PH12018000037A1

PH12018000037A1 - Diverter for use with multiple pit latrine, related methods, and latrine assemblies

Info

Publication number: PH12018000037A1
Application number: PH12018000037A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Daigo Ishiyama; James Mchale
Original assignee: Lixil Corp
Priority date: 2017-02-06
Filing date: 2018-02-05
Publication date: 2019-05-15
Also published as: CN108396842A

Abstract

Diverter traps for multiple pit latrines are provided. In some embodiments, a diverter trap includes a trapway in fluid communication with a latrine pan that is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan and is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal.

Description

trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions; and wherein the trapway further = comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force. ph

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap comprises a o trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in i” fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid Hi communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan = outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a o plurality of positions; and a lower housing having a base on which at least a portion of ~~ ~~ the trapway is positioned, wherein the base is configured to support the trapway. ol

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the inlet end of the trapway is configured to be removably secured to the pan outlet.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the trapway comprises a U-shaped portion such that the quantity of liquid can be held within the U-shaped portion of the trapway, wherein the quantity of liquid is adapted to reduce a flow of a sewage gas into the latrine pan.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the portion of the trapway in contact with the base comprises a substantially flat portion that rests flush against an upper surface of the base and is able to slide on the upper surface of the base.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the base extends outwardly from a rear portion thereof towards a front portion thereof so as to have a generally wedge- shaped configuration.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the base comprises a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion lies on a horizontal plane disposed at a lower elevation than the front portion of the base.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, a front portion of the lower housing comprises a shelf configured to support the outlet end of the trapway.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the lower housing further comprises = at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends upwardly from a - portion of a perimeter of the base. ” fou

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the at least one sidewall comprises a o first sidewall along a first side of the base and a second sidewall along a second side - of the base such that the trapway rotates between the first sidewall and the second o sidewall of the lower housing. -

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the angle (6) between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is no greater than about 90 degrees. o

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap further comprises an upper housing, wherein the upper housing mates with the lower housing so as to define an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the upper housing and lower housing define a housing having a plurality of apertures at a front end thereof, wherein the trapway can be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the upper housing comprises an upper opening thereon that is configured to be aligned with the pan outlet, and wherein the inlet end of the trapway extends into the upper opening of the upper housing,

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that is configured to be actuated by a user to rotate the trapway.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the rotation mechanism comprises a notch on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the rotation mechanism comprises a protrusion on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap comprises a = trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to - contain a quantity of liquid therein, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication - with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with ol the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan - such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions; a ps lower housing comprising a base, a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one - sidewall extending upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base, wherein the at = least one sidewall constrains rotation of the trapway; an upper housing that mates with - the lower housing so as to form a housing defining an interior volume space, wherein - the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space, and wherein ~~ the upper housing and the lower housing define a plurality of apertures at a front portion of the housing, wherein the trapway is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.

In some embodiments, a method for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine is provided, the method comprising providing a latrine pan having a pan outlet; providing a diverter trap comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with the latrine pan and is capable of rotating in a horizontal plane about a longitudinal axis of the pan outlet; rotating the trapway to align the outlet end of the trapway with one of a plurality of drainage pipes, wherein each drainage pipe is in fluid communication with a latrine pit.

In some embodiments of the method for diverting waste, the diverter trap is any one of claims 1 — 21.

In some embodiments of the method for diverting waste, rotating the trapway = includes: engaging a rotation mechanism on the trapway; and applying a lateral force - to the rotation mechanism to rotate the trapway. - .

In some embodiments, a latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine in provided, the latrine assembly comprising: the diverter trap of any of claims 1-21; and a latrine pos pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid ol communication with the pan outlet. o

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap comprises a housing having an inlet section with a trapway disposed therein, wherein the trapway o is configured to contain a quantity of liquid to form a water seal, wherein the inlet section is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates within the inlet section so as to direct a flow of waste from the latrine panto one of a plurality of outlet sections of the housing.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the inlet section of the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration with an open upper end and a closed lower end.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the trapway comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration and has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall opening on a sidewall thereof, wherein the sidewall opening is configured to be selectively aligned with one of the outlet sections of the housing by rotating the trapway.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the plurality of outlet sections each includes a terminal portion that is substantially horizontal in orientation when the housing is in use with a latrine pan.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, each of the plurality of outlet sections extend radially outward from the inlet section.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, at least one of the plurality of outlet sections comprises a tapered configuration such that the terminal portion of the outlet section has a diameter greater than the diameter of a portion of the outlet section in o connection with the inlet section of the housing. o

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, each of the plurality of outlet =o sections comprises an arcuate configuration. os

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the trapway comprises a rotation 1 mechanism on an interior surface thereof that is configured to be actuated to rotate the = trapway. —- 10 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION J

The invention described herein is contemplated as providing a solution for improving sanitation in rural areas of developing countries, particularly India, but also has application in Western toilet systems, particularly in remote areas, such as campground toilets, highway “rest stop” toilets, and toilet systems in remote vacation homes.

The invention encompasses a diverter trap for simplifying the construction and improving the performance and reliability of latrines that use multiple pits, such as

TPPF latrines of FIGS. 1 and 2. The invention replaces the traditional trapway and Y- junction box currently used in construction of multiple pit latrines, providing an alternative means of diverting flow to one of the pits and blocking flow to the other.

Also included are methods of diverting waste flow in a multiple pit latrine, latrine assemblies, and latrines containing the diverter trap. Each aspect of the invention is described in more detail below.

The invention in some embodiments will be described using words such as “upper” and “lower,” “inwardly” and “outwardly,” “right” and “left,” and the like.

These words and words of similar directional import are used for assisting in the understanding of the invention when referring to the drawings or another component of the invention and absent a specific definition or meaning otherwise given by the specification for such terms, should not be considered limiting to the scope of the invention.

The currently practiced prior art design and construction of a multiple pit = latrine is presented schematically in Figures A and B. The major components are: (i) - a toilet pan, which can be of a Western stool style or Eastern squat style, (ii) a trapway, which can be integral to the toilet pan or mounted thereto to provide a seal = against backflow of harmful, unpleasant gases and odors, (iii) a main drainage pipe i» running from the trapway to (iv) a Y-junction box, which serves to divert flow to one of two secondary drainage pipes (v and vi), which run from opposite corners of the Y- 1 junction box to their respective leach pits (vii and viii). -

As noted previously, the prior art systems disadvantageously are prone to clogging, require unsanitary and time consuming maneuvers to divert flow from one . pit to another pit, and generally limit the design of the multiple pit latrine to the use of two leach pits.

The diverter trap disclosed herein (e.g., FIGS. 3 — 41) addresses these disadvantages by including a trapway that can be rotatably coupled to the pan outlet of the latrine pan and easily accessed for rotation through the latrine pan outlet once installed. The trapway can be rotated such that its outlet end is aligned with one of several drainage pipes positioned around the trapway, wherein each drainage pipe is in fluid communication with a leach pit. Thus, the user can rotate the trapway to align the trapway outlet with a first drainage pipe so that waste from the latrine pan is communicated through the first drainage pipe, and can then rotate the trapway to a second position wherein the outlet end of the trapway is aligned with a second drainage pipe.

In some embodiments, the diverter trap comprises a housing having an inlet section and a plurality of outlet sections, wherein the inlet section can be placed in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan and each outlet section can be placed in fluid communication with a drainage pipe and leach pit. The diverter trap further includes a trapway rotatably positioned within the inlet section of the housing, wherein the trapway includes a sidewall opening on a lower end thereof that can be selectively aligned with one of the outlet sections of the housing, such that a user can select though which outlet section the waste from the latrine pan will flow by rotating the trapway within the housing,

The implantation of the diverter trap of the invention allows for elimination of - the conventional Y-junction box. Without the Y-junction box, the latrine can be = constructed so the drainage pipes are laid out in a straight line direction between the ~ latrine pan and the leach pits, forming a V-shape instead of a Y-shape, in & embodiments wherein two drainage pipes and leach pits are used. The V- - configuration of the drainage pipes coupled with the absence of a Y-junction box allows for elimination of the poor flow and hydraulic losses that resulted in frequent clogging in the prior art. 0

The prior art use of the primitive Y-junction box limited a multiple pit latrine = to two pits. The present invention, however, enables the use of three or more pits, ol potentially as many as eight or more if they are offset from one another. This advantage allows for greater flexibility in the construction of the latrines. For example, leach pits may be constructed to be smaller, since three or more will be viable for rotation. A multiple pit latrine may be able to serve a greater number of people since the total capacity of waste storage is increased while the decomposition time required to renew each pit remains the same (e.g., use of 4 leach pits allows for rapid “fill up” and rotation every 6 months, but leach pit “rest” time remains at 2 years).

As used herein, a “multiple pit latrine” includes those latrines having at least two leach pits into which waste is alternately disposed. The diverter trap is primarily for use in multiple pit latrines and includes a trapway that can be placed in fluid communication with the pan outlet of a latrine pan and rotatably engaged therewith.

In embodiments wherein the diverter trap is intended to be buried underground, the diverter trap may further include a housing that at least partially encloses the trapway so that the trapway can rotate within the housing when the diverter trap is buried. In some embodiments, for example in the case of a raised platform latrine, the elements of the diverter trap need not be fully contained in a housing, although for aesthetic reasons or for sanitation it may generally be desirable to provide the trapway in a housing.

The diverter trap of the present invention is designed to be used with a standard latrine pan or squat pan. Any such pan known or developed in the art may be used with the diverter trap of the present invention, such as those described in, for = example the India Bureau of Indian Standard’s publication “Indian Standard, Vitreous -

Sanitary Appliances, Part 3 Specific Requirements of Squatting Pans (Fifth Revision), -

IS 2556-3 (September 2004) or Franceys, R. ef al., A guide to the development of on- = site sanitation, World Health Organization (1992).

The pan outlet dimensions of conventional latrine pans or toilet pans are - generally specified by national plumbing codes to ensure that pans available in a - particular geography are compatible with components and provide for construction of i. a safe, functional toilet system in that geography. For example, in India, the national = standard IS 2556-3 specifies that “Orissa” style squat pans must have an outlet with o minimum length of 40 mm, a minimum inner diameter of 80 mm, and an outer diameter of 102 + 5 mm.

While the description herein is primarily directed to the use of squat type latrine or toilet pans with the diverter trap of the invention, it is noted that depending on the social or cultural preferences in the locale in which the diverter trap is used, the latrine may instead be a raised toilet stool (i.e., a structure that facilitates defecation while sitting, so called “Western style”). Therefore, all discussion and description related to the use of a latrine pan, a squat pan, and/or a toilet pan with the diverter trap of the present invention apply equally and fully to those pans and to the raised toilet stool.

Each latrine pan regardless of design specifics includes a pan outlet through which waste deposited in the pan travels downwardly towards the leach pit, driven either by gravity and/or an amount of flush water. This pan outlet is generally in the form of a simple hole placed in the bottom of the squat pan or a downwardly projecting pipe that is circular in cross section and extends slightly below the lowest portion of the squat pan.

The diverter trap comprises a trapway that can be designed to rotatably connect to the pan outlet dimensions of the selected squat pan. The inlet end of the trapway can be placed in fluid communication with the pan outlet directly such that there are no intervening elements, or indirectly wherein an additional fitting, adapter, or other component is provided to connect the trapway to the pan outlet. The trapway is rotatable about a vertical, longitudinal axis extending through a center of the pan 5 outlet. When the diverter trap is installed, the trapway is in fluid communication with @ the pan outlet, and waste flushed or deposited in the latrine pan is received by the ~ trapway. =

The trapway has a tubular construction and is preferably arcuate in - configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the trapway comprises a U-shaped portion - configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein that is sufficient to form a water seal wo in the trapway. The water seal serves to prevent or minimize the backflow of sewer @ gases and insects through the trapway from a leach pit in fluid communication - therewith. The trapway may be for example in the form of a “p-trap.” However, in C alternate embodiments, the trapway may comprise alternate shapes, such as an S- shape, among others wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal. The trapway is preferably substantially circular in a transverse cross sectional area. However, in alternate embodiments, the trapway may have any of various cross sectional shapes including an oval or elliptical shape, and the transverse cross sectional area of the trapway may vary along its length such that a first portion of the trapway has a circular cross sectional area while a second section has an oval shaped cross sectional area. The exterior surface of the trapway is preferably rounded, but in alternate embodiments, the trapway may include a substantially flat portion. Further, in some embodiments, the exterior of the trapway comprises a pin that engages a channel in a base or housing, wherein the pin can slide within the channel as the trapway is rotated.

