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Patent 2579418 Summary

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2579418
(54) English Title: WASTE DISPOSAL DEVICE INCLUDING AN EXTERNAL ACTUATION MECHANISM TO OPERATE A CARTRIDGE
(54) French Title: DISPOSITIF D'EVACUATION DES DECHETS COMPRENANT UN MECANISME D'ACTIONNEMENT EXTERNE DESTINE A ACTIONNER UNE CARTOUCHE
Status: Deemed expired
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65B 9/10 (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: 2010-10-26
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2005-09-02
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2006-03-16
Examination requested: 2007-05-22
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2005/031446
(87) International Publication Number: WO2006/029039
(85) National Entry: 2007-03-02

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
10/932,550 United States of America 2004-09-02
10/932,551 United States of America 2004-09-02
10/932,538 United States of America 2004-09-02

Abstracts

English Abstract




A replaceable rotating cartridge (24) capable of dispensing flexible tubing
(34) coupled to a lid (22) of a container housing the cartridge. The cartridge
is configured to accept a waste package (74) insertable into the flexible
tubing. The lid contacts an actuation device which actuates a rotation
mechanism to rotate the cartridge while holding an end of the tubing
stationary, thus sealably twisting and encapsulating the waste package inside
the flexible tubing. An anti-twisting mechanism (248) keeps the tubing
untangled.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche rotative remplaçable (24) permettant de distribuer des tubages souples (34) couplés à un couvercle (22) d'un conteneur logeant la cartouche. La cartouche est conçue de manière à recevoir un colis de déchet (74) inséré dans le tubage souple. Le couvercle entre en contact avec un dispositif d'actionnement qui actionne un mécanisme de rotation afin de faire tourner la cartouche tout en soutenant une extrémité du tubage stationnaire, ce qui permet la torsion et le conditionnement du colis de déchet de façon étanche à l'intérieur du tubage souple. Un mécanisme antitorsion (248) maintient le tubage démêlé.

Claims

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





WHAT IS CLAIMED:


1. A waste disposal device, comprising: a container defining a waste chamber
for
receiving encapsulated waste; a lid coupled to said container which moves
between an
open and closed position on said container; a rotatable cartridge arranged in
said
container and containing a length of flexible tubing therein; a rotation
mechanism for
rotating said cartridge; an actuation device configured to actuate said
rotation
mechanism; and wherein upon closing said lid of said device, said lid contacts
said
actuation device and actuates said rotating mechanism to rotate said
cartridge.

2. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said container
comprises a three-dimensional structure having a cross-section selected from
the group
consisting of a circle, square, rectangle and a polygon.

3. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said container has
a
top portion and a bottom portion.

4. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said lid is
pivotally
connected to said top portion of said container and structurally configured to
be coupled
to said rotatable cartridge.

5. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said encapsulated
waste comprises a soiled diaper.

6. The waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said rotation
mechanism enables movement of said lid to be converted into rotation of said
cartridge.
7. the waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said actuation
device
includes a toothed member fixed to said lid and a cooperating gear assembly
arranged
in connection with said container such that a downward movement of said lid to
its
closed position causes rotation of said cartridge.

8. The waste disposal device according to claim 6, wherein said rotation of
said
cartridge causes twisting of said tubing above said waste inside said tubing
while said

52



tubing below said waste is held stationary, thereby sealably encapsulating
said waste
inside said tubing.

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

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

11. 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.
12. A waste disposal device, comprising:

a container defining a waste package; a lid hingedly coupled to said
container, said lid
being capable of moving between an open and closed position on said container;
a
rotatable cartridge located in said container, said cartridge containing a
length of flexible
tubing therein; a rotation mechanism operatively configured to controllably
rotate said
cartridge; an actuation device operatively connected to actuate said rotation
mechanism; and wherein upon closing said hingedly coupled lid of said device,
said lid
causes said actuation device to actuate said rotating mechanism rotating said
cartridge.
13. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein said container
comprises a three-dimensional structure having a cross-section selected from
the group
consisting of a circle, square, rectangle and a polygon.

14. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein a retention
mechanism
is arranged in said container to hold said waste package in a stationary
position while
said rotation mechanism rotates said cartridge so that the waste package is
twistably
encapsulated in said flexible tubing.

15. The waste disposal device according to claim 14, wherein said retention
mechanism is rotated while the cartridge is held stationary so that the waste
package is
twistably encapsulated in said flexible tubing.


53



16. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein said actuation
device
is operatively connected to said lid hingedly coupled to said container.

17. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein said actuation
device
is operatively connected to a foot pedal whereupon, pressing or depressing
said foot
pedal automatically rotates said cartridge.

18. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein said actuation
device
is operatively connected to a pushbutton, whereupon pressing or depressing
said
pushbutton automatically rotates said cartridge.

19. The waste disposal device according to claim 18, wherein said automatic
rotation
of said cartridge is achieved only upon closing of said lid hingedly coupled
to said
container, thereby twisting said flexible tubing to encapsulate said waste
package.

20. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein opening of said
lid
hingedly coupled to said container disengages rotation of said cartridge,
theij¦3t.slzero.y<
encapsulated.

21. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, further comprising an
anti-
twisting mechanism.

22. The waste disposal device according to claim 21 , wherein said anti-
twisting
mechanism comprises a bar.

23. The waste disposal device according to claim 12, wherein said container
has a is
window for viewing the amount of accumulated waste package in the waste
chamber.
24. A cartridge for a waste disposal device having a geared rotation mechanism

comprising a gear, said cartridge comprising: a container holding a length of
flexible
tubing stock; said container having a plurality of projections operatively
positioned
thereon so as to be able to interact with said gear of said geared rotation
mechanism to
allow for rotation of said cartridge by said geared rotation mechanism.

54



25. The cartridge for a waste disposal device according to claim 24, wherein
said
cartridge comprises a cylindrical wall, a lower wall, an inner wall and an
upper wall
which together define a cavity for receiving said flexible tubing.

26. The cartridge for a waste disposal device according to claim 24, wherein a
ring-
shaped opening is defined between said inner wall and said upper wall for
passage of
said tubing.

27. The cartridge for a waste disposal device according to claim 24, wherein
said
inner wall comprises an annular flange over which said tubing passes into a
waste
insertion chamber of said waste disposal device. 28. The cartridge for a waste
disposal
device according to claim 27, wherein said rotation mechanism comprising a
gear
assembly is mounted on the inside wall of said waste insertion chamber. 29.
The
cartridge for a waste disposal device according to claim 24, wherein said
plurality of
projections of said cartridge interacts with said gear assembly.

30. The cartridge for a waste disposal device according to claim 29, wherein
said
plurality of projections comprises teeth of a year formed circumferentially on
said
container of said cartridge.

31. The cartridge for a waste disposal device according to claim 24, wherein
said
container having a plurality of openings operatively positioned thereon so as
to be able
to interact with said gear of said geared rotation mechanism to allow for
rotation of said
cartridge by said geared rotation mechanism.



Description

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



CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
!~,:.~L,~J~'ST~IrC~iSIP;~i~,SA~:[I~.EIV'I~I~5 INCLUDING AN EXTERNAL ACTUATION
MECHANISM TO OPERATE 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
lo 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.
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 diape,rs.

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 attached 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

1


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
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the!0I&ce1rn"eAf6f Ys6ifed''dlap'er"ifilo 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".
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.).

io 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
2o 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
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 previously encapsulated diaper 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.

2


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
A major inconvenience of diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie"T"" 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
lo 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
is 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
20 cutting instrument does not enable easy cutting of the tubing.

