WO2007086040A2

WO2007086040A2 - A device for shredding timber articles and apparatus comprising the device

Info

Publication number: WO2007086040A2
Application number: PCT/IE2007/000007
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Thomas Hennessy
Original assignee: James Thomas Hennessy
Priority date: 2006-01-30
Filing date: 2007-01-30
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: WO2007086040A3

Abstract

Apparatus (1) comprises a container (2) and a device (3) for shredding timber articles, in particular, timber pallets, which is coupled to the container (2). The device (3) comprises a main framework (20), which is mounted on a base (4) of the container (2). A hopper (21) mounted on the main framework (20) receives the pallets for shredding. A shredding drum (23) mounted in a lower portion of the hopper (21) shreds the pallets and a conveying auger (28) beneath the shredding drum (23) urges the shredded particles into an upstream portion (39) of a conveying duct (27) through which the shredded particles are blown by an air blower (40) through a discharge outlet (38) from a downstream portion (41) of the conveying duct (27) into the container (2). An urging member (61) located in the hopper (21) extends parallel to the shredding drum (23) and is operated by hydraulic rams (66) for urging the pallets into engagement with the shredding drum (23). A separator (43) in the upstream portion (39) of the conveying duct (27) separates nails and other magnetic particles from the shredded particles. The device (3) may be provided with a compactor for compacting the shredded particles in the container (2).

Description

"A device for shredding timber articles and apparatus comprising the device"

The present invention relates to a device for shredding timber, and in particular, though not limited to a device for shredding timber articles, such as timber pallets. The invention also relates to apparatus comprising a container and the device for shredding timber, and in particular, though not limited to apparatus comprising a roll- on/roll-off container of the type suitable for carrying on a roll-on/roll-off container carrying truck.

Timber pallets are extensively used in the transportation of goods. Such pallets essentially form a platform on which the goods are placed and carried. The pallets are constructed for facilitating engagement by the tines of a fork of a forklift truck, or a hand operated pallet lift truck. This, thus, facilitates lifting and moving the goods placed on the pallet by a forklift or a pallet lift truck. Because of the relatively low cost of timber pallets relative to their size, in general, it is not economically viable to return empty pallets to the source from which the goods carried thereon originated. Thus, in many cases pallets are not reused, and once the goods carried on the pallet have been removed therefrom, the pallet becomes an encumbrance. Such pallets tend to be destroyed by breaking up or other such means. However, in general, the pallets are removed to a breaker's yard, which commonly requires the pallets to be transported by road or other freight means. The transportation of empty pallets is a relatively expensive exercise, largely because of the relatively large volume occupied by a relatively small number of pallets. Thus, disposal of such timber pallets is quite problematical.

There is therefore a need for a device and apparatus which addresses this problem.

The present invention is directed towards providing a device and apparatus which addresses the problems associated with the breaking up of pallets. The invention is also directed towards a device for shredding timber, and the invention is also directed towards apparatus comprising a container and a device for shredding timber. According to the invention there is provided a device for shredding timber, the device comprising a shredding means, and an urging means for urging the timber into engagement with the shredding means for shredding thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention the shredding means comprises an elongated shredding drum rotatable about a longitudinally extending main central axis, and a plurality of shredding elements carried on and extending outwardly of a circumferentially extending surface of the shredding drum, the shredding elements being longitudinally and circumferentially spaced apart from each other, and being engageable with the timber for shredding thereof as the shredding drum rotates.

Preferably, the shredding drum is rotatable in a main framework, and the urging means is moveably mounted in the framework towards the shredding drum in a direction transverse of the main central axis for urging the timber into engagement with the shredding elements.

Advantageously, the urging means is moveable towards the shredding drum from a receiving position spaced apart from the shredding drum for receiving timber between the urging means and the shredding drum. Preferably, the urging means is moveable from the receiving position to a terminal position adjacent to but spaced apart from the shredding elements.

In one embodiment of the invention the urging means comprises an urging member for engaging and urging the timber into engagement with the shredding elements, and a first drive means for urging the urging member from the receiving position to the terminal position.

Preferably, the first drive means urges the urging member from the terminal position to the receiving position. Advantageously, the first drive means is responsive to the urging member being in the terminal position for urging the urging member from the terminal position to the receiving position. In one embodiment of the invention the first drive means comprises at least one first drive ram operably coupled between the urging member and the main framework.

Advantageously, the urging member is an elongated urging member extending substantially parallel to the main central axis.

In one embodiment of the invention a hopper is provided on the framework for receiving timber and the shredding drum is located adjacent a lower portion of the hopper. Preferably, the urging means is located within the hopper. Ideally, the urging means is located in a lower portion of the hopper.

In another embodiment of the invention the hopper comprises a moveable side wall, the moveable side wall being urgeable from a hopper forming state inwardly into the hopper for agitating the timber therein. Preferably, the moveable side wall of the hopper is pivotally coupled to the main framework adjacent a lower end of the moveable side wall, and the moveable side wall is pivotal about the pivotal coupling inwardly into the hopper from the hopper forming state. Advantageously, a second drive means is provided for urging the moveable side wall from the hopper forming state into the hopper for agitating the timber therein. Ideally, the second drive means is operable for urging the moveable side wall outwardly of the hopper to the hopper forming state.

Preferably, the second drive means comprises at least one second drive ram operably coupled between the main framework and the moveable side wall of the hopper.

In another embodiment of the invention a conveying means is provided for conveying shredded particles from the shredding drum. Preferably, the conveying means comprises a conveying duct. Advantageously, the conveying means comprises a conveying auger located between the shredding drum and the conveying duct for urging shredded particles into the conveying duct, the conveying auger defining a longitudinally extending secondary central axis extending parallel to the main central axis.

In one embodiment of the invention the conveying auger comprises an elongated auger shaft rotatably carried in the main framework, and a pair of auger flights of opposite hand carried on the auger shaft in respective locations between an intermediate position on the auger shaft and the ends of the shaft for urging the particles towards the intermediate position on the auger shaft. Preferably, the intermediate position on the auger shaft is adjacent a midpoint thereof intermediate the ends thereof. Advantageously, the respective auger flights extend substantially from the intermediate position on the auger shaft to the respective opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the conveying duct extends from the conveying auger adjacent the intermediate position of the auger shaft. Advantageously, the conveying auger is located beneath the shredding drum.

