CA2035762A1 - Garbage bag opening device - Google Patents
Garbage bag opening deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2035762A1 CA2035762A1 CA 2035762 CA2035762A CA2035762A1 CA 2035762 A1 CA2035762 A1 CA 2035762A1 CA 2035762 CA2035762 CA 2035762 CA 2035762 A CA2035762 A CA 2035762A CA 2035762 A1 CA2035762 A1 CA 2035762A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- opening device
- bag opening
- garbage bag
- drum
- elements
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Landscapes
- Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus for opening garbage bags in a municipal waste processing stream including a drum rotatable above the stream of municipal waste with a plurality of discrete tearing elements extending outwardly from the drum into the stream of waste, to tear through bags while yielding to more resistant articles in the stream of waste. The drum is suspended from arms pivotally mounted above the drum, so that the drum will yield to large items in the waste stream.
An apparatus for opening garbage bags in a municipal waste processing stream including a drum rotatable above the stream of municipal waste with a plurality of discrete tearing elements extending outwardly from the drum into the stream of waste, to tear through bags while yielding to more resistant articles in the stream of waste. The drum is suspended from arms pivotally mounted above the drum, so that the drum will yield to large items in the waste stream.
Description
~3S76~
PATENT APPLICATION
TITLE
GARBAGE BAG OPENING DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
i. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to municipal waste processing systems, and relates more specifically to an apparatus for opening garbage bags in a municipal waste processing stream to liberate the contents of the bag prior to subse~uent treatment.
ii. Prior Art The refuse from individuals and b~lsinesses alike freguently is accumulated in plastic garbage bags which are secured closed, in some fashion, and left for pick-up and hauling to disposal sites. For collection and handling of refuse, the plastic garbage bag needs to be burst and tear resistant. If easily burst or torn, the bag may be ripped open by the contents contained therein, either while the contents are being deposited in the bag or while the bag is being carried from one location to another prior to the final pick-up for hauling to disposal. Since the refuse contained in a garbage bag will normally include a mixture of hard and soft articles, some with pointed ends or relatively sharp edges, garbage bags are frequently designed to stretch or ., :: . .. ,: . :.
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break slightly, without substantial tearing, and tear propagation is minimiæed. Fre~uently the tear strength is sufficient such t~lat the bags are not opened even by the mechanical compaction applied thereto in the final collecting equipment, such as a garbage truck.
When municipalities could afford and were allowed to land fill the entire volume of collected municipal waste, the tear or burst resistance of garbage bags was of little or no concern. However, with decreasing capacities in existing land Eills, the unavailability of additional land fill sites, the increasing costs for land fill operation and the enactment of environmental laws making recycling desirable, many municipalities have installed municipal waste processing systems which separate the components of the municipal waste for subsequent processing such as burning, recycling, or other handling. In such systems, it is necessary to liberate the contents from containers such as garbage bags, so that the necessary separating and treating steps can be performed on the various different articles in the refuse.
It was common in early municipal waste processing systems to merely shred the municipal waste in hammer mills, or other comminuting devices. The result was that the bags were opened and contents liberated; however, the contents themselves were shredded or pulverized. Pieces of the garbage bags or the garbage itself can plug the devices, blind the hammers or other implements and otherwise foul the apparatus, reducing its efficiency.
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Trommel screens have also been utilized for liberating contents from garbage bags, which screens comprise a large tilted drum in which the bags are tumbled. While these have been somewhat successful in liberating the contents of the bags, due to the tumbling action, fr~angible containers break and all bags are not uniformly opened.
In many present municipal waste processing systems, it is desirable to minimize the degree of shredding which'occurs prior to separation. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a garbage bag opening device which will tear the bags for opening and liberating refuse without shredding, crushing or significantly breaking the contents in the bags.
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A device intended for gent~ garbage bag opening is disclosed in U.S. patent 4,479,581 '1Apparatus and Method for Processing Bagged Refuse" wherein a disk screen is used for bag opening, with a bag breaking means consisting of disk assemblies operating above the screen bed to open the bags.
The disks have serrated or toothed edges to help in bag opening and content liberation. However, since the bags are torn and not shredded, it is common that the large, opened plastic bags will wrap around the disks, thereby limiting future effectiveness of the disks in bag opening. Other types of bag openers suffer similar plugging or binding problems.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for opening garbage bags, to liberate the contents of the garbage bags which is effective in operation .
