Waste-disposal device

Abstract

A film-dispensing cassette for a waste disposal device is disclosed, with a length of tubular film; an annular body defining a receptacle having an inner cavity to pack the film and having an inner annular wall defining a central opening and an outer annular wall spaced from the inner annular wall. A lid is adapted to cover at least partially the inner cavity and defines a catch projecting into the central opening. The catch has an edge at a cantilevered portion thereof that lies in a cross-sectional plane of the cassette, a central axis of the central opening being normal to the cross-sectional plane, and such catch is inward of an outline of a closing mechanism configured to be seated in the cassette. The outline of the closing mechanism is in said cross-sectional plane of the cassette and intersects an outline portion of a connector of the closing mechanism.

Description

WASTE-DISPOSAL DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority of United Stated Patent Application No. 63 / 513,252, filed on July 12, 2023, United Stated Patent Application No. 63 / 591 ,913, filed on October 20, 2023 and United Stated Patent Application No. 63 / 608,865, filed on December 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

[0002] The present application relates to waste disposal devices for use with a bag and / or a film dispensing cassette and, more particularly but not exclusively, to waste disposal devices with bag closing mechanisms for the disposal of odorous waste, such as diapers and litter wastes.BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Waste disposal devices having odor-concealing systems with bags and / or film dispensing cassettes are well known. Such waste disposal devices typically comprise a bag that is closed off by given mechanisms, to conceal the odors within the bag. United States Patent No. 6,817,164 (Mauffette et al.) and United States Patent No. 7,406,814 (Morand) propose such odor-concealing systems. However, it is desired to create some waste-disposal systems of facilitated use.SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to provide a novel waste disposal device and compatible refill cassettes.

[0005] In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a film-dispensing cassette for a waste disposal device, the film-dispensing cassette comprising: a length of tubular film; an annular body defining a receptacle having an inner cavity to pack the length of the tubular film, the annular body having an inner annular wall defining a central opening, and an outer annular wall spaced from the inner annular wall; and a lid adapted to cover at least partially the inner cavity, the lid defining at least one catch projecting into the central opening; wherein the at least one catch has an edge at a cantilevered portion of the catch, the edge of the at least one catch lying in a cross-sectional plane of the film-dispensing cassette, a central axis of the central opening being normal to the cross- sectional plane; and wherein the at least one catch is inward of an outline of a closing mechanism configured to be seated in the film-dispensing cassette, the outline of the closing mechanism being in said cross-sectional plane of the film-dispensing cassette and intersecting an outline portion of at least one connector of the closing mechanism.

[0006] Further in accordance with the above aspect, for example, the cassette further includes at least one support extending outwardly from the outer annular wall.

[0007] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the at least one support is located at least at 80% of a total height of the annular body from a bottom thereof.

[0008] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the at least one support includes a plurality of supports spaced apart from each other along the outer annular wall.

[0009] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plurality of supports are tabs projecting from the outer annular wall, the tabs located in respective corners of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0010] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the least one catch is defined by a lip of the lid.

[0011] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the least one catch includes a plurality of catches located in corners of the lid.

[0012] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plurality of catches project over 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm from a remainder of an inner periphery of the lid.

[0013] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plurality of catches have a thickness of 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm.

[0014] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plurality of catches have a radius of curvature that is greater than that of corners defined by the inner annular wall cooperating with the plurality of the catches.

[0015] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the length of tubular film is packed within the inner cavity in a folded manner, the tubular film defining a plurality of vertical plies, a free end of the tubular film located closer to an outer periphery of the film-dispensing cassette than to an inner periphery.

[0016] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a length of respective ones of the vertical plies corresponds to a substantial proportion of a total height of the inner cavity.

[0017] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the length of respective ones of the vertical plies is at least 80% of the total height of the inner cavity.

[0018] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a width of the plurality of vertical plies is greater than a smallest width of the inner cavity.

[0019] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the tubular film has a thickness that is thinner than 30 microns.

[0020] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the outer annular wall has a generally square shape with rounded corners.

[0021] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the inner annular wall has a generally square shape with rounded corners.

[0022] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the lid includes a frangible portion.

[0023] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the frangible portion includes at least one tab to facilitate finger grasping and pulling off of the frangible portion from a remainder of the lid.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a bag closing mechanism for a waste disposal device, the bag closing mechanism comprising: a hub removably receivable within a central opening of a film-dispensing cassette, the hub having a peripheral wall defining a hub opening; and a trap door connected to the peripheral wall and extending within the hub opening, the trap door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the trap door substantially obstruct the hub opening.

[0025] Further in accordance with the above aspect, for example, an underside of the hub has a geometrical shape that is adapted to be complementary to a top portion of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0026] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the hub opening has a squircle shape.

[0027] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the hub has a support flange extending radially outwardly from the peripheral wall.

[0028] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the support flange flares from the hub opening.

[0029] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the support flange has a tab clearance defined by a concave edge portion of the support flange, the concave edge portion opened outwardly at a periphery of the support flange.

[0030] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the support flange has a shoulder having surface adapted to face towards a lid of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0031] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the hub includes a connector adapted to engage a catch of the film-dispensing cassette upon engagement of the hub with the film-dispensing cassette.

[0032] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the connector is defined by a wedge adapted for sliding engagement with the catch of the film-dispensing cassette upon engagement of the hub with the film-dispensing cassette.

[0033] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the wedge has a wedge surface facing upwardly.

[0034] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the wedge surface defines an apex.

[0035] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the hub includes a plurality of the connector, the plurality of the connector spaced apart from each other.

[0036] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plurality of the connector are located in corners defined by the peripheral wall of the hub.

[0037] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the hub includes pivot axles facing towards each other, the pivot axles engaged to the trap door for pivotal engagement of the trap door relative to the peripheral wall.

[0038] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the pivot axles are defined by the peripheral wall.

[0039] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the trap door is pivotally mounted to the hub.

[0040] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the trap door has trap door pivots engageable with pivot axles of the peripheral wall of the hub.

[0041] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the mechanism further comprises a biasing member to bias the trap door in the closed position.

[0042] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the biasing member includes a spring or a stretchable strap.

[0043] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the trap door has an upwardly facing concavity.

[0044] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the trap door engages with a complementary edge of the peripheral wall along the hub opening, in the closed position.

[0045] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the complementary edge has an outline that is complementary to a shape of the trap door.

[0046] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the hub has an open cross-sectional area that is smaller than the hub opening.

[0047] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the open cross- sectional area is between 60% and 95% of that of the hub opening.

[0048] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the peripheral wall defines a notch adapted to receive a catch of the film-dispensing cassette upon engagement of the hub with the film-dispensing cassette.

[0049] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a waste disposal device comprising: a receptacle having an opening at a top end, the receptacle defining an inner cavity accessible through the opening, an upper portion of the receptacle defining a cassette holder, the cassette holder having at least one cassette support element along the opening, the at least one cassette support element configured to suspend a film-dispensing cassette within the opening, and a bag closing mechanism as in the above aspects.

[0050] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the at least one cassette support element includes a plurality of cassette support elements, the plurality of cassette support elements located at a periphery of the opening of the receptacle, the plurality of cassette support elements defined by recesses in a peripheral wall of the upper portion.

[0051] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a bottom of the recesses defines a seating surface adapted to suspend the film-dispensing cassette therefrom.

[0052] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plurality of cassette support elements includes a catch to retain the film-dispensing cassette therein.

