Patent Publication Number: US-8973774-B1

Title: Waste container with actuatable, internal bag obstruction member

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to waste containers or disposal devices that may be used for any type of waste, including but not limited to, cat litter, medical waste from hospitals, doctors&#39; offices, home health care personnel and facilities, nursing homes, biohazard laboratories, diapers, general household waste, disposables, incontinence, and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Waste containers or disposal devices are common in hospitals, doctors&#39; offices, kitchens and other household locations and other locations where waste is generated and must be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Waste disposal devices are also often used to dispose of household waste, cat litter and other pet waste. If the waste emits odors, the waste disposal device should also contain odors emanating from the waste. 
     Numerous waste disposal devices exist including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,612,099, 6,804,930, 6,851,251, 7,114,314, 7,146,785, 7,316,100, 7,406,814, 7,434,377, 7,503,152, 7,503,159, 7,617,659, 7,617,660, 7,708,188, 7,712,285, 7,963,414, 8,127,519, 8,215,089, 8,235,237 and 8,266,871 all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, innovative waste disposal devices are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/172,715 filed Jul. 14, 2008, now abandoned, Ser. No. 13/172,976 filed Jun. 30, 2011, now abandoned, and Ser. No. 13/270,697 filed Oct. 11, 2011, now abandoned, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Some of these waste disposal devices include a lid which is coupled to a rotation mechanism whereby upon forced manual closure of the lid, the rotation mechanism converts the manually-initiated closing movement of the lid into rotation of a twisting mechanism which engages with a length of tubing or a plastic bag in the waste disposal device to thereby cause formation of a twist in the tubing or bag. The twist is situated above the waste products in the tubing or bag so that emanation of odors from the waste products in the container is reduced. 
     Further, some of these waste disposal devices include a step or foot pedal assembly to complement or replace the manual opening and closing of the lid. The foot pedal assembly includes a depressible foot pedal and a spring, and is arranged to cause both opening of the lid when the foot pedal is depressed and closure of the lid when the pressing force is removed. The spring is moved against its bias upon depression of the foot pedal and returns to its original state when the pressing force is removed to thereby cause closure of the lid and rotation of the twisting mechanism. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A waste container in accordance with the invention includes a base defining a waste-receiving compartment, a lid movably attached to the base and movable between a first position covering a waste insertion opening and a second position in which it does not obstruct the waste insertion opening, and a support portion including an aperture through which a bag is placed into the compartment. The container also includes an obstruction mechanism having an actuator and an obstruction member having at least one part that selectively engages with the bag at a location below the support portion. The actuator is manually rotatable to cause rotation of the obstruction member between a first position in which the obstruction member is in a first plane not obstructing insertion of waste into the bag and a second position in which the obstruction member is in a second plane obstructing insertion of waste into the bag. The actuator may be configured to rotate the obstruction member about an axis perpendicular to a vertical axis of the base. 
     In some embodiments, the actuator includes a rotating rib on a rear side, and the base includes a side wall with click stops that interact with the rib to control rotation of the actuator and thus rotation of the obstruction member. The actuator further includes rotation limiting stops to limit rotation of the actuator, or other comparable rotation limiting means. The obstruction mechanism may also include a manually actuated switch movable between a position in which it can engage the click stops and a position in which it cannot contact the click stops. A biasing mechanism may be provided to bias the actuator into a position in which the obstruction member is in the first position. The switch may include an elongate connecting portion extending between a manually accessible portion and the click stops. 
     The obstruction member may be connected at only one end to the actuator and have an opposite, free end. Alternatively, the obstruction member is connected at one end to the actuator and at an opposite end to the base. The obstruction member may define a circular, oval-shaped, rectangular or square-shaped aperture through which the bag is passed, such that the obstruction member has two parts that selectively engage with the bag below the support portion. Alternatively, the obstruction member defines a semi-circular portion, semi-rectangular portion or semi-square portion adapted to be situated alongside the bag when present, such that the obstruction member has only a single part that selectively engages with the bag below the support portion. 
     In one embodiment, the waste container includes a membrane support arranged on the support portion including a membrane and a bag assembly arranged on the membrane support. The bag assembly includes the bag that passes through an opening defined by the membrane. 
     The bag assembly may be arranged above the support portion and include, in addition to the bag, a foldable support that supports the bag. The support includes two hinged portions and male or female connection elements on each of the inner and outer circumferential edges of each hinged portion configured to cooperate with one another when the hinged portions are folded against one another. The support further includes a supplemental engagement system that aids in maintaining the hinged portions folded against one another. The supplemental engagement system may include at least one projection on a surface of one of the hinged portions and a corresponding shaped aperture on the other of the hinged portions. The projection and corresponding aperture are positioned to engage one another when the hinged portions are folded against one another. The supplemental engagement system may alternatively comprise at least one boss on a surface of one of the hinged portions and a corresponding shaped aperture on the other of the hinged portions. The boss and corresponding aperture are positioned to engage one another when the hinged portions are folded against one another. 
     In another embodiment of a waste container, there is an automatic rotation of the obstruction member upon closure of the lid, i.e., the manual actuation of the actuator in the embodiments described above is not required. In this embodiment, the obstruction mechanism includes an obstruction member having at least one part that selectively engages with the bag. The obstruction member is rotatable upon movement of the lid to cause rotation of the obstruction member between a first position in which the obstruction member is in a first plane not obstructing insertion of waste into the bag when the lid is open and a second position in which the obstruction member is in a second plane obstructing insertion of waste into the bag when the lid is closed. 
