WO2022061415A1

WO2022061415A1 - A system and method of destroying and pulping paper articles

Info

Publication number: WO2022061415A1
Application number: PCT/AU2021/051119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Babak AKBARI
Original assignee: Akbari Babak
Priority date: 2020-09-25
Filing date: 2021-09-24
Publication date: 2022-03-31

Abstract

A portable paper article destruction and pulping system and method of use thereof is provided. In one form, the system includes a pulping chamber in fluid communication with a feed device for receiving one or more paper articles or portions thereof received from the feed device; a comminuting member operatively associated with the pulping chamber and adapted to comminute the one or more paper articles or portions thereof into pulp; and a press chamber in fluid communication with the pulping chamber, said press chamber including a press for pressing the pulp received from the pulping chamber into one or more paper-based products.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DESTROYING AND PULPING PAPER ARTICLES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a system and method of destroying paper articles. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable paper article destruction and pulping system and method of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Paper shredders are routinely used to destroy private, confidential or otherwise sensitive paper documents. Indeed, it is commonplace for government organisations, businesses and even private individuals to have one or more paper shredding units or devices for the destruction of sensitive paper documents.

[0003] Typically, such shredding units or devices range in size from small and inexpensive units for a certain number of pages to large units used by commercial shredding services. Usually, such shredders use rotating knives to reduce paper pages to narrow strips. However, a problem with such shredders is that it is possible to reconstruct shredded documents from the strips.

[0004] Further, it is now common for businesses to engage commercial shredding services to collect and shred paper documents off-site. Generally, such commercial shredding services provide a locked bin or receptacle that temporarily stays with the business for collecting documents to be destroyed. The locked bin or receptacle is periodically collected and replaced with a new locked bin or receptacle. Usually, with such services the collected bin or receptacle is transported to an off-site shredding facility for destruction of the collected documents. However, a problem with such facilities is that there is no certainty that the paper documents collected have been destroyed in an acceptable manner, let alone actually destroyed.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method of destroying and pulping paper articles, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice. [0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable paper article destruction and pulping system including: a pulping chamber in fluid communication with a feed device, said chamber containing a volume of pulping fluid for receiving therein and saturating one or more paper articles or portions thereof received from the feed device; at least one comminuting member operatively associated with the pulping chamber, said at least one member adapted to comminute the one or more paper articles or portions thereof saturated in the pulping fluid into pulp; and a press chamber in fluid communication with the pulping chamber, said press chamber including at least one press for pressing said pulp received from the pulping chamber into one or more paper-based products.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable paper article destruction and pulping system including: a feed device adapted to receive one or more paper articles or portions thereof; a pulping chamber in fluid communication with the feed device, said chamber containing a volume of pulping fluid for receiving therein and saturating the one or more paper articles or portions thereof received from the feed device; at least one comminuting member including at least one helical spiral flange extending at least partially along and out from the comminuting member and one or more protrusions extending outwardly from an outer edge of the flange, said at least one comminuting member operatively associated with the pulping chamber and adapted to comminute the one or more paper articles or portions thereof saturated in the pulping fluid into pulp; and a press chamber in fluid communication with the pulping chamber, said press chamber including at least one press for pressing said pulp received from the pulping chamber into one or more paper-based products.

[0009] Advantageously, the system of the present invention provides means for securely destroying paper documents by turning the paper documents into pulp and then turning the pulp into one or more paper-based products. By turning the paper into pulp, the system obviates the security risks associated with the reconstructing of conventionally shredded documents. Further, by being portable, the system is able to be used on-site and thereby also obviates any of the security risks associated with off-site shredding facilities. Lastly, by transforming destroyed paper documents into one or more paper-based products, the system provides an attractive environmental alternative to conventional shredding services.

[0010] As indicated, the system is for destroying one or more paper articles by turning them into pulp and then forming one or more paper-based products from the pulp. [0011 ] The one or more paper articles may include any article formed of paper. For example, the one or more paper articles may include envelopes, receipts, paper documents and the like.

[0012] Likewise, the one or more paper-based products may include any product able to be formed from pulp. For example, the one or more paper-based products may include one or more sheets of paper, briquettes, or dimpled packaging materials. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the one or more paper-based products may be of any suitable shape as defined by the at least one press.

[0013] The system may include a body for supporting and/or housing the pulping chamber, the comminuting member and the press chamber. The body may be configured such that the system may sit or rest atop a support surface, such as, e.g., a floor, desk, shelf, table or the like. The body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction.

[0014] Generally, the body may include a base, an opposed top and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The base and the top may extend substantially parallel to one another.

[0015] The base and the top may be of any suitable shape, preferably the same shape. In some embodiments, the base and the top may be in the shape of a circle or oval. In other embodiments, the base and the top may be in the shape of a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon, for example. In preferred embodiments, the body may include a rectangular-shaped base and top with four sidewalls extending therebetween.

[0016] In some embodiments, the base may include one or more feet for supporting the body atop the support surface.

[0017] In other embodiments, the base may include two or more wheels for conveying the body along the support surface. In this regard, the bottom may include any suitable number of wheels. The wheels may be rotatably mounted to the base such that each wheel may be able to swivel about a vertical axis. Each wheel may preferably be part of a swivel caster.

[0018] The body may be formed from metal or plastic material or materials, or a combination thereof.

[0019] Suitably, the body may include one or more access panels, flaps or doors to enable access to the internal contents of the body. The one or more access panels, flaps or doors may preferably be lockable to control access to the internal contents of the body.

[0020] As indicated, the system includes a pulping chamber for receiving the one or more paper articles via the feed device, for containing the pulping fluid and at least partially containing the comminuting member. The pulping chamber may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as, e.g., plastic and/or metal material or materials.

[0021 ] The pulping chamber may include a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim.

