Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TRASH COMPACTOR AND TRASH BIN EQUIPPED WITH A TRASH
COMPACTOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a trash compactor
and more specifically to a trash compactor mountable
on a cover of a trash bin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known that collection of particularly
dry and mixed waste is inefficient. This is mainly
due to inefficient use of trash bins. In practice,
waste is airy and it is often packed unsorted in bags
or sacks. Thus, a trash bin may already become filled
with a few bags of waste, although, when compacted,
the trash bin might take even a double amount of
waste compared to uncompacted waste.
For example, waste can be compacted by stomping or by
pushing with a rod. However, this is inefficient and
even dangerous because of a risk of falling.
Therefore, mechanical trash compactors have been
developed to compact waste. A trash compactor is
supported to the edges of a trash bin and it is
operated utilising the user's mass. The compaction
power is based on a long lever arm.
Because of its principle of operation, the known
trash compactor is large and heavy and thus difficult
to use. The movement range of a long lever arm is
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impractically wide. Nevertheless, compaction
additionally requires a great amount of force,
although the user's mass is utilised. This may lead
to injuries. In addition, the apparatus must be
removed during the emptying of the trash bin and even
during the insertion of waste. This makes it
difficult to use the trash compactor and increases
the risk of the trash compactor's disappearing.
US patent No. 7237480 proposes a trash compactor
fastened to the cover of a trash bin. A lever arm is
used to operate a pusher, which is connected to the
lever arm with a vertical shaft. The length of the
shaft can be varied to set the pusher at a suitable
height. On the other hand, the shaft can be shortened
in such a way that it can be fitted in the groove
provided in the lever arm for the idle time.
The movement range of the lever arm is also
disadvantageous in the trash compactor proposed
above. Nevertheless, the compaction range achieved is
short, the trash compactor thus being suitable for
low trash bins only. In addition, the length of the
shaft must be repeatedly adjusted. Furthermore, after
the use, the shaft must be separately removed from
the pusher, which is separately fastened to the lower
surface of the cover for storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel
trash compactor, which is more versatile and
efficient than before, yet easier and lighter to use
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than heretofore. More specifically, a trash
compactor for a trash bin with an openable cover
includes a frame conforming to and fastenable on the
openable cover. The frame has
an actuator of a
telescopic construction and a one-way clutch allowing
extension in a trash compaction direction. A pusher
mounted on an end of the actuator is moveable for
compacting trash. A lever arm connected to the
actuator operates the actuator to telescopically
extend the actuator in the compacting direction.
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel
trash bin equipped with a trash compactor, which can
be filled more efficiently than before and which is
easier to empty than heretofore. The principle of
operation of the trash compactor according to the
invention is new. Thus, the trash compactor has been
made compact, yet efficient. The use of the trash
compactor is easy without the risk of injuries. In
addition, the trash bin can be filled and emptied
without obstacles in spite of the trash compactor. In
other words, it is not necessary to remove the trash
compactor. The trash compactor is firmly supported
and its operation is fast. A trash compactor can
remarkably increase the filling ratio of a trash bin,
which reduces waste treatment costs. At the same
time, problems related to smells and vermin reduce.
These and other features and advantages of
the invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description of the invention taken
together with the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. la is a lateral view of a trash bin
equipped with a trash compactor according to the
invention,
FIG. lb is a front view of the trash bin of
FIG. la,
FIG. lc is a top view of the trash bin of FIG.
la,
FIG. 2a is a front view of the trash compactor
according to the invention,
FIG. 2b is a lateral view of the trash
compactor according to the invention,
FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of level A-A
of FIG. 2a in the top position of the trash
compactor,
FIG. 3b is a partial enlargement of FIG. 3a,
FIG. 3c is a modification of the one-way clutch
of FIG. 3b,
FIG. 4a is a top view of the trash compactor of
FIG. 2b,
FIG. 4b is a partial enlargement of FIG. 4a,
FIG. 5a shows the trash compactor of FIG. 3a in the
bottom position,
FIG. 5b is an axonometric view of a
modification of the trash compactor according to the
invention,
FIG. 6a is an axonometric view of a second
embodiment of the trash compactor according to the
invention,
FIG. 6b is a lateral view of the trash
compactor of FIG. 6a,
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FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of the
trash compactor of FIG. 6b,
FIG. 7b shows the pusher of the second
embodiment,
5 FIG. 7c is a lateral cross-sectional view
of an intermediate sleeve of the second embodiment,
and
FIG. 7d is a cross-sectional front view of
the intermediate sleeve of FIG. 7c.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings in detail, figures la to
lc illustrate a trash compactor according to the
invention fitted in a trash bin 10. As such, the
apparatus according to the invention can also be used
to compact matters other than waste; however, a
practical example is illustrated here. Generally, the
apparatus can be used to remarkably increase the
filling ratio of a container, such as the filling
ratio of the trash bin in this example. The trash
compactor includes a frame 11 and equipment 12 for
fastening the frame 11 to a trash bin 10 equipped
with an openable cover 13. The cover prevents water
and snow from getting into the trash bin. On the
other hand, the cover prevents access of vermin, such
as rodents and birds, into the trash bin. The cover
is also significant for the trash compactor according
to the invention. The trash compactor also includes a
pusher 14 connected to the frame 11 and a lever arm
15 for operating the pusher 14 and compacting waste
while the trash compactor is connected to the trash
bin 10.
