Adaptive toilet system and method

Abstract

To provide a system comprising a shroud with a container and a seating toilet movably connected to the shroud, the seating toilet functioning as at least one of a half-sitting toilet or a urinal when in a second configuration.SOLUTION: A system (100) and method comprises a shroud (110) having a container and a seating toilet (108) movably connected to the shroud (110). The seating toilet (108) is movable between a first configuration (130) (FIG. 5), in which the seating toilet (108) is positioned above the container, and a second configuration (FIG. 7), in which the seating toilet (108) is moved away from the shroud (110) to expose the container. The container functions as at least one of a half-sitting toilet or a urinal when the seating toilet (108) is in the second configuration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to adaptive toilet systems and methods usable in the interior cabin of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical commercial aircraft includes an interior cabin with seats for passengers. The interior cabin may also include one or more restrooms.

[0003] Toilets in commercial aircraft restrooms are typically Western-style sit-down toilets. However, many people prefer to use alternative toilet facilities in their daily lives. While familiar restrooms on commercial aircraft do not include squat-down toilets, many people may find squat-down toilets more comfortable than standard sit-down toilets. Additionally, limited space in commercial aircraft restrooms may not provide enough space to accommodate multiple different types of toilets. Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a need for the installation of toilets in commercial aircraft restrooms that are most comfortable for each passenger. There is also a need for the installation of squatting toilets in commercial aircraft restrooms. There is also a need for adaptive toilet systems and methods that can be used in vehicle restrooms.

[0005] With these needs in mind, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system that includes a shroud containing a receptacle and a seated toilet bowl movably coupled to the shroud. The seated toilet bowl is movable between a first configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is positioned above the receptacle and a second configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is moved away from the shroud to expose the receptacle. The receptacle functions as one or both of a squat toilet and a urinal when the seated toilet bowl is in the second configuration.

[0006] In at least one example, the receptacle functions as the squat toilet when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration. In at least one example, the receptacle functions as both the squat toilet and the urinal when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration.

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

[0008] The toilet seat may be retained in the second configuration within a matching recess or retention chamber formed in one or both of the sink or cabinet.

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

[0010] The toilet seat can be configured to pivot between the first and second configurations. Alternatively, the toilet seat can be configured to move linearly between the first and second configurations.

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

[0012] In at least one example, the receptacle includes an upright portion abutting a wall, the upright portion functioning as the urinal when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration, and the receptacle further includes a lower portion disposed on a floor, the lower portion functioning as the squat toilet when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration.

[0013] The shroud may further include a cover movably coupled to the container, and may further include foot pads adjacent the container.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an aircraft is provided that includes an interior cabin, a lavatory within the interior cabin, and a system within the lavatory, as described herein.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method is provided for a system including a shroud having a receptacle and a seated toilet bowl movably coupled to the shroud, the method including moving the seated toilet bowl between a first configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is positioned above the receptacle and a second configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is moved from the shroud to expose the receptacle, the receptacle functioning as one or both of a squat toilet bowl or a urinal when the seated toilet bowl is in the second configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is an isometric top view of the interior of a restroom showing a seated toilet bowl in the restroom in a first configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is a side isometric view of the interior of the restroom shown in FIG. 4, showing the seat-type toilet bowl in the restroom in a first configuration. [Figure 6] 5 is an isometric side view of the interior of the restroom shown in FIG. 4 with the toilet seat removed from the shroud in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 5 is a side isometric view of the interior of the restroom shown in FIG. 4, showing the seat-type toilet bowl in the restroom in a second configuration. [Figure 8] 1 is an isometric view of the interior of a restroom with a seated toilet bowl in the restroom in a first configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]9 is an isometric view of the interior of the restroom shown in FIG. 8, showing the seated toilet bowl in the restroom in a second configuration. [Figure 10] 9 is an isometric view of the interior of the restroom shown in FIG. 8, with the container cover in the open position within the restroom. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an interior perspective view illustrating an interior cabin of an aircraft, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The above summary and the following detailed description of some embodiments will be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, an element or step described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" does not necessarily exclude a plurality of elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" do not exclude the existence of other embodiments that also include the recited features. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, an embodiment "comprising" or "having" one element or elements having a particular property may additionally include other elements that do not have that property.

[0018] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 provides an adaptive toilet system in a restroom 102 of an interior cabin 104 of a vehicle 106, such as a commercial aircraft. Optionally, the vehicle 106 may be a land vehicle such as a bus or train, a watercraft such as a cruise ship, a spacecraft, or the like. Optionally, the system 100 may also be used in a restroom of a fixed structure, such as a residential or commercial building.

