Carrier structure for a disposable waste container

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a carrier structure for a disposable waste container and a device for depositing waste, in particular sanitary waste, comprising such a carrier structure and at least one disposable waste container adapted to be received releasably in the carrier structure. The invention further relates to a method for applying such a device.

[0002] Usually positioned adjacently of each toilet in ladies washrooms is a waste bin into which feminine sanitary waste, such as for instance sanitary towels and tampons, can be deposited. In public ladies washrooms the (to some extent) filled waste bins are generally replaced periodically by service staff with other, already emptied waste containers. The removed waste container is also transported by service staff to a remote location, where the waste containers are emptied and cleaned, after which they can be reinstalled. The collected waste is further disposed of at a waste processing location or waste disposal site. A significant drawback of the known waste bin is that the removal of the waste bin, emptying and cleaning of the waste bin elsewhere, disposal of the collected waste and replacing the removed waste bin with another, already cleaned waste bin is overall a relatively lengthy, time-consuming and therefore relatively expensive process.

[0003] The above stated problem can be largely obviated by applying a device in which are arranged a carrier structure and at least one disposable waste container received releasably in the carrier structure. After deposition of waste in the known device the (partially) filled waste container can be removed by tilting the carrier structure, whereby the waste container provided with the waste will slide out of the carrier structure. The used waste container will subsequently be discarded together with the collected waste. A new (unused) waste container will here also be arranged in the carrier structure, after which the device can once again be applied for the collection of waste, in particular sanitary waste. A significant drawback of the known construction however is that the waste container will always be discarded together with the collected waste, this being unfavourable from an economic, ecological and logistic viewpoint. US Patent 4,697,771 discloses a walled refuse receptacle for receiving a paper bag. The side walls include retainer openings into which retainer teeth extend. When the tops of the side panels of a freshly inserted paper bag are pressed lightly outwardly, the side panel tops bend under the teeth. When the tops move past the teeth they bend back and engage the outer surfaces of the teeth, thereby maintaining the bag fully open and in proper position for use. Removal of the bag is the reverse of this procedure. The receptacle is thus adapted to handle either paper or plastic bags. US Patent 2,365,312 discloses a carrier structure in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The invention has for its object to provide a carrier structure and a relatively efficient device comprising a carrier structure for depositing sanitary waste.

[0005] The invention provides for this purpose a carrier structure according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 2. Being able to close the waste container for sanitary waste is advantageous from a hygienic viewpoint, particularly during transport of the carrier structure provided with the waste container. By dividing at least one wall part into a stationary (fixed) wall part and a mobile (pivotable) wall part a closing element for the carrier structure, and therefore for the waste container received in the carrier structure, can be provided in relatively simple but efficient manner. The waste container can be secured in the carrier structure by applying the securing means, as a result of which it is possible to prevent the waste container, under the influence of gravitational force, sliding out of the carrier structure or otherwise displacing after tilting of the carrier structure, i.e. after the carrier structure has been positioned partially or wholly upside-down. It is hereby possible to empty the waste container without removing the waste container from the carrier structure, whereby the waste container can be used successively a number of times. Because the waste container is in principle held secured in the carrier structure, there need be no physical contact with the waste container during interim emptying of the waste container, this being favourable from a hygienic viewpoint. After removal of the waste container from the carrier structure, generally after the waste container has meanwhile been emptied one or more times, the filled waste container can be destroyed in its entirety in relatively energy-favourable manner, for instance by incineration.

[0006] Because a waste container is applied which moreover takes a disposable form, neither the carrier structure nor the waste container will need to be cleaned after emptying of the waste container, this being exceptionally efficient from an economic and logistic viewpoint. (The possibility of) using the same disposable waste container a number of times is moreover also deemed particularly favourable from an economic and ecological viewpoint. The actual securing of the waste container relative to the carrier structure takes place by positioning at least a part of the (upper) free peripheral edge of the waste container relative to the securing means such that the peripheral edge will support on the securing means after (sufficient) tilting of the carrier structure, whereby sliding of the waste container out of the carrier structure can be prevented. A waste container with a certain wall stiffness is preferably applied, whereby the waste container as a whole can be held substantially in position relative to the carrier structure after tilting of the carrier structure, this generally enhancing the processes of securing and emptying the waste container. Using a device according to the invention, wherein a carrier structure is applied in which a disposable waste container is temporarily accommodated in secured manner, sanitary waste can be collected and processed in relatively simple, hygienic, discreet, efficient and inexpensive manner. The device is particularly adapted as disposal system for sanitary waste in public washrooms. The carrier structure is here generally stationed permanently in such a public space. Because there is no monitoring in respect of the nature of the waste deposited in the waste container, it is advantageous from a viewpoint of safety of third parties to give the carrier structure and/or waste container a substantially form-retaining form or at least a form which substantially cannot be pierced. Relatively sharp waste deposited in the waste container, such as glass, medicinal or other syringes, ampules, razor blades and so on, cannot generally (easily) pierce the substantially form-retaining carrier structure and/or waste container, whereby such waste can be deposited in relatively safe manner into the relatively form-retaining waste container, whereby injuries and infections of third parties, such as for instance service staff or other users of the device, can be prevented, or can at least be countered. It will be apparent that the device is adapted primarily for depositing sanitary waste, such as nappies, personal care cleaning cloths, sanitary towels, tampons, panty liners, enterostomy bags and incontinence products, although in practice other types of waste, such as medicinal or other syringes and the like, will generally also be deposited in the waste container of the device according to the invention.

