COMPOSTING TOILET ASSEMBLY
A composting toilet assembly and installation are disclosed. The composting toilet assembly includes a separating means housed in a pedestal toilet seat. Liquid and solid waste entering the toilet assembly are separated by the separating means which includes a sloping conveyor belt, actuated by control means, which serves to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste by means of gravity. The liquid waste is diverted to a bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt and the solid waste is diverted to an opposing top end of the sloping conveyor belt. A receptacle is attachable at the bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt for collecting the diverted liquid waste for disposal. The solid waste is diverted to the top end of the sloping conveyor belt and through a rear opening of the housing where the solid waste is disposed away from the toilet assembly. The solid waste can be disposed into a composting space located adjacent to the toilet assembly and/or below the toilet assembly.
The present invention relates to the field of toilets and, in particular, to composting toilet assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONComposting toilets have found wide application in rural, isolated, or under-developed locations where water and sewage networks may be limited or completely non-existent. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,243 describes a vermi-composting toilet installation adapted for use in the wild. Specifically, the toilet installation is designed to distribute fecal matter within an underground tunnel for vermi-composting. The conditions in the underground tunnel are maintained by dampening means that self-regulates the amount of rainwater entering the tunnel where vermi-compositing takes place. In this way, the toilet installation is designed to be relatively self-regulating to allow for its use in such remote and under-developed sites.
The advantages of composting toilets from an environmental perspective have been gaining popularity and particular interest has grown in the adoption of composting toilets for domestic applications in urban locations. In this respect, a variety of batch composting toilet systems have been developed. Such systems are typically designed with a container in which waste material is collected and the composting process is carried out. Once the composting process is completed inside the sealed container, the container is fully composted and ready for emptying. While the self-contained nature of batch composting systems facilitates installation into domestic locations, these systems are limited in the amount of material that can be processed at any given time. As well, many of these systems require the addition of materials such as chemicals and/or sawdust or wood chips to catalyze the composting process.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,254,515 describes a self-contained composting toilet which can be used in domestic environments in which liquid and solid waste material is first separated and then each separately treated with auxiliary agents to compost the materials. By separately treating the waste, the treatment capacity of the composting toilet is increased, however, the large treatment capacity results in a bulky design that is described as being installed underground. Accordingly, installation of such a system would require extensive retrofitting to be operational in a dwelling-house, for example.
Continual processing systems that are in a constant state of composting have also been described. U.S. Pat. No. 3,136,608 describes a continual processing system that can be adapted for use in a dwelling-house. A large underground container is situated to receive waste from a toilet. The container is dimensioned with an inclined bottom to allow entering waste to successively slide from the reception compartment down towards the storage compartment of the container. The entering waste slides down the container at a speed such that by the time the waste arrives at the storage compartment, the waste is essentially mouldered for use as compost. While such a system allows for a larger volume of material to be in a constant state of composting, the underground nature of the container installation would require extensive retrofitting for operation.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONDisclosed herein are exemplary embodiments pertaining to a composting toilet assembly. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a composting toilet assembly comprising: a separating means for separating liquid and solid waste entering the toilet assembly, the separating means comprising a sloping conveyor belt actuated by control means and serving to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste by means of gravity, wherein the liquid waste is diverted to a bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt and the solid waste is diverted to a top end of the sloping conveyor belt; a receptacle attachable at the bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt for collecting the diverted liquid waste for disposal;
and a housing shaped as a pedestal toilet seat and sized to house the separating means, wherein the toilet seat comprises an opening aligned with the sloping conveyor belt through which the liquid and solid waste enters the toilet assembly, and wherein the housing further comprises a rear opening through which the top end of the sloping conveyor belt diverts the solid waste for disposal away from the toilet assembly.
