In this specification, the term"washroom"is understood to include public lavatories, domestic lavatories, work place lavatories, rest rooms, and the like. Furthermore, the term"sanitary products"is understood to include products such as sanitary napkins, sanitary towels, panty shields, tampons, and any other products used by females during menstruation.

BACKGROUND ART A number of different types of sanitary disposal units are presently available. These units need to provide a hygienic and closed receptacle for sanitary products in a washroom environment.

One existing type of disposal unit is discussed in New Zealand Patent No.

260611/270106. This document describes a disposal unit formed from a container lined with an interior plastic bag and topped with a lid which allows material to be supplied into, but not removed, from the container. The lid provided is mounted directly onto the wall of a washroom cubicle, while the body of the container is preferably formed from a disposable or low cost material such as cardboard.

When the container and its associated liner are filled, the container is removed and lid disposed of.

This design of disposal unit does function correctly but has a number of problems.

Fixing the inner plastic liner to the outer wall of the container requires the entire container and liner assembly to be disposed of when the liner is full. The combined container and liner are relatively bulky compared to the weight of materials they contain and therefore can be difficult to transport and subsequently dispose of.

This design of disposal unit also requires a container portion which can be produced and subsequently discarded at low cost. The materials available for use in the construction of such a container thereby limited the design options available for the container and also any aesthetic effects or enhancements which could be applied to such a container.

An improved sanitary disposal unit which addressed any or all of the above problems would be of advantage. Specifically a sanitary disposal unit which could employ a permanent non-disposable container unit and which allowed any waste collected to be removed and transported in a small volume within a sealed package or enclosure would be of advantage.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term'comprise'may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term'comprise'shall have an inclusive meaning-i. e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or

elements. This rationale will also be used when the term'comprised'or'comprising'is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term'comprise'may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term'comprise'shall have an inclusive meaning-i. e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term'comprised'or'comprising'is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing the foregoing problems or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a sanitary disposal unit which includes, a cover, a lid,

a first adapter configured to directly or indirectly connect the cover to the lid, the cover being removably connected to the lid, and a waste receptacle adapted to receive and contain waste, wherein said receptacle is connected to the lid to allow the lid to close the receptacle.

Preferably, said first adapter is configured to connect the sanitary disposal unit to a support surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a sanitary disposal unit substantially as described above wherein the waste receptacle is a removable plastic liner adapted to be housed within the container.

The present invention is adapted to provide a sanitary disposal unit capable of receiving waste and containing this waste in a hygienic receptacle. Furthermore, the unit may also be provided with a lid or other similar inlet apparatus which can allow waste to be placed within the unit but not easily removed from the unit using the same lid or inlet apparatus. Preferably the disposal unit is employed to retain and dispose of sanitary products within washrooms or lavatories.

For simplicity, a preferred room in which the unit may be placed will now be described as a female's washroom. It is to be understood however that this term is not to be limiting.

Preferably, the unit may be of an appropriate size, shape and/or configuration whereby it is substantially unobtrusive when housed within a washroom. In particular, the unit should be such that a female sitting within a washroom does not find herself unduly close to or touching the unit.

Preferably, the disposal unit includes a cover which provides the bulk of the volume of the disposal unit and shields most if not all of the interior of the unit from view by an observer.

The cover may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration as required or as desired, or as dictated by the size, shape or configuration of the toilet cubicle and/or washroom into which the unit is to be placed.

Preferably, the cover may be substantially circular in cross-section. Not only is such a shape aesthetically pleasing and substantially unobtrusive, but since there are no sharp edges associated with such a shape, there is less chance of a person being hurt if accidentally bumping into or brushing past the cover.

Preferably, a cover may be formed from a relatively strong and resilient material. In preferred configurations of the present invention, the cover may provide a permanent component of the disposal unit which is not necessarily discarded when the disposal unit is emptied of waste. Relatively strong and comparatively expensive materials may be used to form the cover, thereby improving its strength and resistance to damage or tampering. Furthermore, the use of permanent materials allows an aesthetically appealing and attractive cover design to be implemented. For example, in some embodiments a cover may be formed from brushed or polished stainless steel or alternatively a powder coated metal. Alternatively the cover may be formed from a plastics material such as high density polyethylene or from high density cardboard or similar organic material.

Preferably the unit also includes a lid associated with the upper or top portions of the unit which is adapted to receive waste to be contained and disposed of. Preferably such a lid may also provide a one-way inlet apparatus such as a flap having an outer stop, whereby sanitary products may easily be placed into the unit but not necessarily easily removed from the unit. For example, in a preferred embodiment the lid provided may be substantially the same as that disclosed in New Zealand Patent No.

260611/270106.

The unit also includes a first adapter which is configured to directly or indirectly connect the cover to the lid. Preferably, these two components may be indirectly connected together through the lid being connected to the first adapter and the cover in turn being

connected to the first adapter. In particular, the lid may be adapted to frictionally fit within the first adapter.

In a further preferred embodiment the first adapter may incorporate a plurality of vertically oriented supporting projections which are located within the first adapter. Such projections may be adapted to engage with and support the weight of, and/or facilitate the correct positioning of the lid with respect to the cover.

