Manually operated trash compactor for airplane lavatory and method for compacting trash

An example lavatory waste compartment includes a waste bin having a waste compartment for trash, a waste flap providing an opening into the waste compartment for insertion of the trash, and a manually operated trash compactor coupled to a ceiling. The manually operated trash compactor includes an expansion component connected to a compacting head, and a retraction component coupled to the expansion component to hold or retract the expansion component to a stowed position. An increase in temperature above a threshold temperature causes the retraction component to release the expansion component resulting in deployment of the compacting head into the waste bin. An actuation device is provided to deploy the expansion component from the stowed position, and when deployed, the expansion component blocks opening of the waste flap, and the retraction component causes the expansion component to retract to the stowed position via release of the actuation device.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a trash compactor, and more particularly to an airplane lavatory waste compartment including a trash compactor and a method for compacting trash.

BACKGROUND

In today's airplane market, space is at a premium and waste stowage has been identified as a valued item for passengers, especially in lavatories where space is of even greater focus. Lavatory trash is predominantly paper towels and tissues and can be easily compressed, but when uncompressed, such trash consumes significant volume and fills waste compartments quickly.

Currently, some airplane attendants use improvised tools to compress waste compartments in-flight. Unfortunately, such action can only be performed when the lavatory is unoccupied, and such action interrupts lavatory usage. In addition, this approach does not offer a consistent and efficient way to increase waste volume in the waste compartments, and further, can be an unhygienic solution.

Other existing waste management solutions for aircraft include galley trash compactors. Such trash compactors include hydraulic technology to compact trash and reduce trash volume in the galley area. These types of motorized trash compactors associated with galleys offer very high crushing forces and with that extreme compactions comes additional weight and complexity. However, aircraft lavatories do not include powered trash compactors, and the lavatory trash bins frequently fill to the top requiring flight attendants to empty the trash in route.

What is needed is a light duty tamper unit that provides ability to compact trash in aircraft lavatories, thereby improving lavatory hygiene, without requiring new electrical connections, without creating new maintenance complications, and while offering a light weight solution.

SUMMARY

In one example, a lavatory waste compartment is described that comprises a waste bin that has a waste compartment for trash, a waste flap that provides an opening into the waste compartment for insertion of the trash, and a manually operated trash compactor coupled to a ceiling of the lavatory waste compartment. The manually operated trash compactor includes an expansion component connected to a compacting head, and the manually operated trash compactor includes a retraction component coupled to the expansion component to hold or retract the expansion component to a stowed position. An increase in temperature above a threshold temperature causes the retraction component to release the expansion component resulting in deployment of the compacting head into the waste bin. The lavatory waste compartment also comprises an actuation device for manually operating the trash compactor, and usage of the actuation device deploys the expansion component from the stowed position to cause the compacting head to compact the trash contained in the waste bin toward a floor of the waste bin and also when deployed from the stowed position the expansion component blocks opening of the waste flap to prevent insertion of the trash into the waste compartment through the opening provided by the waste flap. The retraction component causes the expansion component to retract to the stowed position via release of the actuation device.

In another example, a trash compactor is described comprising an expansion component connected to a compacting head, and a retraction component coupled to the expansion component to hold or retract the expansion component to a stowed position. An increase in temperature above a threshold temperature causes the retraction component to release the expansion component resulting in deployment of the compacting head to compact trash. The trash compactor also comprises an actuation device for manually operating the trash compactor, and usage of the actuation device deploys the expansion component from the stowed position to cause the compacting head to compact trash. The retraction component causes the expansion component to retract to the stowed position via release of the actuation device.

In still another example, an airplane lavatory is described comprising a waste compartment including a waste bin having a waste compartment for trash, a waste flap providing an opening into the waste compartment for insertion of the trash, and a manually operated trash compactor coupled to a ceiling of the lavatory waste compartment. The manually operated trash compactor includes an expansion component connected to a compacting head, and the manually operated trash compactor includes a retraction component coupled to the expansion component to hold or retract the expansion component to a stowed position. An increase in temperature above a threshold temperature causes the retraction component to release the expansion component resulting in deployment of the compacting head into the waste bin. The airplane lavatory also comprises an actuation device for manually operating the trash compactor, and the actuation device is positioned exterior to the airplane lavatory. Usage of the actuation device deploys the expansion component from the stowed position to cause the compacting head to compact the trash contained in the waste bin toward a floor of the waste bin and also when deployed from the stowed position the expansion component blocks opening of the waste flap to prevent insertion of the trash into the waste compartment through the opening provided by the waste flap. The retraction component causes the expansion component to retract to the stowed position via release of the actuation device.

