Abstract: A container crusher, whereby a container is crushed from top to bottom into a compact neat form, to save extra space in the refuse bin or to save for recycling. The crusher has a central aperture or recess with cut out grooves for containers with handles. Surrounding the central aperture or recess is a concave area which rests or fits onto the container just below its neck. There is provided a separate insert for smaller sized containers, which slots into the central aperture or recess. At each end of the crusher are hand grips. To crush the container the crusher is placed onto the container and the cap is removed. With both hands, one at each end of the grips, pressure is applied downwards until the container is compressed.

Abstract: A recycling machine is provided which compacts containers using a multi-purpose compacting system which includes a roller assembly having a roller configured to draw containers through an adjustable container-receiving throat. The compacting system also includes a base plate assembly with a movable base plate which at least partially defines the throat, the base plate being mounted for movement between a first orientation wherein the base plate is a first predetermined distance from the roller so as to define an open container-receiving throat, and a second orientation wherein the base plate is a second lesser predetermined distance from the roller so as to close the container-receiving throat. The throat typically is closed as the container passes between the roller and the base plate so as to compact the container therebetween.

Abstract: An oil filter crusher includes a frame, a threaded drive screw, and a ram assembly, but does not include any actuator for driving the screw. Rather, a first end of the drive screw has a drive head to which a user may couple a conventional wrench, such as a pneumatic impact wrench of the type commonly used in automotive service centers. A thrust bearing assembly couples the second end of the drive screw to the ram assembly. A threaded portion of the drive screw engages a threaded opening in a portion of the frame. The ram assembly thus moves in an axial direction in response to rotation of the drive screw with respect to the frame. Rotating the drive screw in one direction moves it toward the filter to be crushed, and rotating it in the opposite direction moves it away from the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for kneading used fluid filters having an initial kneader and a final kneader disposed subsequent to the inital kneader. The initial kneader includes a first roller and a second roller disposed on the frame adjacent to the first roller at a distance less than the diameter of the used fluid filter. The first and second rollers include a bar extending longitudinally along the perimeter of each of the first and second rollers for grabbing the used fluid filter. The second roller rotates faster than the first roller and includes a high bar extending longitudinally along the perimeter of the second roller for shearing away the filter plate from the filter canister. The final kneader includes a fifth roller and a sixth roller on the frame adjacent to the fifth roller at a distance less than the distance between the first roller and the second roller. The fifth and sixth rollers include a plurality of points.

Abstract: An oil filter crusher includes an elongated triangular frame, a threaded drive screw, and a ram assembly, but does not include any actuator for driving the screw. Rather, a first end of the drive screw has a drive head to which a user may couple a conventional wrench, such as a pneumatic impact wrench of the type commonly used in automotive service centers. A thrust bearing assembly couples the second end of the drive screw to the ram assembly. A threaded portion of the drive screw engages a threaded opening in a portion of the frame. The ram assembly thus moves in an axial direction in response to rotation of the drive screw with respect to the frame. Rotating the drive screw in one direction moves it toward the filter to be crushed, and rotating it in the opposite direction moves it away from the filter.

Abstract: A first frame has a first end and a second end, two opposing first frame side walls and a first pivot pin extending laterally between the first frame side walls at the second end of the first frame. A generally planar first barrier is attached to the first pivot pin such that the first barrier is pivotal about the first pivot pin. A second frame has a primary end and a secondary end, the second frame comprising two opposing second frame side walls, each of the second frame side walls being pivotally attached at the secondary end of the second frame to one of the first frame side walls at the first end of the first frame. A second pivot pin extends laterally between the second frame side walls between the primary end and the secondary end. A generally planar second barrier is attached to the second pivot pin such that the second barrier is pivotal about the second pivot pin. The first barrier and the second barrier are positioned in an opposed manner to each other.

Abstract: A press assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly having first and second chambers and respective piston and rod assemblies therein. The rod of the second assembly is arranged to enter the first chamber and thereby raise the pressure therein. Initially, fluid flows into the first chamber, forcing the first rod to exert a force on a work object. When a predetermined pressure is reached within the cylinder, fluid is introduced to the second chamber, and causes the second rod to move into the first chamber, which raises or boosts the pressure in the first chamber.

