N/A
The invention relates to a waste storage device for storing waste products such as nappies.
The problem of how to effectively seal and store nappy waste is well recognised. It is possible to store nappy waste in ordinary household bins; however these are not sufficiently smell proof to enable nappy waste to be hygienically stored except on a very temporary basis. Plastic bags may be used to wrap soiled nappies and other waste in an attempt to block smell leakage, however these bags have limited effect and often comprise more plastic than is needed to wrap a single nappy, therefore creating unnecessary waste.
Several known devices exist which provide means for sealing and storing nappy waste. These devices include containers for housing waste cassettes from which plastic tubing can be dispensed. In use, the user accesses plastic tubing from a cassette and places a nappy or other waste item in the tubing, in order to create a waste package. The tubing may be twisted or knotted in order to seal the waste package. A series of waste packages can then be stored in a waste storage compartment of the device. However, there are several problems associated with the waste devices which are currently available to the public.
One known device which is designed for the storage of nappy waste is described in WO2005/042381 (Sangenic International Limited). According to WO2005/042381 a waste container is provided for housing a waste storage cassette as described above. The container includes gripping means to hold a waste package in place whilst the cassette is rotated with respect to the waste package. This forms a twisted seal in the top of the waste package, wherein the twisted seal also acts as the base of a length of tubing for packaging the next waste item to be disposed of. In order to direct the formed waste packages into the waste storage compartment of the device of WO2005/042381 it is necessary for the user to manually push the waste packages through the gripping means to guide them into the waste storage compartment for storage, which raises hygiene concerns. In addition, for each waste package to be formed the user must manually control how much flexible tubing is dispensed from the waste cassette, both when rotating the cassette and when pushing film through the hollow in the cassette, in order to seal a waste item therein.
A further problem arises because some known waste storage devices comprise heavy components, making the device difficult to transport. Other known devices raise safety concerns because they are not sufficiently child-proofed, such that it may be possible for a young child to open the device and access its components and/or waste items stored therein.
The invention is set out in the claims. A waste storage device is provided including a releasable gripping assembly in the throat area arranged for actuation between a released configuration and a gripping configuration. As a result, a user can simply and easily actuate the device so that either an opening or a restriction is formed in the throat area, depending on which is required at a given point in time during operation of the device. In the released configuration, the releasable gripping assembly defines an aperture in the throat area which enables easy passage of waste therethough. Conversely, in the gripping configuration the releasable gripping assembly forms a restriction, enabling a twist to be formed in flexible tubing from a waste storage cassette which is present in the throat area, hence creating a sealed waste package including a waste item enveloped by the flexible tubing.
By providing a waste storage device including a plunger which is moveable to extend at least partially into a throat of the device, improved operation is achieved. In particular, when extending into the throat area the plunger acts to urge the passage of any previously-formed waste packages in the throat area towards a waste storage chamber. Hence a user does not have to push or otherwise manually direct waste packages into the waste storage chamber. In addition, in operation of the waste storage device with a waste storage cassette the extension of the plunger into the throat area is operable to dispense a measured amount of flexible tubing from the waste storage cassette. This prepares a well or hollow in the flexible tubing for a waste item to be placed into, hence making the device ready for subsequent use in the sealing of waste items using the flexible tubing.
As a result of the embodiments of the invention there is provided a waste storage device which provides a hygienic and easy to use means for disposal of nappy waste. Furthermore, a waste storage solution is provided which uses the minimum possible amount of plastic or other film for individually sealing waste items, in order to cut down on the environmental problems caused by nappy waste. By allowing for individual sealing of waste items whilst at the same time using a reduced amount of plastic film the invention provides an optimal balance between hygiene and environmentally friendliness.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings of which:
a is a perspective view from below of a waste storage device lid including a plunger according to an embodiment of the invention;
b is a bottom view of the lid in
c is a top view of the lid of
d is a side view of the lid of
e is a top perspective view of a lid according to an embodiment of the invention, not including a plunger;
f is a cross sectional view of a front portion of the lid of
a is a top perspective view of a waste storage device cover according to an embodiment of the invention;
b is a bottom perspective view of the waste storage device cover of
c is a bottom view of the waste storage device cover of
d is a top view of the waste storage device cover of
a is a perspective view of the waste storage device of
b is a cross sectional view of the waste storage device of
a is a perspective view of a crown funnel according to an embodiment of the invention;
b is a side view of the crown funnel of
c is a top view of the crown funnel of
d is a bottom view of the crown funnel of
a is a perspective view of a gripping ring according to an embodiment of the invention;
b is a side view of the gripping ring of
c is a top view of the gripping ring of
d is a bottom view of the gripping ring of
a is a perspective view of the crown funnel of
b is a side view of the crown funnel of
c is a top view of the crown funnel of
d is a bottom view of the crown funnel of
a is a perspective view of an iris ring according to an embodiment of the invention;
b is a side view of the iris ring of
c is a top view of the iris ring of
d is a bottom view of the iris ring of
a is a perspective view of a waste storage cassette according to an embodiment of the invention;
b is a side view of the waste storage cassette of
c is a cross sectional view of the waste storage cassette of
d is a top view of the waste storage cassette of
e is a cross sectional view of a portion of the waste storage cassette of
a is a view of the waste cassette receiving chamber of
b is a view of the waste cassette receiving chamber of
In overview a waste storage device is provided for receiving a waste storage cassette including flexible tubing for enveloping waste. The device includes a releasable gripping assembly for creating a restriction in the flexible tubing for formation of a twist in the tubing above a waste item to provide a sealed waste package. The waste storage device further includes a plunger for creation of hollows of tubing in a waste passage area of the device, into which waste items can be placed, and for urging previously-formed waste packages into a waste storage chamber below.
Also provided is a waste storage cassette for use in conjunction with a waste storage device for enveloping waste items. The cassette includes at least one formation which engages with a corresponding feature on a waste storage device for actuation of a releasable gripping assembly in the device. Optionally, the cassette includes a further formation for inter-engagement with a corresponding feature on a waste cassette rotator in a waste storage device.
Waste Storage Device
Referring to
Cover and Lid
The removable cover 104 includes a lid 106. The lid 106 is preferably hingedly attached to the cover 104 such that it can be actuated in order to provide user access to the inside of the cover 104.
In order to support the plunger 108 and prevent the lid 106 from deforming under its weight, a plurality of support ribs 107 are provided on the under surface of the lid 106. Preferably the support ribs 107 are spaced apart from one another around the circumference of the upper end of the plunger 108 and each rib 107 extends radially outwards therefrom. Optionally, the lid 106 may include an annular flange 109 extending downwardly from the under surface of the lid 106, wherein the annular flange 109 intersects the support ribs 107 towards their distal ends in order to provide additional support.