In still a further example, a method for compacting trash is described comprising holding, by a retraction component, an expansion component of a trash compactor to a stowed position, operating an actuation device to deploy the expansion component from the stowed position causing a compacting head to which the expansion component is connected to compact trash, releasing the actuation device causing the expansion component to retract to the stowed position due to the retraction component, and releasing, by the retraction component, the expansion component based on an increase in temperature above a threshold temperature resulting in deployment of the compacting head to compact trash.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several different embodiments may be described and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Airplane lavatory trash predominantly includes paper towels and tissues, and other items that can be compressed, but when not compressed, such items consume significant volume and fill waste compartments quickly. In an airplane, space is a high commodity. Airplane attendants may use tools in flight to compress the trash contents, however, this may only be performed when the lavatory is unoccupied and is time consuming and interrupts lavatory usage. This can also be unhygienic to engage with waste material.

Example trash compactors described herein include light duty tampers, or manually operated trash compactors, that are non-powered and are configured to be installed into the airplane lavatory waste compartment to allow for a uniformed horizontal surface to fully compress trash contents. The trash compactor can be operated by an attendant even when the lavatory is occupied, allowing waste to be compressed numerous times throughout the flight without interrupting lavatory usage. The trash compactor can also be operated without any engagement by the crew with waste material or unhygienic surfaces. The trash compactor creates a greater valuable storage volume for lavatory trash and prevents overflowing waste compartments.

An example lavatory waste compartment includes a waste bin having a waste compartment for trash, a waste flap providing an opening into the waste compartment for insertion of the trash, and a manually operated trash compactor coupled to a ceiling. The manually operated trash compactor includes an expansion component connected to a compacting head, and a retraction component coupled to the expansion component to hold or retract the expansion component to a stowed position. An increase in temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g., such as due to heat generated from a fire within the waste compartment) causes the retraction component to release the expansion component resulting in deployment of the compacting head into the waste bin. An actuation device is provided to deploy the expansion component from the stowed position, and when deployed, the expansion component blocks opening of the waste flap, and the retraction component causes the expansion component to retract to the stowed position via release of the actuation device.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an example trash compactor100is illustrated. The trash compactor100includes an expansion component102connected to a compacting head104, and a retraction component106coupled to the expansion component102to hold or retract the expansion component102to a stowed position108. The trash compactor100also includes an actuation device110for manually operating the trash compactor100. Usage of the actuation device110deploys the expansion component102from the stowed position108to cause the compacting head104to compact trash.

FIG. 2illustrates the example trash compactor100with the expansion component102deployed. For example, the expansion component102may comprise an internal component112that extends out of the expansion component102pushing the compacting head104to compact trash via usage of the actuation device110. In this example, the actuation device110is a pull handle actuatable to pull a cable114connecting the actuation device110to the expansion component102.

The retraction component106can then cause the expansion component102to retract to the stowed position108via release of the actuation device110. The retraction component106includes a frangible or meltable material such that an increase in temperature above a threshold temperature causes the retraction component106to release the expansion component102resulting in deployment of the compacting head104to compact trash. The trash compactor100thus provides additional fire containment measures enabling automatic deployment to compact the trash and suppress a fire.

In one example, the retraction component106is a gas strut that causes the expansion component102to retract to the stowed position108via release of the actuation device110. The retraction component106can also include a spring loaded device, a coiled spring, or other mechanism that retracts the expansion component102and also releases the expansion component102under high temperature conditions, for example, which may result due to heat generated from a fire within a waste compartment.

The trash compactor100also includes a fitting116, as shown inFIG. 1, against which the compacting head104sits with the expansion component102in the stowed position108. The fitting116provides a seal between the manually operated trash compactor100and a waste compartment (shown inFIG. 8). The fitting116may be a gasket or rubber seal to prevent trash from entering the expansion component102.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of the expansion component102as scissor folding supports. The scissor folding supports include a number of arms, such as arm120, connected through a number of pivot joints, such as joint122. By applying pressure to an outside of the arms located at one end of the expansion component102to push the arms toward each other, as shown by the arrows, the expansion component102elongates in a crossing pattern to push the compacting head104downward. This can be achieved through mechanical or muscular means (e.g., hand or foot). The scissor folding supports are thus linked folding supports in a criss-cross ‘X’ pattern, known as a pantograph.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of the expansion component102with the scissor folding supports retracting. InFIG. 4, by pulling the arms located at one end of the expansion component102away from each other, as shown by the arrows, the expansion component102retracts to pull the compacting head104upward. This may also be performed by mechanical or muscular means. In examples described herein, retraction is performed with no additional input power by simply releasing the original pressure applied to the arms and allowing a gas strut, leaf spring, or similar energy storing device to retract the scissor folding supports.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a lavatory waste compartment150including the expansion component102with the scissor folding supports provided in the trash compactor100. The trash compactor100can be installed into the lavatory waste compartment150by mounting to a wall152in the waste compartment150. The trash compactor100can alternatively be installed into the lavatory waste compartment150by mounting to a ceiling154in the waste compartment150.

