Separate And Distinct Patents (Class 4/342)
  • Patent number: 9492308
    Abstract: A urination assistance device for use with a bowl toilet is provided: A downwardly-extending receptacle collects urine. A stabilizing frame is provided designed to allow the urination assistance device to rest upon a toilet seat or upon the rim of the toilet bowl. The stabilizing frame defines a pair of ends, with each end terminating with a downward oriented elbow. The base member including a downward directed spout in operative communication with the receptacle to discharge any urine collected within the receptacle into the toilet bowl. The spout is in or in near contact with the upper portion of the interior wall of the front of the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Dave Plath
  • Patent number: 8918921
    Abstract: Flushable urinary device for directing urine into a commode from a standing user comprises an inverted flushable funnel. The inverted funnel ensures picking up the funnel singularly from a nested stack of the funnels. A standing user directs urine into the funnel by keeping upper end of the funnel at urethra and lower end of the funnel relative to the commode to direct urine from the user to the commode. At least one bendable tail portion extends outwardly from the upper end of the funnel and forms a handle for the user to hold the funnel when directing urine into the commode. The funnel is made of flushable bio-degradable material configured to retain a strength and shape temporarily when wetted. It is biodegradable in sewer system. The funnel prevents urine-splatter outside the commode and provides a toilet flushable hygienic means for directing urine into a commode from a standing user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Mahendra Nagindas Mehta
  • Publication number: 20140138483
    Abstract: A toilet arrangement for a vehicle includes a first toilet compartment, an adjacent second toilet compartment and a partition wall situated between the first toilet compartment and the second toilet compartment, wherein the partition wall is movably supported and designed for being transferred into an open position, in which the partition between the first toilet compartment and the second toilet compartment is removed. This makes it possible to convert two relatively small toilet compartments into a larger toilet compartment that is suitable for use by persons with limited mobility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schliwa, Andreas Barber, Maria Strasdas
  • Publication number: 20140041110
    Abstract: Aircraft architecture, aircraft trolley, aircraft monument, aircraft water supply unit and aircraft having a hybrid water/waste system architecture having a combined decentralized and centralized water supply and waste system. In one example, the aircraft architecture comprises a plurality of toilet units each having a waste water terminal. At least one of the plurality of toilet unit comprises a local flush system, and the flush system has a receptacle for a replaceable flush fluid container. The waste water terminal of each of the plurality of toilet units is connectable to a centralized waste water system of an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Andreas DANNENBERG
  • Patent number: 8424125
    Abstract: A urinal attachment for a toilet bowl has a flow diverter with a receptacle bowl at a top end of the flow diverter. The receptacle bowl leads to a receptacle neck which leads to a receptacle elbow which leads to a first vertical tube in telescopic connection with a second vertical tube. The second vertical tube leads to an outlet. A bowl connector portion includes a front shield bracket connecting the flow diverter to a rim of the toilet bowl. The bracket includes a rim connector having a vertical rim member, a horizontal rim member and a rim scoop. The rim scoop has a select convex shape and a front shield with a bottom rim. The front shield has a convex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Andrea Marie Anderson
  • Patent number: 8209786
    Abstract: A foldable, hanging urinal includes a back surface, hooks and a receptacle. The foldable hanging urinal folds flat for transportation, inventory and disposal. Hooks on the back of the foldable hanging urinal fold out and the foldable hanging urinal hangs on a toilet fixture. The receptacle folds out to form a watertight cup during use and the cup is positioned at a height lower than the rim of the toilet fixture thereby enabling urination by a person that is too short to reach the rim of the toilet fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Wilfred Aguila
  • Patent number: 8166579
    Abstract: The commode-urinal prevents urine-splatters around the commode, and stores extra toilet rolls and flushable funnels. In power-driven commode-urinal, a user activates a sensor; a jaw clamps a flushable funnel to an arm. The arm moves out of dispenser dispensing and suspending the funnel above the commode-bowl. The user urinates through the funnel, which channels urine into the bowl preventing urine-splatters around the commode. After urinating, the user activates the sensor; the jaw retracts releasing used funnel into the bowl. The arm retracts into the dispenser clearing the commode to function unimpeded. Flushing drains away the funnel. In manually-operated commode-urinal, when ready to urinate, the user pulls a funnel from the dispenser. Keeping bottom end of the funnel in middle of the bowl, the user urinates through it. After urinating, the user drops the funnel into the bowl and flushes. The funnels have wet strength, water repellency, but degrade in drains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mahendra Nagindas Mehta
