US3709389A - Refuse container - Google Patents

Abstract

A refuse container for collecting refuse and adapted to be periodically upended to discharge the refuse into the body of a truck or other carrier for removal from the site. The refuse container is a closed bin having a charging opening in one end to receive the refuse and having a discharge opening in the opposite end. Both openings are enclosed by doors. The refuse is compacted within the container by a compactor mounted to sweep past the charging opening and move the refuse toward the discharge end of the container. The operating mechanism for the compactor is tied in with a switch at the charging opening and arranged so that the compactor cannot be operated unless the charging door is closed. The container is unloaded by a truck which acts to upend the container and discharge the refuse through the discharge opening into the body of the truck. A remote control unit is incorporated with the operating mechanism for the compactor enabling the compactor to be operated when the container is in the upended position to aid in discharging the refuse from the container into the truck body.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Steltz 1451 Jan. 9, 1973 [54] REFUSE CONTAINER [75] Inventor: Douglas C. Steltz, Brookfield, Wis. [57] ABSTRACT A refuse container for collectin refuse and ada' ted 73A :Ptl.Wkh,. 1 g P 1 'sslgnee or nc es a WIS to be periodically upended to discharge the refuse into Flledi J 1971 the body of a truck or other carrier for removal from [21] AWL 110,546 the site. The refuse container is a closed bin having a charging opening ll'l one end to receive the refuse and having a discharge opening in the opposite end. Both [52] US. Cl ..214/82, 214/302 openings are enclosed b dong-g The refuse is com- [51] Int. Cl. ..B65f 1/12 a ted within the ontainer by a compactor mounted Fleld 0f 100/229 to sweep past the charging opening and move the 100/233 refuse toward the discharge end of the container. The operating mechanism for the compactor is tied in with Referelwes Cited a switch at the charging opening and arranged so that the compactor cannot be operated unless the charging UNITED STATES PATENTS door is closed. The container is unloaded bya truck 3,542,225 11/1970 Knight ..214/83.3 whi h acts to upend the container and discharge the 3,161,305 12/1964 Ferrari et al ..214/82 refuse through the discharge opening into the body of 3,195,942 7/1 Demp er e al. -.--2l4/302 the truck. A remote control unit is-incorporated with 3,602,136 8/1971 g Joe/229 R the operating mechanism for the compactor enabling 3,024,928 3/1962 Freaney ..2l4/302 Primary Examiner-Drayton E. Hoffman Assistant Examiner-Lawrence J. Oresky Attorney-Andrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall the compactor to be operated when the container is in the upended position to aid in discharging the refuse from the container into the truck body.

5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDJM' 9 I973 SHEET 1 BF 3 DAUGLAS C STELTZ fl L-AL ATTORNEYS PATENTEUJMI 9191s 3,709,389

' SHEET20F3 VEN'IOR.

DAUGLAS c. STELTZ ATTORNEYS PATENTED JAN 9 I973 SHEET 3 0F 3 INVENTOR. DOUGLAS C. STELTZ BY MM;

ATTORNEYS REFUSE CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a refuse container or bin, and more particularly to a commercial or industrial refuse collecting container adapted to be periodically unloaded into a truck or other carrier for removal from the site.

In the case of commercial and industrial establishments such as super markets, department stores, schools, apartment buildings, hospitals, and the like, it has been the practice to collect the refuse in confined areas, or containers for periodic pick-up. With most collection systems, the refuse is exposed to the elements, such as wind, rain and snow, which makes it difficult to maintain the refuse in an orderly fashion. To further complicate the problem, prior collection systems have often required the manual transfer of the refuse from the collection containers to a truck body for removal from the site, and during the transfer portions of the refuse invariably are blown away or dropped. As a result the collection areas in the past have been unsightly and have often presented a health hazard.

