US3647095A - Refuse-collecting apparatus and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A refuse-collecting apparatus includes a movable unit comprising a wheeled trailer chassis with a refuse-receiving receptacle pivotally mounted thereon for movement between a generally horizontal position and a tilted dumping position. A loading aperture extends through a pivotally mounted tailgate assembly for alignment with a loading chamber of a stationary unit to which the movable unit can be detachably coupled and which is provided at a permanent location such as an apartment building. A loading plunger pushes refuse from within the loading chamber through the loading aperture for compaction by a vertically reciprocable compacting plunger provided in the refuse-receiving receptacle. Flexible hydraulic hoses with quick-disconnect couplings permit operation of the compacting plunger from a hydraulic system provided on the stationary unit for operating the loading plunger as well as permitting operation of a hydraulic-dumping cylinder for moving the refuse-receiving receptacle from a hydraulic system provided on a towing vehicle used for moving the movable unit from its loading location to a refuse dump.

Description

United States Patent Smith 1 Mar. 7, 1972 [54] REFUSE-COLLECTING APPARATUS Primary Examiner-Robert G. Sheridan AND SYSTEM Attorney-Smart & Biggar [72] Inventor: Harold Eugene Smith, Defiance, Ohio [57] ABSTRACT [73] Assigme: 2 g? Canada Toronw omado A refuse-collecting apparatus includes a movable unit coman a prising a wheeled trailer chassis with a refuse-receiving recep- [22] Filed: Jan. 19, 1970 tacle pivotally mounted thereon for movement between a generally horizontal position and a tilted dumping position. A [21] Appl l loading aperture extends through a pivotally mounted tailgate Related Us Application Dan assembly for alignment with a loading chamber of a stationary 1 unit to which the movable unit can be detachably coupled and commuatlon-m-part of 703,214, 18, which is provided at a permanent location such as an apart- 1968- ment building. A loading plunger pushes refuse from within the loading chamber through the loading aperture for com- [52] US. Cl. ..2l4/4l, 100/229 A paction by a vertically recimcmablev compacting plunger [51] iCl P 67/20 vided in the refuse-receiving receptacle. Flexible hydraulic [58] Field of Search "214/41, 100/229 A hoses with quickdisconnect couplings permit operation of the compacting plunger from a hydraulic system provided on the [56] Retem C'ted stationary unit for operating the loading plunger as well as per- UNITED STATES PATENTS mitting operation of a hydraulic-dumping cylinder for moving 3,490,631 1/1970 Smith 3,231,107 l/l966 Clar.....

3,250,414 5/1966 Pioch ..2l4/41 the refuse-receiving receptacle from a hydraulic system provided on a towing vehicle used for moving the movable unit from its loading location to a refuse dump.

10 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDMAR 7 I972 HAROLD EUGENE SMITH REFUSE-COLLECTING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No. 703,214, filed Jan. 18, 1968 of Harold E. Smith and entitled Refuse Collecting Apparatus."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to refuse-collecting apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus which includes a stationary unit which can be permanently located at a desired location such as an apartment building, supermarket, hospital or the like and a movable refuse-receiving unit which can be detachably coupled to the stationary unit for the loading of refuse into the movable unit and which can be separated from that stationary unit when it is desired to transport the refuse-receiving unit to a dump or other refuse disposal site. A replacement refuse-receiving unit can then be coupled to the stationary unit for receiving refuse therefrom.

In refuse-collecting apparatus of this type, it is desirable to obtain the maximum possible compaction of the refuse in the refuse-receiving receptacle of the movable unit so as to eliminate the need for frequent emptying of that receptacle.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a refuse-collecting apparatus of the aforementioned type which apparatus is characterized by providing a high degree of 2 5 refuse compaction thereby considerably eliminating the need for too frequent replacement of the refuse-receiving receptacle of such an apparatus. A

