Compact composting toilet

A composting toilet assembly can include a housing. The housing can form an enclosed cavity. A toilet bowl can have a main body disposed in the housing. A drain pan can be disposed under the toilet bowl and in fluid communication with the toilet bowl. A diversion plate can be disposed in the housing under the toilet bowl. A liquid waste bottle can be removably disposed in the housing. The liquid waste bottle in fluid can be in communication with the drain pan and configured to receive liquid waste from the drain pan. A composting bin can be disposed in the enclosed cavity of the housing. The composting bin can be adjacent to and in communication with the diversion plate.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to toilets and, more specifically, to a composting toilet.

INTRODUCTION

Traditional composting toilets provide a portable toilet option without the use of chemicals. Composting toilets typically have a receptacle into which both fecal matter and urine fall. These toilets require a user to drop peat moss into the composting chamber after each use in order to absorb excess urine, since otherwise the excess urine reduces the rate of composting of the fecal matter. While such toilets have been found to be effective, they require that a supply of peat moss be maintained on hand. The addition of peat moss after each use makes the composting chamber fill up quickly, thereby reducing the efficiency of the toilet.

There are known composting toilets that separate urine from fecal matter. However, any liquid waste in the fecal matter will end up in the composting chamber. As a result, it is still necessary to absorb excessive liquid from the composting chamber using peat moss or a similar absorbent material. Additionally, known composting toilets are often not very durable, bulky in shape and size, and difficult to use and maintain.

Traditional composting toilets can present further issues, including where such toilets can be large and cumbersome, which is contrary to portability. The size of these composting toilets can make them an undesirable option for certain applications, including uses in recreational vehicles such as motorhomes, campervans, caravans, fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and truck campers. Recreational vehicles have finite amounts of space, where certain configurations cannot accommodate a traditional composting toilet.

There is a continuing need for a composting toilet that is compact with minimal projections. Desirably, the composting toilet would be durable, efficient, and have features configured to improve the ease of use for the user.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a composting toilet that is compact with minimal projections, which is durable, efficient, and has features configured to improve the ease of use for the user, has surprisingly been discovered.

In certain embodiments, a composting toilet assembly can include a housing. The housing can form an enclosed cavity. A toilet bowl can have a main body disposed in the housing. A drain pan can be disposed under the toilet bowl and in fluid communication with the toilet bowl. A diversion plate can be disposed in the housing under the toilet bowl. A liquid waste bottle can be removably disposed in the housing. The liquid waste bottle can be in fluid communication with the drain pan and configured to receive liquid waste from the drain pan. A composting bin can be disposed in the enclosed cavity of the housing. The composting bin can be adjacent to and in communication with the diversion plate.

In an exemplary embodiment, a composting toilet assembly has a housing, a toilet bowl, a urine bottle, and a composting bin. The housing has a base, a lid, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall forming an enclosed cavity. The toilet bowl has a main body with a seat portion, a recess having a first portion and a second portion, and a partition wall disposed in the recess between the first portion and the second portion. The partition wall extends upwardly and has a top edge. A first opening in the first portion receives urine, and a second opening in the second portion receives fecal matter. A drain pan disposed under the first portion of the toilet bowl is in fluid communication with the first opening. A diversion plate hingedly connected to the drain pan is disposed under the second portion of the toilet bowl and is in communication with the second opening of the toilet bowl. A liquid waste bottle is removably disposed in a bottle compartment integrally formed in the front wall of the housing. The liquid waste bottle has an intake aperture in fluid communication with a drain opening disposed in a bottom surface of the drain pan and is configured to receive urine and liquid waste from the drain pan. A composting bin is disposed in the cavity of the housing and is adjacent to and in communication with the diversion plate and the second opening. The composting bin has an agitator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

As shown inFIGS.1-11, a composting toilet assembly100can have a housing102, a composting bin104, a toilet bowl106, and a liquid waste bottle108. The housing102can have a base110, a lid112, a front wall114, a rear wall116, a first side wall118, and a second side wall120. The base110, lid112, front wall114, rear wall116, first side wall118, and second side wall120can form an enclosed cavity122in which the composting bin104, the toilet bowl106, and the liquid waste bottle108can be disposed.

