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.
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.
With society'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.
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.
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:
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within
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
Referring now to
Referring now to
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
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
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
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
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'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
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.
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