U.S. patent application number 14/542940 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for waste storage device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC. Invention is credited to Richard S. Chomik, Taek Kim, Stuart Leslie, Aidan Petrie, Joe Sejnowski, Mark Yoho.
Application Number | 20170217675 14/542940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34272820 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170217675 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Chomik; Richard S. ; et
al. |
August 3, 2017 |
WASTE STORAGE DEVICE
Abstract
A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container includes a
waste storage container that has a body, a lid and a cartridge
adapted to be positioned in the body. The cartridge has a
continuous length of storage film therein. The storage film
emanates through a gap between a rim and a core tube of the
cartridge and is folded down through a core opening in the core
tube into an interior space of the body of the waste storage
container. The sealing mechanism includes an actuator accessible
from outside the body, a gear assembly operably connected to the
actuator, a retaining assembly that holds stationary a dispensed
portion of the storage film in the interior space of the body
during a twist-closure operation, and a plunger operably connected
to the gear assembly
Inventors: |
Chomik; Richard S.;
(Orlando, FL) ; Yoho; Mark; (Chagrin Falls,
OH) ; Leslie; Stuart; (Larchmont, NY) ; Kim;
Taek; (Washington Township, NJ) ; Petrie; Aidan;
(Jamestown, RI) ; Sejnowski; Joe; (North
Kingstown, RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC |
Chesterfield |
MO |
US |
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20150068155 A1 |
March 12, 2015 |
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Family ID: |
34272820 |
Appl. No.: |
14/542940 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11390941 |
Mar 27, 2006 |
9102467 |
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14542940 |
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10714381 |
Nov 6, 2003 |
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11390941 |
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10477041 |
Jan 5, 2005 |
7350663 |
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PCT/US02/11021 |
Apr 10, 2002 |
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10714381 |
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60282808 |
Apr 10, 2001 |
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60499443 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/1122 20130101;
B65F 2210/124 20130101; B29L 2031/7128 20130101; B65B 2067/1283
20130101; B65B 67/1277 20130101; B65F 1/062 20130101; B29C 66/83241
20130101; B65F 1/1405 20130101; B65F 2240/132 20130101; B65F 1/1607
20130101; B65F 1/1426 20130101; B29C 66/4312 20130101; B29C 65/38
20130101; B65B 7/12 20130101; B65F 2210/1675 20130101; B65F 1/163
20130101; B65F 2210/167 20130101; B29C 65/00 20130101; B65B 9/15
20130101; B29C 66/43 20130101; B29C 66/1122 20130101; B29C 65/00
20130101; B29C 66/43 20130101; B29C 65/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65F 1/06 20060101
B65F001/06; B65F 1/14 20060101 B65F001/14; B65B 9/15 20060101
B65B009/15; B65B 7/12 20060101 B65B007/12; B65B 67/12 20060101
B65B067/12 |
Claims
1. A cartridge for holding waste, comprising: a cartridge body
having a ring-like shape with a center opening; a continuous length
of film that extends through said center opening; wherein said
cartridge has a gear enabling at least one of said cartridge and
said film to be rotatable.
2. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 1, wherein said gear is
on said cartridge body.
3. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 1, wherein said gear is
on a top surface of said cartridge body.
4. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 1, wherein said gear is
on a bottom surface of said cartridge body.
5. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 1, wherein said gear
has at least one of a protrusion, a depression, and an
aperture.
6. A cartridge for holding waste, comprising: a cartridge body
having a ring-like shape with a center opening; a continuous length
of film stored within said cartridge body; a cartridge top that at
least partially contains said film within said cartridge body;
wherein said film is dispensed from a gap adjacent said cartridge
top and down through said center opening; wherein said cartridge
has a sensing device.
7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein said sensing device is at
least one of an aperture, a strip, and a bar, wherein said sensing
device is on at least one of said cartridge body and said cartridge
top.
8. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein said cartridge body has a
bottom wall, wherein at least a portion of said bottom wall is
angled relative to said cartridge top such that a projection of
said bottom wall would intersect a projection of at least a portion
of said cartridge top.
9. The cartridge of claim 8, wherein said cartridge bottom wall has
a sensing device, wherein said sensing device is at least one of an
aperture, a strip, and a bar.
10. A cartridge for holding waste, comprising: a cartridge body
having a ring like shape, said cartridge body having an inner wall
defining a central opening; a continuous length of film stored
within said cartridge body; a cartridge top that at least partially
contains said film within said cartridge body; wherein said film is
dispensed from said cartridge top and down through said center
opening; and wherein said cartridge body has a bottom wall, wherein
at least a portion of said bottom wall is angled relative to said
cartridge top such that a projection of said bottom wall would
intersect a projection of at least a portion of said cartridge
top.
11. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 10, further comprising
an outer wall.
12. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 11, wherein a
projection of at least a portion of said outer wall would intersect
a projection of at least a portion of said inner wall.
13. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 12, wherein said
projection of at least a portion of said outer wall is a downward
projection and said projection of at least a portion of said inner
wall is a downward projection.
14. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 10, wherein said inner
wall has an inner upper portion and an inner lower portion, wherein
said inner upper portion is skewed from said inner lower
portion.
15. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 11, wherein said outer
wall has an outer upper portion and an outer lower portion, wherein
said outer upper portion is skewed from said outer lower
portion.
16. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 10, wherein said
cartridge top at least partially contains film within said
cartridge body about an outer periphery of said cartridge body.
17. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 10, wherein said film
is dispensed adjacent said cartridge top proximal to said center
opening.
18. The cartridge for holding waste of claim 10, further comprising
a sensing device on at least one of said cartridge body or said
cartridge top, wherein said sensing device is at least one
aperture, strip or bar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/390,941 filed Mar. 27, 2006, which is a
divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/714,381 filed Nov. 6, 2003, which claims the benefit of priority
from U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/499,443, filed
on 2 Sep. 2003. Each of the above-noted applications is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A. Field of Endeavor
[0003] The present invention relates to a waste storage device or
container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
waste storage device having an automated mechanism for twisting a
tubular sealing material about waste, deposited in such tubular
sealing material.
[0004] B. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Waste receptacles are generally fitted with a lid designed
to contain odors when the lid is closed. However, most lids are not
designed to be perfectly air-tight in respect of their receptacles,
or after repeated use become less-than air tight, permitting
malodor to emanate from the receptacles even when they are closed.
Even with the most air-tight containers, upon opening the
container, noxious odors escape into the ambient environment giving
an extremely unpleasant sensation to the person attempting to add
more trash to the receptacle. Location of the receptacles in a
remote location is inconvenient and generally unsatisfactory.
[0006] A particularly difficult trash to retain for ultimate
disposal is odoriferous trash. The cumulative odor of odoriferous
trash being stored within the container frequently reaches such an
offensive level that the trash must be disposed of before the
container is full. The latter problem typically results in
excessive emptying operations. In the case of odoriferous soiled
diapers, for example, excessive emptying operations can be of
particular concern as one hesitates to leave an infant unattended
or to carry an infant and the soiled diapers to a remote location.
A further problem associated with such containers is that the
containers themselves over time tend to retain the malodor even
when no diapers are present in the containers. Therefore, a
thorough and complete cleaning of such containers is often
necessary to reduce the lingering odor. Furthermore, as most
disposal receptacles are not child-proof, toddlers playing around
such containers may inadvertently open a container to allow odors
to escape, or the child may reach in to touch the undesirable
trash.