A clip 111 is provided at the front of the lid 106, extending from its under surface. The clip 111 inter-engages with a cooperating slot or recess on an outer surface of the removable cover 104, in order to secure the lid 106 in a closed configuration to the cover 104. As shown most clearly in
In an alternative embodiment the lid 106 can lock to the main body of the cover 104 via any appropriate means. For example, the lid 106 and cover 104 may feature cooperating tab and recess means for engaging with one another, whereby the lid 106 can be unlocked by pressing a button or lever which releases the tab. Because the waste storage device will be used by busy parents of young children, it is advantageous that the lid 106 locks to the cover 104 in a manner which is straightforward to release for the user, but is also sufficiently difficult for young children to open the lid. Preferably the lid 106 opens away from the user, in order to fully present the components inside the cover 104 for use. The lid 106 may be arranged to rotate up to 270 degrees about its hinged attachment to the cover 104. Alternatively, the lid 106 may be arranged to open only partially, for example stopping when the upper surface of the lid is at a 45 degree angle with the outer wall of the waste storage device 100.
At its back end the lid 106 has a further plurality of ribs on its under surface, preferably extending parallel to one another and outwardly from an outer surface of the annular flange 109. According to an embodiment, the further plurality of ribs includes two hinge ribs 113 which flank two engagement ribs 115. The hinge ribs 113 each include a hole, recess or protrusion towards its distal end, close to the outer edge 117 of the lid 106, for cooperation with a corresponding protrusion, hole or recess on the cover 104, to form a hinged attachment between the lid 106 and cover 104. The engagement ribs 115 taper into a rounded point or otherwise protrude so as, in use, to cooperate with a corresponding recess on a waste cassette rotator 136 housed within the cover 104, as described in more detail below.
Waste Cassette Receiving Chamber
The removable cover 104 can be further understood with respect to
Preferably the cover 104 is domed and has walls of sufficient depth that the waste cassette receiving chamber 132 is located at least partially in the space within the cover 104, and does not extend significantly below the walls of the cover 104. This ensures that when the cover 104 is attached to a waste storage chamber 102, the waste cassette receiving chamber 132 and waste cassette 172 do not unnecessarily occupy space in the waste storage chamber 102. Therefore the maximum possible number of waste packages can be effectively stored in the waste storage chamber 102.
On an upper surface of the cover 104, radially outward of the outer wall 138 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132, there are provided first and second gripping portions 105. The gripping portions comprise of preferably curved indentations in the upper surface of the cover 104, located one either side of the hinged attachment between the lid 106 and the cover. In use, the user can hold one or other gripping portion 105 with one hand whilst rotating a cassette in the waste cassette receiving chamber 132 as described further below. The gripping portions 105 are preferably designed to provide good ergonomic fit for the user's hand and to enable the user the keep the waste storage device 100 steady and stable during manual operation of the device 100.
According to one embodiment, the inner 134 and outer 138 walls of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132 are moulded as a single piece, giving the chamber a U shaped cross section throughout. Alternatively, and as best shown in
As shown in
Hook and Cutter
As also shown in
Optionally, before a waste item is placed in the waste package the user pushes the knotted base downwards, through the open gripping assembly, and at least partially into the waste passage below. This ensures that sufficient tubing will be available to cover the waste item and to enable the tubing above the waste item to be effectively sealed.
In order to hold a length of tubing containing one or more individually wrapped waste packages in place, and to prevent unraveling of the twist formed above any individual waste package, particularly the first waste package formed within a length of tubing, the knot in the upper edge of the length of tubing is inserted into the hook 144 on the underside of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. The hook 144 holds the knot in place so that after several uses of a waste storage cassette in the waste storage device 100 a chain of individually wrapped waste packages will extend from the hook 144, down into the waste storage chamber 102 and back up towards the waste storage cassette from which the tubing extends.
As described below, the cutter 146 can be used to cut flexible tubing from a waste storage cassette. The cutter preferably includes a tapered ramp 149 extending from the underside of the flange 160b and a blade or other cutting means provided substantially coplanar with the flange 160b and protected from below by the ramp 149. The tapered portion of the ramp 149 acts as a guide to direct flexible tubing or other material towards the protected cutting means for severance of the material.
In use, when a user wishes to remove the stored waste packages from the waste storage chamber 102 of a waste storage device 100, the tubing which envelops the waste packages must be severed from the unused tubing extending from the cassette 172. In order to do this, the cover 104 is removed from the waste storage chamber 102. According to a preferred embodiment, the cover 104 can be turned on its side and can rest in a stable position in the mouth of the waste storage chamber 102, to enable the user to more easily cut the flexible tubing without having to hold the cover 104 at the time. The tubing between the top of the cassette and the tubing enveloping the most recently formed waste package is then sliced or otherwise severed using the cutter 146. The user can then unhook the knotted end of the chain of waste packages from the hook 144 and dispose of the waste packages thereafter.
Waste Cassette Rotator
Referring to
According to a preferred embodiment the waste cassette rotator 136 further includes a handle 156 on its annular rim 154 which can be actuated by a user in order to rotate the waste cassette rotator 136 about its central axis in the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. The waste cassette rotator 136 is arranged for supporting and housing a waste storage cassette 172 as shown in
The waste cassette rotator 136 further includes two crescent shaped hollows 137 along the inner circumference of the annular rim 154. The hollows 137 are preferably arranged diametrically opposite one another on the waste cassette rotator 136 and, in use, provide a space for a user to manually grip a cassette 172 housed in the rotator 136 for removal of the cassette 172 therefrom.
Gripping Assembly
Also provided in the waste storage device shown
The circumference of the crown funnel 155 is substantially equal to the inner circumference of the inner wall 134 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. In use in a waste storage device, the crown funnel 155 is arranged to be supported by, or optionally affixed to, the inner wall 134 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. Preferably, the inner wall 134 includes a ledge on which the crown funnel rests or, alternatively, an annular recess on its inner surface into which the crown funnel 155 inserts.
At its upper edge the crown funnel 155 terminates in a plurality of curved lips 157, separated by cut-outs 161. The curved lips 157 provide a smooth, low friction surface for passage of flexible tubing there over. In addition, at a point on its outer surface, towards its lower edge, the crown funnel 155 includes a protrusion having a chamfered edge 163. This chamfered edge 163 interacts with a drive peg 166 on the iris ring 158 as described in more detail below. In addition, the curved lips 157 prevent contact of the flexible tubing with the gripping bands 168 of the gripping ring 159 when the gripping assembly is in its open configuration as described below, in order to minimise risk of the bands 168 snagging the tubing.
