Patent Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to cylindrical trash compaction units that allow for application of increased compaction forces.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/343,276, filed Apr. 26, 2010 titled “Cylindrical Bin for Trash Compactor,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to cylindrical trash compaction units that allow for application of increased compaction forces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Collecting and disposing of trash in confined conditions, particularly on-board passenger transport vehicles, such as aircraft, trains, ships, buses, RVs, and other water or air travel vessels can be challenging. However, a good deal of rubbish is generated on such vehicles. For example, after in-flight beverage service, unused items are collected, which often includes drink cups, napkins, newspapers, food wrappers, tea bags, beverage cans, other packaging or non-consumable items and the like, food wastes, or any other type of disposable item that a passenger may consume or bring on-board. 
         [0004]    First, it is desirable to compact trash and other unused items so that the materials collectively take up less space in the galley area. Second, it is desirable that the trash compactor unit be appropriately sized and as efficient as possible. Third, it is further desirable that the trash compactor be as light as possible, particularly if intended for use on board a passenger aircraft. During the compaction cycle, the downward force of the trash contents is transferred through the trash and must be contained by the surrounding structure. Until now, most trash compactors have used rectangular bins and chambers for the trash. This is likely because rectangles are relatively easy to design and manufacture, and trash containment boxes or bins are fairly easy to build in a rectangular shape. One example of a commonly-used trash carton in a rectangular shape is shown in  FIG. 4 . One example of a rectangular bin positioned inside a rectangular trash compactor is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0005]    Although rectangular systems do work for their intended purpose, and are expected to continue to be used in for food service/trash compaction activities on board passenger transport vehicles in the future, the present inventors have realized that an alternate, cylindrical structure may provide additional and enhanced weight and space efficiency benefits. Although cylindrical trash vessels have been used in some instances, there remain many opportunities for improvements for their use in connection with trash compactors for use on-board passenger transport vehicles. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a trash compactor, comprising a cylindrical compaction chamber configured to receive and contain waste, and a cylindrical compaction bin configured to receive and contain the cylindrical compaction chamber, the cylindrical compaction bin comprising at least one hinge and at least one securing feature. During a compaction cycle, the at least one securing feature maintains the cylindrical compaction bin in a closed position, and upon completion of a compaction cycle, the at least one securing feature is released to allow opening of the cylindrical compaction bin along the at least one hinge for removal of the cylindrical compaction chamber. The embodiments described herein are particularly useful on-board passenger transport vehicles, such as passenger aircraft. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of a cylindrical compaction chamber. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  shows a side perspective view of one embodiment of a trash compactor unit. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  shows a comparison of forces applied to a cylindrical trash compactor container as opposed to a rectangular trash compactor container. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  shows a prior art rectangular carton. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  shows the rectangular carton of  FIG. 4  positioned in a trash compactor unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    The present inventors have determined that replacing the rectangular compaction chamber with a cylindrical one can offer better space and weight efficiency. A higher compaction force may be used, since the outward forces can be restrained easier in a cylindrical container under “hoop stresses,” rather than the forces restrained on flat “plates” in the rectangular design. A weight savings is realized because the strength-to-weight ratio of the cylinder is greater than that of the rectangle. Although cylindrical chambers, when fitted into the same space as a rectangular box, have less volume, a greater compaction force may be used. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows one example of a cylindrical compaction chamber  10  designed for use in connection with a trash compactor. For perspective, chamber  10  is designed to fit inside a cylindrical compaction bin, described in more detail below. As used throughout this application, the term “cylindrical” is intended to mean having a generally circular or round circumference or a tubular shape. A perfect cylinder is not required and it should be understood that various manufacturing processes may prevent chambers from being considered a perfect cylinder, but can still be considered “cylindrical” within the meanings described herein. 
         [0014]    Chamber  10  is configured to receive and contain waste. It may be manufactured from a cardboard material, a flexible plastic material, or any other appropriate material that can withstand a compaction force while maintaining its shape, and still be light enough for easy removal from the trash compactor. Chamber  10  may be lined or coated with a waterproof or water resistant material, or it may contain a separate internal, lightweight liner (e.g., a garbage bag) to prevent liquid spillage. 
         [0015]    In use, cylindrical compaction chamber  10  is designed to fit within a cylindrical compaction bin  12 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , cylindrical compaction bin  12  comprises two halves  14 ,  16  that are connected by at least one hinge  18 . Hinge  18  may extend the full length of the halves, or there may be one small hinge, or there may be a plurality of hinges provided. The general concept is that cylindrical compaction bin  12  is capable of being opened along the at least one hinge  18  and securely closed via at least one securing feature. During a compaction cycle, the at least one securing feature maintains the cylindrical compaction bin in a closed position, and upon completion of a compaction cycle, the at least one securing feature is released to allow opening of the cylindrical compaction bin along the at least one hinge for removal of the cylindrical compaction chamber. 
         [0016]    Outer edges of halves of the cylindrical compaction bin  12  are provided with at least one portion of a cooperating securing feature  20 . Securing feature may be a clasp, hook, snap, twist knobs, C-clips, or any other securing feature that can be opened and closed (preferably without tools), but maintain halves together under a compressive compaction force. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the cylindrical compaction bin  12  is positioned within a trash compactor unit  22 . Unit  22  may be secured in an aircraft galley (or other vehicle galley) or it may be a trolley or cart intended for mobile use on-board the aircraft or other vehicle. Unit  22  may instead be located in the aircraft galley, lavatory, or any other appropriate position where trash may be collected and need to be compacted. Bin  12  may be removably positioned and securable in unit  22 . Above bin is a plunger force generator  24 . Various plunger force generators and their manufacture and mechanics are generally known in the art. One distinguishing feature of note is that the plunger  26  (also referred to as a platen) is circular and is designed to closely approximate, but be slightly smaller than, an inner circumference of the cylindrical compaction chamber  10 . 
         [0018]    Unit  22  is also provided with stowage space  28  for housing one or more cylindrical compaction chambers  10 , either before or after filled with trash and compacted. Although stowage space  28  may simply be an empty space at the back of unit  22 , it may also contain shelves or supports for the chambers. 
         [0019]    During use, an attendant obtains a cylindrical compaction chamber  10  and positions it in the cylindrical compaction bin  12 . S/he secures the cylindrical compaction bin  12  in a closed position by activating the at least one securing feature  20 . The trash compactor is now ready for loading. During in-flight service and as items are collected, trash may be loaded into the cylindrical compaction chamber  10 . Once the chamber is loaded to a certain capacity, a trash compaction cycle is activated. This process may take place a few times, until the chamber has been filled to capacity. The attendant will then release the at least one securing feature  20  to open the cylindrical compaction bin  12  along the at least one hinge  18  to allow removal of the cylindrical compaction chamber  10  containing the compacted trash items. 
         [0020]    The used cylindrical compaction chamber  10  may then be stored in the stowage space  28  in unit  22 , and a new cylindrical compaction chamber  10  may be obtained and positioned in the bin  12 . 
         [0021]    Changes and modifications, additions and deletions may be made to the structures and methods recited above and shown in the drawings without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention and the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1