Material or article handling – Self-loading or unloading vehicles – Conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
2001-07-28
2002-11-26
Matecki, Kathy (Department: 3652)
Material or article handling
Self-loading or unloading vehicles
Conveyor
C414S513000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06485244
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to devices for moving refuse in refuse collection equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved assembly for moving and packing refuse in an item of refuse collection equipment such as a rear-loading truck.
BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Many different devices have been used to move refuse from a hopper that is adapted to receive refuse to a storage compartment of a refuse collection truck. Typically, these assemblies comprise a blade for packing refuse, a carrier for moving the blade from an extended to a retracted position, and hydraulic cylinders for moving the carrier and the blade. These conventional assemblies, however, all suffer from a variety of disadvantages. For example, several conventional assemblies use a complicated system of links or links and tracks to move the blade from an open position to a closed position or from an extended to a retracted position. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,619,216; 3,402,837; 3,681,336; 3,696,951; 3,899,091; and 5,478,188. These assemblies, however, are complicated, costly, and difficult to assemble and disassemble.
Other assemblies have used a pair of single straight tracks to guide the movement of the carrier and the blade. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,143,230; 3,615,029; and 3,797,680. These assemblies, however, increase the horizontal displacement of the assembly (e.g., the length of the overhang on a refuse truck) and the frictional forces and stress exerted on the track. Also, the single straight track assemblies do not provide the sidewalls of the refuse collection equipment with an optimal amount of structural integrity. In addition, the packer actuator and the track of the single straight track assemblies are not in substantial alignment. As a result, these assemblies tend to direct refuse towards the roof of the storage compartment, and they do not efficiently utilize the force exerted by the packer actuator. Finally, the single straight track assemblies limit the span between the lower shoe of the carrier and the upper shoe of the carrier, thereby increasing the localized stress experienced by the track and the shoes.
Still other assemblies have hydraulic actuators that are mounted outside the sidewall of the refuse collection equipment. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,899,091. These assemblies also suffer from disadvantages. Most notably, these assemblies require a slot in the sidewall of the refuse collection equipment in order to connect the hydraulic actuating cylinders to the carrier. The slots in the sidewalls of the equipment allow refuse to pass from the hopper or the storage compartment to the assembly components. This results in damage to the assembly components and may result in the unintentional discharge of refuse through the sidewalls.
Other assemblies have a reciprocating deflector for deflecting refuse from the assemblies. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,951. These assemblies also suffer from disadvantages. First, these deflectors require complicated and costly reciprocating devices. Often, these deflectors require additional bracing or reinforcement. In addition, these reciprocating deflectors are not adapted to cooperate with the carrier to provide resistance against the forces exerted by packed refuse.
It would be desirable, therefore, if a refuse handling assembly for refuse collection equipment could be provided to pack refuse more efficiently and inexpensively. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided that would reduce the frictional forces and stress experienced by components of the assembly while increasing the structural integrity of the refuse collection equipment. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided that minimizes the exposure of the components of the assembly to refuse and minimizes the unintentional release of refuse from the equipment. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided whereby the hydraulic actuators of the assembly are arranged such that they extend during the packing process. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided that would permit the use of smaller, lighter, less expensive hydraulic actuators to obtain the same packing force as larger, heavier, more expensive actuators used in conventional assemblies. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided to reduce the cycle time of the refuse packing procedure. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided to reduce the horizontal displacement or overhang of the assembly. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided with an increased span between its upper and lower shoe in order to reduce the stress experienced by the components of the assembly. It would also be desirable if such an assembly could be provided that would be easier to assemble, disassemble, maintain and repair.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an advantage of the invention to provide a dual track assembly for refuse collection equipment that may pack refuse more efficiently and inexpensively. It also an advantage of the invention to provide an assembly that reduces the frictional forces and stress experienced by the components of the assembly while increasing the structural integrity of the refuse collection equipment. It is also an advantage of the invention to provide an assembly that minimizes the exposure of the components of the assembly to refuse and minimizes the unintentional release of refuse from the equipment. It is another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the invention to provide an assembly having hydraulic actuators that are arranged such that they extend during the packing process. It is still another advantage of the invention to provide an assembly that would permit the use of smaller, lighter, less expensive hydraulic actuators to obtain the same packing force as larger, heavier, more expensive actuators used in conventional assemblies. It yet another advantage of the invention to provide an assembly that reduces the cycle time of the refuse packing procedure. It is another advantage of the invention to provide an assembly that reduces the horizontal displacement of the assembly. It is also an advantage of the invention to provide an assembly having an increased span between its upper and lower shoe in order to reduce the stress experienced by the components of the assembly. It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide an assembly that is easier to assemble, disassemble, maintain and repair.
Additional objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from an examination of the drawings and the ensuing description.
EXPLANATION OF TECHNICAL TERMS
As used herein, the term “hopper” refers to that portion of a refuse collection device into which refuse may be deposited.
As used herein, the term “storage compartment” refers to that portion of a refuse collection device into which refuse may be pushed by a blade from the hopper.
As used herein, the term “front”, when used in reference to a vehicle, refers to the end of the vehicle where the cab is located.
As used herein, the term “rear”, when used in reference to a vehicle, refers to the end of the vehicle opposite the front end.
As used herein, the term “sidewall”, when used in reference to a refuse collection device, refers to a side of the storage compartment and/or hopper that is generally parallel to the direction of movement of the blade. The “sidewalls” of a storage compartment may be contiguous with side walls of an adjacent hopper.
As used herein, the term “shoe”, when used in reference to the invention, refers to a wheel mounted on an axle or a shoe or slide that is adapted to move with minimal resistance along the tracks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a dual track handling assembly for refuse collection equipment having a hopper for receiving refuse. The hopper is defined in part by a first sidewall and an oppositely disposed second sidewall. The assembly comprises a first lower track and a second low
Chambliss Bahner & Stophel P.C.
Fox Charles
Matecki Kathy
The Heil Company
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