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to liberate the waste, yet minimizes breaking or size reduction of the liberated material.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a garbage bag opening device which is self-cleaning and reduces binding from the municipal waste contained in a municipal waste stream.
Still another object of the present invention 1s to provide a garbage bag opening device which is not easily damaged by large unyielding articles contained in the municipal waste stream and which is simple yet effective in operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a garbage bag opening device which is inexpensive to build and install and adaptable to different garbage stream conditions.
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are achieved in the present invention by providing a garbage bag opening device operating above a conveyor or other transport device for a municipal waste stream. The device includes a rotating drum with ripping elements attached thereto. The ripping elements such as cables, spring mounted tines, chains, blades or the like are rotated at relativeIy high speed and cut through plastic garbage bags positioned in their path. The ripping elements yield to hard objects encountered. The assembly is pivotally ` , ' .
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mounted at an elevation, so that large resistant articles may pass therethrough by tilting the device without damage to the device.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
_ Figure 1 is an end view of a garbage bag opening device embodying the present invention, the device being shown positioned for operation above a conveyor for municipal waste.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the garbage bag opening device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 2, but showing the device at a later time of operation, with the drum at a slightly elevated position.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the garbage opening device shown in the preceding figures.
Figures 5 through 14 are enlarged views of alternative embodiments of ripping elements.
Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a ripping element, showing the manner in which the element is self-cleaning.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE P~EFERRED EMB03IMENT
Referring now more specifically to the drawings~ and ~o Figure 1 in particular, numeral 10 designates a garbage bag opening device embodying the present invention, the device ., . ., - -: . . . , ;.: . ~ :,; - -- -: ': ' . ' ., , , :. , . .. : ' ., : , - ::. . . ...
2iO 35~62 being shown operating on a municipal waste stream 12 carried on a conveyor 14. The device 10 operates along the full width of the conveyor 14, so that all bags 16, 18, and the like are treated by the device, for liberating the contents from the bags.
The conveyor 14 includes a bed 20 on which the municipal waste is transported, and side retaining walls 22 and 24. The conveyor is of conventional design familiar to those knowledgeable in the ar~, and will not be described in ~urther detail herein. Various types of conveyors, slides, chutes, or the like may be used, and the garbage bag opening device of the present invention may be used in conjunction therewith.
The garbage bag opening device 10 includes standards 32 and 34 attached to and rising upwardly from the retaining walls 22 and 24, respectively. The standards may be attached to the retaining walls by welding, bolting, clamping, or other suitable means. Braces 36 and 38 may be provided for stabilizing the standards 32 and 34, respectively, attached by suitable means to the standards and walls.
Arms 42 and 44 depend downwardly from the standards 32 and 34, respectively. Each of the arms is connected to the respective standard by a pivotal connection 46 and 48, respectively. As shown in the end view of Figure 1 and the side elevational view of Figure 2, the arms 42 and 44 are generally aligned with the standards 32 and 34, respectivelY, so that the arms may pivot about the pivotal connections 46 .
. . . :: -. . : . .. . , . . ' . . - .. . ':.
OB15521'1851 2~3~i~62 and 48 such that the arms 42 and 44 each may move away from the standard to which it is connected, but are restricted in movement along side the standard. Thus, the arm may move generally in the direction of material travel, as indicated by the arrow 50, hut may move against the direction of travel only to a position parallel to an~ in contact with the standard.
A drum 60 is disposed between the arms 42 and ~4. The drum 60 is attached to a rod or stub shafts 62 journaled in bearings 64 and 66 of pillow blocks 68 and 70 on the arms 42 and ~4, respectively. At the arm 42, a motor 72 is disposed near the pivotal connection 46, and is drivingly connected by a belt or chain 74 to a sheave or sprocket 76 on the shaft 62~
The motor thus rotates the shafts 62 in the bearings 64 and 66 for rotating the drum 60 about its longitudinal axis. In the preferred arrangement, the drum rotates such that the bottom moves generally in the direction o~ waste stream movement.
The rotation direction of the drum is shown by arrow 78.
Attached to the drum 60 are a plurality of Elexible tearing or ripping elements 80. As shown in Figure 1, the elements 80 are positioned at spaced locations along the length of the drum 60 and about the circumference oE the drum, so that at an~ given time some of the elements will be positioned at ~arious locations such as generally upwardly, downwardly, forwardly, or rearwardly directed. As a bag passes under the drum 60, depending on the width o~ the bag and the spacing of the elements 80 along the axis of the drum, . . . : : -. .