[0022] The rim may extend from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall and may extend along an edge of the at least one sidewall.

[0023] In some embodiments, the rim may at least partially define a receiving opening to the pulping chamber for receiving the one or more paper articles therethrough, preferably via the feed device.

[0024] In other embodiments, the pulping chamber may include a lid with a receiving opening defined therein for receiving the one or more paper articles therethrough, preferably via the feed device.

[0025] In preferred embodiments, the pulping chamber may be sized and shaped to at least partially accommodate the at least one comminuting member.

[0026] In such embodiments, the pulping chamber may preferably have an elongate shape.

[0027] For example, in some such embodiments the pulping chamber may include an elongate base, an opposed lid, and a pair opposed longitudinally extending sidewalls and at least one end wall extending between the base and the lid. Again, the lid may include a receiving opening defined therein for receiving the one or more paper articles therethrough, preferably via the feed device.

[0028] The pulping chamber may include an open end, located opposite the at least one end wall, defining a pulp outlet for the pulp to be conveyed from the pulping chamber to the press chamber.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls or portions thereof may converge towards one another at or near the pulp outlet to narrow a width of the chamber at or near the pulp outlet and thereby enhance pressure on the pulp as it is conveyed towards the pulp outlet.

[0030] In some embodiments, the pulping chamber may include a cylindrical sleeve including a pair of opposed ends and at least one curved sidewall extending therebetween. The at least one comminuting member may be at least partially received through the cylindrical sleeve. One of the opposed ends may include the pulp outlet. The receiving opening may be defined in any upper surface of the at least one curved sidewall.

[0031 ] Again, in some such embodiments, the at least one curved sidewall may taper or narrow in diameter at or near the pulp outlet to thereby enhance pressure on the pulp at is conveyed towards the pulp outlet.

[0032] The pulping fluid may include any fluid suitably adapted to at least partially defibre the one or more paper articles when saturated and/or soaked in the pulping fluid. Any suitable pulping fluid may be used.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pulping fluid may include an aqueous solution, preferably water.

[0034] In other embodiments, the pulping fluid may further include one or more pulping agents, such as, e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulphate, methanol, ethanol, formic acid, acetic acid and other like agents.

[0035] Generally, the pulping chamber may be at least partially filled with a volume of the pulping fluid so that the one or more paper articles received therein may be at least partially saturated by the pulping fluid, preferably entirely saturated. For example, the pulping chamber may be about 1/5 filed, about 1/4 filled, about 1/3 filled, about 1/2 filled, about 2/3 filled or even about 3/4 filled with pulping fluid.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pulping fluid may be manually added to, or poured into, the pulping chamber.

[0037] In other embodiments, the pulping chamber may be connectable to a source of pulping fluid, such as, e.g., a drum, container or the like, or a mains water supply.

[0038] For example, in some such embodiments, the source of pulping fluid may include a pulping fluid container mountable to the body and in fluid communication with the pulping chamber for dispensing pulping fluid to the pulping chamber. The pulping fluid container may preferably be detachably mountable to the container so that it may be temporarily removed, filled with pulping fluid and re-mounted to the body.

[0039] In such embodiments, the pulping fluid container may preferably include a valve and a quick coupling mechanism for fluidly connecting the container to the pulping chamber when mounted to the body.

[0040] In other such embodiments, the source of pulping fluid may include a mains water supply.

[0041 ] In such embodiments, the pulping chamber may include a pulping fluid inlet adapted to be connectable to the source by a tube, pipe or hose. The pulping fluid inlet or the tube, pipe or hose may include, or be operatively associated with, one or more valves and/or pumps for controlling a flow of pulping fluid dispensed into the pulping chamber. Any suitable valve and/or pump may be used.

[0042] Typically, the valve may include a valve seat located within or associated with the pulping fluid inlet or the tube, pipe or hose, a sealing member movable into or out of engagement with the valve seat and an operable handle or knob for moving the sealing member between open and closed positions. The valve may be in the form of a tap that includes a sealing member that locates within a valve seat to block the pulping fluid inlet, tube, pipe or hose when in the closed position and an operable knob for incrementally moving the sealing member to the open position.

[0043] The one or more valves may include ball valves, pinch valves, butterfly valves, piston valves and the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0044] In some specific such embodiments, the pulping chamber may include one or more sensors adapted to sense a volume of the pulping fluid contained therein. The one or more sensors may be operatively associated with the one or more valves and the valves may be configured to open and close depending on the volume of pulping fluid sensed. For example, the one or more valves may be configured to open when the volume sensed in the pulping chamber is below a pre-set volume value. Likewise, the one or more valves may be configured to close when the volume has been increased and is substantially equal to the pre-set volume.

[0045] As indicated, a comminuting member is operatively associated with the pulping chamber for comminuting the one or more paper articles received therein. The comminuting member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the comminuting member may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more member pieces joined together, preferably the latter.

[0046] Typically, the at least one comminuting member may include a rotating member configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the pulping chamber and shear, cut and/or tangentially and peripherally discharge portions of the one or more paper articles to thereby comminute the one or more paper articles. In preferred embodiments, the comminuting member may be in the form of a rotating rod.

[0047] The comminuting member may include a pair of opposed ends and may extend longitudinally between the opposed ends in a linear direction. The opposed ends may include an outer end rotatably couplable to the pulping chamber and a drive end couplable to a torque applying machine or device, typically via a gear transmission.

[0048] The comminuting member may include one or more protrusions protruding outwardly from at least a portion of the comminuting member and configured to assist at least partially in comminuting the one or more paper articles. The one or more protrusion may rotate together with the comminuting member and grip, shear, tear and/or cut the one or more paper articles.

[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions may include one or more knives protruding outwardly from at least a portion of the comminuting member. The one or more knives may cut the one or more paper articles as they rotate together with the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber.