[0053] In accordance with yet another aspect, there is provided a method for removably installing a film-dispensing cassette in a waste disposal device, the method comprising: positioning the film-dispensing cassette in a top opening of the waste disposal device to suspend the film-dispensing cassette therein; and engaging a hub of a bag closing mechanism of the waste disposal device into a central opening of the film-dispensing cassette to suspend the hub therein.

[0054] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the hub includes latching the hub onto the film-dispensing cassette.

[0055] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the hub includes slidingly engaging a connector of the hub with a catch of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0056] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, latching the hub includes releasably securing connectors of the hub with cooperating catches of the filmdispensing cassette.

[0057] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, inserting the hub includes abutting the hub on a lid of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0058] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the method further comprises dispensing at least some of a length of tubular film from an inner cavity of the film-dispensing cassette by a free end of the length of tubular film.

[0059] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, dispensing at least some of the length of tubular film includes passing the free end of the length of tubular film through a hub opening.

[0060] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, passing the free end of the length of tubular film includes opening a trap door of the hub to gain access to an inner cavity of the waste disposal device through the hub opening.

[0061] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, further comprising knotting the free end of the length of tubular film to form a bag with a closed end.

[0062] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, dispensing at least some of the length of tubular film includes unfolding at least one of a plurality of verticalplies of the length of tubular film packed in the film-dispensing cassette by pulling on the free end of the length of tubular film.

[0063] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the hub includes elastically deforming the catch of the film-dispensing cassette, at least until the hub is caught by the catch of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0064] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the hub includes clipping the hub onto the film-dispensing cassette.

[0065] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes aligning a plurality of supports extending at a periphery of the film-dispensing cassette with complementarily shaped parts of the waste disposal device.

[0066] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes seating a plurality of supports of the film-dispensing cassette on seating surfaces of the waste disposal device, the seating surfaces configured to suspend the film-dispensing cassette therefrom.

[0067] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes matingly engaging a plurality of supports of the film-dispensing cassette with a ledge of the waste disposal device, the ledge located along a periphery of the top opening.

[0068] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes clipping the film-dispensing cassette into the waste disposal device.

[0069] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, clipping the filmdispensing cassette into the waste disposal device includes elastically deforming the plurality of supports of the film-dispensing cassette.

[0070] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes securing the film-dispensing cassette via a catch of the waste disposal device, the catch providing retention of the film-dispensing cassette within the waste disposal device against an upward pull exerted on the film-dispensing cassette.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Fig. 1A is a front exploded view of a waste disposal device and film-dispensing cassette in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Fig. 1 B is a rear exploded view of the waste disposal device of Fig. 1A;

[0073] Fig. 1C is a perspective view of an upper portion of the waste disposal device of Figs. 1A-1 B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Fig. 1 D is a top view of the upper portion of the waste disposal device of Fig. 1C;

[0075] Fig. 1 E is a close-up view of a portion of the upper portion of the waste disposal device of Fig. 1C;

[0076] Fig. 1 F is a close-up top view of the portion of the upper portion shown in Fig. 1 E;

[0077] Fig. 2A is a partially exploded perspective view of a bag closing mechanism of the waste disposal device and the film-dispensing cassette of Figs. 1A-1 B, according to an embodiment;

[0078] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the bag closing mechanism in a closed position, with the film-dispensing cassette of Figs. 1A-1 B;

[0079] Fig. 2C is a top view of the bag closing mechanism in a closed position, with the film-dispensing cassette of Figs. 1A-1 B;

[0080] Fig. 3A is an enlarged partial sectional view of the bag closing mechanism and the film-dispensing cassette of Figs. 2A-2C;

[0081] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the bag closing mechanism shown in Figs. 2A- 2C, in an open position;

[0082] Fig. 3C is an underside perspective view of the bag closing mechanism of Figs. 2A-2C, in a closed position;

[0083] Fig. 3D is a top view of the bag closing mechanism and the film-dispensing cassette, the bag closing mechanism in the open position;

[0084] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the film-dispensing cassette, according to an embodiment;

[0085] Fig. 4B is a top view of the film-dispensing cassette of Fig. 4A;

[0086] Fig. 4C is a close-up view showing part of the film-dispensing cassette of Fig. 4A;

[0087] Fig. 4D is a sectional view showing an interface between the bag closing mechanism and the film-dispensing cassette of Fig. 4A;

[0088] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the film-dispensing cassette and the bag closing mechanism as assembled for use;

[0089] Fig. 6 illustrates an outline of a central opening of the film-dispensing cassette engaged with connector(s) of the bag closing mechanism as in Figs. 3A-3D;

[0090] Fig. 7 is a sectional view showing an interface between the bag closing mechanism and the film-dispensing cassette, according to a variant;

[0091] Fig. 8 illustrates an outline of a central opening of the film-dispensing cassette engaged with connector(s) of the bag closing mechanism as in Fig. 7; and

[0092] Fig. 9 is a top view of the bag closing mechanism and the film-dispensing cassette, showing a variant of the bag closing mechanism.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0093] Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1A-1 B, a waste disposal device (hereinafter "device") is generally shown at 10. The device 10 may be known as a garbage, a pail, a garbage pail, a trash, etc. The device 10 may be used with any suitable type of waste, including diapers and child care products, litter waste, kitchen waste, such as compost, or other types of waste, etc. The device 10 is of the type that may be using a film dispensing cassette (hereinafter “cassette” 100) dispensing film that may include a tubular bag, such as film in the form of a tube that is knotted or closed in any appropriate manner as the film projects out of the body of the cassette 100, through a central opening thereof, and into an inner cavity of the device 10. Moreover, the expression cassette is one among others to describe item 100, with other expressions including cartridge, refill, etc.

[0094] The waste-disposal device 10 may include a base portion 20 defining a receptacle for receiving waste, an upper portion 30 including a lid and for supporting the cassette 100, and / or a closing mechanism including a hub 40 that is removably engageable with a central opening of the film-dispensing cassette 100 for closing an open end of a tubular film extending from the film-dispensing cassette 100 and defining a waste receiving volume into the receptacle to pack waste (or other objects). The filmdispensing cassette 100 may be similar, at least in part, to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,959,880, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] The waste-disposal device 10 may include or have a receptacle that may be defined by the base portion 20 and the upper portion 30 (and likely parts of the closingmechanism). The base portion 20 has a peripheral wall 21 defining, at least in part, an inner cavity 11A (Figs. 1A-1 B). While one continuous peripheral wall 21 is shown, other arrangements are possible such as walls 21 separated by hard edges, posts for supporting a fabric making up the walls, etc. The inner cavity 11A defines part of an internal volume to receive waste. The peripheral wall 21 defines a rim 22 at a top end of the base portion 20. The rim 22 extends about a central opening 23 of the base portion 20. The central opening 23 provides access to the part of the inner cavity 11A that is defined by the base portion 20 from the top end thereof. In an embodiment, the central opening 23 may be generally squared, with or without rounded corners, such as squircle. The central opening 23 could be round, oval, octagonal, or other shapes in other embodiments.

[0096] The base portion 20 includes a hinge member 27 at the top end, for pivoting engagement of the upper portion 30 with the base portion 20. The hinge member 27 may include a pair of recesses defined by the peripheral wall 21 , one or more pivots, or other features providing a pivotal connection between the base portion 20 and the upper portion 30. Such connection between the base portion 20 and the upper portion 30 is optional. Clips or interlocking features could also be contemplated to connect both portions, for example. The base portion 20 and the upper portion 30 could also be integral (i.e., same part) with one another. As observed from Fig. 1A, a detent may be present to releasably lock the upper portion 30 to the base portion 20, the detent being for example at the end of a tongue, the detent received in a bore in the upper portion 30.

