WASTE CONTAINER AND VALVE DEVICE FOR THIS CONTAINER

Abstract

WASTE CONTAINER AND VALVE APPARATUS THEREFOR Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to waste containers for waste management on a vehicle, such as a watercraft. A waste container for use on a vehicle may include at least one wall including an interior surface defining a chamber for containing waste, and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the interior surface of the at least one wall into the chamber. Certain aspects of the present disclosure also relate to valve apparatuses for controlling the flow of waste into or out of a waste container.Such a valve apparatus may include a non-removable valve body defining a flow channel for conveying waste, and at least one check valve secured in the flow channel and configured to allow waste to flow from an inlet to an outlet of the flow channel and to prevent waste from flowing from the outlet to the inlet. Figure for abstract: [Fig.14].

Description

Title of the invention: WASTE CONTAINER AND VALVE APPARATUS FOR THIS CONTAINER DOMAIN

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to containers and valves for waste management on board a vehicle, such as a watercraft. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles such as watercraft may have waste containers, valves, and pumps for onboard waste storage and management. However, over time, solid waste may accumulate in a waste container and block the container's emptying channels. In addition, maintaining the valves of existing onboard waste management systems may be too complex. ABSTRACT

[0003] According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed a waste container for use on a vehicle, the waste container comprising: at least one wall comprising an interior surface defining a chamber for containing waste; and a plurality of projections projecting from the interior surface of the wall at least into the chamber.

[0004] In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to disrupt the flow of waste into the chamber when movement of the vehicle causes movement of the waste within the chamber.

[0005] In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to generate turbulence in the waste in the chamber when movement of the vehicle causes the waste to move in the chamber.

[0006] In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to break up solids contained in the waste in the chamber as movement of the vehicle causes the waste to move within the chamber.

[0007] In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to disperse waste particles in the chamber as movement of the vehicle causes the waste to move within the chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the movement of the vehicle includes tilting the vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends along the interior surface without contacting another of the plurality of protrusions.

[0010] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions extends along the interior surface without contacting another of the plurality of protrusions.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions extend along the interior surface, parallel to one another.

[0012] In some embodiments, adjacent ones of the plurality of protrusions along the interior surface, which extend parallel to one another along the interior surface, are spaced apart from one another by a fixed protrusion spacing in a spacing direction along the interior surface, the spacing direction being perpendicular to a direction of extension along the interior surface of the adjacent ones of the plurality of protrusions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spacing between the projections is at most 1 inch.

[0014] In some embodiments, the spacing between the projections is about 1 inch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the spacing between the projections is at least 1 inch.

[0016] In some embodiments, the spacing between the projections is 2 inches or less.

[0017] In some embodiments, the spacing between the projections is about 2 inches.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections extends along the interior surface in a substantially vertical or vertical direction when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of projections protrudes from a respective portion of the interior surface in a respective projection direction generally perpendicular or normal to the respective portion of the interior surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes at least 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, the entire plurality of protrusions protrudes at least 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes about 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the entire plurality of protrusions protrudes about 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes at least 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0025] In some embodiments, all of the plurality of protrusions protrude at least 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes about 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0027] In some embodiments, the entire plurality of protrusions protrudes about 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0028] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes no more than 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions protrudes no more than 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one wall further defines at least one opening in the chamber for conveying waste into and out of the chamber.

[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one opening may be closed.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one of the openings is at the top or at the bottom of the room when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the at least one opening comprises: at least one inlet for receiving waste into the chamber; and at least one outlet for discharging waste from the chamber.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one outlet includes a lower outlet positioned to be at the bottom of the chamber when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0035] In some embodiments, the waste container further comprises a valve for reversibly closing the lower outlet.

[0036] In some embodiments, the valve is a ball valve.

[0037] In some embodiments, the lower outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a tap on the vehicle body when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0038] In some embodiments, the at least one outlet includes a top outlet positioned to be at the top of the chamber when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the waste container further includes a dip tube extending from the upper outlet to the chamber, the dip tube being in fluid communication with the upper outlet and the chamber.

[0040] In some embodiments, the upper outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a drain fitting of the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0041] In some embodiments, the at least one inlet includes a top inlet positioned to be at the top of the chamber when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one inlet is configured to be in communication with the restroom on board the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0043] In some embodiments, the at least one inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a sink on board the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0044] In some embodiments, the at least one inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with an onboard shower of the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the multiple projections extends along at least a portion of the interior surface between one of the at least one inlet and one of the at least one outlet.

[0046] In some embodiments, the at least one wall comprises a plurality of walls.

[0047] In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of walls are parallel to each other.

[0048] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of protrusions protrudes from each of the plurality of walls.

[0049] In some embodiments, none of the projections protrude from at least one of the plurality of walls.

[0050] In some embodiments, the vehicle is a maritime vessel.

[0051] In some embodiments, the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0052] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a method of manufacturing the waste container, the method comprising molding at least one wall with the plurality of protrusions.

[0053] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a method of manufacturing the waste container, the method comprising: molding at least one wall; and attaching the plurality of protrusions to the interior surface.

[0054] In some embodiments, molding the at least one wall comprises rotationally molding the at least one wall.

[0055] In some embodiments, molding the at least one wall comprises injection molding the at least one wall.

[0056] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a system comprising: the waste container; and the vehicle, wherein the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0057] According to at least one other embodiment, there is disclosed the use of the waste container for waste management on the vehicle.

[0058] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a valve apparatus for controlling the flow of waste into or out of a waste container, the valve apparatus comprising a non-removable valve body defining a flow channel for conveying the waste, the flow channel comprising a channel inlet for receiving the waste into the flow channel and a channel outlet for removing the waste from the flow channel; and at least one check valve secured in the flow channel, the at least one check valve being configured to: allow the waste to flow in the flow channel in a forward direction from the channel inlet to the channel outlet; and prevent the waste from flowing in the flow channel in a reverse direction from the channel outlet to the channel inlet.

[0059] In some embodiments, the valve apparatus is for use with a pump to control the flow of waste into or out of the waste container.

[0060] In some embodiments, the pump comprises a vacuum pump.

[0061] In some embodiments, the valve body includes an end inlet defining the inlet of the channel, the inlet end being connectable to a waste source such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source through the inlet of the channel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the valve apparatus further includes a channel inlet collar capable of removably securing the inlet end to the waste source to connect the inlet end to the waste source such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source through the channel inlet.

[0063] In some embodiments, the inlet end includes at least one inlet end locking portion, the at least one inlet end locking portion being releasably interlockable with a corresponding locking portion of the waste source to releasably secure the inlet end to the waste source to connect the inlet end to the waste source to cause the flow channel to be in fluid communication with the waste source through the inlet of the channel.

[0064] In some embodiments, the at least one locking portion of the inlet end is releasably locked with the locking portion of the waste source by rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste source.

[0065] In some embodiments, rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste source is about an inlet channel axis parallel to the flow channel at the inlet of the channel.

[0066] In some embodiments, the at least one locking portion of the inlet end protrudes from the valve body at the inlet end.

[0067] In some embodiments, the at least one locking portion of the inlet end protrudes outside the valve body, away from the flow channel.

[0068] In some embodiments, the inlet end includes an inlet end mating surface around the channel inlet, the inlet end mating surface configured to engage a corresponding waste source mating surface when the inlet end is connected to the waste source so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source via the channel inlet.

[0069] In some embodiments, the valve apparatus further includes a channel inlet seal disposed on the inlet end mating surface around the channel inlet, the channel inlet seal configured to seal an interface between the inlet end mating surface and the waste source mating surface when the inlet end mating surface is engaged with the waste source mating surface.

[0070] In some embodiments, the channel inlet seal comprises a face seal.

[0071] In some embodiments, the channel inlet seal comprises an O-ring.

[0072] In some embodiments, the waste source comprises the waste container.

[0073] In some embodiments, the waste source comprises the vacuum pump.

[0074] In some embodiments, the valve body includes a valve end outlet defining the outlet of the channel, the outlet end being connectable to a waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the outlet of the channel.

[0075] In some embodiments, the valve apparatus further includes a channel outlet collar capable of removably securing the outlet end to the waste destination to connect the outlet end to the waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the channel outlet.

[0076] In some embodiments, the outlet end includes at least one outlet end locking portion, the at least one outlet end locking portion being releasably interlockable with a corresponding waste destination locking portion of the waste destination to releasably secure the outlet end to the waste destination to connect the outlet end to the waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the outlet of the channel.

[0077] In some embodiments, the at least one locking portion of the outlet end is releasably locked with the locking portion of the waste destination by rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination.

[0078] In some embodiments, rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination is about an outlet channel axis parallel to the flow channel at the outlet of the channel.

[0079] In some embodiments, the at least one locking portion of the outlet end protrudes relative to the valve body at the outlet end.

[0080] In some embodiments, the at least one locking portion of the outlet end protrudes outside the valve body, away from the flow channel.

[0081] In some embodiments, the outlet end includes an outlet end mating surface around the channel outlet, the outlet end mating surface configured to engage a corresponding waste destination mating surface when the outlet end is mated with the waste destination so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the channel outlet.

[0082] In some embodiments, the valve apparatus further includes a channel outlet seal disposed on the outlet end connection surface around the channel outlet, the channel outlet seal configured to seal an interface between the outlet end connection surface and the waste destination connection surface when the outlet end connection surface is engaged with the waste destination connection surface.

[0083] In some embodiments, the channel outlet seal comprises a face seal.

[0084] In some embodiments, the channel outlet seal comprises an O-ring.

[0085] In some embodiments, the waste destination comprises the waste container.

[0086] In some embodiments, the waste destination comprises the vacuum pump.

[0087] In some embodiments, the valve body includes a plurality of valve body portions between the inlet and the outlet of the channel, the plurality of valve body portions collectively defining the flow channel, each valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions being attached to at least one other valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least two of the valve body portions of the plurality of valve body portions are secured together by plastic welding.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least two of the valve body portions of the plurality of valve body portions are secured to each other by glue.

[0090] In some embodiments, at least one valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions retains the check valve.

[0091] In some embodiments, the at least one check valve comprises at least one duckbill valve.

[0092] In some embodiments, the at least one duckbill valve comprises a first duckbill valve and a second duckbill valve.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first duckbill valve and the second duckbill valve do not overlap in the forward flow direction.

[0094] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first duckbill valve is received within the second duckbill valve.

[0095] In some cases, the first duckbill valve is nested within the second duckbill valve.

[0096] In some cases, the valve apparatus serves to control the flow of waste into or out of the waste container described above.

[0097] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a method of installing the valve apparatus on the waste source, the method comprising: causing the inlet collar of the channel to secure the inlet end to the waste source.

[0098] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a method of installing the valve apparatus on the waste source, the method comprising: rotating the valve apparatus relative to the waste source to lock at least a locking portion of the inlet end with the locking portion of the waste source.

[0099] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a method of installing the valve apparatus at the waste destination, the method comprising: causing the outlet collar of the channel to secure the outlet end at the waste destination.

[0100] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a method of installing the valve apparatus at the waste destination, the method comprising: rotating the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination to lock the at least one locking portion of the outlet end with the locking portion of the waste destination.

[0101] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a system comprising: the valve apparatus; and the waste container, wherein: the waste container comprises at least one wall having an interior surface defining a chamber for containing the waste; and the flow channel of the valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container.

[0102] In some embodiments, the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container outlet for removing waste from the waste container; and the flow channel of the valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the container outlet of the waste container and through the inlet of the channel of the valve apparatus.

[0103] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the valve apparatus is connected to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0104] In some embodiments, the inlet collar of the valve apparatus channel removably secures the inlet end of the valve apparatus to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0105] In some embodiments, the waste container further comprises at least one locking portion of the waste container outlet, the at least one locking portion of the waste container outlet being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one locking portion of the inlet end of the valve apparatus to releasably secure the inlet end of the valve apparatus to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0106] In some embodiments, the connecting surface of the inlet end of the valve apparatus engages an outlet connecting surface of the corresponding waste container.

[0107] In some embodiments, the inlet seal of the valve apparatus channel seals an interface between the connecting surface of the inlet end of the valve apparatus and the connecting surface of the outlet of the waste container.

[0108] In some embodiments, at least one wall of the waste container defines a container inlet for receiving waste into the waste container; and the flow channel of the valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the waste container through the inlet of the waste container and through the outlet of the channel of the valve apparatus.

[0109] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the valve apparatus is connected to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0110] In some embodiments, the outlet clamp of the valve apparatus channel removably secures the outlet end of the valve apparatus to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0111] In some embodiments, the waste container further comprises at least one waste container inlet locking portion at the container inlet, the waste container inlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one valve apparatus outlet end locking portion to releasably secure the valve apparatus outlet end to the waste container at the waste container inlet.

[0112] In some embodiments, the mating surface of the outlet end of the valve apparatus engages a corresponding mating surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0113] In some embodiments, the outlet seal of the valve apparatus channel seals an interface between the connection surface of the outlet end of the valve apparatus and the inlet connection surface of the waste container.

[0114] In some embodiments, the waste container comprises the waste container disclosed above.

[0115] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a vacuum pump system for controlling the flow of waste into or out of a waste container, the vacuum pump system comprising: a vacuum pump capable of circulating the waste, the vacuum pump defining a pump inlet for receiving the waste into the vacuum pump and a pump outlet for removing the waste from the vacuum pump; and a first valve apparatus disclosed above, wherein the flow channel of the first valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump.