[0007] The mobile wall part is optionally provided with at least a part of the securing means. In this way the mobile wall part is also adapted so that the waste container can be held in secured position and can be held open. Due to this securing the waste container can moreover be closed in relatively efficient manner by means of the mobile wall part. The mobile wall part is preferably pivotable between an upright position, in which the disposable waste container is held in opened position, and a folded-down position in which the waste container is substantially closed. In order to enable an improved closure of the carrier structure, and particularly of the waste container received therein, it is advantageous for the mobile wall part to be adapted for co-action with an opposite wall part of the carrier structure. The opposite wall part forms a wall part other than the stationary wall part. This co-action between the mobile wall part and the opposite wall part is preferably realized in that the mobile wall part is provided with at least one coupling element, and that the opposite wall part is provided with at least one counter-coupling element adapted for co-action with the coupling element. The coupling element here more preferably comprises at least one tongue and the counter-coupling element here preferably comprises at least one receiving space, usually a slot, for receiving the tongue. It is more generically advantageous for the counter-coupling element to comprise at least one receiving space for receiving at least a part of the coupling element. In a particular preferred embodiment the coupling element and/or the counter-coupling element is provided with at least one locking element for locking the mobile wall part relative to the stationary wall part in the coupled position. The height of the opposite wall part will generally be greater than the height of the stationary wall part. This has the advantage that the opposite wall part is amply dimensioned such that the opposite wall part will protrude in a closed position of the carrier structure in which the mobile wall part co-acts with the opposite wall part. The then formed protruding part of the opposite wall part can then form a handgrip for service staff. It is usually advantageous here for the counter-coupling element to be positioned at a distance from an upper edge of the opposite wall part.

[0008] The securing means can be of very diverse nature and in a preferred embodiment are adapted only to enable support of the peripheral edge of the waste container. In this latter preferred embodiment the securing means preferably comprise a protruding edge and/or protruding tongue to enable support of the waste container. In another preferred embodiment the securing means are adapted to receive at least a part of the peripheral edge of the waste container. An improved securing of the waste container in the carrier structure can generally be obtained by having the peripheral edge at least partially enclosed by the securing means. The securing means can here optionally exert a bias on the waste container, whereby the waste container can be clamped between the carrier structure and the securing means and/or whereby the waste container can be clamped by the securing means as such.

[0009] The waste container is wholly enclosed by the carrier structure, wherein it is generally sufficient that the waste container connects substantially form-fittingly on the carrier structure. In this way the volume enclosed between the waste container and the carrier structure can be minimized, and the effective volume enclosed by the waste container for the purpose of collecting waste can be maximized. The at least one side wall of the waste container will here generally lie substantially parallel to the at least one side wall of the carrier structure. It is then advantageous when the securing means are located at least partially in a volume enclosed by the carrier structure in order to be able to limit sliding of the at least one side wall of the waste container relative to the at least one side wall of the carrier structure.

[0010] As already stated, the securing means can comprise a securing edge which is or can be adapted to allow support of the whole peripheral edge of the carrier structure. However, it is usually already sufficient when the peripheral edge can support (locally) in position-selective manner on the securing means. The securing means here preferably comprise at least one, optionally flexible securing tongue and/or securing protrusion. The use of one or more securing tongues or securing protrusions has the advantage compared to a continuous securing edge that a material-saving can be realized. Compared to a continuous securing edge, applying one or more securing tongues or securing protrusions will moreover generally facilitate removal of the waste container from the carrier structure, this usually also being advantageous from a practical viewpoint. In a particular preferred embodiment the securing means comprise a plurality of flexible securing tongues. Applying flexible securing tongues has the advantage that a bias will generally be exerted by the securing tongues on a wall part of the waste container bounded by the peripheral edge of the waste container, thereby creating a clamping effect on the waste container, this generally enhancing the securing of the waste container relative to the carrier structure. A further advantage of applying flexible securing tongues can be that the securing tongues can be displaced from a non-active compact position, in which the securing tongues are in principle not adapted to secure the waste container, and an active protruding position in which the securing tongues are in principle adapted to secure the waste container, which can considerably simplify the production process of the carrier structure, and moreover the arranging of the waste container in the carrier structure and the removal of the waste container from the carrier structure. The securing means preferably form an integral part of the carrier structure. It is however also possible to envisage arranging the securing means on the carrier structure as separate elements, for instance by means of glueing and/or welding.

