Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL AND
CHANGING INFANT-TODDLER BEHAVIOR
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
(1) Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to disposal systems of malodorous waste
packages,
namely dirty diapers, while also positively reinforcing infant-toddler
behavior and child
development.
(2) Description of Related Art
Dirty diapers and/or other waste items can generate unpleasant odors,
especially over
extended time periods. Consequently, placing such waste items in a waste
container that does
not provide adequate sealing can result in the undesirable result of having
odors escape into the
surrounding environment.
At present, there are numerous diaper disposal pails on the market; however,
none are
entirely satisfactory. Presently, diaper pails on the market simply have tops
that cover a
container housing the dirty diapers, yet such tops are not hands-free,
requiring a user to grasp
a handle, a latch, or the like to open the container in order to dispose of
the diaper. Accordingly,
such diaper pails serve as adequate disposal containers, yet are still unable
to contain or mask
the stench of dirty diapers because upon opening the diaper pail top, the
stench will almost
certainly be let out of the container. Some diaper pails have add-on products
such as carbon
________________ filters and baking soda cat hidges to absorb or neutralize
odors, which may not be completely
effective given that the bags within the diaper pails are not sealed off to
prevent odors from
escaping once the top of the diaper pail is open.
Other diaper pails such as US Patent No. 8,127,519, have flexible material
separating
the main body cavity of the pail from an upper portion of the pail. However,
such diaper pails
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still do not afford hands-free disposal and require the user to forcefully
push the diaper by hand
through the flexible webbing into the main body cavity of the pail. Even more,
although there
may be a twisting mechanism in efforts to contort and seal off a neck of the
bag, the flexibility
of the material does not create a tight seal thereby leaving gaps allowing
odors to escape
through the bag opening.
Another receptacle such as that illustrated in US Patent No. 5,125,526,
discloses a
receptacle with a rotatably mounted holder. In response to movement of a foot
pedal, the holder
rotates opening and closing the bag. While an upper portion of the bag is
fixed to the receptacle,
a lower portion of the bag is adhered to the holder using a double-sided
adhesive tape so that
the bag rotates with the holder. However, this receptacle has its
disadvantages; in particular,
the bag maintains its twisted formation only when the top is closed. Upon
pressing down the
foot pedal, the top opens, the holder rotates, and the bag opens causing the
unpleasant odors to
flow out of the open bag. Since the bag is only twisted closed when top of the
receptacle is
closed; once the top is opened, the bag will also open and thus emit
undesirable odors.
.. Furthermore, the double-sided adhesive tape which adheres the bag to the
holder, typically
incurs additional drawbacks. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize
that the double-
sided adhesive tape must be of sufficient strength to adhere to the holder
such that the point of
adherence to the holder will not peel off when the holder rotates; however,
due in part to the
force of the rotation of the holder, the double-sided adhesive tape on the
conventional plastic
bag may end up distorting and stretching the plastic, and creating holes in
the bag, particularly
around where the tape is adhered.
Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an improved diaper pail or waste
container
having a hands-free or touch-free means for enhanced confinement of malodorous
waste
objects deposited into a container thereby retaining and preventing offensive
odors from being
.. emitted from the waste container. In other words, the waste disposal system
would feature a
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means of depositing waste into a container while maintaining the bag in a
closed formation for
at least the duration of time that the top is open so that the user would not
have to risk inhaling
undesirable odors and other particles.
Additionally, existing diaper disposal pails typically serve as an object for
which users,
typically adults, only use to dispose of the diapers. Typically, a waste
receptacle does not serve
as a decorative or visually stimulating article in the room. In other words,
the waste receptacle
is typically not an article of interest or stimulation for infants and
toddlers. A visually
stimulating diaper pail could serve to reinforce infant-toddler behavior and
enable infants and
toddlers to alert parents for diaper-change as they would be excited to view
the visually
stimulating event that accompanies diaper disposal. It can be further
appreciated that a desirable
waste disposal system also further serves as a visually stimulating system
that also positively
reinforces infant-toddler behavior and assists in child development.
The invention may seek to satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned desires.
Although the present invention may obviate one or more of the above-mentioned
desires, it
should be understood that some aspects of the invention might not necessarily
obviate them.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
Improved embodiments of a diaper pail or waste disposal system which serves as
a
system for positive reinforcement of infant-toddler behavior and child
development are hereby
disclosed. The general concept is to provide a diaper pail or waste receptacle
that comprises a
feature such that a user may dispose of malodorous waste without the risk of
inhaling
unpleasant odors.
In some embodiments the waste disposal system features a top having at least
one door
such that when a waste material is dropped or tossed through the door of the
top, the disposable
bag within the receptacle maintains a closed formation; after the door is
closed, upon user
actuation, the disposable bag can temporarily open for the dirty diaper to
drop into the bag's
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main cavity, and then the bag can return to its closed formation. Accordingly,
the movement
of the door of the top can be independent of a change in the open or closed
formation of the
disposable bag.
In further contemplated embodiments, waste disposal system features at least
one
attachment mechanism within an inner barrel of the waste receptacle. The
attachment
mechanism is a hook, a peg, or a clip to which a disposable bag has a receiver
to make a
detachable coupling with the attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the
receiver of the
disposable bag is at least one of a hole, a sleeve, a string, a loop, a strap,
or a reinforced tab.
Among the many different possibilities contemplated, an embodiment of a closed
formation of the disposable bag can be wherein a neck of the bag is twisted.
In the alternative,
the neck of the bag can be rolled. In yet another embodiment, the neck of the
bag can be
clamped. For example, the closed formation can be produced via movement of a
lower body
of the bag relative to the upper portion i.e., a neck of the bag. One of
ordinary skill in the art
would immediately recognize that there are many other known mechanisms for the
purpose of
situating a disposable bag in a closed formation. Further, in certain
embodiments, the user
actuated mechanism that temporarily opens the bag is via a foot pedal. In the
alternative, the
user actuated mechanism can be a motion sensor. In yet another embodiment, the
mechanism
can be via a button or a handle. In another alternative embodiment, the user
actuated
mechanism can be a weight sensor.
In another embodiment, a container assembly for a waste disposal system is
provided
comprising a bottom chamber; a base disposed at a bottom of the bottom
chamber; a rotating
support structure having an inner volume, the rotating support structure being
rotatably
coupled to the base; a top chamber having at least one door disposed at a top
of the top
chamber; and a guiding structure separating the top chamber from the bottom
chamber,
wherein the guiding structure has a downward sloping surface having a lower
rim defining a
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through hole; and wherein the guiding structure includes a base support and a
cover
attachable to the base support, the downward sloping surface being part of the
cover.
In yet another embodiment, a waste disposal system can have a container
assembly
with a base, an outer casing, an inner barrel with an inner volume, where the
inner barrel is
disposed inside of the outer casing. The container assembly can also include a
top chamber
with at least one door member at the top of the chamber and a guiding
structure. The
guiding structure can be located within the top chamber, and can have a
downward sloping
surface with a lower rim defining a through hole. The guiding structure may
have one or
more perforations. This guiding structure can be attached to the container
assembly by either
snapping it on certain part (e.g., on the collar or within the top chamber) of
the container
assembly, twisting it on certain part (e.g., on the collar or within the top
chamber) of the
container assembly or screwing it on that assembly (e.g., on the collar or
within the top
chamber).