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In the trash compactor, the frame 11 is arranged to
conform to the cover 13 and the equipment 12 is
arranged to be fastened to the cover 13. In other
words, the trash compactor is fixedly fastened to the
trash bin, more precisely, to its cover. Thus, it is
not necessary to remove the trash compactor when it
is not in use and when emptying the trash bin. This
essentially facilitates the use of the trash
compactor. In addition, the trash compactor can be
securely fastened thus avoiding that the trash
compactor disappears and is stolen. In other words,
the trash compactor can be fastened with fasteners,
the removal of which requires using special tools or
breaking constructions. Various locking devices can
also be used. In addition, a part of the trash
compactor remains above the cover; i.e. outside the
trash bin. Thus, the trash compactor hardly reduces
the useful volume of the trash bin. Figure la
illustrates the pusher 14 in the top and bottom
positions.
Figures la to lc illustrate a trash bin 10 equipped
with a trash compactor, with the cover 13 of the bin
closed. Nevertheless, the trash compactor still has
enough space to be fastened to the trash bin even
with the cover closed. When inserting waste to the
bin, the cover is opened in a normal way and the
trash compactor is then lifted up simultaneously with
the cover. With the cover opened, waste can be
inserted to the trash bin in a normal way. If
necessary, waste present in the trash bin is
compacted by operating the trash compactor so that
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more waste can again be inserted to the trash bin.
Thus, the filling ratio of the trash bin can be
remarkably improved. The trash compactor also turns
with the cover when emptying the trash bin by
tipping.
Figures 2a and 2b show front and lateral views of a
modification of the embodiment of the trash compactor
according to the invention. Unlike in figures la to
lc, the frame 11 is here longer extending essentially
over the entire length of the cover 13 (figure 2b).
Thus, the trash compactor can be firmly fastened.
According to the invention, the pusher 14 is fastened
to the frame 11 with an actuator 16. Furthermore, the
lever arm 15 is connected to the actuator 16. Thus, a
remarkably short lever arm can be used and, in
addition, its movement range can be made ergonomic.
The actuator is also a part of the frame. In other
words, the actuator supports the pusher thus
simplifying the structure of the trash compactor.
While the actuator can be implemented in different
ways, the stroke of the actuator 16 advantageously
ranges from 20% to 50% of the depth of the trash bin
10. Thus, the trash bin can be filled as completely
as possible with the total volume hardly being
reduced, although the trash compactor is fastened to
the cover. Figures 3a and 3b show a cross-sectional
view of the trash compactor according to the
invention. Here the actuator 16 is composed of a
telescopic construction 17. Thus, the space required
by the actuator can be minimised while, on the other
hand, a long stroke is achieved. In other words, the
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telescopic construction is robust and simple. At the
same time, the trash compactor becomes compact, and
the movement of the pusher can still be made
sufficiently large. Advantageously, the telescopic
construction 17 includes a one-way clutch 18, the
free direction of which is opposite to the compaction
direction of the pusher 14. Due to the one-way
clutch, the trash compactor can be efficiently and
conveniently used. The one-way clutch 18 is connected
to the lever arm 15. Thus, the force of the lever arm
is transmitted to the one-way clutch 18 and
further to the pusher 14 via the actuator 16. By
pushing down the lever arm, the compactor is pushed
down. By pulling up the lever arm, the one-way clutch
15 is released. Thus, the lever arm lifts up whereas the
pusher remains in place. In this way, the lever arm
can be repeatedly moved up and down thereby moving
the pusher downwards. The movement of the pusher
depends on the movement of the lever arm; however,
the pusher will move for about 10 mm with one press,
for example. At first, when waste is loosely packed,
the lever arm can be moved along a wide arc. As waste
becomes more compact, the movement of the lever arm
can be shortened to select, in this way, the most
suitable movement range for the user.