[0097] The waste-disposal device 10 includes the upper portion 30 connected to the base portion 20. The upper portion 30 includes a peripheral wall 31 , which defines a periphery thereof. The peripheral wall 31 defines part of the inner cavity 11 A. In the embodiments shown, the peripheral wall 31 of the upper portion 30 sits on the top end of the peripheral wall 21 of the base portion 20 so as to define, together, walls of the inner cavity 11A of the disposal device 10. The peripheral wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the peripheral wall 31 of the upper portion 30 may define a continuous wall of the device 10 that delimits the inner cavity 11A that may receive waste (in a bag extending therein, as described later). While one continuous wall 31 is shown, other arrangements are possible such as walls 31 separated by hard edges, etc. In the embodiment shown, a bottom end of the upper portion 30 is hingedly connected to the base portion 20 via the hinge member 27 of the base portion 20 and complementary features of the upperportion 30. Clips or interlocking features could also be contemplated to connect both portions, for example, with or without pivotal connection.

[0098] The upper portion 30 includes a support 32, which may be referred to as a cassette refill support or seat, or cassette holder. The support 32 is located at an upper end of the upper portion 30. The support 32 is configured to receive the cassette refill 100. The upper portion 30 defines a central opening 33. The central opening 33 extends through the support 32. The central opening 33 may receive waste therethrough and / or a body of the film-dispensing cassette 100. The central opening 33 is aligned with the central opening 23 of the base portion 20. In the embodiment shown, the central opening 33 has a generally square shape with rounded corners, or squircle shape. Other shapes can be contemplated in other embodiments, such as square, round, oval, octagonal, or other annular shape.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 1 C-1 F the upper portion 30 includes cassette support elements 34, which may form part of the support 32. The cassette support elements 34 are adapted to receive complementarily shaped parts of the film-dispensing cassette, as will be described later. The cassette support elements 34 are located at a periphery of the central opening 33, and may be referred to as seats. In the embodiment shown, the support elements 34 are defined by recesses 34A in the peripheral wall 31 of the upper portion 30. A bottom of such recesses 34A defines a ledge 34B, or like seating surface. Such ledge 34B may be flat, but this is only one possibility (e.g., it could be wavy, curved, etc.). The ledges 34B may extend in a plane to which a central axis Z3 of the central opening 33 is normal, but this is optional. Such ledge 34B could be inclined relative to a plane to which the central axis Z3 is normal, as another possibility. The ledge 34B has a surface facing upwardly, upon which parts of the film-dispensing cassette 100 may be seated. The film-dispensing cassette 100 is suspended by the support 32 via the ledge 34B, as will be described later. Stated differently, the filmdispensing cassette 100 is hung at the ledges 34B in a variant. In some embodiments, the film-dispensing cassette 100 may matingly engage with the ledge 34B. In some variants, the cassette support elements 34 could also extend in the central opening 33, e.g., in a cantilevered fashion, from the support 32. For example, the cassette support elements 34 could be in the form of tabs extending from the peripheral wall 31 , in other embodiments. The cassette support elements 34 may include pins, hooks, projections, or other alignment features engaging with the film-dispensing cassette 100 (e.g., inbores thereof) to ensure a proper alignment of the film-dispensing cassette 100 in the recesses 34A. However, in at least some embodiments, the complementary (complementary and / or mating) shape of the walls of the recesses 34A or peripheral wall 31 with the parts of the film-dispensing cassette 100 may be sufficient to obtain proper alignment and orientation of the film-dispensing cassette 100 in the support 32, e.g., slide fit therebetween.

[0100] In the embodiment shown, the support elements 34 are spaced apart along the periphery of the central opening 33. In the embodiment shown, the cassette support elements 34 are located at the four corners of the generally squircle central opening 33. In other embodiments, where the central opening 33 has a different shape (e.g., round, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shapes), the cassette support elements 34 may have a different relative placement, and may be more or fewer than four. For example they could be equally or unequally spaced apart about the central opening 33 so long that the cassette support elements 34 in unison can maintain the cassette 100 stable and hung within the support 32. In at least some embodiments, the support elements 34 are the only areas by which the film-dispensing cassette 100 is suspended. In variants, there could be a continuous lip extending along the periphery of the central opening 33, between adjacent ones of the support elements 34.

[0101] The support 32 may include a catch 36 (or more than one) to retain the film-dispensing cassette 100 therein. In the embodiment shown, each one of the recesses 34A may have such a catch 36. The catch 36 is adapted to secure the filmdispensing cassette 100 (i.e., parts thereof) within the recesses 34A. When the filmdispensing cassette 100 is properly installed on the support 32, it is engaged in the catch(es) 36, which may provide retention of the film-dispensing cassette 100 in the support 32 against a downward pull exerted on the film of the film-dispensing cassette 100, such as by the effect of gravity of the waste on the film. In other words, the catch(es) 36 may oppose a retention force against the film-dispensing cassette 100 when biased downwardly, such as by gravity. The catch(es) 36 may oppose a retention force against an upward pull exerted on the film-dispensing cassette 100. The retention force does not create a permanent coupling of the cassette 100 on the support 32. With sufficient pulling force, e.g., less than ten pounds of pull force exerted on the cassette 100, the cassette 100 may disengage from the catch(es) 36. The catch(es) 36 is(are) meant to maintain the cassette 100 in place in the device 10 during use, by minimizingundesired displacement of the cassette 100 within the support 32, and to allow manual disengagement of the cassette 100 therefrom once it requires to be replaced. The catch(es) 36 may clip the film-dispensing cassette 100 onto the support 32. In the embodiment shown, each catch 36 includes a bulge defined in the peripheral wall 31. The bulge is located within the recesses 34A, spaced upwardly from the ledge 34B. A slot or opening may be defined between the bulge and the ledge 34B, in the peripheral wall 31 , to receive the complementary part of the film-dispensing cassette 100, in some embodiments. The bulge is only one possibility. For example, in other embodiments, the catch 36 may include a lip, a tab, or other protruding features from the peripheral wall 31 , within the recesses 34A spaced upwardly from the ledge 34B so as to provide a catch engagement of the film-dispensing cassette 100 between such protruding feature and the ledge 34B.

[0102] With additional reference to Fig. 1 B and further in Fig. 1 D. the upper portion 30 has a hinge member 37 adapted to hingedly connect to a lid 38. The lid 38 is atop the upper portion 30, to close a top end thereof and is movable between an open and closed position to respectively cover and uncover the central opening 33 of the upper portion 30.

[0103] The lid 38 includes a hinge member 39, which connects with the hinge member 37 of the upper portion 30. The hinge members 37, 39 may include malefemale couplings, interlocking features, pin-hole arrangement, for example. The hinge member 37, 39 may allow the lid 38 to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the upper portion 30. Interconnection between the hinge members 37, 39 can be seen in Fig. 1 D.

[0104] The waste-disposal device 10 includes a closing mechanism now described with reference to Figs. 2A-2C. The closing mechanism is operable to open and close a top open end of the bag defined by the tubular film 101 (Fig. 2B) dispensed from the body of the cassette 100. The closing mechanism includes a hub 40 having peripheral walls 41 (though it may be referred to as a single peripheral wall because it may be continuous as shown). As can be observed, the hub 40 has a shape generally matching that of the film-dispensing cassette 100, as the hub 40 is assembled into the central opening of the film-dispensing cassette 100. The peripheral wall 41 of the hub 40 may have a generally square shape with rounded corners, or squircle shape. Other shapes can be contemplated, such as shapes corresponding to the central opening 102 of the film-dispensing cassette 100. In at least some embodiments, an underside of thehub 40 has a geometrical shape that is complementary to a top portion of the cassette 100 for conforming engagement therebetween.