[0019] The system 100 includes a seat-mounted toilet bowl 108 movably secured to a shroud 110 by a linkage 112. The seat-mounted toilet bowl 108 is a standard Western-style toilet bowl and includes a toilet seat 114 secured to a basin 116. In at least one example, the toilet seat 114 is movable between a first position in which the seat 114 is positioned above the basin and a second position in which the seat 114 is rotated to a vertical position, exposing the rim of the basin 116. The seat-mounted toilet bowl 108 further includes a water inlet conduit 118 configured to deliver water to the basin 116 and a drain conduit 120 configured to drain waste and water from the basin 116 to a waste containment basin, tank, or the like.

[0020] The shroud 110 includes a container 122, a water inlet conduit 124 configured to deliver water to the container 122, and a drain conduit 126 configured to drain waste and water from the container 122 to a waste holding basin, tank, or the like. A water source is fluidly connected to the water inlet conduit 124.

[0021] The toilet bowl 108 is not the shroud 110. Rather, the toilet bowl 108 is separate and distinct from the shroud 110. The receptacle 122 of the shroud 110 is not the basin 116 of the toilet bowl 108. Rather, the receptacle 122 is separate and distinct from the basin 116.

[0022] A flush mechanism 128 is attached to the shroud 110 and / or the toilet bowl 108. The flush mechanism 128 may be a lever, handle, or the like that is operated by a user to clean the container 122 and basin 116. Alternatively, the flush mechanism 128 may be a touchless device configured to detect motion and automatically clean the mechanism. When a user operates the flush mechanism 128, water is delivered from the water supply line 124 to the container 122 or basin 116. The delivered water fills a portion of the container 122 or basin 116 and removes waste from the container or basin via the drain line 126 and / or drain line 120.

[0023] The linkage 112 is configured to pivot the toilet bowl 108 relative to the shroud 110. For example, the linkage 112 may include a pivot shaft that pivotally couples the toilet bowl 108 to the shroud 110. As another example, the linkage 112 is configured to linearly move the toilet bowl 108 relative to the shroud 110. For example, the linkage 112 may include one or more tracks between the toilet bowl 108 and the shroud 110. The tracks allow the toilet bowl 108 to linearly move relative to the shroud 110. In at least one example, the toilet bowl 108 may be manually moved into a plurality of different configurations. As another example, one or more actuators may be coupled to one or more of the toilet bowl 108, the shroud 110, and the linkage 112 to automatically move the toilet bowl between the plurality of different configurations.

[0024] During operation, the seat toilet 108 is configured to be movable between a first configuration 130 and a second configuration 132. In the first configuration 130, the seat toilet 108 is positioned in the shroud 110. For example, in the first configuration 130, the bowl 116 of the seat toilet 108 is positioned above the receptacle 122, and the water inlet pipe 118 of the seat toilet 108 is fluidly aligned and connected to the water inlet pipe 124 of the shroud 110. Similarly, the drain pipe 120 of the seat toilet 108 is fluidly aligned and connected to the drain pipe 126 of the shroud 110. The seat toilet 108 in the first configuration 130 allows a user to use the seat toilet 108 as a standard Western-style toilet.

[0025] However, if a user finds it more comfortable to use a squatting toilet, the seated toilet 108 is moved to the second configuration 132. In this position, the seated toilet 108 is moved from the shroud 110, exposing the receptacle 122. As the seated toilet 108 is moved from the shroud 110, one or more valves, seals, and / or the like automatically operate to form a sealing interface to prevent waste from being expelled from the drain 120 of the seated toilet 108. In the second configuration 132, the bowl 116 of the seated toilet 108 is moved from the receptacle 122, exposing the receptacle 122 of the shroud 110. Once the seated toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the shroud 110 can be used as a squatting toilet and / or urinal. For example, the shroud 110 may include an upright portion as a urinal in a portion of a wall and a lower portion as a squat toilet in a portion of a floor. In this manner, the exposed shroud 110 (when the sit-down toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132) functions as both a urinal and a squat toilet. As another example, the exposed shroud 110 may function as a squat toilet and not as a urinal. As another example, the exposed shroud 110 may function as a urinal and not as a squat toilet.

[0026] In this manner, the system 100 provides an adaptive toilet system in which the sit-down toilet bowl 108 can be moved between a first configuration 130 that provides a standard seated position and a second configuration that provides a squatting position and / or a urinal, allowing users to choose to use a toilet style that is familiar and comfortable to them.

