Urine diversion toilet assembly

Abstract

A urine diversion toilet assembly may comprise a toilet bowl comprising a main outlet located at a bottom of the toilet bowl, a urine outlet located in between the main outlet and a front rim of the toilet bowl, a separation region separating the main outlet and the urine outlet; and a urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, wherein the rounded distal edge terminates at a location above the separation region.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)URINE DIVERSION TOILET ASSEMBLY CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 760,536, filed February 19, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to urine diversion toilets, and more specifically to urine diversion toilets having a urine diversion shelf positioned above a urine diversion outlet.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional toilets collect urine and feces in combination. However, toilets that separate the collection of urine and feces can conserve water. Further, separation of urine from feces can allow urine and feces to be treated separately, which may enable less complex sewage and wastewater treatment systems than conventional systems and may facilitate the use of waste as renewable resources (e.g., fertilizer). For example, urine, when not mixed with feces, is generally low in pathogens and can easily be processed into fertilizer.SUMMARY

[0004] As discussed above, toilets that divert urine such that urine is collected separately from feces and other waste can conserve more water, utilize less complicated wastewater treatment, and allow for easier utilization of human waste as a resource compared to conventional toilets. Current urine diversion toilets include physical barriers or walls that create distinct regions where urine and feces are to be deposited; this requires user foreknowledge and cooperation to ensure correct functioning of the toilet, and can be inconvenient. Further, current urine diversion toilets have exposed openings for urine collection, such that feces can block or clog the urine collection mechanisms. Additionally, many current urine diversion toilets have physical mechanisms requiring users to switch between a urine collection or a feces collection mode of the toilet. Finally, current urine diversion toilets are not designed to support both standing and sitting urination.1MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a urine diversion toilet that can effectively separate urine and feces without requiring excessive effort by a user (e.g., in positioning or switching modes of a toilet). Further, there is a need for a urine diversion toilet configured such that feces or other waste does not easily block the urine collection mechanisms. Further, there is a need for a urine diversion toilet that can accommodate both sitting and standing urination. Described herein are urine diversion toilets that may address one or more of the above-identified needs, including by providing a urine diversion toilet assembly including a toilet bowl configured to effectively separate urine and feces during normal use of a toilet.

[0006] An exemplary urine diversion toilet may comprise a toilet bowl with a urine diversion shelf, a main trap outlet, a urine trap outlet, and a separation region between the main trap outlet and the urine trap outlet. The urine diversion shelf can extend from the front rim of the toilet bowl and direct urine, using the surface tension and adhesion properties of urine, to the urine trap outlet. The urine trap outlet can be underneath the urine diversion shelf, such that the urine diversion shelf can shield the urine trap outlet from feces and other waste. Optionally, the urine diversion toilet may comprise a second urine trap outlet positioned inside the toilet bowl below the back rim of the toilet bowl and above the main trap outlet to collect urine from standing urination. The urine diversion toilet may also comprise a second urine diversion shelf extending from the back rim of the toilet bowl and above the second urine trap outlet to direct urine to the second urine trap outlet. The second urine diversion trap and second urine diversion shelf may share any one or more properties in common with the first urine diversion trap and first urine diversion shelf shown and / or described herein.

[0007] In some embodiments, a urine diversion toilet assembly is provided, comprising: a toilet bowl comprising: a main trap outlet located at a bottom of the toilet bowl; a urine trap outlet located in between the main trap outlet and a front rim of the toilet bowl; a separation region separating the main trap outlet and the urine trap outlet; and a urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, wherein the rounded distal edge terminates at a location above the separation region and between the main trap outlet and the urine trap outlet; and a urine trap in flow communication with the urine trap outlet; and a main trap in flow communication with the main trap outlet.2MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0008] In some embodiments, the separation region comprises a first region sloping downward to the urine trap outlet and a second region sloping downward to the main trap outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the urine diversion shelf comprises a first steep region proximal to the front rim of the toilet bowl and a second gradual region distal of the front rim of the toilet bowl.

[0010] In some embodiments, the urine diversion shelf comprises a hydrophilic coating.

[0011] In some embodiments, the toilet bowl assembly further comprises: a toilet tank to hold flush water; a flush valve assembly positioned in the toilet tank; wherein, during a flush cycle, the flush valve assembly is configured to provide flush water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl at a flush water velocity such that the flush water flows from the urine diversion shelf and into the main trap.

[0012] In some embodiments, the urine diversion shelf comprises two symmetrical sloped regions that slope inward relative to a midline of the urine diversion shelf, the midline extending from the front rim of the toilet to the center of the rounded distal edge, such that the midline is lower than side walls of the sloped urine diversion shelf.

[0013] In some embodiments, the urine trap outlet is positioned underneath the midline of the sloped urine diversion shelf.

[0014] In some embodiments, a first width of the separation region is shorter than a second width of the urine diversion shelf.

[0015] In some embodiments, an upper region of a front wall of the main trap is substantially vertical.

[0016] In some embodiments, an upper region of a front wall of the main trap extends downwards and towards a front of the toilet bowl.

[0017] In some embodiments, a lower region of the front wall of the main trap extends downwards and away from the front of the toilet bowl.3MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0018] In some embodiments, a connection between the separation region and the urine trap forms a first rounded edge and wherein a connection between the separation region and the main trap forms a second rounded edge.