The trapway is rotatably engaged with the pan outlet. By “rotatably engaged” it is meant that the trapway is connected to the pan outlet, either detachably or permanently, directly or indirectly, such that it can be rotated around a hypothetical longitudinal, vertical axis passing through the center of the pan outlet while remaining in fluid communication with the pan outlet. This permits the trapway to rotate in a horizontal plane up to 360 degrees. In use, a plurality of drainage pipes is positioned radially around the vertical longitudinal axis, such that the trapway can be aligned and placed in fluid communication with any one of the drainage pipes by rotating the trapway to a specific position. For example, the trapway can be rotated from a first position where it guides the flow of waste to a first drainage pipe and leach pit to a second position or third position where it guides the flow of waste to a second or third drainage pipe and leach pit, such that waste flows to only one drainage pipe and leach IN pit at a time. o

In some embodiments, the trapway is rotatable from about 10 to 360 degrees, @ about 30 to about 270 degrees, about 60 to about 180 degrees, or about 90 to about wo 120 degrees around the hypothetical vertical axis through the pan outlet. -

The rotatable engagement of the trapway and the pan outlet may be on accomplished through various mechanisms and structures known or to be developed oo in the art. Any mechanisms may be used, including male and female mating - assemblies, and/or assemblies of pins, bars, holes and stops. For example, the interior . of the inlet end of the trapway may include a protrusion that engages with a groove formed around the exterior of the pan outlet such that the trapway rotates by sliding the protrusion within the groove. Alternately, a fitting or collar may be employed that is engaged with the pan outlet, wherein the inlet end of the trapway is engaged with and rotates about the fitting disposed on the pan outlet. In embodiments of the diverter trap comprising a housing, the trapway rotationally mates with a receiving conduit of the housing, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the housing, and wherein the housing can be connected to the pan outlet so that waste is communicated from the pan outlet into the trapway within the housing. Further, in such embodiments having a housing, the trapway may include a keyhole on an exterior surface thereof that engages with a groove disposed on the housing, wherein the keyhole can rotate within the groove to facilitate rotation of the trapway as in U.S.

Provisional Patent Application 62/420,434 of the Applicant, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in relevant part.

In some embodiments, the diverter trap further comprises a lower housing having a base. The base serves to support and stabilize the trapway. Preferably, a portion of the trapway rests on an upper surface of the base. In embodiments not having a lower housing to support or stabilize the trapway, the trapway may be supported via its connection to the pan outlet of the latrine pan, or may be positioned on sand, gravel, clay or the like that provides support to the trapway while also allowing it to rotate and/or slide thereon. The lower housing may further include at least one upstanding sidewall extending from a portion of the perimeter of the base.

The sidewall may be placed at the farthest end(s) of the rotational pathway of the trapway to constrain rotation of the trapway. When the trapway rotates and contacts = the sidewall, the trapway cannot further rotate in that direction. - co

Further, the diverter trap may include an upper housing that mates with the = lower housing and defines an interior volume space in which at least a portion of the = trapway is positioned. The lower and upper housings may mate via any of various - fastening arrangements known or to be developed in the art. Preferably, the lower and ol upper housings mate to form a housing having a smooth and continuous outer surface. ~

The use of a housing allows the diverter trap to be buried underground and/or to be i. shielded from interference by animals, children or others, as the housing defines an - interior volume space in which the trapway can freely rotate, greatly simplifying installation. Further, the housing may serve to constrain the rotation of the trapway, as the rotation of the trapway is limited by the configuration of the housing. The housing may have any of various shapes and sizes, and preferably has a wedge-shaped configuration.

The upper housing further includes a receiving conduit having an upper opening. Preferably, the pan outlet of a latrine pan can be positioned within the upper opening and secured to the receiving conduit, and the inlet end of the trapway is rotatably secured to a lower end of the receiving conduit. This allows the pan outlet of the latrine to be placed in fluid communication with the inlet end of the trapway when the housing is used to at least partially enclose the trapway. Depending upon the embodiment, the pan outlet and inlet end of the trapway may be directly connected to one another or may be connected indirectly via the receiving conduit of the upper housing or by a collar, adapter, or other component. The pan outlet and inlet end of the trapway may be connected to one another within the housing or exterior to the housing. In embodiments where no housing is present, the pan outlet and inlet end of the trapway are preferably directly connected such that the trapway can rotate about the pan outlet, or the pan outlet and inlet end of the trapway are connected indirectly via a collar or adapter that allows the trapway to rotate about the pan outlet.

The upper housing and lower housing further define a plurality of apertures at a front portion thereof that are configured to align with the outlet end of the trapway when the trapway is rotated into a particular position. A drainage pipe can be placed in fluid communication with an aperture on the housing such that waste can flow from the latrine pan, through the trapway, and into the drainage pipe. Thus, by rotating the o trapway, the user can select into which drainage pipe the waste will flow. o> .

In order to rotate the trapway, the trapway is preferably provided with a 2 rotation mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation mechanism is disposed on an interior surface of the trapway such that the rotation mechanism can be accessed ps through the pan outlet of the latrine pan. This allows the user to rotate the trapway o without disassembling the latrine and/or diverter trap. In some embodiments, the = rotation mechanism comprises a notch or a protrusion configured to be manually oy engaged by hand or by use of a tool, such as a key that mates with or engages the = notch or protrusion, wherein the tool can optionally be included with the diverter trap. o

Any components of the diverter trap described herein may be made of any material or combination of materials in the art that is reasonably durable and sanitizable. It may be preferred that the selected material is lightweight, resistant to crazing and smooth surfaced. Materials may include without limitation, a polymer, a plastic, a composite, a metal, a concrete, a ceramic, a natural or synthetic stone, a wood, a fiberglass, a marble, vitreous china, and clay.

In some embodiments, any component of the diverter trap may be formed of a first material and then coated with one or more of a second material to realize desirable surface properties. For example, the trapway may be made of a fiberglass material that is coated with a non-stick polymer (for example polytetrafluoroethylene (TEFLON®)) to increase the ability to maintain a clean, excrete-free surface, or an antibacterial coating, such as nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, silver, copper, gold and/or gallium.

In some embodiments, the material of one or more of the components is a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer or copolymer as such materials are durable, relatively inexpensive, and are easy to fabricate and clean. Suitable polymers may include polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, high impact polystyrene, polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile ~~ butadiene styrene, polyurethanes, melamine formaldehyde, phenolics, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polymethyl = methacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and/or urea-formaldehyde, among others. oo

Each component of the diverter trap may be manufactured as an integral piece = or may be manufactured in subparts that are subsequently assembled to form the component of the diverter trap. For example, the lower housing, if present, may be i. formed of a unitary piece or may be composed of one or more subparts. The - component or subpart may be cast, molded, thermoformed, stamped, carved or - otherwise formed depending upon the material selected. - =

FIGS. 3 and 23 show a perspective view of a diverter valve according to some o embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be encased in housing.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, there are shown views of an embodiment of the diverter trap of the present invention. The present invention relates to a diverter trap 11 that can be placed in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a conventional latrine pan. The diverter trap 11 may be connected to a pan outlet via a permanent or removable fastening arrangement and may be connected directly to a pan outlet or indirectly via an intervening component, such as a fitting, adapter, gasket, seal, or other component.

The diverter trap 11 comprises a trapway 12 having an inlet end 13 and an outlet end 14, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The trapway 12 comprises a tubular member having an arcuate configuration. The trapway 12 preferably includes a generally U-shaped portion 15 between the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14. The U- shaped portion 15 is configured to hold and contain a quantity of liquid 61 therein, such as 500 mL of water that is sufficient to form a water seal or barrier to prevent or minimize the backflow of sewer gases, insects and the like from a drainage pipe and/or leach pit in fluid communication with the diverter trap 11. The amount of liquid required to form a seal will depend upon the specific configuration and diameter/width of the trapway 12. Preferably, a portion of the trapway 12 adjacent to the inlet end 13 thereof is substantially vertical in orientation such that waste from the latrine pan 51 can flow in a downward direction into the U-shaped portion 15 of the trapway 12 through the inlet end 13 thereof. The outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is preferably substantially horizontal in orientation so as to direct waste that flows through the trapway 12 outward in a substantially horizontal direction or at a slight - decline, such about 1 to about 20 degrees relative to a horizontal plane to promote flow of waste therethrough. Further, the outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is elevated = above the lowermost portion of the trapway 12 so that the liquid 61 held within the - trapway 12 does not flow out of the trapway 12 through the outlet end 14 when the oe diverter trap 11 is not in use. o

The trapway 12 comprises a diameter or width that helps to promote the flow of fluid and waste therethrough while being sufficiently wide to prevent the trapway - 12 from clogging upon ordinary use. Further, the width of the trapway 12 is o sufficiently wide to prevent or mitigate clogging through ordinary use but is sufficiently small so as to minimize the amount of water required to fill the trapway 12 and the amount of water required to “flush” the waste through the trapway 12. In some embodiments, the trapway 12 has a diameter of approximately 3 inches.

Preferably, the trapway 12 diameter is no greater than about 4 inches, as a diameter of 4 inches or greater requires a significant quantity of water to flush. However, in alternate embodiments, the diameter of the trapway may be greater or less than 3 inches in order to provide the desired fluid flow characteristics and to meet the demands of the particular end use, such as minimizing clogging and promoting water conservation. Preferably, the diameter of the trapway is in the range of about 2 to about 4 inches, and most preferably from about 2.5 to about 3.5 inches.

In some embodiments, the diverter trap 11 further comprises a lower housing 21, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13. The lower housing 21 comprises a base 28 that supports a portion of the trapway 12. In such embodiments, the trapway 12 may further include a flat portion 18 on an exterior surface thereof that contacts the upper surface 29 of the base 28 of the lower housing 21. The flat portion 18 is disposed on the U-shaped portion of the trapway 12. The flat portion 18 rests flush against the upper surface 29 of the base 28 when the trapway 12 is positioned within the lower housing 21, wherein the flat portion 18 can slide on the upper surface 29 of the base 28. Further, the outer surface of the U-shaped portion 15 of the trapway 12 and adjacent surface of the lower housing 21 can be formed with mating circular features that act as rotational guides.

The lower housing 21 includes a rear portion 22 and a front portion 23. The = trapway 12 is positioned within the lower housing 21 such that the inlet end 13 of the - trapway 12 is adjacent to the rear portion 22 of the lower housing 21 and so that the > outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is adjacent to the front portion 23 of the lower housing i 21. The base 28 of the lower housing 21 is configured to at least partially conform to the shape of the trapway 12. Thus, the rear portion 22 of the base 28 may be = positioned along a horizontal plane that is disposed at a lower elevation than the front ~~“ portion 23 of the lower housing 21 so as to accommodate the U-shaped portion 15 of = the trapway 12. Thus, the front end 23 of the lower housing 21 may include a shelf 26 - on which the outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is positioned. The lower housing 21 = preferably comprises a wedge-shaped configuration, wherein the lower housing 21 - extends outwardly from the rear portion 22 thereof towards the front portion 23 thereof such that the front portion 23 of the lower housing 21 is wider than the rear portion 22 thereof.

Further, the lower housing 21 may have at least one sidewall 24 extending upwardly from a portion of the perimeter of the base 28. The sidewall 24 may extend entirely around the perimeter of the base 28 or only along a portion thereof. In this embodiment, the sidewall 24 is configured to constrain the rotation of the trapway 12 so as to promote alignment of the trapway 12 with one or more drainage pipes and to prevent over-rotation of the trapway. Thus, when the trapway 12 is rotated, the trapway 12 contacts the sidewall 24 of the lower housing 21, preventing the trapway 12 from further rotating in that direction.

FIGS. 6A — 6H show various views of a diverter valve within housing according to some embodiments. The diverter valve of FIGS. 6A — 6H may include any of the features and embodiments of a diverter valve described herein.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the lower housing 21 comprises a first sidewall 24A along a first side 25A of the base and a second sidewall 24B along a second side 25B of the base such that the sidewalls define an angle (0) through which the trapway 12 can rotate. In some embodiments, the lower housing 21 allows the trapway 12 to rotate approximately about 90 degrees about point z in FIG. 15A, wherein point z is a point along a vertical longitudinal axis Z-Z extending through the center of the pan outlet, as shown for example at FIG. 22. In alternate

Co embodiments, the lower housing may be configured so that the trapway 12 can rotate - greater than or less than 90 degrees, depending upon the number of and configuration & of drainage pipes and leach pits in use with the multiple pit latrine. ~

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the diverter trap wo 11 further includes an upper housing 31 in addition to the lower housing 21, defining es a housing 40. The upper housing 31 includes an upper wall 36 and optionally one or zl more upper sidewalls 38 extending downwardly from a perimeter of the upper wall 0 36. In some embodiments, the upper wall 36 may be arcuate in shape such that the oo upper wall 36 and one or more upper sidewalls 38 are continuous so as to form a = smooth outer surface. Preferably, when the upper housing 31 and lower housing 21 o are coupled, the upper wall 36 of the upper housing 31 is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the base 28 of the lower housing 21. However, the housing 40 may be of any geometry and/or volume. In most embodiments, it is desirable that the housing 40 is the minimum volume to create an interior volume that can encompass the trapway 12 and allow for rotation thereof. The upper housing 31 is preferably configured to mate with the lower housing 21 so as to form a housing 40 having a substantially continuous exterior surface. The housing 40 defines an interior volume space in which the trapway 12 is at least partially enclosed.

