Waste collection and disposal system for toilets

Abstract

A waste collection and disposal unit comprising a tank (20), a float switch detection system (70), and a macerator pump (130). The tank contains a profiled and sloped floor (22), a front section (30), a rear section (34), two side sections (38), and a cover. A surface of the floor (24) slopes downward from below the float switch detection system to below the pump. [Fig. 3] Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Waste collection and disposal system for toilets Background of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-contained fluid and waste collection and disposal system for toilets.

[0002] This is intended to present the various aspects of the art that may be related to the present inventions, which are described below. This discussion is deemed useful to provide background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present inventions. Accordingly, these statements should be read in that sense but not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Floor level waste collection and disposal units for toilets have utility for bathrooms in locations that are not readily modified for use with below-floor piping commonly used with plumbing fixtures. For example, such units are particularly useful when a bathroom is being added to an existing basement or on an existing concrete slab. Because of the difficulty of construction as well as the expense associated with installing below-grade bathroom piping in these circumstances, these self-contained floor level bathroom installations, along with the piping used therewith, are necessarily located above the grade or concrete slab.

[0004] Some self-contained floor-level bathroom waste collection and disposal units for toilets include a conventional toilet, attached on top of a floor-level tank for receiving waste from the toilet. While such self-contained floor-level toilet installations can be useful, there are certain inherent disadvantages due to the need for the toilet to be located above floor level on top of the waste collection tank.

[0005] In contrast, an example of a waste collection and disposal system, which is positioned behind the toilet, is the QWIK JON® ULTIMA Model 202 macerator system, which is designed and sold by Zoeller Pump Company, LLC, Louisville, Kentucky. This system is a freestanding or built-in installation designed to accommodate a toilet, a lavatory, sinks and / or a shower, which uses a macerator pump with a horsepower of / 2.

[0006] Other waste collection and disposal systems, which are located behind the toilet, are known in the art. Some of these systems use a bowl of A specifically designed toilet containing a rear waste outlet located in a position that is considerably higher than that used by conventional rear-flushing toilets. This added height of the waste outlet increases the volume of waste that can be received in the waste collection tank during each flush cycle. The pump for such a system, which is used to remove waste from the waste collection tank, is a conventional macerator pump, which pumps waste through the waste pipework without further waste treatment. Given the significant number of different components in this system and the placement of these components, it is often difficult and time-consuming to make repairs to this system. In addition, it can be a challenge for a technician to gain access to one component of this system without moving other components during maintenance.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved floor-level bathroom waste collection and disposal tank that works efficiently with a rear-exit toilet. There is a further need for a specially designed floor-level waste disposal tank that promotes the flow of bathroom waste from an inlet opening in the tank to a grinding and pumping system for grinding the bathroom waste before discharging it to an external facility.

[0008] There is also a need for a floor level waste disposal tank for receiving waste from rear outlet toilets that is both lightweight and mechanically robust, yet contains handling features that allow for easy transportation, installation, and repair.

[0009] There is also a need for a floor level waste disposal system that has high efficiency in handling waste, containing a grinder system with a cutting device and cutting blades, which efficiently grinds the waste contained therein.

[0010] There is also a need for a floor level waste disposal tank that contains a pump motor and float switch system that are secured at convenient locations within the system tank and are readily accessible for maintenance. To make such a system accessible for maintenance, the system components must be modular for access, removal, and maintenance.

[0011] The objects and features of the present invention discussed throughout the application will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description, the drawings and the claims. The description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provides a selected example of construction of the device to illustrate embodiments consistent with the inventive concepts described herein, but does not limit the scope of the claims. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention describes a modular waste collection and disposal unit, particularly for toilets, comprising a tank which contains a float switch detection system, which detects the level of waste or fluids within the tank, and a macerator pump. The tank, in one embodiment, is a molded tank which contains a profiled and sloped floor, a front section, a rear section, two side sections and in one embodiment, a one-piece cover.

[0013] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a waste collection and disposal unit comprising a tank, a float switch detection system, which detects the level of liquids in the tank and a grinder pump; the tank comprises a profiled and inclined floor, a front section, a rear section, two side sections, and a cover; a surface of the floor slopes downward from below the float switch detection system to below the grinder pump, and the surface of the floor is profiled in a downwardly curved shape extending between the front and rear sections of the tank.