     As an example of the mechanism that couples the lid movement to the obstruction member rotation, a member may be attached to the lid and that moves in one direction when the lid is opened and in an opposite direction when the lid is closed, and a mechanism provided that converts the movement of the member into rotational movement of the obstruction member. This latter mechanism may include a rod attached to the member and an arm pivotally attached to an end region of the rod and to the obstruction member. A spring may be provided and configured to be placed into a biased state when the lid is opened and thereby causes return closure of the lid and thus rotation of the obstruction member into the second position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention shown with its lid in an open state; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  partially broken away to show a first embodiment of an obstruction member and bag in the interior of the container; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view through an actuator of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the actuator of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  and its surrounding environment, in a first position; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the actuator of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  and its surrounding environment, in a second position; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a foldable support for a flexible bag used with the waste container shown in  FIG. 1 , when in an operational state; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag used with the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag used with the waste container shown in  FIG. 1 , when in a folded state; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag used with the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 1 , showing the first embodiment of the obstruction member in a first position; 
         FIG. 12  is another cross-sectional view of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 1 , showing the first embodiment of the obstruction member in a second, partly choking position; 
         FIG. 13  is another cross-sectional view of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 1 , showing the first embodiment of the obstruction member in a third, fully choking position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention shown with its lid in an open state, and including a first embodiment of an actuator and a foot pedal; 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of the first embodiment of the actuator for the waste container shown in  FIG. 14  and its surrounding environment, in a first position; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the first embodiment of the actuator of the waste container shown in  FIG. 14  and its surrounding environment, in a second position; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view through the first embodiment of the actuator of the waste container shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the actuator taken along the line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of a second embodiment of an actuator for the waste container shown in  FIG. 14  and its surrounding environment, in a first position; 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of the second embodiment of the actuator for the waste container shown in  FIG. 14  and its surrounding environment, in a second position; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment taken along the line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of a second embodiment of an obstruction member for the waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of a third embodiment of an obstruction member for the waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of a fourth embodiment of an obstruction member for the waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of a fifth embodiment of an obstruction member for the waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of a sixth embodiment of an obstruction member for the waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of a seventh embodiment of an obstruction member for the waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a foldable support for a flexible bag used with waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag in a folded state; 
         FIG. 30  is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag taken along the line  30 - 30  in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a foldable support for a flexible bag used with waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag in a folded state; 
         FIG. 33  is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag taken along the line  33 - 33  in  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a foldable support for a flexible bag used with waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag in a folded state; 
         FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag taken along the line  36 - 36  in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective top view of a fifth embodiment of a foldable support for a flexible bag used with waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of the fifth embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag in a folded state; 
         FIG. 39  is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag taken along the line  39 - 39  in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective bottom view of a sixth embodiment of a foldable support for a flexible bag used with waste containers in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag in a folded state; 
         FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment of the foldable support for a flexible bag taken along the line  42 - 42  in  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a side view, partly broken away, of another embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention showing the obstruction member in an obstructing position; and 
         FIG. 44  is a side view, partly broken away, of the embodiment of the waste container shown in  FIG. 43  with the obstruction member in a non-obstructing position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements, a first embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and is designated generally as  10 . Container  10  includes a base  12  defining a waste-receiving compartment  14 . A lid  16  is movably attached to the base  12  and moves between a first position covering a waste insertion opening, i.e., prevents insertion of waste into the waste-receiving compartment  14  and a second position in which it does not obstruct the waste insertion opening, i.e., enables insertion of waste (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
     The lid  16  may be pivotally mounted to a rear, upper edge of the base  12  by any type of pivotal mounting mechanism  18 . Generally, the pivotal mounting mechanism  18  would include one or more parts on the base  12  and one or more cooperating parts on the lid  16 . Instead of a pivotal mounting mechanism, another type of mechanism that enables the lid  16  to move while mounted to the base  12  between a closed position and an open position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be used in the invention, including any known to those skilled in the art of waste containers. Such a mechanism will be referred to herein as a lid mounting mechanism or lid mounting means. In this embodiment, the lid  16  is independent of the position of an actuator and an obstruction member, described below. As such, the opening and closing movement of the lid  16  does not have an effect on the movement of the actuator and obstruction member, i.e., lid movement is decoupled from actuator and obstruction member movement. In other embodiments described below, there is a coupling between the movement of the lid  16  and the movement of the actuator and obstruction member. 
     Base  12  includes a generally cylindrical body. Alternatively, the body of the base  12  may be other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval, etc. The base  12 , regardless of its shape, would include a circumferential side wall  20  and a bottom support  22 . Side wall  20  includes an access door  24  having a conventional attachment mechanism to enable it to be opened by pulling on a handle  26  and closed as desired, e.g., one or more hinges situated on the interior of the side wall  20 . Handle  26  can also serve as an access control member to selectively lock the door  24  or enable the door  24  to be opened by pulling on the handle  26 . Thus, the handle  26  may be configured to be rotatable between two positions, one in which it is engaged with an edge of the side wall  20  surrounding the opening for the door  24  and another position in which it is not engaged and separable from the side wall edge. A user would turn the handle  26  in one direction to the latter position to open the door  24  and after accessing the interior of the base  12 , would close the door and then turn the handle  26  to secure it to the base  12 . Instead of the handle  26 , any other structure that enables selective manual access to the compartment  14  is encompassed within the scope of the invention 
     Door  24  also includes a window  28  that preferably extends vertically as shown to enable easy viewing of the condition of a bag  40  in the compartment  14  vis-à-vis its state of fullness. The window  28  is preferably made of a clear or transparent material, e.g., plastic or glass. By providing the window  28 , a user has the option to view whether the bag  40  is full or not and based thereon, determine when it is appropriate to remove the bag  40  and replace it with a new bag  40 . 
     A scoop  30  is optionally provided with the container  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). Scoop  30  enables waste, such as kitty litter, to be handled without physical contact and deposited into the waste insertion opening of the container  10 . To hold the scoop  30  on the container  10 , the side wall  20  of the base  12  includes a hook  32  (see  FIG. 11 ). Other retaining structure to hold the scoop  30  in connection with the container  10  generally and the base specifically may be used, and are considered to be encompassed within scoop retaining means in accordance with the invention. 
