which includes rectangular inset portions
98 and semi-cylindrical inset portion 100. Upper and
lower guides 66 and 68 are in the shape of angle rails.
On top of lower guide 68, a wear plate 104 is preferably
used. While not necessary, is easier to simply replace
the wear plate 104 than lower guide 68, when necessary.
Trolley extension 44 is inset inside of the plane of front
panel 56 of the front receptacle 32. An advantage is also
gained by positioning the trolley extension arm to be
partially inset insider of the plane of front panel 56.
The structure of trolley extension 44 is illustrated
in both Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 8, while not necessarily
to scale, illustrates the construction of trolley
extension 44. Trolley extension 49 is made up of a top
box tube 108 and a lower angle rail 110. Box tube 108 ana
lower angle rail 110, substantially parallel, are joined
together by support posts 112. Additionally, a support
19
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panel 114 is provided with opening 116 into which pivot 82
is disposed, and by which it is supported. Wear plates
106 may also be used on top of box tube 108. In the
interface between upper guide 66 and box tube 108 (or wear
S plate 106), and the interface between lower guide 68 (or
wear plate 104) and lower angle rail 110, it is preferable
that a type of grease is used to provide the necessary
lubrication for movement. Further, as illustrated in Fig.
7, bracket 80 is mounted to pivot 82, and supports lateral
arm 76 of lifting arm 46. The semi-cylindrical inset 100
of the cut out portion 54 allows the necessary space for
hydraulic cylinder 72 (see also Fig. 9). Preferably, the
curb side end of hydraulic cylinder 72 is mounted to a
support post 12 of the trolley extension 44, by way of
brackets 118.
The "angle-rail" type of suspension system
incorporated as part of trolley extension 44 is
advantageous in this type of application because it is
very strong, self aligning, self cleaning and generally
trouble free. In addition, standardized sizes of
structural angle material may be used.
Wear plates 104 and 106 may be attached to either the
load carrying rail or the supporting rail or both, to
reduce friction and improve the life of the trolley
extension 44. These wear plates 104, 106 may include
strips of generally frictionless material which is bolted,
riveted, adhered, or otherwise attached to the rails.
Preferably, the wear plates 104, 106 cover the entire
bearing surface of the rails and are at least 0.125 inches
thick. Additionally, it should be noted that a very
strong bearing surface is provided by way of a rail or
wear plate 104, 106, bearing against a rail or another
wear plate. This provides a large bearing surface area
CA 022~1121 1998-10-06
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and thus a very strong, trouble free suspension device for
the trolley extension 49.
Additionally, adjustment bolts 120 are provided on
the under side of lower guide 68 in order to allow
5 adjustment of the lower guide 58. This allows minor
adjustments to be made for wear or other reasons in order
to allow accurate operation without having to change wear
plates ll9 or the lower guides 68. Of course, the
adjustment bolts may be provided on upper guide 66, or
10 both.
Fig. 9 illustrates trolley extension 44, according to
another aspect of the present invention. The structure of
trolley extension, denoted 44', is slightiy different from
that of trolley extension 44 as shown in Fig. 7, and is
also shown in Fig. 10. In Fig. 9, cut out portion 54
extends inwardly from front panel 56 of the combination
front receptacle 40. In the aspect illustrated in Fig. 9,
the rectangular inset portion 102 of cut out portion 54 is
smaller than that illustrated in Fig. 7, since the aspect
20 of Fig. 9 does not have a semi-cylindrical inset portion.
As illustrated in Fig. 10, trolley extension 44' is
composed of gable portion 122, side portions 124, lower
rail portion 126, and end portions 128. An opening 130 is
provided with side walls 132 for receiving pivot 82, for
25 supporting the lifting arm 46. As illustrated in Fig. 10,
the structure of trolley extension 44' is more a monocoque
type structure in which the surface carries the load,
rather than internal structure. This enables hydraulic
cylinder 70' to be located inside of trolley extension 44'
30 rather than closer to the interior of the combination
front receptacle 40 than the trolley extension itself. Of
course, this allows for a smaller inset portion, and
increases the refuse capacity of combination front
21
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receptacle 40, itself. As illustrated in Fig. 9, similar
to Fig. 7, lower guide 68 are provided with wear plates
104. Also upper guide 66 is provided as the upper support
for trolley extension 44'. Upper wear plates 106 maybe
added to the top of gable portion 122 in order to provide
the replaceable wear structure and frictionless surface.
