FRESH WATER FLUSHING DEVICE FOR MARINE SANITATION DEVICES

Abstract

A non-pressurized fresh water supply flushing system for a marine sanitation device is disclosed. The flushing system includes a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water, a mounting arrangement for mounting the fresh water reservoir to a support surface, a fresh water source associated with the fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to this fresh water reservoir and a fluid connection fitting for transferring the predetermined volume of renewable non-pressurized fresh water from the fresh water reservoir to the marine sanitation device upon activation of the marine sanitation device. A method of retrofitting an existing marine sanitation device and a kit for supplying a marine sanitation device with the fresh water supply flushing system of the invention is also disclosed. The fresh water flushing system of the invention may be used with toilets located in a variety of limited space environments.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a fresh water flushing device for use with a toilet located in a limited space environment and, more particularly, to a fresh water flushing device for a marine sanitation device (MSD) located on a boat which can be remotely mounted in a remote position. The fresh water flushing device may be used as an aftermarket add-on or a value-added accessory that reduces the cost of MSDs having an attached tank.

2. Description of Related Art

Disposal of biological waste poses a unique challenge in the boating industry, not only in terms of the waste disposal itself, but also in terms of space restriction, water supply, odor control and overboard discharge laws. Toilets on boating vessels are typically called marine sanitation devices, or MSDs, which process, store and dispose of the waste products. This disposal can be achieved through the use of environmentally-compatible chemicals to break down the waste before storage or discharge. If discharged, the waste cannot have any visible floating solids and must meet bacterial health safety regulations.

Whether the craft is docked or not, an MSD requires a sufficient supply of water to operate effectively. In larger vessels having more space, installed, onboard fresh water tankage provides the source of fresh water for MSD use. In smaller vessels, sufficient space is typically not available to allow for an integral fresh water tank to supply the MSD. Accordingly, the toilet is typically fed by seawater via a through-hull raw or seawater inlet and hose, a series of pumps, valves and hosing. Whether docked or moving, these smaller vessel MSDs can be fed by raw water. As a result of this raw water feed, odor can result from minute marine organisms (plant and animal) that die and decompose in the system. The boating industry is replete with information and tips for containing and/or controlling this odor. Some of these techniques include chemical treatment, live aerobic bacterial treatment, constant monitoring including routine replacement of hoses and valves, installation of specialized odor blocking valves and strainers on the intake line and frequent flushing. All of these techniques have drawbacks and/or disadvantages in terms of product costs, maintenance and cleaning of the additional components, and wear/tear and degradation of soft (rubber) components.

There is a need in the art for an economically feasible, minimally intrusive, non-pressurized fresh water flushing device for use with MSDs to control and/or eliminate odors associated with raw or seawater supplied systems. There is a further need in the art for a non-pressurized fresh water flushing device that can be used as an aftermarket add-on that can be retrofitted to an existing raw water supplied system or that can be used as a value-added accessory that can reduce the cost of MSDs having an integral tank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the invention comprises use of a non-pressurized fresh water supply flushing system for use with an MSD. According to a second aspect, the invention comprises an economically feasible method of retrofitting an existing MSD with a non-pressurized fresh water flushing system. According to a third aspect, the invention comprises an easy-to-install kit for providing a non-pressurized fresh water supply system to new and/or existing MSDs. According to a fourth aspect, the invention comprises a fresh water supply flushing system for a toilet located within a vessel having limited space.

In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, a non-pressurized fresh water supply flushing system for an MSD is provided. The flushing system includes a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water, a mounting arrangement for mounting the fresh water reservoir to a support surface, a fresh water source associated with the fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to this fresh water reservoir and a fluid connection fitting for transferring the predetermined volume of non-pressurized fresh water from the fresh water reservoir to the MSD upon activation of the MSD.

In accordance with the second aspect of the invention, a method of retrofitting a MSD with a fresh water supply flushing system is provided. The method includes providing a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water, mounting the fresh water reservoir to a support surface at a predetermined location with respect to the marine sanitation device, connecting the fresh water reservoir to a fresh water source and providing a fluid connection fitting for connecting the fresh water reservoir to the MSD for transferring a predetermined volume of non-pressurized fresh water from the fresh water reservoir to the MSD upon activation of the marine sanitation device.

In accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, a kit for installing a fresh water supply flushing system with a MSD is provided. The kit includes a fresh water reservoir having a top portion and a bottom portion. The fresh water reservoir has a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water. The kit also includes a mounting arrangement for mounting the fresh water reservoir to a support surface. The fresh water reservoir has a fresh water in-feed fitting positioned through a bottom portion of the fresh water reservoir for supplying a continuous supply of fresh water into the fresh water reservoir. A float control valve is located within the fresh water reservoir to control the predetermined volume of fresh water supplied through the fresh water in-feed fitting into the fresh water reservoir. A fluid connection fitting is located at the bottom portion of the fresh water reservoir for transferring the predetermined volume of fresh water from the fresh water reservoir to the MSD through a gravity feed upon activation of the MSD.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, a fresh water supply flushing system is disclosed which can be used with a toilet located within a vessel having reduced space such as a camper, a train, a trailer, a bus and the like. This fresh water supply flushing system comprises a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water, a mounting arrangement for mounting the fresh water reservoir to a support surface, a fresh water source associated with the fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to the fresh water reservoir and a fluid connection fitting for transferring the predetermined volume of fresh water from the fresh water reservoir to the toilet upon activation of the toilet.

Further details and advantages will be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the fresh water flushing system of the present invention mounted in relation to an MSD;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the fresh water flushing system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the fresh water flushing system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the fresh water flushing system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a cut-away view of the fresh water flushing system of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial or directional terms shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which shows the fresh water flushing system, generally indicated as 10, mounted in relation to an MSD 12. The flushing system includes a fresh water reservoir 14 having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water. This predetermined volume of fresh water can include an amount sufficient to achieve flushing of the MSD 12 upon activation. Preferably, this predetermined volume is approximately one gallon. A mounting arrangement generally indicated as 16, is provided for mounting the fresh water reservoir 14 to a support surface, generally indicated as 18. This support surface can be any solid surface, such as a wall or bulkhead, which is reasonably close to the MSD 12. The support surface 18 can be either within or outside of the head, as long as the fresh water reservoir 14 is mounted sufficiently close to allow for connection of the fresh water reservoir 14 to the MSD 12. A fresh water source or tap-in 20 is associated with the fresh water reservoir 14 via fitting 21 for supplying fresh water to this fresh water reservoir 14. The fresh water tap-in 20 can be from a sink/vanity, a shower/tub or any other well-known, accessible fresh water supply tap-in, which is positioned reasonably close to fresh water reservoir. Preferably, the fresh water tap-in 20 is located adjacent to the head itself. A fluid in-feed line 23, such as a hose 23, extends between this fitting 21 to the fresh water supply tap-in 20. The fluid in-feed line 23 can be, for example, a stainless steel braided line or any other acceptable in-feed line capable of connecting to fitting 21. The fluid connection fitting 22 may be a gray plastic barb fitting extending through a bottom portion 30 of the fresh water reservoir 14 and facing in a downward direction therefrom. The fluid connection fitting 22 is connected to a hose 24 for transferring the predetermined volume of non-pressurized fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 to the MSD 12 upon activation of the MSD 12. The MSD 12 also includes an outflow system 26 for discharging the processed waste. Activation of an electric MSD 12 can include depressing a button switch or lever to start a macerator, activate a vacuum to pull waste from the bowl, open the bottom of the head to discharge the waste and to pull fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 into the bowl. A foot-pump or hand pump may also be used to manually activate the MSD.

As stated above, the support surface 18 should be located reasonably close to the MSD 12. This support surface 18 should also be located above the MSD 12 to enable gravity feed of the predetermined volume of fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 through the fluid connection fitting 22 to the MSD.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the fresh water reservoir 14 includes a top portion 28, the bottom portion 30 and a mounting portion 32 located between the top portion 28 and the bottom portion 30. The fresh water reservoir 14 must be mounted in a vertical direction. The fresh water in-feed fitting 21 for supplying a continuous supply of fresh water into the fresh water reservoir 14 is positioned through the bottom portion 30 of the fresh water reservoir 14. The fluid connection fitting 22 for transferring the predetermined volume of non-pressurized fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 to the MSD is also located through the bottom portion 30 of the fresh water reservoir 14 to enable a gravity feed of the fresh water to the MSD 12 upon flushing.