     Base  12  includes a support portion  34  on which a membrane support  36  rests or is retained, and a foldable bag support  38  in turn rests or is retained on the membrane support  36  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Bag support  38  may be circular as shown, and could fit into a container having any cross-sectional shape. That is, the bag support  38  may be circular and fit into an oval or rectangular-shaped container. 
     Bag support  38  is attached to a flexible bag  40  to form a bag assembly  42 . To use the container  10 , the bag assembly  42  is placed such that the bag support  38  rests on the membrane support  36  and the bag  40  is urged into the compartment  14  (see  FIGS. 2 ,  10  and  11 ). 
     Membrane support  36  includes a flexible membrane  44  that has a plurality of slots  46  between fingers  48  of the membrane  44  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The slots  46  provide the membrane  44  with flexibility to enable insertion of waste into the bag  40  that overlies the membrane  44  with a portion of the bag  40  being passed through a central opening  50  of the membrane  44 . 
     More specifically, the bag  40  overlies the membrane  44  to define a bag aperture  40 A which forms at the central opening  50  of the membrane  44  (see  FIG. 10 ). This bag aperture  40 A is exposed when the lid  16  is pivoted upward relative to the base  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The bag aperture  40 A is covered when the lid  16  is closed. 
     The membrane  44  may be formed and constructed in different ways and is not limited to the presence of any set number of fingers  48  separated by a respective number of slots  46 . The material of the fingers  48  may be selected to be flexible so that they flex downward in a direction away from the center when a person pushes waste through the central region of the membrane  44 . The material of the fingers  48  should also be resilient so that the fingers  48  return to their initial form after the person has removed their hand from engagement with the membrane  44 , or the inserted waste has been pushed downward through the membrane  44  and is no longer in engagement therewith. 
     For example, the membrane  44  may be made of silicone or another rubbery material. It may also be made of a flexible synthetic material which flexes under pressure and returns when pressure is removed. The edges of the fingers  48  which are expected to engage the bag  40  may be provided with a friction-enhancing material to increase the contact force between the fingers  48  and the bag  40 . Alternatively, other membranes, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,215,089 (Stravitz) and U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,871 (Stravitz) and other patents by the inventor, all of which are incorporated by reference herein, may be used in the invention. Central opening  50  of the membrane  44  can have a smaller or larger opening depending upon, for example, the application of the waste container  10 , e.g., a larger opening if the waste container  10  is primarily intended for use with kitty litter and for hands-free use to dispose of medical waste, and perhaps a smaller opening if the waste container  10  is primarily intended for manual insertion of soiled diapers. The size of the opening  50  of the membrane  44  does not in any way limit the use of the waste container  10 . 
     Furthermore, the membrane  44  is preferably molded in a resilient substrate that can be adjusted for proper rigidity depending on the application. Polypropylene is one such material. The membrane  44  can also be reinforced with some ribbing to give it strength to return substantially to its relaxed shape. The slots  46  and fingers  48  of membrane  44  may have different sizes and shapes for specific applications. 
     Membrane  44  may be formed integral with a membrane support portion  52  to provide a unitary membrane support  36  or separate therefrom and then attached thereto. The membrane support portion  52  also includes an upper edge  54  on which the bag support  38  rests (see  FIG. 10 ). 
     Membrane support  36  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) is an optional component of the container  10  and the container  10  is functional without the membrane support  36 , and without a membrane  44 . That is, the support portion  34  of the base  12  configured with an aperture may constitute the waste insertion aperture of the container  10 . When a membrane  44  is present, the waste insertion aperture of the container  10  may be constituted by the membrane opening  50 . However, the membrane support  36  is important in some embodiments for trapping the bag support  38  between and the retaining projections  78 , described below. Once trapped, the bag support  38  is stabilized and restrained from caving in or prematurely folding. Therefore, the membrane support  36 , although optionally retaining a membrane  44 , should be provided for its function relative to the bag support  38 , i.e., assisting in trapping the foldable bag support  38 . If another bag support, such as a rigid, non-weakened support is used that does not require restraint against caving in and folding, then the membrane support  36  might be eliminated. 
     The bag assembly  42  is shown in  FIG. 7  and includes the foldable support  38  shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  8  and  9 . Foldable support  38  has a tabbed portion  58  and a non-tabbed portion  60 . On the tabbed portion  58 , a female connection element  62  is arranged at the inner circumferential edge  64  and a male connection element  68  is arranged at the outer circumferential edge  66 . The female connection element  62  is a groove formed at the circumferential corner (see  FIG. 9 ). On the non-tabbed portion  60 , a male connection element  68  is arranged at the inner and outer circumferential edges  70 ,  72 , respectively. The male connection elements  68  are ribs or projections formed at the circumferential corners, and that are preferably rounded (see  FIG. 9 ). The male connection elements  68  snap into the female connection elements  62  to provide a secure connection of the tabbed portion  58  and non-tabbed portion  60  together to provide the foldable bag support  38  with a stable, folded state shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Hinges  74  are situated between the tabbed and non-tabbed portions  58 ,  60  (see  FIGS. 6-8 ). Hinges  74  enable the bag support  38  to be altered from the operational or use state shown in  FIG. 6  to the folded state shown in  FIG. 8 . When the bag support  38  is in the folded state, the bag  40  is closed, thereby sealing odors therein. 
     Tabbed portion  58  also includes a tab  76  which enters into a corresponding receiving portion on the membrane support  36  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  10 ). This prevents rotation of the bag assembly  42 . Other structure that serves to prevent rotation of the bag support  38  relative to the membrane support  36  may also be used in the invention, such as those described in the inventor&#39;s other patents and patent publications, such as those in the patents and patent publications mentioned above and incorporated by reference herein. Such rotation prevention structure will considered to constitute rotation prevention means in accordance with the invention. 
     The bag  40  is attached to the lower surface of the tabbed and non-tabbed portions  58 ,  60  (see  FIG. 7 ). This attachment may be by any manner known to those skilled in the art, e.g., adhesive and the application of heat. 