[0116] In some embodiments, the flow channel of the first valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump through the outlet of the vacuum pump and through the inlet of the channel of the first valve apparatus.

[0117] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the first valve apparatus is connected to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0118] In some embodiments, the inlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus removably secures the inlet end of the first valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0119] In some embodiments, the vacuum pump further comprises at least one vacuum pump outlet locking portion at the pump outlet, the vacuum pump outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the first valve apparatus inlet end locking portion to releasably secure the first valve apparatus inlet end to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump outlet.

[0120] In some embodiments, the inlet end connection surface of the first valve apparatus engages a corresponding pump outlet connection surface of the vacuum pump.

[0121] In some embodiments, the inlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus seals an interface between the connection surface of the inlet end of the first valve apparatus and the connection surface of the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0122] In some embodiments, the flow channel of the first valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump through the inlet of the vacuum pump and through the outlet of the channel of the first valve apparatus.

[0123] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the first valve apparatus is connected to the vacuum pump at the inlet of the vacuum pump.

[0124] In some embodiments, the outlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus removably secures the outlet end of the first valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the inlet of the vacuum pump.

[0125] In some embodiments, the vacuum pump further comprises at least one locking portion of the vacuum pump inlet to the pump inlet, the locking portion of the vacuum pump inlet being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one locking portion of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus to releasably secure the outlet end of the first valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump inlet.

[0126] In some embodiments, the connection surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus engages a corresponding pump inlet connection surface of the vacuum pump.

[0127] In some embodiments, the outlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus seals an interface between the connecting surface of the outlet end of the first valve device and the connecting surface of the vacuum pump inlet.

[0128] In some embodiments, the vacuum pump system further comprises a second valve apparatus disclosed above, wherein the flow channel of the second valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump through the outlet of the vacuum pump and through the inlet of the channel of the second valve apparatus.

[0129] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the second valve apparatus is connected to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0130] In some embodiments, the inlet collar of the channel of the second valve apparatus removably secures the inlet end of the second valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0131] In some embodiments, the vacuum pump further comprises at least one vacuum pump outlet locking portion at the pump outlet, the vacuum pump outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the second valve apparatus inlet end locking portion to releasably secure the second valve apparatus inlet end to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump outlet.

[0132] In some embodiments, the connection surface of the inlet end of the second valve apparatus engages a corresponding pump outlet connection surface of the vacuum pump.

[0133] In some embodiments, the inlet seal of the channel of the second valve apparatus seals an interface between the connection surface of the inlet end of the second valve apparatus and the connection surface of the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0134] In some embodiments, the vacuum pump system allows for controlling the flow of waste into or out of the waste container described above.

[0135] According to at least one further embodiment, there is disclosed a system comprising: the vacuum pump system as disclosed above; and the waste container, wherein: the waste container comprises at least one wall having an interior surface defining a chamber for containing the waste; and the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container.

[0136] In some embodiments, the flow channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container.

[0137] In some embodiments, the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container inlet for receiving waste into the waste container; and the flow channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the waste container chamber through the inlet of the waste container and through the outlet of the channel of the first valve device of the vacuum pump system.

[0138] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is connected to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0139] In some embodiments, the channel outlet collar of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system removably secures the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0140] In some embodiments, the waste container further comprises at least one waste container inlet locking portion at the container inlet, the waste container inlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one first valve apparatus outlet end locking portion to releasably secure the first valve apparatus outlet end to the waste container at the waste container inlet.

[0141] In some embodiments, the connection surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system engages a corresponding connection surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0142] In some embodiments, the outlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system seals an interface between the connecting surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system and the connecting surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0143] In some embodiments, the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container outlet for receiving waste in the waste container; and the flow channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the container outlet of the waste container and through the channel inlet of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system.

[0144] In some embodiments, the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is connected to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0145] In some embodiments, the inlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system removably secures the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0146] In some embodiments, the waste container further comprises at least one waste container outlet locking portion, the waste container outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the first valve apparatus inlet end locking portion to releasably secure the first valve apparatus inlet end to the waste container at the waste container outlet.

[0147] In some embodiments, the connection surface of the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system engages an outlet connection surface of the corresponding container of the waste container.

[0148] In some embodiments, the inlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system seals an interface between the connection surface of the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system and the connection surface of the outlet of the waste container.

[0149] In some embodiments, the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container inlet for receiving waste into the waste container; and the flow channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the inlet of the waste container and through the outlet of the channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system.

[0150] In some embodiments, the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is connected to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0151] In some embodiments, the channel outlet collar of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system removably secures the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0152] In some embodiments, the waste container further comprises at least one waste container inlet locking portion at the container inlet, the waste container inlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one second valve apparatus outlet end locking portion to releasably secure the second valve apparatus outlet end to the waste container at the waste container inlet.

[0153] In some embodiments, the connecting surface of the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system engages a corresponding connecting surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0154] In some embodiments, the outlet seal of the channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system seals an interface between the connection surface of the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system and the connection surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0155] In some embodiments, the waste container comprises the waste container disclosed above.

[0156] According to at least one other embodiment, there is disclosed a kit comprising: the waste container disclosed above; and at least one of the valve apparatuses disclosed above.

[0157] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a pump.

[0158] In some embodiments, the pump comprises a vacuum pump.

[0159] In some cases, the at least one of the valve apparatuses described above comprises at least two of the valve apparatuses described above.

[0160] Other aspects and features will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following description of illustrative embodiments and the accompanying figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0161] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures of the drawings. The examples and figures presented herein should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.

[0162] [Fig-1] is a schematic plan view of a boat according to a method of realization.

[0163] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a waste container according to a method of realization.

[0164] [Fig.3] is a side view of the waste container of [Fig.2].

[0165] [Fig.4] is a sectional perspective view of the waste container of [Fig.2].

[0166] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the waste container of [Fig.2] with a pipe inlet, outlet pipes, top wall and waste container dip tube removed.

[0167] [Fig.6] is a sectional perspective view of the waste container of [Fig.5], taken along the line marked [Fig.6], 7 in [Fig.5].

[0168] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of the waste container of [Fig.5], taken along the line marked [Fig.6], 7 in [Fig.5].

[0169] [Fig.8] is a plan view of the waste container of [Fig.5].

[0170] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a waste container and pump system empty according to another embodiment.

[0171] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view of the waste container of [Fig. 9], taken along the line marked [Fig. 10] in [Fig. 9].

[0172] [Fig. 11] is an exploded view of the vacuum pump system of [Fig.9].

[0173] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system of [Fig.9].

[0174] [Fig. 13] is a perspective view of the valve apparatus of [Fig. 12], with a channel inlet collar and outlet collar removed.

[0175] [Fig. 14] is a cross-sectional view of the valve apparatus of [Fig. 12], taken along the line marked [Fig. 14] in [Fig. 12].

[0176] [Fig. 15] is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum pump system according to another embodiment.

[0177] [Fig. 16] is an exploded front view of the vacuum pump system of [Fig. 15].

[0178] [Fig. 17] is a front view of the vacuum pump system of [Fig. 15] when it is assembled.

[0179] [Fig. 18] is a perspective view of a valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system shown in [Fig. 15].

[0180] [Fig. 19] is a cross-sectional view of the valve apparatus of [Fig. 18], taken along the line marked [Fig. 19] on [Fig. 18]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0181] Referring to [Fig.l], a vehicle waste management system according to one embodiment is generally shown as 100 and includes a watercraft 102 and a waste container 104. In some embodiments, the watercraft 102 may be, for example, a recreational boat, a water ski boat, or other boat, an aquatic vessel, or a maritime vessel. However, the watercraft 102 is only one example, and alternative embodiments may be different. For example, alternative embodiments may include a vehicle other than a watercraft, such as an aircraft or a recreational vehicle.

[0182] The watercraft 102 includes a hull 106 and an inboard engine 108 capable of generating an engine thrust force relative to the hull 106. The engine thrust force generated by the inboard engine 108 may cause the watercraft 102 to move. The watercraft 102 may also move in response to external forces, such as wave action on the hull 106. For example, the engine thrust force and / or wave action may cause the watercraft 102 to tilt. The inboard engine 108 is only one example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include an inboard engine, a combi engine, a jet engine, a propulsion engine, a surface engine, a pod engine, or any other engine. or propulsion device, and the other embodiments may include one, two, or more of such engines or other propulsion devices.

[0183] In the illustrated embodiment, the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102, within the hull 106, and can generally receive and manage waste aboard the watercraft 102. The waste container 104 may also be referred to as a "waste containment tank" or a "waste storage tank." As used herein, the term "waste" may include, for example, liquid waste, solid waste, sludge, human waste, tissue, sewage, drain water, black water, and gray water. The waste container 104 may receive waste, for example, from a toilet, sink, shower, or the like (not shown) aboard the watercraft 102.

[0184] Referring to [Fig. 2] through 8, a specific embodiment of the waste container 104 is illustrated and includes side walls 110, 112, 114, and 116, a top wall 117, and a bottom wall 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the top wall 117 includes a tower extension 119 extending from the top wall 117. In some embodiments, the top wall 117, including the tower extension 119, may be detachable from the side walls 110, 112, 114, 116, and the bottom wall 118. In other words, the top wall 117 may act as a lid or cover for the container 104. Collectively, the side walls 110, 112, 114, 116, the wall Upper wall 117 and lower wall 118 form an interior surface 120 of the waste container 104. The interior surface 120 defines a chamber generally represented by 122, which can contain the waste produced on board the boat 102.The tower extension 119 of the upper wall 117 defines an upper inlet, shown generally at 124, for receiving waste into the chamber 122, and an upper outlet, shown generally at 125, for discharging waste from the chamber 122. The lower wall 118 defines a lower outlet, shown generally at 126, for discharging waste from the chamber 122.

[0185] The upper inlet 124 is generally configured to be in fluid communication with a toilet and / or sink (not shown) on board the watercraft 102 when the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. In the illustrated embodiment (see [Fig. 2] to 4), the upper inlet 124 is in fluid communication with the toilet and / or a sink via an inlet pipe 109. The upper outlet 125 is generally configured to be in communication with a drain fitting (not shown) of the watercraft 102 when the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper outlet 125 is in fluid communication with the drain fitting via an outlet pipe 111. The lower outlet 126 is generally configured to be in fluid communication with a faucet (not illustrated) on the hull 106 of the watercraft 102 when the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower outlet 126 is in fluid communication with the faucet via an outlet pipe 113. Thus, when the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102, the upper inlet 124 can receive waste from the toilet and / or sink via the inlet pipe 109, and the waste can be discharged from the waste container 104 through the upper outlet 125 and through the drain fitting via the outlet pipe 111 and / or through the lower outlet 126 and through the faucet via the outlet pipe 113. For example, the waste can be discharged through the upper outlet 125 and through the drain fitting when the watercraft 102 is in port, while the waste can be evacuated through the lower outlet 126 and through the tap when the boat 102 is in open water.

[0186] In the illustrated example, when the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102, as shown in [Fig. 1], the waste container 104 is oriented such that the top wall 117 (including the tower extensions 119) is generally a vertically topmost or upper boundary of the waste container 104, and the bottom wall 118 is generally a vertically bottommost or lower boundary of the waste container 104 - i.e., the top wall 117 is generally oriented toward the top of the watercraft 102 and the bottom wall 118 is generally oriented toward the bottom of the watercraft 102. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, when the waste container 104 is installed on the watercraft 102, as shown in [Fig.l], the upper inlet 124 and the upper outlet 125 are generally located at the top 105 of the chamber 122, and the lower outlet 126 is generally located in the bottom 107 of the chamber 122. Due to the position of the lower outlet 126 in the bottom 107 of the chamber 122, the evacuation of waste from the chamber 122 through the lower outlet 126 may be assisted by gravity. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste container 104 also includes a dip tube 115 that extends from the upper outlet 125 into the chamber 122 and terminates in the bottom 107 of the chamber 122, near the bottom wall 118. The dip tube 115 is in fluid communication with the upper outlet 125 and the chamber 122, and thus provides a conduit for waste that passes directly from the bottom 107 of the chamber 122 to the upper outlet 125, for example when vacuum suction is applied to the drain fitting.

[0187] In some embodiments, one or more of the upper inlet 124, the upper outlet 125, and the lower outlet 126 may be reversibly closed. For example, in some embodiments, the waste container 104 may include one or more valves (not shown) for reversibly closing the upper inlet 124, the upper outlet 125, and / or the outlet lower 126. The valve(s) may be, for example, ball valves.

[0188] The waste container 104 of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2]-8 is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include a waste container having a different shape and / or a different number of walls. In other embodiments, the waste container may have only a single wall (e.g., a generally spherical shaped waste container). In alternative embodiments, the waste container may include multiple walls, at least some of which are parallel to each other (e.g., a generally rectangular cube-shaped trash can).

[0189] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2] through 8, the waste container 104 includes three openings in the chamber 122 for conveying waste into and out of the chamber 122: the upper inlet 124, the upper outlet 125, and the lower outlet 126. However, in alternative embodiments, the waste container 104 may have only one opening in the chamber 122, or may have two openings or four or more openings in the chamber 122. For example, in alternative embodiments, the waste container 104 may have multiple inlets.