FIG. 11 depicts perspective and side exploded views of a diverter valve, upper housing, and lower housing according to some embodiments described herein. The diverter valve, upper housing, and/or lower housing of FIG. 11 may comprise any of the features of a diverter valve, upper housing and/or lower housing described herein.

Similarly, FIG. 25 depicts a perspective exploded view and FIG. 26 depicts a side exploded view of a diverter valve, upper housing, and lower housing according to some embodiments described herein. The diverter valve, upper housing, and/or lower housing of FIGS. 25 and 26 may comprise any of the features of a diverter valve, upper housing and/or lower housing described herein.

The upper and lower housings 21, 31 can be secured together via any of various types of fastening arrangements or methods known or to be developed in the art. The upper and lower housings 21, 31 may engage via mating fasteners, such as male and female fasteners, via friction or interference fit, or via snaps or other mechanical connections. Alternately, once the trapway 12 is positioned within the housing 40, the upper and lower housings 21, 31 may be permanently joined to one ~ another via glue, adhesive, heat welding, or the like. o

The upper housing 31 comprises a receiving conduit 19 having an upper = opening 34 through which the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 may extend. Thus, waste o from a latrine pan 5051 connected to the diverter trap 11 can be communicated i» through the pan outlet 54, through the upper opening 34 and receiving conduit 19 on + the upper housing 31 and into the trapway 12. The upper opening 34 is preferably - substantially the same shape and size as the pan outlet 54 and/or the inlet end 13 of I. the trapway 12 so that the upper opening 34 fits with a close tolerance thereto. The = upper opening 34 and receiving conduit 19 are preferably at or near the rear portion - 32 of the upper housing 31. -

FIGS. 12A — 12H and FIGS. 24A — 24H depict various views of an upper housing according to some embodiments. The upper housing of FIGS. 12A — 12H and

FIGS. 24A — 24H may comprise any or all of the features described above in reference to the upper housing 31.

In some embodiments, the pan outlet 54 is secured to the receiving conduit 19 through the upper opening 34 and the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 extends partially into the receiving conduit 19 such that the trapway 12 is rotatably connected to the receiving conduit 19 and is in fluid communication with the pan outlet 54 via the upper housing 31. In an alternate embodiment, the pan outlet 54 is engaged directly with the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 within the upper opening 34. In other embodiments, the pan outlet 54 is engaged directly with the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 at a location exterior to the housing 40.

The housing 40, as formed by joining the upper and lower housings 21, 31, defines a plurality of apertures 44 on a front portion 43 thereof, as shown for example at FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The apertures 44 are preferably arranged so that each aperture 44 will align with the outlet end 13 of the trapway 12 if the trapway 12 is rotated into a specific position.

In some embodiments, the lower housing 21 comprises one or more lower lips 27 at a front portion 43 thereof each having a half-cylindrical shape while the upper housing 31 includes one or more upper lips 35 at a front portion 43 thereof also having a half-cylindrical shape such that when the upper and lower housings 21, 31 = are joined, the upper and lower lips 27, 35 define an aperture 44 having a circular/cylindrical shape. The lips 27, 35 of the housing 40 may facilitate connection = of a drainage pipe (not shown) to the housing 40 around each aperture 44. i»

FIGS. 18A — 18H depict various views of lower housing according to some Hn embodiments. The lower housing of FIGS. 18A — 18H may comprise any or all of the - features described above in reference to lower housing 21. . 3

As the trapway 12 is rotated about the pan outlet 54, the outlet end 13 of the - trapway 12 aligns with one of the plurality of apertures 44 on the front portion 43 of - the housing 40. Each aperture 44 is configured to be connected to a drainage pipe that is in turn in fluid communication with a leach pit. Thus, by rotating the trapway 12 to align with a specific aperture 44 on the front end 43 of the housing 40, the waste from the latrine 5051 can be directed to a specific drainage pipe and/or leach pit. The apertures 44 may be sized so that they can be inserted into a drainage pipe (not shown) and fit closely to the interior surface thereof. Alternatively, the apertures 44 may be sized such that the lips 27, 35 receive the outer diameter of the drainage pipe therein. In some embodiments, the lips 27, 35 and/or drainage pipes may further include an additional mechanism, such as a seal or gasket, to ensure a tight connection to reduce leakage.

FIG. 14 shows a diverter valve within lower housing according to some embodiments. The diverter valve and/or lower housing of FIG. 14 may comprise any of the features of a diverter valve and/or lower housing described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing 40 defines a first aperture 44A located on a first side of the front portion 43 of the housing 40 and a second aperture 44B located on a second side of the front portion 43 of the housing 40, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. When the trapway 12 is rotated such that it contacts the first sidewall 24A, the trapway 12 is aligned with the first aperture 44A so that waste can be communicated through the first aperture 44A. When the trapway 12 is rotated such that it contacts the second sidewall 24B, the trapway 12 is in communication with the second aperture 44B, so that waste can be communicated through the second aperture

44B. In an embodiment of the trapway having two apertures 44, the shelf 26 of the = lower housing 21 preferably has an arc shape such that a central portion thereof - between the two apertures 44 is elevated and slopes downwardly towards the first and second sides 25A, 25B of the lower housing 21. In this way, gravity assists in = aligning the trapway 12 with one of the apertures 44 and inhibits the trapway 12 from moving once aligned. es

Ln

In alternate embodiments, the housing 40 may include additional apertures 44 on the front portion 43 thereof, depending upon the number of leach pits desired to be = used. Preferably, in such embodiments the front portion 43 or shelf 26 of the lower - housing 21 comprises a stop feature, such as a depression, adjacent to each aperture - 44 that helps to align the trapway 12 with a particular aperture 44 and to provide tactile feedback to a user rotating the trapway so that a user can determine when the trapway is aligned with an aperture 44 located at a some point between the sidewalls of the housing. The trapway 12 can be easily rotated past a depression upon application of minimal force by the user. Further, the apertures 44 on the front end 43 of the housing 40 may be spaced so that the trapway 12 aligns with one aperture 44 at a time as it rotates to various angles. Thus, the apertures 44 may be spaced at a fixed interval, such as at about 50 to about 70 degree increments.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, the trapway 12 is shown as further comprising a rotation mechanism 17. The rotation mechanism 17 is preferably positioned on an interior surface 16 of the trapway 12 so that it can be easily accessed through the pan outlet 54 when the diverter trap 11 is installed for use with a latrine pan. In this way, the user may engage the rotation mechanism 17 through the latrine pan in order to rotate the trapway 12 to direct waste to a specific drainage pipe and leach pit without having to disassemble or dig-up any portion of the multiple pit latrine.

In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism 17 is a notch on an interior surface 16 of the trapway 12. The notch may have any of various shapes and configurations, such as a rectangular configuration as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a star shape, a hexagon shape, or a cross or X-shape, among others. In embodiments having a notch, a key is provided that is configured to mate with the notch or the notch may be configured to be engaged with a conventional tool, such as a ratchet tool. For example, the notch may have a hexagon shape and a key is provided with a hexagon shaped head that can be engaged with the notch. When the key is engaged = with the notch, the user may apply a lateral force or a twisting motion in order to = rotate the trapway 12. The lateral force may be applied manually by the user or via a - motorized or automated mechanism. = 3 ©

In an alternate embodiment, the rotation mechanism 17 is a protrusion that i» extends outward or above an interior surface 16 of the trapway 12. The user may Hn manually grasp the rotation mechanism 17 or may engage the protrusion with a rod, w key, or the like that may be optionally supplied with the diverter trap 11, and the user i. can utilize the key to apply a lateral force on the rotation mechanism 17 in order to = manually rotate the trapway 12. In alternate embodiments, the rotation mechanism 17 may comprise other features that allow the user to manually rotate the trapway 12 when the rotation mechanism 17 is engaged either manually or through the use of a key or other tool. In this way, the trapway 12 can be rotated without having to disassemble the latrine pan or disconnect the diverter trap 11. Further, this allows the user to direct waste to a specific drainage pipe and/or leach pit without the problems identified in prior art systems wherein the user must dig up and open a Y-junction box and manually reconfigure the Y-junction box so that waste flows toward a specific leach pit. The lack of a Y-junction box helps to eliminate or minimize issues with clogging that often occur in the Y-junction box.

In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19-22, the present invention includes a diverter trap assembly which includes a diverter trap 11, as described above, and further includes a latrine pan 51. The latrine pan 51 comprises a body 52 having a pan outlet 54 through which waste may flow. The body 52 preferably comprises a recessed portion 53 or bowl that slopes downwardly towards the pan outlet 54. The body 53 may be substantially flat or planar around the recessed portion 53 or bowl. However, the latrine pan 5051 can have any of various body 52 configurations, shapes, and/or sizes as known or to be developed in the art. The diverter trap 11 is in fluid communication with the pan outlet 54 of the latrine pan 51.

In some embodiments, the diverter trap 201 comprises a housing 206 having an inlet section 202 with an inlet opening 208 and a trapway 211 rotatably positioned within the inlet section 202, and a plurality of outlet sections 203. For example, FIG. 30 shows a trapway 211 according to some embodiments. The inlet section 202 can be

L Bp

DIVERTER TRAP FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE PIT LATRINE, RELATED =

METHODS, AND LATRINE ASSEMBLIES =

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS i »

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional ~

Application No. 62/455,253, titled “Diverter Trap for Use with Multiple Pit Latrine, “

Related Methods, and Latrine Assemblies,” filed 6 February 2017, the entipsty of = © which is hereby incorporated by reference. = 2 E .

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION - ; at

The present invention relates to a diverter trap for a multiple fit la : e for & simplifying the construction and improving the performance and reliability of latrines that use multiple pits. The invention also relates to a method forMiverting waste in a multiple pit latrine and a latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization and

UNICEF, an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide lack access to safe sanitation.

About 1 billion people in this group regularly practice open defecation, and about 1.5 billion are forced to use a shared or unimproved facility. Approximately 850,000 people, mostly children under the age of S die each year from water and sanitation- related diseases.

Pit latrines are often constructed to provide basic sanitation in developing areas that lack a modern water and sewer infrastructure. Most of these fall into two general categories: dry pit latrines, which are common in Sub-Saharan Africa and pour-flush latrines, which are more common in Asia.

A special category of pour-flush latrine, the “twin-pit pour flush” (TPPF) is designed to allow on-site treatment and transformation of fecal sludge into a safe, compost-like material. TPPF latrines, which are most common in India, Bangladesh,

removably or permanently secured to a pan outlet of a latrine pan, such that the latrine i pan and diverter trap 201 are in fluid communication. The outlet sections 203 of the = diverter trap 201 can be placed in fluid communication with drainage pipes which are - in turn in fluid communication with leach pits. Thus, the user can determine to which leach pit the waste from a latrine pan will travel by rotating the trapway 211 within the diverter trap housing 206. This embodiment provides a simplified construction - wherein the outlet sections and drainage pipes can be securely connected to one = another at all times, and not only when the trapway is rotated to direct waste to a - specific outlet section. Further, the rotation of the trapway 211 is restricted to the @ inlet section 202 of the diverter trap. ~

Similarly, FIG. 27 depicts a diverter trap assembly connected to a latrine pan.

The diverter trap assembly and latrine pan may include any or all of the features described above in reference to the diverter trap assembly and/or latrine pan of FIGS. 19-22.

FIG. 28A — 28E show various views of a diverter trap according to some embodiments. The diverter trap of FIGS. 28A — 28E may include any of the features of a diverter trap described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 29 — 33, the diverter trap 201 comprises a trapway 211 that is substantially cylindrical so as to fit within a cylindrically shaped inlet section 202 of the diverter trap 201, wherein the trapway 211 includes an open upper end 213, a closed lower end 214, and a sidewall opening 212 on a sidewall thereof at a lower portion of the trapway 211. The trapway 211 preferably fits closely to the inner diameter of the inlet section 202 so that waste or fluid cannot flow along an exterior surface of the trapway 211. The trapway 211 rotates about a vertical, longitudinal axis, such as line Y—Y in FIG. 33, of the inlet section 202 of the housing 206 such that the sidewall opening 212 on the trapway 211 can be selectively aligned with one of the outlet sections 203. The exterior of closed lower end of the trapway 211 may include a circular recess that mates with a circular protrusion on the interior of the lower end of the inlet section, such that the trapway 211 rotates about the circular recess and protrusion. The circular recess and protrusion may have other forms or configurations and may be designed to limit the degree of rotation of the trapway 211.

