OR MATERIAL

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to apparatus for discharging or compacting material or items within a storage structure, and in particular, an apparatus configured to be mounted or installed within containers, such as, for example, waste storage containers.

Background of the Invention

[002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[003] Improving volumetric efficiency of waste storage containers is a key aspect among the waste industry. Generally, refuse collecting vehicles comprise an open, elongated rectangular body into which refuse is dumped near its front end, either by operators who actually empty refuse cans through a side door or by powered mechanisms which may raise large refuse containers and dump their contents into such a body. Many of these bodies are equipped with transversely extending ejector plates and have openable tailgates at the rear ends of the bodies. Such an ejector plate is usually actuated by a hydraulic cylinder which first moves the plate and the refuse rearwardly, to compact it against the tailgate, thus reducing the space occupied by the refuse. After the tailgate is opened, the ejector plate is moved all the way to the rear of the body to eject a load of refuse from the body at a location such as a waste dump site.

[004] Various types of refuse compacting means are disclosed in the prior art. hi such prior art devices, compaction of the refuse is achieved by relatively complicated packing mechanisms which are confined to locations above or in alignment with the opening in the truck hopper. However, due to the restricted location of these compacting mechanisms of the prior art, such mechanisms are of necessity complicated and must be properly synchronized with the deposition of refuse from the hopper into the interior of the truck body. In addition, stoppage of the compacting mechanism results in a complete or a partial blockage of the flow of refuse into the truck interior with the result that the truck is rendered inoperative. Furthermore, hydraulic rams for compacting and discharging refuse are expensive and consume valuable container space.

Summary of Invention

[005] In one broad form, the present invention provides An apparatus for discharging or compacting material or items stored within a storage structure, the apparatus including an extendable arm, the extendable arm being configured to mount to a storage structure at a first end.

[006] In another form, the extendable member includes a shovel member at a second end thereof, opposite the first end.

[007] In one form, the storage structure is a container.

[008] In another form, the extendable arm includes a scissor arm linkage to permit movement between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[009] In one form, the scissor arm linkage includes a plurality of pivotally connected scissor members.

[0010] In another form, the scissor members are pivotally connected via mounting to shared linkage members.

[0011] In another form, the scissor members include double armed scissor members and single armed scissor members.

[0012] In one form, the scissor arm linkage is formed of single armed scissors members alternately connected with double armed scissor members.

[0013] In another form, the scissor arm linkage includes a plurality of connected "X" shaped linkage units, each X shaped linkage unit formed of single armed scissor member pivotally interconnected to a double armed scissor member. [0014] In one form, the single armed scissor member is mounted between the arms of the double armed scissor member at the shared linkage members.

[0015] In another form, the apparatus further includes at least one actuator arm to extend the scissor arm linkage.

[0016] In another form, the at least one actuator arm is externally mounted to the scissor arm linkage.

[0017] In one form, the at least one actuator arm is a hydraulic ram.

[0018] In one form, the scissor arm linkage includes a terminal scissor member at the end thereof configured to mount to the storage structure, the terminal scissor member being connected one end to the remainder of the scissor arm linkage and at the other end being configured to permit mounting with the storage structure.

[0019] In another form, the terminal scissor member is configured to permit pivotal mounting to the storage structure.

[0020] In one form, the terminal scissor member is a single armed scissor member.

[0021] In a further form, the present invention provides a storage structure including an apparatus as described in any one of the above forms.

[0022] In another form, the present invention provides a container including an apparatus as described in any one of the above from mounted therein.

[0023] In another form, the present invention provides vehicle or trailer including a container as described in any one of the above forms.

[0024] In one form, the vehicle or trailer is a waste transport vehicle or trailer [0025] In a further form, the present invention provides a scissor arm linkage for use with an apparatus described in any one of the above forms.

[0026] It will be appreciated to a skilled person that a scissor arm linkage may also be referred to as a lazy tong linkage, scissor arm mechanism, pantograph linkage/mechanism etc. and generally relates to an extendable/retractable linkage that includes a plurality of pivotally connected members in repeating pivotally connected "X" shaped units.

[0027] The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention in which:

Figure 1 shows one example of an apparatus according to the invention when installed within a container on a truck;

Figure 2 shows an example of an apparatus according to one example;

Figure 3 shows an example of an apparatus when in the extended configuration mounted within a container of a truck;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an apparatus when in the extended configuration mounted within a container on a trailer;

Figure 5 shows one example of a shovel/blade member that may be used with the apparatus;

Figures 6a and 6b show opposite side views of a scissor arm linkage that may be used with the apparatus;

Figure 7a shows example of an apparatus when mounted within a container on a trailer in the compact configuration;

Figure 7b shows an example of an apparatus of figure 7a when in the partially extended configuration;

Figure 8 shows example of a scissor arm linkage that may be used with the apparatus in the compact configuration;

Figures 9 to 11 show the scissor arm linkage of figure 8 in various extended positions. Detailed Description

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for discharging and/or compacting material or objects stored within a storage structure. The apparatus includes an extendable arm being configured at one end to mount to the storage structure. Extension of the arm is typically such to discharge/expel/eject material or items from the structure or compact material or items stored with the structure.