[0014] Optionally, an opening is present in a rear or side section of the tank, which opening is configured to receive a cord seal, the cord seal encompassing a portion of an electrical cord extending through the cord seal, the diameter of the cord seal and the opening diameter being approximately equal.

[0015] Optionally, the cover is a one-piece cover secured to an upper edge of the side sections, the front section and the rear section of the tank, the cover including downwardly extending lips forming a downwardly extending slot.

[0016] Optionally, attached to the grinder pump are rubber feet, slots being molded or formed on an interior surface of the tank, and the rubber feet being in the slots of the tank when the pump is installed inside the tank.

[0017] Optionally, the float switch detection system includes a switch housing and a float housing; the switch housing contains electronic components for actuating a float switch; the switch housing is secured to the float housing; the float housing contains a float; and a bottom edge of the float housing is contoured and sloped to match the contour and inclination of a part of the floor surface provided opposite the edge.

[0018] Optionally, the float switch detection system further includes two arms extending toward the front section and the rear section of the tank when the system is installed in the tank.

[0019] Optionally, attached to each end of the arms is a rubber foot; an inner surface of the front and rear sections of the tank includes a molded slot; and the rubber feet are inside the slot when the float switch detection system is installed in the tank.

[0020] Optionally, the rubber feet include ridges or a relief sculpture-like structure on its surface.

[0021] Optionally, the grinder pump is a split horsepower reversing grinder pump.

[0022] Optionally, the grinder pump is electrically connected to the electronic components of the switch housing by a pin connection contained in a switch cord.

[0023] Optionally, the unit further comprises a vent pipe with a carbon dioxide vent secured in an opening in the cover.

[0024] Optionally, the cover is a one-piece cover secured to the side sections, the front section and the rear section of the tank, the cover including downwardly extending lips forming a downwardly extending slot.

[0025] Optionally, attached to the grinder pump are rubber feet, with slots formed or molded into an interior surface of the tank, and the rubber feet of the grinder pump being inside the slots of the tank when the pump is installed inside the tank.

[0026] Optionally, the unit further comprises a discharge system comprising a discharge pipe attached to the grinder pump, an air relief hole being provided within the discharge pipe.

[0027] Optionally, the unit further comprises a drain pipe hook secured or molded into the drain pipe.

[0028] Optionally, the cover is a one-piece cover secured to the front, rear, and side sections of the tank by a clip that extends over a clip edge of a lip of the tank.

[0029] Optionally, the float switch detection system further includes arms extending toward the front section and the rear section of the tank.

[0030] Optionally, a rubber foot is attached to each end of the arms; an inner surface of the front and rear sections of the tank includes a molded slot or formed; and the rubber feet are inside the slots when the float switch detection system is installed inside the tank.

[0031] Optionally, rubber feet are attached to the grinder pump; slots are formed or molded into an interior surface of the tank; the rubber feet of the grinder pump are inside the slots of the tank when the grinder pump is installed inside the tank.

[0032] Optionally, the floor further comprises a flat portion with a diameter approximately equal to a diameter of a portion of the pump.

[0033] In one embodiment, the floor surface slopes downward from an area below the float switch detection system to an area below the grinder pump at an angle of at least about 5 degrees. In addition to the slope, the floor surface is contoured in a downwardly oriented curved arc extending between the front and rear sections of the tank.

[0034] In one embodiment, a float switch detection system used in the waste collection and disposal unit is a modular component unit and includes a float housing, which includes a float with float stops, and a switch housing containing electronic components, which components activate the macerator pump. The switch housing and the float housing are connected, molded, or secured together. A lower edge of the float housing is open and, in one embodiment, is angled at an angle that is like the angle of the slope of the tank floor surface. Further, in one embodiment, this edge is also contoured to reflect the contour of the floor. Brief description of the drawings

[0035] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a side view of a waste collection and disposal unit installed with a toilet, a bathtub, and sinks.

[0036] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an exploded side view of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective, sectional, partially exploded view of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0038] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4a] is a side sectional view of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0039] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4b] is a perspective sectional view of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0040] [Fig.5a] [Fig.5a] is an exploded view of a tank of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0041] [Fig.5b] [Fig.5b] is a sectional view of one edge of the reservoir of [Fig.5a] representing a structure used to assemble a cover to one side of the tank.

[0042] [Fig.6A] [Fig.6A] shows two partial sectional views of opposite ends of the tank of [Fig.5a].

