Hazardous Waste Disposal Apparatus

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/643,587, filed May 7, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure generally relates to the field of containing, storing, and disposing of hazardous waste.

Disposing of chemical, biological, and radiological waste in a landfill without segregation and processing may result in the entry of harmful microorganisms, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or pathogens into the environment. The proper disposal of chemical, biological, and radiological waste is essential to prevent harm to living organisms and contamination of soil and groundwater. Conventional methods, systems, and apparatuses for disposing chemical, biological, and radiological waste include barrels, paint cans, rigid metal containers, rigid plastic containers, and glass containers.

A wide range of entities may produce hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, medical facilities, research facilities, and private entities. Conventional methods, systems, and apparatuses to collect, transports, and store hazardous waste are heavy, bulky, and difficult to work with. Thus, a need exists to provide a light weight, universal, easy-to-use system and apparatus for collecting, transporting, and storing chemical, biological, and radiological waste.

The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and kits for collecting, storing, or disposing of hazardous waste.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. As such, terms, such as those defined by commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in a context of a relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

As used herein, the term “hazardous waste” refers to any chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material or any object, article, item, thing, or device contaminated or in contact with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Likewise, as used in the following detailed description, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. Thus, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As example, “an” article may comprise one or more articles, and the like.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and “characterized by”, may be inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, compositions, steps, integers, operations, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Although these open-ended terms may be to be understood as a non-restrictive term used to describe and claim various aspects set forth herein, in certain aspects, the term may alternatively be understood to instead be a more limiting and restrictive term, such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given aspect reciting compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps, described herein also specifically includes aspects consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such recited compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps. In the case of “consisting of”, the alternative aspect excludes any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps, while in the case of “consisting essentially of”, any additional compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps that materially affect the basic and novel characteristics may be excluded from such an aspect, but any compositions, materials, components, elements, features, integers, operations, and/or process steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics may be included in the aspect.

Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein may not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed, unless otherwise indicated.

In addition, features described with respect to certain example aspects may be combined in or with various other example aspects in any permutational or combinatory manner. Various aspects or elements of example aspects, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner. The term “combination,” “combinatory,” or “combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included may be combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

In the description, certain details are set forth to provide a better understanding of various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein. However, one skilled in the art will understand that these aspects may be practiced without these details and/or in the absence of any details not described herein. In other instances, well-known structures, methods, and/or techniques associated with methods of practicing the various aspects may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of other details of the various aspects.

While specific aspects of the disclosure have been provided hereinabove, the disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily being limited to only the aspects disclosed herein. Rather, these aspects may be provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys various concepts of this disclosure to skilled artisans.

All numerical quantities stated herein may be approximate, unless stated otherwise. Accordingly, the term “about” may be inferred when not expressly stated. The numerical quantities disclosed herein may be understood as not being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless stated otherwise, each numerical value stated herein is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical value should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding processes. Typical exemplary degrees of error may be within 20%, 10%, or 5% of a given value or range of values. Alternatively, the term “about” refers to values within an order of magnitude, potentially within 5-fold or 2-fold of a given value. Notwithstanding the approximations of numerical quantities stated herein, the numerical quantities described in specific examples of actual measured values may be reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

All numerical ranges stated herein include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “1 to 10” or “1-10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10 because the disclosed numerical ranges may be continuous and include every value between the minimum and maximum values. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations. Any minimum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations.

Features or functionality described with respect to certain example aspects may be combined and sub-combined in and/or with various other example aspects. Also, various aspects and/or elements of example aspects, as disclosed herein, may be combined and sub-combined in a similar manner as well. Further, some example aspects, whether individually and/or collectively, may be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures may take precedence over and/or otherwise modify their application. Additionally, a number of steps may be required before, after, and/or concurrently with example aspects, as disclosed herein. Note that any and/or all methods and/or processes, at least as disclosed herein, may be at least partially performed via at least one entity or actor in any manner.

This disclosure generally describes an apparatusfor collecting, transporting, and/or storing hazardous waste (). The apparatusmay include a top edge, an opposite bottom edge, a first side edge, and an opposite second side edge. The top edgemay form an opening, wherein the openingmay be configured to receive hazardous material or article or object contaminated with hazardous material. The openingmay form an inner pocketwherein the hazardous material or article or object contaminated with hazardous material is stored (). The apparatusmay include a front() and a back().

The bottom edge, first side edge, and second side edgeform a continuous closed edge(). The continuous closed edgemay form a seal having one or more of the following properties: leakproof, airtight, and waterproof. The continuous closed edgemay be any seal known in the art capable of providing one or more of the properties mentioned above. The continuous closed edgemay be formed by a heat seal, wherein heat is used to weld together two or more layers of thermoplastic to form a seal having one or more of the properties discussed above.