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the bag may encounter two or more elements in succession, rather than several elements hitting the bag simultaneously.
The elements 80 are relatively thin bodies which will yield to rigid items encountered. A variety of different elements may be used, including spring tines 81, as shown in Figure 6, lengths of chain 82, as shown in Figure 8, segmented rods 83, as shown in Figure 10, and blades 84, as shown in Figure 12.
The centrifugal force e~perienced by the elements as the drum rotates, the effects of material encountered during rotation and the like cause the elements to take generally random angular positions about the drum, but extending outwardly therefrom. In Figure 5 tines 81a and 81b, in Figure 7 chain lengths 82a and 82b, in Figure 9 segmented rod sections 83a and 83b, and in Figure 11 blades 84a and 84b are shown at dif~erent angular positions. Pre~erably, each of the elements is pivotally connected to the drum, so that it ma~
assume this random angular positlon based on forces encountered. A bolt 90 engaging the element and extending between bosses 92 and 94 is a suitable method for atta~hing the elements to the drum.
In some situations, it is desirable that the elements be pivotal at one or more locations along their length. The segmented rod sections 83, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, are pivotal about looped connections 96. The chain lengths 82 are, of course, pivotal at each link connection. A
. . .
. . . - . .
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~ V3 ~ 7 particularly effective element is illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, wherein blade elements 100 similar to element 84 are used, but consist of separate segments 102 and 104 pivotally connected by a bolt, rivet, or the like 106. These and other of the segmented elements are particularly effective in unloading bag pieces or refuse which may cling to an element during operation.
As the drum rotates, the centrifugal force generated causes the blade, tines, wire, cables, chains, or the like to extend outwardly generally radially from the dr~m and one or more of the elements 8Q are driven through the plastic garbage bags or other containers and tear openings therein. However, as the element reaches a resistant object, such as ~he contents of the garba~e bag, the element will yield to the material, pivoting either at its connection to the drum 60 or at a point along its length. The element will then glide over the object encountered. In this way, the elements tend to rip through plastic garbage bags while causing minimal damages to the contents of the bag.
Since the elements 80 are otherwise substantially smooth and present minim~l surface area, little or no refuse will cling to the elements If small pieces do wrap around one of the elements t it is generally discharged therefrom b~ the rotational movement of the element as shown in Eigure 15.
Discharge from the element normally will be in the direction of refuse travel.
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2~357~
It should be recognized that two or more o the bag opening devices of the present invention can be operated in series to ensure that all bags are opened, and the contents liberated therefrom. Additionally, bag leveling devices and the like can be used upstream from the bag ripping devices, to present a more even flow of material to the device.
In the event that a large article is encountered in the refuse stream, which will not pass between the drum 60 and bed 20 of conveyor 14, as the article encounters the drum 60, the drum is moved forward and the arms 42 and 44 pivot abou~ their pivotal connections 46 and 48. This forward, pivotal movement o~ the arms elevates the dxum such that the large article may pass under the drum as the drum slides thereover. In this way, damage to the bag opening device is minimized.
Although one embodiment and several modifications ~or a garbage bag opening device have been shown and described in detail herein, various changes may be made without departing from the scope o~ the present invention.
-., ' - ' : - -.: . , . .. - . - - . : .
. . . .. : . :: .: . . , ~.
-~. - - :: . . ~ :
.. . .
- -
PATENT APPLICATION
TITLE
GARBAGE BAG OPENING DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
i. Technical Field The present invention relates generally to municipal waste processing systems, and relates more specifically to an apparatus for opening garbage bags in a municipal waste processing stream to liberate the contents of the bag prior to subse~uent treatment.
ii. Prior Art The refuse from individuals and b~lsinesses alike freguently is accumulated in plastic garbage bags which are secured closed, in some fashion, and left for pick-up and hauling to disposal sites. For collection and handling of refuse, the plastic garbage bag needs to be burst and tear resistant. If easily burst or torn, the bag may be ripped open by the contents contained therein, either while the contents are being deposited in the bag or while the bag is being carried from one location to another prior to the final pick-up for hauling to disposal. Since the refuse contained in a garbage bag will normally include a mixture of hard and soft articles, some with pointed ends or relatively sharp edges, garbage bags are frequently designed to stretch or ., :: . .. ,: . :.