[0043] [Fig.6b] [Fig.6b] is a front sectional view of the tank of [Fig.5a].

[0044] [Fig.7a] [Fig.7a] is a perspective view of a detection system by float switch of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0045] [Fig.7b] [Fig.7b] is a partially exploded view of the detection system by float switch of [Fig.7a].

[0046] [Fig.7c] [Fig.7c] is a side sectional view of the detection system by float switch of [Fig.7a].

[0047] [Fig.7d] [Fig.7d] is a partial sectional perspective view of a switch housing of the float switch detection system of [Fig.7a].

[0048] [Fig.7e] [Fig.7e] is a side perspective view of the detection system by float switch of [Fig.7a] for attachment to a cord of a pump of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0049] [Fig.7f] [Fig.7f] is an end perspective sectional view of the tank of [Fig.5a] with the float switch detection system of [Fig.7a] installed therein.

[0050] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a rubber foot used in the interior of the unit of [Fig.l].

[0051] [Fig.9a] [Fig.9a] is an exploded perspective view of a grinder pump used in the unit of [Fig.l].

[0052] [Fig.9b] [Fig.9b] is an end perspective view of the tank of the [Fig.5a] with the grinder pump of [Fig.9a] installed in the latter.

[0053] [Fig. 10a] [Fig. 10a] is a partially exploded side sectional view of a grinder pump and discharge elements of [Fig.l].

[0054] [Fig.10b] [Fig.10b] is a sectional end view of the unit of [Fig.l] showing the grinder pump and discharge elements of [Fig. 10a].

[0055] [Fig. 10c] [Fig. 10c] is a side view of a drain pipe of the drain elements of [Fig. 10b].

[0056] [Fig.11a] [Fig.11a] is a perspective view of a check valve for installation in a discharge elbow of the unit of [Fig.1].

[0057] [Fig. 11b] [Fig. 11b] is a perspective view of the check valve of [Fig. 11a].

[0058] [Fig. 1 le] [Fig. 1 le] is a side view of the check valve of [Fig. 1 la]. Detailed description

[0059] Referring to [Fig. 1], there is shown a modular waste collection and disposal unit 10 that is used with a toilet. Typically, such a waste collection and disposal unit is positioned at floor level and is placed in a basement or other location where a conventional toilet system, which relies on gravity to provide drainage and contains the piping below floor level, cannot be readily installed.

[0060] The waste collection and disposal unit 10 is typically attached to a rear outlet toilet 21 and is placed on the floor of a bathroom. Other sources of waste that are commonly generated in bathrooms, such as from a bathtub or sink, may also be attached to the unit, as shown in [Fig.l]. Typically, waste from these sources flows into the waste collection and disposal unit for treatment and is then disposed of through appropriate disposal means.

[0061] The waste collection and disposal unit 10 comprises a modular tank 20, inside which is fixed a modular float switch detection system 70 and a pump 130, as shown for example in Figures 2, 3, 4a and 4b. Due to the modularity of all the components of the unit, installation of the unit and repair of its components are considerably easier than with prior art units. In one embodiment, the pump 130 is a grinder pump. In this same or another embodiment, the pump 130 is a fractional horsepower pump, such as a pump with a horsepower of U2.

[0062] The tank 20, as shown in Figures 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b includes a front section and a rear section (30, 34), two side sections 38, a floor 22 and a cover 40. The tank, in this embodiment, is molded with support structures 28 designed to support the tank, when placed in position for use. The cover 40, in one embodiment, is a one-piece cover, as shown in [Fig.5a].

[0063] Inwardly indented openings 52 are provided on each side of the reservoir 20, as shown in Figures 3 and 6a, which form shaped openings for a hand, useful for lifting the reservoir. An upper surface of each indented opening in one embodiment is corrugated to provide better holding capacity when the reservoir is lifted. The design of these indented openings and their upper surface may be modified for optimization.

[0064] A side opening 58 in one embodiment is provided in at least one side section of the reservoir 20, in which is secured a seal 60 with a slot therein, as shown in [Fig. 4a]. This opening is provided, in one embodiment, in a rounded corner of the side section 38 of the reservoir where the rear section 34 meets the side section of the reservoir. The slot in the seal is adapted to fit around an electrical cord 59, which extends from the grinder pump to an outlet. The opening is configured to receive a cord seal, the cord seal encompassing a portion of an electrical cord extending through the cord seal, wherein the diameter of the cord seal and the diameter of the opening are approximately equal. This design for the tank and the location of the electrical body is useful for a unit 10 installer because the tank is easily accessible for repairs. The composition of the tank uses conventional materials used for bathroom installations, such as PVC or ABS materials.

