U.S. patent application number 12/246746 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for refuse disposal apparatus and methods of using same.
Invention is credited to Kevin S. Breuker, Michael A. Johnson, Randall C. Place.
Application Number | 20100083616 12/246746 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42074672 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100083616 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Place; Randall C. ; et
al. |
April 8, 2010 |
REFUSE DISPOSAL APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USING SAME
Abstract
An apparatus that can be used for packaging refuse, such as
soiled diapers, for disposal or items, such as food and medicine,
for storage can comprise a receptacle having an upper open end, a
cover connected proximate the upper end of the receptacle, and a
rotatable tube mounted on a pair of bosses carried by the
receptacle. The rotatable tube can carry a roll of linearly
attached disposable bags for receiving refuse and the like. Sealing
means can be provided for sealing at least one of the disposable
bags after receiving refuse or other item to be packaged. A suction
motor can be provided in communication with the disposable bags to
vacuum air out of the disposable bag. A cutting assembly can be
connected to the cover for cutting the disposable bag from the
plurality of linearly attached disposable bags.
Inventors: |
Place; Randall C.; (US)
; Johnson; Michael A.; (US) ; Breuker; Kevin
S.; (Hudsonville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ASHLEY LAW FIRM P.C.
3440 TORINGDON WAY, SUITE 205
CHARLOTTE
NC
28277
US
|
Family ID: |
42074672 |
Appl. No.: |
12/246746 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/434 ;
53/329.3; 53/479; 53/512; 53/552 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/062 20130101;
B65F 2210/167 20130101; B65B 31/041 20130101; B65F 2240/132
20130101; B29C 65/18 20130101; B65B 61/06 20130101; B29C 66/1122
20130101; B65B 51/146 20130101; B65F 2210/188 20130101; B29C
66/43121 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/434 ; 53/512;
53/329.3; 53/552; 53/479 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/12 20060101
B65B009/12; B65B 31/00 20060101 B65B031/00; B65B 51/10 20060101
B65B051/10 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for packaging objects, comprising: (a) a plurality
of linearly attached disposable bags, wherein a first one of the
disposable bags is positioned to receive a first object; (b) vacuum
means for vacuuming air from the first disposable bag after
receiving the first object; (c) sealing means for sealing the first
disposable bag after receiving the first object; and (d) a cutting
assembly adapted for cutting the first disposable bag from the
plurality of linearly attached disposable bags after receiving the
object, and whereby a second disposable bag is positioned to
receive a second object.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
adapted for packaging malodorous refuse for disposal of said
refuse.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of
disposable bags are adapted for containing soiled diapers.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is
adapted for packaging perishable items for storage of said
items.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of
disposable bags are adapted for containing one or more selected
from the group consisting of food and medication.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of
disposable bags are rolled on a tube, whereby the first bag is
pulled down from the tube into position to receive the first
object.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second bag is
pulled down from the tube into position to receive the second
object after the first bag has been cut from the plurality of
disposable bags rolled on the tube by the cutting assembly.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum means
comprises a suction motor in communication with the plurality of
disposable bags.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sealing means
comprises a heat sealing module operatively connected to the
plurality of disposable bags.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting assembly
comprises a slide cutter handle, and a cutting wheel operatively
connected to the plurality of disposable bags.
11. An apparatus for disposing refuse comprising: (a) a receptacle
having an upper open end for receiving refuse; (b) a cover
connected proximate the upper end of the receptacle; (c) a
rotatable tube mounted on a pair of bosses carried by the
receptacle for carrying a roll of linearly attached disposable bags
for receiving refuse; (d) sealing means for sealing at least one of
the disposable bags after receiving refuse; (e) a suction motor in
communication with the disposable bags adapted for vacuuming air
out of the at least one disposable bag after receiving refuse; and
(f) a cutting assembly connected to the cover for cutting the at
least one disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached
disposable bags.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of linearly attached disposable bags adapted for
containing soiled diapers, and rolled onto the rotatable tube,
wherein a first one of the disposable bags is pulled downward to
hang within the interior of the receptacle whereby a first soiled
diaper can be positioned within said first bag.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, the suction motor vacuums
air out of the first bag containing the soiled diaper, and the
sealing means seals said first bag containing.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the cutting
assembly cuts the first bag from the plurality of linearly attached
bags after the first bag has been vacuumed and sealed, whereby the
first bag drops into the receptacle and a second one of the
plurality of disposable bags can be pulled downward to hang within
the interior of the receptacle to receive a second soiled
diaper.
15. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sealing means
comprises a heat sealing module connected to the cover.
16. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cover is
pivotally connected to the receptacle, and further comprising a
transparent window formed in the cover.
17. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the cutting
assembly comprises a cutting wheel axially positioned within a
slide cutter handle, and the slide cutter handle is positioned
within a linear track formed in the cover.
