Waste disposal devices

Abstract

This invention provides a novel waste disposal device and a compatible refill cassette. [Solution] Disclosed is a film dispensing cassette for a waste treatment device having a tubular film of a certain length, a receptacle having an inner cavity for packing the film, and an annular body having an inner annular wall defining a central opening and an outer annular wall spaced apart from the inner annular wall. The lid is configured to at least partially cover the inner cavity and to define a catch projecting into the central opening. The catch has an edge on its cantilever portion that lies in the cross-sectional plane of the cassette, the central axis of the central opening is perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, and such a catch is inside the outer shape of a closing mechanism configured to seat on the cassette. The outer shape of the closing mechanism lies in this cross-sectional plane of the cassette and intersects with the outer shape portion of the connector of the closing mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] 〔Cross - Reference to Related Applications〕 This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 513,252, filed Jul. 12, 2023; U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 591,913, filed Oct. 20, 2023; and U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 608,865, filed Dec. 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to a waste treatment device for use in combination with a bag and / or film dispensing cassette, and more particularly, but not limited to, a waste treatment device having a bag closure mechanism for the treatment of odorous waste such as diapers and scattered waste.

Background Art

[0003] Waste treatment devices having an odor concealment system with a bag and / or film dispensing cassette are known. Such waste treatment devices typically include a bag that is closed by a given mechanism to conceal 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 concealment systems. However, it is desirable to produce some waste disposal systems that are user - friendly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the disclosure of the present invention is to provide a novel waste treatment device and a suitable refill cassette. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Depending on the embodiment, a film dispensing cassette for a waste disposal device is provided, comprising an annular body defining a tubular film of a certain length and a receptacle having an inner cavity for packing the tubular film of that length, the annular body having an inner annular wall defining a central opening and an outer annular wall spaced apart from the inner annular wall, and a lid having been made to at least partially cover the inner cavity, the lid defining at least one catch projecting into the central opening, the at least one catch having an edge on a cantilevered portion of the catch, the edge of the at least one catch being located in the cross-sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette, the central axis of the central opening being perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, and the at least one catch being inside the outer shape of a closure mechanism configured to seat on the film dispensing cassette, the outer shape of the closure mechanism being in this cross-sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette and intersecting the outer shape portion of at least one connector of the closure mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, the cassette further includes at least one support extending outward from the outer annular wall.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, at least one support is positioned at least 80% of the total height from its bottom to the annular body.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, at least one support includes a plurality of supports spaced apart from each other along the outer annular wall.

[0010] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the multiple supports are tabs that protrude from the outer annular wall and are positioned at each corner of the film dispensing cassette.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, at least one catch is determined by the lip of the lid.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, at least one catch includes a plurality of catches positioned at the corners of the lid.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, multiple catches protrude by 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm from the remaining inner circumference of the lid.

[0014] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, the multiple catches have a thickness of 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the multiple catches have a larger radius of curvature than that of the corners defined by the inner annular wall cooperating with the multiple catches.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a tubular film of the above length is packed into the inner cavity in a folded manner, the tubular film defines multiple vertical piles, and the free end of the tubular film is positioned closer to the outer circumference of the film dispensing cassette than to the inner circumference.

[0017] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the length of each vertical pile corresponds to a substantial ratio of the total height of the inner cavity.

[0018] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the length of each vertical pile is at least 80% of the total height of the inner cavity.

[0019] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, for example, the width of the multiple vertical piles is greater than the minimum width of the inner cavity.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the tubular film has a thickness less than 30 microns.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the outer annular wall has a substantially square shape with rounded corners.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the inner annular wall has a substantially square shape with rounded corners.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the lid includes a weak portion.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the weak portion includes at least one tab that facilitates gripping the weak portion with a finger and pulling it away from the remainder of the lid.

[0025] According to another aspect, a bag closing mechanism for a waste treatment device is provided, the bag closing mechanism including 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 capture door connected to the peripheral wall and extending into the hub opening and movable between an open position and a closed position, the capture door substantially blocking the hub opening in the closed position.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the bottom surface of the hub has a shape adapted to be complementary to the uppermost portion of the film dispensing cassette.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the hub opening has a squircle shape.

[0028] <{ Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the hub has a support flange extending radially outward from the peripheral wall.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the above-described aspect, for example, the support flange is widely open from the hub opening.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the support flange has a tab clearance defined by the concave edge portion of the support flange, and the concave edge portion is open outward around the support flange.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the support flange has a shoulder having a surface that faces toward the lid of the film dispensing cassette.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the hub includes a connector that engages with the catch of the film dispensing cassette when the hub engages with the film dispensing cassette.

[0033] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the connector is defined by a wedge that slides with the catch of the film dispensing cassette when the hub engages with the film dispensing cassette.

[0034] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the wedge has a wedge surface facing upward.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, the wedge surface determines the vertex.

[0036] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the hub includes a plurality of connectors spaced apart from each other.

[0037] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, multiple connectors are positioned at corners defined by the surrounding wall of the hub.

[0038] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the hub includes pivot axes facing each other, and the pivot axes engage with the capture door for pivotal engagement of the capture door relative to the surrounding wall.

[0039] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the pivot axis is determined by the surrounding wall.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the capture door is pivotally mounted to the hub.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the capture door has a capture door pivot that can engage with the pivot axis of the surrounding wall of the hub.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, the mechanism further includes a biasing member that biases the capture door to the closed position.

[0043] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, the biasing member includes a spring or an extendable strap.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the capture door has a concave surface facing upward.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the capture door engages with the complementary edge of the surrounding wall along the hub opening in the closed position.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, the complementary edge portion has an outer shape that is complementary to the shape of the capture door.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the hub has an opening cross-sectional area smaller than the hub opening.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, the opening cross-sectional area is between 60% and 95% of that of the hub opening.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the surrounding wall defines a notch that accepts the catch of the film dispensing cassette when the hub engages with the film dispensing cassette.

[0050] In another embodiment, a waste disposal device is provided comprising a receptacle having an opening at its upper end, wherein the receptacle defines an inner cavity accessible through the opening, the upper portion of the receptacle defines a cassette holder, the cassette holder having at least one cassette support element along the opening, and 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 embodiment.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, at least one cassette support element includes a plurality of cassette support elements, the plurality of cassette support elements are positioned around the opening of the receptacle, and the plurality of cassette support elements are defined by recesses in the surrounding wall of the upper portion.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the bottom of the recess forms a seating surface from which a film dispensing cassette is suspended.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, the multiple cassette support elements include catches that hold the film dispensing cassette therein.

[0054] In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for removably installing a film dispensing cassette in a waste treatment device, the method comprising positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device and suspending the film dispensing cassette therein, and engaging the hub of the bag closing mechanism of the waste treatment device into the central opening of the film dispensing cassette and suspending the hub therein.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, engaging the hub includes latching the hub onto the film dispensing cassette.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, engaging the hub includes sliding the connector of the hub with the catch of the film dispensing cassette.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, latching the hub includes releasably securing the hub's connector to a cooperating catch of the film dispensing cassette.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, inserting the hub includes bringing the hub into contact with the lid of the film dispensing cassette.