In some embodiments, the guiding structure can include multiple parts such as
a base
support, and a cover attachable to the base support. The guiding structure can
be hollow and
can contain compartments where a user can add a deodorizing or scented element
within the
guiding structure. In other embodiments, the waste disposal system can have a
chute. The
chute can be located at the top of the container assembly or inside the top
chamber. In some
embodiments, this chute can or cannot co-exist with the guiding structure.
Various shapes are contemplated for the chute, for example, cylindrical and
frusto-
conical.
In another embodiment, a container assembly for a waste disposal system,
comprises a
bottom chamber; a base disposed at a bottom of the bottom chamber; a rotating
support
structure having an inner volume, the rotating support structure being
rotatably coupled to the
base; a top chamber having a door disposed at a top of the top chamber; at
least one guiding
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wall disposed within the top chamber and separating the bottom chamber from
the top
chamber; and wherein the door has at least two pivoting members, and each
pivoting member
has a lower portion that is positioned lower than an outer portion of each
pivoting member
when each pivoting member is in a closed position.
In yet another embodiment, the top chamber may have one or more door members.
These door members can also have spring members attached to them to ensure
that the door
members are biased close. The pivoting door members can also have a lower
portion
positioned lower than outer portions of the pivoting door members when the
members are
closed. In other embodiments, the pivoting door members can form a parabolic
shape in a
downward direction when the two pivoting door members are in a closed
position. In some
embodiments, the pivoting door members can separately pivot from each other
and pivot
open in a downward direction when an object is disposed on the at least two
pivoting door
members.
In other embodiments, the pivoting door members can form a downward slope
toward
a center of the door such that when an object is placed on top of any of the
two pivoting door
members when the door members are in an open position, the object is guided
towards the
center by gravity.
In yet other embodiments, the pivoting door members can form a downward slope
toward a center of the door such that when an object is placed on top of any
of the two
pivoting door members when the door members are in a closed position, the
object is guided
towards the center by gravity.
In yet another embodiment, the waste disposal system can have one or more
guiding
walls inside the top chamber or anywhere inside the container. The guiding
walls may in
certain embodiments form a funnel shape passage, a cylindrical shape passage
or any other
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polygonal shaped passage which can or cannot facilitate the sliding of objects
down the
container.
In other embodiments, the waste disposal system can contain an enclosure to
hold waste
material, a container assembly to contain the enclosure. The container
assembly can have an
isolated top chamber disposed above the enclosure, and the isolated top
chamber can have a
top door. The waste assembly may also comprise an actuator to control an
opening and a
closing to an entrance to the enclosure independent of the opening and closing
of the top
door. The isolated chamber can have a casing made of transparent or a semi-
transparent
material. The top door members of the top chamber can also be transparent,
semi-
transparent, or translucent.
The contemplated systems may he particularly useful in nurseries, daycare
centers,
and other places that handle particularly malodorous waste such as dirty
diapers. Using this
hands-free and touch-free system, a user can now dispose of malodorous diapers
and waste
products without the risk of inhaling unpleasant odors.
Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a visually stimulating waste
disposal
system directed to positively reinforcing infant-toddler behavior. It is
commonly known that
the right visual stimulation helps with a child's brain development. In a
certain embodiment,
the waste receptacle can feature a transparent outer barrel casing and an
inner barrel with a
bright, colorful exterior. Further contemplated exteriors can feature stop-
motion animation so
that upon user actuation, the receptacle features animated movements to
further entice the
attention of infants and toddlers. It is still further contemplated that the
different exteriors of
the inner barrel can be interchangeable for continued stimulation during a
child's growth and
development. Further, the enticing exteriors and the subsequent animation of
the moving
inner barrel can attract and positively train children to alert parents for
diaper changing.
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Concurrently, the bright colors, designs, and visually stimulating images can
further help
stimulate a child's vision and brain development.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention
will become
more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments
of the
invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and
might not
be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of
convenience and
clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down,
over, above, below,
beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the
accompanying drawings.
Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the
invention in any
manner.
Fig. IA is a perspective view of an embodiment of a diaper pail having a
transparent
outer barrel.
Fig. 1B is a top angled perspective view of the diaper pail of Fig. lA (the
outer barrel
is not shown to be transparent, for easier illustration).
Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figs. 1A and
1B.
Figs. 3A and 3B are top angled perspective views of the diaper pail of Fig. 1A
with
the top removed, where the bag assembly has a collar of Fig.12B mounted on the
frame
assembly (the bag body portion is not shown for easier illustration).
Fig. 3C is a top angled perspective view of the diaper pail of Fig. 1A, with
the top
removed, where the bag assembly has a collar of Fig. 14B not yet mounted on
the frame
assembly (the bag portion is not shown for easier illustration).
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Fig. 4 is a side view of the diaper pail with the top removed and the frame
assembly
pivot open.
Fig. 5 is a top side perspective view of the diaper pail of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the top having two door members.
Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the inside of the top of Fig. 6A, while the
top is
turned upside down.
Fig. 7A is a perspective view of all the parts of the embodiment of Fig. 1A.
Fig. 7B is an exploded view of all the assembly parts of the embodiment of
Fig. 1A.
Fig. 8A is a perspective view of the inner parts of the base and pedal of the
embodiment of Fig. IA.
Fig. 8B is a top view of the base and perspective view of the pedal and
bracing piece
of the embodiment of Fig. 8A.
Fig. 8C is another view of the base and pedal of Fig. 8A, where the spring,
spring
plug, and the spring cover is taken apart.
Fig. 9A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled base having a
pedal,
where the rotating axle extends through the center.
Fig. 9B is a side view of an embodiment of an assembled base.
Fig. 9C is a front view of an embodiment of an assembled base.
Fig. 9D is a perspective view of the base of Fig. 9A, where a ball bearing is
fitted
around the axle, yet still allowing the rotating axle to extend there through.
Fig. 10 is an embodiment of a bag assembly with reinforced apertures.
Fig. 11 is another embodiment of a bag assembly with sleeves.
Figs. 12A-12B is one embodiment of a bag assembly with one type of collar.
Figs. 13A-13B is another embodiment of a bag assembly with another type of
collar.
Figs. 14A-14B is another embodiment of a bag assembly with another type of
collar.
9
Figs. 15A-15B is yet another embodiment of a bag assembly with yet another
type of
collar.
Fig. 16 is a schematic illustrating a more generalized embodiment of the
inventive
subject matter.
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a diaper pail having a
transparent
top chamber, a transparent outer barrel and a guiding structure.
Fig. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of Fig. 17.
Fig. 19 is a top angled perspective view of the diaper pail of Fig. 17 with
the top
removed, where the bag assembly is also removed from the frame assembly (the
chamber
casing is not shown to be transparent).
Fig. 20 is an exploded view of all the assembly parts of the embodiment of
Fig. 17.
Fig. 21 is a top view of the guiding structure showing the top of the guiding
structure
cover.
