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Patent 2579165 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2579165
(54) English Title: WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE INCLUDING A CARTRIDGE
(54) French Title: DISPOSITIF D'ELIMINATION DES DECHETS COMPRENANT UNE CARTOUCHE
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65D 25/14 (2006.01)
  • B65D 35/14 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • STRAVITZ, DAVID M. (United States of America)
  • CHOMIK, RICHARD S. (United States of America)
  • YOHO, MARK (United States of America)
  • LESLIE, STUART (United States of America)
  • KIM, TAEK (United States of America)
  • PETRIE, AIDAN (United States of America)
  • SEJNOWSKI, JOE (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • ANGELCARE CANADA INC. (Canada)
(71) Applicants :
  • PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC. (United States of America)
(74) Agent: NORTON ROSE FULBRIGHT CANADA LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., S.R.L.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2010-05-11
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2005-09-02
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2006-03-16
Examination requested: 2007-06-15
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2005/031361
(87) International Publication Number: WO2006/028989
(85) National Entry: 2007-03-02

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
10/932,872 United States of America 2004-09-02
10/932,422 United States of America 2004-09-02

Abstracts

English Abstract




A waste disposal device has a rotatable rim to operate a cartridge is
provided. The device comprises a rotation mechanism. A flange supports a
rotatable geared rim. The support flange is operatively configured to be
driven by the rotation mechanism. The cartridge is also operatively configured
to engage the geared rim so as to be capable of rotating with the support
flange upon actuation of the rotation mechanism. A waste disposal device
including a cartridge holding a length of flexible tubing is also provided.
The cartridge is housed in a housing configured to impede rotation of the
cartridge. A rotation mechanism is positioned interior to the cartridge
housing including a diaphragm having slits through which the flexible tubing
from the cartridge may be passed. The rotation mechanism is operatively
configured to controllably rotate and twist the tubing extending from the
cartridge when the flexible tubing is passed through the slits.


French Abstract

L'invention porte sur un dispositif d'élimination des déchets comprenant un bord rotatif qui permet d'actionner une cartouche. Le dispositif de l'invention comprend un mécanisme de rotation. Une collerette soutient un bord à engrenage rotatif. La collerette de support est fonctionnellement configurée pour être entraînée par le mécanisme de rotation. La cartouche est aussi fonctionnellement configurée pour coopérer avec le bord à engrenage de manière qu'elle est capable de tourner avec la collerette de support lorsque le mécanisme d'actionnement est commandé. L'invention concerne aussi un dispositif d'élimination des déchets comprenant une cartouche contenant une longueur de tuyau souple. La cartouche est logée dans un boîtier configuré pour empêcher la rotation de la cartouche. Un mécanisme de rotation est placé à l'intérieur du boîtier de la cartouche, qui comprend une membrane munie de fentes à travers lesquelles peut passer le tuyau souple en provenance de la cartouche. Le mécanisme de rotation est fonctionnellement configuré pour faire tourner et tordre de manière contrôlable le tuyau s'étendant depuis la cartouche lorsque le tuyau souple passe à travers les fentes.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A waste disposal device, comprising:
a cartridge holding a length of flexible tubing; said cartridge being housed
in a
housing configured to impede rotation of the cartridge; and
a rotation mechanism positioned interior to said cartridge housing, said
rotation
mechanism comprising a diaphragm having slits through which said flexible
tubing from
said cartridge may be passed; said rotation mechanism being operatively
configured to
controllably rotate said diaphragm along with said rotation mechanism so that
said
diaphragm rotates and twists said flexible tubing extending from said
cartridge when
said flexible tubing is passed through said slits.

2. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said housing
comprises a
shape of a body of revolution having a flange located inside said housing
along the
inner surface of the housing.

3. The waste disposal device according to claim 2, wherein said cartridge is
supported
by said flange.

4. The waste disposal device according to claim 2, wherein said diaphragm is
connected to said flange.

5. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said flexible
tubing contains
a waste package that can pass through said diaphragm.

6. The waste disposal device according to claim 5, wherein said flexible
tubing is
twisted above said waste package inside said tubing when said diaphragm is
rotated
while said tubing is being held stationary by said cartridge in said housing
configured to
impede the rotation of said cartridge, thus sealably encapsulating said waste
package
inside said flexible tubing.

7. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said diaphragm is
actuated
56


by a motorized mechanism.

8. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, further comprising an anti-
twisting
mechanism.

9. The waste disposal device according to claim 8, wherein said anti-twisting
mechanism comprises a bar.

10. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said container has
a
window for viewing the amount of accumulated waste package in the waste
chamber.
11. A waste disposal device, comprising: a rotation mechanism; a support
flange
comprising a rotatable geared rim, said support flange being operatively
configured to
be driven by said rotation mechanism; and a cartridge being operatively
configured to
engage said support flange so as to be capable of rotating with said support
flange
upon actuation of said rotation mechanism.

12. The waste disposal device according to claim 11, wherein said rotation
mechanism
comprises a cooperating attachment having a plurality of projections that
engages said
rotatable geared rim.

13. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of

projections comprises teeth of a gear disposed from said rotation mechanism.

14. The waste disposal device according to claim 11, wherein said cartridge
includes a
plurality of projections that are configured to engage said geared rim.

15. The waste disposal device according to claim 14, wherein said plurality of

projections comprises teeth of a gear that is integral to said cartridge.

16. The waste disposal device according to claim 14, wherein said cartridge
comprises
a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being structurally
configured to
have said plurality of projections.

57


17. The waste disposal device according to claim 11, wherein said cartridge
comprise a
top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being structurally
configured to
have openings that are operatively engageable to said geared rim.

58

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



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WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE INCLUDING A CARTRIDGE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to waste disposal devices using packs
of flexible tubing, and more particularly, to improved health care apparatus
for
the sanitary and odorless packaging and disposal of diapers and similar or
related waste, medical waste, industrial waste and any other waste wherein
sanitary and substantially odorless disposal is desired.
The present invention also relates to replaceable cartridges of tubing for a
waste disposal device and rotation mechanisms for rotating such a tubing
cartridge, some of which provide for automatic rotation of the tubing
cartridge.

The present invention also relates to waste disposal devices using packs of
flexible tubing and including a compacting mechanism which compacts the
waste.

More specifically, the present invention is related to a waste disposal device
including an external actuation mechanism to operate a cartridge.

The present invention is also related to a waste disposal device
including a diaphragm for twisting flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In households having an infant or very young child wearing disposable
diapers, a diaper pail is usually placed in the bathroom or nursery for the
receipt and disposal of soiled diapers.

One prior art construction of a diaper pail comprises a large garbage can-like
container which receives a plastic bag. The bag is inserted into the interior
of
the container, with the upper portion thereof being folded over a top rim of
the
container to maintain the bag in engagement therewith. A cover member is

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aÃtadhed to the container: and is movable between a closed position in which
the cover member is situated over the top rim of the container to cover the
open end of the bag, and an open position in which the open end of the bag is
uncovered and thereby enables the placement of a soiled diaper into the bag.
A foot pedal is provided and coupled to the cover member to enable the cover
member to be moved from the closed position to the open position by
depressing the foot pedal.

Another prior art diaper pail is sold under the trademark "Diaper Genie".
io Diaper pails of the Diaper GenieTM type are shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,869,049
(Richards et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,512 (Richards et al.), U.S. Pat. No.
5,813,200 (Jacoby et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,890 (Firth) and U.S. Pat. No.
6,170,240 (Jacoby et al.).

The diaper pails shown in these patents generally comprise a container
formed with an internal ring-shaped flange. A tubular core or cartridge rests
on the flange and houses a continuous length of flexible, substantially non-
resilient plastic tubing. A twist rim is rotatably coupled to the cartridge
such
that rotation of the twist rim causes twisting of the tubing. Means are
provided
to hold a diaper stationary when the twist rim rotates to twist the tubing and
seal an end of the diaper to form a twisted closure. A cover is removably
attached to the container and includes a lid. To prepare the diaper pail for
use, the cover is removed, an end of the tubing is removed from the cartridge
and pulled upward and tied into a knot. The knotted end, is then placed into
the container over an annular flange to form a waste insertion reservoir or
chamber bounded by the tubing. The cover is re-attached to the container and
the diaper pail is ready for use. In use, a soiled diaper is inserted into the
waste insertion reservoir bounded by the tubing and the twist rim is then
manually rotated as the diaper is held stationary to cause the diaper to be
3o encapsulated in the tubing by the formation of a twist in the tubing above
the
diaper. Rotation of the twist rim also causes an additional amount of tubing
to
be removed from the cartridge and be pushed into the waste insertion
reservoir to prepare it for a subsequent insertion of a diaper. The subsequent
insertion of another diaper into the waste insertion reservoir causes the

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previou-sly. encapsuiate.d. dpaper to pass into the hollow interior of the
container. A series of connected, closed and encapsulated waste packages is
created and the encapsulation process can be continued until the tubing is
exhausted or the container is full. When the container is full but tubing
remains, the uppermost package is severed above its upper twisted closure,
-the severed end of the tubing is tied into a knot and an access door
pivotally
connected to the bottom end of the container is opened for the removal of the
packages.

io A major inconvenience of diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie"TM type is that
it is
necessary to manually tie both ends of the tubing to use the diaper pail. That
is, initially, upon insertion of a new cartridge, an end of the tubing is
removed
from the cartridge and must be tied into a knot, the knotted end then being
pushed into the container to form the waste insertion chamber. Thereafter,
when the container is fall but tubing remains in the cartridge, the tubing is
severed at a location above the upper twisted closure of the uppermost
encapsulated waste package and the severed end of the tubing must be tied
into a knot to prevent the series of waste packages from unwinding. The free
end of the tubing remaining in the cartridge is again tied into a knot and
pushed into the container to enable another series of encapsulated waste
packages to be formed.

The necessary, multiple tyings of the tubing is bothersome and moreover,
when the knots are not made sufficiently strong, unpleasant odors emanating
from the waste packages can escape through the knots.

Another problem with diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie"T"" type is that
cutting
the tubing is difficult and requires the use of a manually operable cutting
instrument. This cutting instrument does not enable easy cutting of the
tubing.
Yet another problem with diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie"T"" type is that
the
series of waste packages are removed from the diaper pail through an access
door pivotally connected to the bottom end of the container. The series of
waste packages has been found to be difficult to handle during transfer to a

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waste. receptarte su.eh as a trAsh bag.-Cleaning of the device is also
difficult.
Still another problem with known diaper pails and other waste pails is that
the
person inserting a diaper or other waste material (such as medical waste) into
the pail may not remember to rotate the twist rim after insertion of a soiled
diaper or other waste. In this case, the waste is not encapsulated by the
tubing and malodorous vapors or other potentially hazardous contaminants
can escape from the pail. Although this would not prevent future use of the
pail as the twist rim could be rotated before the next insertion of waste, it
io would likely result in the release of odors or other potentially hazardous
contaminants. A waste pail which provides for automatic formation of a twist
above a waste item after insertion of the waste into the pail is therefore
desirable.

Another problem with known diaper and waste pails is that because the diaper
or waste pail comes into contact with the series of waste packages, it is
liable
to become dirty and cleaning of the pail is cumbersome as the access door
must be opened, the pail turned over and then the inside surfaces cleaned. A
diaper or waste pail which affords easier cleaning for the surfaces which come
into contact with the series of waste packages is therefore desirable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention embodies a diaphragm positioned in a waste disposal
device in order to hold a flexible tubing that is dispensed from a cartridge
while the tubing is being twisted in order to encapsulate a waste package
inserted into the tubing. The twisting of the tubing is accomplished either by
rotating the diaphragm and holding the cartridge stationary, or rotating the
cartridge and holding the diaphragm. A rotation mechanism is operatively
configured to the waste disposal device for rotating either the cartridge or
the
diaphragm while impeding the rotation of the other.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a cartridge a length of
flexible tubing. The cartridge is housed in a housing configured to rotation
of
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tMe cart; .dge.. The rotation ~ne.chanism- is positioned interior to said
cartridge
housing including a diaphragm. The diaphragm has slits through which said
flexible tubing from said cartridge may be passed. The rotation mechanism is
operatively configured to controllably rotate and twist the tubing extending
from the cartridge when the flexible tubing is passed through said slits.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides a cartridge also
holding a length of flexible tubing. The cartridge is housed in a housing
configured to impede rotation of a diaphragm having slits through which said
io flexible tubing from said cartridge may be passed. A rotation mechanism is
positioned interior to said housing including the diaphragm . The rotation
mechanism is operatively configured to controllably rotate and twist the
tubing
extending from the cartridge when the flexible tubing is passed through the
slits.