As with Fig. 7, ~ig. 9 also illustrates bracket 80 and
lateral arm 76, as well as adjustment bolts 120.
The operation of this refuse collection system, or
combination front receptacle 40, including the front
receptacle 32 having the can lifting mechanism 40 can be
understood in view of the figures and most specifically in
considering Figs. 2-4.
As the operator of the refuse collection vehicle 10
drives along a road or route 50, individual residential
refuse cans 38 are typically placed near a curb 52. The
operator of the collection vehicle 10 pulls up next to the
refuse can 38 (see Fig. 2). Through hydraulic valves and
controls in the operator's cab 12, or alternatively, to
combination front receptacle 44" itself, the operator
extends hydraulic cylinder 70, thus moving trolley
extension 44, along with lifting arm 46 and gripping
fingers 48 near the curb, and the refuse can 38. The
operator opens the hydraulic actuating mechanism 88 of the
gripping fingers 48 to allow them to open. The gripping
fingers 48 surround the refuse can 38 when trolley
extension 44 is further extended and moved into the proper
position as shown. The operator may then close the
individual gripping elements 90, 92 of gripping fingers
48. Once gripped, the operator then extends (or retracts)
hydraulic cylinder 84, causing the lifting arm 46 to pivot
around pivot 82.
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As il~ustrated in Fig. 3, when lifting arm 46 pivots
around pivot 82, the refuse 62 is dumped from the refuse
can 38 into the combination front receptacle 32. When
the refuse can 38 is empty, the operator reverses the
S action on hydraulic cylinder 84, causing lifting arm 46 to
pivot back in the opposite direction, thus returning the
refuse can 38 to its position near the curb 52. When the
refuse can 38 is sitting on the ground, then the operator
may operate actuating mechanism 88, opening up individual
gripping elements 90, 92 of gripping fingers 48, releasing
the refuse can 38. Then, hydraulic cylinder 70 may be
contracted, causing trolley extension 44 to return to its
retracted position. This being done, the operator of the
refuse collection vehicle may then move along to the next
house, to pick up the refuse from the next refuse can.
When a full load is obtained in the front receptacle 32,
it is then dumped into the refuse hopper 18. As can be
seen, from the above, the features of the present
invention, enable the refuse collection to be done more
efficiently, and more safely, thus becoming a great
advantage to any municipality or private service which
collects refuse.
A variation of the above described invention will now
be described with reference to Flgs. 11-17. Any instances
where similar elements and parts are shown, the same
reference numerals will be used as in the prior figures.
Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a combination
front receptacle denoted 40" and includes a front
receptacle 32 with a can lifting mechanism 49 in
accordance with the present invention. As shown in Fig.
4, the front receptacle 32 has a back panel 60, side
panels 57 and 58, and a front panel 56. The trolley
extension, denoted 44" in this embodiment, is generally
23
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similar to the trolley extension 44' as shown in Figs. 9
and 10. The trolley extension 49" of the present
embodiment is also illustrated in Figs. llA, 13, 14A and
14B. A reinforcing p~ate 142 is provided to simply
reinforce the end of the trolley extension. As
illustrated in ~ig. 11 upper guide 66 and lower guide 68
are similar to the guides shown in Fig. 4. Trolley
extension 44" is shifted laterally in the same way as the
trolley extension 44 of Fig. 4. In other words it is
operated by a hydraulic cylinder. Of course, other motor
devices may be used. The hydraulic cylinder for shifting
the trolley extension 44'' is positioned inside of the
body of the trolley extension, similar to the arrangement
shown in Fig. 9 with regard to trolley extension 44'.
Adjustment bolts 120 are also used with the lower guide 68
(or upper guide 66) of this version.
Trolley extension 94" does not have the opening 130
as shown in Fig. lO, but instead has a support member 136
which is mounted on the front side of trolley extension
44" by way of support brackets on 138. Support member 136
extends laterally along a portion of the front side 135 of
support member 136.
Fig. llA is an enlarged portion of an area of Fig. 11
generally designated by the arrow A. Fig. llB is an
enlarged portion of an area of Fig. 11 generally
designated by the arrow B. Fig. llC is an enlargement of
an area of Fig. 11 generally indicated by the arrow C.
Support member 136 is also illustrated in Fig. llB, with
a hydraulic cylinder 84' mounted on the top thereof. As
illustrated in ~ig. 11, hydraulic cylinder B4' is mounted,
on one end, to-support member 136 and on the other end
thereof to a pivot bracket 134. Pivot bracket 139 pivots
at a pivot point 146 on an end of support member 136.