[0007] There are a number of waste disposal systems for disposing
of odiferous waste materials such as soiled diapers. The systems
are often touted as a convenient way to dispose of such waste
materials and reduce or eliminate any odor that may emanate from
the materials. An example of such systems is U.S. Pat. No.
5,147,055 which discloses a container that includes an activated
charcoal filter to retain and absorb odors within the
container.
[0008] Other trash receptacles employ one of several approaches to
reduce the emanation of malodor from the receptacle, including the
use of masking agents, odor sorbent material, inner lids or seals,
air locks or sealed packaging. Scented trash receptacles have been
commercially available for many years. Scent is added to the diaper
pail in the hope of hiding the smell of the malodor by producing a
smell that masks the malodor to the olfactory senses. The problem
with such receptacles is that the masking smell itself can often
become irritating to the consumer, as well as the fact that most
scented diaper pails lose their masking effect after a period of
time.
[0009] European patent application No. 0005660, the contents of
which are incorporated by reference herein, describes a device for
disposing kitchen refuse in packages enclosed by flexible tubing
derived from a tubular pack of tubing surrounding a tubular guide.
The device includes a sealing mechanism for sealing along the
tubular material. The tubing passes from the pack over the top of
and then down a guide to a position beneath the guide where it is
closed by fusion to provide a receptacle. When this receptacle is
full of refuse, a lever is manually operated to actuate an
electro-mechanical apparatus including clamping and fusion devices
that travel round closed tracks to perform the four-fold task of
drawing the receptacle down below the tubular guide, fusing the
tubing walls together to seal the top of the receptacle, sealing
the tubing walls together to provide the closed base of the next
receptacle and dividing the tubing by heat at a location between
these two fusion locations to separate the filled package. There
are a number of disadvantages with this device including the need
for latches to prevent the wheels extending from the heating
elements from inadvertently returning up the central track portions
(as opposed to following the outer track portions as they should. A
further disadvantage is that the heating element must be at least
the width of the tube in order to seal the tube all the way across
thereby preventing, for example, the escape of odors from the
waste.
[0010] A popular approach for disposing of diapers has been a
device using, for example, a tube twisting mechanism to form a
pouch about a diaper. As an example, see the disclosures of U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512, and 5,813,200, the contents of all
of which are incorporated by reference herein. The '049 patent
discloses an apparatus to form packages containing disposable
diapers comprising a tubing which passes through the top edges of a
core and then down through the core. The core is turned by means of
a lid about a cylinder to twist the flexible material. Similarly,
the '512 patent discloses an apparatus for disposing objects in
packages formed by pushing the objects in series into a
funnel-shaped portion of flexible tubing drawn from pack over the
rim of the funnel. The patent also discloses that each package is
closed at the top by twisting the tubing by turning the funnel
fixed to the pack about its axis. As disclosed in the '049 and '512
patents, the process of sealing the tubing to form the packages is
performed manually and requires the use of both hands.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 to Jacoby, et al. discloses a device
for disposing of soiled diapers in twisted packages. The device has
a container body with a hinged base, a hinged lid, and an upward
cylinder secured within the container body. A tubular core rests on
a portion of the upward cylinder to allow rotation there between. A
flexible tube or sleeve rests on a portion of the tubular core with
the tubing being circumferentially pleated as stored. Springs are
fixed to the container and project radially inward to engage a
package formed from the tube. The springs are equally spaced around
the interior of the container to hold the package during the
forming of a twist in the tube.
[0012] The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200 is used to
form a series of packages enclosing objects. The top of the
flexible tubing is pulled upwards and tied into a knot. The closed
end formed by the knot can then form the bottom of a package with
the sidewalls formed by the tubing. The object is inserted and
rests against the tubing near the knot. A rotatable interior lid is
put into place and rotated such that the unused tubing and the
tubular core rotate with respect to the package that is being
formed. The package being formed does not rotate because it is held
in place by friction between it and springs. Thus a package is
formed between the knot and a first twist. Subsequently, objects
are disposed and twisted in a like manner to form discrete packages
with twists between them.
[0013] Devices such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200
are a convenient way of disposing of soiled diapers. A disadvantage
of the system is that the twists between packages may become
unraveled, thereby allowing groups of diapers to collect within the
tubing, which makes emptying the container more difficult. Further,
the twists may not create a continuous, complete seal and,
therefore, may allow odor to escape from a package. Increasing the
twists between packages may eliminate the above disadvantages,
however, this requires the use of additional tubing.
[0014] Another example of a device used to decrease odors that
emanate from diaper waste is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,370,847
and 6,516,588, both issued to Jensen, et al. These related patents
disclose a sealable diaper-disposal system that includes a
container body, a tubular core on which flexible tubing is stored,
and a tube-sealing mechanism having a pair of heating elements. The
flexible tubing is pulled from the tubular core and passed between
the pair of heating elements. The tube-sealing mechanism operates
to move the pair of heating elements toward each other to fuse the
width of the tubing, and away from each other to allow the tubing
to be pushed into the lower portion of the container body.
[0015] Commercial waste storage devices for disposal of baby
diapers are known. One such device is the Playtex Diaper
Genie.RTM.. In the Diaper Genie.RTM., a film cartridge having a
hole concentrically located therein, is positioned in a waste
container body. The film cartridge has a top surface from which a
storage film extends and has a twist ring secured in the concentric
hole of the cartridge. The storage film extends from the film
cartridge, over and then down through the twist ring, down through
the hole in the film cartridge and into the waste container body.
The user manually opens the lid assembly by hand and places waste
such as a diaper through the twist ring and hole in the film
cartridge, into the storage film. The twist ring is then manually
rotated by the user's hand, which causes the film cartridge and
storage film to rotate, tying off and sealing the disposed waste in
the storage film. The storage film is continuously fed from the
film cartridge. The commercial Diaper Genie.RTM. device requires
the user to rotate the twist ring by hand to seal the storage film
about the waste to form a waste product.
[0016] The contents of all of the prior art references cited herein
are incorporated by reference. From the above it can be understood
by those having ordinary skill in the art that there are a number
of disadvantages associated with prior art waste disposal devices
using flexible tubing and tubular sealing material to form packets
for disposal of waste materials. It is clear that a device is
needed that will eliminate the disadvantages described above. Such
a device should be relatively economical to purchase, and
consistently make the seals between packets complete so that they
cannot become undone, and it is easy to operate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention is directed to a waste storage or
waste disposal device or container employing tubular sealing
material/flexible tubing, wherein the sealing operation of the tube
about a waste load is performed mechanically, electrically and
electro-mechanically. More particularly, embodiments of the present
invention is provide a waste storage device that has an automated
operated sealing mechanism.
[0018] The present invention provides automated mechanisms for
sealing waste in a tubular storage material, in particular a film.
The automated sealing mechanism, preferably seals by activation of
a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical actuator which
causes a twisting of the tubular material in which waste is placed
so as to form a sealed waste package. Such twisting of the tubular
storage material may be caused, for example, by rotating the
cassette in respect of a retention mechanism for the tubing,
rotating the retention mechanism with respect to the cassette,
rotating the tubular storage material with respect to the cartridge
and/or retention mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, one part is
mobile while the other parts in the system remain static or
substantially static.