In another embodiment of the invention a separating means is provided for separating metal particles from the shredded particles. Preferably, the separating means co-operates with the conveying duct for separating the metal particles' from the shredded particles as the shredded particles are passing through the conveying duct. Advantageously, the separating means comprises a rotatably mounted hollow separating drum having an outer circumferential surface and a hollow core extending therethrough, the separating drum being located relative to the conveying duct so that a portion of the circumferential surface of the separating drum communicates with the conveying duct through a communicating opening in the conveying duct, and a magnet being located in the hollow core of the separating drum to produce a magnetic field which extends through the circumferential surface of the separating drum and the communicating opening into the conveying duct for drawing metal particles onto the surface of the separating drum as the separating drum rotates, the strength of the magnet being sufficient for retaining the metal particles in contact with the circumferential surface of the separating drum adjacent the communicating opening. Ideally, the magnet is located within the hollow core of the separating drum so that the effect of the magnetic field produced by the magnet is insufficient to retain the metal particles in contact with the circumferential surface of the separating drum as the circumferential surface progressively becomes spaced apart from the communicating opening.

In one embodiment of the invention a collecting means is provided for collecting the metal particles from the separating drum.

In another embodiment of the invention a blower means is provided for urging the shredded particles through the conveying duct. Preferably, the conveying duct comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the blower means being located between the upstream portion and the downstream portion for urging the shredded particles through the downstream portion. Advantageously, the upstream portion of the conveying duct extends in a generally downwardly direction towards the blower means, and the downstream portion of the conveying duct extends in a generally upwardly direction from the blower means.

In one embodiment of the invention a discharge means is provided at a downstream end of the conveying means through which shredded particles are discharged from the conveying means. Preferably, the discharge means comprises a discharge outlet.

In another embodiment of the invention a compacting device is provided for compacting the shredded particles. Preferably, the discharge means extends from the compacting means.

In another embodiment of the invention a storing means defining an enclosed hollow interior region is provided for storing the shredded particles, the compacting means communicating with the hollow interior region of the storing means through the discharge means. Preferably, the compacting means comprises a compacting chamber communicating with the conveying means, and a pressurising element moveable into the compacting chamber for compacting the shredded particles, the compacting chamber communicating with the hollow interior region of the storing means through the discharge means. Advantageously, the pressurising element cooperates with the compacting chamber and the hollow interior region of the storing means for compacting the shredded particles therein.

In one embodiment of the invention a third drive means is provided for urging the pressurising element into the compacting chamber. Preferably, the third drive means is operable for withdrawing the pressurising element from the compacting chamber. Advantageously, the third drive means comprises at least one third drive ram operably coupled between the main framework and the pressurising element.

Ideally, the pressurising element comprises a piston substantially defining the transverse cross-sectional area of the compacting chamber.

In another embodiment of the invention a main drive means is provided for rotating the shredding drum. Preferably, the main drive means is adapted for rotating the conveying auger.

In another embodiment of the invention an overload detecting means is provided for detecting overloading of the shredding drum. Advantageously, a control means is provided, the control means being responsive to the overload detecting means for deactivating the main drive means in response to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means. Preferably, the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means to rotate the shredding drum in reverse.

In one embodiment of the invention the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means for rotating the shredding drum in reverse for a plurality of revolutions. Preferably, the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means for rotating the shredding drum in reverse for at least five revolutions. Advantageously, the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means for rotating the shredding drum in reverse for approximately fifteen revolutions.

Preferably, the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the first drive means for urging the urging member to the receiving position.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is adapted for shredding timber articles.

In another embodiment of the invention the device is adapted for shredding timber pallets.

In a further embodiment of the invention the device is mounted adjacent a container for collecting the shredded particles.

In one embodiment of the invention the device is coupled to the container.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the device is mounted in a container for collecting the shredded particles.

In one embodiment of the invention the container forms the storing means, and defines a hollow interior region which forms the hollow interior region of the storing means, and co-operates with the discharge means for receiving the shredded particles therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is adapted for being transported on a container carrying truck.

Preferably, the container is a roll-on/roll-off container of the type used for transporting waste material, and comprises a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart skids for engaging rollers of a roll-on/roll-off container carrying truck. The invention also provides apparatus comprising a container and a device for shredding timber according to the invention, the device being mounted adjacent the container, and being adapted for discharging shredded particles therefrom into the container.

The invention further provides apparatus comprising a container and a device for shredding timber, the device for shredding timber being mounted adjacent the container and comprising a shredding means for shredding the timber, and an urging means for urging the timber into engagement with the shredding means for shredding thereof, and a conveying means is provided for conveying shredded particles from the shredding means to the container through a discharge means.

In one embodiment of the invention a mounting means extends from the container for mounting the device for shredding timber externally of the container.

In another embodiment of the invention the mounting means is located adjacent one end of the container.

Preferably, the device for shredding timber comprises a main framework, and the main framework of the device is secured to a mounting means of the container.

In another embodiment of the invention the device for shredding timber is located in the container.

Preferably, a compartment is formed in the container for housing the device therein.

In another embodiment of the invention a compacting means is provided for compacting the shredded particles.

Preferably, the container defines an enclosed hollow interior region, and the compacting means communicates with the hollow interior region of the container through the discharge means.

Advantageously, the compacting means comprises a compacting chamber communicating with the conveying means, and a pressurising element moveable into the conveying chamber for compacting the shredded particles, the compacting chamber communicating with the hollow interior region of the container through the discharge means.

In another embodiment of the invention the pressurising element co-operates with the compacting chamber and the hollow interior region of the container for compacting the shredded particles therein.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is a roll-on/roll-off container of the type used for transporting waste material, and comprises a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart skids for engaging rollers of a roll-on/roil-off container carrying truck.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage achieved by the device according to the invention is that it is particularly suitable for shredding timber articles, and in particular, pallets of timber. Thus, pallets can be readily shredded into relatively small particles by the device, and the small particles can then be transported, at relatively low cost. Additionally, when the device comprises a means for separating metal particles from the shredded timber particles, the timber particles are suitable for use in many subsequent processes, for example, in the manufacture of chipboard, fibreboard and the like.

The provision of the shredding drum provides a particularly convenient and efficient shredding means for shredding the timber articles. The provision of the conveying auger adjacent the shredding drum facilitates directing of the shredded particles into a single relatively small conveying duct, which in turn lends itself to blowing the timber particles through a discharge outlet into a suitable container. This has the advantage that the shredded particles can readily easily be collected in a single container for subsequent transportation. The provision of the blower means in the conveying duct permits the shredded particles to be delivered at any desired level, either above or below the level of the shredding drum.