  • Patent number: 8117681
    Abstract: A foldable, hanging urinal includes a back surface, hooks and a receptacle. The foldable hanging urinal folds flat for transportation, inventory and disposal. Hooks on the back of the foldable hanging urinal fold out and the foldable hanging urinal hangs on a toilet fixture. The receptacle folds out to form a cup during use and the cup is positioned at a height lower than the rim of the toilet fixture thereby enabling urination by a person that is too short to reach the rim of the toilet fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Wilfred Aguila
  • Patent number: 8028719
    Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7996926
    Abstract: A foldable, hanging urinal includes a back surface, hooks and a receptacle. The foldable hanging urinal is made from cardboards stock and folds flat for transportation, inventory and disposal. Hooks on the back of the foldable hanging urinal fold out for hanging the foldable hanging urinal on a toilet fixture. The receptacle folds out to form a cup to accept urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Wilfred Aguila
  • Patent number: 7810177
    Abstract: A hygienic apparatus includes a urinal, a toilet bowl, and a water-storing device including a housing body interconnecting the urinal and the toilet bowl, a water tank disposed in the housing body, a water-feeding tube allowing flow of water into the water tank therethrough. A drain tube unit is in fluid communication with the urinal and the toilet bowl. A flush unit includes a urinal-flushing tube in fluid communication with the water tank and the urinal, and a toilet-flushing tube in fluid communication with the water tank and the toilet bowl. A swivel mechanism includes a base, a vertical shaft disposed fixedly on the base and extending into an assembly of the urinal, the toilet bowl, and the water-storing device, and a driving unit operable to drive rotation of the assembly of the urinal, the toilet bowl, and the water-storing device relative to the base about the vertical shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Yi-Nan Yang, Chyong-Yu Liang
  • Patent number: 7496974
    Abstract: A height adjusting water saving urinal adapted to be connected to a flush toilet system, includes a bowl, a top opening, a bottom opening, a bottom drain opening, an extendable urinal, a connecting device and a seat that is provided on the top opening so that a female user can sit on the seat. The bowl has a basin, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top opening is provided at the top portion of the bowl. The bottom drain opening is provided at the bottom portion of the bowl. The extendable urinal drain pipe extends from the bottom drain opening. The connecting device, provided at an end of the extendable urinal drain pipe, is for connecting the urinal to the flush toilet system. The extendable urinal drain pipe shares the main drain pipe of the flush toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Tae Cho Kang
  • Patent number: 7043773
    Abstract: An adaptable hygiene device for toilets that minimizes splashing of urine by channeling male urine into the toilet bowl. The collection apparatus or device has walls (back wall (1), top wall (5), lower wall (6), side walls (7,8)) forming a container with an front opening (10) and a bottom opening (26). The front opening (10) has a continuous edge (9) that has a front splash guard (25), wherein the front splash guard (25) configuration aids in preventing urine from splashing back out of the collection device after urine has once entered the device by a male urinating. The collection apparatus has a base portion (4) having a lip (11) formed thereon, wherein the base portion (4) has an annular base rim (12) extending radially downward from the lip (11) away from the top wall (5). The base portion lip (11) contacts with the top edge of the toilet bowl or the toilet seat, wherein the base rim (12) extends into the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick M. McAleenan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6938278
    Abstract: A clip-on training urinal configured to be clipped onto the rim of a toilet bowl, preferably at the side of the bowl. The training urinal extends downward from the outside of the rim and is in the general shape of a rectangular open-top container having a flat base and an upper open rim. The front wall is cut out to form an opening similar to a urinal which a small boy can reach while standing on the bathroom floor, the opening having a front wall extending down to the base to form a urine reservoir. A side handle is provided to lift the urinal from the toilet bowl rim to empty the urine by pouring it into the toiled bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Parks, Montie Parks, Lynda Parks
  • Patent number: 6671891
    Abstract: A commode-urinal is provided with a cleaning-water path connected with water-supplying facilities; the commode-urinal is provided with a draining-off path connected with a sewer-path. The commode-urinal is used together with commode-excrement container as a set thereby the commode can process urine and excrement by different methods. When it is used to process urine, it can effectively solve the existing problems of using water unreasonably and wasting water due to unscientifical processing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventors: Xiaoming Qi, Ru Qi
  • Patent number: 6408449