[0050] In other embodiments, the one or more protrusions may include one or more blades extending at least partially along and out from at least a portion of the comminuting member. The one or more blades may have a polygonal shape, such as, e.g., in the shape of a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon or an octagon. The one or more blades may grip and at least partially tear or shear the one or more paper articles as they rotate together with the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber.

[0051 ] In other embodiments, the one or more protrusions may include one or more teeth extending at least partially along and out from at least a portion of the comminuting member. The one or more teeth may grip and at least partially tear or shear the one or more paper articles as they rotate together with the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber.

[0052] Preferably in such embodiments, the one or more teeth may each be arcuately- shaped or include a laterally-pointed tooth tip oriented in a direction of rotation of the comminuting member so as to assist in drawing the one or more paper articles into the pulping chamber as the comminuting member rotates. Each tooth may include at least one cutting edge at least partially facing the direction of rotation.

[0053] In yet other embodiments, the one or more protrusions may include one or more nodules extending at least partially along and out from at least a portion of the comminuting member. Like with the blades and teeth, the one or more nodules may grip and at least partially tear or shear the one or more paper articles as they rotate together with the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber.

[0054] The one or more protrusions may be arranged in any suitable arrangement along at least a portion of the comminuting member. Typically, the one or more protrusions may be arranged in an aligned and spaced arrangement along at least a portion of a length of the comminuting member.

[0055] The comminuting member may be operatively associated with the pulping chamber in any suitable way, typically such that the comminuting member and the one or more protrusions protruding therefrom may rotate relative to the pulping chamber.

[0056] In other embodiments, the comminuting member may include at least one helical spiral flange extending at least partially along and out from the comminuting member for conveying the one or more paper articles and the pulp formed therefrom towards the pulp outlet.

[0057] In yet other embodiments, the comminuting member may include at least one helical spiral flange extending at least partially along and out from the comminuting member and one or more protrusions extending outwardly from an outer edge of the at least one helical spiral flange.

[0058] In such embodiments, the one or more protrusions may advantageously grip and at least partially tear or shear the one or more paper articles as they rotate together with the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber and the at least one helical spiral flange may convey the torn one or more paper articles and the pulp formed therefrom towards the pulp outlet.

[0059] In some such embodiments, the one or more protrusions may protrude from the outer edge of the helical spiral flange in an aligned arrangement extending at least partially along a length of the comminuting member.

[0060] In other such embodiments, the one or more protrusions may protrude from the outer edge of the helical spiral flange in a staggered arrangement extending at least partially along a length of the comminuting member. By being staggered, the one or more protrusions may impact paper articles received in the pulping chamber at difference rotational angles. Advantageously, this staggered arrangement results in a reduced drive torque required, reduced noise and shock loading on a drive train coupled to the comminuting member.

[0061 ] In preferred embodiments, an internal surface of the pulping chamber may include one or more inwardly protruding protrusions configured to intercalate the one or more protrusions and helical spiral flange extending outwardly from the comminuting member. Like the comminuting member, the one or more inwardly protruding protrusions may include one or more knives, blades, teeth, nodules or a helical flange.

[0062] In some such embodiments, the one or more inwardly protruding protrusions may protrude inwardly along an entire inner periphery of the pulping chamber.

[0063] In other such embodiments, the one or more inwardly protruding protrusions may protrude inwardly along a portion of the inner periphery of the pulping chamber, such as, e.g., along an inner surface of the lid, the lid and sidewalls, the sidewall, the base, the base and the lid, or the base and the sidewalls.

[0064] In embodiments in which the one or more inwardly protruding protrusions are teeth, a tooth point or cutting edge of each tooth may at least partially face a direction of rotation of the comminuting member to cooperate with the one or more protrusions on the comminuting member to grip and at least partially tear or shear the one or more paper articles as the comminuting member rotates relative to the pulping chamber.

[0065] Generally, the comminuting member may be at least partially housed or accommodated within the pulping chamber, preferably such that the one or more protrusions may engage with the one or more paper articles contained therein. Suitably, the pulping chamber may be sized and shaped to snugly at least partially receive the comminuting member.

[0066] Suitably, the comminuting member may be rotatably coupled to the pulping chamber, preferably to the at least one end wall of the pulping chamber

[0067] The comminuting member and the pulping chamber may be rotatably coupled in any suitable way.

[0068] For example, in some embodiments, the outer end of the comminuting member and the end wall of the pulping chamber may be rotatably coupled together by way of a coupling mount.

[0069] The coupling mount may be of any suitable size, shape and construction configured to at least partially couple with the outer end of the comminuting member and facilitate rotation of the comminuting member about its longitudinal axis.

[0070] For example, in some embodiments, the coupling mount may include a plurality of bearings to facilitate rotation of the comminuting member relative to the end wall and the pulping chamber.

[0071 ] In other embodiments, the outer end of the comminuting member may include a cog or gear configured to mesh with one or more gear or cog wheels arranged within the coupling mount. Typically, each gear or cog wheel may be rotatably mounted within the coupling mount.

[0072] In some embodiments, the coupling mount may include a rotational inner cylindrical portion, a non-rotational outer portion and at least one bridging component at least partially disposed therebetween to at least partially facilitate rotation of the inner cylindrical portion relative to the outer portion. The inner cylindrical portion may be connectable to the outer end of the comminuting member and the outer portion may be connectable to the end wall of the pulping chamber.

[0073] The bridging component may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[0074] For example, in some embodiments, the bridging component may include at least one bearing, preferably a plurality of bearings.

[0075] In other embodiments, the bridging component may include at least one plain bearing disposed between the inner cylindrical portion and the outer portion. The plain bearing may preferably be formed from a durable, low friction, low wear, heat resistant and corrosion resistant material or materials, such as, e.g., plastic, including nylon, polyacetal, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), rulon, PEEK, urethane or vespel (a high-performance polyimide).