[0019] In one embodiment, the sealing mechanism allows, a first
actuation of an actuator to open the lid and a second actuation of
an actuator to seal the tubular storage material.
[0020] In yet another embodiment, the sealing mechanism comprises a
rack gear operably connected to an actuator, a clutch, and a spring
connected to the rack gear. Actuation of the actuator causes the
rack gear to move in a first direction against the bias of the
spring and release of the actuator causes the rack gear to move in
a second direction under the bias of the spring, which causes the
clutch to rotate the cartridge. A locking mechanism optionally is
operably connected to the spring with a first actuation of the
actuator locking the spring in a compressed position while a second
actuation of the actuator unlocks the spring.
[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention there is
disclosed a waste container for sanitary disposal of waste
including a container body defining a waste bin and an opening that
provides access to the waste bin; a support mounted to the
container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange
extending therefrom that is configured for mounting a tubing
cassette above the waste bin, wherein the support encloses less
than all of the opening to the waste compartment so that waste can
be passed through the opening and into the waste chamber; a tubing
cassette mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube
twisting/sealing means for forming individual waste packets from
tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.
[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention there is
provided a waste container with an automated twisting feature, a
tubing cassette rotationally mounted to a flange support; and a
retention means for preventing rotation of a waste packet contained
in a portion of the tubing when the tubing cassette is rotated,
such that a twist is efficiently created in the tubing. The flange
may be configured to allow rotation of the tubing cassette. The
cassette may be rotated by electrical power as for example by a
motorized rotating grip to create a closure twisting action of the
flexible tubing when sequestering a waste packet. A motorized
apparatus of this embodiment of the invention may optionally
provide a plunging device for downwardly pushing the flexible
tubing a predetermined distance, thereby providing sufficient space
for depositing a waste packet.
[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises an
upper or head compartment located on top of the waste container
encompassing an apparatus comprising a drive plate mounted to the
tubing cassette, a drive gear assembly engaged with the drive
plate, and a motor mounted to the upper compartment apparatus and
having an output shaft that rotates the drive gear when the motor
is activated, the power from the motor being transmitted through at
least one gear or a series of gears. A timing circuit may be
employed for activating the motor to rotate the tubing cassette one
of a predetermined amount of time or a predetermined number of
times. A sensing detection device, as for example by
electro-optical means, counting physical disruptions, for example,
marks on the rotating component may also be employed. A manually
operated switch may be used for activating the motor.
[0024] The upper or head portion of the waste container may also
serve as lid over the lower receptacle compartment or waste bin of
the waste container. The lid or upper compartment of the waste
container of the invention may be hingedly attached to the
container body for enclosing the opening to the waste bin. The lid
or head portion of the container may be secured with a latch
device. In addition, the hinge itself may include a latching
mechanism or a biasing means to retain the lid in an open position
when desired. A foot pedal assembly may be attached to the lid for
opening the lid. Such assemblies are well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention is a waste
container including a container body defining a waste bin and an
opening that provides access to the waste bin; a support mounted to
the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a
flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational
mounting of a tubing cassette above the waste bin, wherein the
support encloses less than all of the opening to the waste bin so
that waste packs can be passed through the opening and into the
waste bin.
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a
downward thrust plunging portion attached by a scissor slat
assembly to a screw-type gear drive which is powered by an
electrical motor through a gear transmission assembly; the
activated thrust plate may be extended downwardly to push onto a
twist-locked flexible tubing sequestering a waste pack; the waste
pack thereby being urged into the container waste bin
compartment.
[0027] Embodiments of the invention may be equipped with a thrust
plate to effect a downward thrusting motion at the twist-tightened
upper end of the flexible tubing enclosing the waste pack pulling
additional tubing from the refill cassette so as to provide a
pouch-like space below the cassette core opening in order to
receive the is next waste pack to seal waste in the pouch-like
space. A twist-tightening motion may then be effectuated to seal
waste in the pouch-like space.
[0028] In another embodiment there is an automatically controlled
apparatus for individually sequestering packs of odorous waste in a
length of flexible tubing which is dispensed and depending from a
core tube portion inside a tubular refill cassette. Such apparatus
may combine a lower compartment or bin for receiving and storing
the tubing enclosed waste packs; and an upper compartment for
accommodating and securing the electronically powered and
controlled system for sequestering each pack of waste in the
flexible tubing (of course such control systems may be found in
other areas of the container or outside of the container).
Preferably, the waste packet sequestering part of the tubing may be
held by a retention or clamping device. The sequestering event may
be initiated by an electrical actuator causing a rotational
movement of the tubing refill cassette or dispenser, the tube
itself, or the tubular retention mechanism/device, so as to effect
a twist tightening of the flexible tubing which depends downward
from the tubing cassette into the lower compartment of the waste
receptacle. The activator may activate downward motion of a
thrusting plate to urge the twist-locked waste packet into the
waste receiving bin and simultaneously provide another length of
flexible tubing for the next deposit of a waste packet.
[0029] Embodiments may further provide a means for cutting the
twist-tightened upper portion of the flexible tubing individually
enclosing and sequestering a series of waste packs. Such cutting
means preferably are suitably located at a position above the
twisted portion of the tubing and below the refill cassette
enabling removal of the tubing sequestered waste pack from
receptacle bins.
[0030] The rotational twist-tightening of the flexible tubing so as
to lock can be reinforced by an adhesive containing device, ribbon,
marks, etc., e.g., microbeads that encapsulate adhesives,
segmentally positioned on the inside surface of the tubing
material, said adhesive being activated by the twisting of the
flexible tubing. Alternatively, the flexible tubing material can
comprise clinging properties for reinforced twist stabilization and
sealing effect. The adhesive location can be placed on the inside
of the flexible tubing at predetermined intervals or segments
suitable for sequestering the waste packets.
[0031] Embodiments may optionally comprise a film grip ring for
gripping or holding the flexible tubing in place in order to
prevent the inadvertent release of the stored tubing from the
rotating cassette during the twisting operation. This advantageous
aspect assists in creating a measurably effective tight twist lock
of the sequestered waste packet in the tubing segment.
[0032] Embodiments may optionally comprise a trigger mechanism for
actuating the thrust mechanism determining the start of the
downward motion of the thrusting plate at the end or completion of
rotational motion the core tube, effecting the twist closure of the
flexible tubing above the sequestered waste packet. The trigger
mechanism may be initiated by a timing device or optical counter
which actuates the thrust mechanism after a preset interval of
rotational movement, of for example, the cassette or retention
mechanism The optical counter can be aided, for example, by a
laser-optical detection device.
[0033] The present invention provides an automatic device for the
convenient and hygienic sequestering of waste packets. Waste
packets may comprise any material, for example, nursing home and
hospital waste products, diapers, smelly food, etc.
[0034] For the purpose of this invention, any device that closes
off flexible tubing at a point along the length of the tubing is
considered a "tube-sealing means." Therefore, for example, fusion
devices, which close off tubing with heating elements, and twisting
devices, which close off tubing by inducing a twist, are considered
"tube-sealing means." Several tube-sealing means are disclosed
herein above in the background of the invention. Other exemplary
tube-sealing means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,128,890 and
6,065,272, the contents of all of which are incorporated by
reference herein.