18. An apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a
retaining rim mounted on the upper open end of the receptacle for
maintaining a trash bag in an upright and open position within the
receptacle.
19. An apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: (a) an
air conduit positioned in the receptacle and in communication with
the disposable bags and the suction motor; (b) an air filter in
communication with the air conduit, whereby air vacuumed from the
at least one disposable bag flows through the filter; and (c) an
air removal activation button pivotally mounted on the cover and
operatively connected to the suction motor whereby pressing the
activation button activates the suction motor.
20. A method for disposing of a soiled diaper comprising the steps
of: (a) providing a plurality of linearly attached disposable bags,
wherein a first one of the disposable bags is positioned to receive
a soiled diaper; (b) depositing the soiled diaper in the first
disposable bag; (c) vacuuming air from the first disposable bag
containing the soiled diaper; (d) sealing the first disposable bag
containing the soiled diaper; and (e) detaching the first
disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable
bags.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system that can be used
in the disposal of refuse, as well as packaging of items for
storage. One embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus that
can be used to dispose of malodorous items, such as soiled
diapers.
[0002] Disposal of malodorous refuse, such as used diapers, is a
common household problem. When deposited in conventional garbage
containers, the pungent odor of the soiled diapers tends to
permeate throughout the room in which the container resides,
causing the room and often the entire home to have a foul odor.
This problem is compounded in places such as day care facilities,
hospitals and nursing homes, where a large number of diapers and/or
incontinence products are being used at once. Also, taking the
soiled diapers directly to a trash container located outside the
home immediately after use is not a convenient option for parents
and other care givers, particularly those caring for one or more
children, with no other care givers present. Furthermore, when such
soiled diapers are immediately disposed in a trash container left
outdoors, the odors emanating from an outdoor trash container,
which typically collects trash for periods of a week or more before
emptying, can become very pungent in the outdoor heat. As such, an
outdoor container left inside a garage or out in the heat can
become just as maladorous and bothersome as an indoor container
with traditional disposal systems.
[0003] A variety of covered containers have been developed
particularly for containing used diapers. However, such containers
typically provide only a brief respite from the foul odor of the
used diapers, and the odor ultimately permeates through the
container and throughout the home, particularly after the container
has been opened several times to deposit additional diapers. This
problem also exists with trash cans left outdoors as noted
above.
SUMMARY OF OBJECTS AND EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a system for disposing malodorous refuse that minimizes the escape
of odors from the system. Another object of the present invention
is to provide refuse disposal system that can be used to dispose
used diapers.
[0005] These and other objects of the present invention can be
achieved in the preferred embodiments of the invention described
below. In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for
packaging objects comprises a plurality of linearly attached
disposable bags, and the first one of the disposable bags is
positioned to receive an object to be packaged. After receiving the
object, air is vacuumed from the first disposable bag, and the bag
is sealed. A cutting assembly cuts the first disposable bag from
the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags after receiving
the object, so that a second disposable bag can be positioned to
receive an additional object.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
apparatus is adapted for packaging malodorous refuse for
disposal.
[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
plurality of disposable bags are for containing soiled diapers.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
apparatus is adapted for packaging perishable items for
storage.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
plurality of disposable bags are adapted for containing food and/or
medication.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
plurality of disposable bags are rolled on a tube, so that the
first bag is pulled down from the tube into position to receive an
object, such as a soiled diaper.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, a second
bag is pulled down from the tube into position to receive another
object after the first bag has been cut from the plurality of
disposable bags rolled on the tube by the cutting assembly.
[0012] According to another embodiment of the invention, air is
vacuumed out of the bags by a suction motor.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, the bags
are sealed by a heat sealing module.
[0014] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
cutting assembly includes a slide cutter handle, and a cutting
wheel operatively connected to the plurality of disposable
bags.
[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, an
apparatus for disposing refuse comprises a receptacle having an
upper open end for receiving refuse, a cover connected proximate
the upper end of the receptacle, and a rotatable tube mounted on a
pair of bosses carried by the receptacle for carrying a roll of
linearly attached disposable bags for receiving refuse. Sealing
means are provided for sealing at least one of the disposable bags
after receiving refuse, and a suction motor in communication with
the disposable bags vacuums air out of the disposable bag after
receiving the refuse. A cutting assembly is connected to the cover
for cutting the disposable bag from the plurality of linearly
attached disposable bags.
[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
plurality of linearly attached disposable bags adapted for
containing soiled diapers are rolled onto the rotatable tube, and a
first one of the disposable bags is pulled downward to hang within
the interior of the receptacle so that a first soiled diaper can be
positioned within said first bag.
