CA2093339A1 - Can crushing utensil - Google Patents
Can crushing utensilInfo
- Publication number
- CA2093339A1 CA2093339A1 CA 2093339 CA2093339A CA2093339A1 CA 2093339 A1 CA2093339 A1 CA 2093339A1 CA 2093339 CA2093339 CA 2093339 CA 2093339 A CA2093339 A CA 2093339A CA 2093339 A1 CA2093339 A1 CA 2093339A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- crushing
- anvil
- base
- lever
- utensil
- 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
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B30—PRESSES
- B30B—PRESSES IN GENERAL
- B30B9/00—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes
- B30B9/32—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for consolidating scrap metal or for compacting used cars
- B30B9/321—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for consolidating scrap metal or for compacting used cars for consolidating empty containers, e.g. cans
- B30B9/322—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for consolidating scrap metal or for compacting used cars for consolidating empty containers, e.g. cans between jaws pivoting with respect to each other
- B30B9/323—Presses specially adapted for particular purposes for consolidating scrap metal or for compacting used cars for consolidating empty containers, e.g. cans between jaws pivoting with respect to each other operated by hand or foot
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cookers (AREA)
Abstract
A manual beverage can crushing utensil having a base (8), a pivot member (2), a lever (1) pivotally attached to the top of the pivot member, and an upper crushing anvil (3) pivotally attached to the lever outwardly from the pivot member. A link (4) pivotally attached to the pivot member above the lever is also pivotally attached to the top of the upper crushing anvil, thereby maintaining, throughout the crushing stroke, the upper crushing anvil in generally vertical axial alignment with the beverage can, whose rims mate with the undersurface of the upper crushing anvil and with a can-receiving anvil on the base. The undersurface of the upper crushing anvil is at a slight angle to the horizontal at the beginning of the crushing stroke so that initial collapse of the can begins under moderate crushing force and is substantially parallel to the base at the end of the stroke. In one embodiment of the invention the crushing utensil may include a suction mechanism (10) coupled to the base for grippingly adhering the base to a flat support surface. The suction mechanism preferably consists of a suction cup attached to a lever arm pivotably and lockably coupled to a rear portion of the base.
Description
WO93/028~1 2 ~ ~ 3 3 3 g PCT/CA92/00336 - CAN CRUSHING UTENSIL
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a container crushing utensil and in particular to a beverage can crushing utensil for household or commerical use.
Backqround of the Invention The disposal of soft drink and beer cans typical-" ly made of al~minum presents problems of space both in the household and when the cans a~e returned to a receiving depot or are recycled. An ef~icient can crushing device should be able to reduce the volume or the can to 1/5 or less of its original volume, thus entailing substantial space savings.
Several can crushers have been offered in the past in order to accomplish the compaction of aluminum beverage cans to a smaller volume thereby rendering them . more convenient to return and recycle. Primary in this area of innovation has been those compactors commencing with and following after the design of Kaminski, U.S.
patent no. 4,062,283 issued 13 December, 1977, which comprises essentially a pivoting leverage arm with a suitable connecting link pivotally fastened to a piston constrained to move axialIy relative to the crushable container. The device entails a compacting ram guided by a hollow channel section. Later similar designs were envisioned by, notably, Stevens, U.S. patent no. 4,290,354 issued 22 September, 1981, and Balbo et al., U.S. patent no. 4,301,722 issued 24 November, 1981. With the Stevens device, the ram is guided by a pair of vertically aligned parallel shafts along which the ram is forced by the action of the lever arm and connecting linkage. The Balbo et al.
device comprises a cylindrical channel for holding cans, the channel having projecting wing-like portions which partially deform the can's geometry so as to facilitate the ~: .. ` ... . '' , " . ., , :
':, . ~:' ' .
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a container crushing utensil and in particular to a beverage can crushing utensil for household or commerical use.
Backqround of the Invention The disposal of soft drink and beer cans typical-" ly made of al~minum presents problems of space both in the household and when the cans a~e returned to a receiving depot or are recycled. An ef~icient can crushing device should be able to reduce the volume or the can to 1/5 or less of its original volume, thus entailing substantial space savings.