A particularly important advantage is achieved by the shredding device according to the invention, when the shredding device is provided with a compacting means. The provision of the compacting means in the shredding device permits the shredded particles to be compacted into a relatively small size. When the shredding device is incorporated into the apparatus according to the invention, and the shredding device is provided with the compacting means, a particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved in that the weight of the shredded particles which can be accommodated in the container is significantly increased. Additionally, by arranging the compacting means to co-operate with the hollow interior region of the container, the compacting means may be operated for compacting the shredded particles in the hollow interior region as the particles are being urged into the hollow interior region by the compacting means, once the hollow interior region has been filled with shredded particles.

The apparatus according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, when the container is provided in the form of a roll-on/roll-off container which is suitable for transportation on a roll-on/roll-off container carrying truck provides a particularly important advantage in that the apparatus which comprises the container and the device for shredding timber is provided in one single integral unit, which permits the shredded particles to be discharged from the shredding device directly into the container. Thus, where one wishes to dispose of a large number of articles, such as timber pallets, the volume occupied by the shredded particles being significantly less than the equivalent volume which would be occupied by the pallets in their assembled state, is so much smaller that the number of pallets which can be shredded and collected in shredded form in the container is many order of magnitudes greater than if the pallets were disposed of in the container in their fully assembled state. Thus, by providing the apparatus to a company wishing to dispose of a relatively large number of pallets or other timber articles, one single delivery is all that is required, since the apparatus comprises the container and the device for shredding, and similarly, one single removal is all that is required when the container has been filled with shredded particles. There is no need for separate deliveries and separate removals of the shredding device on the one hand and the container on the other hand.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of apparatus according to the invention comprising a device also according to the invention for shredding timber articles,

Fig. 2 is a partly transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus and the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3 is a partly transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 is a partly transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of a portion of the device of Fig. 1 in a direction opposite to that of Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a portion of the apparatus and the device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a portion of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 7 is a schematic side elevational view of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 of the device of Fig. 1 illustrating a portion of the device in a different position, Fig. 9 is a schematic end elevational view of the device of Fig. 1,

Fig. 10 is an end elevational view of a portion of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of the portion of the device of Fig. 10,

Fig. 12 is an end elevational view of another portion of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 13 is a developed view of the portion of the device of Fig. 12,

Fig. 14 is a front elevational view of a detail of the portion of Fig. 12 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 15 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the detail of Fig. 14,

Fig. 16 is a front elevational view of another detail of the portion of Fig. 12 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 17 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a detail of the portion of Fig. 12 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 18 is a top plan view of another portion of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 19 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of a detail of the portion of Fig. 18 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 20 is another end view of the detail of Fig. 19,

Fig. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of the portion of Fig. 18 of the device of Fig. 1 , Fig. 22 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of another detail of the portion of Fig. 18 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 23 is a front elevational view of another portion of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 24 is a side elevational view of a further portion of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 25 is a top plan view of the portion of Fig. 24 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 26 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the portion of Fig. 24 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 27 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the portion of Fig. 24 of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 28 is a circuit diagram of the device of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 29 is a schematic side elevational view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention comprising a device also according to another embodiment of the invention for shredding timber articles,

Fig. 30 is a transverse cross-sectional top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 29, and

Fig. 31 is an end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 29 with a portion of the apparatus removed.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1 , there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , which comprises a container 2 and a device also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 3, for shredding timber articles, namely, timber pallets (not shown) to shredded particles. The shredded particles are discharged from the device 3 directly into the container 2. The container 2 comprises a base 4, a pair of spaced apart side walls 5, only one of which is illustrated in Fig. 1 extending upwardly from the base 4. The side walls 5 are joined by a front end wall 6 and a spaced apart rear end wall 7 which extends upwardly from the base 4. A top wall 8 extending between the side walls 5 and front and rear end walls 6 and 7 defines with the base 4, the side walls 5 and the front and rear end walls 6 and 7 a hollow interior region 9 into which the shredded particles are discharged and stored. The base 4 extends forwardly of the front end wall 6 to form a forward portion 10 on which the device 3 is carried. A front sub-wall 15 extends upwardly from the forward portion 10 of the base 4, and the device 3 for shredding the pallets is located on the forward portion 10 of the base 4 between the sub-wall 15 and the front wall 6 of the container 2.

In this embodiment of the invention the container 2 is constructed as a roll-on/roll-off container which is suitable for mounting on a chassis of a roll-on/roll-off container transporting truck. A pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart skids 14 extend downwardly and longitudinally along the base 4 for engaging corresponding rollers (not shown) rotatably carried on the chassis of the truck. The hauling of such roll- on/roll-off containers onto such trucks will be well known to those skilled in the art, and similarly, the removal of such roll-on/roll-off containers from such trucks will likewise be well known to those skilled in the art. When the container 2 has been transferred from the truck to the ground, the skids 14 of the container 2 support the container 2 on the ground.

Turning now to the device 3 for shredding the timber pallets, and referring in particular initially to Figs. 2 to 27, the device 3 comprises a main framework 20 which is mounted on and secured to the forward portion 10 of the base 4. A hopper 21 is carried on the main framework 20 for receiving pallets to be shredded. A shredding means comprising a shredding drum 23, see Figs. 3 to 5, which will be described in more detail below, is located in a lower portion of the hopper 21 for shredding the pallets. The shredding drum 23 is rotatably carried in the main framework 20, as will be described below, and defines a longitudinally extending main central axis 24 about which the shredding drum 23 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow A for shredding the pallets, see Figs. 7 and 8. Shredded particles from the shredding drum 23 collect in a collection chamber 25 beneath the shredding drum 23, and are directed into a conveying means, provided by a conveying duct 27 extending downwardly from the collection chamber 25 by a conveying auger 28, see Figs. 3 and 7 to 9.

The conveying auger 28 defines a longitudinally extending secondary central axis 29 about which the conveying auger 28 is rotatably mounted in the main framework 20. The conveying duct 27 extends substantially centrally downwardly from the collection chamber 25, and flights 30 and 31 carried on an auger shaft 32 of the conveying auger 28 are arranged for urging the shredded particles into the conveying duct 27 as the conveying auger 28 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B, see Figs. 7 and 8. The flight 30 extends from an end 33 to an intermediate position 34 substantially midway along the auger shaft 32, and is a right-hand flight, while the flight 31 extends from an end 35 of the auger shaft 32, and is a left-hand flight, so that the flights 30 and 31 co-operate for urging the shredded particles along the collection chamber 25 into the conveying duct 27. The rotational mounting and driving of the shredding drum 23 and the conveying auger 28 is described in more detail below.

