SHREDDER ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/260,193 filed November 11, 2009 and China Utility Model Patent Application Serial No. 201020104246.0 filed Januaiy 29, 2010 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a shredder assembly, and more particularly to a shredder assembly including a container segment and a shredder segment which facilitates safe and secure destruction of documents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Consumers are moving toward more sophisticated, environmentally safe home and work office products. One such home and work office product is a shredder.

Shredders are well known office workspace devices used for shredding materials such as documents, CDs, floppy disks, and the like, for example, However, because of the threat of identity theft and the heightened awareness among consumers of the importance of destroying documents, shredders are becoming increasingly more common as home workspace devices. In the home workspace, shredders are used for shredding materials including sensitive personal information such as credit card bills, tax documents bearing a person's Social Security number, and the like, for example. Typically, shredders include a series of cutting elements for shredding articles fed therethrough and a container for receiving the shredded articles therein.

[0004] Prior art shredders, however, have limited capacity and are prone to jamming.

Another problem of the prior art shredders is exposure of the cutter elements, which may cause injury to fingers and hands of a user. The shredders also lack a design esthetic and functionality necessaiy for home workspace use. Consumers desire workspace products that are pleasing to display, multi-functional, and environmentally friendly.

[0005] Accordingly, it would be desirable to produce a shredder assembly which

maximizes a capacity and a utility thereof, while minimizing a risk of injury to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In concordance and agreement with the present invention, a shredder assembly which maximizes a capacity and a utility thereof, while minimizing a risk of injury to the user, has surprisingly been discovered.

[0007] In one embodiment, the shredder assembly comprises: a container segment

including a compartment; and a shredder segment coupled to the container segment, the shredder segment including a hollow housing having at least one cutter element disposed therein, wherein the at least one cutter element receives a material to be shredded and converts the material to a shredded material for receipt within the compartment of the container segment, and wherein at least a portion of the housing of the shredder segment directs a flow of the shredded material into the container segment.

[0008] In another embodiment, the shredder assembly comprises: a container segment including a compartment formed therein; and a shredder segment coupled to the container segment, the shredder segment including a hollow housing having at least one cutter element disposed therein, the at least one cutter element positioned in a substantially vertical position within the housing, wherein the at least one cutter element receives a material to be shredded and converts the material to a shredded material for receipt within the compartment of the container segment, and wherein a substantially vertical wall of the housing of the shredder segment directs a flow of the shredded material into the compartment of the container segment.

[0009] In another embodiment, the shredder assembly comprises: a container segment including a compartment disposed therein; a shredder segment coupled to the container segment, the shredder segment including a hollow housing having at least one cutter element disposed therein, wherein the at least one cutter element receives a material to be shredded and converts the material to a shredded material for receipt within the compartment of the container segment, and wherein an inwardly angled wall of the housing of the shredder segment directs a flow of the shredded material into the compartment of the container segment; and a plate for supporting the shredder assembly on at least one of a substantially horizontal surface and a substantially vertical surface.

[0010] An advantage of the shredder assembly of the present invention is use of a

Eco Sense™ technology as a predictive measure for power consumption, The shredder assembly can determine power required by the cutter element prior to the cutter element converting the material for shedding to the shredded material. The EcoSense™ technology is advantageous over the prior art shredder assemblies because it can operate independently from the cutter element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention will become

readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0012] Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a shredder assembly according to an

embodiment of the invention showing a handle thereof in a first or upright position;

[0013] Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the shredder assembly illustrated in Fig. 1 with a portion thereof cut away showing a cutter element disposed therein;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a side perspective view of a shredder assembly according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein a support plate is a base for supporting the shredder assembly on a substantially horizontal surface;

[0015] Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the shredder assembly illustrated in

Fig. 3 taken along section line 4-4;

[0016] Fig. 5 is an exploded side perspective view of the shredder assembly illustrated in

Fig. 3;

[0017] Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of the shredder assembly illustrated in Fig. 3, wherein the support plate is a hanging device for supporting the shredder assembly on a substantially vertical surface and an outer cover is shown in an open position;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of a shredder assembly according to another

embodiment of the invention; [0019] Fig. 8 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the shredder assembly illustrated in Fig. 7 with a portion thereof cut away, wherein a shredder segment is separated from a container segment;

[0020] Fig. 9 is a partially exploded top perspective view of a shredder assembly

according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein a shredder segment is separated from a container segment;

[0021] Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the shredder assembly illustrated in Fig. 9 showing a lid of a storage segment in an open position; and