[0019] In some embodiments, the toilet bowl further comprises a second urine trap outlet located inside the toilet bowl below a back rim of the toilet bowl and above the main trap.

[0020] In some embodiments, the toilet bowl further comprises a second urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the second urine diversion shelf, wherein the second urine diversion shelf is positioned above the second urine trap outlet.

[0021] A second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly may comprise a toilet bowl including: a main outlet located at a bottom of the toilet bowl; a urine outlet located in between the main outlet and a front rim of the toilet bowl; a separation region separating the main outlet and the urine outlet; and a urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, wherein the rounded distal edge terminates at a location above the separation region; a urine conduit in flow communication with the urine outlet; and a main conduit in flow communication with the main outlet.

[0022] In some embodiments, the rounded distal edge terminates at a location between the main outlet and the urine outlet.

[0023] In some embodiments, the separation region includes a shelf defining a cavity that is beneath the shelf and above the urine outlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the rounded distal edge terminates at a location between the main outlet and the urine outlet; and the separation region includes a shelf defining a cavity that is beneath the shelf and above the urine outlet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the separation region includes a first region sloping downward to the urine outlet and a second region sloping downward to the main outlet.

[0026] In some embodiments, the urine diversion shelf includes a first steep region proximal to the front rim of the toilet bowl and a second gradual region distal of the front rim of the toilet bowl.4MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0027] In some embodiments, the urine diversion shelf includes a hydrophilic coating.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly further comprises: a toilet tank to hold flush water; and a flush valve assembly positioned in the toilet tank; wherein, during a flush cycle, the flush valve assembly is configured to provide the flush water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl at a flush water velocity such that the flush water flows from the urine diversion shelf and into the main conduit.

[0029] In some embodiments, the urine diversion shelf includes two symmetrical sloped regions that slope inward relative to a midline of the urine diversion shelf, the midline extending from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a center of the rounded distal edge, such that the midline is lower than side walls of the urine diversion shelf.

[0030] In some embodiments, the urine outlet is positioned underneath the midline of the urine diversion shelf.

[0031] In some embodiments, a first width of the separation region is shorter than a second width of the urine diversion shelf.

[0032] In some embodiments, an upper region of a front wall of the main conduit is substantially vertical.

[0033] In some embodiments, an upper region of a front wall of the main conduit extends downwards and towards a front of the toilet bowl.

[0034] In some embodiments, a lower region of the front wall of the main conduit extends downwards and away from the front of the toilet bowl.

[0035] In some embodiments, a connection between the separation region and the urine conduit forms a first rounded edge and wherein a connection between the separation region and the main conduit forms a second rounded edge.

[0036] In some embodiments, the toilet bowl further includes a second urine outlet located inside the toilet bowl below a back rim of the toilet bowl and above the main conduit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the toilet bowl further includes a second urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the back rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the5MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)second urine diversion shelf, wherein the second urine diversion shelf is positioned above the second urine outlet.

[0038] In some embodiments, a width of the urine diversion shelf distal to the front rim of the toilet bowl is greater than a width of the urine outlet.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one of the urine conduit and the main conduit is fluidly coupled to an outlet pipe that extends downward through a floor.

[0040] In some embodiments, at least one of the urine conduit and the main conduit is fluidly coupled to an outlet pipe that extends horizontally rearward through a wall.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] The following figures show various views of urine diversion toilets, in accordance with some embodiments. The urine diversion toilets shown in the figures may, in some embodiments, have any one or more of the characteristics described herein.

[0042] FIGS. 1 A and IB show cross sectional views of a urine diversion toilet, according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of a urine diversion toilet, according to some examples.

[0044] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0045] FIG. 2B shows another perspective view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0046] FIG. 2C shows a top view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0047] FIG. 2D shows yet another perspective view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0048] FIG. 2E shows a front view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.6MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0049] FIG. 2F shows a bottom view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0050] FIG. 2G shows a back view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0051] FIG. 2H shows yet another perspective view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0052] FIG. 21 shows a side view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0053] FIG. 2J shows another side view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.

[0054] FIG. 2K shows a cross sectional view of the second exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly, according to some examples.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] As described, urine diversion toilets can conserve water and facilitate the use of human waste as fertilizer. Current urine diversion toilets require special effort by a user to direct feces and urine into appropriate regions of the toilet and / or to switch the toilet into different collection modes. Current urine diversion toilets may also include an exposed urine outlet which may become blocked by feces and other waste, decreasing the efficacy of the system and requiring special cleaning. Further, current urine diversion toilets do not support both sitting and standing urination.

[0056] Accordingly, described herein are urine diversion toilet assemblies that can effectively separate urine and feces without requiring special training or compliance by a user while also shielding a urine outlet such that it is not easily blocked by feces or other solid waste. The urine diversion toilet assembly includes a toilet bowl with a main outlet for collecting feces and other non-urine waste at the bottom of the bowl, and a urine outlet for collecting urine. The main outlet is located at the bottom of the toilet bowl and can collect feces and other waste without requiring special positioning by a user. The urine outlet is located in front of the main outlet, such that the urine outlet is in between the main outlet and the front rim of the toilet bowl. The toilet bowl further includes a separation region located in 7MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)between the main outlet and the urine outlet. The toilet bowl includes a urine diversion shelf that slopes downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, wherein the rounded distal edge may terminate at a location above the separation region and between the main outlet and the urine outlet. During sitting or standing urination, urine can flow down the top surface of the urine diversion shelf, and, using the surface tension and adhesion properties of fluid, around the rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf to a bottom surface of the urine diversion shelf, before flowing into the urine outlet.