Yet another problem with diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie"TM 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
25 has been found to be difficult to handle during transfer to a waste
receptacle such 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
3o 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 would likely result in the release of odors or
other
3


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
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pot6ni,rail'y'ha'z''a ?',ddus carita'm -nd'iifi's. 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
io series of waste packages is therefore desirable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention embodies a rotating cartridge coupled to a lid of a
container
housing the cartridge, wherein a rotation mechanism communicating with the lid
rotates the cartridge automatically as the lid is closed, thus twisting and
sealably
encapsulating a waste package inserted into a flexible tubing that is
dispensed by
the cartridge.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a waste disposal device. The
waste disposal device involves a container defining a waste chamber for
receiving
encapsulated waste. A lid coupled to the container moves between an open and a
closed position. A rotatable cartridge containing a length of flexible tubing
is
arranged in the container. A rotation mechanism rotates the cartridge. An
actuation
device is configured to actuate the rotation mechanism, wherein upon closing
the lid
of the device, the lid contacts the actuation device and actuates the rotating
mechanism to rotate the cartridge.

Another embodiment of the present invention embodies a rotating cartridge
couped
to a hinged lid of a container housing the cartridge, wherein a rotation
mechanism
communicating with the lid rotates the cartridge automatically as the hinged
lid is
closed, thus twisting and sealably encapsulating a waste package inserted into
a
flexible tubing that is dispensed by the cartridge.

4


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
I d' ~~ j 1 ~r,. ~ , ~~ t~~r~~rtt-ofth i~ re ~~ ,.i~',~
A# rt er I em ~~ pt invention provides a waste disposal device. The
waste disposal device involves a container defining a waste chamber for
receiving
encapsulated waste. A lid coupled hingedly to the container is capable of
moving
between an open and closed position. A rotatable cartridge containing a length
of
flexibie tubing is located in the container. A rotation mechanism is
operatively
configured to controllably rotate the cartridge. An actuation device is
configured to
actuate the rotation mechanism, whereupon closing the hinged lid of the
device; the
lid contacts the actuation device and actuates the rotating mechanism to
rotate the
cartridge.
A still further embodiment of the present invention embodies a geared rotating
cartridge configured to be directly rotatable by a rotation mechanism mounted
on a
waste disposal device housing the geared rotating cartridge.

is An embodiment of the present invention involves a geared rotating cartridge
for a
waste disposal device having a geared rotation mechanism comprising an
assembly
of gears mounted on the device. The outside wall of the cartridge comprises a
plurality of projections form mg the teeth of a circumferential gear. The
circumferential gear is operatively positioned thereon to interact with the
assembly of
gears of the geared rotation mechanism to allow for rotation of the cartridge
directly
by the geared 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 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 disposal
5


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
. ... ....... ....... . .. . . _ ,. .. ,
de~v v~h'ic~i'i~~~!ff'~~ibk'~ f6blh'd' b 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.
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
6


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
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rec6i~irid! c~iA~hi ~'~ r"arSd ai 'cArthd'g'e"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 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
io relative rotation between the cartridge and the retention mechanism in
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
2o 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 the waste packages.

3o 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
7


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
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of ~}i"s~~til~r't~~~i~''der 'o'~c'"~'1us"' ~'~ 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
io flange connected to the frame for supporting the cartridge and an annular
ring
connected to the support flange 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 rotation of the gear and gear rim 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.

Yet another embodiment provides a compacting mechanism to compact the waste
packages. This is particularly advantageous for medical waste such as is
generated
8


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
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by Uo'dto'rs in"'docfor'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
io 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
meshing engagement 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
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
9


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
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ath'e'im6tor'o~' fiHe"ih6ft '-6f"th"~~'ddffipacting 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
io 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
of the pin with the grooves in 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.

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.


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
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
io retention mechanism. Other mechanisms for preventing rotation of waste
packages
relative to a retaining structure are also contemplated within the scope of
the
invention.

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 comprise a turntable
arranged
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 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
11


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
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
io 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 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
is only score lines are required, not slits.

One or both of the folded parts of 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
20 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
25 automatically rotates the cartridge upon movement of the 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
30 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

12


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
ii 't i..... ...1.~_. M110 k .t ~ I( - ... . .
pacl~sfgew:of ~~pe~i"e~.

