Patent Publication Number: US-7213510-B1

Title: Compacting method and apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/816,058, filed Apr. 1, 2004, now abandoned. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a compacting method and apparatus, and, in particular, a compacting method and apparatus employing the use of a forklift. 
   A major concern of metropolitan areas is refuse collection. Typically, industries within these areas incur significant expenses to collect and remove refuse. Currently, there are three main forms of refuse collection systems. One involves the use of roll-off containers, whereby the containers themselves are transported offsite and emptied of refuse at a disposal site. The second involves the use of front-end load containers, whereby the containers full of refuse are emptied onsite by a refuse collection vehicle and thereafter transported to a disposal site. And third involves a hydraulic compactor or packing ram which compacts refuse horizontally into an enclosed container and the container is transported to a disposal site whereby it is emptied and returned. Because of the hassle and inconvenience involved in refuse collection, these refuse collection systems are typically operated by independent contractors that will charge a fee based on various parameters, including the amount of trips that must be made either onsite to empty the front-end load containers or to transport the roll off or enclosed containers to the disposal sites. 
   In the case that a refuse collection fee is directly related to the amount of pickups and the amount of filled roll off containers being picked up, it becomes desirable to pack as much refuse as possible into the containers. Accordingly, a device sometimes used in refuse collection systems is a hydraulic packing ram. Although packing rams generally function to compact the refuse in containers, these rams tend to be very expensive and must be permanently installed and occupy valuable space. Additionally, packing rams require maintenance and electric service. 
   Accordingly, there remains a need for an inexpensive and effective refuse collection system. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
   According to its major aspects and briefly stated, the present invention is a method and system for compacting refuse in refuse containers such as roll off containers. As used herein, the term “roll off containers” refers to a refuse receptacle having an open top that is adapted to be carried by a vehicle, such as a truck, to a refuse disposal site. These receptacles are also referred to as “box rollers.” The present system includes a forklift apparatus, which is used to engage a compaction weight. Once engaged, the compaction weight is placed over the open top of a roll off container including refuse. Next, the compaction weight is lowered into the container by the forklift so as to compact the refuse. 
   A feature of the present invention is the use of a compaction method and system, which includes the combination of a forklift apparatus and a compaction weight. Heretofore, forklifts have been used primarily to lift and transport objects. However, the present invention permits a forklift to be used for the additional task of compacting, which was previously beyond its applicability. Additionally, the combination of a forklift apparatus with a compaction weight provides a relatively simple and economic way of compacting refuse in a receptacle such as a roll off container. As discussed, refuse compactors such as packing rams tend to be both expensive and complex. Further, packing rams must be permanently fixed and occupy valuable docking space for loading and unloading freight. In the present invention, the compaction system is portable and is 75% less than the cost of hydraulic packing rams. Moreover, the compaction system does not require any complicated machinery or special operator skill to implement. Finally, the compaction system can be conveniently stored and transported. 
   Another feature of the present invention is the use of a compaction weight that is dimensioned to be engaged by a forklift apparatus. The particular dimensions of the compaction weight contribute to the ease and simplicity of the compaction method and system. Furthermore, safety features can be included to the compaction weight to ensure that the forklift apparatus safely and effectively compacts the refuse in a receptacle without misplacing or dropping the weight during compaction. 
   Yet another feature of the present invention is the use of a compaction weight that is dimensioned to be received by a roll off container. The dimensions of the compaction weight can be particularly suited for compacting refuse within the roll off container. Therefore, the refuse can be most effectively and efficiently compacted without the need for multiple or complex compacting steps. 
   Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of the Detailed Description of the Invention presented below and accompanied by the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings, 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a forklift apparatus and a compaction weight of a compaction system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a compaction weight according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a side cross sectional view taken at Line  3 — 3  of  FIG. 2  of a compaction weight according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4A  is a front cross sectional view taken at Line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 2  of a compaction weight according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4B  is a detailed cross sectional view of the tine-receiving channels, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective, partial cutaway view of a compaction weight and its contents according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a compaction weight according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a safety feature of a compaction system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7A  is a side elevational view of a forklift apparatus and a compaction weight of a compaction system, with tines inserted in the channels of the compaction weight, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7B  is a side elevational view of a compaction system and a refuse receptacle, with compaction weight shown lifted by fork lift, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7C  is a side elevational view of a compaction system and a refuse receptacle, with lifted compaction weight poised over refuse receptacle, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7D  is a side elevational view of a compaction system with a refuse receptacle shown during compaction according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7E  is a side elevational view of a compaction system with a refuse receptacle shown after compaction according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart of a process according to a first embodiment of the present method. 