[0057] Optionally, the urine diversion toilet may comprise a second urine outlet positioned inside the toilet bowl below the back rim of the toilet bowl and above the main outlet to collect urine from standing urination.

[0058] In some embodiments, the urine diversion toilet may be a dry toilet. In some embodiments, the urine diversion toilet may be a vacuum toilet. In some embodiments, the urine diversion toilet may be a flushing toilet. The urine diversion toilet assembly may comprise a toilet tank to hold flush water, and a flush valve assembly positioned in the toilet tank. During a flush cycle, the flush valve assembly may be configured to provide flush water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl at a flush water velocity such that the flush water flows over the urine diversion shelf, off of the distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, and into the main outlet. The flush velocity may be sufficiently high such that surface tension does not cause the flush water flow to cling to and run around the rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, thereby allowing flush water to flow to the main outlet side of the separation region and / or directly into the main conduit. As used herein, the term “flush water” may refer to any fluid that passes out of a toilet tank (or any subcomponent thereof, such as a container positioned inside a toilet tank, an inner chamber of said container, and / or a vacuum chamber of said container) during a flush cycle.

[0059] FIGS. 1 A-1C show a urine diversion toilet assembly 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 1A and IB show cross sectional views of a urine diversion toilet assembly 100, and FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of urine diversion toilet assembly 100.

[0060] Urine diversion toilet assembly 100 comprises a toilet bowl 102. Toilet bowl 102 comprises a main outlet 104, a urine outlet 106, a separation region 108, and urine diversion8MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)shelf 110. Main outlet 104 may be located at the bottom of the toilet bowl 102, which may allow for the collection of feces and other non-urine waste without requiring special positioning of a user (e.g., a user can use urine diversion toilet assembly 100 similarly to how they would use a conventional toilet).

[0061] Urine outlet 106 may be located in the toilet bowl 102 and in between main outlet 104 and front rim 112 of toilet bowl 102. Urine outlet 106 may be in flow communication with urine conduit 114. The diameter of urine outlet 106 may be smaller than the diameter of main outlet 104. For example, the inner diameter of urine outlet 106 may be between about 30 mm and about 50 mm, and the diameter of main outlet 104 may be larger. This size for the urine conduit inner diameter may help to prevent urine scale and clogging.

[0062] Urine outlet 106 and main outlet 104 may be separated by separation region 108 of toilet bowl 102. Separation region 108 may be formed by the part of toilet bowl 102 that spans between urine outlet 106 and main outlet 104. In some embodiments, separation region 108 may comprise a plurality of different sloped regions sloping toward one of the outlets or the other. In some embodiments, the connection between separation region 108 and the urine outlet 106 may form a first rounded edge, and the connection between separation region 108 and main outlet 104 may form a second rounded edge. In some embodiments, a sloped region on separation region 108 that slopes toward main outlet 104 and abuts the rounded edge may be disposed at an obtuse angle to a front wall region of main conduit 116 that abuts the rounded edge, wherein the angle formed by the two regions is greater than or equal to 315, 270, or 225 degrees.

[0063] Urine diversion shelf 110 may slope downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge 118 of urine diversion shelf 110. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may slope downward linearly or in a rounded manner. In some embodiments, the shape and slope of urine diversion shelf 110 may be determined based on the shape of toilet bowl 102 and flushing methods used. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may slope downward monotonically. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf may slope downward more steeply at a first region closer to the front of toilet bowl 102, and more gradually at a second region closer to the back of toilet bowl 102. The rounded distal edge 118 of urine diversion shelf 110 may terminate at a location above separation region 108 and in between the main outlet 104 and the urine outlet 106. As shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB, rounded distal edge 118 of urine diversion shelf 110 is positioned 9MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)vertically above separation region 108, such that a gap or opening 150 is defined between rounded distal edge 118 and separation region 108.

[0064] In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 forms a cavity 152 between an underside of urine diversion shelf 110 and an adjacent interior wall surface of toilet bowl 102. Cavity 152 may extend from opening 150 toward urine outlet 106 and may at least partially house urine outlet 106 beneath urine diversion shelf 110. This configuration may shield urine outlet 106 from direct exposure to feces or other solid waste while maintaining fluid communication through opening 150.

[0065] Urine diversion shelf may comprise a first steep region 120 proximal to the front rim of the toilet bowl and a second gradual region 122 distal of the front rim of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may have a largest width 140 measured at or adjacent to the front rim 112 of toilet bowl 102, and a largest width 142 measured at or adjacent to the rounded distal edge 118 of urine diversion shelf 110, wherein the largest widths 140 and 142 are measured perpendicular to midline 124. In some embodiments, the largest width 140 may be greater than or equal to the largest width 142. Further, in some embodiments, the largest width 142 of urine diversion shelf 110 may be greater than or equal to a largest width of urine outlet 106. This width relationship may help ensure that urine flowing along urine diversion shelf 110 is laterally captured and directed toward urine outlet 106 as the urine flows from the front rim 112 toward the rounded distal edge 118. The largest width 142 may be equal to the width of separation region 108. In some examples, the largest width 142 may be approximately equal to the width of separation region 108. Optionally, the width of separation region 108 may be shorter than the largest width 142.

