U.S. patent application number 12/245172 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for cassette and apparatus for packing disposable objects into an elongated tube of flexible material.
Invention is credited to Michel MORAND.
Application Number | 20090100806 12/245172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39126366 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MORAND; Michel |
April 23, 2009 |
CASSETTE AND APPARATUS FOR PACKING DISPOSABLE OBJECTS INTO AN
ELONGATED TUBE OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL
Abstract
A cassette (3) for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing (32)
comprising an annular receptacle (38) accommodating a length of
tubing (32) in an accumulated condition. An annular opening at an
upper end of the annular receptacle (38) is for dispensing the
tubing (32). The annular receptacle (38) defines a central opening
(34) through which a knotted end (40) of the tubing (32) passes to
form a bag supported by the annular receptacle (38) with disposable
objects passing through the circular central opening (34) to be
received in the bag, and a clearance (41) only at a bottom of the
central opening (34).
Inventors: |
MORAND; Michel; (Montreal,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT LLP
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE, SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
CA
|
Family ID: |
39126366 |
Appl. No.: |
12/245172 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/567 ;
221/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/062 20130101;
B65F 1/1646 20130101; B65B 67/1277 20130101; B65B 67/1266 20130101;
B65F 2240/132 20130101; B65B 9/20 20130101; B65B 43/267 20130101;
B65F 2210/167 20130101; B65F 1/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/567 ;
221/46 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/10 20060101
B65B009/10; B65H 1/00 20060101 B65H001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 5, 2007 |
EP |
07019571.4 |
Claims
1. A cassette for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing
comprising an annular receptacle accommodating a length of tubing
in an accumulated condition, an annular opening at an upper end of
the annular receptacle for dispensing the tubing, the annular
receptacle defining a central opening through which a knotted end
of the tubing passes to form a bag supported by the annular
receptacle with disposable objects passing through the circular
central opening to be received in the bag, and a clearance only at
a bottom of the central opening.
2. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the clearance is in
the shape of a chamfer.
3. The cassette according to claim 1, further comprising a
removable lid closing the annular opening of the annular
receptacle.
4. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein an outer periphery of
the annular receptacle tapers downwardly.
5. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the annular opening
is adjacent to an outer periphery of the annular receptacle.
6. The cassette according to claim 1, wherein the clearance extends
on the full periphery of the central opening.
7. An apparatus for packing at least one disposable object into an
elongated tube of flexible material, comprising: a bin defining an
enclosure with an opening defined at a top thereof for receiving at
least one disposable object to be packed; a holder within the bin
proximate the opening, with at least one interfering member at the
bottom of the holder; a closing mechanism located below the holder
comprising first and second portions, the second portion being
biased in a closed position against the first portion and defining
a receiving surface for receiving the at least one disposable
object, the second portion being slidable from the closed position
to an open position through application of a substantially vertical
force against the receiving surface and being slidable from the
open position to the closed position under the action of biasing
means, the closing mechanism in the open position defining a
passage between the opening of the bin and a bottom portion of the
enclosure located below the closing mechanism, the closing
mechanism in the closed position closing the said passage; and a
cassette supported by the holder in the opening of the bin and
having an annular receptacle to accommodate a length of tubing in
an accumulated condition, the annular receptacle having an upper
annular opening for dispensing the tubing such that the tubing
extends through a central opening of the annular receptacle and
with a knotted end thereof into the enclosure of the bin to receive
disposable objects, whereby the closing mechanism closes the
tubing, the annular body having a clearance in a bottom portion of
the central opening opposite the at least one interfering member in
the holder, so as to cooperate with the interfering member for the
cassette to be aligned with the top of the bin in a desired
orientation.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second portion
is slidably supported by a support connected to the holder.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the holder comprises
a first annular flange extending inwardly from an outer wall of the
bin, a tubular wall extending generally downwardly from an inner
end of the first annular flange, and a second annular wall
extending inwardly from a bottom end of the tubular wall, thus
forming a seat for receiving the cassette.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the tubular wall
tapers in a downward direction, and the annular body has a
corresponding frustoconical outer periphery for complementary
engagement of the cassette in the holder.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein opening of the bin
is surrounded by a removable lid, the lid opening/closing access to
the opening of the bin, the lid being prevented from being
installed properly when the cassette is oriented upside down in the
holder.