[0105] A hub opening 43 is defined through the hub 40. The hub opening 43 has a central axis Z4. The central axes Z2, Z3 of the central openings 23, 33 described above may be aligned with the central axis Z4, and may even be collinear, but this is just an option. The hub opening 43 may have the same or a similar shape as that of the central openings 23, 33 described above, but this is optional. For example, in an embodiment, the hub opening 43 has a generally square shape with rounded corners, or squircle shape.

[0106] The hub 40 also has a support flange 44. The support flange 44 extends radially outwardly and generally horizontally from the peripheral wall 41 of the hub 40. The support flange 44 may form an integral part of the peripheral wall 41 , i.e., extends continuously therefrom as a monolithic piece, or be a separate part attached thereto, as another possibility. The support flange 44 may flare from the hub opening 43. As shown, the support flange 44 extends upwardly and from the peripheral wall 41 . Referring to Fig. 2C, the support flange 44 covers at least partially a top of the cassette 100, with the complementary geometrical shape.

[0107] In the embodiment shown, the support flange 44 has a tab clearance 44A. The tab clearance 44A allows an unobstructed access to tab(s) of the lid, as will be described later. In the embodiment shown, the support flange 44 has a single tab clearance, s spaced apart from each other about the hub opening 43. The tab clearance 44A is defined as a concave edge portion of the support flange 44, the concave edge portion opened outwardly at the periphery of the support flange 44. There may be more of such tab clearance 44A in some variants, e.g., two, three, or more. Such a variant is shown at Fig. 9, where four tab clearances 44A are present, on a corresponding number of sides of the hub opening 43. In some variants such tab clearances 44A are optional.

[0108] Referring to Fig. 3A, the support flange 44 has a shoulder 44B, the shoulder 44B having a surface facing towards the lid of the cassette 100 and engaged therewith when the hub 40 is installed on the cassette 100. As shown, the shoulder 44B may lie flat on a corresponding surface of the lid 105 of the cassette 100. An interface between the shoulder 44B and the lid 105 may be continuous all about the hub opening 43, but this is optional. The shoulder 44B may act as axial stopper of the hub 40 on thecassette 100 and may ensure that the hub 40 is properly installed thereon (e.g., not skewed or angularly off relative to the cassette 100).

[0109] As shown in Fig. 3A, and additional reference in Figs. 3B-3C, the hub 40 includes at least one connector 46, herein defined by a wedge 46A or like connector, such as a latch, a tab, a pin, a protrusion, a bulge, a tongue, a tooth, a lip (continuous or segmented along the hub 40). The connector 46 is adapted to engage a catch (shown at 107 in Fig. 3A, and further described later) defined by the film-dispensing cassette 100. The connector 46 of the hub 40 and the catch of the cassette 100 may form a wedge assembly. Upon engagement of the hub 40 with the cassette 100, the connector, here wedge 46A, may slidingly engage such catch of the cassette 100. Such engagement may elastically deform the catch of the cassette 100, at least until the hub 40 is caught by the catch 107 of the cassette 100. In the position shown in Fig. 3A, which may be referred to as a locked position or captive position, the wedge 46A clears the catch 107 of the cassette 100 and, by interference between the wedge 46A and the catch 107, may block, or hinder, an axial upward movement between the hub 40 and the cassette 100 along central axis Z4. The hub 40 may thus be retained within the central opening of the cassette 100, by interference between the wedge 46A and the catch 107. The connector 46 is shaped so as to allow its sliding engagement with the catch 107 of the cassette 100 as the hub 40 engages the cassette 100 or as the hub 40 is disengaged from the cassette 100. In at least some embodiments, as shown, the connector 46 has a guide or wedge surface that faces upwardly (or rearwardly relative to the direction of engagement of the hub 40 on the cassette 100). The wedge surface may be curved (convex or concave, with varying or constant curvature) or straight (with same or varying angle therealong). Upon disengagement of the hub 40 from the cassette 100, the wedge surface may cause an elastic deformation of the catch of the cassette 100 so as to release the connector 46 from interference with the catch 107, thereby allowing the disengagement of the hub 40 from the cassette 100. As shown, the wedge surface of the connector 46 may define an apex, which may define a tip or edge of the connector 46. During sliding engagement of the wedge surface on the catch 107, the wedge surface may progressively push the catch 107 up until the apex contacts the catch 107. This is the turning point where the connector 46 may release the catch 107 upon further upward axial movement of the hub 40 relative to the cassette 100. In the opposite direction, during engagement of the connector 46 with the catch 107, the apex of theconnector 46 may slide against the catch 107 of the cassette 100 until it clears the catch 107 to gain the locked position. Other aspects concerning the catch are described later.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 3B, pivot axles 47A are defined in the wall 41 of the hub 40. The pivot axles 47A face towards each other. The pivot axles 47A may be configured as bulges / projections in respective walls 41 , as one possibility, or may be holes for receiving male pivot portions.

[0111] Referring to Fig. 3C, the hub 40 has attachment members 47B. The attachment members 47B are spaced apart on opposite sides of a central axis Z4 of the hub 40. In the embodiment shown, the attachment members 47B project from the peripheral wall 41 , within the hub opening 43 (Fig. 3B). The attachment members 47B may extend within the hub opening 43. As shown, the attachment members 47B are located in a lower portion of the hub 40, whereas the pivot axles 47A are located in an upper portion of the hub 40. There are a plurality of attachment members 47B in the embodiment shown, but a single one could also be contemplated. The attachment members 47B may be a hole in the wall 41 , a hook, a loop or else. These attachment members 47B, if present, may have a functional role in the opening and closing of the closing mechanism, as will be described below.

[0112] With additional reference to Figs. 3B-3C, the closing mechanism includes a trap door 48, also known as a flap, a trap, a door, a jaw, etc. The trap door 48 is mounted to the hub 40. Trap door pivot 48A are engageable with the pivot axles 47A on the wall 41 of the hub 40, for the trap door 48 to be pivotable. Pivot connection between the trap door 48 and the peripheral wall 41 may have variants. The pivot axle 47A may be defined by or on the trap door 48 and pivot recesses 48A defined by or in the peripheral walls 41. The pivot connection could be defined by other couplings, interlocking features, pin-hole arrangement, or other male female arrangement, for example. The trap door 48 is movable between an open position (Fig. 3B, 3D), in which the hub opening 43 is generally unobstructed to receive waste or objects therein, and a closed position (Figs. 2C, 3C), in which the trap door 48 substantially (+80%) obstructs the hub opening 43 (Fig. 2C), and / or is stopped from moving by an edge of the wall 41 as shown in Fig. 3C, with a bag pinched therebetween.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 3B-3C, the trap door 48 has attachment members 48B. The attachment members 48B are respectively aligned in a direction along the central axis Z4, with corresponding attachment members 47B of the wall 41. The trap door 48may be biased in the closed position. In at least some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3C, a biasing member 49 may bias the trap door 48 in the closed position. The biasing member 49 may be one or more spring (e.g., axial), stretchable strap, or other resilient member. The biasing member 49 may be attached at the attachment members 47B, 48B. There may be a single biasing member 49 even though a plurality thereof, here two, are shown. Upon actuation of the trap door 48 towards its open position, the biasing member 49 may extend or expand and oppose to the movement of the trap door 48 towards such position. Other types of biasing member 49 may be used, such as torsional spring, spring bars, bending spring, for example.