Advantageously, the lid112is configured to militate against undesirable odor emanating from the composting toilet assembly100when not in use. In particular embodiments, the composting bin104and the liquid waste bottle108are disposed in the cavity122of the housing102and covered entirely by the lid112.

It should be appreciated that the composting toilet assembly100of the present disclosure is configured to be compact. The housing102of the composting toilet assembly100can have an overall cuboid shape, including a substantially uniform rectangular cross-section, as shown inFIG.4. Additionally, the housing102of the composting toilet assembly100is generally free of any projections. In other words, there are no portions of the composting toilet assembly100, which extend beyond the walls114,116,118,120of the housing102. The compact nature of the housing102can allow the composting toilet assembly100to be particularly well suited for use in recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes, campervans, caravans, fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and truck campers. The general shape and form of the toilet assembly100maximizes storage efficiency and minimizes space requirements for placement in various storage areas and/or cubbies, such as those found in recreational vehicles.

Each of the base110, the lid112, the front wall114, the rear wall116, the first side wall118, and the second side wall120can have a thickness that allows for durability and rigidity of the housing102. In certain embodiments, each of the base110, the lid112, the front wall114, the rear wall116, the first side wall118, and the second side wall120can have a thickness of about one quarter inch. Additional parts of the composting toilet assembly100can have a thickness of three sixteenth inch, as a non-limiting example, in certain embodiments. A skilled artisan can select other suitable thicknesses for each of the base110, the lid112, the front wall114, the rear wall116, the first side wall118, the second side wall120, and additional parts of the composting toilet assembly, as desired.

The dimensions of the housing102can be advantageously compact to allow the composting toilet assembly to be utilized in a recreational vehicle. In certain embodiments, the housing102of the composting toilet assembly100can measure about 19 inches high, about 15 inches wide, and about 16 inches long. A skilled artisan can select other suitable dimensions for the housing102, which allow the composting toilet assembly100to be utilized in a recreational vehicle, as desired.

The housing102, composting bin104, toilet bowl106, and liquid waste bottle108can be fabricated from a material that is light-weight and rigid to allow the composting toilet assembly100to be both portable and durable. For example, the housing102, composting bin104, toilet bowl106, and liquid waste bottle108can be formed from a lightweight plastic material such as a polypropylene plastic material, as a non-limiting example. The housing102, composting bin104, toilet bowl106, and liquid waste bottle108can be formed by a molding process such as rotation molding, as a non-limiting example. In other examples, the housing102, composting bin104, toilet bowl106, and liquid waste bottle108can be formed from other suitable materials including other thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, and non-thermoplastic materials such as metal. It should be appreciated that any suitable materials and manufacturing methods for the housing102, composting bin104, toilet bowl106, and liquid waste bottle108can be employed, as desired.

In certain embodiments, the base110, lid112, front wall114, rear wall116, first side wall118, and second side wall120can be fused or glued together at final assembly. In other embodiments, the base110, the lid112, the front wall114, the rear wall116, the first side wall118, and the second side wall120can be attached with a mechanical fastener, for example, a bolt. A skilled artisan can select other suitable methods for connecting the base110, the lid112, the front wall114, the rear wall116, the first side wall118, and the second side wall120, as desired. Certain embodiments include where various components can be combined into integrated structures, such as where entireties or portions of the base110, the front wall114, the rear wall116, the first side wall118, and/or the second side wall120are commonly molded or formed.

The toilet bowl106can be positioned between a housing rim124formed by an upper edge125of the front wall114, rear wall116, first side wall118, and second side wall120of the housing102and the adjacent lid112. The housing rim124can circumscribe and define an opening126. The toilet bowl106can connect to the housing rim124of the housing102along the rear wall116using a hinge128. Accordingly, the hinge128can allow a user to lift a first end130of the toilet bowl106opposite the hinge128in an upward motion to access the composting bin104and the liquid waste bottle108. Subsequently, the user can lower the first end130of the toilet bowl106to a position adjacent the front wall114when the composting toilet assembly100is in operation. A skilled artisan can select any suitable method to secure the toilet bowl106to the housing102.

