Abstract:
A compactor system for use on board marine vessels and offshore installation. The compactor has a cart with bottom and side members capable of withstanding a compaction force. The upper rim of the cart has a lip. The system has a compaction unit formed of a movable upper frame with a shoulder and a lower fixed frame. During waste compaction, the moveable upper frame moves in an upward direction to a point where the shoulder engages the cart&#39;s lip to establish a force-distribution loop among the upper frame and the side and bottom members of the cart. The cart&#39;s wheels are not subjected to the compaction force.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/882,952, filed Sep. 26, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a compactor system and method, and more particularly, to a waste compactor system and method for use on marine vessels such as ships and offshore installations. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Environmental concerns for the world&#39;s navigable waterways has led to regulations governing waste handling and disposal on marine vessels such as ships and offshore installations. The regulations have changed substantially over the past few years and continue to change to provide stricter rules for waste disposal for vessels at sea. International regulations include ISO 14001, IMO Marpol 73/78 Annex V and others. In the United States, the regulations include the MPRSA Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act, 30 CFR Part 250 (Marpol) and others. With limited exceptions, most waste generated on marine vessels at sea is prohibited from being discharged overboard. Prohibited waste includes: plastic items such as synthetic ropes, synthetic fishing nets, plastic garbage bags and incinerator ashes from plastic products; certain food wastes; domestic waste such as drinking bottles, papers, cardboard, etc.; cooking oil; operational wastes; certain cargo residues; and fishing gear. Marine waste handling systems have been developed to contain on board waste for later disposal at land-based waste disposal or recycling facilities. The system may include a compactor that compacts different types of consumer waste or recyclable materials, including cardboard, food, paper, plastic, tin and metal cans, and the like. 
         [0004]    Compactors specially designed to handle recyclable materials have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,318 to Zimmer discloses a compactor system with multiple carts positioned on a manually rotatable platform for rotation about a central axis to a point where the cart&#39;s contents are compacted by a hydraulic ram. Each cart may contain a different type of recyclable material such as plastic, aluminum, tin, paper, etc. The compactor is configured for use within a confined area, as for example, on an oil or production rig. 
         [0005]    Delitek AS manufactures and sells waste compactors for used on board ships and other marine vessels. Delitek&#39;s compactors include Model Nos. DT-200MC, DT-500MC, DT-1500MC, and DT-2000MC. The Delitek compactors include a compacting unit and one or more wheeled carts containing the waste or recyclable material for compaction. Bothe the compacting unit and the cart are made of stainless steel to weather the onboard conditions at sea. During compaction, the ram mechanism may create compaction forces between 9 and 15 tons depending on the model size. Due to the configuration of the compactors, the compaction forces are directed and distributed primarily upon the bottom plate of the wheeled container (and the wheels) and then to the bottom member of the compacting unit upon which the wheeled container sits during the compacting process. The amount and distribution of the compaction forces requires that the compacting unit have bottom and side members capable of withstanding the compaction forces. The steel forming the compacting unit&#39;s bottom and side members contribute to an increase in the manufacturing costs associated with the compactors. 
         [0006]    Because in the Delitek system, the compacting unit has a bottom member, the upper surface of which is elevated off the floor structure, ramps are provided for the loading and unloading of the carts. This design is problematic because the weight of the carts makes their manipulation and transportation into and out of the compacting unit vis-a-vis the ramp(s) difficult particularly given the swaying-action (pitch and roll) of the marine vessel. Because of their weight and instability on the ramps, the containers are subject to unintended movement and downward rolls off the ramp(s) that may cause injury to equipment and personnel. 
