US20190000583A1

Movatterモバイル変換

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Publication number: US20190000583A1
Application number: US15/932,745
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary Steven Sichau; Terence K. Gray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-18
Filing date: 2018-04-18
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Also published as: US10751142B1

Abstract

A device for securing and disinfecting waste materials introduced therein, the device comprising a container, having at least one interior surface and at least one exterior surface, the at least one interior surface forming at least one chamber within the container for storing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container, at least one aperture for introducing the waste materials into the at least one chamber, and at least one disinfecting substance adhered to the at least one interior surface for disinfecting the waste materials in contact with the at least one interior surface.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/602,249 filed Apr. 18, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention relates to devices used in the medical field. Specifically, the invention relates to medical waste containment, disinfectant and disposal systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the medical field, it is common that excess fluids in the form of drugs or vaccines are drawn from vials and must afterward be safely and securely disposed of along with the syringe into which it was drawn. Fluids drawn from the human body must also be safely and securely disposed of, as well as the needles and syringes used to draw those fluids. In addition to the needles, syringes, and fluids previously mentioned, medical instruments which have been contaminated are commonly discarded and must be disposed of safely and securely to prevent spillage, exposure to environments where contamination can spread, or contact with skin or clothing.

Currently many federal, state and local agencies and organizations have placed restrictions on how and where many liquid preparations must be stored and discarded. Prior to the events that brought about these regulations and restrictions, such liquids were often disposed of in normal trash holders or simply placed down sinks, toilets and drains where these liquids would then find their way into our ecosystem. Various compounds and their substrates were commonly being discovered in both ground water supplies and in landfills.

In an effort to stop this contamination, restrictions have been placed on how and where many fluids must be deposited and stored for proper disposal. Despite regulations as to how fluids should be disposed of, there have been no satisfactory solutions as to how this can be done safely, effectively and securely.

BRIEF SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a new and secure medical waste container liner device and method which operates to contain, secure and disinfect contaminated, hazardous or biohazardous solid and/or liquid materials, hereinafter referred to as “waste materials”, introduced therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device and method which operates to prevent the waste materials introduced therein from leaking out.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device and method which operates to securely seal the waste materials within the device and prevent the outflow of the waste materials from the device once the waste materials are introduced therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device and method which operates to contain, disinfect and absorb the waste materials introduced therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device and method which operates to contain, disinfect, absorb, and harden the waste materials introduced therein.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device and method which operates to allow the device to be removably affixed to the interior of a disposal receptacle.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a device or method which operates to enable the waste materials sealed in the device to be destroyed without opening or unsealing the device.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive concepts, the medical waste container liner device can be used to safely contain, store, secure and disinfect contaminated, hazardous, or biohazardous fluids and/or solids, hereinafter referred to as waste materials, introduced into the device, where the device comprises a container, having at least one interior surface and at least one exterior surface, wherein the at least one interior surface forms at least one chamber within the container for storing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container; at least one aperture for introducing the waste materials into the at least one chamber; and at least one disinfecting substance joined with the at least one interior surface for disinfecting the waste materials in contact with the at least one interior surface.

In another embodiment of the device, the container is formed from at least one nonpermeable material, whereby preventing the waste materials from passing from the at least one chamber to the at least one external surface.

In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one securing mechanism for irreversibly sealing the at least one aperture of the container, whereby preventing the waste materials from being removed through the at least one aperture once the at least one aperture is sealed.

In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one absorbent substance for absorbing and securing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container.

In another embodiment of the device, the at least one absorbent substance is joined to the at least one interior surface for absorbing and securing the waste materials contacting the at least one interior surface.

In another embodiment, the device comprises at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container.

In another embodiment of the device, the at least one hardening substance is joined to the at least one interior surface for absorbing and securing the waste materials contacting the at least one interior surface.

In another embodiment of the device, where the device is inserted into a disposal receptacle having at least one inner surface forming an inner chamber and at least one opening through which the waste materials are introduced into the inner chamber of the disposal receptacle, the device comprises a fastening mechanism for removably affixing the container within the disposal receptacle.

