waste disposal devices

Abstract

A novel waste disposal device is provided. A waste disposal device is disclosed, comprising a container having an opening at its top end and defining an internal cavity. A bag joint is adapted to hold the bag open at the opening so that the closed end of the bag is in the internal cavity. A pair of jaws are mounted for translational movement relative to one another and adapted to close a portion of the bag passing therebetween. The pair of jaws are displaceable from a closed position in which the jaws contact and close an access opening to the closed end of the bag, to an open position in which the jaws separate and waste passes through the bag into the internal cavity. A mechanism operatively connects the jaws such that a pulling or pushing action of one of the jaws results in simultaneous displacement of the pair of jaws.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 481,854, filed January 27, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) This application relates to a waste disposal device for use with bags and / or film dispensing cassettes, and more particularly to a waste disposal device with a bag closure mechanism for disposing of malodorous waste such as, but not limited to, diapers and litter. [Background technology]

[0003] Waste disposal devices having odor masking systems with bags and / or film dispensing cassettes are known. Such waste disposal devices typically include a bag that is closed with a mechanism to block odors within the bag. U.S. Patent No. 6,817,164 (Mauffette et al.) and U.S. Patent No. 7,406,814 (Morand) propose such odor masking systems. However, it would be desirable to develop a waste disposal system that is easy to use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,817,164 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,406,814 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a novel waste disposal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect, a waste disposal device is provided, the waste disposal device comprising: a container having an opening at an upper end, the container defining an internal cavity accessible through the opening; a bag joint adapted to hold a bag open at the container opening so that the closed end of the bag is within the internal cavity; a pair of jaws mounted for translational movement relative to each other and adapted to close a portion of the bag passing therebetween, the pair of jaws being displaceable from a closed position in which the jaws contact to close an access opening to the closed end of the bag, to an open position in which the jaws separate from each other to allow waste to pass through the bag into the internal cavity; and a mechanism operatively connecting the jaws such that a pulling or pushing action of one of the jaws results in simultaneous displacement of the pair of jaws.

[0007] Further according to the above aspect, for example, during a pulling or pushing operation, the movement distance of one of the pair of jaws is less than the resulting combined movement between the edges of each of the pair of jaws, the edges being adapted to contact each other in the closed position.

[0008] Further according to the above embodiment, for example, the resulting compound movement between the jaw edges of each of a pair of jaws is between 150% and 200% of the distance, inclusive.

[0009] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the pair of jaws define an opening therebetween in the open position, and in the closed position the pair of jaws meet at the center of the opening therebetween.

[0010] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the mechanism includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member, and the jaws of the pair of jaws form a portion of each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.

[0011] Further according to the above aspect, for example, at least the first jaw member includes guide legs, the guide legs being spaced apart from one another and interconnected via one of the pair of jaws.

[0012] Further according to the above aspect, for example, a pulling motion of the second jaw member in a first direction causes a simultaneous movement of the first jaw member in a second direction, the first direction being at least partially opposite to the second direction.

[0013] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the first direction and the second direction are in a common plane.

[0014] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the second jaw member includes guide legs spaced apart from one another and interconnected through the other jaw of the pair of jaws, and the guide legs of the first jaw member and the second jaw member are movable relative to one another in an overlapping relationship between a closed position and an open position.

[0015] Further according to the above aspect, for example, each of the guide legs of the first jaw member defines a channel for receiving a respective rack of the mechanism.

[0016] Further according to the above aspect, for example, each of the guide legs of the second jaw member defines a channel for receiving a respective rack of the mechanism.

[0017] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the mechanism includes a first pinion between the guide leg of the first jaw member and the guide leg of the second jaw member.

[0018] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the mechanism includes a rack that moves together with each pair of jaws, and a pinion that meshes and engages with the rack.

[0019] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the mechanism includes a tray, an opening defined therethrough, and one jaw of the pair of jaws received within the tray for translational movement relative to the tray.

[0020] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the container includes a base portion and an upper portion pivotable relative to the base portion.

[0021] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the tray is pivotable relative to the base portion.

[0022] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the tray is held in a restrained state within the upper portion.

[0023] Further according to the above aspect, for example, the movement vector of each jaw of the pair of jaws is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the waste disposal device.

[0024] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for incorporating a film dispensing cassette into a waste disposal device, the film dispensing cassette including an annular body, an outer periphery having four corners, and a central opening from the bottom to the top of the annular body, the annular body containing a tubular film within a volume accumulated radially outward from the central opening, the method including the steps of dispensing a portion of the tubular film from the top of the annular body through a free end of the tubular film, passing the free end of the tubular film through the central opening of the annular body in an open position and through a gap between a pair of jaws of a closing mechanism, and positioning the annular body on a cassette support of the waste disposal device in one of four possible angular orientations of the cassette.

[0025] According to yet another aspect, a method for disposing of waste in a waste disposal device including a film dispensing cassette is provided, the method including the steps of: obtaining a film dispensing cassette including an annular body defining a central opening, the film dispensing cassette having a generally square perimeter, the annular body including a volume for accommodating a tubular film radially outward from the central opening; passing a free end of the tubular film through the central opening of the annular body; inserting the annular body into a cassette support of the waste disposal device in one of four possible angular orientations of the cassette; manually applying a force to one of the pair of jaws to move the pair of translatably mounted jaws at least partially in opposite directions to open an access opening to an internal cavity of the waste disposal device so that the free end of the tubular film enters therein; and disposing of waste material through the central opening and into the free end of the tubular film through a gap between the pair of jaws.

[0026] According to yet another aspect, a waste disposal device is provided, comprising: a container defining an interior volume for receiving a predetermined length of tubular film forming a waste storage volume, the container having an open top end; a retainer adapted to hold a bag, the bag extending from the retainer into the interior volume of the container; and a closure mechanism including a first member operatively engaging a second member, wherein the first member and the second member are simultaneously displaceable at least partially in opposite directions along a plane extending along the opening, and each of the first member and the second member, in a first position, blocks at least a portion of the opening to close an access to the waste storage volume and moves toward a second position to define an access to the waste storage volume, and in the second position, the first member and the second member define a gap aligned with the opening in a direction transverse to the plane.