The present invention embodies a waste disposal device having a rotatable
geared rim to operate a cartridge. The device comprises a rotation
mechanism. A flange supports a rotatable geared rim. The support flange is
operatively configured to be driven by the rotation mechanism. The cartridge
is also operatively configured to engage the geared rim so as to be capable of
rotating with the support flange upon actuation of the rotation mechanism.

An embodiment of the present invention provides new and improved waste
disposal devices, in particular for use in the disposal of disposable diapers,
medical wastes and industrial waste.

Another aspect of an embodiment provides improved waste disposal devices
for the medical and health case industries for use in, for example, hospitals,
doctors' offices, operating rooms, nursing homes, out-patient care and the
3o home health care industry for disposal of non "sharps" including adult
diapers,
bloody/soiled bandages, dressings, disposable bibs, "chucks" and clothing,
medical gloves and dialysis machine filters and other disposal medical waste.
Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste

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disposal devins vrihac, h u9~.fldxible-tubing to dispose of waste packages.

Still another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which encapsulation of waste packages occurs
automatically upon closing a cover of the device or depressing a foot pedal.
Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which waste products are encapsulated and compacted.

io Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which tying of flexible tubing used to dispose of waste
packages is unnecessary.

Still another aspect of an embodiment provides a new and improved waste
disposal device which effectively contains and prevents the release of odors
from waste packages.

Still another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved cartridges
for waste disposal devices which retain flexible tubing.
Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which a series of encapsulated waste packages are
formed and can be removed from the device in an easy and expeditious
manner.

Another embodiment provides new and improved diaper pails which alleviate
a problem in known diaper pails, namely the need to remember to rotate a
twist rim on a diaper pail after insertion of a soiled diaper in order to
encapsulate the diaper.

Yet another embodiment provides an automatic twist mechanism for a diaper
(or other waste) pail which eliminates problems associated with the required
manual twisting of a twist rim in order to encapsulate a soiled diaper or
other
waste product.

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In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a waste disposal
device in accordance with the invention generally includes a container
defining a waste receiving chamber and a cartridge arranged in the container
and containing a length of flexible tubing for encapsulating waste packages
after placement of a waste package in the container, with the encapsulated
waste packages being retained in the waste receiving chamber. A lid is
coupled to the container and is movable between an open position in which
the waste receiving chamber is accessible and a closed position in which the
io waste receiving chamber is covered. A retention mechanism is arranged in
the container to hold the waste package.

In another aspect of an embodiment, a rotation mechanism is provided to
cause relative rotation between the cartridge and the retention mechanism in
is order to cause a twist to be formed above a waste package when the waste
package is being held by the retention mechanism and thereby encapsulate
the waste package in the tubing. That is, either the cartridge is rotated
while
the retention mechanism is stationary or the retention mechanism is rotated
while the cartridge is stationary.

In an aspect of an embodiment, encapsulation of the waste package prevents
the release of odors from the waste package and thus, the invention provides
a convenient and sanitary disposal of the waste packages. Once
encapsulated, the waste package is urged further into the container upon a
subsequent insertion of another waste package. A series of encapsulated
waste packages is thus created in the waste receiving chamber of the
container, each package contained within a portion of the tubing and sealed at
each end by the twisting process. However, the front end of the tubing is not
sealed by the twisting process and must be closed by another method,
possibly as disclosed below.

In another aspect of an embodiment, the cartridge can also be rotated upon
rotation of the retention mechanism, although this would require some
additional operation in order to form a twist in the tubing and encapsulation
of

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the, vwastib packegEs.

The rotation mechanism may take many forms. In some embodiments, the
rotation mechanism is actuated automatically by pressing or depressing a foot
pedal, pushbutton or the like. In the alternative, the rotation mechanism may
be actuated automatically based on closing and/or opening of the lid. In this
manner, one does not need to remember to turn a twist rim, as in
conventional waste disposal devices of a similar type, in order to cause a
waste package to be encapsulated.
An exemplifying embodiment of a retention mechanism includes a frame
defining a waste passage through which the waste package passes and
resilient springs connected to the frame and extending inward into the waste
passage to engage with and hold the waste package. The frame may be fixed
to the container in embodiments wherein the cartridge is being rotated and the
retention mechanism is stationary. In embodiments wherein the retention
mechanism is rotated and the cartridge stationary, the retention mechanism
can additionally include a support flange connected to the frame for
supporting the cartridge and an annular ring connected to the support flange
2o and including a gear rim or other toothed structure. The retention
mechanism
is rotatably supported on the container by, for example, a flange on which the
annular ring rests. The gear rim is designed to be rotated by the rotation
mechanism to thereby cause rotation of the frame and any waste package
held by the resilient springs. An appropriate mechanism is provided to prevent
rotation of the cartridge supporting on the support flange of the retention
mechanism. Instead of supporting the cartridge directly on the support flange
or the retention mechanism in general, it can be removably secured to the
container apart from the retention mechanism.

One embodiment of a rotation mechanism for rotating the retention
mechanism including the gear rim described above, as well as others
disclosed herein having a gear rim, includes a motor having a shaft and
providing rotational movement to the shaft and a gear arranged on the shaft
and in engagement with the gear rim. As such, rotation of the shaft causes

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rotatPbn a.f tfae g:ear and g:ear;fi m=which in turn causes rotation of the
frame
and any waste package held by the resilient springs connected to the frame.
The rotation mechanism may be housed in a compartment defined by a wall
inside the container, to prevent the waste packages from damaging the '
rotation mechanism. The wall includes a slot through which the gear rim
extends into engagement with the gear mounted on the shaft. In the
alternative, the gear may extend through the slot into engagement with the
gear rim.

io Yet another embodiment provides a compacting mechanism to compact the
waste packages. This is particularly advantageous for medical waste such as
is generated by doctors in doctor's offices. The compacting mechanism can
be actuated by the same motor which causes rotation of the retention
mechanism. In an exemplifying embodiment, the compacting mechanism
includes a rotatable shaft extending between opposite sides of the waste
chamber, preferably supported on both sides, with a front end of the tubing
from the cartridge being connected to the shaft prior to use of the waste
disposal device. When the motor is actuated, the shaft is rotated and the
tubing having waste packages encapsulated therein is rolled around the shaft
thereby compacting any waste package encapsulated by the tubing. The
waste packages are encapsulated by the formation of twists above the waste
packages in the manner described above.

In another aspect, another rotation mechanism for rotating a retention
mechanism having a gear rim as described above comprises a series of gears
mounted on a flange in the container and a pedal mounted exterior of the
container and connected to a pulley. A cable passes over this pulley and is
fixed at one end to the container and windable about a shaft at its other end
so that movement of the pedal in a slot *causes the shaft to rotate. A gear is
mounted on the shaft and a clutch assembly is interposed between the gear
and the gear rim in order to transfer the rotational force of the gear to the
gear
rim. The clutch assembly is constructed to provide for a unidirectional
transmission of rotational force from the gear to the gear rim. To this end,
the
clutch assembly may comprise a clutch member having a gear portion in

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m eshing iengagecmen't with the gear mounted on the shaft. The clutch member
is mounted about a drive spindle connected to a drive gear which in turn is in
meshing engagement with an idler gear. The idler gear is in meshing
engagement with a gear rim formed on the retention mechanism. The clutch
member is constructed to engage or disengage from the drive spindle so that
the rotational force is transferred to the drive only upon movement of the
pedal in one direction and not the opposite direction.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an alternative rotation
io mechanism for rotating a retention mechanism without a gear rim includes a
pulley attached to the retention mechanism and a pulley attached to the shaft
of the motor or to the shaft of the compacting mechanism, if present. A cable
is threaded through the pulleys and guided by guide pulleys if necessary so
that the rotation of the shaft of the motor or the shaft of the compacting
mechanism is converted into rotational movement of the retention mechanism
via the cable. The retention mechanism in this case includes a frame,
resilient
springs connected to the frame, the pulley and an annular ring around the
frame with the retention mechanism being rotatably supported on the
container by, for example, the annular ring resting on a flange of the

container.

In an embodiment wherein the rotation mechanism is manually actuated, the
rotation mechanism comprises a handle situated at least partially outside of
the container and movable in a slot in an outer wall of the container and a
mechanism for converting movement of the handle into unidirectional
rotational movement of the frame of the retention mechanism to thereby rotate
the frame, the resilient springs and a waste package engaged by the resilient
springs relative to the tubing in the cartridge. Uni-directional rotational
movement of the frame is necessary to prevent unwinding of the twists in the
tubing. One manner to accomplish this is to provide an inner ring connected to
the frame and having grooves on an inner face and a first, movable outer ring
surrounding the inner ring and connected to the handle. The first outer ring
includes a pin engaging with the grooves on the inner ring so that upon
sliding
movement of the handle, the first outer ring rotates, and via the engagement



CA 02579165 2007-03-02
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of the pih vWth tfte grc~caves [n the inner ring, the inner ring and frame
rotate.
Also, a second, stationary outer ring is connected to the container and has
grooves on an inner face. A pin connected to the inner ring engages with the
grooves on the second outer ring to prevent return movement of the frame. As
such, the frame rotates only when the handle is moved in a "forward" direction
and not when the handle is moved in a "reverse" direction. Repeated forward
and reverse movement of the handles will thus result in multiple twists in the
tubing.

io To allow for easy removal of the series of encapsulated waste packages from
the container, a pail, or another comparable removable waste receptacle, may
be placed in the container on a base for receiving the encapsulated waste
packages and an access door is formed in an outer wall of the container to
enable removal and emptying of the pail. The pail may be lined with a trash
bag so that when the pail is removed, the trash bag is closed and sealed with
the series of encapsulated waste packages therein.

In the alternative, a hamper can be provided having an outer wall constituting
a portion of the outer wall of the container and defining the waste receiving
chamber. The hamper may be pivotally attached to the container so that by
pivoting the hamper outward, the series of encapsulated waste packages is
exposed and thus easily removable from the hamper.

In the embodiments described above, the retention mechanism includes
resilient springs which engage the waste package and prevent its rotation
relative to the retention mechanism. Other mechanisms for preventing rotation
of waste packages relative to a retaining structure are also contemplated
within the scope of the invention.

3o For example, in another embodiment of a waste disposal device, the
retention
mechanism is constructed in connection with a rotatable pail situated in the
container so that the first waste package is held stationary by the pail
itself.
The rotation mechanism in this embodiment is designed to rotate the pail
while the cartridge is stationary. To this end, the rotation mechanism may

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co:mpr:.fse a turntab'Ie altrange'd below the pail, a string for manually
causing
rotation of the turntable (by pulling the string), with the turntable being in
engagement with the pail via cooperating formations on the turntable and pail,
and a mechanism for returning the turntable to is original position to be
ready
for a subsequent rotation via pulling of the string. The mechanism by which
the turntable returns to its original position may be a torsion spring or the
like.
The cartridge used in the waste disposal devices in accordance with the
invention can be any conventional cartridge containing flexible tubing and
1o defining a waste insertion chamber. However, a drawback of known cartridges
is that the tubing generally must be tied or knotted both at the beginning and
end of use. Therefore, in order to achieve additional objects of the
invention,
the waste disposal devices in accordance with the invention are designed to
use a cartridge having tubing which can be closed and sealed at both ends
without requiring tying of knots. One construction of such a cartridge
includes
a casing defining a cavity containing tubing and including opposed
substantially cylindrical inner and outer walls and an annular lower wall
extending between the inner and outer walls and an annular cover connected
to the casing and enclosing the tubing in the cavity such that a ring-shaped
opening is defined between an inner edge of the cover and the inner wall for
passage of the tubing therethrough.

The closing and sealing of the front end of the tubing outside of the cavity
is
obtained by, for example, a metal clip or clasp attached to the front end of
the
tubing.

The closing and sealing of the rear end of the tubing, i.e., that end
connected
to the cartridge, is obtained by constructing the cartridge to fold about
itself.
For example, score lines can be arranged on the cover to enable the cover to
3o be folded about the score lines and score lines or slits arranged in the
casing
in alignment with the score lines of the cover to enable the casing to bend or
break in conjunction with the folding of the cover about the score lines. If
the
casing is made of cardboard, then only score lines are required, not slits.

12


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(7n.e or both eff'th~e falded: pairfi cf-the cover may be provided with a
connection mechanism to enable the folded parts of the cover to stay
together. The connection mechanism may be adhesive, hook and loop
fasteners or ties and clasps formed or stamped in the cover.

The above-described embodiments involve rotation of the retention
mechanism relative to the stationary cartridge. In an embodiment wherein the
cartridge is rotated relative to the retention mechanism, a rotation mechanism
is provided which automatically rotates the cartridge upon movement of the
1o lid. The automatic rotation of the cartridge could also be performed
automatically in conjunction with the movement of the lid or as a consequence
of the movement of the lid. Rotation of the cartridge after insertion of a
waste
package into the waste insertion chamber causes the tubing to twist and
encapsulate the waste package. The automatic rotation of the cartridge is
achieved preferably only upon closing of the lid so that when the lid is
closed,
the cartridge is rotated and the tubing is twisted. In this manner, one does
not
need to remember to turn a twist rim, as in conventional waste disposal
devices of a similar type, in order to cause a waste package to be
encapsulated. Opening of the lid will not cause rotation of the cartridge and
thus the encapsulated waste package will not be opened.