In accordance with an aspect of the inventive concepts, the medical waste container liner device can be used to safely contain, store, secure and disinfect contaminated, hazardous, or biohazardous fluids and/or solids, hereinafter referred to as waste materials, introduced into the device, where the device is inserted into a disposal receptacle having at least one inner surface forming an inner chamber and at least one opening through which the waste materials are introduced into the inner chamber of the disposal receptacle, the device comprises at least one insert for isolating the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle from the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle, wherein the at least one insert comprises a permeable layer comprising at least one absorbent substance for absorbing the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle; and a nonpermeable layer, having a first surface and a second surface, comprising at least one nonpermeable material, where the first surface at least partially abuts the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle, and the second surface is affixed to the permeable layer.

In another embodiment of the device, the at least one insert is removably affixed to the at least one inner surface, and at least partially abuts the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

In another embodiment of the device, the at least one insert further comprises an adhesive substance fixed to the first surface for removably securing the at least one insert to the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

In another embodiment of the device, the at least one insert further comprises fasteners fixed to the first surface for removably securing the at least one insert to the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

In another embodiment of the device, the permeable layer further comprises at least one disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials absorbed by the permeable layer.

In another embodiment of the device, the permeable layer further comprises at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials absorbed into the permeable layer.

In another embodiment of the device, the permeable layer further comprises at least one disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials absorbed into the permeable layer; and at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials absorbed into the permeable layer.

In another embodiment of the device, the permeable layer is a permeable woven mesh for absorbing the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle.

In another embodiment of the device, the permeable layer further comprises at least one disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials absorbed into the permeable layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a conventional disposal receptacle;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a device including a container and a disinfecting substance, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a device including a container, a disinfecting substance and an absorbent substance, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a device including a container, a disinfecting substance, an absorbent substance and a hardening substance, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a device including a container and a securing mechanism for sealing an aperture, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a device removably affixed within a disposal receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a device, including an insert combined with an absorbing substance, removably affixed within a disposal receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a device, including an insert combined with a disinfecting substance, removably affixed within a disposal receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of a device, including an insert combined with a hardening substance, removably affixed within a disposal receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a device, including an insert combined with an absorbing substance and a disinfecting substance, removably affixed within a disposal receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a device, including an insert combined with an absorbing substance, a disinfecting substance, and a hardening substance, removably affixed within a disposal receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The accompanying drawings are described below, in which example embodiments in accordance with the present inventive concepts are shown. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative. This invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments set forth herein.

Accordingly, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements. For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present inventive concepts. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” “abutting,” “coupled to,” or “extending from” another element, it can be directly on, connected to, abutting, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly abutting,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly extending from” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

In the medical field, hazardous and biohazardous fluids and solids are constantly present and pose a constant threat of infection and contamination, and must therefore be safely and securely contained during handling, storage and transport. Hazardous or biohazardous fluids may be in the form of, but not limited to, bodily fluids, drugs, vaccines or intravenous fluids are withdrawn from patients, or fluids which are withdrawn from vials or other containers or tubing. Hazardous or biohazardous solids may be in the forms of, but not limited to, needles, syringes, medical tubing, gauze, thread, medical instruments, or any items used to clean spillage, which have been contaminated and must be discarded. The above referenced and implied hazardous and biohazardous fluids and/or solids may hereinafter be referred to as waste materials. Waste materials that are either absorbed or hardened by the inventive concept are generally understood to be in a liquid or fluid form, whereas waste materials which are disinfected can be either solid or liquid.

Currently many federal, state and local agencies and regulatory organizations have placed regulations and/or restrictions on how waste materials must be handled, stored, transported and where they must be discarded. Prior to the events that brought about these regulations and restrictions, often such waste materials were disposed of in normal trash holders or simply placed down sinks, toilets and drains prior to rendering these liquid waste materials inert. These liquid waste materials, being either infectious or retrievable, can lead to contamination of the environment and can potentially put healthcare workers, custodial staff and members of society at risk. These liquid waste materials can then find their way into our ecosystem or contaminate individuals who come in contact with the contents leaking from present disposal receptacles.