[0076] In yet other embodiments, the bridging component may include a gear located on a peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion configured to mesh with one or more gear or cog wheels rotatably coupled to the outer portion.

[0077] The outer end of the comminuting member may be couple with the coupling mount in any suitable way.

[0078] For example, in some embodiments, the rotational inner cylindrical portion may include a central opening configured to at least partially receive the outer end of the comminuting member.

[0079] In other embodiments, the comminuting member and the coupling mount may be connected by a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism. For example, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the outer end of the comminuting member may mate with or engage with a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the coupling mount, preferably the rotational inner cylindrical portion.

[0080] The connecting mechanism may include a threaded connection, an interference fit (snap fit) connection or a bayonet-type connection, for example.

[0081 ] The connecting mechanism may include a male formation engaging a female formation. For example, in one embodiment, the connecting mechanism may include the outer end of the comminuting member having a male formation that engages with a female formation of the coupling mount. In another embodiment, the outer end of the comminuting member may have a female formation that engages with a male formation of the coupling mount.

[0082] The drive end may be coupled to a torque applying machine or device in any suitable way for torque to be transmitted for rotation of the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber. For example, the drive end may couple directly or indirectly with the torque applying machine or device. Likewise, the drive end and the torque applying machine or device may couple with a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism as previously described.

[0083] The torque applying machine or device may include an actuating mechanism for rotation of the comminuting member in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Any suitable type of actuating mechanism may be used. The actuating mechanism may be manually actuated or by using a drive motor.

[0084] If manually actuated, the torque applying machine or device may include an operable handle or crank. The operable handle or crank may be associated with one or more gears or cog wheels configured to mesh with one another when the handle or crank is turned and transmit torque to the comminuting member.

[0085] If using a drive motor, the torque applying machine or device may include an electric motor or combustion engine operatively associated with the drive end of the comminuting member for rotating the comminuting member.

[0086] In some embodiments, the comminuting member may include a screw conveyor portion adapted to convey pulp from the pulping chamber to the press chamber via the pulp outlet. The screw conveyor portion may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be located adjacent the one or more protrusions, preferably proximal the one or more protrusions.

[0087] In such embodiments, the screw conveyor portion of the comminuting member may include at least one outwardly extending helical spiral flange. Rotation of the screw conveyer portion together with the comminuting member may be move the pulp from the pulping chamber towards and out of the pulp outlet and into the press chamber.

[0088] In some embodiments, the pulping chamber and the comminuting member may be angled relative to a remainder of the system, typically such that the pulp outlet is inclined relative to the comminuting member. Advantageously, by having a slight incline, the pulp is conveyed upward and out of the pulping fluid, which his retained in a lower portion of the pulping chamber.

[0089] In other embodiments, the pulp outlet is declined relative to the comminuting member. In such embodiments, the one or more paper articles received in the pulping chamber may be gripped and at least partially torn or sheared by rotation of the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber and may be conveyed down a length of the comminuting member to the pulp outlet.

[0090] In some embodiments, the system may include more than one comminuting member. For example, the pulping chamber may be operably associated with two, three, four or more comminuting members. The comminuting members may preferably be arranged parallel to one another and may be configured to counter rotate. One or more of the comminuting members may further include a screw conveyor portions for conveying the pulp to the press chamber via the pulp outlet.

[0091 ] As indicated, the system includes a press chamber for receiving the pulp from the pulping chamber via the pulp outlet.

[0092] In some embodiments, the press chamber may receive the pulp directly from the pulp outlet. For example, the press chamber may be located within the body at least partially beneath the pulping chamber such that the pulp conveyed out of the pulp outlet may simply fall into the press chamber.

[0093] In other embodiments, the system may further include a conveyor belt for conveying pulp received via the pulp outlet to the press chamber. In such embodiments, the conveyor belt may be of fine fabric or mesh construction. The conveyor belt may convey the pulp through various regions of the body enabling the pulp to dry before conveying the pulp to the press chamber.

[0094] In some such embodiments, the system may further include a pair of opposed rollers operatively associated with the conveyor belt and configured to squeeze the pulp prior to it being conveyed to the press chamber.

[0095] The press chamber may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0096] Typically, the press chamber may include a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim to define the chamber. Like with the pulping chamber, the rim may extend from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall and may extend along an edge of the at least one sidewall. The rim and/or sidewall may at least partially define a receiving opening to the press chamber for receiving the pulp therethrough.

[0097] The base may be of any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a circle or oval. In other embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a triangle, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon, for example. In preferred embodiments, the press chamber may include a rectangular-shaped base with four sidewalls extending from the base to the rim.

[0098] In some embodiments, the press chamber may include a lid for at least partially covering and/or defining the receiving opening.

[0099] In other embodiments, the press chamber may be located at least partially beneath the pulping chamber in the body such that the pulping chamber at least partially covers and/or defines the receiving opening of the press chamber, and preferably such that the pulp outlet of the pulping chamber and the receiving opening of the press chamber at least partially align.

[00100] As indicated, the press chamber may include at least one press for pressing and dewatering the pulp received therein into one or more paper-based products. Any suitable type of press may be used.

[00101] For example, in some embodiments the at least one press may include at least one punch, at least one die and an actuating mechanism for moving the at least one punch and the at least one die together and apart for pressing and dewatering the pulp.

[00102] Any suitable type of actuating mechanism may be used. The actuating mechanism may be manually actuated or by using a drive. Movement may be linear, although non-linear movement such as rotary movement is also envisaged.

[00103] For example, if manually actuated, the actuating mechanism may include one or more of a lever, ram, operable handle, sliding arrangement (e.g., one or more shafts/columns extending through one or more apertures in the punch or punch holder, or tongue and groove), hinged arrangement or pivoting arrangement for moving the at least one punch and die together and apart. The actuating mechanism may include one or more biasing mechanisms so that movement together works against the force of the biasing mechanism, so that the at least one punch and die move apart under the force of the biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may be one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil or leaf springs. Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of biasing mechanisms such as magnets or magnetized elements and the like may be used.