12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the lid includes a
funnel, with the opening of the bin being surrounded by the
funnel.
13. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the clearance in
the cassette has the shape of a chamfer.
14. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the clearance
extends on the full periphery of the central opening.
Description
FIELD OF THE APPLICATION
[0001] The present application relates to an apparatus for
packaging disposable material or objects into a tube of flexible
plastic film material. More specifically, the invention relates to
an apparatus for use to package waste material, for example babies'
disposable diapers, or any other kind of appropriate objects or
material, into a tube of flexible plastic film material and to
store the so packaged waste material in a hygienic and a
substantially odor-free manner, until it is collected.
BACKGROUND OF THE ART
[0002] Known apparatuses of the above-mentioned type generally
comprise a container having an open or openable upper portion in
which the waste to be disposed of may be inserted and a bottom
portion in which the disposed waste is stored. A ring-shaped
cassette is mounted in the upper portion of the container, and
contains, in a pleated form, a tube of flexible plastic film
material which is formed into an elongated tube which is knotted at
a bottom end and into which the waste material may be inserted and
temporarily stored.
[0003] In use, the waste to be disposed of is inserted into the
tube at the upper portion of the container and the tube and waste
are then pushed through the open center of the cassette towards the
bottom portion of the container for storage purposes. Closeable
means are also provided for closing the tube below the cassette and
thus preventing bad odors from escaping from the tube during
storage.
[0004] In Canadian Patent No. 1,298,191, these closeable means are
disclosed as a core that can be turned by a lid about a cylinder in
order to twist the tube at regular intervals to form successive
"pouches" that are kept sealed while they are stored.
[0005] In Canadian laid-open Application No. 2,383,799, a squeezing
device is mounted in the container below the cassette to pull the
tube from the cassette and move it down together with the objects
inserted into the container. This squeezing device comprises a pair
of opposite rotatable members between which the tube is inserted.
The rotatable members have a plurality of opposite bars extending
transversely to the tube in order to squeeze the tube, keep it
closed until other objects to be disposed of are inserted into the
upper portion of the container, and pull it down to move the
plastic film forming the tube and the objects contained therein
towards the bottom portion of the container for storage purpose.
Actuation of the rotatable members in unison and in opposite
direction to achieve the requested squeezing, closing and pulling
down of the plastic film tube is preferably obtained by actuation
of a lever that is part of the container.
[0006] In Canadian laid-open Application No. 2,441,837, a plunging
device is provided to compress the object to be disposed of, and
push it into the tube and to the bottom part of the container. The
plunging device includes two arms with pivoting flaps attached
thereto and opposing pivotable slides.
[0007] All of these prior art devices have several disadvantages.
Their mechanisms have many parts and are prone to breakage. These
devices are also not user-friendly and difficult to understand the
operation thereof when first purchased. They are costly to
fabricate and they utilize excess film from the cassettes, adding
to the cost of use. Some also do not effectively contain the odors
of the disposed material. Some cause confusion in their
installation, causing improperly oriented cassettes and
contamination of the cassette walls.
SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION
[0008] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a
novel apparatus for packing disposable objects into an elongated
tube of flexible plastic film material that addresses issues
associated with the prior art.
[0009] Therefore, in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present application, there is provided a cassette for dispensing
bags from an elongated tubing comprising an annular receptacle
accommodating a length of tubing in an accumulated condition, an
annular opening at an upper end of the annular receptacle for
dispensing the tubing, the annular receptacle defining a central
opening through which a knotted end of the tubing passes to form a
bag supported by the annular receptacle with disposable objects
passing through the circular central opening to be received in the
bag, and a clearance only at a bottom of the central opening.
[0010] In accordance with the first embodiment, the clearance is in
the shape of a chamfer.