The gripping ring 159 and gripping bands 168 can be seen in more detail in
As can be seen from the Figs., preferably the gripping bands are not all the same length as one another when unextended. According to a preferred embodiment, the gripping ring 159 includes two short, equal-sized bands and 4 longer equal-sized bands. In use as part of a gripping assembly in a waste storage device as described below, the short bands will be stretched to a greater extent than the longer bands. As a result, when the iris ring 158 is rotated as described below, it will be the short bands which will provide the majority of the rotational force for returning the drive peg 166 from its rotated position back to its start position.
a to 10d show the crown funnel 155 and gripping ring 159 in connection with one another. As shown in the Figs., the annulus of the gripping ring 159 fits to the outer surface of the crown funnel 155, inward of and providing clearance for the chamfered edge 163, and the T-shaped projections 165 from the gripping ring 159 extend through the cut-outs 161 in the crown funnel 155. The curved lips 157 of the crown funnel curve outwardly of the gripping ring 159 and are arranged to prevent the gripping ring 159 from moving about the outer surface of the crown funnel 155 once the two have been connected together. Preferably, the crown funnel 155 and gripping ring 159 are connected during manufacture wherein the gripping ring 159 is inserted over the upper edge of the crown funnel 155 and the curved lips 157 are connected to the upper edge thereafter. Alternatively, the crown funnel 155 and gripping ring 159 can be manufactured as a single piece by known co-moulding or over-moulding techniques.
The iris ring 158 is shown in
In addition, the iris ring 158 includes a plurality of substantially rectangular indentations 167 along its lower edge. For use in a gripping assembly, the plurality of gripping bands 168 extending from the gripping ring 159 insert through these indentations 167. The T-shaped portions at the distal ends of the bands 168 provide a barrier to ensure that the gripping bands cannot be pulled out of the indentations, hence providing a secure connection to the iris ring 158. As will be appreciated from
As is shown for example in
Waste Storage Cassette
a to 12d show a waste storage cassette 172 for use within the waste storage device. The waste storage cassette 172 has a housing which comprises annular inner 174 and outer 176 walls, connected at their lower end by a base to form a substantially U shaped cross section throughout. In the cassette housing between the inner 174 and outer 176 walls of the cassette 172 flexible tubing can be housed. Preferably the flexible tubing is layered or pleated within the cassette housing in order to optimise use of the space therein and provide as much tubing in the cassette 172 as possible. Extending radially inward from the upper edge of the outer wall 176 is a flange 178. The flange 178 provides at least a partial cover for the cassette housing, preferably exerting downward pressure on the flexible tubing and keeping it as tightly packed in the housing as possible. There is at least one peripheral gap 177 formed between an outer rim of the flange 178 and the inner wall 174, through which a user can access the flexible tubing in order to pull it over the inner wall 174 as described in more detail below. Preferably, the inner wall 174 has a rounded profile at its upper edges in order to provide minimal friction, hence enabling smooth flow of flexible tubing there over.
As is best seen from
As shown in
It will be appreciated from the description below that during use of a waste storage cassette 172 in a waste storage device 100 the petals 179 of the flange 178 improve dosage of the flexible tubing from the cassette housing. In particular, they add tension to the flexible tubing and provide support so that when a relatively heavy waste item is placed in a hollow formed from flexible tubing already dispensed from the cassette 172, the waste item is held in place and its weight does not cause additional tubing to be dispensed from the cassette housing unnecessarily. This is particularly important when there is only a small amount of flexible tubing remaining in the cassette housing, at which time the tubing will not be tightly packed enough to remain trapped in the housing merely due to the covering and downward pressure which the presence of the flange 178 provides.
The petals 179 may each extend to reach the inner wall 174. By extending the petals 179 to reach the inner wall 174 the drag which the flange 178 exerts on the flexible tubing as it is dispensed from the cassette housing is increased. Furthermore, longer petals 179 serve to cover the majority of the flexible tubing in the cassette 172 and prevent it from spilling out before dispensing is required.
According to an alternative embodiment not all of the petals 179 reach the inner wall 174. For example in a cassette 172 having a total of six petals 179 as few as three petals 179, each of a short arc length, should be sufficient to enable adequate user access to the tubing housed therein. The other three petals 179 may therefore be longer, touching or almost touching the inner wall 174 of the cassette 172. In use, when a waste package being formed contains a waste item such as one or two heavy nappies, the longer petals 179 serve to provide sufficient drag on the tubing extending out of the cassette housing so as to prevent the weight of the waste item from urging an excessive amount of tubing therefrom. The selection of petal 179 length and size during manufacture of a waste storage cassette 172 therefore tunes the resistive force that the flange 178 provides.
In a preferred embodiment the waste storage cassette 172 includes an annular ledge 173 projecting radially outwards from an outer surface of the cassette outer wall 176. The ledge 173 is preferably located towards the upper edge of the outer wall 176, but below the flange 178 which extends radially inwards from an inner surface of the outer wall 176.
Drive & Release Tabs
A drive tab 180 is provided on an inner surface of the inner wall 174 of the cassette 172. The drive tab 180 is arranged to inter-engage with the drive peg 166 on the iris ring 158 of a waste storage device 100 so that, in use, rotation of the cassette 172 within the waste storage receiving chamber 132 of the waste storage device 100 drives the drive peg 166, and hence the entire iris ring 158, to rotate and lock in a rotated or partially rotated position. As described in more detail below, this rotation actuates the gripping assembly from an open or released configuration to a closed or gripping configuration.
A release tab 181 is also provided on an inner surface of the cassette inner wall 174. for releasing the drive peg 166 from its rotated or partially rotated position. This release of the drive peg 166 actuates the gripping assembly from a closed or gripping configuration to an open or released configuration. Preferably, the release tab 181 is spaced apart from the drive tab 180 along the inner surface of the inner wall 134 and is located vertically downward of at least a portion of the drive tab 180. The drive tab 180 and release tab 181 can be seen in more detail in
Operation of the Waste Storage Device and Waste Storage Cassette
Referring again to
In order to begin using a cassette 172 in the waste storage device 100, the user accesses flexible tubing housed within the cassette 172, pulls a length of tubing therefrom and ties a knot in the end of the tubing as described above. The user then inserts the knot into a hook 144 on the under surface of the cover 104 of the device 100 as described above. As a result, a sealed hollow of tubing is formed in the throat of the waste storage device 100, radially inward of the inner wall 174 of the cassette 172. At this point the waste storage device 100 and cassette 172 are ready for insertion of a waste item into the hollow of tubing.
Rotation of the Waste Storage Cassette
Once a user has placed a waste item in the hollow of tubing, he or she then actuates the handle 156 on the waste cassette rotator 136. As described above, the waste cassette rotator 136 has a pre-defined start position for rotation which is determined by the alignment of the waste cassette rotator 136 with the lid 106 of the waste storage device 100. Preferably a one-way tab is provided on an inner surface of the waste storage device 100 wherein said one-way tab interacts with the waste cassette rotator 136 and ensures that it can only rotate in a single direction—either clockwise or anti-clockwise dependent on the structure and/or operation of the tab. Further preferably, and as shown for example in
Rotation of the waste cassette rotator 136 causes rotation of the cassette 172 located thereon. According to a preferred embodiment, the waste storage cassette 172 and waste cassette rotator 136 include cooperating inter-engagement means, such as a lug and recess arrangement, to ensure that the waste storage cassette 172 rotates synchronously with the waste cassette rotator 136. The inter-engagement means is preferably provided on a bottom outer surface of the cassette 172 such as on an under surface of the ledge 173. Alternatively, the inter-engagement means can be provided on an outer surface of the inner wall 134 of the cassette 172. Further alternatively, the waste storage cassette 172 can rotate with the waste cassette rotator 136 simply because it is supported and/or housed by the waste cassette rotator 136.