[00104] If using a drive, the drive may be a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, or an electric motor for moving the at least one punch and die together and apart. Movement may be linear, although non-linear motion, such as rotary motion is also envisaged.

[00105] The at least one press may include a punch holder for holding the at least one punch and a die holder for holding, supporting or defining the at least one die. The holders may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and be made of any suitable materials.

[00106] The at least one punch and die may be of any suitable size, shape and construction suitably adapted to form the one or more paper products when selectively brought together.

[00107] For example, in some embodiments in which the one or more paper products may include a briquette, each or at least one of the punch and the die may be sized and shaped to shape the pulp into at least one briquette when brought together.

[00108] In other embodiments in which the one or more paper products may include a particular shape, each or at least one of the punch and the die may be sized and shaped to shape the pulp into the particular shape when brought together.

[00109] As indicated, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the one or more paper products may include any paper product capable of being made from pressed pulp. Further, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that each or at least one of the punch and the die may be suitably sized and shaped to shape the pulp into the paper product when brought together.

[00110] In some embodiments, the at least one press may include a briquette press.

[0011 1] In other embodiment, the at least one press may include a screw press.

[00112] In some embodiments, the press chamber may further include one or more heating elements to at least partially assist in drying the one or more paper products made from the pulp.

[00113] The press chamber or a part or portion thereof may preferably be accessible such that a user may access and remove the one or more paper products when formed.

[00114] In some embodiments, the press chamber and/or the body may include an access door or panel for accessing the press chamber. [00115] The press chamber may preferably include a drainage system for the egress of any pulping fluid released from the pulp when pressed. The drainage system may be of any suitable size, shape and form.

[00116] For example, in some embodiments the base of the press chamber may include one or more drainage channels defined therein for directing pulp fluid released away from the one or more paper products, preferably towards a pulp fluid outlet defined in the base or a sidewall of the press chamber. The pulp fluid outlet may be adapted to be connectable to an external drain by a tube, pipe or hose.

[00117] In some embodiments, the drainage system may further include a pump for pumping pulping fluid released in the press chamber back to the pulping chamber and/or the pulping fluid container.

[00118] As indicated, in some embodiments, the system may further include a feed device adapted to be operatively associated with the receiving opening of the pulping chamber for controlling the feeding of the one or more paper articles or portions thereof into the pulping chamber. The feed device may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[00119] In some embodiments, the feed device may define a narrow opening sized and shaped to fit over the receiving opening of the pulping chamber and prevent the pulping chamber from being overfilled. The narrow opening may be in fluid communication with the receiving opening of the pulping chamber. The narrow opening may be sized and shaped to allow only 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or even 20 pieces of paper to be fed into the pulping chamber via the feed device at a time.

[00120] In other embodiments, the feed device may include a narrow opening, a tray for holding the one or more paper articles or portions thereof and a mechanised feed mechanism for individually feeding the paper articles or portions thereof one at a time through the narrow opening and into the pulping chamber. The mechanised feed mechanism may include one or more rollers for gripping and sliding each individual paper article or portion thereof through the narrow opening.

[00121] In yet other embodiments, the feed device may include or be associated with a paper shredding device adapted to shred the one or more paper articles or portions thereof prior to feeding the shredded paper articles or portions thereof into the pulping chamber. In such embodiments, the paper shredding device may also include a tray for holding the one or more paper articles or portions thereof and mechanised feed mechanism for feeding one or more paper articles or portions thereof into the paper shredder and the pulping chamber.

[00122] The system may preferably include a power source for powering the various electrical components of the system. In some embodiments, the power source may include an on-board power source, such as, e.g., one or more batteries, preferably rechargeable batteries. In other embodiments, the power source may include an external power source, such as, e.g., a mains electricity supply.

[00123] In some embodiments, the system may further include a paper-based product receptacle for receiving the one or more paper-based products from the press chamber. The receptacle may be connected to the press chamber via a conveyor belt or the like. Conversely, the press chamber may further include a press actuator for pressing the one or more paperbased products into the receptable.

[00124] The receptacle may be of any suitable size, shape and construction.

[00125] In some embodiments, the receptacle may include a mesh layer located above a base of the receptacle. The one or more paper-based products may be received on the mesh layer to enable any residual moisture in the products to drain further.

[00126] In some embodiments, the system may further include a fan operatively associated with the receptacle. The fan may be a low speed fan. The fan may be configured to blow a flow of air over the one or more paper-based products received in the receptacle to provide ventilation and enhance drying of the products received therein.

[00127] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of destroying and pulping one or more paper articles, said method including: feeding the one or more paper articles via a feed device into a pulping chamber; saturating the one or more paper articles in pulping fluid in the pulping chamber; comminuting the one or more paper articles saturated in the pulping fluid into pulp and conveying the pulp from the pulping chamber into a press chamber; and desaturating and pressing the pulp into a paper-based product in the press chamber.

[00128] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the system as hereinbefore described.

[00129] In some embodiments, the feeding may include manually feeding the one or more paper articles into the pulping chamber by hand, typically via a narrow opening of the feed device in fluid communication with the receiving opening of the pulping chamber. [00130] In other embodiments, the feeding may include a mechanised feed device configured to feed the one or more paper articles into the pulping chamber, typically again via a narrow opening of the feed device in fluid communication with the receiving opening of the pulping chamber.

[00131] The saturating may include allowing the one or more paper articles to rest within the pulping chamber at least partly filled with pulping fluid such that the one or more paper articles become at least partially saturated in the pulping fluid.