[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
suction motor vacuums air out of the first bag containing the
soiled diaper and the sealing means seals the bag.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
cutting assembly cuts the first bag from the plurality of linearly
attached bags after the first bag has been vacuumed and sealed, so
that the first bag drops into the receptacle and a second one of
the plurality of disposable bags can be pulled downward to hang
within the interior of the receptacle to receive a second soiled
diaper.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
sealing means comprises a heat sealing module connected to the
cover.
[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cover
is pivotally connected to the receptacle, and a transparent window
is formed in the cover.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the
cutting assembly comprises a cutting wheel axially positioned
within a slide cutter handle, and the slide cutter handle is
positioned within a linear track formed in the cover.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
retaining rim is mounted on the upper open end of the receptacle
for maintaining a trash bag in an upright and open position within
the receptacle.
[0023] According to another embodiment of the invention, an air
conduit is positioned in the receptacle in communication with the
disposable bags and the suction motor, and an air filter is in
communication with the air conduit, so that air vacuumed from the
bags flow through the filter. An air removal activation button can
be pivotally mounted on the cover, and operatively connected to the
suction motor such that pressing the activation button activates
the suction motor.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method
for disposing of a soiled diaper includes the steps of providing a
plurality of linearly attached disposable bags, in which at least
one of the disposable bags is positioned to receive a soiled
diaper, and a soiled diaper is deposited in the bag. Air is
vacuumed from the disposable bag containing the soiled diaper, the
bag is sealed and detached from the rest of the linearly attached
disposable bags.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Objects of the invention have been set forth above. Further
objects and advantages of the present invention may become apparent
as the description of the invention proceeds when taken in
conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a refuse disposal apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown
with the top cover open;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a front elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
shown with the top cover open;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, shown with
the top cover open;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
1, shown with the top cover open;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the apparatus, shown
with the top cover open;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a partial side schematic view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a partial rear perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 14 is a partial rear perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 1, shown with the top cover open;
[0040] FIG. 15 is a partial front perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 1, shown with the top cover open;
[0041] FIG. 16 is a partial side schematic view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a side environmental view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1, illustrating a step in a method of using the apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 18 is another side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating another step in a method of using the apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 19 is an environmental perspective view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating another step in a method of using
the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 20 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating another step in a method of using the apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 21 is another side environmental view of the apparatus
of FIG. 1, illustrating another step in a method of using the
apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 22 is a partial exploded view of the apparatus of FIG.
1, illustrating another step in a method of using the apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0048] FIG. 23 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1,
illustrating another step in a method of using the apparatus
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 24 is another partial exploded perspective view of the
apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating another step in a method of using
the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0050] FIG. 25 is a partial schematic side view of the apparatus of
FIG. 1, illustrating another step in a method of using the
apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 26 is a partial rear perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 1; and
[0052] FIG. 27 is a partial exploded view of the apparatus of FIG.
1.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF THE
INVENTION
[0053] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals
represent like components throughout, an apparatus for disposing
refuse according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10.
The apparatus 10 generally comprises a cover 30 and a trash bag
retaining rim 42, both of which can be pivotally attached to a
trash receptacle 40 by means of a pivotal member 35, shown in FIGS.
2-4, 6 and 7. Electrical and mechanical controls, discussed in
detail below, are housed within the apparatus 10.
[0054] It should be noted that while the apparatus 10 is shown in
the drawings and described herein having the cover 30 positioned on
the trash receptacle 40, the invention is not so limited. For
example, the invention can alternatively be mounted to a wall or
set upon a flat surface, and can be used in other applications not
involving a trash receptacle.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 19, the apparatus can be used to dispose of
malodorous refuse, such as soiled diapers 70 of infants, toddlers
and/or adults. As shown in FIG. 11, the retaining rim 42 holds the
open end of a trash bag 44 from falling into the receptacle 40. A
plurality of single use diaper disposal bags 45 are linearly
attached and rolled onto a tube 47, shown in FIGS. 11, 19 and 25.
The tube is snapped into projected bosses 46 of the retaining rim
42, shown in FIGS. 16, 18 and 27. The first bag 45a is pulled away
from the tube and allowed to hang down in the upper center area of
the receptacle 40, while remaining connected to the next bag on the
roll of bags 45, as shown in FIG. 11.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 19, the single use diaper disposal bag 45a
is in the hanging state, and a soiled diaper 70 can be inserted
into the hanging bag 45a at the open end. As shown in FIGS. 24 and
26, the receptacle 40 can house a power supply 48. The power supply
48 has a power cord 49 which delivers power from an electricity
source, such as a household electrical outlet. Further, it will be
apparent to one skilled in the art that the electrical components
can be rearranged or positioned elsewhere within the unit.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, the cover 30 houses means for
providing a vacuum, such as a suction motor 31. The suction motor
31 can be attached to sealing means for sealing the disposable bags
45, such as a heat sealing module 11. The power supply 48 delivers
power to the suction motor 31, and the heat sealing module 11
through an interconnect harness 12. The electrical wires from the
power supply 48 to the suction motor 31 and the heat sealing module
11 have sufficient slack to accommodate the relative movement of
the cover 30 when rotated to the maximum angle of rotation. As
shown in FIGS. 24 and 27, the heat sealing module 11 can be mounted
into the slots 13 formed in downwardly extending flanges 39 in the
cover 30 by means of a snap feature.