Figure 3b shows in more detail the telescopic
construction of the actuator 16. Here, the frame 11
includes a frame pipe 19, which extends through the
cover of the trash bin. In practice, a hole
conforming to the frame pipe is made in the cover.
Advantageously, a mounting plate 20 fitted below the
cover is additionally used. The mounting plate may be
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located at the frame pipe, but it can also be set
essentially over the entire distance of the frame.
The frame 11 can also be provided with openings 21
for fitting mounting bolts. Thus, the cover can be
pressed between the frame and the mounting plate. In
other words, the frame 11 is additionally fastened to
the inner surface 45 of the cover 13. In this way,
the cover is uniformly loaded and deformations and
breaking of the cover are avoided. Here the frame
pipe 19 has a flange 22, to which support rods 23 are
fastened for the lever arm 15. The rest of the frame
construction 11 is composed of a profiled plate
component 24, which conforms to the profile of the
cover. Here the frame construction 11 is additionally
supported to the hinge pins of the cover 13, for
which arrangement the plate component is equipped
with suitable claws 25. The frame component is
profiled and dimensioned specifically for each trash
bin, whereas the rest of the trash compactor is
universal in design. In addition to the plate
component, other fitting parts can also be used, with
which the trash compactor is adapted to fit in
different trash bins, particularly trash bin covers.
Correspondingly, the pusher 14 is provided with a
pusher pipe 26, which is dimensioned in accordance
with the frame pipe 19. Thus, the pusher pipe is
supported to the frame pipe while their mutual axial
movement is still possible. To enable sliding,
suitable covers or sliding blocks are applied to or
between the components. The use of a lubricant is
also possible. In Figure 3b, the pusher 14 is in the
top position where the pusher 14 butts against the
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frame pipe 19. The lever arm 15 is also in the top
position here.
In the condition shown in Figure 3b, when starting
5 the compacting action, the lever arm 15, which is
connected to the one-way clutch 18 with an
intermediate sleeve 27, is first lifted.
Advantageously, the intermediate sleeve 27 is
supported to the pusher pipe 26, the one-way clutch
10 thus remaining in the correct position. The one-way
clutch 18 is located in the lower part of the
intermediate sleeve 27 and the locking paws 28
included in the one-way clutch 18 butt against the
inner surface of the pusher pipe 26. Thus, force is
transmitted from the lever arm 15 via the one-way
clutch 18 to the pusher 14. Due to the one-way
clutch, a notably longer pusher pipe can be used with
a short intermediate sleeve. At the same time, the
movement range of the lever arm can be made short
while still achieving a long range for the pusher.
The one-way clutch operates automatically in the
compaction direction of the pusher. In other words,
it is released when the lever arm is lifted and
locked when the lever arm is lowered. Here the one-
way clutch 18 is friction-locked. In other words, the
locking paws 28 butt against the inner surface of the
pusher pipe 26, whereby force is transmitted from the
lever arm to the pusher via friction. To ensure
smooth operation of the trash compactor, the lever
arm 15 also includes operating equipment 29 for
operating the one-way clutch 18. In the embodiment
proposed, the operating equipment includes a locking
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lever 30 fitted in the lever arm 15, which is
connected to the locking paws 28 with a wire 31. By
pulling the locking lever 30, the spring load of the
spring 32 keeps the locking paws 28 of the one-way
clutch 18 against the pusher pipe 26 ensuring in this
way a continuous movement for the lever arm 15. This
accelerates the use of the trash compactor. The
locking lever 30 connected to the wire 31 with the
spring 32 is fitted to the lever arm 15 fixedly, yet
turnably. In practice, the length of the wire 31
remains essentially unaffected regardless of the
position of the lever arm 15. However, the locking
lever turns to such an extent that the locking paws
can be pressed against the pusher pipe. In Figure 3c,
the locking paws 28 are connected to each other with
an intermediate component 44. In addition, the spring
32 has been moved from the lever arm into the pusher
pipe, near the intermediate component. The locking
lever can be equipped with a locking button, which
can be pressed with a thumb of either hand, for
example (not shown).