[0066] In some embodiments, as urine diversion shelf 110 transitions from the largest width 140 at front rim 112 to the largest width 142 at rounded distal edge 118, the shelf may define a converging geometry. In some embodiments, the transition from largest width 140 to largest width 142 may have a shape corresponding to a partial frustum or a partial funnel-like shape. Such a geometry may gradually narrow the lateral extent of urine diversion shelf 110 while maintaining a downward slope, thereby encouraging urine to converge toward midline 124 and rounded distal edge 118 prior to entering urine outlet 106.

[0067] Urine diversion shelf 110 can direct the flow of urine to urine outlet 106, such that urine is diverted away from main outlet 104. An example path of urine flow as it is diverted10MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)to urine outlet 106 is shown in FIG. IB by the narrower arrows. For example, during normal sitting urination, urine may be directed to the top surface of urine diversion shelf 110 and the urine may flow down urine diversion shelf 110 to the rounded distal edge 118. Due to the surface tension and adhesion of urine, the urine flow may adhere to rounded distal edge 118 until the urine reaches a bottom surface of urine diversion shelf 110. The urine may then flow down into urine outlet 106 and urine conduit 114.

[0068] Surface tension and adhesion of fluids may cause a fluid flow phenomenon where a fluid (e.g., urine) may adhere or run down a surface (e.g., adhere to rounded distal edge 118, flowing down and around the surface of rounded distal edge 118) instead of flowing off the surface (e.g., instead of flowing off urine diversion shelf 110 into main outlet 104). This fluid flow phenomenon may cause a liquid to dribble down the side of a vessel or vessel wall while pouring. The tendency of a liquid to dribble down or adhere to a surface may be determined by various factors, including fluid flow velocity, surface tension of the fluid, viscosity of the fluid, and adhesion between the fluid and the surface material. For example, a fluid flowing with higher velocity may be more likely to overcome the adhesion between the fluid and a surface than a fluid flowing with lower velocity. The second gradual region 122 of urine diversion shelf 110 may facilitate the adhesion between urine and the urine diversion shelf 110. For example, due to having a less steep slope than first steep region 120, second gradual region 122 may slow the flow velocity of urine as it approaches rounded distal edge 118, such that the urine is likely to adhere to rounded distal edge 118 due to surface tension, instead of flowing off rounded distal edge 118 into main outlet 104.

[0069] In some embodiments, the positioning of rounded distal edge 118 over separation region 108 may also facilitate the diversion of urine into urine outlet 106. Separation region 108 may comprise a first (e.g., front) region sloping downward to urine outlet 106 and a second (e.g., rear) region sloping downward to main outlet 104. In some embodiments, rounded distal edge 118 may be positioned over the first region of separation region 108 that slopes downwards to the urine outlet, such that any portion of urine that drips off of rounded distal edge 118 (e.g., because the effect of gravity overcomes the adhesion between the urine and the rounded distal edge 118 before the urine is directly above urine outlet 106) is directed into urine outlet 106 by the first (e.g., front) region of separation region 108.

[0070] The positioning of urine outlet 106 underneath urine diversion shelf 110 may partially shield urine outlet 106 from feces or other waste, such that urine outlet is not easily 11MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)blocked by feces or other waste. Optionally, the vertical space in between rounded distal edge 118 and separation region 108 may be small, which may further prevent non-urine waste from entering urine outlet 106. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may be detachable from toilet bowl 102 to facilitate cleaning.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 1C, urine outlet 106 may be located underneath a midline 124 of urine diversion shelf 110, wherein the midline 124 extends from a front rim of the toilet to the center of the rounded distal edge 118. Urine diversion shelf 110 may further comprise a (e.g., symmetrically) sloped top surface that slopes inward towards midline 124, such that midline 124 is lower than one or both of the sidewalls 126 of urine diversion shelf 110. The symmetrically sloped top surface of urine diversion shelf 110 may direct urine towards midline 124, such that urine is directed to urine outlet 106 which is located below midline 124. The symmetrically sloped top surface of urine diversion shelf 110 may be sloped linearly towards midline 124 or may be sloped in a curved fashion towards midline 124. Optionally, the symmetrically sloped top surface of urine diversion shelf 110 may slope towards midline 124 in a stepped fashion.

[0072] In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may be shaped such that during normal sitting urination, most or all of the urine is directed onto the top surface of urine diversion shelf 110. For example, urine diversion shelf 110 may be oriented such that a primary flow direction is parallel to midline 124. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise a thickness such that adhesion between the urine and urine diversion shelf 110 is enhanced.

[0073] In some embodiments, toilet bowl 102 may comprise a smooth, durable material, such that waste is easy to clean off surfaces of toilet bowl 102. For example, toilet bowl 102 may comprise glazed ceramic, stainless steel, or any other material commonly used for toilet bowls. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise a different material than one or more other portions of toilet bowl 102. For example, urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise a material configured to increase adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 110, relative to adhesion between urine and the material as the rest of toilet bowl 102. For example, urine diversion shelf may comprise one or more plastic and / or ceramic materials. An increased adhesion between urine and the urine diversion shelf 110 may increase the efficacy of the collection of urine. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise the same material as toilet bowl 102.12MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0074] Optionally, urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise one or more coatings. The one or more coatings may comprise one or more hydrophilic coatings (to increase the adhesiveness of the surface). The one or more coatings may be configured to increase adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 110, relative to the adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 110 without the coating. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 110 may be partially coated by the one or more coatings. For example, urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise one or more coatings on part or all of the top surface of urine diversion shelf and / or part or all of rounded distal edge 118 where adhesion is desired.