This type of rotation mechanism can take many forms with the objective being
to convert the movement of the lid, which is invariably performed after
insertion of a soiled waste package, into a rotation of the cartridge to
thereby
cause twisting of the tubing. In one embodiment, a rack gear is attached to
the lid and a gear assembly is arranged in the container with one gear
adapted to frictionally engage the teeth of the rack gear upon downward
movement of the lid. The gear assembly includes a circular plate with
projections or a drive gear with teeth which mesh with a series of projections
formed on the periphery of the cartridge. This drive gear is coupled through a
gear assembly to the gear in engagement with the rack gear so that the
movement of the rack gear causes rotation of all of the gears in the gear
assembly and the drive gear and thus rotation of the cartridge. Instead of a
rack gear, a toothed plate can be used.

13


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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best
be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like
elements, and wherein;

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away side view of a first embodiment of a waste
io disposal device in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away view of the upper region of the waste disposal
device shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a view of the gear assembly interacting with a rack gear in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a position in which movement of the rack gear
is transmitted by the gear assembly to the cartridge;

FIG. 4 is a view of the gear assembly shown in FIG. 3 in a position in which
movement of the rack gear is not transmitted by the gear assembly to the
cartridge;

FIG. 5 is a view of another gear assembly interacting with a rack gear for use
in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a position in which movement of the
rack gear is transmitted by the gear assembly to the cartridge;

FIG. 6 is a view of the gear assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a position in which
movement of the rack gear is not transmitted by the gear assembly to the
cartridge;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention wherein
waste packages are rotated relative to the cartridge;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7 with the lid in
a
14


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closed= pp$ftfqm-.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view partially cut-away showing the manner in which
the retention member is rotated;
FIG. 10 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a cartridge of flexible
tubing for
use in the invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cartridge of
flexible tubing for use in the invention

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a tie upon removal from the cover of the
cartridge shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a clasp upon removal from the cover of the
cartridge shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 13D is a perspective, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
cartridge of flexible tubing for use in the invention;

FIG. 13E is a perspective view of the end of the tubing of the cartridge shown
in FIG. 13D after removal from the cartridge;

FIG. 14 is an exploded, partial view of another embodiment of a waste
disposal device in accordance with the invention wherein waste packages are
3o rotated relative to the cartridge;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation, partly in section, of another embodiment of the


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frnvefitic5h_ Whiere:in waste.,packibges are rotated relative to the
cartridge;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation, party in section, of the embodiment of FIG. 16
shown during use;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the rotation mechanism in the embodiment shown in
FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the rotation mechanism in the embodiment shown
1o in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of a waste disposal device in
accordance with the invention wherein waste packages are rotated relative to
the cartridge;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the waste disposal device shown in FIG.
20;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the encapsulation device and compacting
mechanism of the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 238 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an encapsulation
device for use in the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 20
showing waste packages encapsulated and compacted;

3o FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the retention mechanism and a cartridge of
the
waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of another retention mechanism cartridge of the
waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;

16


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FIG. 27 shows a section of flexible tubing with perforations to facilitate
tearing
off;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of another encapsulation device for the waste
disposal device shown in FIGS. 20-22;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention wherein
the waste package is rotated while the cartridge is stationary;
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional, partial view taken along the line 30-30 of FIG.
29;
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 31-31 of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 32-32 of FIG. 31;
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 33-33 of FIG. 31;
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34-34 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 35-35 of FIG. 32;
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention
wherein the waste package is rotated while the cartridge is stationary;

FIG. 37 is a view of the bottom of the pail in the embodiment of FIG. 36;
FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along the line 38-38 of FIG. 36;

3o FIG. 39 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the turntable and bottom of
the
pail showing a position in which the ribs on the turntable engage with
depressions on the pail;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the turntable and bottom of the
17


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p~~ail showing apbsitPbn iin whiii;.h the ribs on the turntable are separated
from
the depressions on the pail;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 41-41 of FIG. 39;
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 42-42 of FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rotatable geared rim
showing a cartridge being operatively configured to engage the geared rim,
io according to the present invention;

FIG. 43A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a waste disposal
device showing a diaphragm for twisting a flexible tubing issuing from a
cartridge, inaccordance with the present invention;
FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a waste disposal
device showing a diaphragm having slits for twisting a flexible tubing issuing
from a cartridge, in accordance with the present invention;

2o FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a waste disposal
device showing a diaphragm for twisting a flexible tubing issuing from a
cartridge after the tubing containing waste package passes through an
opening in the diaphragm, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 46 is a perspective drawing of a waste disposal device of the present
invention showing an anti-twist rod to prevent the untwisting of a twisted
flexible tubing containing a waste package, in accordance with the present
invention.

3o DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of waste disposal devices in accordance with the
invention are described below. Generally, the waste disposal devices provide
for relative rotation between a cartridge of flexible tubing and a retention
unit,
18


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rrY,e;OhNariiSn i or rnember v.u!hich holds=a waste package stationary, i.e.,
either
the cartridge is rotated relative to the retention unit or the retention unit
is
rotated while the cartridge is stationary. In this manner, the flexible tubing
is
caused to twist above the waste package thereby encapsulating the waste
package in the tubing. The encapsulated waste package is then urged into a
waste receiving chamber of the waste disposal device upon the insertion of
another waste package into the device to be encapsulated or in some
embodiments, provisions are made to enable the encapsulated waste
package to be drawn into the waste receiving chamber without dependency
1o on the subsequent insertion of another waste package. Repeated insertions
of
waste packages causes the formation of a series of encapsulated waste
packages which can be removed from the container when the container is full
or the tubing is exhausted.

It is contemplated that the features of different embodiments described herein
can be used together with one another in the same waste disposal device to
the extent possible. For example, new and unique cartridges of flexible tubing
are disclosed below and it is envisioned that these cartridges can be used in
all of disclosed waste disposal devices. On the other hand, some of the waste
2o disposal devices described below are shown for use with this new cartridge.
Nevertheless, it is contemplated that these waste disposal devices can be
used with other cartridges including conventional cartridges, which might
entail use of an appropriate adapter, one of which is described below.

Throughout the several views, the same reference numerals will be used to
designate the same or similar elements. Variations in the elements may be
present in the drawings and if so, it is to demonstrate that the elements can
have different forms.

3o Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, a waste disposal device in accordance with
one
form of the present invention is shown. The waste disposal device 10
comprises a generally cylindrical container 12 defining a waste receiving
compartment 12a, a removable cover 14 arranged on the top of the container
12 and an access door 16 pivotally connected to the bottom of the container

19


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12. Cover 14 fits snugly fa fla(4~.upper rim of the container 12 and defines a
waste insertion opening 20. A lid 22 is pivotally connected to the cover 14 so
as to be movable between an open position in which the waste insertion
opening 20 is exposed to enable insertion of a waste package such as soiled
diaper into the container 12 and a closed position in which the lid 22
overlies
and closes the waste insertion opening 20. A flange 18 is located inside the
container 12 along the inner surface of the container 12, and may be
integrally
formed with the container 12. Flange 18 can conform to the cross-sectional
shape of the container 12, which may be cylindrical or otherwise.
A removable cartridge 24 rests on the flange 18 and contains a
circumferentially pleated length of flexible tubing 34. Tubing 34 may
constitute
a polybag. Cartridge 24 includes a cylindrical outer wall 26, a lower wall 28,
an inner wall 30 and an upper wall 32 which together define a cavity for
receiving the circumferentially pleated length of flexible tubing 34. A ring-
shaped opening 36 is defined between the inner wall 30 and the upper wall 32
for passage of the tubing 34. Inner wall 30 is provided with an annular flange
or lip 38 over which the tubing 34 passes into a waste insertion chamber 40
defined by the inner wall 28. Waste insertion chamber 40 aligns with the
waste insertion opening 20 defined in the cover 14. The cartridge 24 is
removed when the tubing 34 is used up by separating the cover 14 from the
container 12, and a full cartridge is then placed onto the flange 18 and the
cover 14 fit onto the container 12.

A rotation mechanism is provided to enable movement of the lid 22 to be
converted into rotation of the cartridge 24. More particularly, the downward
movement of the lid 22 causes automatic rotation of the cartridge 24, with the
rotation of the cartridge 24 causing twisting of the tubing 34 above the waste
package in the waste insertion chamber 40. In this manner, the twist rim
present in conventional waste disposal devices of a similar type is not
required.

Specifically, the mechanical rotation mechanism, which causes rotation of the
cartridge 24 upon the downward movement of the lid 22 to its closed position,


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includes atootNled memb.er such-as a rack gear 42 fixed to the lid 22 and a
cooperating gear assembly 44 arranged in connection with the container 12.
Rack gear 42 has an arcuate shape and includes a series of teeth formed on
at least a portion of the outer arcuate surface with spaces being present
between the teeth. An elongate slot 68 is provided in the cover 14 through
which the rack gear 42 passes for engagement with the gear assembly 44
(see FIG. 2). Instead of a rack gear 42, a toothed plate or any other member
having teeth on an edge could be used. The rack gear 42 could also be
1o provided with teeth on the inner arcuate surface in which case, the gear
assembly 44 would be positioned inward of the rack gear 42 between the rack
gear 42 and the rear of the container 12. Other cooperating, force-
transmitting
constructions could be used to enable the movement of the lid 22 to be
transferred to an element of the gear assembly.
Gear assembly 44 is mounted on a plate 46 so that the gear assembly 44 and
plate 46 can be formed as a discrete component insertable into a pre-formed
site in the container 12. As shown, plate 46 is mounted on an inner wall of
the
container 12 between mounting brackets 70 which define elongate slots for
2o receiving opposed edges of the plate 46. In this manner, the plate 46
containing the gear assembly 44 thereon is easily and removably mounted to
the container 12. The plate 46 can also be formed integral with the container.
A non-limiting embodiment of gear assembly 44 is shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 3 and 4. Gear assembly 44 includes a first gear 48 adapted to engage
the rack gear 42. Gear 48 is mounted between the plate 46 and a mounting
bracket 50 attached to or formed in conjunction with the plate 46. An elongate
aperture 52 is arranged in the mounting bracket 50 for retaining an end of a
shaft of the gear 48 in such a manner that the gear 48 is slightly movable.
The
purpose of the movement of the gear 48 is explained below.

Gear assembly 44 further includes a coupled set of two gears 54,56 mounted
on the plate 46 with gear 54 being in meshed engagement with gear 48. Gear
56 is spaced from the plate 46 and is positioned at the same level as the

21


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mounting.. brodke.t..50 Which is thus, shaped with an arcuate form to
accommodate gear 56. Gear assembly 44 further includes another gear 58
also mounted on plate 46 in meshed engagement with gear 56. A gear 60 is
attached to gear 58 and includes a series of projections 64 extending outward
from a peripheral edge. Instead of gears, any type of toothed member can be
used.

The engaged pairs of gears 48,54 and 56,58 are constructed in a
conventional manner so that rotation of one gear of each pair causes rotation
io of the other gear in that pair. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 3,
when the
rack gear 42 is moved in the direction of arrow A, which occurs when the lid
22 is being closed, gear 48 is moved downward until its shaft 48A is against
the lower edge of the aperture 52 at which time, the continued movement of
the rack gear 42 causes the gear 48 to rotate in the direction of arrow B
causing gears 54,56 to rotate in the direction of arrow C, which is opposite
to
the direction of rotation of gear 48. Rotation of gear 56 in the direction of
arrow C causes gears 58, 60 to rotate in the direction of arrow D, which is
opposite to the direction of rotation of gears 54,56.

2o Further, gears 54, 56 and 58 are constructed to increase rotation of gear
60 in
relation to the rotation of gear 48. That is, gear 54 has a smaller diameter
than
gear 48 and gear 56 so that gear 56 rotates faster than gear 48 while gear 58
has a smaller diameter than gear 56 and gear 60 so that gear 60 rotates
faster than gear 56. One rotation of gear 46 will thus translate into multiple
rotations of gear 60. The ratio of the diameters of the gears 46, 54, 56, 58,
i.e., the gear ratio, can be designed to provide whatever appropriate rotation
of gear 60 is needed to facilitate operation of the waste disposal device in
the
manner described below.