The sidewall opening 212 of the trapway 211 is configured so that it can only be aligned with a single outlet section 203 at a time. In this way, the diverter trap 201 = can be used to direct waste to one of various outlet sections 203, wherein each outlet - section 203 is connected to a drainage pipe and a leach pit. - fd

The inlet section 202 of the housing 206 is preferably substantially cylindrical and includes an open upper end 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the diverter trap - 201 comprises a first outlet section 203A with a first outlet opening 207A and a second outlet section 203B with a second outlet opening 207B. The first and second outlet sections 203A, 203B preferably have substantially the same configuration and = dimensions. However, in some embodiments, the first and second outlet sections = 203A, 203B can vary in dimension and configuration. The outer sections 203 each o further include terminal portions 204 that are configured to direct waste in a substantially horizontal direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the inlet section 202. Thus, the terminal portions 204 may include an angled fitting, such as an elbow fitting. In some embodiments, the terminal portions 204 may be directed at a slight decline relative to a horizontal plane to promote fluid flow into and through the drainage pipes connected thereto.

The outlet sections 203 are spaced from one another and preferably extend radially outward from the inlet section 202. The outlet sections 203 are separated at an angle (6) as shown in FIG. 31, wherein 6 is the angle between a midline or centerline through each of the outlet sections 203. The angle is preferably between 60 and 180 degrees, and is more preferably 105 degrees. Depending upon the embodiment, the angle between the outlet sections 203 can be selected to accommodate a particular multiple pit latrine layout.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first outlet section 203A and the second outlet section 203B are substantially linear and extend upwardly and outwardly from a lower end 205 of the inlet section 202 at an angle (3) of 45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane, as shown in FIG. 33. However, in other embodiments, the outlet sections 203 may extend from the inlet section 202 at any of various other angles.

The lower end 205 of the inlet section 202 of the housing 206 defines a sump in which a quantity of liquid can be held so as to form a water seal to prevent the backflow of sewer gases and insects. Preferably, the water seal is about 10 mm to provide the diverter trap 201 with a compact configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, there are shown views of an alternate = embodiment of the diverter trap. In some embodiments, a diverter trap 221 comprises — a housing 226 having an inlet section 222 with an inlet opening 228, a trapway 231 0 rotatably positioned within the inlet section 228, and a plurality of outlet sections 223. fy

The outlet sections 223 of the diverter trap 221 can be placed in fluid communication ~ with drainage pipes which are in turn in fluid communication with leach pits. Thus, ~ the user can determine to which leach pit the waste from a latrine pan will travel by + rotating the trapway 231 within the diverter trap housing 226. This embodiment = provides the benefit that the outlet sections 223 and drainage pipes are securely ~ connected at all times, and not only when the trapway 231 is rotated to direct waste to = a specific drainage pipe. Further, the rotation of the trapway is restricted to the inlet section 222 of the diverter trap 221.

The trapway 231 is of the same construction as shown in FIG. 29, wherein the trapway 231 rotates within the inlet section 222 of the housing 226 to align the sidewall opening thereon with a specific outlet section 223.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of outlet sections 223 includes a first outlet section 223A and a second outlet section 223B. The outlet sections 223 preferably have the same configuration and dimensions, however, in some embodiments, the outlet sections 223 may differ in configuration and/or dimensions.

The outlet sections 223 each have an arcuate configuration and extend upwardly and outwardly from the lower end 225 of the inlet section 222. This creates a relatively deep water seal due to the curved outlet sections 223. In one embodiment, the water seal is about 70 mm, however, in alternate embodiments, the water seal may be greater than or less than 70 mm, depending on the desired dimensions and performance of the diverter trap. The outlet sections 223 further include terminal portions 224 that are angled fittings, such as elbow joints that are configured to direct waste in a substantially horizontal orientation that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or centerline of the inlet section 222. The terminal portions 224 are preferably formed as separate components from outlet sections 223, wherein the terminal portions 224 are connected to the outlet sections 223 via mating joints 229. The mating joints 229 allow the terminal portions 224 to rotate about the connection to the outlet section 223 in order to allow the user to manually adjust the angle between the longitudinal axes of each terminal portion 224. Thus, while the outlet sections 223 are fixed with respect to one another, the terminal portions 224 thereon are rotatably = adjustable so as to accommodate a desired leach pit spacing or drainage pipe layout. -

This allows the leach pits to be more closely spaced than the spacing of the outlet sections may otherwise allow, given that the ability to decrease the angle of separation . of the outlet sections is limited by the diameter or thickness of the outlet sections. In ~ operation, the mating joints 229 can be set to a desired angle, fitted with a seal or - gasket to provide a secure and leak-free connection with the outlet section, and then H glued or otherwise secured in the desired position. Thus, the diverter trap of FIGS. 34 and 35 can be used to accommodate any of various multiple pit latrine layouts. - o

Referring now to FIGS. 36 — 39, there is shown another embodiment of the ~ diverter trap of the present invention. The diverter trap 241 shown in FIGS. 36 — 39 - are substantially similar to the embodiments of a diverter trap described above. The diverter trap 241 comprises an inlet section 242 with an inlet opening 248 and having a trapway 251 rotatably positioned therein, and a plurality of outlet sections 243 each having an outlet opening 247. The outlet sections 243 of the diverter trap 241 can be placed in fluid communication with drainage pipes which are in turn in fluid communication with leach pits. Thus, the user can determine to which leach pit the waste from a latrine pan will travel by rotating the trapway 251 within the diverter trap housing 246.

The trapway 251 comprises substantially the same configuration as shown in

FIG. 14, wherein the trapway 251 rotates within the inlet section 242 and can be rotated so as to direct waste to a particular outlet section 243.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet section 242 of the housing 246 is preferably substantially cylindrical and includes an open upper end 248. The plurality of outlet sections 243 comprises a first outlet section 243A having a first outlet opening 247A and a second outlet section 243B having a second outlet opening 247B.

The outlet sections 243A, 243B extend upwardly and outwardly from the lower end 245 of the inlet section 242 at an angle (B) relative to a horizontal plane as shown in

FIG. 36. As a result, the diverter trap 241 forms a water seal, wherein the water seal is preferably about 10 mm. The outlet sections 243 preferably have the same configuration and dimensions, however, in some embodiments, the outlet sections 243 may differ in configuration and/or dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet sections 243 are substantially linear in configuration as best shown in FIGS. 38 = nd 0 :

Each outlet section 243 further includes a terminal portion 244 that is an .

S angled fitting so as to direct waste in a substantially horizontal orientation that is - perpendicular to the centerline or longitudinal axis of the inlet section 242. The outlet ~ sections 243 are spaced from one another at any of various angles, and are preferably o separated at an angle (0) of about 105 degrees. However, the terminal portions 244 = are arranged such that the angle between the centerline of the terminal portions 244 is ~ about 60 degrees. ® 7

Further, in the illustrated embodiment the outlet sections 243 increase in width from the portion of the outlet section 243 connected to the inlet section 242 toward the terminal portion 244 thereof. In this way, the diverter trap 241 may have a relatively small diameter but can be connected to a drainage pipe having a larger diameter than that of the diverter trap 241. The outlet sections 243 may expand gradually or may include a tapered section 249 or tapered fitting that provides the change in diameter or width of the outlet section 243. The smaller cross-sectional diameter of the outlet sections 243 where mating with the inlet section 242 allows for a smaller angle to be achieved between terminal portions 244 and a resultant smaller distance to be achieved between leach pits. The enlarged cross sectional area requires more water to be utilized than in other systems, but demonstrates improved water flow therethrough.

FIGS. 40 and 41 show a component of a diverter valve according to any of the embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a lower housing of a diverter valve may comprise the component of FIG. 40 and/or the component of FIG. 41.

The various embodiments of the diverter trap shown in FIGS. 28 — 39 can be employed and constructed in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the diverter trap of FIGS. 1 — 27. In some embodiments, the inlet section of the housing is secured to a pan outlet of a latrine pan so that the diverter trap therein is in fluid communication with the latrine pan. The trapway within the diverter trap can be manually rotated so as to direct waste to one of the outlet sections of the diverter trap so that waste flows towards a particular leach pit. When the leach pit is full, the user can manually adjust the trapway to direct waste to a different outlet section so that waste flows to another leach pit. The trapway in the embodiments of FIGS. 28 — 39 = may further include a rotation mechanism such as a notch or protrusion that can be - engaged directly by the user or indirectly by means of a key or other tool that may or =” may not be provided with the invention and that mates with or engages the rotation = mechanism. This allows the user to rotate the trapway and adjust its position without having to disassemble the latrine or dig-up a component of the latrine assembly. jt

Lr

The components of the diverter trap can be composed of any of various = materials as discussed above that are preferably durable and sanitizable. Further, the oo components of the diverter trap, such as the housing can be formed as a unitary = structure or can be formed using a plurality of subparts or fittings that are assembled I. or connected to form the component.

During installation of any of the diverter trap embodiments disclosed herein, the diverter trap is assembled by positioning the trapway within the lower housing and positioning the upper housing over the trapway such that the upper and lower housing mates to form a housing, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the housing. The assembled diverter trap is positioned in the ground or below floor level beneath the intended location of the latrine pan in embodiments where the diverter trap is to be buried. After ensuring the diverter trap is positioned to properly direct flow to the desired aperture, a drainage pipe can be positioned at each aperture of the diverter trap housing. Ideally, each of these drainage pipes can be laid out in a straight line, placing each of the leach pits in fluid communication with its respective aperture of the diverter trap. The diverter trap provides for increased flexibility in latrine construction by allowing leach pits to be positioned in virtually any direction relative to the installed latrine pan, as the diverter trap can be fully rotated in 360 degrees, if so desired. The housing defines an interior volume space in which the trapway can rotate, and the housing can then be buried underground and the trapway will still be able to rotate in the intended manner.

If space limitations or layout of the property make it impossible to locate the leach pits such that the leach pits can be connected via straight line drainage pipes, one of the pits can be connected with a straight section of drainage pipe and appropriate elbow fittings can be used to run the drainage pipe to connect the other pit or pits. Although the use of elbow fittings is not ideal, it still provides for a system wo that is superior in flow characteristics compared to prior art use of a Y-junction box. & -

When construction and installation of the latrine is complete, the toilet/latrine oo is ready for use and no changes are required in the behavior of a user familiar with the wo operation and practices of a pour flush latrine. Upon completing the act of defecation and/or urination, and depositing any cleansing materials into the pan, the user would pour flush the pan using a water source container capable of containing 1000 mL of = water or more. The water source container may be of a form with a large mouth of opening to enable the water to be poured quickly, delivering more energy to the flush. =

The addition of flush water to the pan serves to clean any adhered material from the o pan walls.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

‘ and Nepal, consist of two leach pits which are linked through a “Y-junction box” to a - pour flush toilet pan having a trapway. -

The pits of the TPPF latrine are used in an alternating fashion. Flow through pd the Y-junction box is directed to a first pit until the pit has been filled to capacity. =

The buried Y-junction box is dug up, opened, and adjusted to direct flow to the second pit. The pits are sized so that the time required to fill the pit to capacity is two - years or more. In the time required to fill the second pit, the waste in the first pitis allowed to sit undisturbed. Natural processes of decomposition and composting render the contents of the first pit safe and odor-free by the time the second pit is filled to capacity. The material from the first pit can then be safely removed and 5 disposed, or used as a soil conditioner and crop fertilizer, if desired. The Y-junction box is then set back to its original configuration to redirect flow to the now empty first pit and re-buried. The second pit is left to permit decomposition and composting processes to take place therein.

When well-constructed and properly maintained, the TPPF system can provide a sustainable sanitation solution. In practice however, the TPPF system is burdened with performance and use drawbacks generally attributable to poor quality construction and/or construction components.

A drawback of TPPF systems is clogging in the Y-junction box. The Y- junction box is generally hand-made by the mason or craftsman that constructed the latrine. A box of roughly 40 cm in width by 40 cm in length and 20 cm in depth is constructed from brick and concrete. The 110 mm (usually PVC) pipe that runs from the trapway and toilet pan is run through the center of one of the side walls and two 110 mm drainage pipes are run through the opposite two corners to their respective pit, yielding the “Y” formation. A brick or slab of stone is used to block flow to one of the outlet pipes and direct flow to the other, and finally, a slab of stone or concrete is placed on top to seal the box. The conduciveness to flow of water and waste materials through the box so constructed is highly dependent on the skill and know- how of the mason.

In use, much of the energy/momentum of the pour-flushed water is lost through turbulence in the trapway and little carrying force remains by the time the

» .

DIVERTER TRAP FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE PIT LATRINE, RELATED

METHODS, AND LATRINE ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional

Application No. 62/455,253, titled “Diverter Trap for Use with Multiple 13 Latring,

Related Methods, and Latrine Assemblies,” filed 6 February 2017, the iret; & which is hereby incorporated by reference. v od ~~ A

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION = g -J

The present invention relates to a diverter trap for a mltiple pit latrine for simplifying the construction and improving the performancé and reliability of latrines that use multiple pits. The invention also relates to a method for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine and a latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization and

About 1 billion people in this group regularly practice open defecation, and about 1.5 billion are forced to use a shared or unimproved facility. Approximately 850,000 people, mostly children under the age of 5 die each year from water and sanitation- related diseases.

: v and Nepal, consist of two leach pits which are linked through a “Y-junction box” to a pour flush toilet pan having a trapway.