As described above, because of inter-engagement between the drive tab 180 on the waste storage cassette and the drive peg 166 on the gripping assembly, the drive peg 166 and iris ring 158 are rotated when the cassette 172 is rotated in the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. Therefore, in use, when the waste cassette rotator 136 is rotated, this causes the iris ring 158 to rotate at least partially around the circumference of the crown funnel 155, which itself remains stationary and fixed to the inner wall 134 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132.
The gripping bands 168 of the gripping assembly each extend at a proximal end from the gripping ring 159 that is fixed within the stationary crown funnel 155 during use, whilst at its distal end each band 168 connects to the rotatable iris ring 158. As a result, when the waste cassette and iris ring 158 are rotated by the waste cassette rotator 136, one end of each of the gripping bands 168 is rotated, whilst the other end does not move. As a result, the bands 168 become stretched and twisted about the centre of the aperture defined by the iris ring 158. According to a preferred embodiment, after a rotation of approximately 60° (or one sixth of a full rotation), the bands 168 twist so as to form a restriction at the centre of the aperture, thereby defining a closed configuration of the gripping assembly.
It will be appreciated that when a waste item has been placed in the knotted flexible tubing from the waste cassette 172, the flexible tubing above the waste item will continue to extend upwards, over the crown funnel 155, and back towards the cassette housing. Therefore when the iris ring 158 is rotated to form the closed configuration as described above, the twisted iris of bands 168 at its centre will close in on the flexible tubing located above the waste item. The twisted gripping bands 168 therefore act to grip and close or gather flexible tubing and to hold it in place, creating at least a partial restriction therein. As can be seen from
Disengagement of the Drive Peg
At the point in the rotation at which the gripping assembly reaches its closed configuration, the drive tab 180 on the cassette 172 is arranged to disengage from the drive peg 166 on the gripping assembly. The manner of this disengagement can be understood with reference to
According to a preferred embodiment, when the iris ring has been rotated by approximately 60° from its starting position (by which time the gripping assembly has reached its closed configuration) the upper sloped surface 166b on the drive peg 166 comes into contact with the downwardly sloping face 163a of the chamfered edge 163 on the crown funnel 155. The drive peg continues to rotate with the cassette 172 just until its upper sloped surface 166b has passed over the downwardly sloping face 163a of the chamfered edge 163. However, as a result of its contact with the chamfered edge 163 the drive peg 166, and hence the iris ring 158, is forced downwards, causing disengagement of the drive peg 166 from the drive tab 180 on the inner surface of the waste storage cassette 172. This disengagement of the drive peg 166 from the drive tab 180 is synchronous with the drive peg 166 passing over the downwardly sloping face 163b of the chamfered edge 163, and being allowed to move upwards again to its original plane of rotation. At this point, because the drive peg 166 is no longer engaged with the drive tab 180 on the cassette 172, the elastic potential stored in the stretched gripping bands 168 tends to urge the drive peg 166 to reverse its rotation, back to its starting position. However the drive peg 166 is prevented from doing so because its path of rotation is blocked by the substantially vertical straight face 163c of the chamfered edge 163. Hence the drive peg 166 is now locked in place with the gripping assembly in its closed configuration and the iris ring 158 out of rotational engagement with the waste storage cassette 172.
Further Rotation of the Waste Storage Cassette
After disengagement of the drive tab 180 and drive peg 166, the cassette 172 can continue its rotation whilst the entire gripping assembly, including the iris ring 158 and the twisted gripping bands 168, remain stationary. As a result, the flexible tubing which extends out of the cassette, down to the restriction point caused by the gripping assembly, is rotated with respect to the restricted tubing and the tubing therebelow (which envelops the waste item placed therein.) This results in a twist being formed in the flexible tubing above the waste item, hence forming a sealed waste package.
According to a preferred embodiment, the waste cassette and waste storage device 100 are arranged so that one single rotation of the waste cassette 172 from its starting position by the waste cassette rotator 136 is sufficient both to grip the tubing above the waste item and form a twist in the tubing in order to complete a sealed waste package. Further preferably, means are provided for giving the user tactile feedback when a single rotation has been completed, and/or for physically preventing the cassette 172 from twisting beyond one full rotation with respect to the waste receiving chamber 132. For example, as described above, a one-way tab is preferably provided on an inner surface of the waste storage device 100 wherein said one-way tab will make a click or other sound when the waste cassette rotator passes the one-way tab, indicating that a complete rotation has occurred.
Preparation of the Waste Storage Device and Cassette for Subsequent Use
Once a sealed waste package has been formed as described above, the user can replace the lid 106 of the waste storage device 100 until he or she next wishes to use the device 100. However it will be appreciated that the lid 106 cannot close successfully whilst the gripping assembly is in a closed configuration because it is necessary for the plunger 108 which extends from a lower surface of the lid 106 to protrude through the gripping assembly and at least partially into the throat formed by the inner wall 134 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. This being the case, means is provided for releasing the gripping assembly after a sealed waste package has been formed.
According to a preferred embodiment, the waste cassette 172 and waste storage device 100 are arranged so that when one complete rotation of the cassette 172 in the waste cassette receiving chamber 132 has been completed, or just before said completion, the release tab 181 on the outer surface of the cassette comes into contact with the drive peg 166 on the iris ring 158, which at that time is locked in placed by the chamfered edge 163 on the crown funnel 155. The release tab 181 acts to unhook the drive peg 166 from the chamfered edge 163 of the crown funnel 155, hence releasing it back to its previous rotation track. Because the drive peg 166 is connected to the gripping bands 168 which are in a twisted configuration, when the drive peg 166 is released the elastic potential of the elastic bands 168 provide a rotational force and cause the drive peg to rotate back to its start position. This restores both the iris ring 158 and the gripping bands 168 back to their initial positions, with the gripping assembly in an open configuration.
Once the gripping assembly has reopened as described above, this allows protrusion of the plunger 108 though the aperture and throat defined by the gripping assembly and inner wall 134 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132. Furthermore this ensures that when the lid 106 is re-opened for subsequent use, the gripping assembly will be in the correct configuration in order to allow a waste item to be inserted therethrough.
Operation of the Plunger
When the lid 106 is closed, the plunger 108 is arranged to prepare the waste storage device 100 and cassette 172 for their next use. Specifically, because the plunger 108 plunges through the aperture in the throat area defined by the open gripping assembly and inner wall 134 of the waste cassette receiving chamber 132, it pushes the previously-formed waste package(s) through the throat, down towards the waste storage chamber 102 below. At the same time, this causes additional flexible tubing to be dispensed from the waste cassette 172 in a metered manner. As a result, the plunger 108 creates a hollow of flexible tubing above the previously-formed waste packages(s), wherein the base of the hollow is formed by the twisted tubing above the previously-sealed waste item. When the user next opens the lid 106 of the waste storage device 100, a waste item can be placed directly in the hollow which the plunger 108 has created. Therefore the user does not have to take any additional steps to prepare the cassette 172 for storage of subsequent waste items, once the lid 106 has been re-opened, nor does the user need to push the previously-formed package(s) down into the waste storage chamber 102 manually.
