Patent ID: 8839715
Filing Date: 2014-09-23
Classification: B30B

Abstract:
1. A trash compactor main door interlock for a main door of a trash compactor having a trash compactor platen for compressing trash, comprising: the trash compactor main door interlock (a) an actuator system configured to indicate that a compaction cycle has begun by detecting downward movement of the trash compactor platen, the actuator system comprising (i) a spring-loaded linkage, (ii) a roller ball arm with a roller feature that contacts the platen when the platen is in a home position and that is distanced from the platen when the platen activates a compaction cycle, (iii) a translatable bar that cooperates with the roller ball arm, and (iv) a plunger that cooperates with the translatable bar, wherein movement of the platen creates a distance between the platen and the roller feature, causing the roller ball arm to move downwardly against the spring-loaded linkage, which causes downward movement of the translatable bar, which causes movement of the plunger; and (b) a lock system activated by the plunger of the actuator system to restrain the main door from opening during movement of the platen, wherein the movement of the plunger activates the lock system to extend a rod toward a handle of the main door, wherein extension of the rod restrains movement of a handle of the main door.