The conveying duct 27 terminates in a discharge means, which in this embodiment of the invention is provided by a discharge outlet 38 through which the shredded particles are delivered into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2. An upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 extends downwardly from the collection chamber 25 to an air blower means, namely, an air blower 40, and a downstream portion 41 of the conveying duct 27 extends upwardly from the air blower 40 and terminates in the discharge outlet 38. The upstream portion 39 and downstream portion 41 of the conveying duct 27 are coupled to the air blower 40, so that air is drawn by the air blower 40 through the hopper 21 and the collection chamber 25 into the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 and is discharged through the upstream portion 41 and in turn through the discharge outlet 38. Thus, an air stream generated by the air blower 40 through the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 assists gravity in conveying the shredded particles through the upstream portion 39, and carries the shredded particles through the downstream portion 41 of the conveying duct 27 and in turn through the discharge outlet 38 into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2. The air blower 40 is described in more detail below.

A separating means comprising a separator 43 is located adjacent the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 and communicates with the upstream portion 39 through a communicating opening 44 therein for separating steel particles, nails and the like from the timber particles passing through the conveying duct 27, see Figs. 2 and 7 to 11. The separator 43 comprises a housing 45 which is secured to the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27, and communicates with the conveying duct 27 through the communicating opening 44. A separating drum 47, see Figs. 10 and 11 , carried on stub shafts 48 is rotatably mounted in the housing 45. The stub shafts 48 are rotatable in bearings 49 in the housing 45. The separating drum 47 is located in the housing 45 so that portion 50 of the separating drum 47 extends into the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 through the communicating opening 44. The separating drum 47 comprises a cylindrical side wall 52 of non- magnetisable material, which in this embodiment of the invention is stainless steel. End walls 51 at opposite axial ends of the side wall 52 close the separating drum 47, and the stub shafts 48 are secured to and extend from the respective end walls 51.

A permanent magnet 53 is located within the separating drum 47 to one side thereof, and in particular, to the side of the housing 45 adjacent the communicating opening 44. The wall thickness of the cylindrical side wall 52 of the separating drum 47 is such as to permit the magnetic field of the magnet 53 to pass therethrough into the conveying duct 27 to generate a magnetic field within the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 adjacent the separating drum 47. The magnetic field within the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 is of sufficient strength to draw steel particles, nails and the like, and other particles and objects of magnetic material into engagement with the side wall 52 of the separating drum 47 adjacent the communicating opening 44. Thus, as the separating drum 47 rotates in the direction of the arrow C, metal particles, nails and the like are carried on the surface of the side wall 52 into the housing 45 of the separator 43. The strength of the magnetic field produced by the magnet 53 is such that as the portion of the side wall 52 thereof, which is carrying the nails, steel and other particles progressively becomes remote from the magnet 53, the magnetic field is of insufficient strength to retain the nails, steel and other particles on the side wall 52 of the separating drum 47, which are released therefrom and fall through a lower outlet 55 in the housing 45 of the separator 43 for collection in a collection tray 56.

Returning now to the hopper 21 , and referring in particular to Figs. 2, 5, 7, 8 and 18 to 22, an urging means, namely, a moveable urging member 61 is provided in the hopper 21 for engaging and urging the pallets in the hopper 21 into engagement with the shredding drum 23 for shredding of the pallets. The urging member 61 is an elongated member which extends parallel to the main central axis 24 defined by the shredding drum 23, and is moveable within the hopper 21 from a receiving position illustrated in Fig. 7 for receiving pallets into the hopper 21 and a terminal position illustrated in Fig. 8 for urging the pallets into engagement with the shredding drum 23. In the terminal position as illustrated in Fig. 8, the urging member 61 is adjacent but slightly spaced apart from the shredding drum 23. Spaced apart side members 64 extend rearwardly from the urging member 61 and carry guide rollers 65 which are rotatably engageable with corresponding guide tracks 63 located in the hopper 21 and secured to the main framework 20 for guiding the urging member 61 between the receiving position and the terminal position with rectilinear motion, see Fig. 5.

A first drive means, in this embodiment of the invention provided by a pair of hydraulically powered spaced apart double acting first rams 66 operably coupled between a transverse member 67 of the main framework 20 and the urging member 61 urge the urging member 61 between the receiving position and the terminal position. Each first ram 66 comprises an hydraulic cylinder 68 and a piston rod 69 extending from the cylinder 68. The cylinder 68 of each first ram 66 is coupled to the transverse member 67 by trunnion couplings 70, while the piston rods 69 of the first rams 66 are pivotally coupled to the urging member 61 by pivot pins 71.

A side wall 60 of the hopper 21 is pivotally coupled to the main frame 20 by a pair of pivot couplings 72 at each side of the side wall 60, which are carried on respective side members 73 of the main framework 20 on each side of the side wall 60. A second drive means comprising a pair of hydraulically powered double acting second rams 74 operably coupled between the side wall 60 and the side members 73 pivot the side wall 60 about the pivot coupling 72 from a hopper forming state illustrated in Fig. 2 in the direction of the arrow D into the hopper 21 for agitating the pallets therein. The second rams 74, only one of which is illustrated in Figs. 2, 7 and 8, are coupled to the respective corresponding side members 73 at 75 and to the side wall 60 at 76. Being double acting rams, the second rams 74 are operable for urging the side wall 60 inwardly in the direction of the arrow D into the hopper 21 from the hopper forming state, and outwardly from the hopper 21 into the hopper forming state for agitating the pallets in the hopper 21 to ensure that the pallets drop downwardly between the urging member 61 and the shredding drum 23, so that the pallets are urged into engagement with the shredding drum 23 by the urging member 61 for shredding thereof.

Returning now to the shredding drum 23, and referring in particular to Figs. 2 to 4 and 12 to 17, the shredding drum 23 comprises an elongated drum 77 having a cylindrical side wall 78 and a pair of circular end walls 79 located at respective axially opposite ends of the drum 77, which are welded to the side wall 78. A pair of stub shafts 80 extending axially from and secured to the respective end wails 79 define the main central axis 24 of the shredding drum 23. Bearings 82 carried in the main framework 20 rotatably engage the stub shafts 80 for rotatably carrying the shredding drum 23. A plurality of axially spaced apart V-shaped grooves 84 extend circumferentially around the cylindrical side wall 78 of the drum 77 for locating and carrying shredding elements 85 which extend radially outwardly of the drum 77 for engaging and shredding the timber pallets. Locating elements 86 for locating the shredding elements 85 in the grooves 84 are located in the V-grooves 84 and welded to the drum 77. The locating elements 86 are located in the grooves 84 so that the shredding elements 85 are staggered in a circumferential direction as illustrated in Fig. 13, which illustrates a development of the drum 77 with the locating elements 86 and the shredding elements 85 secured thereto. The circumferential staggering of the shredding elements 85 around the drum 77 minimises the shredding load on the shredding drum 23.