The inner pocketmay include a zipper sealor any equivalent known in the art. The zipper sealmay include an interlocking mechanism on each side of the inner pocket that may be pressed together to form the zipper seal. The zipper sealmay include a single tongue and groove closure system or a double tongue and groove closure system. The zipper sealof the present disclosure results in a reduction in exposure to hazardous materials and provides increased ease of use compared to containers known in the art. The zipper sealmay be reversibly sealable, wherein the inner pocketmay be opened after closure by pulling on the frontand backof the apparatus. The zipper sealof the present disclosure may provide one or more of the following properties: leakproof, airtight, and waterproof. The zipper sealof the present disclosure may provide a hermetic seal. While a single zipper seal is described, more than one zipper seal, such as at least 2, 3, 4, and at least 5 zipper seals are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The backmay have a length longer than the front. The backmay have a front facing sidewhich is the distance from the top of the frontto the top of the back(shown as Fin). The front facing sidemay include an adhesive layer. The apparatusmay include a fold line, wherein folding the adhesive layerat fold linein the direction indicated by the arrow Fand pressing the adhesive to the frontof the apparatusprovides an adhesive seal to help prevent exposure to the hazardous material. The folding linemay be located at any horizontal location on the apparatus and is not limited to the location (dashed horizontal line) demonstrated in. Thus, a user may press the adhesive to the frontof the apparatus at any feasible or desired location that permits folding and applying the adhesive seal. The apparatusof the present disclosure may include more than one adhesive layerand more than one fold line. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, and at least 5 adhesive layers located in various locations on the apparatus. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus may include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and at least 10 fold lines. The adhesive may comprise a tamper evident adhesive sealing strip. The tamper evident adhesive sealing strip may include a removable strip to protect the adhesive sealing strip when not in use. The adhesive seal may permanently attach to the apparatus such that removing the adhesive seal irreversibly damages the apparatus. The adhesive seal may not be reversible and/or removable once closed.

The apparatus of the present disclosure provides increased protection for individuals tasked with disposing and/or containing hazardous material. The apparatus may reduce exposure to hazardous materials and may provide an increased ease of use compared to conventional apparatuses and systems, which are bulky, expensive, and difficult to use. The apparatus of the present disclosure may be used by any individual regardless of skill level.

The apparatus of the present disclosure may include any size necessary to properly dispose of and contain the desired hazardous material. An apparatus of the present disclosure having hazardous material may be placed within the inner pocket of at least one additional apparatus of the present disclosure to decrease the risk of exposure to the hazardous material. Thus, the present disclosure includes systems having more than one apparatus of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, and 20 apparatuses placed inside one another. As a non-limiting example, a first apparatus having hazardous material may be placed inside a second apparatus. As a non-limiting example, a first apparatus having hazardous material may be placed inside a second apparatus, wherein the first and second apparatuses may be placed inside a third apparatus. Increasing the number of apparatuses in the system may further reduce the exposure or permeation of hazardous material.

The apparatus of the present disclosure may include material that is resistant to hazardous material such that the hazardous material does not leak or permeate from the apparatus. The apparatus may include material capable of absorbing chemicals to prevent leaking of hazardous material. The apparatus may include material that is flexible for convenient storage and increased ease of use for the user. The apparatus may include material capable of withstanding up to 80 degrees Celsius of heat without compromising the apparatus. The apparatus may be resistant to oxidizing agents. The ambient air surrounding an apparatus having hazardous material may be free, substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of any hazardous material or vapors, particles, aerosols, or gases generated therefrom. The outside facing layer of the apparatus may be free, substantially free, essentially free, or completely free of any hazardous material or vapors, particles, aerosols, or gases generated therefrom.

The apparatus may comprise compounds to improve the heat resistance ability of plastic products, such as titanium dioxide, thermoplastic materials such as copolymers made from monomers, which may include, but are not limited to, ethylene, octene-1, hexene-1, ethyl vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol, and butene-1, polyethylene polymers, polyethylene homopolymers, and other incidental components. For example, the apparatus may comprise an oxygen barrier film made from high density thermoplastic and fluorinated ethylene propylene. The apparatus may comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride polymers or films. The apparatus may comprise barrier components, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), for example. While various thermoplastic materials are described herein, others known in the art are contemplated herein and are within the scope of the present disclosure. The apparatus of the present disclosure may include ethylene vinyl alcohol, derivatives thereof, or similar copolymers to provide a barrier film and prevent gases and organic vapors from leaking or permeating from the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an activated carbon liner to act as an odor-absorber. The apparatus may comprise a mylar film effective against odors. The airtight seal may comprise silicone or rubber seals to reduce and/or eliminate air and/or odor from escaping.

The apparatus may have a length and width capable of storing, disposing, and containing any hazardous material. As a non-limiting example, the apparatus may have a length of at least 6 inches, including, but not limited to, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, 50 inches, and at least 100 inches. The apparatus may have a length of no more than 100 inches, including, but not limited to, 75 inches, 50 inches, 42 inches, 36 inches, 30 inches, 24 inches, 18 inches, 12 inches, and 6 inches. Any combination of upper and lower limits is possible, including, but not limited to, 6 inches to 12 inches, 12 inches to 24 inches, 24 inches to 50 inches, and 50 inches to 100 inches.