[0011] It is generally advantageous to manufacture the carrier structure at least partially from a blank. The actual carrier structure can be generated by means of pivoting blank parts. Such an installation of the waste container by means of pivoting can take place on location, but can also already be realized (mechanically) in advance. The advantage of transforming the blank on location is that storage and transport of the blanks, which have hardly any volume, is relatively favourable from a logistic and economic viewpoint. A further advantage of a blank is that the securing means can also form an (integral) part of the blank. The carrier structure could otherwise also have a substantially integral construction. When the carrier structure is manufactured at least partially from plastic, the carrier structure can for instance be formed by means of injection moulding or vacuum-forming. The advantage of the integrally constructed carrier structure is that this carrier structure generally has a structurally relatively strong and stable construction. In addition, this relatively rigid, three-dimensional carrier structure can be designed such that a plurality of carrier structures are mutually nestable, which can be of further advantage from a logistic and economic viewpoint.

[0012] In order to facilitate transport of the (to some extent) filled waste container by one person, usually a member of service staff, the carrier structure is preferably provided with at least one handle. The handle can here be of very diverse nature and can for instance be formed by a recess in an upper part of the carrier structure. It is however also possible to envisage the handle being formed by a separate handgrip. In addition to facilitating transport of the used carrier structure by people, it is also advantageous from a hygienic viewpoint to provide the carrier structure with one or more handles.

[0013] The carrier structure is preferably provided with a first closing element for closing the carrier structure, and thereby the waste container received in the carrier structure. The first closing element will usually be formed by a flap part connected pivotally to the carrier structure. The flat part can here be integrally connected to the carrier structure, and can for instance (also) be manufactured from a blank from which the carrier structure can also be formed.

[0014] The carrier structure can be manufactured from diverse materials. The carrier structure is however preferably manufactured from at least one of the following materials: plastic, textile and paper, in particular cardboard. It is also possible to envisage applying a combination of the above materials or other types of substantially form-retaining material for the purpose of manufacturing the carrier structure. The above stated materials are generally relatively inexpensive and relatively easily obtainable. In addition, such materials can be processed relatively well and in simple manner. After use of the waste container, such materials can moreover be degraded as waste relatively simply and efficiently, particularly via biodegradation. The carrier structure is at least partially manufactured from an impermeable material. By manufacturing the carrier structure from impermeable material, such as for instance plastic or liquid-tight cardboard, leaking-through of liquid waste residues, such as for instance blood, can be prevented or at least countered. In a particular preferred embodiment the carrier structure is at least partially manufactured from polypropylene, in particular from Evacast®. Evacast® can be processed relatively easily and well, has good pivoting properties, is strong and has a relatively low specific mass, is durable and moreover water-repellent. A relatively scratch-resistant surface can moreover be obtained by giving an inner side and/or an outer side of the carrier structure a profiled form.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment the carrier structure is displaceable between a relatively compact storage position and a position of use enclosing a receiving space for the waste container. The transformation of the carrier structure manufactured from substantially form-retaining material will usually take place by means of pivoting the specific parts of the carrier structure, such as for instance weakening lines or other types of hinge. Being able to displace the carrier structure between the storage position and the position of use is generally advantageous, since the volume of the carrier structure can be minimized during storage and transport of the carrier structure, this generally being advantageous from a logistic and economic viewpoint. During use of the carrier structure the enclosed volume of the carrier structure can also be maximized, so that the capacity of the carrier structure can also be maximized.