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Hydraulic cylinder 139 is attached to pivot bracket 144 at
a pivot point 198. Pivot bracket 144 has a downwardly
extending arm 150 attached thereto and from which a side
extension 78 is further attached, as with the version
illustrated in Fig. 4. Side extension 78 extends generally
rearwardly from an end of arm 150 remote from pivot point
148. The side extension 78 is generally perpendicular to
arm 150 and is also generally parallel to side panel 57.
A mounting bracket 152 is provided to mount side
extension 178 fixedly to arm 150. A strain relief plate
154 (see Fig. llA) is a part of the mounting bracket 152
and provides for a relief of the strain at the specific
junction between the arm 150 and the end of side extension
78 and mounting bracket 152. As will be discussed in
further detail below, in Fig. 11, a front roller 156
serves as a front anti-friction or frictionless bearing
and a rear roller 158 serves as a rear anti-friction
bearing.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative
version of the front receptacle or bucket 32'.
Specifically, in Fig. 12, front bucket 32' has a back
panel 60, side panels 57 and 58, and a bottom panel 59.
Fork supports 96 are provided on opposing sides of the
front receptacle 32'. A key feature of front receptacle
32' is a bulge portion indicated by the reference numeral
160. This bulge portion is made of an extension portion
162 which is a lateral extension of back panel 60, an
outwardly inclined side portion side 164, an inwardly
inclined side portion 166, a vertical portion 168
connecting the outwardly inclined side portion 164 and
inwardly inclined side portion 166, and an extension 170
of front panel 56 (see Fig. 11). This bu~ge portion 160
which generally extends the side panel 57 outwardly,
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creates additional space inside of front receptacle 32'.
Thus, the capacity of front receptacle 32' is increased,
thus increasing the efficiency of the refuse collecting
ability in the present invention.
An added benefit of the bulge portion of front
receptacle 32' can be seen wlth respect to Fig. 16. In
Fig. 16, the gripping fingers 98 are illustrated by dotted
lines. Gripping fingers 98 are in their fully retracted
position. It should be noted that the gripping fingers 48
are substantially tucked away underneath the bulge portion
160. Thus, when retracted, gripping fingers 98 are
substantially out of the way in a position not to
interfere with other activities which may occur when the
gripping fingers 48 are in their fully retracted position.
Front roller 156 is illustrated in Figs. 11, 14A,
14B, 13 and 16. Fig. 13 is a simplified end view of
trolley extension 44" and the assembly therearound. In
Fig. 13 an upper guide 66 and front roller 156 (as well as
lower guide 68, hidden from view behind front roller 156)
support trolley extension 44" therebetween. Support
member 136 is disposed on the front side 135 of trolley
extension 44" and is supported by support brackets 138.
Wear plates 104 are illustrated at the top, and wear
plates 106 are illustrated at the bottom of trolley
extension 44".
Front roller 156 functions as an anti-friction
bearing, and is located as seen best in Fig. 16, at the
lateral extremity nearest the lifting arm 46 and gripping
fingers 48, of the lower guide 68. The mounting structure
172 which allows the front roller 156 to rotate about an
axle, is fixably mounted to the body of the front
receptacle 32' and does not move when the trolley
26
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extension 44" is shifted laterally. Thus, front roller
156 serves as a strong bearing for any downward load
exerted on the trolley extension 44" when picking up a
residential refuse can. While functioning as a strong
bearing, because it is a roller, front roller 156 also
functions to decrease the friction between the bearing and
trolley extension 44", and thus increases the efficiency
of the functioning of the device. Rear roller 158
functions as a rear anti-friction bearing. The rear
roller is illustrated in Fig. 11 and Fig. llc. Rear
roller 158 is rotatably supported by rear roller support
174. The rear roller support 174 is fixedly attached to
an end of trolley extension 44" which is remote from the
lifting arm 46 and gripping fingers 48. Thus, when
trolley extension 44" is shifted laterally, rear roller
158 moves with the trolley extension 44" and bears against
the lower portion of upper guide 66. When the gripping
fingers and lifting arm pick up a refuse can, rear roller
158 acts as an anti-friction bearing with regard to the
upper guide 66.
Front roller 156 and rear roller 158 may be made of
a metal, or a hard rubber, or any other appropriate
material. While this version of the present invention
uses a front roller and a rear roller, it is possible to
use multiple front rollers and/or multiple rear rollers.