[0190] [Figs. 5] through 8 show the waste container 104 with the inlet pipe 109, the outlet pipes 111 and 113, the top wall 117, and the dip tube 115 removed. Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, the waste container 104 also includes projections 128, 130, and 132 projecting into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120 at the side wall 110; projections 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, and 150 projecting into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120 at the side wall 112; projections 152, 154 and 156 projecting into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120 at the side wall 114; and projections 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 projecting into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120 at the side wall 116.The projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 may also be referred to as "paddles", "ribs" or "paddle ribs".

[0191] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 projects into the chamber 122 from a respective portion of the interior surface 120 in a respective projection direction that is generally perpendicular to the respective portion of the interior surface 120. For example, the projections 128, 130, and 132 project from a portion 176 of the interior surface 120 at the side wall 110 in a direction 178 which is generally perpendicular to the portion 176 of the interior surface 120.

[0192] The projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 may each project to varying depths into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120. In some embodiments, at least a portion of each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 may protrude about 0.5 inches, at least 0.5 inches, about 1.25 inches or at least 1.25 inches into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120. In some embodiments, all of each of the protrusions 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 may protrude about 0.5 inches, at least 0.5 inches, about 1.25 inches, or at least 1.25 inches into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120.In some embodiments, each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 protrudes no more than 0.5 inches or 1.25 inches into the chamber 122 from the interior surface 120.

[0193] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 extends along a portion of the interior surface 120 located between the upper inlet 124 and the lower outlet 126. More specifically, each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 extend generally in a direction from the upper inlet 124 to the lower outlet 126. Thus, when the waste container 104 is installed on the boat 102, each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 extends along the interior surface 120 in a substantially vertical direction, generally from the top 105 to the bottom 107 of the chamber 122.

[0194] Further, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 extends along the interior surface 120 without contacting any other of the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the projections on each of the side walls 110, 112, 114 and 116 are oriented parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other at respective fixed projection distances, each of the respective fixed projection distances being in a spacing direction along the interior surface 120 perpendicular to a respective extension direction along the interior surface 120 of the corresponding projections. In other words, the projections 128, 130 and 132 extend parallel to each other along the inner surface 120 at the side wall 110 and are spaced apart from each other at a fixed projection spacing 129 in a spacing direction 131 which is perpendicular to an extension direction 133 of the projections 128, 130 and 132; the projections 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 and 150 extend parallel to each other along the inner surface 120 of the side wall 112 and are spaced apart from each other at a fixed projection spacing 135 in a spacing direction 137 which is perpendicular to an extension direction 139 of the projections 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 and 150; the projections 152,154 and 156 extend parallel to each other along the inner surface 120 at the side wall 114 and are spaced apart from each other by a fixed projection spacing 141 in a spacing direction 143 that is perpendicular to an extension direction 145 of the projections 152, 154, and 156; and the projections 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 extend parallel to each other along the inner surface 120 at the side wall 116 and are spaced apart from each other by a fixed projection spacing 147 in a spacing direction 149 that is perpendicular to an extension direction 151 of the projections 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed projection distances 129 and 141 are substantially equal to each other, and the fixed projection distances 135 and 147 are substantially equal to each other. However, in some other embodiments,the projections along each sidewall may generally have the same fixed projection spacing, while in other embodiments, the projections along each sidewall may have unique respective fixed projection spacings. Each of the fixed projection distances 129, 135, 141, and 147 may be, for example, at most 1 inch, about 1 inch, at least 1 inch, at most 2 inches, or about 2 inches.

[0195] More generally, the illustrated embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer protrusions than the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2]-8. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions may protrude from the interior surface 120 in protrusion directions that are not necessarily perpendicular to the interior surface 120. In some alternative embodiments, the protrusions may not extend in directions generally from the upper inlet 124 to the lower outlet 126, but may instead extend in other directions.Further, in some alternative embodiments, the protrusions along a given sidewall of the waste container 104 may not all be parallel to each other and, in some embodiments, none of the protrusions along a wall. given side wall cannot be parallel to any of the other projections along that side wall. Further, although in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 2] to 8, projections project from each of the side walls 110, 112, 114 and 116, while no projections project from the top wall 117 or the bottom wall 118, in alternative embodiments, the projections may project from all walls of the waste container 104, while in alternative embodiments, the projections may project from only one wall of the waste container 104, for example.

[0196] In the illustrated model, the side walls 110, 112, 114 and 116 of the waste container 104 also define a recess 180 between the top wall 117 and the bottom wall 118. The recess 180 may provide structural support to the waste container 104 and may also be used to secure the waste container 104 when installed on the watercraft 102, for example by providing a location for attaching a retaining strap. In some embodiments, the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 may also provide structural support to the waste container 104.

[0197] In operation, when the boat 102 moves, for example by tilting due to the thrust force generated by the inboard motor 108 and / or due to wave action on the hull 106, this movement / tilting of the boat 102 may cause the waste in the chamber 122 to move. As the waste moves in the chamber 122, the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 may disturb or obstruct the flow of waste in the chamber 122. In some embodiments, the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 may generate turbulence in the waste as it moves in the chamber 122.The turbulence thus generated can help break up solids in the waste and disperse particles therein. In this way, the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 can accelerate the decomposition of the waste in the waste container 104 and thereby improve waste management on board the watercraft 102.

[0198] In general, the waste container 104 may be manufactured by molding the side walls 110, 112, 114, 116, the top wall 117, and the bottom wall 118 from resin. For example, the side walls 110, 112, 114, 116, the top wall 117, and the bottom wall 118 may be molded using a rotational molding process and / or an injection molding process. The side walls 110, 112, 114, 116 and the bottom wall 118 may be molded separately from the top wall 117 (e.g., in embodiments where the top wall 117 is removable). In some embodiments, the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 may be molded into the sidewalls 110, 112, 114, 116. In other embodiments, the projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174 may be secured or attached to the interior surface 120 at the sidewalls 110, 112, 114, 116 after the sidewalls 110, 112, 114, 116 have been formed.

[0199] Referring to [Fig.9] and 10, an alternative embodiment that may be used, for example, with the waste management system of the vehicle 100 is shown. It includes a waste container 182 and a vacuum pump system 183. The waste container 182 may be similar to the waste container 104 of the embodiment of [Fig. 2] to 8, and may be used in place of the waste container 104 on board the watercraft 102. The waste container 182 includes side walls 184, 186, 188 and 190, a top wall 192 and a bottom wall 194. In some cases, the top wall 192 may be detachable from the side walls 184, 186, 188 and 190 and the bottom wall 194. In other words, the top wall 192 may act as a cover or lid for the container 182.Collectively, the side walls 184, 186, 188, and 190, the top wall 192, and the bottom wall 194 form an interior surface 196 of the waste container 182. The interior surface 196 defines a main chamber, generally depicted as 198, which can contain waste generated onboard the watercraft 102. Within the main chamber 198, beneath the top wall 192, the waste container 182 includes a vacuum tank 200 defining a separate vacuum chamber, generally depicted as 202. The vacuum tank 200 and the top wall 192 of the waste container 182 define an upper vacuum chamber inlet, generally depicted as 204, for receiving waste into the vacuum chamber 202, and an upper vacuum chamber outlet, generally depicted as 206, for removing waste from the vacuum chamber 202.The upper wall 192 also defines an upper inlet, generally illustrated as 208, for receiving waste into the chamber 198, and an upper outlet, generally illustrated as 210, for discharging waste from the chamber 198. Further, the lower wall 194 defines a lower outlet, generally illustrated as 212, for discharging waste from the main chamber 198.

[0200] The upper inlet of the vacuum chamber 204 is generally configured to be in fluid communication with a toilet and / or sink (not shown) on board the watercraft 102 when the waste container 182 is installed on the watercraft 102, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet of the upper vacuum chamber 204 is in communication with the toilet and / or a sink via an inlet pipe 214. The upper outlet 206 of the vacuum chamber 202 and the upper inlet 208 of the main chamber 198 of the waste container 182 are generally configured to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump system 183. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 206 of the upper vacuum chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump system 183 via an inlet fitting 216 of the waste container 182, and the upper inlet 208 is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump system 183 via an outlet fitting 218 of the waste container 182.The upper outlet 210 of the main chamber 198 of the waste container 182 is generally configured to be in fluid communication with a drain fitting (not shown) of the watercraft 102 when the waste container 182 is installed on the watercraft 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper outlet 210 is in fluid communication with the drain fitting via an outlet pipe 220. The lower outlet 212 is generally configured to be in fluid communication with a faucet (not shown) on the hull 106 of the watercraft 102 when the waste container 182 is installed on the watercraft 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower outlet 212 is in fluid communication with the faucet via an outlet pipe 222.Thus, when the waste container 182 and the vacuum pump system 183 are installed on the boat 102, the upper inlet of the vacuum chamber 204 can receive the waste, via the inlet pipe 214, from the toilet and / or sink in the vacuum chamber 202, the waste can be transferred from the vacuum chamber 202 to the main chamber 198 via the upper outlet of the vacuum chamber 206, the inlet connection of the pump system 216, the vacuum pump system 183, the outlet connection of the pump system 218 and the upper inlet 208, and the waste can be discharged from the main chamber 198 through the upper outlet 210 and through the drain connection via the outlet pipe 220, and / or through the lower outlet 212 and through the faucet via the outlet pipe 222.For example, waste may be discharged through the upper outlet 210 and the drain fitting when the boat 102 is in port, while waste may be discharged through the lower outlet 212 and the valve when the boat 102 is in open water.

[0201] In the illustrated example, when the waste container 182 is installed on the watercraft 102, as shown in [Fig.l], the waste container 182 is oriented such that the upper wall is generally an upper vertical limit of the waste container 182 and the lower wall 194 is generally a lower vertical limit of the waste container 182, i.e., the upper wall 192 is generally oriented toward the top of the watercraft 102 and the lower wall 194 is generally oriented toward the bottom of the boat 102. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, when the waste container 182 is installed on the boat 102, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the upper inlet of the vacuum chamber 204 and the upper outlet 210 are generally located at the top 224 of the main chamber 198 (and the vacuum chamber 202), and the lower outlet 212 is generally located at the bottom 226 of the main chamber 198. Due to the position of the lower outlet 212 in the bottom 226 of the main chamber 198, emptying of waste from the main chamber 198 through the lower outlet 212 may be assisted by gravity. In the illustrated embodiment, the waste container 182 also includes a dip tube 225 that extends from the upper outlet 210 into the chamber 182 and terminates in the bottom 226 of the chamber 182, near the bottom wall 194.The dip tube 225 is in fluid communication with the upper outlet 210 and the chamber 182, and thus provides a conduit for waste passing directly from the bottom 226 of the chamber 182 to the upper outlet 210, for example when vacuum suction is applied to the drain fitting.

[0202] In some embodiments, one or more inlets of the upper vacuum chamber 204, the upper outlet 210, and the lower outlet 212 may be reversibly closed. For example, in some embodiments, the waste container 182 may include one or more valves (not shown) for reversibly closing the upper inlet of the vacuum chamber 204, the upper outlet 210, and / or the lower outlet 212. The one or more valves may be, for example, ball valves.

[0203] The waste container 182 of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9] and 10 is only an example, and alternative embodiments may be different. For example, alternative embodiments may include a waste container having a different shape and / or a different number of walls. In other embodiments, the waste container may have only a single wall (e.g., a generally spherical waste container). In alternative embodiments, the waste container may include multiple walls, at least some of which are parallel to one another (e.g., a generally rectangular cube-shaped trash can).

[0204] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9] and 10, the waste container 182 includes five openings: two in the vacuum chamber 202 for conveying waste into and out of the vacuum chamber 202 - the upper vacuum chamber inlet 204 and the upper vacuum chamber outlet 206; and three in the main chamber 198 for conveying waste into and out of the main chamber 198 - the upper inlet 208, the upper outlet 210 and the lower outlet 212. However, in alternative embodiments, the waste container 182 may include a different number of openings in the vacuum chamber 202 and / or in the main chamber 198. For example, in alternative embodiments, the waste container 182 may include multiple vacuum chamber inlets.

[0205] Referring to [Fig. 9], 10 and 11, the vacuum pump system 183 includes a vacuum pump 228, an upstream valve apparatus 230 and a downstream valve apparatus 232. In general, the vacuum pump system 183 is configured to control a flow of waste and / or other fluids from the vacuum chamber 202 to the main chamber 198. More specifically, the vacuum pump 228 may circulate the waste and / or other fluids through the pump system 183, while the upstream valve apparatus 230 and the downstream valve apparatus 232 control the direction of flow. The vacuum pump 228 includes a pump inlet, generally represented by 234 (see [Fig. 10]), for receiving waste into the vacuum pump 228, and a pump outlet, generally represented by 236, for discharging waste from the vacuum pump 228. Of course, the vacuum pump system 183 is only an example and alternative embodiments may be different.For example, some alternative embodiments may use pumps other than vacuum pumps.