It's unfortunately common that various compounds and their substrates are being discovered in both ground water supplies and in landfills. Additionally, there have been heightened concerns about bacteria viruses, prions and other microbes entering the environment and potentially increasing the risk of spreading disease. In an effort to stop this contamination, restrictions have been placed on how and where many waste materials must be deposited, handled, stored, transported and properly disposed, but despite these regulations, there have been no satisfactory solutions as to how this can be safely and effectively achieved.

Presently, the above described medical waste is deposited into disposal receptacles specifically marked for such use. An absorbing substance such as cat litter, Red™ spill absorbent or a towel is typically placed into the bottom of an empty, recycled or previously unused disposal receptacle designated for waste materials disposable, such as a Sharpes™ container. Waste materials are deposited into the disposal receptacles for eventual disposal pertaining to proper procedures. These waste materials are frequently left to drip and drain within the disposal receptacle, often collecting on the sides or at the bottom of the disposal receptacle until the receptacle is either emptied and reused or disposed of. These waste materials pose an immediate risk of being a source of contamination and infection. Even if an absorbent substance is placed in the container, the biohazardous fluids can spill or leak out if the disposal receptacle is jostled, pushed, tipped or knocked over, which frequently occurs. The standard Sharpes™ container is designed to store used or contaminated medical instrumentation (ie. scalpels, syringes, knives, needles, medical instruments, spent intravenous tubing, etc) and is therefore not generally designed to store liquids. This is despite the fact that these objects are often either contaminated with or contain such liquids. It has also become a serious regulatory question as to how best to render such liquids irretrievable and or inert.

While the common practice of introducing an absorbent into a conventional Sharpes™ container or a medical waste disposal receptacle can be an option for disposing of and storing spent and non-reusable fluids and bodily fluids, it is by no means secure, doesn't address the risk of spillage, and does not prevent the spread of infection or contamination.

In a brief overview, embodiments of the present inventive concept provide for a novel way to securely and safely contain, store, secure, and disinfect waste materials, which may or may not be infectious, bio-hazardous or corrosive. The present inventive concept includes a device that can be in the form of a container into which the waste materials can be deposited. The container can be formed from a nonpermeable material to prevent the waste material from penetrating or leaking through the container. The container can include at least one interior surface forming at least one chamber with the container, and at least one aperture for introducing the waste material into the at least one chamber. The container can include a mechanism for irreversibly sealing the aperture of the container.

The device can include an absorbent substance to secure any liquid waste materials within the container by absorbing the waste materials, thereby securing the waste materials within the absorbent substance and preventing it from leaking or escaping. The device can also include a disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste material introduced into the container. The device can also include a disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste material introduced into the container, thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of infection or contamination. In addition, the device can also include a hardening substance for hardening the waste material introduced into the container, whereby securing the waste materials and reducing the risk of spillage.

The device can include at least one absorbent substance for absorbing liquid waste materials introduced into the container, whereby preventing spillage. The absorbent substance can include at least one absorbent ingredient such as, but not limited to, sodium polyacrylate; or at least one absorbent material such as, but not limited to, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, foams, sponges, woven meshes, woven absorbent pads, or a combination of at least one absorbent ingredient and at least one absorbent material. The absorbent substance can also be combined with at least one adhesive substance, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive spray, glue, foam or polymer, to enable the absorbent substance to be affixed to at least one interior surface of the container.

The device can include a disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials. The disinfecting substance can include at least one disinfecting ingredient, such as but not limited to iodine, chlorine, and heavy metals, and can be in combination with the adhesive substance to enable the disinfecting substance to be affixed to at least one interior surface of the container.

The device can include a hardening substance for securing the waste materials introduced into the container. The hardening substance can include at least one hardening agent, such as but not limited to powdered lime, and can be in combination with the adhesive substance to enable the hardening substance to be affixed to at least one interior surface of the container.

The device can include at least one absorbent substance, and/or at least one disinfecting substance, and/or at least one hardening substance, and/or at least one adhesive substance.

The device, inserted into a disposal receptacle having at least one inner surface forming an inner chamber and at least one opening for introducing waste materials into the inner chamber of the disposal receptacle, the device can include at least one fastening mechanism for removably affixing the at least one exterior surface of the container to the at least one inner surface of the disposable receptacle.