[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the waste storage device
comprises an automatically controlled mechanism for sequestering
the waste packets individually inside a flexible tubing bay of some
length dispensed from a refill cassette. The hands-off embodiment
features a motor-driven rotation of the refill cassette inner core
tube portion thereby twisting the tubing the waste packet which may
be held in place by, for example, spring-aided holder/brackets.
Moreover, the embodiment may comprise a driveshaft connected to the
motor through a gear assembly or transmission. The driveshaft may
be activated when the tubing twisting rotation is completed and the
waste packet is closed off or sequestered in the tubing material.
The driveshaft may be connected by a pinion through the connecting
scissor slats to the thrust plate of the plunger. The rotation of
the driveshaft, i.e. a rod with a screw-type outer ridge, may wind
through the nut-like center hole of the pinion, which is thereby
slideably moved along holding or locating means or rod causing the
scissor connectors to extend and vertically move the thrust plate
plunging or pressing down onto the twist-closure of the tubing
portion sequestering the waste packet, which is consequently placed
down deeper in the waste bin of the container. [0036] In another
embodiment, there is a motorized two-step mechanism controlling the
twisting and plunging of the automated waste sequestering
operation. Such mechanism may be manually turned on by, for
example, pushing a button, e.g., on top of the lid or head portion
of the container. A depressed button may contact electrically the
actuator of the apparatus motor, causing an initial twisting
rotation of the cassette core tube. Other actuation mechanisms such
as a foot operated switch or lever may be used. The rotation of the
motor driveshaft, for example, may be transmitted through at least
one gear or a set of gears to a rotatory ring that engages the
cassette rim by ways of small ridges projecting therefrom a top on
the cassette, the bottom of the cassette, side of the cassette, or
other portion of the cassette when the upper head or lid
compartment of the waste receptacle is closed. The second step of
the automated control of the waste sequestering mechanism of this
embodiment may cause a plunging/thrusting device or plate to
downwardly thrust and extend onto the twist-locked waste packet.
Thus, the flexible tubing is pulled from the storage compartment of
the cassette through a gap between the inner core tube and the rim
atop the refill cassette.
[0036] In one embodiment, the lid is opened by foot operated or
activated mechanism which acts upon the lid at the latch mechanism
which causes the lid to be in the open position. A waste load is
deposited into the open center of the cassette. Upon release of
foot-operated mechanism, the lid is caused to close so that the
motorized actuator mechanism acts by a cog gearing system causing
it to rotate a cassette holding a tubing bag receptacle. The
rotation accomplishes two activities for sequestering a diaper or
similar waste load and dropping or moving the same downwardly into
the tubing bag. At the closed lid position, the actuator initiates
the rotation placing a force on the tubing cassette by a cassette
twister exerting pressure on the beveled ring surface of the
cassette. The rotational movement is measured to continue until
sufficiently tight twisting has been effected on the tubing bag so
as to close the top opening and thereby retain the waste load. At
the moment when the twisting or tightening by cassette rotation is
complete for sufficient closure of the tubing tubular bag, a
vertically dispensed gearing mechanism, for example, may be turned
on and cause a downward movement of the thrust plate. This downward
thrust may be mediated through a scissor link assembly which
stretches out to extend along the axis of the cassette opening,
moving the sequestered waste load downward. Simultaneous to the
motorized rotational force applied on the cassette rim, a film grip
ring maybe activated to contact and clamp down on to the flexible
tubing emanating and hanging over the top edge of the inner core
tube of the tubing cassette. This contact prevents release of
tubing from the storage compartment of the cassette during the
rotational twisting operation.
[0037] In another embodiment, there is disclosed a waste disposal
device comprising a cassette housing flexible tubing and an
automated twist mechanism wherein the twist mechanism is
operationally structured to twist and untwist a portion of
dispensed flexible tubing so as to open and close the tube for
further disposal of waste product upon opening and closing of the
lid. Such automated twist/untwist function may also have
application to waste disposal devices comprising conventional
garbage bags or similar bags.
[0038] In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device
comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving
encapsulated waste packages; a lid coupled to the container and
movable between an open position in which the chamber is accessible
and a closed position in which the chamber is covered; a cartridge
arranged in the container and containing a length of flexible
tubing arranged to receive waste packages, the cartridge being
maintainable in a stationary position; a retention mechanism for
holding a waste package received in the tubing; and a rotation
mechanism arranged to rotate the retention mechanism, and thus a
waste package when held by the retention mechanism, while the
cartridge is stationary in order to twist the tubing and
encapsulate the waste package. In this aspect of the invention, the
waste disposal device can further comprise an anti-rotation
mechanism for holding the cartridge stationary during rotation of
said retention mechanism.
[0039] In one embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a
retention mechanism comprising a gear rim, the rotation mechanism
engaging with the gear rim to cause rotation of the gear rim and
thus the retention mechanism.
[0040] In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises
a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated
waste packages; a lid coupled to the container and movable between
an open position in which chamber is accessible and a closed
position in which the chamber is covered; a cartridge arranged in
the container and containing a length of flexible tubing arranged
to receive waste packages; a retention mechanism for holding a
waste package received in the tubing, the retention mechanism being
fixed to the container; a rotation mechanism arranged to rotate the
cartridge relative to the retention mechanism in order to twist the
tubing and encapsulate a waste package when held by the retention
mechanism; and a toothed member attached to the lid, the cartridge
comprising a gear rim, the rotation mechanism engaging with the
toothed member and the gear rim during movement of the lid and
comprising at least one gear arranged in the container for enabling
the conversion of movement of the lid to rotational movement of the
gear rim.
[0041] In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device
comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving
encapsulated waste packages; a lid coupled to the container and
movable between an open position in which said chamber is
accessible and a closed position in which said chamber is covered;
a cartridge arranged in the container and containing a length of
flexible tubing arranged to receive waste packages; a retention
unit for holding a waste package received in the tubing; and
rotation means for rotating the retention unit, and thus a waste
package held by the retention unit, relative to the cartridge in
order to twist the tubing and encapsulate the waste package.
[0042] In another embodiment of the invention, the waste disposal
device rotation mechanism comprises a motor having a shaft and
providing rotational movement to said shaft; a gear arranged on
said shaft and in engagement with said gear rim; and a motor
actuation mechanism for actuating said motor to rotate said shaft.
In this aspect of the invention, the motor actuation mechanism may
comprise, for example, a foot pedal coupled to the motor and
arranged such that upon depression of said foot pedal, the motor is
actuated.
[0043] In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a
motor actuation mechanism comprising a pushbutton coupled to said
motor such that upon depression of said pushbutton, said motor is
actuated. In this aspect of the invention, the motor actuation
mechanism may comprise a switch arranged on the container and
coupled to the motor, optionally it may include and a plunger
arranged on the lid to engage said switch when the lid is closed,
the switch being arranged to actuate the motor upon pressured being
applied by said plunger.
[0044] In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device
comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a pedal arranged in a
slot partially outside of the container, a pulley connected to the
pedal and a movement converting mechanism for converting
unidirectional movement of the pedal in the slot and thus movement
of the pulley into rotation of the gear rim.