[0011] In accordance with the first embodiment, a removable lid
closes the annular opening of the annular receptacle.
[0012] In accordance with the first embodiment, an outer periphery
of the annular receptacle tapers downwardly.
[0013] In accordance with the first embodiment, the annular opening
is adjacent to an outer periphery of the annular receptacle.
[0014] In accordance with the first embodiment, the clearance
extends on the full periphery of the central opening.
[0015] In accordance with the first embodiment of the present
application, there is provided an apparatus for packing at least
one disposable object into an elongated tube of flexible material,
comprising a bin defining an enclosure with an opening defined at a
top thereof for receiving at least one disposable object to be
packed; a holder within the bin proximate the opening; a closing
mechanism located below the holder comprising first and second
portions, the second portion being biased in a closed position
against the first portion and defining a receiving surface for
receiving the at least one disposable object, the second portion
being slidable from the closed position to an open position through
application of a substantially vertical force against the receiving
surface and being slidable from the open position to the closed
position under the action of biasing means, the closing mechanism
in the open position defining a passage between the opening of the
bin and a bottom portion of the enclosure located below the closing
mechanism, the closing mechanism in the closed position closing the
said passage; and the cassette supported by the holder in the
opening of the bin with the clearance allowing the cassette not to
impede the motion of the closing mechanism from the closed position
to the open position.
[0016] Still in accordance with the first embodiment, the holder
comprises a first annular flange extending inwardly from an outer
wall of the bin, a tubular wall extending generally downwardly from
an inner end of the first annular flange, and a second annular wall
extending inwardly from a bottom end of the tubular wall, thus
forming a seat for receiving the cassette.
[0017] Still in accordance with the first embodiment, the tubular
wall tapers in a downward direction, and the annular body has a
corresponding frustoconical outer periphery for complementary
engagement of the cassette in the holder.
[0018] Still in accordance with the first embodiment, the opening
of the bin is surrounded by a removable lid, the lid
opening/closing access to the opening of the bin, the lid being
prevented from being installed properly when the cassette is
oriented upside down in the holder.
[0019] In accordance with a second embodiment of the present
application, there is provided: a cassette for dispensing bags from
an elongated tubing comprising an annular receptacle accommodating
a length of tubing in an accumulated condition, an annular opening
at an upper end of the annular receptacle for dispensing the
tubing, the annular receptacle defining a central opening through
which a knotted end of the tubing passes to form a bag supported by
the annular receptacle with disposable objects passing through the
circular central opening to be received in the bag, and a clearance
only at a bottom of an outer periphery of the annular
receptacle.
[0020] In accordance with the second embodiment, the clearance
forms a frusto-conical geometry at the bottom of the annular
receptacle.
[0021] In accordance with a third embodiment, there is provided: an
apparatus for packing at least one disposable object into an
elongated tube of flexible material, comprising: a bin defining an
enclosure with an opening defined at a top thereof for receiving at
least one disposable object to be packed; a holder within the bin
proximate the opening, and an interfering member at a bottom of the
holder; a closing mechanism located below the holder comprising
first and second portions, the second portion being biased in a
closed position against the first portion and defining a receiving
surface for receiving the at least one disposable object, the
second portion being slidable from the closed position to an open
position through application of a substantially vertical force
against the receiving surface and being slidable from the open
position to the closed position under the action of biasing means,
the closing mechanism in the open position defining a passage
between the opening of the bin and a bottom portion of the
enclosure located below the closing mechanism, the closing
mechanism in the closed position closing the said passage; a
cassette supported by the holder in the opening of the bin and
having an annular receptacle to accommodate a length of tubing in
an accumulated condition, the annular receptacle having an upper
annular opening for dispensing the tubing such that the tubing
extends through a central opening of the annular receptacle and
with a knotted end thereof into the enclosure of the bin to receive
disposable objects, whereby the closing mechanism closes the
tubing, the annular body having a clearance in a bottom portion of
an outer periphery of the annular receptacle, so as to cooperate
with the interfering member for the cassette to be aligned with the
top of the bin in a desired orientation; and a removable lid
positioned flush on the top of the bin only when the cassette is in
the desired orientation, the cover opening/closing access to the
opening of the bin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of a cassette to be
used with the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the cassette of FIG.