Abstract: A can crusher and storage system is provided including a piston housing having a first face, a second face, and a periphery formed therebetween defining an interior space. The piston housing has an inlet formed in the periphery thereof adjacent the first face. A thin rectangular outlet is formed in the periphery of the piston housing between the inlet and the first face and is further situated opposite of and offset from the inlet. Next provided is a piston assembly situated within the interior space of the piston housing for crushing cans situated within the inlet upon the actuation thereof. A control assembly is provided for selectively actuating the piston assembly.

Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.

Abstract: An automatic can smasher having a frame assembly with a pair of parallel channel members in a spaced relationship for receiving a can to be smashed. A motor is attached to the underside of the frame assembly. The motor drives a plunger arm assembly having a reciprocating plunger that compresses and smashes the can. A switch mounted on a switch mounting plate is operated when a can is placed within the frame assembly. The switch activates the motor and the reciprocating plunger. A hole through the frame assembly in front of the switch mounting plate allows the smashed can to fall through the frame assembly. A can receptacle can be placed over the frame assembly for placement of a plurality of cans and for feeding the cans one at a time into the frame assembly. When the plunger is retracted, one smashed can drops through the hole in the frame assembly, the switch is released and opened and the next can is allowed to fall into place for being smashed.

Abstract: A container crushing apparatus which is particularly useful with plastic beverage containers employs a stationary presser member, a confronting movable presser member, links which constrain the movable presser member for movement along an arcuate path toward and away from the stationary member, and a lever for effecting movement of the movable presser member along the arcuate path. The confronting surfaces of the presser members carry an elastomeric material for gripping the sidewalls of a container to be crushed. As the movable presser member is forced toward the stationary presser member, the sidewalls of the container are displaced toward each other and longitudinally, and the container base pivots toward a position generally aligned with the sidewalls. The lever is connected between the presser members for increased force multiplication as the crushing operation progresses.

Abstract: A can crusher includes two endless belt assemblies arranged alongside each other with the mutually facing runs of said belt assemblies being arranged to define a converging gap therebetween in the direction of motion of the belt so that a can to be crushed fed into the converging space is progressively crushed as it moves between the belts. One of the belt assemblies is pivotally mounted relative to the other such that the angle of convergence can vary, the conveyance movement being controlled by, for example, gas-springs.

Abstract: A can crusher that is attachable to a trash or recycle container. The crusher has a movable vice between which the can to be crushed is placed. An extending upright handle is manually operated to move the vice and crush the can which then exits to the container via a normally trap door and a protective chute. Two gear racks with lower camming members open the trap door as the vice crushes the can. After, the crushing operation is completed the handle may be manually returned to its original position to reclose the normally closed trap door and permit to crushing of additional cans placed in the vice.

Abstract: A can crusher for crushing aluminum cans includes a frame member for mounting to a structure. An elongate tray member for holding objects to be crushed is coupled to the frame member. An elongate handle member is pivotally coupled to the frame member. A hammer member having a can crushing portion and a slot is slidably mounted to the frame member. A roller member pivotally coupled to the handle is disposed within the slot. A stop tab extends from the frame member to position a can directly between the hammer member and the tray member. As the handle member is moved from a first position towards a second position the can crushing portion of the hammer member is moved towards the tray portion upper surface to crush an item such as a can disposed between them.

Abstract: A foot operated device for crushing beverage cans.

Abstract: A trash and recycling center having a modular trash receptacle unit and a modular recycling receptacle. The trash receptacle unit has at least two interior compartments and a movable lid. A trash bag can be placed in one compartment and used newspapers can be stored in the other compartment. The recycling receptacle unit has a top with a can crusher, an empty can storage area, and a slot for depositing crushed cans into the interior of the recycling receptacle. The interior of the recycling receptacle can have multiple shelves or storage draws or, can have a single storage bin. The recycling receptacle can also have a removable counter top recycling unit.