In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a composting toilet installation comprising: an airtight composting space having at least one wall opening; and one or more toilet assemblies, each toilet assembly comprising: a separating means for separating liquid and solid waste entering the toilet assembly, the separating means comprising a sloping conveyor belt actuated by control means and serving to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste by means of gravity, wherein the liquid waste is diverted to a bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt and the solid waste is diverted to a top end of the sloping conveyor belt; a receptacle attachable at the bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt for collecting the diverted liquid waste for disposal; and a housing shaped as a pedestal toilet seat and sized to house the separating means, wherein the toilet seat comprises an opening aligned with the sloping conveyor belt through which the liquid and solid waste enters the toilet assembly, and wherein the housing further comprises a rear opening through which the top end of the sloping conveyor belt diverts the solid waste for disposal; wherein the rear opening of each toilet assembly is in sealing engagement with the wall opening of the airtight composting space and the top end of the conveyor belt extends therethrough to divert the solid waste for disposal into the composting space.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.
The adoption of composting toilets raises a number of issues relating to the practicalities of installing and operating composting toilets, particularly for use in urban sites. For example, in most cases the installation and operation of a composting toilet will need to be adaptable to the existing infrastructure of a building, such as a dwelling-house, in terms of spatial efficiency, ease of installation, compatibility with existing building infrastructure, ease of use and maintenance, and accommodation of the needs of the user. These issues are not limited to urban sites but can also arise in more remote sites such as in campgrounds and leisure areas. Accordingly, while exemplary embodiments of the toilet assembly may herein be described in context to urban environments, such as a dwelling-house, it will be understood that the toilet assembly of the present disclosure may be adapted for use in other environments such as rural and industrial sites.
The composting toilet according to embodiments of the present disclosure is designed to be easily adapted for installation and use. The toilet assembly is of a compact design comprising a separation mechanism within the body of the assembly and designed for disposal and composting of waste outside of, and away from, the toilet assembly. In this way, the toilet assembly of the present disclosure is designed for spatial efficiency. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the compact design of the toilet assembly can accommodate a range of spaces, including the oftentimes small and limited space available in the existing structure of a dwelling-house, for example.
The compact design of the composting toilet assembly of the present disclosure allows the toilet assembly to be easily adaptable to the existing infrastructure of a dwelling-house. In particular, the composting toilet assembly according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure does not require complicated, extensive, retrofitting of an existing infrastructure for its installation and operation. Specifically, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, separation of the liquid waste from the solid waste occurs within the toilet assembly itself and is diverted away from the solid waste for disposal. In certain embodiments, the toilet assembly is connectable to the existing used-water system of an infrastructure. The liquid waste is then diverted to the existing used-water system for disposal. In this way, the toilet assembly of the present disclosure can be made to be compatible with the existing infrastructure of the environment without extensive retrofitting. Because the liquid waste is diverted away from the solid waste and separately disposed, the liquid waste cannot compromise the composting process. Accordingly, the toilet assembly of the present disclosure can accommodate any liquid waste entering the toilet assembly, including cleaning products typically used with regular water-run toilets, without compromising the operation of the composting process.
The separated solids are also separated and diverted away from the toilet assembly within the toilet assembly itself. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the separated solid waste is diverted to a designated composting space where it is treated using any of the composting methods known to those skilled in the art. In preferred embodiments, the solid waste is treated by vermi-composting and conditions favourable to vermi-composting are maintained within the composting space.
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the separated solid waste is diverted away from the toilet assembly and to an external composting space for disposal. The composting space, according to certain embodiments, is an airtight enclosure in sealing engagement with the toilet assembly through a wall opening but otherwise separated from the toilet assembly. The composting space is on the ground-level and may be configured to receive solid waste from one or more toilet assemblies. In one embodiment, the composting space is configured to receive solid waste from one toilet assembly. In other embodiments, the composting space is configured to receive solid waste from multiple toilet assemblies.
Being on ground-level facilitates installation of the composting space of the present disclosure and allows for one or more toilets to be accommodated. In this way, the toilet assembly of the present disclosure is adaptable to the practicalities of a user's needs where multi-toilet facilities are often desired. As well, the ground-level composting space allows it to be accessible by a toilet assembly from multiple levels. For example, the composting space according to the present disclosure can be accessible from either the ground-level or from a level above. In one embodiment, the composting space is configured to receive solid waste from one or more toilet assemblies located on ground-level. In another embodiment, the composting space is configured to receive solid waste from one or more toilet assemblies located on a level above the composting space. In a further embodiment, the composting space is configured to receive solid waste from one or more toilet assemblies located on ground-level and on a level above the composting space.
DefinitionsUnless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.