[0029] The distal or free end of the arm typically includes a shovel member to aid in discharge or compaction of stored material/objects. Typically, the extendable arm of the apparatus includes a scissor arm linkage/mechanism to permit movement of the arm between a contracted configuration and an extended configuration.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the storage structure may take a variety of forms and is typically a container, shelf, tray, or the like. It will also be appreciated that the apparatus may be implemented with any structure suitable for storing or transferring material, items or objects.

[0031] Generally, the apparatus is mounted or installed to an internal wall of the storage structure, opposite the outlet. In operation, the scissor arm linkage extends to move the shovel member toward the outlet of the container to expel objects/waste. The scissor arm linkage may also be extended whilst the outlet is closed to thereby compact material/objects. In the contracted/retracted state, the scissor arm linkage arm is located at an end of the container opposite the outlet to maximize the volume available to store and transport material/objects.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the apparatus may be provided in variety of forms. For example the apparatus may be retrofitted to an existing storage structure, be releasably mounted, or be inbuilt (i.e. provided as part of the structure). For example, the apparatus may be installed inside a typical cargo container or the like, or may be provided as part of a waste removal vehicle.

[0033] An actuator arm, usually a hydraulic ram, is typically provided to actuate extension of the scissor arm linkage/mechanism. The angle/configuration of the actuator arm generally being such to maximise the extension force provided through extension of the scissor arm linkage/mechanism. [0034] Whilst the particular embodiments described herein relate to the compacting or discharging of waste or refuse from a waste storage/transport container, it should be appreciated that in other forms, the apparatus may be configured for any application involving the compaction and/or discharge of contents from a storage structure.

[0035] The waste container may be a hook lift bin, hook lift compaction bin, roll-on roll- off bin, bulk container, bulk trailer, b-double trailer, skip bin or the like. The waste containers may be modified to suit any waste collection/disposal vehicle. As would be appreciated the door(s) to the waste container may vary, and may, for example be a swing opening door, hydraulically operated door, hinged door or the like. Furthermore, the waste container may also be an open top, semi-open top, enclosed or sliding way covered top waste container.

[0036] One example of the apparatus is shown in figures 1 to 4. Referring to Fig 1, the apparatus 100 includes a scissor arm/lazy tong linkage system 200 connected to a front end 301 of a waste container 300. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the scissor arm linkage system 200 comprises a pair of scissor arm/lazy tong linkages/mechanisms 210 positioned on either side of the waste container 300. The pair of scissor arm linkages 210 is mounted on either side of the waste container 300 via a pair of mounting brackets 220. The mounting brackets 220 are positioned vertically on each side of the waste container 300 and are fixed thereto via bolts or any other suitable fixing means.

[0037] Referring to Fig. 2, the pair of scissor arm linkages 210 each includes at least two and preferably a plurality of scissor members/legs 211a connected together in a scissor arrangement to form a linkage. The plurality of scissor members/legs 211 are of substantially equal length. It will be appreciated that the number, length and width of the plurality of scissor members/legs 21 1 may be varied to suit different sized waste containers 300. As is illustrated in Fig, 2, the plurality of legs 211 of each scissor arm linkage 210 are arranged in a number of crossed-over pairs of legs 211 that are pivotally connected by a pivot rivet or the like in a scissor-like fashion. Each pair of legs pivotally connecting centrally to form at least one "X" shaped unit. [0038] The outer ends 212 of each "X" shaped unit 211a are pivotaily connected via pivot rivets or the like to the outer ends 212 of neighbouring "X" shaped units 211a to form the scissor arm linkage/mechanism. It will be appreciated that in alternate forms any other suitable fastening means that provides a pivotable connection may be adopted.

[0039] Free ends 211b of the terminal "X" shaped unit of each scissor arm/lazy tong mechanism 210 are pivotaily coupled to a corresponding upper end 221 and a lower end 222 of a first pair of mounting brackets 220a via a connecting member (not shown) enabling the scissor arm/lazy tong linkage system 200 to be connected to the front end 301 of the waste container 300. Free ends 211c of the opposite terminal "X" shaped unit of each lazy tong mechanism 210 are pivotaily coupled to a corresponding upper end 221 and a lower end 222 of a second pair of mounting brackets 220b to allow connection with plate/shovel 230.