[0022] Fig. 1 1 is a flow chart showing a method of operation of a shredder assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various exemplaty embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

[0024] Figs. 1-2 show a shredder assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the

invention. The shredder assembly 10 includes a shredder segment 12 and a container segment 14. The shredder segment 12 includes at least one cutter element 16, as shown in Fig. 2, disposed in a housing 18. The cutter element 16 converts a material for shredding (not shown) into a shredded material (not shown). The cutter element 16 is positioned in a substantially vertical position within the housing 18. In a non-limiting example, the cutter element 16 is positioned in range of about ± 10 degrees of vertical, It is understood that the cutter element 16 can be positioned as desired. It is further understood that the cutter element 16 can be any suitable cutter element as desired such as a series of cutting blades, at least one roller having an array of cutters disposed along an axis thereof, and the like, for example. The housing 18 substantially encloses the cutter element 16 to militate against direct exposure of the cutter element 16 to a user of the shredder assembly 10. The housing 18 has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, It is understood that the housing 18 can have any shape as desired such as rectangular, square, and triangular, for example. In the embodiment shown, the shredded material exits the cutter element 16 and contacts a substantially vertical wall of the housing 18. The wall of the housing 18 directs a flow of the shredded material into the container segment. It is further understood that a first end 19 of the housing 18 may have an inwardly inclined wall 21 to direct a flow of the shredded material and facilitate a funneling thereof to the container segment 14. As illustrated, the shredded material is gravity fed into the container segment 14. It is understood that the shredded material can be fed into the container segment 14 by any means as desired such as by a blower device or a suction device, for example.

[0025] A shredder mouth 20 is formed in the housing 18 to facilitate a feeding of the material for shredding into the cutter element 16, As shown in Fig. 2, a closure 22 is provided to close the shredder mouth 20 and militate against access to the cutter element 16 by the user. The closure 22 includes a protuberance 24 to selectively position the closure 22 between an open position as shown in Fig. 1 and a closed position as shown in Fig, 2. Alternatively, the closure 22 can be electronically activated and maintained in the closed position.

[0026] The shredder segment 12 may also include at least one sensor (not shown) to

detect a presence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 20 and a thickness thereof. It is understood that the sensor can be any sensor type as desired such as an optical sensor, for example. In one embodiment, the sensor is disposed in the shredder segment 12 between the shredder mouth 20 and the cutter element 16. In a non-limiting example, the sensor detects the presence and thickness of the material for shredding by measuring the distance of travel of the indicator disposed in the shredder mouth 20. Particularly, the sensor detects movement of the indicating element of the indicator. When the sensor detects an absence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 20, the cutter element 16 is deactivated. Additionally, when the sensor detects the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than a predetermined maximum thickness, the cutter element 16 is deactivated to militate against a jamming of the material for shredding in the cutter element 16. It is understood that the predetermined maximum thickness can be any thickness as desired. Optionally, when the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than the predetermined maximum thickness, an alert may be activated to notify the user to remove a portion of the material for shredding from the shredder mouth 20. In another embodiment, the shredder segment 12 utilizes FastPass™ Jam-free technology including at least one sensor to facilitate control of the thickness of the material for shredding fed into cutter element 16.

[0027] The shredder segment 12 may further utilize an EcoSense™ technology including at least one sensor to facilitate a determination of an amount of power required by the cutter element 16 to convert the material for shredding to the shredded material. The sensor facilitates control of the power supplied to the shredder segment 12 relative to the thickness of the material for shedding inserted therein. Particularly, the power supplied to the shredder segment 12 is maximized when the thickness of the material for shredding reaches the predetermined maximum thickness. Conversely, the power supplied to the shredder segment 12 is minimized when the thickness of the material for shredding is minimized.

[0028] A second end 25 of the housing 18 is provided with a handle 26. The handle 26 facilitates a transportation of the shredder assembly 10. The handle 26 may include a sensor (not shown) that causes or militates against activation of the closure 22. The handle 26 is selectively positionable between a first or upright position as shown in Fig. 1 and a second or down position as shown in Fig. 2, In an embodiment of the invention, when the handle 26 is in the first position, the shredder segment 12 may be caused to be secured to the container segment 14 to militate against inadvertent separation of the shredder segment 12 from the container segment 14. It is understood that the shredder segment 12 can be secured to the container segment 14 by any method as desired such as by a locking tab, a detent, and the like, for example. When the handle 26 is in the second position, the shredder segment 12 may be separated from the container segment 14 to permit an emptying of a shredded material (not shown) from the container segment 14. It is understood that the shredder segment 12 may be separated from the container segment 14 by other means as desired such as a push button located in the shredder segment 12 or the container segment 14, for example.

