Trash compactor for fast food restaurant waste
First Claim
1. A refuse compactor for a restaurant facility comprising:
- (a) a frame comprising a horizontal rectangular base and a pair of upwardly extending structural members affixed to the base along opposed side edges thereof;
(b) a horizontal cross member extending between the pair of structural members at upper ends thereof;
(c) a compaction plate assembly including a one-piece platen pivotally affixed to a support member for rotation about a horizontal axis, a compaction plate driver operatively disposed between said horizontal cross member and said support member for driving the platen in a vertical direction toward and away from said base;
(d) means for pivoting the platen from a first position inclined to the vertical to a second horizontal position during a downward movement of the compaction plate assembly and returning the platen to the inclined position during an upward movement of the compaction plate assembly; and
(e) an extendable and retractable locking pin device carried by the platen and adapted to be selectively operatively coupled to and uncoupled from the support member for locking the platen in its horizontal position during the downward movement of the platen and releasing the platen during the upward movement.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A refuse compactor especially designed for use in fast-food restaurant environments includes a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor for actuating a hydraulic ram to compress restaurant waste materials. The compactor includes a unique compaction plate assembly that maintains the platen inclined at a predetermined angle to the vertical when the platen is elevated and which forces the platen to a horizontal disposition during a downward compaction stroke. A motor operated closure member selectively blocks and unblocks a refuse-receiving opening formed in a front door of the compactor unit and with a motion detector controlling the opening and closing of the refuse entry door panel.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A refuse compactor for a restaurant facility comprising:
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(a) a frame comprising a horizontal rectangular base and a pair of upwardly extending structural members affixed to the base along opposed side edges thereof;
(b) a horizontal cross member extending between the pair of structural members at upper ends thereof;
(c) a compaction plate assembly including a one-piece platen pivotally affixed to a support member for rotation about a horizontal axis, a compaction plate driver operatively disposed between said horizontal cross member and said support member for driving the platen in a vertical direction toward and away from said base;
(d) means for pivoting the platen from a first position inclined to the vertical to a second horizontal position during a downward movement of the compaction plate assembly and returning the platen to the inclined position during an upward movement of the compaction plate assembly; and
(e) an extendable and retractable locking pin device carried by the platen and adapted to be selectively operatively coupled to and uncoupled from the support member for locking the platen in its horizontal position during the downward movement of the platen and releasing the platen during the upward movement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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3. (canceled).
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14. (withdrawn).
Specification