Fig. 22 is a side view of the guiding structure.
Fig. 23 is a bottom view of the guiding structure showing the guiding
structure base
support.
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the guiding structure showing the guiding
structure
base support and cover.
Fig. 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the guiding
structure
having a hollow interior.
Fig. 26 is an embodiment of a diaper pail illustrating the guiding structure-
disposed
above the diaper pail collar.
Fig. 27A is a bottom view of one embodiment of the guiding structure with
doors to
access deodorizing elements. (The deodorizing elements are not shown here).
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Fig. 27B is another bottom view of the guiding structure with doors to access
deodorizing elements. (The deodorizing elements are not shown here).
Fig. 27C is another bottom view of the guiding structure with doors to access
deodorizing elements. (The deodorizing elements are not shown here).
Fig. 28 is a top view of top door members with pivoting elements.
Fig. 29 is a top view of another embodiment of top door members with pivoting
elements.
Fig. 30 illustrates top door members in open and closed positions.
Fig. 31 is another view of top door members in open and closed positions.
Fig. 32 is bottom perspective view of a top chamber with a chute within it.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a chute embodiment.
Fig. 34 is side view of a transparent top chamber with a chute inside the top
chamber.
Fig. 35 is a perspective cross sectional view of a top chamber with a chute
inside the
top chamber.
Fig. 36 is a perspective cross sectional view of a top chamber with a chute
separated
from the top chamber.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by
turning
to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are
presented as
illustrated examples of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly
understood that the
invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated
embodiments described
below.
Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill
in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore,
it must be
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understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the
purposes of
example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined
by the following
claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are
set forth below
in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention
includes other
combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed herein
even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various
embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly
defined meanings,
but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material
or acts beyond the
scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood
in the
context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use
in a claim must
be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the
specification and by
the word itself.
The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims therefore
include not
.. only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all
equivalent structure,
material or acts for performing substantially the same function in
substantially the same way
to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore
contemplated that an
equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the
elements in
the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more
elements in a
claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain
combinations and even
initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more
elements from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that
the claimed
combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-
combination.
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The term door refers to an entry way, an ingress, or an egress. The term door
member
refers to generally known structures to block the entry way. Example of such
structures
includes panels, covers, shutter-type blades. Contemplated door members can be
selectively
operated by a user. Door members are not limited to those that pivot on a
hinge. The door
members can come in various forms, such as those shown and discussed above. In
other
alternative embodiments, door members can be shutter blades similar to those
seen in
cameras. Shutter blades can be operated and driven mechanically or
electronically. No
matter which form of door member is implemented, the door members can be
operated
manually (e.g., via a button or lever), or operated/controlled electronically
via sensors (e.g.,
weight sensor, motion sensor, light sensor). In some embodiments, the door or
doors can be
driven by a motor. In further embodiments, the door or doors can be controlled
by a remote
controller via wire or wirelessly.
Fig. lA generally depicts one embodiment of a diaper pail or container
assembly 10.
In Fig. 1A, the container assembly 10 is shown having a base 300 with a pedal
350
.. protruding out of the base 300. Coupled to the base 300 can be an inner
barrel 210 having an
inner volume and an outer barrel casing 200 enclosing/encasing the outer
circumference of
the inner barrel 210. In some embodiments, there is sufficient clearance
between the inner
barrel and the outer barrel, so that the inner barrel can freely rotate
without touching the outer
barrel. The inner barrel 210 shown can have some kind of spiral blade on its
outside surface,
this spiral blade does not aid in driving or rotating the inner barrel 210.
This spiral blade
does not interact or engage with the outer barrel 200. The illustrated spiral
blade is one of the
contemplated designs on the inner barrel 210 to create visual stimulation. In
the depicted
embodiment, the outer barrel casing 210 can be transparent, and the inner
barrel casing 210
can be seen through the transparent outer barrel casing 200, as the inner
barrel casing 210
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rotates. Other contemplated embodiments may feature designs on the outer
barrel casing 200.
Yet other contemplated embodiments can feature a partly opaque outer barrel
casing 200. Yet
another contemplated embodiment can feature a completely opaque outer barrel
casing 200.
In the upper region of the container assembly10 can be a top 100 having two
pivoting door
members 110. In other embodiments, the top can have at least one pivoting door
member. In
other embodiments, the top does not have a pivoting door member. In the
depicted
embodiment, the inner barrel 210 can have at least one attachment mechanism
215 on the
inner barrel.
Although the word barrel usually describes a tubular object having a circular
cross-
sectional shape, it is specifically noted here that the word barrel in the
specification has no
specific limitation or restriction on its cross-sectional shape.
Fig. 1B shows another view of the diaper pail or container assemblyl 0 looking
downwards through the two pivoting transparent door members 110 (closed as
shown) into
the inner space of the container assembly 10. The door members 110 are coupled
to the top
100 with a resilient piece 120. The resilient piece 120 is sufficiently strong
to bias the door
members 110 shut, yet allows for the door members 110 to swing open in a
downward
direction when a dirty diaper falls onto the door members 110, thereby
allowing the dirty
diaper to fall through the door members 110. After the waste is passed through
the door
members 110, the door members 110 swing shut. In contemplated embodiments, the
resilient
piece 120 is made of silicone. In other embodiments, the resilient piece is
120 made of a
resilient material such as rubber. In further contemplated embodiments, the
resilient piece
120 is a leave spring or coil spring.
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The shown embodiment further shows a seal 130 between the two door members
110.
In keeping with its designated term, the seal 130 serves to seal the two door
members 110
when they overlap, to retain and prevent odors from seeping out. In
contemplated
embodiments, the seal 130 is a long flexible strap made of a material such as
rubber, silicone,
and the like. ..to attach to one, or both door members 110 at their far ends
away from the
resilient piece 120. The purpose of the seal 130 is to form a secure temporary
substantial
airtight closure when the two doors 110 close on each other. In this way, the
flexible seal 130
of one door member overlaps with the flexible seal 130 of other door member,
making a tight
seal. In an embodiment where each door 110 has a seal 130, the two flexible
seal 130 would
overlaps each other when the doors 110 are closed, making a tight seal. In
other
embodiments, the door members 110 do not have a seal 130.
Fig. 2 depicts cross-sectional view of the container assembly 10 taken along
line 2-2
of Fig. 1A. A disposable bag 500 can be mounted within the container assembly
10. In the
depicted embodiment, a neck 510 of the disposable bag 500 can be twisted in a
closed
formation. The base 300 can have a rotatable axle 309 on which a barrel base
201 of the inner
barrel 210 can be coupled to. When the foot pedal 350 is at rest, the neck 510
of the
disposable bag 500 can be in a twisted-closed formation. When the foot pedal
350 is
compressed, the inner barrel 210 can rotate in a first direction untwisting
the neck 510 of the
disposable bag 500 to an open formation. When the foot pedal 350 is released,
the inner
barrel 210 can rotate in a second direction returning the disposable bag 500
to the closed
formation.