    Abstract: A toilet assembly in combination with a urinal incorporating a commode including a bowl being supported by a base and being in communication with a water tank having a flushing mechanism thereon. The base has a peripheral wall which houses a passageway located therein. A nipple is projected through the wall of the base and connects the urinal to the commode utilizing a valve connection. A guard shield is interiorly attached to the wall of the base and is in communication with the nipple in order to allow fluids to flow through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: David Aguirre
  • Patent number: 6129117
    Abstract: A portable tank for handling recreational vehicle liquid waste comprising a molded receptacle of synthetic plastic material having wheels, including a caster wheel. The receptacle is provided with an inlet port for receiving liquid waste, and an outlet port defined in a side of the receptacle is opened and closed by a gate valve permitting the receptacle to be easily emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Barker Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lars E. Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6079057
    Abstract: A urinal for use by persons of either sex. The urinal has a receptacle member and a tube, the receptacle member being pivotally mounted and movable between a variable first position and a second position. The receptacle member is usable by a person for the voiding of waste liquids therein when the receptacle member is in the first position. A tube is located within the receptacle member and adapted to be connected to a supply of water. The tube provides continuous flushing of the receptacle member with water when the receptacle member is in the first position. The receptacle member is connected to a drain for disposal of the waste liquids and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Philip Michael Mette
  • Patent number: 5799340
    Abstract: A uni-sex water conserving urinal which has a bowl which is engageable with a hanger on or near the toilet. A flush plate directs water into the bowl. In use, the bowl is detached and moved to a position of use which is permitted by the flexible waste and water supply line. The water supply is from a reservoir in the hanger. The reservoir may include a pump for manually pressurizing the flushing water. Flush water may be supplied by manually filling the reservoir or by connecting the reservoir across a valve to a water supply. A universal connector may be used to connect the waste line from the bowl into an existing drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Sylvan E. Hubrig, Roy K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5655230
    Abstract: An auxiliary urinal retrofittable to an existing commode. The urinal is connected to a base plate which is placed between the base of the toilet and the floor and allows the urinal to drain liquid into the drain used by the commode. The urinal has a cup shaped head with a flush ring therein and a free standing semi-rigid drain line connected thereto and to the base plate to effect drainage. The semi-rigid drain line has limited travel segments to allow the user to manually position the urinal head to an optimum use position. In an alternative embodiment, the urinal is housed in a cover and placed against a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: John H. Corbin
  • Patent number: 5575020
    Abstract: A water conserving urinal for use by both sexes which has a bowl which is engageable with a hanger on or near the toilet. A flush ring directs water into the bowl. In use, the bowl is detached and moved to a position of use which is permitted by the flexible waste and water supply line. The water supply may be the toilet tank reservoir or a municipal supply. The hanger may include a cover which contains the flush ring or the flush ring may be mounted at the bowl periphery and flushing automatically actuated when a cover associated with the bowl is moved to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Sybrig, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvan E. Hubrig, Roy K. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5437065
    Abstract: A booth for toilets and others is characterized by curving outward a whole or a part of a door or a perimetric wall, so that an interior space is widened, thereby to lessen an oppressive or tight feelings. Further, the widened space can be effectively utilized and an exterior appearance thereof is improved. A partition and a front plate panel are connected by means of an aluminum frame having a projecting core extending in a vertical direction into an interior wall face of an inserting opening. The front plate panel is line-contacted to the projecting core, so that a slight rotation may be effectuated, and the panel may be installed to a differently shaped wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Sakawa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuki Sakawa
  • Patent number: 5390374
    Abstract: A water conserving urinal for male and female use attachable to a toilet. The urinal includes a urinal bowl which is supported on a flexible member secured at its lower end to a pivot member. Water is supplied to the bowl from the toilet water supply line via a flexible supply line. A flush valve is provided in the water line and distributes a low volume of water around the interior of the bowl through an interiorly extending flush ring. A waste line extends from discharge of the urinal bowl through the center of the flexible support and through the toilet bowl to the sewer. Fluid waste is thus discharged directly to the sewer line without the necessity of a full flush of the toilet resulting in substantial water savings. The pivot support and flexible support permit the urinal to be moved forward to the desired position and height to accommodate the physical requirements of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventors: Sylvan E. Hubrig, Donald K. Lachowitzer