[0016] The waste container can also be manufactured from diverse materials. The waste container is however preferably manufactured from at least one of the following materials: plastic, textile and paper, in particular cardboard. As already stated, it will generally be advantageous here if the waste container comprises one or more substantially stiff upright side walls in order to enable effective securing of the waste container in the carrier structure in relatively simple manner. Wall stiffness is understood to mean resistance to bending. The stiffness of the waste container will generally be directly related to the pressure strength of the applied material, usually paper, in particular cardboard. The wall stiffness is determined here particularly by the elastic modulus and the moment of inertia of the applied material. In a preferred embodiment the waste container comprises a plurality of material layers, wherein at least one material layer is manufactured from a substantially impermeable material. The laminar construction of the waste container can thus be advantageous because it is possible to make good use of the combination of advantageous properties of different materials or material layers. In the above described preferred embodiment an outer layer can for instance be formed by an - optionally permeable - substantially stiff material, while an inner layer is formed by a coating impermeable to liquid, in particular a plastic coating. Since the waste container takes a disposable form, it is advantageous if at least an inner side of the waste container is provided with a disinfecting substance in order to prevent, or at least counter, the development of diverse bacteria, viruses, fungi and other micro-organisms and the associated odour nuisance. The whole internal surface of the waste container that can come into direct contact with the sanitary waste can optionally be provided with an antibacterial layer. In addition, an outer side of the waste container can optionally also be provided with an antibacterial substance, such as for instance a substance containing triclosan, in order to prevent in optimal manner the occurrence of for instance bacterial colonies. A solid, in particular powdery or gel-like substance will generally be applied in order to be able to prevent uncontrolled spreading of the substance.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a housing for releasable accommodation of the carrier structure and the waste container received in the carrier structure. The housing is here generally durable, substantially form-retaining and of protective nature. The housing can herein be provided with a second closing element for substantially complete closure of the housing, and thereby of the waste container received in the housing and in the carrier structure. The second closing element can herein be connected pivotally to the housing and be displaceable between an opened position and a closed position. In a preferred embodiment the second closing element comprises a collecting compartment into which the waste to be discarded can be deposited. By pivoting the collecting compartment to the closed position the content of the collecting compartment will be transferred by falling into the waste container.

[0018] The housing can be of very diverse nature and design. The housing can for instance be formed by a bracket which is fastened to an object connected to the fixed world and to which the waste container can be coupled, although it is likewise possible to envisage embodying the housing as housing of at least a part of the carrier structure. The housing is preferably provided with a first closing element for substantially complete closure of the waste container. Since hygiene is generally deemed of great importance in a device according to the invention, it is advantageous after use to be able to close off the content of the waste container, preferably in substantially medium-tight manner, with the first closing element. After (medium-tight) closing of the waste container, third parties have no view of the content of the waste container, while the dissemination of possible unpleasant odours can be prevented, or at least countered. The first closing element will usually be formed by a flap part which can connect form-fittingly onto the housing.

[0019] In order to protect the waste container, the housing preferably encloses the carrier structure, and thereby the waste container, at least substantially completely. The housing can here in fact be formed by a housing or outer bin in which the waste container can be received as inner bin. Since the waste container need not necessarily be given a medium-tight form, the substantially completely enclosing housing can significantly conceal the waste container from view and reduce the dissemination of unpleasant odours.

[0020] Since the housing is usually stationed permanently, or at least for a relatively long time, at a public location, it is advantageous to give the housing a relatively durable form. For this purpose the housing is preferably manufactured from an at least substantially form-retaining and durable material. The relatively form-retaining housing can here contribute toward the protection and shielding of the waste container and the waste deposited into the waste container. The housing will usually be manufactured from metal and/or plastic.

[0021] It is possible to envisage the housing comprising a frame. In this way the housing can be manufactured in structurally relatively simple manner, wherein the amount of material used can be minimized, which can have a positive effect on the cost price of the housing. The frame can herein optionally be of modular construction. The housing, in particular the frame, is usually provided with fixing means for fixing the housing to a wall of a building. It is in this way made possible to station the carrier structure supported by the housing at a distance from the fixed world, which can be desirable from the viewpoint of hygiene.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment the housing is provided that at least one supply container for at least one unused waste container. After (maximum) filling of a waste container, the waste container can be replaced, for instance by a user him/herself or washroom owner, with the as yet unused waste container. Unhygienic situations resulting from overfull waste containers can then be prevented.

[0023] In order to enable relatively stable coupling of the carrier structure to the housing, from the viewpoint of hygiene and safety, the carrier structure is preferably provided with second coupling means for releasable coupling of the waste container to the housing. The second coupling means can here be formed for instance by optionally pivotable tongues, hook-like members, specific recesses or a protruding edge.