In this example, the retraction component106is shown as a gas strut that returns the expansion component102to an upper portion of the trash compactor100proximate to the ceiling154of the lavatory waste compartment150. The retraction component106is connected to a scissor support rod130. The actuation device110, shown as a pull handle, is connected to the cable114, which is also connected to the scissor support rod130. By pulling on the actuation device110, the cable114connected to the scissor support rod130pulls the scissor support rod130causing the arms of the scissor folding supports to move toward each other (e.g., as shown inFIG. 3) and causes the scissor folding supports and the compacting head104to expand downward toward a floor156of the lavatory waste compartment150. This also causes the retraction component106to compress.

Releasing the actuation device110removes the force applied to the retraction component106, and thus, the retraction component106then expands back to an original position forcing the scissor support rod130back toward the wall152, which causes the scissor folding supports to retract toward the stowed positioned (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4). Thus, pulling the actuation device110pulls the cable114to cause the expansion component102to deploy, and releasing the actuation device110causes the retraction component106to retract the expansion component102to the stowed position.

The ceiling154and the floor156of the lavatory waste compartment150can be smooth stainless steel materials. In addition, to ease in cleaning, the compacting head104can also be a smooth stainless steel material.

FIG. 6illustrates another example of the lavatory waste compartment150in which the actuation device110includes a pull lever. In this example, the pull lever is actuatable to pull the cable114and cause the expansion component102to deploy.

FIG. 7illustrates another example of the lavatory waste compartment150in which the actuation device110includes a foot pedal. In this example, a cable fitting132connects the cable114to the actuation device110, and the foot pedal is actuatable to pull the cable114and cause the expansion component102to deploy.

FIG. 8illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150. The lavatory waste compartment150includes a waste bin158having a waste compartment160for trash162, and a waste flap164providing an opening into the waste compartment160for insertion of the trash162. The manually operated trash compactor100is coupled to the ceiling154of the lavatory waste compartment150, and the trash compactor100includes the expansion component102connected to the compacting head104. The trash compactor100is shown including the retraction component106coupled to the expansion component102to hold or retract the expansion component102to the stowed position108, as shown inFIG. 8.

In addition, inFIG. 8, the actuation device110, shown as a pull handle, is for manually operating the trash compactor100, and usage of the actuation device110deploys the expansion component102from the stowed position108to cause the compacting head104to compact the trash162contained in the waste bin158toward the floor156of the waste bin158and also when deployed from the stowed position108the expansion component102blocks opening of the waste flap164to prevent insertion of the trash162into the waste compartment160through the opening provided by the waste flap164.

Following, the retraction component106causes the expansion component102to retract to the stowed position108via release of the actuation device110. In addition, an increase in temperature above a threshold temperature causes the retraction component106to release the expansion component102resulting in deployment of the compacting head104into the waste bin158, and in such examples, the retraction component106includes a frangible/meltable material (discussed more fully below).

As shown inFIG. 8, the expansion component102includes scissor folding supports, and the compacting head104includes a uniform horizontal surface. In other examples, the compacting head104has a size substantially matching a horizontal cross-section of the waste bin158. In still further examples, the compacting head104has a size smaller than a cross-section opening of the waste bin158. In such examples, the lavatory waste compartment150may also include the fitting116(as shown inFIG. 1) against which the compacting head104sits with the expansion component102in the stowed position, and the fitting116provides a periphery seal between the manually operated trash compactor100and the waste compartment160. The fitting116may be a rubber gasket, for example. In this example, the compacting head104can move freely downward due to having a smaller cross-section size as compared to the opening of the waste bin158.

In one example, the compacting head104has one or more rollers166one either side that contact one or more sides of the waste bin158as the compacting head104compacts the trash162contained in the waste bin158toward the floor156of the waste bin158. This may help guide the compacting head104toward the floor156. The rollers166can be spring loaded to compress against the sides of the waste bin158as the compacting head104compacts the trash162.

The trash compactor100can be a line-replaceable unit, such that the trash compactor100can be removed from the lavatory waste compartment150and replaced with a new one.