It should be noted that U.S. Patent No. 5,125,526 teaches a garbage can where
the top
lid opens simultaneously with the untwisting of its bag. In other words, their
actions are
synchronized, and for desirous reasons. The inventors of the current
application, however,
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surprisingly discovered the advantages of having such top lid (door 110)
moving
independently of an untwisting of the bag 500 in some embodiments of the
current
disclosure. Accordingly, in yet other embodiments, the actuated change in open
or closed
formation of the disposable bag 500 can be independent of the movement of the
top
transparent doors 110. That is, when waste such as a dirty diaper is dropped
through the door
110, the user-actuated untwisting into an open formation cannot occur
simultaneously. The
top door 110 facilitate touch-free passage of a dirty diaper through the top
100 so a user may
simply drop the dirty diaper on top of the door members 110 without physically
touching any
part of the waste disposal system. The dirty diaper is to pass through the top
door 110 and
rest atop the twisted-closed neck 510 of the disposable bag 500. This allows a
user to keep
the dirty diaper in the sealed top chamber, and then compress the pedal 350 to
untwist and
open the bag 500, thereby keeping malodorous gas within the diaper pail when
the dirty
diaper drops into the cavity of the bag 500. This way, when a user deposits
the dirty diaper,
malodorous gas from within the inner cavity of the bag 500 does not
immediately escape
through the top transparent door 110 and into his/her face. Once the pedal 350
is released,
the bag 500 twists closed thereby retaining undesirable odors inside.
In the embodiments shown in the drawings, a foot pedal 350 is shown. A foot
pedal
350 is only one type of contemplated actuators. Embodiments may use other
types of
actuators, such as a motion sensor, a weight sensor, a button, or a handle.
The purpose of the
actuator is for a user to pass on command (either electronically or
mechanically) to the base,
which contains corresponding mechanism (gears, electronic motor, rotating
axle, etc.) to
rotate the inner barrel 210. In the case of a motion sensor, a user would
simply wave his/her
hand or foot in front of the motion sensor to activate it, which in turn
activates an electric
motor in the base 300, causing the motor to rotate the inner barrel 210.
Alternatively, the
motion sensor can be installed inside of the top chamber to detect whenever
the top door
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members 110 move, or whenever an object enters into the top chamber. In one
embodiment,
the diaper pail can allow a few seconds of delay before an electric motor in
the base 300 is
activated to turn the inner barrel 210. These few seconds of delay can allow
the top
transparent doors 210 to completely close, before untwisting of the bag 500.
In the case of a
weight sensor, the weight sensor maybe installed at a place that would detect
a dirty diaper
entering into the top chamber and dropping onto the twisted-closed neck of bag
500.
Likewise, the weight sensor can activate an electric motor in the base 300 to
rotate the inner
barrel 210.
Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is at least 5cm of clearance height
between
the top surface of the door member 110 and an upper rim of the disposable bag
500 when the
door 110 is closed. This allows for sufficient space for the waste material to
pass through the
top door members 110 and for the top door members 110 to swing shut
thereafter, while the
waste material remains in the top chamber. Alternatively, the clearance height
can be at least
6 cm. In yet another embodiment, the contemplated clearance height can be at
least 7 cm; and
other embodiments can have a clearance height of 10cm and above.
In one embodiment, the clearance height can create a closed chamber where a
dirty
diaper may stay temporarily, before it is disposed into the inner cavity of
bag 500. Some
chamber embodiments can be partially transparent, such as having transparent
walls or door
members 110, so a user may see whether or not the dirty diaper has
successfully dropped in
to the bag 500. As described earlier, one embodiment of this closed chamber
can provide a
temporary staging area for a dirty diaper, so that when a user opens the bag
500, the door
members 110 are already shut behind it, keeping malodorous gas contained
entirely within
the container assembly 10.
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While the word chamber is used in the claims and throughout this
specification, a
chamber is not limited to a space confined by structural walls and narrow
ingress and egress.
The contemplated top chamber can be merely a clearance space between the
topmost portion
of the container assembly and a closed entrance of the disposable bag 500. In
the illustrated
.. examples, the closed entrance can be where the neck of the bag 500 twists
shut. In other
contemplated examples, the disposable bag 500 does not twist, instead, the
closed entrance
can be where the neck of the bag 500 is mechanically folded shut, or clamped
shut. In more
mechanically or electrically complicated embodiments, the bag 500 does not
twist, and there
can be no rotating inner barrel, the closed entrance to the bag is another
door member or set
of door members that open and close independent of the top door members 110.
In such
embodiments, a waste material can enter pass top door members 110, and remains
in the
chamber region before the second set of door members open to let the waste
material fall into
the bag 500. In further embodiments, the bag simply hangs in the container,
with a clearance
space between top door members and a second set of door members, where the two
doors
(top set and the second set) are independently operated/ controlled. In
embodiments where a
twisting of the bag is not necessary, one may use a bucket (enclosed within
the container
assembly) or other type of enclosure, instead of a bag, to catch/hold waste
material.
In some embodiments, the contemplated waste container can hold waste materials
(e.g., dirty diapers) inside, and can have two separately operated/controlled
sets of
doors/entrances. And the waste material is allowed to stay in a staging area
between the two
doors/entrances, before allowing the waste material to drop further into the
container (which
may have a bag, or a bucket, any enclosure, or nothing to catch the waste).
One of ordinary
skill in the art would immediately recognize a number of different
mechanical/electrical/electromagnetic ways to accomplish this agenda.
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It should be noted that, conventionally it is considered unsightly to have a
trash can
with transparent door members, transparent top, or a transparent body.
Conventional wisdom
dictates that such transparent structure is undesirable because the idea of
having a trash can is
to place waste objects out of sight. As demonstrated in the many embodiments
disclosed
herein, the inventors have surprisingly discovered novel methods and
advantages in at least
some embodiments by making various parts of a waste container assembly 10
transparent.
In some embodiments, contemplated transparent top door members 110 can allow a
user to visually inspect the fullness of the bag 500 without risking
malodorous gas escaping.
Because door members 110 are transparent, the user may simply compress the
food pedal 350
and look down into the bag 500, while the top transparent door members 110
remain shut,
keeping malodorous gas in. All of this can be done without risking escaping
malodorous gas,
because the top chamber essentially acts as the barrier. Figures 6A and 6B
show the top 100
of the diaper pail. The top 100 is in a form of a lid, and its interior space
is essentially the top
chamber.
While the top 100 is shown in the form of a detachable lid, many other
contemplated
configurations are possible. For example, the top 100 can be made as an
integral part of outer
barrel, and the disposable bag 500 can be inserted/ removed through a much
larger top door
110. In another embodiment, the disposable bag 500 can be inserted/removed
through a side
door (through both the inner barrel and the outer barrel).