[0024] The method for applying a device according to the invention comprises the steps as defined in claim 13, inter alia, A) arranging the waste container in the carrier structure such that the waste container is secured in the carrier structure, B) allowing deposit of waste, in particular sanitary waste, into the waste container, C) at least partial closing the opening of the disposable waste container by closing the carrier structure by pivoting the mobile wall part (7, 13, 28) of the carrier structure with respect to the stationary wall part (26) of the carrier structure, and D) substantially emptying the waste container by tilting the assembly of the carrier structure and the waste container received in secured manner in the carrier structure. Advantages of the method have already been described at length in the foregoing. In a preferred embodiment a peripheral wall of the waste container is clamped during step A) between a wall of the carrier structure and at least one securing tongue connected to the wall. It is also possible to envisage the disposable waste container being clamped by the securing means as such. The clamping of the waste container will improve the securing of the waste container in the carrier structure. The method preferably also comprises step E), comprising of removing the waste container from the carrier structure after allowing waste to be deposited into the waste container as according to step B). Step E) will generally be performed only after at least step D) has been performed at least once, this being particularly favourable from a logistic, economic and ecological viewpoint as set forth in the forgoing. The method also comprises step F), comprising of arranging the carrier structure provided with the waste container in a housing prior to allowing waste to be deposited into the waste container as according to step B). In a further step G) the carrier structure can again be removed from the housing when the carrier structure and/or the waste container received therein has for instance to be replaced. Step G) will generally take place only after step F) and steps A) and B) have been performed at least once. The method also comprises step H) and step I), wherein step H) comprises of substantially closing the carrier structure before emptying of the waste container as according to step D), and wherein step I) comprises of removing the closed carrier structure from the housing after closing of the carrier structure. The method also comprises step J), comprising of reopening the waste container after the removal of the closed carrier structure from the housing as according to step I) and before emptying of the waste container as according to step D). Advantages of the method according to the invention have already been described at length in the foregoing.

[0025] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device for depositing sanitary waste,

figure 2 shows a cross-section of another device according to the invention,

figure 3 shows a cross-section of yet another device not forming part of the present invention, and

figure 4 shows a top view of a blank for the purpose of manufacturing a carrier structure according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for depositing waste, in particular sanitary waste 2, such as sanitary towels, tampons, enterostomy bags, toilet paper and so on. Device 1 here comprises a relatively durable plastic carrier structure 3 and a low-quality disposable paper waste container 4 received releasably with clamping fit in carrier structure 3. In the shown embodiment waste container 4 is received in secured manner in carrier structure 3. The carrier structure is provided for this purpose with a plurality of flexible securing tongues 5. Securing tongues 5 are adapted to clamp waste container 4 close to a peripheral edge 6 (upper edge) of waste container 4. This clamping is realized in that the securing tongues 5 press waste container 4 against carrier structure 3. This securing has the advantage that waste container 4 can be emptied without removing waste container 4 from carrier structure 3. This emptying can be effected by tilting carrier structure 3, and thereby waste container 4, whereby the collected waste 2 will slide out of waste container 4. Waste container 4 will generally be emptied one or more times before waste container 4 is replaced with another, as yet unused waste container. Carrier structure 3 is further provided with a closing flap 7 provided with a handle 8 to enable respective closing and transport of device 1.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of another device 9 according to the invention. Device 9 comprises a durable carrier structure 10 in which a cardboard waste container 11 is received in releasable manner. An inner side of carrier structure 10 is provided with a securing edge 12 for securing waste container 11 in carrier structure 10. It is possible in this way to prevent waste container 11 being undesirably removed from carrier structure 10, irrespective of the orientation of carrier structure 10 relative to the fixed world. Carrier structure 10 is provided with two pivotable closing flaps 13 to enable closure of carrier structure 10, and thereby waste container 11.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of yet another device 14 not forming part of the present invention. Device 14 comprises a durable and substantially form-retaining housing 15 in which a box-like carrier structure 16 is received. A substantially stiff-walled disposable bag 17 is received in releasable manner in carrier structure 16. Carrier structure 16 is provided with a plurality of securing tongues 18 for holding bag 17 in position. Housing 15 comprises a base structure 15a and a top structure 15b coupled releasably to base structure 15a. Top structure 15b is provided with a closing element 19 connected pivotally to top structure 15b, this closing element 19 forming part of a collecting compartment 20 for sanitary waste. An underside of collecting compartment 20 is formed by a receiving platform 21. As shown by means of the broken lines, access can be provided to housing 15, and thereby to bag 17. In the opened position of closing element 19 sanitary waste can be deposited onto receiving platform 21. By then pivoting closing element 19 back to the closed position the receiving plateau 21 will make the same movement, whereby the waste will drop into bag 17. In order to facilitate removal of top structure 15b from base structure 15a of the housing, top structure 15b is provided with a handgrip 22.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a top view of a blank 23 for manufacturing a carrier structure 3 as shown in figure 1. Blank 23 is manufactured here from a relatively form-retaining material, wherein blank 23 can however be pivoted along the fold lines 24 arranged between the different components of blank 23. As shown, blank 23 comprises a bottom plate 25, this bottom plate 25 being connected to a front wall part 26 and a rear wall part 27. Front wall part 26 is here coupled pivotally to a closing element 28 adapted to close the carrier structure after use. Closing element 28 is herein provided with a tongue 29 adapted for co-action with a slot 30 arranged in rear wall part 27 in order to enable a reliable (definitive) closure of the carrier structure to be realized. Rear wall part 27 is coupled on either side to two identical side wall parts 31 which can be coupled by means of tongues 32 to front wall part 26, in particular via recesses 33 arranged in front wall part 26. Blank 23 is further provided with a plurality of punched-out elements 34, which elements 34 form the securing tongues 5 of carrier structure 3 for the purpose of securing a waste container in carrier structure 3. In order to facilitate the handling of blank 23 and the carrier structure formed from blank 23, the rear wall part 27 is moreover provided with an integrated handgrip 35.

