WO2006008498A2

WO2006008498A2 - A sanitary disposal device

Info

Publication number: WO2006008498A2
Application number: PCT/GB2005/002809
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie Bridges
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-16
Filing date: 2005-07-18
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 2007-01-16
Also published as: GB0415910D0; WO2006008498A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sanitary disposal device, more particularly, for the disposal of items such as used condoms. The sanitary disposal device (20) comprises a housing unit (22) and a dispensing means (24) within the housing unit (22) that dispenses new containers for use by a user. The containers are liquid-impermeable and are sealed, for example with a used condom therein. Sealed containers are then stored (1) within the housing unit (22) for subsequent collection and disposal.

Description

A sanitary disposal device and related system

Background

The present invention relates to a sanitary disposal device and related system. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a sanitary disposal device and related system for the disposal of items such as used condoms and/or tampons.

It is increasingly recognised that owing to the possible presence of infective agents, disposal of body fluids and materials that have come into contact with them needs to be closely regulated. Additionally there are major health and safety issues for third parties, for example cleaning staff in hotels, who risk coming into contact with them. This is well recognised in the healthcare sector, but such issues also arise in other sectors where staff might have to clean or dispose of potentially contaminated surfaces or materials, such as in the hospitality industry. Also, individuals are becoming increasingly conscious of safety and hygiene in their private life - in an age where a benefit of condoms is 'safe sex' - people recognise that body fluids, which they may come into contact with or, in the case of used condoms or tissues dispose of, may be hazardous.

For these reasons it would be advantageous to provide a device that permits safe disposal of body fluids and contaminated materials. Ideally the device is convenient in size and can be readily positioned for convenience, to maximise its usage, and designed so that its use is easy and safe for staff disposing of its contents.

Prior Art

Devices for safe disposal of contaminated waste are known in the art. Examples are sanitary disposal units designed for use in toilets and contaminated waste bins as used in hospitals. Neither of these is adapted for use or positioning in, for example, a hotel bedroom, bathroom or private bedroom. Additionally, the contaminated material is often placed in direct contact with a surface of the disposal unit that may then itself become contaminated.

It is also recognised that a readily available supply of condoms is necessary to promote 'safe sex' practices. At present these are available in dispensing machines located primarily in the toilets of public buildings. In a hotel setting, this is not necessarily the best location and a supply of condoms discreetly available in individual rooms could act to promote their use.

It would be advantageous to provide a readily accessible supply of individual disposal containers that can be used with the disposal unit to prevent this and overcome the aforementioned problems.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sanitary disposal device adapted, for example, for use in a hotel or private room that provides means for safe disposal of body fluids and materials contaminated with them.

According to another aspect of the invention a sanitary disposal device comprises: a housing unit adapted for use in a room setting, the unit being capable of receiving, in use, a supply of one or more liquid-impermeable containers; a dispensing means within the housing unit to hold and dispense the containers for use by a user; sealing means for sealing the containers after use; storage means within the housing unit that stores the used containers. The fact that the disposal device has sealing means integral with the containers or within the housing unit, for sealing the containers after use, means that it is safe for sanitary handling by staff without the need for protective clothing or gloves.

Preferably the liquid-impermeable containers are synthetic plastic bags or plastic-coated envelopes, sachets or boxes and are adapted to be permanently hermetically sealed.

Optionally a dispensing means, for dispensing for example condoms or tampons or other materials such as tissues, can be incorporated into the housing of the device.

Advantageously the device is adapted for a hotel room, preferably in the same location and/or housing as the disposal device mentioned above. The benefits from this will be firstly: the promotion of safe sex, but more importantly from the proprietor's viewpoint, the more likely use of a condom, so reducing possible issues of staff handing contaminated bedding, and also to act as encouragement to use the disposal facilities.

Device in the prior art is not suitable to fulfil the various functions of the disposal device. Known disposal devices are not intended to provide a hermetic seal on each occasion when the device is used. They do not include a supply means for disposing sealable containers. Furthermore they cannot be used in a hotel room or similar location.