[0059] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, the method further comprises dispensing at least a portion of a tubular film of a certain length from the inner cavity of a film dispensing cassette by the free end of the tubular film of that length.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, dispensing at least a portion of a tubular film of that length includes passing the free end of the tubular film of that length through the hub opening.

[0061] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, passing the free end of a tubular film of that length through includes opening the hub's capture door to gain access to the inner cavity of the waste treatment device through the hub opening.

[0062] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment further comprises, for example, tying together the free ends of a tubular film of that length to form a bag having a closed end.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, dispensing at least a portion of a tubular film of that length includes spreading at least one of the multiple vertical piles of the tubular film of that length packed in the film dispensing cassette by pulling the free end of the tubular film of that length.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, engaging the hub includes elastically deforming the catch of the film dispensing cassette until the hub is captured by the catch of the film dispensing cassette.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, engaging the hub includes clipping the hub onto the film dispensing cassette.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device includes aligning a plurality of supports extending around the film dispensing cassette with complementary molded parts of the waste treatment device.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, for example, positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device includes seating a plurality of supports of the film dispensing cassette on a seating surface of the waste treatment device, the seating surface being configured to suspend the film dispensing cassette from there.

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste disposal device involves matingly engaging multiple supports of the film dispensing cassette with a ledge of the waste disposal device, the ledge being positioned along the perimeter of the upper opening.

[0069] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste disposal device includes clipping the film dispensing cassette inside the waste disposal device.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, for example, clipping the film dispensing cassette into the waste disposal device involves elastically deforming multiple supports of the film dispensing cassette.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, for example, positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste disposal device includes securing the film dispensing cassette through a catch in the waste disposal device, the catch providing retention of the film dispensing cassette within the waste disposal device against upward tensile forces acting on the film dispensing cassette. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] [Figure 1A] This is a front exploded assembly view of a waste treatment device and a film dispensing cassette according to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A is a rear view of the disassembled waste treatment device. [Figure 1C] This is a perspective view of the upper portion of the waste treatment device shown in Figures 1A and 1B according to an embodiment of the disclosure of the present invention. [Figure 1D] Figure 1C is a top view of the upper part of the waste treatment device. [Figure 1E] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the upper part of the waste treatment device shown in Figure 1C. [Figure 1F] This is an enlarged top view of the upper portion shown in Figure 1E. [Figure 2A] Figures 1A and 1B show partially exploded perspective views of the bag closing mechanism and film dispensing cassette of the waste treatment device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of the bag closing mechanism in the closed position, which has a film dispensing cassette. [Figure 2C] Figures 1A and 1B are top views of the bag closing mechanism in the closed position, which has a film dispensing cassette. [Figure 3A] Figures 2A to 2C are enlarged cross-sectional views of the bag closure mechanism and film dispensing cassette. [Figure 3B] Figures 2A to 2C show the bag closing mechanism in its open position. [Figure 3C] Figures 2A and 2C are bottom perspective views of the bag closing mechanism in the closed position. [Figure 3D] This is a top view of the bag closing mechanism and film dispensing cassette in the open position. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view of a film dispensing cassette according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4A is a top view of the film dispensing cassette. [Figure 4C]Figure 4A is an enlarged view showing a portion of the film dispensing cassette. [Figure 4D] This is a cross-sectional view showing the interface between the bag closure mechanism and the film dispensing cassette shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the film dispensing cassette and bag closing mechanism when assembled for use. [Figure 6] Figures 3A to 3D show the outer shape of the central opening of the film dispensing cassette engaged with the connector of the bag closure mechanism. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the interface between the bag closure mechanism due to deformation and the film dispensing cassette. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the outer shape of the central opening of the film dispensing cassette engaged with the connector of the bag closure mechanism. [Figure 9] This is a top view of the bag closing mechanism and film dispensing cassette, showing a deformation of the bag closing mechanism. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0073] Referring to the drawings, more specifically Figures 1A and 1B, the waste disposal device (hereinafter referred to as "the device") is generally shown as 10. The device 10 may be known as a waste container, bucket, trash can, or garbage can. The device 10 can be used for any suitable type of waste, including diapers and infant products, scattered waste, organic waste such as compost, or other types of waste. The device 10 is of a type that can use a film dispensing cassette 100 (hereinafter referred to as "cassette" 100) which may have a tubular bag such as film that is tied or closed in any suitable way as it protrudes from the body of the film dispensing cassette 100 through its central opening into the inner cavity of the device 10. Furthermore, the term "cassette" is one of the terms used to describe item 100, other terms include cartridge, refill container, etc.

[0074] 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 intended to support the cassette 100, and / or a hub 40 that is removably engageable with the central opening of the film dispensing cassette 100 to close the open end of a tubular film extending from the film dispensing cassette 100 and defines a waste receiving volume into the receptacle for packing waste (or other objects). The film dispensing cassette 100 may be at least in part similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,959,880, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0075] The waste disposal device 10 includes or may have a receptacle which can be defined by a base portion 20 and an upper portion 30 (and components similar to a closing mechanism). The base portion 20 has a surrounding wall 21 which defines at least partially an inner cavity 11A (Figures 1A-1B). One continuous surrounding wall 21 is shown, but other arrangements are possible, such as a wall 21 separated by rigid edges, supports, etc., for supporting the fabric that makes up the wall. The inner cavity 11A defines a portion of the internal volume for receiving waste. The surrounding wall 21 defines a rim 22 at the upper end of the base portion 20. The rim 22 extends around a central opening 23 of the base portion 20. The central opening 23 provides access from the upper end of the base portion 20 to the portion of the inner cavity 11A defined by the base portion 20. In some embodiments, the central opening 23 may be substantially square with or without rounded corners, such as a squircle. In other embodiments, the central opening 23 may be round, oval, octagonal, or have other shapes.

[0076] The base portion 20 includes a hinge member 27 at its upper end for pivotal engagement between the upper portion 30 and the base portion 20. The hinge member 27 may include a pair of recesses defined by the surrounding wall 21, one or more pivots, or other features that provide a pivot connection between the base portion 20 and the upper portion 30. Such a connection between the base portion 20 and the upper portion 30 is optional. For example, a clip or connecting feature can be considered to connect both portions. The base portion 20 and the upper portion 30 can be considered to be integral with each other (i.e., the same part). As observed from Figure 1A, a retaining arm may be present to releasely lock the upper portion 30 to the base portion 20, the retaining arm being, for example, at the end of a projection and received in a bore within the upper portion 30.