[0114] With reference to Figs. 3C-3D, the trap door 48 may have an upwardly facing concavity. Such concavity of the trap door 48 allows a waste-receiving area of the hub 40 to be maximized when the trap door 48 is in the open position. In the closed position, the trap door 48 engages with a complementary edge of the peripheral wall 41 along the hub opening 43, unless a bag is pinched therebetween. As can be seen, at least part of the edge of the peripheral wall 41 has an outline that is complementary to a shape of the trap door 48, for continuous abutment. In the embodiment shown, a free end of the trap door 48 has an arcuate outline, and the edge of the wall 41 comes into complementary engagement with the free end of the trap door 48. That is, the edge of the peripheral wall 41 has a complementary outline with that of the trap door 48. As shown, the waste-receiving area of the hub 40 has an open cross-sectional area that is smaller than the hub opening 43 of the hub 40. In an embodiment, the open cross- sectional area is between 60% and 95% of that of the hub opening 43 of hub 40.

[0115] Referring to Figs. 4A-4C, the film-dispensing cassette will now be further described. The cassette 100 is of the type having an annular shape with tubular film 101 dispensed from a top of the cassette 100, passing through a central opening 102 of the cassette 100, and into the inner cavity 11A (Fig. 1A) of the waste-disposal unit 10 (Fig. 1A). The tubular film 101 (Fig. 2B) may form a bag within the inner cavity 11A by a knot in its free end, for example. The free end of the tubular film 101 may be closed in any other suitable way, for instance by using a sealing unit to form a sealing joint at the free end of the tubular film 101. The cassette 100 has an annular body 103 defining a receptacle to pack a length of the tubular film 101. The annular body 103 has an inner annular wall 103A, which defines a periphery of the central opening 102. As shown, in an embodiment the central opening 102 has a generally square shape withrounded corners, or squircle shape. The inner annular wall 103A may defines such peripheral shape of the central opening 102. Other shapes can be contemplated such as rectangular, square, round, oval, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. An inner cavity 104 of the annular body 103 is located outwardly from the inner annular wall 103A. The cassette 100 may optionally include a lid 105 adapted to cover, at least partially, the inner cavity 104. The lid 105 is attached to a top end of the annular body 103, such as to the inner annular wall 103A. The lid 105 may have a frangible portion 105A that can be torn off from a remainder of the lid 105 to define an annular gap (as shown in Fig. 3D) to gain access to the inner cavity 104. The frangible portion 105A may include one or more tabs 105B to facilitate finger grasping and pulling off of the frangible portion 105A.

[0116] The cassette 100 includes supports 106. The supports 106 may be in the form of tabs that extend outwardly beyond an outer annular wall 103B of the cassette 100. As described earlier with respect to the upper portion 30 of the device 10, the supports 106 may allow the hanging of the cassette 100 onto the upper portion 30. The supports 106 may be connected to the outer annular wall 103B and / or to the lid 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the supports 106 are located in an upper portion of the outer annular wall 103B, and may be integrally formed with the annular body 103, as a possibility. In an embodiment, the supports 106 are located at least at 80% of a total height of the annular body 103 (measured from a bottom thereof). In an embodiment, the supports 106 may be at the top open end, as another possibility. The supports 106 may be seated on the ledges 34B when the cassette 100 is seated in the upper portion 30. In the embodiment shown, the supports 106 are located in the four corners (rounded) of the square shape annular body 103. As shown, the outer annular wall 103B has a generally square shape with rounded corners, or squircle shape. Optionally, the number of supports 16 may be equal to the number of corners about the annular body 103. Different locations and / or more or less supports 16 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more) could be contemplated.

[0117] The cassette 100 defines the catch 107 which may operatively engage the connector(s) 46 of the hub 40. While the expression “catch” is employed herein, other names could also be used to describe component 107, such as a wedge, a latch, a protrusion, a lip, a tab, a tooth or like connector. As described above, the catch 107 of the cassette 100 may form part of a wedge assembly with the connector 46 of the hub 40. The connector 46 and the catch 107 may be shaped so as to have a mating and / orcomplementary engagement. Either one of the connector 46 and the catch 107 may have a male or female portion that is adapted to engage with each other to gain the locked position (hub 40 retained by the cassette 100 or vice versa). As best seen in Fig. 3A, the catch 107 may be defined by a lip of the lid 105. The catch 107 could also include a slot or hole (or other female portion) adapted to engage with the connector 46 of the hub 40 in the locked position. The catch 107 could be defined by the annular body 103, e.g., a lip of the inner annular wall 103A. The catch 107 is located within the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. The catch 107 may extend continuously along the central opening 102 or inner annular wall 103A, but this is optional. As an alternative, the cassette 100 has one or more discrete catches 107, or the catch 107 could be segmented. The catch 107 may elastically deform during engagement motion with the hub 40 (e.g., wedge 46A). More particularly, as shown, the connector(s) 46 may be shaped as a wedge for the hub 40 to slide along the lid 105 and catch 107 when pushed downwardly into engagement with the cassette 100. The hub 104 and / or the catch 107 will elastically deform during this movement. Once the connector(s) 46 is beyond the catch 107, the components will return toward their native shapes, resulting in the catch 107 being against an abutment surface, here wedge surface, of the connector(s) 46, thus forming a secured engagement. For the removal of the hub 40, as described below, a manual force may be required to cause some additional elastic deformation against the biasing of the components toward their native shapes. Therefore, for this to occur, the catch(es) 107 must have a specific dimension that causes the interplay described above. Fig. 6 illustrates such interplay, with the parametrization of the central opening 102, the catch 107 and the hub 40 allowing cooperation between them. In Fig. 6, an outline O1 of the central opening 102, an outline 02 of the hub 40 passing through the outwardmost point of the connector(s) 46, and an outline 03 of the catch 107 are illustrated. These outlines lie in a plane P1 (Fig. 3A) to which a vertical axis of the cassette 100 is normal when the cassette 100 is horizontal, with the plane P1 being at the height of the edge of the catch 107. As can be seen, in some embodiments, the outline O1 of the central opening 102 contains an entirety of the outline 02 of the hub 40. The outline 02 is also observed to be smaller than the outline 03. As shown, segments of the outline 02, which correspond to connectors 46 of the hub 40 extend beyond the outline 03 of the catch 107, here defined by a continuous lip extending along the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. Because of these specific relative outlinesO1 , 02, 03, the interplay described above can occur. While only local portions of the outline 02 are not contained within the outline 03 in this embodiment, in some variants, if the connector 46 of the hub 40 is defined by a continuous wedge or lip for example, the outline 02 may entirely extend between outline O1 and outline 03. Also, it should be understood that in Fig. 6 only two local portions of the outline 02 extend between the outline O1 and the outline 02 since the illustrated embodiment has a pair of connectors 46 located on opposite sides of the hub 40. This is only one possibility, as there could be more discrete connectors 46, or a single connector 46, such as one continuous connector 46. In variants, the outline O1 could be larger than the outline 02, where, for example, the inner annular wall 103A of the cassette 100 has opening(s) to engage with connector(s) 46. Moreover, while it is the outline 02 that has tab-like projections, it is also considered to have tab-like projections in outline 03. For example, instead of having a continuous catch 107, the cassette 100 could have one or more tab-shape catches 107. A variant will be described later accordingly.

[0118] To achieve the interplay, it is desired that the catch(es) 107 be cantilevered, to elastically deform. It can be said that the hub 40 and the cassette 100 have, in an engagement plane, at least parts of the outline 02 of the hub 40 that exceed the side of the outline 03 of the catch 107 of the cassette 100.

