Abstract:
A power drill-operated can crusher comprises a frame, a plate, and a screw drive mechanism. The frame comprises a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner radius sized to contain a standard aluminum can and an opening on a bottom end for the insertion of an aluminum can into the interior of the frame. The plate comprises a rigid circular plate with radius equal to the inner radius of the frame. The screw drive mechanism comprises a screw mechanism which produces a linear mechanical action of the plate via rotational motion of the screw mechanism. The plate is connected inside the frame and parallel to the circular faces of the frame via the screw drive mechanism. The top end of the screw drive mechanism comprises a power drill adapter, which allows a user to rotate the mechanism with a standard power drill. To use the apparatus, a user places the plate in a high position within the frame, places an aluminum can in the bottom of the frame, engages the screw mechanism with a power drill in order to drive the plate downwards and flatten the can, and reverses the screw action to replace the plate in a high position, thereby allowing the flattened can to be removed from the frame.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 11, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to recycling, and in particular, to an apparatus adapted for the automatic crushing of aluminum cans in conjunction with an existing power drill. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     With society&#39;s increasing awareness of the dwindling supply of natural resources and overflowing landfills, many communities are providing and mandating recycling services to their residents. The benefits of these efforts have already begun to be seen and will continue to be realized in the future. However, as with most beneficial programs, these efforts are accompanied by some burdens. One (1) of these burdens is that the bulk of recycled materials consist of various containers such as beverage cans, steel cans, and plastic containers, and there is much wasted space present from the air in the containers. As such, a user must empty the said recycling container on a frequent basis since it tends to fill rapidly, thus leading to additional frustration. Another common practice is to crush or otherwise compact recyclable containers prior to placing them in a designated container. However, in many situations, a multitude of such containers must be dealt with simultaneously. Common problems include fatigue on the part of a user during this process as well as the inability of crushing by hand to achieve a desired level of compaction. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide device which assist in the crushing and compaction of recyclable containers. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,587, issued in the name of Wharton, describes a can crusher. The Wharton device provides an operating handle for leverage in crushing a can which a user has pre-provided with a slit along an outer surface to achieve full compaction. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,536, issued in the name of Dodd, describes an electrically actuated can crusher. The Dodd apparatus provides a powered means for compacting a can or the like. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,455, issued in the name of Geise, describes an aluminum can compacting mechanism including a handle for providing increased mechanical advantage to a user during a can crushing operation. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not automatic in the sense that prolonged use presents a physical hardship to a user. In addition, many such devices are not utilizable in a plurality of desired locations such as garages, picnic sites, and the like, due to lack of power sources, difficulty in transport, and the like. Accordingly, there exists a need for a recyclable container compacting apparatus without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an apparatus which provides automatic and repeatable recyclable container compaction functions to a user in a manner which is simple, portable, and comfortable. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for a user to crush cans or other objects in a powered manner via utilization of a common power drill. The apparatus comprises a frame, a crushing plate, inner and outer screw drive mechanisms, and a drill bit adaptor. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise a frame sized to integrally receive a common aluminum can. The frame comprises a hollow cylindrical structure of a material strong enough to withstand repeated crushing forces of housed containers. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to easily insert cans via an insertion aperture along a top surface of the frame. The insertion aperture is sized to easily receive a common aluminum can. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow a user to easily remove crushed cans after compaction via a dispensing aperture along a bottom surface of the frame. The dispensing aperture is smaller in size compared to the insertion aperture such that the can or container is not dispensed until after it is compacted. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide attachment to an existing conventional power drill via the power drill adaptor. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to crush a housed can or container by actuation of an attached existing power drill. The drill rotates the drill adaptor and screw drive mechanisms which then translate the motion into a lateral motioning of the flat crushing plate, thereby compacting the housed container. Reverse motioning of the drill reverses the motion of the plate for subsequent reuse. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of attaching the apparatus to an existing power drill via the drill adaptor, easily inserting a desired object for crushing via the insertion aperture, crushing the object via easy motioning of the crushing plate through normal operation of the drill, removing and depositing the device via the dispensing aperture, and resetting the apparatus for subsequent repeated use. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a power drill-operated can crusher  10  with a crushing plate  40  positionably advanced within a chamber  25 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the power drill-operated can crusher  10  with the crushing plate  40  positionably advanced within the chamber  25 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the power drill-operated can crusher  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an internal side view of the power drill-operated can crusher  10  with a power drill  60  connected thereto advancing the crushing plate  40  to crush a can  50 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the power drill-operated can crusher  10  illustrating a full-size can  50  accessing chamber  25  through an insertion aperture  26  and a crushed can  50  departing therefrom chamber  25  through a dispensing aperture  27 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the power drill-operated can crusher  10  with screw drive mechanisms  30 ,  32  and crushing plate  40  installably removed therefrom, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  power drill-operated can crusher 
               20  frame 
               21  stationary wall 
               22  fixed wall 
               24  internal wall 
               25  chamber 
               26  insertion aperture 
               27  dispensing aperture 
               30  inner screw drive mechanism 
               32  outer screw drive mechanism 
               35  guide hole 
               40  crushing plate 
               50  can 
               60  power drill 
               65  power drill chuck 
               70  power drill adapter 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 6 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method that provides a means for a user to operably crush cans  50  or other objects via utilization of a common power drill  60 . The power drill-operated can crusher (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises a frame  20 , a crushing plate  40 , an inner screw drive mechanism  30 , and an outer screw mechanism  32 . The majority of the components incorporated within the apparatus  10  is envisioned to be fabricated with conventional metallic materials such as steel, aluminum, and/or combination of the two (2) preferably, but not essentially, coated in a suitable protection finish such as, but not limited to, paint to protect from corrosion. The apparatus  10  would best be manufactured using commonly known stamping and welding processes to construct the frame  20  and crushing plate  40  of the apparatus  10  assembling them to commonly manufactured components such as the screw drive mechanisms  30 ,  32 . However, the apparatus  10  may be fabricated of any material with suitable qualities to withstand the crushing pressure and force being applied for successful crushing of the can  50 . The apparatus  10  may be of any suitable size and dimension so long as it is capable of crushing a standard aluminum can  50 . However, it is envisioned that the overall size and shape of the apparatus  10  is minimized so that said apparatus  10  may be easily installed thereto a power drill  60  of any size without any complication. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus, is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  comprises a frame  20  that is cylindrically shaped having an inner diameter sized to contain a standard aluminum can  50 . The frame  20  is a continuous hollow cylinder with exception of two (2) apertures  26 ,  27  integrally formed therein for the insertion of a full-size can  50  and the dispensing of a crushed can  50  which will be explained later. The frame  20  is relatively cylindrical with a hollow center which designates an area or chamber  25  by which will removably receive an object desired to be crushed, i.e. an aluminum can  50 . Please take note that for simplicity purposes, an aluminum can  50  will hereafter be described as the object to be crushed; however, it will be appreciated that multiple objects may be crushed with use of the apparatus  10  including, but not limited to: paper, cardboard juice boxes, trash, and more. The chamber  25  is cylindrically shaped as well to mimic the size and shape of a commonly known aluminum can  50  to aid in the secured containment of said aluminum can  50  before, during the action of, and after crushing said can  50 . The chamber  25  in which the can  50  would be crushed is adequately sized to receive a full-sized aluminum can  50  therein. Further, internal walls  24  help contain the outward projection of the can  50  as it is being crushed. The can  50  is held within the frame  20  of the apparatus  10  between the interior surface walls  24  of the chamber  25  which is then contained until fully crushed upon which the crushed can  50  may then fall through the dispensing aperture  27  upon retraction of a crushing plate  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , top and bottom views of the apparatus  10 , are herein disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The frame  20  comprises two (2) apertures  26 ,  27 , a can insertion aperture  26  and a crushed can dispensing aperture  27 . Positioned on the top surface of the frame  20  is the can insertion aperture  26  