Compactor with ram means having an automatically movable ram head

Claim 2

In a refuse compacting apparatus including a receptacle with an open end for receiving refuse to be compacted therein and a reciprocally movable ram means adapted to move into the receptacle and compact the refuse therein and retract to a retracted position, a ram face portion carried on the ram means, said ram means further including a pivotally mounted arm providing support for the ram face portion, said pivotally mounted arm being arranged to pivot as the ram means retracts to thereby move the ram face portion relative to the ram means between an operative compacting position wherein it is disposed closely adjacent the open end of the receptacle and a receptacleaccess position wherein it is disposed at least partially away from the receptacle open end to permit access to the receptacle open end for the deposit of refuse in the receptacle.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 further including a stationary member that is contacted by the arm as the ram means moves whereby the arm is caused to pivot on the ram means.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said arm includes finger portions definIng a slot for interaction with said stationary member whereby the arm is caused to pivot on the ram means.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ram means includes a box-like structure to which said arm is pivotally mounted and to which said ram face is pivotally mounted opposite said first pivotal mounting.

Claim 6

A domestic refuse compacting appliance comprising: a support frame with an appearance front attached thereto; a ram means adapted for vertical movement from a retracted position and through a compacting cycle; a receptacle having an open top end and being disposed below the ram means for holding refuse to be compacted; the ram means having a ram head for compacting movement into and out of the receptacle and including a pivotally mounted arm providing support for the ram head, the pivotally mounted arm being arranged to pivot as the ram means retracts to thereby move the ram head portion relative to the ram means; a loading port in the appearance front at a level above the receptacle''s top opening for the depositing of refuse into the receptacle; and the ram head being movable on the ram means between a first position and a second position whereby the front edge of the ram head is disposed away from the receptacle open end when in one of said positions to permit passage of refuse into the receptacle from the loading port.

Claim 7

A domestic refuse compacting appliance comprising: a support frame with an appearance front attached thereto; a ram means adapted for vertical movement from a retracted position and through a compacting cycle; a receptacle having an open top end and being disposed below the ram means for holding refuse to be compacted; the ram means having a ram head for compacting movement into and out of the receptacle and including a pivotally mounted arm providing support for the ram head, the pivotally mounted arm being arranged to pivot as the ram means retracts to thereby move the ram head portion relative to the ram means; a loading port in the appearance front at a level above the receptacle''s top opening for the depositing of refuse into the receptacle; and the ram head being movable on the ram means between a first position and a second position whereby the front edge of the ram head is disposed away from the receptacle open end when in one of said positions to permit passage of refuse into the receptacle from the loading port.

Claim 8

The compacting appliance of claim 5 wherein the loading port has an access door thereacross, and the door is adapted to be opened to permit refuse to be deposited inwardly to the loading port.