[0029] The handle 26 may also facilitate activation of the cutter element 16. When the handle 26 is in the first position, the cutter element 16 is inoperable to militate against an undesired activation thereof during transport of the shredder assembly 10. When the handle 26 is in the second position, as shown in Fig. 2, the closure 22 may be caused to open and the cutter element 16 may be activated.

[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the shredder segment 12 may include a switch (not shown) for facilitating activation of the cutter element 16. The switch is adapted to contact the container segment 14. When the switch is discomiected from the container segment 14, the cutter element 16 is inoperable. The switch ensures that the shredder segment 12 is secured to the container segment 14 before activation of the cutter element 16 can occur. Additionally, a locking mechanism such as a latch, for example, may be provided to further secure the shredder segment 12 to the container segment 14.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, the container segment 14 is a base for supporting the shredder assembly 10 on a substantially horizontal surface. It is understood that the shredder assembly 10 can be positioned on any substantially horizontal surface as desired such as a desktop, a counter top, a surface of a floor, and the like, for example. The container segment 14 includes a compartment (not shown) for receiving the shredded material therein. Although the container segment 14 is substantially conical shaped, it is understood that the container segment 14 can have any shape as desired. As shown, the container segment 14 may include a substantially transparent or translucent portion 28 formed therein. The substantially transparent or translucent portion 28 permits the user of the shredder assembly 10 to determine a fill level of the compartment of the container segment 14.

[0032] The shredder assembly 10 may also include at least one human machine interface (HMI) to control an operation thereof and at least one indicator (not shown) to provide feedback to the user such as a motor temperature, a paper level, a jam proof display, and the like, for example. The HMI may control any operation of the shredder assembly 10 as desired such as activation of the cutter element 16, release of the container segment 14 from the shredder segment 12, and selective positioning of the closure 22 between the open position and the closed position, for example. It is understood that the HMI can be any HMI as desired such as a push button, a toggle switch, a sliding switch, and the like for example, and the indicator can be any indicator as desired such as a light emitting diode, a sound, a liquid ciystal display screen, and the like, for example. It is further understood that the HMI and the indicator can be located anywhere on the shredder assembly 10 as desired.

[0033] Additional components necessary for operation of the shredder assembly 10 such as a gearbox, a control unit, a motor, a power source, electrical wiring, and the like, for example, may be disposed in the shredder segment 12 and the container segment 14 as desired. Further, additional segments (not shown) may be provided as extensions for the slii'edder segment 12 and the container segment 14 if desired such as a central segment to seat between the shredder segment 12 and the container segment 14 to extend the compartment of the container segment 14 or receive additional cutter elements 16 therein, for example. Further, each of the shredder segment 12 and the container segment 14 are replaceable so that a life of the slii'edder assembly 10 may be extended by replacing each segment 12, 14, as needed.

[0034] In use, the handle 26 is positioned in the second position and the closure 22 is in the open position. Thereafter, the user inserts the material to be shredded into the shredder mouth 20. The material is then fed through the cutter element 16 to convert the material to the shredded material. As the material is converted and gravity fed from the cutter element 16, the shredded material contacts the substantially vertical wall of the housing 18 and is directed to the compartment formed in the container segment 14 of the slii'edder assembly 10. In the embodiment shown, the inwardly angled wall 21 of the first end 19 of the housing 18 further directs the shredded material into the compartment of the container segment 14.

[0035] To empty the compartment of the container segment 14, the handle 26 is

positioned in the second position to permit separation of the container segment 14 from the shredder segment 12. The compartment may then be emptied by inverting the container segment 14. The substantially conical shape of the container segment 14 shown facilitates easier emptying of the compartment of the container segment 14. When the shredder segment 12 is separated from the container segment 14, the cutter element 16 is enclosed by the housing 18 of the shredder segment 12 to militate against direct exposure of the cutter element 16 to the user of the slii'edder assembly 10.

[0036] In another embodiment, the handle 26 is only for transportation of the shredder assembly 10. Accordingly, the handle 26 can be selectively positioned between the first position and the second position. Thereafter, the switch provided on the slnedder segment 12 indicates that the shredder segment 12 is properly positioned and secured to the container segment 14. The flow of the material through the shredder segment 12 is substantially similar to the description hereinabove. The shi'edder segment 12 and the container segment 14 may be secured together by the locking mechanism. Thus, to empty the compartment of the container segment 14, the locking mechanism is released and the container segment 14 is inverted.

