Bedpan and collector assembly, bedpan assembly, flow divider and collector

Abstract

A bed pan and collector assembly configured for directing liquid waste and solid waste into separate liquid waste streams and solid waste streams, comprising a bed pan; a diverter; the present invention relates to a toilet system comprising a bed pan comprising an outlet, the bed pan being at least partially located inside the collector, the collector comprising a liquid outlet and a solid outlet, and a diverter comprising a plate configured to close the bed pan outlet in a diverter closed position, the diverter is configured to remain in a closed position when a flow of urine is directed into the interior of the pan; therefore, the liquid waste is guided to the liquid outlet of the collector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pit toilet capable of diverting urine from feces, thereby providing more sanitary facilities. Background Art

[0002] Most of the world's population either has no toilet at home or has a toilet that does not safely dispose of human waste. The lack of proper sanitation directly leads to human diseases; diarrheal diseases caused by poor sanitation are the leading cause of death among children worldwide.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] [PTL 1]: US Patent Application, Publication No. 2015 / 0026877A1

[0006] [PTL 2]: US Patent Application, Publication No. 2020 / 0008632A1

[0007] [PTL 3]: US Patent Application, Publication No. 2021 / 0130212A1 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Technical Problem]

[0009] A latrine pan configured to receive human waste and convey it to a leach pit provides an inexpensive solution for improving sanitation. Pit toilets generally do not separate urine and feces, resulting in an increase in sewage gas / biogas. Biogas such as ammonia or hydrogen sulfide generated from the mixture of urine and feces poses a threat to human health. A latrine pan configured to separate urine and feces can greatly reduce biogas while also providing a valuable source of fertilizer from the composted solid feces and liquid urine.

[0010] A latrine pan that can separate urine and feces and convey them to separate and distinct waste streams is desired. The production cost of the latrine pan should not be high and it should be suitable for installation for use with a leach pit, for example in areas without flowing fresh water.

[0011] [Solution to the Problem]

[0012] Accordingly, a toilet bowl and collector assembly configured to direct liquid waste and solid waste into separate liquid and solid waste streams is disclosed, and includes: a toilet bowl; a diverter; and a collector, wherein the toilet bowl includes an inner surface that tapers downwardly towards an outlet, the toilet bowl is at least partially located inside the collector, the collector includes a liquid outlet and a solid outlet, the diverter is pivotally coupled to a lower end of the toilet bowl, the diverter includes a plate coupled to a counterweight, the plate includes an interior configured to close the toilet bowl outlet in a closed position of the diverter; the counterweight is configured to maintain the closed position of the diverter between each use of the toilet bowl and collector assembly, the diverter includes a liquid passage fluidly communicating with the interior of the plate and a liquid passage outlet, and the diverter is configured to remain in the closed position when a urine stream is directed into the interior of the toilet bowl such that liquid waste passes from the interior of the plate through the liquid passage, through the liquid passage outlet, and is directed to the liquid outlet of the collector.

[0013] A toilet bowl assembly including a toilet bowl and a diverter is also disclosed, wherein the toilet bowl includes an inner surface that tapers downwardly towards an outlet, the diverter is pivotally coupled to a lower end of the toilet bowl, the diverter includes a plate coupled to a counterweight, the plate includes an interior configured to close the toilet bowl outlet in a closed position of the diverter; the counterweight is configured to maintain the closed position of the diverter between each use of the toilet bowl assembly, the diverter includes a liquid passage fluidly communicating with the interior of the plate and a liquid passage outlet, and the diverter is configured to remain in the closed position when a urine stream is directed into the interior of the toilet bowl such that liquid waste is directed through the liquid passage and through the liquid passage outlet from the interior of the plate.

[0014] A diverter configured to be coupled to a toilet bowl and direct solid waste and liquid waste into separate solid and liquid waste streams is also disclosed, the diverter includes a plate coupled to a counterweight; and a liquid passage fluidly communicating with the interior of the plate and a liquid passage outlet, wherein the interior of the plate is configured to close the toilet bowl outlet in a closed position of the diverter and provide a sanitary liquid seal, the counterweight is configured to maintain the closed position of the diverter between each use of the toilet bowl, and the diverter is configured to direct a separated liquid waste stream from the interior of the plate through the liquid passage and through the liquid passage outlet.