The plunger 108 is arranged to present a fresh area of tubing which is just big enough to receive a waste item comprising a waste nappy and allow a twist seal to be formed above the nappy, without using any additional flexible tubing unnecessarily. This ensures that the maximum possible number of waste packages can be formed from the flexible tubing stored within a single waste cassette 172, making the cassette more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Emptying the Waste Storage Device
A waste storage cassette 172 can be employed in the waste storage device 100 to form a plurality of consecutive waste packages which are stored in the waste storage chamber 102 connected below the cover 104. In order to empty the waste packages from the waste storage chamber 102, the inter-engagement means between the cover 104 and waste storage chamber 102 are released and the cover 104 is lifted from above the waste storage chamber 102. If a cassette 172 in the cover 104 still houses some flexible tubing, the unused flexible tubing extending from the cassette 172 will be continuous with the flexible tubing from which the waste packages have been formed. As described above, in order to release the unused flexible tubing from connection with the previously formed waste packages, the user rips the flexible tubing above the most recently formed waste packaging using the hook 144 and cutter 146 means provided on the underside of the cover 104. Preferably, the components in the cover are made from lightweight materials, so that the user can easily lift the cover and, if desired, hold it in one hand while using the other hand to hold and cut the tubing above the waste packages.
Waste Storage Chamber
As shown in
The waste storage chamber 102 preferably has two handles 186, one on either side near the top edge of the waste storage chamber 102. Preferably the handles 186 are recesses formed at the top of respective channels 188 in the outer surface of the waste storage chamber 102 and running at least partially down the length of each side of the chamber 102. Optionally, the cover 104 will extend downwards over an upper part of the surface of the waste storage chamber 102. In such an embodiment, holes are provided in the sides of the cover to enable user access to the handles 186. The handles 186 are arranged for easy user grip for transportation of the waste storage chamber 102. It will be appreciated that handles consisting of recesses are preferable to handles consisting of holes in the surface of the chamber 102, because the recesses ensure that the user's hands do not come into contact with the waste packages within the waste storage chamber 102 during transportation.
Fabrication
The various components of the waste storage device 100 are preferably formed from lightweight plastic or any other suitable material and can be moulded or otherwise formed in any appropriate manner. Preferably the surfaces of the device are wipe-clean. Preferably the gripping bands in the gripping assembly are formed from elastic or any other suitable material which exhibits the appropriate deformation characteristics.
Advantages
The embodiments of the waste storage device described provide a hygienic, easy-to-use and cost-effective means for disposing of used nappies and other waste items.
The plunger provides means for preparing the waste storage device and cassette for repeated use by creating hollows of flexible tubing for waste items to be placed into. This saves time and effort for the user and also ensures that the user does not use additional flexible tubing unnecessarily.
Operation of the device is hygienic because the user does not have to come into contact with a waste item once it has been placed into the hollow of flexible tubing formed above the waste passage. Specifically, the user does not have to push the waste item or waste package into the waste passage in order to direct it into the waste storage chamber. Instead each waste package is directed into the waste passage by the plunger, which presses on the newly-made twist above a waste package when the lid of the device is replaced after use. Nor does the user have to manually twist or seal the waste package. Instead, a simple actuation of the handle of the waste cassette rotator ensures that a waste package is formed, sealed, and gripped in place. The hook provided on the underside of the cover of the waste storage device further ensures that the waste packages are held in place, and that they do not untwist once a twist has been formed therein by the waste storage device.
The gripping assembly provides an easily actuatable and reliable means for holding tubing in place to enable a sealed waste package to be formed about a waste item. Furthermore, by including ribs or other suitable projections on the waste storage device cover, reliable means for returning the gripping assembly to its open configuration in preparation for subsequent use are provided. Because the projections act to align the waste cassette rotator with the lid it is ensured that the rotator and hence the waste storage cassette is in the correct starting position for each use. Additionally, provision of a one-way tab ensures that the cassette is only rotated once during each operation, hence minimising the amount of time and user effort required for operation of the device.
Because the waste storage cassette embodiments include, a flange having at least one projection, pressure is applied to the flexible tubing stored in the cassette thereby helping to prevent too much tubing coming out of the cassette when a heavy nappy or other waste item is placed in a waste storage device. This is particularly important if the waste device is empty or near-empty and the cassette only has a small amount of film in it, both of which conditions could otherwise urge dispensing of an excess amount of flexible tubing.
By snap fitting the flange to a wall of the cassette, improvements are provided are known over known devices in which a flange is welded on to the cassette. In particular, snap fitting eliminates the rejects which previously may have been caused by poor quality welding and prevent trapping of the flexible tubing.
Because the flange attaches to and/or extends from the outer wall of the waste storage cassette, further advantages are provided. In particular, experimental test have shown that pleated flexible tubing stored in a waste storage cassette naturally tends to layer and dose from the centre of the cassette. Therefore because the gap between the flange and the cassette occurs towards the cassette centre, flow of tubing out of the cassette is smoother and easier. In addition, there is a reduced chance of the flange petals damaging the tubing as it is dispensed because pressure causes the petals to move away from the tubing during dispensing. This also reduces the likelihood of rejects which previously could have been caused by tubing becoming trapped by a flange. Furthermore, because the tubing does not flow over the petals of the flange but instead moves over the rounded inner wall of the waste cassette, the risk of snagging the tubing is reduced.
Depressible Plunger in Lid
An alternative waste storage device 2100 is depicted in
The plunger 2108 and lid 2106 include cooperating formations for locking the plunger in a depressed position. In the embodiment shown in
The interaction between the plunger 2108 and lid 2106 can be seen in more detail in
As shown in
In order to allow manual rotation of the plunger 2108 from a locked to an unlocked position, a plurality of indentations 2118 are provided on the upper surface 2112 of the plunger 2108. Preferably, these indentations 2118 comprise three substantially elliptical indentations arranged about the centre-most point of the upper surface 2112 of the plunger 2108 and separated from one another by an angle of approximately 120 degrees. The indentations 2118 are preferably arranged to accommodate the thumb, index finger and middle finger of a user's hand so that a user can easily rotate the plunger 2108.
