System for disposing waste packages such as diapers

• US 8,635,838 B2
• Filed: 10/30/2009
• Issued: 01/28/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Munchkin Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Munchkin Incorporated
• Inventors: Dunn, Steven B., Hatherill, Mark A., Johnson, Kevin D.
• Primary Examiner(s): GERRITY, STEPHEN FRANCIS
• Application Number:
  US12/609,771
• Publication Number:
  US 20110100995A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,551 Days
• Field of Search: 535/70, 532/847, 533/70, 220/229, 220/495.06, 220/908.1
• US Class Current: 53/284.7
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/08 of synthetic resin
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/20 using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/28 comprising synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the sub-groups B32B27/30 - B32B27/42
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/32 comprising polyolefins comprising vinyl (co)polymers or acrylic (co)polymers B32B27/30
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/322 comprising halogenated polyolefins, e.g. PTFE
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 67/125 comprising resilient closing elements, e.g. inserts, cooperating with the mouth of the sack
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 7/12 and twisting
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/0006 Flexible refuse receptables, e.g. bags, sacks
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/06 with flexible inserts, e.g. bags or sacks B65F1/0073 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/062 having means for storing or dispensing spare bags
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/1615 with means for locking, fastening or permanently closing thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2210/1675 by twisting, e.g. of a flexible tube
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 2240/132 Diapers
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 7/00 Cleaning or disinfecting devices combined with refuse receptacles or refuse vehicles such devices per se A61L, B08B
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 220/9081 with liner

Abstract

Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.

Claims

1. A diaper pail assembly, comprising:

a housing;

a bag having a bag frame, said bag frame being releasably mounted to said housing so as not to rotate with respect to said housing; and

a rotatable member for twisting a portion of said bag, wherein said rotatable member comprises a support member for supporting said bag frame;

wherein said support member comprises an upstanding projection, said upstanding projection having an upper surface that is constructed and arranged to minimize friction between said upstanding projection and said bag frame.

2. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a bottom surface for supporting the bag, wherein said bottom surface comprises a curved concave portion for aligning and centering the bag.

3. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 2, wherein said curved concave portion has a radius of curvature that is substantially constant.

4. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 2, wherein said bottom portion further comprises a substantially flat central portion.

5. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface comprises a convexly curved surface.

6. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface is fabricated from a material having a kinetic frictional coefficient that is substantially within a range of about 0.30 to about 0.50.

7. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 6, wherein said upper surface is fabricated from a material having a kinetic frictional coefficient that is substantially within a range of about 0.35 to about 0.45.

8. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 1, wherein said bag frame is fabricated from a plastic material.

9. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 8, wherein said plastic material comprises polyethylene.

10. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rotatable member has a bag engaging surface, and wherein a relative kinetic coefficient of friction between the bag engaging surface and an external surface of the bag that is substantially within a range of about 0.34 to about 0.64.

11. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 1, wherein said rotatable member has a bag engaging surface, and wherein a relative kinetic coefficient of friction between the bag engaging surface and an external surface of the bag that is substantially within a range of about 0.39 to about 0.59.

12. A diaper pail assembly, comprising:

a housing;

a lid mounted to said housing;

a bag;

a rotatable member for effecting twisting of said flexible bag; and

a transmission mechanism for rotating said rotating member when said lid is closed, and wherein said transmission member includes a clutch mechanism that is constructed and arranged to disengage when a predetermined amount of force within said transmission mechanism is exceeded.

13. A diaper pail assembly according to claim 12, wherein said bag is mounted to a bag frame that is secured against rotation with respect to said housing.