Refuse disposal apparatus and methods of using same

Abstract

An apparatus that can be used for packaging refuse, such as soiled diapers, for disposal or items, such as food and medicine, for storage can comprise a receptacle having an upper open end, a cover connected proximate the upper end of the receptacle, and a rotatable tube mounted on a pair of bosses carried by the receptacle. The rotatable tube can carry a roll of linearly attached disposable bags for receiving refuse and the like. Sealing means can be provided for sealing at least one of the disposable bags after receiving refuse or other item to be packaged. A suction motor can be provided in communication with the disposable bags to vacuum air out of the disposable bag. A cutting assembly can be connected to the cover for cutting the disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags.

1 . An apparatus for packaging objects, comprising:
 (a) a plurality of linearly attached disposable bags, wherein a first one of the disposable bags is positioned to receive a first object;   (b) vacuum means for vacuuming air from the first disposable bag after receiving the first object;   (c) sealing means for sealing the first disposable bag after receiving the first object; and   (d) a cutting assembly adapted for cutting the first disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags after receiving the object, and whereby a second disposable bag is positioned to receive a second object.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is adapted for packaging malodorous refuse for disposal of said refuse. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of disposable bags are adapted for containing soiled diapers. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is adapted for packaging perishable items for storage of said items. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of disposable bags are adapted for containing one or more selected from the group consisting of food and medication. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of disposable bags are rolled on a tube, whereby the first bag is pulled down from the tube into position to receive the first object. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus according to  claim 6 , wherein the second bag is pulled down from the tube into position to receive the second object after the first bag has been cut from the plurality of disposable bags rolled on the tube by the cutting assembly. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the vacuum means comprises a suction motor in communication with the plurality of disposable bags. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the sealing means comprises a heat sealing module operatively connected to the plurality of disposable bags. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cutting assembly comprises a slide cutter handle, and a cutting wheel operatively connected to the plurality of disposable bags. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for disposing refuse comprising:
 (a) a receptacle having an upper open end for receiving refuse;   (b) a cover connected proximate the upper end of the receptacle;   (c) a rotatable tube mounted on a pair of bosses carried by the receptacle for carrying a roll of linearly attached disposable bags for receiving refuse;   (d) sealing means for sealing at least one of the disposable bags after receiving refuse;   (e) a suction motor in communication with the disposable bags adapted for vacuuming air out of the at least one disposable bag after receiving refuse; and   (f) a cutting assembly connected to the cover for cutting the at least one disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags.   
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of linearly attached disposable bags adapted for containing soiled diapers, and rolled onto the rotatable tube, wherein a first one of the disposable bags is pulled downward to hang within the interior of the receptacle whereby a first soiled diaper can be positioned within said first bag. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 12 , the suction motor vacuums air out of the first bag containing the soiled diaper, and the sealing means seals said first bag containing. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the cutting assembly cuts the first bag from the plurality of linearly attached bags after the first bag has been vacuumed and sealed, whereby the first bag drops into the receptacle and a second one of the plurality of disposable bags can be pulled downward to hang within the interior of the receptacle to receive a second soiled diaper. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the sealing means comprises a heat sealing module connected to the cover. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the cover is pivotally connected to the receptacle, and further comprising a transparent window formed in the cover. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the cutting assembly comprises a cutting wheel axially positioned within a slide cutter handle, and the slide cutter handle is positioned within a linear track formed in the cover. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , further comprising a retaining rim mounted on the upper open end of the receptacle for maintaining a trash bag in an upright and open position within the receptacle. 
     
     
         19 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 (a) an air conduit positioned in the receptacle and in communication with the disposable bags and the suction motor;   (b) an air filter in communication with the air conduit, whereby air vacuumed from the at least one disposable bag flows through the filter; and   (c) an air removal activation button pivotally mounted on the cover and operatively connected to the suction motor whereby pressing the activation button activates the suction motor.   
     
     
         20 . A method for disposing of a soiled diaper comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a plurality of linearly attached disposable bags, wherein a first one of the disposable bags is positioned to receive a soiled diaper;   (b) depositing the soiled diaper in the first disposable bag;   (c) vacuuming air from the first disposable bag containing the soiled diaper;   (d) sealing the first disposable bag containing the soiled diaper; and   (e) detaching the first disposable bag from the plurality of linearly attached disposable bags.