[0065] Waste and fluids from different sources flow into the inlets of the tank 20. The combined waste and fluid may also be characterized as effluent. The effluent may be composed solely of fluid, composed solely of solid waste, or a combination of the two in different proportions. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 5a, there is a front inlet 56 of the toilet 21 and side inlets 57 of a shower or sink.

[0066] Efficient grinding and removal of waste or fluid are improved by the design of the tank, particularly its floor 22, as shown in Figures 6a, 6b, 9b and 10b. In one embodiment, the floor 22 is formed in a dish shape. The dish shape of the floor 22 is formed by using a flat portion 23 which is joined to the inclined portions 25, 26 and 27. In one embodiment, the inclined portion 25 extends from the front section 30 to the flat portion 23. The inclined portion 25 may, in addition, extend from the rear section 34 to the flat portion 23, as shown in [Fig.6b]. Similarly, the inclined portions 26 and 27 may extend from the side sections 38 to the flat portion 23. See Figures 6a and 9b. In one embodiment, the flat portion 23 is formed under a cutting plate 142.By forming the flat portion 23 below the cutting plate 142, waste and water entering the system are directed toward the grinder pump 130. In particular, the gravitational pull on the waste and water on the inclined portions 25, 26, and 27 directs the waste and water toward the flat portion 23. When the flat portion 23 is formed below the cutting plate 142, this improves the efficient treatment of waste and water from the system because the waste and water are easily brought into the grinder pump 130. Although the flat portion 23, in one embodiment, is formed directly below the cutting plate 142, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the placement of the flat portion 23 can be varied without compromising the efficiencies for waste and water removal.

[0067] In order to promote the flow of waste and fluid away from the inlets and away from the float switch detection system 70, the floor is contoured and sloped downward from the portion below the float switch detection system to the portion below the grinder pump 130, in which the waste and fluid are processed. The slope of the floor, in one embodiment, is of at least about 5 degrees, and in another embodiment is about 8 to 12 degrees. In addition to the downward slope, the floor 22 is also contoured in a concave shape generally facing downward from the front section 30 to the rear section 34 of the tank, as shown in Figures 6a and 9b. As discussed above, the combination of the downward slope of the floor from the portion below the float switch detection system to the portion below the grinder pump and the contoured shape of the floor section from the front section to the rear section, results in efficient flow of waste and fluid to the grinder pump where it is processed for disposal.

[0068] From the above description, it will now be clear to those skilled in the art that "downward" or "downward" as used herein, e.g., the floor surface is contoured in a downwardly curved shape, provides direction relative to other structural elements described herein. Specifically, with respect to downward, it will now be understood by those skilled in the art that downward describes a directional vector extending from the inner surface of the cover to the upper surface of the floor. In other words, in operation, downward is in the direction of gravitational pull and follows the direction in which water flows under normal conditions.

[0069] Additionally, in one embodiment, it should be noted in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, 9b and 10b that the lowest portion 23 of the floor 22 in the tank is below the grinder pump 130. The portion 26 of the floor that is positioned between the side section 38 of the tank closest to the grinder pump 130 is also contoured and sloped downward to promote the flow of waste and fluid to the grinder pump for treatment. See Figures 4a, 4b, 6b and 9b.

[0070] Since the surface 24 of the tank floor slopes downward, support structures 28 supporting the tank 20 are included when the tank is molded and are positioned below the floor 22, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b. These support structures can be molded in different designs and shapes. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the support structures constitute legs extending downward from the floor.

