US3709389A - Refuse container - Google Patents

Abstract

A refuse container for collecting refuse and adapted to be periodically upended to discharge the refuse into the body of a truck or other carrier for removal from the site. The refuse container is a closed bin having a charging opening in one end to receive the refuse and having a discharge opening in the opposite end. Both openings are enclosed by doors. The refuse is compacted within the container by a compactor mounted to sweep past the charging opening and move the refuse toward the discharge end of the container. The operating mechanism for the compactor is tied in with a switch at the charging opening and arranged so that the compactor cannot be operated unless the charging door is closed. The container is unloaded by a truck which acts to upend the container and discharge the refuse through the discharge opening into the body of the truck. A remote control unit is incorporated with the operating mechanism for the compactor enabling the compactor to be operated when the container is in the upended position to aid in discharging the refuse from the container into the truck body.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Steltz 1451 Jan. 9, 1973 [54] REFUSE CONTAINER [75] Inventor: Douglas C. Steltz, Brookfield, Wis. [57] ABSTRACT A refuse container for collectin refuse and ada' ted 73A :Ptl.Wkh,. 1 g P 1 'sslgnee or nc es a WIS to be periodically upended to discharge the refuse into Flledi J 1971 the body of a truck or other carrier for removal from [21] AWL 110,546 the site. The refuse container is a closed bin having a charging opening ll'l one end to receive the refuse and having a discharge opening in the opposite end. Both [52] US. Cl ..214/82, 214/302 openings are enclosed b dong-g The refuse is com- [51] Int. Cl. ..B65f 1/12 a ted within the ontainer by a compactor mounted Fleld 0f 100/229 to sweep past the charging opening and move the 100/233 refuse toward the discharge end of the container. The operating mechanism for the compactor is tied in with Referelwes Cited a switch at the charging opening and arranged so that the compactor cannot be operated unless the charging UNITED STATES PATENTS door is closed. The container is unloaded bya truck 3,542,225 11/1970 Knight ..214/83.3 whi h acts to upend the container and discharge the 3,161,305 12/1964 Ferrari et al ..214/82 refuse through the discharge opening into the body of 3,195,942 7/1 Demp er e al. -.--2l4/302 the truck. A remote control unit is-incorporated with 3,602,136 8/1971 g Joe/229 R the operating mechanism for the compactor enabling 3,024,928 3/1962 Freaney ..2l4/302 Primary Examiner-Drayton E. Hoffman Assistant Examiner-Lawrence J. Oresky Attorney-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall the compactor to be operated when the container is in the upended position to aid in discharging the refuse from the container into the truck body.

5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDJM' 9 I973 SHEET 1 BF 3 DAUGLAS C STELTZ fl L-AL ATTORNEYS PATENTEUJMI 9191s 3,709,389

' SHEET20F3 VEN'IOR.

DAUGLAS c. STELTZ ATTORNEYS PATENTED JAN 9 I973 SHEET 3 0F 3 INVENTOR. DOUGLAS C. STELTZ BY MM;

ATTORNEYS REFUSE CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a refuse container or bin, and more particularly to a commercial or industrial refuse collecting container adapted to be periodically unloaded into a truck or other carrier for removal from the site.

In the case of commercial and industrial establishments such as super markets, department stores, schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and the like, it has been the practice to collect the refuse in confined areas, or containers for periodic pick-up. With most collection systems, the refuse is exposed to the elements, such as wind, rain and snow, which makes it difficult to maintain the refuse in an orderly fashion. To further complicate the problem, prior collection systems have often required the manual transfer of the refuse from the collection containers to a truck body for removal from the site, and during the transfer portions of the refuse invariably are blown away or dropped. As a result the collection areas in the past have been unsightly and have often presented a health hazard.

