Method for vending pre-packaged sanitation kit

Description

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for vending a pre-packaged sanitation kit, which kit may be used to provide sanitary protection for a user while disposing of waste materials of various types.

2. Brief Description of the Art

The use of vending machines delivering all types of products is well-known. Vending machines generally deliver snack food items, such as candy and soft drinks. Vending machines are also used to deliver pre-paid phone cards, personal prophylactic devices, and even Internet access.

The use of protective gloves is also well-known. Various types of gloves are used to protect the user's hands during work, play and other activities. In addition, the use of pre-moistened wipes, or towel-ettes is well-known in numerous settings.

There are numerous instances when an individual may be required to empty a waste receptacle, and more specifically a human waste receptacle. For example, recreational vehicles have waste receptacles that require regular emptying and disposal of the contents. Certain boats and airplanes may have similar facilities, also requiring regular emptying and disposal of the contents.

The cleaning of an animal carcass presents another situation requiring careful sanitary precautions. Animal diseases exist requiring very careful waste management practices by hunters, fishers, and other recreational enthusiasts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention relates to a method of providing means for removing and disposing of various waste materials in a clean and safe manner. The method is geared toward providing these highly advantageous means to individuals who may not be fully prepared otherwise.

The method may be summarized as providing a small, pre-packaged kit, to be used while removing and disposing of waste materials, at a convenient time and place. The kit will contain, at least, a pair of gloves for protecting the hands of the user and a pre-moistened wipe for additional cleaning after the completion of the sanitation act.

The vending machines used in this method may be mechanical in nature, or may have electronic capabilities, and will be located near sanitation facilities where the use of the kits provided by the vending machines will be most advantageous.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the following detailed description of the embodiments of the method for vending a pre-packaged sanitation kit are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but are merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

1. Contents of a Sanitation Kit

The sanitation kit may contain a variety of products providing desired protection for a user while removing and disposing of waste materials. The sanitation kit may be described as means for protection during the removal and disposal of waste materials.

The first component of the sanitation kit may be considered at least one pair of gloves for protecting the user's hands while the user is removing and disposing of waste materials. The gloves may be made of any material capable of providing the desired protection, capable of being used by a variety of users, and easily disposable. For example and not by way of limitation, the gloves may be non-latex, latex, plastic or rubber. The gloves may also come in a variety of sizes.

The second component of the sanitation kit may be considered at least one pre-moistened wipe, or pre-moistened towel-ette. A pre-moistened wipe may be made of any material suitable for the intended use, and easily disposable. For example and not by way of limitation, a pre-moistened wipe may be made of cotton, nylon, polyester, paper, or any combination thereof. The wipe may be pre-moistened with any suitable solvent, including without limitation, water, mild cleansers, anti-bacterial liquids or any combination thereof. The pre-moistened wipe may come in a variety of sizes.

The sanitation kit may contain other items suitable for the intended purpose. For example and not by way of limitation, a sanitation kit may also include a filter mask to be placed over the mouth of the user, or any type of splash-guard device.

2. Vending Machines and Locations

The vending machine used in the disclosed method may be strictly mechanical, or may have electronic scanning and delivery capabilities. The vending machine may also be described as the means for vending a pre-packaged sanitation kit. Any vending machine capable of vending the desired product in the desired location may be used.

For example and not by way of limitation, a vending machine that is strictly mechanical may be characterized by its ability to vend products without the use of electricity. Generally, a mechanical vending machine may accept only coins, and deliver the vended product after a mechanical signal is delivered. A mechanical vending machine may not be capable of providing change if more than the purchase price of the vended product is inserted into the machine. A mechanical vending machine may have a device for selecting between variations of vended products, such as a lever that may be positioned under a designation for a specific variation of the vended product.

For example and not by way of limitation, an electronic vending machine may be characterized by a variety of capabilities, and will obviously require some source of electricity to operate. An electronic vending machine may be able to scan and accept cash, as well as coins, and provide change when more money is inserted into the machine than is required to purchase the vended product. An electronic vending machine may have the capability to accept credit cards, debit cards, or similar devices. An electronic vending machine may have the capability to select a variation of the vended product by digital means, as designated by the consumer.

There are numerous types of sanitation stations, as well as many locations where sanitation stations may be found. A sanitation station may be described as means for facilitating the removal and disposal of waste materials. Regulations regarding the disposal of waste materials are becoming increasingly strict, thereby requiring numerous sanitation stations in more locations.

Service stations may provide sanitation stations with facilities for the removal and disposal of human waste materials from recreational vehicles or other forms of transportation and recreation. Sanitation stations may also be found at campsites, boat docks, and airports for the removal and disposal of human waste materials from campers, boats and airplanes. A sanitation station may also be described as a portable toilet, or portable chemical toilet, or “porta-potties.”

Campsites, especially near lakes and rivers, and boat docks, may provide sanitation stations with facilities for the removal and disposal of animal waste materials. Animals obtained during hunting and fishing activities may require the removal and disposal of animal organs and fluids, and other waste materials. Animals may be infected with diseases making the use of proper sanitation techniques even more important.

The vending machine, or means for vending, may be positioned anywhere within one hundred (100) feet of a sanitation station, or means for facilitating removal and disposal of waste material. Obviously, the type of vending machine available for use within this distance may be limited by the availability of electricity.