US3858249A

US3858249A - Self-contained sanitary closet for vehicles or the like

Info

Publication number: US3858249A
Application number: US405214A
Authority: US
Inventors: Durrell Unger Howard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-10-10
Filing date: 1973-10-10
Publication date: 1975-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-07

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a sanitary closet for vehicles or the like. Separate reservoirs are provided for the waste and the flushing fluid. During the flushing cycle, a shutter at the bowl outlet is closed to divert the flushing fluid from the waste reservoir to a collection sump spaced around and below the waste outlet of the bowl. A sump pump returns the fluid to the fluid reservoir. The operation of the sump and shutter is regulated by a sequence control timer. The timer is driven by a spring motor and is restrained by a dash pot. The timing interval may be varied by changing the size of a bypass orifice provided in the dash pot.

Description

United States Patent Howard Jan. 7, 1975 [54] SELF-CONTAINED SANITARY CLOSET 3,611,447 10/1971 Howard 4/10 O HI O THE LIKE 3,748,663 7/1973 Hiller 4/115 [76] Inventor: Durrell Unger Howard, 306

Krameria Dr., San Antonio, Tex. 78213 [22] Filed: Oct. 10, 1973 [21] Appl. N0.: 405,214

[52] U.S. Cl 4/10, 4/77, 4/78, 4/1 15 [51] Int. Cl. E03d 11/02, E03d 11/00, B60r 16/04 [58] Field of Search 4/10, 1, 115, 77, 76, 78, 4/85, 93,116, 90

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,054,117 9/1962 Calla 4/115 3,289,214 12/1966 Corliss 3,418,664 12/1968 Carmichael... 3,609,772 10/1971 Howard 3,611,446 10/1971 Howard 4/10 Primary Examiner-Henry K. Artis Attorney, Agent, or FirmPollock, Philpitt & Vande Sande [57] ABSTRACT The disclosure relates to a sanitary closet forvehicles or the like. Separate reservoirs are provided for the waste and the flushing fluid. During the flushing cycle, a shutter at the bowl outlet is closed to divert the flushing fluid from the waste reservoir to a collection sump spaced around and below the waste outlet of the bowl. A sump pump returns the fluid to the fluid reservoir. The operation of the sump and shutter is regulated by a sequence control timer. The timer is driven by a spring motor and is restrained by a dash pot. The timing interval may be varied by changing the size of a bypass orifice provided in the dash pot.

17 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures Patented Jan. 7, 1975 6 SheetsSheet 1 FIG. 3

Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,249

6 Sheets-Sheet 2 f Patented Jan. 7, 1975 3,858,249

6 Sheets-Sheet S Patented Jan. 7, 1975 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan.'7, 1975 3,858,249

6 Sheets-Sheet 5 SELF-CONTAINED SANITARY CLOSET FOR VEHICLES OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With increasing emphasis on avoidance of pollution in streams and lakes, it is becoming mandatory in many localities to provide a sanitary closet for use in boats, campers, camping trailers, and the like which is so constructed as to prohibit the discharge of waste material, and particularly human waste material. Although vehicle closets have been developed and are in use in aircraft and buses, which are the flush type and which provide for storage of waste material until it can be removed from the closet, such toilets of the prior art have numerous disadvantages. For example, in sanitary closets used in modernday aircraft, flushing water is provided and also means for separating solid waste materials from liquid waste materials; however no means is provided for separating liquid waste materials from the flushing water with the result that the flushing water becomes grossly contaminated after even moderate use of the closet. Even though such closets employ a means for chemically treating the flush water, it is common for the flush water to become contaminated very quickly despite such treatment, which results in an unsanitary and odorous condition. Due to the problems associated with contaminated flushing fluids, several of vehicle sanitary closets have been developed which separate the flushing fluid from the waste material so as to maintain the flushing fluid separate from the waste reservoir. An example of this type of sanitary closet is disclosed in my U.S. Pat. 3,609,772. However, the widespread use of motorized vehicles has resulted in a substantial demand for smaller portable closets. These smaller units are in heavy demand for executive aircraft, for vehicular campers and for small boats under 30 feet in length. The prior art devices which separate the flushing fluid from the waste are physically too large to be utilized in many of these applications.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sanitary closet for a vehicle having the maximum possible capacity for a given unit of space. The closet is divided into three compartments, the lower compartment being waste storage, the middle compartment being a sump, and the upper compartment being a reservoir for the flushing fluid. As the flushing fluid collects in the sump, a separate pump picks up the fluid and returns it to the top tank or flushing fluid reservoir located around the upper perimeter of the closet bowl. This allows all of the capacity of the bottom holding tank to be used for waste storage. This combination of top and bottom reservoirs, wherein the bowl flushing fluid is reused over and over again, with negligible contamination, maximizes hygienic cleanliness, space utilization, water usage and the best possible utilization of the limited waste holding tank capacity necessary in a compact completely self-contained unit.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved pumping arrangement whereby a single motor operates both the flushing pump and the sump pump at the same time. The pump is located above the bottom sump in a dry compartment. The armature shaft extends from both ends of the motor with the bottom shaft driving the sump pump in a direct one-to-one ratio. The top shaft extends above the flushing liquid reservoir, and drives a flushing pump at a reduced speed. This arrangement provides a greater pumping capacity for the sump pump which is necessary to provide proper scavaging of the sump at all times. This twin pump assembly also features a method of declutching the flush pump prior to the motor cut-off to allow the sump pump to pick up all remaining flushing fluid in the sump and return it to the top container. This insures a relatively dry sump when the closet is not in use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an automatic sequencing control unit that will activate the shutter, the pump motor, and the declutching arrangement between the sump pump and the flush pump. This unit is a springwound timer having a plurality of timing cams which is wound by opening the closet lid. The timing cycle is regulated by means of a dash pot which restrains the release of the timer spring during the timing cycle. The length of the timing cycle can be regulated by varying the size of the orifice used in the dash pot retarder. This sequencing control unit uses a plurality of rotatable and axially shifting cams to provide proper energization or actuation of the shutter and pumps at the proper intervals.