To eliminate these problems, resort has been made to use of closed refuse bins or containers. These closed bins have a substantial volume and are generally weather-tight so that the refuse is not exposed to the elements. To facilitate the transfer of the refuse from the container to the truck, the containers have been constructed so that they can be engaged by an unloading mechanism associated with the truck and upended to automatically discharge the refuse into the truck without the necessity of manual transfer. Refuse containers of this type generally are constructed with a single opening through which the refuse is charged into the container and subsequently discharged into the truck. The use of single opening has disadvantages in that the opening must be located so that the truck can move toward the opening to engage the container and upend it. If the charging opening is not in an accessible location for engagement by the truck, as for example, if the charging opening is in registry with a delivery chute in a building, the entire container must be reversed in position before it can be engaged by the truck and upended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to an improved refuse collecting container which is adapted to be periodically upended by a truck or other carrier to discharge the refuse into the truck body. According to the invention, the refuse container is a closed bin having a charging opening in one end to receive refuse and have a discharge opening in the opposite end. Both the charging opening and the discharge opening are closed by doors so that the container is weather-tight.

The refuse is compacted within the container by a compactor which is mounted for swinging movement on a transverse axis and is adapted to sweep past the charging opening and move the refuse toward the discharge end of the container.

To remove the refuse, the unloading mechanism associated with a truck engages the container and acts to upend or invert the container to discharge the refuse through the discharge opening into the body of the truck. A remote control unit is associated with the operating mechanism for the compactor so that the compactor can be operated when the container is in the inverted or upended position to thereby aid in discharging the refuse through the discharge opening into the truck body.

The use of a separate charging opening and discharge opening has distinct advantages for it enables the charging opening to be located in close proximity to a building, as for example, the charging opening can be positioned in registry or adjacent a delivery chute in the building, and yet the truck can readily engage the discharge end of the container to upend the container and discharge the contents into the truck body.

As both the charging opening and the discharge opening are enclosed by weather-tight doors, a completely closed unit is provided which protects the refuse from insects and rodents and prevents scattering of the refuse by the wind. I

The refuse container has improved safety characteristics in that the operating mechanism for the compactor is tied in with a switch associated with the charging door. This arrangement requires that the charging door be completely closed before the compactor can be operated. This feature'eliminates the possibility of injury to workmen by virtue of their extending their hands or arms into the container when the compactor is operated.

The refuse container also employs an improved hydraulic cylinder system for actuating the compactor in which the ram of the hydraulic cylinder is connected directly to an arm welded to the compactor, thereby providing a more effective application of force of the compactor.

The refuse container can be fabricated in a wide variety of sizes, varying from a large 8 yard capacity unit to a small portable unit for indoor collection of refuse.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the refuse container with parts broken away in section;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the refuse container with parts broken away in section;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the chargin end of the refuse container;

FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system for operating the compactor;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a rear loading truck engaged with the container prior to unloading the refuse into the truck body;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing a frontloading truck engaged with the container; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevationof a smaller portable refuse container made in accordance with the invention.

The drawings illustrate an enclosed refuse container or bin 1 which includes a pair of spaced side walls 2, which are connected at one end by diagonal end walls 3 and at the opposite end by vertical end wall 4. The top edges of the side walls 2 are joined by a top wall 5,

while the bottom edges are joined by a bottom wall 6. To space the container 1 above the ground, a series of beams or supports 7 are secured to the bottom wall 6 and extend transversely of the container.

Reinforcement for the container is provided by a pair of vertical channels 8 which are welded to the respective side walls 2. In addition, the central portion of the container is reinforced by channel-shaped reinforcing members 9 that extend horizontally along the side walls 2 and diagonel end wall 3 and are connected to the vertical channels 8, while the upper edge of the container is reinforced by a channel 10 which similarly extends along the side walls 2 and end wall 3 and is connected to the upper end of the vertical channels 8. A transverse reinforcing member 11 is secured to the top wall 5 between the upper ends of the vertical channels 8.

The refuse is adapted to be introduced or charged into the container 1 through an opening 12 in the end wall 4 which is enclosed by a pair of charging doors 13. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the doors 13 is formed of a generally flat vertical panel 14 bordered by inwardly extending flanges 15. One of the vertical flanges 15 of each of the doors 13 is hinged to flange 16 on wall 4 by a hinge 17. The doors 13 can be locked in the closed position by standard locking handles 18.

Located within the container 1 and in alignment with the lower edge of the charging 12, is a horizontal wall 19 which extends transversely between the side walls 2 and terminates in a downwardly extending flange 20. A curved wall 21 extends downwardly from the inner edge of wall 19 and terminates in a vertical wall 22 which is secured to the bottom wall 6. The horizontal wall 19, in combination with the curved wall 21, serves as a chute for the refuse being introduced within the charging opening 12 in the end wall 4.