[0071] The grinder pump 130 is secured inside the tank above the lowest portion of the tank floor, as shown in Figures 3, 4a and 4b. In one embodiment, rubber feet 148 are secured to one side of the grinder pump, as shown in Figures 9a and 9b. In one embodiment, the rubber feet include an alternatively raised structure on its surface to improve the frictional resistance of the feet when inserted into position inside the tank, as shown in [Fig.8]. It will be apparent It will be clear to those skilled in the art that other foot designs may be used to assist in securing the pump and other structures in the tank. For example, although a plurality of ridges 87 are illustrated in [Fig. 8], in another embodiment, only a single ridge may be used. In another embodiment, ridges may be formed that extend parallel to sections 30, 34, and 38. In another embodiment, raised structures different from the ridges may be used. For example, raised points may be formed on an outer surface of the rubber foot 148. The alternative raised structure includes ridges formed in a pattern having uniform peaks and valleys. The alternative raised structure may have non-uniform peaks and valleys.The alternative raised structures may also include protruding studs extending out of a surface plane parallel to the outer surface of the rubber feet. The studs may be arranged in a matrix on the plane. Alternatively, the studs may be arranged in a non-uniform pattern on the plane. It is now understood by those skilled in the art that the alternative raised structure may be any combination of ridges and studs that secure the feet, whether by compressive force against the ridges and studs, friction created by the surface of the ridges and studs, or both depending on the specific structural characteristics of the parts according to the engineering, design, and manufacturing requirements.

[0072] These feet are inserted into slots 150 molded on the inner surface of the rear and front sections (30, 34) of the tank 20, as shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 9b. In one embodiment, these slots are attached to or molded into the rear and front sections of the tank during production of the tank. By attaching the rubber feet of the grinder pump 130 in these slots, stability of the pump within the tank is provided. In addition, this structure for securing the grinder pump within the tank is also useful for reducing the impact of vibration when the grinder pump is operating.

[0073] Further efficiency in the operation of the grinder pump is achieved by including an up-to-date cutting system. This cutting system includes a cutting plate 142 and a cutting blade 140. See [Fig.9a]. Due to the efficiency in the overall operation of the waste collection and disposal system of this embodiment, a fractional horsepower motor may be used as part of the grinder pump. In order to improve other operations of the waste collection and disposal system, the grinder pump is a reversible grinder pump.

[0074] In order to improve the utility of the waste collection and disposal unit 10, the grinder pump 130 is constructed to limit the grinder pumps' exposure to fluids present in the reservoir 20. One embodiment of a grinder pump is shown in [Fig.9a], in which the grinder pump is surrounded by a pump housing 138 and covered by an upper pump housing cover 134. To improve this structure, electrical cords, which extend from the grinder pump, are sealed in cord seals 136. See [Fig.9b]. In addition, a lower pump housing cover 144 is fixed to the bottom of the pump housing, from which an outlet 132 extends. Thanks to this structure of the pump housing and the relative components, all electrical components of the grinder pump are relatively well protected against exposure to fluids present in the tank, as required by the industrial standard IP 68.

[0075] The cover 40 of the tank 20, in one embodiment, is a one-piece modular cover, which is snapped onto the upper edges 54 of the side, front and rear tank sections (30, 34, 38), as shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b. In one embodiment, the cover is made of the same materials as the tank. In order to firmly secure the cover to the tank, but allow it to be easily removed, the cover has downwardly extending inner and outer lips 43, as shown in [Fig. 5b], which form a downwardly facing slot 46 into which the upper edge of each of the side, front and rear tank sections fits securely. (See Figures 4a and 4b). A lip seal 44 surrounds the upper lip of these tank sections.When the tank lid is secured to the sides of the tank, the lip seal fills the gap forming a secure seal. In one embodiment, on one side of the lid 40 and extending downwardly from the lip surface of the lid, there is a clip with the opening 48, as shown in Figures 4b, 5a and 5b. When the lid is secured to the tank, the opening in the clip snaps onto the clip edge 49, which edge, in one embodiment, is molded into the side of the tank, as shown in [Fig. 5b]. When the lid is positioned on the tank, and the opening of the clip is secured to the clip edge, the lid is held securely in place, forming a watertight seal. This structure meets industrial requirements under the IP 68 standard.Other methods of securing the cover to the sides of the tank are within the skill of the person skilled in the art.

[0076] The float switch detection system 70 is positioned in one side of the tank 20 opposite the toilet inlet 56, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b. This system includes a tubular-shaped float housing 72 to which the switch housing 73 is attached, as shown in FIGS. 7a to 7f. The switch housing 73, as shown in [Fig. 7d], includes electronic components of the float system, such as a printed circuit board 71. In order to ensure a waterproof structure for this switch housing, a cap 79 of the float housing is secured to the float housing. Electrical connections from the float housing extend to the grinder pump 130 through a pin connection 83, as shown in [Fig. 7e]. A cord 84 for wiring the pump fits into this pin connection. In one embodiment, the electrical wires are surrounded by a switch cord 81, as shown in [Fig. 7a]. In one embodiment, the entire structure is watertight and provides protection for the electronic components associated with the float switch detection system.