The pits of the TPPF latrine are used in an alternating fashion. Flow through the Y-junction box is directed to a first pit until the pit has been filled to capacity.

The buried Y-junction box is dug up, opened, and adjusted to direct flow to the second pit. The pits are sized so that the time required to fill the pit to capacity is two years or more. In the time required to fill the second pit, the waste in the first pit is allowed to sit undisturbed. Natural processes of decomposition and composting render the contents of the first pit safe and odor-free by the time the second pit is filled to capacity. The material from the first pit can then be safely removed and disposed, or used as a soil conditioner and crop fertilizer, if desired. The Y-junction box is then set back to its original configuration to redirect flow to the now empty first pit and re-buried. The second pit is left to permit decomposition and composting processes to take place therein.

In use, much of the energy/momentum of the pour-flushed water is lost through turbulence in the trapway and little carrying force remains by the time the flow reaches the Y-junction box. The result is frequent clogging in the Y-junction box especially if any foreign materials are flushed through the toilet such as rags, paper, or other trash. When the Y-junction box clogs, the only means of unclogging it is to remove the cover and manually clear it, a task that is unpleasant, hazardous to the health of the person performing the cleaning, and may be time consuming when the

Y-junction box is buried below ground level.

Additional details on the construction and typical specifications for twin pit latrines can be found at Roy, A K.; Chatterjee, P.K.; Gupta, K.N.; Khare, S.T.; Rau,

B.B.; Singh, R.S. (1984): Manual on the design, construction and maintenance of low- cost pour-flush water seal latrines in India. (TAG technical note; no. 10). United

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank.

A solution that simplifies the construction and that improves the performance of twin pit or multiple pit latrines is needed, especially for markets such as India, where the government is mandating the construction of TPPF latrines for households subsidized under Prime Minister Modi’s “Swatch Bharat Mission.” Poor, inconsistent construction of the Y-junction box remains a source of performance breakdowns.

Poorly conceived and/or constructed Y-junction boxes result in frequent clogs, which more than just being inconvenient, can provide an unintended motivation for people to revert to the unsafe practice of open defecation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is included in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic of a prior art twin pit pour flush latrine.

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematic of a prior art twin pit pour flush latrine.

FIG. 3 shows a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the diverter trap having housing.

FIG. 5 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIGS 6A-H show eight views of a diverter trap according to some embodiments, including cross-sectional views along A—A and B—B.

FIG. 7 shows a front plan view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a diverter trap having housing along line

A—A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a side exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-H show eight views of a diverter trap according to some embodiments, including a cross-sectional view along A—A.

FIG. 13 is a side exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows a diverter trap in a lower housing according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are top-down views of an embodiment of the diverter trap wherein the trapway is positioned on the lower housing so as to direct waste to a left side and to a right side of the lower housing, respectively.

FIG. 16 is a top-down view of an embodiment of the diverter trap wherein the trapway comprises a rotation mechanism, and the trapway is rotated so as to direct waste to a right side of the lower housing.

FIG. 17 is a top-down view of an embodiment of the diverter trap wherein the trapway comprises a rotation mechanism, and the trapway is rotated so as to direct waste to a left side of the lower housing.

FIGS. 18A-H show eight views of a lower housing for a diverter trap according to some embodiments, including a cross-sectional view along A—A.

FIG. 19 is a top-down view of the embodiment of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan according to some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan according to some embodiments along F—F of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan according to some embodiments along A—A of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 24A-H show eight views of a lower housing for a diverter trap according to some embodiments, including a cross-sectional view along A—A.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

CE v ¥

FIG. 26 is a side exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27 shows several views of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 28A-H shows eight views of a trapway according to some embodiments, including a cross-sectional view along A—A.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 30 shows a trapway according to some embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a cross-section of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 35 is a front perspective view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

flow reaches the Y-junction box. The result is frequent clogging in the Y-junction ~ box especially if any foreign materials are flushed through the toilet such as rags, o paper, or other trash. When the Y-junction box clogs, the only means of unclogging it ox is to remove the cover and manually clear it, a task that is unpleasant, hazardous to the . health of the person performing the cleaning, and may be time consuming when the ~

Y-junction box is buried below ground level. -

Lr

Additional details on the construction and typical specifications for twin pit = latrines can be found at Roy, A.K.; Chatterjee, P.K.; Gupta, K.N.; Khare, S.T.; Rau, ~

B.B.; Singh, R.S. (1984): Manual on the design, construction and maintenance of low- = cost pour-flush water seal latrines in India. (TAG technical note; no. 10). United i

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank. -

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematic of a prior art twin pit pour flush latrine.

FIG. 40 shows a component of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 41 shows a component of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine. In some embodiments, the diverter trap may include an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal. In some embodiments, the inlet end may be in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates : Lo. the trapway upon application of a force.

Methods for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine comprising providing a latrine pan having a pan outlet are also provided. In some embodiments, a diverter trap includes a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with the latrine pan and is capable of rotating in a horizontal plane about a longitudinal axis of the pan outlet; rotating the trapway to align the outlet end of the trapway with one of a plurality of drainage pipes, wherein each drainage pipe is in fluid communication with a latrine pit.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine comprising the diverter trap and a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid communication with the pan outlet.

In some embodiments, a diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine is provided, the diverter trap comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions; and wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap comprises a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions; and a lower housing having a base on which at least a portion of the trapway is positioned, wherein the base is configured to support the trapway.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the lower housing further comprises at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the at least one sidewall comprises a first sidewall along a first side of the base and a second sidewall along a second side of the base such that the trapway rotates between the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the lower housing.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the angle (6) between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is no greater than about 90 degrees.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the upper housing comprises an upper opening thereon that is configured to be aligned with the pan outlet, and wherein the inlet end of the trapway extends into the upper opening of the upper housing.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap comprises a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions; a lower housing comprising a base, a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base, wherein the at least one sidewall constrains rotation of the trapway; an upper housing that mates with the lower housing so as to form a housing defining an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space, and wherein the upper housing and the lower housing define a plurality of apertures at a front portion of the housing, wherein the trapway is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.

GSTS

In some embodiments of the method for diverting waste, rotating the trapway includes: engaging a rotation mechanism on the trapway; and applying a lateral force to the rotation mechanism to rotate the trapway.

In some embodiments, a latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine in provided, the latrine assembly comprising: the diverter trap of any of claims 1-21; and a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid communication with the pan outlet.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the diverter trap comprises a housing having an inlet section with a trapway disposed therein, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid to form a water seal, wherein the inlet section is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates within the inlet section so as to direct a flow of waste from the latrine pan to one of a plurality of outlet sections of the housing.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, at least one of the plurality of outlet sections comprises a tapered configuration such that the terminal portion of the outlet section has a diameter greater than the diameter of a portion of the outlet section in connection with the inlet section of the housing.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, each of the plurality of outlet sections comprises an arcuate configuration.

In some embodiments of the diverter trap, the trapway comprises a rotation mechanism on an interior surface thereof that is configured to be actuated to rotate the trapway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

latrine is presented schematically in Figures A and B. The major components are: (i) a toilet pan, which can be of a Western stool style or Eastern squat style, (ii) a trapway, which can be integral to the toilet pan or mounted thereto to provide a seal against backflow of harmful, unpleasant gases and odors, (iii) a main drainage pipe running from the trapway to (iv) a Y-junction box, which serves to divert flow to one of two secondary drainage pipes (v and vi), which run from opposite corners of the Y- junction box to their respective leach pits (vii and viii).

As noted previously, the prior art systems disadvantageously are prone to clogging, require unsanitary and time consuming maneuvers to divert flow from one pit to another pit, and generally limit the design of the multiple pit latrine to the use of two leach pits.

In some embodiments, the diverter trap comprises a housing having an inlet section and a plurality of outlet sections, wherein the inlet section can be placed in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan and each outlet section can be placed in fluid communication with a drainage pipe and leach pit. The diverter trap further includes a trapway rotatably positioned within the inlet section of the housing, wherein the trapway includes a sidewall opening on a lower end thereof that can be selectively aligned with one of the outlet sections of the housing, such that a user can select though which outlet section the waste from the latrine pan will flow by rotating the trapway within the housing.

.

The implantation of the diverter trap of the invention allows for elimination of the conventional Y-junction box. Without the Y-junction box, the latrine can be constructed so the drainage pipes are laid out in a straight line direction between the latrine pan and the leach pits, forming a V-shape instead of a Y-shape, in embodiments wherein two drainage pipes and leach pits are used. The V- configuration of the drainage pipes coupled with the absence of a Y-junction box allows for elimination of the poor flow and hydraulic losses that resulted in frequent clogging in the prior art.

The prior art use of the primitive Y-junction box limited a multiple pit latrine to two pits. The present invention, however, enables the use of three or more pits, potentially as many as eight or more if they are offset from one another. This advantage allows for greater flexibility in the construction of the latrines. For example, leach pits may be constructed to be smaller, since three or more will be viable for rotation. A multiple pit latrine may be able to serve a greater number of people since the total capacity of waste storage is increased while the decomposition time required to renew each pit remains the same (e.g., use of 4 leach pits allows for rapid “fill up” and rotation every 6 months, but leach pit “rest” time remains at 2 years).

The diverter trap of the present invention is designed to be used with a standard latrine pan or squat pan. Any such pan known or developed in the art may be used with the diverter trap of the present invention, such as those described in, for example the India Bureau of Indian Standard’s publication “Indian Standard, Vitreous

Sanitary Appliances, Part 3 Specific Requirements of Squatting Pans (Fifth Revision),

IS 2556-3 (September 2004) or Franceys, R. ef al., A guide to the development of on- site sanitation, World Health Organization (1992).

The pan outlet dimensions of conventional latrine pans or toilet pans are generally specified by national plumbing codes to ensure that pans available in a particular geography are compatible with components and provide for construction of a safe, functional toilet system in that geography. For example, in India, the national standard IS 2556-3 specifies that “Orissa” style squat pans must have an outlet with minimum length of 40 mm, a minimum inner diameter of 80 mm, and an outer diameter of 102 + 5 mm.

The diverter trap comprises a trapway that can be designed to rotatably connect to the pan outlet dimensions of the selected squat pan. The inlet end of the trapway can be placed in fluid communication with the pan outlet directly such that there are no intervening elements, or indirectly wherein an additional fitting, adapter, or other component is provided to connect the trapway to the pan outlet. The trapway is rotatable about a vertical, longitudinal axis extending through a center of the pan outlet. When the diverter trap is installed, the trapway is in fluid communication with the pan outlet, and waste flushed or deposited in the latrine pan is received by the trapway.

The trapway has a tubular construction and is preferably arcuate in configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the trapway comprises a U-shaped portion configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein that is sufficient to form a water seal in the trapway. The water seal serves to prevent or minimize the backflow of sewer gases and insects through the trapway from a leach pit in fluid communication therewith. The trapway may be for example in the form of a “p-trap.” However, in alternate embodiments, the trapway may comprise alternate shapes, such as an S- shape, among others wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal. The trapway is preferably substantially circular in a transverse cross sectional area. However, in alternate embodiments, the trapway may have any of various cross sectional shapes including an oval or elliptical shape, and the transverse cross sectional area of the trapway may vary along its length such that a first portion of the trapway has a circular cross sectional area while a second section has an oval shaped cross sectional area. The exterior surface of the trapway is preferably rounded, but in alternate embodiments, the trapway may include a substantially flat portion. Further, in some embodiments, the exterior of the trapway comprises a pin that engages a channel in a base or housing, wherein the pin can slide within the channel as the trapway is rotated.

The trapway is rotatably engaged with the pan outlet. By “rotatably engaged” it is meant that the trapway is connected to the pan outlet, either detachably or permanently, directly or indirectly, such that it can be rotated around a hypothetical longitudinal, vertical axis passing through the center of the pan outlet while remaining in fluid communication with the pan outlet. This permits the trapway to rotate in a horizontal plane up to 360 degrees. In use, a plurality of drainage pipes is positioned radially around the vertical longitudinal axis, such that the trapway can be aligned and placed in fluid communication with any one of the drainage pipes by rotating the trapway to a specific position. For example, the trapway can be rotated from a first position where it guides the flow of waste to a first drainage pipe and leach pit to a second position or third position where it guides the flow of waste to a second or third

» t

FIG. 3 shows a diverter trap according to some embodiments. Ee

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the diverter trap having ~

Fo? housing. ox

Joni ae

FIG. 5 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments. -

FIGS 6A-H show eight views of a diverter trap according to some wo embodiments, including cross-sectional views along A—A and B—B. i 10 . fsa

FIG. 7 shows a front plan view of a diverter trap according to some 0 embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a diverter trap having housing along line

A—A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows a diverter trap in a lower housing according to some embodiments.

EE ———————————————————————————————————————————————————— drainage pipe and leach pit, such that waste flows to only one drainage pipe and leach pit at a time.

In some embodiments, the trapway is rotatable from about 10 to 360 degrees, about 30 to about 270 degrees, about 60 to about 180 degrees, or about 90 to about 120 degrees around the hypothetical vertical axis through the pan outlet.