[0040] The mounting brackets 220a, 220b typically comprise a slot/rail/channei/'guide 223 guiding movement of the terminal/free ends 211b, 211c of the scissor arm linkage during extension/retraction. It will be appreciated, that the lower free ends of the terminal "X" shaped units are typically positionally fixed to the mounting brackets while the upper free ends are permitted to move within the guide/slot/rail/channel during extension/retraction. In alternate forms both upper and lower free ends may be moveable.

[0041] The scissors arm/lazy tong linkage system 200 is typically actuated by a hydraulic mechanism. The hydraulic mechanism may include at least one hydraulicallv powered ram 400. The number of hydraulic rams 400 utilised can be varied dependent on the force required to discharge and/or compact a variety of refuse types. In alternative embodiments, other suitable actuators may be adopted such as, for example, pneumatic, cable, chain and motor powered means of actuation.

[0042] A bridge member 240 provides a link between scissor arm linkages/mechanisms and is configured to provide an engagement point for the hydraulic ram. The bridge member 240 is preferably mounted to the connection between the second and third "X" shaped units. In one example, an upper end 401 of the actuator/hydraulic ram is pivotaily connected to a central portion of the bridge member 240 via an aperture provided on the upper end 401. A lower end of the hydraulic cylinder 400 is pivotaily connected to a central portion of the bottom rail 221. The bridge member (240) is designed to be effective in simultaneously and equally applying force to both lazy tong mechanisms 210

[0043] In a fully extended position, the scissor arm linkage 210 and plate 230 attached thereto can reach the end of the waste container 300, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4. The scissor arm linkage system is moveable between a retracted position and a extended position to discharge refuse when a rear door of the waste container is open and compact refuse when a rear door of the waste container is closed.

[0044] The apparatus may have one or more sensors, such as pressure sensor(s) or the like, which are adapted to sense the amount of force applied by the plate during compaction. For example, when a particular force (e.g. maximum) is detected, signals from the sensor may trigger the plate to retract.

[0045] A further example of the apparatus is shown in figures 5 to 7. As most clearly show in figure 7, the apparatus is (600) is mounted/installed within container (500) typically for transporting waste or other objects. The container may or may not be mounted to a vehicle. The apparatus (600) includes an extendable arm (501) therein that can be extended to eject/expel objects such as waste from the container (500).

[0046] The extendable arm is includes at least one a scissor arm linkage/mechanism (502) to allow for extension/retraction and a shovel member/blade (503) attached to the scissor arm linkage/mechanism. For example, one end of the scissor arm linkage/mechanism is attached to the inside of the container (typically the wall (511) opposite the outlet (504)) whilst the other end of the scissor mechanism is includes the shovel member/blade.

[0047] In operation the scissor mechanism extends to move the shovel member toward the outlet (504) of the container to expel objects/waste (see fig. 7b). In the compressed/retracted state (see fig. 7a), the arm is located at an end of the container (511) opposite the outlet to maximize the volume available to store and transport objects/waste. [0048] It will be appreciated that the scissor arm linkage/mechanism can take many forms and may include any number of pivotally coupled scissor members. In one preferred form, the scissor members (507) that form the scissor arm linkage/mechanism are pivotally coupled flat bars, typically formed of flat high tensile steel. Figure 6a shows one example of a scissor arm/mechanism in the compressed state. Figure 6b shows an opposite side view of scissor arm linkage/mechanism arm to that of figure 6a illustrating externally mounted actuator ram (505) (e.g. a hydraulic ram).

[0049] The scissor arm/mechanism is typically extended by the hydraulic ram (505) which may extend beyond the periphery of the container. For example, the hydraulic ram may be such that it extends into a compartment (506) typically used for a refrigerator or nose cone. Typically the hydraulic ram (505) is connected directly or indirectly between two linkage members (507) such that extension of the ram (505) extends the scissor arm/mechanism. It will be appreciated that the hydraulic ram may be positioned at any angle with respect to the extension direction of the arm so as to provide the adequate force for ejection of the load.

[0050] It will also be appreciated that the shovel member (or blade) (503) may take many forms. In one preferred form, the shovel member includes at least one a curved surface (508). In particular, the shovel member (503) is curved at a top portion thereof so as to provide an over-hanging portion (509) which prevents objects/waste spilling over into the scissor mechanism during expulsion/ejection.

[0051] It will be appreciated the overhanging portion (509) may take other forms/shapes. The curved surface also provides a substantially upward facing lower portion (512) to aid in scooping the objects/waste.

[0052] The shovel member/blade shown figure 5 includes two curved surfaces on either side of, and set back from, a central housing potion (510) for the scissor arm linkage/mechanism. This particular shape/arrangement provides a larger volume/capacity for objects/waste when, for example, compared to a flat shovel/blade. [0053] A further example of a scissor arm linkage/mechanism/device suitable for use with the apparatus as described herein is shown in figures 8 to 11. The linkage (900) includes a plurality of pivotally connected scissor members (901a, 901b). The scissor members are pivotally connected by mounting to shared linkage members (e.g. 903, 904). The linkage members may be, for example, pivot rivets, linkage pins or the like.