[0077] As shown in Figures 7b and 7c, the float housing 72 is attached to the switch housing 73. The float housing has a tubular shape and opens at the bottom to allow fluids within the tank to enter and lift the float 80. In one embodiment, the lower edge 74 of the float housing is contoured and sloped to match the contour and slope of a portion of the floor surface provided opposite the edge.

[0078] In one embodiment, as shown in [Fig.7b], an air relief hole 77 is provided in one side of the float housing to help prevent the float switch system from floating in the reservoir when fluids are present therein.

[0079] The modular float switch detection system 70 also includes arms 82 extending toward the front section 30 and the rear section 34 of the tank 20, as shown in Figures 7e and 7f. Attached to one end of each of the arms is a rubber or resilient foot 86. See Figures 7a-7f. In one embodiment, these rubber feet are similar in design, shape, and structure to the rubber feet 148 that are used with the macerator pump 130 and discussed above. The rubber feet are designed to fit into openings in molded ribs 88, which are attached to or molded into the interior surface 50 of the front section 30 and the rear section 34 of the tank, as shown in Figures 6b and 7f.When the float switch detection system is installed in the tank, each of the rubber feet is pushed into the molded ribs to hold the float switch detection system properly in place inside the tank. This structure also provides stability to the tank.

[0080] In order to improve the ability of the rubber feet to secure in the openings in the molded ribs, in one embodiment, the rubber feet contain ridges 87. See [Fig. 8]. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other designs of such rubber feet may be used in a similar manner to secure the float switch detection system in place in the tank. For example, see the discussion of the structures in variant for the 148 rubber feet used with the grinder pump. This structure provides easy installation, as well as easy removal of the modular float switch detection system, for repair or replacement.

[0081] The selection and location of the float switch detection system 70 and the grinder pump 130 within the tank 20 provides an efficient design. Specifically, the float switch detection system and the grinder pump are positioned near opposite ends of the tank, as shown in Figures 3, 4a and 4b. Because of this design choice using modular components, the method for securing these components within the tank, and the method for securing the cover 40 to the tank 20, the grinder pump and the float switch detection system are readily accessible for maintenance.

[0082] Another element of this waste collection and disposal unit 10 is a discharge system for discharging waste from the unit. The discharge system comprises a discharge pipe 90 which is connected to the grinder pump 130, as shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, 10a and 10b. In order to secure the discharge pipe to the grinder pump, pins 146 are provided on an outlet 132 of the grinder pump, as shown in Figures 9a, 10a and 10b. When the discharge pipe is secured to the grinder pump, these pins extend through a slot 96, which is present in the inlet portion of the discharge pipe, as shown in Figures 10b and 10c. In one embodiment, an O-ring is used on the outlet of the grinder pump to ensure a watertight seal.

[0083] In one embodiment, a drain hose hook 98 is attached to or molded into the drain hose 90, as shown in Figures 10b and 10c. This drain hose hook is useful for holding electrical cords present in the tank and preventing them from falling into the waste or waste water in the tank.

[0084] In one embodiment, an air relief hole 92 is provided in the discharge pipe in the tank to prevent airlock, as shown in [Fig. 10b]. Further, a discharge flow of liquids through this hole works in conjunction with the design of the tank floor to reduce the likelihood of accumulating sludge and other materials, to lift waste present in the tank, and to reduce the production of unwanted odors in the tank. In particular, when the air relief hole 92 is present, a stream of liquids is emitted from this hole 92 against a wall of the tank. This stream of liquid creates the flow within the tank and helps move the waste and sludge to the flat portion of the tank, which, in turn, serves to deliver the effluent mixture of liquids and waste to the pump for treatment.

[0085] The discharge pipe 90 extends from the pump outlet 132 to a threaded adapter 120 molded into the cover, as shown in Figures 3, 10a and 10b. The structure of the threaded adapter 120 in the cover is designed for connecting the discharge pipe 90 with the discharge elbow 100. The structure of the threaded adapter allows for the unrestricted flow of waste from the unit while allowing quick and easy access into the tank for repair.