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refuse-collecting apparatus of the type hereinbefore described which apparatus can be constructed and operated relatively inexpensively since it does not call for a high-cost motorized vehicle to be parked for extended periods of time at a refusecollecting location.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a refusecollecting apparatus incorporating a particularly effective arrangement of cooperating refuse-handling plungers for the purposes of transferring refuse into a refuse-receiving receptacle of such an apparatus and for providing compaction of such refuse in such a receptacle.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the description herein proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In its broadest scope, the'present invention provides a refuse-collecting apparatus including: a stationary supporting frame; a wheeled chassis; a refuse-receiving receptacle pivotally mounted on said wheeled chassis for movement between a generally horizontal loading position and a tilted dumping position and including a discharge end for the dumping of refuse from within said refuse-receiving receptacle when said receptacle is disposed in said tilted dumping position thereof; a tailgate assembly pivotally mounted on said refuse-receiving receptacle at said discharge end thereof for movement between open and closed positions; a locking means for detachably securing said wheeled chassis to said stationary supporting frame; a loading aperture through said tailgate assembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle for the transfer of refuse into said receptacle through said loading aperture when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary supporting frame; a loading chamber mounted on said stationary supporting frame so as to be adjacent said loading aperture of said tailgate assembly of said refusereceiving receptacle when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary supporting frame with said refusereceiving receptacle in said generally horizontal loading position thereof; a loading plunger disposed within said loading chamber for movement therein toward and away from said loading aperture for pushing refuse from within said loading chamber through said loading aperture into said refuse-receiving receptacle; a loading plunger drive mechanism operatively associated with said loading plunger for moving said loading plunger toward and away from said loading aperture; a refusecompacting plunger on said wheeled chassis for movement across said loading aperture for compacting refuse against a working surface after movement of such refuse out of said loading chamber by said loading plunger; and a compacting plunger drive mechanism operatively associated with said refuse-compacting plunger for moving said refuse-compacting plunger across said loading aperture and toward and away from said working surface when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary supporting frame.

In a refuse-collecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention, a movable closure is usefully provided for closing the loading aperture of the refuse-receiving receptacle when the wheeled chassis on which that receptacle is mounted is separate from thestationary unit comprising the loading chamber and associated components and mechanism.

In the use of a refuse-collecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the wheeled chassis with the refuse-receiving receptacle thereon may periodically, for example, once a week or more or less frequently, be uncoupled from the stationary unit comprising the stationary supporting frame with the loading chamber thereon and, if desired, replaced by another movable unit of the same type. The movable unit loaded with refuse is then towed by a separate towing vehicle to a refuse dump at which the refuse-receiving receptacle of the movable unit is elevated into a tilted position for dumping of compacted refuse from therewithin In one embodiment of a refuse-collecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the refuse-compacting plunger of the apparatus can be built into the aforementioned tailgate assembly. When a refuse-collecting apparatus of this type is provided, in accordance with another particularly valuable feature of the present invention, with a hydraulically operated tilting drive mechanism for effecting movement of the refuse-receiving receptacle between its generally horizontal loading position and its tilted dumping position, such a hydraulically operated mechanism is usefully provided with flexible hydraulic hoses terminating in quick-disconnect couplings so that the hoses can be coupled to a hydraulic pump or pressure system provided on the towing vehicle so that the dumping mechanism can be operated at a refuse dump by such a pump or pressure system of the towing vehicle. Similarly, if the apparatus includes a hydraulically operated tailgate mechanism for moving the tailgate assembly between its open and closed positions, such mechanism may also be adapted to be coupled to a hydraulic pump or pressure system on the towing vehicle.

In the event that the refuse-compacting plunger of a refusecollecting apparatus of this invention is hydraulically operated and is installed in the tailgate assembly of the refuse-receiving receptacle in the manner hereinbefore mentioned, the apparatus will usefully include a refuse-compacting plunger drive mechanism having flexible hydraulic hoses terminating in quick-disconnect couplings so that the refuse-compacting plunger drive mechanism can be coupled to a stationary hydraulic system provided on the stationary unit on which the loading chamber is mounted. Usefully a single hydraulic pressure system is provided on the stationary unit for operating the loading plunger of that unit and for operating the refuse-compacting plunger of the movable unit when the latter is detachably coupled to that stationary unit. It is within the scope of this invention to utilize any appropriate drive system for operating such a stationary hydraulic drive mechanism. It is, for example, possible to utilize a stationary internal combustion engine for driving a hydraulic pump mounted on the stationary supporting frame of that unit. Alternatively, the unit may include an electrically operated pump intended to be energized from the existing electrical supply system of a building such as an apartment building at which the stationary unit is located.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description herein proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described merely by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of a refuse-collecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention showing certain components in phantom outline and the apparatus in its refuse-receiving disposition;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat schematic side elevation of the refusecollecting apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the movable refusecollecting trailer of the apparatus about to be towed by a towing vehicle to a refuse disposal site; and