In addition, the lever arm 15 includes lifting
equipment 33 connected to the pusher 14. Thus, the
pusher can be lifted to the top position without
touching the pusher. In the embodiment shown, when
the locking lever is released while simultaneously
using the lifting equipment, the locking paws are
opened due to the effect of gravity. Then the one-way
clutch is opened and the lever arm can be
simultaneously set in the desired position. In other
words, the lever arm can be moved regardless of the
position of the pusher. For example, when the lever
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arm remains in the top position, the lever arm can be
lowered to the bottom position by operating the
lifting equipment. On the other hand, if the trash
bin only contains a small amount of waste, the one-
way clutch can be first opened with the lifting
equipment and then the pusher can be lowered by
gravity. Correspondingly, when closing a trash bin
that is almost full, it is sufficient to release the
locking paws. Thus, when closing the cover, the
pusher can be lifted to the top position and the
cover can then be closed. After this, the trash
compactor can be used to compact waste by moving the
lever arm. Figure 3a also illustrates a latch 34
arranged in the frame 11 with which it is possible to
lock the frame together with the cover onto the
collar of the trash bin. In this way, the cover
remains closed when using the trash compactor.
Advantageously, the locking action of the latch is
realised by gravity. Thus, the latch turns to the
locking position when closing the cover. At the same
time, part of the load is applied to the collar of
the trash bin, which reduces the load applied to the
cover. By releasing the latch, the cover is released
for opening. In addition, the cover can be opened by
holding the latch. The latch is also dimensioned in
such a way that it is also opened by gravity. Thus,
when emptying the trash bin by tipping, the latch is
also opened allowing the cover to be opened in a
normal way.
Here, the lifting equipment 33 also includes a wire
35, as well as a slide 36 that is slideably fitted
around the lever arm 15. In addition to lifting, the
wire 35 prevents the pusher 14 from falling out of
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the frame pipe 19. During the operation, the location
of the slide 36 along the lever arm 15 varies
according to the position of the pusher. The deeper
the pusher, the closer to the pusher pipe 26 the
slide 36 is located (figure 5a). The slide 36 is also
equipped with a handle 37, which can be used to grasp
the slide 36 for moving the slide 36 and thereby, to
lift the pusher 14. The lifting action also causes
the locking paws to open. If it is desired to keep
the pusher in the top position, the slide 36 is
locked against a locking counterpart 38 fitted in the
frame. The locking counterpart 38 is provided with a
hole and a corresponding pin 39 is provided in the
slide 36. By pulling out the slide 36 completely and
lowering the lever arm 15 to the bottom position, the
pin 39 can be set in the hole 40 provided in the
locking counterpart. Thus, as the pusher remains in
the top position and the lever arm simultaneously
remains in the bottom position, the cover can be
opened in a normal way when filling and emptying the
bin. When using the trash compactor again, both the
slide and the lever arm are released.
The lever arm 15 is equipped with sheaves 41 for both
wires 31 and 35. The sheaves 41 are located inside
the circular arm ring 42 of the lever arm 15 at the
same axial level with the intermediate sleeve 27.
This simplifies the structure and keeps the movement
ranges of the wires optimal.
The trash compactor can be supported to the trash bin
in different ways. Advantageously, equipment 12 is
arranged for fastening to hinges that are fitted in
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the trash bin 10, partly for the cover 13 as well.
Thus, the trash compactor can be easily, yet firmly,
fastened. More generally, the frame 11 conforms to
the cover 13 and the equipment 12 is fastened to the
cover 13. More specifically, the frame 11 is fastened
to the outer surface 43 of the cover 13. Thus, the
pusher and a part of the actuator only extend within
the trash bin. In Figure 5b, the plate component 24
is smaller than in the previous embodiment. In the
case of a metal cover, for example, the trash
compactor can be fastened by the mere frame pipe
flange. With a plastic cover, in turn, a full-length
plate component and a mounting plate are
advantageously used.
After use, the pusher is lifted up and locked in the
top position. In this way, when emptying the trash
bin, the trash compactor can turn with the cover. On
the other hand, the pusher can be left in the waste
compaction position so that waste compacted cannot be
re-expanded. In addition, access of vermin to waste
is prevented. The pusher is almost of an equal size
with the trash bin, in which case it presses down the
waste uniformly in the entire area. Advantageously, a
mesh plate is used, in which case the pusher becomes
robust, yet light and air permeable. The figures
illustrate both a circular and a square pusher.
Advantageously, the shape of the pusher conforms to
that of the trash bin.
