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US 7,500,339 B2Granted
Integrated cutting tool for waste disposal method and apparatus
AssigneePlaytex Products, Inc.
InventorsRosemary Knuth, John Rousso, Richard Chomik, John Cichello, David Hayes, Mark Yoho, Jim Simer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.
Claims21
A waste storage device comprising:
- a container defining a waste bin and an opening that provides access to the waste bin;
- a collar mounted on the container adjacent the opening, the collar including a body with a flange extending therefrom that is circumferentially configured for holding a film cassette above the waste bin, wherein the body encloses less than all of the opening to the waste bin so that waste material can be passed through the opening and into the waste bin, the film cassette being positionable on the flange, the film cassette having a rim defining an open core, wherein a tubular film is dispensed from the rim;
- and
- a lid hingedly mounted to the collar, a first device mounted in the lid for selectively sealing the tubular film for forming a waste packet that is dispensed from the film cassette;
- and a second device mounted in the lid operably connected to the first device for cutting the waste packet from the tubular film.
2 more elements
A waste storage device comprising:
- a receptacle body;
- a collar;
- a lid;
- a storage film cassette adapted to be positioned in the receptacle body, wherein the storage film cassette has a continuous length of storage film therein;
- a cutting device;
- a film sealing device;
- a handle operably connected to the lid, wherein operation of the handle engages the cutting device and the film sealing device to move and seal the storage film extending from the storage film cassette;
- a button operably connected to the lid, wherein actuation of the button disengages the sealing device from movement and exposes the cutting device to the storage film in a stationary state;
- and
- a blade affixed to the cutting device, wherein the operation of the handle moves the blade with respect to the storage film to sever the storage film from the storage film cassette when the button is actuated.
7 more elements
A method for disposing waste material from a waste disposal apparatus, comprising:
- providing a lid having a sealing device and a cutting device therein, the sealing device being operable by a movable handle, and the cutting device being operable by a button;
- providing a length of tubing having a first sealed portion of the tubing at a location along a length thereof and an open end of the tubing;
- inserting waste material, with the lid open, through the open end of the tubing until it contacts the first sealed portion of the tubing;
- closing the lid;
- operating the movable handle to move the sealing device and the cutting device simultaneously to only move and seal the open end of the tubing to form a waste packet;
- actuating the button to disengage the sealing device;
- and
- operating the handle to move the cutting device only to cut the waste packet only.
5 more elements
A waste storage device comprising:
- a container defining a waste bin and an opening that provides access to the waste bin;
- a collar mounted on the container adjacent the opening, the collar including a body with a flange extending therefrom that is circumferentially configured for holding a film cassette above the waste bin, the film cassette having a rim defining an open core, wherein a tubular film is dispensed from the rim;
- and
- a lid hingedly mounted to the collar, a first device mounted in the lid for selectively sealing the tubular film for forming a waste packet that is dispensed from the film cassette;
- and a second device mounted in the lid operably connected to the first device for cutting the waste packet from the tubular film.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.