Abstract: A refuse assembly is disclosed and which is useful for reducing the size of deformable objects. The refuse assembly includes a frame defining a passageway, the passageway having an intake end, and an opposite, exhaust end; a pair of continuous rotatable belts mounted in converging relation, one to the other, in the passageway, the pair of continuous belts partially occluding the passageway, each of the continuous belts having an upstream end, which is movably mounted near the intake end of the passageway, and a downstream end which is substantially fixedly mounted near the exhaust end of the passageway; and an engine mounted in force transmitting relation relative to the respective continuous belts to rotate each of the continuous belts in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A can crusher device that has a base member with an upper surface connected by linkages to a moveable plate member with a lower planar surface wherein the linkages includes levers that interconnect the forward portions of the base and plate members as well as the rearward portions of the base and plate members in a parallelogram type of linkage so that on movement of the levers the lower surface of the plate member is maintained in a parallel relationship to the upper surface of the base member during the crushing action on the can. The force exerted on the can is an endwise downward force along the full longitudinal length of the can.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing spent oil filters for recovery of spent oil therefrom, which includes a frame which carries an oil filter crushing chamber, and located therebeneath the frame also carries a hydraulic actuation assembly, a vertical hydraulic ram assembly, a latch mechanism, and a safety control circuit.

Abstract: A system for recycling cans includes a housing adapted for displaying promotional advertising, a deposit slot for receiving the cans and a discharge system for providing immediate payment for the recyclable cans. The system incorporates a rotating drum for receiving the cans and advancing the cans into a conduit where they are then transported to a crusher for compression and storage. A magnet associated with the drum maintains ferrous cans on the drum until they have passed the conduit opening for separating ferrous cans from non-ferrous, recyclable cans.

Abstract: A slot machine shaped can crusher comprising: an outer case formed as a hollow rectangular shaped box with an open roof, the roof of the case including a large aperture and one sidewall including a circular aperture, the lower portion of the front wall extending frontwardly therefrom, the lower portion including a rectangular shaped hole with a generally rectangular shaped removable tray positioned therein; and an inner frame comprised of a horizontally positioned planar floor and two vertically positioned planar side brackets, a plurality of rollers being coupled between the brackets, one of the rollers including a plurality of symbol wheels positioned therearound, a plurality of rubber belts being positioned around at least two of the rollers, a plurality of drive cables being positioned around at least two of the rollers, a handle being operatively coupled to at least one of the rollers and adapted to cause rotational movement of the rollers when pulled by a user, the moving rollers causing an inserted can

Abstract: A compression device adaptor for compacting discarded oil filters having a compacting member (10) which is connected to various types of compression devices, such as a hydraulic press, by way of a compactor connector (12). Formed within compacting member (10) is an interior drain channel (30) providing escape of waste oil held within an oil filter (28) upon pressure being applied by operation of a compression device. An oil filter platform (20) accommodates oil filter (28) as well as containing excess oil and providing drainage of same through a drain port (22).

Abstract: A recycling/crushing apparatus for cans includes a frame housing having an inlet defined in an upper end thereof. A feeding device is mounted in the frame housing and includes an intermittently rotatable axle, a ratchet wheel mounted on the axle to rotate therewith, and a cylindrical wheel mounted on the axle to rotate therewith and having a plurality of annular recesses defined in an outer periphery thereof for receiving cans. A crushing device is mounted in the frame housing and below the feeding device and includes a fixed plate, a movable plate, and a hydraulic cylinder for actuating the movable plate to move relative to the fixed plate between a first, closed position for crushing a can therebetween and a second, open position at which a crushed can will fall. A linking device is interconnected between the movable plate and the ratchet wheel of the feeding device for urging the ratchet wheel to intermittently rotate, thereby feeding a can into the crushing device.

Abstract: The automatic citrus fruit juicer has a fixed frame with an upper platform and a lower platform. A first drum with a vertical axis is rotatably mounted and actuated between the platforms and is crossed by holes for the passage of fruit juice. A second drum with a vertical axis is rotatable eccentrically outside the first drum and is provided with lateral pressing means for pressing its inner surface toward the outer surface of the first drum at a citrus fruit squashing region. A unit for cutting fruits into two halves is mounted above the drums at an opening of the upper platform provided to allow the fruit halves to drop between the drums so that the cut surfaces of the citrus fruits rest against the surface of the first drum. The lower platform is provided with a hole for the exit of the fruit juice and with a chute for removing the peels of the squashed fruit halves.