~ . l . . . . , ~ , . , .::
:; :
,~
~ 57~
break slightly, without substantial tearing, and tear propagation is minimiæed. Fre~uently the tear strength is sufficient such t~lat the bags are not opened even by the mechanical compaction applied thereto in the final collecting equipment, such as a garbage truck.
When municipalities could afford and were allowed to land fill the entire volume of collected municipal waste, the tear or burst resistance of garbage bags was of little or no concern. However, with decreasing capacities in existing land Eills, the unavailability of additional land fill sites, the increasing costs for land fill operation and the enactment of environmental laws making recycling desirable, many municipalities have installed municipal waste processing systems which separate the components of the municipal waste for subsequent processing such as burning, recycling, or other handling. In such systems, it is necessary to liberate the contents from containers such as garbage bags, so that the necessary separating and treating steps can be performed on the various different articles in the refuse.
It was common in early municipal waste processing systems to merely shred the municipal waste in hammer mills, or other comminuting devices. The result was that the bags were opened and contents liberated; however, the contents themselves were shredded or pulverized. Pieces of the garbage bags or the garbage itself can plug the devices, blind the hammers or other implements and otherwise foul the apparatus, reducing its efficiency.
~5~6~:
Trommel screens have also been utilized for liberating contents from garbage bags, which screens comprise a large tilted drum in which the bags are tumbled. While these have been somewhat successful in liberating the contents of the bags, due to the tumbling action, fr~angible containers break and all bags are not uniformly opened.
In many present municipal waste processing systems, it is desirable to minimize the degree of shredding which'occurs prior to separation. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a garbage bag opening device which will tear the bags for opening and liberating refuse without shredding, crushing or significantly breaking the contents in the bags.
/ ~ ~oæ~
A device intended for gent~ garbage bag opening is disclosed in U.S. patent 4,479,581 '1Apparatus and Method for Processing Bagged Refuse" wherein a disk screen is used for bag opening, with a bag breaking means consisting of disk assemblies operating above the screen bed to open the bags.
The disks have serrated or toothed edges to help in bag opening and content liberation. However, since the bags are torn and not shredded, it is common that the large, opened plastic bags will wrap around the disks, thereby limiting future effectiveness of the disks in bag opening. Other types of bag openers suffer similar plugging or binding problems.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for opening garbage bags, to liberate the contents of the garbage bags which is effective in operation .
- ' ' ;~ ~, '' . ~ .' : ' .. : . ,, ~ .
.
;~3~76~
to liberate the waste, yet minimizes breaking or size reduction of the liberated material.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a garbage bag opening device which is self-cleaning and reduces binding from the municipal waste contained in a municipal waste stream.
Still another object of the present invention 1s to provide a garbage bag opening device which is not easily damaged by large unyielding articles contained in the municipal waste stream and which is simple yet effective in operation.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a garbage bag opening device which is inexpensive to build and install and adaptable to different garbage stream conditions.
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are achieved in the present invention by providing a garbage bag opening device operating above a conveyor or other transport device for a municipal waste stream. The device includes a rotating drum with ripping elements attached thereto. The ripping elements such as cables, spring mounted tines, chains, blades or the like are rotated at relativeIy high speed and cut through plastic garbage bags positioned in their path. The ripping elements yield to hard objects encountered. The assembly is pivotally ` , ' .
' ~
~35~6~
mounted at an elevation, so that large resistant articles may pass therethrough by tilting the device without damage to the device.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
_ Figure 1 is an end view of a garbage bag opening device embodying the present invention, the device being shown positioned for operation above a conveyor for municipal waste.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the garbage bag opening device shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 2, but showing the device at a later time of operation, with the drum at a slightly elevated position.
Figure 4 is a top plan view of the garbage opening device shown in the preceding figures.
Figures 5 through 14 are enlarged views of alternative embodiments of ripping elements.
Figure 15 is an enlarged view of a ripping element, showing the manner in which the element is self-cleaning.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE P~EFERRED EMB03IMENT
Referring now more specifically to the drawings~ and ~o Figure 1 in particular, numeral 10 designates a garbage bag opening device embodying the present invention, the device ., . ., - -: . . . , ;.: . ~ :,; - -- -: ': ' . ' ., , , :. , . .. : ' ., : , - ::. . . ...
2iO 35~62 being shown operating on a municipal waste stream 12 carried on a conveyor 14. The device 10 operates along the full width of the conveyor 14, so that all bags 16, 18, and the like are treated by the device, for liberating the contents from the bags.