Several can crushers have been offered in the past in order to accomplish the compaction of aluminum beverage cans to a smaller volume thereby rendering them . more convenient to return and recycle. Primary in this area of innovation has been those compactors commencing with and following after the design of Kaminski, U.S.
patent no. 4,062,283 issued 13 December, 1977, which comprises essentially a pivoting leverage arm with a suitable connecting link pivotally fastened to a piston constrained to move axialIy relative to the crushable container. The device entails a compacting ram guided by a hollow channel section. Later similar designs were envisioned by, notably, Stevens, U.S. patent no. 4,290,354 issued 22 September, 1981, and Balbo et al., U.S. patent no. 4,301,722 issued 24 November, 1981. With the Stevens device, the ram is guided by a pair of vertically aligned parallel shafts along which the ram is forced by the action of the lever arm and connecting linkage. The Balbo et al.
device comprises a cylindrical channel for holding cans, the channel having projecting wing-like portions which partially deform the can's geometry so as to facilitate the ~: .. ` ... . '' , " . ., , :
':, . ~:' ' .
2~ 93339 .
initiation of the crushing action by the ram, thereby reducing the overall force required for compaction.
While each of these methods are suitable to the task of crushing aluminum beverage cans they have not in fact been greatly accepted by the public as a method for accomplishing the function to which they were originally directed. This may be for three reasons: (1) it is incon-venient for cans to be inserted into a restraining channel;
(2) it is difficult to detachably affix a can crusher in a standard kitchen environment because of the considerable tor~ue generated around the pivoting point of the leverage arm, (3) it is often necessary to further drain empty cans as such cans are not necessarily empty. Each of these three points must be addressed from the viewpoint of the consumer in order to avoid as far as possible, these inherent disadvantages.
- The first inherent disadvantage is addressed in -20 the present invention by use of a parallel linkaqe where the can is compressed by a ràm which is guided independent-ly of a constraining cylinder or channel. The second inherent disadvantage is addressed in the present invention as the instrument maybe strongly and removably attached to a convenient smooth surface such as a kitchen drain board, usually conveniently located next to a kitchen sink. Thus the third inherent disadvantage is addressed in the present invention as the drainage and spillage of cans during and after crushing can be easily managed due to the proximity of a sink, and the unit can be easily rinsed after each use before storage.
,,.
Summary of the Invention 35I have recognized that a successful can crusher should have the following characteristics:
.
initiation of the crushing action by the ram, thereby reducing the overall force required for compaction.
While each of these methods are suitable to the task of crushing aluminum beverage cans they have not in fact been greatly accepted by the public as a method for accomplishing the function to which they were originally directed. This may be for three reasons: (1) it is incon-venient for cans to be inserted into a restraining channel;
(2) it is difficult to detachably affix a can crusher in a standard kitchen environment because of the considerable tor~ue generated around the pivoting point of the leverage arm, (3) it is often necessary to further drain empty cans as such cans are not necessarily empty. Each of these three points must be addressed from the viewpoint of the consumer in order to avoid as far as possible, these inherent disadvantages.
- The first inherent disadvantage is addressed in -20 the present invention by use of a parallel linkaqe where the can is compressed by a ràm which is guided independent-ly of a constraining cylinder or channel. The second inherent disadvantage is addressed in the present invention as the instrument maybe strongly and removably attached to a convenient smooth surface such as a kitchen drain board, usually conveniently located next to a kitchen sink. Thus the third inherent disadvantage is addressed in the present invention as the drainage and spillage of cans during and after crushing can be easily managed due to the proximity of a sink, and the unit can be easily rinsed after each use before storage.
,,.
Summary of the Invention 35I have recognized that a successful can crusher should have the following characteristics:
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1. The utensil should crush the can in an axial direction in order to obtain the maximum possible reduction in volume.
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2. The initial compression of the can should not be exactly axial but rather should be at a slight angle, so that with a lesser force, one edge of the upper rim of the can may be displaced down-wardly, causing the initial partial collapse of the can with relatively little force. The compressive force through the path of travel of the actuating lever should however be generally close to axial.
:: -3. The user should be able to grip the can at least during the start of the crushing operation to -prevent the can from slipping and to bring the can into proper alignment with the upper crushing - anvil.
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2. The initial compression of the can should not be exactly axial but rather should be at a slight angle, so that with a lesser force, one edge of the upper rim of the can may be displaced down-wardly, causing the initial partial collapse of the can with relatively little force. The compressive force through the path of travel of the actuating lever should however be generally close to axial.
