Patent · US Expired

Human powered can flattening machine

US5454305A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
7References
17Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 24, 1994
Grant dateOct 3, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 24, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB30B9/321
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The can crusher herein is a pedal, and optionally arm powered, safe, can folding crusher which is vertically hopper fed. An optional flywheel stores mechanical energy during periods of non-maximum power demand to enable the crushing process to proceed with an even application of power. The form of the can folding crusher is that of an exercise bicycle having a horizontal ram which engages cans in a first stroke to prepare the can to be creased into a folded relationship, and in a second stroke in which the folding crushing occurs. The exit chamber is barely the diameter of an adult finger, and is designed to have a length which prohibits both adult and child fingers and hands from reaching any point near the crushing chamber. The feed hopper is adjustable for a variety of lengths of cans, and the seat is adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of human power providers.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.