[0045] In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device further
comprises a compacting mechanism for compacting the waste packages
which is capable of rising from the base of the device.
[0046] In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device
comprises a rotation mechanism, which comprises: a frame defining a
waste passage through which the waste packages pass; resilient
members connected to the frame and extending inward into the waste
passage to engage with the waste packages; a handle situated at
least partially outside of the container, the handle being movable
in a slot in an outer wall of container; and movement converting
means for converting movement of the handle into unidirectional
rotational movement of the frame to thereby rotate the frame, the
resilient members and a waste package engaged by the resilient
members relative to the tubing in the cartridge.
[0047] In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises
a retention mechanism comprising a pail having a retention member
extending upward from a base of the pail and adapted to hold the
waste package between said retention member and walls of said pail,
said rotation mechanism comprising a turntable arranged below the
pail to selectively engage the pail. The turntable may be moved by
way of a motor or manually, for example, by a string wound
partially about the turntable to cause rotation of the turntable,
and thus the pail, when the string is pulled.
[0048] In another embodiment the waste disposal device comprises a
container comprising a cylindrical outer wall, further comprising
an access door formed and pivotally connected to the outer
wall.
[0049] In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device
comprises a container comprising a cylindrical outer wall and a
hamper defining the waste chamber and having an outer wall
constituting part of the outer wall of the container, said hamper
being removable from the container.
[0050] In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a
retention mechanism comprising: a frame defining a waste passage
through which the waste package passes; resilient springs connected
to the frame and extending inward into waste passage to engage with
and hold the waste package; a support flange connected to frame for
supporting cartridge.
[0051] In another embodiment, the waste disposal device further
comprises means for holding the cartridge stationary during
rotation of the retention mechanism
[0052] In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal device
comprises a rotation mechanism constructed to convert movement of
the lid in a downward direction to rotational movement of a gear
rim and constructed to prevent movement of the lid in an upward
direction from being converted to rotational movement of the gear
rim.
[0053] In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises
means for holding the cartridge stationary during rotation of the
retention unit.
[0054] In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a
retention unit comprising a gear ring and a plurality of resilient
springs adapted to engage with the waste package, the rotation
means engaging with the gear ring to cause rotation of gear ring
and thus the retention unit. In this aspect of the invention, the
gear ring comprises a gear rim engaging with the rotation means and
an adapter rim interposed between and coupled to the gear rim and
the cartridge for coupling the cartridge to the gear rim.
[0055] In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises
a rotation means comprising a motor having a shaft and providing
rotational movement to the shaft, a gear arranged on the shaft and
in engagement with the gear ring and a motor actuation mechanism
for actuating the motor to rotate the shaft. In this embodiment,
the motor actuation mechanism may comprise a foot pedal coupled to
the motor and arranged such that upon depression of the foot pedal,
the motor is actuated. The motor actuation mechanism may also, for
example, comprise a pushbutton coupled to the motor such that upon
depression of the pushbutton, the motor is actuated. In an
alternate aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the motor
actuation mechanism may comprise a switch arranged on said
container and coupled to the motor and a plunger arranged on the
lid to engage the switch when the lid is closed.
[0056] In another aspect of the invention, the waste disposal
device comprises a retention unit comprising a frame defining a
waste passage through which the waste package passes; resilient
springs connected to the frame and extending inward into the waste
passage to engage with and hold the waste package; a support flange
connected to the frame for supporting the cartridge.
[0057] In another embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises a
container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste
packages; a lid coupled to the container and movable between an
open position in which the chamber is accessible and a closed
position in which the chamber is covered; a toothed member attached
to the lid; a cartridge arranged in the container and containing a
length of flexible tubing arranged to receive waste packages; a
retention mechanism for holding a waste package received in the
tubing, the retention mechanism comprising a gear rim; and a
rotation mechanism for rotating the retention mechanism relative to
the cartridge in order to twist the tubing and encapsulate a waste
package received in the tubing, the rotation mechanism engaging
with the toothed member and the gear rim during movement of the lid
and comprising at least one gear for enabling the conversion of
movement of the lid to rotational movement of the gear rim and thus
the retention mechanism The toothed member can comprise a rack gear
having a series of teeth on an outer or inner arcuate surface.
[0058] In yet another embodiment the waste disposal device
comprises a retention mechanism further comprising a frame attached
to the gear rim and including a plurality of resilient springs
adapted to engage with the waste package. In this aspect of the
invention, the rotation mechanism is constructed to convert
movement of the lid in a downward direction to rotational movement
of the gear rim and prevent movement of the lid in an upward
direction from being converted to rotational movement of the gear
rim. The waste disposal device may comprise an anti-rotation
mechanism for holding the cartridge stationary during rotation of
the retention mechanism.
[0059] In a further embodiment, the waste disposal device comprises
a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated
waste packages; a lid coupled to the container and movable between
an open position in which the chamber is accessible and a closed
position in which the chamber is covered; a cartridge arranged in
the container and containing a length of flexible tubing arranged
to receive waste packages; a retention mechanism for holding a
waste package received in the tubing; a rotation mechanism for
rotating the retention mechanism relative to the cartridge in order
to twist the tubing and encapsulate a waste package when held by
the retention mechanism; and compacting means for compacting the
waste packages.
[0060] The invention also provides a waste storage device
comprising a container comprising a receptacle and a lid attached
to the receptacle, a retention mechanism and a rotation mechanism
for rotating the cassette or cartridge, the cassette or cartridge
comprising a flexible tubing for packaging waste material, the
cassette further comprising a sensing mechanism for activating an
electronic detection mechanism for counting revolutions of the
cassette during operation of the device to ensure consistency of
the sealing mechanism after each use.
[0061] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be understood by reference to the
following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] A more complete appreciation of the invention and the
advantages thereof will be more readily apparent by reference to
the detailed description of the preferred embodiments when
considered in connection with the accompanying figures,
wherein:
[0063] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plane view of a waste storage
device having the sealing mechanism of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plane view of a portion of the
sealing mechanism of FIG. 1;
[0065] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the waste storage device of
FIG. 1;
[0066] FIG. 4 is a top view of the waste storage device of FIG. 1
without the lid;
[0067] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional plan view of a waste storage
device having a second embodiment of the sealing mechanism of the
present invention;
[0068] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a portion of the
sealing mechanism of FIG. 3;
[0069] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional plan view of the waste storage
device of FIG. 5 with the lid closed;
[0070] FIG. 8 is an elevational side view of one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0071] FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG.
8;
[0072] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a refill cassette
embodiment of the invention;
[0073] FIG. 11 is a sectional side view of the refill cassette of
FIG. 10;
[0074] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the
refill twister apparatus;
[0075] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the refill twister embodiment
of FIG. 12;
[0076] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an extended plunger mechanism
embodiment;
[0077] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of an automated waste
storage device embodiment of the invention;
[0078] FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of
the invention showing a oor/drawer-like access to the interior of
the storage compartment of the device;
[0079] FIG. 17 is a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of
the upper portion of a motorized device of the invention showing a
retention mechanism and the cassette in place, wherein the motor is
place in the rear of the device;
[0080] FIG. 18 is a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of a
electronic device of the present invention comprising a motor,
cassette, retention means and impulse heat sealer of the
invention;
[0081] FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the interior of a
device of the invention showing a power switch, motor and
electrical parts for rotating a cassette;
[0082] FIG. 20 shows the device of FIG. 19 provided with an access
door for easy access to the waste storage compartment;
[0083] FIG. 21 shows a sectional view along a longitudinal plane of
a device of the invention adapted with a roller mechanism;
[0084] FIG. 22 depicts a general cassette having application to a
mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical twisting mechanism of
the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 23 depicts a device of the invention showing a waste
package retention portion attached to the bottom portion of the
cassette; and
[0086] FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the
rotation mechanism comprises a gear rack for engaging with the
cassette during rotation is provided on the retention mechanism
[0087] FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the
device is provided with an electrically operated turntable at the
base of the container for twisting and sealing the waste
package.