[0206] The upstream valve apparatus 230 is generally similar to the downstream valve apparatus 232, and each of the valve apparatuses 230 and 232 may generally be configured for use with a pump, such as the vacuum pump 228, to control a flow of waste into or out of a waste container, such as the waste container 182 or the vacuum tank 200. The upstream valve apparatus 230 includes a valve body 238 with an inlet end 240 and an outlet end 242. The inlet end 240 defines a channel inlet, shown generally as 244, and the outlet end 242 defines a channel outlet, shown generally as 246. Between the channel inlet 244 and outlet 246, the valve body 238 defines a flow channel, shown generally as 248, for transporting the waste. In other words, the flow channel 248 includes and extends between the inlet of the channel 244 and the outlet of the channel 246.Similarly, the downstream valve apparatus 232 includes a valve body 250 with an inlet end 252 and an outlet end 254. The inlet end 252 defines a channel inlet, generally illustrated as 256, and the outlet end 254 defines a channel outlet, generally illustrated as 258. Between the channel inlet 256 and outlet 258, the valve body 250 defines a flow channel, generally illustrated as 260, for transporting waste. In other words, the flow channel 260 includes and extends between the channel inlet 256 and the channel outlet 258.

[0207] In general, each of the inlet ends 240 and 252 may be connected to a waste source such that the respective flow channel 248 or 260 is in fluid communication with the waste source via the inlet. of respective channel 244 or 256, such that the respective channel inlet 244 or 256 can receive waste into the respective flow channel 248 or 260. Likewise, each of the outlet ends 242 and 254 can be connected to a waste destination so that the respective flow channel 248 or 260 is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the respective channel outlet 246 or 258, such that the respective channel outlet 246 or 258 can remove waste from the respective flow channel 248 or 260. The waste source can be, for example, a waste container such as the waste container 104, the waste container 182 or the vacuum tank 200, or a pump such as the vacuum pump 228. Likewise, the waste destination can be, for example, a waste container such as the waste container 104, the waste container 182 or the vacuum tank 200, or a pump such as the vacuum pump 228.

[0208] In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end 240 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 is connected to the inlet connection of the pump system 216 and thus to the vacuum reservoir 200 and, more generally, to the waste container 182, causing the flow channel 248 to be in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir 200 (i.e., the waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 230) via the channel inlet 244. The outlet end 242 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 is connected to the inlet of the pump 234, causing the flow channel 248 to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 228 (i.e., the waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 230) via the channel outlet 246.The inlet end 252 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 is connected to the outlet of the pump 236, causing the flow channel 260 to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 228 (i.e., the waste source of the downstream valve apparatus 232) through the inlet of the channel 256. The outlet end 254 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 is connected to the outlet connection of the pump system 218 and thus to the waste container 182, causing the flow channel 260 to be in fluid communication with the waste container 182 (i.e., the waste destination of the downstream valve apparatus 232) via the outlet of the channel 258. However, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may be different.For example, in some alternative embodiments, the inlet end 240 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 and / or the outlet end 254 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 may be connected directly to the waste container 182 (i.e., as opposed to connecting via the pump system inlet fitting 216 or the pump system outlet fitting 218).

[0209] Each of the valve devices 230 and 232 also includes a pair of collars for removably securing the valve devices 230 and 232 to their sources. of waste and / or respective waste destinations. More specifically, the upstream valve apparatus 230 includes a channel inlet collar 262 operable to removably attach the inlet end 240 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 to a waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 230 to connect the inlet end 240 to the waste source such that the flow channel 248 is in fluid communication with the waste source through the channel inlet 244, and a channel outlet collar 264 operable to removably attach the outlet end 242 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 to a waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 230 to connect the outlet end 242 to the waste destination such that the flow channel 248 is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the channel outlet 246.Likewise, the downstream valve apparatus 232 includes a channel inlet collar 266 operable to removably attach the inlet end 252 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 to a waste source of the downstream valve apparatus 232 to connect the inlet end 252 to the waste source such that the flow channel 260 is in fluid communication with the waste source through the channel inlet 256, and a channel outlet collar 268 operable to removably attach the outlet end 254 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 to a waste destination of the downstream valve apparatus 232 to connect the outlet end 254 to the waste destination such that the flow channel 260 is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the channel outlet 258.In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet collar 262 removably secures and connects the inlet end 240 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 to the inlet connection 216 of the pump system, the outlet collar 264 removably secures and connects the outlet end 242 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 to the inlet 234 of the pump, the inlet collar 266 removably secures and connects the inlet end 252 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 to the outlet of the pump 236, and the outlet collar 268 removably secures and connects the outlet end 254 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 to the outlet connection of the pump system 218. Thus, the upstream valve apparatus 230 is removably connected and secured to the inlet connection of the pump system 216 and to the pump 236. vacuum 228, and the downstream valve apparatus 232 is connected and removably secured to the vacuum pump 228 and the pump system outlet connection 218. .

[0210] [Figs. 12], 13 and 14 illustrate the upstream valve apparatus 230 in more detail. However, the following explanation and references to [Figs. 12], 13 and 14 are also applicable to the downstream valve apparatus 232, which, as noted above, is generally similar to the upstream valve apparatus 230. Referring to FIGS. 12, 13 and 14, the inlet end 240 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 includes an inlet end mating surface 270 around the inlet of the channel 244, and the outlet end 242 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 includes an outlet end mating surface 272 around the channel outlet 246. In general, the inlet end mating surface 270 is configured to engage a corresponding waste source mating surface of a waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 230 when the inlet end 240 is connected to the waste source. Similarly, the outlet end mating surface 272 is configured to engage a corresponding waste destination mating surface of a waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 230 when the outlet end 242 is connected to the waste destination.In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end mating surface 270 engages a corresponding mating surface (not shown) of the pump system inlet connector 216, and the outlet end mating surface 272 engages a corresponding pump inlet mating surface (not shown) of the vacuum pump 228. However, other embodiments may be different. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the inlet end mating surface 270 may engage a corresponding mating surface that is directly on the top wall 192 of the waste container 182.

[0211] The upstream valve apparatus 230 also includes a channel inlet seal 274 placed on the inlet end mating surface 270 around the channel inlet 244, and a channel outlet seal 276 placed on the outlet end mating surface 272 around the channel outlet 246.In general, the channel inlet seal 274 is configured to seal an interface between the inlet end connection surface 270 and a corresponding waste source connection surface of a waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 230 when the inlet end connection surface 270 is engaged with the waste source connection surface, and the channel outlet seal 276 is configured to seal an interface between the outlet end connection surface 272 and a corresponding waste destination connection surface of a waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 230 when the outlet end connection surface 272 is engaged with the waste destination connection surface.In the illustrated embodiment, the channel inlet seal 274 seals an interface between the inlet end connection surface 270 and the corresponding connection surface of the pump system inlet connector 216, and the channel outlet seal 276 seals an interface between the outlet end connection surface 272 and the corresponding connection surface of the vacuum pump inlet 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel inlet seal 274 and the channel outlet seal 276 each include a face seal and an O-ring. However, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include inlet / outlet seals that include only a face seal, or that include only an O-ring, or that include other types of mechanical seals.

[0212] The upstream valve apparatus 230 also includes a first check valve 278 and a second check valve 280. The first check valve 278 and the second check valve 280 are retained and secured within the flow channel 248 by the valve body 238. The first check valve 278 and the second check valve 280 are both configured to allow waste to flow through the flow channel 248 in the forward direction 282, from the inlet of the channel 244 to the outlet of the channel 246, and to prevent waste from flowing through the flow channel 248 in the reverse direction 284, from the outlet of the channel 246 to the inlet of the channel 244.Thus, the upstream valve apparatus 230 is generally configured to allow waste to flow from the inlet of the channel 244 to the outlet of the channel 246 (in the forward flow direction 282), and to prevent waste from flowing from the outlet of the channel 246 to the inlet of the channel 244 (in the reverse flow direction 284). Similarly, the downstream valve apparatus 232 is generally configured to allow waste to flow from the inlet of the channel 252 to the outlet of the channel 254, and to prevent waste from flowing from the outlet of the channel 254 to the inlet of the channel 252. Therefore, when the upstream valve apparatus 230 and the downstream valve apparatus 232 are connected and removably attached to the vacuum pump 228, as illustrated in [Fig.9] and 10, such that the flow channel 248 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 228 through the pump inlet 234 and the flow channel 260 of the downstream valve apparatus 232 is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 228 through the pump outlet 236, the upstream valve apparatus 230 generally allows waste to enter the vacuum pump 228 through the pump inlet 234 while preventing waste from exiting the vacuum pump 228 through the pump inlet 234, and the downstream valve apparatus 232 generally allows waste to exit the vacuum pump 228 through the pump outlet 236 while preventing waste from entering the vacuum pump 228 through the pump outlet 236.Therefore, the upstream valve apparatus 230 and the downstream valve apparatus 232 effectively control the direction of waste flow in the vacuum pump 228 when the vacuum pump 228 circulates the waste in the vacuum pump system 183, generally allowing the waste to flow in a direction from the pump inlet 234 to the pump outlet 236, and in . generally preventing waste from flowing in a direction from the pump outlet 236 to the pump inlet 234. Thus, overall, when the vacuum pump 228 circulates the waste through the vacuum pump system 183, the waste may flow through the vacuum pump system 183 by entering the upstream valve apparatus 230 (and thus the vacuum pump system 183) through the channel inlet 244, through the flow channel 248, leaving the upstream valve apparatus 230 through the channel outlet 246, entering the vacuum pump 228 through the pump inlet 234, through the vacuum pump 228, leaving the vacuum pump 228 through the pump outlet 236, entering the downstream valve apparatus 232 through the channel inlet 256, passing through the flow channel 260, and leaving the downstream valve apparatus 232 (and thus the vacuum pump system 183) through the outlet of the channel 258.

[0213] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first check valve 278 and the second check valve 280 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 are both duckbill valves, and a portion 286 of the first check valve 278 is received within the second check valve 280. In other words, the first check valve 278 is nested within the second check valve 280. However, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include other types of check valves instead of or in addition to the duckbill valves. Further, in some alternative embodiments, the valve apparatus may include a different number of check valves in the flow channel, for example, a single check valve in the flow channel, or three or more check valves in the flow channel.Some alternative embodiments may include check valves that are not nested (see, for example, [Fig. 19]).

[0214] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 238 of the upstream valve apparatus 230 includes valve body portions 288, 290, and 292 disposed between the inlet of the channel 244 and the outlet of the channel 246. The valve body portions 288, 290, and 292 collectively define the flow channel 248 and retain the first and second check valves 278 and 280 in the flow channel 248. The valve body portion 288 is inseparably attached to the valve body portion 290, which in turn is inseparably attached to the valve body portion 292. In other words, each of the valve body parts 288, 290 and 292 is irremovably attached to at least one other valve body part 288, 290 and 292, such that the valve body 238 as a whole is irremovably attached. The valve body parts 288, 290 and 292 may be attached to each other, for example by plastic welding and / or gluing.Of course, the described embodiment is only an example, and variant embodiments may be different. For example, in alternative embodiments, the valve body 238 may include a different number of valve body portions secured together in a non-removable manner.

[0215] Generally, the upstream valve apparatus 230, or a similar valve apparatus such as the downstream valve apparatus 232, may be installed on a waste source (such as the inlet connection of the pump system 216 of the waste container 182) by positioning the inlet end 240 at the waste source and causing the channel inlet collar 262 to secure the inlet end 240 to the waste source to connect the inlet end 240 to the waste source so that the flow channel 248 is in fluid communication with the waste source through the channel inlet 244. The upstream valve apparatus 230 may then be uninstalled from the waste source by causing the channel inlet collar 262 to release the inlet end 240 from the waste source.Similarly, the upstream valve apparatus 230 may be installed at a waste destination (such as the pump inlet 234 of the vacuum pump 228) by positioning the outlet end 242 at the waste destination and causing the channel outlet collar 264 to secure the outlet end 242 to the waste destination to connect the outlet end 242 to the waste destination so that the flow channel 248 is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the channel outlet 246. The upstream valve apparatus 230 may then be uninstalled from the waste destination by causing the channel outlet collar 264 to release the outlet end 242 from the waste destination.In other words, installation and deinstallation of the upstream valve apparatus 230, or a similar valve apparatus such as the downstream valve apparatus 232, only requires the use / operation of the channel inlet collar 262 and / or the channel outlet collar 264. Thus, valve apparatuses such as the upstream valve apparatus 230 and the downstream valve apparatus 232 disclosed herein may simplify maintenance (e.g., valve replacement) of waste management systems such as the waste management system 100.

[0216] Referring to [Fig. 15], 16 and 17, another type of vacuum pump system is shown by reference numeral 294 and includes a vacuum pump 296, an upstream valve apparatus 298 and a downstream valve apparatus 300. The vacuum pump system 294 may be used, for example, with the waste container 182 in the vehicle waste management system 100, in place of the vacuum pump system 183. In other words, in embodiments where the vehicle waste management system 100 includes the vacuum pump system 294 installed with the waste container 182, the upper outlet 206 of the vacuum chamber 202 of the waste container 182 may be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump system 294 via the pump system inlet connection 216, and the upper inlet 208 of the main chamber 198 of the waste container 182 may be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump system 294 via the pump system outlet connection 218 (see also [Fig. 9] and 10).Thus, when the waste container 182 and the vacuum pump system 294 are installed on the boat 102, the upper inlet of the vacuum chamber 204 can receive waste, via the inlet pipe 214, from the toilet and / or sink in the vacuum chamber 202, the waste can be transferred from the vacuum chamber 202 to the main chamber 198 via the upper outlet of the vacuum chamber 206, the inlet connection of the pump system 216, the vacuum pump system 294, the outlet connection of the pump system 218 and the upper inlet 208, and the waste can be discharged from the main chamber 198 through the upper outlet 210 and through the drain connection via the outlet pipe 220, and / or through the lower outlet 212 and through the faucet via the outlet pipe 222. In such embodiments, the pump system vacuum 294, just like the vacuum pump system 183 of the embodiment of [Fig.9], 10 and 11, may generally be configured to control a flow of waste and / or other fluids from the vacuum chamber 202 to the main chamber 198. More specifically, the vacuum pump 296 may circulate the waste and / or other fluids through the pump system 294, while the upstream valve apparatus 298 and the downstream valve apparatus 300 control the direction of flow. The vacuum pump 296 may be generally similar to the vacuum pump 228 and includes a pump inlet, illustrated generally as 302, for receiving the waste into the vacuum pump 296, and a pump outlet, illustrated generally as 304, for removing the waste from the vacuum pump 296.

