TOILET

Abstract

A system and method for a refuse-incinerating toilet is provided. The system includes a seat on which a user sits to direct refuse, via a funnel and through a flapper that is opened when a user is present, into a combustion chamber. When the user is finished, the flapper is shut and the user sets a timer for the amount of time a burner, tiltedly mounted to the combustion chamber and whose flame is directed at the refuse in the combustion chamber, is to operate to burn the refuse. Any fumes or vapour may escape the combustion chamber via an exhaust. A fan, insulation of various system components, and a false bottom are provided to aid cooling of the system after the burner incinerates the refuse.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to toilets and particularly relates to a refuse-incinerating toilet system and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable toilets are well known in the art, and can be generally located in a wide range of environments, from remote camping sites to outdoor concerts, to downtown construction zones. These portable toilets are generally of the receptacle variety in which they collect the waste, and later require emptying and cleaning.

For travelers, an often frustrating experience is looking for suitable toilet facilities. Truck drivers are often faced with this difficulty, as are travelers on boats, trains and the like. While portable mobile toilets have been proposed for travelers, they have generally failed to gain greater acceptance. This failure is generally related to the necessary task of emptying and cleaning these units, as the process is unpleasant, involves noxious odours and is potentially quite unsanitary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel toilet that obviates or mitigates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the refuse-incinerating toilet system;

FIG. 2 is a back view of a refuse-incinerating toilet system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a refuse-incinerating toilet system is indicated generally at 10. In a present embodiment, toilet system 10 includes a top cover 12 that comprises a seat 36 and a seat cover 38, funnel 14, flapper 16, combustion chamber 18, burner 20, burner legs 22, insulation 24, exhaust 26, flapper brace 28, toilet runner 30, false bottom 32 and heat shield 34. Toilet system 10 is purely exemplary and a vast number of other toilet systems and configurations thereof are contemplated.

In one embodiment, toilet system 10 may be a generally rectangular structure and may be similar in size to a traditional toilet when the tank has been removed. Toilet system 10 may be designed to operate and be located inside a cabin of a truck such as a transport truck (not shown) and may preferably be located behind the driver's seat. Toilet system 10 may be moveable from behind the driver's seat, with different positions for when toilet system 10 is in use and for storage when not in use. Such a design may include considerations respecting weight, size, heat output characteristics and fuel source. Toilet system 10 may be between 50 and 150 pounds, with less weight being generally preferable. Toilet system 10 may be approximately 2′ in depth, 1.5′ in width and 2′ in height. Dimensions of the toilet system 10 may allow use in a transport truck; dimensions preferably being minimized while maintaining comfort and ease of use. Toilet system 10 is preferably well insulated to reduce the heat that dissipates in the surrounding environment upon incineration of refuse, such surrounding environment including a transport truck cabin. Insulating toilet system 10, may include insulating various components of toilet system 10 and may also include insulating the exterior surfaces of toilet system 10. Toilet system 10 may be designed to use diesel as a fuel source. Such a design may preferably allow a connection with the transport truck, while the toilet system 10 is located inside the cabin, that allows the transport truck to provide fuel to the toilet system without removing the toilet system from the transport truck.

Top cover 12 covers substantially the entire width of toilet system 10 and beginning at the front of the toilet system 10, may extend to approximately half of the depth of toilet system 10. Top cover 12 comprise both a seat 36 and a seat cover 38. Seat 36 may be substantially similar in shape and size to a standard toilet seat, and has a hole in it. Seat cover 38 may be substantially similar in size and shape to standard toilet seat cover, seat cover 38 not having a hole but being a solid surface. Seat cover 38 may be designed to substantially cover seat 36. Seat 36 and seat cover 38 are mechanically connected to each other along the rear surface. The connection, which may be a pin connection, allows seat cover 38 to rotate vertically and towards the rear of toilet system 10. Top cover 12 may be made of any material ordinarily used in toilet manufacturing, and may preferably be made of a material that is resistant to heat while being comfortable for human contact. In one embodiment top cover 12 may be made of stainless steel and may be powder coated.

