Self-standing aluminum can crushing device

The present invention is a self-standing unit designed to compact aluminum cans. A stand is connected to a vertical housing, which is hollowed out and contains a can slot, a slot for a handle, and a plurality of slots for a plurality of springs to operate. Connected to the vertical member are the springs, which also connect to a crushing device. The crushing device fits inside the hollow section of the vertical member and has the handle located near the top of it. The invention is spring loaded so that the can slot normally stays open for placing a can inside to be crushed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is a self-contained unit designed to manually compact aluminum cans.

2. Prior Art

The Yelczyn et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,239) is directed to a pivoted can crusher with a handle.

The Accettura et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,765) is directed to an aluminum can compactor where the can rests between a series of legs.

The Chen Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,498) is directed to the structure of an aluminum can crusher having a driving gear mounted on a movable axle.

The Fabbri et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,875) is directed to a manually operated press for crushing aluminum cans.

The Maki et al. Patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,569) is directed to a manually operated crushing device.

The Can Crusher is another piece of prior art that is not patent related, but illustrates a wall-mounted can crusher using a pivot.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a self-standing unit designed to compact aluminum cans. A stand is connected to a vertical housing, which is hollowed out and contains a can slot, a slot for a handle, and a plurality of slots for a plurality of springs to operate. Connected to the vertical member are the springs, which also connect to a crushing device. The crushing device fits inside the hollow section of the vertical member and has the handle located near the top of it. The invention is spring loaded so that the can slot normally stays open for placing a can inside to be crushed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Detailed reference will now be made to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated inFIGS. 1-4.

An invention10has a base20that is connected to a vertical housing21. The vertical housing21is hollowed out, contains a can slot22, and a handle slot23. The vertical housing21also contains left and right side openings25. A crushing device30fits inside of the hollowed section of the vertical member21. At the top of the crushing device30is a handle31. Attached near the top of the left and right side of the vertical housing21is a vertical housing angle bracket32. Attached to each vertical housing angle bracket32is a spring33. Connected to the other end of each spring33is a crushing device angle bracket34.

In operation, the invention10operates by placing an aluminum can40inside of the can slot22, and pushing the handle31toward the base20. Once the aluminum can40is crushed, the springs33will raise the crushing device30, and the crushed aluminum can40can be removed from the can slot22.