Claims

1. Carrier structure (3, 10) for a disposable waste container (4, 11) comprising a peripheral edge defining an opening thereof, the carrier structure (3, 10) being provided with securing means (5, 34) for securing the disposable waste container (4, 11) in the carrier structure, wherein the securing means are adapted for co-action with at least a part of the peripheral edge (6) of the waste container, and wherein at least one wall of the carrier structure comprises a stationary wall part (26) and a mobile wall part (7, 13, 28) connected pivotally to the stationary wall part,
characterized in that the mobile wall part (7, 13, 28) is adapted to enable at least partial closing of the opening of the disposable waste container, such that a receiving space for the waste container is wholly enclosed by the carrier structure, and in that the carrier structure is at least partially manufactured from an impermeable material.

2. Device (1, 9) for depositing sanitary waste (2), comprising:

- a carrier structure as claimed in claim 1, and

- at least one disposable waste container (4, 11) adapted to be received releasably in the carrier structure.

3. Device (1, 9) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the mobile wall part is provided with at least a part (34) of the securing means.

4. Device (1, 9) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the mobile wall part is pivotable between an upright position, in which the disposable waste container is held in opened position, and a folded-down position in which the opening of the waste container is substantially closed.

5. Device (1, 9) as claimed in any of the claims 2-4, characterized in that the mobile wall part is adapted for co-action with an opposite wall part (27) of the carrier structure, wherein the opposite wall part (27) forms a wall part other than the stationary wall part (26).

6. Device (1, 9) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the mobile wall part is provided with at least one coupling element (29), and that the opposite wall part is provided with at least one counter-coupling element (30) adapted for co-action with the coupling element.

7. Device (1, 9) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the coupling element and/or the counter-coupling element is provided with at least one locking element for locking the mobile wall part relative to the opposite wall part in the coupled position.

8. Device (1, 9) as claimed in any of the claims 5-7, characterized in that the height of the opposite wall part (27) is greater than the height of the stationary wall part (26).

9. Device (1, 9) as claimed in either of the claims 6 or 7, and claim 8, characterized in that the counter-coupling element (30) is positioned at a distance from an upper edge of the opposite wall part.

10. Device (1, 9) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 2-9, characterized in that the securing means comprise a plurality of flexible securing tongues (5, 34).

11. Device (1, 9) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 2-10, characterized in that the carrier structure is manufactured at least partially from a blank (23).

12. Device (1, 9) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims 2-11, characterized in that the device (1, 9) comprises a closable housing for releasable accommodation of the carrier structure (3, 10) and the waste container (4, 11) received in the carrier structure.

13. Method for applying a device (1, 9) as claimed in any of the claims 2-12, comprising the steps of:

• arranging the waste container (4, 11) in the carrier structure (3, 10) such that the waste container is secured in the carrier structure,

• arranging the carrier structure provided with the waste container in a housing,

• allowing deposit of waste (2), in particular sanitary waste, into the waste container,

• at least partial closing the opening of the disposable waste container by closing the carrier structure by pivoting the mobile wall part (7, 13, 28) of the carrier structure with respect to the stationary wall part (26) of the carrier structure,

• removing the closed carrier structure from the housing after closing of the carrier structure,

• reopening the closed carrier structure, and

• substantially emptying the waste container by tilting the assembly of the carrier structure and the waste container received in secured manner in the carrier structure.

14. Method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the method also the step of removing the waste container from the carrier structure after allowing waste to be deposited into the waste container.