:: -3. The user should be able to grip the can at least during the start of the crushing operation to -prevent the can from slipping and to bring the can into proper alignment with the upper crushing - anvil.
4. Substantial mechanical advantage should be obtained by the device, and this mechanical advantage translated into compressive force by , the action of rotating a parallel linkage by ~ -2S lowering a lever arm so as to lower a crushing anvil which forms part of the parallel linkage.
5. The utensil should be easily yet strongly mount-able onto a smooth surface such as a kitchen drain board and easily portable for placing in any convenient place and for washing or clean-ing.
To this end, I provide a crushing utensil par-ticularly suitable for crushing beverage cans which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a base and some suitable means for anchoring the base to a support surface. The anchoring means co~ld be, for example, a suction cup on the underside of the base in the vicinity of one end thereof for grippingly adhering the base to a flat support surface.
In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the suction cup may be mounted on ~ lever arm pivotally and lockably coupled to a rearward section of the crushing utensil base.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the suction cup may be telescopically coupled to a rearward séction of the base.
An annular beverage can-receiving lower anvil is located generally horizontally on the upper side of the base, and is located remote from the suction cup, the latter being located at or near the other end of the base.
A pivot member is fixed to, or integral with, the base and protrudes upwardly therefrom. The pivot member is located in the vicinity of that end of the base under which the suction cup lies. A pair of spaced opposed lever arms extend outwardly from the pivot member and are pivotally coupled to the pivot member. A link is pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a pivot mounting located above the pivot mounting of the lever. An upper crushing anvil having a generally circular lower surface for mating with the upper rimmed surface of the beverage can to be crushed is pivotally connected at its upper end to the end of the link remote from the end pivotally attached to the pivot member. The upper crushing anvil is also pivotally con-nected at a lower pivot point of connection to each of the lever arms and is located therebetween. The pivotal axes of all of the pivot connections are generally horizontal and parallel to one another. The link extends generally parallel to the lever arms. The lever protrudes substan-tially outwards beyond the points of connection of the upper crushing anvil, for mechanical advantage. The upper crushing anvil is lowered by rotating about the pivot points on the pivot member the generally parallel linkage .
. ~ . :, . . , ., ., ., . ~,, .. -: ..
W O 93/02851 2 ~ 9 3 3 3 9 PC~r/CA92/00336 formed by the link, the pivot member, the lever arm, and the upper crushing anvil.
The angle of inclination to the horizontal of the underside of the upper crushing anvil will vary slightly through the swing of the lever arms. At the uppermost point of the swing, when the underside of the upper crush-ing anvil first makes contact with the upper rim of the ~ -uncrushed can, the underside should be slightly canted lo relative to the horizontal. The canting enables the crushing force to be applied to one side of the rim of the can, rather than uniformly axially. This promotes collapse of the can with minimum crushing force.
Preferably the upper crushing anvil and the beverage can receiving anvil on the base are spaced out-wardly from the pivot member by a distance sufficient to permit a human hand to pass therebetween. ~
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- - The crushing utensil may additionally include a handle connected to the free ends of the lever arms and angled slightly upwardly and outwardly from the line of extension of the lever arms. -, Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings In drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, but which should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention in any way:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodi-ment of a beverage can crushing utensil constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a beverage can crushing utensil constructed . . ,:'.' ; ' . ' ' ' ` ~ ' ' ' ' ~ '' W093/0285~0 9 3 ~ 3 9 PCT/CA92/00336 , in accordance with the principles of the present inven-tion.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, when the embodiment is folded for storage.
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of a leverage can crushing utensil -constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the lever arms in a raised position.
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the alterna-tive embodiment of Figure 4 with the lever arms in an intermediately lowered position.
Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the alter-native embodiment of Figure 4 with the lever arms in a fully lowered position.
20Fiqure 7 is a side elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage can crushing utensil folded for storage.
Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the alterna-tive embodiment of Figure 7 ready for use with the lever arms in a raised position.
' ~ ' Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the alterna-- tive~embodiment of Figure 7 with the lever arms in an intermediately lowered position.
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the alter-native embodiment of Figure 7 with the lever arms in a fully-lowered position.
... .. .... ............ ,~. -.. -, - .
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.: . ,:.. , . . ' .: . . .... . .
W O 93/02851 2 Q 9 3 3 3 9 PC~r/CA92tO0336 Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments of the Inven-tion : .
