US3407410A - Marine toilet - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 29, 1968 L. E. THOM 3,

MARINE TOILET Filed March 4, 1966 l l l "INVENTOR. '0rewa'2 5 7 W!" 7 1/ .sc'wi' 3,407,410 MARINE TOILET Laurence E. Thom, 10023 12th NW., Seattle, Wash. 98177 Filed Mar. 4, 1966, Ser. No. 532,005 7 Claims. (Cl. 4111) This invention is for a marine toilet and, in particular, for a marine toilet which can be used on small boats.

As is well known, on a small boat there is a lack of an abundance of room. In fact, the available space must be carefully apportioned for the various uses of the occupants. In regard to toilet facilities, these must be carefully planned so as to utilize as small a space as possible. Further, on a small boat there is a bilge pump for removing bilge water. Again, the space occupied by the bilge pump must be carefully planned. Accordingly, knowing the limitations of space on a small boat, I have invented a marine toilet having as an object the utilization of as small an amount of space as possible; to provide a marine toilet which may also be used as a bilge pump; to provide a non-clogging marine toilet; to provide a marine toilet which is relatively easy to install on old boats and also easy to install on new boats; to provide a marine toilet having an arrangement of parts, when necessary, which can be easily replaced; to provide a marine toilet having a full electrical operation and adaptable for various voltages such as 6, 12, 54 and 32 volts; to provide a marine toilet which uses a standard marine pump and which pump is self-priming; and, to provide a marine toilet wherein the comminuter is directly below the bowl.

These and other important objects and advantages of the invention will be more particularly brought forth upon reference to the accompanying drawings, the detailed specification of the invention and the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view in which a portion is broken away to show, in cross-section, the details of construction of the marine toilet;

FIGURE 2, on an enlarged scale, is an exploded isometric view of the upper surface of the comminuter and the lower part of the housing illustrating the downwardly spiraling surface of the bottom surface of the marine toilet; and,

FIGURE 3, on a smaller scale, is an isometric view looking at the lower surface of the comminuter.

In FIGURE 1 there is illustrated a marine toilet 10 having a lower base or lower housing 12. The lower base or lower housing 12 is of a tubular construction which,

in lateral cross-sectional view, is of a generally cylindrical configuration and having a wall 14. On the lower end of the 'wall 14 there is a circular flange 16 having a number of passageways 18. The passageways 18 make it possible to bolt or attach the marine housing firmly to the boat. On the upper end of the wall 12 there is a circular flange 20 having a number of passageways 22. In the upper part of the wall 12 there is an opening 24. The lower housing around the opening 24 branches off into an outlet pipe or nipple 26. In the housing 12 there is a bottom surface 28. This bottom surface 28 spirals upwardly from the opening 24 so that at its upper portion it defines a bottom surface slightly above the upper part of the opening 24. In this regard, see FIGURE 2, wherein it is seen that, from the upper part of the bottom surface 28, the bottom surface 28 spirals downwardly so that the lower part connects or leads into the opening 24. Actually, the upper part of the bottom surface 28 may be designated by reference numeral 30 and the lower part may be designated by reference numeral 32. At the junction of the uppermost part 30 and the lowermost part 32, there is a rapid rise which may be designated by reference numeral 34 as a breaker ridge. The bottom surface 28 may United States Patent 3,40'74 1 0 Patented Oct. 29, 1968 be covered by a plastic 36. This plastic may be one'of the new protective coatings such as tetrafiuoropolyethylene.

The bottom surface 28 has a central opening 40. Positioned in this central opening 40 is a sleeve bearing 42. The lower end of the sleeve bearing 42 is positioned by means of a toroidal stiffener 44. The outer end of the stiffener 44 is welded or bonded to the surface of the wall 14 while the lower inner end of the stiffener 44 is welded or bonded to the lower end of the sleeve bearing 42.