     An advantage of the embodiments of the waste container  10  described herein using the bag assembly  42  is that an inner liner for the base  12  is not required. Rather, the bag  40  serves as the liner for the base  12  and prevents waste from coming into contact with the inner surfaces of the base  12 . 
     The type of bag  40  used in the containers disclosed herein may be any type of bag known to those in the waste disposal art. Any type of commercial garbage bag may be used. Deodorizing garbage bags may be used, e.g., a bag made of 7 layer EVOH and serves as an oxygen barrier. For some uses of the container  10 , e.g., for cat litter and medical waste, it is preferable that the bag  40  not touch the bottom of the compartment  14  to allow for a cleaner funnel for gravity related substrates. This will insure a better tapered opening to receive the waste, especially as the bag  40  takes on weight from accumulating waste. On the other hand, a longer bag that rests on the bottom support  22  of the container  10  has the advantage of not causing strain on an actuator  86  to return to its starting position, described below. 
     To retain the bag assembly  42  on the base  12 , one or more retaining projections  78  are arranged on the support portion  34  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  10  and  11 ). 
     The bag assembly  42  is supported by placing or snapping it under the retaining projections  78 , which may also be considered one-directional tabs, traps or stand-offs, while resting on the membrane support  38 , thus trapping the bag assembly  42  from movement when waste  45  is inserted into the bag  40 . The tab  76  of the bag assembly  42  is conveniently registered in a recess  75  of the container  10  (see  FIGS. 1 and 10 ). Specific siting of this recess  75  enables convenient placement of the bag assembly  42  at an angle of about 90 degrees from the two hinges  74  (see  FIG. 1 ). Lifting the tab  76  when the bag  40  is full of waste  45  folds the bag support  38  exactly and neatly in half. 
     Preferably a plurality of retaining projections  78  are provided and may be spaced as desired around the peripheral wall of the support portion  34 . Retaining projections  78  have an angled surface that extends further from the peripheral wall of the support portion  34  in the direction toward the bottom of the base  12  so that the bag support  38  must be urged downward over the retaining projections  78  into a position on the upper edge  54  of the membrane support portion  52  of the membrane support  38  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Once in this position, the bag support  38  is secured between the retaining projections  78  (from the top) and the membrane support portion  52  (from the bottom) and thus cannot be easily removed from the base  12 . Removal of the bag support  38  and thus the bag assembly  42 , from the base  12  would require manual force to pull the bag support  38  upward over the retaining projections  78 . 
     The base  12  also includes a mechanism  80  that selectively obstructs a bag channel  82  defined by the bag  40  and through which waste is inserted into the bag  40  (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). This channel  82  extends between the waste insert opening  40 A and the bottom of the bag  40 . The obstruction mechanism  80 , also referred to herein as bag obstruction or choking means, includes an obstruction member  84  that selectively engages with (contacts) the bag  40  to enable the bag channel  82  to be open (allowing for waste insertion) or to be closed (providing odor sealing), see  FIGS. 11-13 ). 
     In a general sense, the obstruction mechanism  80  includes a manual actuator  86  and the obstruction member  84  that has at least one part that selectively engages with the bag  40  at a location below the support portion  34 , with the actuator  86  being rotatable to rotate the obstruction member  84  between a position in which it is in a first, possibly horizontal plane (see  FIGS. 10 and 11 ) and a position in which it is in a second, possibly vertical plane. In the latter case, the obstruction member  84  could be rotated preferably more than 90 degrees past the vertical plane, e.g., about 110 degrees as shown in  FIG. 13 . Beyond 110 degrees, there may be undo strain on the bag  40  and actuator  86 , although the angle range is not limited by 110 degrees because it is possible to suitably design the actuator and/or bag  40  to avoid such strain for an angle greater than 110 degrees. The rotation also does not have to start with the obstruction member  84  in a horizontal plane but can start with the obstruction member  84  slight angled from the horizontal plane, just preferably not interfering with the passage of waste through the bag channel  82  defined by the bag  40 . Also, the rotation of the obstruction member  84  is generally about an axis substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the base  12 . That is, the obstruction member  84  does not rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of the base  12 , extending from the bottom support  22  to the lid  16 . 
     More specifically, the actuator  86  of the obstruction mechanism  80  is coupled to the obstruction member  84 , e.g., attached or connected directly thereto, and rotates the obstruction member  84  between the bag channel flow position (see  FIGS. 2 ,  10  and  11 ) and the bag channel choke position (see  FIG. 14 ), through an intermediate position (see  FIG. 13 ). The actuator  86  is situated alongside the side wall  20  of the base  12  and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a generally planar shape. Its actual shape may be as desired to enable easy and convenient manual manipulation and rotation. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the actuator  86  includes a rotating rib  88  on a rear side that cooperates with rotation limiting stops  90  on the outer surface  91  of the side wall  20  of the base  12 . The stops  90  limit the rotational movement of the rib  88 ). The stops  90  may be formed by two surfaces of a single arcuate member  93 , i.e., that has an opening that rotationally limits the movement of the rib  88  (see  FIG. 3 ). The side wall  20  of the base  12  also includes click stops  92 , i.e., a series of projections that serve to interact with the rib  88  on the actuator  86  to facilitate control of the rotation of the actuator  86  (see  FIG. 3 ). The rib  88  is preferably bull-nosed and engages the also preferably bull-nosed click stops  92  slightly to provide for limited engagement and allow the rib  88  to pass over the click stops  92 . The number of click-stops  92  can be selected to provide a gentle rotation of the rib  88  or a more violent rotation of the rib  88 , when being manually rotated between the vertical position shown in  FIG. 4  in which the obstruction member  84  ( FIG. 11 ) is in the bag channel flow position to the horizontal position shown in  FIG. 5  in which the obstruction member  84  is in the bag channel choking position ( FIG. 13 ). The more jarring caused by the engagement of the rib  88  and click stops  92 , the more the bag  40  is shaken, leading to more waste  45  being urged toward the bottom of the bag  40 . Jarring shaking of the bag  40  would also cause detritus on the bag  40  to separate from the bag  40 . 