The conveyor 14 includes a bed 20 on which the municipal waste is transported, and side retaining walls 22 and 24. The conveyor is of conventional design familiar to those knowledgeable in the ar~, and will not be described in ~urther detail herein. Various types of conveyors, slides, chutes, or the like may be used, and the garbage bag opening device of the present invention may be used in conjunction therewith.
The garbage bag opening device 10 includes standards 32 and 34 attached to and rising upwardly from the retaining walls 22 and 24, respectively. The standards may be attached to the retaining walls by welding, bolting, clamping, or other suitable means. Braces 36 and 38 may be provided for stabilizing the standards 32 and 34, respectively, attached by suitable means to the standards and walls.
Arms 42 and 44 depend downwardly from the standards 32 and 34, respectively. Each of the arms is connected to the respective standard by a pivotal connection 46 and 48, respectively. As shown in the end view of Figure 1 and the side elevational view of Figure 2, the arms 42 and 44 are generally aligned with the standards 32 and 34, respectivelY, so that the arms may pivot about the pivotal connections 46 .
. . . :: -. . : . .. . , . . ' . . - .. . ':.
OB15521'1851 2~3~i~62 and 48 such that the arms 42 and 44 each may move away from the standard to which it is connected, but are restricted in movement along side the standard. Thus, the arm may move generally in the direction of material travel, as indicated by the arrow 50, hut may move against the direction of travel only to a position parallel to an~ in contact with the standard.
A drum 60 is disposed between the arms 42 and ~4. The drum 60 is attached to a rod or stub shafts 62 journaled in bearings 64 and 66 of pillow blocks 68 and 70 on the arms 42 and ~4, respectively. At the arm 42, a motor 72 is disposed near the pivotal connection 46, and is drivingly connected by a belt or chain 74 to a sheave or sprocket 76 on the shaft 62~
The motor thus rotates the shafts 62 in the bearings 64 and 66 for rotating the drum 60 about its longitudinal axis. In the preferred arrangement, the drum rotates such that the bottom moves generally in the direction o~ waste stream movement.
The rotation direction of the drum is shown by arrow 78.
Attached to the drum 60 are a plurality of Elexible tearing or ripping elements 80. As shown in Figure 1, the elements 80 are positioned at spaced locations along the length of the drum 60 and about the circumference oE the drum, so that at an~ given time some of the elements will be positioned at ~arious locations such as generally upwardly, downwardly, forwardly, or rearwardly directed. As a bag passes under the drum 60, depending on the width o~ the bag and the spacing of the elements 80 along the axis of the drum, . . . : : -. .
... -.. ~: . : . , ,-...... , :
. - , : : :
. . -- . - ~ - -: . . - ., . ~ ~ . .. . ..
- . . ~ .
~357~
the bag may encounter two or more elements in succession, rather than several elements hitting the bag simultaneously.
The elements 80 are relatively thin bodies which will yield to rigid items encountered. A variety of different elements may be used, including spring tines 81, as shown in Figure 6, lengths of chain 82, as shown in Figure 8, segmented rods 83, as shown in Figure 10, and blades 84, as shown in Figure 12.
The centrifugal force e~perienced by the elements as the drum rotates, the effects of material encountered during rotation and the like cause the elements to take generally random angular positions about the drum, but extending outwardly therefrom. In Figure 5 tines 81a and 81b, in Figure 7 chain lengths 82a and 82b, in Figure 9 segmented rod sections 83a and 83b, and in Figure 11 blades 84a and 84b are shown at dif~erent angular positions. Pre~erably, each of the elements is pivotally connected to the drum, so that it ma~
assume this random angular positlon based on forces encountered. A bolt 90 engaging the element and extending between bosses 92 and 94 is a suitable method for atta~hing the elements to the drum.
In some situations, it is desirable that the elements be pivotal at one or more locations along their length. The segmented rod sections 83, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, are pivotal about looped connections 96. The chain lengths 82 are, of course, pivotal at each link connection. A
. . .
. . . - . .
,: ;. , . : , ,, - .... ~ - : . , : :
- . .. , . : ~
~ V3 ~ 7 particularly effective element is illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, wherein blade elements 100 similar to element 84 are used, but consist of separate segments 102 and 104 pivotally connected by a bolt, rivet, or the like 106. These and other of the segmented elements are particularly effective in unloading bag pieces or refuse which may cling to an element during operation.