         [0007]    Standard compactors distribute the compacting forces in a loop arrangement about the frame structure of the compacting unit.  FIG. 1  depicts such a loop arrangement. The loop is formed by a top member  110  and a bottom member  112  interconnected by two side members  114 , with a compaction cylinder  116  pushing a ram  118  to the opposite end of the box. In vertical compactors, the top member  110 , bottom member  112 , and side members  114  are connected in a fixed arrangement. The cylinder  116  is held by the top member  110 . The cylinder  116  pushes the ram  118  into a cart  120 , which is rolled out from under the ram  118  while still attached to the frame allowing the cart  120  to be loaded with more waste. The cart  120  may hold a bag to accommodate removal of the waste. The force of the ram  118  pushing downward is absorbed by wheels  122  affixed to the bottom  124  of the cart  120 . Some conventional compactor systems include a mechanism for directing the downward force of the ram  118  to the bottom member of the frame. For example, a spring/pad assembly  126  may interconnect the bottom  124  of the cart  120  to the bottom member  112  of the compacting unit to lessen the impact on the cart&#39;s wheels  122 . In this manner, the fixed bottom member  112  must absorb all of the force of cylinder  116 . 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,121 (the &#39;121 patent), which is incorporated herein by reference and schematically depicted in  FIG. 2 , describes a compactor system in which the top member  10  is separable from the side members  114  to permit its selective horizontal displacement. The top member  110  may be rolled out of alignment with the cart  120  so that waste can be added to the cart  120  or compressed waste removed therefrom. The top member  110  may be rolled back into alignment with the cart  120  to perform compaction operations. The cart  120  is fixed within the compacting unit on bottom member  112  and is not transportable. During waste compaction, the top member  110  is vertically lifted as the ram  118  of the compactor cylinder  116  contacts the waste material in the container  120 . When the top member  110  is raised a sufficient distance, it contacts or engages an upper portion of the side members  114  at top braces  128  to reestablish a standard loop whereby the compaction force is transferred through the side members  114  and into the bottom member  112  of the frame. 
         [0009]    Despite the advancements made in waste compaction, the need still exists for a compactor system for use in the marine environment that is compact and sturdy, but also of reduced weight for ease of manufacture and of mobility on board a marine vessel. These needs, and others, are met by the compactor system and method of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a compactor system for use on board marine vessels such as ships and offshore installations. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compactor system that is cost-effective to manufacture. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compactor system with a reduced overall weight. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a reduced-weight compacting unit. 
         [0014]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compacting unit without a bottom member so that the cart rests on the floor when placed in operational position within the compacting unit. 
         [0015]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compactor system in which the cart has a bottom member capable of withstanding the compaction force and which takes the place of the fixed bottom member of conventional compacting units. 
         [0016]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compactor system capable of establishing a compaction force-distribution loop among the upper frame portion of the compacting unit and the side and bottom members of the cart. 
         [0017]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compactor system in which the wheels on the underside of the cart are not subjected to the compaction force. 
         [0018]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a safer compactor system that eliminates the need for loading/unloading ramps. 
         [0019]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multiuse compactor system wherein either the compacting unit and/or the container may be transportable. 
         [0020]    These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the present invention, which is described herein. The present invention includes a compactor system that has a cart for containing a waste or recyclable material. The cart may have a floor panel and a plurality of interconnected side members defining an interior for containment of the waste material. A fixed bottom member may be secured to the underside of the floor panel. The upper rim of the cart may include a lip member. The lip member, bottom member, and the plurality of side members may be constructed to withstand a compaction force. A transport means may be affixed to the underside of the floor panel. The transport means may enable the cart to be moved about a floor structure. 
         [0021]    The compactor system may include a compacting unit having a frame assembly defining a cavity for placement of the cart upon the floor structure during compaction of the waste or recyclable material. The frame assembly may include a moveable upper frame portion connected by a connection means to a lower fixed frame portion. The moveable upper frame portion may include a shoulder to cooperate with the lip of the cart. The lower fixed frame portion may have a plurality of support legs positioned on the floor structure. 
         [0022]    The compactor system may include a compacting assembly for compacting the waste or recyclable material in the cart. The compacting assembly may be operatively connected to the moveable upper frame portion. The compacting assembly may include a ram member and a piston assembly operatively affixed thereto that when activated produces a compaction force to compact the waste or recyclable material in the cart. 
         [0023]    In the compactor system of the present invention, the moveable upper frame portion may move upward in response to the ram member encountering the waste or recyclable material resulting in the engagement of the shoulder of the moveable upper frame portion with the lip member of the cart to thereby establish a compaction force-distribution loop among the moveable upper frame portion and the plurality of side members and bottom member of the cart. 