[0027] As described herein, the system 100 includes a shroud 110 having a receptacle 122. A toilet bowl 108 is movably coupled to the shroud 110. The toilet bowl 108 is movable between a first configuration 130 in which the toilet bowl 108 is positioned above the receptacle 122 and a second configuration 132 in which the toilet bowl 108 is moved from the shroud 110 to expose the receptacle 122. The receptacle 122 functions as one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal when the toilet bowl 108 is in the second configuration 132. In at least one example, the receptacle 122 functions as a squat toilet when the toilet bowl 108 is in the second configuration 132. In at least one example, the receptacle 122 functions as both a squat toilet and a urinal when the toilet bowl 108 is in the second configuration 132. In at least one example, the system 100 is located within a restroom 102 of an interior cabin 104 of a vehicle 106, such as an aircraft.

[0028] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the linkage 112 includes a pivot shaft 140 that can pivotally connect the toilet bowl 108 to the shroud 110. The pivot shaft 140 is integrally fixed to the toilet bowl 108 and the shroud 110. As another example, the pivot shaft 140 can be coupled to one or more arms that are connected to one or both of the toilet bowl 108 and / or the shroud 110. The pivot shaft 140 allows the toilet bowl 108 to pivot in an arc direction 144 about an imaginary pivot axis 142.

[0029] In at least one example, an actuator 146 may be operatively coupled to the toilet seat 108, the shroud 110, and / or the pivot 140 to automatically move the toilet seat 108 between a number of different configurations. The actuator 146 may be a motor, such as a rotary motor. Optionally, the system 100 may not include an actuator.

[0030] 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the linkage 112 includes one or more tracks 150 that movably secure the toilet bowl 108 relative to the shroud 110. The tracks 150 are configured to allow linear movement of the toilet bowl 108 relative to the shroud 110.

[0031] In at least one example, an actuator 152 may be operatively coupled to the toilet bowl 108, the shroud 110, and / or the track 150 to automatically move the toilet bowl 108 between a number of different configurations. The actuator 152 may be a motor, such as a linear actuator motor. Optionally, the system 100 may not include an actuator.

[0032] 2 and 3 are examples of how the toilet bowl 108 can move relative to the shroud 110. Other linkage mechanisms can be used to move the toilet bowl 108 in different ways, such as using folding or telescoping arms, recessing the toilet bowl into a floor or wall, sliding it on a support, raising and lowering it, or moving it using electromagnetic coupling.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an isometric top view of the interior of a restroom 102, illustrating a seated toilet 108 in the restroom in a first configuration 130, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an isometric side view of the interior of the restroom 102 shown in FIG. 4, illustrating a seated toilet 108 in the restroom in a first configuration 130. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the restroom 102 includes a floor 200 that supports the system 100. One or more walls 202 extend upward from the floor 200. A sink 204 is provided within the restroom 102. The sink 204 may include a support pedestal 206 mounted on the floor 200. Optionally, the sink 204 may extend outward from the wall 202 and may not be connected to the floor 200.

[0034] As shown, in the first configuration 130, the toilet seat 108 is positioned on the shroud 110. In the first configuration 130, the toilet seat 108 is configured for individual use.

[0035] Figure 6 is an isometric side view of the interior of the restroom 102 shown in Figure 4, with the toilet bowl 108 therein removed from the shroud 110, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a point in time during which the system 100 transitions between different configurations. As shown, the toilet bowl 108 is pivotally coupled to the shroud 110 and is configured to pivot between a first configuration 130 (see Figures 4 and 5) and a second configuration 132 (see Figure 7). When the toilet bowl 108 is removed from the shroud 110, the receptacle 122 is exposed.

[0036] As shown, the sink 204 may include a matching recess 208 that conforms to the outer dimensions and contours of the toilet bowl 108. In this manner, the toilet bowl 108 may be received and retained in the matching recess 208 when the toilet bowl 108 is in the second configuration 132 (see FIG. 7).

[0037] In at least one example, the toilet 108 may be disabled when transitioning between different configurations, as shown in Figure 6. For example, one or more covers may be automatically activated when the toilet 108 transitions between different configurations. As another example, one or more actuators may be activated to prevent the toilet 108 from stalling when transitioning between different configurations.