A trash bin of 240 litres is illustrated in the
example, but the trash compactor also operates
equally in a trash bin of 660 litres, for example. A
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large trash bin may be equipped with two trash
compactors. However, using a suitable adapter, one
trash compactor can be fastened in such a way that it
can be laterally moved to the desired position. In
5 this case, a gap with a suitable length is made in
the cover of the trash bin.
In the embodiment proposed above, the stroke of the
actuator is approximately 300 millimetres, which
10 corresponds to a fifth of the depth of the trash bin.
In practice, the trash bin is first filled and then
compacted, as necessary, using the trash compactor.
An almost full trash bin can be pressed down with the
pusher when closing the cover. When the cover is
15 closed, the pusher is operated with the actuator.
Figures 6a to 7d illustrate a second embodiment of
the trash compactor according to the invention. Here,
too, an actuator 16, advantageously a telescopic
construction 17, and a one-way clutch 18 are applied.
The frame pipe 19 and thus the pusher pipe 26 as well
are made of a square pipe. In addition, a one-way
clutch based on friction is replaced with a form-
lockable type. In other words, the pusher pipe 26 and
the one-way clutch 18 are mechanically connected to
each other. More generally, the one-way clutch 18 is
form-lockable. Thus, the trash compactor operates
without disturbances in wet and cold conditions as
well. The same reference numbers are used for
functionally identical parts.
The one-way clutch 18 is located in the bottom part
of the intermediate sleeve 27 and it is composed of
two opposing claws 46. Rows of openings 47
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corresponding to the claws are machined in the base
material of the pusher pipe 26 (figures 6a and 7b).
In practice, thin gaps are perforated on the two
opposing walls of the pusher pipe. Instead of
through-holes, grooves or similar profiles can be
used, with which the claws can mechanically engage.
In figure 6b, the pusher 14 is shown in the bottom
position, and in figure 7a, the pusher 14 is shown in
the top position. Here the stroke is approximately
250 mm. The embodiment proposed additionally includes
a retainer 48, which also locks into the gap-like
openings provided in the pusher pipe 26. The retainer
48 is arranged to prevent the pusher 14 from lifting
up when the pusher 14 is connected to the frame 11
with two springs 49. The springs 49 draw the pusher
14 upwards all the time. In other words, the springs
draw the telescopic construction to a short position.
More generally, the lifting equipment 33 is composed
of continuously operating spring elements 50 arranged
between the frame 11 and the pusher 14. The retainer
48 has a rear weight 51, which pushes the nose 52 of
the retainer into the opening of the pusher pipe 26
by gravity. When the pusher moves, the retainer turns
and the wedge-shaped nose 52 enters the subsequent
opening. The retainer 48 is connected to the latch 34
with a wire 53. Thus, when releasing the latch 34,
the retainer 48 turns and the pusher 14 is lifted up
to the top position by the spring force. This makes
emptying of the trash bin easier and simultaneously
ensures that the pusher is always in the top position
during the emptying of the bin.
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The claws 46 are moveably fitted along a common shaft
54. In figure 7a, the one-way clutch 18 is in the
free position and the claws 46 are then inside the
pusher pipe 26, out of the opening. Thanks to the
retainer 48, the pusher 14 remains in place, although
the springs 49 draw all the time. The claws 46 and
the shaft 54 are floatably within the intermediate
sleeve 27 and they are connected to the lever arm 15
with a connecting rod 55. The intermediate sleeve 27
is provided with an elongated hole 56. Thus, when
lifting the lever arm 15, the connecting rod 55 is
lifted first, which releases the one-way clutch 18
while the claws 46 move towards each other and are
lifted slightly upwards relative to the intermediate
sleeve 27. When the lever arm is further lifted, the
intermediate sleeve 27 rises upwards. If necessary,
the one-way clutch can be released by lifting by the
connecting rod (not shown). Thus, the lever arm can
be lowered to the bottom position for the time
between uses. On the other hand, the lever arm can in
this way be set in the desired position when
operating the trash compactor.
By pushing the lever arm 15 down, the claws 46 are
separated from each other guided by a V-shape detent
57 and are pressed into the openings provided in the
pusher pipe 26. Then the one-way clutch 18 is locked
and the pusher 14 can be pressed down with the lever
arm 15. The pin 58 restricts the movement of the
pusher and prevents it from releasing from the frame
11.
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Although the invention has been described by reference
to a specific embodiment, it should be understood that
numerous changes may be made within the spirit and
scope of the inventive concepts described.
Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be
limited to the described embodiment, but that it have
the full scope defined by the language of the
following claims.