[0075] In some examples, the top surface of urine diversion shelf may be coated such that there is lower adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 110 proximal to the front rim of the toilet bowl 102 relative to a higher adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 110 distal of the front rim of toilet bowl 102. For example, the first steep region 120 of urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise a coating of a first type (or no coating), while the second gradual region 122 may comprise a coating of a second type (or no coating). Optionally, the top surface of urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise a coating configured to gradually increase adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 110 as urine flows down urine diversion shelf 110. In some examples, the bottom surface of urine diversion shelf 110 above urine outlet 106, where adhesion is not desired, may be uncoated or coated with a different material (e.g., a hydrophobic material) to decrease adhesion between urine and the bottom surface of urine diversion shelf 110, such that urine flows from the bottom surface of urine diversion shelf 110 into urine outlet 106.

[0076] Optionally, the bottom surface of urine diversion shelf 110 may comprise a protrusion or lip above urine outlet 106, such that urine is directed downwards into urine outlet from the bottom surface of urine diversion shelf 110.

[0077] Urine outlet 106 is fluidly connected to urine conduit 114 such that urine entering urine outlet 106 flows into urine conduit 114. Urine conduit 114 may be fluidly connected to a urine treatment system (or one or more drainpipes that connect to a urine treatment system), such that urine collected by urine conduit 114 may be directed to the urine treatment system, where the urine may be processed into fertilizer. Urine conduit 114 may comprise a substantially vertical portion. In some embodiments, urine conduit 114 may be fluidly connected to a wall carrier fluidly connected to a urine treatment system.13MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0078] In some embodiments, urine diversion toilet assembly 100 may be a flushing toilet, and may comprise a toilet tank 128 and flush valve assembly 130 inside toilet tank 128. Toilet tank 128 may be configured to fluidly connect to a water supply. In some embodiments, when a flush cycle is initiated, toilet tank 128 may be configured to discharge a volume of contained flush water into toilet bowl 102 using flush valve assembly 130. The flush water may be provided to toilet bowl 102 by one or more flush water inlets disposed around the rim of toilet bowl 102. Toward the end of a flush cycle, toilet tank 128 may be configured to replenish the discharged volume of water by receiving water from the water supply.

[0079] During a flush cycle, the flush valve assembly 130 may be configured to provide flush water from toilet tank 128 to toilet bowl 102 at a flush water velocity such that flush water flows from the urine diversion shelf and into the main outlet, as shown in FIG. IB by the large arrows. The flush water velocity may be greater than typical urination flow velocity, such that, unlike urine, flush water will not adhere to urine diversion shelf 110 and will thus not be directed into the urine conduit. As discussed previously, fluid with higher flow velocity is more likely to overcome the adhesion between fluid and a surface than fluid with lower flow velocity. In some embodiments, the flush water velocity may be greater than a typical velocity at which urine falls under force of urination and / or under gravitational force. In some embodiments, the flush water flow rate may be greater than a typical velocity at which urine falls under force of urination (e.g., between about 10 mL / s and about 21 mL / s) and / or under gravitational force. If little to no flush water flows into urine outlet 106, the collected urine may remain substantially pure, which may produce more effective or concentrated fertilizer compared to urine that has been diluted by flush water.

[0080] Main outlet 104 can be fluidly connected to main conduit 116, such that waste or flush water entering main outlet 104 is collected by main conduit 116. Main conduit 116 may comprise a front wall 134. An upper region of the front wall 134 may be substantially vertical. In some embodiments, the upper region of front wall 134 may extend downwards and towards the front of toilet bowl 102, and the lower region of front wall 134 may extend downwards and away from the front of toilet bowl 102. Main conduit 116 may comprise an odor seal.

[0081] When a flush cycle is initiated (e.g., by a user who engages a flush control), the contents of main conduit 116 may flow into trapway 132. Trapway 132 may be configured to 14MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)fluidly connect to a sewer system (or to one or more drainpipes that connect to a sewer system). During a flush cycle, the contents of main conduit 116 may be directed through trapway 132 and into the sewer system.

[0082] In some embodiments, urine conduit 114 may be fluidly coupled to an outlet pipe configured to direct urine away from toilet bowl 102. The outlet pipe may extend downward through a floor, for example in a floor-mounted installation, or may extend horizontally rearward through a wall, for example in a wall-mounted installation. Similarly, main conduit 116 may be fluidly coupled to a corresponding outlet pipe that extends downward through a floor or horizontally rearward through a wall. These configurations may allow urine diversion toilet assembly 100 to be compatible with a variety of plumbing layouts and building installations.

[0083] Optionally, the urine diversion toilet assembly 100 may comprise a second urine outlet positioned inside the toilet bowl 102 below the back rim 136 of the toilet bowl 102 and above the main outlet 104 to collect urine from standing urination. In some embodiments, urine diversion toilet assembly 100 may also comprise a second urine diversion shelf extending from the back rim 136 of the toilet bowl 102 and above the second urine outlet to direct urine to the second urine outlet using the surface tension and adhesion properties of urine. The second urine diversion shelf may comprise any one or more features of urine diversion shelf 110.