As depicted inFIGS.4and7, the toilet bowl106can include a base132and a seat portion134. The base132of the toilet bowl106can have a base rim136that fits integrally with the housing rim124of the housing102. The seat portion134can circumscribe and define an upper edge138of a recess140of the toilet bowl106. Advantageously, the seat portion134can be ergonomically configured such that a user can comfortably sit upon the seat portion134while operating the composting toilet assembly100.

The recess140can have a first partition wall142formed therein. The first partition wall142can have a top edge144. The first partition wall142can divide the recess140into two separate portions, namely, a solids receptacle146and a urine receptacle148. The urine receptacle148can be configured to receive urine, in operation. The solids receptacle146can be configured to receive fecal matter, in operation. Advantageously, the toilet bowl106of the present disclosure can provide a composting toilet assembly100that is easy to use and does not require additional efforts from the user to keep urine and liquid feces out of the composting bin104.

It should be understood that the first partition wall142can militate against the undesirable mixing of urine and fecal matter within the recess140and in the composting bin104, in operation. The first partition wall142can be configured to divert urine into the urine receptacle148. The first partition wall142can have a height configured to allow the user to operate the composting toilet assembly100without interference from the first partition wall142while diverting urine to a first opening150disposed in the urine receptacle148. The height of the first partition wall142, and likewise the top edge144of the first partition wall142, is such that the first partition wall142is within the recess140and thereby spaced apart from the upper edge138of the recess140, for example, as shown inFIGS.4and7. A skilled artisan can select any suitable height for the first partition wall142, as desired.

With continued reference toFIGS.4and7-10, the first opening150can be in fluid communication with a drain pan152. The drain pan152can be disposed under the urine receptacle148. The drain pan152can have a drain opening154that is in fluid communication with the liquid waste bottle108. In operation, urine can enter the urine receptacle148, pass through the first opening150onto the drain pan152, and then through the drain opening154into the liquid waste bottle108. The first opening150and the drain opening154can be directly or indirectly in communication with the liquid waste bottle108.

The urine receptacle148can have a first inclined surface156and a first curved side wall158. The first inclined surface156can extend from the first partition wall142to the first opening150. The first curved side wall158can extend from the upper edge138to the first opening150. The first inclined surface156and the first curved side wall158can be configured to divert urine to the first opening150.

The drain pan152can have a second inclined surface160and a second curved side wall162. The second inclined surface160can extend from a position adjacent to a second partition wall164, the second partition wall164disposed adjacent the first partition wall142, to the drain opening154. The second curved side wall162can extend from a bottom surface of the urine receptacle148to the drain opening154. The second inclined surface160and the second curved side wall162can be configured to divert urine and other liquid waste to the drain opening154, which can be in fluid communication with the liquid waste bottle108.

It should be appreciated that the first and second inclined surfaces156,160and the first and second curved side walls120,162can automatically divert urine. In other words, the urine can be diverted to the first opening150and the drain opening154, respectively, automatically without any additional actions by the user. The urine receptacle148and the drain pan152are configured to provide an easy to use composting toilet assembly100for the user.

With continued reference toFIGS.4and7, the solids receptacle146can be defined by the second partition wall164and a third curved sidewall166. A second opening168formed in the solids receptacle146can be in communication with the composting bin104. It should be appreciated that the second opening168is larger than the first opening150in order to accommodate the fecal matter. A skilled artisan can select any suitable size for the first opening150and the second opening168, as desired.

A diversion plate170can be disposed under the second opening168of the solids receptacle146. The diversion plate170can be an extension of the drain pan152in certain embodiments. The diversion plate170can be hingedly attached to the drain pan152, as a non-limiting example. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown inFIGS.8and10, the diversion plate170can be slidably disposed on a track172above the drain pan152. In particular, the diversion plate170can have an actuator174, which can control a slidable movement of the diversion plate170between a closed position and an open position. An open position of the diversion plate170is shown inFIGS.4and10and a closed position of the diversion plate is shown inFIGS.7-9. When the diversion plate is in the closed position, the user can actuate the actuator174, which can slide the diversion plate170along the tracks172above the drain pan152, thus, placing the diversion plate170in the open position. When the diversion plate170is in the open position, for example, as shown inFIG.10, the second opening168of the solids receptacle146can be in communication with the composting bin104. In certain embodiments, substantially an entirety of the diversion plate170can advance up to the second partition wall164, thereby providing access to substantially the whole of the second opening168of the solids receptacle146, an example of which is shown inFIG.4.

