Waste storage device

Abstract

A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container includes a waste storage container that has a body, a lid and a cartridge adapted to be positioned in the body. The cartridge has a continuous length of storage film therein. The storage film emanates through a gap between a rim and a core tube of the cartridge and is folded down through a core opening in the core tube into an interior space of the body of the waste storage container. The sealing mechanism includes an actuator accessible from outside the body, a gear assembly operably connected to the actuator, a retaining assembly that holds stationary a dispensed portion of the storage film in the interior space of the body during a twist-closure operation, and a plunger operably connected to the gear assembly

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A waste disposal device, comprising:
 a cartridge having a bottom rim, said cartridge defining a central opening through which a length of flexible film for receiving waste inside said waste disposal device can pass; and   a container, comprising:
 a body having bottom wall and a side wall connected to said bottom wall, the bottom wall and side wall at least partially defining an inner volume, said container having an head compartment in the upper portion of said body that is connectable to a lower portion defining said inner volume, said inner volume defining a storage compartment, said body having a front portion and a rear portion; 
 a lid coupled to said body at said rear portion, said lid operatively connected to said body about a lid hinge to permit rotation of said lid with respect to said body, said lid having a diameter substantially the same size as said upper portion of said body to provide sealing engagement when said lid is in a closed configuration;
 a retention ledge positioned above said cassette; 
 
 a flange positioned in said upper portion on which said bottom rim rests, said flange defining a central hole, said flange having a flange wall extending substantially vertically from said flange, wherein said flange wall provides support for said cartridge to prevent it from moving in a horizontal direction; and 
 a mechanical sealing mechanism that forms a seal along said flexible film; 
 a cutting means located below said cartridge, said cutting means facilitating the cutting said flexible film such that stored waste within said storage chamber can be disposed of; 
   wherein said head compartment comprises a cassette compartment for holding said cassette,   wherein said mechanical sealing mechanism is located within the head compartment below said cassette,   wherein said lid in an open position exposes said central opening for depositing waste.   
     
     
         2 . The waste disposal device of  claim 1 , wherein said lid hinge is operably connected to said sealing mechanism enabling said lid to be rotated between said open configuration and a closed configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The waste disposal device of  claim 1 , further comprising a clutch assembly located in the upper portion of said body, said clutch assembly is a one-way clutch such that said sealing mechanism remains substantially static and said seal is maintained. 
     
     
         4 . The waste disposal device of  claim 3 , wherein said sealing mechanism is located proximal to said clutch assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The waste disposal device of  claim 3 , wherein said waste disposal device further comprises a rack gear operably connected to said clutch assembly such that movement of said rack gear in a first direction causes said clutch assembly to rotate in a first rotational direction, wherein said clutch assembly causes said sealing mechanism to form a seal after a waste package has passed by said sealing mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The waste disposal device of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible film is rotatable to twist said flexible film. 
     
     
         7 . The waste disposal device of  claim 1 , wherein said sealing mechanism is a diaphragm. 
     
     
         8 . The waste disposal device of  claim 1 , wherein said lid compartment is attachable to said lower portion by a latch. 
     
     
         9 . The waste disposal device of  claim 1 , further comprising a latch mechanism that engages said lid to retain said lid in a closed position. 
     
     
         10 . A waste disposal device, comprising:
 a cartridge having a bottom rim, said cartridge defining a central opening through which a length of flexible film for receiving waste inside said waste disposal device can pass; and   a container, comprising:
 a body having bottom wall and a side wall connected to said bottom wall, the bottom wall and side wall at least partially defining an inner volume, said container having an upper portion and a lower portion defining said inner volume, said inner volume defining a storage compartment, said body having a front portion and a rear portion; 
 an access door pivotally connected to said side wall, said access door having a secure mechanism for engaging and disengaging with said side wall for easy access and emptying of said storage compartment; 
 a lid coupled to said body at said rear portion, said lid operatively connected to said body about a lid hinge to permit rotation of said lid with respect to said body, said lid having a diameter substantially the same size as said upper portion of said body to provide sealing engagement when said lid is in a closed configuration;
 a retention ledge positioned above said cassette; 
 
 a flange positioned in said upper portion on which said bottom rim rests, said flange defining a central hole, said flange having a flange wall extending substantially vertically from said flange, wherein said flange wall provides support for said cartridge to prevent it from moving in a horizontal direction; and 
 a mechanical sealing mechanism that forms a seal along said flexible film; 
 a cutting means located below said cartridge, said cutting means facilitating the cutting of said flexible film such that stored waste within said storage chamber can be disposed of; 
   wherein said lid hinge comprises a lid tongue and a lid slot, said lid slot forming a u-shaped channel holding said lid tongue such that said lid rotates about said lid hinge,   wherein said lid in an open position exposes said central opening for depositing waste.   
     
     
         11 . The waste disposal device of  claim 10 , wherein said lid hinge is operably connected to said sealing mechanism enabling said lid to be rotated between said open configuration and a closed configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The waste disposal device of  claim 10 , further comprising a clutch assembly located in the upper portion of said body, said clutch assembly is a one-way clutch such that said sealing mechanism remains substantially static and said seal is maintained. 
     
     
         13 . The waste disposal device of  claim 12 , wherein said sealing mechanism is located proximal to said clutch assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The waste disposal device of  claim 12 , wherein said waste disposal device further comprises a rack gear operably connected to said clutch assembly such that movement of said rack gear in a first direction causes said clutch assembly to rotate in a first rotational direction, wherein said clutch assembly causes said sealing mechanism to form a seal after a waste package has passed by said sealing mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The waste disposal device of  claim 10 , wherein said flexible film is rotatable to twist said flexible film. 
     
     
         16 . The waste disposal device of  claim 10 , wherein said sealing mechanism is a diaphragm. 
     
     
         17 . The waste disposal device of  claim 10 , further comprising a latch mechanism that engages said lid to retain said lid in a closed position.