Waste disposal devices

• US 8,215,089 B2
• Filed: 07/14/2008
• Issued: 07/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Munchkin Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Munchkin Incorporated
• Inventors: Stravitz, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Durand, Paul R
• Application Number:
  US12/172,793
• Publication Number:
  US 20100005759A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,457 Days
• Field of Search: 531/387, 531/383, 531/388, 535/23, 535/26, 535/27, 535/67, 535/76, 535/77, 535/87, 533/70, 220/495.08, 220/908, 220/252, 220/255
• US Class Current: 53/567
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 67/1277 for dispensing flexible tubular material gathered up in the shape of a ring
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/0006 Flexible refuse receptables, e.g. bags, sacks
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/062 having means for storing or dispensing spare bags
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2210/1675 by twisting, e.g. of a flexible tube
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2240/132 Diapers

Abstract

Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste chamber for receiving waste, a support member arranged in the container for supporting tubing having a closed or closable front end to thereby enable formation of a bag in the container and a twisting assembly arranged in the container and defining an aperture through which the tubing passes while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing. A rotation mechanism is arranged in the container and when actuated, rotates the twisting assembly relative to the stationary support member while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing to thereby form a twist in the tubing.

Claims

1. A waste disposal device, comprising:

a container defining a waste chamber for receiving waste;

a stationary support member for supporting tubing having a closed or closeable front end to thereby enable formation of a bag;

a twisting member defining an aperture through which the tubing passes while the twisting member engages with the tubing, wherein the twisting member comprises a lower surface on which projections that extend downwardly from the lower surface are formed; and

a rotation mechanism for rotating the twisting member relative to the stationary support member by engaging the projections while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing, whereby a twist is formed in the tubing.

2. A waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation mechanism includes a drive gear in meshing engagement with said projections such that rotation of the drive gear results in rotation of the twisting member.

3. A waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein the twisting member comprises a grasping member for resiliently engaging and grasping a portion of the tubing.

4. A waste disposal device according to claim 3, wherein the grasping member comprises a membrane having a plurality of flexible fingers that are separated by a corresponding plurality of slots.

5. A waste disposal device according to claim 1, further comprising a lid coupled to the container and movable between an open position in which said chamber is accessible and a closed position in which said chamber is covered, and wherein said rotation mechanism is constructed and arranged to be actuated upon movement of the lid from the open position to the closed position.

6. A waste disposal device according to claim 5, wherein the rotation mechanism is constructed and arranged to prevent rotation of the twisting assembly when the lid is moved to the open position.

7. A waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein said stationary support member comprises a frame that is releasably mounted to the container so as not to rotate with respect to the container.

8. A waste disposal device according to claim 7, wherein said stationary support member further comprises a length of tubing having a closed or closeable front end and a rear end, the rear end of the tubing being fixed to the frame, the tubing having a wider cross-sectional dimension at a portion proximate the front end than at a portion fixed to the frame.

9. A waste disposal device according to claim 8, wherein the tubing has a length of about 22 to about 36 inches.

10. A waste disposal device according to claim 7, wherein the frame is annular and includes aligning weakened portions on opposite sides, the weakened portions enabling the frame to be folded about the weakened portions and thereby form a handle for a bag formed from the tubing.