To eliminate these problems, resort has been made to use of closed refuse bins or containers. These closed bins have a substantial volume and are generally weather-tight so that the refuse is not exposed to the elements. To facilitate the transfer of the refuse from the container to the truck, the containers have been constructed so that they can be engaged by an unloading mechanism associated with the truck and upended to automatically discharge the refuse into the truck without the necessity of manual transfer. Refuse containers of this type generally are constructed with a single opening through which the refuse is charged into the container and subsequently discharged into the truck. The use of single opening has disadvantages in that the opening must be located so that the truck can move toward the opening to engage the container and upend it. If the charging opening is not in an accessible location for engagement by the truck, as for example, if the charging opening is in registry with a delivery chute in a building, the entire container must be reversed in position before it can be engaged by the truck and upended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is directed to an improved refuse collecting container which is adapted to be periodically upended by a truck or other carrier to discharge the refuse into the truck body. According to the invention, the refuse container is a closed bin having a charging opening in one end to receive refuse and have a discharge opening in the opposite end. Both the charging opening and the discharge opening are closed by doors so that the container is weather-tight.

The refuse is compacted within the container by a compactor which is mounted for swinging movement on a transverse axis and is adapted to sweep past the charging opening and move the refuse toward the discharge end of the container.

To remove the refuse, the unloading mechanism associated with a truck engages the container and acts to upend or invert the container to discharge the refuse through the discharge opening into the body of the truck. A remote control unit is associated with the operating mechanism for the compactor so that the compactor can be operated when the container is in the inverted or upended position to thereby aid in discharging the refuse through the discharge opening into the truck body.

The use of a separate charging opening and discharge opening has distinct advantages for it enables the charging opening to be located in close proximity to a building, as for example, the charging opening can be positioned in registry or adjacent a delivery chute in the building, and yet the truck can readily engage the discharge end of the container to upend the container and discharge the contents into the truck body.

As both the charging opening and the discharge opening are enclosed by weather-tight doors, a completely closed unit is provided which protects the refuse from insects and rodents and prevents scattering of the refuse by the wind. I

The refuse container has improved safety characteristics in that the operating mechanism for the compactor is tied in with a switch associated with the charging door. This arrangement requires that the charging door be completely closed before the compactor can be operated. This feature'eliminates the possibility of injury to workmen by virtue of their extending their hands or arms into the container when the compactor is operated.

The refuse container also employs an improved hydraulic cylinder system for actuating the compactor in which the ram of the hydraulic cylinder is connected directly to an arm welded to the compactor, thereby providing a more effective application of force of the compactor.

The refuse container can be fabricated in a wide variety of sizes, varying from a large 8 yard capacity unit to a small portable unit for indoor collection of refuse.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the refuse container with parts broken away in section;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the refuse container with parts broken away in section;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the chargin end of the refuse container;

FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the hydraulic system for operating the compactor;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a rear loading truck engaged with the container prior to unloading the refuse into the truck body;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing a frontloading truck engaged with the container; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevationof a smaller portable refuse container made in accordance with the invention.

The drawings illustrate an enclosed refuse container or bin 1 which includes a pair of spacedside walls 2, which are connected at one end by diagonal end walls 3 and at the opposite end byvertical end wall 4. The top edges of theside walls 2 are joined by atop wall 5,

while the bottom edges are joined by a bottom wall 6. To space the container 1 above the ground, a series of beams or supports 7 are secured to the bottom wall 6 and extend transversely of the container.

Reinforcement for the container is provided by a pair of vertical channels 8 which are welded to therespective side walls 2. In addition, the central portion of the container is reinforced by channel-shaped reinforcing members 9 that extend horizontally along theside walls 2 and diagonel end wall 3 and are connected to the vertical channels 8, while the upper edge of the container is reinforced by achannel 10 which similarly extends along theside walls 2 and end wall 3 and is connected to the upper end of the vertical channels 8. A transverse reinforcing member 11 is secured to thetop wall 5 between the upper ends of the vertical channels 8.

The refuse is adapted to be introduced or charged into the container 1 through an opening 12 in theend wall 4 which is enclosed by a pair of chargingdoors 13. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, each of thedoors 13 is formed of a generally flatvertical panel 14 bordered by inwardly extending flanges 15. One of the vertical flanges 15 of each of thedoors 13 is hinged toflange 16 onwall 4 by a hinge 17. Thedoors 13 can be locked in the closed position bystandard locking handles 18.

Located within the container 1 and in alignment with the lower edge of thecharging 12, is a horizontal wall 19 which extends transversely between theside walls 2 and terminates in a downwardly extending flange 20. A curved wall 21 extends downwardly from the inner edge of wall 19 and terminates in avertical wall 22 which is secured to the bottom wall 6. The horizontal wall 19, in combination with the curved wall 21, serves as a chute for the refuse being introduced within the chargingopening 12 in theend wall 4.