2A;
[0025] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.
1, without tubing, with a closing mechanism in a closed
position;
[0026] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.
3A, with the closing mechanism displaced toward an open
position;
[0027] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.
3A, with the closing mechanism in the fully open position;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according
to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of a cassette to be
used with the apparatus of FIG. 4;
[0030] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the cassette of FIG.
5A;
[0031] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an apparatus in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the cassette of FIG.
2A as used with an apparatus having interfering members.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an apparatus 10 for
packaging disposable objects in an elongated tube of flexible
plastic film material. The apparatus 10 comprises a bin 12 having a
top portion 14 and a bottom portion (not shown) hingedly connected
to each other by a hinge member 16, with outer walls of the top
portion 14 and bottom portion defining an enclosure 18 of the bin
12.
[0034] The top portion 14 and bottom portion are locked together
with a mechanism such as a push button latch (not shown) received
in eyelet 20, located opposite of the hinge member 16. Upon
actuation of the push button, the top portion 14 and bottom portion
are disconnected and can be pivoted apart about the hinge member 16
to provide access to the enclosure 18, for example to empty the bin
12.
[0035] The top portion 14 defines an opening 22 for receiving
disposable objects therethrough. The bin 12 further comprises a lid
24 hingedly connected to a ring 25, for instance in the shape of a
funnel (hereinafter funnel 25), although multiple shapes are
considered such as a flat ring, as long as the ring forms an
opening guidance. The funnel 25 is mounted to the top portion 14
such as to selectively open and close access to the opening 22
through pivoting motion of the lid 24. Although in the embodiment
shown the apparatus has a generally circular opening 22, the bin 12
is not limited to circular openings and could function with
openings of different shapes.
[0036] Still referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 also comprises a
holder 26 located within the top portion 14 proximate the opening
22 for holding a cassette 30 of flexible plastic film tubing 32.
The cassette 30 has an annular body defining a central opening 34
which is generally aligned with the bin opening 22 when the
cassette 30 is accommodated in the holder 26.
[0037] Referring concurrently to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the cassette
30 has a lid 36 and a bottom annular receptacle 38. After the lid
36 is removed, the flexible tubing 32 exits from an upper annular
opening of the receptacle 38, adjacent an outer periphery thereof.
It is pointed out that once the lid 36 is removed, there remains an
upper flange 39 adjacent to the annular opening that maintains the
compressed tubing 32 in the receptacle 38. The cassette 30
comprises a length of flexible plastic film material that is
accumulated (e.g., folded). As shown in FIG. 1, a knot 40 is found
at the free end of the tubing 32 to form a bag end. The knot 40 and
a length of the tubing 32 extend from the cassette 30 into the
enclosure 18 of the bin 12, passing through the central opening 34
of the cassette 30. To better contain odors, it is preferable that
the film material of the tubing 32 be a multiple layer film having
an odor barrier therein such that odors do not permeate through the
film material. The receptacle 38 of the cassette 30 defines a
chamfer clearance 41 at a bottom of the central opening 34. The
chamfer clearance 41 is provided in order to ensure that the
cassette 30 is properly installed in the holder 26 when the
apparatus 10 is in use, as will be described hereinafter. The
chamfer clearance 41 is provided on the full periphery of the
cassette 30, but may also be partial (i.e., not on the full
periphery of the central opening of the cassette).