The term “vermi-composting”, as used herein, refers to the breakdown of organic matter by the ingestion and digestion of the matter by worms. As well, vermi-composting also includes the collateral biotransformation of such organic matter from the bacterial action inherent in such systems.
The terms “liquid waste” and “solid waste”, as used herein, refers to urine and fecal matter respectively and may further include any liquid or solid waste that may enter the toilet assembly of the present disclosure. For example, without limitation, toilet paper, sanitary products, and cleaning products.
Toilet AssemblyReferring to
As shown in
According to some embodiments, the sloping conveyor belt 25 is disposed on a support 75 for positioning the sloping conveyor belt 25 at an incline sufficient for separating and diverting the liquid waste from the solid waste. In one embodiment, the angle of inclination of the conveyor belt 25 is from about 5° to about 45°. In other embodiments, the angle of inclination of the conveyor belt 25 is from about 10° to about 30°. In further embodiments, the angle of inclination of the conveyor belt 25 is from about 15° to about 25°. Due to the incline of the sloping conveyor belt 25, the conveyor belt 25 serves to separate the liquid waste by causing it to flow down the sloping conveyor belt 25 and into a receptacle 45 situated at the bottom end 35 of the conveyor belt 25. The solid waste, on the other hand, is diverted towards the top end 40 of the conveyor belt 25 by actuating the control means 30.
Liquid Waste DisposalLiquid waste is collected in the receptacle 45 at the bottom end 35 of the separating means 20. As shown in
In certain embodiments, the separating means 20 will include anti-splash edges 80 to prevent liquid waste from spilling sideways from the sloping conveyor belt 25. In other embodiments, as shown in
Solid waste that is separated from the liquid waste is diverted towards the top end 40 of the conveyor belt 25 by advancing the belt 25 with each use. As shown in
At the bottom portion of its top end 40, the conveyor belt 25 can have one or more scrapers 95 and 97 as shown in
As shown in
According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the composting space 100 is an airtight space located on ground-level. In certain embodiments, as shown in
The ground-level location of the composting space 100 provides versatile options for installation of the toilet assembly 10 of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in
Referring to the embodiments illustrated in
In embodiments comprising multi-level toilet assemblies, as shown in
In order to maintain optimal conditions for composting the solid waste, the composting space 100 is airtight. Accordingly, irrespective of the particular configuration, access to the composting space 100 by each toilet assembly 10 is through a corresponding wall opening 105 sized for sealing engagement with the rear opening 60 of each toilet assembly 10.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include accessories for improving the operation of the assembly. For example, managing the generation of odours emanating from the assembly can be included in certain embodiments. The composting space 100 can further include means for managing odours emanating from the solid waste. Air constantly circulates from the toilet assembly 10 to the composting space 100 where it is then evacuated to the exterior. In one embodiment, the composting space 100 can include a ventilation system such as an air duct 115 (see
While the composting toilet assembly of the present disclosure can be adapted for composting the solid waste using a variety of known methods known in the art, in a preferred embodiment, the composting toilet assembly is adapted for vermi-composting of the solid waste. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the composting space comprises conditions suitable for vermi-composting of solid waste disposed into the composting space. Conditions required for vermi-composting is within the knowledge of persons skilled in the art.
In embodiments in which vermi-composting is relied on for composting the solid waste, the ground surface area of the composting space 100 must be designed to facilitate the composting process and reduce maintenance frequency. In certain embodiments, the ground surface area of the composting space is about 4 meters2. In other embodiments, the ground surface area of the composting space is adjusted to accommodate the frequency of use of the toilet assembly and the corresponding volume of solid waste expected to be processed. In preferred embodiments, the ground surface of the composting space 100 is divided into three separate zones (see
In operation, vermi-composting of the solid waste is achieved by moving the solid waste through the zones as the solid waste undergoes the different phases of composting. For example, as shown in
As is known in the art of vermi-composting, sufficient moisture conditions are needed in order to maintain the worms. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, moisture conditions are maintained by introducing sufficient amounts of water into the composting space 100 at zones B 125 and/or C 130 to maintain the necessary moisture levels and humidity for vermi-composting. In certain embodiments, the dampened zones may require covering with plastic or straw to maintain the humidity essential for the earthworms.