FIGS. 9-14illustrate side views of the lavatory waste compartment150in operation with the expansion component102being deployed to compress the trash162.

SpecificallyFIG. 9illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100in the stowed position.

FIG. 10illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100initially being deployed. To deter passenger use of the trash compactor100, the actuation device110(e.g., pull handle, pull lever, or foot pedal) can be located behind an access panel. As the actuation device110is pulled, the expansion component102begins to expand causing the compacting head104to move downward. At this initial stage, no crushing force may be required to cause initial deployment of the trash compactor100as there is no engagement with the trash162. At the position shown inFIG. 10, the trash compactor100begins to block opening of the waste flap164to prevent insertion of the trash162into the waste compartment160through the opening provided by the waste flap164.

FIG. 11illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100at a further stage of deployment. At this stage, the compacting head104of the trash compactor100contacts the trash162and begins to compress the trash162. Experiments were performed indicating that an applied pulling force of about 43.30 pounds on the actuation device110causes a downward force of about 25 pounds by the compacting head104at this stage of deployment.

FIG. 12illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100at a further stage of deployment. At this stage, the compacting head104of the trash compactor100continues to contact the trash162and compress the trash162. Experiments were performed indicating that an applied pulling force of about 25 pounds on the actuation device110causes a downward force of about 25 pounds by the compacting head104at this stage of deployment.

FIG. 13illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100at a further stage of deployment. At this stage, the compacting head104of the trash compactor100continues to contact the trash162and compress the trash162. Experiments were performed indicating that an applied pulling force of about 14.43 pounds on the actuation device110causes a downward force of about 25 pounds by the compacting head104at this stage of deployment.

FIG. 14illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100at a further stage of deployment. At this stage, the compacting head104of the trash compactor100continues to contact the trash162and compress the trash162. Experiments were performed indicating that an applied pulling force of about 6.70 pounds on the actuation device110causes a downward force of about 25 pounds by the compacting head104at this stage of deployment.

FIG. 15illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100at a full stage of deployment. At this stage, the compacting head104of the trash compactor100continues to contact the trash162and compress the trash162, and has compressed the trash162such that the trash compactor100is at 90% of deployment. The trash162has now been compressed, and experiments were performed that indicated about an 80% volume gain in the waste compartment160as compared to the volume with uncompressed trash as shown inFIG. 9.

Thus, the results of experiments show that to apply a constant crushing force of about 25 pounds throughout the entire cycle of the trash compactor100, via muscular means (hand or foot), an applied force of between about 6.70 pounds and 43.30 pounds is required. This force can be applied via a direct pull handle, a pull lever, or applying body weight via a foot pedal. A resistance force will be applied by the retraction component106(e.g., gas strut, leaf spring, or a similar energy storing device), which returns the expansion component102to the stowed position.

Once the trash has been compacted, additional trash can be deposited, and the trash compaction can be repeated. Once the waste bin158is full, the trash can be unloaded. A trash bag or liner may be present in the waste bin158that is held in place during movement of the compacting head104.

FIGS. 16-20illustrate side views of the lavatory waste compartment150in operation with the expansion component102being retracted after compressing the trash162.

Specifically,FIG. 16illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100starting to be retracted. Here, by releasing the actuation device110, the retraction component106causes the expansion component102to retract, which moves the compacting head104upward.

Following,FIGS. 17-20illustrate side views of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100at further stages of being retracted. As the actuation device110is released further, the applied pressure is removed and the retraction component106may fully retract the expansion component102to the stowed position.

It is noted that to deter passenger use of the trash compactor100, the actuation device110(e.g., pull handle, pull lever, or foot pedal) may be located behind an access panel.

It is also noted that at the positions shown inFIGS. 11-20, the trash compactor100blocks opening of the waste flap164to prevent insertion of the trash162into the waste compartment160through the opening provided by the waste flap164. Thus, in the short period, while the trash compactor100is in use compacting trash and the expansion component102is in motion, the lavatory waste compartment150will be unavailable for use to dispose of trash.

FIG. 21illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150with the trash compactor100fully retracted and returned to the stowed position. At this stage, the waste flap164is no longer blocked, and the lavatory waste compartment150is available for use to deposit additional trash.

As described above, the retraction component106can be configured such that an increase in temperature above a threshold temperature (e.g., as a result of heat generated from a fire within the waste compartment150) causes the retraction component106to release the expansion component102resulting in deployment of the compacting head104into the waste bin158.