Known device for dispensing bags, towels or tampons do not comprise disposal facilities and are not designed for hygienic disposal of bags, towels, tampons or containers. The various components of the device might take different forms in alternative embodiments.

The containers might take different forms according to various embodiments of the invention.

In a first preferred embodiment the containers are plastic bags, for example presented on a roll which allows the user to tear one off, insert the item for disposal, seal the bag and place it in the disposal means. The seal means is preferably associated with the bag, such as a twist tie or an adhesive seal, but might instead be associated with the dispensing unit, such as an applicator for adhesive tape around the neck of the bag or a heat sealing unit.

Sealing means associated with the unit might be actuated by the disposal unit in response to the container being placed in it, or might be actuated by the user.

In a second preferred embodiment the containers are in the form of envelopes, or boxes (for example stored folded and flat, though they might be of any form including tubular) presented for example as a folded stack, mounted in roll-form on a carrier material, or simply available in a dispensing location for the user to take one. In this embodiment the sealing means is preferably associated with the envelope or box, such as a sealing flap or strip.

The materials for the containers are chosen so that they are tear resistant, watertight and with seal means (e.g. adhesive) that cannot be undone once the seal has been made. The containers are designed and decorated so as to suit the environment in which they are to be used. The invention is not limited to any one design or form.

The dispensing means is adapted to suit the containers and in preferred embodiments presents the containers one at a time to the user, though according to the container that is used, in some embodiments a number of containers might be presented simultaneously and the user might exercise choice over which one to take. The dispensing means contains a supply of containers and means to present them.

In a preferred embodiment in which the containers are plastic bags, the dispensing means is preferably a mounting system for bags on a roll, comprising a spindle for mounting the roll, an opening through which the end of the roll appeals and means to tear the bag from the roll. Optionally means is provided to regulate the rotation of the roll so as to enable one bag at a time to be removed. In preferred embodiments the housing unit is designed to give access to the roll for replacement by means of an opening door or flap and a demountable spindle.

In a further preferred embodiment in which the containers are envelopes or boxes folded flat, the dispensing means comprises a stack which is arranged to give access to only the container at the end of the stack. In a preferred embodiment the access end of the stack is at the top, the stack being placed on a spring driven base that acts to move the stack upwards as containers are removed from it. In alternative embodiments the access end of the stack is the base, with gravity lowering the stack as containers are removed. In both cases the containers are preferably interleaved in the stack so that the act of removing the end one draws the next into position. Such interleaving arrangements are well known in the art, for example in tissue, paper towel or toilet paper stacks. The disposal means preferably acts so that once a container is disposed of within the unit it cannot be removed by the user. The disposal means comprises an opening into a storage bin inside the unit, the opening optionally being covered with a flap, the bin being accessible for emptying.

In preferred embodiments the bin holds a secondary container that can be sealed and disposed of without the need to touch the containers within it. This is useful in cases where the outside of the containers themselves might have come into contact with body fluids, for example from the user's hands. Sealing means for the secondary container might be associated with the container, such as a twist tie or adhesive strip, or might be associated with the disposal unit, for example, adhesive tape closure or heat sealing means.

Dispensing means for other items, primarily condoms, but which might also comprise tampons, tissues etc., are included in the housing unit in preferred embodiments. The dispensing means advantageously comprises a stack system as for the disposal containers. This dispensing means might include a mechanism for coin or other form of payment.

In further embodiments the means of dispensing the containers and the disposal means to hold used containers might be closely integrated together or part of the same subcomponent of the device. In another preferred embodiment the act of disposing of a used container, for example by operating a drawer or lid, causes a new container to be dispensed. In other embodiments the dispensing means and disposal means might be separate and in different locations within the housing unit. The containers might be presented as separate closable items with one opening or open end; or as containment material in tubular form, in which seals are made when an item is disposed of thus subdividing the tube sequentially into segments Qoined in a strip or separate) each containing an item; or as a continuous sheet of containment material such as plastic film which is wrapped around the item or material to effect a seal or closure in the manner of wrapping food or luggage. The device may have other features to make it suitable for, or more readily useable in, specific locations:

Lighting might be included to make the device visible in a dark room, or to illuminate the room. Features within the device might be lit specifically, for example dispensing and disposal locations. The lighting might be controlled for example by a touch-sensitive surface, presence detector in the room, or ambient light level as well as a conventional switch.