[0037] Figs. 3-6 show a shredder assembly 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. The shredder assembly 100 includes a shredder segment 102 and a container segment 104. The shi'edder segment 102 shown includes a pair of cooperating cutter elements 106 disposed in a housing 108. Additional or fewer cutter elements 106 than shown can be employed as desired. The cutter elements 106 convert a material for shredding (not shown) into a shredded material 110. The cutter elements 106 are positioned in a substantially horizontal position within the housing 108. It is understood that the cutter elements 106 can be positioned as desired. It is further understood that the cutter elements 106 can be any suitable cutter elements 106 as desired such as a series of cutting blades, a roller having an array of cutters disposed along an axis thereof, and the like, for example. The housing 108 substantially encloses the cutter elements 106 to militate against direct exposure of the cutter elements 106 to a user of the shi'edder assembly 100.

[0038] A slnedder mouth 120 is formed in the housing 108 to facilitate a feeding of the material for shredding into the cutter elements 106. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the shredder mouth 120 is positioned to facilitate easier feeding of the material for shredding into the shredder mouth 120 by the user of the shredder assembly 100. In a non-limiting example, the shredder mouth 120 is positioned in a range of about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees from a substantially vertical or top position. The forward position of the shredder mouth 120 causes the shredded material 110 to exit the cutter elements 106 at an angle and contact an inwardly angled wall 112 of the housing 108. The wall 112 of the housing 108 directs a flow of the shredded material 1 10 into the container segment.

[0039] The shredder segment 102 may also include at least one sensor (not shown) to

detect a presence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 120 and a thickness thereof. It is understood that the sensor can be any sensor type as desired such as an optical sensor, for example. In one embodiment, the sensor is disposed in the shredder segment 102 between the shredder mouth 120 and the cutter elements 106. In a non- limiting example, the sensor detects the presence and thickness of the material for shredding by measuring the distance of travel of the indicator disposed in the shredder mouth 120. Particularly, the sensor detects movement of the indicating element of the indicator. When the sensor detects an absence of the material for shredding in the sln-edder mouth 120, the cutter elements 106 is deactivated. Additionally, when the sensor detects the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than a predetermined maximum thickness, the cutter elements 106 is deactivated to militate against a jamming of the material for shredding in the cutter elements 106. It is understood that the predetermined maximum thickness can be any thickness as desired. Optionally, when the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than the predetermined maximum thickness, an alert may be activated to notify the user to remove a portion of the material for shredding from the shredder mouth 120. In another embodiment, the shredder segment 102 utilizes FastPass™ Jam-free technology including at least one sensor to facilitate control of the thickness of the material for shredding fed into cutter elements 106.

[0040] The shredder segment 102 may further utilize an EcoSense™ technology including at least one sensor to facilitate a determination of an amount of power required by the cutter elements 106 to convert the material for shredding to the shredded material 110. The sensor facilitates control of the power supplied to the shredder segment 102 relative to the thickness of the material for shedding inserted therein. Particularly, the power supplied to the shredder segment 102 is maximized when the thickness of the material for shredding reaches the predetermined maximum thickness. Conversely, the power supplied to the shredder segment 102 is minimized when the thickness of the material for shredding is minimized.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a closure 122 is provided to close the shredder mouth 120 and militate against access to the cutter elements 106 by the user. It is understood that the cutter elements 106 may be positioned in the housing 108 wherein the cutter elements 106 are substantially inaccessible by the user. The closure 122 includes a protuberance 124 to selectively position the closure 122 between an open position as shown in Fig. 3 and a closed position as shown in Fig. 6. Alternatively, the closure 122 can be electronically activated and maintained in the closed position. It is understood that the closure 122 can be any closure as desired such as a flip top closure and a roll top closure, for example.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the container segment 104 includes a removable

compartment 130 for receiving the shredded material 110 therein and an outer cover 132. The outer cover 132 is selectively positionable between a closed position, as shown in Fig. 3, and an open position, as shown in Fig. 6. The outer cover 132 pivots in a first or forward direction to the open position to permit the compartment 130 to be removed from the container segment 104. In a non-limiting example, the open position of the outer cover 132 is in a range of about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees from the closed or substantially vertical position of the outer cover 132. The outer cover 132 is adapted to pivot in a second or rearward direction to close the outer cover 132. As shown, the outer cover 132 may include at least one aperture 133 formed therein. The aperture 133 permits the user of the shredder assembly 100 to determine a fill level of the compartment 130.