[0038] FIG. 7 is an isometric side view of the interior of the restroom 102 shown in FIG. 4 , illustrating the seat toilet 108 therein in the second configuration 132. As shown, the linkage 112 may include a swing arm 210 that allows the seat toilet 108 to pivot relative to the shroud 110 between the first configuration 130 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) and the second configuration 132. In the second configuration 132, the seat toilet 108 is retained within a matching recess 208 in the sink 204, thereby preventing an individual from using the seat toilet 108. Optionally, the matching recess 208 may be formed in another component, such as a cabinet or wall. As another example, the restroom 102 need not include a matching recess.

[0039] When the sit-down toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the receptacle 122 of the shroud 110 is exposed. The receptacle 122 includes a retaining rim 228 that surrounds an inner receptacle 229. In at least one example, the receptacle 122 includes an upright portion 230 that can abut the wall 202 and a lower portion 232 that rests on the floor 200. The lower portion 232 functions as a squat toilet 233. The upright portion 230 functions as a urinal 235. Optionally, the receptacle 122 may include only the lower portion 232. As another example, the receptacle 122 may include only the upright portion 230.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the interior of a restroom 102, illustrating a seated toilet 108 in the restroom in a first configuration 130, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the interior of the restroom 102 shown in FIG. 8, illustrating a seated toilet 108 in the restroom in a second configuration 132. FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the interior of the restroom 102 shown in FIG. 8, illustrating a cover 255 of a receptacle 122 in the restroom in an open position. With reference to FIGS. 8-10, the seated toilet 108 is configured for linear movement in the direction of arrow 260 between the first configuration 130 and the second configuration 132. In the second configuration 132, the seated toilet 108 can be retained within a retention chamber 257 formed in a cabinet 259, for example.

[0041] When the sit-down toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132, the receptacle 122 of the shroud 110 is exposed. The shroud 110 may include a cover 255 that is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 9) and an open position (see FIG. 10). When the cover is in the open position, the receptacle 122 on the floor 200 is exposed, thereby creating a squat toilet.

[0042] As shown, the shroud 110 includes a container 122 that is recessed into the floor 200 to form a squat toilet. The shroud 110 also includes a tank 280 that can provide water to the seated toilet 108 in the first configuration 130 and to the container 122, which functions as a squat toilet and / or urinal when the seated toilet 108 is in the second configuration 132.

[0043] In at least one example, the cover 255 can slide over the receptacle 122 as the toilet bowl 108 slides linearly out of the receptacle 122. For example, the cover 255 can be coupled to the toilet bowl 108 and move with the toilet bowl 108. The cover 255 can be movable between a number of different positions, similar to a conventional toilet cover.

[0044] In at least one example, the toilet seat 108 includes a handle, bar, or the like that allows a user to grasp and move the toilet seat 108 between the first configuration 130 and the second configuration 132. The toilet seat 108 may also include a locking mechanism that is operable by a user and configured to selectively lock the toilet seat 108 in a desired configuration.

[0045] As shown, the shroud 110 may include foot pads 290 adjacent to the container 122. For example, a first foot pad 290 may be offset from one side of the container 122 (e.g., within 2 inches) and a second foot pad 290 may be offset from the other side of the container 122. The foot pads 290 are configured to support the feet of a user in a squatting position. Optionally, the shroud 110 may not include foot pads 290.

[0046] 1-10 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system 100 that enables a universal restroom. The system 100 allows a user to use the restroom facilities of their choice and can be spatially optimized to fit within the footprint of a commercial aircraft restroom. In at least one example, a bidet can be incorporated into the seated toilet bowl 108 and / or receptacle 122. Optionally, the system 100 does not include a bidet.

[0047] In at least one example, piping is interconnected between the sink and system 100 so that water from the sink and bidet can be used to wash and clean the basin 116 and receptacle 122, thereby reducing overall water usage. Optionally, piping is not interconnected between the sink and system 100.

[0048] In at least one example, one or more sanitation devices may optionally be used to disinfect components of system 100. For example, one or more ultraviolet (UV) lights may be located within the restroom and configured to emit disinfecting UV light onto the components, such as when the restroom is not in use by an individual. As another example, a washing and drying system may be used to scrub the components after each use.

[0049] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of an aircraft 300, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 300 is an example of the vehicle 106 shown in Figure 1. The aircraft 300 includes a propulsion system 312 having, for example, engines 314. Optionally, the propulsion system 312 may include more engines 314 than shown. The engines 314 are supported by wings 316 of the aircraft 300. In other examples, the engines 314 may be supported by a fuselage 318 and / or a tail section 320. The tail section 320 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 322 and a vertical stabilizer 324.