Abstract: A device for the processing of a barrel of which the upper side comprises a filling hole situated in a standardized position, this device comprising a processing enclosure fitted with a supporting structure bearing a rotary annular part on which the barrel can be disposed, centered and pivoted about its vertical axis of symmetry, and with a purging device comprising a purging rod that is vertically translatable, this rod being disposed to come into line with the axis of the hole subsequent to a rotation of the barrel and to then be inserted inside the barrel by translational motion.

Abstract: Aluminum can recycling and coupon dispenser apparatus includes a housing having a front door and a can receiving slot on the front of the door. Cans fall onto a conveyor belt which transmits or transports the cans to a conduit through which aluminum cans fall to a crusher. Ferrous cans remain on the conveyor held by magnetic elements and are pushed off the conveyor and are discarded. After being crushed for recycling, the cans are transported upwardly by a moving air stream to the upper portion of the housing and the cans fall rearwardly and downwardly to a storage bin where they remain until the bin is transported out of the apparatus. The storage bin may be removed intact and replaced by another storage bin. All of the active elements are secured to the door. The door is pivoted to remove the storage bin containing the crushed cans. Information is displayed while the can crushing is being accomplished and coupons are dispensed in response to user input on a keypad.

Abstract: A compacting method and apparatus particularly adapted to compacting hazardous materials, and in particular radioactive waste, in which a container (1, 1', 1", 1"') is compacted inside a compacting skirt (20) by cooperation between a support surface (7) on which the compacting skirt (20) with the container (1') is placed and a compactor (9) disposed faing the support surface (7) and displaceable along a vertical axis inside the compacting skirt (20). According to the compacting method the compacting skirt (20) containing the container (1, 1', 1", 1"') is moved in translation, in particular between a loading station (I) for loading the container (1), a compacting station (II) where the container (1') is compacted, and an unmolding station (III) for unmolding the compacted container (1") and for evacuating the compacted container (1"') downwards.

Abstract: A trash and recycling center having a modular trash receptacle unit and a modular recycling receptacle. The trash receptacle unit has at least two interior compartments and a movable lid. A trash bag can be placed in one compartment and used newspapers can be stored in the other compartment. The recycling receptacle unit has a top with a can crusher, an empty can storage area, and a slot for depositing crushed cans into the interior of the recycling receptacle. The interior of the recycling receptacle can have multiple shelves or storage draws or, can have a single storage bin. The recycling receptacle can also have a removable counter top recycling unit.

Abstract: A unit for the rapid and reliable decontamination of containers containing contaminated liquids. The apparatus automatically receives, opens, empties, rinses and drys the containers individually. The containers may be sorted as a function of their residual contamination. The containers may optionally be crushed at a temperature at which they are rendered fragile. The containers, whether uncrushed or crushed, are then put into storage or waste canisters. The soiled or contaminated liquids are received by separate collectors.

Abstract: A can crusher has a handle that pivots about a first axis. A first plate is fixed to the handle. A bottom plate is movable along the handle. A rod rotates about a second axis in response to pivoting of the handle to move the second plate, guided by a carrier, toward the first plate and thereby crush a can between the plates. In a modified embodiment, the second plate tilts relative to the first plate in two steps as the bottom plate approaches the top plate.

Abstract: A non-galling, jam resistant aluminum beverage can crusher is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing and releasing articles such as metal cans. A fixed anvil is mounted on the frame and a ram is mounted for movement in a direction toward and away from the anvil to crush an article located therebetween. The articles are fed sequentially to the crushing zone between the anvil and ram through a vertical chute. A spring loaded wedge plate extends outwardly from the ram towards the anvil and initially contacts the article intermediate its length to bend or deform the article to thereby insure uniform crushing of the article by the ram. A coil spring is mounted on the frame and has an adjustable finger which projects downwardly into the crushing zone to guide incoming cans fed from the chute into the crushing zone, and to facilitate release of the crushed can in the crushing zone.

Abstract: A device for compacting empty beverage containers of metal or plastics is provided with a substantially wedge formed container receiving space. Compactor elements subject the container to gradually increasing compacting forces as it moves through the container receiving space. The container is then engaged and punctured by puncturing elements as the container moves through the container receiving space. The compactor elements include a pair of mutually inclined, cooperative endless belts of a flexible material having a container engageable front surface and a rear side. The engaging and puncturing elements include a plurality of metal studs provided in the front surface of each of the belts along the length thereof.