The rotatable engagement of the trapway and the pan outlet may be accomplished through various mechanisms and structures known or to be developed in the art. Any mechanisms may be used, including male and female mating assemblies, and/or assemblies of pins, bars, holes and stops. For example, the interior of the inlet end of the trapway may include a protrusion that engages with a groove formed around the exterior of the pan outlet such that the trapway rotates by sliding the protrusion within the groove. ‘Alternately, a fitting or collar may be employed that is engaged with the pan outlet, wherein the inlet end of the trapway is engaged with and rotates about the fitting disposed on the pan outlet. In embodiments of the diverter trap comprising a housing, the trapway rotationally mates with a receiving conduit of the housing, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the housing, and wherein the housing can be connected to the pan outlet so that waste is communicated from the pan outlet into the trapway within the housing. Further, in such embodiments having a housing, the trapway may include a keyhole on an exterior surface thereof that engages with a groove disposed on the housing, wherein the keyhole can rotate within the groove to facilitate rotation of the trapway as in U.S.

The sidewall may be placed at the farthest end(s) of the rotational pathway of the trapway to constrain rotation of the trapway. When the trapway rotates and contacts the sidewall, the trapway cannot further rotate in that direction.

Further, the diverter trap may include an upper housing that mates with the lower housing and defines an interior volume space in which at least a portion of the trapway is positioned. The lower and upper housings may mate via any of various fastening arrangements known or to be developed in the art. Preferably, the lower and upper housings mate to form a housing having a smooth and continuous outer surface.

The use of a housing allows the diverter trap to be buried underground and/or to be shielded from interference by animals, children or others, as the housing defines an interior volume space in which the trapway can freely rotate, greatly simplifying installation. Further, the housing may serve to constrain the rotation of the trapway, as the rotation of the trapway is limited by the configuration of the housing. The housing may have any of various shapes and sizes, and preferably has a wedge-shaped configuration.

The upper housing and lower housing further define a plurality of apertures at a front portion thereof that are configured to align with the outlet end of the trapway when the trapway is rotated into a particular position. A drainage pipe can be placed in fluid communication with an aperture on the housing such that waste can flow from the latrine pan, through the trapway, and into the drainage pipe. Thus, by rotating the trapway, the user can select into which drainage pipe the waste will flow.

In order to rotate the trapway, the trapway is preferably provided with a rotation mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation mechanism is disposed on an interior surface of the trapway such that the rotation mechanism can be accessed through the pan outlet of the latrine pan. This allows the user to rotate the trapway without disassembling the latrine and/or diverter trap. In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism comprises a notch or a protrusion configured to be manually engaged by hand or by use of a tool, such as a key that mates with or engages the notch or protrusion, wherein the tool can optionally be included with the diverter trap.

In some embodiments, the material of one or more of the components is a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer or copolymer as such materials are durable, relatively inexpensive, and are easy to fabricate and clean. Suitable polymers may include polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinylidene chloride, high impact polystyrene, polyamides, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, polycarbonate/acrylonitrile ~~ butadiene styrene, polyurethanes, melamine

EE —— formaldehyde, phenolics, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polymethyl methacrylate, polytetrafluoroethylene, and/or urea-formaldehyde, among others.

Each component of the diverter trap may be manufactured as an integral piece or may be manufactured in subparts that are subsequently assembled to form the component of the diverter trap. For example, the lower housing, if present, may be formed of a unitary piece or may be composed of one or more subparts. The component or subpart may be cast, molded, thermoformed, stamped, carved or otherwise formed depending upon the material selected.

FIGS. 3 and 23 show a perspective view of a diverter valve according to some embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a diverter valve may be encased in housing.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8, there are shown views of an embodiment of the diverter trap of the present invention. The present invention relates to a diverter trap 11 that can be placed in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a conventional latrine pan. The diverter trap 11 may be connected to a pan : outlet via a permanent or removable fastening arrangement and may be connected directly to a pan outlet or indirectly via an intervening component, such as a fitting, adapter, gasket, seal, or other component.

The diverter trap 11 comprises a trapway 12 having an inlet end 13 and an outlet end 14, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The trapway 12 comprises a tubular member having an arcuate configuration. The trapway 12 preferably includes a generally U-shaped portion 15 between the inlet end 13 and the outlet end 14. The U- shaped portion 15 is configured to hold and contain a quantity of liquid 61 therein, such as 500 mL of water that is sufficient to form a water seal or barrier to prevent or minimize the backflow of sewer gases, insects and the like from a drainage pipe and/or leach pit in fluid communication with the diverter trap 11. The amount of liquid required to form a seal will depend upon the specific configuration and diameter/width of the trapway 12. Preferably, a portion of the trapway 12 adjacent to the inlet end 13 thereof is substantially vertical in orientation such that waste from the latrine pan 51 can flow in a downward direction into the U-shaped portion 15 of the trapway 12 through the inlet end 13 thereof. The outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is preferably substantially horizontal in orientation so as to direct waste that flows through the trapway 12 outward in a substantially horizontal direction or at a slight decline, such about 1 to about 20 degrees relative to a horizontal plane to promote flow of waste therethrough. Further, the outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is elevated above the lowermost portion of the trapway 12 so that the liquid 61 held within the trapway 12 does not flow out of the trapway 12 through the outlet end 14 when the diverter trap 11 is not in use.

The trapway 12 comprises a diameter or width that helps to promote the flow of fluid and waste therethrough while being sufficiently wide to prevent the trapway 12 from clogging upon ordinary use. Further, the width of the trapway 12 is sufficiently wide to prevent or mitigate clogging through ordinary use but is sufficiently small so as to minimize the amount of water required to fill the trapway 12 and the amount of water required to “flush” the waste through the trapway 12. In some embodiments, the trapway 12 has a diameter of approximately 3 inches.

ee

The lower housing 21 includes a rear portion 22 and a front portion 23. The trapway 12 is positioned within the lower housing 21 such that the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 is adjacent to the rear portion 22 of the lower housing 21 and so that the outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is adjacent to the front portion 23 of the lower housing 21. The base 28 of the lower housing 21 is configured to at least partially conform to the shape of the trapway 12. Thus, the rear portion 22 of the base 28 may be positioned along a horizontal plane that is disposed at a lower elevation than the front portion 23 of the lower housing 21 so as to accommodate the U-shaped portion 15 of the trapway 12. Thus, the front end 23 of the lower housing 21 may include a shelf 26 on which the outlet end 14 of the trapway 12 is positioned. The lower housing 21 preferably comprises a wedge-shaped configuration, wherein the lower housing 21 extends outwardly from the rear portion 22 thereof towards the front portion 23 thereof such that the front portion 23 of the lower housing 21 is wider than the rear portion 22 thereof.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the lower housing 21 comprises a first sidewall 24A along a first side 25A of the base and a second sidewall 24B along a second side 25B of the base such that the sidewalls define an angle (0) through which the trapway 12 can rotate. In some embodiments, the lower housing 21 allows the trapway 12 to rotate approximately about 90 degrees about point z in FIG. 15A, wherein point z is a point along a vertical longitudinal axis Z-Z extending through the center of the pan outlet, as shown for example at FIG. 22. In alternate embodiments, the lower housing may be configured so that the trapway 12 can rotate greater than or less than 90 degrees, depending upon the number of and configuration of drainage pipes and leach pits in use with the multiple pit latrine.

In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13, the diverter trap 11 further includes an upper housing 31 in addition to the lower housing 21, defining a housing 40. The upper housing 31 includes an upper wall 36 and optionally one or more upper sidewalls 38 extending downwardly from a perimeter of the upper wall 36. In some embodiments, the upper wall 36 may be arcuate in shape such that the upper wall 36 and one or more upper sidewalls 38 are continuous so as to form a smooth outer surface. Preferably, when the upper housing 31 and lower housing 21 are coupled, the upper wall 36 of the upper housing 31 is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the base 28 of the lower housing 21. However, the housing 40 may be of any geometry and/or volume. In most embodiments, it is desirable that the housing 40 is the minimum volume to create an interior volume that can encompass the trapway 12 and allow for rotation thereof. The upper housing 31 is preferably configured to mate with the lower housing 21 so as to form a housing 40 having a substantially continuous exterior surface. The housing 40 defines an interior volume space in which the trapway 12 is at least partially enclosed.

The upper and lower housings 21, 31 can be secured together via any of various types of fastening arrangements or methods known or to be developed in the art. The upper and lower housings 21, 31 may engage via mating fasteners, such as male and female fasteners, via friction or interference fit, or via snaps or other mechanical connections. Alternately, once the trapway 12 is positioned within the

EEE ———— EE ——————————————————————————————————————————————— eee. housing 40, the upper and lower housings 21, 31 may be permanently joined to one another via glue, adhesive, heat welding, or the like.

The upper housing 31 comprises a receiving conduit 19 having an upper opening 34 through which the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 may extend. Thus, waste from a latrine pan 5051 connected to the diverter trap 11 can be communicated through the pan outlet 54, through the upper opening 34 and receiving conduit 19 on the upper housing 31 and into the trapway 12. The upper opening 34 is preferably substantially the same shape and size as the pan outlet 54 and/or the inlet end 13 of the trapway 12 so that the upper opening 34 fits with a close tolerance thereto. The upper opening 34 and receiving conduit 19 are preferably at or near the rear portion 32 of the upper housing 31.

FIGS. 24A - 24H may comprise any or all of the features described above in reference to the upper housing 31.

The housing 40, as formed by joining the upper and lower housings 21, 31, defines a plurality of apertures 44 on a front portion 43 thereof, as shown for example atFIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The apertures 44 are preferably arranged so that each aperture 44 will align with the outlet end 13 of the trapway 12 if the trapway 12 is rotated into a specific position.

In some embodiments, the lower housing 21 comprises one or more lower lips 27 at a front portion 43 thereof each having a half-cylindrical shape while the upper

EEE EE — TE —————————————————————————————————— housing 31 includes one or more upper lips 35 at a front portion 43 thereof also having a half-cylindrical shape such that when the upper and lower housings 21, 31 are joined, the upper and lower lips 27, 35 define an aperture 44 having a circular/cylindrical shape. The lips 27, 35 of the housing 40 may facilitate connection of adrainage pipe (not shown) to the housing 40 around each aperture 44.

FIGS. 18A — 18H depict various views of lower housing according to some embodiments. The lower housing of FIGS. 18A — 18H may comprise any or all of the features described above in reference to lower housing 21.

As the trapway 12 is rotated about the pan outlet 54, the outlet end 13 of the trapway 12 aligns with one of the plurality of apertures 44 on the front portion 43 of the housing 40. Each aperture 44 is configured to be connected to a drainage pipe that is in turn in fluid communication with a leach pit. Thus, by rotating the trapway 12 to align with a specific aperture 44 on the front end 43 of the housing 40, the waste from the latrine 5051 can be directed to a specific drainage pipe and/or leach pit. The apertures 44 may be sized so that they can be inserted into a drainage pipe (not shown) and fit closely to the interior surface thereof. Alternatively, the apertures 44 may be sized such that the lips 27, 35 receive the outer diameter of the drainage pipe therein. In some embodiments, the lips 27, 35 and/or drainage pipes may further include an additional mechanism, such as a seal or gasket, to ensure a tight connection to reduce leakage.

EE EEE ————————— EE ———————————— 44B. In an embodiment of the trapway having two apertures 44, the shelf 26 of the lower housing 21 preferably has an arc shape such that a central portion thereof between the two apertures 44 is elevated and slopes downwardly towards the first and second sides 25A, 25B of the lower housing 21. In this way, gravity assists in aligning the trapway 12 with one of the apertures 44 and inhibits the trapway 12 from moving once aligned.

In alternate embodiments, the housing 40 may include additional apertures 44 on the front portion 43 thereof, depending upon the number of leach pits desired to be used. Preferably, in such embodiments the front portion 43 or shelf 26 of the lower housing 21 comprises a stop feature, such as a depression, adjacent to each aperture 44 that helps to align the trapway 12 with a particular aperture 44 and to provide tactile feedback to a user rotating the trapway so that a user can determine when the trapway is aligned with an aperture 44 located at a some point between the sidewalls of the housing. The trapway 12 can be easily rotated past a depression upon application of minimal force by the user. Further, the apertures 44 on the front end 43 of the housing 40 may be spaced so that the trapway 12 aligns with one aperture 44 at a time as it rotates to various angles. Thus, the apertures 44 may be spaced at a fixed interval, such as at about 50 to about 70 degree increments.