The apparatus may have a width of at least 3 inches, including, but not limited to, 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 30 inches, 36 inches, 42 inches, 50 inches, and at least 100 inches. The apparatus may have a width of no more than 100 inches, including, but not limited to, 75 inches, 50 inches, 42 inches, 36 inches, 30 inches, 24 inches, 18 inches, 12 inches, 6 inches, and 3 inches. Any combination of upper and lower limits is possible, including, but not limited to, 3 inches to 6 inches, 6 inches to 12 inches, 12 inches to 24 inches, 24 inches to 50 inches, and 50 inches to 100 inches.

The apparatus of the present disclosure provides decreased permissible exposure limits (PEL) compared to conventional apparatuses known in the art. Conventional apparatuses tend to permit chemicals, gasses, and vapors to leak from the apparatuses while also permitting oxygen to interact with the hazardous material. This may result in the emission of small particles, chemicals, or radiated material that may be dangerous to individuals and the environment. The apparatus of the present disclosure significantly reduces the risk of leaching of any hazardous material placed within the apparatus. The apparatus of the present disclosure may provide a zero permissible exposure limit.

Conventional systems, apparatuses, and methods to collect, transport, and store hazardous waste are heavy, bulky, and difficult to work with. The present disclosure provides a light weight, universal, easy-to-use apparatus and system for collecting, transporting, and storing hazardous waste.

It is understood, however, that this disclosure also embraces numerous alternative features, aspects, and advantages that may be accomplished by combining any of the various features, aspects, and/or advantages described herein in any combination or sub-combination that one of ordinary skill in the art may find useful. Such combinations or sub-combinations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the claims may be amended to recite any features, aspects, and advantages expressly or inherently described in, or otherwise expressly or inherently supported by this disclosure. Further, any features, aspects, and advantages that may be present in the prior art may be affirmatively disclaimed. Accordingly, this disclosure may comprise, consist of, consist essentially of, or be characterized by one or more of the features, aspects, and advantages described herein.

The present disclosure provides a kit having one or more apparatuses of the present disclosure. As a non-limiting example, the kit may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, and 25 apparatuses.

Air Transport Testing was performed to evaluate containment performance of the apparatus of the present disclosure when exposed to differential pressure resulting from transport in a pressurized aircraft. The apparatus was sealed at sea level and pressurized to 8000 feet altitude equivalent pressure.

Chemical Permeation Testing was performed to evaluate permeation performance of the apparatus of the present disclosure when placed in direct contact with toxic industrial chemicals, including, tetrahydrofuran, tetrachloroethylene, 70% nitric acid, carbon disulfide, toluene, 50% hydrogen peroxide, and bis-(20chloroethyl) sulfide.

The polyethylene materials in the apparatus demonstrated resistance to corrosives. The barrier components, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer material, for example, of the apparatus of the present disclosure provided chemical resistance to all materials tested.

The apparatus withstood pressure differentials up to 15 psi without opening and had significant burst strength without complications. The apparatus withstood weeks of exposure to corrosives and strong oxidizers. The apparatus was chemically resistant to extensive solvent exposure.

Each apparatus was sent to an accredited testing company to determine, quantitatively, the leakage and permeation of Tetrahydrofuran (THF). One apparatus of the present disclosure tested had a single adhesive strip along with a standard, single tongue and groove closure system. A second apparatus of the present disclosure had two adhesive strips with a standard, single tongue and groove closure.

Each apparatus was tested against THE using a single and double apparatus system. For the single apparatus system, 5 mL of THF (4,445,000 μg) was added to the apparatus and properly sealed. For the double apparatus system, 5 mL of THF was added to one of the apparatuses, which was sealed appropriately and then placed inside a second apparatus of the same type, which was sealed appropriately.

The double apparatus system significantly reduced the amount of THF permeating from the ensemble. It was expected that a triple apparatus system or a system having 4 or more apparatuses would result in even lower permeation of THE, and a zero PEL. The single apparatus heat sealed control represents the permeation rate through the body of the apparatus completely independent of the closure type.

The present invention is directed to the following aspects:

Aspect 1. An apparatus for collecting, storing, or disposing a liquid, the apparatus comprising: a top edgeforming an openingconfigured to receive the liquid; a continuous closed edgecomprising an opposite bottom edge, a first side edge, and an opposite second side edge, wherein the openingcomprises an inner pocketconfigured to store the liquid, and wherein the continuous closed edgeis configured to form at least one fluid leakproof seal, and wherein the apparatus is characterized by a factor of PEL up to 1.

Aspect 2. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the seal is a hermetic seal, and/or wherein the seal is a tamper evident seal, and/or wherein the seal is irreversible.

Aspect 3. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the apparatus is waterproof.

Aspect 4. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the seal is a heat seal.

Aspect 5. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects, wherein the seal is a zipper seal.

Aspect 6. The apparatus of any of the foregoing aspects comprising a frontand a back, wherein the backhas a length longer than the front.