Additional rollers may be provided on the top level, and
additional rollers may be provided on the bottom level.
The front roller 156 and rear roller 158 serve to reduce
the friction between the upper and lower guides 66, 68 and
the bearing portions of trolley extension 44".
Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate the operation of the
lifting arm 150 when the trolley extension 44" is
extended, as when it is lifting a refuse can. In Fig.
27
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14A, trolley extension 44" is extended. Hydraulic
cylinder 84' is fully extended such that plvot bracket 14~
rests on stop 176. Wher. the refuse can is gripped by the
gripping fingers, hydraulic cylinder 84' contracts, thus
causing pivot bracket 144 to pivot about pivot point 146.
This raises arm 150, and accordingly side extension 78 and
the gripping fingers and the residential refuse can
gripped thereby to dump the refuse in the front receptacle
32'. When the refuse is dumped into the front receptacle
32', hydraulic cylinder 84' then expands causing arm 150
to return to its lower position, thus returning the
emptied residential refuse can to the position where it
was picked up. This action is also illustrated in Figs.
16 and 17, where the pivot bracket 144 is indicated by
broken lines.
Figs. 11 and 15 illustrate the gripping fingers 48
which are mounted on side extension 78. Individual
gripping elements 90 and 92 are provided which are opposed
to one another and are operated preferably by hydraulic
actuation. A gripping surface 178, which is preferably
made from a resilient and durable material such as a
plastic or a rubber, is fixed at end mounting points 180
and at center mounting points 182. This construction
allows the gripping elements 90, 92, when closed, to grip
the refuse cans securely for dumping the refuse into the
front receptacle. Of course, other arrangements and
materials may be used with the gripping surface 178 as may
be contemplated by those of skill in the art.
Referring now in particular to Fig. 15, individual
gripping elements 90 and 92 may be configured to interlock
with one another because of tapered portions 91 and 93.
Individual gripping element 90 is tapered in order to have
an open area on the top portion thereof, while individual
28
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gripping element 92 is tapered to have an open portion on
the bottom portion thereof. Thus, tapered portions 91 and
93 interleave or mesh with one another in order to allow
a stable gripping of the refuse can.
Referring now to Fig. 18, a variation of the above-
described invention will now be described. An alternative
embodiment of a combination front receptacle 200 according
to the principles of the present invention includes a
front receptacle 202 and a can lifting mechanism 204. As
shown in Fig. 18, the front receptacle 202 has a back
panel 206, side panels 208 and 210, and a front panel 212.
In this embodiment, the front receptacle 202 may be
identical to those of previously described embodiments.
A trolley extension denoted 214 in this embodiment,
is generally similar to the trolley extension 44" as shown
in Fig. 11. Also, as described in previous embodiments,
at least one upper guide 216 and at least one lower guide
218 are mounted on the front receptacle 202 and movably
support the trolley extension 214. Also, as previously
discussed, the upper guide 216 and the lower guide 218 may
comprise any variety of guides, rollers, wear plates or
similar items and in any quantity as needed to support the
described trolley extension 214, including the can lifting
mechanism 204 and a fully loaded or filled refuse can.
A lifting arm 220 may be pivotally coupled to the
trolley extension 214 and a plurality of gripping fingers
222 operatively connected to the lifting arm 220 such that
the gripping fingers 222 may be extended, pivoted open and
closed and engaged with a refuse can as previously shown
and described.
29
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A manifold assembly 224 is mounted to the front
receptacle 202 and fluidly connected to a first fluid
connect assembly half 226 and a second fluid connect
assembly half 228. Alternatively, the manifold assembly
224 may be connected to the trolley extension 214. A
first connect assembly mating half 226a and a second
connect assembly mating half 228a are attached to the
collection truck for removable connection with their
respective connect assemblies 226 and 228 on the
combination front receptacle 200. The first and second
connect assembly mating halves 226a and 228a are
preferably connected to a plurality of high pressure fluid
lines for connection to a source of fluid pressure.
Preferably, this fluid pressure source is a hydraulic
power supply system mounted on the refuse collection
vehicle and interconnected with the first and second
connect assembly mating halves 226a and 228a through
hydraulic hoses or lines. The use of hydraulics with
refuse collection vehicles will not be further discussed,
since its use is understood to those of skill in the art.