Top cover 12 is mechanically connected to funnel 14 and the two may be removed from toilet system 10 together by lifting vertically. Funnel 14 may be attached to top cover 12 near the front surface of toilet system 10 on the underside of seat 36 and extend around the underside of seat 36 such that funnel 14 is located outside of the hole in seat 36 at the connection between 14 and seat 36. Funnel 14 may descend into toilet system to a vertical distance of approximately half of the height of toilet system 10. Funnel 14 may rest on the exterior portion of flapper 16, the connection between funnel 14 and flapper 16 resulting in an essentially continuous cylinder, as the interior diameter of funnel 14 is essentially the same as the interior diameter of flapper 16. As is common with funnels, the diameter of funnel 14 is larger at the top connection with seat 36 than at the bottom connection with flapper 16. As shown in FIG. 1, funnel 14 is angled at the front of toilet system 10 (the left portion of the funnel in FIG. 1). Funnel 14 may not be angled at rear of the funnel. Funnel 14 may be angled to varying degrees around the circumference of the funnel 14. A the front of toilet system 10, funnel 14 may be angled to approximately 40-50 degrees relative to horizontal to encourage refuse to descend the height of the funnel 14 and approach the flapper 16. Funnel 14 may be made of any material and desirably has the characteristics of being slippery and heat resistant. Funnel 14 is preferably made of stainless steel.

Flapper 16 is located approximately at the middle of toilet system 10 with respect to the width, height and depth of toilet system 10. Flapper 16 comprises a flapper base 40 and a flapper cover 42. Flapper base 42 is connected to combustion chamber 18 via flapper brace 28 located at the rear surface of flapper base 40. Flapper base 40 has a hole with an inside diameter equal to the inside diameter found at the bottom of funnel 14. Flapper cover 42 is solid, having no hole, and my be ovular or circular and covers the hole at the bottom of funnel 14. Flapper cover 42 is connected to flapper base 40 at the rear, and may be connected via pin 44. Pin 44 allows flapper cover 42 to rotate vertically and towards the rear of toilet system 10, Flapper cover 42 may be rotated by use of flapper handle 52 (as shown in FIG. 2). When flapper 16 rotates, it rotates into funnel 14 and towards the rear interior surface of funnel 14. Flapper cover 42 may rotate different angles, but preferably rotates 80-95 degrees, essentially moving from its initial horizontal position to an approximately vertical position. Flapper cover 42 and flapper base 40 may be made of a heat resistant material, and may further comprise a layer of insulation on one or both sides that is resistant to high temperatures.

Combustion chamber 18 is a large bowl located in toilet system 10. Combustion chamber 18 is similar to a standard toilet bowl in shape. The front surface of combustion chamber 18, may extend vertically from approximately the bottom of toilet system 10 to approximately half the height of toilet system 10. The upper horizontal surface of combustion chamber is solid except for a hole in combustion chamber 18 that is the size of, and cover by, flapper 16. The hole in combustion chamber 18 may be approximately half of surface area of the upper horizontal surface of combustion chamber 18. The vertical surfaces of combustion chamber 18 are rounded and slope inward such that the lower horizontal surface of combustion chamber 18 is substantially smaller in surface area that the upper horizontal surface of combustion chamber 18. The rear of combustion chamber 18 may have a round opening that may be located near the top of the combustion chamber and may be approximately one quarter of the profile of the combustion chamber 18 when viewed from the rear (see FIG. 2). The round opening may preferably be approximately 4″ in diameter. The round opening in combustion chamber 18 is connected to burner 20 via a collar (not shown) on combustion chamber 18 and flange (not shown) located on burner 20. Combustion chamber 18 may be supported from below by insulation 24, which not only keeps combustion chamber 18 in place, but also prevents excessive heat from escaping from toilet system 10. Insulation 24 may fill the entire space between the interior bottom surface of toilet system 10 and combustion chamber 18. Insulation 24 may be any commercially known insulation, preferably being able to withstand both the weight and heat of combustion chamber 18. Combustion chamber 18 may be made of any material capable of withstanding high temperatures that may be as high as 700 degrees Celsius.