[0077] The waste processing device 10 includes an upper portion 30 connected to a base portion 20. The upper portion 30 includes a surrounding wall 31 that defines its perimeter. The surrounding wall 31 defines a portion of the inner cavity 11A. In the illustrated embodiment, the surrounding wall 31 of the upper portion 30 sits on the upper end of the surrounding wall 21 of the base portion 20 and, together with the surrounding wall 21, defines the wall of the inner cavity 11A of the processing device 10. The surrounding wall 21 of the base portion 20 and the surrounding wall 31 of the upper portion 30 can define a continuous wall of the device 10 that defines the boundary of the inner cavity 11A in which waste can be received (as will be described later, the waste can be received in a bag extending into the inner cavity 11A). While a single continuous wall 31 is shown, other configurations are possible, such as a wall 31 separated by a rigid edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom end of the upper portion 30 is hinged to the base portion 20 by a hinge member 27 of the base portion 20 and a complementary feature portion of the upper portion 30. For example, a clip or connecting feature portion may or may not use a pivot connection to connect the two portions.

[0078] The upper portion 30 includes a support 32, which may be called a cassette refill container support, cassette refill container seat, or cassette holder. The support 32 is positioned at the upper end of the upper portion 30. The support 32 is configured to receive the cassette refill container 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 and / or the body of the film dispensing cassette 100 through it. The central opening 33 aligns with the central opening 23 of the base portion 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the central opening 33 may have a substantially square or squircle shape with rounded corners. In other embodiments, other shapes such as square, round, oval, octagon, or other annular shapes can be considered.

[0079] Referring to Figures 1C to 1F, the upper portion 30 includes a cassette support element 34 which can form part of the support 32. The cassette support element 34 is designed to receive a complementary molded part of the film dispensing cassette, as will be described later. The cassette support element 34 is positioned around the central opening 33 and may be referred to as a seat. In the illustrated embodiment, the support element 34 is defined by a recess 34A in the surrounding wall 31 of the upper portion 30. The bottom of such a recess 34A defines a ledge 34B or similar seating surface. Such a ledge 34B can be flat, but this is only one possibility (it could be, for example, corrugated, curved, etc.). The ledge 34B can be located in a plane in which the central axis Z3 of the central opening 33 is normal, but this is arbitrary. Alternatively, such a ledge 34B could be inclined with respect to the plane in which the central axis Z3 is normal. The ledge 34B has an upward-facing surface on which a portion of the film dispensing cassette 100 can be seated. As will be described later, the film dispensing cassette 100 is suspended by the support 32 through the ledge 34B. In other words, in a variation, the film dispensing cassette 100 is suspended by the ledge 34B. In some embodiments, the film dispensing cassette 100 can be matingly engaged with the ledge 34B. In some variations, the cassette support element 34 can be considered to extend, for example, from the support 32 into the central opening 33 in a cantilevered manner. In other embodiments, for example, the cassette support element 34 can be considered to be in the form of a tab extending from the surrounding wall 31. The cassette support element 34 may include pins, hooks, projections, or other alignment features that engage with the film dispensing cassette 100 (for example, into the bore of the film dispensing cassette 100) to ensure proper alignment of the film dispensing cassette 100 in the recess 34A. However, in at least some embodiments, it may be sufficient to have only complementary shapes (complementary and / or fitting shapes) between the wall of the recess 34A or the surrounding wall 31 and a part of the film dispensing cassette 100, for example, shapes that constitute a sliding fit between them, in order to achieve proper positioning and orientation of the film dispensing cassette 100 within the support 32.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the support elements 34 are spaced apart along the periphery of the central opening 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette support elements 34 are positioned at the four corners of the substantially squirkle central opening 33. In other embodiments where the central opening 33 has a different shape (e.g., round, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shape), the cassette support elements 34 may have different relative arrangements and may be more or less than four. For example, the cassette support elements 34 may be spaced evenly or unevenly around the central opening 33, as long as they can maintain the cassette 100 in a stable suspended state within the support 32. In at least some embodiments, the support elements 34 are the sole area for suspending the film dispensing cassette 100. In a variation, it is conceivable that there may be a continuous lip extending along the periphery of the central opening 33 between adjacent support elements 34.

[0081] The support 32 may include one (or more) catches 36 for holding the film dispensing cassette 100. In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 34A may have such a catch 36. The catches 36 are configured to secure the film dispensing cassette 100 (i.e., a portion thereof) within the recess 34A. When the film dispensing cassette 100 is properly positioned on the support 32, the film dispensing cassette 100 engages within the catches 36, which can provide a hold of the film dispensing cassette 100 within the support 32 that resists downward tensile forces acting on the film of the film dispensing cassette 100, such as the effect of gravity on the waste on the film. In other words, the catches 36 can resist downward biasing of the film dispensing cassette 100 by gravity, etc. The catches 36 can resist upward tensile forces acting on the film dispensing cassette 100 by a holding force. The holding force does not cause permanent binding of the cassette 100 to the support 32. Sufficient tensile force acting on the cassette 100, for example, less than 10 pounds, allows the cassette 100 to detach from the catch 36. The catch 36 is intended to keep the cassette 100 in place within the device 10 by minimizing undesirable displacement of the cassette 100 within the support 32 during use, and to allow manual detachment of the cassette 100 from the support 32 when it is necessary to replace the cassette 100. The catch 36 can clip the film dispensing cassette 100 onto the support 32. In the illustrated embodiment, each catch 36 includes a defined ridge within the surrounding wall 31. The ridge is positioned in a recess 34A spaced upward from the ledge 34B. In some embodiments, a slot or opening for receiving the complementary portion of the film dispensing cassette 100 can be defined within the surrounding wall 31 between this ridge and the ledge 34B. Uplift is just one possibility.For example, in another embodiment, the catch 36 may include a lip, tab, or other protruding feature from the surrounding wall 31 that is spaced upward from the ledge 34B within the recess 34A, to provide a latching engagement of the film dispensing cassette 100 between such protruding feature and the ledge 34B.

[0082] Referring to Figures 1B and 1D, the upper portion 30 has a hinge member 37 which is hinged to the lid 38. The lid 38 is located on top of the upper portion 30, closes its upper end, and is movable between an open position and a closed position, in each of which it covers and exposes the central opening 33 of the upper portion 30.

[0083] The lid 38 includes a hinge member 39 that connects to a hinge member 37 of the upper portion 30. The hinge members 37 and 39 may include, for example, male-female couplings, connecting features, and pin-hole arrangements. The hinge members 37 and 39 can allow the lid 38 to pivot relative to the upper portion 30 around a pivot. The interconnection between the hinge members 37 and 39 can be seen in Figure 1D.

[0084] The waste disposal device 10 then includes a closing mechanism, which will be described with reference to Figures 2A-2C. The closing mechanism is operable to open and close the upper open end of the bag, which is defined by the tubular film 101 (Figure 2B) removed from the body of the cassette 100. The closing mechanism includes a hub 40 having a perimeter wall 41 (which may be continuous as shown and therefore sometimes referred to as a single perimeter wall). As can be observed, the hub 40 is incorporated into the central opening of the film dispensing cassette 100 and therefore has a shape that substantially matches that of the film dispensing cassette 100. The perimeter wall 41 of the hub 40 may have a substantially square or squircle shape with rounded corners. Other shapes can be considered, such as a shape corresponding to the central opening 102 of the film dispensing cassette 100. In at least some embodiments, the bottom surface of the hub 40 has a shape complementary to the uppermost portion for tight engagement of the uppermost portion of the cassette 100.