     There are four click stops  92  in the illustrated embodiment and the rotation limiting stops  90  on the outer surface  91  of the side wall  20  of the base  12  are positioned to allow for an approximately 90 degree rotation of the actuator rib  88  (between the positions shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The design of the click stops  92  serves to keep the actuator  86  in place at any given rotational position. 
     The click stops  92  cooperating with the actuator  86  constitute a means for regulating the amount of opening or closure on the upper portion of the bag  40 . Moreover, the click stops  92  and cooperating actuator  86  constitute a means to impact one or two locations along the substantially upper region of the bag  40  where the upper and lower bag-contact parts of the obstruction member  84  choke the bag. This impact will assist in the waste matter being shaken down from the bag surfaces into the interior of the bag  40 . This is advantageous in providing (assisting) kitty litter or medical bandages that might adhere or get stuck in the passageway of the upper opening of the bag  40 . This impact or shaking function will also assist in dislodging waste matter and allow gravitational force to do the rest. Other means to regulate the rotation of the obstruction member  84  when actuated via the actuator  86 , including those known to person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, are also considered to be within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     The obstruction mechanism  80  also includes a shaft  94  that connects the actuator  86  to the obstruction member  84  (see  FIG. 10 ). Shaft  94  may be formed integral with the obstruction member  84 , and is retained in a channel  96  formed on the actuator  86  (see  FIG. 10 ). Similarly, an opposite end of the obstruction member  84  includes a shaft  97  that is received in a channel  99  formed by the side wall of the base  12  on the inner surface  95  thereof, and the shaft  97  may also be formed integral with the obstruction member  84  (see  FIG. 10 ). 
     Another way to consider the obstruction mechanism  80  is as a structure defining a hoop through which the bag  40  passes. This hoop is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis, i.e., perpendicular to the vertical axis defined by the vertical height of the container  10 . Hoop rotation either allows for the bag channel  82  to be open to allow for waste insertion toward the bottom of the bag  40 , or choking of the bag channel  82  and thus prevention of odor release and bacteria egress. It is possible to configure the obstruction mechanism  80  to have the hoop start in the choking position and require rotation to the non-obstructing position for waste insertion and then require rotation back to the choking position (either manual or automatic using a biasing mechanism as described below). The alternate configuration is also envisioned, i.e., have the hoop start in the non-obstruction position and require rotation to the choking position for waste insertion and then require rotation back to the non-obstructing position (either manual or automatic using a biasing mechanism as described below). The latter configuration is described in greater detail as follows. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 11 , in use of the waste container  10 , the bag  40  rests on the bottom of the compartment  14  and the actuator  86  is position such that obstruction member  84  is in the bag channel flow position, i.e., in an non-obstructing position. After waste  45  is inserted into the bag opening  40 A, e.g., using the scoop  30 , the actuator  86  is rotated to cause two parts of the obstruction member  84  to contact the bag  40 . The obstruction member  84  therefore begins to seal (choke) the bag channel  82 . As the obstruction member  84  is further rotated, the bag height is gradually reduced. If the bag  40  is lifted off of the bottom support  22 , then the seal becomes tighter at both engagement points where the obstruction member  84  contacts the bag  40 . A longer bag, on the other hand, may be used and would put less strain on the choke. 
     Rotation of the actuator  86  continues until the rotation limiting stop  90  is reached, at which point the obstruction member  84  should be in the position shown in  FIG. 13 , with the bag channel  82  fully choked. This may be a total rotation of about 110 degrees, past vertical to insure a tighter obstruction (choke). This prevents odor from being released from the waste in the interior of the bag  40 , and safely contains bacteria in the bag  40 . It can be seen that the bag  40  is lifted off of the bottom support  22 . If a longer bag is used, then the bag  40  would still rest on the bottom support  22  in the choked position which would produce less strain on the actuator  86 . 
       FIG. 14  shows another embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention. This embodiment includes a depressible pedal  98  that is coupled to the lid  16  and controls movement of the lid  16  between the closed position, and the open position shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Pedal  98  may be a foot pedal having a first, undepressed (not shown) wherein it is slightly elevated from a plane defined by the lower surface of the base  12  to enable depression thereof. When depressed into the state shown in  FIG. 14 , the coupling between the foot pedal  98  and the lid  16  causes the lid  16  to open. When pressure on the foot pedal  98  is released, the lid  16  closes. This coupling between the foot pedal  98  and the lid  16  to convert depression of the foot pedal  98  into opening movement of the lid  16  may be any coupling used in containers known to those skilled in the art. A portion of this coupling mechanism  56 , also referred to as coupling means herein, is shown at in  FIG. 14 , and includes a horizontal actuating member. The coupling mechanism may be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,489 (Stravitz) and other patents by the inventor herein as mentioned above, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     An embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention may also include a conventional foot pedal, including a spring to retain the lid to the closed position after having been pivoted open by depressing the foot pedal. A spring to provide for this return movement with force, as described in patents by the inventor mentioned above, is not required. One reason is because the membrane  44  and the bag  40  do not rotate in order to cause a knot to form upon movement of the lid  16 . Rather, the membrane  44  remains static and the actuator  86  connected to the obstruction member  84  will choke the bag  40  while the bag support  38  remains stationery. The tab  76  is not used to prevent rotation of the bag assembly  42 , because there is no possible rotation thereof, but it is used for insertion and removal of the bag support  38  and bag  40 . Conveniently, as noted above, the tab  76  and corresponding recess  75  are at about 90 degrees from the weakened part, i.e., hinges  74 , of the bag support  38  so the bag support  38  folds almost perfectly in half. 