The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and database entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent application, publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A composting toilet assembly comprising:
- a separating means for separating liquid and solid waste entering the toilet assembly, the separating means comprising a sloping conveyor belt actuated by control means and serving to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste by means of gravity, wherein the liquid waste is diverted to a bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt and the solid waste is diverted to a top end of the sloping conveyor belt;
- a receptacle attachable at the bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt for collecting the diverted liquid waste for disposal; and
- a housing shaped as a pedestal toilet seat and sized to house the separating means, wherein the toilet seat comprises an opening aligned with the sloping conveyor belt through which the liquid and solid waste enters the toilet assembly, and wherein the housing further comprises a rear opening through which the top end of the sloping conveyor belt diverts the solid waste for disposal away from the toilet assembly.
2. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle is connectable to a wastewater disposal system for disposing the diverted liquid waste.
3. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises an overflow conduit for diverting overflow liquid waste through the rear opening of the housing.
4. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sloping conveyor belt is disposed on top of a support for positioning the sloping conveyor belt at an incline sufficient for diverting the liquid waste from the solid waste.
5. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sloping conveyor belt comprises anti-splash edges.
6. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sloping conveyor belt comprises an upper cover with an opening aligned with the toilet seat for receiving the liquid and solid waste.
7. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the opening of the upper cover comprises a bowl for directing the liquid and solid waste to the separating means.
8. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sloping conveyor belt comprises one or more scrapers fixedly positioned at the top end to dislodge solid waste that has stuck to the sloping conveyor belt.
9. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 8, wherein the one or more scrapers are hingedly fixed to resiliently press against the surface of the sloping conveyor belt during return movement.
10. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sloping conveyor belt is actuated by a mechanical foot pedal.
11. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top end of the sloping conveyor belt extends through the rear opening of the housing and into a composting space into which the diverted solid waste is disposed.
12. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 11, wherein the composting space is an airtight room accessed by the top end of the conveyor belt through a wall opening, the wall opening being in sealing engagement with the rear opening of the housing.
13. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the composting space is adjacent to the toilet assembly.
14. The composting toilet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the composting space is below the toilet assembly.
15. A composting toilet installation comprising:
- an airtight composting space having at least one wall opening; and
- one or more toilet assemblies, each toilet assembly comprising: a separating means for separating liquid and solid waste entering the toilet assembly, the separating means comprising a sloping conveyor belt actuated by control means and serving to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste by means of gravity, wherein the liquid waste is diverted to a bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt and the solid waste is diverted to a top end of the sloping conveyor belt; a receptacle attachable at the bottom end of the sloping conveyor belt for collecting the diverted liquid waste for disposal; and a housing shaped as a pedestal toilet seat and sized to house the separating means, wherein the toilet seat comprises an opening aligned with the sloping conveyor belt through which the liquid and solid waste enters the toilet assembly, and wherein the housing further comprises a rear opening through which the top end of the sloping conveyor belt diverts the solid waste for disposal;
- wherein the rear opening of each toilet assembly is in sealing engagement with the wall opening of the airtight composting space and the top end of the conveyor belt extends therethrough to divert the solid waste for disposal into the composting space.
16. The composting toilet installation according to claim 15, wherein the composting space comprises conditions suitable for vermi-composting of solid waste disposed into the composting space.
17. The composting toilet installation according to claim 15, wherein the composting toilet installation comprises one toilet assembly, the toilet assembly installed adjacent to the composting space.
18. The composting toilet installation according to claim 15, wherein the composting toilet installation comprises one toilet assembly, the toilet assembly installed above the composting space.
19. The composting toilet installation according to claim 15, wherein the composting toilet installation comprises one toilet assembly installed above the composting space and another toilet assembly installed adjacent to the composting space.
20. The composting toilet installation according to claim 15, wherein the composting space comprises a door opposite from the wall opening to provide access to the composting space.
21. The composting toilet installation according to claim 15, wherein the composting space comprises an air circulation means for evacuating air to the exterior of the composting space.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 12, 2013
Publication Date: Mar 12, 2015
Inventor: Emmanuel MORIN (Nyons)
Application Number: 14/025,668