In addition, the present inventive concept includes a device that can be in the form of at least one insert for isolating at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle from the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle. The insert can include at least one permeable layer and at least one nonpermeable layer. The nonpermeable layer, having a first surface and a second surface, can be formed from at least one nonpermeable agent, such as, but not limited to, plastic or rubber, for preventing the waste materials from penetrating through the nonpermeable layer. The first surface can at least partially abut the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle for isolating the at least one inner surface from contact with the waste materials. The second surface is affixed to the at least one permeable layer for providing support for the permeable layer.

FIG. 1 shows aconventional disposal receptacle100 commonly used for containingwaste materials90, having areceptacle housing110 having at least oneinner surface115 forming aninner chamber125, and areceptacle cover120 having at least onereceptacle opening130 for introducing thewaste materials90 into thedisposal receptacle100. Thewaste materials90 are collected within thereceptacle housing110 until thedisposal receptacle100 is either emptied or destroyed, whereby disposing of thewaste materials90 contained therein. The at least onereceptacle opening130 is generally open and does not prevent the accidental or intentional extraction of thewaste materials90 once introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. In addition, thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100 can aggregate on the interior of thereceptacle housing110, thereby avoiding absorption by an absorbent, such as RedZ™ or kitty litter, typically loosely poured into the bottom of thedisposal receptacle100. Even if thewaste materials90 is absorbed by the absorbent loosely poured into thedisposal receptacle100, knocking over thedisposal receptacle100 will result in the contaminated absorbent spilling out and creating a risk of contamination and infection.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the described device including acontainer200 having at least oneaperture230 and at least one disinfectingsubstance260. Thecontainer200 has at least oneinterior surface210 and at least oneexterior surface220. The at least oneinterior surface210 forms at least onechamber250 within thecontainer200 for storing thewaste materials90 introduced into the at least onechamber250. Thewaste materials90 are introduced into the at least onechamber250 through the at least oneaperture230. The at least one disinfectingsubstance260 is adhered to the at least oneinterior surface210 for disinfecting thewaste materials90 coming in contact with the at least oneinterior surface210.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the described device wherein thecontainer200 includes at least oneabsorbent substance270 adhered to the at least oneinterior surface210 in combination with the at least one disinfectingsubstance260. Thewaste materials90, introduced into the at least onechamber250 through the at least oneaperture230, are absorbed by the at least oneabsorbent substance270 and disinfected by the at least one disinfectingsubstance260 as thewaste materials90 come in contact with the at least oneinterior surface210. Thewaste material90 is thereby absorbed and at least partially secured by theabsorbent substance270, and disinfected.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the described device wherein thecontainer200 includes at least one hardeningsubstance280 adhered to the at least oneinterior surface210 in combination with the at least one disinfectingsubstance260 and the at least oneabsorbent substance270. Thewaste materials90, introduced into the at least onechamber250 through the at least oneaperture230, are absorbed by the at least oneabsorbent substance270, disinfected by the at least one disinfectingsubstance260, and then hardened by the at least one hardening substance as thewaste materials90 come in contact with the at least oneinterior surface210. Thewaste material90 is thereby irretrievably secured in the hardeningsubstance280 after it has been absorbed and disinfected.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the described device, where the device includes at least onesecuring mechanism310 for irreversibly sealing the at least oneaperture230 of thecontainer200, whereby preventing thewaste materials90 from being removed through the at least oneaperture230 once the at least oneaperture230 is sealed. The at least onesecuring mechanism310 includes at least one adhesive strip320 bordering the at least oneaperture230, where pressing a firstadhesive strip330 affixed to a firstinterior side212 of the at least oneaperture230 against a secondadhesive strip340 affixed to a secondinterior side214 of the at least oneaperture230 irreversibly adheres the firstadhesive strip330 to the secondadhesive strip340, whereby irreversibly sealing the at least oneaperture230 of thecontainer200.