       FIGS. 15-18  show a second embodiment of an actuator and its coupling to the obstruction member. In this embodiment, the actuator  100  includes a switch  102  that is movable between a position in which it will engage the click stops  92  on the side wall  20  of the base  12  and a position in which it is not in contact with the click stops  92 . One purpose of the two-position switch  102  is to allow for easier movement of the actuator  100  from the horizontal position ( FIG. 16 ) to the vertical position ( FIG. 15 ). 
     When the switch  102  is in the down position, it engages the click stops  92 , the purpose of which is described above. Once the actuator  100  reaches the rotation limiting stop  90 , i.e., it has reached and past the horizontal position (i.e., at an angle of about 110 degrees to the right from the vertical position shown in  FIG. 16 , the switch  102  is moved to the up position causing disengagement of the switch  102  from the click stops  102  and allowing the actuator  100  to be quickly rotated back to the vertical position shown in  FIG. 15  by virtue of a torsion spring  104  arranged on the shaft  94  (see  FIGS. 18 and 19 ). Spring  104  is mounted with one end on the shaft  94  and with its other end on the actuator  102  (see  FIG. 18 ). Thus, rotation of the actuator  102  from the vertical position past the horizontal position is against the bias of the spring  104 , and when there is no impediment to reverse rotation of the actuator  100 , the actuator  100  is reverse rotated by the release of the force in the spring  104 . The rear surface of the actuator  100  is provided with recesses  105  that receive projections  106  on the switch  102  to retain the switch in the two positions (see  FIG. 18 ). 
     The spring  104  when the switch  102  is up (disengaged) will return (spring back) to the starting position upon releasing the switch  102 . Depending upon the tension and strength of the spring  104 , the switch  102  may return back to its initial position faster or slower automatically. For example: from the post-actuated position or partially actuated position with the switch  102  engaging the click stops  92 , by lifting the switch  102  to the vertical position, thus disengaging the click stops  92 , the actuator  100  will automatically return to position one due to the torsion spring  104  returning to its un-stressed state. The torsion spring  104  is trapped in two places, i.e., to the shaft  94  and to the side wall  20  of the base  12  (see  FIG. 18 ), and thus either in the relaxed state or under tension. It can be in a tensed condition when you rotate the actuator  100  by hand and hold it, or it can stay tensed when engaged in any one of the click stops  92 . 
       FIGS. 19-21  show a third embodiment of an actuator  108  and its coupling to the obstruction member  84 . In this embodiment, the actuator  108  includes a switch  110  that is movable between a position in which it will engage the click stops  92  on the side wall  20  of the base  12  and a position in which it is not in contact with the click stops  92 . Switch  110  is longer than switch  102  and extends further up the actuator  108  and thus includes a longer connecting portion  112  between the manually accessible part  113  and the click stops  92  (see  FIG. 21 ). An advantage of the longer connecting portion  112  is the more convenient switch operation since a user can hold the actuator  108  and switch  110  with three fingers more conveniently (e.g., the thumb and middle finger on the actuator  108  and the index finger on the switch  110 ) and thereby manipulate the actuator  108  and switch  110  with one hand more easily than in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15-18  (wherein reaching down for the switch  110  while holding the actuator  108  can be problematic). 
       FIGS. 22-27  show various forms of the obstruction member used in a waste container in accordance with the invention. Generally, the obstruction member provides one or two solid parts that contact the bag so that when the obstruction member is rotatable between two different extreme positions, in one of which the solid parts obstruct the passage defined by the bag to thereby close and seal the bag preventing escape of odor from the interior (a choke position) and in other of which the passage is open thereby allowing for insertion of waste into the bag interior. When the obstruction member includes two solid parts, the bag passes between them (see  FIGS. 22-26 ) and when there is only a single solid part, the bag passes alongside the solid part (see  FIG. 27 ). As described above, there are various ways to rotate the obstruction member between the two extreme positions. 
       FIG. 22  shows an obstruction member  114  with an oval-shaped portion  116 , with the bag being placed through the aperture  118  defined by the oval portion  116  of the obstruction member  114 . 
       FIG. 23  is an enlarged view of the obstruction member  120  with a circular-shaped portion  122  defining a circular aperture  124  of the waste container shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 24  shows an obstruction member  126  with a rectangular-shaped portion  128 , with the bag being placed through an aperture  130  defined by the rectangular portion  128  of the obstruction member  126 . 
       FIG. 25  shows an obstruction member  132  with a square-shaped portion  134 , with the bag being placed through an aperture  136  defined by the square portion  134  of the obstruction member  132 . 
       FIG. 26  shows an obstruction member  138  with an oval-shaped portion  140 , with the bag being placed through an aperture  142  defined by the portion  140 . However, in this embodiment, the obstruction member  138  is retained on the side wall  20  of the waste container  10  only at the end proximate the actuator  86 . There is no retaining structure at the opposite end of the obstruction member  138 . In a similar manner, an obstruction member can be formed with a circular portion, rectangular portion or square portion and only retained at one end of the waste container  10 . 
       FIG. 27  shows an obstruction member  144  with a C-shaped portion  146 , but which is retained at both ends on the side wall  20  of the waste container  10 . Such an obstruction member  144  will engage the bag that passes alongside the C-shaped portion  146  at only one place, but is still effective as an obstruction member to perform in the manner described above. In a similar manner, an obstruction member can be formed with a semi-circular portion, semi-rectangular portion or semi-square portion and retained at both ends of the waste container. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28-30 , this embodiment of a foldable support  148  for a flexible bag is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , with the addition of a supplemental engagement system  150 . This supplemental engagement system  150  is additional to the cooperating male and female connection elements  62 ,  68  on the peripheral edges of the tabbed portion  58  and non-tabbed portion  60  of the support  148 . It thus serves to assist the cooperating male/female connection elements  62 ,  68  in maintaining the support portions  58 ,  60  together when in the folded state shown in  FIG. 29 . Moreover, the supplemental engagement system  150  does not interfere with the placement and use of the bag assembly  42  including the foldable support  148  when used in the waste containers disclosed herein. 
