Claims:We claim:
1. A dry toilet comprising:
a bowl structure configured to receive solid and liquid material;
a collection tank comprising a liquid container and a cavity configured to receive a solid container;
a diversion channel configured to channel liquids from the bowl structure to the liquid container; and
a diversion device configured to divert solids from the diversion channel and instead into the solid container.

2. The dry toilet of claim 1, wherein the bowl structure is configured to stack on top of the collection tank and with other bowl structures, wherein the collection tanks are configured to receive the bowl structure and stack with other collection tanks.

3. The dry toilet of claim 1, wherein the diversion device includes a ring, a barrier, or a molded lip attachable to the diversion channel.

4. The dry toilet of claim 1, wherein the diversion channel includes a path from the bowl structure to the liquid container.

5. The dry toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a seal between the solid container and the cavity.

6. The dry toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a seat attached to the bowl structure via a hinge; and
a lid incorporated with the bowl structure or the seat.

7. The dry toilet of claim 6, wherein the lid is configured to grip at least one surface of the bowl structure.

8. The dry toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a stacking depression or stacking ridge integrally formed with the collection tank, wherein the depression or ridge mates with another collection tank.

9. The dry toilet of claim 1, further comprising:
a depression configured to support the diversion channel, wherein the depression is also configured to mate with another collection tank.

10. A collection tank for a dry toilet, the collection tank comprising:
a liquid container to contain urine;
a cavity configured to receive a solid container to contain solid waste;
a diversion channel configured to channel liquids to the liquid container; and
a diversion device configured to divert solid waste from the diversion channel and instead into the solid container.