[0084] The second urine outlet may be fluidly connected to the second urine conduit such that urine entering the second urine outlet flows into the second urine conduit. The second urine conduit may be fluidly connected to a urine treatment system (or one or more drainpipes that connect to a urine treatment system), such that urine collected by the second urine conduit may be directed to the urine treatment system, where the urine may be processed into fertilizer. In some embodiments, the second urine conduit may be fluidly connected to a wall carrier fluidly connected to a urine treatment system. In some embodiments, the second urine conduit may be fluidly connected to urine conduit 114.

[0085] Although FIGS. 1 A-1B illustrates separation region 108 as forming a lower portion of toilet bowl 102 between urine outlet 106 and main outlet 104, it should be understood that separation region 108 may, in some embodiments, comprise a ledge or shelf extending upward from a lower portion of toilet bowl 102 and toward front rim 112. In such15MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)embodiments, separation region 108 may extend partially toward urine diversion shelf 110, thereby defining opening 150 between separation region 108 and rounded distal edge 118. The separation region 108 may slope toward one or both of urine outlet 106 and main outlet 104, as described elsewhere herein.

[0086] FIGS. 2A-2J show a variety of views of another exemplary urine diversion toilet assembly 200, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2B shows another perspective view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2C shows a top view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2D shows yet another perspective view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2E shows a front view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2F shows a bottom view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2G shows a back view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2H shows yet another perspective view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 21 shows a side view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, FIG. 2J shows another side view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200, and FIG. 2K shows a cross sectional view of urine diversion toilet assembly 200 along midline 224.

[0087] Urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may have any one or more features of urine diversion toilet assembly 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 A-1C. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a toilet bowl 202 having any one or more features of toilet bowl 102. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a main outlet 204 having any one or more features of main outlet 104. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a urine outlet 206 having any one or more features of urine outlet 106. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a separation region 208 having any one or more features of separation region 108. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a urine diversion shelf 210 having any one or more features of urine diversion shelf 110. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a front rim 212 having any one or more features of front rim 112. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a urine conduit 214 having any one or more features of urine conduit 114. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a main conduit 216 having any one or more features of main conduit 116. For example, urine diversion shelf 210 can comprise a rounded distal edge 218 having any one or more features of rounded distal edge 118. For example, urine diversion shelf 210 can comprise a first steep region 220 having any one or more features of first steep region 120.16MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)For example, urine diversion shelf 210 can comprise a second gradual region 222 having any one or more features of second gradual region 122. For example, urine diversion shelf 210 can comprise a midline 224 having any one or more features of midline 124. For example, urine diversion shelf 210 can comprise sidewalls 226 having any one or more features of sidewalls 126. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a trapway 232 having any one or more features of trapway 132. For example, toilet bowl 202 can comprise a back rim 236 having any one or more features of back rim 136. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may comprise a front wall 234 having any one or more features of front wall 134.

[0088] Urine diversion toilet assembly 200 can comprise a toilet bowl 202 defining an upper bowl region, a urine diversion shelf 210 extending inward from a front rim region of the toilet bowl 202, a rounded distal edge 218 formed at a downstream end of the urine diversion shelf 210, a separation region 208 located downstream of the rounded distal edge 218, a urine outlet 206, and a main outlet 204. The illustrated configuration is exemplary, and one or more of the relative positions, shapes, and orientations of these components may vary in other embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0089] Urine diversion shelf 210 may extend inward from the front rim 212 of toilet bowl 202 and may slope downward toward rounded distal edge 218. As shown in FIG. 2K, rounded distal edge 218 may be positioned upstream of both urine outlet 206 and main outlet 204, such that the rounded distal edge 218 is located closer to the front rim 212 than either outlet. It should be understood that in some embodiments, rounded distal edge 218 may be in between urine outlet 206 and main outlet 204. In some embodiments, below rounded distal edge 218, the urine diversion shelf 210 can curve forward toward front rim 212. This curvature can form an overhanging lip. For example, urine diversion shelf 210 can define a downwardly sloping upper surface and a convexly curved underside that partially overhangs separation region 208.

[0090] Urine diversion shelf 210 may slope downward monotonically from the front rim 212 toward rounded distal edge 218. In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 210 may comprise a first steep region 220 proximal to the front rim 212 that slopes downward more steeply and a second gradual region 222 distal of the front rim 212 that slopes downward more gradually toward rounded distal edge 218. The first and second regions may be formed as a continuous curved surface, as a plurality of joined surface segments, and / or as a17MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)combination thereof. The particular slope profile may be selected based on desired fluid behavior, manufacturing constraints, and / or aesthetic considerations.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 2C, urine diversion shelf 210 may have a converging geometry as it extends from the front rim region toward rounded distal edge 218. For example, the shelf may have a larger width 240 near the front rim 212 and a smaller width 242 near the rounded distal edge 218, such that the shelf defines a partial frustum shape, a partial funnel-like shape, and / or a generally tapered geometry. This converging planform may act to laterally guide urine toward a central region of the shelf as urine flows toward the rounded distal edge 218.

[0092] Urine diversion shelf 210 may further define a midline 224 extending from the front rim 212 toward the rounded distal edge 218. In some embodiments, an upper surface of urine diversion shelf 210 may slope inward from lateral sidewalls 226 toward midline 224, such that the midline is lower than one or both lateral edges of the shelf. This inward slope may be linear, curved, stepped, and / or otherwise contoured, and may promote convergence of urine toward a central flow path prior to reaching rounded distal edge 218. In some embodiments, urine outlet 206 may be positioned underneath midline 224 of urine diversion shelf 210, such that urine flowing along the urine diversion shelf 210 and converging toward the midline is directed vertically downward into urine outlet 206.