[0086] The drain pipe 90 in one embodiment is secured to the threaded adapter by compressing the drain pipe into a drain pipe opening 122 in the threaded adapter, as shown in [Fig. 10b]. To ensure a tight fit, in one embodiment, an O-ring 94 is used that fits into a slot on an inner surface of the drain pipe opening 122, as shown in [Fig. 10a]. When the tank lid 40 is secured to the tank, a tight, watertight seal is provided between the threaded adapter 120 and the drain pipe 90.

[0087] A drain elbow 100 is attached to an upper portion of the threaded adapter 120 of the tank lid 40, as shown in Figures 3, 4a, 4b, 10a and 10b. The drain elbow, in one embodiment, has a 90-degree bend as it exits the tank. The drain elbow contains a lower lip 113 with the lower opening 102, which lip is attached to or extended into the threaded adapter 120 to receive waste from the drain pipe. On the portion of the drain pipe that is extended toward or into the tank, there is a flange 112, as shown in [Fig. 3]. This flange is attached to or a component of the formed drain elbow. A locking nut 110 is placed on the drain pipe and is on top of the flange.The locking nut is threaded around a threaded lip 121 of the cover, with a vent opening 41 therein, which locking nut extends upwardly from an upper surface of the cover. An O-ring 114 is included as part of this seal to securely secure the locking nut to the molded threaded adapter. See [Fig.3].

[0088] In one embodiment, a check valve 104 is secured in the discharge elbow 100. The check valve includes an O-ring 107 to secure it in place and a flapper 108 to assist it. See [Fig. 3]. An embodiment for securing the check valve in the discharge elbow is shown in Figures 3, 11a, 11b and 11c. The check valve is compressed into place in the discharge elbow and twisted and locked in place. The check valve is inserted into the lower opening 102 of the discharge elbow. The check valve has projecting horizontal pins 106 which are inserted into the channel 109 on an inner surface of the discharge elbow. These horizontal pins are pushed vertically into the discharge elbow and twisted and locked in position. In one embodiment, the pins are of different sizes to ensure that the valve is correctly installed. In one embodiment the structure and arrangement of the check valve in the drain pipe is shown in Figures 1 la to 1 le.

[0089] In one embodiment, as shown in [Fig. 3], the locking nut 110 has a larger diameter than the discharge elbow 100 so that it fits over the discharge elbow 100. The nut 110 is sized so that it can be loosened and pass through the neck 101 of the discharge elbow. The check valve assembly 104 is formed so that it does not extend outside an end face 103 of the elbow. One face of the assembly 104 is flush with the plane formed by the end face 103, so that the nut 110 is tightened onto the threads 124 which are provided on the threaded lip 121 formed in the cover 40. The face of the assembly is approximately flush with a parallel plane extending inside the outer surface of the cover.When combining the oversized nut 110 with a valve assembly 104, such a combination of elements is beneficial since it allows a technician to easily remove or install the elbow 100, particularly in confined spaces where installation or removal presents a challenge due to other objects, such as the rear portion of the toilet.

[0090] In one embodiment, a vent pipe 160 or carbon dioxide vent is also to be included in the unit 10, as shown in [Fig. 3]. It is attached to and through the tank lid 40 through a filter opening 42 cut in the lid. In one embodiment, it is secured in place by a pipe gasket 162.

[0091] Herein and in the claims, the terms "at least" and "approximately" are used. It will now be clear to one skilled in the art that these terms are used in accordance with their use in the art. Thus, when modified by "at least" or "approximately," it will now be clear to one skilled in the art that the modified absolute value may vary within accepted engineering tolerances. Herein, the terms "ascending" and "descending" or "downward" are used. These terms are defined with respect to an axis extending between the flat portion of the floor 23 and the cover 40. The upward direction travels from the flat portion to the cover and the downward movement travels in the opposite direction.

[0092] From the foregoing description, it will now be clear to the person skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. It will further be clear to the person skilled in the art that various engineering design choices may be used within the scope of the invention. Where the description refers to approximately the same, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that "approximately" or "Approximately identical" translates to a perfect fit between two components. This means that, for example, a first diameter of an object encompassed by a second object having a second diameter varies in diameter between the two objects by 0.01 to 1% of the diameter. In other words, the smaller diameter object has an outer diameter 0.01 to 1% smaller than the larger diameter of the object receiving the smaller object. For further clarification, and particularly in the case of elastomeric or other compression seals, it will now be more apparent to the person skilled in the art that a diameter of the object is not fixed and depends on the pressure applied along the diameter.So in some cases the diameters of the two objects may be "approximately the same" when under compression, the diameter of the first object that is inserted into a second object may be the same or larger than the second object by 0.01 to 10%, but under compression, will be "tight" and form at least a partial seal when in place.

