Compactor with improved closure system

Abstract

A compaction machine may include an enclosure defining an opening for receiving trash. The machine may also include a compaction system having an actuation portion and a ram. The compaction system may be arranged within the enclosure and may also be configured for compacting the trash within the enclosure by performing a compaction cycle. The cycle may include moving the ram from a retracted position to an expanded position. The machine may also include a closure mechanism operable between an open position where the opening is generally unobstructed and a closed position where the closure mechanism closes off the opening. The operability of the closure mechanism between the open position and the closed position may be mechanically dependent on motion of the compaction system over at least a portion of the compaction cycle. A method of opening and closing a compaction machine is also described.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.