In another embodiment, thesecuring mechanism310 includes a unidirectional leak-proof zipper affixed to the rim of theaperture230, where once closed, the unidirectional teeth of the zipper prevent theaperture230 from being reopened.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the described device, wherein thecontainer200 is inserted into thedisposal receptacle100. Thecontainer200 includes at least onefastening mechanism410 for removably affixing the at least oneexterior surface220 of thecontainer200 to the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onefastening mechanism410 can include mechanisms, hooks, clamps, latches, clips, adhesive glue, Velcro™, elastic bands, or mechanical fasteners to removably affix thecontainer200 within thedisposal receptacle100. Thewaste materials90 are introduced into the at least onechamber250 of thecontainer200 through the at least onereceptacle opening130 of thereceptacle cover120 via the at least oneaperture230.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the described device, where the device includes at least oneinsert500 having at least onepermeable layer510 and at least onenonpermeable layer520, for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 from thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onepermeable layer510 includes at least oneabsorbent substance270 for absorbing thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onenonpermeable layer520 having afirst surface521 and asecond surface522, includes at least onenonpermeable material530 for preventing thewaste materials90 from penetrating from thesecond surface522 to thefirst surface521. Thesecond surface522 is affixed to the at least onepermeable layer510, and thefirst surface521 at least partially abuts and is removably affixed to the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 from exposure to thewaste materials90. Thefirst surface521 can be removably fixed to the at least oneinner surface115 using the at least onefastening mechanism420, including but not limited to, hooks, clamps, latches, clips, adhesive glue, Velcro™, elastic bands, or mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the described device, where the device includes at least oneinsert500 having at least onepermeable layer510 and at least onenonpermeable layer520, for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 from thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onepermeable layer510 includes at least one disinfectingsubstance260 for disinfecting thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onenonpermeable layer520 includes the at least onenonpermeable material530 for preventing thewaste materials90 from penetrating from thesecond surface522 to thefirst surface521. Thesecond surface522 is affixed to the at least onepermeable layer510, and thefirst surface521 at least partially abuts and is removably affixed to the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 from exposure to thewaste materials90. Thefirst surface521 can be removably fixed to the at least oneinner surface115 using the at least onefastening mechanism420, including but not limited to, hooks, clamps, latches, clips, adhesive glue, Velcro™, elastic bands, or mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the described device, where the device includes at least oneinsert500 having at least onepermeable layer510 and at least onenonpermeable layer520, for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 from thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onepermeable layer510 includes at least one hardeningsubstance280 for hardening thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onenonpermeable layer520 includes the at least onenonpermeable material530 for preventing thewaste materials90 from penetrating from thesecond surface522 to thefirst surface521. Thesecond surface522 is affixed to the at least onepermeable layer510, and thefirst surface521 at least partially abuts and can be removably affixed to the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 from exposure to thewaste materials90. Thefirst surface521 can be removably fixed to the at least oneinner surface115 using the at least onefastening mechanism420, including but not limited to, hooks, clamps, latches, clips, adhesive glue, Velcro™, elastic bands, or mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the described device, where the device includes at least oneinsert500 having at least onepermeable layer510 and at least onenonpermeable layer520, for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 from thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onepermeable layer510 includes the at least one disinfectingsubstance260 and the at least one absorbingsubstance270 for disinfecting and absorbing thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onenonpermeable layer520 includes the at least onenonpermeable material530 for preventing thewaste materials90 from penetrating from thesecond surface522 to thefirst surface521. Thesecond surface522 is affixed to the at least onepermeable layer510, and thefirst surface521 at least partially abuts and can be removably affixed to the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 from exposure to thewaste materials90. Thefirst surface521 can be removably fixed to the at least oneinner surface115 using the at least onefastening mechanism420, including but not limited to, hooks, clamps, latches, clips, adhesive glue, Velcro™, elastic bands, or mechanical fasteners.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the described device, where the device includes at least oneinsert500 having at least onepermeable layer510 and at least onenonpermeable layer520, for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 from thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onepermeable layer510 includes the at least one disinfectingsubstance260, the at least one absorbingsubstance270, and the at least one hardeningsubstance280 for disinfecting, absorbing, and hardening thewaste materials90 introduced into thedisposal receptacle100. The at least onenonpermeable layer520 includes the at least onenonpermeable material530 for preventing thewaste materials90 from penetrating from thesecond surface522 to thefirst surface521. Thesecond surface522 is affixed to the at least onepermeable layer510, and thefirst surface521 at least partially abuts and can be removably affixed to the at least oneinner surface115 of thedisposal receptacle100 for isolating the at least oneinner surface115 from exposure to thewaste materials90. Thefirst surface521 can be removably fixed to the at least oneinner surface115 using the at least onefastening mechanism420, including but not limited to, hooks, clamps, latches, clips, adhesive glue, Velcro™, elastic bands, or mechanical fasteners.

