Apparatus for handling soiled articles
US9993373B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65F2240/164
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tampon disposal device includes a tubular stiffener, and a membrane conforming to the stiffener with an opening on one end and an enclosure opposite the opening. The membrane is folded inside the stiffener into a first layer attached to the stiffener; and second and third layers that form a lip surrounding the stiffener near a stiffener rim. The second layer folds over the rim, reversing direction to become the third layer lip portion. The third layer continues inside the stiffener. A weak adhesive attaches the lip to the outside stiffener. Another adhesive attaches the first layer to the second layer inside the stiffener. When a hand grasps a tampon string with the membrane and pulls on the string, the first adhesive allows the lip to separate and be pulled into the stiffener together with the tampon. Pushing inwardly on the stiffener seals the tampon inside the membrane.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.