[0043] The outer cover 132 may include additional features for user convenience such as a white board 134 for writing messages or other communication, a pocket 136 for receiving articles therein (e.g. documents, mail, business cards), an attachment device 138 (e.g. key holder), and the like, for example. The white board 134 may be magnetized if desired for use as a bulletin board, as illustrated in Fig. 3. The white board 134 shown is secured in the outer cover 132 by a substantially narrow trim piece 140. It is understood, however, that the white board 134 can be secured to the outer cover 132 by any method as desired such as by a fastener, adhesive, a tab, and the like, for example. It is further understood that the pocket 136 can be produced from any material as desired such as a netting material and a plastic material, for example.

[0044] The shredder assembly 100 may further include a support plate 150. As shown in Figs. 3-5, the support plate 150 can be used as a base for supporting the shredder assembly 100 on a substantially horizontal surface. It is understood that the shredder assembly 100 can be positioned on any substantially horizontal surface as desired such as a desktop, a countertop, a surface of a floor, and the like, for example. The support plate 150 includes a plurality of protuberances 152 formed thereon. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the protuberances 152 are received in an elongate channel 153 formed in a lower portion of the shredder segment 102 to militate against an undesired movement of the shredder segment 102. The support plate 150 further includes a pair of opposing indentations 154 and an elongate channel 155 formed therein. The indentations 154 and the channel 155 of the support plate 150 receive the lower portion of the shredder segment 102 and a plurality of support ribs 156 formed on the lower portion, respectively, to further militate against the undesired movement of the shredder segment 102. It is understood that other means can be employed as desired to militate against the undesired movement of the shredder segment and provide stability thereto such as fasteners, adhesive, and the like, for example.

[0045] Alternatively, the support plate 150, as shown in Fig. 6, can be used as a hanging device for supporting and securing the shredder assembly 100 to a substantially vertical surface, The support plate 150 further includes a pair of attachment members 157 formed thereon, Apertures (not shown) formed in the shredder segment 102 receive the attachment members 157 of the support plate 150 to secure the support plate 150 thereto. A pair of locking elements (not shown) formed on the support plate 150 militate against an undesired removal of the shredder assembly 100 from the substantially vertical surface caused by an inadvertent repositioning of the shredder assembly 100 by the user. It is understood that the shredder segment 102 can be secured to the support plate 150 by any method as desired such as by a fastener, adhesive, and the like, for example. An electrical cord (not shown) of the shredder assembly 100 is received in a gap formed between the protuberances 152 of the support plate 150 to facilitate a proper positioning of the shredder segment 102 onto the support plate 150.

[0046] The shredder assembly 100 may also include at least one human machine interface (HMI) 158 to control an operation thereof. The HMI 158 may control any operation of the shredder assembly 100 as desired such as activation of the cutter element (e.g.

reverse, on, auto and off), selective positioning of the outer cover 132 between the open position and the closed position, and selective positioning of the closure 122 between the open position and the closed position, for example. It is understood that the HMI 158 can be any HMI as desired such as a push button, a toggle switch, a multi-positional sliding switch, and the like for example. It is further understood that the HMI 158 can be located anywhere on the shredder assembly 100 as desired.

[0047] Additional components necessary for operation of the shredder assembly 100 such as a gearbox, a control unit, a motor, a power source, electrical wiring, and the like, for example, may be disposed in the shredder segment 102 and the container segment 104 as desired.

[0048] In use, the material for shredding is inserted into the shredder mouth 120. The material for shredding is then fed through the cutter elements 106 to convert the material for shredding to the shredded material 110. As the material is converted and gravity fed from the cutter elements 106, the shredded material 110 contacts the wall 1 12 of the housing 108 and is directed to the compartment 130 disposed in the container segment 104 of the shredder assembly 100. To empty the compartment 130 of the container segment 104, the outer cover 132 is positioned in the open position to permit removal of the compartment 130, The compartment 130 may then be emptied by inverting the compartment 130. Thereafter, the compartment 130 is replaced and the outer cover 132 is positioned in the closed position.

[0049] Figs. 7-8 show a shredder assembly 200 according to another embodiment of the invention. The shredder assembly 200 includes a shredder segment 202 and a container segment 204. The shredder segment 202 includes at least one cutter element 206 disposed in a housing 208. The cutter element 206 converts a material for shredding (not shown) into a shredded material 210. It is understood that the cutter element 206 can be positioned in the housing 208 as desired. It is further understood that the cutter element 206 can be any suitable cutter element as desired such as a series of cutting blades, a roller having an array of cutters disposed along an axis thereof, and the like, for example. The housing 208 substantially encloses the cutter element 206 to militate against direct exposure of the cutter element 206 to a user of the shredder assembly 200. It is understood that the cutter element 206 may be positioned in the housing 208 wherein the cutter element 206 is substantially inaccessible by the user.