Abstract: A combination can crusher, juicer and slicer having a main housing with a vertically adjustable cutting blade holder or can holder and a ratcheted lever adapted to raise and lower a pressure plate into contact with either a can disposed in the holder or a cutting blade retained in the holder. Moving the pressure plate, which will vary depending on the operation desired, downwardly against a can disposed in the holder crushes the same. Moving the pressure plate downwardly against a mating cutting blade cuts a fruit or vegetable therebetween. Moving the pressure plate downwardly against a mating juicer assembly juices a vegetable or fruit disposed therebetween and juices the same.

Abstract: A can crusher has a removable arm member hingedly connected to a base member, and the arm member has a crushing portion which is received in nested fashion by a can receiving portion on the base member. The crushing portion has a bearing wall with a lip and a plurality of struts perpendicular to the bearing wall. The lip extends above the struts. The base member has a step pad so that the can crusher may be either wall mounted or portable. The lip engages the rim on a container to be crushed to captively secure the container between the lip and the base member. This avoids accidental ejection of the container from the can crusher. When the arm member is in the open position, the lip is spaced from the base member a sufficient distance to accommodate aluminum beverage cans, steel cans and plastic bottles of common household sizes. The struts may also be provided with protective elements to prevent undue wear on the crushing portion.

Abstract: A device for collecting used paper containers is formed of a housing, and a volume reduction mechanism situated in the housing. The volume reduction mechanism squashes the paper containers in a falling passage extending from an inlet port of the housing to thereby reduce the volume of the paper container for efficient collection. The squashed paper container is discharged to a collection box.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing cans for recycling which automatically feeds cans one at a time into a cleaning station for cleaning and draining any remaining residue from the cans. At the completion of the cleaning cycle, the cleaned can is fed to a crushing station where the can is crushed to a predetermined thickness and then dropped into a hopper for storage for recycling. In accordance with the invention, three or more aluminum or tinned steel cans may be cleaned and crushed per minute without operator intervention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing casings for time pieces and, more particularly, a process for producing casings from disposable metal containers for receiving watch movements and the resulting time pieces.

Abstract: A large cylindrical enclosure shaped to look like a huge beverage can has a recessed area in its outer wall containing an operator's panel and an opening into the interior for inserting empty recyclable beverage cans. Inside the enclosure is a conveyor for receiving the inserted cans, a discriminator for distinguishing between ferrous and non-ferrous cans and a pneumatic transporter for carrying the cans to a mechanical crusher which compacts the cans individually and discharges them into a temporary storage area from which they are removed from time to time for recycling. The operator'panel includes a photoelectric sensor for initiating operation of the mechanisms in the interior of the structure and may also include various visual readouts as well as a dispenser for feeding out coins, printed credit slips and receipts.

Abstract: A combination can crushing and retrieving device having a movable gripping and crushing jaw means. An aluminum can can be gripped and positioned within the device for pivotal engagement of a crushing jaw by pressure inserted thereon by the user's foot. The can is crushed and folded and can be transported by the device for release and disposal as well as initial gripping of the can for positioning within the crushing device.

Abstract: A waste container reformer, for reforming generally disk-shaped compacted waste containers into prismatic forms, sequentially presses the sides of the waste container into a prism with a 45.degree.-90.degree.-45.degree. triangular base so that when it is placed adjacent to another reformed container, the two form a rectangular box for more efficient use of storage space. The pressure surfaces are controlled by hydraulic cylinders to provide the forces needed to reform the container. The reforming process is controlled so that one angle is formed at a time, beginning with one of the 45.degree. angles, followed by the 90.degree. angle, and then completed by forming the other 45.degree. angle. By forming one angle at a time, the load requirements of the reformer are reduced, and a consistently similar shaped reformed waste container is created.