Advantageously, the slidable movement of the diversion plate170can utilize less space than a hinged door, which can allow the composting toilet assembly100to remain compact. A skilled artisan can select other suitable methods of connecting the drain pan152and the diversion plate170, as desired.

The diversion plate170can have a sloped surface176configured to divert liquid waste through a small opening178under the second partition164and onto the drain pan152. In particular, the sloped surface176of the diversion plate170can have an angle of about 10 to about 12 degrees in certain embodiments, as shown inFIG.6. In operation, excess or splashing urine can undesirably enter the solids receptacle146and make contact with the diversion plate170in the closed position. The sloped surface176of the diversion plate170in the closed position can direct the liquid waste through the small opening178under the second partition164and onto the drain pan152. A skilled artisan can select other suitable methods of diverting undesirable liquids from the diversion plate170to the drain pan152.

The diversion plate170can be actuated by a user sitting on the composting toilet assembly100either manually or automatically using a handle180on the housing102of the composting toilet assembly100. In particular, the handle180can be pulled to actuate the actuator174, which as described hereinabove, can move the diversion plate from the closed position to the open position. The actuator174can be configured to automatically close the diversion place after a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, the diversion plate170can remain in the open position until the user actuates the handle180to move the diversion plate into the closed position. It should be appreciated that the diversion plate170can be actuated by any suitable method as contemplated by the present disclosure.

With renewed reference toFIG.5, the liquid waste bottle108can be removably disposed in a compartment182integrally formed in the front wall114of the housing102. While in the compartment182, the liquid waste bottle108can be disposed below the first opening150of the urine receptacle148and the drain opening154of the drain pan152. The compartment182can have a view slot153formed therein, as shown inFIG.3. The view slot153can allow a user to see the liquid waste bottle108without removing the bottle108from the compartment182.

Advantageously, the liquid waste bottle108can be removed from the composting toilet assembly100by pulling the compartment182out from the housing102using the front wall114and subsequently pulling the liquid waste bottle108out of the compartment182. A handle183can be disposed in the front wall114. Advantageously, the handle183can be utilized by the user to remove the compartment182from the housing102.

Alternatively, the liquid waste bottle108can be accessed by lifting the lid112and the toilet bowl106in an upward motion and pulling the liquid waste bottle108out of the compartment182and up through the opening126of the housing102. The compartment182can secure the liquid waste bottle108in place militating against undesirable spills during operation. A skilled artisan can select any suitable means for securing the liquid waste bottle108in the housing102, as desired.

In further embodiments, the compartment182can be slidably disposed in the housing102. More particularly, the housing102and the compartment can be connected via a drawer slide (not shown). The compartment182can have a male portion of the drawer slide. The housing102can have a female portion of the drawer slide, and the female portion can slidably receive the male portion. In operation, the user can slide the compartment182out of the housing102, as desired.

An intake aperture184can be formed through a top wall186of the liquid waste bottle108. The intake aperture184can be in fluid communication with the drain opening154of the drain pan152. The intake aperture184can be directly or indirectly connected to the first opening150of the urine receptacle148. In operation, urine can pass from the urine receptacle148of the toilet bowl106, through the first opening150, and onto the drain pan152. The urine can then pass through the drain opening154, into the intake aperture184, and can be stored in the liquid waste bottle108. Likewise, excess or splashing urine can be directed from the diversion plate170, through the small opening178onto the drain pan152and through the drain opening154and the intake aperture184.

In certain embodiments, the intake aperture184can be circumscribed by a lip (not shown). The lip can be formed on the top wall186of the liquid waste bottle108. The lip can be configured to receive a lid (not shown). The intake aperture184can form a seal with the drain opening154using one or more rubber washers (not shown). A skilled artisan can select any suitable method for connecting the liquid waste bottle108to the drain opening154in operation, as desired.