[0050] A shredder mouth 220 is formed in the housing 208 to facilitate a feeding of the material for shredding into the cutter element 206, The shredder mouth 220 includes an indicator (not shown) to facilitate a detection of the material for shredding and a measurement of a thickness thereof. When the material for shredding is inserted into the shredder mouth 220, the indicator travels a distance relative to the thickness of the material for shredding. The indicator may include a lever pivotally coupled to an indicating element by a shaft member, for example.

[0051] A closure 222 is pivotally attached to the housing 208 to militate against access to the shredder mouth 220 and thereby, the cutter element 206. The closure 222 includes a handle 226 to selectively position the closure 222 between an open position as shown in Fig. 7 and a closed position as shown in Fig. 8. When the closure 222 is in the open position, the closure 222 may facilitate a feeding of the material for shredding into the shredder mouth 220. Alternatively, the closure 222 may include at least one guide element (not shown) formed on a surface thereof to guide the material for shredding into the sliredder mouth 220 when the closure 222 is in the open position. It is understood that the material for shredding can be fed into the shredder mouth 220 by any method as desired such as by gravity, manually, and automatically, for example.

[0052] The shredder segment 202 may also include at least one sensor (not shown) to detect a presence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 220 and a thickness thereof. It is understood that the sensor can be any sensor type as desired such as an optical sensor, for example. In one embodiment, the sensor is disposed in the shredder segment 202 between the shredder mouth 220 and the cutter element 216. In a non- limiting example, the sensor detects the presence and thickness of the material for shredding by measuring the distance of travel of the indicator disposed in the shredder mouth 220. Particularly, the sensor detects movement of the indicating element of the indicator. When the sensor detects an absence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 220, the cutter element 216 is deactivated. Additionally, when the sensor detects the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than a predetermined maximum thickness, the cutter element 216 is deactivated to militate against a jamming of the material for shredding in the cutter element 216. It is understood that the predetermined maximum thickness can be any thickness as desired. Optionally, when the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than the predetermined maximum thickness, an alert may be activated to notify the user to remove a portion of the material for shredding from the shredder mouth 220. In another embodiment, the shredder segment 202 utilizes FastPass™ Jam-free technology including at least one sensor to facilitate control of the thickness of the material for shredding fed into cutter element 216.

[0053] The shredder segment 202 may further utilize an EcoSense™ technology including at least one sensor to facilitate a determination of an amount of power required by the cutter element 216 to convert the material for shredding to the shredded material 210. The sensor facilitates control of the power supplied to the shredder segment 202 relative to the thickness of the material for shedding inserted therein. Particularly, the power supplied to the shredder segment 202 is maximized when the thickness of the material for shredding reaches the predetermined maximum thickness. Conversely, the power supplied to the shredder segment 202 is minimized when the thickness of the material for shredding is minimized.

[0054] The housing 208 may further include a cavity 228 formed therein for receiving at least a portion of the container segment 204 therein. In the embodiment shown, the container segment 204 includes a compartment 230 for receiving the shredded material 210 therein. The container segment 204 is selectively positionable between a closed position, as shown in Fig. 7, and an open position, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0055] The shredder segment 202 may further include a compaction assembly 232. The compaction assembly 232 compacts the shredded material 210 received in the

compartment 230 of the container segment 204. In a non-limiting example, the compaction assembly 232 is as shown and described in the International Patent

Application No. PCT/TJS/09/49780 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is understood, however, that any compacting mechanism or method can be used as desired.

[0056] The shredder assembly 200 may also include at least one human machine interface (HMI) 258 to control an operation thereof. The HMI 258 may control any operation of the shredder assembly 200 as desired such as activation of the cutter element 216 (e.g. reverse, on, auto and off), selective positioning of the container segment 204 between the open position and the closed position, activation of the compaction assembly 232, and selective positioning of the closure 222 between the open position and the closed position, for example. It is understood that the HMI 258 can be any HMI as desired such as a push button, a toggle switch, a multi-positional sliding switch, and the like for example. It is further understood that the HMI 258 can be located anywhere on the shredder assembly 200 as desired such as disposed on a surface covered by the closure 222 when the closure 222 is in the closed position, for example.