The first and second fluid connect assembly halves
226 and 228 may be fluidly connected with the manifold
assembly 224 through pressure supporting lines 230.
Preferably, these lines 230 may be hydraulic hoses sized
sufficiently to support the hydraulic cylinders and
actuators as previously described for the previous
embodiments.
In a preferred embodiment, the manifold assembly 224
may be a single piece or single block which is attached to
~he front panel 212. In this fashion, the manifold 224 is
easily accessible and will not be damaged by the front of
the refuse collection truck. An indentation or recess 232
may be formed inside of the front panel 212 to support and
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protect the manifold assembly 224. The indentation 230 as
shown in Fig. 18 may support the manifold assembly 224 in
a fully recessed position or a partially recessed
position. Alternatively, the manifold assembly 224 may
merely be mounted anywhere on the front receptacle 202 or
even the trolley extension 214.
A ur.ique feature of the present embodiment includes
the use of minimal interconnections between the refuse
collection vehicle and the combination front receptacle
200. In a preferred embodiment, these interconnections,
may include an electrical interconnection 234 and a pair
of hydraulic lines 230. The hydraulic lines 230, as
previously described, interconnect the manifold assembly
224 with the first and second fluid connect assembly
halves 226 and 228. Thus, the hydraulic lines 230
preferably include a high-pressure hydraulic supply line
and a lower pressure hydraulic return line. The hydraulic
lines 230 may be interconnected with the manifold assembly
224 using threaded fittings or any other method as is
known to those of skill in the art.
The manifold assembly 224 may contain a plurality of
hydraulic valves 236. Alternatively, the manifold 224 may
house a plurality of pneumatic valves, and in this
configuration, the hydraulic lines 230 would be replaced
with high-pressure pneumatic lines. In a preferred
embodiment, each actuator or hydraulic cylinder as
previously described for the combination front receptacle
200 and previous embodiments, is controlled by a solenoid
operated hydraulic proportional valve 236. This type of
hydraulic valve 236 allows an operator to control both the
direction and the speed of the actuator. Preferably,
these hydraulic valves 236 will be threadable into the
manifold assembly 224 and the solenoid operators will
31
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require low-voltage electricity which may be supplied from
the refuse collection vehicle as will be later descriDed.
The manifold assembly 224 is also fluidly coupled to
a plurality of hydraulic lines 230 interconnecting with
each of the actuators. Thus, actuation of the trolley
extension 219, the can lifting mechanism 204 and the
gripping fingers 222 as previously described, may be
controlled through the use of three actuators. In this
configuration, each actuator would require two hydraulic
lines 230 which would be directed to the manifold assembly
224 and fluidly connected with at least one hydraulic
valve 236. An additional pair of hydraulic lines 230
would interconnect the manifold assembly 224 with the
hydraulic supply of the refuse collection system as
previously described.
The manifold assembly 224 may be provided with a
cover, shield or other protective device (not shown) to
prevent unauthorized tampering, shielding from refuse, or
other protection. In a preferred embodiment, the cover
merely comprises a sheet of plastic or rubber which is
connected to the front panel 212.
The electrical interconnection 234, which preferably
includes a first electrical connector, in electrical
connection with the manifold assembly 224 and more
preferably, the solenoid operators on the hydraulic valves
236, and a second electrical connector in connection with
the refuse collection vehicle. In this configuration, the
refuse collection vehicle may provide the source of
electrical power, such as a 12-Volt supply to the manifold
assembly 224 to drive the solenoid operated hydraulic
valves 236 and any other systems requiring electricity.
In addition, the electrical interconnection 234, may send
32
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electrical signals for controlling the solenoid operated
hydraulic valves 236. Preferably, the electrical
collection vehicle may be fitted with a multi-axis
operator mechanism 237 for operatively controlling the
proportional hydraulic valves 236. Alternatively, the
multi-axis operator mechanism 237 may be mounted to the
com~ination front receptacle 200. This multi-axis
operator mechanism 237, which is preferably a joy stick
would allow an operator to simply control the operation of
all of the actuators or hydraulic cylinders while
remaining within the safety of the refuse collection
vehicle cab.
In addition to the actuators, which are preferably
hydraulic cylinders as previously described, a retaining
device or locking mechanism 238 may be provided for
retaining the can lifting mechanism 204 in the normal or
fully retracted position. This retention device 238,
which is preferably a reversible locking device, is
preferably mounted to the trolley extension 214 and
hydraulicly actuated. However, the locking member 238 may
also be electrically actuated, pneumatically actuated, or
actuated by any other means as is known to those of skill
in the art. A short post, hoop, or other attachment
structure 240 may be attached to the can lifting mechanism
204 for connection with the locking member 238.