The refuse is adapted to be compated within the container 1 by apivotable compactor 23. In its retracted position, thecompactor 23 is located adjacent thetop wall 5 and can be swung downwardly with the tip of the compactor moving in close proximity to the curved wall 21 to move the refuse toward the discharge end of the container and to compact the same. The compactor is best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and comprises a generallycurved plate 24 which is supported by two pairs of spacedvertical plates 25. The outer edged of thecurved plate 24 is reinforced by an angle 26 and additional rigidity is provided by a pair ofplates 27 having their lower edges welded to thecurved plate 24 and their outer ends welded to the angle 26.

To mount thecompactor 23 for pivoting or swinging movement, theplates 24, as well as thestiffeners 27 are welded to a sleeve 28 which extends transversely of the container 1.Stub shafts 29 are secured within the ends of the sleeve 28. The projecting ends of thestub shafts 29 are journalled within hearings in the respective vertical channels 8. With this construction the compactor can be pivoted about the axis ofshafts 29 to thereby sweep the refuse along the curved plate 21 toward the discharge end of the container.

Thecompactor 23 is adapted to be pivoted by a pair of hydraulic cylinder units 30 mounted within the upper portion ofthe container 1 beneath thetop wall 5. Each cylinder unit 30 includes a hydraulic cylinder 31 which is pivotally connected to :1lug 32 extending outwardly from anangle 33 that extends transversely across the container 1 beneath thetop plate 5. See FIG. 4. A piston rod or ram 34 is mounted for sliding movement within each cylinder 31 and the outer end of each am is connected by apin 35 between the ends of the corresponding spacedplates 25. By introducing hydraulic fluid into the left hand end of the cylinders 31, as viewed in FIG. 1, the rams 34 will be extended to thereby pivot thecompactor 23 clockwise around the axis ofshafts 29 and sweep the refuse along the curved wall 21 toward the discharge end of the container. By introducing hydraulic fluid into the opposite ends of the cylinders 31, the rams 34 will be retracted to thereby return thecompactor 23 to its original position, as shown in FIG. 1, wherein it is located adjacent thetop wall 5 in a position where it will not interfere with the charging of refuse through thedoors 13.

To protect the hydraulic cylinder units 30 from the pressure exerted through the compacted refuse, aplate 36 is located beneath the cylinder units 30 and extends between theside walls 2. The forward edge of theplate 36 is provided with a diagonal orbent end 37.

To provide access to the cylinder units 30, thetop wall 5 is provided with an opening located in alignment with the cylinder units and which is normally closed by anaccess door 38. The forward edge ofdoor 38 is hinged to thetop wall 5 byhinges 39 and the free end of the door rests on theangle 33, as best illustrated in FIG. 4.Door 38 is provided with downwardly extendingside flanges 40 and when the door is in the closed position, theside flanges 40 are located outwardly-of thetop edge channels 10.Door 38 is locked in the closed position by a pair of toggle clamps 41.

The refuse is adapted to be discharged from the container through adischarge opening 42 in the rear end of .top wall 5 which is normally closed by a hingedcover 43. Thecover 43 includes a generallyflat panel 44 which is bordered by a downwardly extendingflange 45. The forward portion offlange 45 is hinged to an upstanding lip 46 secured to theangle 33 byhinge 47.

To lock thecover 43 in the closed position, a series of standard toggle clamps 48 are mounted on the rear portion of theflange 45 and are adapted to engagelugs 49 secured to thechannel 10. To aid in moving thecover 43 to the open position, a pair of handles 50 are located on each side of the cover. When in the open position, thecover 43 will rest flatwise against theaccess door 38 and can be latched by a mechanism not shown, in the fully open position.

The hydraulic system for operating the cylinder units 30 is illustrated diagramatically in FIG. 6. The hydraulic system includes a pump 51 driven by an electric motor 52 and a pressure or discharge line 53 and areturn line 54 extends between the pump 51 and a solenoid-operated, three-way valve 55. A suitable hydraulic reservoir, not shown, can be connected inline 54. From separate, outlets, the control valve 55 is connected to both ends of the cylinders 31 throughline 56 and itscorresponding branch lines 57, and throughline 58 and its corresponding branch lines 59.