[0093] In some embodiments, urine diversion shelf 210 of toilet bowl 202 may comprise one or more hydrophilic coatings applied to at least a portion of an upper surface of the shelf and / or to rounded distal edge 218. The hydrophilic coating may increase adhesion between urine and urine diversion shelf 210 relative to an uncoated surface, thereby promoting urine flow toward urine outlet 206.

[0094] Separation region 208 may be located downstream of rounded distal edge 218 and may separate urine outlet 206 and main outlet 204. In some embodiments, separation region 208 may include one or more sloped surfaces that direct fluid toward one outlet or the other depending on where the fluid disengages from the urine diversion shelf 210 and / or rounded distal edge 218. For example, separation region 208 may comprise a first region sloping downward toward urine outlet 206 and a second region sloping downward toward main outlet 204. The first and second regions may be separated by a crest, ridge, or inflection region, and / or may transition smoothly into one another, such that fluid is directed toward a respective outlet based on its position on separation region 208. Separation region 208 may18MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)include curved, rounded, and / or radiused transitions between adjacent surfaces to reduce splashing and / or promote predictable fluid flow. For example, a connection between separation region 208 and urine outlet 206 may form a first rounded edge, and a connection between separation region 208 and main outlet 204 may form a second rounded edge.

[0095] For example, as shown in FIG. 2K, separation region 208 can comprise an upwardly extending ledge formed within toilet bowl 202. In a side cross-section view, separation region 208 can extend from a lower interior wall of the bowl toward urine diversion shelf 210 to define a crest positioned beneath rounded distal edge 218. From the crest, separation region 208 can transition downward along a rearward portion toward main outlet 204. A forward portion of separation region 208 slopes downward toward urine outlet 206. In this configuration, separation region 208 defines a peaked or ridge-like profile in side view, with the crest forming a local high point between urine outlet 206 and main outlet 204. Separation region 208 may be positioned below urine diversion shelf 210 and may define a cavity 252 between separation region 208 and urine outlet 206. Cavity 252 can be positioned beneath the shelf formed by separation region 208. As shown in FIG. 2K, separation region 208 can form a roof or ceiling over cavity 252, and urine outlet 206 can be positioned within cavity 252 below the shelf formed by separation region 208.

[0096] Rounded distal edge 218 can be vertically spaced above the crest of separation region 208 such that opening 250 is defined between the underside of urine diversion shelf 210 and the upper portion of separation region 208. Opening 250 provides access to cavity 252 beneath the shelf formed by separation region 208. Urine flowing along urine diversion shelf 210 and around rounded distal edge 218 passes through opening 250 and into cavity 252, from which urine enters urine outlet 206.

[0097] Urine outlet 206 may be positioned downstream of rounded distal edge 218 and may be fluidly coupled to urine conduit 214. Urine conduit 214 may extend downward through a floor, rearward through a wall, and / or in any other orientation suitable for a given installation. Urine conduit 214 may be fluidly connected to a urine collection system, a urine treatment system, and / or one or more drainpipes. The size, shape, and orientation of urine conduit 214 may vary depending on plumbing requirements and installation constraints.

[0098] Main outlet 204 may be fluidly coupled to main conduit 216 and trapway 232. Main conduit 216 may be configured to receive feces, flush water (if present), and / or other19MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)non-urine waste. Trapway 232 may extend downward through a floor, rearward through a wall, and / or along another path depending on whether the installation is floor-mounted, wall-mounted, or otherwise configured. Main conduit 216 may include an odor seal and may have any of the geometries described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, main conduit 216 of urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may comprise a front wall 234 having an upper region that is substantially vertical, as shown in FIG. 2K. An upper region of the front wall 234 may be substantially vertical. In some embodiments, the upper region of front wall 234 may extend downwards and towards the front of toilet bowl 202, and the lower region of front wall 234 may extend downwards and away from the front of toilet bowl 202.

[0099] Toilet bowl 202 may define a smoothly contoured internal bowl surface extending from the rim region into the bowl cavity and toward the separation region 208 and outlets. The internal geometry may comprise continuous compound curves, segmented surfaces with radiused transitions, and / or a combination thereof.

[0100] The external shape of toilet bowl 202, as shown for example in the side view of FIGS. 21 and 2 J, may include a generally convex front profile that tapers rearward toward a mounting region. The exterior profile may provide internal volume for urine conduit 214, main conduit 216, and trapway 232 while maintaining a compact and aesthetically continuous outer form. In side view, toilet bowl 202 may include a lower region that is narrower than an upper region, thereby providing clearance for internal trap components and plumbing while allowing the bowl to sit closer to a wall or mounting surface. Dashed outlines shown in some figures may represent internal or hidden features and are not intended to limit the disclosure to visible external geometry.