Ansprüche

1. Trägerstruktur (3, 10) für einen Einweg-Abfallbehälter (4, 11), umfassend einen Umfangsrand, der eine Öffnung davon definiert, wobei die Trägerstruktur (3, 10) mit Sicherungsmitteln (5, 34) zum Sichern des Einweg-Abfallbehälters (4, 11) in der Trägerstruktur ausgestattet ist, wobei die Sicherungsmittel zum Zusammenwirken mit mindestens einem Teil des Umfangrandes (6) des Abfallbehälters adaptiert sind, und wobei mindestens eine Wand der Trägerstruktur ein stationäres Wandteil (26) und ein mobiles Wandteil (7, 13, 28) umfasst, das schwenkbar mit dem stationären Wandteil verbunden ist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mobile Wandteil (7, 13, 28) adaptiert ist, um mindestens ein teilweises Schließen der Öffnung des Einweg-Abfallbehälters zuzulassen, so dass ein Aufnahmeraum für den Abfallbehälter durch die Trägerstruktur vollständig umschlossen ist, und dass die Trägerstruktur mindestens teilweise aus einem undurchlässigen Material gefertigt ist.

2. Vorrichtung (1, 9) zum Ablegen von Sanitärabfall (2), umfassend:

- eine Trägerstruktur nach Anspruch 1 und

- mindestens einen Einweg-Abfallbehälter (4, 11), der adaptiert ist, um freigebbar in der Trägerstruktur aufgenommen zu werden.

3. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mobile Wandteil mit mindestens einem Teil (34) der Sicherungsmittel ausgestattet ist.

4. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mobile Wandteil zwischen einer aufrechten Position, in der der Einweg-Abfallbehälter in geöffneter Position gehalten wird, und einer heruntergeklappten Position gehalten wird, in der die Öffnung des Abfallbehälters im Wesentlichen geschlossen ist.

5. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mobile Wandteil zum Zusammenwirken mit einem gegenüberliegenden Wandteil (27) der Trägerstruktur adaptiert ist, wobei das gegenüberliegende Wandteil (27) ein Wandteil bildet, das von dem stationären Wandteil (26) verschieden ist.

6. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mobile Wandteil mit mindestens einem Kopplungselement (29) ausgestattet ist, und dass das gegenüberliegende Wandteil mit mindestens einem Gegenkopplungselement (30) ausgestattet ist, das zum Zusammenwirken mit dem Kopplungselement adaptiert ist.

7. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kopplungselement und/oder das Gegenkopplungselement mit mindestens einem Arretierelement zum Arretieren des mobilen Wandteils relativ zu dem gegenüberliegenden Wandteil in der gekoppelten Position ausgestattet ist bzw. sind.

8. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Höhe des gegenüberliegenden Wandteils (27) größer als die Höhe des stationären Wandteils (26) ist.

9. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der Ansprüche 6 oder 7 und Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gegenkopplungselement (30) in einem Abstand von einem oberen Rand des gegenüberliegenden Wandteils angeordnet ist.

10. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sicherungsmittel eine Vielzahl von flexiblen Sicherungszungen (5, 34) umfassen.

11. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Trägerstruktur mindestens teilweise aus einem Rohling (23) gefertigt ist.

12. Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 2 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung (1, 9) ein verschließbares Gehäuse zur freigebbaren Unterbringung der Trägerstruktur (3, 10) und des Abfallbehälters (4, 11) umfasst, der in der Trägerstruktur aufgenommen ist.

13. Verfahren zum Anwenden einer Vorrichtung (1, 9) nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 12, umfassend die Schritte:

• Anordnen des Abfallbehälters (4, 11) in der Trägerstruktur (3, 10), so dass der Abfallbehälter in der Trägerstruktur gesichert ist,

• Anordnen der mit dem Abfallbehälter ausgestatteten Trägerstruktur in einem Gehäuse,

• Zulassen des Ablegens von Abfall (2), insbesondere Sanitärabfall, in den Abfallbehälter,

• mindestens teilweises Verschließen der Öffnung des Einweg-Abfallbehälters durch Verschließen der Trägerstruktur, indem das mobile Wandteil (7, 13, 28) der Trägerstruktur in Bezug auf das stationäre Wandteil (26) der Trägerstruktur geschwenkt wird,

• Entfernen der geschlossenen Trägerstruktur aus dem Gehäuse nach Schließen der Trägerstruktur,

• erneutes Öffnen der geschlossenen Trägerstruktur und

• im Wesentlichen Entleeren des Abfallbehälters, indem die Anordnung der Trägerstruktur und des in gesicherter Weise in der Trägerstruktur aufgenommenen Abfallbehälters gekippt wird.

