AU2305401A - Retractable sub floor assembly for waste transfer pit - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 Wastech Engineering Pty Ltd COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Retractable sub floor for waste transfer pit The invention is described in the folowing statement: Introduction to Invention This invention relates to waste transfer stations and similar waste handling operations which include a large dumping pit for the temporary handling of waste which is subsequently compacted for loading into refuge transfer trailers or bins for transport to land fill and tipping sites. In particular, this invention relates to a retractable sub floor assembly for, such a waste transfer station pit which is adapted to minimise the dangers and hazards associated with the transfer of waste and refuge into such a pit.

Background of Invention Waste transfer stations have become a popular intermediate service in the handling of domestic and commercial waste and refuge. Waste 15 transfer stationscomprise essentially a below ground level pit with a suitable approach, or an above ground construction with an approach ramp which allow domestic and commercial vehicles a convenient means of unloading waste or refuge into the pit in a comparatively safe and controlled environment. Once refuge is loaded into the pit, the transfer 20 station includes the facilities for either compaction or removal of the waste which is ultimately transferred in bulk to land fill or other tipping iarrangements. The waste transfer stations, while providing a very convenient means of offloading domestic and commercial waste, incorporate various features which can give rise to hazardous situations.

25 In particular, the pit into which the waste is loaded is generally in the order of 4 metres deep and 4 metres wide and it is not uncommon for users of such transfer stations to inadvertently fall into or reverse vehicles into the pit itself, resulting in severe and extensive damage to the vehicles and frequently severe or fatal injuries to the user or driver of the vehicle.

The injury to personnel is of great concern as such transfer stations are now commonly used by rate payers for domestic purposes alongside large commercial operators for which such transfer stations were originally designed. Accordingly, the current usage of transfer stations exceeds their original design intentions and introduces unintended hazards. In addition to such obvious hazards, it is not uncommon for the drivers of vehicles to suffer injuries or health difficulties in the process of unloading their vehicles into the pit and subsequently falling into the pit causing further injuries and creating possible difficulties in locating such injured people.

Accordingly, whilst every effort is made on the part of the authorities and supervising personnel providing access to such waste transfer stations, the inherent hazards in the use and operation in such transfer stations is cause for considerable concern.

It would be very desirable to provide a safer environment and work place at waste transfer stations whilst minimising the impact on the efficiency of the operation of such transfer stations.

Statements of Invention In one aspect the invention provides a retractable sub floor assembly for a waste transfer pit including a sub floor adapted for movement .oooo) 2o between a first retracted position offering minimal interference with opening of said pit and user vehicles and a second extended position i providing a temporary sub floor to said pit wherein the retraction of said sub floor from said extended position to said retracted position deposits any waste deposited on said sub floor to said pit.

25 The sub floor may include one or a plurality of panels adapted to fold between said first and second positions.

Preferably the sub floor includes at least three panels consecutively hinged and adapted for folding between said first position and said second position wherein said second position forms a concave sub floor adapted for holding said deposited waste.

The sub floor is preferable fitted to a wall of said pit, most preferably a rear wall thereof by a first end thereof.

The sub floor may be slidably fitted to said wall and adapted for vertical movement against said rear wall. The sub floor may also be pivotally fitted to said wall and adapted for horizontal movement away from said wall; in a combined folding movement in vertical and horizontal planes.

Most preferably the sub floor includes a plurality of consecutively hinged folding panels, the first panel being slidably and pivotally fitted to a rear wall of said pit and the last panel being free to move vertically and/or horizontally; but accorded limited movement by the provision of a telescopic support arm fitted between said last panel and said rear wall so as to urge said sub floor to follow a concave pathway as it moves between said first to said second positions. Most preferably two telescopic support arms are provided at each edge of said last panel.

~In another aspect the invention provides the sub-floor assembly as previously described except the telescopic arms are replaced with a second guide track positioned either side of the sub-floor and adapted for mounting outward from said rear wall of the pit, wherein the second guide 20 tracks have a top section substantially parallel to the first guide track and a lower section of concave configuration. The sub floor panels are S-preferably provided with side walls which are adapted to cooperate with the second guide track to cause the sub floor to adopt the concave configuration as it moves from the first to the second position.

