AN APPARATUS AND ATTACHMENT FOR HANDLING COMPRESSIBLE MATERIALS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to an apparatus and attachment for handling compressible materials, such as trash.

For the purposes of explanation, reference will be made to use of the disclosure with respect to compressing trash with a baler having two rams. It would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art however that use of the invention is neither limited to use in trash compression or indeed with respect to a baler having only two rams.

BACKGROUND ART

In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not to be construed as an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

One method of handling compressible materials, such as trash, is to collect the material anc hold it in a transfer station at a very high degree of compression and then mε.intain the compressed status of the material while it is encircled with wire at feast around its narrower aspect, thereby forming a bale of sorts. These bales are then stacked one upon the other on the tray of a truck and transferred in this mode to a permanent depository.

A number of problems existed with this process however, and these problems prompted the applicant to develop a method, arrangement and a product resulting from this method and arrangement, wherein the trash is bagged subsequent to its compression. This method, arrangement and the product resulting from these are discussed in PCT application PCT/AU2006/000903.

This bagging of the trash is facilitated by providing the compacting machine with a holding area, such that a first compressed charge may be ejected from a compression area of the compacting machine into the holding area and remain therein until a subsequent compressed charge is forced from the compression area into the holding area, such that this action will then further eject the first charge from the holding area into a bag where the bag is arranged and positioned to receive the first compressed charge.

An advantage of the holding area is that the trash is given an opportunity to settle in the holding area prior to its ejection into a bag. A further advantage is that it allows a subsequent charge of trash to be used to force the charge in the holding area into the bag, rather than using a hydraulic cylinder with an unnecessarily long stroke to effect this ejection.

Even thougi there is little or no compression of the waste material in the direction of ejection into the holding area, it was found that there was a continual expansion of the bale at the bale face, resulting in waste material falling from the end of the holding area. This expanding waste material is particularly problematic in the time that passes between the removal of a completed bale, and the positioning of a further bag over the holding area, as this oozing material is not captured, and merely falls to the ground, creating an unpleasant, and hazardous mess-

One possible solution to this problem was to provide a slightly longer holding area, so that this waste material would remain constrained in the time that elapses without a bag being positioned ovet the holding area.

A problem with this solution however is that the charge of compressed waste could potentially be so long that the bag would be unable to fully close over it.

it was an object of the invention therefore to substantially ameliorate the above- mentioned problems-

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

The term trash as used throughout this specification may include waste that is collected by city authorities that can be compressed and then held together by encircling wire, tapes, or the like for subsequent transport and storage. However, the present disclosure may be applicable to any type of compressible or fibrous πaterials that are traditionally compressed and baled for transport, such as hay or green fodder.

For the puroose of this specification the word "comprising" means "including but not limited 1o", and the word 'comprises' has a corresponding meaning.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a holding area adapted to accept a compressed charge of material from a compression area of a compacting machine via an inlet at or toward a first end thereof, the holding area further comprising an outlet at or toward a second end thereof, that is smaller in area than the inlet.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes an apparatus for handling compressible materials including a holding area adapted to accept a compressed charge of material from a compression area of a compacting machine via an inlet at or toward a first end thereof, the holding area further

comprising an outlet at or toward a second end thereof, that is smaller in area than the inlet.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes an attachment for a baling machine including a holding area adapted to accept a compressed charge of material from a compression area of a compacting machine via an inlet at or toward a ffrst end thereof, the holding area further comprising an outlet at or toward a second end thereof, that is smaller in area than the inlet.

Preferably, the holding area is adapted to maintain a compressed charge held therein in a substantially rectilinear shape.

Preferably, both the inlet and the outlet of the holding area are substantially rectangular in shape.

Preferably, the reduction in area of the outlet is achieved by reducing one or more dimensions of the outlets rectangular shape.

Preferably, the holding area into which the respective compressed charges are directed indudes a pair of opposed sides and an opposed top and bottom defining thereby a passageway aligned to receive a compressed charge and maintain a compressed charge in a compressed state.

Preferably, the area of the outlet is reduced by reducing the distance between the top and bottom of the holding area.

Preferably, the distance between the top and bottom of the outlet to the holding area is reduced by approximately 5%.

Preferably, rsstrictor plates are positioned within the outlet of the holding area at the top and bottom thereof, in order to effect the reduction in the distance between said top and bottom.

In a further aspect, the distance between the sides of the holding area is reduced as well-

Preferably then, restrictør plates are positioned within the outlet of the holding area at the sides thereof.