         [0024]    The side and bottom members of the cart are subjected to and are capable of withstanding the compaction force. The engagement of the shoulder of the moveable upper frame portion with the lip member of the cart prevents distribution of the compaction force upon the transport means of the cart. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the moveable upper frame portion may include a top member and a plurality of perpendicularly extending side arms affixed thereto. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the connection means may include a pin extending from an upper end of each of the plurality of support legs and a vertical slot in each of the plurality of perpendicularly extending side arms of the moveable upper frame portion through which one of pins is operatively positioned. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the plurality of support legs of the fixed lower frame portion comprises four support legs and the plurality of perpendicularly extending side arms of upper frame portion comprises four side arms. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the moveable upper frame portion may have two shoulders and the upper rim of the cart may have two lip members. Each shoulder may extend between two of the side arms. Each shoulder may cooperate with one of the lip members. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, one or more brace members interconnect the top member to each of the shoulders. 
         [0030]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the plurality of support legs are detachably affixed to the floor structure. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the transport means includes a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes two pairs of wheels. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the cart is without the transport means and may be detachably affixed to the floor structure. The plurality of support legs may each include transporting means enabling the compacting unit to move about the floor structure for placement over the cart for compaction of the waste material and removal therefrom after compaction. The transporting means may be a wheel or roller. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the cart may include a lock mechanism for securing the cart within the cavity of the compacting unit during compaction of the waste or recyclable material. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, one of the plurality of side members of the cart may comprise a door for gaining access to the interior of the cart for placement or removal of waste or recyclable material therefrom. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the compacting unit and cart are each made of metal. The metal may be stainless steel. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the compacting assembly may include a guide for stabilizing the ram member. The guide may have an upper end operatively connected to the moveable upper frame portion and a lower end operatively connected to the ram member. The guide may be substantially parallel to the piston assembly. 
         [0037]    In another embodiment of the compactor system, the piston assembly may be actuated by electronic, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic means. 
         [0038]    The present invention is also directed to a method of compacting a waste material. The method may comprise the step of providing a compactor system as aforementioned. The method may include placing the waste or recyclable material to be compacted into the interior of the cart. The method may include causing the cart to be operationally positioned within the compacting unit. The method may include activating the compacting assembly to compact the waste or recyclable material in the cart by extending the ram member. The method may include moving the moveable upper frame portion upward to a compacting position in response to the ram member encountering the waste or recyclable material. The method may include engaging the lip member of the cart with the shoulder of the moveable upper frame portion to establish a compaction force-distribution loop among the moveable upper frame portion and the plurality of side members and bottom member of the cart to prevent the transport means of the cart from being subjected to the compaction force. 
         [0039]    In another embodiment of the method, the steps may include retracting the ram member, moving the moveable upper frame portion downward to a non-compacting position, and removing the cart from the compacting unit. 
         [0040]    In another embodiment of the method, for the steps of causing the cart to be operationally positioned within the compacting unit and of removing the cart from the compacting unit, the moveable upper frame assembly is in a non-compacting position whereby a gap exists between the shoulder of the moveable upper frame portion and the lip member of the cart. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment of the method, the steps may include removing the compacted waste or recyclable material from the interior of the cart, and storing the compacted waste or recyclable material for later disposal or recycling. 
         [0042]    In another embodiment of the method, the transport means of the cart may include a wheel assembly, the plurality of support legs may be detachable affixed to the floor structure, and the cart may be operationally positioned within the compacting unit by moving the cart into the cavity of the frame assembly. 