[0217] The upstream valve apparatus 298 is generally similar to the downstream valve apparatus 300, and each of the valve apparatuses 298 and 300 may generally be configured for use with a pump, such as the vacuum pump 296, to control a flow of waste into or out of a waste container, such as the waste container 182 or the vacuum tank 200. The upstream valve apparatus 298 includes a valve body 306 with an inlet end 308 and an outlet end 310. The inlet end 308 defines a channel inlet, shown generally as 312, and the outlet end 310 defines a channel outlet, shown generally as 314. Between the channel inlet 312 and outlet 314, the valve body 306 defines a flow channel, shown generally as 316, for transporting the waste. In other words, the flow channel 316 includes and extends between the inlet of the channel 312 and the outlet of the channel 314.Similarly, the downstream valve apparatus 300 includes a valve body 318 with an inlet end 320 and an outlet end 322. The inlet end 320 defines a channel inlet, shown generally as 324, and the outlet end 322 defines a channel outlet, shown generally as 326. Between the channel inlet 324 and outlet 326, the valve body 318 defines a flow channel, shown . generally by 328, for the transport of waste. In other words, the flow channel 328 comprises and extends between the inlet of the channel 324 and the outlet of the channel 326.

[0218] In general, each of the inlet ends 308 and 320 may be connected to a waste source so that the respective flow channel 316 or 328 is in fluid communication with the waste source via the respective channel inlet 312 or 324, such that the respective channel inlet 312 or 324 may receive waste into the respective flow channel 316 or 328. Similarly, each of the outlet ends 310 and 322 may be connected to a waste destination so that the respective flow channel 316 or 328 is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the respective channel outlet 314 or 326, such that the respective channel outlet 314 or 326 may remove waste from the respective flow channel 316 or 328.The waste source may be, for example, a waste container such as waste container 104, waste container 182 or vacuum tank 200, or a pump such as vacuum pump 296. Similarly, the waste destination may be, for example, a waste container such as waste container 104, waste container 182 or vacuum tank 200, or a pump such as vacuum pump 296.

[0219] In some embodiments, the inlet end 308 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 may be connected to the inlet fitting of the pump system 216 and thus to the vacuum reservoir 200 and, more generally, to the waste container 182, causing the flow channel 316 to be in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir 200 (i.e., the waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 298) via the inlet of the channel 312. The outlet end 310 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 is connected to the inlet of the pump 302, causing the flow channel 316 to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 296 (i.e., the waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 298) via the outlet of the channel 314.The inlet end 320 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 is connected to the outlet of the pump 304, causing the flow channel 328 to be in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 296 (i.e., the waste source of the downstream valve apparatus 300) through the inlet of the channel 324. The outlet end 322 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 may be connected to the outlet fitting of the pump system 218 and thus to the waste container 182, allowing the flow channel 328 to be in fluid communication with the waste container 182 (i.e., the waste destination of the downstream valve apparatus 300) via the outlet of the channel 326. In some alternative embodiments, the inlet end 308 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 and / or the outlet end 322 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 may be connected directly to the container. waste 182 (as opposed to connecting via pump system inlet fitting 216 or pump system outlet fitting 218).

[0220] Each of the valve apparatuses 298 and 300 also includes a pair of inlet end locking portions at its inlet end (i.e., 308 and 320, respectively) and a pair of outlet end locking portions at its outlet end (i.e., 310 and 322, respectively). In general, the inlet end locking portions may be used to removably secure the valve apparatuses 298 and 300 to their respective waste sources, while the outlet end locking portions may be used to removably secure the valve apparatuses 298 and 300 to their respective waste destinations.

[0221] More specifically, the upstream valve apparatus 298 includes inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 at the inlet end 308, and outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 at the outlet end 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 protrude from the inlet end 308 of the valve body 306, away from the flow channel 316, and the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 protrude from the outlet end 310 of the valve body 306, away from the flow channel 316.The inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 are releasably interlockable with corresponding locking portions of a waste source to releasably secure the inlet end 308 to the waste source to connect the inlet end 308 to the waste source such that the flow channel 316 is in fluid communication with the waste source through the channel inlet 312. The outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 are releasably interlockable with corresponding waste destination locking portions of a waste destination to releasably secure the outlet end 310 to the waste destination to connect the outlet end 310 to the waste destination such that the flow channel 316 is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the channel outlet 314.In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 may be releasably interlocked with the corresponding waste source locking portions by rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the waste source, about an inlet channel axis 338 that is parallel to the flow channel 316 at the channel inlet 312, and the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 may be releasably interlocked with the corresponding waste destination locking portions by rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the waste source, about an axis of . outlet channel 340 which is parallel to the flow channel 316 at the outlet of the channel 314. For example, as shown in [Fig. 16] and 17, the vacuum pump 296—i.e., the waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 298—includes vacuum pump inlet locking portions 342 and 344 projecting out of the vacuum pump 296 at the inlet of the pump 302. The vacuum pump inlet locking portions 342 and 344 are sized and shaped to receive and slidably lock the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 when the upstream valve apparatus 298 and the vacuum pump 296 are rotated relative to each other about the axis of the outlet channel 340.Thus, the outlet end 310 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 may be removably attached and connected to the vacuum pump 296 at the inlet of the pump 302 by positioning the outlet end 310 at the inlet of the pump 302 and rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the vacuum pump 296, about the axis of the outlet channel 340 to slide the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 against the vacuum pump inlet locking portions 342 and 344, respectively, and removably lock them, as illustrated in [Fig. 17]. This attachment mechanism based on the rotational locking of corresponding projections on a valve apparatus and a waste source / destination may also be referred to as a "twist-lock" attachment mechanism.

[0222] Similarly, the downstream valve apparatus 300 includes inlet end locking portions 346 and 348 at the inlet end 320, and outlet end locking portions 350 and 352 at the outlet end 322. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end locking portions 346 and 348 protrude from the inlet end 320 of the valve body 318, away from the flow channel 328, and the outlet end locking portions 350 and 352 protrude from the outlet end 322 of the valve body 318, away from the flow channel 328.The inlet end locking portions 346 and 348 are releasably interlockable with corresponding locking portions of a waste source to releasably secure the inlet end 320 to the waste source to connect the inlet end 320 to the waste source such that the flow channel 328 is in fluid communication with the waste source through the channel inlet 324. The outlet end locking portions 350 and 352 are releasably interlockable with corresponding waste destination locking portions of a waste destination to releasably secure the outlet end 322 to the waste destination to connect the outlet end 322 to the waste destination such that the flow channel 328 is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the channel outlet 326.In the illustrated embodiment, the locking portions . of the inlet end 346 and 348 can be releasably interlocked with the corresponding waste source locking portions by rotating the downstream valve apparatus 300, relative to the waste source, about an inlet channel axis 354 which is parallel to the flow channel 328 at the channel inlet 324, and the outlet end locking portions 350 and 352 can be releasably interlocked with the corresponding waste destination locking portions by rotating the downstream valve apparatus 300, relative to the waste source, about an outlet channel axis 356 which is parallel to the flow channel 328 at the channel outlet 326. For example, as shown in [Fig.16] and 17, the vacuum pump 296—i.e., the waste source of the downstream valve apparatus 300—includes vacuum pump outlet locking portions 358 and 360 projecting from the vacuum pump 296 to the pump outlet 304. The vacuum pump outlet locking portions 358 and 360 are sized and shaped to slidably receive and releasably lock the inlet end locking portions 346 and 348 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 when the downstream valve apparatus 300 and the vacuum pump 296 are rotated relative to each other about the axis of the inlet channel 354.Thus, the inlet end 320 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 may be removably attached and connected to the vacuum pump 296 at the pump outlet 304 by positioning the inlet end 320 at the pump outlet 304 and rotating the downstream valve apparatus 300, relative to the vacuum pump 296, about the axis of the inlet channel 354 to slide the inlet end locking portions 346 and 348 against the vacuum pump outlet locking portions 358 and 360, respectively, and removably lock them, as illustrated in [Fig. 17].

[0223] In embodiments where the vehicle waste management system 100 includes the vacuum pump system 294 installed with the waste container 182, the inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 may be releasably interlocked with corresponding locking portions (not shown) on the pump system inlet fitting 216 to releasably secure and connect the inlet end 308 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 to the inlet fitting of the pump system 216, the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 are releasably interlocked with the vacuum pump inlet locking portions 342 and 344 of the vacuum pump 296 to releasably secure and connect the outlet end 310 of the upstream valve device 298 at the inlet of the pump 302,the inlet end locking portions 346 and 348 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 are releasably locked with the locking portions of , vacuum pump outlet 358 and 360 of vacuum pump 296 for releasably attaching and connecting the inlet end 320 of downstream valve apparatus 300 to the pump outlet 304, and the outlet end locking portions 350 and 352 of downstream valve apparatus 300 can be releasably locked with corresponding locking portions (not shown) on pump system outlet fitting 218 for releasably attaching and connecting the outlet end 322 of downstream valve apparatus 300 to the pump system outlet fitting 218. Thus, upstream valve apparatus 298 can be releasably connected and attached to pump system inlet fitting 216 and vacuum pump 296, and downstream valve apparatus 300 can be releasably connected and attached to the vacuum pump 296 and to the pump system outlet connection 218.

[0224] Of course, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the upstream and downstream valve apparatuses 298 and 300 each include two inlet end locking portions (i.e., 330 / 346 and 332 / 348) and two outlet end locking portions (i.e., 334 / 350 and 336 / 352). However, other embodiments may include valve apparatuses with a single inlet end locking portion and / or a single outlet end locking portion, or valve apparatuses with more than two inlet end locking portions and / or more than two outlet end locking portions.Additionally, in some other embodiments, at least one of the locking portions of the inlet / outlet end may protrude into the flow channel of the valve apparatus, rather than away from the flow channel.

[0225] [Figs. 18] and 19 illustrate the upstream valve apparatus 298 in more detail. However, the following explanation and references to [Figs. 18] and 19 are also applicable to the downstream valve apparatus 300, which, as noted above, is generally similar to the upstream valve apparatus 298. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the inlet end 308 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 includes an inlet end mating surface 362 about the inlet of the channel 312, and the outlet end 310 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 includes an outlet end mating surface 364 about the outlet of the channel 314. In general, the inlet end mating surface 362 is configured to engage a corresponding waste source mating surface of a waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 298 when the inlet end 308 is connected to the waste source.Likewise, the outlet end connecting surface 364 is configured to engage a corresponding waste destination connecting surface of a waste destination. of the upstream valve apparatus 298 when the outlet end 310 is connected to the waste destination. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end connection surface 362 may engage a corresponding connection surface (not shown) of the inlet connector of the pump system 216, and the outlet end connection surface 364 engages a corresponding pump inlet connection surface (not shown) of the vacuum pump 296. However, other embodiments may be different. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the inlet end connection surface 362 may engage a corresponding connection surface that is directly on the top wall 192 of the waste container 182.

[0226] The upstream valve apparatus 298 also includes channel inlet seals 366 and 368 placed on the inlet end connection surface 362 around the channel inlet 312, and channel outlet seals 370 and 372 placed on the outlet end connection surface 364 around the channel outlet 314.In general, the inlet seals 366 and 368 are configured to seal an interface between the inlet end connection surface 362 and a corresponding waste source connection surface of a waste source of the upstream valve apparatus 298 when the inlet end connection surface 362 is in contact with the waste source connection surface, and the outlet seals 370 and 372 are configured to seal an interface between the outlet end connection surface 364 and a corresponding waste destination connection surface of a waste destination of the upstream valve apparatus 298 when the outlet end connection surface 364 is in contact with the waste destination connection surface.In the illustrated embodiment, the channel inlet seals 366 and 368 may seal an interface between the inlet end mating surface 362 and the corresponding mating surface of the pump system inlet fitting 216, and the channel outlet seals 370 and 372 may seal an interface between the outlet end mating surface 364 and the corresponding mating surface of the vacuum pump inlet 296. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the inlet seals 366 and 368 and the outlet seals 370 and 372 includes an O-ring. However, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include inlet / outlet seals that include a face seal or other type of mechanical seal.