The sanitary closet of the present invention is provided with a cover which normally overlies the seat and is preferably hinged to the outer casing; A mechanical interconnection is provided which couples the cover to the sequencing control unit, and from the sequencing control unit to the shutter. The shutter in its normal position blocks communication between the bowl and the waste compartment. When the toilet is to be used, the cover or lid is raised and this opens the shutter thereby providing communication between the bowl and waste receptacle. As the lid or cover is closed, the sequencing control unit is activated and the flushing pump provides a pre-rinse of the interior of the bowl while the shutter is open. The sequencing unit then allows the shutter to be closed and the bulk of the flushing action is carried on with the shutter closed. The'shutter and the outlet means divert the flushing fluid from the waste outlet into the separate sump reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the present invention. It illustrates the closet before use.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the present invention with the lid raised and the shutter opened. The closet is now ready for use.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the present invention in use.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectional view of the present invention illustrating the pre-rinse flushing cycle.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the present invention. The bowl is being flushed, and the shutter is diverting the flushing fluid to the sump for return to the fluid reservoir.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic and cross-sectioned view of the present invention after completion of the flushing cycle.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the sequencing control unit illustrating the rotatable cams, spring means, switch means, and dash pot retarder.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the sequencing control unit as illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein the spring means in the timer has been wound for operation.

FIG. 9 is an end view of the sequencing control unit illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the timing cycle has commenced.

FIG. 10 is an isometric and exploded view of the sequencing control unit of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectioned view of a portion of the sequencing control unit.

FIG. 12 is an end view of another portion of the sequencing control unit. This view illustrates the shutter crank and the main driving cranks.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the tri-doors used as a liquid and vapor seal in the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectioned view taken along section lines 1414 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectioned view of the pump means of the present invention illustrating both the flush pump and the sump pump.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view illustrating the axially shiftable cams utilized in the sequencing control unit.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectioned and diagrammatic view of the release cams used in the sequencing control unit wherein the release cam is engaged.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectioned and diagrammatic view of the release cam of the sequencing control unit wherein the cam is about to be disengaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention uses three vertically aligned compartments. The bulk of the toilet comprises a lower waste storage compartment 11 which is adapted to receive and store the maximum amount of waste possible for the available volume. The intermediate compartment 12 is used as a collection sump to collect flushing fluid when the unit is in operation. In order to conserve space, the flushing fluid reservoir 13 is mounted in the upper periphery of the unit and completely surrounds the bowl member 31. Bowl member 31 defines an outwardly-opening upper inlet and a lower waste outlet 14.

The unit is designed to be molded from synthetic resin to make it as light and durable as possible. Since weight is of a primary consideration, the unit is engineered to minimize weight while providing maximum structural rigidity. As indicated in FIG. 1, the bowl member 31 defines around its outer periphery 31a the inner sidewall of fluid reservoir 13. The outer sidewall 13a of the fluid reservoir also defines, at least along a portion of its periphery, the outer wall of the cabinet which encloses the closet.

A sequencing control unit 25 is mounted in the rear of the unit and is actuated by the opening of the lid through bellcrank 100. A shutter means 34 is disposed adjacent the lower outlet 14 of bowl 31 to close communication between the bowl and the waste storage reservoir during the major portion of the flushing cycle. Shutter 34 is opened and closed by means of a shutter crank 77 and connecting link 35. Shutter 34 is pivoted to open to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 when the lid 20 is opened.

A tri-door 18 is used as a flexible seal for the waste storage container 11. This unit provides both a liquid and gas seal for the closet in normal operation.

The waste storage receptacle is similarly formed of a one piece molding 15 having an outlet 16 from which the waste material may be pumped when the vehicle is at rest. A pump means 32 is also provided to evacuate the flushing fluid from sump area 12 and return it to the flushing fluid reservoir 13.

The cycle of operation is as follows. FIGS. 1 through 6 illustrate the present invention in various modes or stages or operation. In FIG. I, the device is at rest, awaiting use. In FIG. 2, the lid 20 has been raised, thereby cocking or winding the spring motor in the sequence control units 25 and opening shutter 34 through bellcrank 77 and linkage 35. It should be noted that shutter 34 is biased by a resilient means (not shown) to the closed position of FIG. 1. It is opened to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 by means of bellcrank 77. The upper periphery 17 of the bowl member 31 defines a seat for the user. The tri-door seal 18 is normally closed. It is biased to its closed position by a plurality of weights which provide a counterbalance for the sealing doors. They provide a one-way check valve or backvalve" to prevent the backsplash of waste mate rial in reservoir 11 through the bowl outlet 14 into the general vicinity of seat 17 and bowl 31. Since the present invention is quite often used when the vehicle is in motion, it is necessary to prevent direct communication between the waste reservoir and the seat and bowl area.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device in use wherein the waste material has displaced the flexible door 18 and is deposited in the waste receptacle 11. It should be noted that the tri-doors 18 are opened by the weight of the waste material passing therethrough, and they remain open for only a short period of time. The counterbalance weights return the doors to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 as soon as the waste material has passed into the storage reservoir 11.

The flush cycle starts automatically when the lid is closed as illustrated in FIG. 4. A pre-rinse or clean rinse cycle is used to flush large pieces of residue or paper from the bowl or flexseal in the holding tank. During this cycle the flushing fluid is pumped from reservoir 13 through the pump means 32 and flushing conduit 33 to the interior of the bowl surface as indicated by the arrow A.