[0038] Referring to FIG. 1, the holder 26 includes a top annular
flange 42 extending inwardly from the top of the bin 12. A tubular
wall 44 extends downwardly from an inner end of the top annular
flange 42. The holder 26 has a horizontal flange 45 at a bottom of
the wall 44, so as to define a seat supporting the cassette 30. One
will also appreciate that the holder 26 may take many alternate
shapes and forms.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3A-3C, the apparatus 10 further
includes a closing mechanism 50 whose purpose is to provide access
to the flexible tubing 32 extending therebelow and preventing odors
from escaping from the flexible tubing 32. In one form of use, it
permits the disposable objects to push down against the bottom of
the tubing 32 (at the knot 40) to draw out loose flexible tubing
from the receptacle 38 of the cassette 30. One aspect of note is
that the flexible tubing 32 passes over receptacle 38 and the
closing mechanism 50, thereby isolating the receptacle 38 and the
mechanism 50 from the disposable objects to be packaged, reducing
the need for constant cleaning of the walls defining the opening 34
and the mechanism 50. In this respect, one will appreciate that one
of the preferred uses for the apparatus 10 is the disposal of baby
diapers.
[0040] The closing mechanism 50 comprises a fixed portion 52, which
comprises a generally "C"-shaped member rigidly connected to the
wall 44 of the holder 26. Alternate types of connections are also
possible for the fixed portion 52, including connection to an
additional support member connected to the holder 26 or to another
part of the top portion 14. The curved fixed portion 52 defines a
rounded apex 54 which projects into the opening 22, as can be seen
in FIG. 1. The fixed portion 52 defines a receiving surface 56
downwardly inclined toward a movable portion 58 of the closing
mechanism 50.
[0041] The movable portion 58 of the closing mechanism 50 is also
generally "C"-shaped in cross-section and is biased against the
fixed portion 52 in a closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A such
as to generally close the opening 22 of the apparatus 10, thereby
sealing the tubing 32 shut. The curved movable portion 58 defines a
rounded apex 60 projecting into the opening 22, as can be seen in
FIG. 1. The movable portion 58 defines a receiving surface 62
downwardly inclined toward the fixed portion 52, the two receiving
surfaces 56,62 forming a trough directing an object therebetween.
In the closed position, contact between the two portions 52,58 is
between the apex 60 of the movable portion 58 and a lower part of
the fixed portion 52 located below the apex 54 thereof. These
portions are wave-shaped in cross-section to provide an ergonomical
shape in view of hands contacting them, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
Moreover, these wave-shaped portions provide efficient sealing of a
plastic film tube 32 engaged or pinched therebetween.
[0042] The movable portion 58 is slidingly supported by a pair of
spaced-apart, generally vertical walls 64 (only one of which is
shown in FIG. 1) extending downwardly from the holder 26, with the
opening 22 being aligned therebetween. Each of the walls 64 has an
angled slot 66. In the embodiment shown, the slots 66 are angled at
approximately 40 degrees with respect to the horizontal, although
any other working angles are suitable.
[0043] The movable portion 58 includes aligned sliding members 66A
extending therefrom and engaging the slots 66, such that the
movable portion 58 is slidingly movable along an angular direction
defined by the slots 66, and thus along direction A. The movable
portion 58 can move between a closed position, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 3A, in which the movable portion 58 abuts against the
fixed portion 52 to seal the tubing 32 shut, and an opened position
(shown in FIG. 3C) enough to let a disposable object to pass
between the portions 52 and 58. The movable portion 58 is biased to
the closed position of FIG. 1, for using an elongated helical
spring 67 connected to and extending between the sliding members
66A of the movable portion 58 and around the back of the fixed
portion 52. The concave shape of the back of the fixed portion 52
helps maintain the spring aligned in a plane defined by the slots
66.
[0044] It is of particular importance that the cassette 30 be
installed in the appropriate orientation. In the appropriate
orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the tubing 32 is deployed
from the top of the cassette 30. Accordingly, the tubing 32 covers
the side walls of the cassette 30 in the opening 34. Accordingly,
as the tubing 32 covers the cassette 30, there is no risk of
contamination of the walls of the cassette.
[0045] As is clearly seen in FIG. 1, the chamfer clearance 41 is
positioned downwardly. A path of movement of the movable portion 58
is illustrated at B. It is observed that the movable portion 58
passes closely to the wall defining the chamfer clearance 41. If
the chamfer clearance 41 were not provided, the cassette 30 would
impede the movement of the movable portion 58. Accordingly, if the
cassette 30 were installed upside down, the movable portion 58
would be prevented from moving along its path. Therefore, if a user
person wants to use the cassette 30 properly, the cassette 30 must
be oriented properly.