Referring now to Fig. 2 with respect to bag attachment mechanisms, Fig. 2
features at
least one bag attachment mechanism 215 in the inner barrel 210. In other
embodiments, there
are two bag attachment mechanisms 215 that may be located directly opposite
one another on
the inside of the inner barrel 210. In some embodiments, the disposable bag
500 has at least
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one receiver 505 to make detachable coupling to the at least one bag
attachment mechanism
215. In the depicted embodiment, the disposable bag 500 can detachably couple
to the inner
barrel 210 at the attachment mechanisms 215, while the top rim of the bag 500
can be
coupled to parts of the outer barrel casing 200. In some contemplated
embodiments, the
receiver 505 can be one of a hole, a sleeve, a tag, a strap, a tethering, a
loop, a reinforced
hole, and a reinforced tab. In Fig. 2, the two receivers on the bag 500 are
reinforced holes,
and the bag attachment mechanism 215 on the inner barrel 210 is two hooks. By
detachably
attaching the receiver 505 of the disposable bag 500 to the inner barrel 210,
the bag 500 can
rotate with the inner barrel 210 (while the top rim of the bag remains
stationary) in one
direction to an open formation, then rotate the bag 500 in another direction
to closed
formation (while the top rim of the bag remains stationary). In the
embodiments of Fig 2,
this can be done by compressing and releasing the foot pedal 350. Other
contemplated
attachment mechanisms 215 include a peg, or a clip. Also contemplated is where
the inner
barrel 210 uses mechanical structures such as clips, folds, tentacles,
protuberance, or any
surface material (even flat rubbery surface) to cause friction with the
disposable bag 500 to
grasp the bag 500, and the bag 500 is not required to have corresponding
structure. This way,
a user may use any typical garbage bag in the inner barrel 210, and the
contemplated inner
barrel can still twist the body of the bag 500 in relation to the top rim of
the bag 500.
Further depicted in Fig. 2 is another bag attachment mechanism, the purpose of
which
is to couple the top rim of the hag 500 to the outer barrel casing 200. In
this way, when the
body of bag 500 rotates along with inner barrel 210, the top rim of the bag
500 can remain
stationary along with the outer barrel casing 200. As shown in Fig. 2, this
top rim attachment
mechanism can be a frame assembly 400 disposed on top of the inner barrel 210.
Most
preferably, the frame assembly 400 is disposed above the inner barrel 210, but
does not have
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physical contact with the inner barrel 210. A top rim (open edge) of the bag
500 is removably
mounted onto the inner circumference of the frame assembly 400. The frame
assembly 400
is comprised of a roller base 420 and a bag frame 410. The bag frame 410 is
configured to
rotate or spin by hand, relative to the roller base 420. In the pictured
embodiment, a user may
pull out and hold protruding peg 45, and then manually move the protruding peg
45 in a
rotating direction to move the bag frame 410. Releasing peg 45 can lock the
peg 45 in
position when needed, especially after the top rim of the bag is rotated,
thereby twisting its
neck. Other embodiments do not feature the peg 45. The purpose of the peg 45
and the bag
frame 410 is for a user to "preload" the disposable bag 500 into a twisted-
closed formation.
In operation, to install a bag 500 a user would first remove or tilt open the
top 100 and the
frame assembly 400 from the container assembly 10. Now that the inner barrel
210 is
exposed, the user can place bag 500 into the inner barrel 210, and attach the
body of the bag
500 to bag attachment mechanism 215 on the inner barrel 210. After the bag is
secured to the
inner barrel 210, the user can next install the frame assembly 400 onto the
container assembly
10 (while the bag is entirely within the inner barrel 210). The user can next
reach his/her
hand through the center opening of the frame assembly 400, and pull the top
rim of the bag
500 through the center opening of the frame assembly 400. The idea is to next
fasten the top
rim of the bag 500 to the frame assembly by necessary means, and then manually
"preload"
the disposable bag 500 by twisting close its neck.
Still further contemplated embodiments feature a ridge on the bag frame 410 to
spin
relative to the roller base 420. In yet another contemplated embodiment, the
bag frame 410
features a space or opening to fit a finger or fingers to rotate the bag frame
410.
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Alternatively, the top rim bag attachment mechanism can also be simple
mechanical
means such as hooks, pegs, or clips, to grasp and fasten the top rim of bag
500 to a frame
assembly 400.
Figs. 3A and 3B depict a diaper pail 10 with its top 100 removed for better
illustration. From the depicted view, a contemplated embodiment of the frame
assembly 400
is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the frame assembly 400 can be positioned
above the
inner barrel 210 and along the inner circumference of the upper end of the
outer barrel casing
200. In Figs. 3A and 3B, a user had already reached through the center opening
of the frame
assembly 400, and pulled out the top rim 520 of the bag 500. Here, the top rim
520 of the
bag 500 happens to be a preformed collar 520 similar to Figs 12A and 12B. And
for easier
illustration, the bag assembly 500 in Figs. 3A and 3B are not fully shown;
only its collar 520
is shown. Or, alternatively, in Fig. 3B, the bag assembly 500 is shown having
a collar 520
and a transparent bag body portion. Because the bag body portion is
transparent, one may see
through it and see the internal wall of the inner barrel 210. An overview of
the various
embodiments of the bag assembly 500 can be seen in Figs. 10-15B. The user next
removably
mounts collar 520 along the inner circumference of the frame assembly 400,
more
specifically it is mounted on the bag frame 410. In contemplated embodiments,
the ring or
collar 520 is preformed with or coupled to the open end (top rim) of a
disposable bag 500 (as
shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A). Now the bag 500 is fixed in
position,
where its top rim is removably mounted onto the frame assembly and its body is
detachably
coupled to an attachment site of the inner barrel 210. Rotation of the inner
barrel 210 now
effectively twists the neck of the bag 500.
Fig. 3C is a perspective view of the diaper pail top 100 and the rest of the
diaper pail
10 of Fig. lA with a disposable bag collar 520 halfway pulled through the
center hole of the
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frame assembly 400. In Fig. 3C, for better illustration purposes the rest of
the bag 500 is not
shown, and only the collar 520 of the bag is shown. In operation the bag 500
can be always
attached to the collar 520. In other embodiments, the bag collar 520 can be
welded or
somehow permanently coupled to a disposable plastic bag 500 by the
manufacturer. Here in
Fig. 3C, the collar 520 can be sufficiently flexible so a user may squeeze it
or deform it into
an oval shape so the collar 520 can insert through the inner circumference of
the frame
assembly 400.
In another embodiment, the collar 520 can be individually provided without a
bag 500
permanently attached to it. In such embodiment, which looks like that shown in
Fig. 3C, the
.. collar 520 alone snaps in the rim of the center hole of the frame assembly,
thereby acting as a
first bag attachment. Basically, one can pull the open mouth of a conventional
garbage bag
from under the frame assembly 400 and through the center hole of the frame
assembly 400.
The user can then spread the mouth of the conventional garbage bag over the
frame assembly.
Next, the collar 520 by itself can be snapped and wedged onto the inner rim of
the center hole
.. of the frame assembly, sandwiching the mouth of the conventional garbage
bag in between.
Figs. 4 and 5 show an embodiment where the frame assembly 400 can be pivotably
coupled to the outer barrel casing 200. Here, the frame assembly 400 is
pivoted open. Fig. 5
shows a close-up view of the frame assembly 400 coupled to the outer barrel
casing 200 via a
hinge. In this embodiment, the frame assembly 400 can be coupled to the outer
barrel casing
.. 200 via a hinge such that the frame assembly 400 can be flipped open when
the disposable
bag is full and should be removed or replaced. In other embodiments, the frame
assembly 400
cannot be pivotably attached to the outer barrel casing 200, and can be
completely removed/
detached from the diaper pail 10 in order to change a disposable bag 500.