  • Patent number: 5299328
    Abstract: A water closet includes a urinal disposed adjacent to a stationary bowl which is movable between a retracted position and a used position in which the urinal is arranged to receive liquid waste. The urinal is pivotally mounted to the water closet to allow the urinal to be pivoted between the retracted position and the used position. In one embodiment, the urinal pivots about a horizontal axis, while in another embodiment the urinal pivots about a vertical axis. In both embodiments, the use position is disposed forwardly of the retracted position with to respect to the user, and when in the retracted position the urinal is disposed in a recess in the tank of the water closet. A plunger-activated valve is mounted on the tank to supply a limited amount of water (such as one pint) to the urinal for flushing when the urinal is returned to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Wayne Walega
  • Patent number: 5153947
    Abstract: A urinal assembly for attachment to a toilet of the type which is floor mounted over a drain, including a toilet-mounting flange. The urinal has urinal bowl supported adajcent the toilet and the outlet of the bowl connects to a drainline fitting which has a vertical portion which is threaded and used to hold the toilet base, and a horizontal portion which extends under the base of the toilet over the outlet drain. The drainline of the urinal bowl is connected to the vertical portion of the drain fitting. Preferably the urinal bowl is flushed and rinsed with a line which is connected to the toilet tank so that it is periodically rinsed. Also preferably, the urinal bowl swivels downwardly to provide height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Elmer C. Markles
  • Patent number: 4819279
    Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle (such as a boat) has numerous advantages. A single pump with valves on opposite sides of it may be used as both the vacuum source and for discharging sewage from a holding tank. Two sets of multiple heads may be selectively connected to two pumps for emergency purposes. The vacuum toilet includes a sealing element with an integral movable valve engaging element including polytetrylflouroethylene and synthetic rubber, and at the same durometer (55-65). The initial passageway provided by movement of the valve with respect to the seal is disposed directly above the center line of an orifice. An anti-siphon valve assembly has a simple construction of a housing with parallel legs and anti-siphon air passage in alignment with one of the legs. A spray nozzle extends from the other legs of the anti-siphon valve assembly. The toilet funnel/orifice is universally connected to conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Sealand Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Sigler, Richard W. Sprang, Ronald J. Bailey, Edward McKiernan
  • Patent number: 4521925
    Abstract: A lavatory system suitable for use on a commercial passenger aircraft includes at least one toilet bowl for receiving waste and a waste-holding tank in fluid communication with said toilet bowl for receiving waste from said toilet bowl. The waste-holding tank is kept at a pressure less than the ambient pressure surrounding the toilet bowl so that waste from the toilet bowl is drawn to the tank by the difference in pressure. A flush valve is provided in the drain line between the toilet bowl and the waste-holding tank and is selectively operable to pass the toilet bowl contents into the waste-holding tank. Water from the potable water supply system is provided to the toilet bowl to wash the sides of the toilet bowl and to assist in moving the waste material to the drain line. A water inlet valve is provided to selectively control the introduction of water into the toilet bowl and preferably the water inlet valve and flush valve are operated in a timed sequence by actuation of a single flushing switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tyen C. Chen, Forrest B. Busching, William D. Hale, Bjorn R. Kristoffersen
  • Patent number: 4107795
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application includes a building module having at least one compartment therein in which is contained a toilet system for bacteriologically breaking down solid waste and paper to provide a relatively pure liquid effluent. The toilet communicates with a flush tank into which the effluent is discharged and which communicates with a pump for pumping the effluent to an evaporator for removing excess effluent from the toilet system. Preferably the evaporator utilizes the effluent as a heat exchange medium for heating or cooling air discharged to each toilet compartment which air is circulated back to the atmosphere through a vent opening to help remove odors from the compartment. The evaporator may be arranged to aerate the effluent which is then discharged back to the flush tank so that it can be used to flush the toilet and enhance the biological breakdown of waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Modular Conceptual Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Edward Carter, Italo Americo Cosentino