Exhaust 26 originates in the left side of combustion chamber 18, closer to the front of toilet system 10 than the burner 20, approximately in the middle of flapper 16 depth-wise. After exhaust 26 rises vertically out of combustion chamber 18, it may turn 90 degrees to run horizontally directly towards the rear of toilet system 10. Exhaust 26 then terminates just outside of the rear wall of toilet system 10 to provide access from the combustion chamber to outside toilet system 10, to allow any exhaust fumes, moisture or heat to escape.

Burner 20 is located near the read and vertical middle of toilet system 10. Burner 20 may be a commercially available burner such as those made by Riello. Such a burner uses fuel, such as propane, diesel, natural gas, oil kerosene or aviation fuel (including jet fuel), and produces a flame. Burner 20 may be approximately square shaped with a round opening on one vertical surface through which a flame may be emitted. When the burner 20 is mounted in toilet system 10, the round opening is connected to combustion chamber 18 via a flange (not shown) and is tilted so that the flame emitted through the round opening is directed to the lower horizontal surface of combustion chamber 18, where the refuse is located. Burner 20 may be angled downwards at an angle of 25-35 degrees. Burner 20 is supported by burner legs 22 which are attached to the bottom surface of burner 20 and are connected to the bottom of toilet system 10 at false bottom 32.

False bottom 32 is a horizontal partition above toilet runners 30 that allow air to flow under toilet system 10, helping cool toilet system 10 after burner 20 has been used. In one embodiment, false bottom 32 may be a solid surface that simply allows cooling by convection or it may have holes or may be substantially similar to a grate—allowing air flow and convection to cool the toilet system. Toilet runners 32 provide the contact between toilet system 10 and the ground. In one embodiment, toilet runners 32 may be made of rubber or some other similar surface that is strong enough to support the weight of toilet system 10. While providing a surface that is slip-resistant. In another embodiment, the runners may be another material, and may be coated with a slip-resistant substance.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a rear view of toilet system 10 is shown, toilet system 10 further comprising fuel inlet 50, flapper handle 52, and electrical inlet 54.

Fuel inlet 50 is a tube that enables fuel to pass from outside of toilet system 10 to burner 20 to enable operation of burner 20. Fuel inlet 50 may be a threaded pipe or some other such means to connect, in a sealed fashion, a source of fuel to the toilet system 10. Fuel inlet may be for diesel, propane, natural gas, oil, kerosene, aviation fuel (including jet fuel) or any other source that burner 20 may use to operate.

Electrical inlet 54 provides power to toilet system 10. Electrical inlet 54 may accept electrical sources of different voltage, such voltage including, but not limited to 12V and 110V. It is to be understood that if toilet system 10 is powered, via electrical inlet 54, by for example a 12V source from a motor vehicle, then toilet system 10 will further comprise an inverter (not shown) that will provide electricity of the proper voltage to burner 20 and any other electrical component required for operation of a timer (not shown) and burner 20.

A method of using a toilet system in accordance with another embodiment will now be discussed. In order to assist in the explanation of the method, reference will be made to the foregoing discussion of toilet system 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the method and/or toilet system 10 can be varied, and need not work exactly as described herein. Before explaining the method, it will be assumed that toilet system 10 has electrical power, has fuel, and is in any other material manner, ready for use.