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Additionally, Fig. 5 further illustrates a close-up view of the bag attachment
mechanism 215 located on the inside of inner barrel 210. In the depicted
embodiment, the
attachment mechanism 215 can be a hook. Additionally, it should be appreciated
that there
can be additional attachment mechanisms including a peg or a clip, and those
contemplated
herein may be derived in numerous manners.
Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the exterior of the top 100. Fig. 6B is a
perspective
view of the interior of the top 100 with the top 100 flipped upside down. Top
100 can be
detachably fastened to the outer barrel casing 200 by conventional methods
such as being
screwed on, or snapped into corresponding groves on the top rim of the outer
barrel casing
.. 200. In the pictured embodiment, the top can have two pivoting transparent
door members
110, each being semi-circular in shape. In general, embodiments can have at
least one door
member110 coupled to the top 100. Also shown is a close-up of the two seals
130, each of
which is attached to the far ends of the two door members 110. When the two
door members
110 close, their flexible seals 130 overlap each other, making an airtight
seal. In one
embodiment, these seals 130 can be made of transparent material. Additionally,
each of the
door members 110 can be biased shut via a resilient piece 120. The resilient
piece 120 can be
coupled to the hinges and acts as a spring, yet resiliently allowing the doors
to pivot open
when a dirty diaper is dropped on the door members 110 based on gravitational
pull, thereby
providing a touch-free means to dispose the dirty diaper. As mentioned
previously, the
resilient piece 120 includes and is not restricted to a spring coil, silicone
or rubber piece. The
resilient piece 120 must have sufficient spring tension such that after the
door 110 opens, and
the dirty diaper passes through, the door 110 will automatically swing back to
its original
position (shut).
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Fig. 7A shows the assortment of the various parts in the diaper pail 10 of
Fig. 1A. Fig.
7B is an exploded view of all the assembly parts of the embodiment of Fig. 1A.
The exploded
view in Fig. 7B features a top 100 and its top door members 110. A bag collar
520 (which
can or cannot be permanently attached to a bag 500, not shown) and frame
assembly 400. The
frame assembly 400 can include a peg 45 which fits into a slot in the bag
frame 410, and the
bag frame 410 can rotate relative to the roller base 420. In the pictured
embodiment, the inner
barrel 210 can fit onto an inner barrel base 201. The base 300 can be
comprised of a rotatable
axle 309 (having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape), base cover 315, a base
part 320, a
bracing piece 360 and pedal 350. The inner barrel base 201 can have a
corresponding
hexagonal female end to couple to the rotatable axle 309 such that the inner
barrel 210 can be
driven by the rotation of the axle 309. In this embodiment, the outer barrel
casing 200 can be
transparent and can encase the circumference of the inner barrel 210.
Figs. 8A-8B depict close-up views of the internal components in the base 300.
In the
embodiment shown in Fig. 8A, the base part 320 can have the following parts: A
spring plug
27c is coupled to a spring 27a, and a transparent spring cover 27b encases
both the spring
plug 27c and spring cover 27b. A large gear 21b is fixed on the base part 320
and coupled to
a small gear 21a, which can be fixed on the base part 320. Turning of the
large gear 21b can
in turn rotate small gear 21a, which also turns the axle 309 which can be
attached and can sit
on top of the small gear 21a. Additionally there can be a roller 22 which can
act as a pulley.
A metal wire 24 is attaches at one end near the base of the metal lever 25,
and entrains about
roller 22, and then about big gear 21b, and then enters into spring cover 27b
and through the
center of spring 27a, and until its terminal end reaches the spring plug 27c.
This terminal end
is attached to the spring plug 27C. The spring 27a is fixed at its end near
gear 21B, and has a
biasing force pushing the spring plug 27C in an outward direction. As the
spring 27a pushes
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spring plug 27C outwardly, it pulls the metal wire taut. When a user steps on
the foot pedal
350, it in turn pressed down on the outside leg of the lever 25, causing the
inside leg of the
lever 25 to go up. Because this leg of the lever is in abutting contact with
the metal wire 24,
upward movement of this inside leg of the lever 25 also pulls on the metal
wire 25, against
the roller 22 to which the metal wire 24 is partially leveraged against. As
the metal wire 25
begins to pull against the force of the spring 27, the metal wire 25 moves,
lengthwise, away
from the spring 27a, thereby rotates the big gear 2 lb. Rotation of the big
gear 21b in turn
rotates small gear 21a and axle 309. Accordingly, the inner barrel 210 is
coupled to the axle
309; thus, the inner barrel 210 is driven by the axle 309. Fig. 8B depicts a
top view of the
embodiment as described above. The parts depicted are part of one embodiment
of the
mechanics behind the rotational mechanism of the presently claimed disclosure.
One of
ordinary skill in the art would immediately recognize that there are other
known rotational
mechanisms capable of turning the inner barrel 210.
Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembled base 300.
In one
embodiment, the main parts of the assembled base 300 as depicted include a
base cover 315,
base part 320, a pedal 350, and bracing piece 360. Protruding out of the
center of the base
cover 315 is axle 309. Fitted around the axle 309 is a ball bearing 310, to
make rotation of
the inner barrel 210 smoother. Along the upper rim of the base cover 315 is a
groove with
corresponding catches to receive the outer barrel 200. In that embodiment, the
outer barrel
200 fits into the groove and locks into place by rotating the outer barrel 200
clockwise.
The bracing piece 360 serves to provide sufficient leverage when compressing
the
pedal 350 so that the diaper pail 10 does not tip or tilt over. In other
embodiments, there is no
bracing piece 360.
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Figs 9B, 9C, and 9D are different views of the base 300 of Fig. 9A.
Referring now to Fig. 10 is a disposable bag 500 having a ring/collar 520
permanently
welded together with the bag 500. At the shoulder region are two
welded/reinforced circular
marks 505, the center of which is perforated, forming a through hole. The
through holes are
for attaching to corresponding bag attachment structures on the inner barrel
210.
Similar to Fig. 10, Fig 11 shows a disposable bag 500, the difference being it
has two
plastic sleeves 505 disposed on the shoulder region of the bag 500. The
sleeves are for
attaching the bag 500 to corresponding bag attachment structures on the inner
barrel 210.
Figure 12A shows a bag assembly 500 having a first type of collar 520, which
is
shown closer-up in Fig. 12B.
Figure 13A shows a bag assembly 500 having a second type of collar 520, which
is
shown closer-up in Fig. 13B.
Figure 14A shows a bag assembly 500 having a third type of collar 520, which
is
shown closer-up in Fig. 14B.
Figure 15A shows a bag assembly 500 having a fourth type of collar 520, which
is
shown closer-up in Fig. 15B.