         [0043]    In another embodiment of the method, the cart is without the transport means and may be detachable affixed to the floor structure, the plurality of support legs may each include a transporting means, and the cart may be operationally positioned within the compacting unit by moving the compacting unit over the cart so that the cart is situated within the cavity of the frame assembly up on the floor structure. The transporting means may be a wheel or roller. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment of the method, the steps may include providing a second cart, placing a second type of waste or recyclable material to be compacted into the interior of the second cart, causing the second cart to be operationally positioned within the compacting unit, activating the compacting assembly to compact the waste or recyclable material in the second cart by extending the ram member, moving the moveable upper frame portion upward to a compacting position in response to the ram member encountering the waste or recyclable material, engaging the lip member of the second cart with the shoulder of the moveable upper frame portion to establish a compaction force-distribution loop among the moveable upper frame portion and the plurality of side members and bottom member of the second cart and to prevent the transport means of the second cart from being subjected to the compaction force, retracting the ram member, moving the moveable upper frame portion downward to a non-compacting position, and removing the second cart from the compacting unit. 
         [0045]    In another embodiment of the method, the steps may include repeating all of the steps recited in the previous paragraph with a third cart containing a third type of waste or recyclable material. 
         [0046]    One of the novel features of the present invention is the establishment of the compaction force-distribution loop among the moveable upper frame portion and the plurality of side members and bottom member of the cart. The compaction force-distribution loop is accomplished by providing a frame assembly that is divided into two portions; a moveable upper frame portion and a lower fixed frame portion. Because the compacting assembly is operatively connected to the moveable upper frame portion of the frame assembly, the moveable upper frame portion will move upwards when the ram member of the compacting assembly encounters waste material in the interior of the container during compaction operations. When the moveable upper frame portion moves a required distance, the shoulder of the moveable upper frame portion engages the lip extending on the upper rim of the cart. This engagement establishes the compaction force-distribution loop and further serves to prevent the transport means affixed to the bottom member of the cart from being subjected to the compaction force, which is transferred to the moveable upper frame portion through the engagement of the lip member with the shoulder. 
         [0047]    Because of the unique compaction force-distribution loop arrangement of the compactor system of the present invention, the compacting unit or frame assembly does not require bottom and side members to absorb the compaction force. The bottom and side members are now present on the cart, which is included within the compaction force-distribution loop, together with the moveable upper frame portion of the compacting unit. The elimination of the bottom and side members from the compacting unit achieves advantages in manufacturing as the compactor system is made more cost-effective. An estimated 75% less stainless steel is required to construct the compactor system of the present invention. The elimination also provides for a safer compactor system as the need for loading/unloading ramps to gain access to the upper surface of the bottom member, as in conventional systems, is not required. In the compactor system of the present invention, the floor structure serves as the support for the cart when place into the compacting position within the compactor unit. 
         [0048]    The compactor system of the present invention may also be used in recycling operations on board marine vessels and offshore installations. The system may include multiple carts for use within the compacting unit. Different types of recyclable material such as plastic, aluminum, tin, paper, and the like may be separately placed within individual carts for collection purposes. Each cart may then be placed within the compacting unit for compaction of the recyclable material within the cart. The cart containing the compacted recyclable material may then be removed from the compacting unit for storage, and another cart containing a different type of recyclable material placed within the compacting unit for compacting the recyclable material. In this fashion, recyclable material may be compacted and thereafter stored aboard the marine vessel or offshore installation until such time that the stored material can be sent to a recycling facility. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0049]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of a conventional compactor. 
           [0050]      FIG. 2  Is a schematic of another conventional compactor. 
           [0051]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the frame assembly of the compacting unit. 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  is an exploded front perspective view of the frame assembly. 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the cart. 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the compactor system. 
           [0055]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the compactor system with the cart locked within the compacting unit. 
           [0056]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the compactor system with the upper frame portion in the non-compacting position. 
           [0057]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the compactor system. 
           [0058]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of the compactor system with the upper frame portion in the compacting position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0059]    A compactor system may include a compacting unit having frame assembly  10  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Frame assembly  10  may include moveable upper frame portion  12  and lower fixed frame portion  14 . Frame assembly  10  may also include cavity  16 . Lower fixed frame portion  14  may include support legs  18  interconnected in spaced-relation by braces  19 . Support legs  18  may be configured in a square, rectangular, or other arrangement to form cavity  16 . Lower fixed frame portion  14  supports moveable upper frame portion  12 . Foot members  20  may be operatively connected to a lower end of each of support legs  18 . Foot members  20  may be used to secure frame assembly  10  to a floor structure to stabilize the compactor system when the ship is in motion. The floor structure may be the floor of a marine vessel such as ship or offshore installation. 