The device might comprise deodorant means for prevention of odour either inside or surrounding the device. This might comprise slow release means that allow slow permeation of material, or active devices that release material at given times. The device might comprise disinfection means to protect the interior of the device, for example either slow-release or active as above.

A system may be provided for remotely opening, emptying and replacing sealable containers in the device. Such a system would permit the collection of devices, for example from hotel rooms or the like and enable them to be processed (opened, emptied, sterilised and replenished) at a remote facility.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the figures in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatical representation of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2a shows an overall view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2b is a section through Figure 2a;

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show plan, elevation and sectional view through another embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c shows plan, elevation and sectional view through another embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 5a to 5e show diagrammaticaily stages of sealing containers after they have received items to be disposed;

Figures 6a to 6d show overall views of an alternative embodiment of the container;

Figures 6e and 6f show overall views of a further embodiment;

Figure 6g is an elevation view of the embodiment shown in 6e and 6f

Figure 7a is an overall view of a further embodiment of the invention in the form of a shell;

Figure 7b is a side elevation with the shell closed, and

Figure 7c is a side elevation with the shell open;

Figure 7d is a diagrammatical overall view with the shell open; and Figure 7e shows hidden detail within the shell.

Figure 8a shows an alternative embodiment of the device with an integral light;

Figure 8b is an overall diagrammatical view of the device with the light switched on;

Figure 8c is a side elevation showing how the light is switched on when a cover is opened;

Figure 8d is an overall view of a reservoir for receiving new used condoms and/or storing sealable bags;

Figures 9 and 10 show overall views of 2 different embodiments of the invention having an integral clock;

Figure 9a is an overall view with the cover lifted;

Figure 9b shows the direction of the cover;

Figure 9c is an overall view showing the face of the clock when the cover is closed;

Figure 9d is a side elevation;

Figure 10a is an overall view with the cover lifted; Figure 10b shows a sealable bag reservoir supported within the housing of the device;

Figure 10c is an overall view showing the face of a clock and

Figure 10d is a side elevation showing the cover supporting the clock face closed; and

Figures 11 and 12 show further embodiments in which Figure 11 has an integral perfume dispenser or fragrance dispenser and Figure 12 has a slidable cover under which space is provided for receiving unused condoms.

Description of preferred embodiments

Referring to the Figures, Figure 1 shows a sanitary disposal device 10 having a top 12 and base 14. the top 12 is pivoted to the base 14 by way of a hinge 16.

Figure 2a shows an overall view of a second embodiment of a device 20, intended to stand on a floor or to be built into furniture. The device 20 comprises a housing 22 in which are located a container dispenser 24 with a dispensing opening 26, a disposal means 28 and disposal opening 30, and a condom dispenser 32 and condom dispensing opening 34. The components occupying regions of the housing are shown approximately by dotted lines. An optional payment mechanism 36 for the condom dispenser may be provided.

Figure 2b shows a cross section of the device of figure 2a with a flap 38 to close the disposal opening and an access closure 40 to allow the disposal means to be emptied. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular shape of the housing or arrangement of the components. These are intended to be chosen according to the likely location of use.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of an embodiment of general form of that in Figure 2a, showing a preferred means of dispensing the containers. In this embodiment the containers 50 are in the form of a number of separately sealable envelopes that are stored in the dispensing unit 24 in a stack 52 and presented to the user through the dispensing opening 26. In use a user places the object in the container, seals it and puts it into the disposal opening. Unused containers are preferably folded in an interleaved manner as shown, in such a way that removing the container from the dispensing opening automatically presents the next container in the stack at the opening. The stack rests on a base plate 54 is moved upwards by a spring mechanism 56, so as to ensure that the top of the stack remains adjacent the opening.