[0119] In at least some embodiments, the lid 105, or upper portion of the annular body 103, may include interference lips 108 projecting inwardly relative to a remainder of the lid 105. As shown in Figs. 4C-4D, the interference lips 108 are located in the rounded corners of the lid 105 and / or central opening 102. The interference lips 108 are adapted to create an interference between the lid 105 and the peripheral wall 41 of the hub 40 when the hub 40 is slid into engagement with the cassette 100, as can be seen in the close-up view of Fig. 4D. The interference between such lips 108 and the hub 40 may contribute to the elastic deformation of the catch 107 during the engagement process.

[0120] Referring to Figs. 7-8, a variant of the catches 107 and connectors 46 discussed herein above will now be described. Like features will not be described in whole again for brevity, but it should be understood that the above description of the catches 107 and connectors 46, including their interplay, may similarly apply. The interference lip 108 described above with respect to an embodiment may define a catch 107’ such as the catch 107 described above for interplaying with a connector 46’, as theconnector(s) 46 described above. The catches 107’ may thus be referred to as lips, in the embodiment shown. As shown in Figs. 7-8, the connectors 46’ may be located so as to align with the catches 107’ in corners of the lid 105’. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the connector 46’ may optionally be used with a wedge 46A’, or like connector similar to the wedge 46A, as described above. While references are made to a wedge, such type of connector 46’ could also be referred to as a bulge or like protrusion defined by or on the wall 41 ’ of the hub 40’. Upon engagement of the hub 40’ with the cassette 100’, the connector, here wedge 46A’, may slidingly engage such catch 107’ of the cassette 100’. In the position shown in Fig. 7, which may be referred to as a locked position or captive position, the wedge 46A’ clears the catch 107’ of the cassette 100’ and, by interference between the wedge 46A’ and the catch 107’, may block, or hinder, an axial upward movement between the hub 40’ and the cassette 100’. The hub 40’ may thus be retained within the central opening 102’ of the cassette 100’, by interference between the wedge 46A’ and the catch 107’. The connector 46’ is shaped so as to allow its sliding engagement with the catch 107’ of the cassette 100’ as the hub 40’ engages the cassette 100’ or as the hub 40’ is disengaged from the cassette 100’. The aspects described above with respect to the connector 46 will not entirely be repeated herein but similarly applies to the variant of Figs. 7-8. In an embodiment, in the captive position, the catch 107’ may penetrate a notch 46B’ defined in the wall 41’ of the hub 40’. The notch 46B’ may have a shape that is complementary to that of the catch 107’. The notch 46B’ may provide an even greater interference between the wedge 46A’ and the catch 107’ in the captive position. Some variants may not have such notch 46B’. While references to the wedge 46A’, notch 46B’ and catch 107’ are to the singular, it can be seen in Fig. 8 that there may be a plurality of such wedge 46A’, notch 46B’ and catch 107’, i.e., two or more, though it may work with a single one. In a variant, as shown, each rounded corner of the central opening 102’ and wall 41’ of the hub 40’ may include a connector 46’ and a catch 107’. Also shown in Fig. 8 are the outlines O1 ’, 02’ and 03’ which are respectively the outlines of the central opening 102’, the hub 40’, and the lid 105’ in a plane containing the catches 107’. These outlines lie in a plane P2 to which a vertical axis of the cassette is normal when the cassette is horizontal, with the plane P2 being at the height of the edge of the catch 107’. Once the connectors 46’ are beyond the catch 107’, the components will return toward their native shapes, resulting in the connectors 46’ and catches 107’ being “clipped” together, thus forming a secured engagement. For theremoval of the hub 40’, as described above, a manual force may be required to cause some additional elastic deformation against the biasing of the wedges 46A’ and / or catches 107’ toward their native shapes. Therefore, for this to occur, the catches 107’ must have a specific dimension that causes the interplay described above. While it is desirable to obtain a secured engagement between the hub 40’ and the cassette 100’ to prevent undesired removal of the hub 40, 40’ from the cassette 100, 100’, the catches 107’ and connectors 46’ may be correspondingly sized to cause an elastic deformation of the catches 107’ to deform upon application of a load of 10 psi ± 5 psi to gain the captive position by application of such load. In an embodiment, a load of at most 15 psi may be desirable for such deformation, hence for the “clipping” or “unclipping”, to occur. In a particular embodiment, the catches 107’ may project over 0.5 mm (± 0.2 mm) (maximum projection) from a remainder of an inner periphery of the lid 105’. The catches 107’ may penetrate the connectors 46’, e.g., notches 46B’, over such distance. In a particular embodiment, the catches 107’, here in the form of lips, may have a thickness, which can be measured as an average thickness, of 0.5 mm (± 0.2 mm). Yet in a particular embodiment, the catches 107’, here in the form of lips, may have a radius of curvature that is greater than that of the rounded corners defined by the inner annular wall 103A’. These are some possibilities, which may or may not be combined as part of a same particular embodiment. The catches 107’ could be shaped differently in some variants.

[0121] The tubular film 101 can be packed in various ways, one of which being by foldings. As shown in Fig. 5, the tubular film 101 may define vertical plies. The term vertical is not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather means that folded segments of the tubular film 101 extends in a top to bottom of the annular body. Such packing configuration of the tubular film 101 may result in the easier deployment of film 101 out of the annular body 103, in contrast to a zig zag from side to side. Because the cassette 100 is higher than it is wide, the unfolding of a ply may result in a greater amount of film being released than for a comparable side-to-side zig zag. Considering that a sufficient quantity of film must be released for the proper action of the closing mechanism, for the waste to be below the abutment location between wall 104 and trap door 108, the easier release of film by way of the vertical plies may contribute to properly maintaining the bag shut. As shown in Fig. 5, the tubular film 101 is folded “vertically” so as to have a free end of the film 101 located closer to the outer periphery of the cassette 100 than theinner periphery. Stated differently, in an initial, non-dispensed condition, the outwardmost ply of the tubular film 101 , before the film 101 starts to be dispensed from the annular body 103, extends along the outer annular wall 103B so as to have a free end 101 A of the tubular film 101 closer to the outer annular wall 103B than any other plies of the film 101. Such configuration of the folded tubular film 101 may ensure that the film 101 exits from the annular body 103 with the least restriction. A reverse situation may exist, i.e., the free end 101 A of the tubular film 101 being closer to the inner annular wall 103A, where the film 101 is dispensed from a gap at a top of the annular body 103 that is closer to the inner annular wall 103A, for example.

[0122] The folded configuration of the tubular film 101 within the cassette 100 may be adapted to optimize a length of the folded segments (or “plies”) within the annular body 103 to deploy more easily the film 101 out of the annular body 103. In an embodiment, a length LP of the folded segments (or simply “plies”) corresponds to a substantial proportion (> 75%) of a total height HH of the inner cavity 104. In an embodiment, the length LP of the plies is at least 80% of the total height HH, and in some particular cases, at least 95% of the total height HH of the inner cavity 104. The total height HH may be measured from a bottommost surface of the inner cavity 104 to a top edge 103C of the annular body 103. In at least some embodiments, where the lid 105 has a concave surface facing toward the inner cavity 104, and / or where the outer top edge is higher than the inner top edge of the annular body 103, as can be seen in Fig. 5, at least part of the plies may extend upwardly beyond the inner top edge. As such, the length LP of the plies may thus be greater than a distance between a bottommost surface of the inner cavity and the inner top edge. As such, the inner volume for packing tubular film 101 within the cassette 100 may be maximized. The plies may all have a substantially similar length LP (± 5%), though in variants, the length LP of each ply may progressively increase from the innermost ply, i.e., the ply that is the closest to the inner annular wall 103A, to the outermost ply, i.e., the ply that is the closest to the outer annular wall 103B, or vice versa.