The foregoing inventive concepts may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for securing and disinfecting waste materials introduced therein, the device comprising:

a container, having at least one interior surface and at least one exterior surface, the at least one interior surface forming at least one chamber within the container for storing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container;

at least one aperture for introducing the waste materials into the at least one chamber; and

at least one disinfecting substance adhered to the at least one interior surface for disinfecting the waste materials in contact with the at least one interior surface.

2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the container is formed from at least one nonpermeable material, whereby preventing the waste materials from penetrating the container and passing from the at least one chamber to the at least one external surface.

3. The device ofclaim 2 further comprising at least one securing mechanism for irreversibly sealing the at least one aperture of the container, whereby preventing the waste materials from being removed through the at least one aperture once the at least one aperture is sealed.

4. The device ofclaim 3 further comprising at least one absorbent substance, wherein the at least one absorbent substance is adhered to the at least one interior surface for absorbing and securing the waste materials contacting the at least one interior surface.

5. The device ofclaim 4 further comprising at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container.

6. The device ofclaim 5 wherein the at least one hardening substance is joined with the at least one interior surface for absorbing and securing the waste materials contacting the at least one interior surface.

7. The device ofclaim 4, inserted into the disposal receptacle having at least one inner surface forming an inner chamber and at least one opening for introducing the waste materials into the inner chamber of the disposal receptacle, the device further comprising a fastening mechanism for removably affixing the at least one exterior surface of the container to the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

8. A device, inserted into a disposal receptacle having at least one inner surface forming an inner chamber and at least one opening for introducing waste materials into the inner chamber of the disposal receptacle, the device comprising:

at least one insert for isolating the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle from the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle, the at least one insert comprising:

at least one permeable layer comprising at least one absorbent substance for absorbing the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle; and

at least one nonpermeable layer, having a first surface and a second surface, comprising at least one nonpermeable material, wherein the first surface at least partially abuts the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle, and the second surface is affixed to the at least one permeable layer.

9. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one insert is removably affixed to the at least one inner surface, and at least partially abuts the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

10. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the at least one insert further comprises an adhesive substance fixed to the first surface for removably securing at least part of the at least one insert to the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

11. The device ofclaim 9, wherein the insert further comprises fasteners fixed to the first surface for removably securing at least part of the at least one insert to the at least one inner surface of the disposal receptacle.

12. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one permeable layer further comprises at least one disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials absorbed by the at least one permeable layer.

13. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one permeable layer further comprises at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials absorbed into the at least one permeable layer.

14. The device ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one permeable layer further comprises:

at least one disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials absorbed into the at least one permeable layer; and

at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials absorbed into the at least one permeable layer.

15. The device ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one permeable layer is a permeable absorbent woven material for absorbing the waste materials introduced into the disposal receptacle.

16. The device ofclaim 15, wherein the at least one permeable layer further comprises at least one disinfecting substance for disinfecting the waste materials absorbed into the at least one permeable layer.

17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the at least one permeable layer further comprises at least one hardening substance for securing the waste materials absorbed into the at least one permeable layer.

18. A method for securing and disinfecting waste materials comprising:

providing a container, having at least one interior surface and at least one exterior surface, the at least one interior surface forming at least one chamber within the container for storing the waste materials introduced into the at least one chamber of the container;

providing at least one aperture for introducing the waste materials into the at least one chamber;

providing at least one disinfecting substance adhered to the at least one interior surface for disinfecting the waste materials in contact with the at least one interior surface; and

providing at least one absorbent substance adhered to the at least one interior surface for absorbing the waste materials in contact with the at least one interior surface.

19. The method ofclaim 18 further comprising providing at least one nonpermeable material from which the container is formed, whereby preventing the waste materials from penetrating the container and passing from the at least one chamber to the at least one external surface.

20. The method ofclaim 19 further comprising providing at least one securing mechanism for irreversibly sealing the at least one aperture of the container, whereby preventing the waste materials from being removed through the at least one aperture once the at least one aperture is sealed.