[0227] The upstream valve apparatus 298 also includes a first check valve 374 and a second check valve 376. The first check valve 374 and the second check valve 376 are retained and secured within the flow channel 316 by the valve body 306. The first check valve 374 and the second check valve 376 are both configured to allow waste to flow in the flow channel 316 in the forward direction 378, from the inlet of the channel 312 to the outlet of the channel 314, and to prevent waste from flowing in the flow channel 316 in the reverse direction 380, from the outlet of the channel 314 to the inlet of the channel 312. Thus, the upstream valve apparatus 298 is generally configured to allow waste to flow from the inlet of the channel 312 to the outlet of the channel 314 (in the forward flow direction 378), and to prevent waste from flowing from the outlet of channel 314 to the inlet of channel 312 (in the reverse flow direction 380).Likewise, the downstream valve apparatus 300 is generally configured to allow waste to flow from the inlet of the channel 324 to the outlet of the channel 326, and to prevent waste from flowing from the outlet of the channel 326 to the inlet of the channel 324. Therefore, when the upstream valve apparatus 298 and the downstream valve apparatus 300 are connected and removably secured to the vacuum pump 296, as illustrated in [Fig.17], such that the flow channel 316 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 296 through the pump inlet 302 and the flow channel 328 of the downstream valve apparatus 300 is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 296 through the pump outlet 304, the upstream valve apparatus 298 generally allows waste to enter the vacuum pump 296 through the pump inlet 302 while preventing waste from exiting the vacuum pump 296 through the pump inlet 302, and the downstream valve apparatus 300 generally allows waste to exit the vacuum pump 296 through the pump outlet 304 while preventing waste from entering the vacuum pump 296 through the pump outlet 304.Therefore, the upstream valve apparatus 298 and the downstream valve apparatus 300 effectively control the direction of flow of waste in the vacuum pump 296 when the vacuum pump 296 circulates the waste in the vacuum pump system 294, generally allowing the waste to flow in a direction from the pump inlet 302 to the pump outlet 304, and generally preventing the waste from flowing in a direction from the pump outlet 304 to the pump inlet 302.Thus, overall, when the vacuum pump 296 circulates the waste material through the vacuum pump system 294, the waste material may circulate through the vacuum pump system 294 by entering the upstream valve apparatus 298 (and thus the vacuum pump system 294) through the channel inlet 312, through the flow channel 316, leaving the upstream valve apparatus 298 through the channel outlet 314, entering the vacuum pump 296 through the pump inlet 302, through the vacuum pump 296, leaving the vacuum pump 296 through the pump outlet 304, entering the downstream valve apparatus 300 through the inlet 302, and exiting the upstream valve apparatus 298 through the flow channel 316. channel 324, passing through flow channel 328, and leaving the downstream valve apparatus 300 (and thus the vacuum pump system 294) through channel outlet 326.

[0228] In the illustrated embodiment, the first check valve 374 and the second check valve 376 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 are both duckbill valves. Also, as shown in [Fig. 19], the first check valve 374 and the second check valve 376 do not overlap in the forward flow direction 378 (and, similarly, do not overlap in the backward flow direction 380). Thus, unlike the first check valve 278 and the second check valve 280 of the embodiment of [Figs. 9]-14, the first check valve 374 and the second check valve 376 are not nested. However, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include other types of check valves instead of or in addition to duckbill valves.Further, in some alternative embodiments, the valve apparatus may include a different number of check valves in the flow channel, for example, a single check valve in the flow channel, or three or more check valves in the flow channel.

[0229] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 306 of the upstream valve apparatus 298 includes valve body portions 382, ​​384, and 386 disposed between the inlet of the channel 312 and the outlet of the channel 314. The valve body portions 382, ​​384, and 386 collectively define the flow channel 316 and retain the first and second check valves 374 and 376 in the flow channel 316. The valve body portion 382 is inseparably attached to the valve body portion 384, which in turn is inseparably attached to the valve body portion 386. In other words, each of the valve body parts 382, ​​384 and 386 is irremovably attached to at least one other valve body part 382, ​​384 and 386, such that the valve body 306 as a whole is irremovably attached. The valve body parts 382, ​​384 and 386 may be attached to each other, for example by plastic welding and / or gluing.Of course, the described embodiment is only an example, and alternative embodiments may be different. For example, in alternative embodiments, the valve body 306 may include a different number of valve body portions secured together in a non-removable manner.

[0230] Generally, the upstream valve apparatus 298, or a similar valve apparatus such as the downstream valve apparatus 300, may be installed on a waste source (such as the inlet connection of the pump system 216 of the waste container 182) by positioning the inlet end 308 at the waste source and rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the waste source, about the axis of the inlet channel 338 to slide the inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 against the corresponding locking portions of the waste source and releasably lock them. The upstream valve apparatus 298 can then be uninstalled from the waste source by rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the waste source, about the axis of the inlet channel 338 to release the lock between the inlet end locking portions 330 and 332 and the corresponding locking portions of the waste source.Similarly, the upstream valve apparatus 298 may be installed on a waste destination (such as the pump inlet 302 of the vacuum pump 296) by positioning the outlet end 310 over the waste destination and rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the waste destination, about the axis of the outlet channel 340 to slide the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 against the corresponding locking portions of the waste destination and releasably lock them. The upstream valve apparatus 298 may then be uninstalled from the waste destination by rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298, relative to the waste destination, about the axis of the outlet channel 340 to release the lock between the outlet end locking portions 334 and 336 and the corresponding locking portions of the waste destination.In other words, installation and deinstallation of the upstream valve apparatus 298, or a similar valve apparatus such as the downstream valve apparatus 300, requires only positioning and rotating the upstream valve apparatus 298 via the twist-lock attachment mechanism. Thus, valve apparatuses such as the upstream valve apparatus 298 and the downstream valve apparatus 300 described herein can simplify maintenance (e.g., valve replacement) of waste management systems such as the waste management system 100.

[0231] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 17, when installed on the waste container 182 (e.g., as illustrated in [Fig. 9] and 10), the vacuum pump system 183 or 294 is generally capable of circulating waste and other fluids, including, for example, air, from the vacuum chamber 202 to the main chamber 198. Thus, if the upper inlet of the vacuum chamber 204 is sealed (e.g., by a valve) or is in fluid communication via the inlet pipe 214 with a sealed environment (e.g., the plumbing of a toilet and / or sink), the vacuum pump system 183 or 294 is capable of purging or evacuating the vacuum chamber 202 to create a vacuum charge in the vacuum chamber 202.When the waste container 182 and the vacuum pump system 183 or 294 are installed on the watercraft 102 and the inlet hose 214 is in communication with a waste source such as a toilet and / or sink on board the watercraft 102, such a vacuum charge in the vacuum chamber 202 can be used to vacuum. waste and / or other fluids from the toilet or sink into the vacuum chamber 202. For example, if the inlet pipe 214 is in fluid communication with the plumbing of a toilet, and the plumbing is removably sealed between the toilet and the inlet pipe 214 to allow a vacuum charge to build up in the vacuum chamber 202, when a user flushes the toilet, the seal can be temporarily disengaged so that the vacuum charge can draw all of the waste from the toilet into the vacuum chamber 202. The vacuum pump system 183 or 294 can then transfer this additional waste from the vacuum chamber 202 to the main chamber 198 and (once the removably sealed piping has been reengaged) can again increase the vacuum charge in the vacuum chamber 202 for later use.

[0232] The following non-limiting examples illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Example#l#: Dye dispersion test

[0233] In this example, a dye was used to evaluate fluid dispersion during tipping motion in waste containers similar to waste container 104 of the embodiment of [Fig. 2] to 8, having different configurations of protrusions similar to protrusions 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172 and 174. More specifically, dye dispersion during tipping motion was evaluated in waste containers having:

[0234] a) no projection (control);

[0235] b) parallel projections spaced apart from each other at a fixed spacing of 2 inches and a depth of 1.25 inches;

[0236] c) parallel projections spaced apart from each other at a fixed spacing of one inch and a depth of 1.25 inches;

[0237] d) parallel projections spaced apart from each other at a fixed spacing of 1 inch and having alternating depths of 0.5 and 1.25 inches;

[0238] e) parallel projections spaced apart from each other at a fixed spacing of 2 inches and a depth of 0.5 inches; and

[0239] f) parallel projections spaced one inch apart and 0.5 inches deep.

[0240] In each case, a dye was added to the waste container, the tilting motion of the waste container was initiated, and the time required for complete dispersion of the dye was measured. The results of these measurements are summarized in Table 1.

[0241] Table 1. Time for complete dispersion of the dye during the tilting movement Waste Container Configuration Time to Complete Dispersion (sec) No Protrusions (Control) 91 1.25" Protrusions, 2" Spacing 15.25 1.25" Protrusions, 1" Spacing 12.5 1.25" Protrusions, 1" Spacing 15 0.5" Protrusions, 2" Spacing 30.5 0.5" Protrusions, 1" Spacing 32.75

[0242] As shown in Table 1, without protrusion (control configuration), complete dispersion takes approximately one and a half minutes, whereas with 1.25 inch protrusions, complete dispersion takes only 12 to 15 seconds. This represents an approximately 80% reduction in the time required to complete dispersion.

[0243] The effect of decreasing the protrusion spacing, and thus increasing the protrusion density, is less pronounced. Moving from 2 inches to 1 inch spacing, representing a doubling of the total number of protrusions, provided only a limited increase in efficiency for a significant increase in material usage, tooling cost, and production complexity. However, increasing the protrusion depth from 0.5 inches to 1.25 inches resulted in a much greater increase in turbulent flow, dispersion, and mixing of the fluid in the reservoir. Example#!#: Solids Decomposition Test

[0244] In this example, mixtures of water and macerated marine toilet tissue were used to evaluate and compare the suspended solids dispersal capabilities during movement in a waste container without a protrusion (control) and in a waste container having parallel protrusions spaced apart by a fixed spacing of 2 inches and a depth of 1.25 inches. In each case, the mixture was added to the corresponding container and allowed to reach equilibrium, with the macerated toilet tissue settling to the bottom of the container. Then, the container was subjected to a rocking and oscillating motion, and the behavior of the mixture therein was recorded. In the control container without a protrusion, little or no movement of the macerated toilet tissue was observed, and it remained at the bottom of the container for the duration of the test (approximately 112 minutes).Conversely, in the container with 1.25-inch protrusions spaced 2 inches apart, it was observed that after one minute of agitation, the macerated toilet paper had completely dispersed throughout the container and was suspended in the water. The mixture remained in this state until the end of the test. It was also observed that the turbulent flow created between each projection appeared to create a mixing action, which appeared to resuspend the solids previously suspended at the bottom of the container when the rocking motion was applied.

[0245] These results appear to show that, compared to a waste container having no projections, a waste container having projections such as projections 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, and 174 of the waste container 104 of the embodiment of [Fig. 2] through 8 increases the dispersion of suspended solids in the container and prevents the settling of semi-suspended solids. Clauses

[0246] This disclosure includes, but is not limited to, the following clauses, which may be combined with other elements of this specification.

[0247] 1. A waste container for use on a vehicle, the waste container including:

[0248] at least one wall comprising an interior surface defining a chamber for containing waste; and

[0249] a plurality of projections projecting from the interior surface of the at least one wall toward the interior of the chamber.

[0250] 2. The waste container of clause 1 wherein the projections are configured to disrupt the flow of waste into the chamber when the movement of the vehicle causes the waste in the chamber to move.

[0251] 3. Waste container according to clause 2 in which the projections are configured to generate turbulence in the chamber waste when the movement of the vehicle causes the waste to move in the chamber.

[0252] 4. Waste container according to clause 2 or 3 in which the projections are configured to break up solids in the waste in the chamber as the movement of the vehicle causes the waste to move in the chamber.

[0253] 5. Waste container according to clause 2, 3 or 4 in which the projections are configured to disperse waste particles in the chamber when the movement of the vehicle causes the waste to move in the chamber.

[0254] 6. A waste container according to any one of clauses 2 to 5, wherein the vehicle movement includes vehicle tilt.

[0255] 7. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein at least at least one of the plurality of protrusions extends along the interior surface without contacting another of the plurality of protrusions.

[0256] 8. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein each projections extend along the interior surface without contacting another of the plurality of projections.

[0257] 9. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein at least at least some of the plurality of projections extend parallel to the interior surface.

[0258] 10. Waste container according to clause 9, wherein the adjacent parts of the a plurality of projections along the inner surface, which extend parallel to each other along the inner surface, are spaced apart from each other at a fixed projection spacing in a spacing direction along the inner surface, the spacing direction being perpendicular to an extension direction along the inner surface of adjacent portions of the plurality of projections.

[0259] 11. A waste container according to clause 10, wherein the spacing between the projections is at most 1 inch.

[0260] 12. A waste container according to clause 10, wherein the spacing between the projections is about 1 inch.

[0261] 13. A waste container according to clause 10, wherein the spacing between the projections is at least 1 inch.

[0262] 14. A waste container according to clause 10 or 13, wherein the spacing between the projections are no more than 2 inches.

[0263] 15. A waste container according to clause 10, wherein the spacing between the projections is about 2 inches.

[0264] 16. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein each of the plurality of projections extends along the interior surface in a substantially vertical direction when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0265] 17. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of projections projects from a respective portion of the interior surface in a respective projection direction generally perpendicular or perpendicular to the respective portion of the interior surface.

[0266] 18. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein at least at least a portion of each projection of the plurality of projections protrudes at least 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0267] 19. A waste container according to clause 18, wherein all projections of the plurality of projections protrude at least 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0268] 20. Waste container according to one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein at least one portion of each projection of the plurality of projections protrudes about 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0269] 21. Waste container according to clause 20, in which all projections of the plurality of projections protrude about 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0270] 22. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein at least at least a portion of each projection of the plurality of projections protrudes at least 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0271] 23. A waste container according to clause 22, wherein all projections of the plurality of projections protrude at least 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0272] 24. Waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, 22 or 23, in wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of projections protrudes about 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0273] 25. A waste container according to clause 24, wherein all projections of the plurality of projections protrude approximately 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0274] 26. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein each projection of the plurality of projections protrudes no more than 0.5 inches from the interior surface.

