1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to trash compactors and more particularly to cabinet construction for the trash compactor.
2. Description of the Related Art
Trash compactors generally have a plate which presses against trash in a container to reduce the volume of the trash therein such that trash disposal storage space is minimized. The forces in the trash compactor are such that the frame or housing must be strong enough to hold the machinery for compacting the trash and withstand the forces required for compaction.
It is desired to provide a frame with built-in features allowing for a passage between the walls of the compactor and shelves therein. It is also desired to provide a strong, lightweight, low-cost, cabinet which is easy to assemble.
The cabinet is made from two pieces of sheet metal which are shaped to provide a front portion, a side wall and half the back wall of the cabinet. The front of the cabinet has a small front facing surface for attaching doors for access to the cabinet. The back wall has a V-shaped indentation for allowing a passage between the back wall and a shelf in the cabinet and to give the back wall added strength. The back wall also has a V-shaped overlap portion which connects the two halves of the cabinet and adds strength to the cabinet. Shelves and supports are attached to the walls in the cabinet which provide strength for the cabinet and support the mechanisms for compacting trash. A base and a cover attached to the two sheet metal pieces complete the construction of the trash compactor cabinet.
The sheet metal walls of the cabinet are bent into the desired shape and are lightweight, inexpensive and strong. V-Shaped indentations add strength to the back wall and allow a passageway between the back wall and shelves inside the trash compactor. The front portion of the sheet metal wall is bent to form a channel with a front facing portion for attaching doors, door frames or walls. The channel also adds strength to the cabinet. An overlapping V-shaped portion in the rear wall allows the two wall sections to be connected by welding or otherwise fastening the two wall sections together and the V shape provides strength for the cabinet.
It is an object of the invention to provide a low-cost, easy to make cabinet for a trash compactor.
It is an object of the invention to provide a strong, lightweight cabinet for a trash compactor.
It is an object of the invention to provide a passageway between the shelves and the back wall of the trash compactor.
It is an object of the invention to provide an easy to assemble cabinet for a trash compactor.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
A trash compactor cabinet 10 is shown in
After the panels 20 are assembled, shelves 40 and 50 may be attached. The shelves 40, 50 will help provide rigidity to the cabinet 10. In the embodiment shown in
A base 70 is shown in
Although the channels 35, 37 have been shown as V-shaped channels, any shape channel may be used, such as square, round or any polygon.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.