[0027] According to yet another aspect, a waste disposal device is provided, the waste disposal device comprising: a container having an open top end defining an interior volume for receiving a predetermined length of tubular film forming a waste storage volume; and a closure mechanism attached to the container, the closure mechanism including a first member operatively engaged with a second member, the first member and the second member being simultaneously displaceable between an open position and a closed position, the first member and the second member defining a gap therebetween in the open position to function as a waste passageway to the interior volume through the gap, and in the closed position closing the gap between the first member and the second member, the first member operable to move toward the second member, causing the second member to move toward the first member from the open position to the closed position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a waste disposal device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1 with the lid open. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1 with its lid open and the jaw members in an open position. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1 with the upper portion pivoted open. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an assembly drawing of the closure mechanism of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7A] The closure mechanism is shown in the open position. [Figure 7B] The closure mechanism is shown in the closed position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a rear perspective view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 1 according to one variation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the waste disposal device of FIG. 9. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a top view of the waste disposal device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bottom of the waste disposal device of FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1 , a waste disposal device (hereinafter “device”) is generally designated 10. Device 10 may also be known as a trash can, bucket, garbage pail, trash, bin, or the like. Device 10 may be used for any suitable type of waste, such as diapers and baby products, pet waste, kitchen waste such as compost, or other types of waste. Device 10 is of the type that uses a film dispensing cassette (hereinafter “cassette” 100) that dispenses film that can be formed into tubular bags. Any bag or any other suitable type of bag dispenser may also be used with device 10. Furthermore, the term cassette is one way of describing item 100; other terms include cartridge, refill, and the like.

[0030] The waste disposal device 10 includes a base portion 20 defining a container for receiving waste, an upper portion 30 including a lid for supporting the cassette 100, and a closure mechanism including one or more of a tray 50, a jaw member 60, and a jaw member 70 for extending into the container and closing a bag suspended from the upper portion 30.

[0031] Waste disposal device 10 is a container that can be defined by a base portion 20 and, optionally, an upper portion 30 (and possibly a portion of a closure mechanism). Base portion 20 has a peripheral wall 21 that defines an interior cavity 21A (FIG. 5). While a single, continuous peripheral wall 21 is shown, other configurations are possible, such as walls 21 separated by rigid edges, struts to support the fabric that forms the walls, etc. Internal cavity 21A defines an interior volume that receives waste. Peripheral wall 21 defines a rim 22 at the upper end of base portion 20. Rim 22 extends around a central opening 23 in base portion 20. Central opening 23 provides access to interior cavity 21A from the upper end of base portion 20. In one embodiment, central opening 23 can be generally rectangular, with or without rounded corners, such as a squircle. In other embodiments, central opening 23 can be circular, oval, octagonal, or other shape.

[0032] The peripheral wall 21 defines a groove 24 or recess at the upper end of the base portion 20, on the front surface of the device 10. As shown in FIG. 5, a tongue 25 extends upward from the groove 24. The tongue 25 can be considered part of the peripheral wall 21, but has a cantilevered end that allows it to move through deformation (e.g., elastic deformation). The tongue 25 can be integral with the peripheral wall 21 or a separate part connected to the peripheral wall 21. The tongue 25 can include one or more holes 25A. The holes 25A extend through the tongue 25. As shown, the holes 25A are located at opposite outer ends of the tongue 25, on either side of the central axis of the base portion 20. The holes 25A have a generally rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the holes 25A can have other shapes, such as circular, oval, etc.

[0033] The edge wall 26 extends, for example, from the plane of the rim 22 on the opposite side of the central opening 23. The edge wall 26 may be referred to as a tab. The edge wall 26 may form part of the peripheral wall 21 or may be a separate piece connected to the peripheral wall 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the tongue 25 and edge wall 26 extend around the central opening 23. The tongue 25 and edge wall 26 are spaced apart from one another along the top edge of the base portion 20. As shown, there is a space between the tongue 25 and each edge wall 26, which allows for the aforementioned movement of the tongue 25. In other embodiments, the tongue 25 and edge wall 26 may extend continuously along the central opening 23. The edge wall 26 may serve to connect another component onto the rim 22 of the base portion 20.

[0034] Returning to FIG. 2 and with further reference to FIG. 5 , the base portion 20 includes a hinge member 27 at its upper end for pivotal engagement of the tray 50 to the base portion 20, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge member 27 includes a pair of recesses defined by the peripheral wall 21, and may include a pivot axis within the recesses (and the single recess). As shown, the recesses of the hinge member 27 are spaced apart from one another on opposite sides of a central axis. In at least some embodiments, a cutting tool 28 is located at the upper end of the base portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting tool 28 is located between the recesses of the hinge member 27. The cutting tool 28 may be centered relative to the left and right sides of the base portion 20. In at least some embodiments, the cutting tool 28 is pivotally mounted to the base portion 20. In other embodiments, non-pivoting mounting is also contemplated. The cutting tool 28 may also be mounted (pivotally or non-pivotally) to, for example, the upper portion 30 (described below). A pivotal mounting may include a biasing member, such as a spring, to bias the cutting tool 28 into the use position when the upper portion 30 is lifted. When the upper portion 30 is closed, the cutting tool 28 is pushed into the non-use position. Pivoting is just one possibility. In an alternative embodiment, the cutting tool 28 may be mounted for translational movement from the use position to the non-use position. As shown, the tongue 25, edge wall 26, and hinge member 27 are all located around the central opening 23 in the base portion 20. The hinge member 27 and tongue are located on opposite sides of the central opening 23.