for the insertion of an aluminum can  50  into the interior of the frame  20  within the chamber  25 . A dispensing aperture  27  is smaller in size in comparison with the insertion aperture  26  to prevent an uncrushed can  50  from falling through. The original length of an aluminum can  50  prevents said can  50  from falling through the dispensing aperture  27  prior to compaction. The insertion aperture  26  is integral with the chamber  25  and sized so that an uncrushed can  50  may be placed within the chamber  25 . The dispensing aperture  27  is integral with the chamber  25  and sized so that an uncrushed can  50  may not fall through until fully crushed. The dispensing aperture  27  is sized so that the linear distance from front to rear would be less than an uncrushed can  50  but greater than that of a crushed can  50 . Thus, when an empty can  50  is loaded into the chamber  25  through the insertion aperture  26 , it is still supported by the chamber  25  until the can  50  is crushed by the linear motion of a crushing plate  40  upon which the can  50  is then compressed to a size at which may fall via gravity through the dispensing aperture  27 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , views of the apparatus  10 , are herein disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A threaded assembly of screw drive mechanisms  30 ,  32  is installed within the apparatus  10  to produce a linear mechanical action of the crushing plate  40  via rotational motion being applied through a power drill  60 . The screw drive mechanisms  30 ,  32  are envisioned to take the form of a laterally stationary inner threaded rod  30  that spins upon activation of a power drill  60 , thereby causing lateral motioning of a threadingly engaged outer screw drive mechanism  32  mounted thereupon said inner screw drive mechanism  30 . Said inner screw drive mechanism  30  is rotated using a common power drill  60  affixed thereto the apparatus  10  via a power drill adapter  70  being integral to the inner screw drive mechanism  30 . The outer screw drive mechanism  32  penetrates a fixed wall  22  having a guide hole  35  formed through. The outer screw drive mechanism  32  is fully supported through the guide hole  35  by which said outer screw drive mechanism  32  may motion to and fro. The outer screw drive mechanism  32  is guided at one (1) end via the guide hole portion  35  of the fixed wall  22  and is functionally adapted to remain horizontally stable via the inner screw drive mechanism  30  within. The threads on the inner screw drive mechanism  30  matingly engage the threads within the outer screw drive mechanism  32 . In this way, rotation of the inner screw drive mechanism  30  motions said outer screw drive mechanism  32  linearly inward towards the chamber  25  and outward away from the chamber  25  dependent upon the direction of rotation being applied by the power drill  60 . 
     The proximal end of the inner screw drive mechanism  30  comprises a power drill adapter  70 , which allows a user to rotate said mechanism  30  with a standard power drill  60 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The power drill  60  may be of any commonly known drills that receive its power from an electrical outlet or a rechargeable battery for example. The inner screw drive mechanism  30  is actuated via activation of a power drill  60  once said power drill  60  is in communication with a power drill adapter  70  through a chuck  65 . The power drill adapter  70  extends from the rear of the apparatus  10  providing a non-slide contact for a chuck  65  of the power drill  60  to grip for rotation of the inner screw drive mechanism  30 . The power drill  60  is then in communication with the inner screw drive mechanism  30  through the power drill adapter  70 . The chuck  65  of the power drill  60  engages the power drill adapter  70  so that when the power drill  60  is activated, the rotational motion may be transferred to the power drill adapter  70  and consequently the inner screw drive mechanism  30 . 
     The inner  30  and outer  32  screw drive mechanisms are installed in linear alignment with the longitudinal axis of the frame  20 . The crushing plate  40  is generally flat vertical planar member which is functionally adapted to be integral with the outer screw drive mechanism  32 . The crushing plate  40  comprises a first and second side, each essentially flat, and perpendicularly attached to the distal end of the outer screw drive mechanism  32 . The first flat side of the crushing plate  40  is centrally integrated thereto the distal end of the outer screw drive mechanism  32 . The second flat side of the crushing plate  40  is parallel thereto the first flat side and faces towards the chamber  25 . The crushing plate  40  is integrally coupled to the distal end of the outer screw drive mechanism  32  such that upon actuation of said outer screw drive mechanism  32 , the crushing plate  40  will advance against the top or bottom surface of the can  50  to a desired crushed length. When the outer screw drive mechanism  32  is motioned, a crushing plate  40  is driven either forwards or backwards depending on the rotational direction of the power drill  60 . As the inner screw drive mechanism  30  is rotated in a direction, clockwise for example, said outer screw drive mechanism  32  may advance further inwardly within the chamber  25  and consequently advancing the crushing plate  40 . The crushing plate  40  extends substantially perpendicular from the outer screw drive mechanism  32  so that the central position of said crushing plate  40  is collinear with the outer screw drive mechanism  32  which in turn is collinear with the central axis of the frame  20 . 