The mounting arrangement 16 comprises a bracket system or a mounting plate or any other well-known mounting system. This mounting system extends from the fresh water reservoir 14 at a mounting portion 32 located between the top portion 28 and the bottom portion 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the fresh water reservoir 14 includes a float control device 34 for controlling the predetermined volume of fresh water fed therein. This float control device 34 includes a diaphragmatic flow/fill valve control 36, a refill tube 38 and a capacity control arm 40.

As stated above, the mounting system includes a mounting plate 46, such as a composite plate, having an opening 47 extending there through. The opening of the mounting plate 46 is adapted for receiving and supporting the fresh water reservoir 14 at mounting portion 32 of the fresh water reservoir 14. This mounting plate 46 includes at least one, but preferably two 90°, brackets 48 screwed thereto for wall/bulkhead mounting 18. Other well known bracket styled mounting systems may be used to secure the fresh water flushing system 10 to the support system 18.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for retrofitting the MSD 12 with the fresh water supply flushing system 10 of the present invention is also provided. This method comprises providing a fresh water reservoir 14 having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water, mounting the fresh water reservoir 14 to a support surface 18 at a predetermined location with respect to the MSD 12, connecting the fresh water reservoir 14 to the fresh water source 20 and providing the fluid connection fitting 22 for connecting the fresh water reservoir to the MSD 12 for transferring a predetermined volume of fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 to the MSD 12 upon activation of the MSD 12. As stated above, the fresh water reservoir 14 is mounted in a vertical direction at a location above the MSD to allow for non-pressurized gravity feed of the predetermined volume of fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 through the fluid connection fitting 22 and hose 24 to the MSD. The float control valve 34, as discussed above and shown in FIG. 5, is located within the fresh water reservoir 14 to control the predetermined volume of fresh water supplied to the fresh water reservoir 14. A fluid in-feed line or fresh water hose 23 connected to a fresh water source 20 is positioned below the fresh water reservoir for supplying a continuous supply of the fresh water to the fresh water reservoir 14. Should the fresh water reservoir 14 be located within the head, the source of the fresh water can be either the sink, bathtub or shower supply located within the head. Alternatively, the fresh water reservoir 14 may be located outside of the head, such as in a bulkhead opposite the head, wherein the fresh water source can comprise, for example, the kitchen sink or another fresh water tap-in located within the boat.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a kit for installing a fresh water supply system of the invention with a new or existing MSD is disclosed. The kit includes the fresh water reservoir 14 having the top portion 28 and the bottom portion 30, and having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water. A mounting arrangement, such as a mounting plate/bracket arrangement as discussed above, for mounting the fresh water reservoir 14 to a support surface 18. The fresh water in-feed fitting 21 is positioned through a bottom portion of said fresh water reservoir and is connected via hose 22 for supplying a continuous supply of fresh water into the fresh water reservoir 14. The float control valve 34 is located within the fresh water reservoir to control the predetermined volume of fresh water supplied through the fresh water in-feed fitting 21 into the fresh water reservoir 14. The fluid connection fitting 22 is located at the bottom portion of the fresh water reservoir 14 for transferring the predetermined volume of fresh water from the fresh water reservoir 14 to the MSD 12 through the hose 24 to allow for a non-pressurized gravity feed upon activation of the MSD 12.

The invention heretofore has been described in relation to its use with the MSD 12; however, according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the fresh water supply flushing system 10 may be used on other types of toilet containing vessels, which are mobile or stationary, wherein space within the toilet area is limited. These vessels include a camper, a train, a trailer, a bus and the like wherein a source of fresh water is readily available.

The invention has been described with reference to the desirable embodiments. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A fresh water supply flushing system for a marine sanitation device, said fresh water supply flushing system comprising:

a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water;

a mounting arrangement for mounting said fresh water reservoir to a support surface;

a fresh water source associated with said fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to said fresh water reservoir; and

a fluid connection fitting for transferring said predetermined volume of fresh water from said fresh water reservoir to said marine sanitation device upon one activation of said marine sanitation device.

2. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, wherein said support surface is located above said marine sanitation device to enable non-pressurized gravity feed of said predetermined volume of fresh water from said fresh water reservoir through said fluid connection fitting to said marine sanitation device.

3. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, wherein said fresh water reservoir includes a float control device for controlling the predetermined volume of water fed therein.

4. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 3, wherein said float control device includes a flow/fill valve control, a refill tube and a capacity control arm.

5. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, wherein said predetermined capacity of said fresh water reservoir is approximately one gallon.

6. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, wherein said fresh water reservoir is mounted in a vertical position at a location above the marine sanitation device.

7. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, including a fluid in-feed line connected below said fresh water reservoir for supplying a continuous source of said fresh water to said fresh water reservoir.

8. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 7, wherein said continuous source of fresh water comprises a sink or shower supply line.

9. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, including an integrally attached diaphragmatic valve assembly for minimizing backflow.

10. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 1, wherein said mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate having an opening adapted for receiving said fresh water reservoir and at least one bracket secured to said mounting plate for mounting said fresh water reservoir to said support surface.

11. A method of retrofitting a marine sanitation device with a fresh water supply flushing system, said method comprising;

providing a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water;

mounting said fresh water reservoir to a support surface at a predetermined location with respect to said marine sanitation device;

connecting said fresh water reservoir to a fresh water source; and

providing a fluid connection fitting for connecting said fresh water reservoir to the marine sanitation device for transferring a predetermined volume of fresh water from said fresh water reservoir to said marine sanitation device upon activation of said marine sanitation device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said fresh water reservoir is mounted in a vertical direction at a location above the marine sanitation device to allow for non-pressurized gravity feed of said predetermined volume of fresh water from said fresh water reservoir through said fluid connection fitting to said marine sanitation device.

13. The method of claim 11, including a float control valve within said fresh water reservoir to control the predetermined volume of fresh water supplied to said fresh water reservoir.

14. The method of claim 11, including a fluid in-feed line positioned below said fresh water reservoir for supplying a continuous supply of said fresh water to said fresh water reservoir.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said fresh water reservoir is located within or adjacent to a head and the source of said fresh water is one of a sink or shower supply line located within or adjacent to said head.

16. A kit for installing a fresh water supply flushing system with a marine sanitation device, said kit comprising:

a fresh water reservoir having a top portion and a bottom portion, said fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water;

a mounting arrangement for mounting said fresh water reservoir to a support surface;

a fresh water in-feed fitting positioned through a bottom portion of said fresh water reservoir for supplying a continuous supply of fresh water into said fresh water reservoir;

a float control valve located within said fresh water reservoir to control the predetermined volume of fresh water supplied through said fresh water in-feed fitting into said fresh water reservoir; and

a fluid connection fitting located at said bottom portion of said fresh water reservoir for transferring said predetermined volume of non-pressurized fresh water from said fresh water reservoir to said marine sanitation device through a non-pressurized gravity feed upon activation of said marine sanitation device.

17. The kit of claim 16, wherein said mounting arrangement comprises a mounting plate and bracket system extending from said fresh water reservoir at a location between said top portion and said bottom portion.

18. A fresh water supply flushing system for use with a toilet located within a vessel, said fresh water supply flushing system comprising:

a fresh water reservoir having a predetermined capacity for holding a predetermined volume of fresh water;

a mounting arrangement for mounting said fresh water reservoir to a support surface;

a fresh water source associated with said fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to said fresh water reservoir; and

a fluid connection fitting for transferring said predetermined volume of fresh water from said fresh water reservoir to said toilet upon activation of said toilet.

19. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 18, wherein said support surface is located above said marine sanitation device and said fresh water reservoir is mounted in a vertical position to enable non-pressurized gravity feed of said predetermined volume of fresh water from said fresh water reservoir through said fluid connection fitting to said marine sanitation device and said flushing system includes a fluid in-feed line connected below said fresh water reservoir for supplying a continuous source of said fresh water to said fresh water reservoir.

20. The fresh water supply flushing system of claim 18 wherein said vessel is one of a camper, a train, a trailer, a bus and a boat.