[0085] A hub opening 43 is defined that penetrates the hub 40. The hub opening 43 has a central axis Z4. The central axes Z2 and Z3 of the aforementioned central openings 23 and 33 can be aligned with the central axis Z4, and can even be collinear, but this is optional. The hub opening 43 can have the same or similar shape as the aforementioned central openings 23 and 33, but this is arbitrary. For example, in the embodiment, the hub opening 43 can have a substantially square shape with rounded corners or a squircle shape.

[0086] The hub 40 further has a support flange 44. The support flange 44 extends substantially horizontally radially outward from the surrounding wall 41 of the hub 40. The support flange 44 can form an integral part of the surrounding wall 41, i.e., it can extend seamlessly from the surrounding wall 41 as a monolithic part, or alternatively, it can be a separate part attached to the surrounding wall 41. The support flange 44 can open wide from the hub opening 43. As shown in the figure, the support flange 44 extends upward from the surrounding wall 41. Referring to Figure 2C, the support flange 44 at least partially covers the upper part of the cassette 100 having a complementary shape.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the support flange 44 has tab clearance 44A. As will be described later, the tab clearance 44A provides unobstructed access to the tabs of the cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the support flange 44 has a single tab clearance. In other embodiments, the support flange 44 has multiple tab clearances spaced apart from each other around the hub opening 43. The tab clearance 44A is defined as the concave edge portion of the support flange 44 that opens outward around the support flange 44. In some variations, more, for example, two, three, or four or more such tab clearances 44A can be present. Such a variation is shown in Figure 9, in which four tab clearances 44A are present on the corresponding number of sides of the hub opening 43. In some variations, such tab clearances 44A are arbitrary.

[0088] Referring to Figure 3A, the support flange 44 has a shoulder 44B that has a surface facing the lid of the cassette 100 and engages with the lid when the hub 40 is installed on the cassette 100. As shown, the shoulder 44B can extend flat on the corresponding surface of the lid 105 of the cassette 100. The interface between the shoulder 44B and the lid 105 can extend seamlessly around the entire circumference of the hub opening 43, although this is optional. The shoulder 44B can act as an axial stopper for the hub 40 on the cassette 100, ensuring that the hub 40 is properly installed on the cassette 100 (for example, without tilting or being angled relative to the cassette 100).

[0089] As shown in Figure 3A and also with reference to Figures 3B-3C, the hub 40 includes at least one connector 46, which is defined herein by a wedge 46A or similar connector such as a latch, tab, pin, projection, ridge, protrusion, tooth, or lip (uninterrupted or segmented along the hub 40). The connector 46 is configured to engage with a catch defined by the film dispensing cassette 100 (shown as 107 in Figure 3A, which will be described in more detail later). The connector 46 of the hub 40 and the catch of the cassette 100 can form a wedge assembly. When the hub 40 and the cassette 100 are engaged, the connector, in this case the wedge 46A, can slide-engage with such a catch of the cassette 100. Such engagement can elastically deform the catch of the cassette 100 until at least the hub 40 is caught by the catch 107 of the cassette 100. In the position shown in Figure 3A, which may be called the locked position or restrained position, the wedge 46A passes over the catch 107 of the cassette 100, and interference between the wedge 46A and the catch 107 can prevent or obstruct axial upward movement along the central axis Z4 between the hub 40 and the cassette 100. That is, the hub 40 can be held in the central opening of the cassette 100 by interference between the wedge 46A and the catch 107. The connector 46 is molded to allow sliding engagement with the catch 107 of the cassette 100 when the hub 40 engages with the cassette 100 or when the hub 40 is disengaged from the cassette 100. In at least some embodiments, as shown, the connector 46 has an upward-facing guide surface or wedge surface (or a rearward-facing surface with respect to the direction of engagement of the hub 40 onto the cassette 100). The wedge surface can be a curved surface (a convex or concave surface with varying or constant curvature) or a straight surface (with the same or varying angle along the surface). When the hub 40 is detached from the cassette 100, the wedge surface can provide elastic deformation of the catch of the cassette 100 so as to release the connector 46 from interference with the catch 107, thereby enabling the detachment of the hub 40 from the cassette 100. As shown in the figure, the wedge surface of the connector 46 can define a vertex that can define the tip or edge of the connector 46.During the sliding engagement of the wedge surface on the catch 107, the wedge surface can gradually push the catch 107 upward until its upper part contacts the catch 107. This contact is a turning point at which the connector 46 can release the catch 107 during yet another upward axial movement of the hub 40 relative to the cassette 100. In the opposite direction during the engagement of the connector 46 and the catch 107, the upper part of the connector 46 can slide in contact with the catch 107 on the cassette 100 until it passes the catch 107 and achieves a locked position. Other aspects of the catch will be described later.

[0090] Referring to Figure 3B, pivot axes 47A are defined within the wall 41 of the hub 40. The pivot axes 47A face each other. The pivot axes 47A can be configured as either protrusions / projections within each wall 41 or as holes for receiving male pivot portions.

[0091] Referring to Figure 3C, the hub 40 has mounting members 47B. These mounting members 47B are spaced apart on both sides of the central axis Z4 of the hub 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting members 47B protrude from the surrounding wall 41 into the hub opening 43 (Figure 3B). The mounting members 47B can extend into the hub opening 43. As shown, the mounting members 47B are located within the lower portion of the hub 40, with the pivot axis 47A located within the upper portion of the hub 40. Although there are multiple mounting members 47B in the illustrated embodiment, a single one can be considered. The mounting member 47B can be a hole, hook, loop, or other in the wall 41. As described below, these mounting members 47B can have a functional role in opening and closing the closing mechanism, if present.

[0092] Referring further to Figures 3B and 3C, the closing mechanism includes a capture door 48, also known as a flap, trap, door, jaw, etc. The capture door 48 is mounted on the hub 40. To make the capture door 48 pivotable, a capture door pivot 48A is engageable with a pivot axis 47A on the wall 41 of the hub 40. The pivot connection between the capture door 48 and the surrounding wall 41 may have deformations. The pivot axis 47A may be defined by or on the capture door 48, and the pivot recess 48A may be defined by or therein on the surrounding wall 41. The pivot connection may be defined, for example, by other couplings, connecting features, pin-hole arrangements, or other male-female arrangements. The capture door 48 is movable between an open position (Figures 3B, 3D) in which the hub opening 43 does not obstruct the receipt of waste or objects therein, and a closed position (Figures 2C, 3C) in which the capture door 48 substantially (+80%) blocks the hub opening 43 (Figure 2C) and / or the edge of the wall 41 prevents the bag from moving while pressed between the capture door 48 and the wall 41, as shown in Figure 3C.