     The shape of the internal walls  24  of the chamber  25  further assist in the guiding of the crushing plate  40  as it progresses through said chamber  25 . The internal walls  24  of the frame  20  guides the crushing plate  40  as it motions, thus making the crushing operation easier and more controlled. Whenever the aluminum can  50  is placed within the chamber  25 , said can  50  extends from a stationary wall  21  to the crushing plate  40  so that the longitudinal axis of the frame  20  is substantially perpendicular to the stationary wall  21  and crushing plate  40 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The can  50  is placed within the chamber  25  so that the longitudinal axis of said frame  25  is preferably, but not essentially, aligned with the center of the crushing plate  40  and stationary wall  21 . In addition, the outer screw drive mechanism  32  is integrally installed thereto the central location of the crushing plate  40  so that whenever said plate  40  engages the top or bottom surface of the can  50 , the can  50  will efficiently be crushed without complication. The central position of the connection point of the outer screw drive mechanism  32  allows the crushing load to be equally distributed on the crushing plate  40 . The crushing plate  40  transforms the rotational torque of the inner screw drive mechanism  30  as applied thereto the outer screw drive mechanism  32 , to a crushing force that is then applied to the can  50 . Thus, the central location of the outer screw drive mechanism  32  thereto the crushing plate  40  effectively distributes the crushing force thereto the can  50  to be crushed. 
     The crushing plate  40  is envisioned to be rigidly formed in a circular fashion with a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the chamber  25 . The crushing plate  40  is envisioned to be relatively flat. Rubber or other materials may also be added to the outward surface of the crushing plate  40  to further enhance the frictional capability so that during the compression action, the can  50  may not slide, slip, or any other undesirable movement. The crushing plate  40  is generally flat vertical planar member which is functionally adapted to be integral with the outer screw drive mechanism  32  inside the frame  20  and parallel to the stationary wall  21  of the frame  20  via the outer screw drive mechanism  32 . The stationary wall  21 , integral with the frame  20 , is similarly sized and shaped thereto the crushing plate  40 . The stationary wall  21  is generally flat vertical planar wall which is functionally positioned at the opposing end to the crushing plate  40  so that said crushing plate  40  advances closer to said stationary wall  21 . Alternatively, the stationary wall  21  may concave outwardly such as to provide a means for excess fluid and/or gases within the can  50  to be expelled from during the crushing operation. The coming together of these two (2) surfaces is what is providing the compression forces thereto the can  50 . The crushing plate  40  advances towards the stationary wall  21  during crushing and motions away from said stationary wall  21  once the crushing action is complete. 
     The power drill  60  is attached to a power drill adapter  70  to initiate motion of the inner screw drive mechanism  30  to advance a crushing plate  40  to crush the can  50 . Upon successful crushing of the can  50 , the direction of rotation of the power drill  60  may then be reversed and therefore withdraw the crushing plate  40  thereby allowing the crushed can  50  to fall through the dispensing aperture  27 , as is depicted in  FIG. 5 , and may then be disposed as desired. The sides of the can  50  will not present any sharp edges that may have been formed from the crushing operation by containment of such protrusions within the chamber  25  during the compression operation. The internal walls  24  of the frame  20  prevent the can  50  from protruding outwardly, thus creating sharp edges. Instead, the can  50  implodes inwardly. The dispensing aperture  27  further allows any superfluous liquids to depart from the chamber  25  for easy cleaning. 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention may disclose a closable door that may further contain the contents in the chamber  25 . The door may be hingable to the frame  20  to allow access therein the frame  20  for the insertion of the cans  50  through the can insertion aperture  26  and may then be closed prior to the crushing operation for further containment of the can  50 . The door may be beneficial for safety as well to prevent access to pinch points within the chamber  25 . 
     Another alternate embodiment of the present invention may disclose a crushing plate  40  and/or stationary wall  21  that may concave outwardly slightly so as to allow any excess fluids and/or gases from within the can  50  to be expelled as said can  50  is being crushed. During crushing of the can  50 , air and residual fluid inside the can  50  may expel outwardly through the interface of the can rim and the stationary wall  21  or crushing plate  40 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1  thru  6 . The apparatus  10  is adapted for crushing cans  50  such as aluminum beverage cans  50  by being removably installed thereto a power drill  60  or the like via a power drill adapter  70 . To begin compression of an installed aluminum can  50 , a user may simply follow these instructions: 
     In application, a user positions the crushing plate  40  in the rearmost position within the frame  20  via utilization of the reverse direction of the power drill  60 , i.e. counterclockwise rotation. A typical twelve ounce (12 oz.) aluminum can  50  is situated within the chamber  25  through use of the can insertion aperture  26  formed between the stationary wall  21  and the crushing plate  40 . With the aluminum can  50  located between the crushing plate  40  and the stationary wall  21  in the chamber  25 , the user may then attach the power drill  60  to the power drill adapter  70  via the chuck  65  of said power drill  60 . Once installment has been accomplished, the user may simply rotate the drill  60  in a certain direction, i.e. clockwise, to motion the crushing plate  40  forward. As the power drill adapter  70  rotationally motions, the inner screw drive mechanism  30  begin to rotate within the outer screw drive mechanism  32  allowing said outer screw drive mechanism  32  advance. In this fashion, the aluminum can  50  is enclosed by the internal side walls  24  of the frame  20 , the stationary wall  21 , and the crushing plate  40  by which said can  50  is less inclined to slip, slide, or any other undesirable motion from within the chamber  25 , which insures proper functioning of the apparatus  10 . As the power drill adapter  70 , and consequently the inner screw drive mechanism  30 , continues to rotate, the crushing plate  40  continues to be motioned inwardly towards the stationary wall  21  within the chamber  25  until the can  50  is fully crushed. The power drill&#39;s  60  rotation may then be reversed and consequently reversing the rotation of the inner screw drive mechanism  30  which in turns linearly progresses the outer screw drive mechanism  32  and the crushing plate  40  away from the stationary wall  21 , and consequently the crushed can  50 . This reversal motion causes the crushed can  50  to fall therethrough the dispensing aperture  27  preferably into a trash bin, recycling bin, or other disposal means without the need for handling the crushed can  50 . The apparatus  10  is thus ready for the compression of yet another can  50  or the power drill  60  may then be disengaged from the power drill adapter  70  of the apparatus  10  whenever the crushing of cans  50  is complete. 
     The power drill  60  is actuated to begin the compression response where the crushing plate  40  is driven inwards by the outer screw drive mechanism  32 . As rotation initiates, the inner screw drive mechanism  30  causes the outer screw drive mechanism  32  to advance linearly forward to motion the crushing plate  40  towards the chamber  25 . The frame  20  comprises a hollow cylindrical structure having an inner chamber  25  with a circular cross section having a diameter sized to contain a standard aluminum can  50 . The chamber  25  comprises an inner circular defining wall surface  24  being a selected size such that the internal walls  24  outlining the chamber  25  will guide the crushing plate  40  as motion is being applied via utilization of the power drill  60 . The internal walls  24  of the chamber  25  also constrict any undesirable outward expansion of a crushing can  50 . During the crushing operation, the can  50  is crushed inward via the equal crushing load being applied via the crushing plate  40  while the outside walls of said can  50  is contained via the internal walls  24  of the chamber  25  until the can  50  is fully crushed. The rotation of the power drill  60  may then be reversed to bring the crushing plate  40  away from the can  50  to allow gravity to pull the crushed can  50  through the dispensing aperture  27 . 
     The fixed wall  22  is configured with a guide hole  35  through which matingly engages the outer screw drive mechanism  32  which is intended to pass, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . The inner screw drive mechanism  30  is threadingly engaged and aligned with the outer screw drive mechanism  32  within the frame  20  such said outer screw drive mechanism  32  may advance and retract upon rotational activation of the power drill  60 . The threads of the inner screw drive mechanism  30  engages the threads of the outer screw drive mechanism  32  so that upon rotation of the inner screw drive mechanism  30 , the outer screw drive mechanism  32  advances or retracts dependent upon the rotation of the power drill  60 . The outer screw drive mechanism  32  drives the crushing plate  40 , thereby causing the crushing plate  40  to motion linearly in a predetermined path towards and away from the chamber  25 . The power drill  60  can apply torque to the inner screw drive mechanism  30  which transfers to the outer screw drive mechanism  32  and the crushing plate  40  during the crushing operation to apply force onto the can  50 . The can  50  is supported by the chamber  25  of the frame  20  and once crushed, will fall through the dispensing aperture  27 . 
     As the can  50  is crushed by the linear movement of the crushing plate  40 , the internal surface walls  24  of the chamber  25  restrain the outward expansion of the can  50  so that the can  50  is forced to expand inwardly rather than outwardly to minimize the number of sharp edges in the can  50 . The construction of the frame  20  is such that it will be strong enough to restrain a can  50  especially during the compression operation. As illustrated, the frame  20  desirably has a length greater than a commonly known twelve ounce (12 oz.) can  50  with a chamber  25  that is dimensionally sized to contain an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of said can  50  so as to contain and restrain a can  50  while it is being crushed without difficulty. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.