[0088] FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the
device is provided with a mechanical turntable at the base of the
container which can be operated manually.
[0089] It is notable that like items depicted in different figures
may be referred to by the same reference numbers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0090] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a waste
storage device having the sealing mechanism of the present
invention, generally represented by reference numeral 10.
[0091] Waste storage device 10 has a body 100, a lid 120, a storage
film cassette 130, a film ring 140 and a sealing mechanism 200.
Body 100 has a base 105, an inner volume 110, front and rear
portions 102, 104, and upper and lower portions 106, 108. Body 100
is substantially cylindrical in shape to maximize inner volume 110.
However, alternative shapes for body 100 can also be used including
rectangular or cubical. Lower portion 108 of body 100 has an
indentation or pedal housing 115 that will be described later in
greater detail. Preferably, pedal housing 115 is positioned along
front portion 102.
[0092] Lid 120 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a
diameter substantially the same size as the diameter of body 100 to
provide a sealing engagement of the lid with the body along upper
portion 106. If an alternative shape of body 100 is used, such as
rectangular or cubical, then the corresponding shape would also be
used for lid 120 to provide a sealing engagement of the lid and the
body along upper portion 106. Lid 120 is pivotally connected to
body 100 by lid hinge 125. Preferably, lid hinge 125 is positioned
along rear portion 104.
[0093] Lid 120 has a lid slot 127 formed therein. Lid slot 127 is a
u-shaped channel that is operably connected to sealing mechanism
200 to allow a user to open and close lid 120, which will be
discussed later in greater detail.
[0094] Body 100 further has a cassette flange 117 with a center
hole 118 and a circular wall 119. Flange 117 is circumferentially
formed along the inner wall of body 100 in proximity to upper
portion 106. Flange 117 engages with a clutch 270 of sealing
mechanism 200, which will be discussed later in greater detail.
Center hole 118 provides a support for clutch 270 and for cassette
130, which is seated on the clutch. Circular wall 119 extends
substantially vertically upward from flange 117. As used herein,
vertical refers to the direction between upper and lower portions
106, 108, which is substantially parallel with the sidewalls
defining body 100. Horizontal refers to the direction between front
and rear portions 102, 104, which is substantially perpendicular to
the sidewalls defining body 100. Circular wall 119 has a diameter
larger than the diameter of cassette 100. Circular wall 119
provides support for cassette 130 to prevent it from moving in a
horizontal direction yet allowing it to rotate in center hole 118.
[0095] Cassette 130 preferably has a cylindrical or ring-like shape
with a center opening 132. Film 135 is a continuous sheet of film
having a cylindrical shape that is stored in cassette 130. Cassette
130 also has a film ring 140 that is positioned in center opening
132. Film 135 is dispensed from the top of cassette 130 over the
outside of film ring 140 and then down through the film ring and
down through center opening 132 into inner volume 110. Film 135 is
tied off or sealed at lower end 137 of the film in inner volume 110
to provide a storage volume 138. As will be discussed later in
greater detail, in the preferred embodiment, after a diaper is
inserted in storage volume 138, sealing mechanism 200 rotates
cassette 130 to seal film upper end 139.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a sealing mechanism 200 of
the present invention is shown. Sealing mechanism 200 has an
actuator 210 a foot pedal linkage 225, a rack linkage 230, a rack
gear 260, a clutch 270 and a biasing mechanism 280. In the
preferred embodiment, actuator 210 is a foot pedal and is angled
downward for facilitating operation by a user's foot. Pedal 210
protrudes out from body 100 through pedal orifice 116 and into
pedal housing 115. Pedal housing 115 has a height that allows a
user to slide his or her foot into the housing and onto pedal 210.
Pedal 210 is pivotally connected to base 105 of body 100 at pedal
pivot 215. This pivotal connection translates the user's downward
force into an upward force for opening lid 120.
[0096] Pedal 210 is pivotally connected to foot pedal linkage 225
at pedal linkage pivot 220. This pivotal connection translates the
rotational movement of pedal 210 into a substantially vertical
movement of pedal linkage 225. Pedal linkage 225 extends
substantially vertically from lower portion 108 of body 100,
through flange opening 227, through upper portion 106 of body 100,
to lid 120. Pedal linkage 225 is pivotally secured to lid 120 such
that an upward force along the pedal linkage causes the lid to
rotate about lid hinge 125. In this embodiment, pedal linkage 225
is operably connected to lid 120 by lid slot 127 and lid tongue
250. Lid slot 127 is preferably an unshaped channel formed in lid
120. Lid tongue 250 is preferably a cylindrical tongue that engages
with lid slot 127. Preferably, lid tongue 250 has a cap to secure
the tongue in lid slot 127.
[0097] Pedal linkage 225 is also pivotally connected to rack
linkage 230 at rack pivot 235. Rack linkage 230 is pivotally
connected to rack gear 260 at rack pivot 240. The pivotal
connections at rack pivots 235, 240 translate the substantially
vertical movement of pedal linkage 225 into a substantially
horizontal movement of rack linkage 230 and rack gear 260.
[0098] Rack gear 260 is operably connected to clutch 270 so that a
horizontal movement of the rack gear causes the clutch to rotate.
In this embodiment, clutch 270 has gears (not shown) that engage
with gears 262 of rack gear 260. Rack gear 260 is further connected
to a biasing mechanism 280 positioned on the opposite end of the
rack gear from rack pivot 240. In this embodiment, biasing
mechanism 280 is a coil spring that biases rack gear 260 toward
rear portion 104 of body 100.
[0099] Clutch 270 is removably connected to cartridge 130. Clutch
270 is a one-way clutch that only permits rotation of cartridge 130
in one direction. Thus, rack gear 260 can horizontally move in two
directions and clutch 270 can rotationally move in two directions.
However, cassette 130 can only rotate in one direction.
[0100] In operation, when a user depresses pedal 210, pedal linkage
225 moves in an upward direction. This upward movement of pedal
linkage 225 causes lid 120 to rotate about lid hinge 125 toward
rear portion 104 of body 100. Thus, depressing pedal 210 causes the
lid to open.
[0101] Simultaneously, the upward movement of pedal linkage 225
causes rack linkage 230 to move substantially horizontally toward
front portion 102 of body 100. This causes rack gear 260 to move
horizontally toward front portion 102. Rack gear 260 is operably
connected to clutch 270, which causes the clutch to rotate in a
first direction. Cassette 130 remains stationary because clutch 270
is a one-way clutch and prevents the cassette from rotating in this
first direction. The horizontal movement of rack gear 260 towards
front portion 102 also causes spring 280 to compress.
