Latch for trash compactors

Claim 1

In a trash compactor having means positioning a compaction means energized from a power source for movement along a compaction axis into and out of a trash containing receptacle, said compactor having panel means movable with respect to the positioning means between an access position and a blocking position, an improved latch means for the panel means comprising: catch means mounted on one of said positioning means and panel means insertable in an engagement means mounted on the other of said positioning means and panel means, one of said catch means and engagement means being mounted at a pivot point for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to the direction of insertion of said catch means into said engagement means, said catch means having a portion extending along the direction of insertion and containing a notch having a surface normal to the direction of insertion; said engagement means having a bar engageable with said extension portion and insertable in said notch in abutment with the normal surface by the pivotal movement of one of said catch means or engagement means upon insertion of said catch means in said engagement means for restraining said catch means from removal from said engagement means for locking said panel means in the blocking position, the location of the abutting surface and bar being displaced from said pivot point in a direction normal to the direction of insertion such that forces tending to move the panel means to the access position tend to pivot the movable element into the engaged condition, said engagement means including switch means interposed between said compaction means and said power source and operable by the movement of said catch means to the restrained state for rendering said compaction means operable.