The major portion of the flushing cycle is conducted as illustrated in FIG. 5. Immediately after the pre-rinse cycle, a release cam in sequence control unit 25 releases bellcrank 77 and allows the resilient means to close shutter 34 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thereafter, shutter 34 diverts the flushing fluid illustrated by the arrow A into the sump area 12 as indicated .by the two arrows B. From sump area 12, the flushing fluid is recirculated to the flushing fluid reservoir 13 by means of a sump pump 32. Thus the hygienic goal of rinsing is accomplished by recirculating out of aseparate reservoir and never allowing the recirculated flushing fluid to communicate directly with the waste material in the waste holding tank.

During the last portion of the flushing cycle, the pump means 32 has ceased to drive the flush pump, and liquid no longer passes through the flushing conduit 33 and into bowl 31. However, the sump pump continues to function to pump the remaining liquid present in sump 12 to reservoir 13 as indicated in FIG. 6. This portion of the flushing cycle is intended to return all of the flushing fluid to the reservoir 13 to prevent the possibility of accumulated liquid in the sump area from splaching into bowl 31 or against seat 17 while the closet is in use. As was pointed out previously, the sump means 32 has a reduction drive between the sump pump and the flush pump to provide approximately double the pumping capacity for the sump pump portion of pump means 32. This insures that no residual liquid is trapped in sump 12 at the completion of the pumping cycle.

The tri-door arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. In viewing the tri-door structure from above, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the circular outlet opening 14 is blocked by three tri-door sections l8a-18c which come to a central point or apex as indicated at 19. Each of the sections l8a-l8c slope inwardly and downwardly to the apex 19 as illustrated in FIG. 14. Each of the sections 1811-180 is also provided with a downwardly extending flange member such as flange 20a for section 18a and flange 20b for section 18b. These vertical flanges abut one another when the tri-door is closed to provide a longitudinal seal that assists in the sealing of the waste compartment 11.

Each of the sections l8a-l8c is mounted on a U- shaped frame member 2la-2lc. These U-shaped members are pivoted as indicated at 22a-22c to provide for downward displacement of the sections I8a18c when waste is deposited thereon. Each of the sections l8a-I8c is returned to the position illustrated in FIG. 13 by means of counterbalancing weights 23a-23c. The counterbalancing weight 23a is illustrated in FIG. 14 attached to the U-shaped arm means 21a. The entire tri-door arrangement is secured by means of pivot means 22a-22c to a frame means 24 which surround the tri-door and provides structural support therefor.

THE SEQUENCE CONTROL UNIT The sequence control unit for the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 12, and 16 through 19. It is essential during the operation of the closet to coordinate the following steps:

I. The opening and closing of the toilet lid.

2. The opening and closing of the bowl shutter.

3. The energization and de'energization of the flushing pump.

4. The energization and de-energization of the sump pump.

5. Providing the manual overide means for energization of the pump motor control unit.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the relative angular rotation of the various timing cams involved in the sequence control unit. FIG. is an exploded view of the entire sequence control unit. FIGS. 11 and 12 are crosssectional and detailed views of portions of the sequence control unit.

The sequence control unit is actuated by opening and closing the toilet lid. The unit uses a spring powered timer driven by a helically coiled and wound spring. The spring motor is retarded by a fluid dash pot. The angular rotation of the spring motor is translated through several timing cams and locking devices which are either fixed or rotating during various portions of the timing cycle. The operation of the timer may be divided into two separate phases. The first phase involves the angular rotation of the various cams which energize and de-energize the flush pump, the sump pump, and the clutch linking the two pumps. The second phase of the timer operation involves the locking and driving cams which regulate the angular rotation of the timing cams.

In the first phase of the sequence control unit operation, the unit:

l. Energizes and de-energizes the pump motor.

2. Energizes and de-energizes a clutch linking the pump motor and sump with the flushing pump.

3. Actuates the closing of the bowl shutter.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the timing cams at rest. The closet lid is down and the device is ready for use. The timer, as illustrated in FIG. 7, includes pump switch 40 and clutch switch 41. Pump switch 40 is actuated through bellcrank 42 by means of a cam follower 43 and a spring means 44 which urges the cam followers into engagement with a driving cam and a timing cam. Microswitch 41 is also actuated by means of a cam followers 45 which extends outwardly to engage a second cam surface 51. As illustrated in FIG. 7, there are three axially spaced rotary cams which operate

cam followers

45 and 43. The main timing cam 46 has indented on its outer peripheral circumference a pluralitu of timing ramps-and lands. The first timing land 47 energizes the pumps for a pre-flush cycle which occurs before the bowl shutter is closed. The pumps are then de-energized by means of cam ramp 48 for a short interval while the bowl shutter is closed. After the shutter is closed, the pump motor is re-energized by means of land 49 and allowed to run for the duration of the timing cycle. The pump motor is finally de-energized by means of ramp 50.

Cam follower 45 normally rised on a coextensive and coaxial portion 46a which extends axially of the main timing cam 46. Member 46a also has formed therein another cam ramp 51 which energizes and de-energizes the clutch linking the sump pump and the flush pump.

As indicated in FIG. 7, when the timer is at rest, microswitch 40 is open and microswitch 41 is closed. The pump motor will be energized when microswitch 40 is closed. The clutch, which is normally engaged, will be disengaged when microswitch 41 is closed. The interaction of the pump motor, the flush pump, the sump pump, and the clutch linking the two will be hereinafter described with respect to FIG. 15.

The timing means includes a spring drive 52 and a dash pot retarder 53. Spring means 52 is a helically wound coil spring which is wound, and then cocked" to energize the timer. The dash pot retarding means includes a piston which reciprocates within a closed cylinder 54 which is partially filled with a viscous hydraulic fluid. Piston member 55 includes an orifice 56 which restricts the rate at which the viscous fluid 58 is allowed to pass through piston member 55. The length of the timing cycle is determined by the size of orifice 56. The timing cycle may be lengthened by restricting the size of the orifice, or shortened by enlarging the orifice. Alternately, piston member 55 may be sized so as to permit a pass-through region around the outer periphery of the piston as indicated at 59.