FIG. 3 is a somewhat schematic side elevation similar to that of FIG. 2 and showing a refuse-receiving receptacle of the apparatus in its tilted dumping position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT One embodiment of a refuse-collecting apparatus in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally at in the accompanying drawings. Theapparatus 10 includes a stationary unit generally indicated at 11 and a movable unit generally indicated at 12. The stationary unit 11 includes a stationary supportingframe 13 supported bylegs 14. On the supportingframe 13, there is permanently mounted a loading chamber 15 into which a refuse-containing bin or other container (not shown) can be emptied. Aloading plunger 16 is disposed within the loading chamber 15 for longitudinal reciprocation therein as indicated by the double-headed arrow A. Such longitudinal reciprocation of theloading plunger 16 is obtained by means of a double-actinghydraulic cylinder 17 including apiston rod 18 on the end of which theaforementioned loading plunger 16 is suitably mounted. A housing generally indicated at 20 is usefully provided on the stationary unit 11 for guiding refuse into the loading chamber 15 and a retractable curtain or shield (not shown) usefully extends from the upper edge surface of theloading plunger 16 into thehousing 20 to prevent refuse falling behind theloading plunger 16.

Locking hooks 22 are pivotally mounted on the stationary unit 11 for releasable engagement with locking pins 23 provided for this purpose on themovable unit 12 to prevent separation of the two units during operation of theaforementioned loading plunger 16.

Referring next in greater detail to themovable unit 12 of the refuse-collectingapparatus 10, it will be seen that thisunit 12 includes a refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 mounted on achassis 26 supported in turn by a pair ofwheels 27. At its forward end, thechassis 26 includes atongue 28 having atrailer hitch 29 provided thereon for detachably coupling themovable unit 12 to a towing vehicle generally indicated at 30 in FIGS. 2 and 3 and not shown in FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

The aforementioned refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 is pivotally mounted on thechassis 26 as shown at 32 for movement of thereceptacle 25 between the generally horizontal position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the tilted dumping position shown in FIG. 3. A double-actinghydraulic cylinder 33 is pivotally connected between the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 and thechassis 26 for moving the former between its two positions.

On its rear discharge end, the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 is provided with a tailgate assembly generally indicated at 36 and pivotally mounted at its upper forward edge on therefusereceiving receptacle 25 as indicated at 37. Double-actinghydraulic cylinders 38 are pivotally connected to both thetailgate assembly 36 and the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 on both sides of the latter for moving thetailgate assembly 36 between a generally vertical closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an open position as shown in FIG. 3.Locking hooks 40 pivotally mounted on the sides of the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 are adapted to engagelocking pins 41 provided on thetailgate assembly 36 for the purpose of releasably holding theassembly 36 in its closed position.

Referring now in greater detail to the construction of thetailgate assembly 36 illustrated in FIG. 1, it is to be noted that an opening orloading aperture 44 is provided in thetailgate assembly 36 so as to be adjacent the loading chamber 15 of the stationary unit 11 when themovable unit 12 is secured thereto by theaforementioned locking hooks 22. A cover 45 is pivotally mounted at 46 on the outside of thetailgate assembly 36 for closing theloading aperture 44 when themovable unit 12 is separate from the stationary unit 11. Alatch mechanism 47 is provided for holding the cover 45 in its open position while asimilar latch mechanism 48 is provided for holding the door 45 in its closed position after it has been swung downwardly about the pivot 46 as indicated by the arrow B (FIG. 2).

In accordance with another important feature of the present invention, a refuse-compacting plunger 50 is provided within thetailgate assembly 36 for vertical reciprocation therein as indicated by the double-headed arrow C. The refuse-compacting plunger 50 is carried'on the lower end of a piston rod 51 which extends from the lower end of a double-actinghydraulic cylinder 52 pivotally mounted at its upper end as indicated at 53 within thetailgate assembly 36. Suitable guide means (not shown) will be provided within thetailgate 36 to facilitate the aforementioned vertical reciprocation of the refuse-compacting plunger 50 therein. With further reference to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the refuse-compacting plunger 50 has arefusecompacting undersurface 55 which is operative, on operation of thehydraulic cylinder 52, to compress refuse pushed therebelow by theloading plunger 16 against a generally horizontal base orfloor 56 of theassembly 36. In accordance with another particularly useful feature of this embodiment of a refuse-collecting apparatus of the invention, theundersurface 55 of the refuse-compacting plunger 50 usefully slopes forwardly and upwardly at a small angle as actually illustrated in FIG. 1.