[0275] 27. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein each projection of the plurality of projections protrudes no more than 1.25 inches from the interior surface.

[0276] 28. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 27, wherein the at least one wall further defines at least one opening into the chamber for conveying waste into and out of the chamber.

[0277] 29. A waste container according to clause 28, wherein the at least one opening can be closed.

[0278] 30. Waste container according to clause 28 or 29 in which at least one of the openings are located at the top or bottom of the chamber when the bin is installed on the vehicle.

[0279] 31. Waste container according to clause 28, 29 or 30 in which the at least one opening includes:

[0280] at least one inlet for receiving waste into the chamber; and

[0281] at least one outlet for removing waste from the chamber.

[0282] 32. Waste container according to clause 31, when dependent on clause 30, in wherein the at least one outlet comprises a lower outlet positioned to be at the bottom of the chamber when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0283] 33. A waste container according to clause 32 further comprising a valve allowing to reversibly close the lower exit.

[0284] 34. A waste container according to clause 33, wherein the valve is a tap ball valve.

[0285] 35. Waste container according to clause 32, 33 or 34, in which the lower outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a shutoff valve on the vehicle shell when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0286] 36. Waste container according to clause 31, when it depends on clause 30, or of one of clauses 32 to 35, wherein the at least one outlet comprises a top outlet positioned to be at the top of the chamber when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0287] 37. Waste container according to clause 36 further comprising a dip tube extending from the upper outlet into the chamber, the dip tube being in fluid communication with the upper outlet and the chamber.

[0288] 38. Waste container according to clause 36 or 37, in which the upper outlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a vehicle drain fitting when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0289] 39. Waste container according to clause 31, when it depends on clause 30, or of one of clauses 32 to 38, wherein the at least one inlet comprises a top inlet positioned to be at the top of the chamber when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0290] 40. A waste container according to any one of clauses 31 to 39, wherein the at least one inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a restroom on board the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0291] 41. A waste container according to any one of clauses 31 to 40, wherein the at at least one inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with a sink on board the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0292] 42. A waste container according to any one of clauses 31 to 41, wherein the at at least one inlet is configured to be in fluid communication with an on-board shower of the vehicle when the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0293] 43. A waste container according to any one of clauses 31 to 42, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions extends along at least a portion of the interior surface between one of the at least one inlet and one of the at least one outlet.

[0294] 44. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 43, wherein at least at least one wall includes several walls.

[0295] 45. A waste container according to clause 44, wherein at least some of the walls are parallel to each other.

[0296] 46. Waste container according to clause 44 or 45, wherein at least one of the a plurality of projections protruding from each of the plurality of walls.

[0297] 47. A waste container according to clause 44 or 45, wherein none of the plurality of projections does not protrude from at least one of the plurality of walls.

[0298] 48. A waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 47, wherein the vehicle is a marine vehicle.

[0299] 49. Waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 48 installed on the vehicle.

[0300] 50. Method of manufacturing the waste container according to any one of the clauses 1 to 48, the method comprising molding the at least one wall with the plurality of projections.

[0301] 51. Method of manufacturing the waste container according to any one of the clauses 1 to 48, the method comprising:

[0302] molding the at least one wall; and

[0303] securing the plurality of projections to the interior surface.

[0304] 52. A method according to clause 50 or 51 wherein the molding of the at least one wall includes rotational molding of the at least one wall.

[0305] 53. A method according to clause 50, 51 or 52 wherein the molding of at least one wall includes injection molding of at least one wall.

[0306] 54. System comprising:

[0307] the waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 48; and

[0308] the vehicle,

[0309] in which the waste container is installed on the vehicle.

[0310] 55. Use of the waste container according to any of clauses 1 to 48 for waste management on the vehicle.

[0311] 56. Valve apparatus for controlling the flow of waste into or out of a container waste, the valve device comprising:

[0312] a non-removable valve body defining a flow channel for conveying waste, the flow channel comprising a channel inlet for receiving waste into the flow channel and a channel outlet for discharging waste from the flow channel; and

[0313] at least one check valve secured in the flow channel, the check valve being configured to:

[0314] allowing waste to flow through the flow channel in a forward direction from the channel inlet to the channel outlet; and

[0315] preventing waste from flowing into the flow channel in the opposite direction from the channel outlet to the channel inlet.

[0316] 57. Valve apparatus according to clause 56 for use with a pump for control the flow of waste into or out of the waste container.

[0317] 58. Valve apparatus according to clause 57, wherein the pump comprises a empty.

[0318] 59. Valve apparatus according to clause 56, 57 or 58 in which the valve body includes an inlet end defining the inlet of the channel, the inlet end being connectable to a waste source to cause the flow channel to be in fluid communication with the waste source through the inlet of the channel.

[0319] 60. Valve apparatus according to clause 59 further comprising an inlet collar channel capable of removably attaching the inlet end to the waste source to connect the inlet end to the waste source such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source through the inlet of the channel.

[0320] 61. Valve apparatus according to clause 59 or 60, wherein the inlet end includes at least one inlet end locking portion, the at least one inlet end locking portion releasably interlockable with a corresponding waste source locking portion of the waste source to releasably secure the inlet end to the waste source to connect the inlet end to the waste source such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source via the inlet of the channel.

[0321] 62. Valve apparatus according to clause 61, wherein the locking portion of at least the inlet end is removably locked with the locking portion of the waste source by rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste source.

[0322] 63. Valve apparatus according to clause 62 wherein rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste source is done around an inlet channel axis parallel to the flow channel at the channel inlet.

[0323] 64. Valve apparatus according to clause 61, 62 or 63 in which at least one part inlet end locking protrudes from the valve body at the inlet end.

[0324] 65. Valve apparatus according to clause 64, wherein at least a portion of The inlet end lock protrudes from the valve body, away from the flow channel.

[0325] 66. Valve apparatus according to any of clauses 59 to 65 wherein the inlet end includes an inlet end connecting surface around the inlet of the channel, the inlet end connecting surface configured to engage a corresponding waste source connecting surface of the waste source when the inlet end is connected to the waste source so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source via the inlet of the channel.

[0326] 67. Valve apparatus according to clause 66 further comprising an inlet seal of channel disposed on the inlet end mating surface around the channel inlet, the channel inlet seal configured to seal an interface between the inlet end mating surface and the waste source mating surface when the inlet end mating surface is engaged with the waste source mating surface.

[0327] 68. Valve apparatus according to clause 67, wherein the channel inlet seal includes a face seal.

[0328] 69. Valve apparatus according to clause 67 or 68, wherein the channel inlet seal includes an O-ring.

[0329] 70. Valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 59 to 69, wherein the waste source includes the waste container.

[0330] 71. Valve apparatus according to any of clauses 59 to 69 when they depend directly or indirectly on clause 57, in which the waste source includes the vacuum pump.

[0331] 72. Valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 56 to 71, wherein the The valve body includes an outlet end defining the outlet of the channel, the outlet end being connectable to a waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the outlet of the channel.

[0332] 73. Valve apparatus according to clause 72 further comprising an outlet collar of channel capable of removably attaching the outlet end to the waste destination to connect the outlet end to the waste destination so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the channel outlet.

[0333] 74. Valve apparatus according to clause 72 or 73 in which the outlet end comprises at least one outlet end locking portion, the at least one outlet end locking portion being releasably interlockable with a corresponding waste destination locking portion of the waste destination to releasably secure the outlet end to the waste destination to connect the outlet end to the waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the channel outlet.

[0334] 75. Valve apparatus according to clause 74, wherein the at least part of outlet end lock is removably locked with the waste destination locking portion by rotating the valve device relative to the waste destination.

[0335] 76. Valve apparatus according to clause 75, wherein rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination is done around an outlet channel axis parallel to the flow channel at the channel outlet.

[0336] 77. Valve apparatus according to clause 74, 75 or 76 in which at least one part outlet end locking protrudes from the valve body at the outlet end.

[0337] 78. Valve apparatus according to clause 77, wherein at least a portion of outlet end lock protrudes from the valve body, away from the flow channel.

[0338] 79. Valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 72 to 78, wherein the outlet end includes an outlet end connecting surface around the outlet of the channel, the outlet end connecting surface being configured to mate with a corresponding waste destination connecting surface of the waste destination when the outlet end is connected to the waste destination so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the outlet of the channel.

[0339] 80. Valve apparatus according to clause 79 further comprising an outlet seal of channel disposed on the outlet end mating surface around the channel outlet, the channel outlet seal configured to seal an interface between the outlet end mating surface and the waste destination mating surface when the outlet end mating surface is engaged with the waste destination mating surface.

[0340] 81. Valve apparatus according to clause 80, wherein the channel outlet seal includes a face seal.

[0341] 82. Valve apparatus according to clause 80 or 81 in which the channel outlet seal includes an O-ring.

[0342] 83. Valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 72 to 82, wherein the waste destination includes the waste container.

[0343] 84. Valve apparatus according to one of clauses 72 to 82 when it depends directly or indirectly from clause 57, in which the destination of the waste includes the vacuum pump.

[0344] 85. Valve apparatus according to any of clauses 56 to 84, wherein the valve body comprises a plurality of valve body portions between the inlet and the outlet of the channel, the plurality of valve body portions collectively defining the flow channel, each valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions being attached to at least one other valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions.

[0345] 86. Valve apparatus according to clause 85, wherein at least two of the parts of the valve body of the plurality of valve body parts are fixed together by plastic welding.

[0346] 87. Valve apparatus according to clause 85 or 86 in which at least two of the parts of valve body of the plurality of valve body parts are fixed together by glue.

[0347] 88. Valve apparatus according to clause 85, 86 or 87 wherein at least part of the valve body of the plurality of valve body parts retains the check valve.

[0348] 89. Valve apparatus according to one of clauses 56 to 88, wherein the at least one valve non-return valve includes at least one duckbill valve.

[0349] 90. Valve apparatus according to clause 89, wherein at least one nose valve duckbill includes a first duckbill valve and a second duckbill valve.

[0350] 91. Valve apparatus according to clause 90, wherein the first nose valve duck and the second duckbill valve do not overlap in the forward flow direction.

[0351] 92. Valve apparatus according to clause 90 wherein at least a portion of the first duckbill valve is received in the second duckbill valve.

[0352] 93. Valve apparatus according to clause 92, wherein the first nose valve duck is nested in the second duckbill valve.

[0353] 94. Valve apparatus according to any of clauses 56 to 93 for controlling the flow of waste into or out of the waste container under any of clauses 1 to 48.

[0354] 95. Method of installing the valve apparatus according to clause 60 or according to one of any of clauses 61 to 93 where they depend directly or indirectly on clause 60 at the waste source, the process consisting of:

[0355] causing the channel inlet collar to secure the inlet end to the waste source.

[0356] 96. Method of installing valve apparatus according to clause 62 or 63 or one of any of clauses 64 to 93 where they depend directly or indirectly on clause 62 at the waste source, the process consisting of:

[0357] rotating the valve apparatus relative to the waste source to interlock the inlet end interlock portion at least once with the waste source interlock portion.

[0358] 97. Method of installing the valve apparatus according to clause 73 or according to one of any of clauses 74 to 93 when they depend directly or indirectly on clause 73 at the destination of the waste, the process consisting of:

[0359] bring the channel outlet collar to secure the outlet end to the waste destination.

[0360] 98. Method of installing the valve apparatus according to clause 75 or 76 or according to one of any of clauses 77 to 93 when they depend directly or indirectly on clause 75 at the destination of the waste, the process consisting of:

[0361] rotating the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination to lock the at least one locking portion of the outlet end with the locking portion of the waste destination.

[0362] 99. System comprising:

[0363] the valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 56 to 93; and

[0364] the waste container,

[0365] in which:

[0366] the waste container comprises at least one wall having an interior surface defining a chamber for containing the waste; and

[0367] the flow channel of the valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container.

[0368] 100. The system of claim 99, wherein:

[0369] the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container outlet for discharging waste from the waste container; and

[0370] the flow channel of the valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the outlet of the waste container and through the inlet of the channel of the valve apparatus.

[0371] 101. System according to clause 100 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 59, wherein the inlet end of the valve apparatus is connected to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0372] 102. System according to clause 101 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 60, wherein the inlet collar of the valve apparatus channel removably secures the inlet end of the valve apparatus to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0373] 103. System according to clause 101 or 102 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 61, wherein the waste container further comprises at least one waste container outlet locking portion at the container outlet, the at least one waste container outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the at least one valve apparatus inlet end locking portion for releasably securing the valve apparatus inlet end to the waste container at the waste container outlet.

[0374] 104. System according to clause 101, 102 or 103 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 66, wherein the connecting surface of the inlet end of the valve apparatus engages in a corresponding outlet connecting surface of the waste container.

[0375] 105. System according to clause 104 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 67, wherein the inlet seal of the valve apparatus channel seals an interface between the mating surface of the inlet end of the valve apparatus and the mating surface of the outlet of the waste container.

[0376] 106. The system of claim 99, wherein:

[0377] the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container inlet for receiving waste into the waste container; and

[0378] the flow channel of the valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the waste container through the inlet of the waste container and through the outlet of the channel of the valve apparatus.