The refuse is adapted to be compated within the container 1 by a pivotable compactor 23. In its retracted position, the compactor 23 is located adjacent the top wall 5 and can be swung downwardly with the tip of the compactor moving in close proximity to the curved wall 21 to move the refuse toward the discharge end of the container and to compact the same. The compactor is best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprises a generally curved plate 24 which is supported by two pairs of spaced vertical plates 25. The outer edged of the curved plate 24 is reinforced by an angle 26 and additional rigidity is provided by a pair of plates 27 having their lower edges welded to the curved plate 24 and their outer ends welded to the angle 26.

To mount the compactor 23 for pivoting or swinging movement, the plates 24, as well as the stiffeners 27 are welded to a sleeve 28 which extends transversely of the container 1. Stub shafts 29 are secured within the ends of the sleeve 28. The projecting ends of the stub shafts 29 are journalled within hearings in the respective vertical channels 8. With this construction the compactor can be pivoted about the axis of shafts 29 to thereby sweep the refuse along the curved plate 21 toward the discharge end of the container.

The compactor 23 is adapted to be pivoted by a pair of hydraulic cylinder units 30 mounted within the upper portion ofthe container 1 beneath the top wall 5. Each cylinder unit 30 includes a hydraulic cylinder 31 which is pivotally connected to :1 lug 32 extending outwardly from an angle 33 that extends transversely across the container 1 beneath the top plate 5. See FIG. 4. A piston rod or ram 34 is mounted for sliding movement within each cylinder 31 and the outer end of each am is connected by a pin 35 between the ends of the corresponding spaced plates 25. By introducing hydraulic fluid into the left hand end of the cylinders 31, as viewed in FIG. 1, the rams 34 will be extended to thereby pivot the compactor 23 clockwise around the axis of shafts 29 and sweep the refuse along the curved wall 21 toward the discharge end of the container. By introducing hydraulic fluid into the opposite ends of the cylinders 31, the rams 34 will be retracted to thereby return the compactor 23 to its original position, as shown in FIG. 1, wherein it is located adjacent the top wall 5 in a position where it will not interfere with the charging of refuse through the doors 13.

To protect the hydraulic cylinder units 30 from the pressure exerted through the compacted refuse, a plate 36 is located beneath the cylinder units 30 and extends between the side walls 2. The forward edge of the plate 36 is provided with a diagonal or bent end 37.

To provide access to the cylinder units 30, the top wall 5 is provided with an opening located in alignment with the cylinder units and which is normally closed by an access door 38. The forward edge of door 38 is hinged to the top wall 5 by hinges 39 and the free end of the door rests on the angle 33, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Door 38 is provided with downwardly extending side flanges 40 and when the door is in the closed position, the side flanges 40 are located outwardly-of the top edge channels 10. Door 38 is locked in the closed position by a pair of toggle clamps 41.

The refuse is adapted to be discharged from the container through a discharge opening 42 in the rear end of .top wall 5 which is normally closed by a hinged cover 43. The cover 43 includes a generally flat panel 44 which is bordered by a downwardly extending flange 45. The forward portion of flange 45 is hinged to an upstanding lip 46 secured to the angle 33 by hinge 47.

To lock the cover 43 in the closed position, a series of standard toggle clamps 48 are mounted on the rear portion of the flange 45 and are adapted to engage lugs 49 secured to the channel 10. To aid in moving the cover 43 to the open position, a pair of handles 50 are located on each side of the cover. When in the open position, the cover 43 will rest flatwise against the access door 38 and can be latched by a mechanism not shown, in the fully open position.

The hydraulic system for operating the cylinder units 30 is illustrated diagramatically in FIG. 6. The hydraulic system includes a pump 51 driven by an electric motor 52 and a pressure or discharge line 53 and a return line 54 extends between the pump 51 and a solenoid-operated, three-way valve 55. A suitable hydraulic reservoir, not shown, can be connected in line 54. From separate, outlets, the control valve 55 is connected to both ends of the cylinders 31 through line 56 and its corresponding branch lines 57, and through line 58 and its corresponding branch lines 59.

