Patent ID: 6234739
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: B65F

Abstract:
A refuse collection apparatus having a refuse compaction body having an open rear end and having an ejector panel driveable toward the rear end, and a tailgate apparatus mounted on the refuse compaction body comprising:a tailgate having an upper end pivotable thereabout upon said refuse compaction body, said tailgate having a plurality of sidewalls, each of said sidewalls having a front edge and a rear edge, said front edges of said sidewalls selectively disposed in abutment with said refuse compaction body;a scraper panel disposed between said sidewalls and slightly rearward of the front edges thereof, said scraper panel generally covering an upper region of said open rear end when said tailgate is disposed in a closed position;an upper panel extending between said sidewalls to selectively cover a substantial portion of said rear end, the upper panel selectively movable between a higher position and a lower position, the upper panel being pivotable about an axis spaced apart from said open rear end of said refuse compaction body, the upper panel having a lower edge;a packer panel pivotally mounted to said upper panel at the lower edge thereof, the packer panel being pivotal about the lower edge of said upper panel;first cylinder means fixed to said upper panel to pivot said upper panel between said higher position and said lower position, second cylinder means interconnecting said upper panel and said packer panel to move said packer panel about the mounting of said packer panel to said upper panel;a hopper to receive refuse disposed between said sidewalls and having a floor, the hopper having a sill disposed thereon extending between the rear edges of said sidewalls,said packer panel selectively sweeping along said floor of the hopper when said upper panel is in the lower position;said axis comprising a pair of pivots each disposed generally adjacent said rear edges of said sidewalls;said upper panel being supported on a frame having spaced apart side members, each of said side members of said frame having a first end mounted to one of said pivots and a second end mounted to said upper panel, said upper panel having at least one ear extending rearwardly from the upper panel;said packer panel having at least one ear extending rearwardly from the packer panel; andsaid second cylinder means to move said packer panel comprising at least one cylinder interconnecting said at least one ear of said upper panel to said at least one ear of said packer panel.