In some embodiments, the rotation mechanism 17 is a notch on an interior surface 16 of the trapway 12. The notch may have any of various shapes and configurations, such as a rectangular configuration as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a star shape, a hexagon shape, or a cross or X-shape, among others. In embodiments having a notch, a key is provided that is configured to mate with the notch or the notch may be configured to be engaged with a conventional tool, such as a ratchet tool. For example, the notch may have a hexagon shape and a key is provided with a

FIGS. 15A and 15B are top-down views of an embodiment of the diverter trap oi

Joa wherein the trapway is positioned on the lower housing so as to direct waste to a left - side and to a right side of the lower housing, respectively. a ho

FIG. 16 is a top-down view of an embodiment of the diverter trap wherein the ps

Li trapway comprises a rotation mechanism, and the trapway is rotated so as to direct waste to a right side of the lower housing. Wt

FIG. 17 is a top-down view of an embodiment of the diverter trap wherein the 3 trapway comprises a rotation mechanism, and the trapway is rotated so as to direct forth waste to a left side of the lower housing. ol

FIG. 19 1s a top-down view of the embodiment of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 24A-H show eight views of a lower housing for a diverter trap : according to some embodiments, including a cross-sectional view along A—A.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

EE — EE — hexagon shaped head that can be engaged with the notch. When the key is engaged with the notch, the user may apply a lateral force or a twisting motion in order to rotate the trapway 12. The lateral force may be applied manually by the user or via a motorized or automated mechanism.

In an alternate embodiment, the rotation mechanism 17 is a protrusion that extends outward or above an interior surface 16 of the trapway 12. The user may manually grasp the rotation mechanism 17 or may engage the protrusion with a rod, key, or the like that may be optionally supplied with the diverter trap 11, and the user can utilize the key to apply a lateral force on the rotation mechanism 17 in order to manually rotate the trapway 12. In alternate embodiments, the rotation mechanism 17 may comprise other features that allow the user to manually rotate the trapway 12 when the rotation mechanism 17 is engaged either manually or through the use of a key or other tool. In this way, the trapway 12 can be rotated without having to disassemble the latrine pan or disconnect the diverter trap 11. Further, this allows the user to direct waste to a specific drainage pipe and/or leach pit without the problems identified in prior art systems wherein the user must dig up and open a Y-junction box and manually reconfigure the Y-junction box so that waste flows toward a specific leach pit. The lack of a Y-junction box helps to eliminate or minimize issues with clogging that often occur in the Y-junction box.

SS removably or permanently secured to a pan outlet of a latrine pan, such that the latrine pan and diverter trap 201 are in fluid communication. The outlet sections 203 of the diverter trap 201 can be placed in fluid communication with drainage pipes which are in turn in fluid communication with leach pits. Thus, the user can determine to which leach pit the waste from a latrine pan will travel by rotating the trapway 211 within the diverter trap housing 206. This embodiment provides a simplified construction wherein the outlet sections and drainage pipes can be securely connected to one another at all times, and not only when the trapway is rotated to direct waste to a specific outlet section. Further, the rotation of the trapway 211 is restricted to the inlet section 202 of the diverter trap.

Similarly, FIG. 27 depicts a diverter trap assembly connected to a latrine pan.

The sidewall opening 212 of the trapway 211 is configured so that it can only be

EE —— EE aligned with a single outlet section 203 at a time. In this way, the diverter trap 201 can be used to direct waste to one of various outlet sections 203, wherein each outlet section 203 is connected to a drainage pipe and a leach pit.

The inlet section 202 of the housing 206 is preferably substantially cylindrical and includes an open upper end 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the diverter trap 201 comprises a first outlet section 203A with a first outlet opening 207A and a second outlet section 203B with a second outlet opening 207B. The first and second outlet sections 203A, 203B preferably have substantially the same configuration and dimensions. However, in some embodiments, the first and second outlet sections 203A, 203B can vary in dimension and configuration. The outer sections 203 each further include terminal portions 204 that are configured to direct waste in a substantially horizontal direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or centerline of the inlet section 202. Thus, the terminal portions 204 may include an angled fitting, such as an elbow fitting. In some embodiments, the terminal portions 204 may be directed at a slight decline relative to a horizontal plane to promote fluid flow into and through the drainage pipes connected thereto.

The outlet sections 203 are spaced from one another and preferably extend radially outward from the inlet section 202. The outlet sections 203 are separated at an angle (0) as shown in FIG. 31, wherein 8 is the angle between a midline or centerline through each of the outlet sections 203. The angle is preferably between 60 and 180 degrees, and is more preferably 105 degrees. Depending upon the embodiment, the angle between the outlet sections 203 can be selected to accommodate a particular multiple pit latrine layout.

EE ———————————————————

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, there are shown views of an alternate embodiment of the diverter trap. In some embodiments, a diverter trap 221 comprises a housing 226 having an inlet section 222 with an inlet opening 228, a trapway 231 rotatably positioned within the inlet section 228, and a plurality of outlet sections 223.

The outlet sections 223 of the diverter trap 221 can be placed in fluid communication with drainage pipes which are in turn in fluid communication with leach pits. Thus, the user can determine to which leach pit the waste from a latrine pan will travel by rotating the trapway 231 within the diverter trap housing 226. This embodiment provides the benefit that the outlet sections 223 and drainage pipes are securely connected at all times, and not only when the trapway 231 is rotated to direct waste to a specific drainage pipe. Further, the rotation of the trapway is restricted to the inlet section 222 of the diverter trap 221.

The outlet sections 223 each have an arcuate configuration and extend upwardly and outwardly from the lower end 225 of the inlet section 222. This creates a relatively deep water seal due to the curved outlet sections 223. In one embodiment, the water seal is about 70 mm, however, in alternate embodiments, the water seal may be greater than or less than 70 mm, depending on the desired dimensions and performance of the diverter trap. The outlet sections 223 further include terminal portions 224 that are angled fittings, such as elbow joints that are configured to direct waste in a substantially horizontal orientation that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or centerline of the inlet section 222. The terminal portions 224 are preferably formed as separate components from outlet sections 223, wherein the terminal portions 224 are connected to the outlet sections 223 via mating joints 229. The mating joints 229 allow the terminal portions 224 to rotate about the connection to the outlet section 223 in order to allow the user to manually adjust the angle between the longitudinal axes of each terminal portion 224. Thus, while the outlet sections 223 are fixed with respect to one another, the terminal portions 224 thereon are rotatably adjustable so as to accommodate a desired leach pit spacing or drainage pipe layout.

This allows the leach pits to be more closely spaced than the spacing of the outlet sections may otherwise allow, given that the ability to decrease the angle of separation of the outlet sections is limited by the diameter or thickness of the outlet sections. In operation, the mating joints 229 can be set to a desired angle, fitted with a seal or gasket to provide a secure and leak-free connection with the outlet section, and then glued or otherwise secured in the desired position. Thus, the diverter trap of FIGS. 34 and 35 can be used to accommodate any of various multiple pit latrine layouts.

Referring now to FIGS. 36 — 39, there is shown another embodiment of the diverter trap of the present invention. The diverter trap 241 shown in FIGS. 36 — 39 are substantially similar to the embodiments of a diverter trap described above. The diverter trap 241 comprises an inlet section 242 with an inlet opening 248 and having atrapway 251 rotatably positioned therein, and a plurality of outlet sections 243 each having an outlet opening 247. The outlet sections 243 of the diverter trap 241 can be placed in fluid communication with drainage pipes which are in turn in fluid communication with leach pits. Thus, the user can determine to which leach pit the waste from a latrine pan will travel by rotating the trapway 251 within the diverter trap housing 246.

The trapway 251 comprises substantially the same configuration as shown in

The outlet sections 243A, 243B extend upwardly and outwardly from the lower end 245 of the inlet section 242 at an angle (8) relative to a horizontal plane as shown in

FIG. 36. As a result, the diverter trap 241 forms a water seal, wherein the water seal is preferably about 10 mm. The outlet sections 243 preferably have the same configuration and dimensions, however, in some embodiments, the outlet sections 243 may differ in configuration and/or dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, the

SS ,_-_ --- mttV---m_m™_—_—mm—m outlet sections 243 are substantially linear in configuration as best shown in FIGS. 38 and 39.

Each outlet section 243 further includes a terminal portion 244 that is an angled fitting so as to direct waste in a substantially horizontal orientation that is perpendicular to the centerline or longitudinal axis of the inlet section 242. The outlet sections 243 are spaced from one another at any of various angles, and are preferably separated at an angle (6) of about 105 degrees. However, the terminal portions 244 are arranged such that the angle between the centerline of the terminal portions 244 is about 60 degrees.

The various embodiments of the diverter trap shown in FIGS. 28 — 39 can be employed and constructed in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the diverter trap of FIGS. 1 — 27. In some embodiments, the inlet section of the housing is secured to a pan outlet of a latrine pan so that the diverter trap therein is in fluid communication with the latrine pan. The trapway within the diverter trap can be manually rotated so as to direct waste to one of the outlet sections of the diverter trap so that waste flows towards a particular leach pit. When the leach pit is full, the user can manually adjust the trapway to direct waste to a different outlet section so that

DE — waste flows to another leach pit. The trapway in the embodiments of FIGS. 28 — 39 may further include a rotation mechanism such as a notch or protrusion that can be engaged directly by the user or indirectly by means of a key or other tool that may or may not be provided with the invention and that mates with or engages the rotation mechanism. This allows the user to rotate the trapway and adjust its position without having to disassemble the latrine or dig-up a component of the latrine assembly.

The components of the diverter trap can be composed of any of various materials as discussed above that are preferably durable and sanitizable. Further, the components of the diverter trap, such as the housing can be formed as a unitary structure or can be formed using a plurality of subparts or fittings that are assembled or connected to form the component.

If space limitations or layout of the property make it impossible to locate the leach pits such that the leach pits can be connected via straight line drainage pipes, one of the pits can be connected with a straight section of drainage pipe and appropriate elbow fittings can be used to run the drainage pipe to connect the other pit or pits. Although the use of elbow fittings is not ideal, it still provides for a system that is superior in flow characteristics compared to prior art use of a Y -junction box.

When construction and installation of the latrine is complete, the toilet/latrine is ready for use and no changes are required in the behavior of a user familiar with the operation and practices of a pour flush latrine. Upon completing the act of defecation and/or urination, and depositing any cleansing materials into the pan, the user would pour flush the pan using a water source container capable of containing 1000 mL of water or more. The water source container may be of a form with a large mouth of opening to enable the water to be poured quickly, delivering more energy to the flush.

The addition of flush water to the pan serves to clean any adhered material from the pan walls.

F SSS”

FIG. 26 is a side exploded view of a diverter trap according to some = embodiments. ol

FIG. 27 shows several views of a diverter trap connected to a latrine pan " according to some embodiments. - . LL fee

FIGS. 28A-H shows eight views of a trapway according to some Wh embodiments, including a cross-sectional view along A—A.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a diverter trap according to some =

Joe embodiments. Lr forte

FIG. 30 shows a trapway according to some embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

) ; v

DIVERTER TRAP FOR USE WITH MULTIPLE PIT LATRINE, RELATED

METHODS, AND LATRINE ASSEMBLIES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional

Application No. 62/455,253, titled “Diverter Trap for Use with Multiple Pit Latrine,

Related Methods, and Latrine Assemblies,” filed 6 February 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION = _ = FES

The present invention relates to a diverter trap for a multiple pit laine for’ simplifying the construction and improving the performance and reliability ofdatrines EX that use multiple pits. The invention also relates to a method for diverting waste ina 3 ) multiple pit latrine and a latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine. = z

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION yaa

According to statistics compiled by the World Health Organization and

v and Nepal, consist of two leach pits which are linked through a “Y-junction box” to a pour flush toilet pan having a trapway.

EE ———— flow reaches the Y-junction box. The result is frequent clogging in the Y-junction box especially if any foreign materials are flushed through the toilet such as rags, paper, or other trash. When the Y-junction box clogs, the only means of unclogging it is to remove the cover and manually clear it, a task that is unpleasant, hazardous to the health of the person performing the cleaning, and may be time consuming when the

Y-junction box is buried below ground level.

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and World Bank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematic of a prior art twin pit pour flush latrine.

FIG. 3 shows a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a diverter trap having housing along line

A—A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 shows a diverter trap in a lower housing according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25 is an exploded view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

’

FIG. 40 shows a component of a diverter trap according to some embodiments. =

FIG. 41 shows a component of a diverter trap according to some embodiments. oe

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine. In \ some embodiments, the diverter trap may include an inlet end and an outlet end, - wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to forma water seal. In some embodiments, the inlet end may be in fluid communication with a - pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the ig latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.

In some embodiments, a diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine is provided, the diverter trap comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 30 shows a trapway according to some embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 37 is a top-down view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a sectional view of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

\ i

FIG. 40 shows a component of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

FIG. 41 shows a component of a diverter trap according to some embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine. In some embodiments, the diverter trap may include an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal. In some embodiments, the inlet end may be in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions. In some embodiments, the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.

EEE EET E——————————— ——— EE —————— EE —————— eee ere trapway can be rotated into a plurality of positions; and wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.

