WO2020176933A1 - A waste collection device - Google Patents

A waste collection device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020176933A1
WO2020176933A1 PCT/AU2020/050193 AU2020050193W WO2020176933A1 WO 2020176933 A1 WO2020176933 A1 WO 2020176933A1 AU 2020050193 W AU2020050193 W AU 2020050193W WO 2020176933 A1 WO2020176933 A1 WO 2020176933A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
waste material
collection
collection device
discharge
material collection
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2020/050193
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gilberto Maggiolo
Stephen LUNT
Original Assignee
Azzurra Imports Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2019900694A external-priority patent/AU2019900694A0/en
Application filed by Azzurra Imports Pty Ltd filed Critical Azzurra Imports Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2020176933A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020176933A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
    • E03D11/18—Siphons
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
    • E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
    • E03D11/11—Bowls combined with a reservoir, e.g. containing apparatus for disinfecting or for disintegrating
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
    • E03D11/13—Parts or details of bowls; Special adaptations of pipe joints or couplings for use with bowls, e.g. provisions in bowl construction preventing backflow of waste-water from the bowl in the flushing pipe or cistern, provisions for a secondary flushing, for noise-reducing
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F9/00—Arrangements or fixed installations methods or devices for cleaning or clearing sewer pipes, e.g. by flushing
    • E03F9/007—Devices providing a flushing surge
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
    • E03C1/122—Pipe-line systems for waste water in building
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F2201/00—Details, devices or methods not otherwise provided for
    • E03F2201/30—Devices providing a sequential discharge in sewer systems
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
    • E03F3/00—Sewer pipe-line systems
    • E03F3/04—Pipes or fittings specially adapted to sewers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a waste collection device.
  • the present invention relates to a waste collection device for use with a toilet. More particularly, the present invention relates to a waste collection device for use with a low flush or ultra-low flush toilet.
  • An ultra-low flush toilet is a type of flush toilet adapted to use significantly less water than a full flush or even low flush toilet (typically 2 litres half-flush and 3 litres full flush). Ultra-low flush toilets were developed from an awareness of the importance of water conservation.
  • Ultra-low flush toilets typically use a special design of the cistern and the toilet bowl in order to allow the removal of human waste in the form of faeces and urine with less water. Most often, they also include a dual flush system, with one flush being designed for urine only, using even less water than the other designed for faeces.
  • the present invention is directed to a waste collection device for use with a toilet which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
  • the present invention is directed to a waste collection device for use with a low flush or ultra-low flush toilet to reduce or eliminate the build-up of human waste material in toilet pipes in order to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of blockages.
  • the invention resides broadly in a waste material collection device for use with one or more plumbing devices, the waste material collection device comprising at least one inlet in fluid communication with the one or more plumbing devices, a collection portion for receiving waste material from the one or more plumbing devices through the at least one inlet, and a discharge portion, the discharge portion including a pressure adjustment portion and at least one outlet through which at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion is discharged.
  • the one or more plumbing devices may be of any suitable form.
  • the one or more plumbing devices may comprise devices that discharge liquid or a combination of liquid and solids (in the form of solids suspended in liquid, solids carried by the liquid, a slurry and so on) therefrom.
  • the plumbing device in which one plumbing device is in communication with the waste material collection device, it is envisaged that the plumbing device may comprise a toilet.
  • a first plumbing device may comprise a toilet while the other of the two or more plumbing devices may comprise one or more sinks, basins, bidets, showers, baths or toilets.
  • the waste material may be discharged from the one or more plumbing devices.
  • the waste material may be of any suitable form.
  • the waste material may include human waste material, such as faeces and/or urine from the one or more toilets.
  • the waste material may also include water. The water may be from flushing a toilet, or from a bidet, sink, basin, shower or bath.
  • Other solid materials may be present in the waste material, such as toilet paper. It will be understood that other solid material may also be present in the waste material, such as other human waste products or bodily fluids, sanitary products, baby wipes, food scraps and so on. While it is generally not recommended that at least some of these items be introduced into a sewer system, it will be understood that the waste material collection device of the present invention may be adapted to deal with foreign objects of this type.
  • At least one of the one or more plumbing devices may be a toilet.
  • the toilet may be of any suitable form.
  • the toilet may comprise an ultra-low flush toilet.
  • ultra-low flush toilet refers to a toilet adapted to use significantly less water than a full flush or even a low flush toilet (typically 2 litres half flush and 3 litres full flush).
  • the waste material collection device may be associated with a single toilet. In other embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be associated with a plurality of toilets. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that a single waste material collection device may be located in fluid communication with a plurality of toilets, such as in an apartment building or office building or in a situation in which a bathroom contains a plurality of toilets (such as in public toilets, for instance those located in shopping centres, schools, sport and entertainment venues, bars and restaurants and so on).
  • the inlet may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the inlet allows the waste material to pass into the collection portion from the plumbing device.
  • the inlet may comprise one or more apertures in a surface of the collection portion.
  • the inlet includes an inlet conduit.