[0093] Similarly, it will now be understood by those skilled in the art that the term "about" is used to describe accepted industry tolerances. For example, when describing the floor slope, in one embodiment it is at least about 5 degrees and in another embodiment it is about 8 to 12 degrees, it will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the absolute slope may vary by + / -1 degree as necessary to accommodate engineering and manufacturing requirements.

[0094] The foregoing detailed description is intended to understand and does not limit the scope of the claims. Modifications to the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art after examining the disclosure without departing from the scope of the appended claims. List of items

[0095] 10 - Waste collection and disposal unit 20 - Tank 21 - Toilets 22 - Floor 23 - Flat part of the floor 24 - Floor area 25 - Sloping part of the floor 26 - Sloping part of the floor 27 - Inclined part of the floor 28 - Support structure 30 - Front section 34 - Rear section 38 - Side sections 40 - Cover 41 - Evacuation opening 42 - Filter opening 43 - Lid lips 44 - Lip seal 46 - Downward facing slot 48 - Attachment opening 49 - Attachment edge 50 - Inner surface of the tank 52 - Indented portion towards the inside of the tank side 54 - Upper edge of the tank 56 - Front entrance 57 - Side entrances 58 - Side opening for cord 59 - Electrical cord 60 - Seal 70 - Float switch detection system 71 - Switch circuit board 72 - Float box 73 - Switch housing 74 - Lower edge of float housing 77 - Air relief hole 79 - Float housing cap 80 - Float 81 - Switch cord 82 - Arms 83 - Pin connection 84 - Pump cord 86 - Rubber foot 87 - Lateral ridges 88 - Ribs 90 - Drain pipe 92 - Air relief hole 94 - O-ring 96 - Slot 98 - Drain pipe hook 100 - Discharge elbow 101 - Col 102 - Lower opening 103 - End face 104 - Check valve 106 - Spikes 107 - O-ring 108 - Beating 109 - Canal 110- Lock nut 112 - Bride 113- Lower lip 114 - O-ring 120 - Threaded adapter 121 - Threaded lip 122 - Drain pipe opening 124 - Nets 130 - Pump 132 - Exit 134 - Top cover 136 - Cord seals 138 - Pump housing 140 - Cutting blade 142 - Cutting plate 144 - Lower cover 146 - Spikes 148 - Rubber feet 150 - Lunges 160 - Vent pipe 162 - Pipe seal

Claims

Claims

1. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) comprising a tank (20), a float switch detection system (70) which detects the level of liquids within the tank, and a pump (130), wherein the tank comprises a profiled and inclined floor (22), a front section (30), a rear section (34), two side sections (38) and a cover (40); wherein a surface of the floor (24) slopes downwardly from below the float switch detection system to below the pump.

2. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pump (130) is a grinder pump.

3. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a macerator pump.

4. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the float switch detection system (70) comprises a switch housing (73) and a float housing (72); wherein the switch housing contains electronic components (71) for actuating a float switch; wherein the switch housing is attached to the float housing; and wherein the float housing contains a float (80).

5. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a drain pipe hook (98) secured or molded into the drain pipe (90).

6. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) comprising a tank (20) comprising a front section (30), a rear section (34) and two side sections (38), a float switch detection system (70), a pump (130), and a first set of arms and a second set of arms (82), wherein each of the side sections (38) is smaller than the front section (30) or the rear section (34), wherein the front section and the rear section are parallel to each other and the side sections face each other and together form a part of the tank, wherein the first set of arms and the second set of arms are spaced apart and are attached to the front section (30) and the rear section (34), wherein the switch detection system (70) is in contact with the first set of arms, and wherein the pump is in contact with the second set of arms.

7. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein the pump (130) is a grinder pump.

8. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to claim 6, wherein the pump (130) is a macerator pump.

9. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the float switch detection system (70) comprises a switch housing (73) and a float housing (72); wherein the switch housing contains electronic components (71) for actuating a float switch; wherein the switch housing is attached to the float housing; and wherein the float housing contains a float (80).

10. A waste collection and disposal unit (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a drain pipe hook (98) secured or molded into the drain pipe (90).

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