The solenoid valve 55 is operated by a three-position switch 60 on aremote control panel 61. Theswitch 60 is connected by an electrical cable 62 to the valve 55 and the cable 62 has a substantial length and is coiled around aretractable reel 63 that is mounted within the container 1 beneath the plate 21. Theswitch 60,

preferably has three positions, including a neutral position, wherein the solenoid valve 55 places the pressure line 53 in communication with thereturn line 54 to form a closed circuit through the pump 51. In this neutral position of the valve 55, thelines 56 and 58 are closed, to hydraulically lock the cylinder assemblies 30 and thereby lock thecompactor 23 in the corresponding position. Thus, with theswitch 60 in the closed circuit formed by thelines 53 and 54 through the pump.

To extend the cylinder assemblies 30 and move thecompactor 23 clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 1, theswitch 60 is moved to the compaction" position which actuates the valve 55 to place the pressure line 53 in communication with theline 56 so that fluid is introduced into the rear ends of the cylinders 31 to extend the rams 34 and thereby move thecompactor 23 in a downward compacting stroke.

To retract the cylinder units 30 and move thecompactor 23 to its retracted upward position, theswitch 60 is moved to the return position which actuates the valve 55 to place the pressure line 53 in communication with theline 57 to thereby introduce fluid into the forward ends of the cylinders 31 and retract the rams 34 to thereby move thecompactor 23 to the upper or return position. When not in use,the'switch panel 61 can be stored within the container 1 beneath plate 21 and access can be had to the switch panel throughdoor 64.

While the above description has referred to athreeposition switch 60, it is contemplated that a single pole on-off" switch can be utilized in which the on position will act to place pressure line 53 in communication withline 56 to move thecompactor 23 in a compacting stroke and the of position will return the compactor to the upper or return position.

As theswitch 60 is connected to the solenoid valve 55 by means of the extendible cable 62, thecompactor 23 can be operated when the container 1 is upended during the unloading to aid in the discharge of the refuse as will be described hereinafter.

A safety feature is incorporated in the control system for thecompactor 23 which prevents the compactor from being operated unless thedoors 13 are in the fully closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the motor 52 is connected to a suitable source of power, not shown, bylines 65 and 66 and a switch 67 is connected in line 65. The switch 67 is mounted in the flange orframe bordering opening 12, and as thedoor 13 is moved to the closed position, the switch 67 will be actuated to thereby close the circuit between the motor to the source of power. Conversely, by opening thedoor 13, the switch 67 will be opened to thereby open the circuit between the motor 52 and the source of power and prevent the cylinder units 30 from being operated. This insures that the compactor will not be operated when the doors [3 are open and eliminates the possibility of the operator's had or arm being located in the container when the compactor is utilized. A key actuated on-off" switch, not shown, can also be connected in line 65 to prevent tampering.

To charge or load refuse into the container, one or both of thedoors 13 in theend 4 are opened and the refuse is manually deposited within the container. After closing the door the on-off switch is moved to the on position" and the operator can then remove theswitch panel 61 from the container 1 and move the switch to the compaction position which will operate the compactor to sweep the refuse toward the discharge end of the container.

Depending upon the particular application, it may be desirable in some instances to remove the chargingdoors 13 and mount theend wall 4 adjacent the wall of the building so that the chargingopening 12 will be in registry with the terminal end of a chute in the building wall. In this application the refuse falling through the chute will be delivered directly through the charging opening into the container 1. In this situation with the removal of the doors, the safety switch 67 would not be incorporated in the control mechanism for the compactor.

When it is desired to unload the refuse from the container l, the container is engaged and upended by a refuse truck so that the refuse will be discharged through thedischarge opening 42 into the body of the truck In preparation for unloading, the toggle clamps 48 are loosened and thecover 43 is pivoted to the open position and latched in the open position to thereby expose thedischarge opening 42.

In one method of unloading as illustrated in F IG. 7, the container 1 is provided with opposed journals 68 which extend outwardly from thetop edge channels 10 on opposite sides of the container. The container is also provided with a mechanism toreceive a hook or the like to lift the container. The hook receiving mechanism includes a pair of spacedlugs 69 which straddle the longitudinal center line of the container and extend upwardly from the channel 11. Apin 70 extends between the lugs in spaced relation above the channel 11.