[0093] As shown in Figures 3B and 3C, the capture door 48 has mounting members 48B. These mounting members 48B are aligned with corresponding mounting members 47B on the wall 41 in a direction along the central axis Z4. The capture door 48 can be biased to the closed position. In at least some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3C, a biasing member 49 can bias the capture door 48 to the closed position. The biasing member 49 can be one or more springs (e.g., axial), an extension strap, or other elastic member. The biasing member 49 can be attached to the mounting members 47B, 48B. Multiple biasing members 49 can be present, although two are shown in this case, a single biasing member 49 can be present. When the capture door 48 is operated toward the open position, the biasing member 49 stretches or expands to resist the movement of the capture door 48 toward such a position. Other types of biasing members 49 can be used, for example, torsion springs, rod springs, or bend springs.

[0094] Referring to Figures 3C to 3D, the capture door 48 may have an upward-facing concave surface. Such a concave surface of the capture door 48 allows for maximum expansion of the waste receiving area of ​​the hub 40 when the capture door 48 is in the open position. In the closed position, the capture door 48 engages with the complementary edge of the surrounding wall 41 along the hub opening 43, unless a bag is pressed between the capture door 48 and the surrounding wall 41. As is clear, at least a portion of the edge of the surrounding wall 41 has an outer shape that is complementary to the shape of the capture door 48 for seamless contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the free end of the capture door 48 has an arc-shaped outer shape, and the edge of the wall 41 is in a complementary engagement state with the free end of the capture door 48. That is, the edge of the surrounding wall 41 has an outer shape complementary to the capture door 48. As shown, the waste receiving area of ​​the hub 40 has a smaller opening cross-sectional area than that of the hub opening 43 of the hub 40. In some embodiments, the opening cross-sectional area is between 60% and 95% of the hub opening 43 of the hub 40.

[0095] Next, with reference to Figures 4A to 4C, the film dispensing cassette will be described in more detail below. The cassette 100 is of an annular type, and the tubular film 101 taken out from the top of the cassette 100 enters the inner cavity 11A (Figure 1A) of the waste disposal unit 10 (Figure 1A) through the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. The tubular film 101 (Figure 2B) can form a bag in the inner cavity 11A, for example, by tying a knot at its free end. The free end of the tubular film 101 can be closed by any other suitable method, for example, by using a concealment unit to form a concealment interface at the free end of the tubular film 101. The cassette 100 has an annular body 103 which defines a receptacle for packing a tubular film 101 of a certain length. The annular body 103 has an inner annular wall 103A which defines the perimeter of the central opening 102. As shown in the illustration, in the embodiment, the central opening 102 may have a substantially square or squircle shape with rounded corners. The inner annular wall 103A can define such a peripheral shape of the central opening 102. Other shapes such as rectangle, square, round, oval, hexagon, and octagon can be considered. The inner cavity 104 of the annular body 103 is positioned outward from the inner annular wall 103A. The cassette 100 may optionally include a lid 105 that at least partially covers the inner cavity 104. The lid 105 is attached to the upper end of the annular body 103, for example, the inner annular wall 103A. The lid 105 may have a fragile portion 105A that can be torn from the rest of the lid 105 to define an annular gap for obtaining access to the inner cavity 104 (as shown in Figure 3D). The fragile portion 105A may include one or more tabs 105B to facilitate it being grasped and torn off by fingers.

[0096] The cassette 100 includes a support 106. The support 106 may be in the form of a tab extending outward beyond the outer annular wall 103B of the cassette 100. As described above with respect to the upper portion 30 of the device 10, the support 106 may allow the cassette 100 to be suspended on the upper portion 30. The support 106 may be connected to the outer annular wall 103B and / or the lid 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 106 is located within the upper portion of the outer annular wall 103B and may be integrally formed with the annular body 103 as one possibility. In some embodiments, the support 106 is located at least 80% of the total height of the annular body 103 (measured from the bottom of the annular body 103). In some embodiments, the support 106 may be located at the open upper end as another possibility. The support 106 may be seated on the ledge 34B when the cassette 100 is seated on the upper portion 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 106 is positioned within the four (round) corners of the square-shaped annular body 103. As shown, the outer annular wall 103B can have a substantially square or squircle shape with rounded corners. Optionally, the number of support 16 can be equal to the number of corners around the annular body 103. Various locations and / or more or fewer (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine or more) support 16 can be considered.

[0097] Cassette 100 defines a catch 107 that can operatively engage with the connector 46 of the hub 40. While the term “catch” is used herein, other names such as wedge, latch, projection, lip, tab, tooth, or similar connector may be used to describe the component 107. As described above, the catch 107 of cassette 100 can form part of a wedge assembly with the connector 46 of the hub 40. The connector 46 and catch 107 can be molded to have mating engagements and / or complementary engagements. Either the connector 46 or the catch 107 may have a male or female portion that engages with each other to achieve a locked position (the hub 40 is held by the cassette 100 or vice versa). As is most clearly seen in Figure 3A, the catch 107 can be defined by a lip of the cover 105. The catch 107 may include a slot or hole (or other female portion) that engages with the connector 46 of the hub 40 in the locked position. The catch 107 can be defined by a lip on the annular body 103, for example, the inner annular wall 103A. The catch 107 is positioned within the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. The catch 107 can extend seamlessly along the central opening 102 or the inner annular wall 103A, but this is optional. As a variation, the cassette 100 can have one or more individual catches 107 or the catch 107 can be segmented. The catch 107 can be elastically deformed during engagement with the hub 40 (e.g., wedge 46A). More specifically, as shown in the figure, the connector 46 can be molded as a wedge for the hub 40 to slide along the lid 105 and catch 107 when pushed downward in an engaged state with the cassette 100. The hub 104 and / or catch 107 will be elastically deformed during this movement. If the connector 46 is larger than the catch 107, these components will return to their original shape, and as a result, the catch 107 will contact the contact surface of the connector 46, in this case the wedge surface, thereby forming a firm engagement.Removing the hub 40 may require manual force to provide some additional elastic deformation to the bias of these components toward their original shapes, as described below. Therefore, for this elastic deformation to occur, the catch 107 should have specific dimensions that provide the interaction described above. Figure 6 illustrates such an interaction, where parameterization of the central opening 102, the catch 107, and the hub 40 enables their cooperation. Figure 6 illustrates the outline O1 of the central opening 102, the outline O2 of the hub 40 passing through the outermost point of the connector 46, and the outline O3 of the catch 107. These outlines extend into a plane P1 (Figure 3A) in which the vertical axis of the cassette 100 is normal when the cassette 100 is horizontal, and plane P1 is at the height of the edge of the catch 107. As is clear, in some embodiments, the outline O1 of the central opening 102 encloses the entire outline O2 of the hub 40. It is also observed that the outline O2 is smaller than the outline O3. As shown in the figure, the segment of the outer shape O2 corresponding to the connector 46 of the hub 40 extends beyond the outer shape O3 of the catch 107, which in this case is defined by a continuous lip extending along the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. Due to these specific relative outer shapes O1, O2, and O3, the interactions described above can occur. In this embodiment, only a local portion of the outer shape O2 is not enclosed within the outer shape O3, but in some variations, for example, when the connector 46 of the hub 40 is defined by a continuous wedge or lip, the outer shape O2 can extend entirely between the outer shapes O1 and O3. Similarly, since the illustrated embodiment has a pair of connectors 46 positioned on both sides of the hub 40, it should be understood that in Figure 6, only two local portions of the outer shape O2 extend between the outer shapes O1 and O2. This is only one possibility, because it is conceivable that there could be more individual connectors 46 or a single connector 46 such as a single continuous connector 46. In the deformation, it is thought that the outer shape O1 can be made larger than the outer shape O2, in which case, for example, the inner annular wall 103A of the cassette 100 has an opening for engaging with the connector 46.Furthermore, while the tab-shaped protrusion is located on the outer shape O2, it is also conceivable that the tab-shaped protrusion could be located within the outer shape O3. For example, instead of having a continuous catch 107, the cassette 100 could have one or more tab-shaped catches 107. Modifications corresponding to this will be explained below.

