Compacting device

Abstract

A compacting device, adapted for use with a receptacle for the collection of shredded material output from a shredder, the compacting device comprising a plate provided with an aperture, fixed relative to the receptacle, such that shredded material output from the shredder passes through the aperture of the plate and is collected in the receptacle and as collection of the shredded material within the receptacle progresses the compacting device acts to compact the material. The compacting device may act to compact the shredded material by compression of the material between bottom and sides of the receptacle and the plate as collection of the material progresses. As the receptacle starts to fill up with shredded material, the material pushes against the plate, and as the plate is fixed relative to the receptacle, this acts to compact the material. The compaction device may act to compact the shredded material by action of the aperture to form and maintain a substantially pyramidal mass of material beneath the aperture, against which further material output from the shredder is compressed. The compaction device may act to hold at least a substantial part of the shredded material within the receptacle until it is desired to empty the receptacle. In this way, when the receptacle is removed from the shredder prior to emptying, the compacted material does not spring out of the receptacle, but is held within it by the plate. Using the compacting device, the receptacle requires to be emptied less often and is also easier to empty.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.