[00132] The comminuting may include rotating the comminuting member relative to the pulping chamber and the one or more paper articles suspended in the pulping fluid contained therein. The comminuting member may rotate about its longitudinal axis and may tangentially and peripherally discharge portions of the one or more paper articles saturated in the pulping fluid therefrom to comminute the one or more paper articles.

[00133] In some embodiments, the comminuting and saturating may contemporaneously occur. For example, rotation of the comminuting member may assist in drawing the one or more paper articles into the pulping chamber and the pulping fluid contained therein for saturation and comminuting.

[00134] Further, the comminuting member may further include at least one helical spiral flange extending outwardly therefrom that may rotate together with the comminuting member to convey pulp generated to the press chamber via the pulp outlet.

[00135] The desaturating and pressing may include shaping and dewatering the pulp into a desired shape of the one or more paper-based products, typically via at least one press.

[00136] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00137] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00138] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00139] Figure 1 is a schematic showing a side sectional view of a portable paper article destruction and pulping system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00140] Figure 2 is a schematic showing a perspective view of a portable paper article destruction and pulping system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[00141] Figure 3 is another schematic of the system as shown in Figure 2 with a front wall removed;

[00142] Figure 4 is another schematic of the system as shown in Figures 2 and 3 with a pulping fluid container and paper-based product receptacle removed;

[00143] Figure 5 is an upper perspective sectional view of a pulping chamber and comminuting member of the system as shown in Figures 2 to 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00144] Figure 6 is a side view of a pulping chamber and comminuting member according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[00145] Figure 7 is a side view of a comminuting member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

[00146] Figure 8 is flowchart showing steps in a method of destroying and pulping one or more paper articles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00147] Figures 1 to 7 show schematics of a portable paper article destruction and pulping system (100) and parts thereof according to embodiments of the present invention.

[00148] Referring to Figure 1 , in this first embodiment the system (100) includes a body (not shown) for supporting and/or housing a feed device (1 10), a pulping chamber (120), a comminuting rod (130; i.e., a comminuting member) and a press chamber (140).

[00149] The system (100) is configured to receive one or more paper articles, such as, e.g., envelopes, receipts, paper documents and the like, via the feed device (110), destroy the paper articles by turning them into pulp in the pulping chamber (120), and turn the pulp into one or more paper-based products, such as, e.g., one or more sheets of paper, briquettes, or dimpled packaging materials, in the press chamber (140). [00150] As mentioned, the system (100) is portable, and the body typically includes two or more wheels protruding from an underside so that the system may be moved to a desired location.

[00151] The pulping chamber (120) is sized and shaped for containing a volume of a pulping fluid, receiving one or more paper articles via the feed device (110) therein and saturating the paper articles in the pulping fluid. The pulping chamber (120) is formed from plastic or metal material or materials.

[00152] The chamber (120) includes an elongate base (122), a rim (124) and a pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls (126) and an end wall (128) extending from the base (122) to the rim (124). The rim (124) extends from an upper portion and continuously along an edge of the sidewalls (126) and the end wall (128). The chamber (120) further includes a lid (125) at least partially covering the chamber (120).

[00153] The rim (124) and the lid (125) together define a receiving opening (127) for receiving the one or more paper articles therethrough via the feed device (110).

[00154] The pulping chamber (120) includes an open end, located opposite the end wall (128), defining a pulp outlet (129) for pulp formed in the pulping chamber (120) to be conveyed from the pulping chamber (120) to the press chamber (140). The longitudinally extending sidewalls (126) or portions thereof converge towards one another at or near the pulp outlet (129) to narrow a width of the chamber (120) at or near the pulp outlet (129).

[00155] The pulping fluid may include any fluid suitably adapted to at least partially defibre the one or more paper articles when saturated and/or soaked in the pulping fluid.

[00156] In some embodiments, the pulping fluid may include water.

[00157] In other embodiments, the pulping fluid may further include one or more pulping agents, such as, e.g., sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulphate, methanol, ethanol, formic acid, acetic acid and other like agents.

[00158] As shown, the comminuting rod (130) is operatively associated with the pulping chamber (120) for comminuting the one or more paper articles received therein. The comminuting rod (130) is formed from metal material or materials.

[00159] The comminuting rod (130) is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the pulping chamber (120) and tangentially and peripherally discharge portions of the one or more paper articles saturated in the pulping fluid therefrom to thereby comminute the one or more paper articles.

[00160] The comminuting rod (130) includes a pair of opposed ends and extends longitudinally between the opposed ends in a linear direction. The opposed ends include an outer end (132) rotatably coupled to the end wall (128) of the pulping chamber (120) and a drive end (134) connectable to an electric motor adapted to apply torque to the rod (130) and thereby rotate the rod (130) relative to the pulping chamber (120).

[00161] The comminuting rod (130) includes a plurality of protrusions (136) protruding outwardly from a distal portion of the rod (130). The protrusions (136) are in the form of nodules adapted to rotate together with the comminuting rod (130) and grip and tear the one or more paper articles and thereby assist in comminuting the paper articles.

[00162] The protrusions (136) are arranged in an aligned and spaced arrangement along a distal portion of a length of the comminuting rod (130) at or near the outer end (132).

[00163] The comminuting rod (130) further includes a screw conveyor portion (150) located proximal to the plurality of protrusions (136) for conveying pulp from the pulping chamber (120) to the press chamber (140) via the pulp outlet (129).

[00164] The screw conveyor portion (150) includes an outwardly extending helical spiral flange (152) for moving the pulp from the pulping chamber (120) towards and out of the pulp outlet (129) and into the press chamber (140) when the comminuting rod (130) rotates.

[00165] As shown, the pulping chamber (120) and the comminuting rod (130) are angled relative to a remainder of the system (100) such that the pulp outlet (129) is inclined upward relative to the end wall (128). Advantageously, by having a slight incline, the pulp is conveyed upward and out of the pulping fluid, which is retained in a lower portion of the pulping chamber (120).