25 Detailed Description of the Invention The invention is described in more detail with reference to a first example of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 1 shows a side cross section view of the assembly with the retractable sub floor in a fully raised or fully retracted position; Figure 2 shows a side cross section view with the retractable sub floor in a transit position; Figure 3 shows a side cross section view with the retractable sub floor in the fully extended position; Figure 4 shows a plan view of the retractable sub floor; Figure 5 shows a front view of the retractable sub floor as vertically held in the sliding frame attached to the rear wall of a transfer pit; Figure 6 shows a side cross section view of the fully extended retractable sub floor assembly as fitted to a waste transfer pit with a domestic vehicle approaching ready for unloading; Figure 7 shows a similar view to Figure 6 except with the retractable sub floor retracted so as to allow a commercial vehicle to deposit waste in the transfer pit.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 8 to 16 as example 2.

Figure 8 shows a side cross section view of the assembly with the retractable sub floor in a fully raised or retracted position.

Figure 9 shows a side cross section view with the sub floor in a transit position.

Figure 10 shows a side cross section view with the sub floor in the 20 fully extended position.

Figure 11 shows a plan view of the sub floor.

Figure 12 shows a side view of the sub floor.

Figure 13 shows a side cross section view of the assembly fitted to a waste pit as used by a motor vehicle.

25 Figure 14 shows a side cross section view of the assembly fitted to a waste pit as used by a commercial contractor.

Figure 15 shows the assembly depositing waste from the retracting sub floor to the pit.

Figure 16 shows the sub floor extended back over the deposited waste.

6 Example 1 Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 the invention provides a retractable sub floor assembly system for fitting and use with an existing standard waste transfer pit i. The assembly sub floor 2 includes a plurality of panels 4 which are consecutively hinged by pivot points 5. The sub floor effectively forms a compliant and foldable curtain which is adapted for vertical slidable fitting to the rear wall 6 of the pit. The first end 7 of the sub floor 2 is adapted for slidable engagement between a first pair of guide tracks or channels 8. Each channel 8 is provided with a drive motor and drive pinion 9 at a first end thereof with the drive motor having a cross shaft to service each channel 8 at either side of a given sub floor. A return pinion 10 is provided at a second end thereof. A chain drive 11 is fitted between the two pinions and the first end 7 of the sub floor is fitted to the 15 chain drive 11 by way of a suitable bracket. The continuous chain 11 provides a positive drive in both direction for the sub floor. The remainder of the sub floor including the respective panels are all free to move in and out between said channels and the movement of the chain drive 11 allows the sub floor to move vertically up and down along the length of the channels 8.

In order to provide the sub floor with the preferred folding action, the last panel 12 of the sub floor is fitted with a telescopic arm 13 which extends between the very end of the last panel 12 and approximately midway along the length of the channel 8. Referring now to Figure 2, the 25 intermediate action of the retractable sub floor involves the rotations of the drive chain 11 so as to move the, as yet unfolded sub floor, down vertically with the corresponding extension of the telescopic support arm 13. Once the vertical movement of the sub floor has reached the intermediate stage shown in Figure 2, the telescopic support arm is fully extended and the further movement of the chain drive 11 in a downward vertical direction causes the first end 7 of a sub floor to continue in its vertical downward direction; however, because of the constraints provided by the fully extended telescopic support arm 13 the last panel 12 is urged to begin folding outward and moving in a horizontal direction as shown in Figure 3. When the sub floor has reached the extent of its downward vertical movement the plurality of sub floor panels 4 are caused to fold up in a concave configuration forming an effective sub floor and sub pit.

The sub floor panels 4 can be provided with pivot stops 14 which ensure that the sub floor, once it has reached its fully extended second position, does not undergo any undesirable folding actions, particularly including collapsing effects that could be caused if the sub floor were to catch onto or interfere with any waste in the bottom of the pit.

The retraction of the sub floor involves the reversal of the previously described action. The chain drive 11 is reversed which pulls the first end 15 7 of the sub floor in an upwardly vertical direction and causes the sub floor panels 4 to follow the reverse path and retract up into the vertical position thereby efficiently dispensing any waste that has been transferred *into the sub pit previously formed, into the main pit 1. Once the sub floor has been fully returned to the first position it adopts a highly compact 20 arrangement which does not interfere with a normal operation of the pit opening 3 and the pit push blade S-The configuration of the sub floor is shown in Figures 4 and 5 where a plan or front view of the sub floor reveals a plurality of sub floor panels 4 comprising substantial steel plates 16, or other suitable material, including 25 a support frame with a flexible rubber or plastic panel, which form the bulk of the floor. Each panel 4 has running along its edge, a tubular end 17. The tubular ends provide a pivoting means between consecutive panels where each second panel can include connecting arms 18 extending along the width thereof so as to overlap with the consecutive panels and providing allowance for connecting axles 19 so as to allow the 8 free pivoting of each consecutive sub floor panel. Referring now to Figure the orientation and configuration of the vertically raised sub floor in its first position can be shown with the sub floor fitting freely between the two channels 8 forming the slide frame. The chain drive 11 is caused to run up the centre of each channel 8 and is connected to the first end sub floor panel 7 by way of mounting pins The pivot points of each sub floor panel 4 can be provided with roller wheels 21 to assist in the movement of the retractable sub floor along a concave pathway and particularly along the vertical pathway rising up against the rear wall 6.

To assist in the initial folding of the sub floor as it moves from the first position to the second position, an offset ramp 22 may be provided on the rearwall 6 (see Figure 3).

A further safety feature that may be incorporated in the retractable sub floor assembly would be the provision of overload sensors in the form of amperage limiters on the drive motor 9 which could react in the event oe o that the sub floor is jammed with refuge for other items in the pit the retractable sub floor will be haltered to prevent and unnecessary damage.

Referring now to Figure 6 and 7 the retractable sub floor assembly is shown in use as fitted to a waste transfer pit where in Figure 6 a domestic vehicle with a box trailer 23 is reversed into the waste transfer station.

The box trailer is reversed up to the opening 3 of the pit 1; but, instead of having the trailer and vehicle exposed to a 4 metre deep pit, the invention provides the sub floor forming a sub pit of approximately 1 meter deep, 25 allowing a waste capacity in the order of 1.5 cubic metres which can be collected by the sub floor in a safe and convenient manner. In the unlikely event that the driver of a vehicle were to reverse the trailer too close to the edge of the pit, the worst that would happen would be that the trailer could end up in the sub floor, which will be of sufficient strength to withhold such abuse and such an accident would be recoverable and would involve minimal damage to the trailer and the people involved.

When the capacity of the sub pit is reached, the operator of the waste transfer centre would ensure that the area is clear of vehicles and the sub floor would then be retracted in the manner previously described and effectively withdrawn from underneath the waste collected therein allowing the waste to tumble down into the pit 1 wherein the retractable sub floor could be returned allowing continued use. In the event that a commercial vehicle wishes to use the waste transfer pit, Figure 7 shows that the sub floor of the invention can be fully retracted into its first position allowing uninhibited use of the waste transfer pit by commercial vehicle in the usual manner.

Example 2 In a second and more preferred embodiment the sub floor assembly is detailed in Figures 8 to 16 incorporating a second guide track 24 in place of the telescopic arms for ensuring smooth and accurate movement of the sub floor from its retracted to its extended concave position.

ee": Referring firstly to Figures 8 to 10, the invention takes the form of a sub floor assembly adapted for mounting to a waste transfer pit 1 by way of a pair of first guide tracks 8 which are mounted to the rear wall 6 of the waste transfer pit. The sub floor 2 includes a plurality of panels 4 with each panel having side walls .2 7 such that the plurality of panels 4 i connected by pivoting axles 19 form an effective enclosure for receipt of deposited waste. The second pair of guide tracks 24 are mounted outwardly of the rear wall 6 and each of the guide tracks comprise a top 25 section 25 running substantially parallel with the first track and a lower section 26 which curves around to provide an overall shape to the second guide track. The side walls 27 of the panels each have a pair of rollers 28 which are adapted to cooperate with the second guide track such that the combined action of cooperation with the first guide track and second guide track causes the sub floor to curve around as it moves from the first retracted position to the second extended position shown respectively in Figures 9 and 10. The sub floor adopts a compact concave configuration with the respective side walls 27 closing together to form a self contained and enclosed sub floor adapted to receive waste deposit with minimal risk of uncontrolled spillage into the pit 1. The limitation of movement of the sub floor to the second position can be controlled by pivot stops in the manner of the closing action of the side walls 27 which abut each other as the sub floor reaches the limits of its second position.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12. The sub floor is shown in plan and side view where the sub floor 2 can be seen to comprise the panel regions 4 with respective side walls 2 7 formed at the edge of each panel.

The respective panels are joined by connecting axles 19 which run the width of each panel 4, thereby ensuring rigidity to the sub floor as a whole. Each of the side walls 27 are provided with roller wheels 28 which are adapted to engage the second guide track.

Referring now to Figure 13, a cutaway side view is shown of the ~assembly fitted to a waste pit and as used by a domestic motor vehicle.

The sub floor 2 is shown in its second extended position with the second guide track 24 shown in part. The whole assembly may be reinforced by a support structure 29 and additional protection provided by bollards 30 to ensure that user vehicles do not damage the assembly mechanisms. The sub floor 2 is powered by a drive motor 9 which may be positioned within the confines of the roof 31.