As the drum rotates, the centrifugal force generated causes the blade, tines, wire, cables, chains, or the like to extend outwardly generally radially from the dr~m and one or more of the elements 8Q are driven through the plastic garbage bags or other containers and tear openings therein. However, as the element reaches a resistant object, such as ~he contents of the garba~e bag, the element will yield to the material, pivoting either at its connection to the drum 60 or at a point along its length. The element will then glide over the object encountered. In this way, the elements tend to rip through plastic garbage bags while causing minimal damages to the contents of the bag.
Since the elements 80 are otherwise substantially smooth and present minim~l surface area, little or no refuse will cling to the elements If small pieces do wrap around one of the elements t it is generally discharged therefrom b~ the rotational movement of the element as shown in Eigure 15.
Discharge from the element normally will be in the direction of refuse travel.
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., , : , : .- . . . ,, , :
' ` ' ' ' , ! . ~, . . .
2~357~
It should be recognized that two or more o the bag opening devices of the present invention can be operated in series to ensure that all bags are opened, and the contents liberated therefrom. Additionally, bag leveling devices and the like can be used upstream from the bag ripping devices, to present a more even flow of material to the device.
In the event that a large article is encountered in the refuse stream, which will not pass between the drum 60 and bed 20 of conveyor 14, as the article encounters the drum 60, the drum is moved forward and the arms 42 and 44 pivot abou~ their pivotal connections 46 and 48. This forward, pivotal movement o~ the arms elevates the dxum such that the large article may pass under the drum as the drum slides thereover. In this way, damage to the bag opening device is minimized.
Although one embodiment and several modifications ~or a garbage bag opening device have been shown and described in detail herein, various changes may be made without departing from the scope o~ the present invention.
-., ' - ' : - -.: . , . .. - . - - . : .
. . . .. : . :: .: . . , ~.
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.. . .
- -
Claims (19)
1. A garbage bag opening device for operating in conjunction with a transport device conveying a stream of municipal waste, said opening device comprising:
a drum disposed above the stream of municipal waste;
means for rotating said drum about its longitudinal axis;
and outwardly extending discrete, yiedable elements for tearing through garbage bags while yielding to solid articles.
a drum disposed above the stream of municipal waste;
means for rotating said drum about its longitudinal axis;
and outwardly extending discrete, yiedable elements for tearing through garbage bags while yielding to solid articles.
2. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said elements comprise lengths of cable.
3. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said elements comprise lengths of chain.
4. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said elements comprise spring tines.
5. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said elements comprise a pivotally mounted blades.
6. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said elements comprise segmented rods.
7. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said drum is supported by arms pivotally suspended from above said drum.
8. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 7 in which said arms are pivotally suspended from standards rising upwardly from the sides of the stream of municipal waste.
9. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 8 in which said elements comprise a pivotally mounted tine.
10. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 8 in which said elements comprise pivotally mounted blades.
11. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 1 in which said elements each comprise two or more segments pivotally connected.
12. A garbage bag opening device comprising:
a rotatable drum having a plurality of yiedable elements attached thereto, said drum being positioned for rotation above the municipal waste; and drive means for rotating said drum about its longitudinal axis at a speed sufficient to cause such elements to extend substantially radially outwardly from said drum when said elements are unhindered by objects in said municipal waste stream.
a rotatable drum having a plurality of yiedable elements attached thereto, said drum being positioned for rotation above the municipal waste; and drive means for rotating said drum about its longitudinal axis at a speed sufficient to cause such elements to extend substantially radially outwardly from said drum when said elements are unhindered by objects in said municipal waste stream.
13. A garbage opening device as defined in Claim 12 in which said drum is supported by arms pivotally mounted above said drum.
14. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 13 in which said elements comprise spring tines.
15. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 13 in which said elements comprise pivotally mounted blades.
16. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 12 in which said elements are substantially rigid and pivotally mounted to said drum.
17. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 12 in which said elements are substantially flexible, non-rigid members affixed to said drum.
18. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 17 in which said elements comprise lengths of cable.
19. A garbage bag opening device as defined in Claim 17 in which said elements comprise lengths of chain.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US51700290A | 1990-04-30 | 1990-04-30 | |
| US07/517,002 | 1990-04-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2035762A1 true CA2035762A1 (en) | 1991-10-31 |
Family
ID=24057974
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2035762 Abandoned CA2035762A1 (en) | 1990-04-30 | 1991-02-06 | Garbage bag opening device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2035762A1 (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-02-06 CA CA 2035762 patent/CA2035762A1/en not_active Abandoned
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