         [0060]    An upper end of each support leg  18  of lower frame portion  14  may include pin  22  and support surface  23 . Upper frame portion  12  may include vertical slots  24 . In one embodiment, slots  24  may be disposed through a lower end of each side arm  25  of upper frame portion  12 . Each pin  22  may be disposed through one of vertical slots  24  such that upper frame portion  12  is moveably connected (e.g., in sliding arrangement) to lower frame portion  14  allowing vertical movement of upper frame portion  12  relative to lower frame portion  14 . Side arms  25  are affixed to top member  27  and extend perpendicular thereto. Upper frame portion  12  may also include shoulders  26 . Brace members  29  interconnect top member  27  to shoulders  26 . 
         [0061]    Cavity  16  of frame assembly  10  may be dimensioned to receive a cart, such as cart  28  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Cart  28  may include interior space  30  for holding material. Cart  28  may have floor panel  71  and interconnected side members  69 . Bottom member  68  is affixed to the underside of floor  71 . Bottom member  68  and side members  69  are constructed to withstand the compaction force during compaction operations. The material held in interior space  30  may be any material capable of being compacted, such as waste. Cart  28  may also include lip member  32  about the upper rim of cart  28 . Lip member  32  may also be constructed to withstand the compaction force. Cart  28  may include wheel assembly  34 . Wheel assembly  34  may be a pair of wheels or two pairs of wheels. Wheel assembly  34  may be positioned on the underside of floor panel  71 . Cart  28  may further include door  36  connected to cart  28  with hinges  38 . Securing mechanism  40  may be used to selectively lock door  36  in a closed position as shown. Securing mechanism  40  may be any type of securing mechanism, including a rotating mechanism as shown in  FIG. 5 . Cart  28  may include stop means  41  forming an external ridge around side member  69  to assist in the placement of cart  28  within cavity  16 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 6  shows a cart  28  within cavity  16  of frame assembly  10 . Lip member  32  of cart  28  is disposed above shoulders  26  of upper frame position  12 . Cart  28  may include a lock mechanism for securing cart  28  to frame assembly  10 . The lock mechanism may include latch assembly  42  having latch  44  affixed to cart  28  through brace  46 . Brace  19  may include aperture  48  dimensioned to receive latch  44 . Brace  19  may include more than one aperture  48  to receive more than one latch  44  of cart  28 .  FIG. 6  shows cart  28  having two latches  44  and brace  19  having two apertures  48 . It is to be understood that the compactor system may have any number of latches  44  and apertures  48 . 
         [0063]    By placing an end of latch  44  through aperture  48 , cart  28  may be secured to lower frame  14  as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0064]    With reference to  FIG. 8 , the compactor system may also include piston assembly  50  (e.g. cylinder, road and piston) for controlling a vertical movement of ram member  52 . An upper end of piston assembly  50  may be operatively attached to upper frame portion  12  (at top member  27 ) and a lower end of piston assembly  50  may be attached to ram member  52 . Guide  54  may also be operatively connected to upper frame portion  12  (at top member  27 ) and ram member  52  for stabilizing ram member  52 .  FIG. 8  shows frame assembly  10  in a non-compacting (load position for loading cart  28 ) position in which shoulders  26  of upper frame portion  12  are supported by support surfaces  23  of lower frame  14 . With frame assembly  10  in the non-compacting position and cart  28  positioned within cavity  16  of frame assembly  10 , lip member  32  may be disposed a distance  56  above shoulders  26 . Distance  56  permits cart  28  to be in an unobstructed position so that cart  28  may be moved into and out of cavity  16 . In the load position, pin  22  of lower frame portion  14  may be disposed near an upper end of vertical slot  24  of upper frame portion  12 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the compactor system may further include electric motor  58 , hydraulic pump  60 , control valve  62 , and starter  64  for controlling piston assembly  50 . A user may activate starter  64  to activate electric motor  58  to operate hydraulic pump  60 . Hydraulic pump  60  may send fluid through control valve  62  and to piston assembly  50 . A user may adjust control valve  62  to extend or retract piston assembly  50  thereby vertically moving ram member  52 . 