[0098] To achieve interaction, it is desirable that the catch 107 be cantilevered and elastically deformable. The hub 40 and cassette 100 can be said to have at least a portion of the outer diameter O2 of the hub 40, which is larger than the inner and outer diameter O3 of the catch 107 of the cassette 100, on the engagement plane.

[0099] In at least some embodiments, the upper portion of the lid 105 or annular body 103 may include an interference lip 108 projecting inward relative to the remainder of the lid 105. As shown in Figures 4C to 4D, the interference lip 108 is positioned within the rounded corner of the lid 105 and / or central opening 102. The interference lip 108 is designed to create interference between the lid 105 and the surrounding wall 41 of the hub 40 when the hub 40 slides into engagement with the cassette 100, as can be seen in the enlarged view of Figure 4D. Such interference between the lip 108 and the hub 40 can contribute to the elastic deformation of the catch 107 during the engagement process.

[0100] Next, referring to Figures 7 and 8, variations of the catch 107 and connector 46 discussed above will be described below. For the sake of brevity, not all similar features will be described, but it should be understood that the above descriptions of the catch 107 and connector 46, including their interaction descriptions, can be applied to them as well. In the embodiments described above, the interference lip 108 described above can define a catch 107', similar to the catch 107 described above, for interaction with a connector 46', similar to the connector 46 described above. Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, the catch 107' may be referred to as a lip. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the connector 46' can be positioned to align with the catch 107' at the corner of the cover 105'. As can be seen in Figure 7, optionally, the connector 46' can be used in combination with a wedge 46A', similar to the wedge 46A described above, or a similar connector. Referring to the wedge, such a type of connector 46' can be considered to be a bulge or similar projection defined by or on the wall 41' of the hub 40'. When the hub 40' and the cassette 100' are engaged, the connector, in this case a wedge 46A', can slide-engage with such a catch 107' on the cassette 100'. In the position shown in Figure 7, which may be called the locked position or restrained position, the wedge 46A' passes over the catch 107' on the cassette 100', and interference between the wedge 46A' and the catch 107' can prevent or obstruct axial upward movement between the hub 40' and the cassette 100'. That is, the hub 40' can be held in the central opening 102' of the cassette 100' by interference between the wedge 46A' and the catch 107'. The connector 46' is molded to allow sliding engagement with the catch 107' on the cassette 100' when the hub 40' is engaged with the cassette 100' or when the hub 40' is disengaged from the cassette 100'. The above description of the embodiments relating to the connector 46 in this specification will not be repeated in full, but they also apply to the variations shown in Figures 7 and 8. In some embodiments, in the restrained position, the catch 107' can penetrate a notch 46B' defined within the wall 41' of the hub 40'. The notch 46B' may have a shape complementary to the catch 107'.The notch 46B' can provide stronger interference between the wedge 46A' and the catch 107' in the constrained position. Some variations may not have such a notch 46B'. Referring to one wedge 46A', notch 46B', and catch 107', one may function, but in Figure 8, it can be seen that multiple, i.e., two or more such wedges 46A', notch 46B', and catch 107' can be present. In the illustrated variation, the central opening 102' of the hub 40' and each rounded corner of the wall 41' can contain the connector 46' and catch 107'. Furthermore, Figure 8 shows outlines O1', O2', and O3', which are the outlines of the central opening 102', hub 40', and cover 105' in a plane containing the catch 107'. These external shapes extend into a plane P2 in which the vertical axis of the cassette 100' is normal when the cassette 100' is horizontal, and plane P2 is at the height of the edge of the catch 107'. If the connector 46' is larger than the catch 107', these components will bend back toward their original shapes, and as a result, the connector 46' and the catch 107' will "clip together" with each other, thereby forming a firm engagement. Removing the hub 40' may require manual force to provide some additional elastic deformation against these biases toward the original shapes of the wedge 46A' and / or catch 107', as described above. Therefore, for this elastic deformation to occur, the catch 107' should have specific dimensions that provide the interaction described above. To prevent undesirable removal of the hubs 40, 40' from the cassettes 100, 100', it is desirable to achieve a firm engagement between the hubs 40' and the cassette 100'. The catch 107' and connector 46' can be sized accordingly to achieve a restrained position upon application of a load of 10 psi ± 5 psi, which causes elastic deformation of the catch 107'. In embodiments, a load of up to 15 psi may be a desirable load for such deformation, and thus for "clip-in" or "clip-out". In certain embodiments, the catch 107' may protrude by 0.5 mm (±0.2 mm) (maximum projection width) from the remainder of the inner circumference of the cover 105'.The catch 107' can penetrate the connector 46', for example, the notch 46B', over such a distance. In certain embodiments, the catch 107' in the form of a lip may have a thickness of 0.5 mm (±0.2 mm), which can be measured as an average thickness. In even more specific embodiments, the catch 107' in the form of a lip may have a larger radius of curvature than that of the rounded corner defined by the inner annular wall 103A'. These are some possibilities and may or may not be combined as the same specific partial embodiments. In some variations, the catch 107' may be molded differently.

[0101] The tubular film 101 can be packed in various ways, one of which is by folding. As shown in Figure 5, the tubular film 101 can be configured with a vertical pile. The term vertical should not be interpreted restrictively, but rather means that the folded segments of the tubular film 101 extend above and below the annular body. Such a packing configuration of the tubular film 101 can provide easier unfolding of the film 101 from the annular body 103, in contrast to a left-right zigzag configuration. Since the cassette 100 is taller than it is wide, the unfolding of the pile can release a larger amount of film than in the case of an equivalent left-right zigzag configuration. Given that a sufficient amount of film must be released for the closure mechanism to function properly and for the waste to be below the contact point between the wall 104 and the capture door 108, the easier release of the film by the vertical pile can contribute to keeping the bag properly sealed. As shown in Figure 5, the tubular film 101 is folded "vertically" so that its free end is located closer to the outer circumference than to the inner circumference of the cassette 100. In other words, in the initial non-removal state before the tubular film 101 begins to be removed from the annular body 103, the outermost pile of the film 101 extends along the outer annular wall 103B such that the free end 101A of the tubular film 101 is closer to the outer annular wall 103B than any other pile of the film 101. Such a configuration of the folded tubular film 101 can ensure that the film 101 is removed from the annular body 103 with minimal restriction. There may be situations in which the opposite situation exists, namely, where the free end 101A of the tubular film 101 is close to the inner annular wall 103A, for example, when the film 101 is removed from a gap at the top of the annular body 103 that is close to the inner annular wall 103A.