[0102] With lid 120 in an open position and storage volume 138
accessible to the user, waste storage, such as a diaper, can be
inserted through film ring 140 into the storage volume. The user
then releases pedal 210 to commence the sealing operation. The
force of compressed spring 280 against rack gear 260 causes the
rack gear to horizontally move back toward rear portion 104. The
horizontal movement of rack gear 260 toward rear portion 104 causes
clutch 270 to rotate in a second, opposite direction. Cassette 130
rotates in this second direction. The rotation of cassette 130
causes film 135 to tie off or seal near film upper end 139. Thus,
release of pedal 210 causes sealing mechanism 200 to seal film
135.
[0103] Simultaneously, the horizontal movement of rack gear 260
toward rear portion 104 causes rack linkage 230 to move toward rear
portion 104. The horizontal movement of rack linkage 230 toward
rear portion 104 causes movement of pedal linkage 225 in a
substantially downward direction toward base 105. The movement of
pedal linkage 225 in a substantially downward direction causes lid
120 to rotate about lid hinge 125 toward front portion 102. Thus,
release of pedal 210 causes sealing mechanism to close lid 120.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, in an alternative
embodiment, sealing mechanism 200 also has a locking mechanism 300.
Locking mechanism 300 is operably connected to spring 280. When a
user first actuates pedal 210 causing rack gear 260 to move toward
front portion 102 and compressing spring 280, locking mechanism 300
is triggered and locks spring 280 in a compressed position. Thus,
lid 120 remains in an open position and a user can release his or
her foot from pedal 210. When a user actuates pedal 210 for a
second time causing rack gear 260 to move further toward front
portion 102 and further compressing spring 280, locking mechanism
300 is again triggered and unlocks spring 280 from a compressed
position. Rack gear 260 is moved back toward rear portion 104 under
the force of spring 280 causing rotation of clutch 270 and cassette
130, as well as downward movement of pedal linkage 225. Thus, film
135 is sealed by the rotation of cassette 130 and lid 120 is closed
by the downward movement of pedal linkage 225. Pedal 210 returns to
its upper position for the sealing operation to be repeated by a
first and second downward depression of the pedal.
[0105] The automated twist waste disposal apparatus useful for
sequestering waste packets such as diapers in twist sealable
flexible tubing is illustrated in one embodiment of the invention
by taking reference to FIGS. 8 through 12.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 8, a waste container 310 is shown
comprising a lower or waste storing bin compartment 315 and an
upper lid or head compartment 320 with an optional activation start
button 305.
[0107] The disposal device 310 comprises a top or lid portion 320,
which comprises hingedly attached and latch-secured pivoting lid or
cover configuration and a bottom or bin portion 315, comprising an
approximately cylindrical or cone-like shape.
[0108] In FIG. 9, the lid portion 320 is shown to contain an
apparatus for automatic control of twisting and lowering of tubing
below the refill cassette, the apparatus comprising an upper body
portion 321 and a lower body portion 322. More specifically, the
lid 320 houses or contains the apparatus upper body 321, comprising
an electronic motor-driven control gear assembly 410, an actuator
345, a rotatory grip is a ring or refill twister 334 for contacting
and rotating the tubing refill cassette body 350 effectively
twisting the flexible tubing 352 which emanates through a gap 354
between the rim 357 of the cassette 350 and the core tube 361, and
is folded down through the open cassette tube core area 351 into
the interior bin space 316 as partially shown in FIGS. 10 and
11.
[0109] The lower body of apparatus 322 encompasses the removable
refill cassette 350 (FIG. 10) as well as a retaining means or
spring assembly 355 positioned to hold the flexible tubing 352
which encloses a waste pack (not shown) in the bin space 316 during
the twist-closure operation. The tubing cassette 350 houses a
length of tubing material 352 for sequestering the waste packets
sequentially in the waste bin space 316.
[0110] A lid 320 secured by a hinge 381 to the waste bin 315
includes a latch 382. The waste bin 316 also includes a hinged base
319 for providing access to the lower interior of the second waste
bin 316. The hinged base 319 (FIG. 9) includes a latch (not shown)
for securing the hinged base 319 in a closed position (FIG.
11).
[0111] The bottom rim 358 of the tubing refill cassette body 350
rests on a flange support or holding ring 370 which is affixed to
the internal wall side of the bin 315 of the device 310. The
flexible tubing material 352 is stored in a continuously folded
manner in the tubing storage compartment 359 of the cassette
350.
[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, the apparatus embodiment of the gear
assembly 410 in a housing or cap structure 455 of the upper body
portion 321 of the electronic motor-driving apparatus 330 has a
motor 347 located near the gear idler 325, which motor 347 is
started when the manually depressed button 305 on the lid 315 makes
contact with the switch 395. The first action of the motor-driven
gear assembly causes rotation of the refill twister 334 comprising
a tubular ring structure 336 which exhibits a notched bottom
surface 430 that is situated to make contact with the top ring or
collar of the refill cassette 350 so as to propel the cassette into
rotational motion. The tubular ring structure 336 is provided with
a ridge 450.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an embodiment of the invention
is represented showing a scissor link assembly 420 linked to a
scissor link connecting linkage or slideable U-joint type linkage
415. The pinion is saddled on a radially positioned carrier device
338 with a bracket 425 while at one point attached to a linkage 420
connecting assembly holder 415, and at another point attached to a
drive rod 435. The drive rod 435 comprising a screw-like wound
surface is inserted into the nut-type center of the which can be
centrally moved along the radially positioned carrier device 338 by
the revolutions of the screw-type positioning rod so that the drive
rod 435 rotations cause the scissor link connecting linkage 415 to
move towards the center so as to move the plunger plate 440
vertically downward through open central portion 337 of the upper
apparatus configuration 321 and the cassette core opening 362.
[0114] The twisting operation may further facilitated by the film
grip ring 335 which, during the twisting operation, acts as a brake
pressing onto the flexible tubing 352 atop the cassette core tube
361, and prevents the tubing 352 from being pulled out of the
refill cassette 350 storage compartment 360 during the cassette
rotation.
[0115] A revolution counting mechanism may optionally provided in
an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the
invention, the revolution counting mechanism can be in the form of
an electronic sensing device (not shown), for example, which
utilizes a laser beam mechanism. As seen in FIG. 10, a series of
small apertures 349 can be incorporated, for example, into the
cassette 350 which can be detected by a laser beam as the cassette
rotates on a stationary retention mechanism. The small aperture 349
or other types of sensing devices such as strips, bars, and/or
motion detecting mechanisms and the like can be applied to the
rotating portion of the device for counting the revolutions
executed by the rotating system. In this manner, the total number
of revolutions required to secure the sealing on the encapsulated
waste package can be set on the electronic device and the sealing
process can be executed with precision at each time waste is
disposed into the device. In this aspect of the invention, the
electronic sensing system can be set automatically to control the
sealing process. Additionally, this electronic sensing system on
the device can also control, for example, the downward motion of
the plunger 340.