Disposal means 28 comprises a secondary container 58 shown in Figure 2a as a plastic bag, held in a bin 60, to store used containers for disposal. Secondary container preferably has sealing means associated with it. The condom dispensing means (where present) might function in a similar manner to the container dispenser, with a stack of condoms in packets 62 of which the end one 64 can be removed using a drawer 66, the stack being moved forward by a spring mechanism 68 acting on a base plate 70. Such mechanisms are known in the art and a number of alternative designs will be apparent to the skilled person.

Embodiments with alternative components or working principles are within the scope of the invention. For example a mechanism might be provided to actively move the top container from the top of the stack to the opening and the stack might be motor driven rather than use a simple spring. The secondary container might take one of several forms, such as a closed box with flaps that allow objects to enter but not to be taken out, as known in the art for medical disposal bins.

Figure 4a shows an alternative embodiment in which the containers are in the form of a continuous band of plastic enclosures or bags, preferably stored on a roll, and where each of the enclosures comprises a sealable flap. The container dispensing means comprises a drawer 100, shown in the open position, which slides on runners (not shown) into the housing. The drawer accommodates a roll 102 of containers, mounted on a spindle 103 which allows the roll to rotate. The containers are in the form of a continuous strip 104 with individual containers defined within the strip, each container individually closable by the user with a sealable flap 108. The drawer has an open top 106 to give assess to the container lying in the drawer. The device is designed so that this access is easy - the precise configuration of the roll and drawer might differ from that shown in figure 4a in order to facilitate this.

The strip of containers 104 passes over the inner end of the drawer and to a £!amp means 110, for example comprising two clamps 112 and 114, between which the strip may pass freely when the clamp is open and is trapped between them and prevented from moving when closed. The clamp is preferably of the form where the lower clamp 112 is a roller, allowing free movement of the strip over it, and the upper clamp 114 is a fixed bar, actuated by an actuator 116 to close onto the lower clamp and so trap the strip. The clamp is actuated so that when the drawer is being opened the strip 104 is clamped, so unrolling a new container into the base of the drawer, and when the drawer is closed or being closed the clamp is released allowing the strip, with filled containers 126, to fall into the secondary container in the housing. The actuator 116 may be of any convenient form, for instance a mechanical linkage to movement of the drawer or an electric actuator - such as a motor - controlled by a switch linked to or connected to movement of the drawer. A preferred embodiment of the container strip is shown in more detail in figure 4b. The strip 104 comprises a base layer 120 and an upper layer 122, sealed at the continuous edges of the strip and at intervals across the slrϊp at positions 124, to define a series of separate pocket-like containers 12o along the length of the strip. Each container is provided with an opening i28 into which material to be disposed of can be put, sealable with a flap 108 with adhesive seal means 132, arranged with a backing strip (not shown) which can be removed to present adhesive to the sealing surface.

Figure 4c shows a plan view of the device of Figure 4a again with the drawer open. Parts have the same numerals in figures 4a and 4b.

Figure 5 shows the sequence of operation of the device of Figure 4a-c. In Figure 5a the drawer 100 is shown closed into the housing 22. A container labelled 140 is shown in the base of the drawer, shown empty to differentiate it from other, filled containers 126. The clamp means 110 is closed, preventing movement of the strip through it. Figure 5b shows the drawer in the process of being opened. The spindle 103 on which the roll 102 is mounted is attached to the drawer, so the force of the clamp acting on the strip 104 causes this to unroll from the roll in the direction of the arrow, presenting a new container 142 in the base of the drawer. Figure 5c shows the drawer fully open and an object for disposal 144 placed in the container 142. In figure 5d the drawer is being closed. The clamp means 110 is released, shown here by means of moving the upper clamp 114 away from the lower clamp 112. The strip moves down over the lower, roller, clamp 112 into the housing, either driven by the weight of the filled containers, or optionally by a further actuator provided within the housing that grips the strip and moves it along. In figure 5e the drawer is fully closed once again and container 142, with object 144 within is, is inside the drawer. The sequence repeats each time the drawer is opened, the filled strip gradually moving from the roll 102 down into the housing. Brief reference will now be made to the Figures 6 to 11 inclusive in which like parts bear the same reference numerals. The device in these embodiments comprises a housing 200 comprises a two part moulding 202 and 204, the parts 202 and 204 being connected by way of a hinge 210. The housing supports a reservoir 220 which receives tissues 230 and a reservoir 240 containing sealable bags 250. In the embodiment shown in Figures 8a to 8d an optional light 260 is provided. Bag reservoir 250 is shown in Figure 8d and is adapted to be received in lower portion of the device.