As illustrated in Figure 1, the invention com-prises an extendable folding leverage arm 1 rotating about a fixed raised pivot member 2. Leverage arm 1 lowers an upper crushing anvil 3 guided by a parallel rotating link 4 connected to a vertically extended arm 5 of the fixed raised pivot member 2. Link 4 is pivotally connected to crushing anvil 3 by vertically extended arm 6.
The parallel acting assembly comprising leverage arm 1, link 4, and vertically extended arms 5 and 6 may be 15 rotated about pivot points la, 2a, 5a and 6a by lowering :: -leverage arm 1 (illustrated in lowering sequence in Figures 4-6) so as to lower crushing anvil 3, axially crushing an imposed aluminum beverage can 12 (also illustrated in : Figures 4-6) against a lower fixed anvil 7 which is an integral member of the baseplate 8.
The baseplate is comprised of a forward section ~ .
9, against which the torque of the downward leverase assem-bly is brought to bear, and a rearward suction mechanism 10 which may be strongly and removably affixed to a smooth surface. Mechanism lO restrains rotation of the can crusher around the centre of balance defined by the center of balance when the handled of leverage arm 1 is pivoted around pivot 2a on fixed raised pivot member 2.
Due to the great strain on the structure defined by member 2 and baseplate 8, when leverage arm 1 is lower- ~ .
ed, thus lowering connecting link 4 and upper anvil 3 in an arc crushing aluminum can 12 between upper anvil 3 and lower anvil 7, a supporting structure such as gusset 11 depicted in Figure 2 may be required to maintain the integrity of the structure so as to prevent member 2 and .
: ~ , . .. . ' .
2 ~ 9 3 3 - 8 - PCT/CA92/00336 vertically extending arm 5 from being pulled towards the lower fixed anvil 7 on the base plate 8.
In order to facilitate initiation of the crushing action the inclination of the upper crushing anvil 3 (best seen in Figure 4) is slightly canted at the commencement of its downward path since the length of parallel rotating connecting link 4 is slightly shorter than the distance from the fixed raised pivot m~mber 5 to the upper crushlng anvil 3. However, at the bottom of its swing anvil 3 is positioned so as to be parallel with lower anvil 7 (best seen in Figure 6) ther2by reducing the volume of the crushed aluminum can 12 so that the volume interposed between the upper and lower crushing anvils is, for the most part, composed of the upper and lower rims of can 12.
Figure 3 illustrates the can crusher folded for storage. Leverage arm 1 is both lowered, to bring anvil 3 - into close proximity with anvil 7, and folded about pivot lb so as to occupy a smaller space. Suction mechanism lO
is released so as to allow removal of the can crusher from the kitchen drain board for storage.
The alternative embodiment of the present inven-tion illustrated in Figure 2 differs from the embodimentillustrated in Figures 1 and 3 in that forward section 9 of baseplate 8 is a single unitary piece rather than bifur-cated into two support arms. Further, gusset 11 has been added to support member 2 and extended arm 5, and lever arm 1 is not configured so as to fold.
The alternative embodiment of the present inven-tion illustrated in Figures 4-6 differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 only in that lever arm l is config-ured to fold about pivot lb, baseplate 8 is shortened so asto bring member 2 into closer vertical alignment with ~ . . , ,, . .. . . . -, .: - . .,~ : . . . . . .
., "
.
W O 93/02851 2 a 9 ~ 3 3 9 PC~r/CA92/00336 _ g _ ' mechanism 10, and gusset 11 is smaller so as to only directly support member 2.
Figures 7-lo illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the invention having a modified suction mechanism 10. In this embodiment, suction mechanism 10 includes a suction cup lO(a) which is mounted on a lever -~
arm lO(b) coupled to a rear section of base 8 by means of ~
a pivot pin lO(c) extending between gussets 11. A locking - -pin lO(d) is also provided which may be coupled to pivot pin lO(c) by means of a chain lO(e). Locking pin lO(d) may be removably inserted through lever arm lO~b) to firmly affix arm lO(b) to gussets 11. Lever arm lO(b) may be locked in an upright, stored position shown in Figure 7 and a deployed position shown in Figures 8 - 10 wherein suction cup lO(a) extends rearwardly of base 8. The primary advantage of locating suction cup lO(a) rearwardly of base 8 in the deployed position is to increase the mechanical advantage of the gripping force of suction cup lO(a), thereby restraining the very great torque forces exerted when leverage arm 1 is depressed under load.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, suction cup lO(a) may be extended rearwardly of base 8 by other means. For example, a telescoping mechan-ism may be envisioned wherein the rearward portion of base 8 could be extended along an embedded set of strong, parallel rails located within the body of the base, in effect lengthening the entire base during use which could then be restored to its original configuration for storage.
