Apparatus for transferring refuse from containers into refuse equipment

Abstract

The apparatus of this invention transfers refuse from a container into an opening at the rear end of a hopper in refuse equipment. The apparatus includes first arms pivotable to swing the lower end of the container upwardly. A member cooperates with the first arms to fixedly retain a pin on the container when the first arms have pivoted through a first particular angle. Second arms are then pivoted through a second particular angle to raise the bottom of the container above the lid of the container, while the pin on the container is held at a fixed vertical position, for providing for the transfer of the refuse from the container into the hopper. During such movement, members are moved to effectively raise the lip of the hopper upwardly and to dispose a surface for guiding the transfer of the refuse from the container into the hopper. Members are also provided for gripping the bottom of the container during the pivotal movement of the container upwardly by the second arms. The container may be provided with a detent near its bottom end to facilitate such gripping. This gripping is facilitated by disposing the fulcrum for the pivotal movement of the second arms above, and relatively close to, the fulcrum for the pivotal movement of the first arms. After the transfer of the refuse into the hopper, the second arms are pivoted downwardly through the second particular angle while the pin on the container is held fixedly in position. The first arms are thereafter pivoted downwardly through the first particular angle to return the container to an upright position on the ground.