The liquid waste bottle108can include a sensor or liquid indicating light (not shown) to indicate when the liquid waste bottle108is full. The sensor or liquid indicating light can be disposed through the front wall114of the housing102or on the lid112. A skilled artisan can select any suitable sensor or liquid indicating light, and any suitable location, as desired.

The liquid waste bottle108can also have a grab handle (not shown). A skilled artisan can select any suitable shape and placement for the grab handle, as desired.

With renewed reference toFIGS.4,7, and11, the composting bin104can have an agitator188disposed on a bottom surface190of the composting bin104. The agitator188can have one or more arms192. A skilled artisan can select any suitable number and arrangement for the one or more arms192, as desired. The partial structure of the agitator188depicted inFIGS.4,7-8, and11represents a generally spiral shaped agitator. It should be appreciated that the present disclosure contemplates a variety of suitable shapes for the one or more arms192. Though certain shapes are depicted herein, a skilled artisan can select other suitable shapes for the one or more arms192.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the bottom surface190of the composting bin104can have a raised, cone-shaped portion194housing a motor196. The motor196can be disposed in a cone-shaped housing195integrally formed in the base110and adapted to fit within the cone-shaped portion194of the composting bin104. The motor196can attach permanently to the base110of the housing102using screws or bolts, as non-limiting examples.

The agitator188can be removably connected to and powered by the motor196. In certain embodiments, a bearing198on the motor196removably receives a rod200from the agitator188. Advantageously, the composting bin104with the agitator188disposed therein can be disconnected from the motor196and removed from the housing102by pulling the composting bin104upward through the opening126of the housing102. The rod200pulls away from the bearing198thereby allowing the agitator188to separate from the motor196when the composting toilet assembly100is not in use. Other non-motorized mechanical means for actuating the agitator188can be employed by a skilled artisan.

In another embodiment, the agitator188and the motor196can be removably connected via a gear coupling assembly (not shown). The gear coupling assembly can include a female portion and a male portion. The agitator188can be disposed on the rod200. The rod200can be disposed through a bottom of the composting bin104and disposed in the male portion of the gear coupling assembly. The male portion can be removably disposed in the female portion. The female portion can be connected to and actuated by the motor196.

In operation, after the user is finished using the toilet bowl106, the user can activate the motor196using a button202disposed on the outside of the housing102, as a nonlimiting example. The activated agitator188can then mix the fecal matter, including any other materials such as peat moss or sawdust. Advantageously, the agitator188can mix and aerate the composting mixture, which can provide a more even compost.

The composting bin104can further have a fan assembly (not shown) including one or more hose adaptors204integrally formed in the housing102. Advantageously, the hose adaptors204are inset and do not project outwardly from the housing102, permitting a compact and convenient design. The fan assembly can force air into and out of the composting bin104. Advantageously, the fan assembly can militate against an undesirable odor near the composting toilet assembly100. Further, airflow from the fan assembly can improve the overall quality of the compost mixture in the composting bin104.

In further embodiments, for example as shown inFIG.5, the hose adapters204can be rotatable about a corner206of the toilet assembly100. Advantageously, the user can adjust the rotation of the hose adapter204to allow the toilet assembly100to be used in a variety of configurations without being limited by the location of the hose adapter204.

Advantageously, the composting toilet assembly100militates against the undesirable mixing of urine and liquid waste in the composting bin104by automatically separating urine and fecal matter, in operation, and by directing excess liquid to the liquid waste bottle108. Further, the composting toilet assembly100is compact, does not have parts projecting outwardly from the housing, is made from a durable material, and has features configured to improve the ease of use for the customer.

It should be appreciated that the composting toilet assembly100of the present disclosure is configured to be compact. Additionally, the housing102of the composting toilet assembly100is generally free of any projections. The compact nature of the housing102can make the composting toilet assembly100particularly well suited for use in recreational vehicles such as motorhomes, campervans, caravans, fifth-wheel trailers, popup campers, and truck campers.