Before describing the manner in which the refuse-collecting apparatus of FIG. 10 is used, it should also be explained that theapparatus 10 is provided with hydraulic pressure systems for operating the hereinbefore-mentioned hydraulic cylinders. In particular, it is to be noted that the hydraulic cylinder for operating theloading plunger 16 is permanently connected to a fixedhydraulic pressure system 59 provided on the stationary unit 11 and including areservoir 60, a pump 61 and anelectric motor 62 powered, for example, throughcord 63 from the existing electrical distribution system of a building, such as an apartment building, hospital, supermarket or the like, at which the stationary unit 11 is permanently installed. Although theapparatus 10 has been described as incorporating theelectric motor 62, it is equally within the scope of this invention to use a stationary internal combustion engine for the same purpose.

In accordance with a particularly useful feature of the invention, thehydraulic cylinder 52 of the refusecompacting plunger 50 is usefully provided withflexible fluid hoses 65 and 66 fitted with quick-disconnect couplings 67 for coupling tomating couplings 68 onhoses 69 and 70 extending from the aforementioned fixedhydraulic pressure system 59 so that the refusecompacting plunger 50 can be operated by thatsystem 59 when themovable unit 12 is coupled to the stationary unit 1 1 at the permanent location of the latter. Anappropriate control valve 71 withoperating handle 72 is provided to permit manual control of the operation of theloading plunger 16 and of the refuse-compacting plunger 50. Automatic controls, for example, in the form of pressure-responsive switches (not shown) may be provided to ensure the preferred operating sequence, namely, downward extension of the refuse-compacting plunger 50 after forward extension of theloading plunger 16.

Thehydraulic cylinder 33 used for effecting movement of the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 between its generally horizontal position and its tilted dumping position is provided with hoses 73 terminating in avalve block 74 having amanual control handle 75. Similarly, in the event that thetailgate assembly 36 is adapted to be moved between its open and closed positions by hydraulic. cylinders such as thecylinders 38 shown in FIG. 1, the latter cylinders will also usefully be connected to the valve block 73 byhoses 76 and 77, acontrol handle 78 being provided for effecting manual control of thetailgate cylinders 38. Flexible hoses 79 and 80 extending from thevalve block 74 terminate in quick-disconnect couplings 81 which can be detachably coupled to mating couplings on the ends ofhoses 82 and 83 of a hydraulic pressure system provided on thetowing vehicle 30 and suitably powered by the primary engine of that vehicle.

In use, the stationary unit 11 is permanently installed at the desired location, such as an apartment building, for receiving refuse or garbage into its loading chamber 15. A movable unit such as theunit 12 is detachably coupled by lockinghooks 22 to the stationary unit 1 1 after the cover 45 has been elevated after releasing thelatch mechanism 48. Theflexible hoses 65 and 66 from thecylinder 52 of the refuse-compacting plunger 50 are then coupled by theaforementioned couplings 67 to themating couplings 68 of the stationaryhydraulic pressure system 59 of the stationary unit 11, thepressure system 59 being permanently coupled to thehydraulic cylinder 17 of theloading plunger 16 for operation thereof. When refuse is introduced into the loading chamber 15, it is first pushed through theloading aperture 44 into the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 for compaction by the refuse-compacting plunger 50. Both theloading plunger 16 and the refuse-compacting plunger 50 are then retracted and the operating cycle continues. It should be understood that the refuse-collecting apparatus may be provided with controls whereby such simultaneous operation of the loading plunger and of the refuse-compacting plunger 50 takes place automatically after operating a single control switch or valve such as control handle 72. Alternatively, theapparatus 10 may be provided with a separate control for each of theplungers 16 and 50. In view of the high degree of refuse compaction obtained in this manner, a relativelysmall vehicle 12 can be used for receiving a considerable amount of refuse.