In the lower part of the wall 14 there is an opening 46. The opening 46 is approximately on the opposite side of the housing 12 as is the opening 24. On the wall 14 and above the opening 46 is an arm 48.

It is to be realized that the opening 46, the arm 48, the bottom surface 28 and the nipple 26 may be cast upon the casting of the lower housing 12. There is positioned on the lower housing 12 an upper housing 50. The upper housing 50 has a wall 52. The general configuration of the wall 52 of the upper housing 50 is one of a frustrum of a cone. On the lower end of the wall 52 is a circular flange 54 having openings 56. The upper housing 50 may be attached to the lower housing 12 by means of bolts or pins or rivets in the openings 56 and wall 52.On the upper end of the wall 52 is a circular flange 58. In the circular flange 58 are a plurality of openings 60. A bowl 62 having openings 64 may be positioned on the flange 58 by means of pins or rivets or bolts projecting through the aligned openings 64 and 60.

The inner surface of the wall 52 has a circular recess 66, positioned in this recess 66 is a serrated ring 68 having serrations 70 in the lower surface. It is seen in FIG- URE 1 that the external diameter of the serrated ring 68 is somewhat less than the internal diameter of the housing surrounding the bottom surface 28. Further, the highest part of the surface 28 is below the bottom of the lower edge of the serrated ring 68. The serrated ring 68 may be press fitted into the circular groove 66 or may be welded or bonded into the circular groove 66.

In the marine toilet 10 there is a comminuter or grinder 72. The comminuter 72 has an upper portion which may be considered a circular top 74. On the upper surface of the circular top 74 are two radial breaker bars 76 having serrations 78. Also, the upper surface of the circular top 74 has a number of grooves or wedges 80 in the periphcry. The trailing edge of the groove 80, see reference numeral 82, may be substantially at right angles with the upper surface of the circular top 74 so as to provide a chopping action on the solids.

In FIGURE 3 it is seen that the central portion of the lower surface of the circular top 74 is built up or reinforced to form a hub 84. Directed outwardly from the hub 84 are a plurality of radial choppers 86. The radial choppers 86, near the hub 84 are recessed or cut back at 88. The radial choppers 86 are recessed at 88 to make sure that the radial choppers 86 can clear the central portion of the bottom surface 28.

The surface 84 is well finished. Also, it is seen that the upper central part of the bottom surface 28 around the sleeve bearing 42 is well finished at 90. The well finished surfaces 84 and 90 function both as a bearing surface and as a seal. By means of these well finished surfaces very little, if any, liquid flows through an opening 92 in the sleeve bearing 42.

Attached to the circular top of the comminuter 72 is a shaft 94. In FIGURE 3 is it seen that this shaft 94 projects downwardly from the hub 84. On the lower end of the shaft 94 are two sheaves 96. The shaft 94 fits in the passageway 92 of sleeve bearing 42. As is seen in FIGURE 1, the sheaves 96 are below the toroidal support 44.

A combination of an electric motor and a pump 98 3 is attached to the arm 48 of the lower housing 112. There is an arm or flange 100 on the case 98. The arm or flange 100 may be attached to the arm 48 by means of a bolt 102. The combination 98 comprises an electric motor 104 on the upper part and a pump -6 on the lower part. The electric motor 104 has an output shaft 108. This output shaft 108 connects with the pump 106. A housing 109 connects the electric motor 104 with the pump 106. In the wall of the housing 109 there is an opening 110. The opening 110 faces the opening 46 of the lower housing 12.