The solenoid valve 55 is operated by a three-position switch 60 on a remote control panel 61. The switch 60 is connected by an electrical cable 62 to the valve 55 and the cable 62 has a substantial length and is coiled around a retractable reel 63 that is mounted within the container 1 beneath the plate 21. The switch 60,

preferably has three positions, including a neutral position, wherein the solenoid valve 55 places the pressure line 53 in communication with the return line 54 to form a closed circuit through the pump 51. In this neutral position of the valve 55, the lines 56 and 58 are closed, to hydraulically lock the cylinder assemblies 30 and thereby lock the compactor 23 in the corresponding position. Thus, with the switch 60 in the closed circuit formed by the lines 53 and 54 through the pump.

To extend the cylinder assemblies 30 and move the compactor 23 clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 1, the switch 60 is moved to the compaction" position which actuates the valve 55 to place the pressure line 53 in communication with the line 56 so that fluid is introduced into the rear ends of the cylinders 31 to extend the rams 34 and thereby move the compactor 23 in a downward compacting stroke.

To retract the cylinder units 30 and move the compactor 23 to its retracted upward position, the switch 60 is moved to the return position which actuates the valve 55 to place the pressure line 53 in communication with the line 57 to thereby introduce fluid into the forward ends of the cylinders 31 and retract the rams 34 to thereby move the compactor 23 to the upper or return position. When not in use, the'switch panel 61 can be stored within the container 1 beneath plate 21 and access can be had to the switch panel through door 64.

While the above description has referred to a threeposition switch 60, it is contemplated that a single pole on-off" switch can be utilized in which the on position will act to place pressure line 53 in communication with line 56 to move the compactor 23 in a compacting stroke and the of position will return the compactor to the upper or return position.

As the switch 60 is connected to the solenoid valve 55 by means of the extendible cable 62, the compactor 23 can be operated when the container 1 is upended during the unloading to aid in the discharge of the refuse as will be described hereinafter.

A safety feature is incorporated in the control system for the compactor 23 which prevents the compactor from being operated unless the doors 13 are in the fully closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the motor 52 is connected to a suitable source of power, not shown, by lines 65 and 66 and a switch 67 is connected in line 65. The switch 67 is mounted in the flange or frame bordering opening 12, and as the door 13 is moved to the closed position, the switch 67 will be actuated to thereby close the circuit between the motor to the source of power. Conversely, by opening the door 13, the switch 67 will be opened to thereby open the circuit between the motor 52 and the source of power and prevent the cylinder units 30 from being operated. This insures that the compactor will not be operated when the doors [3 are open and eliminates the possibility of the operator's had or arm being located in the container when the compactor is utilized. A key actuated on-off" switch, not shown, can also be connected in line 65 to prevent tampering.

To charge or load refuse into the container, one or both of the doors 13 in the end 4 are opened and the refuse is manually deposited within the container. After closing the door the on-off switch is moved to the on position" and the operator can then remove the switch panel 61 from the container 1 and move the switch to the compaction position which will operate the compactor to sweep the refuse toward the discharge end of the container.

Depending upon the particular application, it may be desirable in some instances to remove the charging doors 13 and mount the end wall 4 adjacent the wall of the building so that the charging opening 12 will be in registry with the terminal end of a chute in the building wall. In this application the refuse falling through the chute will be delivered directly through the charging opening into the container 1. In this situation with the removal of the doors, the safety switch 67 would not be incorporated in the control mechanism for the compactor.

When it is desired to unload the refuse from the container l, the container is engaged and upended by a refuse truck so that the refuse will be discharged through the discharge opening 42 into the body of the truck In preparation for unloading, the toggle clamps 48 are loosened and the cover 43 is pivoted to the open position and latched in the open position to thereby expose the discharge opening 42.

In one method of unloading as illustrated in F IG. 7, the container 1 is provided with opposed journals 68 which extend outwardly from the top edge channels 10 on opposite sides of the container. The container is also provided with a mechanism toreceive a hook or the like to lift the container. The hook receiving mechanism includes a pair of spaced lugs 69 which straddle the longitudinal center line of the container and extend upwardly from the channel 11. A pin 70 extends between the lugs in spaced relation above the channel 11.