Each shredding element 85 is of square shape and comprises a pair of adjacent side edges which form respective cutting edges 85 which terminate in a distal cutting apex 88, which is directed outwardly of the drum 77. Two side edges 89 of each shredding element form abutment edges which engage opposite side faces 90 of the corresponding groove 84. The side edges 89 of each shredding element 85 define an apex 91 which engages a root 92 of the corresponding groove 84. The locating elements 86 are also of square shape substantially similar to that of the shredding elements 85 and are welded in the corresponding groove 84 with side edges 93 of the locating elements 86 abutting the side faces 90 of the corresponding grooves 84. A bore 94 through each locating element 86 accommodates a screw 96 therethrough for engaging a threaded bore 95 in the corresponding shredding element 85 for securing the shredding element 85 to the locating element 86 in the corresponding groove 84 of the drum 77.

Referring now to Figs. 1 , 3, 4 and 6, a main drive means comprising an electrically powered main drive motor 98 which is mounted in the main framework 20 drives the shredding drum 23 through a gearbox 99. A belt/pulley drive 100 transmits drive from the main drive motor 98 to the gearbox 99. A first drive transmission shaft 101 from the gearbox 99 is coupled to one of the stub shafts 80 of the shredding drum 23 for transmitting drive from the gearbox 99 to the shredding drum 23.

Returning now to the conveying auger 28, and referring in particular to Figs. 2, 3 and 23, stub shafts 102 extending from the auger shaft 32 are rotatably carried in bearings 103 in the main framework 20. A second drive transmission shaft 104 from the gearbox 99 is coupled to one of the stub shafts 102 of the conveying auger 28 for transmitting drive from the gearbox 99 to the conveying auger 28, so that the conveying auger 32 is also driven by the main drive motor 98. The output drive speeds provided by the gearbox 99 on the first and second drive transmission shafts 101 and 104 to the shredding drum 23 and the conveying auger 28, respectively, are such as to maintain an appropriate drive ratio between the rotational speed of the shredding drum 23 and that of the conveying auger 28. In this embodiment of the invention the shredding drum 23 is driven at a speed of 85 revs per minute approximately, while the conveying auger 28 is driven at a speed of 48 revs per minute approximately.

An electrically powered drive motor 105 which is mounted on the housing 45 of the separator 43 drives the separating drum 47, in this embodiment of the invention at a speed of approximately 36 revs per minute, see Fig. 10.

Returning now to the air blower 40, and referring in particular to Figs. 24 to 27, the air blower 40 comprises a housing 108 which is mounted in the main framework 20, and which defines a chamber 109 having an impeller 110 rotatably mounted therein. The impeller 110 comprises a shaft 111 having a plurality of vanes 112 extending radially therefrom. An inlet 114 to the chamber 109 is coupled to the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 for accommodating air and shredded particles into the chamber 109. An outlet 115 from the chamber 109 is coupled to the downstream portion 41 of the conveying duct 27 for accommodating air and shredded particles therethrough for discharge through the downstream portion 41 of the conveying duct 27. The shaft 111 of the impeller 110 is rotatably carried in bearings 116 in the housing 108, and is driven through a belt and pulley drive 117 by an electrically powered drive motor 118, which is adjustably coupled to the housing 108 by couplings 119 and 120 for tensioning a drive belt 121 of the belt and pulley drive 117.

Referring now to Fig. 28, a control means comprising an electronic control circuit 124 illustrated in block representation is housed in a housing (not shown) in the main framework 20 and comprises a microcontroller 125 for controlling the operation of the apparatus 3. An hydraulic power supply system 126, which is illustrated in block representation in Fig. 28, is also located in the main framework 20 for powering the first rams 66 and the second rams 74. The hydraulic power supply 126 is operated under the control of the microcontroller 125. Additionally, the main drive motor 98 and the drive motors 105 and 118 which drive the separating drum 47 of the separator 43 and the impeller 110 of the air blower 40, respectively, are also operated under the control of the microcontroller 125.

An overload detecting means provided by an overload detector 127, which is illustrated in block representation in Fig. 28 is mounted on the first drive transmission shaft 101 of the shredding drum 23 for monitoring for overloading of the shredding drum 23. The microcontroller 125 is responsive to the overload detector 127 detecting an overload condition in the shredding drum 23 for deactivating the main drive motor 98 for in turn stopping rotation of the shredding drum 23. Additionally, in response to an overload condition being detected by the detector 127, the main drive motor 98 in reverse for reversing the rotational motion of the shredding drum 23 for unblocking any blockage of pallets in the hopper 21 , which may have led to the overload condition. In this embodiment of the invention the main drive motor 98 is operated under the control circuit 125 in reverse for rotating the shredding drum 23 in reverse for approximately fifteen revolutions.

Additionally, on an overload condition of the shredding drum 23 being detected by the overload detector 127, the microcontroller 125 operates the hydraulic power supply system 126 for in turn operating the first rams 66 for urging the urging member 61 into the receiving position, for in turn relieving the overload condition on the shredding drum 23. On an overload condition being detected, the microcontroller 125 also operates the second rams 74 for pivoting the side wall 60 of the hopper 21 into the hopper 21 from the hopper forming state and out of the hopper 21 back to the hopper forming state for agitating the pallets in the hopper 21 for assisting in relieving the overload condition.

In use, with the device 3 powered up and the main drive motor 98 driving the shredding drum 23 and the conveying auger 28, and the drive motors 105 and 118 driving the separating drum 47 of the separator 43 and the impeller 110 of the air blower 40, respectively, the device 3 is ready for use. The hydraulic power system 126 is operated for withdrawing the urging member 61 into the receiving position. A batch of pallets are loaded into the hopper 21 , and the microcontroller 125 operates the hydraulic power supply system 126 for urging the urging member 61 from the receiving position for in turn urging the pallets into engagement with the shredding drum 23.

As the shredding drum 23 rotates, the shredding elements 85 act on the pallets to rapidly shred the pallets into shredded particles. The shredded particles are urged by the conveying auger 28 into the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27, where under the action of gravity and the air blower 40 the shredded particles are conveyed through the conveying duct 27 and are discharged through the discharge outlet 38 into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2.

Metal particles, nails and other magnetic particles or articles are drawn onto the surface of the separating drum 47 by the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 53. As the separating drum 47 rotates in the direction of the arrow A, the metal particles, nails and other magnetic particles and articles are urged into the housing 47 and are released from the drum 47, thereby falling through the outlet 55 into the collecting tray 56, and so operation of the apparatus 3 continues.

