Patent ID: 6478527
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: B65F

Abstract:
A method of loading and compacting trash in a trash container of a trash-collecting vehicle, the container being of the type having a generally rectangular fill opening with upper and lower edges and opposite side edges and a loading bin at the rear of the container and extending to the lower edge of the fill opening, said method comprising the steps offorming an articulated plate having parallel first and second edges and substantially the same shape and dimensions as the fill opening, the plate being composed of upper and lower panels connected by a hinge extending parallel to the first and second edges; connecting the first edge of the plate by a swivel bearing to the container at the side edges of the opening to allow movement of the plate parallel to the opening as well as swinging movement of the plate about a swivel axis toward and away from the opening; connecting a first force element between the container and the plate for swinging the plate about the swivel axis; connecting a second force element between the container and the plate for moving the plate parallel to said opening; connecting a third force element between the plate panels to pivot the lower panel about said hinge, and controlling said force elements to move the plate from a fully open position wherein the plate extends rearwardly from the upper edge of the fill opening so as to expose the opening and the bin, through a partially closed position wherein the second edge of the plate lies adjacent to the lower edge of the fill opening and the first and second panels define an acute angle, to a fully closed position wherein all three force elements combine to drive the first and second panels into alignment with the opening so that the panels exert a strong net compacting force directed perpendicular to said opening while at the same time substantially closing the opening.