[00166] The press chamber (140) is adapted for receiving the pulp from the pulping chamber (120) via the pulp outlet (129). As shown, the press chamber (140) is located within the body at least partially beneath the pulping chamber (120) such that the pulp conveyed out of the pulp outlet (129) simply falls into the press chamber (140). The press chamber (140) is formed from plastic or metal material or materials.

[00167] The press chamber (140) includes a base (142), a rim (144) and four sidewalls (146) extending from the base (142) to the rim (144). The rim (144) extends from and continuously along an upper portion of sidewalls (146) to at least partially define a receiving opening (148) to the press chamber (140) for receiving the pulp therethrough via the pulp outlet (129). [00168] The press chamber (140) includes a press having at least one punch, at least one die and an actuating mechanism for moving the at least one punch and die together and part for pressing and dewatering the pulp into the one or more paper-based products.

[00169] The actuating mechanism is an electric motor.

[00170] Figures 2 to 5 show a second embodiment of the system (100). For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the first embodiment will be referenced with the same reference numerals.

[00171] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment the system (100) includes a body (210) for supporting and/or housing a feed device (110; shown only in Figure 3), a pulping chamber (120; shown only in Figure 3), a comminuting rod (130; shown only in Figure 3) operatively associated with the pulping chamber (120; shown only in Figure 3), a pulping fluid container (160) containing a source of pulping fluid and in fluid communication with the pulping chamber (120; shown only in Figure 3), a press chamber (140; shown only in Figure 3), a conveyor belt (170; shown only in Figure 3) for conveying pulp from the pulping chamber (120; shown only in Figure 3), a paper-based product receptacle (180) for receiving one or more paperbased products from the press chamber (140; shown only in Figure 3) and a low-speed fan (190; shown only in Figure 3) for ventilating and drying the one or more paper-based products received in the paper-based product receptacle (180).

[00172] Referring to Figure 2, the body (210) is configured such that the system (100) can sit or rest atop a support surface, such as, e.g., a floor, desk, shelf, table or the like. The body (210) is formed from metal and/or plastic material or materials.

[00173] The body (210) includes a base (212), an opposed upper wall (213), a front wall (214), an opposed rear wall (215) and opposed side walls (216).

[00174] The base (212) includes one or more feet (217) for supporting the body (210) atop the support surface.

[00175] Referring to Figure 3, the body (210) includes an access flap (219) for feeding one or more paper articles into the feed device (110). The access flap (219) is lockable so as to control access and prevent overloading of the feed device (1 10).

[00176] Referring briefly to Figure 4, the pulping fluid container (160) and the paper-based product receptacle (180) are detachably mounted to the body (210).

[00177] For example, the pulping fluid container (160) is detachably mountable so that it may be temporarily removed, filled with pulping fluid and re-mounted to the body (210). The pulping fluid container (160) includes a valve and a quick coupling mechanism for fluidly connecting the container (160) to the pulping chamber (140; shown only in Figure 3) when re-mounted to the body (210).

[00178] Likewise, the paper-based product receptacle (180) is removable from the body (210) so that it may be emptied of paper-based products when filled or nearing capacity.

[00179] Referring again to Figure 3, the feed device (110) includes a tray (1 12) accessible via access flap (219) for receiving a stack of paper articles. The feed device (1 10) further includes mechanised feed mechanism (1 14) include one or more rollers for gripping and sliding one or more of the stacked paper articles or portions thereof into the receiving opening (127) of the pulping chamber (120) for destruction.

[00180] Referring to Figure 5, the pulping chamber (120) is sized and shaped for containing a volume of a pulping fluid supplied via the pulping fluid container (160; not shown), receiving one or more paper articles via the feed device (1 10; not shown) therein and saturating the paper articles in the pulping fluid. The pulping chamber (120) is formed from plastic or metal material or materials.

[00181] The chamber (120) includes a cylindrical sleeve with a receiving opening (127; not shown) defined therein for receiving the one or more paper articles.

[00182] The cylindrical sleeve partially encloses a lower end of the comminuting rod (130) configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the pulping chamber (120). As shown, the chamber (120) and the comminuting rod (130) are angled so that the paper articles received in the pulping chamber (120) are gripped, at least partially torn or sheared by rotation of the comminuting rod (130) relative to the pulping chamber (120) and conveyed down a length of the comminuting rod (130) to the pulp outlet (129) located at the lower end of the cylindrical sleeve for feeding onto the conveyor belt (170; not shown).

[00183] Referring to Figure 6, the comminuting rod (130) is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the pulping chamber (120) and tangentially and peripherally discharge portions of the one or more paper articles saturated in the pulping fluid therefrom to thereby comminute the one or more paper articles.

[00184] In the embodiment shown, the comminuting rod (130) includes an outwardly extending helical spiral flange (152) and one or more protrusions (136) in the form of teeth extending outwardly from an outer edge of the flange (152). [00185] The teeth are configured to grip and at least partially tear or shear the one or more paper articles as they rotate together with the comminuting rod (130) relative to the pulping chamber (120).

[00186] As shown, each tooth has a laterally-pointed tooth tip oriented in a direction of rotation of the comminuting rod (130) so as to assist in drawing the one or more paper articles into the pulping chamber (120) as the rod (130) rotates.

[00187] Further, an internal surface of the pulping chamber (120) includes one or more inwardly protruding protrusions (610) configured to intercalate with the one or more protrusions (136) extending outwardly from the comminuting rod (130).

[00188] The inwardly protruding protrusions (610) cooperate with the one or more protrusions (136) on the comminuting rod (130) to enhance the comminuting of one or more paper articles received in the pulping chamber (120).