When it is desired to energize the timing means, a bellcrank connected to the closet lid (not shown in FIG. 7) will rotate the main driving cam 60 counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 7. As the driving cam 60 is rotated, crank means 61 will drive the reciprocating connecting rod 62 downwardly as indicated by the arrow. A in FIG. 7. This will drive piston 55 downwardly through the viscous fluid 58 displacing it through orifice 56 to the upward side of the piston.

FIG. 8 illustrates the cams with the closet lid open. As the lid is opened, the sequence control unit rotates the main drive cam 60 and the timing cam 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow B. After the cams have rotated through the angle illustrated in FIG. 8, a spring lock 63 engages a locking recess 64 defined in the outer periphery of timing cam 46. The timer has now been wound and is locked in a cocked position. It should be noted that driving cam 60 has an exterior peripheral surface 60a which restrains cam followers 43 to prevent the closing of microswitch 40 and the energization of the pump motor during the opening of the closet lid. Cam follower 43 is so sized that it rides on the outer peripheral surfaces of both the drive cam 60 and the timing cam 46. Thus the peripheral portion 60a of drive cam 60 prevents the cam follower from engaging the timing lands or ramps 47-50 of timing cam 46.

During this same period of rotation, microswitch 41, which is normally closed, has been opened by virtue of cam surface 51 and cam follower 45. The opening of microswitch 41 engages the clutch means linking the sump pump motor with the flush pump. During the period of rotation established by cam surface 51, the sump pump and flush pump are clutched together so that any energization of the pump motor by virtue of the closing of microswitch 40 results in the simultaneous operation of both the flush pump and the sump pump.

FIG. 9 illustrates the position of the timing cams after the lid has been closed, but before the flush-rinse cycle commences. As the closet lid is closed, the driving cam 60 is rotated in a clockwise manner as indicated by the arrow C, but the timing cam 46 remains locked in place by virtue of spring lock 63 and recess 64. As the driving cam 60 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 9, cam surface 65. lifts spring lock 63 from the recessed portion 64 allowing the timing cam 46 to be rotated in a clockwise direction by spring means 52. Simultaneously, as the drive cam 60 reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 9, a second spring lock 66 engages the drive cam 60 in the recessed portion 67 defined in the exterior surface of cam member 60.

As spring lock 63 is lifted from the recess 64, the timing cam 46 is free to rotate in a clockwise manner. Timing cam 46 is driven in a clockwise manner by virtue of spring 52, but is restrained by dash pot 53 through the connecting rod 62 and crank means 61. Referring again to FIG. 7, piston means 55 is now at the lower portion of cylinder 54, and a substantial amount of hydraulic fluid 58 is trapped between piston 55 and the upper end ,of cylinder 54. As timing cam 46 is rotated clockwise by spring means 52, the hydraulic fluid is forced downwardly through orifice 56 to the lower portion of the reservoir. The size of the orifice and the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid 58 determine the angular rate of rotation for the timing cam 46. By varying the size of orifice 56, one may establish a longer or shorter timing cycle for the timer.

As the driving cam 60 is rotated into place as illustrated in FIG. 9, it is locked in place by means of spring lock 66. A recessed land portion 60b is now placed immediately under cam follower 43. As the timing cam 46 is driven through its timing cycle, cam follower 43 will now be free to follow the lands and ramps 47-50 defined on the exterior surface of cam member 46.

As timing cam 46 rotates clockwise, cam follower 43 falls into the first land 47 and closes the microswitch 40 thereby energizing the pump motor. At this point in time, the pump clutch is also engaged since cam follower 45 is riding on the surface of cam 51. Thus the sump pump and the flush pump are clutched together and the operation of the pump motor through the closing of microswitch 40 establishes an initial pre-flush or pre-rinse that lasts for the duration of land 47. Since land 47 is relatively short, and encompasses only a small degree of angular rotation, its flushing cycle is relatively short. It is intended to be a pre-flush to rinse any residue or scraps of paper that may be on the interior surface of the bowl or the tri-doors before the shutter is closed.

As the timing cam 46 continues to rotate, ramp 48 engages the cam follower 43 to open switch 40 and deenergize the pump motor while the shutter door is closed. The shutter door closes very quickly through a release cam and a spring drive. The operation of the release cam will be hereinafter later explained with respect to FIGS. 16 through 19. As the timing cam 46 continues to rotate, cam follower 43 drops into land 49 which re-energizes the flush pump and sump pump. At this point, the flushing fluid is being circulated around the inner periphery of the bowl above the shutter and is directed into the sump. The sump pump simultaneously returns the flushing fluid to the flushing fluid reservoir.

As cam 46 continues to rotate, cam follower 45 will drop off the end of cam 51 at a point midway through the land 49. At this point the microswitch 41 is closed, and the clutch solenoid is energized to de-clutch the drive means between the pump motor and the flushing pump. When this clutch is disengaged, the flushing pump ceases to supply fluid to the bowl. However, since cam follower 43 is a still riding within the depressed land 49, microswitch 40 is still energized and the sump pump continues to operate. During the intervening period of time, between the end of cam surface 51 and the beginning of ramp 50, the sump pump continues to return any flushing fluid present in the pump to the reservoir before the timer is deenergized.

At the end of the timing cycle, ramp 50 engages cam follower 43 to open microswitch 40 and de-energize the pump. Simultaneously, the crank means 61 releases the spring lock 66 as indicated in FIG. 7 and the timer has completed a full cycle of timing operation.

The timing mechanism for the bowl shutter involves a plurality of cams which are shifted axially by the rota tion of timing cam'46. This mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 16 whichillustrates the shutter bellcrank 77, the main release shaft 78, and the release cam 79. The release cam is shifted axially by a plurality of cam faces on both planer faces of the relase cam. The release cam interacts on one side with a plurality of cam faces defined on the planar face of timing cam 46 and on the other side with a plurality of fixed cams mounted on the inner sidewall of the casing 110.