While the above description in general describes certain embodiments where the
bag
assembly is twisted closed by using a rotating inner barrel and twists the bag
against the bag's
top rim, which is fixed. One skilled in the art would immediately recognize a
variety of ways
to implement the inventive subject matter without twisting the neck of a bag.
Referring now to Fig. 16, in a more generalized embodiment, a waste disposal
system
10 has an enclosure 3 to hold waste material 6. The enclosure 3 is within a
container
assembly 1. The enclosure 3 can be simply an empty space inside of the
container assembly
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1. In one embodiment, the enclosure 3 is a disposable bag. In another
embodiment, the
enclosure 3 is a bucket that fits inside of the container assembly 1.
The container assembly 1 can have a top door 4 having two door members, an
outer
casing coupled to the top door 4, and an actuator 5 to control an opening and
a closing of the
door members of the top door 4. This actuator 5 can be any known mechanical,
electrical, or
magnetic types of controller. It can be as simple as a rubber spring as
described above, or as
complicated as a motorized unit along with a motion sensor to sense a user
waving his/her
hand to signal the motorized unit to open the top door 4.
The container assembly has a staging area 2 to temporarily hold a waste
material for
reasons already described. In one embodiment, the staging area 2 is a
clearance space
between the top door and the entrance 2 to the enclosure. In another
embodiment, the staging
area 2 is an isolated chamber. In yet another embodiment, this clearance space
can have a
height of at least 5 cm.
There can be an entrance 8 to the enclosure 3, and the entrance 8 is
independently
controlled by actuator 7. An opening and closing of the entrance 8 can be
independent of the
opening and closing of top door 4. Operation of actuator 7 can be by a foot
pedal and a
rotating inner barrel as already described to twist shut the neck (i.e.,
entrance 8) of the bag. In
another embodiment, the actuator can involve a motorized unit that selectively
opens and
closes another set of doors (i.e., entrance 8) upon pressing of a button (or
stepping on a
button).
In yet another embodiment, a bag is used as an enclosure 3, and the bag does
not twist
within the container assembly. Instead, a neck of the bag is deformed by
mechanical arms to
essentially close its neck.
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For reasons already described, this waste disposal system 1 can have
transparent top
door members.
For reasons already described, the waste disposal system 1 can have a
transparent
outer casing and/or a transparent wall to the staging area 2.
The embodiments as disclosed and described above also serve as an important
tool in
child development and infant behavior development. It is known that vision may
be one of
the least developed senses at birth; therefore visual input during the early
months may have
the most profound effect on baby's development nervous system. While an adult
can
distinguish many different shades of light and color, a newborn retina can
only detect large
contrasts between dark and light, or black and white. As the baby grows, the
brain receives
input from all five senses, causing nerve cells to multiply and form
connection with other
nerve cells. Study has found that if a baby is kept blindfolded the visual
center in his brain
would never develop. Some of the best ways to stimulate a baby's vision is
using contrasting
colors and stripes. As described above, in one embodiment, the outer barrel
casing 200 is
transparent, allowing a user and the baby to see vibrant rotating colorful
stripes disposed on
the inner barrel 210. This powerful visual stimulant occurs together with a
diaper changing
event. Overtime, the visually enticing diaper pail not only stimulates a
baby's visual center
in his/her brain, it also changes infant behavior by associating diaper
changing with such
visually fascinating spectacle, acting as a positive reinforcement. Up until
now, for infants
and toddlers, diaper changing has always been associated with negative
feelings.
In the case of toddlers, they are grown enough to be able to look down through
the top
transparent doors 110 of the diaper pail 10, and see the dirty diaper being
swallowed up by
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the untwisting of the bag 500 (i.e., a fascinating event to watch). This is,
too, acts as a
positive reinforcement in infant and toddler behavior development.
While the inner barrel 210 is shown in the figures as having vertical stripes,
also
contemplated are visually enticing graphics on the exterior of the inner
barrel 210, for
example, contrasting colors of other geometric shapes, and cartoon characters.
Further contemplated embodiments of the contemplated waste disposal system are
illustrated in Figs. 17 through 27C. Figs. 17-27C and the description below
illustrate
additional structures that may be used in conjunction with any embodiment of
the herein
disclosed waste disposal systems. Further, any such additional structures or
designs disclosed
below may be implemented alone or in combination with any other such
additional structures
or designs.
Fig. 17 shows a waste disposal system with a container assembly which
comprises a
base 300, an outer casing 200, an inner barrel 210 having an inner volume and
where the
inner barrel is inside the outer casing. Fig. 17 also shows a transparent top
chamber 123
which can have two door members 119 disposed at the top of the chamber 123.
The disposal
system can also include a guiding structure 111 where the guiding structure
has a downward
sloping wall 116 on the top side, and where the downward sloping surface has a
lower rim
defining a through hole 113 (see Fig. 18).
In Fig. 17, the container assembly is shown having a base 300 with a pedal 350
and a
bracing piece 360 protruding out of the base 300. In the depicted embodiment,
the outer
barrel casing 200 can be transparent or translucent, and the inner barrel
casing 210 can be
seen through the transparent or translucent outer barrel casing 200, as the
inner barrel casing
210 rotates. Yet other contemplated embodiments can feature a partly opaque
outer barrel
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casing 200. Yet another contemplated embodiment can feature a completely
opaque outer
barrel casing 200. In other embodiments, the top chamber 123 can have at least
one door
member 119. One of ordinary skill in the art would immediately appreciate that
this door
member 119 can or cannot be a pivoting type. Other types of door members as
discussed
above are also contemplated.
In the depicted embodiment of Fig. 18, the interior space of the top chamber
123 can
be isolated from the rest of the container and from the bottom barrel 210. In
other
embodiments, the interior space of the top chamber 123 can be isolated from
the ambient
environment. This isolated top chamber 123 can act as an additional insulation
layer ensuring
that the waste remains trapped within a bag or bottom of the pail and wherein
the escape of
odors to the outside environment is minimized. The top chamber can have a
solid,
transparent, semi-transparent, striped or multilayered casing.
In one embodiment, the top chamber 123 has a transparent or translucent casing
through which the user can see a guiding structure 111 disposed within the top
chamber 123.
.. The guiding structure with downward sloping wall 116 helps guide objects
and waste through
the through hole 113 and into the enclosure 500.
In one particular embodiment, the downwardly sloping wall 116 guides a falling
object towards the center vertical axis. In other words, when an object falls
onto the
downward sloping wall 116, the object can bounce or fall back away from the
peripheral of
the top chamber 123.
As discussed above and elsewhere in this specification, the guiding structure
111 can
having guiding walls that may form a funnel shape, a donut shape, cylindrical,
a cone, or any
other polygonal or structure where the guiding walls facilitate the passage of
objects
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downward and inwardly in a centering fashion. The guiding structure 111 may
also comprise
a downward sloping wall 116 wherein the downward sloping wall 116 has a lower
rim 112
defining a hole 113 for passage of objects and waste.
As will be described in more details later, the guiding structure 111 can have
various
constructions. It should be particularly noted that contemplated guiding
structure 111 can or
cannot have a continuous circular downward sloping wall 116 as shown in Figs
17 and 18.