The refuse truck 71, as illustrated diagramatically in P16. 7, includes a refuse receiving body 72 having an opening which is preferably wider than the container 1 so that the end wall 3 of the container may project therethrough during the unloading. Immediately adjacent the side edges of the opening in the body 72 are a pair of rearwardly projecting vertical plates 73, and each plate is provided with a vertically extending cam surface 74 which terminates at its lower end in a bearing cavity 75. The height of the plates 73 relative to the ground level should provide for engagement of the cam surfaces 74 with the journals 68 when the container 1 is resting on the ground. The refuse truck 71 carries a winch 76 located on the forward portion of the truck which may be driven by the truck engine. The cable 77 of the winch 76 is located above the center line of the truck and is guided in movement along the center line of the truck by a pair of pulleys 78 and 79. The end of the cable 77 is provided with a hook 80 for engagement with the pin 70 of the container as shown in FIG. 7.

When the container is to be unloaded or discharged of its contents, the truck 71 is back toward the container 1 until the cam surfaces 74 on plates 73 make contact with the journals 68 on the container. The hook 80 on the hoisting cable 77 is engaged with the pin 70 and the winch 76 is then driven to wind up the cable 77 which initially lifts the rear portion of the container l and simultaneously cams the journals 68 downwardly on the cam surfaces 73 into the bearing cavities of the plates to pivotally connect the container l and the truck body 72. As the winch 76 continues to operate and wind up the cable 77, the container l pivots about the axis of the journals 68 to upend the container to a position where the end wall 3 projects through the opening in the truck body 72 so that the refuse can fall by gravity through the discharge opening 42 into the truck body, thereby eliminating the possibility of ground spillage in the unloading area.

In some instances, depending upon the nature of the refuse, the refuse may jam within the container and will not fall by gravity into the refuse body 72 of the truck, In the past when a situation such as this occurred it was necessary for the operator to either climb on the truck body and attempt to dislodge the refuse with some implement, or alternately, to lower the container back to ground level and then attempt to relieve the jammed situation. However, with the present invention and the use of the remote control switch panel 61, it is possible to operate the compactor 23 when the container is in the upended position, to thereby partially sweep the contents of the container downwardly into the truck body 72 and eliminate the possibility of jamming and expidite the unloading process. In order to operate the compactor when the container is in the upended position, the operator, prior to upending of the container, will move the control panel 61 from its storage space within the access door 64 in the end wall 4. As the container is pivoted upwardly, the cable 62 will unwind from the reel 63 and when the container is in the fully inverted or upended position the operator can then actuate the compactor and aid in discharging the contents from the container into the truck body.

After the container has been emptied of its contents, the winch cable 77 is let out and the container will pivot by gravity back to its original position. As the container is returned to its position of rest, the journals 68 are cammed out of the bearing cavities 75 so that after the cable 77 is disconnected from the container, the truck is free to leave the area.

Similarly, as the container 1 is being returned to its position of rest, the rewind reel 63 will automatically take up the electrical cable 62 which is connected to the panel 61 so that the operator can replace the panel 61 in its storage location within the access door 64.

FIG. 8 illustrates a modified type of unloading mechanism which can be used to discharge the refuse from the container 1. To accommodate the type of unloading mechanism shown in FIG. 8, the ends of the channels 9 adjacent the diagonal wall 3, are open and receive the free ends of supporting arms 81 which are pivotally connected to the chassis of the refuse truck 82. The outer end of each arm 81 is provided with an upstanding projection 83 which is adapted to be received within an opening in the upper surface of the respective channel 9.

With operation of the unit shown in FIG; 8, the truck 82 moves forwardly toward the discharge end of the container 1 and the arms 81 are moved into the open ends of the respective channels 9 until the projections 83 are located beneath the openings in the channels 9. The arms 81 are then elevated to bring the projections 83 into registry with the opening and continued upward pivotal movement of the arms will cause the container 1 to be upended to the phantom position shown in FIG. 8 to thereby discharge the contents from the container into the body 84 of the truck. During the unloading operation, the compactor 23 can be operated by use of the remote control panel 61 in the manner previously described with respect to the unloading mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

While FIGS. 1 to 8 have illustrated a large capacity refuse container, it is contemplated that the refuse container can also be utilized as a small capacity portable unit to be used in hospitals, department stores and the like. As shown in FIG. 9, the refuse container 85, similar in construction to container 1, but smaller in size, is a portable or mobile unit and is provided with a pair of rear wheels 86 and a pair of front casters 87. To aid in moving the container 85, a push bar 88 is mounted on the rear end wall of the container, beneath the charging opening. The unit shown in FIG. 9 can be manually pushed along the hall or aisle of a hospital, school, factory or the like and can be used to receive small quantities of refuse and waste.