[00189] In the embodiment shown, the one or more protrusions (136) extending outwardly from an outer edge of the flange (152) are shown in an aligned and spaced arrangement along at least a portion of a length of the comminuting rod (130).

[00190] Referring to Figure 7, in an alternate embodiment the one or more protrusions (136) protrude from the outer edge of the helical spiral flange (152) in a staggered arrangement extending at least partially along a length of the comminuting rod (130). By being staggered, the one or more protrusions (136) impact paper articles received in the pulping chamber (120; not shown) at difference rotational angles. Advantageously, this staggered arrangement results in a reduced drive torque required, reduced noise and shock loading on a drive train coupled to the comminuting member.

[00191] Referring back to Figure 3, once the one or more paper articles are turned into pulp and leave the pulping chamber (120) via the pulp outlet (129; not shown), the pulp is conveyed to the press chamber (140) via conveyor belt (170).

[00192] The conveyor belt (170) is of fine fabric or mesh construction and configured to convey the pulp through various regions of the body (1 10) enabling the pulp to dry before conveying the pulp to the press chamber (140).

[00193] The press chamber (140) includes a press having at least one punch, at least one die and an actuating mechanism for moving the at least one punch and die together and part for pressing and dewatering the pulp into the one or more paper-based products. [00194] As shown, the one or more resulting paper-based products are then received in the paper-based product receptacle (180) for eventual removal from the system (100). Whilst stored in the receptacle (180), the low-speed fan (190) is configured to blow a flow of air over the one or more paper-based products received therein to provide ventilation and enhance drying of the products received therein.

[00195] A method (800) of using the system (100) as shown in Figures 1 to 7 is now described in detail with reference to Figure 8.

[00196] At step 810, the one or more paper articles are fed into the pulping chamber (120) of the system (100) via the feed device (1 10).

[00197] At step 820, the one or more paper articles fed into the system (100) are at least partially saturated in the pulping fluid contained in the pulping chamber (120).

[00198] At step 830, the one or more paper articles are turned into pulp by rotation of the comminuting rod (130) within the pulping chamber (120). Rotation of the comminuting rod (130) about its longitudinal axis tangentially and peripherally discharges portions of the one or more paper articles saturated in the pulping fluid therefrom.

[00199] In some embodiments, the one or more paper articles are allowed to rest in the pulping fluid at step 820.

[00200] In other embodiments, steps 820 and 830 occur contemporaneously.

[00201] Rotation of the comminuting rod (130) conveys pulp in the pulping fluid towards the pulp outlet (129) and into the press chamber (140).

[00202] At step 840, the pulp received in the press chamber (140) is dewatered and pressed into a desired shape of a paper-based product by the at least one press located therein.

[00203] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00204] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00205] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

26 CLAIMS

1 . A portable paper article destruction and pulping system including: a pulping chamber in fluid communication with a feed device, said chamber containing a volume of pulping fluid for receiving therein and saturating one or more paper articles or portions thereof received from the feed device; a comminuting member operatively associated with the pulping chamber, said member adapted to comminute the one or more paper articles or portions thereof saturated in the pulping fluid into pulp; and a press chamber in fluid communication with the pulping chamber, said press chamber including a press for pressing said pulp received from the pulping chamber into one or more paper-based products.

2. The system of claim 1 , further including a feed device adapted to receive the one or more paper articles or portions thereof and feed them into a receiving opening of the pulping chamber.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the comminuting member includes a rotating member at least partially received in the pulping chamber and configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the pulping chamber and shear, cut and/or tangentially and peripherally discharge portions of the one or more paper articles to thereby comminute the one or more paper articles.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the comminuting member includes one or more protrusions protruding outwardly from at least a portion of the comminuting member and configured to rotate together with the comminuting member and grip, shear and/or cut the one or more paper articles.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more protrusions include one or more blades extending at least partially along and out from a portion of the comminuting member.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more protrusions include one or more nodules extending at least partially along and out from at least a portion of the comminuting member.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more protrusions include one or more teeth extending at least partially along and out from at least a portion of the comminuting member.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more teeth each includes a laterally-pointed tooth tip oriented in a direction of rotation of the comminuting member so as to assist in drawing the one or more paper articles into the pulping chambers as the comminuting member rotates.

9. The system of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the one or more protrusions are arranged in an aligned and spaced arrangement along the at least a portion of the comminuting member.

10. The system of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the one or more protrusions are arranged in a staggered and spaced arrangement along the at least a portion of the comminuting member.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the comminuting member further includes a screw conveyor portion adapted to convey the pulp from the pulping chamber to the press chamber via a pulp outlet.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the comminuting member further includes at least one helical spiral flange extending at least partially along and out from the comminuting member for conveying the one or more paper articles and the pulp formed therefrom towards a pulp outlet.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the comminuting member further includes one or more protrusions extending outwardly from an outer edge of the at least one helical spiral flange.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more protrusions include one or more teeth.

15. The system of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the one or more protrusions protrude from the outer edge of the at least one helical spiral flange in a staggered arrangement.

16. The system of any one of claims 4 to 10 and 13 to 15, wherein an inner surface of the pulping chamber includes one or more inwardly protruding protrusions configured to intercalate with the one or more protrusions extending outwardly from the comminuting member.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the press chamber receives the pulp directly from the pulping chamber.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the system further includes a conveyor belt for conveying the pulp from the pulping chamber to the press chamber.

19. A method of destroying and pulping one or more paper articles, said method including: feeding the one or more paper articles via a feed device into a pulping chamber; saturating the one or more paper articles in pulping fluid in the pulping chamber; comminuting the one or more paper articles saturated in the pulping fluid into pulp and conveying the pulp from the pulping chamber into a press chamber; and desaturating and pressing the pulp into a paper-based product in the press chamber.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the saturating and comminuting occur sequentially.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the saturating and the comminuting occur contemporaneously.