[0101] Although FIGS. 2A-2K do not explicitly illustrate flush water delivery components, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may be configured as a dry toilet, a vacuum toilet, and / or a flushing toilet. In flushing embodiments, toilet bowl 202 may be operably coupled to a toilet tank, a flush valve assembly, rim inlets, and / or other flush delivery structures as described elsewhere herein. For example, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may further comprise a toilet tank configured to hold flush water and a flush valve assembly positioned within the toilet tank. During a flush cycle, the flush valve assembly may be configured to deliver flush water from the toilet tank to toilet bowl 202 at a flush water velocity such that the flush water flows over urine diversion shelf 210 and into main outlet 204, rather than into urine outlet 206.20MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)

[0102] Optionally, the urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may comprise a second urine outlet positioned inside the toilet bowl 202 below the back rim 236 of the toilet bowl 202 and above the main outlet 204 to collect urine from standing urination. In some embodiments, urine diversion toilet assembly 200 may also comprise a second urine diversion shelf extending from the back rim 236 of the toilet bowl 202 and above the second urine outlet to direct urine to the second urine outlet using the surface tension and adhesion properties of urine. The second urine diversion shelf may comprise any one or more features of urine diversion shelf 210.

[0103] The second urine outlet may be fluidly connected to the second urine conduit such that urine entering the second urine outlet flows into the second urine conduit. The second urine conduit may be fluidly connected to a urine treatment system (or one or more drainpipes that connect to a urine treatment system), such that urine collected by the second urine conduit may be directed to the urine treatment system, where the urine may be processed into fertilizer. In some embodiments, the second urine conduit may be fluidly connected to a wall carrier fluidly connected to a urine treatment system. In some embodiments, the second urine conduit may be fluidly connected to urine conduit 214.

[0104] Similarly, although arrows illustrating fluid flow are not shown in FIGS. 2A-2K, urine diversion shelf 210, rounded distal edge 218, separation region 208, urine outlet 206, and main outlet 204 can cooperate during use to separate urine from feces based on surface tension, adhesion, gravity, and / or flow velocity effects, as described throughout this specification.

[0105] Any one or more characteristics of any of the embodiments (including claims) described, shown, and / or referenced herein may be combined, in whole or in part, with any one or more characteristics of any one or more other embodiments (including claims) described, shown, and / or referenced herein.

[0106] The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best utilize the21MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)techniques and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0107] Although the disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the patents and publications referred to in this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.22MF-366861898

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)CLAIMS1. A urine diversion toilet assembly comprising:a toilet bowl comprising:a main outlet located at a bottom of the toilet bowl;a urine outlet located in between the main outlet and a front rim of the toilet bowl;a separation region separating the main outlet and the urine outlet; and a urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the urine diversion shelf, wherein the rounded distal edge terminates at a location above the separation region;a urine conduit in flow communication with the urine outlet; anda main conduit in flow communication with the main outlet.

2. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the rounded distal edge terminates at a location between the main outlet and the urine outlet.

3. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the separation region comprises a shelf defining a cavity that is beneath the shelf and above the urine outlet.

4. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein:the rounded distal edge terminates at a location between the main outlet and the urine outlet; andthe separation region comprises a shelf defining a cavity that is beneath the shelf and above the urine outlet.

5. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the separation region comprises a first region sloping downward to the urine outlet and a second region sloping downward to the main outlet.

6. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the urine diversion shelf comprises a first steep region proximal to the front rim of the toilet bowl and a second gradual region distal of the front rim of the toilet bowl.23MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)7. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the urine diversion shelf comprises a hydrophilic coating.

8. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, further comprising:a toilet tank to hold flush water; anda flush valve assembly positioned in the toilet tank;wherein, during a flush cycle, the flush valve assembly is configured to provide the flush water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl at a flush water velocity such that the flush water flows from the urine diversion shelf and into the main conduit.

9. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the urine diversion shelf comprises two symmetrical sloped regions that slope inward relative to a midline of the urine diversion shelf, the midline extending from the front rim of the toilet bowl to a center of the rounded distal edge, such that the midline is lower than side walls of the urine diversion shelf.

10. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 9, wherein the urine outlet is positioned underneath the midline of the urine diversion shelf.

11. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein a first width of the separation region is shorter than a second width of the urine diversion shelf.

12. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein an upper region of a front wall of the main conduit is substantially vertical.

13. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein an upper region of a front wall of the main conduit extends downwards and towards a front of the toilet bowl.

14. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 13, wherein a lower region of the front wall of the main conduit extends downwards and away from the front of the toilet bowl.

15. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein a connection between the separation region and the urine conduit forms a first rounded edge and wherein a connection between the separation region and the main conduit forms a second rounded edge.24MF-366861898Attorney Docket No.: LC001W001 (778942019940)16. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein the toilet bowl further comprises a second urine outlet located inside the toilet bowl below a back rim of the toilet bowl and above the main conduit.

17. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 16, wherein the toilet bowl further comprises a second urine diversion shelf sloping downward from the back rim of the toilet bowl to a rounded distal edge of the second urine diversion shelf, wherein the second urine diversion shelf is positioned above the second urine outlet.

18. The urine diversion toilet assembly of claim 1, wherein a width of the urine diversion shelf distal to the front rim of the toilet bowl is greater than a width of the urine outlet.

19. The urine diversion toilet assembly of any one of claims 1-18, wherein at least one of the urine conduit and the main conduit is fluidly coupled to an outlet pipe that extends downward through a floor.

20. The urine diversion toilet assembly of any one of claims 1-18, wherein at least one of the urine conduit and the main conduit is fluidly coupled to an outlet pipe that extends horizontally rearward through a wall.25MF-366861898

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