Container and method for storing animal waste and controlling associated odor

摘要

Containers and methods for storing animal waste, such as feline or canine waste, human waste, and/or soiled waste products, and controlling associated odor are described. A container having a compressible body with an open top, is provided, the body of the container including a material substantially impermeable to vapor to prevent permeation of odor through the body. Waste is deposited within the container, and a closing member is used to secure the open top of the container in a closed position to at least partially prevent exodus of air carrying the odor from the interior. A filtering member secured within the interior of the container further removes odor to minimize exodus of odor from the container into the surrounding environment. The container can thereby effectively store waste while controlling associated odors, enabling indoor storage, or similar temporary retention of the contained waste until outdoor disposal becomes convenient.

主权项

1. A container for storing animal waste and controlling associated odor, the container comprising:
a compressible body comprising a base, a plurality of side surfaces, an open top, and an interior for containing an animal waste, wherein the interior of the compressible body comprises a contiguous enclosure comprising a material substantially impermeable to vapor to prevent permeation of an odor associated with the animal waste through the compressible body, wherein the material is foldable, compressible, or combinations thereof, for providing the compressible body with a compact shape for facilitating storage and an open shape for receiving the animal waste, and wherein the base and each of said plurality of side surfaces comprise contiguous surfaces defining the contiguous enclosure for physically blocking passage of the odor therethrough; a closing member usable to engage a first side surface to at least one opposing side surface to secure the open top in a closed position to at least partially prevent exodus of air carrying the odor from the interior, wherein the closing member is positioned on said first side surface, wherein the closing member comprises a length greater than a width of said first side surface, wherein a first end of the closing member extends beyond the width of the first side surface in a first direction, wherein a second end of the closing member extends beyond the width of said first side surface in a second direction opposite said first direction, wherein the first and second ends are movable to contact said at least one opposing side surface and retain said at least one opposing side surface in contact with said first side surface; a handle formed in said first side surface and said at least one opposing side surface, wherein the handle comprises a first elongated orifice formed in said first side surface below the closing member and the open top, and a second elongated orifice formed in said at least one opposing side surface below the closing member and the open top; a filtering member secured to an interior surface of the base, said at least one side surface, or combinations thereof, wherein the filtering member at least partially removes the odor from the interior to minimize exodus of the odor from the compressible body; and a tab extending beyond a width of said at least one opposing side surface of the plurality of side surfaces, wherein the tab is independent of the closing member, and wherein the tab has a first orifice therethrough for receiving an external object to facilitate transport or storage of the container.