[0116] Referring again to the illustrations of FIGS. 10 and 11, the
refill cassette 350 stores the flexible tubing 352 which emanates
from the storage compartment 359 through the gap 354 between the
rim 357 and the cassette's core tube wall 361 and then fords into
the inner core area 362, hanging into the bin space 316 below. The
rim 357 is provided with small ridges for effectively engaging the
refill twister 334, in particular, the gear surface said refill
twister 430 when rotating the cassette 350 and the top portion of
the flexible tubing enclosing the diaper deposit (not shown). The
cassette further may comprise slits 356 on its upper rim 357 for
engaging with the bottom portion of the lid to form a secure
fit.
[0117] Taking reference again to FIG. 9, the lid portion 320 of
this embodiment 310 can be opened by depressing a foot pedal
arrangement 365 which acts through a push rod 366 on the hinge
assembly 381 of the lid 320, exposing the open core area 362 of the
refill cassette 350 for depositing a waste packet.
[0118] As further illustrated in FIG. 9, the retention springs 355
are attached to the flange 370 and retain or hold a waste package
(not shown) stationary while the rotating refill twister 334 causes
the cassette collar or rim 357 to rotate the tubing cassette 350
inducing a twisting motion in the flexible tubing 352. As used
herein, the term "retention means" shall include any retention
device for retaining or restraining a waste package (not shown).
The term shall include, for example, retention devices as disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512, 6,170,240, 6,128,890,
6,370,847, and JP 592039015 (P2000-247401 A), the contents of all
of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0119] An embodiment of the invention can be further illustrated
with reference to FIG. 15. As demonstrated in FIG. 15, the sealing
and packaging mechanism of the waste material in the waste storage
device is motorized. This device is provided with a pedal 570 for
opening the top or lid 500 of the device. Pedal 570 comprises a
child-proof mechanism which operates by releasing the spring on the
spring-loaded top or lid 500. The spring on the spring-loaded top
allows for the top to remain open for a period of time while the
device is in used and the spring mechanism closes the lid 500
automatically after the waste material is placed in the tubing. In
FIG. 15 the device is provided with a motor 540 which is
battery-operated, however, the system can also be powered by
alternating (AC) current.
[0120] As seen in FIG. 15, the waste storage device can also be
provided with a rubber diaphragm rotation mechanism 530 which
prevents the backflow or escaping of odors emanating from the waste
contained in the storage compartment of the device, and a
projecting retention mechanism shown in the drawing in the form of
a bar or rod 560 for preventing the bottom portion of the
encapsulated waste package 510 from untwisting during the packaging
of the another waste material. Thus, the rod 560 operates as an
anti-untwisting mechanism a previously encapsulated waste 510. FIG.
15 also shows a push button 520 that can be incorporated into the
tubing cutting system of the waste storage device to facilitate the
cutting of the tubing prior to disposal of the stored waste. A
window 550 can also be designed into the body 505 of the storage
compartment for allowing the user to determine when the storage
compartment is full.
[0121] In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 16, the
waste storage device, either mechanical or motorized, can be
provided in many different sizes and shapes and the body 505 of the
storage compartment can be adapted with, for is example a
drawer-like space 590 for easy access and emptying of the stored
waste and such access can comprise a door 580 with a handle which
glides outwardly from the device and can have a secure mechanism
for engaging and disengaging with the body of the device.
[0122] FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the motorized waste
storage device of the invention. In this aspect of the invention,
the motor of the rotation mechanism is placed at the top rear end
of the unit for the automatic opening and closure of the lid 500,
of course, the motor may be located in other places on or in the
container. FIG. 17 also shows an aspect of the invention wherein a
plunger 545 comprising part of the lid 500 is pushed downwardly to
activate power switch 610 and activate the system Additionally,
plunger 545 pushes down the cassette on the retention ledge 535 to
make the cassette stationary in the retention mechanism, while the
rotation mechanism turns the flexible tubing containing the waste
material. Additionally, FIG. 17 shows a rotatable turntable 620
which rests on a flange extending inwardly from the wall of the
body 105. Turntable 620 has a center opening for allowing the
passage of the tubing with or without waste material, and can also
contain toothed structures (not shown) for frictionally engaging
with cassette 525. In this aspect of the invention, the retention
mechanism also forms part of the rotation mechanism and turntable
620 can rotate the cassette and seal the tubing.
[0123] FIG. 18 shows a further aspect of the invention in which an
electrical waste storage device is provided with an impulse
heat-sealing means 555 adapted to the turntable 620. In this
embodiment, the motor 575 is placed on the inner surface of the
wall of the body of the device above the turntable 620.
[0124] In FIG. 19, an alternate embodiment of the invention is
illustrated in which the retention mechanism 623 is stationary and
is adapted to hold the rotating mechanism comprising a motor 575
with electrical parts and gear as seen in FIG. 19 which forms the
mechanism for rotating the cassette 525. The motor 575 is activated
by the manual action of closing lid 500 which actuates power switch
610 by the downward movement of the lid 500 on the button 610. FIG.
19 also shows that the central portion of lid 500 can be adapted
with a cutting mechanism 585 for trimming the tubing prior to
disposal of the waste packages. FIG. 20 shows the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 19 further adapted with a door 580 attached to
the waste storage compartment designed for easy emptying of the
stored waste.
[0125] A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG.
21 in which the waste storage device is provided with a roller
means 630 for compacting the waste material and aid in pulling the
tubing from the cassette. The roller means 630 can also form part
of the retention mechanism and aid in stabilizing the encapsulated
waste during rotation while sealing the package.
[0126] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of the invention in which the
cassette 525 comprising the tubing is provided with a gear 650
along the outer circumference of the cassette 525 for engaging and
to be rotated with the rotation mechanism. In this aspect of the
invention, the gear 650 is provided on middle of the exterior
surface of the cassette 525, however, the gear 650 can be provided
on other parts of the cassette, for example, on the upper or lower
rim of the cassette 525. FIG. 22 also shows that the cassette 525
is provided with a frame defining waste passage 655, which is also
shown with reference to FIG. 3, 140.
[0127] In a further embodiment of the invention, the powered
rotation mechanism 575, 650 for rotating the cassette 525 can be
provided to the retention mechanism 670 as shown in FIG. 24. In
this embodiment, at least one gear can be arranged in the waste
container and the cassette 525 is provided with means for securely
engaging with the retention mechanism. In this aspect of the
invention, the retention mechanism 670 would remain stationary
during rotation of the cassette 525.
[0128] FIG. 23 illustrates an alternate retention mechanism of the
invention. As seen in FIG. 23, retention mechanism 675 is provided
to the lid 500 portion of the device below the cassette
compartment, and is in the form of a tube which protrudes laterally
from the center aperture of the cassette. The retention mechanism
aids in preventing the previously encapsulated waste package 510
from untwisting during sealing of the next waste package.
[0129] In another embodiment shown with reference to FIG. 25, the
waste storage device is provided with a rotating mechanism in the
form of a turntable 700 at the base of the device. The turntable
700 is electrically driven to rotate and seal an encapsulated waste
product resting on its surface. The turntable 700 can also serve as
a retention mechanism during sealing of the waste product. FIG. 26
shows a similar embodiment comprising a turntable 700 as shown in
FIG. 25, except that the sealing mechanism can be operated
manually.
[0130] Although the present invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. For example, components in one figure can be
combined with components shown in another figure.
Statement Regarding Preferred Embodiments
[0131] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to
the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims. All documents cited
herein are incorporated in their entirety herein.
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