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
lo 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.
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
2o 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
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. I 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;
13


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
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
io 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 closed
position;

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
14


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
of ffb~,k,iblL ~tubi'rig't,br: U;se th :thO irtvOntion;

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 rotated
relative
to the cartridge;

io 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
invention
wherein waste packages 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;
2o FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the rotation mechanism in the embodiment shown
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


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
...... . .
us~ 'i :7;t tiv 'disposd f, de , Vhown in FIG. 20;

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

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
1o disposal device shown in FIG. 20;

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;

2o 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;
3o 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;

16


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
...... : :
i a ' ~. i ~~,,,~~ e~r'~' ' t~e ~ , . bbt oi
Fl.f~:" 6ft'he pail in the embodiment of FIG. 36;
FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along the line 38-38 of FIG. 36;

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
pail
io showing a position in which 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 three-dimensional view.of an embodiment of a waste disposal
device
showing a rotating cartridge pivotally coupled to a lid of the device, and an
anti-
twisting bar in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 43A is a drawing of an embodiment showing a geared rotating cartridge,
according to the present invention.

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, mechanism or
member
which 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
17


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
ecnE'Odin~ent"~~; to enable the encapsulated waste package to be
drawn into the waste receiving chamber without dependency 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
lo 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 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.

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 12. Cover 14 fits snugly to the 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.
18


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
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
1o 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.

1s 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
2o 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,
includes a toothed member such as a rack gear 42 fixed to the lid 22 and a
25 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
30 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 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
19


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
cod~'C~ating,1~f~'rb&'t'i"~nsrriit~ir~ "'~hstructions 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 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
io 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.

2o 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 mounting bracket
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 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


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
in. t~ek!dir~cti~~i 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.
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
1o 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.

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 assembly 44 to the cartridge
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 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
3o 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
21


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
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
io such that the gears 58, 60 rotate about an axis above the projections 66.

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 position. Any known design and
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
2o 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 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
22


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
rotgk1 e'n e~f-tfi~~ e~'th~i"!1i'iit~''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
io container 12 and projecting 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.
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, all
of
which are incorporated by reference herein. 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
3o 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

23


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
sa b~~ prings 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
following
insertion of a waste 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
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.

24


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
_...; ~..... 7t , i i r ~, ~i ,, i t
Fo~'t~is gea s~ ~ly 4 ;~a ' ri" ~vay 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
io 60'.

On the other hand, when the rack 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
2o between gear 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 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



CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
is s~af~artary."

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
io fuil. Since the hamper 88 comes into direct contact with the waste 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
2o 82, and may be integrally formed with the container 82. Flange 90 can
conform to
the cross-sectional shape of the container 82.

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 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.

A removable cartridge 94 rests on the stepped section 92c and contains a
circumferentially pleated length of flexible tubing 34. Additional details of
the
26


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
. _ . ...... .. .: Y;~ ' iF ._ . f i ~t
car~~i~g4~4~'r~'s~~t=f~rtf~'b I~' -rth reference to FIGS. 10-12.

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 gear 102 in meshing engagement
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
io 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 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 between the anti-rotation tabs 106,
the
27


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
carfi'ct~e'4 i~p~~~~ted~~~r6r~tiii'i'tj!~~t9ng 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
the bag
is held against the springs 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
io 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
is 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 because each waste
package 74 is individually sealed.

20 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
25 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.

3o 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

28


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
the ~'n i~r tati t s b6: 'F r arriple, the adapter could be a circular ring
with
opposed flanges whereby the cartridge is inserted into the adapter and fits
snugly
together.

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
io 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 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
2o 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 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-
3o receiving chamber 12a). In this case, the cover 112 is 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.
29


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
TMdcbvdr"11Ti s"'ep"a''rafeef''fr rnl tii'e casing 110 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
34,
lo 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 cartridge 94 with weakened
regions, both on the casing 110 and the cover 112, to allow for folding of a
part of the
cartridge 94 onto itself.



CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
More specifically, the cover 112 is provided with score lines 126, which
separate
approximately equal parts 11 2a, 112b 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 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
1o 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.

2o The mechanism on the cover 112 which will attach the parts 11 2a, -112b of
the cover
112 together may be of the VelcroTM type whereby part 112a 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
11 2a
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.