[0123] Another way to maximize the length of tubular film 101 in a vertical fold condition may be to minimize the thickness of the film 101. In an embodiment, the film 101 is thinner than 30 microns (e.g., between 18 microns and 27 microns). In variants, although less preferable to maximize the length of tubular film, the thickness may be about 35 microns (± 5 microns). Yet another way to maximize the length of film 101 ofthe cassette 100 is by maximizing the occupation of the inner cavity 104 in a widthwise direction by the film 101. In at least some embodiments, as can be seen in Fig. 5, the inner annular wall 103A and the outer annular wall 103B flare outwardly towards the lid 105. The flare may be between 1 degrees and 4 degrees, for example. The inner cavity 104 may thus be wider at a top than at a bottom thereof. A width WP of the stack of plies of the tubular film 101 may thus be greater than a smallest width WB1 of the inner cavity. Such width WP may be measured on the full stack of plies in a fully folded condition. The width WP may be generally between the smallest width WB1 and a maximum width WB2 of the inner cavity 104. While this may cause a slight vertical shift of the plies from the inner annular wall 103A to the outer annular wall 103B, this may not substantially negatively impact the film dispensing out from the inner cavity 104. In variants, the width WP could be smaller or equal to the smallest width WB1 , for instance where the inner annular wall 103A and the outer annular wall 103B do not flare.

[0124] Looking now at the operation of the closing mechanism, in waste storage, the film-dispensing cassette 100 is supported by the upper portion 30. If present, the frangible portion 105A of the lid 105 may be torn off from the remainder of the lid 105 to gain access to the inner cavity 104 of the cassette 100 to dispense a length of tubular film 101 therefrom, though this may be done before the cassette 100 is installed in the upper portion 30. With further reference to Fig. 5, the hub 40 is removably inserted into the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. In doing so, the hub 40 is latched onto the cassette 100, by complementary engagement and by the cooperation of the various components described above. More particularly, the hub 40 may abut on the lid 105 of the cassette 100 via its shoulder 44B. The connectors 46 of the hub 40 cooperate with the catch(es) 107 of the cassette 100 so as to releasably secure the hub 40 on the cassette 100. The support flange 44 is sized so as to extend along the frangible portion 105A, so as not to cover the gap by which the tubular film 101 may be upwardly dispensed from the inner cavity 104. The length of tubular film 101 may extend over the support flange 44 of the hub 40, then extend through the hub opening 43 of the hub 40. The free end of tubular film 101 extends in the waste-receiving area of the hub 40, i.e., between the trap door 48 and the wall 41 of the hub 40. The tubular film 101 , which may form a bag with a closed end by a knot in its free end (or otherwise, such as seam welds), may be pinched shut between the peripheral wall 41 of the hub 40 and the trap door 48 when the trap door 48 is in the closed position. The pinching of the bag may beassisted by the biasing member 49 (Fig. 3C) forcing the trap door 48 into the closed position, though the biasing member 49 is optional, for instance because gravity could be used to bias the trap door 48 to the closed position. The trap door 48 may gain its open position by the weight of waste with or without a manual push from the user to operate the closing mechanism so as to open the hub opening 43 and provide access to the waste receiving volume of the bag in the inner cavity 11A (Fig. 1A). For example, a force can be applied on the upper surface of the trap door 48, e.g., by downwardly pressing on the trap door 48, thereby opposing to the biasing force of the biasing member 49, and inducing a pivotal movement of the trap door 48. Once released, the trap door 48 may return to its closed position by the biasing force, where the biasing member 49 may cause the trap door 48 to pinch the tubular film 101 between the free end of the trap door 48 and the edge of the wall 41 of the hub 40. Once all of the tubular film 101 has been dispensed from the cassette 100 (or at other desired moments), the hub 40 may be released from the cassette 100 by pulling the hub 40 out of its engagement with the cassette 100. While the wedges 46A may oppose to the removal of the hub 40 from the central opening 102 of the cassette 100 by interference with the catch 107 of the cassette 100, elastic deformation of the catch 107, by sliding engagement with the wedge 46A, may allow the catch 107 to be cleared from its retaining engagement with the wedge 46A, thereby freeing the hub 40 from the cassette 100.

[0125] In a variant, the cassette 100 may be described as a film-dispensing cassette that may include a length of tubular film; an annular body defining a receptacle having an inner cavity to pack the length of the tubular film, the annular body having an inner annular wall defining a central opening, and an outer annular wall spaced from the inner annular wall; and a lid adapted to cover at least partially the inner cavity, the lid defining at least one catch projecting into the central opening; wherein the at least one catch has an edge at a cantilevered portion of the catch, the edge of the at least one catch lying in a cross-sectional plane of the film-dispensing cassette, a central axis of the central opening being normal to the cross-sectional plane, and wherein the at least one catch is inward of an outline of a closing mechanism configured to be seated in the film dispensing cassette, the outline of the closing mechanism being in said cross- sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette and intersecting an outline portion of at least one connector of the closing mechanism.

[0126] In variants, the cassette 100 may be shaped so as to have its annular body 103 with an inner periphery and outer periphery having a different geometry. For example, the inner annular wall 103A and central opening 102 may have a round shape and the outer annular wall 103B a generally square shape (with or without rounded corners). Other permutations of the relative shapes of the inner and outer annular walls 103A, 103B could also be contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A film-dispensing cassette for a waste disposal device, the film-dispensing cassette comprising: a length of tubular film; an annular body defining a receptacle having an inner cavity to pack the length of the tubular film, the annular body having an inner annular wall defining a central opening, and an outer annular wall spaced from the inner annular wall; and a lid adapted to cover at least partially the inner cavity, the lid defining at least one catch projecting into the central opening; wherein the at least one catch has an edge at a cantilevered portion of the catch, the edge of the at least one catch lying in a cross-sectional plane of the film-dispensing cassette, a central axis of the central opening being normal to the cross-sectional plane; and wherein the at least one catch is inward of an outline of a closing mechanism configured to be seated in the film-dispensing cassette, the outline of the closing mechanism being in said cross-sectional plane of the film-dispensing cassette and intersecting an outline portion of at least one connector of the closing mechanism.

2. The film-dispensing cassette of claim 1 , further including at least one support extending outwardly from the outer annular wall.

3. The film-dispensing cassette of claim 2, wherein the at least one support is located at least at 80% of a total height of the annular body from a bottom thereof.

4. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the at least one support includes a plurality of supports spaced apart from each other along the outer annular wall.

5. The film-dispensing cassette of claim 4, wherein the plurality of supports are tabs projecting from the outer annular wall, the tabs located in respective corners of the filmdispensing cassette.

6. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the least one catch is defined by a lip of the lid.

7. The film-dispensing cassette of claim 6, wherein the least one catch includes a plurality of catches located in corners of the lid.

8. The film-dispensing cassette of claim 7, wherein the plurality of catches project over 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm from a remainder of an inner periphery of the lid.

9. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the plurality of catches have a thickness of 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm.

10. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the plurality of catches have a radius of curvature that is greater than that of corners defined by the inner annular wall cooperating with the plurality of the catches.

11. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the length of tubular film is packed within the inner cavity in a folded manner, the tubular film defining a plurality of vertical plies, a free end of the tubular film located closer to an outer periphery of the film-dispensing cassette than to an inner periphery.

12. The film-dispensing cassette according to claim 11 , wherein a length of respective ones of the vertical plies corresponds to a substantial proportion of a total height of the inner cavity.