Preferably, the holding area has an outer surface adapted to receive there around and over, the bag preparatory to the bag being drawn out and around a compression charge as the compression charge is ejected from the holding area, thereby creating a bale.

Preferably, the holding area has the same approximate dimensions as the inside of the fully opened bag.

Preferably, the holding area and the restrictor plates are made from steel plate.

Preferably, there is a closure for the compression area of the compacting machine.

Preferably, the closure for the compression area is a gate that is moved to be positioned across an ejection end of the compression area while a compression stroke is occurring.

Preferably, once the compression stroke is finished, the gate is withdrawn and the ejection stroke is effected.

In a further aspect, the closure for the compression area is a previous charge of compressed material residing in the holding area such that its end will act as a closure across an ejection end of the compression area.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details ol construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth

in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for - the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilised as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, to recognize that the claims should be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of this disclosure it will now be described with respect to an exemplary embodiment which shall be described herein with the assistance of drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the compression area of an exemplary trash compression machine;

Figures 2 and 3 are detailed perspective views of an exemplary apparatus including a holding area for the trash compression machine illustrated in Figure 1 ;

Figures 4 through 7 are schematic plan views of the compression area of the exemplary trash compression machine in Figure 1 , in various stages of creating a trash bale;

Figures 8 and 9 are detailed perspective views of an exemplary apparatus including a holding area for the trash compression machine illustrated in Figure 1 , according to a further embodiment; and

Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary trash bale produced by the trash compression machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to Figure 1 , where an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for handling compressible materials is illustrated. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates a trash compression machine 1 defining a trash compression area 10. Trash may be delivered to this compression area 10 on a conveyor (which has been omitted for the purpose of permitting visibility), at the end of the conveyor the trash falls from the conveyor and into a hopper (similarly omitted) that feeds the trash into the compression area 10.

The trash compression area 10 may be defined by a flat floor surface, a first upright side wall 12 that is fixed in position relative to the floor, a second 14 upright side wall facing the first upright side wall 12 that is fixed to the end of a first hydraulic ram 16, a first upright end wall 18 that is fixed to the end of a second hydraulic ram 20, and a closure for the compression area (not illustrated).

This closure may be a gate that is positioned and maintained across the ejection end of the compression area 10 while a compression stroke is occurring. Once the compression stroke is finished, the gate is withdrawn and the ejection stroke is effected. The compression and ejection strokes will be discussed in greater detail below.

When a charge of trash or rubbish is dropped into the corπpression area 10 from the conveyor, each of the hydraulic rams is in a 'home', or retracted position, as illustrated in Figure 1.

Fixed to the outlet of the compaction machine is a holding area 30 defined by an apparatus that may, in broad terms, be described as a nozzle 32.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the holding area 30 accepts the compressed waste from the compression area of the compacting machine via an inlet 36 at a first end thereof, and it further comprises an outlet 38 at a second end thereof, that is smaller in area than the inlet 36.

The holding area 30 is (in this case) adapted to maintain any compressed charge held therein in a substantially rectilinear shape, so both the inlet 36 and the outlet 38 of the holding area are substantially rectangular in shape. As such, the nozzle 32 defining the holding area may include a pair of opposed sides 40 and an opposed top and bottom 42 defining thereby a passageway aligned to receive a compressed charge and maintain a compressed charge in a compressed state.

While reference is made to a nozzle adapted to create a bale of rectilinear shape, a person skilled in the relevant art would understand that the nozzle could be adapted to extrude a bale having other cross-sectional shapes along its length, such as circular, pentagram or hexagon shape for instance.

The nozzle 32 may include a flange 44 at the inlet end so that the nozzle 32 can be bolted to the trash compression machine 1.

- The nozzle 32 has an outer surface adapted to receive there around and o^er, the bag 50 preparatory to the bag being drawn out and around a compression charge as the compression charge is ejected from the holding area 30, thereby creating a. bale 60. Consequently, the nozzle 32 has the same approximate dimensions as the inside of the fully opened bag 50:

The bags 50 may be made from a strong, woven plastics material. When opened out to their full extent, they are shaped so as to define a substantially rectangular cube. One end of the bag incorporates a closable opening defined

by a 'drawstring' type of arrangement, although a cable or tape is used in place of string due its increased $trength.

The reduction in area of the holding area's outlet relative 38 to its inlet 36 may be achieved by reducing one or more dimensions of the outlets 38 rectangular shape. This in turn is done by providing restrictor plates 70 that are positioned within the outlet 38 of the holding area 30 at the top and bottom thereof.