3o Referring to FIG. 2, cartridge 24 has a series of projections 66 extending
outward from a rim 26a of outer wall 26. Although not shown, projections 66
are uniformly spaced around the entire circumference of the outer wall 26.
Projections 64 on the gear 60 are designed to mesh with the projections 66 on
the cartridge 24 to enable rotation force to be transferred from the gear

22


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assemblY. 44to the caCtrid:ge 24. As such, rotation of the gear 60 in the
direction of arrow D in FIG. 3 will result in rotation of the cartridge 24 in
the
direction of arrow E in FIG. 2. Rotation of the cartridge 24 causes twisting
of
the tubing 34 above a waste package when the waste package is held
stationary.

The projections 66 can be formed integral with the outer wall 26 in which
case, the cartridge 34 would be different than conventional cartridges which
do not have any such projections. In the alternative, since it is desirable to
be
io able to use conventional cartridges, an annular attachment rim could be
provided. The conventional cartridge would be placed in the annular
attachment rim, which would be sized to provide a snug fit and/or include a
cooperating attachment mechanism in order to fix the cartridge to the
attachment rim so that rotation of the attachment rim causes rotation of the
cartridge. The attachment rim would include a series of projections adapted to
mesh with the gear 60. In this manner, either the special cartridge including
the integral projections 66 or a cartridge designed for use in conventional
waste disposal devices of the same or a similar type could be used in this
embodiment of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, gear 60 is positioned below the rim 26a of the outer wall
26 so that the projections 64 on the gear 60 engage the projections 66 on the
cartridge 24 from below. However, it is also contemplated that the projections
64 can engage the projections 66 from above, either by forming the
projections 66 on a rim about a lower portion of the cartridge 24, reducing
the
height of the cartridge 24 while maintaining the same gear assembly 44 or by
constructing the gear assembly 44 such that the gears 58, 60 rotate about an
axis above the projections 66.

3o The rotation mechanism as shown is designed to cause rotation of the
cartridge 24 only upon closing movement of the lid 22. The gear train is thus
arranged to prevent transmission of a rotational force by the rack gear 42
during movement of the lid 22 to its open position and allow transmission of a
rotational force by the rack gear 42 during movement of the lid 22 to its
closed

23


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ppsibon: Any knowii das:i:gn an.d construction of gears to provide for a one-
way transmission of rotational force could be applied in the invention. In the
illustrated embodiment, a one-way transmission of rotational force is provided
by the mounting of the shaft of the gear 48 in the aperture 52. As such, when
the lid 22 is moved to its closed position, the shaft 48A of the gear 48 is
pressed downward against a lower edge of the aperture 52 by the rack gear
42 so that the rack gear 42 frictionally engages gear 48 and causes rotation
of
gear 48 (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, when the rack gear 42 is moved
upward upon movement of the lid 22 to its open position, gear 48 moves
io upward (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4) out of engagement with the
gear
54 such that a space G is formed between the gear 48 and the gear 54. The
upward movement of gear 48 is facilitated by the placement of the shaft 48A
of the gear in the aperture 52. Although the rack gear 42 will continue to
engage and rotate gear 48 during its upward movement, the rotation of gear
48 is not transmitted to the gear 54 so that the cartridge 24 does not rotate
and unwind the twist. The size and orientation of the aperture 52 are designed
to allow for movement of the shaft 48A in the desired manner.

It is also conceivable that a rotation mechanism could also be designed to
cause rotation of the cartridge either only upon opening of the lid or upon
both
closing and opening of the lid.

The apparatus is designed to hold an encapsulated waste package stationary
while the flexible tubing 34 is twisted. To this end, tongues or springs 72
are
attached to the flange 18. The springs 72 hold a waste package 74 within the
flexible tubing 34 stationary while the cartridge 24 is rotated to twist the
flexible tubing 34 and seal the end of the waste package 74. Alternate
arrangements for preventing rotation of the waste package 74 during rotation
of the cartridge 34 include springs attached to the container 12 and
projecting
3o radially inward in order to engage the waste package 74, or springs
attached
to or formed integral with a retention member which in turn is attached to the
container. Additional arrangements for preventing rotation of the waste
package which may be incorporated into this embodiment are described
below.

24


CA 02579165 2009-04-15

Moreover, other arrangements for holding a waste package stationary during
twisting of the
tubing which may be used in conjunction with the invention are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,869,049, 5,590,512, 5,813,200, 6,128,890 and 6,170,240. These patents also
disclose several
variations of a cutting device that may be incorporated into the waste
disposal device in
accordance with the invention for the purpose of severing the flexible tubing
34 when the
container 12 is full of waste packages 74.

To prepare the waste disposal device 10 for use, the cover 14 is opened and a
cartridge 24 is
placed onto the flange 18. An end of the flexible tubing 34 is taken from the
cartridge 24 to cause
a length of the tubing 34 to be pulled through opening 36 and this end is then
knotted. This knot
of flexible tubing 34 is then placed over the lip 38 into the waste insertion
chamber 40 to thereby
form a first bag for storing a waste package 74. The cover 14 is then
reattached to the container
12 and the device is ready for use.

In use, the lid 22 is opened to expose the waste insertion opening 20 of cover
14 and the aligned
waste insertion chamber 40 of the container 12. A waste package 74 such as a
soiled diaper is
placed into the bag formed by flexible tubing 34 preferably so that the bag is
held against the
springs 72.

The lid 22 is then closed causing the rack gear 42 to rotate the gears 48, 54,
56, 58 and 60.
Rotation of the gear 60, which is in meshed engagement with the projections 66
on the cartridge
24, will automatically cause rotation of the cartridge 24. Rotation of the
cartridge 24 will cause
the flexible tubing 34 not held stationary by the weight of the waste package
74 in engagement
with the springs 72 to be twisted while the waste package 74 is held
stationary. Thus, the flexible
tubing 32 located above the waste package 74 twists and encloses and
encapsulates the waste
package 74.

Once a waste package 74 is sealed, the waste package 74 can be pushed
downwardly past the
retention springs 72 into the container 12 upon the



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foI'low.itig. in:sertifln of a.wasfe package into the waste insertion chamber
40.
Successive waste packages 74 can be sanitarily stored in the container 12
because each waste package 74 is individually sealed. Once the container 12
is filled, a cutting device can be used to sever the end of the most recently
disposed waste package 74 from the roll of flexible tubing 34, and the series
of waste packages 74 can be removed from the container 12 through the
bottom access door 16.

Modifications to the above embodiment are contemplated, including but not
io limited to, variations in the rotation mechanism which converts the
movement
of the lid to rotation of the cartridge.

For example, another gear assembly for converting the downward movement
of the lid 14 and associated rack gear 42 into rotational movement of the
cartridge 24, while preventing rotational movement of the cartridge 24 during
upward movement of the lid 14 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This gear
assembly 44' includes a gear 48' meshing with the rack gear 42 and mounted
with its rotation shaft in an aperture 52' formed in a plate 46' attached to
or
formed integral with the inner wall of the container 12. Gear assembly 44'
further includes a second gear 54'0 in meshing engagement with the gear 48'
and which is also mounted on the plate 46'. A gear 60' is attached to the gear
54' and is arranged to mesh with the projections 64 on the cartridge 24.

For this gear assembly 44', a one-way transmission of rotational force is
provided by the mounting of the shaft of the gear 48' in aperture 52'. When
the
rack gear 42 is moved in the direction of arrow A, which occurs when the lid
22 is being closed, it frictionally engages gear 48' and pushes gear 48'
downward until its shaft 48A' is against the lower edge of the aperture 52' at
which time, the continued movement of the rack gear 42 causes the gear 48'
to rotate in the direction of arrow B causing gears 54',60' to rotate in the
direction of arrow C, which is opposite to the direction of rotation of gear
48'.
Rotation of the gear 60' causes rotation of the cartridge 34 through the
meshing engagement of the projections 64 on the cartridge with gear 60'.

26


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an th'e' dtblar ktand, W.hen the.;i~ack gear 42 is moved upward upon movement
of the lid 22 to its open position (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6),
gear 48'
is moved upward against an upper edge of the aperture 52' out of
engagement with the gear 54' (in the direction of arrow B) with a space G
being formed between the gear 48' and the gear 54'. The upward movement
of gear 48' is facilitated by the placement of the shaft 48A' of the gear in
the
aperture 52'. Although the rack gear 42 will continue to engage and rotate
gear 48' during the upward movement of the rack gear 42, the rotation of gear
48' is not transmitted to the gear 54' because of the separation between gear
io 48' and gear 54' so that the cartridge 24 does not rotate and unwind the
twist.
Instead of providing projections on the outer wall of the cartridge 24, sponge
rollers can be used to transfer the rotational force provided by the gear
assembly to the cartridge.
Although several embodiments of a waste disposal device incorporating
cartridge rotation mechanisms in accordance with the invention are shown in
FIGS. 1-6, the cartridge rotation mechanisms disclosed above can be
incorporated into numerous waste disposal devices that differ from the
2o embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6.

The embodiments in FIGS. 1-6 involve the rotation of the cartridge relative to
the waste package which is held stationary. The following embodiments of
waste disposal devices provide rotation of the waste package relative to the
cartridge which is stationary.

A first embodiment of such a waste disposal device is shown in FIGS. 7-9 and
it incorporates a rotation mechanism for rotating the waste package relative
to
the cartridge. The waste disposal device 80 includes a substantially
cylindrical
container 82 having an outer wall 84, and a base 86 arranged at a lower end
of the outer wall 84. A removable hamper 88 is provided and has a wall 88a
which also constitutes a part of the outer wall 84 of the container 82. The
waste packages accumulate in the hamper 88 and the hamper 88 is removed
from the container 82 and emptied when full. Since the hamper 88 comes into

27


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dir'e'Ct,coritaot';;Wi'ith the. wat~ packages and is liable to become dirty,
it is
advantageous that it is detachable from the container 82 so that it can be
easily cleaned, possibly by placing it in a dishwasher.

A lid 22 is pivotally connected to the outer wall 84 so as to be movable
between an open position in which a waste insertion opening 20 is exposed to
enable insertion of a waste package such as soiled diaper into the container
82 and a closed position in which the lid 22 overlies and closes the waste
insertion opening 20.
A flange 90 is located inside the container 82 along the inner surface of the
container 82, and may be integrally formed with the container 82. Flange 90
can conform to the cross-sectional shape of the container 82.

is A retention member 92 is seated on the flange 90 and includes tongues or
springs 72 adapted to grasp a waste package 74 (FIG. 8). Retention member
92 has a frame including lower planar section 92a from which the springs 72
and vertical walls 92b descend, the vertical walls 92b defining an enclosure
in
which the springs 72 retain the waste package 74. A stepped section 92c is
2o adjacent the outer edge of the planar section 92a and forms an indentation
92d enabling the retention member 92 to be movably seated on the flange 90.
A cylindrical wall section 92e is adjacent the stepped section 92c and a
circular gear rim 92f adjoins the cylindrical wall section 92e. Projections
92g
are formed on the gear rim 92f.
25 -
A removable cartridge 94 rests on the stepped section 92c and contains a
circumferentially pleated length of flexible tubing 34. Additional details of
the
cartridge 94 are set forth below with reference to FIGS. 10-12.

3o A rotation mechanism 96 is provided to rotate the retention member 92. The
rotation mechanism 96 includes a rack gear 42 attached to the lid 22 and
having a series of teeth on at least a portion of an inner arcuate surface,
and
a gear assembly 96 arranged on the container 82. Gear assembly 96 includes
a first gear 100 in meshing engagement with the rack gear 96 and a second

28


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ge'ar 1.02. in mesh:ing e.ngagement with the first gear 100. Gear 102 is
connected to a drive gear 104 which is in meshing engagement with the
projections 92g on the rim 92f of the retention member 92 (FIG. 9). Gear
assembly 96 also includes an appropriate mechanism for enabling one-way
transmission of rotational force from the rack gear 42 to the gear 104, for
example, the formation of an aperture in which the rotation shaft of the gear
100 is arranged to enable movement of the gear 100 into and out of
engagement with the gear 102 (see FIGS. 3-6 and the relevant discussion
above about the transmission of rotational force in only a single direction by
io mounting a rotation shaft of a gear in an aperture).

Thus, when the lid 22 is closed, the rack gear 42 is moved in the direction of
arrow A in FIG. 9 causing the gear 100 to rotate in the direction of arrow B.
Gears 102 and 104 are caused to rotate in the direction of arrow C and the
retention member 92 is caused to rotate in the direction of arrow D. As such,
the closing movement of the lid 22 is converted into rotational movement of
the retention member 92. Other mechanisms for converting the movement of
the lid into rotational movement of the retention member 92 are also
contemplated within the scope of the invention and include those rotation
mechanisms described in other embodiments herein.