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
31


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WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
incfddeislfari AbM,U~?s1440isoh"648fi=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
io 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 GenieTM 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.
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

32


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
corY!i'p~rtri'ie'n~ ~4 $"f~rh=t'ec# ''iry' a'ir'eaf""bf 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 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
io 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
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.

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 teeth in meshing 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.
3o 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.
33


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
Cer4"'ridge' 94Wsb"re~'o n' tl~ 'e""pl''ai'tar portion 154a of the 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
io by the anti-rotation tabs 162 so that it is held stationary. Rotation of
the retention
member 154 holding the waste package 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. 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 such so as to enable its removal
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.

An annular flange 174 is located inside the container 82 along the inner
surface of
34


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
~,.:lr .. _ % ~i ,,, k i~ " i, F , = ,,,i: !i u.yf,. !},
the-Ilou~lte 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
io 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 frame
180
including walls defining 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 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.


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
.... ..,. ...r ... . . . _._. I IS . .
1&) '
?i' T~~ie? ro vdS 86 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
io 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
is formed so that pin 198 slides over 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
the
20 container 82 above the rotation 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 diaper is placed
into the
bag formed by flexible tubing 34 preferably so that the bag is held against
the
3o 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
36


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
74 ~''ti'-lefndah.tu:l'gt6's"'''tfie'~v6""096kage 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 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
1o 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, into which
the
encapsulated waste packages fall so as to provide for easy removal of the
series of
2o 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 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
37


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
un}tift *Wh{l eti h#,L-s dha.46'ff i"Pb!rarily 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
io 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 a plurality of
projections 216 formed 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
2o 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 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 notches 222A on the inner surface of the gear rim 222. The
gear
38


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
. ,:..s. ... II : ' I ij ~r,,at i i r{,,, r ;'= 'a' '.~ sr ~i r i ,
ent 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
lo 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 need to encapsulate the waste 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. 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.

39


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
., .~.:: ... .. ,. ,, A m{ ~'f~ra~~tu~t~c~i'i sWanged 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 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
io 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.
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
2o being depressed. It is also possible to 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 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.



CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
...._ .....: ...
a'h'fgddous 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
1o along the outer wall of the container and electrically coupled to the motor
so that
depression of the 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 a crank coupled to the
2o 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
41


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
...... ....... ~ . .. ....... ,. ...._, ~~ ~
foF .. .. ~"~e e~' S~r~ '6ffhd tw~'i "" ' 4 upon rotation of the retention
unit 206.

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 process of the cartridge.
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
io 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.

is 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
size
to provide a snug fit for the conventional cartridge.

The compacting mechanism 204 comprises a shaft 246 rotated by the motor 224
2o 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.

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.

3o 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

42


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
~... .... 11,,,~~
ins~~fil~g he 'i'~~o tYie ~~ erior if~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 insertion of a waste package into the device (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
io 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
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
43


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
, ,,,,,,h~~,,,,,
rotati~~~i,!IrrYeciii~'~ii'~~i '~Ã~r ''t 'r'eter4ti 6h unit 206 the rotation
mechanism for the tube
248.

When,the container is full, the 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
io 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 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
is provided by the motor 224.

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
2o disposing of medical waste from doctor's offices is typically based on the
number of
pick-ups regardless of the amount of 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
25 components above. That is, the lid 22 and encapsulation device 202, i.e.,
the
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
30 (i.e., the motor) for the rotation 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 into the bag

44


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
..... . .. .,._.., .. . .. . ,. ......:._, ,
~uk~ittig=-~~' pfeVAbly 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.

io 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.

2o 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
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.

In the event that the tubing 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



CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
me~hWfll' ifrrt; t!~tM,11.~H5 h"oa'k 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 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.

io 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 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.

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 includes a pulley 266 connected 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
46


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
224 'I~hidhz~ii'dVrtito 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
io 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 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
2o 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 310
is
fixedly mounted on this 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.