[0035] The waste disposal device 10 includes an upper portion 30 coupled to the base portion 20. Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the upper portion 30 includes a peripheral wall 31 defining its perimeter. While one continuous wall 31 is shown, other configurations are possible, such as walls 31 separated by a rigid edge. The wall 31 defines an internal cavity 31A. The internal cavity 31A of the upper portion 30 provides access to the internal cavity 21A of the base portion 20. The internal cavity 31A has an internal volume that can serve as a passageway for waste and / or objects therethrough. The upper portion 30 can optionally include a support 32 (FIG. 8), sometimes referred to as a bag support, cassette refill support, or pedestal. In at least some embodiments, 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 can receive waste material therethrough and / or can receive a length of tubular film or bag, such as a length of bag suspended open from the upper portion 30, or a length of tubular film accumulated within and extending from the cassette refill 100 (if a cassette 100 is present).

[0036] The central opening 33 is aligned with the central opening 23 of the base portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 33 has a generally square shape with rounded corners, i.e., a squircle shape. In other embodiments, other shapes are possible, such as a square, circle, oval, octagon, or other annular shape.

[0037] Upper portion 30 has a groove 34 on the front surface of device 10. Groove 34 is defined by peripheral wall 31 of upper portion 30. Groove 34 is sized to accommodate a finger for accessing a detent, as described below.

[0038] Upper portion 30 has a hinge member 37 adapted to be hingedly connected to a lid 38. Lid 38 overlies and closes the top end of upper portion 30 and is movable between an open position and a closed position to respectively cover and uncover central opening 33 of upper portion 30.

[0039] The lid 38 includes a hinge member 39 that connects with the hinge member 37 of the upper portion 30. The hinge members 37, 39 may include, for example, male-female couplers, interlocking features, or pin-and-hole mechanisms. The hinge members 37, 39 allow the lid 38 to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the upper portion 30 or wall 31. The interconnection between the hinge members 37, 39 is shown in FIG. 8.

[0040] The waste disposal device 10 includes a closure mechanism, which will now be described with reference to FIG. 6 . The closure mechanism can have a tray 50 with multiple side walls 51 (although there can also be a single continuous side wall). The tray 50 has at least two spaced-apart side walls 51 on opposite sides of the tray 50. As can be seen, the tray 50 has a shape that generally matches the shape of the upper portion 30, as it is constrainedly assembled into the upper portion 30 to prevent movement relative to the upper portion 30. In an alternative embodiment, the features of the upper portion 30 and the features of the tray 50 can be a single monoblock part, although assembly of two components may be easier from a manufacturing standpoint. Each wall 51 defines an axial end slot 51A. The axial end slots 51A face each other (e.g., without a direct line of sight). The axial end slots 51A can be configured as recesses in the respective walls 51. The tray 50 includes a bottom wall 52. The bottom wall 52 extends between the walls 51. As shown, a bottom wall 52 interconnects each wall 51 and can provide a sliding surface for other components, as described below. A central opening 53 is defined through the tray 50. The central opening 53 can have the same or similar shape as the central openings 23 and 33 described above. A rim 53B extending around the central opening 53 defines axial end slots 53A. The axial end slots 53A can have a similar or identical configuration to the axial end slots 51A. The axial end slots 53A face each other, one to one, of the axial end slots 51A in the side walls 51. The pairs of axial end slots 51A, 53A face each other and are generally aligned to form a rotational support, as described below. Accordingly, the axial end slots 51A, 53A can be mirror images of each other.

[0041] The tray 50 also has a front wall 54. The front wall 54 defines a groove 55 that aligns with the groove 34 when the tray 50 is assembled to the upper portion 30. A latch 56 extends from the groove 55. As shown and with further reference to FIG. 8 , the latch 56 may extend downwardly from the groove 55. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 55 and latch 56 are centrally located between the side wall 51 and the rim 53B. Opposite the groove 55 and latch 56, the tray 50 includes a hinge member 57 that is hingedly coupled to the base portion 20. Thus, the pivot arrangement between the tray 50 and the base portion 20 allows the upper portion 30 to be pivoted open, as shown in FIG. 4 , to provide access to the interior of the interior cavity 21A for removal of the waste bag.

[0042] 6, the pair of shaft end slots 51A, 53A can support a pinion 58. The pinion 58 is supported at its opposite ends and mounted for rotation within these shaft end slots 51A, 53A. The pinion 58 can transmit the reciprocating motion of components of the closure mechanism. The mechanical engagement and interoperability of the pinion 58 with such components during operation of the closure mechanism will be described below. As will be observed, the pinion 58 can have a shaft that projects laterally relative to the central gear portion and can be a monoblock part or a gear and shaft assembly.

[0043] The closure mechanism includes a first jaw member 60. The first jaw member 60 is received within the tray 50 for translational movement relative to the tray 50. The first jaw member 60 includes guide legs 61 adapted for guiding engagement along the bottom wall 52 of the tray 50. The guide legs 61 may define channels 61A. As shown, the channels 61A open upward. A notch 61B is defined in the wall of the guide leg 61 along the channel 61A. The notch 61B thus forms a side opening for the pinion 58 to protrude from the guide leg 61. The first jaw member 61 includes jaws 62. While the jaws 62 are shown as straight members, they can have other shapes. The jaws 62 extend between the guide legs 61. The guide legs 61 are spaced apart and interconnected via the jaws 62. The guide legs 61 include racks 68 housed in their respective channels 61A. The rack 68 is visible through the cutout 61B in FIG. 6 . The rack 68 is drivingly engageable with the pinion 58. When the first jaw member 60 is actuated along the displacement axis, the rack 68 and the pinion 58 can cooperate. Axial displacement of the rack 68 causes rotation of the pinion 58, and vice versa. While multiple pairs of pinions 58, racks 68, and 78 are described, there may be a single set featuring one pinion 58, one rack 68, and one rack 78. The illustrated multiple pairs can define two force transmission paths that can reduce stresses acting on the single set.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism includes a second jaw member 70 that cooperates with the first jaw member 60. The second jaw member 70 can include similar features to the first jaw member 60. As shown, the second jaw member 70 includes guide legs 71, each with a notch 71A formed in its side wall and a channel 71B similar to the channel 61B of the other jaw member 60. The second jaw member 70 defines a jaw 72 similar to the jaw 62 of the first jaw member 60. While the jaw 72 is shown as a straight member, it can have other shapes complementary to the shape of the jaw 62 so that they contact at their long edges to squeeze a bag closed therebetween. The second jaw member 70 has a side wall 73 that is spaced apart by and interconnected with a front wall 74.