[0054] The scissor members (901a, 901b) include double armed scissor members (901a) and single armed scissor members (901b). The single armed scissor members are alternately connected with the double armed scissor members to form the scissor arm linkage (900). Alternating between single and double armed scissor members provides several advantages such as reduced weight, fabrication complexity and cost.

[0055] As is typical of scissor arm linkages, a plurality of interconnected "X" shaped linkage units (917) are provided. In the form of figures 8 to 11, each "X" shaped linkage unit is formed of a single armed scissor member (901a) pivotally connected to a double armed scissor member (901b). Neighbouring "X" shaped units (917) are connected via common mounting to terminal linkage members (903) whilst scissor members within each "X" shaped unit (917) are connected via common mounting to central linkage members (904).

[0056] The single armed scissor members (901a) are mounted to the linkage members (e.g. 903, 904) such that they are positioned between the arms of the double armed scissor members (901b). An actuator arm (918) is provided to extend the scissor arm linkage. It will be appreciated that the actuator (918) arm may take a variety of forms, such as, for example, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. Generally however, the actuator arm is a hydraulic ram.

[0057] The actuator arm (918) is mounted to the scissor arm linkage such that it sits external to the scissor arm linkage (900). Typically, this is achieved via one or more mounting members/structures (910, 911) mounted to the outer lateral sides of spatially separated scissor members. The mounting members/structures may be plates. In contrast to other forms, external mounting of the hydraulic ram avoids any interference with linkage member pins (i.e. to which the ram may have otherwise been mounted) and thus makes for a robust mechanism. The external placement of the rams also permits the alternating double armed/single armed scissor member structure. This configuration makes the apparatus stronger, lighter and much easier to construct. In alternate forms, the apparatus may include multiple actuator arms. For example, the scissor arm linkage (900) may have an actuator arm fitted to each side thereof. This may prevent excessive unilateral force being applied to the scissor arm linkage that could cause bending.

[0058] The shape/positioning of the mounting members/structures (910, 911) is such that a substantial extension force is provided throughout extension of the scissor arm linkage. As best shown in figure 11, as the scissor arm linkage nears full extension the mounting members/structures are such that the angle of actuator arm is still able to provide a substantial extension force. Also, when in the compact configuration (e.g. figure 8) the mounting structures/members (910, 911) position the actuator arm at angle with respect to the direction of extension such that a substantial extension force is also provided. Typically, the mounting structures/members (910, 911) are substantially triangular shaped and are mounted to respective scissor members along one side of the triangle. The actuator arm then being mounted to the protruding vertices (910a, 911a) of each mounting member. It will be appreciated that the mounting members may be plates or take other shapes/forms.

[0059] The scissor arm linkage typically includes a terminal scissor member (920) at the end thereof configured to mount to a container or other storage structure. The terminal scissor member (920) being connected at one end (920a) to the remainder of the scissor arm linkage and at the other end (920b) being configured to attach to a mount for connection with an internal wall of a container or other storage structure. It will be appreciated that the end (920b) of the terminal member may be configured to mount directly to the internal wall. Typically, the terminal member mounts via a pivotal connection to the internal wall of the storage structure.

[0060] A reduced length scissor member (907), typically of half length, is configured to supplement connection between the terminal scissor member (920) and the neighbouring "X" shaped unit (917). The scissor linkage as described in figures 8 to 11 is thereby configured to pivotally mount an internal wall of a container/storage structure at a single fixed point (920b) rather than having a fixed point connection and a sliding point connection as, for example, in the embodiment of figures 6 and 7.

[0061] A first of the mounting structures/members (911) for the hydraulic arm is mounted to an outer side surface of the reduced length member (907). The other mounting structure/member (910) is mounted to a scissor member (921) at a spacing of one "X" shaped unit away. Typically, the shape/positioning of the mounting plates/members is such that in the contracted configuration of the scissor arm linkage, the actuator arm is position at an acute angle of at most 80 degrees and preferably less that 60 degrees with respect to the direction of extension. In examples where multiple actuator arms are provided, reciprocal mounting structures/members may be provided on each side of the scissor arm linkage.

[0062] It will also be appreciated that scissor members (901a, 901b) of the scissor arm linkage may take a variety of forms, and, in addition to being formed of flat beams/plates, may be formed with tubing.

[0063] It clear that the apparatus is able to extend a vast distance and fold into a compact stack thus, maximising volumetric capacity in a simple and cost-effective manner in comparison to existing discharge and/or compacting devices.

[0064] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0065] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0066] It will be appreciated that various forms of the invention may be used individually or in combination.