On the lower end of the shaft 108, and above the pump 106, there are two sheaves 112. The two sheaves 112 are aligned with the two sheaves 96. Two endless rubber belts 114 connect the two pairs of sheaves 96 and 112. It is seen in FIGURE 1, that the two endless rubber belts 114 pass through the openings 110 and 46 to connect the pairs of sheaves 96 and 112. It is obvious that, with the rotation of the shaft 108, the comminuter 72 will rotate. The direction of the rotation of the comminuter 72 is such that the breaker ridge 34 and the comminuter 72 combine to form a valve. Any solids which are dropped onto the comminuter are ground by means of the radial breaker bar 76 with the assistance of the grooves 80 in conjunction with the serrated ring 68 to make fine particles which can easily pass through the opening 24 and the nipple 26. Actually, the lower surface of the circular top 74 of the comminuter 72 and the breaker ridge 34 combine to form a valve which directs that the cornminuted solids and liquids be forced through the opening 24 and the nipple 26. The radial choppers 86 assist in this as these, in combination with the breaker ridge 34, form a valve. In FIGURE 2 there is illustrated the direction of rotation of the comminuter 72, and it is seen that the breaker ridge 34 is on the downward side of the opening 24. With the breaker ridge 34 on the downward side of the opening 24 with respect to the rotation of the comminuter 7 2, there is efiectuated this valve function.

An inlet pipe 120 connects with the pump 106. On the outer end of the inlet pipe 120 there is a three-way valve 122 having a handle 124. The three-way valve 122 connects with a pipe 126 and a pipe 128. The pipe 126 connects with a source of flushing water such as fresh water on the boat or water outside of the boat. The pipe 128 connects with that portion of the boat holding the bilge water, or it may be considered that the pipe 128 connects with the bilge water.

An outlet pipe 130 connects with the pump 106. On the outer end of the pipe 130 there is a three-way valve 132. The three-way valve 132 has a handle 134. The valve 132 connects with an overflow pipe 136 and with a'pipe 138. The pipe 138 connects with bowl 62 of the marine toilet 10 so as to introduce flushing water into the bowl 62.

From this arrangement of inlet and outlet pipes and valves, it is seen that flushing water may be introduced into the bowl 62 by adjusting the valve 122 to draw water through the pipe 126, such as fresh water on the boat or from water outside of the boat, and by adjusting the valve 132 to force the water through the pipe 138 to the bowl 62. Also, by adjusting the valve 122 to draw bilge water through the pipe 128, and by adjusting the valve 132 to discharge bilge water through the overflow line 136, it is possible to use this marine toilet as the bilge water pump.

The electric motor 98 has lead-in Wires 140 and 142. The lead-in wires 140 and 142 connect with a switch 144. The switch 144 connects with wires 146 and 148 which, in turn, connect with the source of electromotive force or electrical energy.

In FIGURE 2 it is seen that the upper circular flange is recessed at 150 to accommodate itself with the housing of the electric motor 98. Similarly, the circular flange 54 is recessed to accommodate the housing of the electric motor 98.

From the foregoing, it is seen that I have provided a marine toilet wherein the comminuter can be positioned directly below the bowl and which comminuter is compact and requires only a small volume of space. The comminuter is efficient in comminuting solids. For example, from a working test, it has been found that the cornminuter efliciently grinds and will not be clogged by paper towels, Tampax and Kotex. In other words, the comminuter does such an efficient job of grinding solids that it is practically trouble free from the standpoint of clogging. Also, from the foregoing it is seen that I have provided a marine toilet which can be used as a marine pump. In other words, I have provided a unit which serves two functions, i.e., that of a marine toilet and that of a marine pump.

What I claim is:

1. A marine toilet, said toilet comprising:

(a) a housing;

(b) said housing having a first opening in the upper part;

(c) said housing having a second opening;

(d) a bottom surface in said housing;

(e) said bottom surface being below said first open- (f) said bottom surface having an upper portion which curves downwardly to a lower portion and leads to the second opening;

(g) a comminuter in said housing;

(h) said comminuter being above the bottom surface;

(i) a first means to rotate said comminuter to break the solids to allow the efiluent to flow to the second opening; and,

(j) a bowl positioned on said housing.

2. In a marine toilet according to claim 1:

(a) said comminuter having an upper surface;

(b) on the upper surface there being a breaker bar;

(c) said comminuter having a lower surface;

(d) a first shaft depending from the comminuter; and,

(e) said first means comprising a motor having a second shaft and a second means connecting the first and second shafts to place the second shaft in a driving relationship with the first shaft.

3. In a marine toilet according to claim 2'.

(a) said bottom surface at the junction of upper portion and the lower portion define a breaker ridge;

(b) said breaker ridge being on the downward side of rotation of the comminuter with respect to the second opening;

(0) a radial bar on the lower surface of the comminuter;

(d) the radial bar, the lower surface of the comminuter and the breaker ridge defining a valve to force the etfiuent through the second opening with the ratation of the comminuter;

(e) a third opening in the bottom surface;

(f) the bottom surface around the third opening having a first finish;

(g) the lower surface of the comminuter around the first shaft having a second finish;

'(h) the first shaft being in the third opening; and,

(i) said first and second finishes being bearing surfaces and seals to prevent the flow of efiiuent through the third opening.

4. In a marine toilet according to claim 2:

(a) said motor mounted on the housing;

(b) a pump mounted on said motor;

(c) said second shaft in driving relationship with said (d) an inlet line to said pump; and,

(e) an outlet line from said pump.

5. In a marine toilet according to claim 4:

(a) said outlet line leading to said bowl to introduce liquid into the bowl.

6. In a marine toilet according to claim 5:

(a) a first valve connecting with said inlet line;

(b) said first valve connects with first line;

(c) said first line connects with a source of water;

(d) said first valve connects with a second line;

(c) said second line connects with that portion of the boat for holding bilge water;

(f) a second valve in said outlet line; and,

(g) said second valve connecting with an overflow line as well as with the line to the bowl.

7. In a marine toilet according to claim 6:

(a) said bottom surface having an upper portion which curves downwardly to a lower portion and leads to the second opening;

(b) said bottom surface at the junction of upper portion and the lower portion defines a breaker ridge;

(c) said breaker ridge being on the downward side of rotation of the comminuter with respect to the second opening;

(d) a radial bar on the lower surface of the comrni- (i) the first shaft being in the third opening; and,

(i) said first and second finishes being bearing surfaces and seals to prevent the flow of effluent through the third opening.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,996,325 4/1935 Cox 410 2,200,061 5/ 1940 Green 410 2,414,964 1/1947 McPherson 4-10 2,604,633 7/ 1952 McPherson 410 2,630,577 3/1953 Morris 4-8 2,658,202 11/1 953 Wolrnan et a1 48 2,715,735 8/1955 McPherson 410 2,724,837 11/1955 McPherson 4-10 2,779,948 2/1957 Houle 4-10 2,798,227 7/1957 Boester 4-10 3,157,888 11/1964 Violette 4-10 3,259,917 7/1966 Rascov 4-10 FOREIGN PATENTS 678,472 9/ 1952 Great Britain.

5 LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H. K. ARTIS, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A MARINE TOILET, SAID TOILET COMPRISING: (A) A HOUSING; (B) SAID HOUSING HAVING A FIRST OPENING IN THE UPPER PART; (C) SAID HOUSING HAVING A SECOND OPENING; (D) A BOTTOM SURFACE IN SAID HOUSING; (E) SAID BOTTOM SURFACE BEING BELOW SAID FIRST OPENING; (F) SAID BOTTOM SURFACE HAVING AN UPPER PORTION WHICH CURVES DOWNWARDLY TO A LOWER PORTION AND LEADS TO THE SECOND OPENING; (G) A COMMINUTER IN SAID HOUSING; (H) SAID COMMINUTER BEING ABOVE THE BOTTOM SURFACE; (I) A FIRST MEANS TO ROTATE SAID COMMINUTER TO BREAK THE SOLIDS TO ALLOW THE EFFLUENT TO FLOW TO THE SECOND OPENING; AND, (J) A BOWL POSITIONED ON SAID HOUSING.

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