[0045] The front wall 74 defines a slot 753 providing access to a latch 75A that cooperates with the hole 25A in the tongue 25, such that pressure acting on the latch 75A through the slot 75 can separate the latch 75A from the hole 25A, allowing pivoting of the tray 50 relative to the base portion 20. A detent 76 is also accessible within the groove 34 and the slot 75. The detent 76 can cooperate with the latch 56 of the tray 50. The detent 76 includes a wedge 76A or the like that is retained and adapted to engage the latch 56. The detent 76 can be manually actuated (such as by depressing the detent 76 in the illustrated embodiment) from a locked position to an unlocked position, thereby allowing the wedge 76A to disengage from the latch 56. In the unlocked position of the detent 76, the wedge 76A cannot interfere with the latch 56, thereby allowing complete freedom of movement between the second jaw member 70 and the tray 50, allowing the second jaw member 70 to be pulled outward. With further reference to FIG. 6 , the second jaw member 70 includes a rack 78 similar to the rack 68 of the first jaw member 60. The rack 78, like the rack 68 of the first jaw member 60, is drivingly engageable with the pinion 58. As shown, the rack 78 of the second jaw member 70 is opposite the respective rack 68 of the first jaw member 60. The pinion 58 is located between the racks 68 and 78 and is operatively engageable with both. Applying a pulling or pushing force to the rack 78 causes the pinion 58 to rotate, thus causing corresponding movement of the other rack 68. Because the pinion 58 is prevented from translating by being held constrained within the tray 50, engagement of the pinion 58 with the racks 68, 78 can result in simultaneous displacement of the racks 68, 78 in opposite directions. In other words, movement of the rack 78 engaged with the pinion 58 in a first direction can cause corresponding movement of the other rack 68 in a second direction opposite the first direction. Thus, as described below with reference to Figures 7A, 7B, and 8, alternating movement between the first jaw member 60 and the second jaw member 70 can occur from the open position to the closed position (or vice versa) upon application of a pushing or pulling force to the closure mechanism.Furthermore, the distance the user pulls or pushes is amplified by the closing mechanism in terms of the transmission involving the racks 68, 78 and pinion 58, so that the travel distance between jaws 62 and 72 is longer than the pull or push distance.

[0046] Although multiple pairs of pinions 58, racks 68 and 78 are described, there may be a single set featuring one pinion 58, one rack 68 and one rack 78. The multiple pairs shown may define two force paths that may reduce stresses on the single set.

[0047] In Figure 8, a cross-sectional view of the closure mechanism shows the components when the closure mechanism is positioned in the closed position, whereby jaws 62 and 72 come together to close access through central openings 33, 53 between base portion 20 and upper portion 30 of waste disposal device 10. Jaws 62 and 72 can be seen to contact approximately the center of combined openings 23, 33, 53. In contrast, if a single movable jaw were to contact fixed jaw abutment components in the central closed position to close central openings 23, 33, 53, the fixed jaw abutment components would at least partially block these central openings. Furthermore, such a single movable jaw would have to travel a greater distance to avoid blocking central openings 23, 33, and 53, consuming more plastic bags by forcing them against the sides of the container.

[0048] As shown in Figure 8, latch 75A engages with hole 25A. Engagement of latch 75A with hole 25A ensures that upper portion 30 cannot pivot relative to base portion 20. By disengaging latch 75A from hole 25A in tongue 25, upper portion 30 (including the closure mechanism) can be pivoted in the orientation shown in Figure 5.

[0049] Turning now to the operation of the closure mechanism, during waste storage, a bag extends from the upper portion 30 into the interior cavity 21A of the base portion 20. The bag is sandwiched closed between the jaws 62, 72. Once the detent 76 is released from the latch 56—for example, by depressing the detent 76 via access through the slot 75—a user can pull the second jaw member 70 from the closed position (FIGS. 4 and 7B), thereby manipulating the closure mechanism from the closed position (FIGS. 7B and 8) to the open position (FIG. 7A), separating the jaws 62, 72 and enabling the bag to receive waste. Pulling the second jaw member 70 separates the jaw 72 from the jaw 62 of the first jaw member 60. Thus, the first jaw member 60 and the second jaw member 70 are movable relative to one another in an overlapping relationship between the closed and open positions. Thus, a gap or opening 83 is formed between the jaws 62, 72, which allows access to the interior cavity 21A through the central openings 23, 33, 53. Pulling the second jaw member 70 in a first direction causes simultaneous movement of the first jaw member 60 in a second direction, which may be opposite or at least partially opposite, for example, if the simultaneous movement is not along a common plane.