[0015] A collector configured to be coupled to a toilet bowl and direct solid waste and liquid waste into separate solid and liquid waste streams is also disclosed, the collector includes a liquid outlet and a solid outlet; and a ridge located between the liquid outlet and the solid outlet, the ridge being configured to hold the separated liquid and solid waste streams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1A Figure 1A ​​A perspective view of a bedpan and collector assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0017] Figure 1B Figure 1B A perspective view of a bedpan and collector assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0018] Figure 1C Figure 1C A view of a bedpan and collector assembly according to some embodiments is shown.

[0019] Figure 1D Figure 1D A view of a bedpan and collector assembly according to some embodiments is shown.

[0020] Figure 1E Figure 1E A view of the collector portion of a bedpan and collector assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0021] Figure 1F Figure 1F A view of the collector portion of a bedpan and collector assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0022] Figure 1G Figure 1G A view of a bedpan assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0023] Figure 1H Figure 1H A view of a bedpan assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0024] Figure 1I Figure 1I A view of a bedpan assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0025] Figure 1J Figure 1J A view of a bedpan assembly according to some embodiments is provided.

[0026] Figure 1K Figure 1K A view of a diverter according to some embodiments is shown.

[0027] Figure 1L Figure 1L A view of a diverter according to some embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 1M Figure 1M A view of a diverter according to some embodiments is shown.

[0029] Figure 1N Figure 1N ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A view of a bedpan according to some embodiments is provided.

[0030] Figure 1O Figure 1O A view of a bedpan according to some embodiments is provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The disclosure described herein is illustrated by way of examples and not by way of limitation in the figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the features shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some features may be exaggerated relative to other features for clarity. Additionally, where appropriate, reference numerals are reused in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A view of a bedpan and a collector assembly 100 according to some embodiments is provided. The collector 101 is shown in perspective / transparent fashion to allow viewing of the bedpan assembly 125 located inside the collector 101. The collector 101 is configured to receive excrement (feces, solid waste or "solids") and urine (liquid waste or "liquids") from inside the bedpan 126 and discharge the solid waste and the liquid waste in separate streams through the outlets 103 and 102, respectively. The collector 101 includes a lower inclined surface 104 associated with the liquid outlet 102 and configured to direct the liquid waste thereto. The collector 101 includes a lower inclined surface 105 associated with the solid outlet 103 and configured to direct the solid waste thereto. The collector 101 includes lower inclined surfaces 106 and 113 associated with the ridge 107 and configured to maintain separation between the solid waste and the liquid waste received from the bedpan 126. The liquid outlet 102 is positioned towards the front end of the collector 101, and the solid outlet 103 is positioned towards the rear end of the collector 101. The outlets 102 and 103 are separated by the ridge 107.

[0033] The bedpan assembly 125 is located on the upper contour surface (not visible) of the collector 101 and includes a bedpan 126 coupled to a diverter 127. The diverter 127 includes a plate 128, a counterweight 129, and a liquid channel outlet 131. The channel outlet 131 is located near the counterweight 129 and slopes downward from the plate 128. The diverter 127 is coupled to the bedpan 126 by a hinge 130. The hinge 130 includes a pin / hole coupling and allows the diverter 127 to pivot counterclockwise (or rotate clockwise as Figure 1A shown) as Figure 1B shown.

[0034] ​​The diverter 127 is configured such that when the plate 128 receives solid waste from inside the toilet bowl 126, the weight of the solid waste will overcome the counterweight 129, forcing the diverter 127 to pivot about the hinge 130 to "open", thereby allowing the solid waste to be received by the inclined surface 105 of the collector and guiding it through the outlet 103. When the urine stream deposits onto the inner surface of the toilet bowl 126, the force of the urine stream is not sufficient to overcome the counterweight 129, and the plate 128 remains closed, as Figure 1A and Figure 1B shown. The liquid urine waste is directed through the liquid channel outlet 131 to the lower inclined surface 104 and through the outlet 102.

[0035] Figure 1C and Figure 1D A view of the toilet bowl and collector assembly 100 according to some embodiments is provided. Shown is the toilet bowl 126 located inside the collector 101. The solid outlet 103 is positioned towards the rear end of the collector 101 and is associated with the lower inclined surface 105. The liquid outlet 102 is positioned towards the front end of the collector 101 and is associated with the lower inclined surface 104. The outlets 102 and 103 are separated by the ridges 107 and the lower inclined surfaces 106 and 113. The plate 128 is visible in Figure 1D and it covers the lower opening of the toilet bowl 126 in the closed position. The counterweight 129 is likewise visible. The liquid outlet 102 includes a barbed surface 102b which is configured to receive a hose.

[0036] Figure 1E and Figure 1F A view of the collector 101 according to an embodiment is shown. Inside the collector 101, the liquid outlet 102, the lower inclined surface 104 configured to direct the liquid to the outlet 102, the solid outlet 103 and the lower inclined surface 105 configured to direct the solid to the outlet 103 are visible. The lower inclined surface 106, the lower inclined surface 113 and the ridge 107 are configured to maintain the separation between the liquid waste and the solid waste. The ridge 107 extends across the width of the lower portion of the collector 101 such that two lower chambers are provided to maintain the separation between the liquid waste and the solid waste. Also shown are the upper contour surfaces 108f and 108s which are configured to receive and support the toilet bowl 126. The collector 101 includes an upper outwardly extending flange 109. The flange 109 includes a hole 110 which is configured to receive the projection 112 of the flap 111. The projection 112 includes an extension or "crush rib" which is configured to assist in the coupling of the projection 112 with the hole 110 and to secure the flap 111 in the closed position. The flap 111, shown in the open position as illustrated, is coupled to the flange 109 by a "living hinge" 111h. The flap 111 is configured to rotate about the living hinge 111h to enclose the rear space of the collector 101 and is configured to abut against the toilet bowl 126, thereby preventing debris from entering the collector 101.

[0037] Figure 1G , Figure 1H , Figure 1I and Figure 1J provide a view of the commode assembly 125 in the closed position according to some embodiments. The commode assembly 125 includes a commode 126 and a diverter 127. The diverter 127 includes a plate 128, a counterweight 129, a hinge 130, and a liquid channel outlet 131. The plate 128 includes a raised inner surface 134 that is visible in the commode outlet 136 located at the lower end of the commode 126. The plate 128 includes a disc-like shape and an interior 13 that is configured to hold liquid when the plate 128 is in the closed position to provide a liquid-tight seal around the raised surface 134 and the commode outlet 136. When urine flow is directed to the inner surface 126i of the commode 126, it does not provide sufficient force to counteract the counterweight 129, and the plate 128 remains in the closed state as shown in Figure 1G , Figure 1H and Figure 1I to maintain the liquid-tight seal. Urine is configured to be directed through the liquid channel 132 to the outlet 131 and to a separate liquid waste stream. When solid waste deposits in the commode 126 and onto the raised surface 134, its weight may be sufficient to counteract the counterweight 129, thereby forcing the diverter 127 to pivot or rotate about the hinge 130 and open the commode outlet 136, as shown in Figure 1J (diverter in the open position). The solid waste will pass through the outlet 136 to a separate solid waste stream. A quantity of flushing water can be used to assist in opening the outlet 136 to allow the solid waste to pass through. The counterweight 129 includes a "barrel-like" shape having an internal space 137 that is configured to receive a quantity of material, when needed, to provide an appropriate (adjustable) counterweight. The commode 126 includes a flange 133 that is positioned around the upper perimeter of the commode 126. In one embodiment, the commode assembly 125 can be cast in concrete to form a slab, and its flange 133 is configured to be substantially coplanar with the surface of the slab. The slab containing the assembly 125 can be coupled to a collector 101 that has been buried in the ground at the installation site.

[0038] Figure 1K , Figure 1L and Figure 1M provide a view of the diverter 127 according to some embodiments. Figure 1N and Figure 1OA view of a bedpan 126 according to some embodiments is provided. The bedpan 126 includes an inner surface 126i that tapers downwardly towards the bedpan outlet 136. The diverter 127 includes a plate 128, a counterweight 129, and a liquid passage outlet 131. The diverter 127 includes a raised inner surface 134 positioned at the bedpan outlet 136 in the closed position of the diverter. The diverter 127 includes a liquid passage 132 that is in fluid communication with the liquid passage outlet 131 and the interior 135 of the plate 128 when the plate 128 is in the closed position. The counterweight 129 includes an internal space 137. The diverter 127 includes an arm 138 having a pin 139 provided thereon. The liquid passage 132 is located within the arm 138 and is defined by the arm 138. The pin 139 is configured to be received by a hole 142 in the bedpan 126 to form a hinge 130 as shown in the previous figure. The interior 135 of the plate includes a circumferential passage 140 located around the raised inner surface 134, and a weir 141 located between the passage 140 and the liquid passage 132. The lower annular surface 143 of the bedpan outlet 136 is configured to be located within the annular passage 140. In the closed position of the plate 128 of the bedpan assembly 125, the annular circumferential passage 140 is configured to hold liquid to provide a liquid sanitary seal. When the outlet 136 and the raised inner surface 134 of the plate receive a urine stream, the plate 128 is configured to remain closed such that the urine passes through the weir 141, through the liquid passage 132, and out of the outlet 131 to provide a separate liquid waste stream. The lower annular surface 143 may contact, partially contact, or not contact the surface of the plate 128 in the closed position of the diverter 127. The raised inner surface 134 is angled or "tilted" forwardly in the direction towards the liquid passage outlet 131 to help direct the urine towards the passage 132 and the outlet 131.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the bedpan, the diverter, and the collector may be formed as a one-piece structure or may be prepared by joining two or more components together. Each component may include the same or different materials such as thermoplastics, thermoplastic composites, glass-filled thermoplastics, clay-filled thermoplastics, etc. Suitable thermoplastics may include polyolefins, polyesters, or polyamides. Polyolefins include polypropylene, polyethylene, and mixtures thereof. Surfaces configured to receive liquid waste or solid waste may be coated with a non-stick polymer to maintain a clean, waste-free surface. The parts may be prepared, for example, by molding techniques such as thermoplastic injection molding techniques.

[0040] The bedpan and collector assembly of the present invention includes a bedpan, a diverter, and a collector. The bedpan may include a body having an inner surface that tapers downwardly towards an outlet opening. The bedpan outlet opening may have an annular shape. The bedpan may have an asymmetric shape as shown. The bedpan may have a flange positioned around its upper perimeter. The collector may also include a flange positioned around its upper perimeter. In some embodiments, the bedpan may be located inside the collector, with the upper flanges of the bedpan and collector placed together. This structure with the nested bedpan and collector can be cast together into a concrete block for installation.

[0041] In another embodiment, as shown, the bedpan body may be located at the upper edge of the collector, with the bedpan partially located inside the collector. The collector may have one or more upper contoured surfaces configured to receive and support the bedpan body surface. In this embodiment, the bedpan or the bedpan assembly may be cast into a concrete block, and the block containing the bedpan is placed on the collector that has been buried in the ground at the installation site. Alternatively, the bedpan assembly may be cast into a concrete block, and the collector may be coupled to the bottom of the block.

[0042] The flange of the collector may be coupled to a flap having a living hinge towards the rear end. The flap may have one or more protrusions configured to mate with corresponding holes or a plurality of holes on the flange (or vice versa). The interior space of the collector may be configured to be protected from debris when coupled to the bedpan and when the flap is in the closed position.

[0043] The collector may include a separate liquid waste outlet and a solid waste outlet. The liquid outlet and the solid outlet of the collector may be located at two opposite positions towards its lower part. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet of the collector may be positioned towards the front end of the collector, and the solid outlet may be positioned towards the rear end of the collector. The collector may have a first downwardly inclined surface associated with the liquid outlet and configured to direct liquid waste to the liquid outlet. The collector may have a second downwardly inclined surface associated with the solid outlet and configured to direct solid waste to the solid outlet. The collector may have a ridge or "bulge" located between the lower liquid outlet and the lower solid outlet. The bulge may be positioned along the width of the bottom surface of the collector, extending from the first side of the collector to the second side of the collector. The bulge may be positioned along the length of the collector closer to the liquid outlet than to the solid outlet. The bottom surface of the collector may include a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, which together may form the bulge, configured to hold separate, distinct liquid waste streams and solid waste streams. The bottom surface of the collector may include third and / or fourth inclined surfaces adjacent to the bulge. The inclined surfaces and the bulge of the bottom surface of the collector may provide two separate lower spaces into which the solid waste and the liquid waste are conveyed. The inclined surfaces may include linearly inclined surfaces or may include curved surfaces.

[0044] In some embodiments, the liquid outlet of the collector may be positioned at approximately 180 degrees relative to the solid outlet of the collector, as shown in the figure. In other embodiments, the liquid outlet of the collector may be positioned at less than 180 degrees relative to the solid outlet of the collector, such as at any one of approximately 45°, approximately 55°, approximately 65°, approximately 75°, or approximately 85° to any one of approximately 90°, approximately 100°, approximately 110°, approximately 120°, approximately 130°, approximately 140°, approximately 150°, approximately 160°, or approximately 170°. In some embodiments, the liquid channel outlet of the diverter may be positioned at approximately 180 degrees relative to the direction in which solid waste is directed from the plate to the collector, as shown in the figure. In other embodiments, the liquid channel outlet of the diverter may be positioned at less than 180 degrees relative to the direction in which solid waste is directed from the plate to the collector, such as at any one of approximately 45°, approximately 55°, approximately 65°, approximately 75°, or approximately 85° to any one of approximately 90°, approximately 100°, approximately 110°, approximately 120°, approximately 130°, approximately 140°, approximately 150°, approximately 160°, or approximately 170°.

[0045] In one embodiment, the liquid outlet of the collector may be positioned at its bottom surface and configured to direct liquid waste in an initial downward direction. The liquid outlet may include a surface configured to mate with and couple to a liquid conduit (such as a flexible hose, PVC pipe, etc.). The liquid outlet may include a barbed outer surface as shown, may include a smooth outer surface, or may include any common outer (or inner) surface configured to mate with a liquid conduit. In one embodiment, the solid outlet of the collector may be positioned such that solid waste is directed downwardly and laterally outwardly from the collector.

[0046] The diverter may include a plate coupled to a counterweight, wherein the plate is configured to close the toilet outlet opening in the closed position of the toilet assembly. The plate may include a "dish shape" or a shallow "bowl shape" configured to hold liquid in a horizontal position. In the closed position of the diverter, the plate may be configured to maintain a sanitary liquid seal such that sewage gas / biogas is not permitted to pass through the container and into the atmosphere through the toilet outlet. The liquid for the sanitary liquid seal may include water, urine, a water / urine mixture. The water may be from flush water, water used to clean the toilet or the plate, or water used for anal or genital cleansing. The "interior" of the plate refers to the upper (top) space formed by its shallow "bowl shape".

[0047] The diverter may be pivotally coupled to the lower end of the toilet such that the diverter is capable of rotating or pivoting relative to the toilet to achieve the open and closed positions of the toilet assembly. The plate of the diverter may be coupled to the counterweight by one or more arms. In some embodiments, the arms may include and define a liquid channel as shown. The liquid channel outlet may be positioned toward or adjacent to the counterweight. The arms may be pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the toilet by a hinge. The hinge may be configured such that the diverter is capable of rotating or pivoting about the hinge to achieve the open and closed positions of the toilet assembly. The closed position of the toilet assembly is the default position between uses, wherein the plate closes the toilet outlet opening and maintains a sanitary liquid seal. The closed position of the toilet assembly is also the position in which urine flow is directed into the interior of the toilet. The open position of the toilet occurs when solid waste is deposited in the toilet and onto the surface of the plate, and the solid waste is capable of counteracting the counterweight to pivot the diverter such that the solid waste is directed from the toilet outlet to the lower surface of the collector and the collector solid outlet. The lower surface of the collector configured to receive solid waste may be a second inclined surface associated with the collector solid outlet and configured to direct solid waste to the collector solid outlet. Once the solid waste is delivered downwardly from the plate surface to the lower surface of the collector, the counterweight will pivot the diverter back to the default closed position.

[0048] As described above, when the urinal receives a urine flow, the diverter is typically configured such that the urine flow does not provide sufficient force to overcome the counterweight, thereby keeping the urinal assembly in the closed position. In the closed position, any liquid waste is directed through the diverter liquid channel, towards the diverter liquid channel outlet and the collector liquid outlet. The liquid waste can be directed from the liquid channel outlet to the first lower inclined surface of the collector associated with the collector liquid outlet. The first lower inclined surface of the collector can be configured to direct the liquid to the collector liquid outlet. In the closed position, the liquid waste will not be directed to the collector solid outlet. The plate can include a weir located between the interior of the plate and the liquid channel, such that when the urine flow is directed into the interior of the urinal, the urine, together with the liquid for the sanitary seal, is directed from the interior of the plate over the weir and through the liquid channel to the liquid channel outlet. The urine flow or water directed into the interior of the urinal can refer to those liquids directed to the inner surface of the urinal or to the surface of the plate or both.

[0049] The urinal assembly is configured such that solid waste deposited therein will reach the upper surface of the plate that closes the urinal opening (urinal outlet). The plate can have a raised inner surface that is configured to be located within the urinal outlet. The raised inner surface of the plate can be angled or inclined in a direction towards the diverter liquid channel and the liquid channel outlet and is configured to direct liquid thereto. The raised inclined inner surface of the plate can also be configured such that when flushing water or urine is directed into the urinal, splashing from the rear end of the diverter is prevented or reduced. The urinal outlet can have an annular shape, and the upper inner surface of the raised portion of the plate can have a corresponding annular shape to mate with the annular outlet of the urinal. The interior of the plate can include an annular channel located around the raised inner surface and is configured to receive the annular outlet of the urinal in the diverter closed position. The annular surface of the urinal outlet can contact, partially contact, or not contact the surface of the plate annular channel. The plate annular channel, together with the interior of the plate and the raised inner surface, can be configured to form a sanitary liquid seal. The plate annular channel can be associated with the plate weir discussed above. The raised inner surface of the plate can be configured to direct urine to the annular channel and the liquid channel. The raised inner surface of the plate, together with the annular channel, can be configured to maintain a sanitary liquid seal.

[0050] The hinge for coupling the diverter to the lower portion of the urinal can include, for example, the pin / hole coupling shown in the figure. For example, the diverter can include an arm having pins extending outwardly on each side, and the lower portion of the urinal can include a pair of holes configured to receive the pins. In another embodiment, the diverter can include a pair of holes configured to receive a pair of pins of the urinal. The counterweight can include a "barrel-shaped" form, the internal space of which is configured to receive a substance such that the solid weight required to turn the diverter from the closed position to the open position is adjustable.

[0051] The commode and collector assembly of the present invention can be adapted to be installed in public facilities, residential homes, or a separate structure, namely an "outhouse". The commode and collector assembly can be configured to direct solid waste to a pit where it can be dried and composted. The commode and collector assembly can be configured to direct liquid waste to a water tank, container, filter medium (such as a sand filter), French drain, separate pit, etc. The collector solid outlet can be configured to be coupled to a pipe to direct solid waste to an offset pit. In another embodiment, the collector solid outlet can be configured to directly drip solid waste into a tank, container, etc. The commode / collector assembly can be configured to provide a more stable trench or pit by reducing the amount of liquid directed thereto. The solid waste that is kept dry can be heated and disinfected.

[0052] Removal of solid waste from the commode and / or collector can be assisted by pouring a quantity of water (flushing water) into the commode, the quantity of the flushing water being, for example, an amount that causes the commode outlet to open. The quantity of the flushing water can be, for example, about several hundred milliliters, such as about 0.5 liters.

[0053] The terms "in fluid communication" or "fluidly connected" mean, for example, configured to allow a liquid or gas to flow therethrough and can be synonymous with "fluidly coupled". The terms "upstream" and "downstream" indicate the direction of gas or fluid flow, i.e., the gas or fluid will flow from upstream to downstream.

[0054] The term "coupled" or "connected" can mean that one element is "attached to" or "associated with" another element. Coupling or connection can mean a direct coupling or a coupling through one or more other elements. One element can be coupled to another element through two or more other elements in a sequential or non-sequential manner. The term "through" when referring to "through an element" can mean "through" or "by" the element. "Coupled", "connected", or "associated with" can also mean elements that are not directly or indirectly connected, but their "coordinated action" means that one can act together with the other.

[0055] The term "towards" refers to an attachment point and can mean exactly at that location or point, or, alternatively, can mean closer to that point rather than to a different point. For example, "towards the center" means closer to the center rather than to the edge.

[0056] The term "similar" means alike, but not necessarily exactly alike. For example, "annular" means having a shape generally like a ring, but not necessarily a perfect circle.

[0057] The articles "a" and "an" herein refer to one or more (e.g., at least one) grammatical objects. Any ranges cited herein are inclusive. The term "about" used throughout is used to describe and explain small fluctuations. For example, "about" may mean that a numerical value may be modified by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4% or ±5%. Regardless of whether it is explicitly stated, all numerical values ​​can be modified by the term "about". Numerical values ​​modified by the term "about" include specific identification values. For example, "about 5.0" includes 5.0.

[0058] The term "substantially" is similar to "approximately" in that the defined term can vary, for example, by ±0.05%, ±0.1%, ±0.2%, ±0.3%, ±0.4%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, or ±5% of the definition; for example, the term "substantially perpendicular" can refer to a 90° perpendicular angle, which can refer to "approximately 90°". The term "generally" can be equivalent to "substantially".

[0059] Features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may also be used with other embodiments even if not explicitly stated.

[0060] The embodiments of the present disclosure include any and all parts and / or portions of the embodiments, claims, descriptions and figures. The embodiments of the present disclosure also include any and all combinations and / or sub-combinations of the embodiments.

[0061] [reference numerals list]

[0062] 100 Bedpan and Collector Assemblies

[0063] 101 Collector

[0064] 102 Liquid outlet

[0065] 103 solid export

[0066] 126 potty

[0067] 127 Shunt

[0068] 128 boards

Claims

1. A bedpan and collector assembly configured to direct liquid waste and solid waste into separate liquid and solid waste streams, the bedpan and collector assembly comprising: A bedpan; A diverter; And A collector, Wherein, The collector includes a liquid outlet and a solid outlet; The bedpan includes an inner surface that tapers downwardly towards the outlet, The bedpan is at least partially located inside the collector; The diverter is pivotally coupled to the lower end of the bedpan; The diverter includes a plate coupled to a counterweight, the plate including an interior configured to enclose the bedpan outlet in a closed position of the diverter; The counterweight is configured to maintain the closed position of the diverter between uses of the bedpan and collector assembly; The diverter includes a liquid passage fluidly communicating with the interior of the plate and a liquid passage outlet, and The diverter is configured to remain in the closed position when a urine stream is directed into the interior of the bedpan, such that liquid waste is directed from the interior of the plate through the liquid passage, through the liquid passage outlet, and to the liquid outlet of the collector.

2. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The diverter is configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position of the diverter; The diverter is configured to pivot to the open position when solids are directed into the interior of the bedpan, such that solid waste is directed through the bedpan outlet and to the solid outlet of the collector.

3. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid outlet is positioned towards the front end of the collector, and the solid outlet is positioned towards the rear end of the collector.

4. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The collector includes a first downwardly inclined surface associated with the liquid outlet and configured to direct liquid waste to the liquid outlet, and includes a second downwardly inclined surface associated with the solid outlet and configured to direct solid waste to the solid outlet.

5. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The collector includes a ridge located between the liquid outlet and the solid outlet, the ridge being configured to hold separate liquid and solid waste streams.

6. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The collector includes a third downwardly inclined surface and / or a fourth downwardly inclined surface associated with the ridge, wherein the third downwardly inclined surface, the fourth downwardly inclined surface, and the ridge are configured to hold separate liquid and solid waste streams.

7. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid outlet of the collector includes a surface configured to couple to a liquid conduit.

8. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The diverter is pivotally coupled to the lower end of the bedpan using a hinge.

9. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The counterweight includes an interior space configured to receive a substance to provide an adjustable weight.

10. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The plate of the diverter is configured to provide a sanitary liquid seal in the closed position of the diverter.

11. The bedpan and collector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The interior of the plate of the diverter includes a weir such that when a urine stream is directed into the interior of the bedpan, liquid waste is directed from the interior of the plate over the weir, through the liquid passage, through the liquid passage outlet, and to the liquid outlet of the collector.

12. The bedpan and collector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The bedpan includes an annular outlet, and the interior of the plate includes an annular passage such that in the closed position of the diverter, the annular outlet is located within the annular passage, the annular passage being configured to maintain a sanitary liquid seal.

13. The bedpan and collector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The interior of the plate includes a raised inner surface.

14. The bedpan and collector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The plate of the diverter is coupled to the counterweight by one or more arms, and the liquid passage is located within and defined by one of the one or more arms.

15. The bedpan and collector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The collector includes one or more upper contour surfaces configured to receive and support the toilet bowl.

16. The bedpan and collector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The liquid passage outlet is adjacent to the counterweight.

17. A toilet bowl assembly comprising a toilet bowl and a diverter, wherein, The toilet bowl includes an inner surface that tapers downwardly towards the outlet; The diverter is pivotally coupled to the lower end of the toilet bowl; The diverter includes a plate coupled to a counterweight, the plate including an interior configured to close the toilet bowl outlet in the closed position of the diverter; The counterweight is configured to maintain the closed position of the diverter between successive uses of the toilet bowl assembly; The diverter includes a liquid passage in fluid communication with the interior of the plate and the liquid passage outlet, and The diverter is configured to remain in the closed position when urine flow is directed into the interior of the toilet bowl, such that liquid waste is directed from the interior of the plate through the liquid passage and through the liquid passage outlet.

18. A diverter configured to be coupled to a toilet bowl and to direct solid waste and liquid waste into separate solid waste and liquid waste streams, the diverter comprising: A plate coupled to a counterweight; And A liquid passage in fluid communication with the interior of the plate and the liquid passage outlet; Wherein, The interior of the plate is configured to close the toilet bowl outlet in the closed position of the diverter and to provide a sanitary liquid seal; The counterweight is configured to maintain the closed position of the diverter between successive uses of the toilet bowl, and The diverter is configured to direct a separate liquid waste stream from the interior of the plate through the liquid passage and through the liquid passage outlet.

19. The diverter according to claim 18, wherein, The plate is coupled to the counterweight by an arm, and the liquid passage is located within and defined by the arm.

20. A collector configured to be coupled to a toilet bowl and to direct solid waste and liquid waste into separate solid waste and liquid waste streams, the collector comprising: A liquid outlet and a solid outlet; And A ridge located between the liquid outlet and the solid outlet, the ridge being configured to retain separate liquid waste and solid waste streams.

21. The collector according to claim 20, comprising: A first downwardly inclined surface associated with the liquid outlet and configured to direct liquid waste to the liquid outlet; And A second downwardly inclined surface associated with the solid outlet and configured to direct solid waste to the solid outlet.

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