When shredding of a batch of pallets in the hopper 21 has been completed, the microcontroller 125 operates the hydraulic power supply system 126 for returning the urging member 61 into the receiving position, and the next batch of pallets is placed in the hopper 21. And so operation of the device 3 continues until the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 has been filled with shredded particles, or until all the pallets to be shredded have been shredded.

In the event of the overload detector 127 detecting an overload condition in the shredding drum 23, the microcontroller 125 immediately deactivates the main drive motor 98, and operates the hydraulic power supply system 126 for urging the urging member 61 back to the receiving position, thereby removing the pressure generated by the urging member 61 on the pallets, and in turn on the shredding drum 23. The microcontroller 125 then operates the main drive motor 98 in reverse for in turn rotating the shredding drum 23 in the reverse direction for approximately fifteen revolutions for in turn freeing the overload condition. During rotation of the shredding drum 23 in the reverse direction the microcontroller 125 operates the hydraulic power supply 126 for in turn operating the second rams 74 to pivot the side wall 60 of the hopper 21 for agitating the pallets in the hopper 21 for assisting in freeing the overload condition, and also for agitating the pallets to drop between the urging member 61 and the shredding drum 23, so that when normal operation of the device 3 again commences, the pallets are again urged into engagement with the shredding drum 23 by the urging member 61. Once the overload condition has been freed, normal operation of the apparatus 1 again commences.

When the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 has been filled with timber particles, or when all the pallets have been shredded, the container 2 with the device 3 mounted thereon is hauled onto the chassis of a transporting truck for removal.

Referring now to Figs. 29 to 31 , there is illustrated schematic representations of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 130, also for shredding timber articles, and in particular, timber pallets. The apparatus 130 is substantially similar to the apparatus 1 , and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the apparatus 130 and the apparatus 1 is that a compacting means comprising a compactor 132 is located in the main framework 20 for compacting the shredded particles. In this embodiment of the invention the container 2 defines a completely enclosed hollow interior region 9, and the compactor 132 communicates with the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 through a discharge outlet 138, and with the conveying duct 27 through a communicating inlet 139 for discharging the shredded particles from the conveying duct 27 into the container 2 and for compacting the shredded particles therein. In this embodiment of the invention the air blower 40 is dispensed with, as is the downstream portion 41 of the conveying duct 27, and the upstream portion 39 of the conveying duct 27 extends downwardly from the collecting chamber 25 and terminates in the compactor 132 in the communicating inlet 139. The compactor 132 comprises a housing 133 which defines a compacting chamber 134 of rectangular transverse cross-section. A pressurising means comprising a piston 136 of area corresponding to the transverse cross-section of the compacting chamber 134 is moveable in -the direction of the arrow E from a withdrawn position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 29 to a fully extended position illustrated in broken lines in Fig. 29 into the compacting chamber 134 for urging shredded particles from the compacting chamber 134 into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 for compacting the shredded particles therein. The housing 133 of the compactor 132 extends forwardly from the front wall 6 of the container 2, and the discharge outlet 138 formed in the front wall 6 of the container 2 is of area corresponding to the transverse cross-sectional area of the compacting chamber 134, and communicates the compacting chamber 134 with the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2. The piston 136 is of sufficient length L to close off the communicating inlet 139 when the piston 136 is being urged between the withdrawn position and the fully extended position, so that shredded particles are only admitted through the communicating inlet 139 into the compacting chamber 134 when the piston 136 is in the withdrawn position.

A third drive means comprising a pair of hydraulically powered double acting third rams 140 operably coupled between the main framework 20 and the piston 136 urges the piston 136 into the compacting chamber 134 in the direction of the arrow E from the withdrawn position to the fully extended position for urging the shredded particles from the compacting chamber 134 into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2, and also withdraws the piston 136 in the direction of the arrow G from the fully extended position to the withdrawn position in order to allow the compacting chamber 134 to be recharged with shredded particles through the communicating inlet 139. The third rams 140 each comprise a cylinder 141 which is pivotally coupled to a transverse cross-member 142 of the main framework 20 by pivotal couplings 144. Piston rods 145 extending from the cylinders 141 of the third rams 140 are pivotally coupled to slideable mounted carrier brackets 147 which are slideably mounted on the piston 136. Spaced apart tracks, which are not shown but are illustrated by broken lines 148 in Figs. 30 and 31 , slideably carry and guide the carrier brackets 147 transversely across the piston 136 for accommodating pivotal movement of the third rams 140 about the pivot couplings 144 in the direction of the arrows H and K as the third rams 140 urge the piston 136 in the directions of the arrows E and G, respectively. The third rams 140 are hydraulically coupled to the hydraulic power supply system 126 (not shown in this embodiment of the invention).

In use, a batch of pallets to be shredded is loaded into the hopper 21 of the apparatus 130 and with the shredding device 3 powered up, the pallets are urged into engagement with the shredding drum 23 by the urging member 61. With the piston 136 in the withdrawn position as illustrated in full lines in Fig. 29, shredded particles from the shredding drum 23 are delivered through the conveying duct 27 and the communicating inlet 139 into the compacting chamber 134. The third rams 140 are operated for continuously reciprocating the piston 136 into and out of the compacting chamber 134 between the withdrawn position and the fully extended position for urging the shredded particles from the compacting chamber 134 into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2. This process continues until the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 is loosely filled with the shredded particles. Further reciprocating movement of the piston 136 into and out of the compacting chamber 134 urges further shredded particles from the compacting chamber 134 into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2, thereby compacting the shredded particles in the hollow interior region 9. This procedure continues until the shredded particles have been compacted in the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 to a desired compacted level.

In this embodiment of the invention the volume of the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 is 18 cubic metres approximately, and the volume of the compacting chamber 134 with the piston 136 in the withdrawn position is 0.6 cubic metres approximately, and it has been found that three and a half tonnes of shredded particles can be compacted into the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2. The transverse cross-section of the compacting chamber 134 is approximately 1.5 metres wide by 0.5 metres high, and the stroke of the piston 136 is 0.8 metres approximately.

While the container 2 of the apparatus 130 has been described as having a completely enclosed hollow interior region 9, while this is important for compacting of the shredded particles in the container 2 of the apparatus 130, it will be appreciated that while it is desirable, it is not essential that the hollow interior region 9 of the container 2 of the apparatus 1 which has been described with reference to Figs. 1 to 28 be completely enclosed. If desired, the top wall 8 of the container 2 of the apparatus 1 could be dispensed with.

While the shredding devices have been described as being mounted on the roll- on/roll-off container, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the shredding devices may be mounted within a roll-on/roll-off container, and it will also be appreciated that the shredding devices may be mounted in conjunction with any other container either externally of or internally in the container, irrespective of whether the container is a roll-on/roll-off container, a skip or other container.