In order to provide for relative rotation between the retention member 92 and
the cartridge 94 and thus the formation of a twist in the tubing 34 above a
waste package being retained by the springs 72 of the retention member 92, a
mechanism for preventing rotation of the cartridge 94 is provided.
Specifically,
two pair of anti-rotation tabs 106 are arranged on the inner wall of the
container 82 with the anti-rotation tabs 106 in each pair being spaced apart a
distance substantially equal to the size of flanges 108 formed on the
cartridge
94 (see FIG. 7). When the cartridge 94 is placed so that the flanges 108 are
3o between the anti-rotation tabs 106, the cartridge 94 is prevented from
rotating
along with the retention member 92.

In use, the lid 22 is opened to expose the waste insertion opening 20. A waste
package is placed into a bag formed by flexible tubing 34 preferably so that

29


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the .bag is 1141d against the spring& 72:

The lid 22 is then closed causing the rack gear 42 to rotate the gears 100,
102
and 104. Rotation of the gear 104, which is in meshed engagement with the
projections 92g on the rim 92f of the retention member 92, will cause rotation
of the retention member 92. Rotation of the retention member while the
cartridge 94 is held stationary will cause the flexible tubing 34 to be
twisted
above the waste package 74 and thereby encloses and encapsulates the
waste package 74.
Once a waste package 74 is sealed, the waste package 74 can be pushed
downwardly past the retention springs 72 into the container 82 upon the
following insertion of a waste package into the waste insertion chamber 20.
Successive waste packages 74 can be sanitarily stored in the container 82
is because each waste package 74 is individually sealed.

Other constructions of retention members can be used in this embodiment.
For example, the retention member 92 can be formed with a planar section
from which springs 72 and the vertical walls 92b descend, and have a ring
gear formed on an outer peripheral edge or on a lower surface. The ring gear
would include teeth in meshing engagement with the drive gear 104 so that
rotation of the drive gear 104 causes rotation of the ring gear and thus the
retention member. The cartridge would rest on the planar section and be held
against rotation by the anti-rotation tabs. As such, the stepped section,
cylindrical wall section and rim are not present on the retention member.
The cartridge 94 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a unique cartridge provided with
flanges. Generally, cartridges used in existing diaper pails and waste
disposal
devices of a similar type do not include any flanges. Nevertheless, it is
contemplated that such conventional cartridges could be used in this
embodiment by providing an adapter to mate with the conventional cartridge
and provide the necessary flanges to mate with the anti-rotation tabs 106. For
example, the adapter could be a circular ring with opposed flanges whereby
the cartridge is inserted into the adapter and fits snugly together.



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Details of the cartridge 94 designed for use in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9,
as well as other embodiments described herein, are shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 10-12. The cartridge 94 includes a casing 110 defining a cavity in which
the tubing 34 is placed and an annular cover 112 connected to the casing 110
and enclosing the tubing 34 in the cavity. Casing 110 includes a cylindrical
outer wall 114, an annular lower wall 116, a cylindrical inner wall 118 and a
flange 120 extending outward from the upper edge of the outer wall 114. The
flange 120 serves to enable attachment of the casing 110 and cover 112 to
1o one another, e.g., by adhesive. A ring-shaped opening 122 is defined
between an inner edge of the cover 112 and inner wall 118 for passage of the
tubing 34. Inner wall 118 includes, or may be provided with, an annular flange
or lip over which the tubing 34 passes into a waste insertion chamber 40
defined in part by the inner wall 118.
Cover 112 includes two tabs 108 on opposite sides. Tabs 108 are designed to
fit between the anti-rotation tabs 106 formed in connection with the container
82 (see FIG. 7). By positioning the tabs 108 on the cartridge 94 between the
anti-rotation tabs 106 of the container 82, rotation of the cartridge 94 upon
2o rotation of the retention member 92 is prevented even though the cartridge
94
rests on the retention member 92. Instead of the placement of tabs on both
the cartridge 94 and the container 82, other mechanisms for preventing
rotation of the cartridge 94 relative to the retention member 92 can be
applied
in the invention.

The cartridge 94 can be designed for multiple uses, i.e., to enable insertion
of
a new pack of tubing 34 when the tubing 34 in the cartridge 94 is exhausted
(instead of folding the cartridge 94 over on itself and pushing the cartridge
94
into the waste-receiving chamber 12a). In this case, the cover 112 is
3o removably attached to the casing 110, using VelcroTM for example, and
additional packs of tubing 34 provided. The additional packs of tubing 34 can
be held together by appropriate means known in the art. When the tubing in
the cartridge 94 is exhausted, the end of the tubing 34 is tied together and
pushed into the waste-receiving chamber of the container 12. The cover 112

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is separate'd Fi:ocm. the oasing "l 10-and a new pack of tubing 34 is inserted
into
the casing 110. The cover 112 is re-attached to the casing 110 and the
cartridge 94 is prepared for use.

Casing 110 is typically made of a plastic material and cover 112 is typically
made of a fibrous material such as cardboard. The use of these materials is
not intended to limit the invention.

The cartridge 94 may also be designed to eliminate the need to tie the tubing
io 34, both at the beginning of use of the cartridge 94 and when the tubing 34
is
used up and/or the hamper 88 is full. The rear end of the tubing 34 is usually
fixed to the cartridge 94 to maintain the tubing 34 in connection with the
cartridge 94.

With respect to eliminating the need to tie the tubing at the beginning of use
of
the cartridge 94, the cartridge 94 is constructed with the front end of tubing
34
closed, for example, by using a metal clip or clasp 124 as shown in FIGS. 10
and 12. The clasp 124 is secured to the front end of the tubing 34 during
manufacture of the cartridge 94 so that the cartridge 94 is ready for use
immediately upon purchase without requiring removal of a length of tubing
and tying of the end of the removed length of tubing (as in conventional
diaper
pails of the "Diaper Genie"T"" type described above).

Other mechanisms for closing the front end of the tubing 34 during
manufacture of the cartridge 94 can be used in the invention instead of the
metal clasp 124. For example, the end of the tubing 34 could be closed by
heat-sealing (as shown in FIG. 13D), formed with a closed end, or sewn
closed.

With respect to eliminating the need to tie the tubing when the length of
available tubing is exhausted and/or the pail is full, the cartridge 94 is
provided with a closure mechanism which is effective to close and seal the
rear end of tubing 34 without requiring tying of the tubing 34. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the closure mechanism involves a particular construction of the

32


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cart'riidge 94 wiit~weatceqed~r_~gions, both on the casing 110 and the cover
112, to allow for folding of a part of the cartridge 94 onto itself.

More specifically, the cover 112 is provided with score lines 126, which
separate approximately equal parts 11 2a, 11 2b of the cover 112 and enable
the cover 112 to be folded about the score lines 126, and with a mechanism
to attach the folded parts 112a,112b of the cover 112 together (FIG. 11).
Instead of score lines 126 on the cover 112, other types of constructions
creating a weakened portion on the cover 112 can also be provided, for
io example, providing a reduced thickness along a fold line. The casing 110 is
provided with slits 128 extending through the outer wall 114, lower wall 116
and inner wall 118 and with aligning weakened sections 130 in the flange 120
(FIG. 12). Slits 128 and weakened sections 130 are substantially in alignment
with the score lines 126 in the cover 112. As the cover 112 is folded about
the
score lines 126, the casing 110 is folded about the weakened sections 130,
with the slits 128 serving to allow for such folding. Depending on the
thickness
and composition of the weakened sections 130, the casing 110 may be
actually be broken as the cartridge 94 is folded. Further, instead of slits
128,
the casing 110 can be made of a material which is easily broken and score
lines or slots provided to enable breaking of the casing along the score lines
or slots upon folding of the cartridge 94.

The mechanism on the cover 112 which will attach the parts 11 2a, 11 2b of the
cover 112 together may be of the VelcroTM type whereby part 11 2a includes a
section of hook fasteners 132 and part 11 2b includes a section of loop
fasteners 134 positioned to mate with the hook fastener section 132 when the
cover 112 is folded about the score lines 126. The size and shape of the hook
and loop fastener sections 132,134 can be varied and adjusted with a view
toward obtaining a sufficiently secure bond between the parts 112a, 112b of
the cover 112 when the cover 112 is folded about the score lines 126.

An alternative mechanism would be to arrange a strip of adhesive on one part
112a with a covering pad so that removal of the covering pad would expose
the adhesive which would then be folded to engage the opposite part 112b.

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Another alternative mechanism is shown in FIGS. 13A-13C and comprises a
tie 136 and a clasp 138 stamped or otherwise integrated into the cover 112'.
Cover 112' also includes an aperture 140 on each part 112a', 112b' which
align when the cover 112' is folded. When the tubing in the cartridge 94' is
exhausted, the tie 136 and clasp 138 are removed from the cover 112', the
cover 112' is folded about the score lines 126 and the tie 136 is inserted
through the aligning apertures 140 and the clasp 138 is then attached to the
tie 136 to thereby securely keep the cover 112' in a folded state.
FIGS. 13D and 13E show a mechanism which eliminates the need to attach
the parts of the cover 112 to one another in order to seal and close the
tubing
34. In this embodiment, a drawstring 137 is inserted into a channel formed at
the rear edge of the tubing 34. When the tubing 34 is used up, the drawstring
137 is pulled from the cartridge 94 and the exposed loops can be pulled to
close the end of the tubing 34.

Once the cartridge 94,94' is folded to close and seal the rear end of the
tubing
34, it can be pushed into the hamper 88 through the retention member 92 and
the lid 22 may then be raised to enable placement of a new cartridge 94,94'
into the container 82. The hamper 88 is emptied when full. The length of
tubing 34 in the cartridge 94,94' can be selected so that the hamper 88 is
full
when the tubing 34 is exhausted. In this case, emptying of the hamper 88 and
replacement of the cartridge 94,94' would occur simultaneously.

The cartridges 94,94' described above can be used as a substitute for the
cartridges in any diaper or waste pail using a continuous length of flexible
tubing, including those of the Diaper GenieT"'type and those described
herein.

The immediately foregoing embodiment provided for the rotation of the
retention member upon closing of the lid via a movement conversion
mechanism. In other embodiments, the retention member can be rotated by
depressing a pushbutton or a foot pedal.

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For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the rotation
mechanism 96 comprises a pushbutton 142, a motor 144 coupled to the
pushbutton 142 and actuated by depression of the pushbutton 142 and a
drive gear 146 actuated by the motor 144. A part of the pushbutton 142 and
the motor 144 are housed in a compartment 148 formed in a rear of the
container 82 with the pushbutton 142 extending through an aperture formed in
the upper wall of the rear compartment 148. A shaft of the motor 144 extends
through an aperture in the rear wall of the waste receiving chamber in the
io container 82. The location of the pushbutton 142, and motor 144, are not
limited to that shown in the illustrated embodiment and may be placed at other
locations in the container 82. For example, the pushbutton 142 can be placed
along the side of the container 82 or in the lid 22 while the motor 144 can be
placed at the bottom of the container 82 and an appropriate gear transmission
mechanism provided to transfer the rotation force from the shaft of the motor
144 to the drive gear 146. Also, it is contemplated that the pushbutton can be
replaced by a foot pedal.

A timer 150 is optionally coupled to the pushbutton 142 to enable a delay
2o between the depression of the pushbutton 142 and the actuation of the motor
144.

When actuated, the motor 144 rotates a shaft 152 attached to the drive gear
146 so that the drive gear 146 is rotated. A power mechanism (not shown) is
provided to supply power to the motor 144, for example, either a battery
housing in an accessible compartment in the container 82 or a cord extending
from the motor through the rear compartment 148 to the exterior of the
container 82 for insertion into a power outlet.

3o The retention member 154 is seated on a flange 156 formed integral with the
container 82. Retention member 154 has a planar section 154a from which
springs 72 and vertical walls 154b descend, the vertical walls 154b defining
an enclosure in which the springs 72 retain the waste package. A ring gear
158 is formed on a lower surface of the planar section 154a and includes



CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
teeth in me's:hIng engagement with the drive gear 146. An alternative
retention
member can be formed with teeth on an outer peripheral edge, in the form of
a ring gear surrounding the planar portion 154a. This ring gear would be
supported on the flange 156 which would include an opening to enable the
ring gear to engage with the drive gear 146.

An insert 160 is arranged above the retention member 154 to hold the
retention member 154 in position and provide a support for the flanges 108 of
the cartridge 94. Cartridge 94 also rests on the planar portion 154a of the
io retention member 154. The insert 160 includes anti-rotation tabs or ears
162
to prevent rotation of the cartridge 94 upon rotation of the retention member
154. The insert 160 may be snap fit to the inner wall of the container 82.