Description:DRY TOILET
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/058,764 filed July 30, 2020.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates in general to a dry toilet system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Sanitation in the developing world is a complex issue with many facets requiring many different approaches depending on local circumstances. In many circumstances, approaches such as the installation of sewer networks, decentralized treatment, septic tanks, or pit latrines is appropriate and practical. In some circumstances, the requisite infrastructure is not available and these approaches are not feasible or practical.
[0004] There is therefore a need for a toilet that provides a convenient, clean, and an environmentally safe process for containing and disposing of human waste for use by people in such remote locations. There is also a need for such a toilet that is portable to allow for easy transport of the toilet to the desired remote location and easily and compactly stored for easy access and transport.
SUMMARY
[0005] Exemplary embodiments include the following:
[0006] A dry toilet includes a bowl structure, a collection tank, a diversion channel, and a diversion device. The bowl structure is configured to receive solid and liquid material. The collection tank includes a liquid container and a cavity configured to receive a solid container. The diversion channel is configured to channel liquids from the bowl structure to the liquid container. The diversion device is configured to divert solids from the diversion channel and instead into the solid container.
[0007] In one embodiment, the bowl structure is configured to stack on top of the collection tank and with other bowl structures, wherein the collection tanks are configured to receive the bowl structure and stack with other collection tanks.
[0008] In one embodiment, the diversion device includes a ring, a barrier, or a molded lip attachable to the diversion channel.
[0009] In one embodiment, the diversion channel includes a path from the bowl structure to the liquid container.
[0010] In one embodiment, the dry toilet further includes a seal between the solid container and the cavity.
[0011] In one embodiment, the dry toilet further includes a seat attached to the bowl structure via a hinge.
[0012] In one embodiment, the dry toilet further includes a lid incorporated with the bowl structure or the seat.
[0013] In one embodiment, the lid is configured to grip at least one surface of the bowl structure.
[0014] In one embodiment, the dry toilet further includes a stacking depression or stacking ridge integrally formed with the collection tank, wherein the depression or ridge mates with another collection tank.
[0015] In one embodiment, the dry toilet further includes a depression configured to support the diversion channel, wherein the depression is also configured to mate with another collection tank.
[0016] Another embodiment may include a collection tank for a dry toilet, the collection tank including a liquid container to contain urine, a cavity configured to receive a solid container to contain solid waste, a diversion channel configured to channel liquids to the liquid container, and a diversion device configured to divert solid waste from the diversion channel and instead into the solid container.
[0017] In one embodiment, the collection tank is configured to stack on other collection tanks.
[0018] In one embodiment, the collection tank further includes a seat attached to the bowl structure via ahinge and a lid incorporated with the bowl structure or the seat.
[0019] In one embodiment, the lid is configured to grip at least one surface to remain closed against gravity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example manual dry toilet.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the example dry toilet of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates the function of the diversion feature.
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates the function of the diversion feature.
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates the function of the diversion feature.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sections of the dry toilet of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sections of the dry toilet of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates stacking of two collection tanks.
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of two stacked collection tanks.
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a top down view and a side view of two stacked collection tanks.
[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates three views of the dry toilet of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of the lid of the dry toilet of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] When the installation of sewer networks, decentralized treatment, septic tanks, or pit latrines is not appropriate or feasible, portable toilets may be used. Traditional portable toilets that have been used in remote locations that have a receptacle into which both solids and liquids fall and are collected. Such toilets may also be referred to as composting toilets as the urine / feces is not taken away, but left to compost or collect. Most composting toilets use no water for flushing and are therefore called “dry toilets”. In many composting toilet designs, a carbon additive such as sawdust, coconut coir, or peat moss is added after each use. This practice creates air pockets in the human waste to promote aerobic decomposition.
[0034] Urine diverting portable toilets may also be used. Urine separating or diverting dry toilets, also called urine separating environmental toilets, have been developed because dry toilets produce odors. The odor arises in conventional dry toilets, i.e. toilets without water flushing and sewer; because urine and feces are mixed in the same container wherein the mixture ferments and generates ammonium and also hydrogen sulfide which produces an unpleasant intense latrine odor which has to be aired away.
[0035] In a typical urine diverting toilet, the urine is kept separate and drained via a basin with a hole near the front of the toilet bowl or squatting pan, while feces fall through a larger drop-hole at the rear. The separate collection may not require the user to change positions between urinating and defecating, although some care is needed to ensure the right position over the user interface.
[0036] The benefits of a urine diverting toilet include reduce odor (mixing urine and feces together causes substantial odor); avoiding of the production of wet, odorous fecal sludge, which has to be removed by someone when the pit latrine is full; fast drying of feces which makes handling of feces far more simple and hygienic; reducing environmental impacts; allowing for the recovery of urine, which can be reused as fertilizer; and allowing for the recovery of desiccated feces, that may be reused as a soil enhancement.