FIGS. 22-23illustrate side views of the lavatory waste compartment150with the retraction component106releasing the expansion component102. For example,FIG. 22illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150. In instances in which the trash162may start on fire, a temperature in the waste bin158will increase. The retraction component106can be designed to fail under heat and/or fire so that the expansion component102will lower into the waste bin158.FIG. 23illustrates a side view of the lavatory waste compartment150in which the retraction component106has failed and the expansion component102lowers into the waste bin158. This aids in fire suppression in the instance that the trash162is on fire. Lowering the expansion component102into the waste bin158causes the compacting head104to smother any fire of the trash162aiding in fire containment according to FAA requirements.

The retraction component106may be designed to fail at a threshold temperature. An example threshold temperature may be in a range of about 200° F. to about 400° F. Experiments were performed to determine that temperatures rise to above 800° F. at a top of the lavatory waste compartment150in instances of fire in the lavatory waste compartment150, and thus, the retraction component106may be designed to fail at higher temperatures as well, such as in the range of about 400° F. to about 600° F. By the term “substantially” or “about” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The retraction component106may comprise a plastic gas strut or plastic leaf spring, etc. Different types of plastics have different melting points, and as an example, polyvinyl chloride plastics can melt at as low as 165° F., while other types will not melt until temperatures of about 600° F. or higher. Therefore, the retraction component106may be considered a frangible, meltable, or break-away bracketry (and/or gas strut, leaf spring, etc.) located in the upper portion of the lavatory waste compartment150that will fail under the heat and/or fire to deploy and lower the expansion component102into the waste bin158to aid in fire suppression, fire containment, and fire extinguishing. Once the retraction component106fails (e.g., melts), the expansion component102will fall due to gravity since no resistance force will be present to hold the expansion component102in the stowed position.

Additionally, as previously described, once the retraction component106fails and the expansion component102has been deployed or lowered, the trash compactor100will prevent the waste flap164from opening during a fire. This is further useful to prevent flare-ups in the fire due to oxygen entering through an opening of the waste flap164, and better maintains an air tight compartment. This also prevents passengers from depositing additional trash162into the lavatory waste compartment150and prevents additional fuel to the fire. An additional benefit results from preventing anyone from being exposed to the fire.

As described, the lavatory waste compartment150may be installed in an airplane lavatory.FIGS. 24-25illustrate exteriors of airplane lavatories170and172with the actuation device110positioned on an exterior of the airplane lavatories170and172. In some examples, to deter passenger use of the trash compactor100, the actuation device (e.g., pull handle, pull lever, or foot pedal) may be located behind an access panel.

InFIG. 24, the airplane lavatories170and172include the actuation device110for manually operating the trash compactor100positioned exterior to the airplane lavatories170and172. The actuation device110is shown as a pull handle positioned exterior to the airplane lavatories170and172. Usage of the actuation device110causes trash to be compacted in the lavatory waste compartment150that is installed interior to the airplane lavatories170and172.

FIG. 25illustrates the actuation device110as a foot pedal positioned exterior to the airplane lavatories170and172.

In further examples, the actuation device110is a pull lever positioned exterior to the airplane lavatories170and172.

By positioning the actuation device110exterior to the airplane lavatories170and172, the trash compactor100can be operated from the exterior even when the lavatory is occupied. This enables trash compacting with no interruption of usage of the airplane lavatories170and172. In addition, this allows trash to be compacted without engaging directly with the trash contents.

FIG. 26shows a flowchart of an example method200for compacting trash, according to an example embodiment. Method200shown inFIG. 26presents an embodiment of a method that, for example, could be used with the trash compactor100and the lavatory waste compartment150as shown and described herein, for example. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present embodiments. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the example embodiments of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

At block202, the method200includes holding, by the retraction component106, the expansion component102of the trash compactor100to the stowed position108.

At block204, the method200includes operating the actuation device110to deploy the expansion component102from the stowed position108causing the compacting head104to which the expansion component102is connected to compact the trash162.

At block206, the method200includes releasing the actuation device110causing the expansion component102to retract to the stowed position108due to the retraction component106.

At block208, the method200includes releasing, by the retraction component106, the expansion component102based on an increase in temperature above a threshold temperature resulting in deployment of the compacting head104to compact the trash162. Such releasing can occur as a result of heat generated from a fire within the waste compartment150.

FIG. 27shows a flowchart of an example method for use with the method200, according to an example embodiment. At block210, functions include blocking opening of the waste flap164by the expansion component102when deployed from the stowed position108to prevent insertion of the trash162into the waste compartment160through the opening provided by the waste flap164.