     The supplemental engagement system  150  includes one or more preferably a plurality of arcuate projections or ribs  152  and corresponding arcuate aperture(s)  154  on the tabbed and non-tabbed portions  58 ,  60  of the support  148 , with the projections and apertures  152 ,  154  being positioned to engage with and snap into one another to thereby generate a press-fit when the support  148  is in the closed state (see  FIG. 30 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the tabbed portion  58  of the support  148  includes an arcuate aperture  154  behind the tab  156 , and two arcuate projections  152 , one on each side of the aperture  154  (see  FIG. 28 ). As such, the non-tabbed portion  60  includes an arcuate projection  152  at a central area, and one arcuate aperture  154  on each side (see  FIG. 28 ). However, the tabbed portion  58  may include only one type of connector, e.g., projections, while the non-tabbed portion  60  includes only the other type of connector, e.g., apertures. Various combinations of projections and apertures may also be provided. 
     Although three cooperating projections/apertures  152 ,  154  are shown in  FIG. 28 , any number of cooperating projections/apertures  152 ,  154  may be provided. Also, the projections and apertures must have a complementary form, e.g., arcuate as shown, but this form may vary, e.g., linear apertures and projections may be used if desired. Moreover, different forms of projections/apertures  152 ,  154  may be used in the same embodiment, e.g., one arcuate projection/aperture and one linear projection/aperture. 
     Each projection  152  is formed to extend slightly above the planar upper surface of the respective portion of the support  148  to provide the projection with concentric inner and outer walls and radially oriented end walls (see  FIG. 28 ). Each aperture  154  is defined by concentric arcuate surfaces and radially oriented end surfaces. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 31-33 , this embodiment of a foldable support  160  for a flexible bag is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 28-30 , and shows that each of the tabbed portion  58  and non-tabbed portion  60  includes five connectors. Specifically, the tabbed portion  58  includes two projections  152  and three apertures  154  in an alternating arrangement while the non-tabbed portion  60  includes three projections  152  and two apertures  154  in an alternating arrangement. 
     It should be understood that the male and female connection elements on the peripheral edges of the tabbed portion  58  and non-tabbed portion  60  of the supports  148 ,  160  may be different from that shown in  FIGS. 28-33 . Thus, these embodiments should be considered to generally include a primary engagement system of male and female connection elements  62 ,  68 , one of which is arranged on each of the peripheral edges of the tabbed portion  58  and the complementary one being arranged on the opposite peripheral edges of the non-tabbed portion  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 34-36 , this embodiment of a foldable support  170  for a flexible bag is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , with the addition of a supplemental engagement system  172 . This supplemental engagement system  172  assists the cooperating male/female connection elements  62 ,  68  in maintaining the support portions  58 ,  60  together. 
     The supplemental engagement system  172  includes a boss or projection  174  on the tabbed portion  58  of the support  170  and receptacles  176  on the non-tabbed portion  60  of the support  170  that each receive a respective one of the bosses  174 . Although three bosses  174  and receiving receptacles  176  are shown in  FIG. 34 , any number of bosses and receiving receptacles may be provided. Also, the bosses  174  may include one boss behind the tab  178 , e.g., centrally located between the lateral edges of the tabbed portion  58  of the support  170 . One boss is then located on each side of this centrally located boss. 
     Each boss  174  is formed from two semi-cylindrical halves, both of which have rounded outer corners to facilitate insertion into the cooperating aperture (as best seen in  FIGS. 35 and 36 ). By splitting the boss  174  into two halves, a degree of flexibility is provided to each boss half, i.e., each boss half can flex inward when inserted into the aperture, and this forced inward flexing generates a press fit when the boss  174  is surrounded by the surface of the tabbed portion of the support defining the aperture. 
     Alternatively, each boss  174  may be a solid structure with rounded outer corners to facilitate insertion into the cooperating aperture. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 37-39 , this embodiment of a foldable support  180  for a flexible bag is similar to that shown in  FIGS. 34-36 , with the exception that the bosses  182  are hollowed out. That is, each boss  182  is not a solid cylindrical projection but rather includes a cylindrical cavity  184  surrounding by a peripheral wall  186  that defines the outer surface of the boss  182  (see  FIG. 39 ). The hollowing out of the boss  182  serves a similar purpose as the slit between the boss halves in the embodiment of  FIGS. 34-36 , i.e., it provide a degree of flexibility to the boss  182  so that the boss  182  can flex inward when inserted into the receptacle  176 , and this forced inward flexing generates a press fit when the boss  182  is surrounded by the surface of the tabbed portion  58  of the support  180  defining the receptacle  176 . 
     It should be understood that the male and female connection elements  62 ,  68  on the peripheral edges of the tabbed portion  58  and non-tabbed portion  60  of the supports  170 ,  180  may be different from that shown in  FIGS. 34-39 . Thus, these embodiments should be considered to generally include a primary engagement system of male and female connection elements, one of which is arranged on each of the peripheral edges of the tabbed portion and the complementary one being arranged on the opposite peripheral edges of the non-tabbed portion. Moreover, it is possible that only one male connection element  62  is provide on the tabbed or non-tabbed portion  58 ,  60  and one female connection element  68  on the other of the tabbed or non-tabbed portion  58 ,  60 , since the bosses and cooperating apertures may suffice to generate adequate retention force to keep the support portions together in the folded state shown in  FIGS. 35 and 38 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 40-42 , in this embodiment of a foldable support  190  for a flexible bag, the tabbed portion  58  of the support  190  includes two male connection elements  192 , one on each of the inner and outer peripheral edges, and the non-tabbed portion of the support includes two female connection elements  194 , one on each of the inner and outer peripheral edges (see in particular  FIG. 42 ). The male connection elements  192  snap into engagement with the female connection elements  194  when the support portions  58 ,  60  are pivoted about the hinge from the use state shown in  FIG. 40  to thereby enable the support  190  to be brought into and maintained in the folded state shown in  FIG. 41 . Otherwise, the construction and use of the support is similar to or the same as the construction and use of the other supports described elsewhere herein. 