[0037] Embodiments provided herein include a dry toilet that separates urine and solid excrement. The urine is conveyed away to a liquid container that may be easily stored and stacked with other containers. The solid excrement is also collected in a container that is easily stored and removed from the liquid container.
[0038] The following embodiments solve the issues with the current state of the art dry toilet by modifying the method by which the solid and liquids are separated. Embodiments provide a dry toilet that is modular, stackable, and completely recyclable. The provided dry toilet conforms to collection methods of existing container based sanitation (CBS) services and is manufactured and transported with lower cost compared to existing solutions. In addition, the dry toilet complies with current practices which allows for a gracious toileting experience (no need for significant user training/behavior change).
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an example dry toilet 100. The dry toilet 100 includes a bowl structure 110 and a collection tank 120 located underneath the bowl structure 110. The dry toilet 100 includes a lid 115 that may be fastened to the bowl structure 110 (e.g., by a hinge that allows the lid 115 to rotate with respect to the bowl structure). Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the example dry toilet 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 includes the lid 115, the bowl structure 110, the liquid diversion channel 150, the diversion feature 155, the solid container 140, a solid container seal 145, and a collection tank 120. The collection tank 120 includes a liquid container 130 and a solid container 140. Each of the components of the dry toilet 100 may be separate components. Alternatively, certain components may be combined together or replaced by other equivalent components. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0041] In an embodiment, the dry toilet 100 includes a diversion feature 155 (e.g., a diversion device such as a ring having a barrier or dam device) to separate liquid (urine) from solids (feces). The diversion feature 155 includes a molded lip that attaches to a liquid diversion channel 150. During operation, gravity pulls urine from the bowl structure 110 into the liquid diversion channel 150. The liquid diversion channel 150 provides a path from the bowl structure 110 to a liquid container 130 which is located inside the collection tank 120. Feces and other solid matter are prevented from entering the liquid diversion channel 150 by the diversion feature 155 including the molded lip. Feces and other solid matter are instead collected in the solid container 140 that fits inside the collection tank 120. In this way, the urine is diverted and the solid matter is kept as dry as possible. A seal 145 may be provided that seals and hold the solid container 140 in place.
[0042] The bowl structure 110 may be formed from plastic, metal, or other material. The bowl structure 110 may be hollow and formed with one or more cavities or may not be hollow (e.g., solid). The bowl structure 110 includes a single bowl or cavity by which liquid and solid matter may, by gravity, traverse the bowl to either the liquids or solid container 140. A seat may be attached to the top of the bowl structure 110 to facilitate the use of the dry toilet 100. A seat may be built in or contained within the lid 115. The seat may be integrated with a top of the bowl structure 110 (e.g., built-in seat). The seat may be separable from both the lid 115 and the bowl structure. The seat may be fastened to the bowl structure 110 via a hinge 180 so that seat is rotatable with respect to the bowl structure 110 and/or the lid 115.
[0043] The lid 115 is configured to attach to the bowl structure 110 by a fastener or by a hook and bar system. The lid 115 may be removed to allow a seat to be place on the bowl structure 110. When closed, the lid 115 may be configured to be fastened to the bowl structure 110 so that the lid 115 stays in place if the bowl structure 110 or dry toilet 100 is moved. For example, the lid 115 may be molded to grip the sides (e.g., at least one surface) of the bowl structure 110 when closed and through friction stay closed (e.g., when carried, tipped to the side, or at an angled position). For example, the frictional force may be sufficient to overcome the force of gravity when the dry toilet 100 is tipped on the side, carried by a user, or otherwise placed at an angle. The lid 115 may also provide an air tight or hermetic seal when closed so that any odor is unable to escape the bowl structure 110 or collection container. The lid 115 may be formed from plastic, metal, or other material. The lid 115 may be hollow or may not be hollow.
[0044] The bowl structure 110 is configured to be placed or fitted on top of the collection tank 120. The bowl structure 110 or collection tank 120 may be configured with one or more raised or depressed features that compliment features on either the connecting structure. For example, as depicted in Figure 2, the collection tank 120 has a depressed edge that accepts a raised edge of the bowl structure 110. In this way, when place on top of one another, the bowl structure 110 and collection tank 120 form a single unit that may be fastened together using a fastener or by friction or gravity.
[0045] The collection tank 120 may be hollow and include or be a liquid container 130 or tank that is configured to store liquids such as urine. The collection tank 120 may include one or more holes that allow liquid to flow into or out of the liquids tank. The collection tank 120 may also include one or more air holes 132 to allow air in or out of the liquids tank. Each hole may include a cap, for example, a screw cap or plug, that prevents air or liquids from entering or leaving the liquid container 130. The collection tank 120 may include one or more handles 160 that allow a user to pick up the tank. A handle 160 may be molded into the structure of the collection tank 120 or may be attached using a fastener or other connection.
[0046] The collection tank 120 includes a cavity into which the solid container 140 may be placed. The cavity may be cylindrical or another shape. The solid container 140 is configured to fit inside the cavity and collect solid waste that is introduced into the bowl structure 110. The solid container 140 may be formed from plastic, metal, organic, or other material. The solid container 140 may be configured to draw moisture from the solid matter stored therewithin. The solid container 140 may also provide odor reduction capabilities from, for example, chemical interaction or the material that the solid container 140 is formed from. The solid container 140 may be fully compostable or may be reusable. The solid container 140 may be held in place by a solid container seal 145 which prevents any material from leaking out of the solid container 140 or the liquid diversion channel 150 into the cavity of the collection tank 120. The solid container seal 145 may be formed from plastic, rubber, metal, or other material that provides a seal. The solid container seal 145 may, for example, be a gasket to that holds the solid container 140 in place and seals the cavity.