However, in other alternative embodiments the first adapter may facilitate the direct connection of the lid to the cover if required. For example, the first adapter may be integrally formed with the lid or with the cover.

Preferably, the first adapter provides a channel between the lid and the cover allowing waste supplied through the lid to travel towards and into the cover or container.

The first adapter is configured to removably connect the cover to the lid. By providing a removable or temporary connection this allows the lid or cover to be removed when required. Furthermore, when an indirect connection is provided by the first adapter between these two components the lid in effect may be removably connected to the first adapter.

In a preferred embodiment the first adapter may be formed from a substantially ring- shaped component, with an inner diameter or circumference similar or complimentary to the outer diameter or circumference of a cylindrical cover employed in conjunction with the present invention. This ring-shaped first adapter may have the lid removably attached to its top or upper portion and the cover removably attached to its lower portion to provide a channel between these two components. Waste supplied through the lid may then travel into the interior region of the cover. The lid and/or first adapter may be formed from similar materials to the cover.

In a further preferred embodiment the lid may form the top portion of the unit and the cover may be located below the first adapter. This allows gravity to distribute waste

introduced through the lid down into the interior of the cover. Preferably, the first adapter employed also provides a linking channel between the lid and cover.

In a preferred embodiment the first adapter may also be configured to connect the sanitary disposal unit to a support surface. A support surface may be provided, for example, by a washroom or cubicle wall, or alternatively another fitting provided within a washroom to support and locate the unit in place. Preferably, the first adapter may be provided with a mounting means to provide the connection required to a support surface.

Any suitable mounting means may be utilised as desired, or as dictated by the size, shape or configuration of the unit or washroom. However, one requirement should be that the first adapter is preferably readily removable and replaceable from a wall of a washroom.

For example, the first adapter may be provided with flange portions which may be screwed into a wall. The first adapter may therefore be removed and/or replaced by unscrewing the adapter from the wall, and (if required) screwing into the wall a replacement first adapter.

Alternatively, the first adapter may be of a form whereby it may be slotted and/or slid into a complimentary or corresponding fixture or attachment means attached to a wall.

Such an embodiment is preferred since it renders the first adapter more readily removable from and attachable to the wall.

For example, there may be mounted on the wall of a toilet cubicle or washroom a bracket with upper and lower portions which are adapted to engage with upper and lower, preferably the top and bottom, portions of the first adapter respectively.

In a further preferred embodiment the unit may also include a second adapter which is configured to connect the first adapter to the lid. As the present invention may be adapted for use with a range of variably sized and/or dimensioned covers, the second

adapter may facilitate the frictional connection of the lid to the cover, thereby providing a"one lid size fits all"feature of the present invention.

Such a second adapter may preferably be formed as a ring shaped collet. The collet may be positioned to frictionally engage with the inner surface of the first adapter and to come to rest against the upper ends of the vertical support projections provided within the first adapter.

The collet may be integrally formed in two portions joined by a"living hinge"adapted to enable the collet to flexingly open and/or close. When closed and located within the first adapter the collet may be adapted to supply a sufficient pressure to grip the base of a lid which has been positioned within the second adapter. The second adapter is preferably formed from a plastics material such as high density polyethylene.

Thus the second adapter may be adapted to provide a linking channel between the first adapter and the lid in instances in which the first adapter is of greater circumference than the lid.

The sanitary disposal unit also includes a waste receptacle adapted to receive and contain waste. Preferably this waste receptacle can be connected to the lid, which allows the lid to close the receptacle. Furthermore, the waste receptacle may in use, extend down into the interior of the cover thereby allowing the cover to shield the waste receptacle from the view of an observer of the unit.

In a preferred embodiment the waste receptacle may be formed from a flexible material which defines an enclosure with one open end or face. This flexible enclosure or bag can have its open face or end connected to the lid and have its lower portions extended down into the cover of the unit. Any waste being supplied through the lid will then drop through the waste receptacle opening down into the waste receptacle and be contained within same.

In a further preferred embodiment a waste receptacle may be formed from a strengthened plastic bag which has its interior surface coated with a sterilisation agent.

Alternatively, a sterilisation agent may be deposited, for example in granular form, inside the waste receptacle. Suitable plastics materials may be used to form the required waste receptacle and can provide a hygienic and strong enclosure for the sanitary products to be disposed of.

Preferably the waste receptacle bag may be directly connected to an inner surface or edge of the lid so that when the lid is removed from the first adapter or cover the receptacle bag is also removed from inside the cover. This connection between the bag and the lid provides a closed or sealed enclosure when the lid is closed, which can also be disposed of as waste once the capacity of the unit has been reached. The lid and associated receptacle bag may simply be lifted out of the cover, leaving the first adapter connected to a washroom wall and the cover remaining connected to the first adapter.

Furthermore, as the waste receptacle can preferably be provided through a flexible material, the assembly to be discarded may be compressed in order to reduce its volume, thereby improving the ease by which waste can be removed and disposed of.