         [0066]    With reference now to  FIGS. 8-10 , the compactor system may be used to compact material  66  contained within interior space  30  of cart  28 . Electric motor  58  and hydraulic pump  60  may be used to extend piston assembly  50  in order to lower ram member  52 . When ram member  52  contacts material  66 , further extension of piston assembly  50  may lift upper frame portion  12  to a raised position (shown in  FIG. 10 ) in which shoulder  26  of upper frame portion  12  contacts lip member  32  of cart  28 . Upper frame portion  12  is capable of moving to the raised position because of the connection of upper frame portion  12  to lower frame portion  14  through in  22  and vertical slot  24 . As upper frame portion  12  is moved upward, vertical slot  24  is also moved upward relative to pin  22 . In the raised position, pin  22  of lower frame position  14  may be disposed lower than the upper end of vertical slot  24  of upper frame portion  12  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0067]    Further extension of piston assembly  50  with upper fame portion  12  in the raised position may apply a compaction force to material  66 . While compacting material  66  in cart  28 , the compaction force applied by ram member  52  is distributed or transferred from upper frame portion  12  to side member  69  and bottom member  68  of cart  28  by engagement of lip member  32  of cart  28  with shoulders  26  of upper frame portion  12 . In particular, the compaction force is transferred from top member  27  to brace members  29  to shoulders  26  to lip member  32  to side members  69  and to bottom member  68 . No compaction force is applied to wheels  34  and cart  28 . No compaction force is applied through lower frame  14 . The compaction force caused by operation of the compacting assembly may be from 9 to 15 tons. 
         [0068]    After compaction is complete, piston assembly  50  may be retracted in order to raise ram member  52 . As ram member  52  is lifted out of contact with material  66 , upper frame portion  12  may be lowered into the non-compacting position (shown in  FIG. 8 ) in which lip member  32  of cart  28  is disposed distance  56  above shoulders  26 . This movement will occur when the force exerted by ram member  52  is less than the weight of upper frame portion  12 . Upper frame portion  12  will stop moving once shoulders  26  of upper frame  12  are supported on support surfaces  23  of lower frame portion  14 , and pin  24  of lower frame  14  is disposed through the upper end of vertical slot  24  of upper frame portion  12 . Further retraction of piston assembly  50  may lift ram member  52  out of interior space  30  of cart  28 . The lock mechanism may then be disengaged so that cart  28  may be removed from cavity  16  of frame assembly  10 . Securing mechanism  40  may be disengaged so that door  36  of can  28  may be opened to remove the compacted material  66 . 
         [0069]    It is to be understood that a waste collection bag may be placed within interior space  30  of cart  28  to hold the waste material. 
         [0070]    When cart  28  is not positioned within cavity  16  of frame assembly  10 , it may be secured to a wall or any other structure having an aperture dimensioned to receive latch  44  of latch system  42 . This feature may be useful for storage of cart  28  on a ship during movement. 
         [0071]    The compaction system may be used with more than one cart. The compaction system may be used with a cart that is fixed to a floor by placing frame assembly  10  over the stationary cart. For example, transport means such as wheels may be placed under foot members  20  of lower frame portion  14  in order to facilitate the movement of frame assembly  10 . 
         [0072]    The compactor system may be constructed of metal. The metal may be stainless steel. It is to be understood that frame assembly  10  may be plated to form an enclosure or housing. 
         [0073]    Because frame assembly  10  includes no bottom member below cavity  16 , no ramp is required t roll cart  28  into cavity  16  of frame assembly  10 . The absence of a ramp eliminate the safety hazards associated with rolling a cart up and down a ramp. Frame assembly  10  weighs less than conventional compactor systems because of the absence of a bottom member (about 75% of the stainless steel material is eliminated). 
         [0074]    While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalents, many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those skilled in the art from a review hereof.