In use, a waste package is inserted until it is held by the springs 72 of the
retention member 154, and then depression of the pushbutton 142 causes the
motor 144 to rotate the shaft and drive gear 146 which in turn causes rotation
of the ring gear 158 and thus the entire retention member 154. Rotation of the
cartridge 94 is prevented by the anti-rotation tabs 162 so that it is held
stationary. Rotation of the retention member 154 holding the waste package
2o relative to the cartridge 94 causes the formation of a twist of the tubing
34
above the waste package and thus encapsulation of the waste package. An
advantage of this embodiment is that the waste package can be encapsulated
independent of the movement of the lid 22.

Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste packages
are rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS. 16-19. In this
embodiment, the retention member is manually rotated.

Initially, instead of a hamper 88, a removable pail is used in this
embodiment.
3o The removable pail and the necessary structure to enable its use can be
incorporated into any of the other embodiments described herein. Specifically,
to enable use of the pail, an access door 164 is formed in the outer wall 84
and pivots about hinges 166 to enable selective access to a pail 168 resting
on the base 86 in the interior of the container 82. The size of the pail 168
is

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such, so as to enab[e its. rernoval from and re-insertion into the container
82
through the access door 164. A closure mechanism is provided to secure the
access door 164 in a closed position. The closure mechanism includes a U-
shaped latch 170 arranged on the access door 164 and a projection 172
arranged on the outer surface of the outer wall 84 whereby the latch 170 is
designed to overlie the projection 172 and thereby secure the access door
164 in its closed position. Other closure mechanisms can be used in the
invention.

io An annular flange 174 is located inside the container 82 along the inner
surface of the outer wall 84. Flange 174 can conform to the cross-sectional
shape of the outer wall 84, which may be cylindrical or otherwise. A
removable cartridge 94 is supported by or rests on the flange 174 and
contains a circumferentially pleated length of flexible tubing 34. The
cartridge
94 is maintained in a stationary position relative to the flange 174, for
example, by providing anti-rotation tabs on the container (not shown) to
accommodate the flanges 108 of the cartridge 94.

Optionally, a funnel in the form of a flexible, resilient membrane 176 is
connected to or constructed together with the flange 174 to support the tubing
34. Membrane 176 also prevents odors from escaping from the container 82.
Such a membrane can also be incorporated into the other embodiments
disclosed herein, either formed in connection with the cartridge on the
structure on which the cartridge is seated.

In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism is integral with the retention
mechanism. The rotation and retention mechanism 178 thus grasps waste
packages and enables unidirectional rotation of the grasped waste packages
relative to the cartridge 94 so as to form a twist in the tubing 34 above a
waste
package 74 which thereby causes encapsulation of the waste package 74.
The cartridge 94 is maintained in a stationary position while the waste
package is rotated.

The rotation and retention mechanism 178 comprises a vertically oriented
37


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frame I MrmttUding walls d:efi<ning- a waste passage 182, resilient members or
tongues 184 connected to the frame 180 and extending inward into the waste
passage 182, an inner ring 186 connected to the frame 180, a first, movable
outer ring 188 surrounding the inner ring 186, a second, stationary outer ring
190 connected to the outer wall 84 of the container 82 and a handle 192
connected to the first outer ring 188 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). The shape,
number and form of the tongues 184 is not limiting and other resilient
retaining
members can be used in the invention. Handle 192 passes through a slot 194
in the outer wall 84 and waste passage 182 aligns with the waste insertion
io opening defined by the cartridge 94.

To provide for movement of the inner ring 186 and thus rotation of the frame
180 upon turning of the handle 192, the outer surface of the inner ring 186
includes grooves and a pin 196 is arranged in connection with the first outer
ring 188 (FIG. 18). The grooves on the inner ring 186 are formed so that the
pin 196 engages and is maintained in engagement with a single groove during
turning of the handle 192 in one direction and slides over grooves during
turning of the handle 192 in the opposite direction.

When the handle 192 is turned in the direction of arrow A, the first outer
ring
142 and connected pin 196 rotate in the same direction causing rotation of the
inner ring 186 and thus the frame 180 connected thereto. On the other hand,
when the handle is turned in the direction of arrow B, the first outer ring
188
and connected pin 196 rotate in the same direction but the pin 196 slides over
the angled surfaces of the grooves and does not frictionally engage therewith.
In this case, the frame 180 is further prevented from rotating along with the
first outer ring 188 by a pin 198 arranged in connection with the inner ring
186
and engaging with grooves on the second outer ring 190 (FIG. 19. The
grooves on the second outer ring 190 are formed so that pin 198 slides over
3o angled surfaces of the grooves during movement of the frame 180 in the
direction of arrow A. The frame 180 is thus not moved during turning of the
handle 192 in the direction of arrow B.

One or more stops 200 are formed on the inner surface of the outer wall 84 of
38


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tfib contalin' ir 82 above tht kotttion and retention mechanism 178 to prevent
upward movement of the rotation and retention mechanism 178.

Other arrangements for providing rotation of the frame 180 upon turning of the
handle 192 in only a single direction can also be used in the invention.

To prepare the waste disposal device for use, the lid 22 is opened and a
cartridge 94 is placed onto the flange 174. In use, the lid 22 is opened to
expose the waste insertion opening 20. A waste package 74 such as a soiled
to diaper is placed into the bag formed by flexible tubing 34 preferably so
that
the bag is held against the resilient tongues 184.

The handle 192, which is preferably maintained at one end of the slot 194, is
grasped and moved in the slot 194 to cause the frame 180 to turn relative to
the cartridge 94, which is held stationary, so that a twist forms above the
waste package 74 and encapsulates the waste package 74 (see FIG. 17).
Handle 192 can be repeatedly moved back and forth in the slot 194 until an
adequate twist is formed above the waste package. As noted above, the
frame 180 will move during movement of the handle 192 in only one direction
2o and not in a reverse direction (so as not to undo the twist).

Successive waste packages 74 are inserted into the waste insertion opening
20, and so long as that waste package or a preceding waste package is
grasped by the resilient members 184, movement of the handle 192 will cause
formation of a twist above that waste package. This procedure continues until
the length of available tubing 34 is exhausted or the pail 168 is full. At
this
time, the lid 22 is opened and the cartridge 94 is closed by folding the
cartridge 94 onto itself and connecting the hook and loop fastener sections
132,134. The cartridge 94 may be pushed through the flange 174 and the
frame 180 into the pail 168.

Among the advantages provided by the waste disposal device are the use of
a cartridge which does not require tying of either the front or rear end of
the
tubing and the presence of a pail, or other comparable removable receptacle,

39


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irtito !wfiieha'tiie encaps~la~ed v!~aste packages fall so as to provide for
easy
removal of the series of encapsulated waste packages.

The rotation mechanism described above can also be used as a substitute for
the rotation mechanism in diaper and waste pails in which flexible tubing is
twisted, including those of the Diaper GenieTM type.

Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste packages
are rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS. 20-27 In this
io embodiment, the waste packages are encapsulated by an encapsulation
device 202 and compacted by a compacting mechanism 204.

The encapsulation device 202 grasps waste packages and enables
unidirectional rotation of the grasped waste packages relative to the
cartridge
94 so as to form a twist in the tubing 34 above a waste package which
thereby causes encapsulation of the waste package. The encapsulation
device 202 generally comprises a retention unit 206 which engages and
temporarily holds a waste package and a rotation mechanism 208 for rotating
the retention unit 206.

Retention unit 206 comprises a vertically oriented frame 210 and an annular
gear ring 212. The frame 210 includes walls defining a passage through which
the waste article surrounded by a section of the tubing 34 passes, resilient
members or tongues 72 extending inward into the waste passage, and a
support flange 214 on which the cartridge 94 rests (FIG. 25). The waste
passage generally aligns with the waste insertion chamber defined by the
cartridge 94. The shape, number and form of the tongues 72 is not limiting
and other resilient retaining members can be used in the invention. The frame
210, tongues 72 and support flange 214 may be formed from a single piece of
molded plastic.

Annular gear ring 212 may be a separate component from the frame 210 and
if so, a cooperating attachment mechanism is provided to attach the frame
210 to the gear ring 212. The cooperating attachment mechanism comprises



CA 02579165 2007-03-02
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a plurality of prqJ;ect[qn,s 21,,Q fnrmed on the upper surface of the gear
ring 212
and notches 210A formed on the outer surface of the frame 210. As such,
rotation of the gear ring 212 will cause rotation of the frame 210. In the
alternative, the frame 210 and gear ring 212 could be formed as an integral
component.

Optionally, a funnel in the form of a flexible, resilient membrane (not shown)
may be connected to or constructed together with the support flange 214 to
support the tubing 34. The membrane would also prevent odors from
1o escaping from the container.

The gear ring 212 includes an annular slot between an upper circular rim 220
and a lower circular gear rim 222 whereby a flange 242 formed on the
container is inserted into the slot 218 to retain the gear ring 212 in
connection
with the container 82 while permitting rotation of the gear ring 212 relative
to
the container 82. Gear rim 222 includes a series of teeth. As shown in FIG.
26, the upper rim 220 and the gear rim 222 can be formed as separate
components and provided with appropriate attachment mechanisms, for
example, projections 220A on the lower surface of the upper rim 220 and
2o notches 222A on the inner surface of the gear rim 222. The gear rim 222 can
thus be used with different cartridges by providing different upper rims 220,
each adapted to mate with a particular cartridge. The only constant is the
gear
rim 222 which has to engage the gear 228 in order to provide for rotation of
the cartridge (as in FIG. 26) or retention mechanism (as in FIG. 25). That is,
by using the two-part gear rim 212, different frames 210 can be used with
each frame having a mating upper rim 220 with the upper rims 220 all being
matable to the common gear rim 222.

The rotation mechanism 208 can take a variety of different forms. The
objective of the rotation mechanism 208 is to rotate the gear rim 222 of the
gear ring 212 either upon direct manual activity (such as by depressing a foot
pedal (FIG. 20), a pushbutton (FIGS. 21 and 22 or the like), upon indirect
manual activity (such as by closing the lid 22) or automatically (such as by
sensing insertion of a waste package or closure of the lid 22 and thus the

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need` to encapsuIate. th.e ~.ra:stia package).

One embodiment of a rotation mechanism which is based on direct manual
activity is shown in FIG. 20. The rotation mechanism 208 comprises a motor
224 which rotates a shaft 226 having a gear 228 at an upper end. Gear 228 is
in meshed engagement with gear rim 222 so that rotation of the shaft 226 is
translated into rotational movement of the retention unit 206. Gear 228 may
be formed integral with the shaft 226. The gear rim 222 and gear 228 may be
beveled, i.e., have their teeth inclined in relation to upper and/or lower
planes.
io Also, it is possible to use other types of meshing gears and couplings in
order
to translate the rotational movement of the shaft 226 into rotational movement
of the retention unit 206 via the coupling between the shaft 226 and the gear
228.

The motor 224, shaft 226 and gear 228 are arranged in the rear compartment
146 of the container 82. A slot 230 is formed at an upper end of a peripheral
wall 146a defining the compartment 146 to enable the gear rim 222 to enter
into the compartment 146 and engage the gear 228. In the alternative, it is
possible to construct the wall 146a so that the gear 228 extends through the
slot 230 and engagement between the gear rim 222 and gear 228 occurs
outside of the compartment 146.

A motor actuation mechanism is arranged on the container to actuate the
motor 224. One embodiment of a motor actuation mechanism is shown in
FIG. 20 and comprises a foot pedal 232 electrically coupled to the motor 224
(the electrical connections between an external power source, the foot pedal
232 and the motor 224 being represented by dotted lines) so that depression
of the foot pedal 232 causes actuation of the motor 224 and attendant rotation
of the retention unit 206 and the formation of a twist above a waste package
3o being grasped by the retention unit 206 so as to encapsulate the waste
package. Instead of an external power source, an internal power source, e.g.,
a battery 224A, can be positioned in the compartment 146 to provide power to
actuate the motor 224 (see FIG. 22). In this case, compartment 146 is made
accessible by providing an access door 82A.

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Another embodiment of a motor actuation mechanism, which is designed to
operate based on opening and/or closing of the lid 22, is shown in FIGS. 21
and 22 and comprises a switch or sensor 234 arranged on the flange 242 and
a plunger 236 arranged on the lid 22 so that the plunger 236 contacts the
switch 234 when the lid 22 is closed. The switch 234 is electrically coupled
to
the motor 224 and when pressed downward by the plunger 236, causes
actuation of the motor 224. The plunger 236 is biased upward by a spring 238
to return it to its original position after being depressed. It is also
possible to
io construct the switch 234 to automatically actuate the motor 224 upon
contact
with the plunger 236 in which case, the plunger 236 would be fixed in the lid
22 and immediately upon closure of the lid 22 when the switch 234 is
contacted by the plunger 236, the switch 234 would actuate the motor 224.

