Abstract: A flush toilet for a recreational vehicle has a flush mechanism including a lever that can be either depressed to cause a full flush of the toilet, or raised to rinse the bowl only. The lever operates a linkage that is designed so that, even after a partial failure of the linkage, the linkage can still be operated to introduce water into the bowl.

Abstract: A flush toilet for a recreational vehicle has a flush mechanism including a pair of foot pedals, one for opening the bowl outlet closure of the toilet, and the other for opening the flush water valve. Depression of the first foot pedal also depresses the water valve foot pedal, though that pedal can also be operated separately. An actuating cable for the water valve extends through the arm of the bowl closure foot pedal so that, if the water valve foot pedal breaks or is damaged, the water valve can still be opened for rinsing the bowl.

Abstract: A flush toilet, for example, for use in a recreational vehicle comprises two main plastic mouldings, one of which includes the toilet bowl and the other of which forms a "shell" or outer housing in which the bowl is supported so that the bowl outlet is located in an internal space defined by the shell. In accordance with the invention, the toilet is provided with a flushing mechanism that includes a bowl rinse nozzle adjacent the rim of the bowl and an internal rinse nozzle for rinsing the walls of the internal space and flushing mechanism within the outer shell. This reduces the risk of odours developing from contamination of the shell and also means that the shell is relatively clean inside in the event that servicing of the toilet is required.

Abstract: A padded toilet seat lid is made by magnetically induction welding to the upper surface of a plastic lid shell, a plastic frame which surrounds a cushion providing the padding. The frame traps a peripheral margin of the cushion against the upper surface of the lid. The cushion is also secured to the lid by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Welding of the frame to the lid is accomplished in a special fixture that supports the lid and cushion upside down.

Abstract: A padded toilet seat lid is made by magnetically induction welding to the upper surface of a plastic lid shell, a plastic frame which surrounds a cushion providing the padding. The frame traps a peripheral margin of the cushion against the upper surface of the lid. The cushion is also secured to the lid by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Welding of the frame to the lid is accomplished in a special fixture that supports the lid and cushion upside down.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement for the lid and seat of a toilet is disclosed. Hinge pins extend outwardly from lugs on a bowl unit of the toilet through corresponding openings in flanges on the seat and lid and are provided with cam surfaces co-operating with corresponding surfaces on the lid. The co-operating cam surfaces generate frictional forces when the lid is raised so that the lid will tend to stay in a position to which it has been raised. The cam surfaces also define open and closed detent positions in which the lid is positively retained. The seat can be hinged freely when the lid is raised and is trapped against the bowl unit when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A portable toilet of the type having a waste holding tank which is separable from a bowl unit of the toilet. The tank includes a vent for permitting entry of air to the holding tank during emptying thereof. This avoids surging of the contents of the tank during emptying, assuring a smooth flow of the liquid and minimizing splashing. In a preferred embodiment, the vent takes the form of a sleeve projecting upwardly from the holding tank and defining a vent passageway, and a cap on the sleeve which can be manually raised to open the vent passageway but which is automatically depressed to close the vent when the bowl unit is secured to the holding tank.

Abstract: A flush toilet primarily for use in recreational homes and vehicles is described. A swing drop valve mechanism is used to open and close the outlet of the toilet bowl efficiently and without abrading the seal between the valve and bowl outlet. A flush water inlet valve is mounted in a compartment at the rear of the toilet for easy access for maintenance and is readily removable from the toilet using a minimum of tools. Flushing of the toilet is initiated by a foot pedal connected to the valve mechanism and water inlet valve by cables.

Abstract: A two-piece portable toilet having sight gauges for the flush water reservoir and holding tank. The sight gauge takes the form of a translucent plastic insert having a highlight formed by a diametral groove which permits the liquid level to be clearly ascertained. The inserts are sealed by induction welding in openings in the wall of the reservoir and holding tank respectively.

Abstract: A portable toilet having an improved valve arrangement for minimizing abrasion of the holding tank inlet seal. The valve arrangement includes a valve member which moves generally normal to a sealing plane defined by the seal when the valve is opened or closed. A wiper element is disposed adjacent the holding tank inlet and is positioned to exert a wiping action on the sealing surface of the valve member when the valve is operated.

Abstract: A two piece portable toilet is described. The toilet includes a bowl unit which defines a toilet bowl having a discharge opening, and a reservoir for a flushing liquid, said reservoir having a normally closed filler opening. A holding tank is normally disposed below and supports the bowl unit. The holding tank has a top wall and defines a waste holding chamber having an inlet opening in said top wall for communication with the discharge opening of the toilet bowl. The chamber also has a normally closed outlet opening. The top wall of the tank is contoured to define a depression around the holding chamber inlet opening and, on opposite sides of the depression, surfaces for supporting said bowl unit. Coupling means normally maintain the bowl unit and holding tank in co-operating relationship when the toilet is in use. The coupling means allow the unit and tank to be separated at appropriate times.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is described having a pump chamber fitted with an insert. The insert defines a concave end face positioned closely adjacent the diaphragm of the pump. The concave face of the insert and the diaphragm together define an effective portion of the pump chamber which is swept by the diaphragm when the pump is in use. The insert is formed with inlet and outlet passageways through which fluid flows to and from said effective portion of the pump chamber.

Abstract: A hinge arrangement for the lid and seat of a toilet is disclosed. Hinge pins extend outwardly from lugs on a bowl unit of the toilet through corresponding openings in flanges on the seat and lid and are provided with cam surfaces co-operating with corresponding surfaces on the lid. The co-operating cam surfaces generate frictional forces when the lid is raised so that the lid will tend to stay in a position to which it has been raised. The cam surfaces also define open and closed detent positions in which the lid is positively retained. The seat can be hinged freely when the lid is raised and is trapped against the bowl unit when the lid is closed.