A user of toilet system 10 arrives at toilet system 10. The user and toilet system 10 may be located in commercial vehicle such as a transport truck, or in a cabin that does not having running water, in a helicopter or other aircraft, or in a remote worksite, camping or fishing location. The user lifts flapper 16 via flapper handle 52 to provide refuse with access to combustion chamber 18. The user then uses toilet system 10. In so doing, refuse descends either straight down into combustion chamber 18 or follows funnel 14 into the combustion chamber.

Flapper 16 is then lowered via flapper handle 52. In one embodiment, the user then lifts top cover 12 (both seat 36 and seat cover 38) to assist in the cooling of toilet system 10. In another embodiment, seat cover 28 or top cover 12 can be either up or down.

The user then sets a timer (not shown) for a period ranging from 1-30 minutes, preferably approximately 10 minutes, for burner 20 to operate. A fan (not shown) on the interior of toilet system 10, runs for a period of time, preferably approximately 1 minute, to increase airflow through toilet system 10.

As the fan continues to blow, burner 20 commences burning. The flame from burner 20 enters combustion chamber 18 and incinerates the refuse in combustion chamber 18. Any exhaust fumes leave combustion chamber 18 via exhaust 26. When the timer runs out, burner 20 turns off. The fan remains on for a period of time after burner 20 turns off. This period may be configurable based on the amount of time burner 20 was on, the BTU output of burner 20 and the cooling characteristics of toilet system 10, but is preferably approximately 30 minutes.

When the refuse has been fully incinerated, there is often a small residual amount of hygienic ash that remains in combustion chamber 18. The user can occasionally remove the ash.

While only specific combinations of the various features and components of the present invention have been discussed herein, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that desired subsets of the disclosed features and components and/or alternative combinations of these features and components can be utilized, as desired. For example, as with the toilet bowl of a regular toilet, funnel 14 may sometimes require cleaning. Further, although one embodiment envisions the user setting the timer and burning the refuse after each use, there may be occasion to use toilet system 10 a number of times prior to operating burner 20. Additionally, the fuel inlet 50 may either be used as a primary source of fuel, the burner 20 operating by using fuel provided directly by fuel inlet 50, or may be used to fill a fuel tank (not shown) located inside toilet system 10, the fuel tank being large enough to store enough fuel for multiple uses. Either embodiment may be used, subject to various design considerations including legal requirements of storage of fuel sources, safety concerns, and space limitations of toilet system 10.

The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A toilet system that incinerates refuse, said toilet system comprising:

a seat;

a funnel connected to said seat and to a flapper, said funnel directing refuse from a user of the toilet system into a combustion chamber;

said flapper, located a the bottom of the funnel and connected to a combustion chamber, said flapper being open to allow refuse to enter the combustion chamber and being closed when the toilet system incinerates said refuse in the combustion chamber;

said combustion chamber storing the refuse from a user and provides the location for incineration of said refuse;

an exhaust that originates in the combustion chamber and allows fumes and vapour to exit from the toilet system during incineration; and

a burner, tiltedly mounted to the combustion chamber, aimed directly at the location of the incoming refuse, the burner producing a flame that directly ignites and incinerates the refuse.

2. The toilet system of claim 1 further comprising a fuel inlet, wherein said burner is fuelled via the fuel inlet.

3. The toilet system of claim 2 wherein the toilet system is located inside a cabin of a transport truck, the toilet system receiving fuel into the fuel inlet from the transport truck.

4. A method of using a toilet system that incinerates refuse; said method comprising the steps of:

lifting a flapper that covers a combustion chamber;

using a toilet system, thereby disposing human refuse into a combustion chamber;

lowering the flapper to cover the refuse in the combustion chamber; and

setting a timer for a period of time a burner will burn the refuse in the combustion chamber; and

burning the refuse with the burner, for the period of time.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said setting step further comprise a fan starting to run for a period of time prior to the burning step, said fan continuing to run for a period of time after the burning step.

6. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of raising a top cover of said toilet system, said raising step occurring prior to said setting step, said raising step providing cooling to the toilet system.