The underside of the plunger 2108 and lid 2106 is shown in
According to a possible embodiment as shown in
Closing and Locking the Lid
Preferably according to the above-described alternative embodiment, the lid 2106 and plunger 2108 are arranged so that the lid 2106 must be fully closed before the plunger 2108 can be depressed and rotated in its bayonet fit to lock it in position with its upper surface 2112 flush with the upper surface of the lid 2106. However it may be possible for a user to close the lid 2106 with the plunger 2108 already locked into position. In such an arrangement, the lid 2106 must be arranged so that the protrusion 2184 on its under surface will interact with the cassette 2172 in order to open the gripping assembly before the plunger 2108 begins to extend into the waste cassette receiving chamber 2132 of the waste storage device 2100. In either case, when the plunger 2108 is locked into the lid 2106 and the lid 2106 is closed, the plunger 2108 extends downwardly into the waste cassette receiving chamber 2132.
Preferably the plunger 2108 is arranged to help secure the lid 2106 in place when the waste storage device 2100 is not in use. It will be appreciated that when the plunger 2108 extends into the waste passage in the waste cassette receiving chamber 2132, it is not possible for the lid 2106 through which the plunger 2108 extends to open fully, because the walls of the waste cassette receiving chamber 2132 restrict the retraction of the plunger 2108. This therefore ensures that the waste storage device 2100 is only opened when the user wishes to store an item therein. As a result the smell-proofing capabilities of the device 2100 are enhanced. In addition, the device 2100 takes up minimal space because the lid 2106 will be closed and the plunger depressed most of the time.
According to a preferred variant of the above described alternative waste storage device embodiment 2100, actuation of the plunger 2108 controls the locking and unlocking of the lid 2106 to and from the cover 2104. In such an embodiment a latch member is attached to the underside of the lid 2106. The latch member has a first arm which interacts with the plunger 2108 and a second arm which engages with a formation on an inner surface of the cover 2104. As described above, when a user twists the plunger 2108 to release it from the upper surface of the lid 2106, the plunger 2108 is urged upwards. A channel or groove can be provided on an outer surface of the plunger 2108 in order to provide a raceway for maintaining engagement with the latch member as the plunger 2108 releases upwards. When the plunger 2108 arrives at its uppermost position, the second arm of the latch member is arranged to disengage from the formation on the cover 2104. The lid 2106 will therefore be released. The lid 2106 may be biased so as to fully open once the latch member disengages from the cover 2104 or, alternatively, disengagement may cause the lid 2104 to open partially, at which point the user can manually rotate the lid to its fully open position.
According to a yet further preferred variant of the above described alternative embodiment, when the lid 2106 of the waste storage device 2100 is closed and the user is depressing the plunger 2108, the latch member provides the user with tactile feedback when a full plunge has been achieved. This enables the user to know when to rotate the plunger 2108 in order to lock it in position in the upper surface of the lid 2106, without having to watch the plunger 2108 as he or she actuates it.
Crown
Gripping Assembly:
The iris ring 2158 includes an outer wall comprising a lower ring 2162 and an upper ring 2164. The lower ring 2162 is an unbroken annulus. The upper ring 2164, which has the same maximum diameter as the lower ring 2162, comprises an annulus having a gap along a small portion of its circumference. The iris ring 2158 further comprises a drive peg 2166 which is arranged to be rotated, hence allowing rotation of the lower ring 2162 of the iris ring 2158. In use, following a either a partial or complete rotation of the lower ring 2162, the drive peg 2166 is driven upwards, out of its rotation track, so that it cannot rotate any further.
Housed within the iris ring 2158 are a series of interconnected elastic bands 2168. According to the preferred embodiment shown in
The above-described alternative gripping assembly can be used in a waste storage device in conjunction with a waste storage cassette for formation of sealed waste packages in a similar manner to that described above in relation to the preferred gripping assembly embodiment as shown in
Waste Storage Cassette
An alternative waste storage cassette 3172 embodiment is shown in
A further alternative embodiment is shown in
In a yet further alternative embodiment, a waste storage cassette includes a release tab which is arranged to inter-engage with inter-engagement ribs on an inner surface of the lid of a waste storage device in order to release a gripping assembly therein from its closed, gripping configuration. According to this alternative embodiment, all of: the release tab on the cassette; the recesses on an upper surface of the waste cassette rotator; and the inter-engagement ribs on an under surface of the lid must be in alignment with one another at the end of user operation of a waste storage device, once a waste item has been placed therein and a twist waste package has been formed about the waste item. As a result of the alignment of these features, when the user actuates the lid 106 to close it, the inter-engagement ribs will extend through the recesses in the rotator and will contact the release tab. This contact causes the release tab to release the gripping assembly from its rotated position, for example by unlocking a drive peg as described above with reference to the preferred embodiments.
Optionally, any of the above-described alternative waste storage cassette embodiments may include a drive tab for interaction of the waste storage cassette with a gripping assembly as herein described and/or a groove, lug or recess for interaction with a corresponding lug, recess or groove on a waste storage device and/or a waste cassette rotator.
Waste Chamber
An alternative waste storage chamber 2102 embodiment is shown in
Further Alternatives
Whilst the gripping assembly embodiments are described as comprising bands, for example elastic bands, for twisting and gripping flexible tubing, it will be appreciated that alternative iris formations are possible. For example, the bands could be replaced by strings or movable shutters. Alternatively or additionally, the bands could be continually joined to one another. Optionally, the bands could be replaced by an alternative assembly including moveable rods.
The plunger according to the preferred embodiment has been described as being hollow; however the plunger may be at least partially filled. Optionally, deodorising means could be stored in the hollow of the plunger in order to enhance the smell-proofing qualities of the waste storage device.
In the alternative embodiment the plunger is described as having indentations on its upper surface for actuation of the plunger, however it will be appreciated that any suitable means such as a handle or knob could be provided for twisting the plunger to unlock it from the surface of the lid. Similarly, the plunger may not be locked in position by groove and ridge means as described but may instead be held in position by any other suitable means. It may further be possible to release the plunger by depressing it downwards by a prescribed depth, and thereby releasing it for upward motion, rather than by rotating it.
Any appropriate cutter means may be provided for cutting the flexible tubing from the waste storage cassette. Similarly, the lid may not be hingedly attached to the cover but instead fit thereto by means of a snap fit or any appropriate inter-engagement means.
Although discussion has been directed to provision of the waste storage device for storage of nappies, it will be appreciated that any appropriate waste such as hygienic waste, medical waste or household waste can be stored and packaged as described above. Similarly the device can be used in any appropriate environment for example domestic, workplace, retail, public, hospital or care environments.
The invention relates to a waste package storage device. Known waste package storage devices are described in, for example, published patents/applications GB2206094, GB2221445, WO02/100723, WO2005/042381 and include a bin on which is supported a waste storage tubing cassette from which tubing can be pulled. Packages are inserted into the tubing which is then twisted above each individual package, sealing the package and odour.
The invention is set out in the numbered clauses in Annex 2. According to aspects of the invention, hands-free operation is provided where manual pushing of a package is not required, nor manual dexterity. A simplified, intuitive operation is also provided allowing one-handed operation or hands-free operation. The risk of odour escaping while a package is being inserted is removed according to some embodiments.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to
In overview, a storage tub is lined by film dispensed from a cassette that sits at the top of the tub. The cassette is cylindrical with a hollow core into which waste, such as used disposable nappies are deposited. The nappy is then sealed within the tube of film-preventing odour from escaping, and stored in the base of the unit. Once the base has stored a number of nappies, the user can easily permanently dispose of them by detaching and emptying the base.