[0057] Additional components necessaiy for operation of the shredder assembly 200 such as a gearbox, a control unit, a motor, a power source, electrical wiring, and the like, for example, may be disposed in the shredder segment 202 and the container segment 204 as desired.

[0058] Figs. 9 and 10 show a shredder assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the invention. The shredder assembly 300 includes a shredder segment 302 and a container segment 304. The shredder segment 302 includes at least one cutter element (not shown) disposed in a housing 308. The cutter element converts a material for shredding (not shown) into a shredded material 310. It is understood that the cutter element can be positioned in the housing 308 as desired. It is further understood that the cutter element can be any suitable cutter element as desired such as a series of cutting blades, a roller having an array of cutters disposed along an axis thereof, and the like, for example, The housing 308 substantially encloses the cutter element to militate against direct exposure of the cutter element to a user of the shredder assembly 300. It is understood that the cutter element may be positioned in the housing 308 wherein the cutter element is substantially inaccessible by the user.

[0059] A shredder mouth 320 is formed in the housing 308 to facilitate a feeding of the material for shredding into the cutter element. The shredder mouth 320 includes an indicator (not shown) to facilitate a detection of the material for shredding and a measurement of a thickness thereof. When the material for shredding is inserted into the shredder mouth 320, the indicator travels a distance relative to the thickness of the material for shredding. The indicator may include a lever pivotally coupled to an indicating element by a shaft member, for example.

[0060] A closure 322 is pivotally attached to the housing 308 to militate against access to the shredder mouth 320 and thereby, the cutter element. The closure 322 is selectively positionable between an open position as shown in Fig. 9 and a closed position as shown in Fig. 10. When the closure 322 is in the open position, the closure 322 may facilitate a feeding of the material for shredding into the shredder mouth 320. Alternatively, the closure 322 may include at least one guide element (not shown) formed on a surface thereof to guide the material for shredding into the shredder mouth 320 when the closure 322 is in the open position. It is understood thai the material for shredding can be fed into the shredder mouth 320 by any method as desired such as by gravity, manually, and automatically, for example.

[0061] The shredder segment 302 may also include at least one sensor (not shown) to detect a presence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 320 and a thickness thereof. It is understood that the sensor can be any sensor type as desired such as an optical sensor, for example. In one embodiment, the sensor is disposed in the shredder segment 302 between the shredder mouth 320 and the cutter element. In a non-limiting example, the sensor detects the presence and thickness of the material for shredding by measuring the distance of travel of the indicator disposed in the shredder mouth 320. Particularly, the sensor detect s movement of the indicating element of the indicator. When the sensor detects an absence of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 320, the cutter element is deactivated. Additionally, when the sensor detects the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than a predetermined maximum thickness, the cutter element is deactivated to militate against a jamming of the material for shredding in the cutter element. It is understood that the predetermined maximum thickness can be any thickness as desired. Optionally, when the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than the predetermined maximum thickness, an alert may be activated to notify the user to remove a portion of the material for shredding from the shredder mouth 320. In another embodiment, the shredder segment 302 utilizes FastPass™ Jam-free technology including at least one sensor to facilitate control of the thickness of the material for shredding fed into cutter element.

[0062] The shredder segment 302 may further utilize an Eco Sense™ technology including at least one sensor to determine an amount of power required by the cutter element to convert the material for shredding to the shredded material 310. The sensor facilitates control of the power supplied to the shredder segment 302 relative to the thickness of the material for shedding inserted therein. Particularly, the power supplied to the shredder segment 302 is maximized when the thickness of the material for shreddmg reaches the predetermined maximum thickness. Conversely, the power supplied to the shredder segment 302 is minimized when the thickness of the material for shredding is minimized.

[0063] The housing 308 may further include a cavity 328 formed therein for receiving at least a portion of the container segment 304 therein. In the embodiment shown, the container segment 304 includes a compartment 330 for receiving the shredded material 310 therein. The container segment 304 is selectively positionable between an open position, as shown in Fig. 9, and a closed position, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0064] The shredder segment 302 may further include a compaction assembly (not