[0046] Alternately, the fixed portion 52 can be replaced by a
portion movable opposite of the movable portion 58, the two being
biased together in the closed position. Such a configuration could
be, for example, two sliding members symmetrical with respect to
one another about a vertical axis defined at the point of contact
therebetween, such as two "C"-shaped members similar in
configuration to the movable member 58 shown, two rollers, etc.,
which are slidable away from each other upon downwardly pushing an
object thereon, and are biased together for example by being
interconnected by one or a plurality of springs. However, such a
mechanism includes additional parts.
[0047] In order to assist the user in correctly placing the
disposable object in the tubing 32, the apparatus 10 advantageously
has the funnel 25 removably installed over the cassette 30,
providing a downward shape around the openings 22,34, which creates
a funnel effect and guides the user's hand. A handle 68 is provided
to remove the lid 24/funnel 25 assembly.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 can further include,
within the bin 12, an integrated cutting tool 70, which can be for
example attached to one of the vertical walls 64, and which
includes a blade located between two spaced-apart protective
fingers sized such as to prevent a user's finger from reaching the
blade but still allowing a portion of tubing 32 to be inserted
between the fingers to be cut with the blade.
[0049] In order to prepare the apparatus 10 for use, and with
reference to FIG. 1, a user person removes the lid 24 and funnel 25
assembly and inserts the cassette 30 in the correct orientation
(i.e., with the chamfer clearance 41 facing downward. The user
person withdraws a free end of the tubing 32 from the cassette 30,
takes a leading edge of flexible tubing 32, ties it into the knot
40 and pushes the knot 40 through the openings 22,34 and beyond the
closing mechanism. It is pointed out that the knot 40 may be made
prior to the cassette 30 being installed. The movable portion 58
opens as a result of the downward pressure, whereby the knot 40
reaches the enclosure 18 below the closing mechanism 50.
[0050] Alternately, the tube end with the knot 40 could be pulled
down to the bottom of the bin 12, for example by pivoting and
opening the top portion 14 such as to gain access to the enclosure
18, and pulling the tube end with the knot 40 through the closing
mechanism 50 and beyond to the bottom of the bin 12. The top
portion 14 is then re-engaged with the bottom portion, and the lid
24/funnel 25 assembly is reinstalled on the top portion 14.
Accordingly a length of empty flexible tubing 32 extends to the
bottom and is now ready to receive disposable objects therein.
Therefore, the film material is not pulled from the cassettes 30 as
disposable objects are placed into the tube.
[0051] In use, when a disposable object needs to be packaged, the
lid 24 of the apparatus 10 is lifted, thereby providing access to
the opening 22. The disposable object to be packaged is placed into
the opening 22 (in this case, the cassette 30 of flexible tubing 32
surrounds the object). The receiving surfaces 56,62 of the fixed
and movable portions 52,58 of the closing mechanism 50 biased
together in the closed position form a trough which directs the
disposable object in the hand of a user person toward a contact
region therebetween.
[0052] The user person pushes the disposable object in a downward
direction, gradually opening the movable portion 58, as is shown in
FIGS. 3B and 3C. The angled receiving surface 62 of the movable
portion 58 helps the downward force to be easily converted along
the direction of the slots 66 such as to force the movable portion
58 from its closed position in contact with the fixed portion 52
(FIG. 3A) to its open position (FIG. 3C) against the force of the
spring 67, through a sliding movement illustrated by direction A in
FIG. 1. Since the movable portion 58 is moved by the force applied
on the disposable object, it slides only enough for the disposable
object to go past the closing mechanism 50, with most of the
opening created by the movement of the movable portion 58 being
blocked by the disposable object such as to minimize the
propagation of odors through the opening 22.