The refuse truck 71, as illustrated diagramatically in P16. 7, includes arefuse receiving body 72 having an opening which is preferably wider than the container 1 so that the end wall 3 of the container may project therethrough during the unloading. Immediately adjacent the side edges of the opening in thebody 72 are a pair of rearwardly projectingvertical plates 73, and each plate is provided with a vertically extending cam surface 74 which terminates at its lower end in a bearing cavity 75. The height of theplates 73 relative to the ground level should provide for engagement of the cam surfaces 74 with the journals 68 when the container 1 is resting on the ground. The refuse truck 71 carries a winch 76 located on the forward portion of the truck which may be driven by the truck engine. Thecable 77 of the winch 76 is located above the center line of the truck and is guided in movement along the center line of the truck by a pair ofpulleys 78 and 79. The end of thecable 77 is provided with a hook 80 for engagement with thepin 70 of the container as shown in FIG. 7.

When the container is to be unloaded or discharged of its contents, the truck 71 is back toward the container 1 until the cam surfaces 74 onplates 73 make contact with the journals 68 on the container. The hook 80 on the hoistingcable 77 is engaged with thepin 70 and the winch 76 is then driven to wind up thecable 77 which initially lifts the rear portion of the container l and simultaneously cams the journals 68 downwardly on the cam surfaces 73 into the bearing cavities of the plates to pivotally connect the container l and thetruck body 72. As the winch 76 continues to operate and wind up thecable 77, the container l pivots about the axis of the journals 68 to upend the container to a position where the end wall 3 projects through the opening in thetruck body 72 so that the refuse can fall by gravity through thedischarge opening 42 into the truck body, thereby eliminating the possibility of ground spillage in the unloading area.

In some instances, depending upon the nature of the refuse, the refuse may jam within the container and will not fall by gravity into therefuse body 72 of the truck, In the past when a situation such as this occurred it was necessary for the operator to either climb on the truck body and attempt to dislodge the refuse with some implement, or alternately, to lower the container back to ground level and then attempt to relieve the jammed situation. However, with the present invention and the use of the remotecontrol switch panel 61, it is possible to operate thecompactor 23 when the container is in the upended position, to thereby partially sweep the contents of the container downwardly into thetruck body 72 and eliminate the possibility of jamming and expidite the unloading process. In order to operate the compactor when the container is in the upended position, the operator, prior to upending of the container, will move thecontrol panel 61 from its storage space within theaccess door 64 in theend wall 4. As the container is pivoted upwardly, the cable 62 will unwind from thereel 63 and when the container is in the fully inverted or upended position the operator can then actuate the compactor and aid in discharging the contents from the container into the truck body.

After the container has been emptied of its contents, thewinch cable 77 is let out and the container will pivot by gravity back to its original position. As the container is returned to its position of rest, the journals 68 are cammed out of the bearing cavities 75 so that after thecable 77 is disconnected from the container, the truck is free to leave the area.

Similarly, as the container 1 is being returned to its position of rest, therewind reel 63 will automatically take up the electrical cable 62 which is connected to thepanel 61 so that the operator can replace thepanel 61 in its storage location within theaccess door 64.

FIG. 8 illustrates a modified type of unloading mechanism which can be used to discharge the refuse from the container 1. To accommodate the type of unloading mechanism shown in FIG. 8, the ends of the channels 9 adjacent the diagonal wall 3, are open and receive the free ends of supporting arms 81 which are pivotally connected to the chassis of therefuse truck 82. The outer end of each arm 81 is provided with an upstanding projection 83 which is adapted to be received within an opening in the upper surface of the respective channel 9.

With operation of the unit shown in FIG; 8, thetruck 82 moves forwardly toward the discharge end of the container 1 and the arms 81 are moved into the open ends of the respective channels 9 until the projections 83 are located beneath the openings in the channels 9. The arms 81 are then elevated to bring the projections 83 into registry with the opening and continued upward pivotal movement of the arms will cause the container 1 to be upended to the phantom position shown in FIG. 8 to thereby discharge the contents from the container into thebody 84 of the truck. During the unloading operation, thecompactor 23 can be operated by use of theremote control panel 61 in the manner previously described with respect to the unloading mechanism shown in FIG. 7.