[0047] The urine diversion channel 150 is configured to be placed on top of the solid container 140 or rest in the top of the solid container 140. The urine diversion channel 150 diverts liquids from traveling down the bowl structure 110 into the solid container 140. The urine diversion channel 150 provides a gap between the bowl structure 110 and the solid container 140, a gap that allows liquids to flow through but using the diversion feature 155, prevents solids from traveling into and through the liquid diversion channel and into the liquid container 130.
[0048] The liquid diversion channel 150 may be formed from plastic, metal, or other material. The liquid diversion channel 150 provides a flow path 170 for liquid to flow from the bowl structure 110 around the solid container and into a hole in the collection tank 120 that provides access to the liquid container 130. A diversion feature 155 is connected to the liquid diversion channel 150 though one or more fasteners or using one or more connectors. The diversion feature 155 is formed to provide a lip that allows liquids to flow from the bowl structure 110 to the liquid diversion channel 150 but prevents solid matter from entering the liquid diversion channel 150. The geometry of the diversion feature 155 may form a lip that directs solids into the solid container 140 while allowing liquids to drop into the liquid diversion channel 150.
[0049] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrate the function of the diversion feature 155. Liquid and solid matter is introduced to the bowl structure 110 and travels down the bowl along the path 170. The liquid reaches the edge of the bowl structure 110 and drops into the liquid diversion channel 150. The liquid diversion channel 150 provides a flow path for the liquid to flow through a hole in the collection tank 120 and into the liquid container 130. Solid matter is unable to travel between the edge of the bowl structure 110 and the diversion feature 155 and is thus directed into the solid container 140. FIG. 5 depicts an example of the intersection of the bowl structure 110, the diversion feature 155, the solid container 140, and the liquid diversion channel 150. The diversion feature 155 may provide a gap of for example, 1mm, 2mm, 5mm, or up to 1cm for the liquid to flow into the liquid diversion channel 150.
[0050] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate cross sections of the dry toilet 100 of FIG. 1. The dry toilet 100 includes a lid 115 that is configured to fit with the bowl structure 110. The bowl structure 110 is coupled or sits on top of the collection tank 120. The collection tank 120 includes the liquid container 130 and a cavity that is configured to receive the solid container 140. The liquid diversion channel 150 fits between the bowl structure 110 and collection tank 120 and is configured to divert liquids from the bowl structure 110 to a hole in the collection tank 120 that leads to the liquid container 130. The flow of liquid is facilitated by the diversion feature 155 which acts as a barrier to solid matters so that only liquids or liquid matter flows into the liquid diversion channel 150. Also depicted is an air hole 132 that facilitates the flow of air out of the liquid container 130 as liquid flows in and a barrier or seal that prevents liquids and solid matter from falling into the cavity in the collection tank 120. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates stacking of two collection tanks 120. As depicted the bowl structure 110 and the solid container 140 have been removed. Each collection tank 120 may be configured to be stackable. One collection tank 120 stacks directly on top of another collection tank 120. The bottom of each collection tank 120 is molded or configured to fit on top of another collection tank 120, including, for example a molded ring that fits on top of the depressed outer top region of a container as depicted. In addition, there may be cavities or depressions in the container that line up with the air and water holes (and caps). For example a cap 134 screwed or otherwise fastened to tank 120 fits inside a recess in an adjacent tank 120.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of two stacked collection tanks 120. The connection between the two collection tanks 120 is illustrated, for example, by the male protrusion 167 of the bottom tank which fits or slots in a hole in the bottom of the top tank thus preventing the tanks from sliding in relation to one another. In this way, multiple collection tanks 120 may be stacked and transported without risk of spillage or a collapse.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a top down view and a side view of two stacked collection tanks 120. As shown, the top of the collection tank 120 is molded to accept the bottom of another tank. This may include a depression or ridge 160, 165 that accept counter components of the other collection tank 120. A depression in which the diversion channel 150 is fitted may also be molded or fit to secure the two collection tanks 120 together. Other mechanisms such as fasteners or clips may be used to secure the collection tanks 120 together. Thus, each tank 120 include multiple components on a top surface that are sized and shaped to fit within complementary components on a bottom surface of an adjacent or stacked tank 120. A tank 120 may have one or more convex portions that mate with one or more recess or concave portions of an adjacent or stacked tank 120. The same tank 120 may have one or more concave portions that mate with one or more convex portions or depressions of an adjacent or stacked tank 120.
[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates three views of the dry toilet 100 of FIG. 1. The dry toilet 100 is shown with the lid 115 closed, lid 115 open, and then in an exploded view which shows the components of the liquid diversion system.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of the lid 115 of the dry toilet 100 of FIG. 1. The lid 115 may be configured for stacking with other dry toilets, bowl structures, or lids. For example, the lid 115 may be configured to accept pegs from other structures so that the lid 115 or other structure may be stacked without sliding in relation to one another.
[0056] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0057] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0058] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually, and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
[0059] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.