13. The film-dispensing cassette according to claim 12, wherein the length of respective ones of the vertical plies is at least 80% of the total height of the inner cavity.

14. The film-dispensing cassette according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a width of the plurality of vertical plies is greater than a smallest width of the inner cavity.

15. The film-dispensing cassette according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the tubular film has a thickness that is thinner than 30 microns.

16. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the outer annular wall has a generally square shape with rounded corners.

17. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the inner annular wall has a generally square shape with rounded corners.

18. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the lid includes a frangible portion.

19. The film-dispensing cassette of any one of claim 18, wherein the frangible portion includes at least one tab to facilitate finger grasping and pulling off of the frangible portion from a remainder of the lid.

20. A bag closing mechanism for a waste disposal device, the bag closing mechanism comprising: a hub removably receivable within a central opening of a film-dispensing cassette, the hub having a peripheral wall defining a hub opening; and a trap door connected to the peripheral wall and extending within the hub opening, the trap door movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the trap door substantially obstruct the hub opening.

21. The bag closing mechanism of claim 20, wherein an underside of the hub has a geometrical shape that is adapted to be complementary to a top portion of the filmdispensing cassette.

22. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 and 21 , wherein the hub opening has a squircle shape.

23. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the hub has a support flange extending radially outwardly from the peripheral wall.

24. The bag closing mechanism of claim 23, wherein the support flange flares from the hub opening.

25. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 23 and 24, wherein the support flange has a tab clearance defined by a concave edge portion of the support flange, the concave edge portion opened outwardly at a periphery of the support flange.

26. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the support flange has a shoulder having surface adapted to face towards a lid of the film-dispensing cassette.

27. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the hub includes a connector adapted to engage a catch of the film-dispensing cassette upon engagement of the hub with the film-dispensing cassette.

28. The bag closing mechanism of claim 27, wherein the connector is defined by a wedge adapted for sliding engagement with the catch of the film-dispensing cassette upon engagement of the hub with the film-dispensing cassette.

29. The bag closing mechanism of claim 28, wherein the wedge has a wedge surface facing upwardly.

30. The bag closing mechanism of claim 29, wherein the wedge surface defines an apex.

31. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the hub includes a plurality of the connector, the plurality of the connector spaced apart from each other.

32. The bag closing mechanism of claim 31 , wherein the plurality of the connector are located in corners defined by the peripheral wall of the hub.

33. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 32, wherein the hub includes pivot axles facing towards each other, the pivot axles engaged to the trap door for pivotal engagement of the trap door relative to the peripheral wall.

34. The bag closing mechanism of claim 33, wherein the pivot axles are defined by the peripheral wall.

35. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 32, wherein the trap door is pivotally mounted to the hub.

36. The bag closing mechanism of claim 35, wherein the trap door has trap door pivots engageable with pivot axles of the peripheral wall of the hub.

37. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 36, further comprising a biasing member to bias the trap door in the closed position.

38. The bag closing mechanism of claim 37, wherein the biasing member includes a spring or a stretchable strap.

39. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 38, wherein the trap door has an upwardly facing concavity.

40. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 39, wherein the trap door engages with a complementary edge of the peripheral wall along the hub opening, in the closed position.

41. The bag closing mechanism of claim 40, wherein the complementary edge has an outline that is complementary to a shape of the trap door.

42. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 41 , wherein the hub has an open cross-sectional area that is smaller than the hub opening.

43. The bag closing mechanism of claim 42, wherein the open cross-sectional area is between 60% and 95% of that of the hub opening.

44. The bag closing mechanism of any one of claims 20 to 43, wherein the peripheral wall defines a notch adapted to receive a catch of the film-dispensing cassette upon engagement of the hub with the film-dispensing cassette.

45. A waste disposal device comprising: a receptacle having an opening at a top end, the receptacle defining an inner cavity accessible through the opening, an upper portion of the receptacle defining a cassette holder, the cassette holder having at least one cassette support element along the opening, the at least one cassette support element configured to suspend a film-dispensing cassette within the opening, and a bag closing mechanism as defined in any one of claims 20 to 44.

46. The waste disposal device of claim 45, wherein the at least one cassette support element includes a plurality of cassette support elements, the plurality of cassette support elements located at a periphery of the opening of the receptacle, the plurality of cassette support elements defined by recesses in a peripheral wall of the upper portion.

47. The waste disposal device of claim 46, wherein a bottom of the recesses defines a seating surface adapted to suspend the film-dispensing cassette therefrom.

48. The waste disposal device of any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the plurality of cassette support elements includes a catch to retain the film-dispensing cassette therein.

49. A method for removably installing a film-dispensing cassette in a waste disposal device, the method comprising: positioning the film-dispensing cassette in a top opening of the waste disposal device to suspend the film-dispensing cassette therein; and engaging a hub of a bag closing mechanism of the waste disposal device into a central opening of the film-dispensing cassette to suspend the hub therein.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein engaging the hub includes latching the hub onto the film-dispensing cassette.

51. The method of any one of claims 49 to 50, wherein engaging the hub includes slidingly engaging a connector of the hub with a catch of the film-dispensing cassette.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein latching the hub includes releasably securing connectors of the hub with cooperating catches of the film-dispensing cassette.

53. The method of any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein inserting the hub includes abutting the hub on a lid of the film-dispensing cassette.

54. The method of any one of claims 49 to 53, further comprising dispensing at least some of a length of tubular film from an inner cavity of the film-dispensing cassette by a free end of the length of tubular film.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein dispensing at least some of the length of tubular film includes passing the free end of the length of tubular film through a hub opening.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein passing the free end of the length of tubular film includes opening a trap door of the hub to gain access to an inner cavity of the waste disposal device through the hub opening.

57. The method of any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein further comprising knotting the free end of the length of tubular film to form a bag with a closed end.

58. The method of any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein dispensing at least some of the length of tubular film includes unfolding at least one of a plurality of vertical plies of the length of tubular film packed in the film-dispensing cassette by pulling on the free end of the length of tubular film.

59. The method of any one of claims 49 to 58, wherein engaging the hub includes elastically deforming the catch of the film-dispensing cassette, at least until the hub is caught by the catch of the film-dispensing cassette.

60. The method of any one of claims 49 to 59, wherein engaging the hub includes clipping the hub onto the film-dispensing cassette.

61. The method of any one of claims 49 to 60, wherein positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes aligning a plurality of supports extending at a periphery of the film-dispensing cassette with complementarily shaped parts of the waste disposal device.

62. The method of any one of claims 49 to 60, wherein positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes seating a plurality of supports of the film-dispensing cassette on seating surfaces of the waste disposal device, the seating surfaces configured to suspend the film-dispensing cassette therefrom.

63. The method of any one of claims 49 to 60, wherein positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes matingly engaging a plurality of supports of the film-dispensing cassette with a ledge of the waste disposal device, the ledge located along a periphery of the top opening.

64. The method of any one of claims 49 to 63, wherein positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes clipping the film-dispensing cassette into the waste disposal device.

65. The method of claim 64 depending on claims 61 to 63, wherein clipping the filmdispensing cassette into the waste disposal device includes elastically deforming the plurality of supports of the film-dispensing cassette.

66. The method of any one of claims 49 to 65, wherein positioning the filmdispensing cassette in the top opening of the waste disposal device includes securing the film-dispensing cassette via a catch of the waste disposal device, the catch providing retention of the film-dispensing cassette within the waste disposal device against an upward pull exerted on the film-dispensing cassette.

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