Preferably, the attachment structure 240 is a short post
that is welded to the can lifting mechanism 204 as shown
in Fig. 18. Thus, the locking member 238 may lock the can
lifting mechanism 204 in the fully retracted position such
that the combination front receptacle 200 remains
retracted during dumping or any other operations. In
addition, the locking member 238 provides additional
safety.
33
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Preferably, the gripping fingers 222 may be
interconnected to the can lifting mechanism 204. As
previously described, each of the gripping fingers 222 is
pivotable to grab or grip a refuse container (not shown).
In this embodiment, each of the gripping fingers 242 has
a generally opposing proximal portion 244 coupled to the
lifting arm 220 and extending outwardly to a distal
portion 246. When actuated, the proximal portions 244
rotate or pivot across a single plane between an open
position and a closed position. In this configuration,
the proximal portions 244 of each gripping finger 222
contacts the refuse can across a single plane or a
straight line. The distal portion 246 of each gripping
finger is oriented such that it is bent or tapered
downwardly or alternatively upwardly relative tO proximal
portion 244. In this configuration, the distal portions
246 of each gripping finger 222 may overlap or mesh as is
shown in Fig. 15. This overlap or meshing provides for a
more secure grip and also prevents rotation of the refuse
can within the gripping fingers 222.
~ flexible contact member 248 may be provided along
each of the gripping fingers 222. Preferably, the
flexible contact member 248 is a relatively rigid plastic
which is sufficiently flexible to prevent crushing or
other damage to the refuse can. In addition, in the
preferred form, the flexible contact member 248 is
connected to the distal portion 246. In this way, the
proximal portion 244 may be fitted with a flexible element
as previously described for gripping the refuse can, and
the distal portion 246 may be fitted with the flexible
contact member 248 made from the rigid plastic to prevent
wear as well as providing a more secure gripping surface.
The plastic may include a polyester, polyethylene or any
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other hard durable plastic and should be at least 0.125
inches thick.
The combination front receptacle 200 of the present
invention may be ideally attached to a front-loading
refuse collection vehicle having a pair of front fork
members (not shown) by moving the refuse vehicle forwardly
such that each fork is moved adjacent a fork supporting
member 250 on the front receptacle 202. Preferably, there
is a fork supporting member 250 attached to either of the
side panels 208 and 210 similarly to the embodiments
previously described. The front forks are then moved into
the fork supporting members 250. After securing the
combination front receptacle 200 to the refuse collection
vehicle as previously described, the hydraulic connect
assemblies 226 and 228 may be interconnected with the
mating assemblies 226a and 226b. This step provides
hydraulic power to the combination front receptacle 200
and preferably includes no more than interconnecting the
pair of fluid connect assemblies 226 and 228. The
electrical interconnect assembly 234, which may be an
electrical quick connector assembly, is then connected
between the refuse collection truck and the combination
front receptacle 200 to provide electrical power. The
combination front receptacle 200 is now ready for
operation.
With the simplified interconnection requirements of
the present embodiment, the combination front receptacle
200 is ideally suited for emptying both refuse cans and
conventional dumpsters. In this fashion, the refuse
collection vehicle may be connected with the combination
front receptacle 200 and used to dump or empty refuse cans
as previously described. When encountering the
conventional dumpster or other refuse container, the
CA 022~1121 1998-10-06
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combination front receptacle 200 may be disconnected by
simply reversing the previously discussed interconnection
steps and the refuse collection truck withdrawn from the
fork supporting members 250. The combination from
receptacle 200 may be placed on the ground as necessary
and even provided with ground engaging surfaces of
supports.
This type of operation may become more common as
condominiums, apartments and other types of common unit
dwelling are intertwined with the typical single family
residential neighborhoods. In addition, this quick
interconnection and connection ability of the present
combination front receptacle 200 allows a single refuse
collection truck to serve as both residential as well as
commercial customers. The dumpsters and other refuse
containers may be dumped as is known to those of skill in
the art.
Although a specific forms of embodiments of the
present invention have been described above and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be
more clearly understood, the above description is made by
way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the
present invention. It is contemplated that various
modifications apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
could be made without departing from the scope of the
invention which is to be determined by the following
ciaims.
36