Release cam 79 has defined thereon three outwardly projecting cam ramps 80, 81 and 82 on one side (shown also in FIGS. 17-19) and three outwardly projecting cam ramps 83, 84 and 85 on the other side. The release cam 79 is illustrated in schematic form in FIGS. 17-19. As indicated in FIG. 17, the directions indicated by the arrow D indicate axial movement of the release cam 79 while the movement indicated by the arrow E indicates the angular rotation of cam 46.

Timing cam 46 also defines three protruding cam ramps 86, 87 and 88 which interact with the release cam to rotate and release the shutter crank 77.

Shutter bellcrank 77 is coupled to the release cam by means of the parallel spline arrangement illustrated in FIG. 16. Shaft 78 defines a plurality of hemispherical splines 78a-78f around the outer periphery of shaft 78. Release cam 79 also defines three hemispherical splines, two of which are illustrated in FIG. 16 as 79a and 79b. Each of the matching splines provides raceways for keyballs, two of which are illustrated as 90 and 91 in FIG. 16. Keyballs 90 and 91 act as rotary keys which key the release cam 79 to shaft 78 to prevent any angular movement therebetween, while allowing full axial movement.

In operation the release cam is free to float between the cam surfaces defined on the inner sidewalls of timing cam 46 and the cam surfaces defined on the inner sidewall of the sequence control unit cabinet. During certain periods of angular rotation, the cam surfaces engage one another to reciprocate the release cam 79 axially along shaft 78. When release cam 79 has been shifted to its righthand position, as illustrated in FIG. 16, it engages the release cams formed on the inner side of timing shaft 46 and locks the timing cam 46 to the rotation of shutter crank 77. When release cam 79 is free to reciprocate axially, the shutter crank 77 is released, and is free to return to its normal position.

The operation of the timer in opening and closing the shutter is as follows. FIGS. 17 and 18 correspond diagrammatically to FIGS. 7 and 8 insofar as the rotational position of the various cam surfaces is concerned. FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic illustration of a point in time after that portrayed in FIG. 9.

The opening and closing of the shutter is accomplished as follows. Referring to FIG. 12 as the lid is open, bellcrank 100 rotates the drive crank within a crank slot 102 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The movement of drive crank 101 carries the spring crank 103 with it by virtue of

springs

104, 105 and 106. As spring crank 103 is rotated in a clockwise direction, curved surface 107 engages a matching curved surface defined on the periphery of shutter crank 77, thus rotating shutter crank 77 in a clockwise direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 16). Shutter crank 77 is connected to the shutter means 34 by means of a crank arm 35. Shutter 34 is also biased to a closed position by a resilient means, which is not illustrated in FIG. 12, but which urges the shutter 34 to a closed position. Thus shutter crank 77 is continually urged into engagement with the curved portion 107 of spring crank 103. As shutter crank 77 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as illustrated by FIG. 16, it rotates release cam 79 in a counterclockwise direction. The operation of release cam 79 and its interaction with the cam surfaces defined on the inner wall of timer cam 46 and the exterior wall of the casing will be explained with respect to FIGS. 17 through 19.

When the timer is at rest, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the release cam 79 is free to rotate a small amount in either angular direction as indicated by the arrow F. It is also free to reciprocate axially to some degree as indicated by the arrow D. FIG. 17 illustrates in a diagrammatical form the interrelationship of the various axial cams at the point in time illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 illustrates the interrelationship of the various axial cams as they would be at the point of time illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the lid has been opened, and as the lid was opened crank 77 and shaft 78 were rotated, rotating release cam 79 in the direction illustrated by the arrow G. AS the release cam 79 was rotated, it rotated timing cam 46 as cams 81-83 engaged cams 86-88 along their

vertical abutments

82a, 82b and 820. As the release cam 79 rotated to the right as illustrated in FIG. 18, the ramp surfaces 83a, 84a and 85a engaged ramp surfaces 92a, 93a and 94a, displacing or shifting the release cam 79 axially as indicated by the arrow H in FIG. 18. This lateral shifting by virtue of the interaction between cams 83-85 and 92-94 creates a positive engagement between release cam 79 and timing cam 46. The rotation of shaft 78 thereby results in the rotation of timing shaft 46 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8. At this point timing cam 46 is locked in place by means of spring lock 63. As the lid is closed, the spring crank 103 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 12. As spring crank 193 rotates in this direction, the resilient biasing means urges shutter crank 77 into engagement with the curved portion 107 of spring crank 103. At this point in time, the cam surfaces will take the position illustrated in FIG. 19. The release cam 79 is urged in the direction illustrated by arrow I by virtue of the resilient spring means exerting pressure on connecting rod 35. However, bellcrank 77 is free to rotate only to a limited extent since the cam surfaces 80-82 come into immediate abutment with cam surfaces 80a, 81a, and 82a. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the release cam is locked in place by the outer sidewall 110 and cams 92-94 and engages the cam 46 and its axial cams 86-88. Similarly, at this point in time the rotation of shaft 78 and shutter crank 77 is also arrested and the shutter remains open.

Referring again to FIG. 9, when the drive cam 60 has been rotated to the position illustrated in FIG. 9, it diseng'ages spring lock 63 from timing cam 46, allowing timing cam 46 to rotate against the constraints of dash pot 53. As the timing cam 46 rotates in the direction of arrow J, it allows release cam 79 to move to the left as illustrated in FIG. 19 until cam members 83-85 are free to slide into the

open spaces

92b, 93b, and 94b illustrated in FIG. 19. Once the timer cam 46 and release cam 79 have reached this point of angular rotation, the release cam 79 becomes disengaged from timer cam 46 and release cam 79 is free to slide axially as indicated by the arrow K, thereby releasing shaft 78 from timer cam 46. The release of release cam 79 allows shaft 78 and shutter crank 77 to be rotated by the spring tensioning means for shutter 34. The shutter is closed at the approximate point in time in which the release cam ramp faces 83a-85a reach the cam lands 92a-94a. This point in time coincides with the upward ramp 48 defined on the outer periphery of timing cam 46.