The invention provides a method of sealing the film around the nappies, so that each one is either sealed into its own discrete package, or so that a number of nappies are sealed into a single, larger receptacle. The sealing mechanism keeps an air-tight seal between the compartment storing the nappies and the outside, but operates to seal a sequence of nappies without odour escaping from compartment or compartments storing older waste.
The approach is described herein and can be implemented to include any appropriate waste package storage device, for example one of the kind described in WO2005/024381 which is commonly assigned herein and incorporated herein by reference. Such devices in general comprise a base portion providing a bin and an upper portion including a rotatable support on which a generally annular waste storage tubing cassette is mounted. Tubing is drawn from the top of the cassette down through the centre of the cassette and knotted at the base. Packages are then pushed down through the centre of the cassette to a region where they are gripped against rotation by spring loaded paddles, an elastic membrane or the like. The support is then rotated to create a twist above the stationary package. When the next waste package is inserted it pushes the preceding package past the gripping member into the bin below and is itself gripped to allow a further twist to be created. In various, of the embodiments below a storage space or ante chamber are created above the base of the bin which acts as a further storage space. As will be explained in more detail, the newly created storage space can be used as an airlock or odour retention space to ensure that escape of odour is minimised when additional packages are inserted into the device.
Turning to a first implementation which can be understood with reference to
Referring to
The lower half of the insert (320,
The approach can be further understood with reference to
In an unconstricted configuration where there is no tension on the elastic bands 346, opposed ends of the elastic bands are spaced approximately sixty degrees apart about a vertical axis through the centre of the support 340. The elastic bands 46 thus define generally a hexagonal shape in the unconstricted, relaxed configuration as shown in
Referring now to
It will be appreciated that any appropriate constrictor mechanism can be adopted using any suitable elastic member such as a spring, or any other constriction mechanism which acts as a closing diaphragm or iris upon twisting of the cassette or support.
During the rotation of the insert, the cassette rotates with the insert, thereby completing a single rotation together with the insert and putting a twist in the film (36) above the point where it has been held by the closing mechanism.
Once the rotation has been completed, the newly-wrapped nappy is pushed into the storage bin below. This can be by hand, or by a plunger (37) which slides down and presses against the newly-formed twist (36). The plunger is at least as long as the central core cavity (38) so that the cavity (38) is empty in readiness for the next nappy.
Rotating the insert may be manual or motorised. The plunger may be manual or motorised and optionally linked to the same motor action that rotates the insert and cassette.
The cassette housing optionally has a ratchet device or other detent to indicate to the user when a full rotation has been completed indicating that the device is ready for insertion of a further package and/or ensuring that rotation is only permitted in one direction.
The grip device or constrictor can be of any appropriate type. For example rather than comprising a mechanical linkage it can comprise elastomeric or spring lengths which tighten and then release the film above a newly introduced waste package. The cassette may deliver film from the top or the bottom, depending on the depth of the cavity and the central core. To ensure that the cassette or housing are compatible with the plunger the cassette can have grooves on its inner wall in an axial direction, which engage with protrusions on the plunger to engage with it and guide it downwards.
According to a second implementation a storage space or ante chamber acts as an odour prevention mechanism. The device has a lid which can be closed once the package has been inserted and which acts as an upper airtight seal once the waste package is dropped into the device. In summary, once the lid is closed, rotating a rotary actuator releases a further closure below the waste package temporarily so that it drops from the storage space into a further storage space below. Completing the rotation, for example by a single turn of the lid rotating device, shuts the lower closure, sealing the waste package in the storage bin. In this implementation an airtight seal on the lid can optionally be provided to ensure that odour does not escape. It will be seen that this approach can be based very closely on the implementation shown in
According to a third implementation the storage space has pairs of closure members at top and bottom for creating a pinch in the waste storage tubing upon operation of an actuator. A single motion for example pushing or pulling an actuator in the form of a lever from one side to another causes two actions on the film tubing around the nappy, firstly sealing the top closure members and locking the nappy away from the user, then opening the bottom closure members allowing the nappy to drop into a further storage space such as a storage bin.
The mechanism can employ lost motion in the form of three sequential states. In the first sequential state the top seal is open and the bottom closed, in the second or intermediate state both are closed and in a third state the top is closed and the bottom is open, the transition between states being via a single continuous operation. As a result odours are contained when new packages are introduced into the device by virtue of the airlock mechanism.
The third implementation can be further understood with reference to
Referring to
Once the nappy is in the cavity, a handle (4111) located outside the tub is pulled. The handle is linked to an axle (4112) that goes into the tub to engage with the spring devices (4107, 4110) that are keeping the upper pair of rollers (4108, 4109) apart and the lower pair of rollers (4105, 4106) together.
Operating the handle (4111) increases the tension in the upper spring device (4110) such that it begins to press the upper rollers (4108, 4109) together. As the handle (4111) is moved further, the pressing force increases until the upper rollers (4108, 4109) are pressing against each other thereby closing the top of the cavity which contains the nappy (4101).
Moving the handle further in the same direction consequently begins to decrease the tension on the spring device (4107) pressing the lower pair of rollers (4105, 4106) together. As the handle continues to move the spring stops pressing the rollers together and then begins to pull the rollers apart. When the handle has come to rest at the far end of its travel, the bottom pair of rollers are far enough apart that the nappy can fall out of the cavity and into a permanent storage bin below.
Preferably, the spring devices of the top and bottom pairs of rollers are linked together and may even be the two ends of the same spring i.e. a single spring device is linked between an upper and lower roller.
Preferably, one each of the top and bottom pairs of rollers (e.g. 4106, 4109) is fixed while the opposing partners (4105, 4108) move towards or away from the fixed roller, thereby closing or opening the both openings. Optionally, the fixed roller of each pair is not a roller at all but a linear ridge on the inside wall of the tub.
Optionally, when the handle is in the position where the top rollers are closed together and the bottom rollers are fully apart, there remains enough tension in the system for the handle to return to its original position without the user doing anything. In other words, the handle returns of its own accord closing the lower pair of rollers and then fully opening the upper pair of rollers, due to the potential energy in the spring mechanism.
The system can otherwise be arranged so that it is reset by the user moving the handle to its original position.
The system can optionally incorporate a dosing wheel, such that in the starting position the user can manually rotate one of the lower pair of rollers (4105 or 4106). As the rollers are pressed together, they grip the film so that turning the roller will pull film downwards, off the cassette, presenting the user with fresh film in the cavity (4104).
According to a fourth implementation a waste storage space or ante chamber can be opened at an outlet end by operation of a lever actuator as shown in
Referring to
After depositing the nappy, the lid (5208) is closed in an airtight manner and the user presses a foot pedal (5209). The foot pedal is linked to the closing mechanism at the base of the cavity, so that pressing it temporarily releases the mechanism, allowing the waste to fall through and into the storage bin.