[0050] In one variation, waste disposal device 10 defines a container having an opening at its top end, which can be said to define an internal cavity accessible through the opening. The container is defined by a base portion and, optionally, an upper portion 30 and a closure mechanism. A bag joint can be present and adapted to hold the bag open at the opening of the container when the closed end of the bag extends into the internal cavity. For example, the bag can be suspended at the opening and extend downward into the internal cavity. In one variation, the bags can be dispensed with cassette 100. A pair of jaws, such as jaws 62 and 72, can be translatably mounted to open and close access to the closed end of the bag. Jaws 62 and 72 close a portion of the bag that passes between them. In one variation, the translation direction of jaws 62 and 72 is parallel to a common plane. The pair of jaws 62, 72 are displaceable from a closed position, in which the jaws 62, 72 contact and close the access through the opening, to an open position, in which the jaws 62, 72 separate to allow waste to pass through the bag into the internal cavity. In one variation, the jaws 62, 72 can contact at the center of the opening 83. A mechanism operatively couples the jaws 62, 72 so that pulling or pushing one of the jaws results in simultaneous displacement of the pair of jaws 62, 72. This simultaneous displacement is amplified. The mechanism can include racks 68, 78 that move with the jaws 62, 72, respectively, and a pinion 58 meshingly engaged with the racks. Amplified simultaneous displacement can mean that, with respect to the travel distance D of the jaws 72, the movement occurring between the contacting edges of the jaws 62, 72 as a result of the pulling action is greater than D. Thus, if a single manual pulling action corresponds to travel distance D, the resulting combined movement between the jaws 62, 72 is greater than D, e.g., at least 1.5*D. In other words, during a pulling or pushing action, the distance traveled by one of the pair of jaws 62, 72 is less than the resulting combined movement between the edges of each of the jaws 62, 72 of the pair of jaws 62, 72.In one variation, the resulting compound movement between the contacting edges of the jaws 62, 72 is between 1.5*D and 2.0*D, inclusive (or, in other words, between 150% and 200% of the distance D). Although not shown, a biasing member can be present to bias the jaws 62, 72 to a closed position, for example, when a pulling motion of one of the jaws 62, 72 is released. Thus, in use, a single pulling motion can cause this amplified movement, and then, when released, return the jaws 62, 72 to the closed position, closing the bag. The mechanism can include a single rack 68, 78 for each jaw 62, 72 and a pinion 58 between the racks 68, 78. As shown, there can be a mirror-image pair of racks 68, 78 and pinions 58. Other gear transmissions can be used, including spur gear sets, spring-loaded expansion members, and the like.

[0051] The closure mechanism can be said to include a first member operatively engaged with a second member, the first member and second member being optionally displaceable simultaneously along a plane extending along opening 53, wherein in a first position, the first member and second member each obstruct a portion of opening 53 to close the internal cavity and move toward a second position to open the internal cavity, and the first member and second member in the second position define a gap aligned with opening 53 in a direction transverse to the plane.

[0052] Alternatively, the closure mechanism may be said to be attached to the container, the closure mechanism including a first member operatively engaged to a second member, the first member and second member being simultaneously displaceable between an open position and a closed position, the first member and second member defining a gap therebetween in the open position to function as a waste passageway to the interior volume through the gap, and in the closed position closing the gap between the first member and the second member, the first member being operable to move toward the second member causing movement of the second member toward the first member from the open position to the closed position.

[0053] In one variation, the jaw members 60 and 70 are flatly oriented U-shaped structures with openings facing each other, the bases of which form the contact edges of the jaws 62, 72. Advantageously, when viewed from above, the legs of the U-shaped structure are at least partially on top of each other, and a transmission / gear mechanism is incorporated. The tray 50 may optionally be present to function as a sliding guide to restrict the movement of the jaw members 60 and 70 to translational movement and to serve as a support for the rotating components of the transmission / gear mechanism, such as the pinion(s) 58. In one variation, when the device 10 stands vertically relative to the ground, the direction or vector of movement of the jaws 62, 72 is parallel to the ground. In other words, the direction or vector of movement of the jaws 62, 72 may be perpendicular to the vertical axis of the device 10. In one variation, the jaw member 70 is a pushing and pulling component, and the pushing and pulling forces are translated into movement of the driven jaw member 60.

[0054] With continued reference to FIG. 8, and with further reference to FIGS. 3-4, the cassette 100, its installation within the waste disposal device 10, and a method of using the device 10 and cassette 100 to dispose of waste will now be described.

[0055] As shown, cassette 100 includes a toroidal body 101 that defines a central opening 102 from its bottom to its top. Toroidal body 101 has a generally square perimeter, here with four rounded corners, sometimes referred to as a squircle. Both the inner and outer perimeters of toroidal body 101 can have a generally square shape, although this is optional. For example, the inner perimeter defining central opening 102 can have a circular, oval, or other shape. Toroidal body 101 includes a volume that contains tubular film TF ( FIG. 8 ), which can be packed or stacked in various ways. In one embodiment, the tubular film is folded vertically so that multiple vertical layers are stacked on top of each other in a direction extending from the inner perimeter to the outer perimeter of toroidal body 101 (or vice versa in some variations). Before the tubular film TF is dispensed from the annular body 101, the free end TFE of the tubular film TF can be located closer to the outer periphery of the annular body 101 than the inner periphery. The free end TFE of the tubular film TF can be pulled out of the volume of the annular body 101 in a generally upward direction. The free end TFE of the tubular film TF can then pass through the central opening 102 of the annular body 101. The free end TFE of the tubular film TF can be tied or otherwise closed to form a bag end for receiving waste. Thus, a user can discard waste into the free end of the tubular film TF through the central opening 102 of the annular body 101. Before disposing of waste into the formed bag, a user can assemble the cassette into the support 32 of the device 10. The support 32 can have a wall 32W that defines the periphery of the support 32 to surround the outer periphery of the cassette 100 when it is attached. The wall 32W can have a shape that generally corresponds to the outer periphery of the annular body 101.

[0056] Although wall 32W is referred to as a single continuous wall, wall 32W may include multiple wall segments separated from one another, or wall 32W may otherwise be discontinuous around the circumference of annular body 101 of cassette 100. For example, support 32 may be a mesh structure with suitable features for receiving or retaining cassette 100 within device 10 in any suitable manner.

[0057] In one embodiment, as shown, the wall 32W of the support 32 has a generally square shape, which may correspond to the generally square shape of the cassette 100, although the wall 32W may have any other shape. The outer periphery of the annular body 101 may contact continuously or discontinuously along the wall 32W of the support 32, depending on the variation. The cassette 100 and / or the support 32 may also be sized to leave a gap between them, for example to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. In one variation, the cassette 100 and the support 32 may be sized to have a slip-fit ​​joint.