[0379] 107. System according to clause 106 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 72, wherein the outlet end of the valve apparatus is connected to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0380] 108. System according to clause 107 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 73, wherein the outlet collar of the valve apparatus channel removably secures the outlet end of the valve apparatus to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0381] 109. System according to clause 107 or 108 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 74, wherein the waste container further comprises at least one waste container inlet locking portion at the container inlet, the at least one waste container inlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the at least one valve apparatus outlet end locking portion for releasably securing the valve apparatus outlet end to the waste container at the waste container inlet.

[0382] 110. System according to clause 107, 108 or 109 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 79, wherein the connecting surface of the outlet end of the valve apparatus engages in a corresponding inlet connecting surface of the waste container.

[0383] 111. System according to clause 110 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 80, wherein the outlet seal of the valve apparatus channel seals an interface between the mating surface of the outlet end of the valve apparatus and the mating surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0384] 112. A system according to any one of clauses 99 to 111, wherein the container to waste includes the waste container according to any of clauses 1 to 48.

[0385] 113. Vacuum pump system for controlling the flow of waste into or out of a waste container, the vacuum pump system comprising:

[0386] a vacuum pump operable to circulate the waste, the vacuum pump defining a pump inlet for receiving the waste into the vacuum pump and a pump outlet for discharging the waste from the vacuum pump; and

[0387] a first apparatus among the valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 56 to 93.

[0388] wherein the flow channel of the first valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump.

[0389] 114. A vacuum pump system according to clause 113 wherein the flow channel of the first valve device is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump through the outlet of the vacuum pump and through the inlet of the channel of the first valve device.

[0390] 115. Vacuum pump system according to clause 114 when it depends directly or indirectly from clause 59, wherein the inlet end of the first valve apparatus is connected to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0391] 116. Vacuum pump system according to clause 115 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 60, wherein the inlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus removably secures the inlet end of the first valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0392] 117. Vacuum pump system according to clause 115 or 116 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 61, wherein the vacuum pump further comprises at least one vacuum pump outlet locking portion at the pump outlet, the vacuum pump outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the first valve apparatus inlet end locking portion for releasably securing the first valve apparatus inlet end to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump outlet.

[0393] 118. Vacuum pump system according to clause 115, 116 or 117 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 66, wherein the inlet end connection surface of the first valve apparatus engages a corresponding pump outlet connection surface of the vacuum pump.

[0394] 119. Vacuum pump system according to clause 118 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 67, wherein the inlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus seals an interface between the mating surface of the inlet end of the first valve apparatus and the mating surface of the pump outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0395] 120. A vacuum pump system according to clause 113 wherein the flow channel of the first valve device is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump through the inlet of the vacuum pump and through the outlet of the channel of the first valve device.

[0396] 121. Vacuum pump system according to clause 120 when it depends directly or indirectly from clause 72, wherein the outlet end of the first valve apparatus is connected to the vacuum pump at the inlet of the vacuum pump.

[0397] 122. Vacuum pump system according to clause 121 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 73, wherein the outlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus removably secures the outlet end of the first valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the inlet of the vacuum pump.

[0398] 123. Vacuum pump system according to clause 121 or 122 when it depends directly or indirectly from clause 74, wherein the vacuum pump further comprises at least one locking portion of the vacuum pump inlet to the pump inlet, the at least one locking portion of the vacuum pump inlet being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the at least one locking portion of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus for releasably securing the outlet end of the first valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump inlet.

[0399] 124. Vacuum pump system according to clause 121, 122 or 123 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 79, wherein the connecting surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus engages a corresponding pump inlet connecting surface of the vacuum pump.

[0400] 125. Vacuum pump system according to clause 124 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 80, wherein the outlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus seals an interface between the mating surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus and the mating surface of the pump inlet of the vacuum pump.

[0401] 126. Vacuum pump system according to any of clauses 120 to 125 further comprising a second valve apparatus according to any one of clauses 56 to 93, wherein the flow channel of the second valve apparatus is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump via the outlet of the vacuum pump and via the inlet of the channel of the second valve apparatus.

[0402] 127. Vacuum pump system according to clause 126 when it depends directly or indirectly from clause 59, wherein the inlet end of the second valve apparatus is connected to the vacuum pump at the outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0403] 128. Vacuum pump system according to clause 127 when it depends directly or indirectly from clause 60, in which the inlet collar of the channel of the second valve apparatus removably attaches the inlet end of the second valve apparatus to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump outlet.

[0404] 129. Vacuum pump system according to clause 128 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 61, wherein the vacuum pump further comprises at least one vacuum pump outlet locking portion at the pump outlet, the at least one vacuum pump outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one second valve apparatus inlet end locking portion for releasably securing the second valve apparatus inlet end to the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump outlet.

[0405] 130. Vacuum pump system according to clause 127, 128 or 129 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 66, wherein the inlet end connection surface of the second valve apparatus engages a corresponding pump outlet connection surface of the vacuum pump.

[0406] 131. Vacuum pump system according to clause 130, when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 67, wherein the inlet seal of the channel of the second valve apparatus seals an interface between the connecting surface of the inlet end of the second valve apparatus and the connecting surface of the pump outlet of the vacuum pump.

[0407] 132. Vacuum pump system according to any of clauses 113 to 131 for control the flow of waste into or out of the waste container under any of clauses 1 to 48.

[0408] 133. System comprising:

[0409] the vacuum pump system according to any one of claims 113 to 131, and

[0410] the waste container,

[0411] in which:

[0412] the waste container comprises at least one wall having an interior surface defining a chamber for containing the waste; and

[0413] the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the waste container chamber.

[0414] 134. A system according to clause 133 wherein the flow channel of the first The valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the waste container chamber.

[0415] 135. System according to clause 134 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 114, in which:

[0416] the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container inlet for receiving waste into the waste container; and

[0417] the flow channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the inlet of the waste container and through the outlet of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system.

[0418] 136. System according to clause 135 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 72, wherein the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is connected to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0419] 137. System according to clause 136 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 73, wherein the outlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system removably secures the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0420] 138. System according to clause 136 or 137 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 74, wherein the waste container further comprises at least one waste container inlet locking portion at the container inlet, the at least one waste container inlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of at least one outlet end locking portion of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus for releasably securing the outlet end of the first valve apparatus to the waste container at the waste container inlet.

[0421] 139. System according to clause 136, 137 or 138 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 79, wherein the connecting surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system engages in a corresponding inlet connecting surface of the waste container.

[0422] 140. System according to clause 139 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 80, wherein the outlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system seals an interface between the connecting surface of the outlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system and the connecting surface of the inlet of the waste container.

[0423] 141. System according to clause 134 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 120, in which:

[0424] the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container outlet for receiving waste in the waste container; and

[0425] the flow channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the outlet of the waste container and through the inlet of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system.

[0426] 142. System according to clause 141 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 59, wherein the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is connected to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0427] 143. System according to clause 142 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 60, wherein the inlet collar of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system removably secures the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system to the waste container at the outlet of the waste container.

[0428] 144. System according to clause 142 or 143 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 61, wherein the waste container further comprises at least one waste container outlet locking portion at the container outlet, the at least one waste container outlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the first valve apparatus inlet end locking portion for releasably securing the first valve apparatus inlet end to the waste container at the waste container outlet.

[0429] 145. System of clause 142, 143 or 144 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 66, wherein the connecting surface of the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system engages in an outlet connecting surface of the corresponding container of the waste container.

[0430] 146. System according to clause 145 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 67, wherein the inlet seal of the channel of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system seals an interface between the connecting surface of the inlet end of the first valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system and the outlet connecting surface of the waste container.

[0431] 147. System according to clause 133 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 126, in which:

[0432] the at least one wall of the waste container defines a container inlet for receiving waste into the waste container; and

[0433] the flow channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is in fluid communication with the chamber of the waste container through the inlet of the waste container and through the outlet of the channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system.

[0434] 148. System according to clause 147 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 72, wherein the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system is connected to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0435] 149. System according to clause 148 when it depends directly or indirectly on clause 73, wherein the outlet collar of the channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system removably secures the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system to the waste container at the inlet of the waste container.

[0436] 150. System according to clause 148 or 149 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 74, wherein the waste container further comprises at least one waste container inlet locking portion at the container inlet, the at least one waste container inlet locking portion being releasably locked with a corresponding portion of the at least one second valve apparatus outlet end locking portion for releasably securing the outlet end of the second valve apparatus to the waste container at the waste container inlet.

[0437] 151. System according to clause 148, 149 or 150 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 79, wherein the connecting surface of the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system engages in a corresponding inlet connecting surface of the waste container.

[0438] 152. System according to clause 151 when it depends directly or indirectly of clause 80, wherein the outlet seal of the channel of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system seals an interface between the connecting surface of the outlet end of the second valve apparatus of the vacuum pump system and the inlet connecting surface of the waste container.

[0439] 153. A system according to any one of clauses 133 to 152, wherein the container waste container includes the waste container according to any of clauses 1 to 48.

[0440] 154. Kit including:

[0441] the waste container according to any one of clauses 1 to 48; and

[0442] at least one of the valve apparatuses according to any one of clauses 56 to 93.

[0443] 155. Kit according to clause 154 further comprising a pump.

[0444] 156. A kit according to clause 155, wherein the pump comprises a vacuum pump.

[0445] 157. A kit according to clause 155 or 156 wherein the at least one of the valve devices according to any of clauses 56 to 93 includes at least two of the valve apparatus according to any of clauses 56 to 93.

[0446] Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, these embodiments should be considered purely illustrative and in no way limiting of the invention as interpreted according to the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A valve apparatus for controlling the flow of waste into or out of a waste container, the valve apparatus comprising: a non-dismountable valve body defining a flow channel for conveying the waste, the flow channel comprising a channel inlet for receiving the waste into the flow channel and a channel outlet for discharging the waste from the flow channel; and at least one check valve secured in the flow channel, the check valve configured to: allow the waste to flow through the flow channel in a forward direction from the channel inlet to the channel outlet; and prevent the waste from flowing through the flow channel in a reverse direction from the channel outlet to the channel inlet.

2. The valve apparatus of claim 1 wherein the valve body includes an inlet end defining the inlet of the channel, the inlet end connectable to a waste source to cause the flow channel to be in fluid communication with the waste source through the inlet of the channel.

3. The valve apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inlet end comprises at least one inlet end locking portion, the at least one inlet end locking portion being releasably interlockable with a corresponding waste source locking portion to releasably secure the inlet end to the waste source to connect the inlet end to the waste source such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source via the channel inlet.

4. The valve apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one locking portion of the inlet end is releasably locked with the locking portion of the waste source by rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste source.

5. A valve apparatus according to claim 4 wherein rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste source is about of an inlet channel axis parallel to the flow channel at the channel inlet.

6. A valve apparatus according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein at least one locking portion of the inlet end projects from the valve body at the inlet end.

7. A valve apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one locking portion of the inlet end projects from the valve body away from the flow channel.

8. The valve apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the inlet end comprises an inlet end connecting surface around the inlet of the channel, the inlet end connecting surface being configured to engage a corresponding waste source connecting surface of the waste source when the inlet end is connected to the waste source so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste source via the inlet of the channel.

9. A valve apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve body comprises an outlet end defining the outlet of the channel, the outlet end being connectable to a waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination through the outlet of the channel.

10. The valve apparatus of claim 9, wherein the outlet end comprises at least one outlet end locking portion, the at least one outlet end locking portion being releasably interlockable with a corresponding waste destination locking portion of the waste destination to releasably secure the outlet end to the waste destination to connect the outlet end to the waste destination such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the channel outlet.

11. The valve apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one locking portion of the outlet end is releasably locked with the locking portion of the waste destination by rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination.

12. A valve apparatus according to claim 11, wherein rotation of the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination is about an outlet channel axis parallel to the flow channel at the outlet of the channel.

13. A valve apparatus according to claims 10, 11 or 12 wherein at least one locking portion of the outlet end projects from the valve body at the outlet end.

14. The valve apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least one locking portion of the outlet end projects from the valve body away from the flow channel.

15. The valve apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the outlet end comprises an outlet end connecting surface around the outlet of the channel, the outlet end connecting surface being configured to engage a corresponding waste destination connecting surface of the waste destination when the outlet end is connected to the waste destination so that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the waste destination via the outlet of the channel.

16. The valve apparatus of one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the valve body comprises a plurality of valve body portions between the inlet and the outlet of the channel, the plurality of valve body portions collectively defining the flow channel, each valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions being attached to at least one other valve body portion of the plurality of valve body portions.

17. The valve apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least two of the plurality of valve body parts are secured together by plastic welding.

18. A valve apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the at least one check valve comprises at least one duckbill valve.

19. A method of installing the valve apparatus of claim 4 or 5 or any one of claims 6 to 18 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 4 at the waste source, the method comprising: rotating the valve apparatus relative to the waste source to interlock the inlet end interlock portion at least once with the waste source interlock portion.

20. A method of installing the valve apparatus of claim 11 or 12 or any of claims 13 to 18 when dependent directly or indirectly on claim 11 at the waste destination, the method comprising: rotating the valve apparatus relative to the waste destination to lock the at least one locking portion of the outlet end with the locking portion of the waste destination.

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