The full scope of the invention is as defined in the appended claims. Persons skilled in the art will perceive other variations and modifications of design that can be made consistent with the teachings of the present invention. The scope of the invention is not to be limited .:
W093/028~10 9 3 3 3 9 PCT/CA92/00336 by the preferred embodiment disclosed but is to be deter-mined by the appended claims. -- , , . . . , j , . , . ~:
, .. . . .
To this end, I provide a crushing utensil par-ticularly suitable for crushing beverage cans which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a base and some suitable means for anchoring the base to a support surface. The anchoring means co~ld be, for example, a suction cup on the underside of the base in the vicinity of one end thereof for grippingly adhering the base to a flat support surface.
In one alternative embodiment of the invention, the suction cup may be mounted on ~ lever arm pivotally and lockably coupled to a rearward section of the crushing utensil base.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the suction cup may be telescopically coupled to a rearward séction of the base.
An annular beverage can-receiving lower anvil is located generally horizontally on the upper side of the base, and is located remote from the suction cup, the latter being located at or near the other end of the base.
A pivot member is fixed to, or integral with, the base and protrudes upwardly therefrom. The pivot member is located in the vicinity of that end of the base under which the suction cup lies. A pair of spaced opposed lever arms extend outwardly from the pivot member and are pivotally coupled to the pivot member. A link is pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a pivot mounting located above the pivot mounting of the lever. An upper crushing anvil having a generally circular lower surface for mating with the upper rimmed surface of the beverage can to be crushed is pivotally connected at its upper end to the end of the link remote from the end pivotally attached to the pivot member. The upper crushing anvil is also pivotally con-nected at a lower pivot point of connection to each of the lever arms and is located therebetween. The pivotal axes of all of the pivot connections are generally horizontal and parallel to one another. The link extends generally parallel to the lever arms. The lever protrudes substan-tially outwards beyond the points of connection of the upper crushing anvil, for mechanical advantage. The upper crushing anvil is lowered by rotating about the pivot points on the pivot member the generally parallel linkage .
. ~ . :, . . , ., ., ., . ~,, .. -: ..
W O 93/02851 2 ~ 9 3 3 3 9 PC~r/CA92/00336 formed by the link, the pivot member, the lever arm, and the upper crushing anvil.
The angle of inclination to the horizontal of the underside of the upper crushing anvil will vary slightly through the swing of the lever arms. At the uppermost point of the swing, when the underside of the upper crush-ing anvil first makes contact with the upper rim of the ~ -uncrushed can, the underside should be slightly canted lo relative to the horizontal. The canting enables the crushing force to be applied to one side of the rim of the can, rather than uniformly axially. This promotes collapse of the can with minimum crushing force.
Preferably the upper crushing anvil and the beverage can receiving anvil on the base are spaced out-wardly from the pivot member by a distance sufficient to permit a human hand to pass therebetween. ~
- "
- - The crushing utensil may additionally include a handle connected to the free ends of the lever arms and angled slightly upwardly and outwardly from the line of extension of the lever arms. -, Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings In drawings which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, but which should not be construed as restricting the scope of the invention in any way:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodi-ment of a beverage can crushing utensil constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a beverage can crushing utensil constructed . . ,:'.' ; ' . ' ' ' ` ~ ' ' ' ' ~ '' W093/0285~0 9 3 ~ 3 9 PCT/CA92/00336 , in accordance with the principles of the present inven-tion.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, when the embodiment is folded for storage.
Figure 4 is a side elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of a leverage can crushing utensil -constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention with the lever arms in a raised position.
Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the alterna-tive embodiment of Figure 4 with the lever arms in an intermediately lowered position.
Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the alter-native embodiment of Figure 4 with the lever arms in a fully lowered position.
20Fiqure 7 is a side elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of a beverage can crushing utensil folded for storage.
Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the alterna-tive embodiment of Figure 7 ready for use with the lever arms in a raised position.
' ~ ' Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the alterna-- tive~embodiment of Figure 7 with the lever arms in an intermediately lowered position.
Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the alter-native embodiment of Figure 7 with the lever arms in a fully-lowered position.
... .. .... ............ ,~. -.. -, - .
' ' ' ,: .: . . . . . ' ' : :
.: . ,:.. , . . ' .: . . .... . .
W O 93/02851 2 Q 9 3 3 3 9 PC~r/CA92tO0336 Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments of the Inven-tion : .
As illustrated in Figure 1, the invention com-prises an extendable folding leverage arm 1 rotating about a fixed raised pivot member 2. Leverage arm 1 lowers an upper crushing anvil 3 guided by a parallel rotating link 4 connected to a vertically extended arm 5 of the fixed raised pivot member 2. Link 4 is pivotally connected to crushing anvil 3 by vertically extended arm 6.
The parallel acting assembly comprising leverage arm 1, link 4, and vertically extended arms 5 and 6 may be 15 rotated about pivot points la, 2a, 5a and 6a by lowering :: -leverage arm 1 (illustrated in lowering sequence in Figures 4-6) so as to lower crushing anvil 3, axially crushing an imposed aluminum beverage can 12 (also illustrated in : Figures 4-6) against a lower fixed anvil 7 which is an integral member of the baseplate 8.
The baseplate is comprised of a forward section ~ .
9, against which the torque of the downward leverase assem-bly is brought to bear, and a rearward suction mechanism 10 which may be strongly and removably affixed to a smooth surface. Mechanism lO restrains rotation of the can crusher around the centre of balance defined by the center of balance when the handled of leverage arm 1 is pivoted around pivot 2a on fixed raised pivot member 2.
Due to the great strain on the structure defined by member 2 and baseplate 8, when leverage arm 1 is lower- ~ .
ed, thus lowering connecting link 4 and upper anvil 3 in an arc crushing aluminum can 12 between upper anvil 3 and lower anvil 7, a supporting structure such as gusset 11 depicted in Figure 2 may be required to maintain the integrity of the structure so as to prevent member 2 and .
: ~ , . .. . ' .
2 ~ 9 3 3 - 8 - PCT/CA92/00336 vertically extending arm 5 from being pulled towards the lower fixed anvil 7 on the base plate 8.
In order to facilitate initiation of the crushing action the inclination of the upper crushing anvil 3 (best seen in Figure 4) is slightly canted at the commencement of its downward path since the length of parallel rotating connecting link 4 is slightly shorter than the distance from the fixed raised pivot m~mber 5 to the upper crushlng anvil 3. However, at the bottom of its swing anvil 3 is positioned so as to be parallel with lower anvil 7 (best seen in Figure 6) ther2by reducing the volume of the crushed aluminum can 12 so that the volume interposed between the upper and lower crushing anvils is, for the most part, composed of the upper and lower rims of can 12.
Figure 3 illustrates the can crusher folded for storage. Leverage arm 1 is both lowered, to bring anvil 3 - into close proximity with anvil 7, and folded about pivot lb so as to occupy a smaller space. Suction mechanism lO
is released so as to allow removal of the can crusher from the kitchen drain board for storage.
The alternative embodiment of the present inven-tion illustrated in Figure 2 differs from the embodimentillustrated in Figures 1 and 3 in that forward section 9 of baseplate 8 is a single unitary piece rather than bifur-cated into two support arms. Further, gusset 11 has been added to support member 2 and extended arm 5, and lever arm 1 is not configured so as to fold.
The alternative embodiment of the present inven-tion illustrated in Figures 4-6 differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 only in that lever arm l is config-ured to fold about pivot lb, baseplate 8 is shortened so asto bring member 2 into closer vertical alignment with ~ . . , ,, . .. . . . -, .: - . .,~ : . . . . . .
., "
.
W O 93/02851 2 a 9 ~ 3 3 9 PC~r/CA92/00336 _ g _ ' mechanism 10, and gusset 11 is smaller so as to only directly support member 2.