[0053] Once the disposable object passes beyond the apex 60 of the
movable portion 58, the user person releases the disposable object
and withdraws his or her hand. The movable portion 58, under the
action of the spring 67, rapidly returns to the closed position of
FIGS. 1 and 3A, through a sliding movement, effectively sealing the
object within the flexible tubing 32. The curved profile of the
fixed portion 52 below the apex 60 and, more importantly, of the
movable portion 58 below the apex 60 helps push the disposable
object further down, if there is resistance, as the movable portion
58 returns to the closed position to apply a downward pushing
force.
[0054] It is pointed out that different configurations of the
cassette are considered. For instance, clearances of different
shapes can be used instead of a chamfer. The use of a chamfer shape
does not substantially reduce the volume of the receptacle 38 of
the cassette 30, thereby generally preserving the quantity of
tubing 32 received in the cassette 30.
[0055] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5A and
5B, the cassette 30' is provided with a tapered clearance 41'
(forming a frustoconical geometry at the outer periphery of the
bottom of the cassette 30') as opposed to a chamfer clearance 41.
The tapered clearance 41' is used in conjunction with a tapered
flange 44' in the holder 26 of the apparatus 10, as is clearly
illustrated in FIG. 4 (i.e., the flange 44' defines an interference
member of frustoconical shape). Accordingly, this complimentary
shape ensures that the cassette 30' is properly oriented in the
holder 26, otherwise the funnel 25 could not be installed properly
on the top of the bin 12. Moreover, the lid 24 and funnel 25
assembly would have problems closing with the improper orientation
of the cassette 30'. It is pointed out that like reference numerals
refer to like elements in FIGS. 1 and 4.
[0056] For each new disposable object to be packed, the process is
repeated, each time either dropping the disposable object within
the already drawn length of flexible tubing 32 within the enclosure
18, or drawing out an additional length of flexible tubing 32 from
the cassette 30 to accommodate another disposable object as the
disposable object moves down into the tube inside the apparatus 10,
until the enclosure 18 is full, containing an object-filled segment
of flexible film tubing 32. In this case, the top portion 14 is
pivoted away from the bottom portion. The flexible tubing 32 is
then cut, for example by using the cutting tool 70 provided, and
then tied to form a substantially sealed pouch which can be removed
from the bin 12. The top portion 14 is pivoted back into engagement
with the bottom portion to use the apparatus 10 again as described
above.
[0057] In another embodiment of the apparatus 10 using the cassette
30 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fixed portion 52' of the closing
mechanism 50 has an upper end 54' that extends upwardly in the
opening 22 of the bin 12. The upper end 54' is sized such that it
also extends into the opening 34 of the cassette 30 when the
cassette 30 is positioned in the holder 26. If it were positioned
upside down, the cassette 30 would extend above the annular flange
42, and the ring 68 would not be positionable on the bin 12.
[0058] In another embodiment illustrated by FIG. 7, the holder 26
features an interfering member 70 that has a shape that is
complementary to that of the cassette 30 with the chamfer clearance
41. With the presence of the interfering member 70, the cassette 30
must properly be installed in the holder 26 to be used. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, a pair of interfering members 70 may
optionally be provided on both side of the holder 26.
[0059] Advantages of the apparatus 10 include the use of a
wedge-type closing mechanism 50 of simple construction with few
parts to seal the flexible tubing 32. The cassette configurations
ensure that the cassette 30 is properly installed in the holder 26,
thereby preventing contamination of the walls of the cassette (and
the hands of the user person) as the properly installed cassette is
mostly covered by the tubing 32 as is shown in FIG. 1. The
mechanism 50 greatly reduces the complexity of the apparatus 10,
makes the assembly simple, and allows for the use of a lesser
quantity of flexible tubing 32 than prior-art devices. Furthermore,
angling the course of the movable portion 58 permits the
optimization of little horizontal clearance versus the force
required to bias the movable portion 58. Finally, the shape of the
individual portions of the mechanism prevents disposable objects
from "coming back up"--that is, once a disposable object has been
inserted under pressure to pull film material, it will be forced to
remain in the flexible tubing by the closing mechanism 50.
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