Abstract: The device embodying the invention uses a hydraulic press activating a mobile plate in a chamber opposite a base on which a metal barrel can be disposed, and successively comprises: the placing and maintaining of the barrel on the base; the perforating of two opposite sides of the barrel by means of an elongated perforating mechanism running through the barrel from side to side and from top to bottom; the cleaning of the interior of the barrel by projection of a cleansing fluid under pressure by means of a rotary injection head integral with the perforating mechanism; and the crushing of the barrel by displacement of the plate towards the base. The invention notably concerns the processing of polluted metal barrels with a view to facilitating handling, storage and recycling thereof.

Abstract: A drum crusher crushes differently shaped and/or sized empty containers such as 55 gallon steel drums to facilitate recycling of the material in the make-up of the container. A compacting press actuated by remote controlled hydraulic pressure moves in the axial direction of the drums or containers with sufficient hydraulic pressure to crush the containers to a minimum size. Locating bars facilitate manual, mechanical or gravity feeding of the drums into the crushing apparatus and the manual, mechanical or gravity removal of compacted slugs from the crushing apparatus. Safety apparatus minimizes exposure of personnel to possible hazardous conditions.

Abstract: Method and device for handling recycling packages, such as bottles and cans in which a recycling package is introduced into a receiving space in the device and is transferred by a conveyor device into an identification position. After the identification of the package, the recycling package is transferred to a crusher device for crushing the package and then the crushed package is transferred to a storage container. The conveyor device includes a conveyor having lifting members fixed thereto and which contact the recycling package in the receiving space. The package is lifted by the lifting members to the identification position.

Abstract: An apparatus for sequentially removing the top, puncturing the sides, simultaneously washing the interior and exterior of a drum and crushing the drum.

Abstract: A can crusher is provided with a can feed hopper having an open inlet at the top of the can crusher through which opening a plurality of cans may be inserted one after another to fill the hopper. Sequentially, each can falls by gravity into a crushing compartment where a power-driven ram crushes the can axially to crumple the can's cylindrical wall thereby reducing the can's length to about one-fourth or less of its original length. The crushed can falls by gravity through a discharge chute to be automatically discharged. Each can in the hopper automatically falls in succession into the crushing compartment to be crushed and discharged. To prevent human fingers from being inserted through the hopper inlet or the discharge chute and into the crushing compartment, the guiding chute paths are non-linear and/or tortuous to reduce the length thereof and to block a straight finger insertion into the crushing compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a container having a base and a top. The apparatus includes a housing and a lid which releasibly attaches to the housing. The lid contains a hole or recess to receive the top of a container. The apparatus also includes a shelf which has a top side containing at least one recess adapted to receive the base of the container. The shelf and the lid cooperate to hold the container securely. Additionally, the apparatus may include rods and the shelf may contain orifices to receive the rods. The shelf travels along the rods such that it remains parallel and aligned with the lid. Finally, gears, belts, or handles serve to force the shelf against the lid and thereby crush the container held between the lid and the shelf.

Abstract: A liquified petroleum gas (LP gas) can recycling apparatus which includes a first compacting portion which safely evacuates the can for recovery of any residual gaseous product therefrom, then compacts the can, discharges the slug now compacted for collection; and a second gas treatment portion which collects the residual gas, repressurizes it and stores it in a repressurized gaseous state. The apparatus is preferably operated in an automated fashion by compressed air.

Abstract: The device for crushing metal cans has a supporting structure and a crushing head mounted on the supporting structure and forming a region for resting the can to be crushed. The crushing head supports two presser elements arranged mutually opposite along a main axis proximate to the resting region. The device also has a mechanism for moving one of the presser elements towards the other presser element and rotating it about the main axis with respect to the other presser element, whereby to crush a can interposed between the two presser elements.

Abstract: An installation for accepting, sorting and storing recyclable materials, and providing a convenient method for third party collection. The device is comprised of a depository opening into which the waste materials are entered, a chute along which the materials travel, a series of inclined gate mechanisms which facilitate the segregation of the materials, and a divided storage area featuring a number of bins into which the segregated materials are deposited and stored. The depository is located preferably inside a building in an accessible common area. It is connected to a chute which descends through an exterior wall to connect to the storage area outside. The storage area is divided into a number of bins. The storage area can be configured to meet the requirements of the consumer, that is the number and arrangement of bins is variable. Each bin is accessible through a door on its exterior.