shown). The compaction assembly is adapted to compact the shredded material 310 received in the compartment 330 of the container segment 304. It is understood that the closure 322 may facilitate activation of the compaction assembly. In a non-limiting example, the compaction assembly is as shown and described in the International Patent Application No. PCT/US/09/49780 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is understood, however, that any compacting mechanism or method can be used as desired.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, the slii'edder assembly 300 further includes a storage segment 340. The storage segment 340 includes a housing 342 having at least one removable compartment 344 disposed therein. It is understood that the removable compartment 344 may be used to store any material as desired such as a recycled material (e.g. plastic, paper, and cans), the material for shredding, a material for disposing (e.g. the shredded material 310), and the like, for example. The housing 342 may be integrally formed with the housing 308 of the slii'edder segment 302. A lid 346 is pivotally disposed on the housing 342. The lid 346 is selectively positionable between a closed position, as shown in Fig. 9, and an open position, as shown in Fig, 10. The lid 346 may be positioned in the open position by any method as desired such as depressing the lid 346, depressing a foot pedal (not shown) disposed in the shredder assembly 300, and automatically, for example. It is understood that the lid 346 may be integrally formed with the closure 322 of the shredder segment 302, if desired.

[0066] The shredder assembly 300 may also include at least one human machine interface (HMI) 358 to control an operation thereof. The HMI 358 may control any operation of the shredder assembly 300 as desired such as activation of the cutter element (e.g.

reverse, on, auto and off), selective positioning of the container segment 304 between the open position and the closed position, activation of the compaction assembly, and selective positioning of the closure 322 between the open position and the closed position, for example. It is understood that the HMI 358 can be any HMI as desired such as a push button, a toggle switch, a multi-positional sliding switch, and the like for example. It is further understood that the HMI 358 can be located anywhere on the shredder assembly 300 as desired such as disposed on a surface covered by the closure 322 when the closure 322 is in the closed position, for example.

[0067] Additional components necessary for operation of the shredder assembly 300 such as a gearbox, a control unit, a motor, a power source, electrical wiring, and the like, for example, may be disposed in the shredder segment 302, the container segment 304, and the storage segment 340 as desired.

[0068] In use, the material for shredding is inserted into the shredder mouth 320 of the shredder segment 302. The shredder segment 302 then feeds the material for shredding through the cutter element to convert the material for shredding to the shredded material 310. As the material for shredding is converted, the shredded material 310 is gravity fed to the compartment 330 disposed in the container segment 304 of the shredder assembly 300. Optionally, the compaction assembly may be activated to compact the shredded material 310 received in the compartment 330 of the container segment 304. To empty the compartment 330 of the container segment 304, the container segment 304 is positioned in the open position to permit removal of the compartment 330. The compartment 330 may then be emptied by inverting the compartment 330. Thereafter, the compartment 330 is replaced and the container segment 304 is positioned in the closed position. Further, the user may deposit any material as desired into the removable compartment 344 of the storage segment 340. To empty the compartment 344, the lid 346 is positioned in the open position to permit removal of the compartment 344. The compartment 344 may then be emptied by inverting the compartment 344. The compartment 344 is then replaced and the lid 346 is positioned in the closed position.

[0069] Referring now to Fig, 11, a method of operation of the shredder assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. It is understood that the method of operation described hereinafter can be employed by the shredder assemblies 10, 100, 200 described hereinabove. It is further understood that the shredder assemblies 10, 100, 200, 300 can utilize other methods of operation as desired. The material for shredding is inserted into the shredder mouth 320, The material for shredding urges the indicator a distance relative to the thickness of the material for slii'edding. Particularly, the material for shedding urges a lever of the indicator. The lever then causes an indicating element of the indicator to travel a distance across the sensor for detecting the thickness of the material for shredding. The sensor detects the thickness of the material for shredding in the shredder mouth 320 relative to the distance of travel of the indicating element. When the thickness of the material for shredding is greater than the predetermined maximum thickness, the cutter element is deactivated to militate against a jamming of the material for shredding in the cutter element. Thereafter, the user removes a portion of the material for shredding from the shredder mouth 320. Alternatively, the shredder segment 302 utilizes the FastPass™ Jam-free technology to control the thickness of the material for slii'edding fed into cutter element. When the thickness of the material for shredding is less than the predetermined maximum thickness, the cutter element activates to convert the material for shredding received therein to the shredded material 310. Simultaneously, the EcoSense™ technology is used to determine the amount of power supplied to the cutter element to convert the material for slii'edding to the shredded material 310. The power supplied to the shredder segment 302 is relative to the thickness of the material for shedding inserted therein. The shredded material 310 is then gravity fed to the compartment 330 of the container segment 304 of the shredder assembly 300. To empty the compartment 330 of the container segment 304, the container segment 304 is positioned in the open position. The compartment 330 may then be emptied by inverting the container segment 304. Thereafter, the container segment 304 is replaced and positioned in the closed position.

[0070] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiment. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.