EE ——— EE ——

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The currently practiced prior art design and construction of a multiple pit latrine is presented schematically in Figures A and B. The major components are: (1) a toilet pan, which can be of a Western stool style or Eastern squat style, (ii) a trapway, which can be integral to the toilet pan or mounted thereto to provide a seal against backflow of harmful, unpleasant gases and odors, (iii) a main drainage pipe running from the trapway to (iv) a Y-junction box, which serves to divert flow to one of two secondary drainage pipes (v and vi), which run from opposite corners of the Y-

Junction box to their respective leach pits (vii and viii).

Ce

The diverter trap comprises a trapway that can be designed to rotatably connect to the pan outlet dimensions of the selected squat pan. The inlet end of the trapway can be placed in fluid communication with the pan outlet directly such that there are no intervening elements, or indirectly wherein an additional fitting, adapter, or other component is provided to connect the trapway to the pan outlet. The trapway

Claims

EN x. CLAIMS 2 PR Boon N74 C We claim: 4 2 é L A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein th¢ trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water segl, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pgh such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway is configured to rotate retates-about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway ean-is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; and wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.
2. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway retates—is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway ean-is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; and a lower housing having a base on which at least a portion of the trapway is positioned, wherein the base is configured to support the trapway.
3. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the inlet end of the trapway is configured to be removably secured to the pan outlet.
4. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the trapway comprises a U-shaped portion-_configured to hold the quantity of liquid within the U-shaped portion of the trapwaysuch-that-the-quantity-of liquid-can-be-held-within-the- U-shaped pertion-of the trapway, wherein the quantity of liquid is adapted to reduce a flow of a sewage gas into the latrine pan.
5. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the portion of the trapway in contact with the base comprises a substantially flat portion that rests flush against an upper surface of the base and is able to slide on the upper surface of the base.
6. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the base extends outwardly from a rear portion thereof towards a front portion thereof so as to have a generally wedge-shaped : configuration.
7. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion lies on a horizontal plane disposed at a lower elevation than the front portion of the base.
8. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein a front portion of the lower housing comprises a shelf configured to support the outlet end of the trapway.
9. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the lower housing further comprises at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base.
10. The diverter trap of claim 9, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a first sidewall along a first side of the base and a second sidewall along a second side of the base such that the trapway rotates between the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the lower housing.
11. The diverter trap of claim 10, wherein the angle (6) between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is no greater than about 90 degrees.
12. The diverter trap of claim 2, further comprising an upper housing, wherein the upper housing mates with the lower housing so as to define an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space.
13. The diverter trap of claim 12, wherein the upper housing and lower housing define a housing having a plurality of apertures at a front end thereof, wherein the trapway ean-is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.

fo, . en SN %, “. a i CLAIMS Rn fo ON - %, E We claim: 2 > ~ > wy

1. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising wo a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the’ trapway is i. configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water sgal, wherein the - inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine/pan such that the - trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and whérein the trapway is me configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of = the trapway is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; and & wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.

2. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; and a lower housing having a base on which at least a portion of the trapway is positioned, wherein the base is configured to support the trapway.

3. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the inlet end of the trapway is configured to be removably secured to the pan outlet.

4. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the trapway comprises a U-shaped portion configured to hold the quantity of liquid within the U-shaped portion of the trapway, wherein the quantity of liquid is adapted to reduce a flow of a sewage gas into the latrine pan.

5. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the portion of the trapway in contact with the base comprises a substantially flat portion that rests flush against an upper surface ofthe base and is able to slide on the upper surface of the base.

a

6. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the base extends outwardly from a rear - portion thereof towards a front portion thereof so as to have a generally wedge-shaped ow configuration. fy p

7. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a front portion and a os rear portion, wherein the rear portion lies on a horizontal plane disposed at a lower - elevation than the front portion of the base. -

8. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein a front portion of the lower housing - comprises a shelf configured to support the outlet end of the trapway. o

9. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the lower housing further comprises at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends upwardly from a portion ofa perimeter of the base.

10. The diverter trap of claim 9, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a first sidewall along a first side of the base and a second sidewall along a second side of the base such that the trapway rotates between the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the lower housing.

11. The diverter trap of claim 10, wherein the angle (6) between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is no greater than about 90 degrees.

12. The diverter trap of claim 2, further comprising an upper housing, wherein the upper housing mates with the lower housing so as to define an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space.

13. The diverter trap of claim 12, wherein the upper housing and lower housing define a housing having a plurality of apertures at a front end thereof, wherein the trapway is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.
14. The diverter trap of claim 12, wherein the upper housing comprises an upper opening thereon that is configured to be aligned with the pan outlet, and wherein the - inlet end of the trapway extends into the upper opening of the upper housing. - ho
15. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation Pp mechanism that is configured to be actuated by a user to rotate the trapway. ps Lr
16. The diverter trap of claim 15, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a = notch on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key. - =
17. The diverter trap of claim 15, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a - protrusion on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.
18. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; a lower housing comprising a base, a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base, wherein the at least one sidewall constrains rotation of the trapway; an upper housing that mates with the lower housing so as to form a housing defining an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at-least partially enclosed within the interior volume space, and wherein the upper housing and the lower housing define a plurality of apertures at a front portion of the housing, wherein the trapway is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.
19. The diverter trap of claim 18, wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that is configured to be actuated by a user to rotate the trapway.
20. The diverter trap of claim 19, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a notch on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

. -
21. The diverter trap of claim 19, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a - protrusion on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key. ce
22. A method for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine, comprising Ll providing a latrine pan having a pan outlet; froade providing a diverter trap comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an 1 outlet end, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with the latrine pan and is be dan capable of rotating in a horizontal plane about a longitudinal axis of the pan outlet; rotating the trapway to align the outlet end of the trapway with one of a = fess plurality of drainage pipes, wherein each drainage pipe is in fluid communication with ow a latrine pit. a
23. The method for diverting waste of claim 22, wherein the diverter trap is claim 1
24. The method for diverting waste of claim 22, wherein the diverter trap is claim

2.
25. The method for diverting waste of claim 22, wherein the diverter trap is claim

18.
26. The method for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine of claim 22, wherein rotating the trapway includes: engaging a rotation mechanism on the trapway; and applying a lateral force to the rotation mechanism to rotate the trapway.
27. A latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: the diverter trap of claim 1; and a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid communication with the pan outlet.
28. A latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: the diverter trap of claim 2; and a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap = is in fluid communication with the pan outlet. -
29. A latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: = the diverter trap of claim 18; and = a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap - is in fluid communication with the pan outlet. 7 wo
30. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: i. a housing having an inlet section with a trapway disposed therein, wherein the ~~ trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid to form a water seal, wherein the inlet section is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates within the inlet section so as to direct a flow of waste from the latrine pan to one of a plurality of outlet sections of the housing.
31. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein the inlet section of the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration with an open upper end and a closed lower end.
32. The diverter trap of claim 31, wherein the trapway comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration and has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall opening on a sidewall thereof, wherein the sidewall opening is configured to be selectively aligned with one of the outlet sections of the housing by rotating the trapway.
33. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein the plurality of outlet sections each includes a terminal portion that is substantially horizontal in orientation when the housing is in use with a latrine pan.
34. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of outlet sections extend radially outward from the inlet section.
35. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of outlet sections comprises a tapered configuration such that the terminal portion of the outlet a ‘ section has a diameter greater than the diameter of a portion of the outlet section in be connection with the inlet section of the housing. @ po
36. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of outlet sections i free comprises an arcuate configuration. Li
37. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein the trapway comprises a rotation - mechanism on an interior surface thereof that is configured to be actuated to rotate the fo trapway. © - re

EEE EEE —————————————————————————— - a vo ’ CLAIMS Dp, ) 4 Sl v No tr We claim: 7 [ ’ 2

1. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, whereif the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a wateg/seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; and wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that rotates the trapway upon application of a force.

2. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein to form a water seal, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; and a lower housing having a base on which at least a portion of the trapway is positioned, wherein the base is configured to support the trapway.

3. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the inlet end of the trapway is configured to be removably secured to the pan outlet.

4. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the trapway comprises a U-shaped portion configured to hold the quantity of liquid within the U-shaped portion of the trapway, wherein the quantity of liquid is adapted to reduce a flow of a sewage gas into the latrine pan.

5. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the portion of the trapway in contact with the base comprises a substantially flat portion that rests flush against an upper surface ofthe base and is able to slide on the upper surface of the base.

YD,

6. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the base extends outwardly from a rear portion thereof towards a front portion thereof so as to have a generally wedge-shaped configuration.

7. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the base comprises a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion lies on a horizontal plane disposed at a lower elevation than the front portion of the base.

8. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein a front portion of the lower housing comprises a shelf configured to support the outlet end of the trapway.

9. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the lower housing further comprises at least one sidewall, wherein the at least one sidewall extends upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base.

10. The diverter trap of claim 9, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a first sidewall along a first side of the base and a second sidewall along a second side of the base such that the trapway rotates between the first sidewall and the second sidewall ofthe lower housing.

11. The diverter trap of claim 10, wherein the angle (6) between the first sidewall and the second sidewall is no greater than about 90 degrees.

12. The diverter trap of claim 2, further comprising an upper housing, wherein the upper housing mates with the lower housing so as to define an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space.

13. The diverter trap of claim 12, wherein the upper housing and lower housing define a housing having a plurality of apertures at a front end thereof, wherein the trapway is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.

EEE —————————————

14. The diverter trap of claim 12, wherein the upper housing comprises an upper opening thereon that is configured to be aligned with the pan outlet, and wherein the inlet end of the trapway extends into the upper opening of the upper housing.

15. The diverter trap of claim 2, wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that is configured to be actuated by a user to rotate the trapway.

16. The diverter trap of claim 15, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a notch on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

17. The diverter trap of claim 15, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a protrusion on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

18. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid therein, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan such that the trapway is in fluid communication with the latrine pan, and wherein the trapway is configured to rotate about the pan outlet of the latrine pan such that the second end of the trapway is configured to be rotated into a plurality of positions; a lower housing comprising a base, a front portion, a rear portion, and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from a portion of a perimeter of the base, wherein the at least one sidewall constrains rotation of the trapway; an upper housing that mates with the lower housing so as to form a housing defining an interior volume space, wherein the trapway is at least partially enclosed within the interior volume space, and wherein the upper housing and the lower housing define a plurality of apertures at a front portion of the housing, wherein the trapway is configured to be rotated so as to selectively align with one of the plurality of apertures.

19. The diverter trap of claim 18, wherein the trapway further comprises a rotation mechanism that is configured to be actuated by a user to rotate the trapway.

20. The diverter trap of claim 19, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a notch on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

21. The diverter trap of claim 19, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a protrusion on an interior surface of the trapway that is engageable by a key.

22. A method for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine, comprising providing a latrine pan having a pan outlet; providing a diverter trap comprising a trapway having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is in fluid communication with the latrine pan and is capable of rotating in a horizontal plane about a longitudinal axis of the pan outlet; rotating the trapway to align the outlet end of the trapway with one of a plurality of drainage pipes, wherein each drainage pipe is in fluid communication with a latrine pit.

23. The method for diverting waste of claim 22, wherein the diverter trap is claim 1

24. The method for diverting waste of claim 22, wherein the diverter trap is claim

2.

25. The method for diverting waste of claim 22, wherein the diverter trap is claim

18.

26. The method for diverting waste in a multiple pit latrine of claim 22, wherein rotating the trapway includes: engaging a rotation mechanism on the trapway; and applying a lateral force to the rotation mechanism to rotate the trapway.

27. A latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: the diverter trap of claim 1; and a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid communication with the pan outlet.

28. A latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: the diverter trap of claim 2; and

. . a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid communication with the pan outlet.

29. A latrine assembly for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: the diverter trap of claim 18; and a latrine pan comprising a body having a pan outlet, wherein the diverter trap is in fluid communication with the pan outlet.

30. A diverter trap for a multiple pit latrine, comprising: a housing having an inlet section with a trapway disposed therein, wherein the trapway is configured to contain a quantity of liquid to form a water seal, wherein the inlet section is in fluid communication with a pan outlet of a latrine pan, and wherein the trapway rotates within the inlet section so as to direct a flow of waste from the latrine pan to one of a plurality of outlet sections of the housing.

31. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein the inlet section of the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration with an open upper end and a closed lower end.

32. The diverter trap of claim 31, wherein the trapway comprises a substantially cylindrical configuration and has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall opening on a sidewall thereof, wherein the sidewall opening is configured to be selectively aligned with one of the outlet sections of the housing by rotating the trapway.

33. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein the plurality of outlet sections each includes a terminal portion that is substantially horizontal in orientation when the housing is in use with a latrine pan.

34. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of outlet sections extend radially outward from the inlet section.

35. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein at least one of the plurality of outlet sections comprises a tapered configuration such that the terminal portion of the outlet

£ hs section has a diameter greater than the diameter of a portion of the outlet section in connection with the inlet section of the housing.

36. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein each of the plurality of outlet sections comprises an arcuate configuration.

37. The diverter trap of claim 30, wherein the trapway comprises a rotation mechanism on an interior surface thereof that is configured to be actuated to rotate the trapway.