The various components of the sequence control unit and their interrelationship to one another is illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the sequence control unit, closet lid and bellcrank. The closet lid 20 is mounted on a pair of structural supports, one of which is indicated at 21. Each of the structural supports defines a U-shaped bight having first 111 and second 112 arms. A keyed pin 113 passes through a pair of

openings

114 and 115 defined on either side of the U- shaped bight. The key 116 is used to key the lid 20 to bellcrank 100. Bellcrank 100 defines an annular sleeve 117 which is adapted to receive pin 113, and also defines a keyway 118 for receiving key 116. The sleeve member 117 is sized to rotate within the bearing support 119 attached to the closet frame 120. In assembly, sleeve 117 and bellcrank 100 are fitted through the opening 121 defined in bearing support 119. The U- shaped bight is then lowered over the bellcrank and bearing support and shaft 113 is inserted through openings 114, the sleeve 117 and opening 115. Key member 116 locks the bellcrank 100 to the arm 21, while the outer bearing surface 117a rotates freely within the opening 121.

Bellcrank 100 also defines a pin 100a which is designed to reciprocate within a slot 102 formed on the inner sidewall of drive crank 101. As the lid is opened, rotary motion is translated to bellcrank 100 which in turn translates the rotary motion through bellcrank 100 and slot 102 to rotary motion for drive crank 101. R- tary motion on drive crank 101 is translated to spring crank 103 by means of a plurality of

springs

104, 105 and 106 (not shown in FIG. The purpose of the spring link between drive crank 101 and spring crank 103 will be hereinafter later explained. It should be noted that drive crank 103 is sleeved by means of sleeve portion 101a onto an intermediate sleeve 103a. 103a extends through sleeve 101a and is journaled for rotation within opening 122. Sleeve member 103a is keyed to drive cam 60 by virtue of

dogs

123 and 124 which fit within the

recesses

125 and 126 defined within sleeve 103a. The remainder of the rotary components of the timer rotate around shaft 78 which is journaled for rotation within sleeve 103a. Shaft 78 extends through sleeve 103a to drive cam 60, timing cam 46, and is splined to release cam 79 as hereinbefore previously discussed by virtue of keyballs 90, 91 and 91a. The end of shaft 78 is secured to the exterior wall 110 of the sequence control unit housing by means of pin 109. Pin 109 extends through the opening 127 defined in the outer sidewall of the timer. The main timer housing 108 also defines

slots

128 and 129 for securing the

spring lock members

66 and 63. The dash pot means 53 is secured to the timer casing 108 by means of a pair of pins, one of which is illustrated at 130 in the lower portion of casing 108. Pin 120 engages a recessed portion (not shown) on the bottom of dash pot 53.

Spring means 52 is biased between a pin means 131 fixed to the casing sidewall, and a rotating pin 132 mounted on timing cam 46. Pin 132 is also interconnected to the timing cam 46 at the same point as connecting rod 62. The main compressive and tension loads exerted by spring 52 and dash pot 53 are born by a single steel pin 133 which extends through timer cam 46. In this way it is not necessary to impose the stresses needed to drive the timer on the cam itself. In addition to the switch bellcrank 42, the sequence control unit also includes a second switch bellcrank 134 which is mounted for rotation on a common shaft 135 with bellcrank 42. Shaft 135 extends from a boss 136 defined on the inner sidewall of the timer casing to an opening 137 formed in the outer sidewall of the casing on the opposite side. Shaft 135 also extends a keyed portion 138 which is adapted to receive bellcrank 139. Bellcrank 139 is used to manually energize the pump motor by closing switch 40. Bellcrank 134 is resiliently biased away from pump switch 40 by spring means 140. Likewise, cam follower 43 is biased into resilient engagement with the cam surfaces of timing cam 46 and drive cam 60 by means of resilient spring means 44.

The sleeved arrangements of the various component parts is illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a crosssectioned view of the rotary components of the sequence control unit, including the rotary cams and cranks. As can be seen from FIG. 11, shaft 78 forms a central core for the rotating shafts of the timing mechanism. It is pinned to the outside wall 110 by means of pin 109. Casing 108 also defines a support boss 108a which extends outwardly from the casing and provides a bearing support for the'intermediate sleeve portion 103a of spring crank 103. As indicated previously, drive crank 101 is sleeved as indicated at 101a, and journaled for rotation about the exterior of sleeve 103a. Sleeve 103a is journaled for rotation within boss 108a and forms the bearing support for shaft 78. Shaft 78 and sleeve 103a provide mutual support for one another within boss 108a.

The linear interrelationship of the release cam, and the inner cams on timing cam 46 are also illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 illustrates a fixed cam ramp 92 mounted on exterior wall 110 which extends axially inward towards release cam 79. Likewise, timing cam 46 includes a cam ramp 88 which extends inwardly towards release cam 79. Release cam 79 shifts axially on the splined portion of shaft 78, and is locked to shaft 78 by means of keyball 90.

Means are also included to protect the sequence control unit from damage in the event an attempt is made to reopen the closet lid before the flushing cycle is completed. Referring to FIG. 10, when the closet lid is closed, spring lock 66 has firmly engaged drive cam 60 to prevent any movement thereof during the timing cycle. Since drive cam 60 and spring crank 103 are keyed together, any attempt to open the lid while spring lock 66 is engaged would damage the sequence control unit unless provision is made for safeguarding the components parts. If the closet lid is lifted, drive crank 101 will rotate, but spring crank 103 will remain locked in place. The spring means 104-106 absorb the tension exerted by bellcrank 100 on spring crank 103. The closet lid may be opened approximately before the spring force becomes so great as to impart a warning message to the user. The total resilient force exerted by springs 104-106 is sufficiently greater than that of timer spring 52 and the shutter spring that during normal usage drive crank 101 and spring crank 103 rotate as a unit when the closet lid is lifted.