[0058] As can be seen in FIG. 8 , wall 32W may have a tapered shape in a downward direction (i.e., toward the bottom of device 10). Such a taper may correspond to the taper of the outer periphery of annular body 101, and in some variations, may be similar or identical. When cassette 100 is inserted into support 32, tapered wall 32W may mate with the outer periphery of annular body 101. Tapered wall 32W is therefore one possible blocking feature to ensure that cassette 100 is properly inserted into device 10. In one embodiment, when a downward force is applied to cassette 100, the outer periphery of annular body 101 may frictionally engage wall 32W. In variations, such engagement alone may secure cassette 100 in place. Such frictional engagement is optional. In one embodiment, cassette 100 may be suspended from its top on support 32 and / or seated on a surface at the bottom of support 32. 8, the ring 101 may be suspended at its upper portion from a rim 32R of the support 32. The rim 32R may be continuous along the entire circumference of the cassette 100 and the support 32, although this is optional (e.g., the rim 32R may be discontinuous along the outer periphery of the cassette 100, supporting the cassette 100 only at discrete locations along that periphery). For example, depending on the size of the cassette relative to the dimensions of the support 32 (e.g., the depth of the ring 101), the cassette 100 may or may not rest on the bottom wall 32B of the support 32.

[0059] In at least some embodiments, as shown, the support 32 can include an inner wall 32WI, which can define a central opening 33 of the support 32. The inner wall 32WI, if present, can extend along the inner circumference of the annular body 101 and / or its central opening 102. The inner wall 32WI can engage the inner circumference of the annular body 101 of the cassette 100, similar to the wall 32W described above. Like the wall 32W, the inner wall 32WI can have a tapered shape, which can generally correspond to the tapered inner circumference of the annular body 101. As can be seen in FIG. 8 , the inner wall 32WI, if present, may not extend the entire height of the annular body 101 along the inner circumference of the annular body 101. The inner wall 32WI can vary in height along the inner circumference of the annular body 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 32WI has its highest section at the rear of the device 10, i.e., on the same side of the device 10 as the hinge member 27 between the base portion 20 and the upper portion 30. The inner wall 32WI has its lowest section at the front of the device 10, i.e., on the opposite side from the hinge member 27. Thus, a substantial portion of the inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 101 (more than half the height) is visible and accessible, which can optionally define a gripping position for the ring-shaped body 101 when seating the ring-shaped body 101 on the support 32. This can make manual removal of the cassette 100 from the support 32 easier. In some variations, this varying height of the inner wall 32WI is optional. In some variations, the inner wall 32WI itself is optional.

[0060] The cassette 100 can be inserted into the support 32 in up to four possible orientations (90-degree clockwise / counterclockwise positions). The cassette 100 is automatically orientable relative to the support 32. The cassette 100 can be aligned with the support 32 before being inserted therein; however, due to the non-circular shape of the outer periphery of the annular body 101 and the corresponding non-circular shape of the wall 32W of the support 32, once the cassette 100 is inserted into the support 32, no clockwise / counterclockwise movement of the cassette 100 can occur relative to the support 32. In other words, once the cassette 100 is inserted into the support 32, it can be angularly locked into a predetermined position within the support 32.

[0061] As shown, cassette 100 may optionally include a lid 103 at the top end for at least partially enclosing the volume of toroidal body 101. Lid 103 may include a weakened portion 104 that may be severed from the remainder of lid 103 before or after assembly of cassette 100 into support 32. Weakened portion 104 may define the inner periphery of lid 103, or in variations, may define the outer periphery of lid 103. Lid 103 may be clipped or otherwise coupled to the top end(s) of toroidal body 101 in any suitable manner. While the entire lid 103 may be removed, in many applications, only weakened portion 104 is removed, and the remainder of lid 103 remains in place, allowing the top end of cassette 100 to partially close its volume.

[0062] To process the waste, the user of the device 10 can obtain a cassette 100, which can contain a tubular film TF already packed therein, or optionally, can use an empty cassette 100 and install therein a tubular film TF, which can be pre-folded to the required size to fit the volume of the ring 101. The lid 103, when secured to the ring 101, can be removed from the ring 101 to access the volume of the ring 101. Once the tubular film TF has been installed within the ring 101, the lid 103 can then be secured onto the ring 101. The free end TFE of the tubular film TF can be pulled out of the volume if it has not already been pulled out. The free end TFE of the tubular film TF can be threaded through the central opening 102 of the ring 101. The ring 101 can be inserted into the support 32 in any of a total of four possible orientations, as described above. The free end TFE of the tubular film TF can be threaded through the central opening 53 of the tray 50 (if present) and through the opening 83 between the jaws 62, 72 in the open position. If the jaws 62, 72 are not already in the open position when the user installs the cassette 100 into the support 32, the user can move the jaw members 60, 70 by pulling on the jaw members 70, thereby actuating the mechanism (described above). The pulling is performed on one of the jaw members 60, 70 and can be manual. Thus, the pair of jaws 62, 72 can be actuated in a direction opposite (at least partially opposite) the translational direction to open access to the internal cavity 21A of the waste disposal device 10, allowing the free end TFE of the tubular film TF to enter. Thus, the free end TFE of the tubular film TF can extend into the internal cavity 21A of the container. Unless the bag is already closed or has other features for closure (e.g., a Ziploc®, etc.), the user can tie the free end TFE of the tubular film TF before or after passing the free end TFE of the tubular film through the openings 102, 53, 83.To access the internal cavity 21A, for example, to tie off the free end TFE of the tubular film TF while it is within the internal cavity 21A, a user can pivot the upper portion 30 relative to the base portion 20 of the device 10 (as shown in FIG. 5 ). To close the internal cavity 21A with the tied free end TFE of the tubular film TF within the internal cavity 21A, the upper portion 30 can be pivoted toward the base portion 20. Then, while the mechanism is in the open position, waste can be disposed of onto the free end TFE of the tubular film TF through the central opening 103 of the annular body 101 and between the pair of jaws 62, 72 (through the gap or opening 83). To reduce odors emanating from waste disposed of within the device 10, a user can activate the mechanism to clamp and close the upper section of the tubular film TF between the jaws 62, 72 in the closed position. The jaws 62, 72 can be repeatedly opened and closed each time waste is disposed of.