When it is desired to empty the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25, themovable unit 12 is coupled to a towing vehicle such as the towingvehicle 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by means of thetrailer hitch 29 and the flexible hoses 79 and 80 extending from thevalve block 74 are coupled to thehoses 82 and 83 respectively so that thetilting dumping cylinder 33 and thetailgate cylinders 38, if provided, are coupled to a hydraulic pressure system of that towing vehicle. Thehoses 65 and 66 of the compactingplunger cylinder 52 are then uncoupled from thehoses 69 and 70 of thehydraulic pressure system 59 of the stationary unit 11 and, after moving the movable unit 12 a short distance away from that stationary unit 11, the cover 45 is swung downwardly about its pivots 46 so as to close theloading aperture 44, thelatch mechanism 48 serving to hold the cover 45 in its closed position. If it is desired to operate the refuse-compacting plunger 50 while themovable unit 12 is coupled to the towingvehicle 30, thehoses 65 and 66 from the refuse-compacting plunger cylinder 50 may be detachably coupled to the hydraulic pressure system of the towingvehicle 30.

After themovable unit 12 has been towed to a refuse dump by the towingvehicle 30, controls 78 and 75 are operated respectively to cause thetailgate cylinders 38 to open thetailgate 36 and to cause the dumpingcylinder 33 to elevate the refuse-receivingreceptacle 25 into its tilted dumping position as actually shown in FIG. 3.

What I claim is:

l. A refuse-collecting apparatus including:

a stationary unit;

a wheeled chassis;

a refuse-receiving receptacle pivotally mounted on said wheeled chassis for movement between a generally horizontal loading position and including a discharge end for the dumping of refuse from within said refuse-receiving receptacle when said receptacle is disposed in said tilted dumping position thereof;

a'tailgate assembly pivotally mounted on said refuse-receiving receptacle at said discharge end thereof for movement between open and closed positions;

a locking means for detachably securing said wheeled chassis to said stationary unit;

a loading aperture through said tailgate assembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle for the transfer of refuse into said receptacle through said loading aperture when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit;

a loading chamber incorporated with said stationary unit so as to be adjacent said loading aperture of said tailgate as sembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit with said refuse-receiving receptacle in said generally horizontal loading position thereof;

a loading plunger disposed within said loading chamber for movement therein toward and away from said loading aperture for pushing refuse from within said loading chamber through said loading aperture into said refusereceiving receptacle;

a loading plunger drive mechanism operatively associated with said loading plunger for moving said loading plunger toward and away from said loading aperture;

a refuse-compacting plunger on said wheeledchassis for movement across said loading aperture for compacting refuse against a working surface after movement of such refuse out of said loading chamber and through said loading aperture on operation of said loading plunger; and

a compacting plunger drive mechanism operatively as-v sociated with said refusecompacting plunger for moving said refuse-compacting plunger across said loading aperture and toward and away from said working surface when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said s'tationary unit.

2. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which apparatus additionally includes a movable closure associated with said loading aperture of said tailgate assembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle and adapted to be moved between a closed position for closing said loading aperture when said wheeled chassis is detached from said stationary unit and an open position for the passage of refuse from said loading chamber through said loading aperture and into said refusereceiving receptacle when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit.

3. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said wheeled chassis forms part of a trailer having a forward end with means thereon for detachable attachment of said trailer to a towing vehicle, in which said discharge end of said refuse-receiving receptacle is disposed rearwardly thereof and in which said refuse-receiving receptacle is pivotally mounted on said wheeled chassis in proximity to said discharge end of said receptacle.

4. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 3 which apparatus additionally includes a hydraulic tilting drive mechanism operatively interconnecting said wheeled chassis and said refuse-receiving receptacle for moving said receptacle between said generally horizontal'loading position thereof and said tilted dumping position thereof, in which both said loading plunger drive mechanism and said compacting plunger drive mechanism are adapted to be operated from a stationary hydraulic pressure system when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit and in which said hydraulic tilting drive mechanism is adapted to be operated from a hydraulic pressure system of a towing vehicle when said wheeled chassis is coupled to such a towing vehicle.

5. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which said compacting plunger drive mechanism includes hydraulic hoses terminating in quick-disconnect couplings for detachable coupling to said stationary hydraulic pressure system when said wheeled chassisis detachably secured to said stationary unit and in which said hydraulic tilting drive mechanism includes hydraulic hoses terminating in quickreceptacle.

9. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim I including a hydraulic pivoting drive mechanism operatively associated with said tailgate assembly for moving said tailgate assembly between open and closed positions.

10. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in -claim 9 wherein said hydraulic pivoting-drive mechanism is adapted to be operated from a hydraulic pressure system of a towing vehicle when said wheeled chassis is coupled to such a towing vehicle.

# II i t t

Claims (10)

1. A refuse-collecting apparatus including: a stationary unit; a wheeled chassis; a refuse-receiving receptacle pivotally mounted on said wheeled chassis for movement between a generally horizontal loading position and including a discharge end for the dumping of refuse from within said refuse-receiving receptacle when said receptacle is disposed in said tilted dumping position thereof; a tailgate assembly pivotally mounted on said refuse-receiving receptacle at said discharge end thereof for movement between open and closed positions; a locking means for detachably securing said wheeled chassis to said stationary unit; a loading aperture through said tailgate assembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle for the transfer of refuse into said receptacle through said loading aperture when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit; a loading chamber incorporated with said stationary unit so as to be adjacent said loading aperture of said tailgate assembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit with said refusereceiving receptacle in said generally horizontal loading position thereof; a loading plunger disposed within said loading chamber for movement therein toward and away from said loading aperture for pushing refuse from within said loading chamber through said loading aperture into said refuse-receiving receptacle; a loading plunger drive mechanism operatively associated with said loading plunger for moving said loading plunger toward and away from said loading aperture; a refuse-compacting plunger on said wheeled chassis for movement across said loading aperture for compacting refuse against a working surface after movement of such refuse out of said loading chamber and through said loading aperture on operation of said loading plunger; and a compacting plunger drive mechanism operatively associated with said refuse-compacting plunger for moving said refusecompacting plunger across said loading aperture and toward and away from said working surface when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit.

2. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which apparaTus additionally includes a movable closure associated with said loading aperture of said tailgate assembly of said refuse-receiving receptacle and adapted to be moved between a closed position for closing said loading aperture when said wheeled chassis is detached from said stationary unit and an open position for the passage of refuse from said loading chamber through said loading aperture and into said refuse-receiving receptacle when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit.

3. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said wheeled chassis forms part of a trailer having a forward end with means thereon for detachable attachment of said trailer to a towing vehicle, in which said discharge end of said refuse-receiving receptacle is disposed rearwardly thereof and in which said refuse-receiving receptacle is pivotally mounted on said wheeled chassis in proximity to said discharge end of said receptacle.

4. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 3 which apparatus additionally includes a hydraulic tilting drive mechanism operatively interconnecting said wheeled chassis and said refuse-receiving receptacle for moving said receptacle between said generally horizontal loading position thereof and said tilted dumping position thereof, in which both said loading plunger drive mechanism and said compacting plunger drive mechanism are adapted to be operated from a stationary hydraulic pressure system when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit and in which said hydraulic tilting drive mechanism is adapted to be operated from a hydraulic pressure system of a towing vehicle when said wheeled chassis is coupled to such a towing vehicle.

5. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which said compacting plunger drive mechanism includes hydraulic hoses terminating in quick-disconnect couplings for detachable coupling to said stationary hydraulic pressure system when said wheeled chassis is detachably secured to said stationary unit and in which said hydraulic tilting drive mechanism includes hydraulic hoses terminating in quick-disconnect couplings for detachable coupling with a hydraulic pressure system of a towing vehicle when said wheeled chassis is coupled to such a towing vehicle.

6. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which said refuse-compacting plunger is disposed within said tailgate assembly.

7. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said locking means is located between said tailgate assembly and said stationary unit.

8. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a second locking means for releaseably securing said pivotally mounted tailgate assembly to said refuse-receiving receptacle.

9. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a hydraulic pivoting drive mechanism operatively associated with said tailgate assembly for moving said tailgate assembly between open and closed positions.

10. A refuse-collecting apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said hydraulic pivoting-drive mechanism is adapted to be operated from a hydraulic pressure system of a towing vehicle when said wheeled chassis is coupled to such a towing vehicle.

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