In use, the bag 50 is positioned on the nozzle 32 (as illustrated in Figure 4) by two operators (not shown), one standing on each side of the nozzle. When they have completed loading the bag 50 on the nozzle 32 (as illustrated in Figure 5) , each of them presses a button 52, which commences a trash compression and baling cycle.

A pair of wheels 54, one positioned on either side of the nozzle 32, are driven into contaci with the bag 50 so as to squeeze the bag between the wheel 54 and the nozzle. The purpose for this will be discussed later.

A first charge of trash 80 is then delivered via the conveyor and hopper to the compaction area 10.

Compaction commences when the first hydraulic ram drives 16 the second upright sidewall 14 towards the fixed upright sidewall 12 compressing the charge of trash 80. The second ram 20 remains stationary in its home position, where it supports the end wall 18 during compression. The first ram 16 continues compressing the trash until the compressing surface of the second upright sidewal! 14 is copianar with the inner surface 34 of a sleeve or nozzle 32 defining a holding area 30, as shown in Figure 4; at which point the first ram 16 stops and is temporarily locked in position.

The second -am 20 then drives the end wall 18 so as to push the freshly compressed charge from the compression area 10 into the holding area 30. The

second ram continues to drive the end wall until the end wall 18 sits just inside the inlet to the holding area 30. The second ram 20 then retracts.

The smaller size of the outlet 38 from the holding area 30 ensures that no material oozes from the outlet 38. This is particularly useful in that short period that elapses when there is no bag 50 over and around the nozzle 32.

A further charge of material 82 is then delivered via the hopper to the compaction area where it is compacted, and then ejected from the compression area into the holding area 30 (see Figure 6). As this further charge 82 is forced in to the holding area, it has the effect of displacing the charge 80 that is in the nozzle 32 defining the holding area 30 from the holding area into the bale bag 50. As the first charge leaves 80 the nozzle 32 it picks up the end of the bale bag 50 and as this charge leaves the nozzle it draws the bag 50 with it. The wheels 54 then ensure that the bag 50 is drawn off of the nozzle 32 in a progressive fashion so that it is fully and properly extended.

Whilst providing the restrictor plates 70 at the outlet to the holding area 30 overcame the problem of the continually oozing waste material it was found that it created a further problem in its own right, albeit a relatively minor one. More specifically, it was found that the last portion of a bale leaving the holding area 30 was breaking off in the outlet 38 (i.e. between the restrictor plates 70).

This problem was solved by a providing an optional belt conveyor 90 positioned so that the upper side of the conveyor provides a platform adapted to accept the bale at the height of ejection from the holding area 30, the conveyor being driven so that the belt or chain on the upper side travels away from the holding area 30 i.e. in the direction of ejection, so as to pull the tail of a displaced bale from the holding area 30.

Finally, in the unlikely event that any waste material does escape from the end of the holding area 30 when there is no bag fitted there over, there may be a

second conveyor 92 running in a direction normal to the direction of bale ejection. This conveyor 92 may be. positioned at a level lower than that of the first conveyor 90, so that it will capture any material that may escape the outlet 38 of the holding area 30. This conveyor 92 is then routed so that it delivers any waste that may fall thereon to a large waste bin 94, or indeed back to/the conveyor 92 feeding the hopper to the trash compression machine defining the trash compression- area.

Referring now to Figure 7, once the freshly formed rectilinear bale containing its charge of compressed trash is free of the sleeve or nozzle, the 'drawstring ¹ style opening in the end of the bag can be closed and tied off by an operator.

Whilst this is being dome, the trash compaction machine 1 compresses a further charge and ejects this into the holding area.

The trash compaction machine may be programmed so that it then awaits the pressing of the two operator activated buttons 52 before commencing the compression and ejection of the next subsequent charge. This ensures that a charge of trash will not be ejected from the holding area 30 unless there is a bag 50 positioned over the nozzle 32 ready to receive it.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, where a there is illustrated a nozzle 132 defining a holding area 130 according to a further aspect of the invention. In this aspect there are restrictor plates 170 positioned within the outlet 138 of the holding area 130 at the top and bottom thereof, as before. In addition to these top and bottom restrictor plates 170 however, there are restrictor plates 172 positioned within the outlet 138 of holding area 130 at the sides 140 thereof a$ well. These side positioned restrictor plates 172 provide additional resistance to the oozing oϊ waste material in the holding area ISO-

Referring now to Figure 10, once the freshly formed rectilinear bale 60 containing its charge of compressed trash is free of the nozzle 32, the

'drawstring' style opening 61 in the end of the bag 64 can be closed and tied off by one of the operators.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognised that departures can be made within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details described herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the appended claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.