[0102] The folding configuration of the tubular film 101 within the cassette 100 can be adapted to optimize the length of the folded segments (or "piles") within the annular body 103 so that the film 101 can be more easily unfolded from the annular body 103. In embodiments, the length LP of the folded segments (or "piles") corresponds to a substantial ratio (≥75%) of the total height HH of the inner cavity 104. In embodiments, the length LP of the pile is at least 80% of the total height HH of the inner cavity 104, and in some specific cases at least 95% of the total height HH. The total height HH can be measured from the bottom surface of the inner cavity 104 of the annular body 103 to the top edge 103C. In at least embodiments, as can be seen in Figure 5, where the lid 105 has a concave surface facing the inner cavity 104 and / or where the outer top edge of the annular body 103 is higher than the inner top edge, at least a portion of the pile extends upward beyond the inner top edge. Therefore, the pile length LP can be longer than the distance between the bottom surface of the inner cavity and the inner upper edge. Thus, the tubular film 101 can maximize the internal volume for packing into the cassette 100. All piles can have substantially similar lengths LP (±5%), but in a variation, the length LP of each pile can gradually increase from the innermost pile, i.e., the pile closest to the inner annular wall 103A, to the outermost pile, i.e., the pile closest to the outer annular wall 103B, or vice versa.

[0103] Another way to maximize the length of the tubular film 101 in the vertically folded state is to minimize the thickness of the film 101. In embodiments, the film 101 is thinner than 30 microns (for example, between 18 and 27 microns). In deformations, the thickness can be about 35 microns (±5 microns), although this is not as preferable for maximizing the length of the tubular film. Yet another way to maximize the length of the film 101 of the cassette 100 is to maximize the widthwise occupancy of the inner cavity 104 by the film 101. In at least embodiments, as can be seen in Figure 5, the inner annular wall 103A and the outer annular wall 103B flare outward in a bell shape toward the lid 105. The bell-shaped flaring can be, for example, between 1 and 4 degrees. Thus, the inner cavity 104 can be wider above its bottom. Thus, the pile width WP of the tubular film 101 can be greater than the minimum width WB1 of the inner cavity. Such a width WP can be measured in a complete laminate of pile in a fully folded state. The width WP can generally be between the minimum width WB1 and the maximum width WB2 of the inner cavity 104. Such a width WP may result in a slight vertical shift of the pile from the inner annular wall 103A to the outer annular wall 103B, but this is not considered to have a substantial adverse effect on the removal of the film from the inner cavity 104. In deformations, for example, if the inner annular wall 103A and the outer annular wall 103B do not spread out in a bell shape, the width WP can be made smaller or equal to the minimum width WB1.

[0104] Next, focusing on the operation of the closing mechanism in the waste storage, the film dispensing cassette 100 is supported by the upper portion 30. If a fragile portion 105A of the lid 105 exists, it can be torn away from the remainder of the lid 105 to dispense a certain length of tubular film 101 from there with respect to accessing the inner cavity 104 of the cassette 100, but this tearing can be done before the cassette 100 is installed in the upper portion 30. Furthermore, referring to Figure 5, the hub 40 is removably inserted into the central opening 102 of the cassette 100. Upon insertion, the hub 40 is latched onto the cassette 100 by complementary engagement and further by the cooperation of the various components described above. More specifically, the hub 40 can abut against the lid 105 of the cassette 100 by its shoulder 44B. The connector 46 of the hub 40 cooperates with the catch 107 to removably secure the hub 40 onto the cassette 100. The support flange 44 is sized to extend along the fragile portion 105A so as not to cover the gap that allows the tubular film 101 to be dispensed upward from the inner cavity 104. The tubular film 101 of its length extends to cover the support flange 44 of the hub 40 and can then extend through the hub opening 43 of the hub 40. The free end of the tubular film 101 extends within the waste receiving area of ​​the hub 40, i.e., between the capture door 48 and the wall 41 of the hub 40. The tubular film 101, which can form a bag with an end closed by a knot (or another method such as seam welding) at this free end, can be compressed and sealed between the surrounding wall 41 of the hub 40 and the capture door 48 when the capture door 48 is in the closed position. The compression of the bag can be assisted by a biasing member 49 (Figure 3C) that presses the capture door 48 to the closed position, but the biasing member 49 is optional as gravity can be used to bias the capture door 48 to the closed position. The capture door 48 can achieve the open position by the weight of the waste, with or without manual pressing from the user to activate the closing mechanism to open the hub opening 43 and provide access to the waste receiving volume of the bag in the inner cavity 11A (Figure 1A).For example, a force can be applied to the upper surface of the capture door 48 by pressing it downward, thereby inducing pivot movement of the capture door 48 against the biasing force of the biasing member 49. When released, the capture door 48 can return to the closed position due to the biasing force, and the biasing member 49 can press the tubular film 101 against the capture door 48 between the free end of the capture door 48 and the edge of the wall 41 of the hub 40. After all the tubular film 101 has been removed from the cassette 100 (or at any other desired time), the hub 40 can be released from the cassette 100 by pulling the hub 40 out of its engagement with the cassette 100. The wedge 46A can resist the removal of the hub 40 from the central opening 102 of the cassette 100 by interfering with the catch 107 of the cassette 100, but the elastic deformation of the catch 107 due to sliding engagement with the wedge 46A allows the catch 107 to disengage from the retaining engagement with the wedge 46A, thereby releasing the hub 40 from the cassette 100.

[0105] In a variation, the cassette 100 can be described as a film dispensing cassette comprising: an annular body defining a tubular film of a certain length and a receptacle having an inner cavity for packing it, the annular body having an inner annular wall defining a central opening and an outer annular wall spaced apart from the inner annular wall; and a lid defining at least one catch that at least partially covers the inner cavity and protrudes into the central opening, wherein the at least one catch has an edge on its cantilevered portion, the edge of the at least one catch is located in the cross-sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette, the central axis of the central opening is perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane, and the at least one catch is located inside the outer shape of a closure mechanism configured to seat on the film dispensing cassette, the outer shape of the closure mechanism is in this cross-sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette and intersects with the outer shape portion of at least one connector of the closure mechanism.

[0106] In a variation, the cassette 100 can be molded to have an annular body 103 having different shapes for its inner and outer circumferences. For example, the inner annular wall 103A and the central opening 102 may have a rounded shape, while the outer annular wall 103B may have a nearly square shape (with or without rounded corners). Other rearrangements of the relative shapes of the inner and outer annular walls 103A and 103B can also be considered. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 40 Hub 46 connectors 100 cassettes 101 Tubular film 105A Weak part 107 Catch

Claims

1. A film dispensing cassette for a waste disposal device, A tubular film of a certain length, An annular body that defines a receptacle having an inner cavity for packing the tubular film of the aforementioned length, the annular body having an inner annular wall that defines a central opening and an outer annular wall spaced apart from the inner annular wall, A lid that at least partially covers the inner cavity, the lid having at least one catch protruding into the central opening, Equipped with, The at least one catch has an edge on the cantilever portion of the catch, the edge of the at least one catch is located in the cross-sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette, and the central axis of the central opening is perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane. The at least one catch is located inside the outer shape of a closure mechanism configured to seat on a film dispensing cassette, the outer shape of the closure mechanism is on the cross-sectional plane of the film dispensing cassette and intersects with the outer shape portion of at least one connector of the closure mechanism. Film dispensing cassette.

2. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 1, further comprising at least one support extending outward from the outer annular wall.

3. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 2, wherein the at least one support is positioned at least 80% of the total height of the annular body from its bottom.

4. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one support comprises a plurality of supports spaced apart from each other along the outer annular wall.

5. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of supports are tabs protruding from the outer annular wall, and the tabs are positioned at each corner of the film dispensing cassette.

6. The film dispensing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one catch is determined by the lip of the lid.

7. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 6, wherein the at least one catch includes a plurality of catches positioned at the corner of the lid.

8. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of catches protrude by 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm from the remaining inner circumference of the lid.

9. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of catches have a thickness of 0.5 mm ± 0.2 mm.

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

11. A film dispensing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a tubular film of the aforementioned length is packed into the inner cavity in a folded manner, the tubular film defines a plurality of vertical piles, and the free end of the tubular film is positioned closer to the outer circumference of the film dispensing cassette than to the inner circumference.

12. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 11, wherein the length of each of the vertical piles corresponds to a substantial ratio of the total height of the inner cavity.

13. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 12, wherein the length of each of the vertical piles 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 the width of the plurality of vertical piles is greater than the minimum width of the inner cavity.

15. The tubular film has a thickness of less than 30 microns, as described in any one of claims 11 to 14.

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

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

18. The lid is a film dispensing cassette according to any one of claims 1 to 17, including a fragile portion.

19. The film dispensing cassette according to claim 18, wherein the fragile portion includes at least one tab that facilitates the finger grasping the fragile portion and pulling it away from the rest of the lid.

20. A bag closing mechanism for a waste disposal device, A hub that can be removably received within the central opening of a film dispensing cassette, the hub having a surrounding wall that defines the hub opening, A capture door connected to the surrounding wall and extending into the hub opening, movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the capture door substantially blocks the hub opening. A bag closing mechanism is provided.

21. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 20, wherein the bottom surface of the hub is shaped to be complementary to the uppermost portion of the film dispensing cassette.

22. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the hub opening has a squirrel shape.

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

24. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 23, wherein the support flange is widely open from the hub opening.

25. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the support flange has a tab clearance defined by the concave edge portion of the support flange, and the concave edge portion is open outward around the support flange.

26. The bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the support flange has a shoulder having a surface that faces toward the lid of the film dispensing cassette.

27. The bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the hub includes a connector which engages with the catch of the film dispensing cassette when the hub engages with the film dispensing cassette.

28. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 27, wherein the connector is defined by a wedge which slides with the catch of the film dispensing cassette when the hub is engaged with the film dispensing cassette.

29. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the wedge has a wedge surface facing upward.

30. The aforementioned wedge surface is the bag closing mechanism according to claim 29, which defines the apex.

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

32. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 31, wherein the plurality of connectors are positioned at corners defined by the surrounding wall of the hub.

33. The bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 20 to 32, wherein the hubs include pivot axes facing each other, and the pivot axes engage with the capture door for pivotal engagement of the capture door relative to the surrounding wall.

34. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 33, wherein the pivot axis is determined by the surrounding wall.

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

36. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 35, wherein the capture door has a capture door pivot that can engage with the pivot axis of the surrounding wall of the hub.

37. The bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 20 to 36, further comprising a biasing member for biasing the capture door to the closed position.

38. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 37, wherein the biasing member includes a spring or an extendable strap.

39. The bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 20 to 38, wherein the capture door has a concave surface facing upward.

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

41. The bag closing mechanism according to claim 40, wherein the complementary edge portion has an outer shape that is complementary to the shape of the capture door.

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

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

44. The bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 20 to 43, wherein the surrounding wall defines a notch that accepts the catch of the film dispensing cassette when the hub engages with the film dispensing cassette.

45. A receptacle having an opening at its upper end, the receptacle defining an inner cavity accessible through the opening, The upper portion of the receptacle that defines the cassette holder, wherein the cassette holder has at least one cassette support element along the opening, and the at least one cassette support element is configured to suspend a film dispensing cassette within the opening, A bag closing mechanism according to any one of claims 20 to 44, A waste disposal device equipped with the following features.

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

47. The waste disposal device according to claim 46, wherein the bottom of the recess is defined as a seating surface from which the film dispensing cassette is suspended.

48. The waste disposal device according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the plurality of cassette support elements include catches that hold the film dispensing cassette therein.

49. A method for removably installing a film dispensing cassette into a waste disposal device, Position the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device and suspend the film dispensing cassette therein, and The hub of the bag closing mechanism of the waste treatment device is engaged with the central opening of the film dispensing cassette and the hub is suspended therein. A method for providing this.

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

51. The method according to claim 49 or claim 50, wherein engaging the hub involves sliding the connector of the hub with the catch of the film dispensing cassette.

52. The method according to claim 50, wherein latching the hub includes releasably securing the connector of the hub to a cooperating catch of the film dispensing cassette.

53. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein inserting the hub includes bringing the hub into contact with the lid of the film dispensing cassette.

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

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

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein passing the free end of a tubular film of the aforementioned length through the hub opening is to open the capture door of the hub and obtain access to the inner cavity of the waste treatment device through the hub opening.

57. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 56, further comprising tying the free ends of a tubular film of the aforementioned length together to form a bag having a closed end.

58. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 57, wherein dispensing at least a portion of a tubular film of the aforementioned length is performed by spreading at least one of a plurality of vertical piles of the tubular film of the aforementioned length packed in the film dispensing cassette by pulling the free end of the tubular film of the aforementioned length towards it.

59. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 58, wherein engaging the hub comprises elastically deforming the catch of the film dispensing cassette until the hub is captured by the catch of the film dispensing cassette.

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

61. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 60, wherein positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device includes aligning a plurality of supports extending around the film dispensing cassette with complementary molded parts of the waste treatment device.

62. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 60, wherein positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device includes seating a plurality of supports of the film dispensing cassette on a seating surface of the waste treatment device configured to suspend the film dispensing cassette from there.

63. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 60, wherein positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste treatment device includes matingly engaging a plurality of supports of the film dispensing cassette with a ledge of the waste treatment device positioned along the periphery of the upper opening.

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

65. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein clipping the film dispensing cassette into the waste disposal device includes elastically deforming the plurality of supports of the film dispensing cassette.

66. The method according to any one of claims 49 to 65, wherein positioning the film dispensing cassette in the upper opening of the waste disposal device includes securing the film dispensing cassette through a catch of the waste disposal device that provides holding the film dispensing cassette within the waste disposal device against an upward tensile force acting on the film dispensing cassette.

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