An optional timer could be coupled to the switch 234 or motor 224 to delay the
actuation of the motor 224 for a set period of time after depression of the
plunger 236 or closure of the lid 22. In this case, the switch or sensor 234
would detect when the lid 22 is closed and send a signal to the timer. The
timer then sends a signal to the motor 224 after the set period of time to
2o actuate the motor 224. An appropriate sensor can be provided to detect
whether a waste package has been inserted into the waste passage defined
by the retention unit 206 so as to prevent unnecessary rotation of the
retention unit 206 and waste of the tubing 34.

In this embodiment, it is advantageous that actuation of the motor 224 and the
consequent rotation of the retention unit 206 and encapsulation of a waste
package being grasped by the retention unit 206 is automatic upon closure of
the lid 22 and does not require any additional manual activity, thereby
eliminating the problem of the user forgetting to actuate the motor 224 and
causing the release of odors from an unencapsulated waste package.

The location of the switch 234 and plunger 236 are not limiting and they may
be arranged at other locations. Further, a manually-actuatable switch can be
provided along the outer wall of the container and electrically coupled to the
43


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
mvtor_so th'at ~:epre:ss.ithr!i af tkie, switch, causes actuation of the
motor. As
such, actuation of the motor can occur without dependency on the closure of
the cover. This might be useful when the encapsulation of a waste package is
not entirely effective and an additional twisting of the tubing is desired.
Another embodiment of a rotation mechanism includes a manually actuated
lever which in is coupled to the retention unit 206 and enables rotation of
the
retention unit 206 upon movement of the lever, in either a unidirectional
movement or in both a back and forth movement. It is also possible to provide
1o a crank coupled to the retention unit 206 in such a manner that when the
crank is pushed downward and released, the retention unit rotates. The
retention unit 206 may be arranged to rotate upon either the downward
movement of the crank, the return upward movement or both. Such a crank is
known, for example, in the toy art.
As described above, the cartridge 94 is a unique cartridge. However, it is
envisioned that the waste disposal device shown in FIGS. 20-22 can be used
for other cartridges containing flexible tubing and designed for use in a
waste-
encapsulation type of disposal device. Such cartridges would be placed on
the support flange 214. The support flange 214 and lid 22 would be
appropriately spaced from one another to provide sufficient space to
accommodate a multitude of different cartridges.

Since the cartridges would be supported on the support flange 214, they could
rotate along with the support flange 214. It is preferable though to provide a
mechanism for fixing the cartridge in a stationary position relative to the
retention unit 206 to provide for a better twisting of the tubing 34 upon
rotation
of the retention unit 206.

3o To this end, as shown in FIG. 26, the gear ring 212 could serve as an
adapter
to secure a conventional cartridge 244 through engagement between the
projections 216 formed on the upper circular rim 220 of the gear ring 212 and
notches 210A formed on the outer surface of the cartridge 244. Some
conventional cartridges include notches which arise during the manufacturing

44


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
process .of the. cart'ridg+c_.,'The presence- of these notches is therefore
exploited
in the invention to enabling attachment of the conventional cartridge to the
gear ring 212. The gear ring 212 is therefore provided with the projections in
locations which correspond to the locations of the notches on the conventional
cartridges 244. By connecting the cartridge 244 to the gear ring 212, rotation
of the gear rim 222 of the gear ring 212 causes rotation of the cartridge 244.
Another form of an adapter to enable use of the rotation mechanism 208 with
conventional cartridges would be to form the adapter as an annular ring with a
io size to provide a snug fit for the conventional cartridge.

The compacting mechanism 204 comprises a shaft 246 rotated by the motor
224 and connected to or formed integral with a tube 248 positioned in the
waste package-receiving portion of the container 82. The optimum location of
the tube 248 relative to the base 86 of the container 82 and retention unit
206
may be determined by experimenting with the particular waste product to be
encapsulated but would usually be about halfway between the base 86 and
the retention unit 206.

2o Access door 240 includes a projection 252 which frictionally engages an
inner
surface of the tube 248 when the door is closed so that the tube 248 is
supported at both ends.

The tubing 34 is removably connected to the tube 248 so that rotation of the
tube 248 causes the tubing 34 to be pulled downward and wound around the
tube 248. Connection of the tubing 34 to the tube 248 can be accomplished in
a variety of ways, for example, by forming the tubing 34 with an enlarged
heat-sealed end 34A (having a shape smaller than the size of a slot 256
formed in the tube 248) and inserting the end into the interior of the tube
248
when the access door is open or by arranging a clip at the end of the tubing
34 and inserting the clip into the interior of the tube 248 when the access
door
is open. The tubing 34 can also be tied to the tube 248. Since the tubing 34
is
entrained in connection with the tube 248, the encapsulated waste packages
are compacted into a roll as the tube 248 is rotated upon each subsequent



CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
iln.sertibn, cif'a waste pa.cleago into theztevice (see FIG. 24). The
encapsulated
waste packages are prevented from upward movement by the formation of
the twist above each encapsulated waste package. Removal of the tubing
from engagement with the tube 248 would entail pulling the forward end of the
tubing 34 out of the slot 256. The slot 256 would typically extend only over a
longitudinal portion of the tube and not the entire tube.

The tube 248 includes, in addition to the slot 256, ridges 258 which may be
diametrically opposed or evenly spaced around the circumference of the tube
io 248. This enables the construction and use of disposable sleeves 262 having
ridges 264 defining inner grooves in which the ridges 258 of the tube 248 are
received (see FIG. 23A). A sleeve 262 is placed on the tube 248 and the
tubing 34 is connected to the sleeve 262, for example, during manufacture or
thereafter by tying, adhesive or the like. Removal of the roll of waste
packages would entail sliding the sleeve 262 off of the tube 248. The
cartridges 94 could thus be sold together with a sleeve 262, a forward end of
the tubing 34 being attached to the sleeve 262 while a rearward end of the
tubing 34 is attached to the cartridge 94.

In this embodiment, when the motor 224 is actuated, two different operations
are performed. First, the shaft 226 from the motor 224 is rotated in the
direction of arrow A to cause the retention unit 206 to rotate in the
direction of
arrow B (via the engagement of gear 228 with the gear rim 222) while the
retention unit 206 is grasping a waste package relative to the cartridge 94 to
form a twist above the waste package (see FIG. 23A). Second, the tube 248
is rotated in the direction of arrow C with the tubing 34 connected thereto to
cause the tubing 34, with one or more encapsulated waste packages being
situated between the tube 248 and the retention unit 206 and not yet in the
roll
of waste packages, to be pulled downward and around the tube 248 to
compact the waste packages into a roll. Actuation of the motor 224 can be
effected in the ways noted above. Separate motors can be provided for the
rotation mechanism for the retention unit 206 the rotation mechanism for the
tube 248.

46


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
Whan thio confain,e'rr iis f.ull th! e' access door 240 can be opened, the
tubing 34
cut at a point above the uppermost encapsulated waste package, the tubing
tied and then the roll of compacted waste packages slid off of the tube 248.

Instead of having a shaft 226 extending directly from the motor 224, it is
possible to provide a gear transmission assembly between the motor 224 and
the gear rim 222 as shown in FIG. 23B. The gear transmission assembly 241
comprises several gears in meshed engagement with one gear being in
meshed engagement with a gear rotated directly by the motor 224, a shaft
io 243 is connected to another gear 245 and a drive gear 247 in meshed
engagement with the drive gear 245 and the gear rim 222. The gear
transmission assembly can be designed to increase the rotational force
provided by the motor 224.

1s These embodiments would be particularly advantageous for medical waste
requiring special disposal, e.g., infectious or bodily waste from doctor's
offices, which is generally not compacted even though it is very suitable for
compacting. The cost of disposing of inedicai waste from doctor's offices is
typically based on the number of pick-ups regardless of the amount of
20 material, and if the medical waste could be compacted, it would result in
fewer, less frequent pick-ups.

It is envisioned that an attachment for a pail can also be fabricated from the
components above. That is, the lid 22 and encapsulation device 202, i.e., the
25 retention unit 206 and rotation mechanism 208, and the compacting
mechanism 204 can be fabricated as a unit for enabling attachment to a
particular size or sizes of pails (with an adapter, as needed). Once attached
to
the pail, upon insertion of a cartridge, a waste disposal device is obtained.
In
this case, an internal power source (i.e., the motor) for the rotation
30 mechanism 208 would be used.

To prepare the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20, the lid 22 is opened
and a cartridge 94 is placed onto the support flange 214. For use, the lid 22
is
opened to expose the waste insertion opening. A waste package 74 is placed
47


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
into thebag: fdrmed by filexibte, tubing 34 preferably so that the bag is held
against the resilient springs 72. The lid 22 is closed and the foot pedal 232
is
depressed to cause actuation of the motor 224, either immediately or after a
set period of time if a timer is present. The shafts 226, 246 rotate causing
rotation of the gear 228 which in turn causes rotation of retention unit 206
relative to the cartridge 94, which is held stationary by the positioning of
flanges 108 on the cartridge 94 between anti-rotation tabs 106 on the
container, so that a twist forms above the waste package 74 and
encapsulates the waste package 74.
Successive waste packages 74 are inserted into the waste insertion opening,
and so long as that waste package or a preceding waste package is grasped
by the resilient springs 72, rotation of the retention unit 204 will cause
formation of a twist above that waste package. This procedure continues until
the length of available tubing 34 is exhausted or the container 82 is full.

A region proximate and optionally including the end of the tubing 34 may be
colored differently than a remainder of the tubing 34 to provide an indication
when the end of the tubing 34 is approaching.

The tubing 34 can be provided with lines of depressions 34a (see FIG. 27) at
spaced intervals to enable the tubing 34 to be easily cut by tearing along the
lines of depressions 34a. This would be beneficial for the instances where the
waste chamber is full while an amount of tubing 34 remains in the cartridge.
The tubing 34 is torn off at a depression line and the free end of the tubing
may then be tied to form a closed, forward end or the free end can be inserted
into the slot 256 in the tube 248.

In order to prevent release of odors from encapsulated waste packages, the
3o depressions 34a extend only partially through the thickness of the tubing
34.
In this manner, even if a waste package was placed along a line of
depressions, odors from the waste package would not be released through
the depressions 34a.

48


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
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'fh rhe evettt th'at the tobirtg is::exhausted,_the lid 22 is opened and the
cartridge 94 is closed by folding the cartridge 94 onto itself and connecting
the
cover attachment mechanism, e.g., the hook and loop fastener sections
132,134. The cartridge 94 may be pushed through the support flange 214 and
the frame 210 into the container 82.

Although the embodiment in FIGS. 20-22 provide for the formation of a twist
by the rotation of the retention unit relative to the cartridge 94 in order to
encapsulate the waste packages 74 and the compacting of the series of
io waste packages 74 thus-formed, it is possible to provide only the
compacting
mechanism 204 without any rotation of the cartridge 94 or retention unit.

For example, the cartridge 94 and gear ring 212 assembly shown in FIG. 26
can be used with a compacting mechanism 204 without any retention
structure. The retention of the waste packages is provided by the compacting
mechanism 204, i.e., by the construction of the tube 248 to fixedly retain the
forward end of the tubing 34. In use, the waste package is pushed into the
tubing 34 and then the motor 224 is actuated, in any of the ways discussed
herein. The motor 224 causes the shaft 226 to rotate and the gear 228 to
2o rotate so that the gear rim 222 of the gear ring 212 is rotated. The
rotation of
the gear ring 212 causes rotation of the cartridge 244 attached thereto. A
twist
forms above the waste package upon the rotation of the cartridge 244 since
the end of the tubing 34 in front of the waste package is held by the tube 248
and cannot rotate. Thus, in this embodiment, for each waste package, there is
relative rotation between a portion of the tubing 34 above the waste package
and a portion of the tubing 34 below the waste package, with this relative
rotation enabling the formation of a twist and thus encapsulation of the waste
package.

3o Another embodiment of an encapsulation device is shown in FIG. 28 and
designated 202'. Encapsulation device 202' comprises a retention unit 206'
which engages and temporarily holds a waste package and a rotation
mechanism 208' for rotating the retention unit 206'. The retention unit 206'
is
similar to retention unit 206 except that instead of an annular gear ring, it

49


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
includes a polley 2,610 conniacted to or formed integral with the frame 210.
The
rotation mechanism 208' includes a pair of guide pulleys 268 mounted to the
container 82 and a pulley 270 attached to the shaft 246 or to the tube 248. A
cable belt 272 passes over pulleys 266, 268, 270 and frictionally engages at
least pulleys 266 and 270 such that movement is imparted to the pulley 270
by the rotation of the shaft 246 and/or tube 248 caused by the motor 224
which movement is transferred to the pulley 266 via the cable belt 272 to
cause rotation of pulley 266. Rotation of pulley 266 causes rotation of the
retention unit 206 connected thereto.
The retention unit 206' is rotatably mounted to the container, for example, by
providing an annular slot which receives a flange formed on the inner wall of
the container.

Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste packages
are rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS. 29-35 In this
embodiment, the waste packages 74 are held by a retention unit 206, similar
to the one shown in FIG. 25, which is rotated while the cartridge 94 of tubing
34 is held stationary. Also, anti-rotation tabs 106 are formed on the
container
2o 82 to prevent rotation of the cartridge 94 upon rotation of the retention
unit
206.

A rotation mechanism 286 is provided for enabling rotation of the retention
member 274 upon depressing a pedal 288 while preventing rotation of the
retention member 274 when the pedal 288 returns to its original upper
position. The pedal 288 is movable in a slot 290 formed in the wall of the
container 82. The rotation mechanism 286 comprises a pulley 292 arranged
inside the container 82 and which is rotatably attached to the pedal 288. A
cable 294 runs over this pulley 292 and has a first end anchored to an anchor
member 296 attached to a flange 298 of the container. The second end of this
cable 294 is attached to a rotatable shaft 300 and a portion of the cable 294
is
wound around the shaft 300. A gear 302 is mounted on the shaft 300 and is in
meshed engagement with a gear portion 304 of a clutch member 306
mounted about a drive spindle 308 attached to the flange 298. A drive gear


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
3104s Fixed'kymountad .on Ch,is drive spindle 308 and is in meshed
engagement with an idler gear 312 which in turn is in meshed engagement
with the gear rim 222.

The rotation mechanism 286 further comprises a spring clutch 314 arranged
in the clutch member 306 to grab the drive spindle 308 during
counterclockwise rotation of the clutch member 306, so that the clutch
member 306 rotates along with the drive spindle 308 and the drive gear 310,
and releases the drive spindle 308 during clockwise rotation, so that the
clutch
io member 306 does not engage with the drive spindle 308 and does not rotate
the drive spindle nor the drive gear 310. The spring clutch 314 is attached by
a pin 316 to the clutch member 306.

To cause rotation of the clutch member 306 in the clockwise direction, i.e.,
to
cause the cable 294 to wind around the shaft 300 and thus the pedal 288 to
be moved upward, a return spring 318 is connected at one end to a shaft 320
mounted on the flange 298 and at an opposite end to the clutch member 306.
In operation, when the pedal 288 is moved downward, the cable 294 unwinds
from the shaft 300 causing rotation of the gear 302 and the clutch member
306, since the spring clutch 314 grabs the drive spindle 308. Rotation of the
clutch member 306 causes rotation of the drive gear 310 which in turn causes
rotation of the idler gear 312 and finally rotation of the gear rim 222 so
that the
retention unit 206 connected to the gear rim 222 rotates. The rotation of the
clutch member 306 is against the bias of the return spring 318. As such, when
the pressure exerted on the pedal 288 is removed, the return spring 318
causes rotation of the clutch member 306 in an opposite direction, clockwise
in the illustrated embodiment, so that the gear 302 rotates counterclockwise
causing the cable 294 to be wound about the shaft 300 and the pedal 288 to
3o be raised. The drive gear 310 is not rotated during the rotation of the
clutch
member 306 in view of the disengagement of the spring clutch 314 from the
drive spindle 308, with the result that the retention unit 206 is not rotated.
Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste packages

51


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
aTe rdtated re.'IafiVe ta the cariridge is-shown in FIGS. 36-42. In this
embodiment, a pail 320 The container 82 houses a turntable 324 rotatable
about a shaft 326 attached to the base of the container and a rotation
mechanism 328 for rotating the turntable 324. The turntable 324 is arranged
below the pail 320 and includes a spool section 330 on which a string is
wound, a cylindrical shaft section 332 extending upward from the spool
section 330 and an annular plate 334 surrounding the shaft section 332. The
spool section 330 and shaft section 332 surround the shaft 326 attached to
the container 82 to enable rotation of the turntable 324 relative to the
io container 82.

A biasing mechanism, such as a plurality of springs 336, is arranged between
the plate 334 and the spool section 330 to bias the plate 334 upward. The
springs 336 are arranged around annular seats 338 formed on the lower
surface of the plate 334 which accommodate projections 340 arranged on the
spool section 330. Another spring 342 is arranged around the shaft 326
between the spool section 330 and the plate 334. A lip 344 is arranged at the
top of the shaft section 332 to limit the upward movement of the plate 334.

One end of a string 346 is connected to the spool section 330 of the turntable
324 and the spring 346 is wound around the turntable 324 with the opposite
end of the string 346 being connected to a pull ring 348 situated outside of
the
container. Pull ring 348 rests on a flange 350 formed integral with the
container 82. A pulley 352 is also attached to the container 82 to guide the
string 346 into the container 82 to the spool section 330 of the turntable
324.
As such, pulling of the pull ring 348 will cause rotation of the turntable 324
in
one direction. The turntable 324 is returned to its original position by a
torsion
spring 354 connected to the turntable 324.

3o A mechanism is provided to enable unidirectional rotation of the pail 320
upon
rotation of the turntable 324, i.e., so that the pail 320 is rotated by the
turntable 324 upon rotation of the turntable 324 in one direction and not the
opposite direction. To this end, the turntable 324 is provided with a
plurality of
ramped ribs 356 on an upper surface while the bottom surface of the pail 320

52


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
is provicGed With correspon; d[rrg ramped depressions 358. The pail 320 can be
positioned onto the turntable 324 so that the ramped ribs 356 are present in
the ramped depressions 358 (FIG. 39) or if the ramped ribs 356 are not
present in the ramped depressions 358, then the ramped ribs 356 will be
urged into the ramped depressions 358 by the springs 334,342 when the pull
ring 348 is pulled (see FIG. 41) so that the pail 320 is rotated upon rotation
of
the turntable 324 in one direction. Release of the pull ring 348 allows
rotation
of the turntable 324 in the opposite direction and the ramped ribs 356
disengage from the ramped depressions 358 in the pail 320, against the bias
io of the springs 334,342, (see FIG. 44 so that the pail 320 does not rotate
with
the turntable 324. Prevention of rotation of the pail 320 is assisted by
friction
between the bottom of the pail 320 and a retaining wall 360 of the container
surrounding the turntable 324.

n this embodiment, ribs 362 project from the inner surface of the wall of the
container 82 to prevent upward movement of the pail 320 and centering ribs
364 project from the inner surface of the wall of the container 82 to center
the
pail 320 in a position in which the ramped depressions 358 can be engaged
by the ramped ribs 356 of the turntable 324. Also, the cartridge 94 is seated
on a flange 366 formed integral with the container 82 and held against
rotation
by anti-rotation tabs 106 or the like as described above

In use, the lid 22 is opened and the first waste package is pushed into the
pail
320 and positioned between the retention member 322 and the sides of the
pail 320 so that it is held in that position. The lid is closed and the pull
ring 348
is pulled causing the turntable 324 to rotate with the effect that since the
ramped ribs 356 are pressed into the ramped depressions 358 on the pail
320, the pail 320 is rotated. Since the cartridge 94 is held stationary by the
anti-rotation tabs, a twist is formed in the tubing 34 above the waste
package.
When the pull ring 348 is released, the turntable 324 rotates in the opposite
direction but since the ramped ribs 356 disengage from the ramped
depressions 358, in view of the direction of the incline of the ramped ribs
356
and ramped depressions 358, the pail 320 does not rotate along with the
turntable 324. Upon the insertion of a subsequent waste package into the pail

53


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
320,, the pull rlhg 34.8 is again pulled and since the first waste package is
held,
both waste packages are rotated upon rotation of the pail 320 causing the
formation of a twist above the subsequent waste package. This process
continues until the pail 320 is full at which time, the tubing is cut, the
pail 320
is removed, emptied and then reinserted into the container 82. The end of the
tubing 34 is tied and the process continues.

Another embodiment of a waste disposal device is shown in Figure 43. The
waste disposal device comprises a rotation mechanism 360' and a support
io range 370' comprising a rotatable geared rim 380'. The support flange is
configured to be driven by the rotation mechanism. A cartridge 390'
operatively engages the geared rim so as to be capable of rotating with the
support flange upon actuation of the rotation mechanism. In one aspect, the
rotation mechanism comprises a cooperating attachment 385' having a
plurality of projections that engages the rotatable geared rim. The plurality
of
projections comprises teeth of a gear disposed from the rotation mechanism.
The cartridge includes a plurality of projections that are configured to
engage
said geared rim, wherein the plurality of projections comprises teeth of a
gear
that is integral to said cartridge. In one aspect of the present invention,
the
cartridge comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface
being structurally configured to have projections. In another aspect, the
bottom surface is structurally configured to have openings that are
operatively
engageable with the geared rim.

Another embodiment of a waste disposal device 359 is shown in Figures 43A
through 46. A cartridge housing 360 holds a length of flexible tubing 365. The
housing is configured to impede rotation of the cartridge. A rotation
mechanism 370 is positioned interior to the cartridge housing comprising a
diaphragm 380 having slits through which the flexible tubing from the
cartridge
may be passed. The diaphragm is actuated by a motorized mechanism 383
shown in Figure 43. Slits 385 can be better seen in Figure 44. Rotation
mechanism 370 is operatively configured to controllably rotate and twist
flexible tubing 365 extending from the cartridge after the flexible tubing,
containing a waste package, passes through an opening in the diaphragm as

54


CA 02579165 2007-03-02
WO 2006/028989 PCT/US2005/031361
shown in F~ure 45. lh an aspect of the embodiment, the waste disposal
device of the present invention shown Figure 46 has an anti-twisting rod 390
operatively configured to prevent the waste package 393 inside the flexible
tubing from becoming untwisted. Furthermore, the waste disposal has a
window 395 for viewing the amount of accumulated waste package in the
waste disposal device 359 shown in Figure 46.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and
to modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its
broader
aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such
changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention.


Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date 2010-05-11
(86) PCT Filing Date 2005-09-02
(87) PCT Publication Date 2006-03-16
(85) National Entry 2007-03-02
Examination Requested 2007-06-15
(45) Issued 2010-05-11
Deemed Expired 2021-09-02

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2008-12-30 FAILURE TO RESPOND TO OFFICE LETTER 2009-02-25

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2007-03-02
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2007-09-04 $100.00 2007-03-02
Request for Examination $800.00 2007-06-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2008-09-02 $100.00 2008-09-02
Reinstatement - failure to respond to office letter $200.00 2009-02-25
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2009-02-25
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2009-09-02 $100.00 2009-09-01
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2010-02-17
Final Fee $300.00 2010-02-18
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 5 2010-09-02 $200.00 2010-08-17
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 6 2011-09-02 $200.00 2011-08-17
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 7 2012-09-04 $200.00 2012-08-17
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 8 2013-09-03 $200.00 2013-08-19
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 9 2014-09-02 $200.00 2014-09-02
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 10 2015-09-02 $250.00 2015-08-31
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 11 2016-09-02 $250.00 2016-08-29
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 12 2017-09-05 $250.00 2017-08-28
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 13 2018-09-04 $250.00 2018-08-27
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2019-05-07
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 14 2019-09-03 $250.00 2019-08-23
Registration of a document - section 124 2020-01-14 $100.00 2020-01-14
Registration of a document - section 124 2020-07-03 $100.00 2020-07-03
Maintenance Fee - Patent - New Act 15 2020-09-02 $450.00 2020-08-28
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
ANGELCARE CANADA INC.
Past Owners on Record
CHOMIK, RICHARD S.
EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE BRANDS, LLC
KIM, TAEK
LESLIE, STUART
PETRIE, AIDAN
PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, INC.
PLAYTEX PRODUCTS, LLC
SEJNOWSKI, JOE
STRAVITZ, DAVID M.
YOHO, MARK
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2007-03-02 55 2,686
Drawings 2007-03-02 37 745
Claims 2007-03-02 3 84
Abstract 2007-03-02 2 91
Description 2009-04-15 55 2,684
Claims 2009-04-15 3 90
Representative Drawing 2010-04-19 1 14
Cover Page 2010-04-19 1 52
Representative Drawing 2007-05-22 1 14
Cover Page 2007-05-22 2 56
PCT 2007-03-03 3 165
Correspondence 2008-09-30 1 24
Assignment 2009-09-10 3 112
Assignment 2010-02-17 5 186
PCT 2007-03-02 2 90
Assignment 2007-03-02 4 102
Correspondence 2007-05-01 1 27
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-06-15 2 53
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-10-26 1 32
Correspondence 2008-05-15 2 36
Assignment 2008-06-18 11 328
Prosecution-Amendment 2008-10-15 2 42
Assignment 2009-02-25 15 468
Correspondence 2009-02-25 2 62
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-04-15 10 379
Assignment 2009-06-01 1 36
Correspondence 2009-08-21 1 13
Fees 2009-09-01 1 42
Correspondence 2010-02-18 2 56