Referring to Figures 9 and 10 there are shown embodiments of the invention which include a clock 270. All other features in Figures 9 and 10 bear the same reference numerals as above.

Figures 11 and 12 have a recess for receiving a perfume pad 280 provided, for example on a slidable or hingable joint 290. Perfume pad may be replaceable or may be capable of receiving a few drops of perfume (not shown). Perfume pad 280 in this case may be a felt type pad able to absorb perfume. An optional digital clock face 300 is provided in the embodiment shown in Figure 12. A hingable connection 301 opens a clock face to reveal a recess for receiving, for example a photograph 310.

It will be appreciated that variation may be made to the embodiments described without departing form the scope of the invention. For example a light may be incorporated in the housing. Means may be provided to dim the light and/or switch it on and off automatically, for example when the housing is opened.

Claims

1. A sanitary disposal device adapted for use in a room provides a means for safe disposal of body fluids and materials contaminated with them.

2. A sanitary disposal device comprising: a housing unit adapted for use in a room setting, the unit being capable of receiving, in use, g supply of one or more liquid-impermeable containers; a dispensing means within the housing unit to hold and dispense the containers for use by a user; sealing means for sealing the containers after use; storage means within the housing unit that stores the used containers.

3. A sanitary disposal device comprising: a housing unit; a supply of one or more liquid-impermeable containers, dispensing means within the housing unit to hold a supply of containers and make them available to a user; sealing means for sealing the containers after use; and a storage means within the housing unit for collecting the used containers.

4. A sanitary disposal device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the storage means is adapted to removed.

5. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein sealing means is associated with each individual container.

6. A sanitary disposal device according to claim 5 where the sealing means is provided within the housing unit for sealing the containers after use.

7. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the containers are presented to the user one at a time by the dispensing means.

8. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 6 where more than one separate container is available for use at a given time.

9. A sanitary disposal device according to any preceding claim wherein the housing unit comprises a dispensing means for condoms or other materials such as tissues.

10. A . sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 9 wherein the housing unit comprises a secondary container to store the containers within the disposal means.

11. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 10 wherein containers are plastic bags on a roll.

12.A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 10 wherein the containers are envelopes with plastic lining and a sealable flap.

13. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to Hwherein the containers are boxes which are stored flat and folded so they unfold, said containers having an opening with seal means incorporated as part of the container

14. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 13 having means to seal containers

15. A sanitary disposal device according to claim 14 wherein a heat sealing or other powered sealing means is provided to seal the container.

16. A sanitary disposal device according to any of claims 2 to 15 has a secondary container, said secondary container has a sealable opening with seal means incorporated as part of the container

17. A sanitary disposal device according claim 16 wherein the secondary container has means to prevent items from being retrieved from the secondary container once items are inside the device.

18. A sanitary disposal device according to any preceding claim includes a deodorant unit for dispensing deodorant

19.A sanitary disposal device according to any preceding claim additional dispenses: tissues and/or wipes and/or tampons and/or condoms.

20. A sanitary disposal device according to any preceding claim has a light.

21. A sanitary disposal device according to claim 20 wherein a touchable surface switches the light on and off.

22.A sanitary disposal device substantially as herein described with reference to the Figures.