[0058] The heat sealing module 11 and the suction motor 31 can be
connected by an air conduit 14, as shown in FIG. 25. As the air is
removed from the single use disposable diaper bag 45a, it travels
thru an air conduit 15 and also an air filter 16. The air filter 16
can be of the charcoal type, or any type that would remove or mask
odors.
[0059] A slide cutter assembly 17 can be comprised of a slide
cutter handle 18 and a cutting mechanism, such as a cutting wheel
19, shown in FIG. 27. The cutting wheel 19 is axially captured
inside the slide cutter handle 18. The wheel 19 is free to rotate
about its axis. The slide cutter handle 18 is captured in a cutout
38 on the cover 30 allowing only a single axis of travel, as shown
in FIG. 23. An inner cover 20, shown in FIGS. 19, 24 and 27, can be
fastened to the cover 30 using conventional fasteners.
[0060] The plates of the heat sealing module 11 are forced into
abutting communication by mechanical linkage 21, shown in FIG. 27,
which is moved by the user "U" pushing downward on the air removal
activation button 22, as shown in FIG. 21. The air removal
activation button 22 can be pivotally mounted to the cover 30 by
means of a snap lock flange 23, shown in FIG. 27. A transparent
roll view window 24, shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 23 and 27, can be secured
to the cover 30 using adhesive. One or more fasteners, such as pins
or screws, can be used in a manner well known in the art to further
secure the air removal button 22, suction motor 31, heat sealing
module 11 or the roll view window 24. In an alternative embodiment,
the sealing means can comprise a zip fastener feature at the top
opening of the disposable bags 45, such as in the storage bags sold
under the mark ZIPLOC. In such an embodiment, pressure is applied
to close the top opening of the bags, and air can be removed from
bags through a valve built into the bags.
[0061] The apparatus 10 can be used for the odorless disposal of
soiled diapers for infants, and incontinent adult care accessories.
Specifically, the apparatus 10 allows for the odorless disposal of
soiled diapers in a sealed plastic bag that is substantially void
of air. The apparatus 10 can be mounted on a trash can, wall,
changing table or set on a flat surface. A soiled diaper 70 can be
inserted into a single use disposable diaper bag 45a. The air is
substantially removed from the bag 45a, and sealed. Or
alternatively, the bag 45a can be sealed, and then the air is
removed. Once the single use disposable diaper bag 45a, and its
contents have been packaged, because of the lack of air in the bag,
there is minimal or no odor, and the bag can be disposed in any
open trash container.
[0062] In a preferred method of using the apparatus 10, the user
"U" grasps a handle 33 on the cover 30, as shown in FIG. 17, and
depresses a release lever to allow the cover 30 to be opened. The
cover 30 is opened to about ninety degree or beyond, as shown in
FIG. 18. A piece of refuse, such as a soiled diaper 70, is placed
in the single disposal bag 45a that has been pulled away from the
roll of bags 45, as shown in FIG. 19. The cover 30 is closed on the
receptacle 40 so that the latch engages. The user "U" presses the
air removal activation button 22, which initiates the packaging
process.
[0063] In the packaging process, the air is removed in an auxiliary
manner from the interior of the disposable diaper bag 35, and the
bag 35 is permanently sealed with the heat sealing module 11. This
results in a sealed bag, in which the interior is substantially
void of air, thereby minimizing the transmission of odor. The slide
cutter handle 18 is positioned across the unit 10 to end position,
which actuates the cutting wheel 19 to cut off the sealed single
use disposable diaper bag 45a from the roll of bags 45. The cut
sealed single use disposable diaper bag 45a then drops to the
bottom of the receptacle 40.
[0064] It should be noted that while the apparatus 10 is described
above as being used to package malodorous refuse, such as soiled
diapers and the like, for disposal, the invention is not so
limited. For example, the apparatus 10 can be used to package
perishable items, such as food and medicines, for preservation and
storage.
[0065] In addition, any sequence and/or temporal order of steps of
various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it is to be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in a particular sequence or order, and the steps of
such processes or methods may be carried out in various different
sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the
present invention.
[0066] A refuse disposal apparatus, and methods of using same are
described above. Various details of the invention may be changed
without departing from its scope. The foregoing description of the
invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are
provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the
purpose of limitation- the invention being defined by the following
claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *