Adaptable toilet system and method

Abstract

The present application provides adaptable toilet systems and methods that include a shroud including a basin portion and a toilet movably coupled to the shroud. The toilet bowl is movable between a first configuration, in which the toilet bowl is disposed above the basin, and a second configuration, in which the toilet bowl is moved away from the shroud to expose the basin. When the toilet bowl is in the second configuration, the pool portion provides one or both of a squatting pan or a urinal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to adaptable toilet systems and methods, such as may be used within an interior cabin of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between different locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes an interior cabin having passenger seats. One or more lavatories are also within the interior cabin.

[0003] Toilets within the lavatories of commercial aircraft are typically Western-style toilets. However, many people prefer to use alternative toilet setups in their daily lives. Known lavatories within commercial aircraft do not include squat toilets, and many people may find squat toilets more comfortable to use compared to standard toilets. Additionally, the space within the lavatory compartments of commercial aircraft is limited, and thus may not provide sufficient space for different types of toilets. Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a need for a lavatory within a commercial aircraft that provides the type of toilet that is most comfortable for an individual to use. Additionally, there is a need for a lavatory within a commercial aircraft that provides a squat toilet. Additionally, there is a need for an adaptable toilet system and method, such as may be used within a lavatory of a vehicle.

[0005] In view of these needs, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a system that includes a shroud having a basin portion and a toilet movably coupled to the shroud. The toilet is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the first configuration, the toilet is disposed above the basin portion, and in the second configuration, the toilet is moved away from the shroud to expose the basin portion. When the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin provides one or both of a squat toilet and a urinal.

[0006] In at least one example, when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin portion provides the squat toilet. In at least one example, when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin portion provides both the squat toilet and the urinal.

[0007] In at least one example, the system is located within a lavatory of an interior cabin of an aircraft.

[0008] The toilet in the second configuration may be held within a conforming recess or holding chamber formed in one or both of a sink or a storage cabinet.

[0009] The toilet includes a bowl and a seat fixed to the bowl.

[0010] The toilet can be configured to pivotally move between the first configuration and the second configuration. As another example, the toilet can be configured to linearly translate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0011] The system can further include an actuator configured to automatically move the toilet between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0012] In at least one example, the bowl portion includes an upright portion against the wall. When the toilet is in the second configuration, the upright portion provides the urinal. The bowl portion also includes a lower portion above the floor. When the toilet is in the second configuration, the lower portion provides the squat toilet.

[0013] The shroud can further include a cover movably coupled to the bowl portion. The shroud can further include a foot pad near the bowl portion.

[0014] As described herein, certain examples of the present disclosure provide an aircraft that includes an interior cabin, a lavatory within the interior cabin, and a system within the lavatory.

[0015] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a method for a system that includes a shroud having a bowl portion and a toilet movably coupled to the shroud. The method includes moving the toilet between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the toilet is disposed above the basin, in the second configuration, moving the toilet away from the shroud to expose the basin, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin provides one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating a system according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating a system according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating a system according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 An isometric top-down interior view of a lavatory according to an example of the present disclosure with the toilet in a first configuration.

[0020] Figure 5 Illustrates Figure 4 An isometric side interior view of a lavatory with the toilet in a first configuration.

[0021] Figure 6Illustrates an isometric side interior view of a toilet moving away from a shroud in a lavatory according to an example of the present disclosure Figure 4 of a lavatory

[0022] Figure 7 Illustrates Figure 4 an isometric side interior view of a lavatory having a toilet in a second configuration

[0023] Figure 8 Illustrates an isometric interior view of a lavatory having a toilet in a first configuration according to an example of the present disclosure

[0024] Figure 9 Illustrates Figure 8 an isometric interior view of a lavatory having a toilet in a second configuration

[0025] Figure 10 Illustrates Figure 8 an isometric interior view of a lavatory having a cover of a basin portion in an open position

[0026] Figure 11 Illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure

[0027] Figure 12 Illustrates a perspective interior view of an interior cabin of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word "a" should not necessarily be construed as excluding a plurality of elements or steps. Moreover, a reference to "one embodiment" does not mean that other embodiments incorporating the recited features are excluded. Additionally, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments having one or more elements with a particular condition may include additional elements not having that condition.

[0029] Figure 1 Illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. The system 100 provides an adaptable toilet system within a lavatory 102 of an interior cabin 104 of a vehicle 106 such as a commercial aircraft. Optionally, the vehicle 106 may be a land-based vehicle such as a bus or a train car, a vessel such as a cruise ship, a spacecraft, etc. Additionally, optionally, the system 100 may be used in a lavatory within a fixed structure such as a residential or commercial building.

[0030] System 100 includes a toilet 108 that is movably fixed to a shroud 110 by a coupling mechanism 112. The toilet 108 is a standard Western-style toilet that includes a seat 114 fixed to a bowl portion 116. In at least one example, the seat 114 is movable between a first position, in which the seat 114 is disposed above the bowl portion, and a second position, in which the seat 114 is rotated upward into a vertical position to expose the rim of the bowl portion 116. The toilet 108 also includes an inlet conduit 118 configured to deliver water to the bowl portion 116 and an outlet conduit 120 configured to deliver waste and water from the bowl portion 116 to a waste container, a water tank, etc.

[0031] The shroud 110 includes a basin portion 122, an inlet conduit 124 configured to deliver water to the basin portion 122, and an outlet conduit 126 configured to deliver waste and water from the basin portion 122 to a waste container, a water tank, etc. A water source is fluidly coupled to the inlet conduit 124.

[0032] The toilet 108 is not the shroud 110. Instead, the toilet 108 is separate and distinct from the shroud 110. The basin portion 122 of the shroud 110 is not the bowl portion 116 of the toilet 108. Instead, the basin portion 122 is separate and distinct from the bowl portion 116.

[0033] A flushing mechanism 128 is fixed to the shroud 110 and / or the toilet 108. The flushing mechanism 128 can be a lever, a handle, etc., that is configured to be engaged by an individual to flush the basin portion 122 and the bowl portion 116. As another example, the flushing mechanism 128 can be a non-contact device that is configured to automatically flush in response to detecting motion. In response to an individual engaging the flushing mechanism 128, water is delivered from the inlet conduit 124 to the basin portion 122 or the bowl portion 116. The water fills a portion of the basin portion 122 or the bowl portion 116, and the waste therein is removed through the outlet conduit 126 and / or the outlet conduit 120.

[0034] The coupling mechanism 112 can be configured to pivotally move the toilet 108 relative to the shroud 110. For example, the coupling mechanism 112 can include a pivot that pivotally couples the toilet 108 to the shroud 110. As another example, the coupling mechanism 112 can be configured to linearly move the toilet 108 relative to the shroud 110. For example, the coupling mechanism 112 can include one or more tracks between the toilet 108 and the shroud 110. The tracks allow the toilet 108 to linearly translate relative to the shroud 110. In at least one example, the toilet 108 is configured to be manually moved between different configurations. As another example, one or more actuators can be coupled to one or more of the toilet 108, the shroud 110, and / or the coupling mechanism 112 to automatically move the toilet between different configurations.

[0035] In operation, the toilet 108 is configured to move between a first configuration 130 and a second configuration 132. In the first configuration 130, the toilet 108 is positioned on the shroud 110. For example, in the first configuration 130, the bowl portion 116 of the toilet 108 is positioned above the basin portion 122 such that the inlet conduit 118 of the toilet 108 is in fluid alignment and connection with the inlet conduit 124 of the shroud 110. Similarly, the outlet conduit 120 of the toilet 108 can be in fluid alignment and connection with the outlet conduit 126 of the shroud 110. The toilet 108 in the first configuration 130 allows an individual to use the toilet 108 as a standard Western-style toilet.

[0036] However, if an individual is more comfortable using a squat toilet, the toilet 108 is moved into the second configuration 132 in which the toilet 108 is moved away from the shroud 110 to expose the basin portion 122. When the toilet 108 is moved away from the shroud 110, one or more valves, seals, and / or the like can automatically engage to provide a sealed interface to prevent material from exiting the outlet conduit 120 of the toilet 108. In the second configuration 132, the bowl portion 116 of the toilet 108 is moved away from the basin portion 122 to expose the basin portion 122 of the shroud 110. When the toilet 108 is moved to the second configuration 132, the shroud 110 provides a squat toilet and / or urinal for use. For example, the shroud 110 can include an upright portion on a portion of the wall that provides a urinal, while a lower portion on a portion of the floor provides a squat toilet. In this way, the exposed shroud 110 (when the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132) provides a urinal and a squat toilet. As another example, the exposed shroud 110 can provide a squat toilet but not a urinal. As another example, the exposed shroud 110 can provide a urinal but not a squat toilet.

[0037] Accordingly, the system 100 provides an adaptable toilet system in which the toilet 108 is movable between a first configuration 130 and a second configuration, in the first configuration a standard sitting device is provided, and in the second configuration one or both of a squatting device and / or a urinal are provided. In this way, an individual can choose to use a toilet style that is both familiar and comfortable.

[0038] As described herein, system 100 includes a shroud 110 having a basin portion 122. The toilet 108 is movably coupled to the shroud 110. The toilet 108 is movable between a first configuration 130 and a second configuration 132, in which the toilet 108 is disposed above the basin portion 122 in the first configuration and the toilet 108 moves away from the shroud 110 to expose the basin portion 122 in the second configuration. When the toilet is in the second configuration 132, the basin portion 122 provides one or both of a squat toilet and a urinal. In at least one example, when the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the basin portion 122 provides a squat toilet. In at least one example, when the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the basin portion 122 provides both a squat toilet and a urinal. In at least one example, system 100 is located within a lavatory 102 of an interior cabin 104 of a vehicle 106 (e.g., an aircraft).

[0039] Figure 2 FIG. illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the coupling mechanism 112 includes a pivot 140 that pivotally couples the toilet 108 to the shroud 110. The pivot 140 may be integrally fixed to the toilet 108 and the shroud 110. As another example, the pivot 140 may be coupled to one or more arms that are connected to one or both of the toilet 108 and / or the shroud 110. The pivot 140 allows the toilet 108 to pivotally move about a pivot axis 142 in the direction of an arc 144.

[0040] In at least one example, an actuator 146 may be operably coupled to the toilet 108, the shroud 110, and / or the pivot 140 to automatically move the toilet 108 between different configurations. The actuator 146 may be a motor such as a rotary motor. Optionally, system 100 may not include an actuator.

[0041] Figure 3 FIG. illustrates a block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the coupling mechanism 112 includes one or more tracks 150 that movably fix the toilet 108 to the shroud 110. The tracks 150 are configured to allow the toilet 108 to move linearly relative to the shroud 110.

[0042] In at least one example, an actuator 152 is operably coupled to the toilet 108, the shroud 110, and / or the tracks 150 to automatically move the toilet 108 between different configurations. The actuator 152 may be a motor such as a linear actuator motor. Optionally, system 100 may not include an actuator.

[0043] Figure 2 and Figure 3An example is shown of how the toilet 108 moves relative to the shroud 110. Other coupling mechanisms can be used to allow the toilet 108 to move in different ways, such as by a folding or telescoping arm, recessed into the floor or wall, sliding on a support, raising and lowering, moving by electromagnetic coupling, etc.

[0044] Figure 4 An isometric top internal view of the lavatory 102 according to an example of the present disclosure with the toilet 108 in a first configuration 130 is shown. Figure 5 An example is shown of Figure 4 an isometric side internal view of the lavatory 102 with the toilet 108 in a first configuration 130. Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the lavatory 102 includes a floor 200 that supports the system 100. One or more walls 202 extend upward from the floor 200. A sink 204 is also disposed within the lavatory 102. The sink 204 may include a support pedestal 206 mounted on the floor 200. Optionally, the sink 204 may extend outward from the wall 202 and may not be connected to the floor 200.

[0045] As shown, in the first configuration 130, the toilet 108 is disposed on the shroud 110. In the first configuration 130, the toilet 108 is configured for personal use.

[0046] Figure 6 An example is shown of the Figure 4 lavatory 102 according to an example of the present disclosure with the toilet 108 moved away from the shroud 110 in an isometric side internal view. Figure 6 A time point is shown at which the system 100 transitions between different configurations. As shown, the toilet 108 can be pivotally coupled to the shroud 110 and is configured to pivot between a first configuration 130 (as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and a second configuration 132 (as shown in Figure 7 ). When the toilet 108 is moved away from the shroud 110, the bowl portion 122 becomes exposed.

[0047] As shown, the sink 204 may include a conforming recess 208 that conforms to the outer dimensions and shape of the toilet 108. In this way, when the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132 (as shown in Figure 7 ), the toilet 108 can be received and held within the conforming recess 208.

[0048] As Figure 6As shown, in at least one example, the toilet 108 can be selectively prevented from being used while transitioning between different configurations. For example, when the toilet 108 transitions between different configurations, one or more covers can be automatically activated. As another example, one or more actuators can be operated to ensure that the toilet 108 does not stop while transitioning between different configurations.

[0049] Figure 7 Illustrates Figure 4 An isometric side interior view of the toilet 108 in the second configuration 132 of the lavatory 102. As shown, the coupling mechanism 112 can include a rocker arm 210 that allows the toilet 108 to pivot relative to the shroud 110 between a first configuration 130 (as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) and a second configuration 132. In the second configuration 132, the toilet 108 is held within a conforming recess 208 of the sink 204, thereby preventing the toilet 108 from being used by an individual. Optionally, the conforming recess 208 can be formed in another component such as a storage cabinet, a wall, etc. As another example, the lavatory 102 can not include a conforming recess.

[0050] When the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the basin portion 122 of the shroud 110 is exposed. The basin portion 122 includes a retaining edge 228 that surrounds an inner pan 229. In at least one example, the basin portion 122 includes an upright portion 230 that can abut against the wall 202 and a lower portion 232 above the floor 200. The lower portion 232 provides a squat toilet 233. The upper portion 230 provides a urinal 235. Optionally, the basin portion 122 can include only the lower portion 232. As another example, the basin portion 122 can include only the upper portion 230.

[0051] Figure 8 An isometric interior view of the lavatory 102 having the toilet 108 in the first configuration 130, according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 9 Illustrates Figure 8 An isometric interior view of the lavatory 102 having the toilet 108 in the second configuration 132. Figure 10 Illustrates Figure 8 An isometric interior view of the lavatory 102 having the cover 255 of the basin portion 122 in the open position. Referring to Figures 8 to 10 , the toilet 108 is configured to linearly translate in the direction of arrow 260 between a first configuration 130 and a second configuration 132. In the second configuration 132, the toilet 108 can be held within a holding chamber 257, such as formed in a storage cabinet 259.

[0052] When the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the bowl portion 122 of the shroud 110 is exposed. The shroud 110 may include a cover 255 that may move between a closed position (as shown in Figure 9 ), and an open position (as shown in Figure 10 ), the open position exposing the bowl portion 122 onto the floor 200 to provide a squat toilet.

[0053] As shown, the shroud 110 includes a bowl portion 122 that may be embedded in the floor 200 and provides a squat toilet. The shroud 110 also includes a water tank 280 that may supply water to the toilet 108 and the bowl portion 122 in the first configuration 130, the bowl portion 122 providing a squat toilet and / or urinal when the toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132.

[0054] In at least one example, when the toilet 108 slides linearly away from the bowl portion 122, the cover 255 may then slide over the bowl portion 122. For example, the cover 255 may be coupled to the toilet 108 and move with the toilet 108. The cover 255 may move between different positions like a conventional toilet cover.

[0055] In at least one example, the toilet 108 includes a handle, lever, etc. that allows an individual to grasp the toilet 108 and move it between the first configuration 130 and the second configuration 132. The toilet 108 may also include a locking mechanism that may be engaged by an individual and is configured to selectively lock the toilet 108 in a desired configuration.

[0056] As shown, the shroud 110 may also include foot pads 290 near the bowl portion 122. For example, a first foot pad 290 may be offset (e.g., 2 inches or less) from one side of the bowl portion 122, and a second foot pad 290 may be offset from the opposite side of the bowl portion 122. The foot pads 290 are configured to support an individual's feet in a squatting position. Optionally, the shroud 110 may not include the foot pads 290.

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 to 10 , examples of the present disclosure provide a system 100 capable of implementing a universal lavatory. The system 100 allows an individual to use their preferred toilet setup and may be optimized spatially to fit the footprint of a commercial aircraft lavatory. In at least one example, a bidet may also be incorporated into the toilet 108 and / or the bowl portion 122. Optionally, the system 100 may not include a bidet.

[0058] In at least one example, pipes interconnect between the sink and the system 100 to allow water from the sink and the bidet to be used for flushing and cleaning the bowl portion 116 and the bowl portion 122, thereby reducing overall water usage. Optionally, the pipes do not interconnect between the sink and the system 100.

[0059] In at least one example, one or more sanitation devices may optionally be used to disinfect components of system 100. For example, one or more ultraviolet (UV) lights may be arranged in a lavatory and configured to emit disinfecting ultraviolet light onto components, such as when a person is not using the lavatory. As another example, a washing and drying system may be used to scrub components between uses.

[0060] Figure 11 Illustrated is a perspective front view of an aircraft 300 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. Aircraft 300 is an example of vehicle 106 as shown in Figure 1 Aircraft 300 includes a propulsion system 312 which, for example, includes engines 314. Optionally, propulsion system 312 may include more engines 314 than shown. Engines 314 are carried by wings 316 of aircraft 300. In other examples, engines 314 may be carried by fuselage 318 and / or empennage 320. Empennage 320 may also support horizontal stabilizer 322 and vertical stabilizer 324.

[0061] Fuselage 318 of aircraft 300 defines an interior compartment 330 which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work areas (such as a galley, a personal luggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (such as first class, business class, and economy class), one or more lavatories, etc.

[0062] Optionally, instead of an aircraft, examples of the present disclosure may be used with a variety of other vehicles (such as cars, buses, locomotives, and railroad cars, boats, etc.). Optionally, examples of the present disclosure may be used with fixed structures (such as a residential or commercial building).

[0063] Figure 12 Illustrated is an interior perspective view of an interior compartment 330 of an aircraft in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. Interior compartment 330 is an example of interior compartment 104 shown and described with reference to Figure 1 Interior compartment 330 includes outer sidewalls 332 and a ceiling 334. Windows 336 may be formed in outer sidewalls 332. Floor 338 supports rows of seats 340. As shown in Figure 12 row 342 may include three seats 340 on each side of aisle 343. However, row 342 may include more or fewer seats 340 than shown. Additionally, interior compartment 330 may include more aisles than shown. As shown and described in Figure 1 interior compartment 330 includes lavatory 102.

[0064] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes examples in accordance with the following clauses:

[0065] Clause 1. A system, the system comprising:

[0066] A shroud, the shroud including a basin portion; and

[0067] A toilet, the toilet being movably coupled to the shroud, wherein the toilet is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the toilet is disposed above the basin portion, in the second configuration, moving the toilet away from the shroud to expose the basin portion, and wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin portion provides one or both of a squat toilet and a urinal.

[0068] Clause 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin portion provides a squat toilet.

[0069] Clause 3. The system according to Clause 1, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin portion provides both the squat toilet and the urinal.

[0070] Clause 4. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the system is located in a lavatory within an interior compartment of an aircraft.

[0071] Clause 5. The system according to Clause 4, wherein the toilet in the second configuration is held in a conforming recess or holding chamber formed in one or both of a sink or a storage cabinet.

[0072] Clause 6. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the toilet includes a bowl portion and a seat portion fixed to the bowl portion.

[0073] Clause 7. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the toilet is configured to pivotally move between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0074] Clause 8. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the toilet is configured to linearly translate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0075] Clause 9. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, the system further comprising an actuator configured to automatically move the toilet between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0076] Clause 10. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the basin portion includes:

[0077] An upright portion against a wall, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the upright portion provides a urinal; and

[0078] The lower part above the floor, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the lower part provides a squat toilet.

[0079] Clause 11. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the shroud further comprises a cover movably coupled to the bowl portion.

[0080] Clause 12. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the shroud further comprises a foot mat adjacent to the bowl portion.

[0081] Clause 13. An aircraft, comprising:

[0082] An internal cabin;

[0083] A lavatory within the internal cabin; and

[0084] A system within the lavatory, the system comprising:

[0085] A shroud, the shroud comprising a bowl portion; and

[0086] A toilet movably coupled to the shroud, wherein the toilet is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the toilet is disposed above the bowl portion, in the second configuration, the toilet is moved away from the shroud to expose the bowl portion, and wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the bowl portion provides one or both of a squat toilet and a urinal.

[0087] Clause 14. The aircraft according to Clause 13, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the bowl portion provides the squat toilet.

[0088] Clause 15. The aircraft according to Clause 13 or 14, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the bowl portion provides both the squat toilet and the urinal.

[0089] Clause 16. The aircraft according to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein the toilet is configured to pivotally move or linearly translate between the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0090] Clause 17. The aircraft according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the bowl portion comprises:

[0091] An upright portion against a wall of the lavatory, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the upright portion provides the urinal; and

[0092] The lower portion above the washroom floor, which provides the squat toilet when the toilet is in the second configuration.

[0093] Clause 18. The aircraft according to any one of Clauses 13 to 17, wherein the shroud further includes a cover movably coupled to the basin portion.

[0094] Clause 19. The aircraft according to any one of Clauses 13 to 18, wherein the shroud further includes a foot mat adjacent to the basin portion.

[0095] Clause 20. A method for a toilet system including a shroud having a basin portion and a toilet movably coupled to the shroud, the method comprising:

[0096] Moving the toilet between a first configuration and a second configuration, in the first configuration, the toilet is disposed above the basin portion, and in the second configuration, the toilet is moved away from the shroud to expose the basin portion, wherein when the toilet is in the second configuration, the basin portion provides one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal.

[0097] As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide a washroom that allows an individual to use the desired type of toilet. Additionally, examples of the present disclosure provide a washroom for a commercial aircraft having a squat toilet. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide adaptable toilet systems and methods, such as may be used in a washroom of a vehicle.

[0098] Although various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc. may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are only used for the directions shown in the drawings. This direction may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the upper portion becomes the lower portion and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0099] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element "configured to" perform a task or operation is formed, constructed, or adjusted structurally in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, an object that can only be modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0100] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are in no way restrictive, but rather exemplary embodiments. After reading the foregoing description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms "including" and "wherein". Additionally, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the word "means" and are followed by a statement of function without further structure.

[0101] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the present disclosure, which include making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not materially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system (100), the system comprising: A shroud (110), the shroud including a basin portion (122); And A toilet (108), the toilet being movably coupled to the shroud (110), wherein the toilet (108) is movable between a first configuration (130) and a second configuration (132), in the first configuration, the toilet (108) is disposed above the basin portion (122), in the second configuration, moving the toilet (108) away from the shroud (110) to expose the basin portion (122), and wherein when the toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132), the basin portion (122) provides one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The toilet (108) in the second configuration (132) is held in a conforming recess or holding chamber in one or both of a sink or a storage cabinet formed in a lavatory (102) of an interior compartment of an aircraft.

3. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The toilet (108) includes a bowl portion (116) and a seat portion (114) fixed to the bowl portion (116).

4. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The toilet (108) is configured to pivotally move or linearly translate between the first configuration (130) and the second configuration (132).

5. The system (100) according to claim 1, the system further comprising actuators (146, 152) configured to automatically move the toilet (108) between the first configuration (130) and the second configuration (132).

6. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein The basin portion (122) includes: An upright portion against a wall, wherein when the toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132), the upright portion provides the urinal; and A lower portion above the floor, wherein when the toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132), the lower portion provides the squat toilet.

7. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The shroud (110) further includes a cover movably coupled to the basin portion (122).

8. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The shroud (110) further includes a foot pad near the basin portion (122).

9. An aircraft, the aircraft comprising: An interior compartment; A lavatory (102) within the interior compartment; And The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 within the lavatory (102).

10. A method for a system (100) including a shroud (110) having a basin portion (122) and a toilet (108) movably coupled to the shroud (110), the method comprising: Move the toilet bowl (108) between a first configuration (130) and a second configuration (132), in which the first configuration, the toilet bowl is arranged above the tank portion (122), and in the second configuration, move the toilet bowl (108) away from the shield (110) to expose the tank portion (122), wherein when the toilet bowl (108) is in the second configuration (132), the tank portion (122) provides one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal.

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