[0050] The fuselage 318 of the aircraft 300 defines an interior cabin 330, which may include a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (e.g., a galley or crew carry-on baggage area), one or more passenger sections (e.g., a first class section, a business class section, and a coach section), and / or one or more restrooms.

[0051] Optionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with various other vehicles instead of aircraft, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives, trains, ships, etc. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure may optionally be used with fixed structures, such as residential or commercial buildings.

[0052] FIG. 12 is an interior perspective view of an aircraft interior cabin 330 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The interior cabin 330 is an example of the interior cabin 104 shown and described in FIG. 1. The interior cabin 330 includes an exterior wall 332 and a ceiling 334. The exterior wall 332 may have a window 336 formed therein. A floor 338 supports a row of seats 340. As shown in FIG. 12, the row 342 may include three seats 340 on each side of an aisle 343. Note that the row 342 may include more or fewer seats 340 than shown in the illustrated example. In addition, the interior cabin 330 may include a greater number of aisles than shown in the illustrated example. The interior cabin 330 may include, for example, the restroom 102 shown and described in FIG. 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes examples according to the following appendices.

[0054] Appendix 1. A shroud (110) including a vessel (122); A system (100) including a sit-down toilet (108) movably connected to the shroud (110), the sit-down toilet (108) being movable between a first configuration (130) in which the sit-down toilet (108) is positioned above the receptacle (122) and a second configuration (132) in which the sit-down toilet (108) is moved from the shroud (110) to expose the receptacle (122), the receptacle (122) functioning as one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal when the sit-down toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0055] Clause 2. The system (100) of clause 1, wherein the container (122) functions as the squat toilet when the sit-down toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0056] Appendix 3. The system (100) of Appendix 1, wherein the container (122) functions as both the squat toilet and the urinal when the seated toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0057] Appendix 4. The system (100) according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the system is located in a lavatory of an interior cabin of an aircraft.

[0058] Appendix 5. The system (100) of Appendix 4, wherein the seated toilet (108) is held in a matching recess or holding chamber formed in one or both of the sink or cabinet in the second configuration (132).

[0059] Appendix 6. The system (100) according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the sit-down toilet (108) includes a bowl (116) and a toilet seat (114) fixed to the bowl (116).

[0060] Appendix 7. The system (100) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 6, wherein the toilet seat (108) is configured to pivot between the first configuration (130) and the second configuration (132).

[0061] Appendix 8. The system (100) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 7, wherein the seated toilet bowl (108) is configured for linear movement between the first configuration (130) and the second configuration (132).

[0062] Appendix 9. The system (100) of any one of Appendixes 1 to 8, further comprising an actuator (146, 152) configured to automatically move the toilet bowl (108) between the first configuration (130) and the second configuration (132).

[0063] Appendix 10. The container (122) an upright portion that abuts a wall and functions as the urinal when the toilet seat (108) is in the second configuration (132); A system (100) as described in any one of appendices 1 to 9, including a lower portion that is mounted on a floor and functions as the squatting toilet when the seated toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0064] Appendix 11. The system (100) of any one of appendices 1 to 10, wherein the shroud (110) further includes a cover movably coupled to the vessel (122).

[0065] Clause 12. The system (100) of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the shroud (110) further comprises foot pads adjacent the container (122).

[0066] Appendix 13. Interior cabin and a restroom (102) within the interior cabin; and a system (100) in the restroom (102), the system (100) comprising: a shroud (110) containing a vessel (122); and a toilet bowl (108) movably connected to the shroud (110), the toilet bowl (108) being movable between a first configuration (130) in which the toilet bowl (108) is positioned above the receptacle (122) and a second configuration (132) in which the toilet bowl (108) is moved from the shroud (110) to expose the receptacle (122), the receptacle (122) functioning as one or both of a squat toilet and a urinal when the toilet bowl (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0067] Appendix 14. The aircraft of Appendix 13, wherein the container (122) functions as the squat toilet when the sit-down toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0068] Appendix 15. The aircraft of Appendix 13 or 14, wherein the container (122) functions as both the squat toilet and the urinal when the sit-down toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0069] Appendix 16. The aircraft of any one of Appendixes 13 to 15, wherein the seat toilet (108) is configured to either pivot or move linearly between the first configuration (130) and the second configuration (132).

[0070] Appendix 17. The container (122) an upright portion that abuts against a wall of the restroom (102) and functions as the urinal when the toilet bowl (108) is in the second configuration (132); and a lower portion provided on the floor of the restroom (102) and functioning as the squatting toilet when the seated toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0071] Appendix 18. The aircraft of any one of appendices 13 to 17, wherein the shroud (110) further includes a cover movably connected to the container (122).