Figures 7-lo illustrate a further alternative embodiment of the invention having a modified suction mechanism 10. In this embodiment, suction mechanism 10 includes a suction cup lO(a) which is mounted on a lever -~
arm lO(b) coupled to a rear section of base 8 by means of ~
a pivot pin lO(c) extending between gussets 11. A locking - -pin lO(d) is also provided which may be coupled to pivot pin lO(c) by means of a chain lO(e). Locking pin lO(d) may be removably inserted through lever arm lO~b) to firmly affix arm lO(b) to gussets 11. Lever arm lO(b) may be locked in an upright, stored position shown in Figure 7 and a deployed position shown in Figures 8 - 10 wherein suction cup lO(a) extends rearwardly of base 8. The primary advantage of locating suction cup lO(a) rearwardly of base 8 in the deployed position is to increase the mechanical advantage of the gripping force of suction cup lO(a), thereby restraining the very great torque forces exerted when leverage arm 1 is depressed under load.
In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, suction cup lO(a) may be extended rearwardly of base 8 by other means. For example, a telescoping mechan-ism may be envisioned wherein the rearward portion of base 8 could be extended along an embedded set of strong, parallel rails located within the body of the base, in effect lengthening the entire base during use which could then be restored to its original configuration for storage.
The full scope of the invention is as defined in the appended claims. Persons skilled in the art will perceive other variations and modifications of design that can be made consistent with the teachings of the present invention. The scope of the invention is not to be limited .:
W093/028~10 9 3 3 3 9 PCT/CA92/00336 by the preferred embodiment disclosed but is to be deter-mined by the appended claims. -- , , . . . , j , . , . ~:
, .. . . .
Claims (29)
1. A crushing utensil comprising a base for receiv-ing an article to be crushed, a support pivot member extending generally upwards from the base, at least one lever pivotally mounted on said pivot member, an upper crushing anvil for crushing said article pivotally con-nected to said lever at a point spaced outwardly from said pivot member, a link pivotally connected at one end to said pivot member at a point above said pivotal connection of said lever, and pivotally connected at its other end to said upper crushing anvil at a point above the point of pivotal connection of said upper crushing anvil with said lever, said pivot member, said lever, said crushing anvil and said link forming, a substantially parallel linkage.
2. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 1 wherein the dimensions of the upper crushing anvil, link, lever and pivot member and the points of pivotal connection are selected so that when the lever is in its raised position said upper crushing anvil is canted from a plane parallel-ing said base, and so that when the lever is in its lower-most position relative to the base, the lower surface of the upper crushing anvil is substantially parallel with said base.
3. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 2, wherein said dimensions and said points of pivotal connection are selected so that when the lever is pivoted upwardly from the horizontal, the article to be crushed may be positioned between the lower extremity of the upper crushing anvil and the base.
4. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 3, wherein the upper crushing anvil has a generally flat lower sur-face, and wherein, when the article to be crushed is in position between the upper crushing anvil and the base and in contact with the base and the lower surface of the upper crushing anvil, said lower surface (crushing surface) of the upper crushing anvil is canted at a slight upward angle to the horizontal with the inner portion of the crushing surface nearer the pivot member being at a lower point than the outer portion of the crushing surface more remote from the pivot member.
5. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 4, wherein the link extends generally parallel to the lever between their respective points of pivotal attachment to the pivot member and the upper crushing anvil respectively, and the pivot point of attachment of the upper crushing anvil to the lever is below the line of extension of the lever.
6. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 5, wherein the base is configured to receive matingly the lower surface of the article to be crushed.
7. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 6 wherein the distance between the two pivot connections of the link is slightly shorter than the distance between the two pivot connections of the lever.
8. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 7 wherein the distance between the two pivot points of connection on the upper crushing anvil is shorter than the distance between the two pivot points of connection on the pivot member.
9. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 1, addi-tionally comprising a suction element on the undersurface of the base for removable adherence to a flat surface on which the utensil may be placed.
10. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 9, wherein the suction device is located under the base on the oppo-site side of the pivot member from the side of the base configured to receive the article to be crushed.
11. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 10, wherein the article to be crushed is an aluminum beverage can.
12. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 6, wherein the outer extremity of the lever is fixed to or integral with an inclined handle extending outwardly and slightly inclined upwardly relative to the extension of the lever.
13. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 6 wherein the lever folds and extends substantially outwards beyond the upper crushing anvil.
14. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 11 wherein the undersurface of the upper crushing anvil is generally circular and of a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the upper rim of the beverage can to be crush-ed.
15. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 14, wherein the base is provided with an annular protrusion whose inner diameter is approximately the same size as or slightly smaller than the diameter of the beverage can to be crushed.
16. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 15, where-in, when the beverage can is placed between the upper crushing anvil and the annular can receiving portion of the base, there is sufficient free passage between the beverage can and the pivot member to permit a human hand to be placed therebetween so as to hold the can for at least the initial portion of the crushing operation.
17. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 16, wherein the lever means comprises two spaced and opposed substantially similar lever arms, each pivotally connected to the pivot member on the same pivot axis and extending outwardly therefrom, the upper crushing anvil being inter-posed between the two lever arms and pivotally connected to each.
18. A beverage can crushing utensil comprising a base, a suction cup on the underside of the base in the vicinity of one end thereof for grippingly adhering the base to a flat support surface; an annular generally horizontal beverage can receiving anvil slightly protruding from and mounted on the upper side of the base and located remote from the suction cup in the direction of the other end of the base; a pivot member fixed to, or integral with, the base and protruding upwardly therefrom; the pivot member being located in the vicinity of that end of the base under which the suction cup lies; a pair of spaced opposed lever arms extending outwardly from the pivot member and pivotally coupled on a common pivot axis to the pivot member; a link pivotally coupled to the pivot member at a pivot mounting located above the pivot mounting of the lever; the link extending generally parallel to the lever arms; an upper crushing anvil having a generally circular lower surface for mating with the upper rimmed surface of the beverage can to be crushed and pivotally connected at an upper portion to the end of the link remote from the end pivotally attached to the pivot member, the upper crushing anvil also being pivotally connected at a lower pivot point of connection to each of the lever arms on a common pivot axis and being located therebetween; the pivotal axes of all of said pivot connections being generally horizontal and parallel; the lower surface of the upper crushing anvil to the lever arms being below the line of general extension of the lever arms; and the lever protruding substantially outwards beyond the points of connection of the upper crushing anvil.
19. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 18, wherein the undersurface of the upper crushing anvil is tilted slightly upwardly and outwardly relative to the horizontal when the upper crushing anvil engages the top of the uncrushed beverage can.
20. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 19, wherein the upper surface of the beverage can is in contact with the lower surface of the upper crushing anvil and the lower surface of the beverage can is in contact with the annular protruding element on the base when the lever arms extend upwardly and outwardly from the pivot member at an angle to the horizontal of no more than about half a right angle.
21. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 20, wherein the upper crushing anvil and the beverage can receiving anvil are spaced outwardly from the pivot member by a distance sufficient to permit a human hand to pass between the beverage can to be crushed and the pivot member.
22. A crushing utensil as defined claim 21, addi-tionally comprising a folding handle element pivotally and lockably connected to the free ends of the lever arms and angled slightly upwardly and outwardly from the line of extension of the lever arms.
23. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 22, wherein the distance between the pivot points on the links is slightly shorter than the distance between the pivot points on each of the lever arms.
24. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 23, wherein the distance between the pivot axes with the pivot member of the lever arms and the link is less than the distance between the pivot axes of the pivot point of connection of the link with the upper crushing anvil and the pivot point of connection of the upper crushing anvil with the lever arms.
25. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 24 wherein the beverage can is a standard can of standard dimensions.
26. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 25 wherein a first force applied to an end of said lever arms is magnified by a ratio of approximately 5:1 when translated by said upper crushing anvil into a second force acting on said can.
27. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 1, further comprising a suction mechanism coupled to said base for grippingly adhering said base to a flat support surface, wherein said suction mechanism is located proximate said base in a stored position and is extendable rearwardly of said base in a deployed position.
28. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 27, wherein said suction mechanism comprises a suction cup attached to a lever arm pivotably coupled to a rear portion of said base.
29. A crushing utensil as defined in claim 27, wherein said suction mechanism is telescopically coupled to a rear portion of said base.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2093339 CA2093339A1 (en) | 1991-08-06 | 1992-08-06 | Can crushing utensil |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,048,504 | 1991-08-06 | ||
| CA 2048504 CA2048504A1 (en) | 1991-08-06 | 1991-08-06 | Can crushing utensil |
| CA 2093339 CA2093339A1 (en) | 1991-08-06 | 1992-08-06 | Can crushing utensil |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2093339A1 true CA2093339A1 (en) | 1993-02-07 |
Family
ID=25674723
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2093339 Abandoned CA2093339A1 (en) | 1991-08-06 | 1992-08-06 | Can crushing utensil |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2093339A1 (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-08-06 CA CA 2093339 patent/CA2093339A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |