PH12018000038A1

PH12018000038A1 - Collection box assemblies for use with latrine pans

Info

Publication number: PH12018000038A1
Application number: PH12018000038A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Daigo Ishiyama; James Mchale
Original assignee: Lixil Corp
Priority date: 2017-02-06
Filing date: 2018-02-05
Publication date: 2018-10-08
Also published as: PH12018000038B1; CN108396841B; CN108396841A

Abstract

Collection box assemblies for use with latrine pans are provided. In some embodiments, collection box assemblies include a collector to receive waste from the latrine pan, a flapper that includes a counterbalance device and a coverplate disposed on opposite sides of a pivot, wherein the coverplate has a shape configured to cover a waste portal when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion of the receiving conduit.

Description

portion that prevents or reduces a flow of a sewage gas from a leach pit into a living environment.

In some embodiments of the collection box assembly, the shape of the ~ coverplate includes a convex portion that extends upwardly into the waste portal of % the receiving conduit when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion. a fos

In some embodiments of the collection box assembly, the collection box assembly further comprises a latrine pan, wherein the upper section of the receiving ol conduit is coupled to a pan outlet of latrine pan. —

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ~

The invention described herein provides 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 that are not plumbed into sewer lines.

As contemplated herein, the invention includes a collection box assembly, a latrine system, a latrine and related methods. The invention in some embodiments will be described words such as “inner” and “outer,” “upper” and “lower,” “superior” and “inferior,” “distal” and “proximal”, “inwardly” and “outwardly,” and “uppermost” and “lowermost,” “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.

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

Non-limiting embodiments of this invention are shown in Figures 1-28. ~

Figures 1 and 2 show a rear perspective view and a front perspective view, & respectively, of the collection box assembly of the invention. Fig. 3 shows the i. collection box assembly in an exploded view, illustrating a collector made up of a + lower section and an upper section that are, post-manufacture, assembled together to ~ form the collector. Such assembly can be achieved by any means; in some C embodiments the distal edges of each of the lower and the upper sections are mated po together and secured by adhesive, industrial tape, various fasteners, etc. Alternatively, = one of the upper or lower section can have distal edges formed to include a fastening g devices a such as tabs, lips, grooves, etc., that correspond to a reciprocal fastening device formed on the distal edge of the opposite portion. Figure 4 shows a latrine assembly of the invention in several views where the collection box assembly is coupled to a latrine pan having a latrine basin.

Referencing Figs. 1-4 the collection box assembly 2 has an upper section 6 and a lower section 8. The upper section 6 of the collector 4 includes a sidewall 14 and an upper wall 52 and the lower section 8 of the collector 4 includes a sidewall 18 and a bottom wall 20. The upper wall 52 includes a receiving conduit 30 having an upper portion 34 and a lower portion 36. The upper portion 34 is couplable to a pan outlet 32 of a latrine pan 28 with a larine pan basin 38 to receive waste from the latrine pan 28. The lower portion 36 defines a waste portal 54 that, in use, is in fluid communication with each of the latrine pan basin 38 and the collector cavity, described infra.

In various embodiments, the receiving conduit can be adjusted to mate with and/or connect to the pan outlet dimensions of the selected squat pan, as such dimensions many vary from geography to geography. The upper portion of the conduit is couplable to a pan outlet; such coupling can be direct (no intervening elements) or indirect, where an additional pipe or adapter is used to connect the pan outlet to the receiving conduit. When the assembly is installed with a latrine pan, waste flushed or deposited in the pan is received by the receiving conduit.

In an embodiment, the receiving conduit descends downwardly from an upper = portion extending into the collector cavity of the collector. The conduit terminates at ~ waste portal at its lower portion. In some embodiments the walls of the conduit may - gradually slope inwardly along the length of the conduit, such that a cross sectional ¥ dimension of the conduit at the upper portion is greater than a cross sectional - dimension of the conduit at the lower portion. - ~

Referencing again the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, when the upper 6 and - lower sections 8 are assembled together, the walls 14, 18, 52, 20 together form a — collector 4 and define an interior collector cavity 22. In this embodiment, the walls ~~ = are continuous. However, in others not shown here, it may be preferred that any wall, ~ particularly the sidewalls, may be discontinuous, to permit, for example, lower production cost or achieve other structural or commercial advantages. The collector 1s sized and shaped to define a collector cavity that that can accommodate at least average waste deposit and the flapper in its closed and/or fully open position.

In the Figures 1 to 4, the collector 4 has a non-uniform geometry that is only sufficiently large enough in each dimension to accommodate a waste deposit and the flapper it its full range of motion. This non-uniform geometry is due to a wish to reduce the overall volume of the assembly in this specific embodiment, thereby reducing materials and transport costs. However, collectors of any other geometry may be used, including collectors of standard geometries like cubes or rectangular prisms.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show various views of a collection box assembly including an upper section of a collector and a lower section of a collector according to some embodiments.

A flapper is included in the collection box assembly. Figure 7 includes several views of the flapper in an embodiment. The flapper, in use, serves to cover the waste portal and prevent or reduce the passage of sewage gases and flying insects from one side of the coverplate (e.g., the side in communication with the latrine pit) to the other side. FIG. 8 also shows various views of a flapper of a collection box assembly, including cross-sectional views according to some embodiments.

Flapper 44 has a counterbalance device 48 and a coverplate 46 that are disposed on opposite sides of a pivot 68 relative to one another. In general, the coverplate preferably has a shape adapted to cover the waste portal when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion of the receiving conduit. For - example, if the waste portal has a substantially circular cross section, it may be o preferred that the coverplate is disc shaped, or modified-disc shaped (that is, discs y with radial extensions, flanges, lips, etc.) and is of a diameter that is at least slightly = greater than the diameter of the portal.

In some embodiments, the coverplate may have a shape that engages and folds " upwardly around a lower portion of the receiving conduit, thereby forming a ol receptacle or channel for collecting a portion of flush water. The flush water that Pe remains on the coverplate after closure of the flapper creates an airtight liquid seal = between receiving conduit lower portion and the coverplate of the flapper. For = example, with reference to Figure 7, the coverplate 46 may include an upwardly extending lip 50 that aids in capture of water to form a seal.

Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the coverplate may contain a convex extension that extends within the portal of the receiving conduit when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion. The convex extension reduces the depth of water collected on the coverplate, thereby reducing upward splashing of water during use. The convex portion also facilities proper alignment/re-alignment of the coverplate’s channel against the lower portion of the receiving conduit after an open/close cycle of the flapper. In some embodiments, the rise of the convex extension may serve as a sidewall of the channel.

In use, the flapper is pivotally mounted against lower portion of the receiving conduit. The coverplate and a counterbalance device are disposed on opposite sides of the pivot. The coverplate is placed so that it covers the portal, as described above, and on the other side of the pivot is located the counterbalance device. The flapper "teeter totters" between a closed state (where the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion of the receiving conduit) and an open state (where the coverplate and the lower portion are disengaged and spaced apart to permit egress of excreta and other waste into the leach pit). Whether the flapper is in an "open" or a "closed" state depends on which end of the flapper is exerting the greater pivotal force.

Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of the upper section of the collector and the flapper. The upper section 6 includes an upper wall 52 that slopes downwardly into the sidewall 14, terminating in the distal edge 10. In the = embodiment of Figure 9, the upper section 6 is integral with the receiving conduit 30 - which extends downwardly from the upper wall 52. The receiving conduit 30 - includes a waste portal 54. . =

The upper wall 52 of the upper section 6 includes a bottom surface 56 from =~ which extends two spaced apart tab extensions 58, 58’ (only one visible in Fig. 9, but see Fig. 11, views C and F). Each tab extension 58 contains a through hole 60, 60° o (only one visible in Fig. 9, but see Fig. 11, views C and F). The through holes may be = circular, as is shown in Figure 9. They correspond the mounting pins 62, 62° in each ~~ = pair of spaced apart extension bodies 64, 64’ of the flapper 44 (only one visible in Fig. - 9, but see Fig. 7, views C and F). 0

In use, the mounting pins 62, 62° are engaged within the through holes 60, 60° to form a pair of pivotable hinges that mount the flapper 44 to the upper section 6.

The upper section 6 also includes a semi-cylindrical feature 66 in the upper wall 52 that, when the collector is assembled, defines the top area of the waste aperture.

In alternative embodiments, the flapper may be pivotably secured or attached to any structure on or near to the assembly as long as the attachment/securement site allows for the flapper to be pivotally mounted against lower portion of the receiving conduit when the flapper is in a closed position, so the coverplate is able function as a barrier between the leach pit and the living area. For example, the flapper could be secured to the lower section, the latrine pan, or to an adjacent structure.

In the use when the flapper is attached to the upper housing such that the covperlate is engaged against the receiving conduit, the counterbalance device of the flapper serves to maintain the closed state of the flapper by exerting a pivotal force that is greater than any counter pivotal force applied to the coverplate either: (1) when the coverplate is vacant (and/or contains water for the water seal) or (2) when the coverplate bears excreta or other waste. The counterbalance device must have a mass that exerts a pivotal force that is greater than or equal to the pivotal force exerted by an average excreta quantity, but not greater than the force exerted by a hand poured water stream. As will be appreciated in the art, such mass will vary depending on the location of the pivot relative to the counterbalance device, but any such adjustments are well within the purview of a person of ordinary skill in the art and/or common oy sense. -

In an embodiment, the counterbalance device is a container (either integral ~ with or affixed to) the flapper, that can be filled with a weight material. This affords = the advantage of eliminating unnecessary weight to the latrine pan while it is in transit - to the remote location where the latrine is to be built. As latrine construction almost pos always utilizes cast concrete for one application or another, as in for example, the w formation of the floor or slab that holds the latrine pan, it is particularly advantageous o and convenient to use concrete as the counterweight material. =

FIG. 10 shows a flapper in opened and closed positions in relation to a lower - section of a collector according to some embodiments. The flapper of FIG. 10 may - comprise any of the flapper features described herein.

Other details of the flapper are those that describe the flapper component in

United States Patent Application Publication 2014/0230137 A1, published August 21, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show several views of the upper section 6 that is used to form the collector 4. As can be seen in these views, the upper section 6 extends from a rear portion 70 that is configured to accommodate the flapper, through a middle portion 72 in which the upper portion 34 of the receiving conduit 30 is sited, terminating in a front portion 74 in which the semi cylindrical feature 66 is sited. As noted supra, the upper section 6 is integral with the receiving conduit 30 which extends downwardly from the upper wall 52. In this example, the receiving conduit 30 has the form of an inverted cone. This embodiment is sized to couple to latrine pans that have pan outlets that meet the Indian Standard IS 2556-3. Accordingly, the receiving conduit at its uppermost portion 16 has an inner diameter of 122 mm, tapering downwardly 30 for a length of 25 mm to a 110 mm inner diameter at its lowermost portion 75. This larger taper allows for coupling with a considerable variety of pan outlet geometries of latrine pans.

As seen in Figure 11, a horizontal shelf 76 extends laterally from an interior wall 82 of the receiving conduit 30, serving to abruptly reduce the interior diameter of the receiving conduit 30. This horizontal shelf 76 serves as a positive stop to set the depth at which the pan outlet of the latrine pan can protrude into the receiving conduit and to help position the pan properly, relative to the flapper. (See, also, Figure 4, o views D and E, where the latrine pan 28 is coupled to the collection box assembly 2.) =

The horizontal shelf 76 runs continuously along the entire circumference of the interior wall 82 of receiving conduit 30; however, in some embodiments it may be - desirable that the shelf is discontinuous, or only runs along a section of the inner ~- circumference. ~

The middle portion 72 of upper section 6 includes laterally extending bowed portions 96, 96°. ~ ° :

Figures 13 and 14 show several views of the lower section 8 of the collector 4.

The lower section 8 extends from a rear portion 84 that is configured to accommodate = the flapper, through a middle portion 86 to a rear portion 88. Each sidewall 18, 18; of the middle portion 86 includes a laterally extending bowed portion 94. The front portion 88 terminates in an inverted semi cylindrical feature 90.

Figure 15 shows several views of the collection box assembly 2. The distal edges 10 and 12 of each of the upper section 6 and the lower section 8 are mated to enclose the flapper 44 which is attached to the upper section 6 by engagement of the flapper’s 44 mounting pins (not visible in this Figure, see, e.g., Figure 9). The bowed portions 94 and 96 of the upper section and lower sections’ sidewalls 14 and 18 (together with the upper wall 52 and the bottom wall 20) define a collection space 92 within the collector cavity 22. The collection space 92 is generally the area where waste (solid and liquid) will be deposited as it falls from the flapper 44. The waste then travels through a front section 98 of the collector 4 to exit via the collector’s 4 waste aperture 80. The waste aperture 80 is defined by the semi cylindrical feature 66 of the upper section 6 and the inverted semi cylindrical feature 90 of the lower section 8.

In various embodiments of the collection box assembly, such as for example the one shown in Figures 1-15, the bottom of the collector maybe substantially flat (i.e., have an angle of about 0 relative to the horizontal). Alternatively, the bottom of the collection box may be downwardly sloped or inclined to facilitate the flow of waste through the collector and out its waste aperture. This slope may be any downward slope and the selected slope may vary depending the topography of the latrine site and/or the architecture of the latrine itself. As an example the slope may be about 1° to about 15°, about 3° to about 10°, about 5° to about 7°, relative to the = horizontal. <

Figures 16-28 provide an illustrative example of such an embodiment. This - embodiment shows a collector having a bottom that downwardly sloped by about 5° ~*~ relative to the horizontal, harnessing the aid of gravity to increase the rate of waste flow from the collection box assembly. o

Figure 16 is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of the collection - box assembly of the invention. Figure 17 is a front perspective view of a collection = box assembly. Figure 18 shows a side exploded view of the collection box assembly ~~ = of this embodiment. In this version of the collection box assembly, the lower section - 8 of the collector 4 has been provided with a downward incline that extends from the rear portion 84 of the lower section 8 sloping gradually to the terminal edge 100 of the inverted semi cylindrical feature 90 of the lower section 8. As shown in this specific embodiment, the downward slope is 5° relative to the horizontal, but, as noted above, any slope may be used.

The architecture of the collector or lower section that results in the slope upper surface may be varied —for example, the collector bottom may be formed to be substantially horizontal and a sloped insert may be subsequently adhered to the bottom to create a downward slope. In the embodiment shown in the Figures 16-28, for example, the entire collector bottom is molded with a downward slope and is supported by a downwardly extending leg 102.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of a collection box assembly having features of those described in FIG. 3. FIG. 18 only differs from FIG. 3 in that the collection box assembly of FIG. 18 comprises a sloped bottom.

FIG. 19 shows several views of a latrine system according to some embodiments and encompasses the features of FIG. 4, described above. FIG. 19 only differs from FIG. 4 in that the collector of FIG. 19 comprises a sloped bottom.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show several views of a collection box assembly, and may comprise any or all of the features described in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. FIGS. 20 and 21 differ from FIGS. 5 and 6 in that the collectors of FIGS. 20 and 21 comprise a sloped bottom.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective exploded view of an upper section of a collector x: and a flapper according to some embodiments. FIG. 22 may comprise any or all of the = features described above in reference to FIG. 9. - or

FIG. 23 shows a flapper in opened and closed positions in relation to a lower ~ section of a collector according to some embodiments. FIG. 23 may comprise any or - all of the features described above in reference to FIG. 10. ~

FIGS. 24 and 25 show various views of an upper section of a collector - according to some embodiments. FIGS. 24 and 25 may comprise any or all of the = features described above in reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively. ~

FIG. 26 and 27 show various views of a lower section of a collector according - to some embodiments. FIGS. 26 and 27 may comprise any or all of the features described above in reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively. However, FIGS. 26 and 27 differ from FIGS. 13 and 14 at least in that FIGS. 26 and 27 comprise a sloped bottom, whereas FIGS. 13 and 14 comprise a flat bottom.

FIG. 28 shows various views of a collection box assembly, and may comprise any or all of the features described above in reference to FIG. 15. However, FIG. 28 differs from FIG. 15 at least in that the collection box assembly of FIG. 28 comprises a sloped bottom.

It should be appreciated that collectors having sloped bottoms and/or housings with lower housings having sloped semi cylindrical features, while exemplified herein in a specific embodiment, can be included in any embodiment of the invention.

Any component of the collection box assembly described herein, including the squat pans, may be independently 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 cement, a natural or synthetic stone, a composite, a wood, a fiberglass, a marble, a ceramic, vitreous china, and clay.

In some embodiments, any component of the collection box assembly 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 collector 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, o excreta-free surface or an antibacterial coating, such as nanoparticles of titanium » dioxide, silver, copper, gold, and/or gallium. -

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

The component may be manufactured as an integral piece or it may be manufactured in subparts (of the same or of different materials) that are subsequently assembled to form the component of the collection box assembly. The component or subpart may be cast, molded, thermoformed, stamped, carved or otherwise formed, depending on the material selected.

In an embodiment, the collection box assembly is intended to be buried in the ground, for example, in earth, gravel, cement or the like. In some embodiments, for example, in the case of a raised platform latrine, it need not be fully contained in earth, although for reasons of aesthetics and/or sanitation it may generally be desirable to do so.

In an alternative embodiment, the lower section of the collector is omitted, and the upper section is reduced to substantially only enough structure to support the receiving conduit, to which the flapper is attached. In this embodiment, the upper section can be a ring like structure surrounding the receiving conduit. In use, the receiving conduit is coupled to the pan outlet of the latrine and placed over a pit.

Waste applied to the flapper flows off the flapper directly into the pit.

In use, the collection box assembly is coupled to a latrine pan (as shown, for = example, in Figure 4). The collection box assembly is positioned in the ground or - below floor level beneath the intended location of the toilet or latrine pan, much in the a same manner as p-traps are located today. A latrine drainage pipe may be connected ¥ to the waste aperture of the collection box assembly or the waste aperture may empty ~ directly into a (preferably closed and sealed) leach pit. : - i

In construction of a latrine in accordance with the invention, the selected toilet on pan is coupled to the receiving conduit of the collection box assembly. The latrine - pan can be secured with a sealing material, such as, for example, silicone caulk, = plumber’s putty, epoxy, concrete, mortar, etc. If concrete is to be used as the flooring yg material of the latrine, it can also be poured directly around the collection box = assembly and latrine pan, in the same manner in which TPPF latrines are installed when p-traps are installed. If other flooring materials are used in the latrine, the installation practices would likewise be largely unchanged from those commonly known and used in the art.

When construction is complete, the toilet/latrine is ready to use. 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 in the pan, the user would pour flush the pan using a water source container capable of containing 500 ml of water or more. The water source container may be of a form with a large mouth or 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, and also overcomes the closing force of the counterweight device, causing the flapper to move to the open position where the coverplate is displaced from the waste portal, leaving it open, to initiate flow of water and waste to the collector cavity.

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.

COLLECTION BOX ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH LATRINE PANS oo boi

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS - o

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

Application No. 62/455,207, titled “Collection Box Assemblies for Use With Latrine

Pans,” filed 6 February 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by " reference. on

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION = ot

The present invention relates to collection box assemblies for use with latrine ~~ pans comprising a collector and a flapper, and latrine systems comprising the assemblies and latrine pans.

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, whereas the remaining 1.5B are forced to use some sort of shared or unimproved facility.

Approximately 850,000 people, mostly children under the age of 5, 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 commonly found in Asia.

Because of the very real dangers posed by poor sanitation, the United Nations included access to improved sanitation as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) established at the Millennium Summit in 2000. Specifically, Goal 7, Target 7c of the MDGs aspires to reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to basic sanitation by the year 2015. “Basic sanitation” requires access to facilities that hygienically separate human excreta from human contact, such as toilets with sewer connections and septic system connections, where feasible, or pour-flush «= and covered slab latrines in more remote areas. -

Traditional, open pit latrines, bucket latrines, and hanging latrines do not meet - the criteria of improved sanitation, in part because the hygienic separation of the = actual waste products from human contact is not ensured, but also because of the == unregulated and uncontrolled release of various sewage-generated gases from these - types of latrines. Gases emitted from the decomposing human waste in a leach pit - pose, at minimum, an olfactory challenge, as their odor is unpleasant. Of greater — significance are the potential adverse health effects of longer term exposure to the = sewage gases, in particular to methane, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. Exposure to = these gases, even in low levels over the long term can result in chronic mucus membrane irritation, cause chronic coughing or sore throat, shortness of breath, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Other effects may include fatigue, pneumonia, loss of appetite, headaches, irritability, poor memory, and dizziness. At very high concentrations (>300 ppm), hydrogen sulfide can cause loss of consciousness and death.

To prevent or ameliorate emission of sewage gases back into the squat hole room or living space where the waste portal is located, prior art pour-flush latrines have relied upon a variety of structural modifications: well-fitted squat hole covers,

U-bend water seals (for example, a U-bend trap in a pipe connecting the squat hole and the leach pit) or use of squat pans having gooseneck-shaped pipe outlets, which discourage “back flow” of gases from the leach pit.

However, these solutions have a variety of disadvantages. Squat hole covers are only effective if replaced diligently and if the tight seal between the squat hole perimeter and the cover can be maintained, which is difficult in a non-climate controlled environments. U-bend pipe water seals and gooseneck shaped pipe outlets frequently and regularly become blocked by the bulky anal cleansing materials (cardboard, grasses, leaves, maize cobs, vegetable peels, cement bags, rags, etc.) utilized in the absence of Western-style toilet paper, resulting in sewage backup or a reversion to non-sanitized waste disposal methods. They also require a large amount of water to completely flush excreta to the pit.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for devices that can be inexpensively = produced and distributed, that reduce the potential for pathogen transmission through - flying insects, reduce or prevent backflow of sewage gases, require minimal water for = flushing, and are easy to maintain and use. = -

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS -

The invention may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in ~ the drawings embodiments which may be 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 shows a rear perspective view of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a front perspective view of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

Fig. 4 shows five views (A-E) of a latrine system of the invention, where a collection box assembly is coupled to a latrine pan. Views A and B show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a latrine system according to some embodiments. View C illustrates a side view of the latrine system of the invention.

Views D and E show each show a side cross sectional view when the flapper is closed (D) and open (E).

Fig. 5 shows various views of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

Fig. 6 shows various views of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

Fig. 7 includes seven (A-G) views of a flapper according to some embodiments. View A is a perspective view. Views B and C show a top plan view and a bottom plan view, respectively. Views D and E show a right side and a left side + view, respectively. Views E and G show a back side and a front side view, respectively. o or

Fig. 9 is a perspective exploded view of an upper section of a collector and a ~~ " flapper according to some embodiments. o

Fig. 10 shows open and closed positions of a flapper in relation to a lower ~~ section of a collector according to some embodiments.

Fig. 11 includes six (A-F) views of an upper section of a collector in an embodiment of the invention. View A is a perspective view of the upper section.

View B is a plan view identifying the planes where the sections are taken. View C is a cross-sectional view taken along section A—A. View D is a cross-sectional view taken along section B—B. View E and View F are cross sectional views taken along sections C—C and D—D, respectively.

Fig. 12 includes seven views (A-G) of the upper section of the collector in an embodiment of the invention. View A is a perspective view. Views B and C show a top plan view and a bottom plan view, respectively. Views D and E show a right side and a left side view, respectively. Views E and G show a back side and a front side view, respectively.

Fig. 13 includes six (A-F) views of the lower section of the collector in an embodiment of the invention. View A is a perspective view of the lower section.

Fig. 14 includes seven views (A-G) of the lower section of the collector according to some embodiments. View A is a perspective view. Views B and C show a top plan view and a bottom plan view, respectively. Views D and E show a right side and a left side view, respectively. Views E and G show a back side and a front = side view, respectively.

Fig. 15 includes six views (A-F) of an embodiment of the collection box ~ assembly of the invention. View A is a perspective view. View B is a plan view = identifying the planes where the sections are taken. View C is a cross-sectional view o taken along section A ALL—A ALL of View A. View D is a cross-sectional view - taken along section B—B of View A. View E is a side view identifying a plane where a section was taken. View F is a cross section taken along section BOTTOM—

BOTTOM. =

FIG. 16 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a - collection box assembly according to some embodiments

FIG. 17 shows a rear perspective view of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 shows an exploded view of the collection box assembly including a slanted bottom according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 shows five views of a latrine system according to some embodiments, where the collection box assembly is coupled to a latrine pan, including top and bottom perspective views, and side cross-sectional views when the flapper is closed and open.

FIG. 20 shows various views of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21 shows various views of a collection box assembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a perspective exploded view of the upper section of the collector and the flapper according to some embodiments.

FIG. 23 shows open and closed positions of a flapper in relation to a lower section of a collector according to some embodiments.

oo

FIG. 24 includes six views of an upper section of the collector according to = some embodiments of the invention, including a perspective view of the upper = section, a plan view identifying the planes where the sections are taken, a cross- + sectional view taken along section A—A, and cross-sectional views taken along section B—B. =

FIG. 25 shows seven views of the upper section of the collector including a ~ perspective view, a top plan view, a bottom plan view, a right side view, a left side - view, a back side view, and a front side view. ~ =

FIG. 26 includes seven views (A-G) of a lower section of a collector having a = slanted bottom according to some embodiments, including a perspective view, a top - plan view, a bottom plan view, a right side view, a left side view, a back side view, and a front side view.

FIG. 27 includes six views of a lower section of a collector having a slanted bottom according to some embodiments, including a perspective view of the lower section, a plan view identifying the planes where the sections are taken, cross- sectional views taken along section A—A, and cross-sectional views taken along section B—B.

FIG. 28 includes six views of a collection box assembly having a slanted bottom according to some embodiments, including a perspective view, a plan view identifying the planes where the sections are taken, a cross-sectional view taken along section A—A, a cross-sectional view taken along section B—B, a side view identifying a plane where a section was taken, and a cross-sectional view taken along section BOTTOM—BOTTOM.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein includes within its scope a collection box assembly for use with a latrine pan. Such assembly has a collector that includes a receiving conduit having an upper section couplable to a pan outlet of a latrine pan to receive waste from the latrine pan and a lower portion defining a waste portal. The collector includes a collector sidewall, a collector upper wall and a collector bottom wall that together define a collector cavity in fluid communication with the waste portal of the receiving conduit. The assembly includes a flapper having a «= counterbalance device and a coverplate disposed on opposite sides of a pivot. The = coverplate has a shape configured to cover the waste portal when the coverplate 1s - engaged against the lower portion of the receiving conduit. In the collection box . assembly, the flapper is pivotally mounted against the receiving conduit so that the o coverplate engages the lower portion of the receiving conduit when a pivotal force - attributable to the counterbalance device is greater than a pivotal counterforce applied to the coverplate. In an embodiment that may be preferred, the flapper is secured to ” the collector. ~ -

The invention also includes a latrine system that is the collection box assembly coupled to a latrine pan and methods of using and installing the latrine systems as = claimed and/or described herein.

In some embodiments, a collection box assembly for use with a latrine pan is provided, the collection box assembly comprising a collector that includes a receiving conduit having an upper section couplable to a pan outlet of a latrine pan to receive waste from the latrine pan and a lower portion defining a waste portal; a collector sidewall, upper wall, and a bottom wall that together define a collector cavity in fluid communication with the waste portal of the receiving conduit, a flapper that includes a counterbalance device and a coverplate disposed on opposite sides of a pivot, wherein the coverplate has a shape configured to cover the waste portal when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion of the receiving conduit, the flapper being pivotally mounted against the receiving conduit so that the coverplate engages the lower portion of the receiving conduit when a pivotal force attributable to the counterbalance device is greater than a pivotal counterforce applied to the coverplate.

In some embodiments of the collection box assembly, the flapper is pivotably secured to the collector.

In some embodiments of the collection box assembly, the shape of the coverplate defines a channel that engages the lower portion of the receiving conduit when then coverplate is engaged against the lower portion.

In some embodiments of the collection box assembly, the channel contains a liquid that forms a liquid seal between a first surface of the coverplate and the lower

Claims

CLAIMS = What is claimed is: bo

1. A collection box assembly for use with a latrine pan comprising: - a collector that includes a receiving conduit having an upper section couplable BN to a pan outlet of a latrine pan to receive waste from the latrine pan and a lower portion defining a waste portal; a collector sidewall, upper wall, and a bottom wall I that together define a collector cavity in fluid communication with the waste portal of the receiving conduit, > a flapper that includes a counterbalance device and a coverplate disposed on he opposite sides of a pivot, wherein the coverplate has a shape configured to cover the o waste portal when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion of the receiving conduit, the flapper being pivotally mounted against the receiving conduit so that the coverplate engages the lower portion of the receiving conduit when a pivotal force attributable to the counterbalance device is greater than a pivotal counterforce applied to the coverplate.

2. The collection box assembly of claim 1, wherein the flapper is pivotably secured to the collector.

3. The collection box assembly of claim 1, wherein the shape of the coverplate defines a channel that engages the lower portion of the receiving conduit when then coverplate is engaged against the lower portion.

4. The collection box assembly of claim 1, wherein the channel contains a liquid that forms a liquid seal between a first surface of the coverplate and the lower portion that prevents or reduces a flow of a sewage gas from a leach pit into a living environment.

5. The collection box assembly of claim 1, wherein the shape of the coverplate includes a convex portion that extends upwardly into the waste portal of the receiving conduit when the coverplate is engaged against the lower portion.

6. A latrine system comprising the collection box assembly of any of claims 1to fred 4 and a latrine pan, wherein the upper section of the receiving conduit is coupled to a -~ pan outlet of latrine pan. oF fd i ho a. [Ey = [a