Combination thermoforming trim press and comminuting apparatus

A combination thermoforming trim press and comminuting apparatus, comprising:

• a horizontal trim press having an exit for downwardly delivering a scrap web of thermoformable sheet material;
• a comminuting apparatus provided beneath the exit and having an entrance for receiving the scrap web;
• and
• a height-adjustable delivery chute provided between the trim press exit and the comminuting apparatus entrance and including a lower entrance chute member, an upper entrance chute member telescopically received relative to the lower entrance chute member to provide height adjustment of the delivery chute relative to the comminuting apparatus, and a fastener for securing the chute at a selected height to substantially close any gaps between the trim press exit, the comminuting apparatus entrance and the delivery chute to eliminate any need for a shielding cage to prevent internal finger and limb access by an operator;
• wherein the fastener comprises a retaining nut and bolt and a plurality of apertures provided on one of the upper entrance chute member and the lower entrance chute member and at least one aperture provided on another of the upper entrance chute member and the lower entrance chute member configured to be aligned at selected height-adjustable locations and configured to receive the bolt therein to affix telescopic positioning between the upper entrance chute member and the lower entrance chute member.