It is also envisaged that the shredding devices according to the invention may be supplied separately on their own and could be operated on a free-standing basis for delivering shredded material into a standalone container or skip or other container independent of the shredding devices.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that where the device 3 for shredding pallets of the apparatus 130 is provided with the compactor, it is envisaged that the shredding device 3 with the compactor could be provided as a standalone unit, and the compactor would be adapted for compacting the shredded particles into compacted blocks which would be discharged therefrom for transfer to a container or other storing device.

Additionally, while the shredding devices have been described for shredding timber pallets, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the shredding devices may be used for shredding any other timber articles or timber.

Additionally, while the shredding devices have been described as comprising a conveying auger for conveying the shredded particles into the conveying duct, which is centrally located relative to the length of the auger, it is envisaged that in certain cases, the conveying duct may extend from the collection chamber to one end of the conveying auger, and in which case the flights of the auger would be appropriately arranged for urging the shredded particles along the auger from one end to the other for urging the shredded particles into the conveying duct at the end of the conveying auger. Indeed, it is also envisaged that in certain cases, the conveying auger may be dispensed with.

Further, it will be appreciated that while it is advantageous to include the separator for separating magnetic particles, nails and the like from the shredded particles, this is not essential, and in certain cases, the separator may be omitted.

It will also be appreciated that while the shredding drum and the conveying auger have been described as being driven by the same drive motor, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the shredding drum and the conveying auger may be driven by respective drive motors.

Claims

1. A device for shredding timber, the device comprising a shredding means, and an urging means for urging the timber into engagement with the shredding means for shredding thereof.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 in which the shredding means comprises an elongated shredding drum rotatable about a longitudinally extending main central axis, and a plurality of shredding elements carried on and extending outwardly of a circumferentially extending surface of the shredding drum, the shredding elements being longitudinally and circumferentially spaced apart from each other, and being engageable with the timber for shredding thereof as the shredding drum rotates.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2 in which the shredding drum is rotatable in a main framework, and the urging means is moveably mounted in the framework towards the shredding drum in a direction transverse of the main central axis for urging the timber into engagement with the shredding elements.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 2 or 3 in which the urging means is moveable towards the shredding drum from a receiving position spaced apart from the shredding drum for receiving timber between the urging means and the shredding drum.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4 in which the urging means is moveable from the receiving position to a terminal location adjacent to but spaced apart from the shredding elements.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 5 in which the urging means comprises an urging member for engaging and urging the timber into engagement with the shredding elements, and a first drive means for urging the urging member from the receiving position to the terminal position.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6 in which the first drive means urges the urging member from the terminal position to the receiving position.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 in which the first drive means is responsive to the urging member being in the terminal position for urging the urging member from the terminal position to the receiving position.

9. A device as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 8 in which the first drive means comprises at least one first drive ram operably coupled between the urging member and the main framework.

10. A device as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 9 in which the urging member is an elongated urging member extending substantially parallel to the main central axis.

11. A device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 10 in which a hopper is provided on the framework for receiving timber and the shredding drum is located adjacent a lower portion of the hopper.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11 in which the urging means is located within the hopper.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 11 or 12 in which the urging means is located in a lower portion of the hopper.

14. A device as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 13 in which the hopper comprises a moveable side wall, the moveable side wall being urgeable from a hopper forming state inwardly into the hopper for agitating the timber therein.

15. A device as claimed in Claim 14 in which the moveable side wall of the hopper is pivotally coupled to the main framework adjacent a lower end of the moveable side wall, and the moveable side wall is pivotal about the pivotal coupling inwardly into the hopper from the hopper forming state.

16. A device as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which a second drive means is provided for urging the moveable side wall from the hopper forming state into the hopper for agitating the timber therein.

17. A device as claimed in Claim 16 in which the second drive means is operable for urging the moveable side wall outwardly of the hopper to the hopper forming state.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 16 or 17 in which the second drive means comprises at least one second drive ram operably coupled between the main framework and the moveable side wall of the hopper.

19. A device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 18 in which a conveying means is provided for conveying shredded particles from the shredding drum.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19 in which the conveying means comprises a conveying duct.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 20 in which the conveying means comprises a conveying auger located between the shredding drum and the conveying duct for urging shredded particles into the conveying duct, the conveying auger defining a longitudinally extending secondary central axis extending parallel to the main central axis.

22. A device as claimed in Claim 21 in which the conveying auger comprises an elongated auger shaft rotatably carried in the main framework, and a pair of auger flights of opposite hand carried on the auger shaft in respective locations between an intermediate position on the auger shaft and the ends of the shaft for urging the particles towards the intermediate position on the auger shaft.

23. A device as claimed in Claim 22 in which the intermediate position on the auger shaft is adjacent a midpoint thereof intermediate the ends thereof.

24. A device as claimed in Claim 22 or 23 in which the respective auger flights extend substantially from the intermediate position on the auger shaft to the respective opposite ends thereof.

25. A device as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 24 in which the conveying duct extends from the conveying auger adjacent the intermediate position of the auger shaft.

26. A device as claimed in any of Claims 21 to 25 in which the conveying auger is located beneath the shredding drum.

27. A device as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 26 in which a separating means is provided for separating metal particles from the shredded particles.

28. A device as claimed in Claim 27 in which the separating means co-operates with the conveying duct for separating the metal particles from the shredded particles as the shredded particles are passing through the conveying duct.

29. A device as claimed in Claim 28 in which the separating means comprises a rotatably mounted hollow separating drum having an outer circumferential surface and a hollow core extending therethrough, the separating drum being located relative to the conveying duct so that a portion of the circumferential surface of the separating drum communicates with the conveying duct through a communicating opening in the conveying duct, and a magnet being located in the hollow core of the separating drum to produce a magnetic field which extends through the circumferential surface of the separating drum and the communicating opening into the conveying duct for drawing metal particles onto the surface of the separating drum as the separating drum rotates, the strength of the magnet being sufficient for retaining the metal particles in contact with the circumferential surface of the separating drum adjacent the communicating opening.

30. A device as claimed in Claim 29 in which the magnet is located within the hollow core of the separating drum so that the effect of the magnetic field produced by the magnet is insufficient to retain the metal particles in contact with the circumferential surface of the separating drum as the circumferential surface progressively becomes spaced apart from the communicating opening.

31. A device as claimed in Claim 29 or 30 in which a collecting means is provided for collecting the metal particles from the separating drum.

32. A device as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 31 in which a blower means is provided for urging the shredded particles through the conveying duct.

33. A device as claimed in Claim 32 in which the conveying duct comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the blower means being located between the upstream portion and the downstream portion for urging the shredded particles through the downstream portion.