[0072] Appendix 19. The aircraft of any one of appendices 13 to 18, wherein the shroud (110) further includes a foot pad adjacent to the container (122).

[0073] Clause 20. A method for a system (100) including a shroud (110) having a container (122) and a toilet bowl (108) movably coupled to the shroud (110), comprising: The method includes moving the sit-down toilet (108) between a first configuration (130) in which the sit-down toilet (108) is positioned above the receptacle (122) and a second configuration (132) in which the sit-down toilet (108) is moved from the shroud (110) to expose the receptacle (122), wherein the receptacle (122) functions as one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal when the sit-down toilet (108) is in the second configuration (132).

[0074] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a restroom that allows a passenger to use a desired type of restroom. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a commercial aircraft restroom with a squat toilet. Furthermore, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adaptive restroom system and method that can be used in a vehicle restroom.

[0075] Various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, center, side, horizontal, vertical, and front, may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure; however, these terms are used only in relation to the orientation shown in the drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered, such that an upper portion may become a lower portion, and vice versa, and horizontal may become vertical.

[0076] In this disclosure, a structure, element, or element that is defined as "configured" to perform a process or operation is one that is structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner that corresponds to that process or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, something that merely can be modified to perform that process or operation is not "configured" to perform that process or operation.

[0077] The above description is illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt these teachings to a particular situation or material without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters for various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are not intended to be limiting and are merely exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Accordingly, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. As used in the appended claims and the detailed description herein, terms such as "comprising" and "wherein" are used interchangeably, respectively. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on the objects they refer to.

[0078] This description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice various embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing the incorporated methods. The patentable scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples should be considered within the scope of the claims if they contain elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they contain equivalent elements that have only insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. a shroud containing the vessel; a seated toilet bowl movably coupled to the shroud, the seated toilet bowl being movable between a first configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is positioned above the receptacle and a second configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is moved from the shroud to expose the receptacle, the receptacle functioning as one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal when the seated toilet bowl is in the second configuration.

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle functions as the squat toilet when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the receptacle functions as both the squat toilet and the urinal when the seated toilet is in the second configuration.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is located in a lavatory of an interior cabin of an aircraft.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the toilet seat is held in the second configuration within a matching recess or holding chamber formed in one or both of a sink or a cabinet.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the toilet seat includes a basin and a toilet seat secured to the basin.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the toilet seat is configured to pivot between the first configuration and the second configuration.

8. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the toilet seat is configured for linear movement between the first configuration and the second configuration.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to automatically move the toilet seat between the first configuration and the second configuration.

10. The container comprises: an upright portion that abuts a wall and functions as the urinal when the toilet seat is in the second configuration; a lower portion mounted on the floor and functioning as the squat toilet when the seated toilet is in the second configuration.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the shroud further comprises a cover movably coupled to the vessel.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the shroud further comprises foot pads adjacent the vessel.

13. The interior cabin and a restroom within the interior cabin; a system in the restroom, the system comprising: a shroud containing the vessel; a seated toilet bowl movably coupled to the shroud, the seated toilet bowl being movable between a first configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is positioned above the receptacle and a second configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is moved from the shroud to expose the receptacle, the receptacle functioning as one or both of a squat toilet bowl or a urinal when the seated toilet bowl is in the second configuration.

14. 14. The aircraft of claim 13, wherein the receptacle functions as the squat toilet when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration.

15. 14. The aircraft of claim 13, wherein the receptacle functions as both the squat toilet and the urinal when the sit-down toilet is in the second configuration.

16. 14. The aircraft of claim 13, wherein the toilet seat is configured to either pivot or move linearly between the first and second configurations.

17. The container comprises: an upright portion that abuts a wall of the restroom and functions as the urinal when the toilet seat is in the second configuration; a lower portion disposed on the floor of the restroom and functioning as the squat toilet when the seated toilet is in the second configuration.

18. The aircraft of claim 13 , wherein the shroud further includes a cover movably coupled to the container.

19. The aircraft of claim 13 , wherein the shroud further includes foot pads adjacent the container.

20. 1. A method for a system including a shroud having a receptacle and a seat-on toilet bowl movably coupled to the shroud, comprising: The method includes moving the seated toilet bowl between a first configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is positioned above the receptacle and a second configuration in which the seated toilet bowl is moved from the shroud to expose the receptacle, and the receptacle functions as one or both of a squat toilet or a urinal when the seated toilet bowl is in the second configuration.

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