Referring now to Figure 14. The assembly of the invention is shown 25 as used by a commercial vehicle where the sub floor 2 is in the retracted position thereby allowing full access to the pit 1 for dumping of substantial quantities of waste from a commercial vehicle. It can be seen from this representation that the assembly of the invention does not in any way obstruct the functioning of a waste pit for commercial purposes and optionally provides a safe and secure environment for use of the same pit by domestic users as detailed in Figure 13.

Figures 15 and 16 show the assembly depositing waste into the pit with Figure 15 demonstrating the retraction of the sub floor 2 such that waste deposited therein is dispensed into the bottom of the pit 1. Figure 16 shows the return of the sub floor 2 to the extended position such that the waste deposited in the pit 1 can be compacted by the push blade.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a waste transfer pit could be provided with a plurality of retractable sub floors along the width thereof, such that continuous operation of the full length of the pit could be ensured with the independent use of the individual sub floor sections.

The invention provides for the first time a retro fittable safety cover or device for use with an existing waste transfer pit which allows for a considerably improved margin of safety in the operation of such a transfer pit to allow safe use of the pits by commercial trucks and hand loading by 15 residents and domestic customers. The retractable sub floor of the S-..invention is formed of minimal mechanical components and is cost effective to manufacture, operate and maintain.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the 20 specific embodiments without departing from the .spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (19)

1. A retractable sub floor assembly for a waste transfer pit including a sub floor adapted for movement between a first retracted position offering minimal interference to the entrance of said pit and user vehicles and a second extended position providing a temporary sub floor to said pit wherein the retraction of said sub floor from said extended position to said retracted position deposits any waste deposited on said sub floor to said pit.

2. A sub floor assembly according to claim 2 wherein said sub floor includes one or a plurality of panels adapted to fold between said first and second positions.

3. A sub floor assembly according to claim 2 wherein said sub floor includes at least three panels consecutively joined and adapted to cooperate for folding between said first position and said second position wherein said second position forms a concave sub floor configuration adapted for holding said deposited waste. o,•oe oooo 20

4. A sub floor assembly according to claim 2 or 3 wherein said panels are jointed by pivotal connection at or along consecutive edges thereof to effect said folding.

5. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further including a first pair of guide tracks positioned either side of said sub floor S: and adapted for mounting and guiding said sub floor relative to said pit.

6. A sub floor assembly according to claim 5 wherein said first guide tracks are channels adapted for fitting to the rear wall of said pit and to 30 cooperate with said sub floor panels by engaging and driving a first panel up and down said tracks.

7. A sub floor assembly according to claim 5 or 6 wherein said first guide tracks further include a continuous drive means adapted to positively drive said sub floor up and down said tracks. 13

8. A sub floor assembly according to claim 7 wherein said drive means is a chain housed within the confines of said first guide track.

9. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the last panel of said sub floor is provided with a flexible linkage relative to said guide tracks such that the combined action of the positive drive of said first panel and passive restraint of said last panel results in said concave configuration of said sub floor when is said second position.

10. A sub floor assembly according to claim 9 wherein said flexible linkage is a telescopic arm of limited extension.

11. A sub floor assembly according to claim 10 wherein said telescopic arm is fitted between said last panel and along the length of said first guide track.

12. A sub floor assembly according to claims 9 to 11 wherein said flexible linkage is provided at either side of said sub floor. oooo

13. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein 20 each of said panels is provided with pivot stops to limit the amount of folding between consecutive panels.

14. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 13 wherein said panels are provided with roller wheels at or near each pivot point.

:15. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 14 wherein said first guide tracks include an offset ramp at the lower end thereof. *see

16. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein said 30 assembly is provided with a second pair of guide tracks positioned either side of said sub floor and adapted for mounting outward of the rear wall of said pit wherein said second guide tracks have a top section substantially parallel to said first guide track and a lower section of concave configuration.

17. A sub floor assembly according to claim 16 wherein said second guide tracks are adapted to cooperate with said sub floor so as to cause said sub floor to adopt said concave configuration as it moves from said first to said second position.

18. A sub floor assembly according to claim 17 wherein each of said panels of the sub floor include side walls.

19. A sub floor assembly according to claim 18 wherein said side walls cooperate with said second guide tracks to guide said sub floor into and out of said concave configuration. A sub floor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures. Dated this fifteenth day of February 2001 Wastech Engineering Pty Ltd Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F B RICE CO F B RICE CO 00o 0 S.