14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verfahren auch den Schritt des Entfernens des Abfallbehälters aus der Trägerstruktur umfasst, nachdem zugelassen wurde, dass Abfall in dem Abfallbehälter abgelegt wurde.

Revendications

1. Structure de support (3, 10) pour un récipient de déchets jetable (4, 11), comprenant un bord périphérique définissant une ouverture de celui-ci, la structure de support (3, 10) étant équipée de moyens de fixation (5, 34) pour fixer le récipient de déchets jetable (4, 11) dans la structure de support, dans laquelle les moyens de fixation sont aptes à coopérer avec au moins une partie du bord périphérique (6) du récipient de déchets, et dans laquelle au moins une paroi de la structure de support comprend une partie de paroi stationnaire (26) et une partie de paroi mobile (7, 13, 28) connectée de façon pivotante à la partie de paroi stationnaire,
caractérisée en ce que la partie de paroi mobile (7, 13, 28) est apte à permettre une fermeture au moins partielle de l'ouverture du récipient de déchets jetable, de telle sorte qu'un espace de réception pour le récipient de déchets soit entièrement enveloppé par la structure de support, et en ce que la structure de support est au moins partiellement fabriquée à partir d'un matériau imperméable.

2. Dispositif (1, 9) pour déposer des déchets sanitaires (2), comprenant:

- une structure de support selon la revendication 1, et

- au moins un récipient de déchets jetable (4, 11) apte à être reçu de façon amovible dans la structure de support.

3. Dispositif (1, 9) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la partie de paroi mobile est pourvue d'au moins une partie (34) des moyens de fixation.

4. Dispositif (1, 9) selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que la partie de paroi mobile peut pivoter entre une position verticale, dans laquelle le récipient de déchets jetable est maintenu dans une position ouverte, et une position repliée, dans laquelle l'ouverture du récipient de déchets est sensiblement fermée.

5. Dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce que la partie de paroi mobile est apte à coopérer avec une partie de paroi opposée (27) de la structure de support, dans lequel la partie de paroi opposée (27) forme une partie de paroi autre que la partie de paroi stationnaire (26).

6. Dispositif (1, 9) selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la partie de paroi mobile est pourvue d'au moins un élément de couplage (29), et en ce que la partie de paroi opposée est pourvue d'au moins un élément de contre-couplage (30) apte à coopérer avec l'élément de couplage.

7. Dispositif (1, 9) selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de couplage et/ou l'élément de contre-couplage est pourvu d'au moins un élément de verrouillage destiné à verrouiller la partie de paroi mobile par rapport à la partie de paroi stationnaire dans la position couplée.

8. Dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 7, caractérisé en ce que la hauteur de la partie de paroi opposée (27) est plus grande que la hauteur de la partie de paroi stationnaire (26).

9. Dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une ou l'autre des revendications 6 ou 7, et la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de contre-couplage (30) est positionné à une distance d'un bord supérieur de la partie de paroi opposée.

10. Dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 2 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de fixation comprennent une pluralité de languettes de fixation souples (5, 34).

11. Dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 2 à 10, caractérisé en ce que la structure de support est fabriquée au moins partiellement à partir d'une ébauche (23).

12. Dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 2 à 11, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif (1, 9) comprend une enceinte fermable destinée à recevoir de façon amovible la structure de support (3, 10) et le récipient de déchets (4, 11) reçu dans la structure de support.

13. Procédé d'utilisation d'un dispositif (1, 9) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 12, comprenant les étapes suivantes:

- agencer le récipient de déchets (4, 11) dans la structure de support (3, 10) de telle sorte que le récipient de déchets soit fixé dans la structure de support,

- agencer la structure de support pourvue du récipient de déchets dans une enceinte,

- permettre de déposer des déchets (2), en particulier des déchets sanitaires, dans le récipient de déchets,

- fermer au moins partiellement l'ouverture du récipient de déchets jetable en fermant la structure de support en faisant pivoter la partie de paroi mobile (7, 13, 28) de la structure de support par rapport à la partie de paroi stationnaire (26) de la structure de support,

- enlever la structure de support fermée de l'enceinte après la fermeture de la structure de support,

- rouvrir la structure de support fermée, et

- vider sensiblement le récipient de déchets en inclinant l'ensemble de la structure de support et du récipient de déchets reçu d'une manière fixe dans la structure de support.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comprend également l'étape consistant à enlever le récipient de déchets de la structure de support après avoir permis que des déchets soient déposés dans le récipient de déchets.

Drawing