     The containers described above are not limited to use for any particular type of waste. The containers may be used for cat litter, diapers for children or adults, kitchen products, bathroom waste, medical waste, general waste and the like. 
     For medical use, it is possible to use the container in a hands-free mode whereby the user with medical waste uses their foot to open the lid  16  by depressing the foot pedal and then drops the medical waste into the bag aperture  40 A or along the portion of the bag  40  that overlies the funnel-shaped membrane  44 . By the effect of gravity, the waste falls through the bag aperture  40 A into the portion of the bag  40  in the compartment  14 . For bio-hazardous waste, a red-colored bag  40  may be used. The lid  16  remains open as long as the user keeps their foot on the foot pedal. When pressure on the foot pedal  98  is released, the lid  16  closes. 
     Moreover, the various embodiments of the foldable bag support  38  for a bag assembly  42 , e.g., those shown in  FIG. 28-42 , may be used with any other waste container that is capable of receiving a bag assembly. The foldable bag support  38  could also be used with a different bag assembly than disclosed herein. Thus, the various embodiments of the foldable bag support  38  are considered separate and independent inventions, and the various embodiments of the foldable bag support  38  when incorporated into a bag assembly  42  as disclosed herein are also considered separate and independent inventions. 
     Referring finally to  FIGS. 43 and 44 , another embodiment of a waste container in accordance with the invention is disclosed and includes a mechanism that couples movement of the lid  16  to the rotation of an obstruction member  200 . That is, when the lid  16  is closed, the obstruction member  200  is automatically moved from one position in which the bag channel is open to the position in which the bag channel is closed, this automatic movement being effected without manual intervention to cause the rotation of the obstruction member  200 . On the other hand, when the lid  16  is opened, the obstruction member  200  is automatically moved from one position in which the bag channel is closed to the position in which the bag channel is open to enable insertion of waste, this automatic movement also being effected without manual intervention to cause the rotation of the obstruction member  200 . 
     Waste container  202  includes a member  204  connected to the lid  16  and that moves upward when the lid  16  is opened and downward when the lid  16  is closed. Member  204  may be an elongate rod associated with the mechanism that enables the lid  16  to pivot, or simply a rigid bar connected at a pivot point  206  to the lid  16 . Member  204  may be arranged anywhere along the lid assembly, including attached to the lid  16  as shown. Alternatively, member  204  may be a U-shaped component as disclosed in the inventor&#39;s other patents and patent applications mentioned above. 
     Member  204  is connected at an opposite end region or at an intermediate region to an actuating mechanism or linkage  208  including an elongate, rigid link or rod  210  and an elongate link or arm  212  attached to the obstruction member  200 . Instead of a rod  210  and arm  212 , other mechanisms and structure of converting vertical movement of the member  204  into rotational movement of the obstruction member  200  are considered to be within the scope of the invention. Such mechanisms and structure are referred to as a means for converting linear movement into rotational movement. 
     For example, in an alternative embodiment, the arm  212  is replaced by a lever that is connected at one end region to the shaft to which the obstruction member  200  is integrated, and at an opposite end region is attached to the rod  210 . The lever may have a variable shape, from a larger width proximate the shaft attachment end region to a smaller width proximate the rod attachment end region, and being generally planar and extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft from which it extends. The attachment of the rod  210  to the lever may be a temporary attachment, i.e., the rod  210  could be selectively engaged and disengaged from the lever. The attachment of the rod  210  to the member  204  may also be a temporary attachment, i.e., the rod  210  could be selectively engaged and disengaged from the member  204 . 
     For this embodiment, as well as the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 43 and 44 , the automatic obstruction member rotation mechanism may be additive to the manual obstruction member rotation mechanism. That is, the obstruction member may be rotated either automatically or manually when the rod is in place, or only manually by rotating the actuator when the rod is removed. Thus,  FIGS. 43 and 44  do not show the manual actuator in view of these drawings being partially broken away, but the obstruction member of any of the embodiments described above may be present. Similarly, the automatic obstruction member rotation mechanism may be provided in combination with any of the manual obstruction member rotation mechanisms and configurations described above. 
     The obstruction member  200  is constructed generally as described above, i.e., including a portion  214  defining an aperture and a support structure for supporting this portion on the side wall  216  of the container  202 . The support structure may support the aperture-defining portion  214  on one or both sides of the side wall  216 . In one embodiment, the arm  212  is attached to the shaft of the obstruction member  200 . 
     When the lid  16  is in a closed position shown in  FIG. 43 , the portion  214  obstructs the bag channel in the bag (not shown, but see  FIG. 13 ). Opening of the lid  16  automatically causes rotation of the obstruction member  200  to the position shown in  FIG. 44  wherein the bag channel is not obstructed and waste can be inserted into the bag (not shown). That is, it is not necessary for the user to manipulate an actuator after opening the lid, as in the embodiments described above, in order to effect rotation of the obstruction member. 
     Opening of the lid  16  may be undertaken manually, by means of a foot pedal (see the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 ), or by any other lid opening mechanism or structure known to those skilled in the waste container filed. This opening movement automatically causes rotation of the obstruction member  200 . Closure of the lid  16  may also be effected manually, by release of pressure on a foot pedal, by means of a spring  218 , or by any other lid closure mechanism used for a waste container. For example, this spring  218  may be a compression spring that is expanded when the lid  16  is opened (see  FIG. 44 ) and when the opening force causing the lid  16  to open is removed, the spring  218  compresses and causes closure of the lid  16  (see  FIG. 43 ). The opposite situation is also possible. Coupling actuation and release of a foot pedal to opening and closing movement of a lid is known in the art and all such mechanism, including those disclosed in the patent applications mentioned above and incorporated by reference herein, are considered part of the invention. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.