In one embodiment the closure mechanism is a pair of jaws (5210, 211). One jaw (5210) is fixed, or may optionally be a feature on the inside wall of the tub. The second jaw (5211) is movable to press or release against the first jaw. The second jaw is fixed by a rigid bar (5212) to a hinge (5213) at the base (5214) of the storage bin. The foot pedal is fixed to the same rigid bar at approximately 90° to the rigid bar, so that when downward force is applied to the foot pedal it rotates about the hinge, simultaneously causing the rigid bar to rotate with it in the same direction. As the rigid bar rotates, the second jaw moves away from the first jaw allowing the waste nappy to fall into the storage bin below.
Any other appropriate mechanism that operates to releasably seal the entrance to the storage bin may be implemented.
Optionally, the jaws (5210, 5211) can be rotating wheels, at least one of which can be turned by the user from outside the storage bin. When the user turns the wheel and the jaws are together (5206) the jaws grip the film and move it. Preferably the wheel only moves in a single rotational direction that pulls the film downward, thereby pulling extra film off the cassette.
According to a fifth implementation a storage space or ante chamber is created using a rotatable partition element comprising a plurality of rotors or paddles projecting from a central axis for example at 90° degree intervals, a partition being created between adjacent paddles the tips of which engage an inner surface of the storage space to shield it from adjacent partitions. In summary, waste packages are dropped through the central core of the cassette into a cavity or storage space created by the paddles. Turning the rotor draws the waste package downwards into the further storage space below, pulling the film through the cassette at the same time as can be understood with respect to
Referring to
When the nappy (6310) is dropped in the cavity, it falls in between two rotors (6311, 6312). With the nappy in the cavity, the lid (6313) closes and the user operates a handle (6314) which causes the rotor to rotate. The waste nappy is thereby caught by the rotor paddles and pulled around with them.
Depending on the number of paddles and the amount of rotation, the nappy will fall into the storage bin (6315) either immediately after the first rotation action, or after another nappy has been dropped in the bin and the rotor given a further turn.
The system can be set up with a ratchet device so that rotation by the user is limited to a desired angular movement of the paddles per operation, thereby giving optimum film use.
Preferably, there is a shaped feature (6316) on the inner wall of the tub (6317) that complements the shape of the outer arc traced by the rotor paddles, so that once the rotor has been turned a short distance about its axis a paddle is in close enough contact with the shaped feature that it forms an air-tight seal (6318).
Optionally, the rotor blades can be collapsible (with hinges at the point they connect to the axle) so that after the paddle reaches the bottom of its arc, depositing the nappy in the storage bin, and begins to travel back towards the cassette, the paddle hangs vertical so that it passes through a much smaller space on the upward part of the arc. Hence, the complete rotor occupies a smaller volume than would otherwise be possible.
According to a sixth implementation the waste storage space is closable at an inlet and outlet end by pairs of closure members which can pinch the waste storage tubing. Operation of the closure members is achieved by rotation of the inlet around the storage space as can be understood with reference to
Referring to
The description below of the sixth implementation refers to one side of the tub and while not mentioned, there will be a second, opposing side to the tub with all features arranged as a mirror image.
In the start position, the nappy (7408) is dropped through the core (7409) of the cassette (7410) and through the open upper closing mechanism (7412, 7413), into the cavity (7407). The opening is not vertical but at tilted at an angle (A) below vertical. To complete the nappy disposal, the user pushes the lid and hence pivots the whole top section, thereby pushing the lid back through the vertical until it faces a similar angle in the opposite direction to the start. In doing so, the user causes an internal spring system (7411) to first close the top pair of rollers (7412, 7413) before opening the lower pair of rollers (7414, 7415), allowing the nappy to drop into the storage bin (7416).
As with the third implementation, the opening and closing mechanism operates in a single, continuous user operation, going from a position where the top pair of rollers are open and the bottom pair closed, through an intermediary position where both pairs of rollers are closed, to a finish position where the top pair of rollers, are closed and the bottom pair are open. However, this concept differs in that none of four rollers are fixed in space—one roller (7412, 7414) of each pair is fixed to the pivoting top section and hence moves continuously through the same angle (A) about the axis (7406) as the top section when the user pushes the lid. The axes (7423, 7425) of the other rollers (7413, 7415) in each pair are fixed to the top section, but both axes are free to travel within the confines of arc-shaped channels (7419, 7420) in the wall of the top section.
To control the movement of this second set of rollers within their respective channels, in the start position (
Referring to
As the top section is tilted further, beyond the vertical (
Optionally, it can also be set up to have enough potential energy to return to its initial state without user action.
According to a seventh implementation the device comprises one or pairs of waste package receiving and depositing elements in the form of a series of rollers which grip the waste and pull it downwards inside a layer of film as can be understood from the schematic cross-sectional views shown in
In summary a four roller mechanism is provided for moving a nappy into a sealed further storage chamber including a mechanism or gearing necessary to operate the four rollers by pulling a single lever. In addition a dosing wheel may be implemented as discussed above with reference to other embodiments to load the film at the start of a new cassette for example by manual rotation of one of the rollers gripping the film to pull the film downwards presenting the user with fresh film in the cavity.
Referring to
The handle simultaneously rotates a second pair of parallel rollers (8507, 8508) positioned directly below the top two, also with horizontal axes (8517, 8518). The bottom rollers also have channels (8509, 8510) in them configured to meet the channels in the upper rollers as they rotate thereby pulling the nappy further down and into the storage bin below (
The axes of all the rollers may move slightly to allow the rollers to move apart when the nappy is pulled through. The rollers may be made from a rigid material, or may be elastic to better grip the nappy.
The rollers are set up so that a single handle operation will be enough to turn all four rollers through a single revolution, so that after completing each operation they are ready to receive the next nappy.
As a result of various implementations as described above, odour is prevented from escaping either by providing airlock systems so that odour from large storage sacks cannot escape when the next nappy is deposited, or by wrapping each nappy in individual film packages, where the operation is by a single user action making operation more simple and straight forward. Of course the steps and approaches in any individual embodiment may be incorporated or juxtaposed, where appropriate, with those from other embodiments as appropriate.
Although discussion above is provided in relation to a full waste storage device including a base or bin, it will be recognised that an upper portion of the waste storage device can be modified to incorporate the features of any of the implementations described above and retrofitted to an existing base or bin as appropriate.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
0622909.0 | Nov 2006 | GB | national |
The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/514,957, which is a U.S. National Stage filing under §371 of International Application No. PCT/GB2007/004410 filed Nov. 16, 2007, claiming priority from Great Britain Application No. GB 0622909.0 filed Nov. 16, 2006, all of which are herein incorporated by reference.
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Entry |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20100089926 A1 | Apr 2010 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 12514957 | US | |
Child | 12578856 | US |