[0063] 9-12, one variation of waste disposal device 10 is identified at 10'. It should be understood that features described herein with respect to various embodiments and referred to in previous figures may apply to the variation of FIG. 9 as well, and therefore will not be described again for the sake of brevity. Only further features of device 10' will be described. Similar features between devices 10, 10' will have the same reference numerals for ease of reference.

[0064] The device 10' may include a handle 90'. As shown in FIG. 9, the handle 90' ​​is coupled to the upper portion 30' of the device 10'. In a variant, the handle 90' ​​may be coupled to the base portion 20'. The handle 90' ​​has an arcuate shape. The handle 90' ​​is coupled to both sides of the upper portion 30'. The handle 90' ​​is pivotally engaged with the upper portion 30', allowing the handle 90' ​​to move from a parked position to a locked position. In FIG. 9, the handle 90' ​​is in a parked position. In the parked position, the handle 90' ​​may rest against the peripheral wall 21' of the base portion 20'. As shown, the handle 90' ​​may be shaped to follow the contours of the base portion 20' (and a portion of the upper portion 30'). The handle 90' ​​may have a flat section or surface facing the peripheral wall 21', spanning the base portion 20', and on the rear surface of the base portion 20', although this is optional. The lid 38' of the device 10' includes a locking feature 91' adapted to cooperate with the handle 90' ​​in the locked position. The locking feature 91' may be, for example, a hook, tab, strip, clip, or similar feature that provides a male-female or interlocking connection between the handle 90' ​​and the lid 38'.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 10-11 , in the locked position, the handle 90' ​​engages with the locking feature 91' to lock the lid 38' in the closed position on the upper portion 30'. A user can then use the handle 90' ​​to hold and / or lift the device 10'. While holding and / or lifting, the handle 90' ​​in the locked position prevents the lid 38' from opening. Because the device 10' is adapted for outdoor use (as well as indoor use), the handle 90' ​​desirably prevents the lid 38' from opening due to an animal, a sudden gust of wind, or the like. When the handle 90' ​​is in the locked position and engaged with the locking feature 91', pivotal movement of the lid 38' relative to the upper portion 30' is prevented, locking the lid 38' in the closed position and limiting accidental spillage, for example, if the device 10' is tipped on its side or upside down.

[0066] In at least some embodiments, pivotal movement of the handle 90' ​​relative to the locking feature 91' can be prevented in the locked position, so that the handle 90' ​​can remain in the locked position without external influence.

[0067] There can be more than one locking feature 91', for example, in one variation, a locking feature 91' is on each side of the device 10'.

[0068] To release the handle 90' ​​from the locking feature 91', a manual release force can be applied to the handle 90', pivoting the handle 90' ​​out of engagement with the locking feature 91' and returning the handle 90' ​​to a rest position along the side of the base portion 20'. In other variations, the handle 90' ​​can take other shapes and, for example, can only engage at one location on the base portion 20' and / or upper portion 30'.

[0069] 9-11, the device 10' can include support legs 95'. The support legs 95' extend from the base portion 20'. The support legs 95' couple to a lower end of the base portion 20'. For example, clips, interlocking features, male-female connectors, fasteners, and the like can be envisioned for coupling the support legs 95' to the base portion 20'. In some cases, the support legs 95' can be an integral part of the base portion 20'. In some variations, the support legs 95' can extend directly from the lower edge of the base portion 20'. The support legs 95' define a ground-engaging surface 96'. Generally, the ground-engaging surface 96' can be coplanar with a ground-engaging surface 97' (FIG. 12) of the base portion 20' (shown here at a corner of the base portion 20'). As can be seen in FIG. 11, the support legs 95' can increase the footprint of the base portion 20' on the ground. The support legs 95' can project outward from the remainder of the device 10'. The support legs 95' can provide additional stability to the device 10'. As shown, the support legs 95' are located on the same side as the hinge members 27' about which the upper portion 30' of the device 10' can pivot. In the illustrated embodiment, such same side corresponds to the rear side of the device 10' (the front is considered the side from which the closure mechanism described above can be actuated). The support legs 95' can be generally aligned between the hinge members 27' and / or centrally aligned relative to the medial plane of the device 10'.

[0070] For example, when upper portion 30' is pivoted open relative to base portion 20' (as in FIG. 5), the weight of upper portion 30' relative to the rest of the body of device 10' tends to unbalance device 10'. Support legs 95' can compensate for the change in weight distribution of device 10' when upper portion 30' is pivoted out of engagement with base portion 20'. Although only one support leg 95' is shown in this variation, there could be two or more.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 12 , the bottom of the base portion 20′ will be further described. The base portion 20′ can include connectors 20C′ for the support legs 95′. As shown, the male portion(s) 95C′ of the support legs 95′ can be received in complementary portions of the base portion 20′ that form part of the connectors 20C′. The connectors 20C′ can clip or otherwise engage and secure the male portion(s) of the support legs 95′ to the base portion 20′. The support legs 95′ can be removed, if desired, by pulling the male portion(s) 95C′ out of engagement with the connectors 20C′.

[0072] 12, as shown, the ground-engagement surface 97' of the device 10' can be defined by a plurality of posts 98'. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four posts 98', each located at a respective (rounded) corner of the device 10'. The posts 98' project downwardly at the base portion 20' to post ends 98E'. The post ends 98E' define the ground-engagement surface 97'. The presence of the posts 98' can provide a gap space between the ground on which the base portion 20' stands and a bottom wall 99' of the base portion 20'. The posts 98' can be hollow. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 98' form part of the bottom wall 99'. The posts 98' can be open to the interior cavity 21A'. The posts 98' can have grooves 98G'. The grooves 98G' are defined by holes through the posts 98' and can provide fluid flow communication with the interior cavity 21A' of the device 10'. The grooves 98G' can prevent fluid accumulation within the interior cavity 21A' (e.g., rainwater that may enter the interior cavity 21A' if the device 10' is accidentally left open outdoors). Thus, water can drain from the interior cavity 21A' and / or the cup-shaped posts 98' through the grooves 98G'. As shown, the grooves 98G' are located generally inboard of the posts' ends 98E'.