3o 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 member 306 does not engage with the
drive
47


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
. i=....õ~.,. ;- ~ ~1_= ' 3I ! =tr Võ il ! , I! ' , j[ ii~
sp~~t~3C~8{a~~i '~o~s not~~'o f'' t' e~ 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
io 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 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 are
rotated relative to the cartridge 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
3o 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
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
48


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
. ,.. .,. ._ ..
~rin~l~a,,. ~~ ''~'.'838 formed on the lower surface of the plate 334
are'~''r'r~Exi6ed'~f'd'B'.
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
io 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.
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 is provided with
corresponding
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 of
the
springs 334,342, (see FIG. 44 so that the pail 320 does not rotate with the
turntable
3o 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
49


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
t..ft ............. , , r ~, , - ,
82=t~i ~reZen ~p'' a'rd'riia' n' "~'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
io 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
320,
the pull ring 348 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, wherein a
rotating cartridge is coupled to a lid. The waste disposal device comprises a
container defining a waste chamber 359 for receiving encapsulated waste
package
360. Lid 361 is coupled pivotally 367, such as, for example, hingedly to the
container
3o and moves between an open and closed position 362 on the container. A
rotatable
cartridge 363 is arranged in the container containing a length of flexible
tubing 364
therein. A rotation mechanism 365 is also arranged in the container for
rotating the
cartridge. An actuation device 366 is configured to actuate the rotation
mechanism
365. Upon closing lid 361 of the device, the lid contacts actuation device 366
and


CA 02579418 2007-03-02
WO 2006/029039 PCT/US2005/031446
act~l~Atl!rofdtPn~ lhi 'etllar~Is~i' 8M5'!f'b rotate cartridge 363. Lid 361 is
structurally
configured 368 to be coupled to the rotatable cartridge. Furthermore, the
waste
disposal device has an anti-twisting mechanism comprising a bar 369 for
preventing
the encapsulated package 360 from becoming untwisted. In addition, the
container
has a window 370, for viewing the amount of accumulated waste package in the
waste chamber.

Another embodiment of a waste disposal device is shown in Figure 43A, wherein
a
cartridge 360' for the waste disposal device has a rotation mechanism (not
shown).
lo The waste disposal device comprises a container 359' holding a length of
flexible
tubing stock 365'. The container has a plurality of projections 370',
operatively
positioned thereon so as to be able to interact with the gear of the geared
rotation
mechanism to allow for rotation of the cartridge by said geared rotation
mechanism.
In another aspect of the embodiment, the container may also have a plurality
of
openings 370', in place of projections, operatively positioned thereon so as
to be
able to interact with the gear of the geared rotation mechanism to allow for
rotation of
the cartridge by said geared rotation mechanism.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described,
it
will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and 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.

51

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 2010-10-26
(86) PCT Filing Date 2005-09-02
(87) PCT Publication Date 2006-03-16
(85) National Entry 2007-03-02
Examination Requested 2007-05-22
(45) Issued 2010-10-26
Deemed Expired 2021-09-02

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

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 2007-05-22
Registration of a document - section 124 $100.00 2007-05-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2008-09-02 $100.00 2008-09-02
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 2010-06-18
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2010-09-02 $200.00 2010-08-18
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.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Office Letter 2020-05-25 1 188
Claims 2007-05-12 8 333
Representative Drawing 2007-03-02 1 25
Description 2007-03-02 51 2,904
Drawings 2007-03-02 34 736
Claims 2007-03-02 5 187
Abstract 2007-03-02 2 83
Cover Page 2007-05-22 1 47
Claims 2009-10-28 4 208
Representative Drawing 2010-10-15 1 14
Cover Page 2010-10-15 2 51
PCT 2007-05-12 20 795
Assignment 2007-03-02 4 108
PCT 2007-03-02 2 72
Correspondence 2007-05-02 1 28
Assignment 2007-05-22 22 823
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-05-22 2 48
Prosecution-Amendment 2007-10-26 1 32
PCT 2007-03-03 3 213
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-04-29 2 39
Fees 2009-09-01 1 42
Prosecution-Amendment 2009-10-28 7 293
Assignment 2010-02-17 5 186
Correspondence 2010-06-18 2 49