While FIGS. 1 to 8 have illustrated a large capacity refuse container, it is contemplated that the refuse container can also be utilized as a small capacity portable unit to be used in hospitals, department stores and the like. As shown in FIG. 9, therefuse container 85, similar in construction to container 1, but smaller in size, is a portable or mobile unit and is provided with a pair ofrear wheels 86 and a pair of front casters 87. To aid in moving thecontainer 85, a push bar 88 is mounted on the rear end wall of the container, beneath the charging opening. The unit shown in FIG. 9 can be manually pushed along the hall or aisle of a hospital, school, factory or the like and can be used to receive small quantities of refuse and waste.

The refuse container of the invention is a completely enclosed unit with both the charging opening and the discharge opening being normally closed by locked doors. The closed condition of the container not only makes it weather-tight, but also protects the refuse from insects and rodents and minimizes obnoxious odors which may eminate from the refuse. By completely confining the refuse, the possibility of the refuse being scattered by the wind is also minimized.

The compaction of the refuse reduces the volume for a given mass of refuse and thus offers more efficient handling. Moreover, the unit'provides a safety feature in that the circuitry for the compactor is tied in with a switch on the charging door which requires that the door be completely closed before the compactor can be operated. This feature prevents the possibility of the operators hand or arm being in the container at the time the compactor is actuated.

By use of the remote control unit it is possible to operate the compactor when the container is upended or inverted and this aids in the discharge of the refuse from the container.

By utilizing a pair of openings at opposite ends of the container, the charging opening can be located in close proximity to a building, or other waste deliver mechanism, and yet the container can be readily engaged and upended by the refuse truck. This feature increases the versatility of the refuse container and enables it to be used in locations where prior container could not be employed.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

I claim:.

1. A refuse collecting unit, comprising a container including a pair of spaced side walls, a first end wall, a second inclined end wall, a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the side walls and end walls, and a top wall connecting the upper edges of the side walls and end walls, said container having a charging opening in said first end wall and having a discharge opening in said top wall adjacent said inclined second end-wall; a first door to removably close the discharge opening, compacting means located within the container and disposed to move generally from the charging opening toward the discharge opening to sweep refuse toward the discharge opening and compact the same; and means connected to the exterior of the container and disposed to be engaged by a movable carrier for elevating the container and discharging refuse through the discharge opening into a collection area on said carrier.

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein said compacting means includes a compacting member pivotally mounted to the container about a transverse pivot axis and located adjacent the top wall, and said compacting means includes a fluid cylinder unit operably connected to the compacting member at a second pivot spaced from said pivot axis, said fluid cylinder unit being disposed within the container adjacent said top wall.

3. The unit ofclaim 2, and including a protective baffle member disposed within'the container and located beneath said fluid cylinder unit.

4. The unit ofclaim 2, wherein said compaction member comprises a curved plate and a series of reinforcing members secured to the upper surface of said plate, said fluid cylinder unit being pivotally connected to said reinforcing members.

5. The unit ofclaim 4, and including a stiffening member secured to the upper surface of the curved plated adjacent the outer edge thereof and extending transversely of the container.

Claims (5)

1. A refuse collecting unit, comprising a container including a pair of spaced side walls, A first end wall, a second inclined end wall, a bottom wall connecting the lower edges of the side walls and end walls, and a top wall connecting the upper edges of the side walls and end walls, said container having a charging opening in said first end wall and having a discharge opening in said top wall adjacent said inclined second end wall; a first door to removably close the discharge opening, compacting means located within the container and disposed to move generally from the charging opening toward the discharge opening to sweep refuse toward the discharge opening and compact the same; and means connected to the exterior of the container and disposed to be engaged by a movable carrier for elevating the container and discharging refuse through the discharge opening into a collection area on said carrier.

2. The unit of claim 1, wherein said compacting means includes a compacting member pivotally mounted to the container about a transverse pivot axis and located adjacent the top wall, and said compacting means includes a fluid cylinder unit operably connected to the compacting member at a second pivot spaced from said pivot axis, said fluid cylinder unit being disposed within the container adjacent said top wall.

3. The unit of claim 2, and including a protective baffle member disposed within the container and located beneath said fluid cylinder unit.

4. The unit of claim 2, wherein said compaction member comprises a curved plate and a series of reinforcing members secured to the upper surface of said plate, said fluid cylinder unit being pivotally connected to said reinforcing members.

5. The unit of claim 4, and including a stiffening member secured to the upper surface of the curved plated adjacent the outer edge thereof and extending transversely of the container.

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