[0073] As shown, the bottom wall 99', which may be generally flat in the illustrated embodiment, may have a plurality of grooves 99G' (shown here in the form of slots). The grooves 99G' may provide fluid flow communication with the internal cavity 21A' of the device 10'. The grooves 99G' may allow water or other fluids (if any) present in the internal cavity 21A' (e.g., condensed moisture, water, etc.) to flow out of the internal cavity 21A'. The grooves 99G' may also allow some ventilation to the internal cavity 21A' through the bottom of the base portion 20'. In this variation, the posts 98' and bottom wall 99' are shown as separate pieces coupled to the peripheral wall 21' of the base portion 20'. As another possibility, the posts 98' and bottom wall 99' may form an integral part extending from the peripheral wall 21'. It should be understood that these features described with respect to the device 10' may also be present in the device 10 and its variations described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 50 trays 51 Side wall 51A Shaft end slot 52 Bottom wall 53 Central opening 53A Shaft end slot 53B rim 54 Front wall 55 Groove 56 Latch 57 Hinge member 58 Pinion 60 first jaw member 61 Guide leg 61A Channel 61B Notch 62 Joe 68 racks 70 second jaw member 71 Guide leg 71A Notch 71B channel 72 Joe 73 Side wall 74 Front wall 75 slots 75A Latch 76 Detent 78 racks

Claims

1. a container having an opening at a top end, the container defining an interior cavity accessible through said opening; a bag joint adapted to hold a bag open at the opening of the container with a closed end of the bag within the interior cavity; a pair of jaws mounted for translational movement relative to one another and adapted to close a portion of the bag passing therebetween, the jaws being displaceable from a closed position in which the jaws contact to close an access opening to the closed end of the bag, to an open position in which the jaws separate to allow waste to pass through the bag and into the interior cavity; a mechanism operatively connecting the jaws such that pulling or pushing action of one of the jaws results in simultaneous displacement of the pair of jaws; A waste disposal device comprising:

2. 2. The waste disposal device of claim 1, wherein during the pulling or pushing action, the distance traveled by one of the pair of jaws is less than the resulting combined movement between the edges of each of the pair of jaws, the edges adapted to contact each other in the closed position.

3. 3. The waste disposal device of claim 2, wherein the resulting combined movement between the jaw edges of each of the pair of jaws is between 150% and 200% of the distance, inclusive.

4. 4. A waste disposal device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of jaws define an opening therebetween in the open position, and the pair of jaws contact at the center of the opening therebetween in the closed position.

5. 5. The waste disposal device of claim 1, wherein the mechanism includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member, and the jaws of the pair of jaws form a portion of each of the first jaw member and the second jaw member.

6. 6. The waste disposal device of claim 5, wherein at least the first jaw member includes guide legs that are spaced apart from one another and interconnected through one of the pair of jaws.

7. 7. The waste disposal device of claim 6, wherein the pulling action of the second jaw member in a first direction causes simultaneous movement of the first jaw member in a second direction, the first direction being at least partially opposite to the second direction.

8. The waste disposal device of claim 7 , wherein the first direction and the second direction are in a common plane.

9. 9. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second jaw members include guide legs spaced apart from one another and interconnected through the other jaw of the pair of jaws, the guide legs of the first jaw member and the second jaw member being movable relative to one another in an overlapping relationship between the closed position and the open position.

10. 10. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each of the guide legs of the first jaw member defines a channel for receiving a respective rack of the mechanism.

11. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein each of the guide legs of the second jaw member defines a channel for receiving a respective rack of the mechanism.

12. 12. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the mechanism includes a first pinion between a guide leg of the first jaw member and a guide leg of the second jaw member.

13. 5. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mechanism includes a rack that moves with each of the pair of jaws, and a pinion that meshes and engages with the rack.

14. 14. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the mechanism includes a tray, an opening defined therethrough, and one of the pair of jaws is received within the tray for translational movement relative to the tray.

15. 15. A waste disposal device according to any preceding claim, wherein the container includes a base portion and an upper portion pivotable relative to the base portion.

16. 16. A waste disposal device according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the tray is pivotable relative to the base portion.

17. 17. A waste disposal device according to claim 15 or claim 16 when dependent on claim 14, wherein the tray is held in a restraining manner within the upper portion.

18. 18. A waste disposal device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the jaw movement vector of the pair of jaws is perpendicular to a vertical axis of the waste disposal device.

19. 1. A method of incorporating a film dispensing cassette into a waste disposal device, the film dispensing cassette including an annular body, a periphery having four corners, and a central opening from a bottom to a top of the annular body, the annular body containing a tubular film stacked within a volume radially outward of the central opening, the method comprising: dispensing a portion of the tubular film from the top of the annulus through a free end of the tubular film; in an open position, threading the free end of the tubular film through the central opening of the annular body and through a gap between a pair of jaws of a closing mechanism; positioning the annular body on a cassette support of the waste disposal device in one of four possible angular orientations of the cassette; A method comprising:

20. 1. A method of disposing of waste in a waste disposal device having a film dispensing cassette, comprising: obtaining the film dispensing cassette including an annular body defining a central opening, the film dispensing cassette having a generally square perimeter, the annular body including a volume radially outward of the central opening for receiving a tubular film; passing a free end of the tubular film through the central opening of the annular body; inserting the annular body into a cassette support of the waste disposal device in any of four possible angular orientations of the cassette; applying a manual force to one of a pair of jaws to at least partially move the pair of translatably mounted jaws in opposite directions to open an access opening to an interior cavity of the waste disposal device and allow the free end of the tubular film to enter therein; disposing of waste material through the central opening and through a gap between the pair of jaws onto the free end of the tubular film; A method comprising:

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