THE PUMP SYSTEM The pump system 32 includes a pump motor 150, a sump pump 151, and a flushing pump 152. The flushing pump is linked to the pump motor by means of a timing belt 154 and a clutch generally indicated at 153. In operation, fluid is pumped from the fluid reservoir 13 through the flush conduit 33 to the closet bowl 31 by means of flush pump 152. Likewise, fluid returning from the closet bowl 31 collects in sump 12 and is returned through sump line 156 to the fluid reservoir 13 by means of sump pump 151. Sump pump 151 includes an impeller housing 157, an impeller 158, a fluid inlet 159 and a sump discharge line 156. Impeller 158 is powered by means of motor 150 through shaft 160. The sump pump is directly driven at all times the motor is energized. The shaft 160 is journaled for rotation within bearing 161, and passes through seal 162 which prevents any flushing fluid from reaching the motor cavity.

Motor 150, sump pump 151 and flush pump 152 are mounted within a separate casing 163a-163c which is in turn secured to the main structural walls of the closet as indicated at 164 and by an exterior peripheral flange 165. Thus the entire pump unit, including the pump motor, the sump pump, the flush pump, and the clutch means may be quickly and easily removed as a single unit for repair or replacement. In the preferred embodiment casing l63a-l63c is formed of a molded synthetic resin.

Motor 150 also drives the flush pump 152 through shaft 168, drive pulley 169, timing belt 154, and clutch means 153. Shaft means 168 is journaled for rotation within bearing 167. Motor 150 is secured within pump casing 163a by virtue of the

shaft bearings

161 and 167 and the downward pressure exerted by resilient spring means 166.

Clutch means 153 drives the flush pump 152 through an elongate shaft 170 which is journaled for rotation within bearings 171 and 172. Shaft 170 is also keyed to a driven wheel 173 as indicated by key portion 174. Driven wheel 173 is driven by an intermediate cogwheel 175 which has at least one downwardly projecting cog means 176 which extends through an opening 177 defined within driven wheel 173. The intermediate cogwheel also defines a sleeved portion 175a which is free to reciprocate along an upwardly extending shaft portion 173a that surrounds shaft 170 and extends upwardly therefrom. Cog 176 normally protrudes downwardly into a driving wheel 178 which has a plurality of pockets 179 formed therein to receive the cogs 176. In the preferred embodiment, three cogs and three pockets are spaced equidistantly around the wheels.

The engagement of clutch is regulated by control arm 180 which is pivoted about pivot point 181 and connected to an electrical solenoid plunger 182. Control arm 180 is resiliently biased to its downward position by means of spring 181. When the windings 183 of the electrical solenoid are energized, the magnetic force draws solenoid plunger 182 downwardly thereby pivoting control arm 180 about pivot point 181 and lifting the intermediate cog wheel 175 by means of a flange portion l75b which extends outwardly from the sleeve portion 175a. As the intermediate cog wheel is lifted upwardly, the cog member 176 clears the driving wheel 178, and the cogs 176 no longer engage the voids 179. When the clutch is thus disengaged, the driving wheel 178 merely idles about shaft 170 and no driving force is transmitted thereto. When solenoid means 183 is tie-energized, spring means 181 will return the control arm 180 to the position illustrated in FIG. and the cogs 176 will once again engage the driving wheel 178 to thereby drive the driven wheel 173 and shaft 170.

The flush pump 152 also includes an impeller housing 190, an impeller 191, and an intake opening 192 for pumping the flushing fluid through the flush conduit 33.

While we have thus described the preferred embodiments of the present invention, many variations may be suggested to those skilled in the art. it must therefore be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative only, and not limitive of our invention, and all such variations and modifications as are in accord with the principles described above are meant to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A sanitary closet comprising a. a bowl portion having a bottom outlet,

b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquid and solid waste admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottom outlet,

c. closure means operable between open and closed positions for selectively permitting solid and liquid waste to pass from said bowl to said waste receptacle,

d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid, said reservoir being positioned above said bowl outlet and around said bowl portion,

e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and about said waste receptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closure means is closed,

f. means defining a separate flow path for said flushing fluid from said bowl to said sump when said closure means is in a closed position, thereby bypassing said waste receptacle,

g. pump means for forcing said fluid from said reservoir to said bowl to flush said bowl, said means also defining a separate flow path to return said flushing fluid from said sump to said reservoir.

2. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pump means includes a first pump means for forcing said flushing fluid to said bowl, and a second pump means positioned within said sump for returning the collected and separated flushing fluid to said reservoir.

3. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 2 which further includes a sequence control means for selectively operating said flushing pump and said sump pump.

4. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 3 which further includes a clutch means for connecting said flush pump to said sump pump during a portion of the timed period in which the sump pump is operating.

5. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 3 wherein said closure means is selectively closed by said sequence control means.

6. A sanitary closet comprising:

a. a bowl portion having a bottom outlet,

b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquid and solid wastes admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottom outlet,

c. closure means operable between open and closed positions for selectively permitting solid and liquid wastes to pass from said bowl to said waste receptacle,

d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid, said reservoir being positioned around said bowl portion and above said bowl outlet,

e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and above said waste receptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closure means is in its closed position,

f. means defining a separate flow path for said flushing fluid from said how] to said sump when said closure means is in its closed position, said flushing fluid thereby bypassing said waste receptacle,

g. first pump means for forcing said fluid from said fluid reservoir to said bowl to flush said bowl,

h. second pump means located within said sump for returning flushing fluid collected in said sump means to said fluid reservoir,

. sequencing control means to selectively energize said first pump means and said second pump means, said timing means also including means for selectively closing said closure means.

7. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 6 wherein a second closure means is positioned between said first closure and saidwaste receptacle.

8. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 7 wherein said second closure means comprises three pivoted closure segments, said segments being normally biased to a closed position, said segments being biased to an open position by the weight of the liquid and solid waste passing from said bowl to said waste receptacle.

9. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sequence control means includes timing means for timing a plurality of predetermined intervals after said means is activated, said timer means on at successive intervals controlling operation of said toilet as follows:

1. opening said closure means,

2. energizing said first and said second pump means for a predetermined time interval while said closure means is opened,

3. closing said closure means,

4. energizing said first and said second pump means for a predetermined time interval when said closure means is closed,

5. de-energizing said first pump means while continuing to operate said second pump means for a predetermined time interval.

10. A sanitary closet comprising a. at least one bowl portion, said bowl defining a waste outlet and a flushing fluid inlet,

b. a flushing fluid reservoir positioned around said bowl portion,

c. at least one closure means for selectively closing said waste outlet,

(1. a flushing means for supplying a flushing fluid to said fluid inlet and said bowl portion,

e. sump means below said bowl portion rendered effective only when said closure means is in its closed position to collect said flushing fluid passing through said bowl portion, f. means for conveying the flushing fluid collected in said sump to said reservoir,

g. sequencing control means for selectively operating said flushing means, said control means having a spring driven timing cam and a dash pot retarder which cooperate to define the timing interval for said flushing means.

11. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 10 which further comprises a linkage means for simultaneously opening said closure means and winding said spring driven timing cam.

12. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 11 which further comprises a lid for said closet, said lid being operative'ly connected to said linkage means to simultaneously open said closure and wind said spring means when said lid is opened.

13. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said lid opens said closure through said linkage means,

and said timer closes said shutter through a release cam means.

14. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sequencing control means further comprises a. a first rotatable timing shaft, said shaft having a linkage means connected thereto,

b. rotatable cam means mounted on said timing shaft,

c. resilient means interconnecting said cam and said shaft,

d. latch means for engaging said rotatable cam means after the rotation of said cam to a first position.

15. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein said dash pot is connected to said rotatable cam to retard the loading and unloading of said spring means, said dash pot retarding the rotation of said cam after said latch means has been disengaged.

16. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rotatable cam means engages an electrical switch means for activating and deactivating said flushing means.

17. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 14 wherein said rotatable cam means has first and second axial portions, said portions being interconnected to one another by an axially operable release cam means, said first portion being fixably attached to a sleeve surrounding said rotatable shaft, said second portion being rotatably mounted on said shaft and restrained in its rotation by the operation of said dash pot.

Claims

1. A sanitary closet comprising a. a bowl portion having a bottom outlet, b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquid and solid waste admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottom outlet, c. closure means operable between open and closed positions for selectively permitting solid and liquid waste to pass from said bowl to said waste receptacle, d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid, said reservoir being positioned above said bowl outlet and around said bowl portion, e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and about said waste receptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closure means is closed, f. means defining a separate flow path for said flushing fluid from said bowl to said sump when said closure means is in a closed position, thereby bypassing said waste receptacle, g. pump means for forcing said fluid from said reservoir to said bowl to flush said bowl, said means also defining a separate flow path to return said flushing fluid from said sump to said reservoir.

1. opening said closure means,

3. closing said closure means,

6. A sanitary closet comprising: a. a bowl portion having a bottom outlet, b. a waste receptacle positioned below said bowl for receiving liquid and solid wastes admitted to said bowl and passing through said bottom outlet, c. closure means operable between open and closed positions for selectively permitting solid and liquid wastes to pass from said bowl to said waste receptacle, d. means defining a separate reservoir for flushing fluid, said reservoir being positioned around said bowl portion and above said bowl outlet, e. sump means positioned below said bowl outlet and above said waste receptacle for collecting flushing fluid when said closure means is in its closed position, f. means defining a separate flow path for said flushing fluid from said bowl to said sump when said closure means is in its closed position, said flushing fluid thereby bypassing said waste receptacle, g. first pump means for forcing said fluid from said fluid reservoir to said bowl to flush said bowl, h. second pump means located within said sump for returning flushing fluid collected in said sump means to said fluid reservoir, i. sequencing control means to selectively energize said first pump means and said second pump means, said timing means also including means for selectively closing said closure means.

7. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 6 wherein a second closure means is positioned between said first closure and said waste receptacle.

10. A sanitary closet comprising a. at least one bowl portion, said bowl defining a waste outlet and a flushing fluid inlet, b. a flushing fluid reservoir positioned around said bowl portion, c. at least one closure means for selectively closing said waste outlet, d. a flushing means for supplying a flushing fluid to said fluid inlet and said bowl portion, e. sump means below said bowl portion rendered effective only when said closure means is in its closed position to collect said flushing fluid passing through said bowl portion, f. means for conveying the flushing fluid collected in said sump to said reservoir, g. sequencing control means for selectively operating said flushing means, said control means having a spring driven timing cam and a dash pot retarder which cooperate to define the timing interval for said flushing means.

12. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 11 which further comprises a lid for said closet, said lid being operatively connected to said linkage means to simultaneously open said closure and wind said spring means when said lid is opened.

13. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 12 wherein said lid opens said closure through said linkage means, and said timer closes said shutter through a release cam means.

14. A sanitary closet as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sequencing control means further comprises a. a first rotatable timing shaft, said shaft having a linkage means connected thereto, b. rotatable cam means mounted on said timing shaft, c. resilient means interconnecting said cam and said shaft, d. latch means for engaging said rotatable cam means after the rotation of said cam to a first position.