34. A device as claimed in Claim 33 in which the upstream portion of the conveying duct extends in a generally downwardly direction towards the blower means, and the downstream portion of the conveying duct extends in a generally upwardly direction from the blower means.

35. A device as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 34 in which a discharge means is provided at a downstream end of the conveying means through which shredded particles are discharged from the conveying means.

36. A device as claimed in Claim 35 in which the discharge means comprises a discharge outlet.

37. A device as claimed in Claim 35 or 36 in which a compacting device is provided for compacting the shredded particles.

38. A device as claimed in Claim 37 in which the discharge means extends from the compacting means.

39. A device as claimed in Claim 37 or 38 in which a storing means defining an enclosed hollow interior region is provided for storing the shredded particles, the compacting means communicating with the hollow interior region of the storing means through the discharge means.

40. A device as claimed in Claim 39 in which the compacting means comprises a compacting chamber communicating with the conveying means, and a pressurising element moveable into the compacting chamber for compacting the shredded particles, the compacting chamber communicating with the hollow interior region of the storing means through the discharge means.

41. A device as claimed in Claim 40 in which the pressurising element cooperates with the compacting chamber and the hollow interior region of the storing means for compacting the shredded particles therein.

42. A device as claimed in Claim 40 or 41 in which a third drive means is provided for urging the pressurising element into the compacting chamber.

43. A device as claimed in Claim 42 in which the third drive means is operable for withdrawing the pressurising element from the compacting chamber.

44. A device as claimed in Claim 42 or 43 in which the third drive means comprises at least one third drive ram operably coupled between the main framework and the pressurising element.

45. A device as claimed in any of Claims 40 to 44 in which the pressurising element comprises a piston substantially defining the transverse cross-sectional area of the compacting chamber.

46. A device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 45 in which a main drive means is provided for rotating the shredding drum.

47. A device as claimed in Claim 46 in which the main drive means is adapted for rotating the conveying auger.

48. A device as claimed in Claim 46 or 47 in which an overload detecting means is provided for detecting overloading of the shredding drum.

49. A device as claimed in Claim 48 in which a control means is provided, the control means being responsive to the overload detecting means for deactivating the main drive means in response to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means.

50. A device as claimed in Claim 49 in which the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means to rotate the shredding drum in reverse.

51. A device as claimed in Claim 49 or 50 in which the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means for rotating the shredding drum in reverse for a plurality of revolutions.

52. A device as claimed in Claim 51 in which the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means for rotating the shredding drum in reverse for at least five revolutions.

53. A device as claimed in Claim 52 in which the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the main drive means for rotating the shredding drum in reverse for approximately fifteen revolutions.

54. A device as claimed in any of Claims 49 to 53 in which the control means is responsive to an overload condition being detected by the overload detecting means for operating the first drive means for urging the urging member to the receiving position.

55. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is adapted for shredding timber articles.

56. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is adapted for shredding timber pallets.

57. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the device is mounted adjacent a container for collecting the shredded particles.

58. A device as claimed in Claim 57 in which the device is coupled to the container.

59. A device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 57 in which the device is mounted in a container for collecting the shredded particles.

60. A device as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 59 in which the container forms the storing means, and defines a hollow interior region which forms the hollow interior region of the storing means, and co-operates with the discharge means for receiving the shredded particles therefrom.

61. A device as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 60 in which the container is adapted for being transported on a container carrying truck.

62. A device as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 61 in which the container is a roll- on/roll-off container of the type used for transporting waste material, and comprises a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart skids for engaging rollers of a roll- on/roll-off container carrying truck.

63. Apparatus comprising a container and a device for shredding timber as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 56, the device being mounted adjacent the container, and being adapted for discharging shredded particles therefrom into the container.

64. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 63 in which a mounting means extends from the container for mounting the device for shredding timber externally of the container.

65. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 64 in which the mounting means is located adjacent one end of the container.

66. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 64 or 65 in which the main framework of the device is secured to the mounting means of the container.

67. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 63 in which the device for shredding timber is located in the container.

68. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 67 in which a compartment is formed in the container for housing the device therein.

69. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 63 to 68 in which the container forms the storing means of the device, and the container defines a hollow interior region which forms the hollow interior region of the storing means, and the hollow interior region of the container is coupled to the discharge means of the device for receiving shredded particles therefrom.

70. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 69 in which the hollow interior region defined by the container is an enclosed hollow interior region, and the pressurising element of the compacting means co-operates with the compacting chamber and the hollow interior region of the container for compacting the shredded particles.

71. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 63 to 70 in which the container is a roll-on/roll-off container of the type used for transporting waste material, and comprises a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart skids for engaging rollers of a roll-on/roll-off container carrying truck.

72. Apparatus comprising a container and a device for shredding timber, the device for shredding timber being mounted adjacent the container and comprising a shredding means for shredding the timber, and an urging means for urging the timber into engagement with the shredding means for shredding thereof, and a conveying means is provided for conveying shredded particles from the shredding means to the container through a discharge means.

73. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 72 in which a mounting means extends from the container for mounting the device for shredding timber externally of the container.

74. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 73 in which the mounting means is located adjacent one end of the container.

75. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 73 or 74 in which the device for shredding timber comprises a main framework, and the main framework of the device is secured to the mounting means of the container.

76. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 75 in which the device for shredding timber is located in the container.

77. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 76 in which a compartment is formed in the container for housing the device therein.

78. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 77 in which a compacting means is provided for compacting the shredded particles.

79. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 78 in which the container defines an enclosed hollow interior region, and the compacting means communicates with the hollow interior region of the container through the discharge means.

80. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 78 or 79 in which the compacting means comprises a compacting chamber communicating with the conveying means, and a pressurising element moveable into the conveying chamber for compacting the shredded particles, the compacting chamber communicating with the hollow interior region of the container through the discharge means.

81. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 80 in which the pressurising element cooperates with the compacting chamber and the hollow interior region of the container for compacting the shredded particles therein.

82. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 80 or 81 in which a third drive means is provided for urging the pressurising element into the compacting chamber.

83. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 82 in which the third drive means is operable for withdrawing the pressurising element from the compacting chamber.

84. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 82 or 83 in which the third drive means comprises at least one third drive ram operably coupled between the main framework and the pressurising element.

85. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 80 to 84 in which the pressurising element comprises a piston substantially defining the transverse cross-sectional area of the compacting chamber.

86. A container as claimed in any of Claims 72 to 85 in which the container is a roll-on/roll-off container of the type used for transporting waste material, and comprises a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart skids for engaging rollers of a roll-on/roll-off container carrying truck.