       FIG. 9  are perspective views of prior art front-end load containers; 
       FIG. 10  is side view of a prior art compaction system employing front-end load containers; 
       FIG. 11A  is a side view of a standard roll off container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11B  is a front view of a standard roll off container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12A  is a side view of a standard roll off container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12B  is a front view of a standard roll off container according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of a vehicle equipped to carry a standard roll off container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a compaction system  10  of the present invention. As illustrated, the compaction system  10  includes a forklift apparatus  12  and a compaction weight  14 . The particular features of the forklift apparatus  12  are not critical. Generally, the forklift apparatus  12  can include a conventional forklift chassis  16  including a frame being conventionally mounted upon a wheel assembly including axle members (not shown) and wheel members  17 . A conventional drive assembly is conventionally mounted to the conventional forklift chassis  16  and includes a steering mechanism  18  and a foot pedal  20  being functionally and conventionally positioned at the front end of the forklift chassis  16 . Forklift apparatus  12  further includes a seat  22  for a forklift operator. Finally, a conventional lift assembly  24  including a plurality of lifting tines  26  is movably and conventionally mounted upon a mast  27  located at the front end of the forklift chassis  16 . 
   The compaction weight  14  of the present invention is shown in detail in  FIGS. 2–5 . As illustrated, the compaction weight  14  generally has a box-like shape including a top surface  30  and an opposing bottom surface  31 , which are connected along the edges by side walls,  32 ,  33 ,  34 ,  35  perpendicular to the top surface  30  and bottom surface  31 . Although no particular material is required for the construction of the compaction weight, preferably, the weight is made of a type of metal suitable for industrial applications, such as steel. The dimensions of the compaction weight  14  can also vary; however, the dimensions can include a width A of about 5 feet, a length B of about 8 feet, and a height C of about 3 feet. 
   On the top surface  30 , the compaction weight  14  carries means for engaging  40  forklift tines  26  such as channels  40 . Channels  40  are dimensioned to receive the tines  26  whereby the tines  26  are inserted into plural apertures  42 . As shown, the channels  40  can extend from the edge of side wall  33  to beyond the edge of side wall  35 . In particular, at the end of the channels  40  that will receive the forklift tines  26  during operation, the channels  40  can extend beyond the side wall  35  a length D. Length D can be any length that provides sufficient clearance between the forklift  12  and the refuse container during operation. With the dimensions described above for the compaction weight, Length D can be about 12 inches. Additionally, each of the channels  40  can include a wrap  41  along the edge of the channels  40 , that can include about a quarter inch wide strip of steel. This wrap  41  can further enhance the safety of the compaction system  10  during the operation and handling of the weight  14 . 
   Although channels  40  are shown in  FIG. 4A  as being carried on the top surface  30  such as by welding; alternatively, channels  40 ′ could be formed integrally with the top surface  30 ′, as shown in  FIG. 4B . Further, the channels  40  can include a height E that is sufficient to avoid teetering of the compaction weight  14  when it is engaged with the forklift tines  26 . Height E can be about 4 inches, but can vary depending on the dimensions of the tines  26 . What is also important to the practice of the invention is that the apertures in channels  40  be dimensioned and formed to receive tines  26  so as to engage and support the compaction weight  14 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , within its outer surfaces, the compaction weight  14  is hollow and adapted to receive a mass  100  to add the sufficient amount of weight for the practice of the present compaction method. For example, the compaction weight  14  can include plated steel, as well as crushed asphalt or cement, slag (a byproduct of steel), or recycled concrete. If crushed rocks of slag are used as the mass  100 , these rocks can be of different, non-uniform sizes. Additionally, the compaction weight  14  can include a flowable mass, such as sand. The particular material that is included within the weight  14  will depend on both the types of refuse being compacted, as well as the lifting power of forklift apparatus  10  employed. It is important that the material be about moisture-free or contain about 0% water, so as to avoid any corrosion of the compaction weight  14 . In making the compaction weight, the top surface  30  of the weight can be welded onto the weight after the weight  14  is appropriately filled with mass. Alternatively, as shown if  FIG. 5A , the compaction weight  14  can include an inlet or port  44  that can receive flowable mass. Although the weight of the mass  100  can vary, it is preferably at least about 3000 pounds, and can include additional weights increasing in about 500 pound increments, such as about 3500 pounds, about 4000 pounds, about 4500 pounds, about 5000 pounds, about 5500 pounds, and about 6000 pounds. 
   As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the compaction weight can include intersecting, inner walls  101  and  102  within the interior space of the compaction weight  14 . These inner walls  101 ,  102  can facilitate in maintaining the uniformity and consistency of the mass  100  as it resides within the compaction weight  14 . In particular, the inner walls  101 ,  102  can be about perpendicular to each other, wherein inner wall  101  can extend from side walls  32  and  34 , and wherein inner wall  102  can extend from sidewalls  35  and  33  so as to form four distinct sections within the compaction weight  14  that are about box-shaped. Further, there can be about the same amount of mass  100  in each of these four distinct sections. These inner walls  101 ,  102  can be welded to the interior of the outer walls of the compaction weight  14 , and can therefore also serve to strengthen the outer walls. 
   A particular feature of the present invention is the use of a compaction method and system, which includes the combination of the forklift apparatus  12  and the compaction weight  14 . Heretofore, forklifts have been used primarily to lift and transport objects. However, the present invention permits a forklift to be used for the additional task of compacting, which was previously beyond its applicability. Additionally, the combination of forklift apparatus  12  with compaction weight  14  provides a relatively simple and economic way of compacting refuse in a receptacle such as a roll off container. Refuse compactors such as packing rams tend to be expensive, complex, and they require significant maintenance. Further, packing rams require a supply of electrical power and must be attached or anchored to the ground. The compaction system  10  of the present invention, therefore, is advantageous because it is mobile, can be used on multiple roll off containers, and can be stored out of the way when not in use. No power is required, and no maintenance is needed for the present compaction system  10 . Moreover, the compaction system  10  does not require any complicated machinery or special operator skill to implement. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the compaction weight  14  of the present invention can also include means for securing compaction weight  14  to forklift apparatus  10 , such as a cable or a chain  46 . Chain  46  adds a safety feature to the compaction system  10 , because it ensures that compaction weight  14  remains engaged to the forklift apparatus  12  during operation. 
   As previously discussed, another feature of the present invention is the use of compaction weight  14  dimensioned to be engaged by forklift apparatus  12 . The particular dimensions of the compaction weight  14  contribute to the ease and simplicity of the compaction method and system. Furthermore, the use of the chain  46  contributes to the safe and effective compacting of refuse in a receptacle, and minimizes the concern of misplacing or dropping the weight  14  during compaction. Moreover, the chain  46  can serve as a gauge to show that the tines are in place and properly inserted, and can be about 42 inches in length. 
   In use, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the chain  46  is wrapped around a rigid member that forms part of the forklift apparatus  12  such as a tine support  50 . Further,  FIG. 6  shows how the tines  26  of the forklift apparatus  12  fit telescopically within the channels  40  to provide a secure and effective hold on the compaction weight  14 . 
     FIGS. 7A–7E  illustrate the compaction method of the present invention, and  FIG. 8  provides a flow chart summarizing this process. As shown, the forklift apparatus  12  engages the compaction weight  14 . In particular, the tines  26  of the forklift apparatus  12  are lifted by the forklift operator to an elevation that is level with the channels  40  of the compaction weight  14 . Next, the tines  26  are inserted into the apertures  42  of the engaging means  40 . The chain  46  is thereafter attached to the forklift apparatus  12 . 
   Once the compaction weight  14  has been effectively secured to the forklift apparatus  12 , the lift assembly  24  operates to lift the compaction weight  14  to an elevation that will be sufficient to clear the top edge of an open top, roll off container  60 . The compaction weight  14  is next brought forward by the forklift apparatus  12  so that the compaction weight  14  is directly above refuse  62  contained by the roll off container  60 . To compact the refuse, the compaction weight  14  is simply lowered into the roll off container  60 . Finally, the compaction weight  14  is lifted and removed by the forklift apparatus  12  leaving behind a compacted roll off container  60 . Thereafter, additional refuse  62  can be added to the roll off container  60 , and the compacting steps can be repeated until the roll off container  60  is filled with compacted refuse. 
   What is particularly significant to the practice of the present invention is the use of open top, roll off containers  60 . As previously described, there are two main forms of refuse collection systems: one involves the use of roll-off containers, whereby the containers themselves are transported offsite and emptied of refuse at a disposal site; and the other involves the use of front-end load containers, whereby the containers full of refuse are emptied onsite by a refuse collection vehicle and thereafter the refuse itself is transported to a disposal site. As used herein “roll off containers” include containers for collecting refuse that have an open top and that can be engaged along the bottom by a transport vehicle. 
   Roll off containers  60  can be distinguished from a front-end load container  70 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . These containers are much smaller and include different features than roll off containers  60 , shown in  FIGS. 11A–12B . In particular, a typical front end load container  70  includes a slanted top  71  that includes an opening  72  where refuse can be either put in or taken out of the container  71 . Optionally, there is also a side opening  73 . Front-end load containers  70  are specifically dimensioned to be lifted and emptied by a collection vehicle  75 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , and therefore also include means for engaging  74  along the side walls. Specifically, the collection vehicle  75  will drive onsite to the location of the front-end load container  70 , lift the container  70  through the use of engaging means  74  so as to dump the contents of the container  70  into the collection vehicle bed  76 . Most of these types of collection vehicles also contain hydraulic rams within their beds to compact the refuse. The dimensions of front-end load containers are standard and include a back height F of between 3′5″ to 6′1½″, a front height H of between 3′ to 6′, a length G of between 3′ to 6′8″, and a width H of 6′. 
   Standard roll off containers  60  are shown in  FIGS. 11A–12B . The term “standard roll off containers” refers to those roll off containers having dimensioned that conform to the most widely used roll off containers in the refuse collection industry. Although these standard roll off containers  60  are provided in three sizes, only two sizes are shown. In  FIGS. 11A–12B , a standard roll off container  60  capable of handling 20 yards of volume refuse is shown. With this capacity, the roll off container  60  includes a length J of 20 feet, a height L of 4 feet and 2 inches, and a width K of 7 feet 11 inches. A standard roll off container  60  capable of handling 30 yards of volume of refuse is shown in  FIGS. 12A–12B . With this capacity, the roll off container  60  includes a length M of 20 feet, a height O of 6 feet and two inches, and a width N of 7 feet 11 inches. The third size of standard roll off containers is capable of handling 40 yards of volume of refuse, and includes a length of 22 feet, a height of 7 feet 5 inches, and a width of 7 feet 11 inches. 
   Because of these standard dimensions, the dimensions and features of the compaction weight  14  can also be significant. With the particular size and weight of the compaction weight  14 , it is ideal for use with open top, roll off containers. The width of the compaction weight is preferably less than 7 feet 11 inches. The use of a width of about 5 feet can be useful in effective compacting, as it provides sufficient room or space to maneuver and compact the refuse. The use of a compaction weight length of about 8 feet can also be useful in terms of maneuverability by the forklift of the weight during the compaction. 
   In operation, the standard roll off container  60  is assembled with a transport vehicle  61 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . In particular, the roll off container  60  is engaged from the bottom of the roll off container  60 . To engage the roll off container  60 , the truck is backed up to one end of the roll off container  60 . Thereafter, a hooking means, such as a cable is attached to the roll off container, which is then “rolled” onto the back of the truck. The same technique is used to disengage the roll off container  60 . During the compaction method of the present invention, it is understood that the refuse will be compacted while the container is off of the truck. 
   It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and substitutions can be made to the preferred embodiment herein described with departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.