Contemplated sloping wall 116 can be any physical structure or plurality of
structures that
can achieve the goal of directing a falling object to fall towards the center
vertical axis. For
example, the sloping wall 116 can be a sloping mesh, or a plurality of sloping
blades,
In some embodiments, two pivoting door members 119 can be pivotably attached
at
the top of the top chamber 123 as illustrated in Fig. 18. When biased closed,
these two door
members 119 together can have a concave shape and can have a center which is
lower than
the peripheral edges of the two combined door members 119. Optionally, the two
door
members 119 together can have a bowl shape when they are closed, the center of
the bowl
being the lowest point.
As mentioned, the door members 119 can form a parabolic shape or a concave
shape
such that when the user places an object on top of the door members 119, the
object can slide
down the concave shaped surfaces and towards the center vertical axis.
Effectively, the
parabolic shape of the door members 119 can guide the object to fall towards
the vertical
centering axis and the object can then be centered as it passes through the
isolated top
chamber 123.
The pivoting door members 119 can be biased to return to a closed position
after an
object has passed through the pivoting door members 119. In some embodiments,
the
32
pivoting door members 119 can separate from each other and pivot open in a
downward
direction when an object is placed on top of the pivoting door members 119. In
some
embodiments, the top of the top chamber 123 can comprise pivoting door members
119 that
form an open funnel in a downward direction when the two pivoting members are
in an open
position. The pivoting door members 119 together can also be form the shape of
a cone, or a
polygonal cone shape that helps guide the waste downwardly towards the
vertical centering
axis.
Fig. 19 depicts a diaper pail with its top chamber 123 removed for better
illustration.
In the depicted embodiment, the container assembly can have the top chamber
123
completely removed.
Fig. 20 shows the assoi __ anent of the various parts in the diaper pail of
Fig. 17. The
exploded view features a top chamber 123, pivoting door members 119, and a top
chamber
casing 125. Shown separately is the guiding structure 111 which can have a
cover and a base
support (as shown in Figs. 23-24).
In certain embodiments as depicted in Figs. 20 through 25, the guiding
structure 111
can comprise perforations 114 anywhere on the guiding structure 111, or on the
downward
sloping wall 116 of the guiding structure 111. These perforations can allow
air passage into
and out of the hollow interior space (see Fig. 25 for hollow interior space
117) of the guiding
structure 111. In certain embodiments where the guiding structure 111 is a
hollow structure,
its hollow interior (see Fig. 25 for hollow interior space 117) can contain
deodorizing
elements such as activated charcoal, deodorizing liquid holders or pouches
with deodorizing
elements to neutralize the odor within the top chamber 123. Instead of a
deodorizing
element, it can also be a scented element and or a sanitizing element. In some
embodiments,
33
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-10-01
the deodorizing element can be attached to the outer surface of the guiding
structure 111 or to
the interior wall of the top chamber 123.
In certain embodiments, the guiding structure 111 can be snapped on, twisted
onto or
screwed onto either the container assembly, the bag frame 410, the bag frame
base 420, or to
the top chamber 123. In other embodiments, the guiding structure 111 can be an
integral
part of any of the container assembly, the bag frame 410, the bag frame base
420, or the top
chamber 123.
Figs. 21 through 25 show various embodiments and views of the guiding
structure
111. Fig. 22 shows a side view of guiding structure 111. The guiding structure
111 can be
made out of one part or made out of two parts or more parts including a base
support, a cover,
and a chamber to insert deodorizing or other sanitizing elements. Fig. 23
shows the base
support of a guiding structure with locking holes 126 to lock onto any
corresponding
structures (e.g., posts) on the bag frame 410 or on the bag frame base 420.
In some embodiments as shown in Fig. 25, contemplated guiding structure base
support 115 (as also shown in Fig. 23) and guiding structure wall 116 (as also
shown in Fig.
24) can be attachable to each other. In other embodiments, the guiding
structure 111 can be
one single structure with only one integral element where the single structure
can have
perforations to allow for air passage and can have pockets and doors to allow
the user to
insert deodorizing packets into the inside of the guiding structure 111. The
guiding structure
111 can also be one solid element with no perforations 114 or locking holes
126. The guiding
structure can also comprise a plurality of elements that all attach together
to form a single
guiding structure.
34
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-10-01
Fig. 26 illustrates the spatial relationships of guiding structure 111 within
the top
chamber 123.
Figs. 27A through 27C show compai __ intents with lids 127 that can be opened
and
through which the user can insert a variety or combination of deodorizing or
sanitizing
elements (not shown). Fig. 27A shows the base support 115 with lids 127
closed. Fig. 27B
and C show one open lid 127 and one closed lid 127. These compai _______
intents can be located at
the bottom of the guiding structure of can be located along the edges, inner
rim or top of the
structure.
Figs. 28 and 29 show the top door members 119 that can be attached to the top
opening of the top chamber 123 as discussed previously. In this one
embodiment, the
pivoting door members 119 can be attached to the top chamber via hinges. As
discussed
previously, the door members can form a concave shape. Figs. 30 and 31
illustrate how the
pivoting door members 119 open downwardly and wherein the parabolic shape
facilitates the
object to fall towards the center vertical axis. Particular attention should
be drawn to the
middle figure of Fig. 31. As an object (not shown) causes the door members 119
to begin
pivoting downwardly due to the gravitational pull on the object, the curvature
of the parabolic
shape guides the object towards the center of the parabolic shape. In effect,
the object is
guided to fall towards the center vertical axis of the waste disposal system.
Fig. 32 shows a bottom perspective view of a top chamber 123 with a guiding
chute
118 disposed inside of the top chamber 123. The chute 118 depicted here is a
cylindrical
object the walls of which help objects slide down and maintain within a
reasonably centering
position along a vertical centering axis of the waste disposal system. The
chute 118 can be
cylindrical as depicted in Figs. 32 through 36 or triangular, polygonal,
funnel shape, conical,
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frusto-conical, or any other shape that can help guide a falling object down
the top chamber
123 in a centering fashion as described. In some embodiments, the chute 118
can be a circular
solid wall, but it can also it can be straight, polygonal, with thick hollowed
or solid walls.
The chute can have perforations; it can extend through the entire container
assembly or be
only a section of the top chamber. In other words, various heights or lengths
of the chute 118
are contemplated. In some embodiments, the chute can be attached to the top
chamber 123, or
attached to the bag frame 410 or the bag frame base 420. The chute 118 can
also be fixed to
the waste disposal system or detachably attached to the assembly. In some
embodiments, the
chute can be snapped on, twisted into or screwed into the assembly.
Thus, specific embodiments and applications of system and apparatus for waste
disposal and changing infant-toddler behavior have been disclosed. It should
be apparent,
however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides
those already
described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein.
The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims.
Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms
should be
interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to
elements,
components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced
elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other
elements,
.. components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Insubstantial
changes from the
claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art,
now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalent within the scope
of the claims.
Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill
in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to
be understood
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to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptually
equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially
incorporates the
essential idea of the disclosure. In addition, where the specification and
claims refer to at
least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and
N, the text
should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus
N, or B plus
N, etc.
37