In a further preferred embodiment, the waste receptacle bag may be directly connected to an inner surface or edge of the lid through staples that are driven through the end portions of each component. The receptacle bag may be easily and quickly stapled onto the lower portions of the lid, thereby providing a secure and inexpensive connection between these components. Preferably the stapled edge of the waste receptacle is reinforced, for example, using a ring of plastics strapping type material over which the opening edge of the receptacle bag may be folded prior to the folded edge being stapled to the lid. Alternatively, the receptacle bag may be glued or adhered to the lid, with or without suitable reinforcing around its opening edge.

The present invention provides many potential advantages over the prior art.

A sanitary disposal unit as discussed above may provide a disposal system which can be relatively inexpensive to operate. As preferably only the waste receptacle bags and lids of the units are discarded this can substantially reduce the materials costs required to maintain a working disposal unit.

Furthermore, providing a lid on the top of a removed waste disposal bag provides a closed and sealed enclosure for the transportation of waste outside of the disposal unit.

By providing just a lid and flexible receptacle bag for disposal, this allows the waste collected to be compressed to a relatively small volume for handling and transportation.

In addition, the provision of a permanent cover allows strong materials to be employed in the design of the disposal unit and also an aesthetically appealing and attractive cover design to be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of components employed in a sanitary disposal unit configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2a, 2b show a side view and front view of the lid and waste disposal receptacle as shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 shows a side view of components employed in a sanitary disposal unit according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 shows a side exploded view of components employed in the sanitary disposal unit shown in Figure 3.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a side exploded view of a sanitary disposal unit 1 provided in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The unit 1 includes a cover 2, lid 3, first adapter 4 and waste receptacle 5.

The first adapter 4 includes a mounting means 6 which is used to connect the unit 1 to a support surface such as a wall within a washroom or lavatory. In the embodiment shown the mounting means 6 is provided through a set of brackets which can be connected directly to a wall through screws or other forms of similar fixing means.

The first adapter 4 is also configured to removably and indirectly connect the lid 3 to the cover 2. This is achieved through the lid 3 being connected to the top or upper portion of the first adapter while the cover is connected to the lower bottom portion of the first adapter. The removable connection is provided through a friction fit of the inner surface of the first adapter to the outer walls or edges of the lid 3 and cover 2.

Lid 3 may be provided with a cylindrical connection portion 11 dimensioned to fit snugly within first adapter 4. The lid may also be provided with a flap 13 having an outer stop thereby providing a substantially one-way entry for sanitary waste into the unit. The friction fit then provides a removable connection of these components to the first adapter by allowing the lid and also the cover to be removed from the first adapter if required. The first adapter 4 is also provided with a substantially hollow ring-like structure to provide a channel or passage for the waste receptacle 5 connected to the lid to pass through down the adapter into the interior of the cover 2.

Figure 2 shows the lid 3 and associated waste receptacle 5 when removed from the first adapter 4 and associated cover 2 discussed with respect to Figure 1. The arrangement and configuration of the disposal unit is such that only the lid and the waste receptacle bag 5 need be disposed of when the capacity of the unit has been reached. The lid 3 and attached receptacle bag 5 may then be lifted out from inside the cover 2 and associated adapter 4 and disposed of directly.

The lid 3 closes the open end of the waste receptacle bag 5, thereby providing a secure and sealed enclosure for the waste to be handled and disposed of. This in turn leaves

the cover and first adapter 4 fixed to the wall of a washroom and eliminates the need to dispose of the cover when the capacity of the unit has been reached.

Figure 3 shows a further preferred embodiment of sanitary disposal unit which is similar to the first embodiment but with the further inclusion of a second adapter formed as ring shaped collet 7 which is configured to frictionally connect the lid 3 to the first adapter 4.

The provision of such a second adapter 7 provides a linking channel between the first adapter 4 and the lid 3 in instances in which the first adapter 4 is of greater inner circumference than the outer circumference of the lid 3 (for example, where a larger volume and therefore diameter cover 2 is provided), thereby providing a"one lid size fits all"ability to the present invention.

As shown with respect to Figure 4, the collet 7 may be positioned to frictionally engage with the inner surface 8 of the first adapter 4 and may, in use, come to rest against the upper ends of vertical support projections 9 provided within the first adapter 4.

The collet 7 may preferably be formed from two semi-circular portions joined by, for example, a living hinge 10 adapted to enable the second adapter to flexingly open and/or close. When closed and located within the first adapter 4, the collet 7 is adapted to supply sufficient pressure to grip the base or cylindrical connection portion 11 of lid 3 which has been positioned within the collet 7. Second adapter 7 may be provided with a protruding ledge 12 on which lid 3 may be seated in use.

This arrangement and configuration of the second adapter is such that when the capacity of the unit has been reached, firstly the lid 3 and collet 7 are lifted up, and secondly the collet 7 is flexed into an open configuration and removed from the base of the lid 3. The lid 3 and receptacle bag 5 are then disposed of as described above. The collet 7 may then be flexed closed and placed back within the first adapter 4 to await receipt of the lid 3. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.