The refuse container of the invention is a completely enclosed unit with both the charging opening and the discharge opening being normally closed by locked doors. The closed condition of the container not only makes it weather-tight, but also protects the refuse from insects and rodents and minimizes obnoxious odors which may eminate from the refuse. By completely confining the refuse, the possibility of the refuse being scattered by the wind is also minimized.

The compaction of the refuse reduces the volume for a given mass of refuse and thus offers more efficient handling. Moreover, the unit'provides a safety feature in that the circuitry for the compactor is tied in with a switch on the charging door which requires that the door be completely closed before the compactor can be operated. This feature prevents the possibility of the operators hand or arm being in the container at the time the compactor is actuated.

By use of the remote control unit it is possible to operate the compactor when the container is upended or inverted and this aids in the discharge of the refuse from the container.

By utilizing a pair of openings at opposite ends of the container, the charging opening can be located in close proximity to a building, or other waste deliver mechanism, and yet the container can be readily engaged and upended by the refuse truck. This feature increases the versatility of the refuse container and enables it to be used in locations where prior container could not be employed.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:.

1. A refuse collecting unit, comprising a container including a pair of spaced side walls, a first end wall, a second inclined end wall, a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the side walls and end walls, and a top wall connecting the upper edges of the side walls and end walls, said container having a charging opening in said first end wall and having a discharge opening in said top wall adjacent said inclined second end-wall; a first door to removably close the discharge opening, compacting means located within the container and disposed to move generally from the charging opening toward the discharge opening to sweep refuse toward the discharge opening and compact the same; and means connected to the exterior of the container and disposed to be engaged by a movable carrier for elevating the container and discharging refuse through the discharge opening into a collection area on said carrier.

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein said compacting means includes a compacting member pivotally mounted to the container about a transverse pivot axis and located adjacent the top wall, and said compacting means includes a fluid cylinder unit operably connected to the compacting member at a second pivot spaced from said pivot axis, said fluid cylinder unit being disposed within the container adjacent said top wall.

3. The unit of claim 2, and including a protective baffle member disposed within'the container and located beneath said fluid cylinder unit.

4. The unit of claim 2, wherein said compaction member comprises a curved plate and a series of reinforcing members secured to the upper surface of said plate, said fluid cylinder unit being pivotally connected to said reinforcing members.

5. The unit of claim 4, and including a stiffening member secured to the upper surface of the curved plated adjacent the outer edge thereof and extending transversely of the container.

Claims (5)

1. A refuse collecting unit, comprising a container including a pair of spaced side walls, A first end wall, a second inclined end wall, a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the side walls and end walls, and a top wall connecting the upper edges of the side walls and end walls, said container having a charging opening in said first end wall and having a discharge opening in said top wall adjacent said inclined second end wall; a first door to removably close the discharge opening, compacting means located within the container and disposed to move generally from the charging opening toward the discharge opening to sweep refuse toward the discharge opening and compact the same; and means connected to the exterior of the container and disposed to be engaged by a movable carrier for elevating the container and discharging refuse through the discharge opening into a collection area on said carrier.

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein said compacting means includes a compacting member pivotally mounted to the container about a transverse pivot axis and located adjacent the top wall, and said compacting means includes a fluid cylinder unit operably connected to the compacting member at a second pivot spaced from said pivot axis, said fluid cylinder unit being disposed within the container adjacent said top wall.

3. The unit of claim 2, and including a protective baffle member disposed within the container and located beneath said fluid cylinder unit.

4. The unit of claim 2, wherein said compaction member comprises a curved plate and a series of reinforcing members secured to the upper surface of said plate, said fluid cylinder unit being pivotally connected to said reinforcing members.

5. The unit of claim 4, and including a stiffening member secured to the upper surface of the curved plated adjacent the outer edge thereof and extending transversely of the container.

Images