  • the inlet conduit may be of any suitable type, although it is preferred that the conduit may be adapted for fluid connection to an outlet of the plumbing device.
  • the inlet conduit may be adapted for fluid connection to the outlet of the plumbing device in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, frictional or screw-threaded connection to the outlet of the plumbing device.
  • the inlet conduit may be connected to the outlet of the plumbing device in such a manner that substantially all of the waste material that leaves the plumbing device via the outlet of the plumbing device may be transferred to the collection portion via the inlet (and inlet conduit, where present).
  • the plumbing device and the waste material collection device may be positioned any suitable distance from one another. Preferably, however, the plumbing device and the waste material collection device are positioned close enough to one another so as to minimise or eradicate the risk of waste material build up or blockages of waste material in the conduits connecting the plumbing device and the waste material collection device.
  • the distance between the plumbing device and the waste material collection device may vary depending on the number of plumbing devices in fluid communication with the waste material collection device, the frequency of use of the plumbing devices, the composition of the waste material and so on.
  • the horizontal distance between the toilet and the waste material collection device is preferably no more than 6 metres. More preferably, the horizontal distance between the toilet and the waste material collection device is no more than 4 metres. Most preferably, the horizontal distance between the toilet and the waste material collection device is no more than 3 metres.
  • the vertical distance between the plumbing device and the waste material collection device is not critical to the working of the invention.
  • the waste material collection device will be located below ground level (or at least below floor level), and the plumbing device will be located at a location that is vertically above the location of the waste material collection device.
  • the actual vertical distance between the plumbing device and the waste material collection device may vary depending on the number of storeys in a building and so on.
  • the waste material collection device may be located within a base portion (e.g. a pedestal) of a plumbing device, such as a toilet.
  • the waste material collection device may be located below the bowl of the toilet.
  • the waste material collection device may be positioned between the bowl of the toilet and a floor surface. This arrangement may be of particular advantage if, for instance, a toilet and in particular an ultra-low flush toilet is being installed to replace an existing toilet, or if the waste material collection device is being retrofitted to an existing toilet.
  • the inlet, or each of the plurality of inlets may be in fluid communication with the collection portion of the waste material collection device, such that all of the waste material entering the waste material collection device is collected in the collection portion.
  • the collection portion may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collection portion may be configured to periodically release a quantity of the waste material collected therein. More preferably, the quantity of material released may be sufficient to ensure that substantially all of the waste material released reaches a waste material disposal vessel (such as a sewer, septic tank or the like), thereby preventing a build-up of waste material in a discharge conduit or conduits
  • waste material collection device interconnecting the waste material collection device and the waste material disposal vessel. It will be understood that a build-up of waste material can lead to corrosion in the discharge conduit or conduits, can cause blockages in the discharge conduit or conduits.
  • the collection portion may be housed substantially entirely within a housing defining the exterior of the waste material collection device.
  • the collection portion may be formed integrally with the remainder of the waste material collection device or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or temporary connection thereto.
  • the collection portion may be positioned below the inlet. In this way, movement of waste material from the inlet to the collection portion is aided by gravity.
  • the collection portion may be rectangular or box shaped. However, a person skilled in the art would recognise that other shapes of collection portions could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the interior of the collection portion may include a sloped portion (such as a sloped base wall) to direct the flow of waste material in the collection portion towards the discharge portion.
  • a collection sump may be formed in the collection portion. At least a portion of the collection sump may be located at a position below a base wall of the collection portion. In this way, the collection sump may form a low point of the collection portion such that waste material may collect in the collection sump.
  • the collection sump may be of any suitable size or shape.
  • the collection portion may be in fluid communication with the discharge portion of the waste material collection device. It is envisaged that the discharge portion may include one or more outlets through which waste material may be discharged from the waste material collection device. Preferably, the one or more outlets are in fluid communication with the discharge conduit or conduits
  • the discharge portion may be adapted for the periodic discharge of waste material therefrom.
  • the periodic discharge of waste material from the waste material collection device may be achieved using any suitable technique.
  • the waste material collection device may be adapted to discharge the waste material at certain predetermined intervals of time.
  • the waste material may be discharged periodically from the waste material collection device when the level of waste material collected in the collection portion reaches a predetermined level. In this way, a consistent volume of waste material is discharged from the waste material collection device every time waste material is released.
  • the waste material in the collection portion may be discharged when the volume of waste material in the collection portion reaches a predetermined level.
  • the pressure adjustment portion may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure adjustment portion may be configured to produce a low-pressure region within the discharge portion.
  • the low- pressure region may be at any suitable pressure, although it is envisaged that the low-pressure region may be at a sufficiently low pressure to draw at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion into the discharge portion. More
  • the pressure differential between the collection portion and the low-pressure region may be sufficient to draw at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion into the discharge portion.
  • a vacuum may be created by the pressure adjustment portion.
  • the discharge portion comprises a siphon.
  • the pressure differential between the collection portion and the low pressure region will be sufficient to naturally create a siphon effect so as to discharge waste material from the collection portion.
  • the present invention will require no moving parts in order to function.
  • the present invention will require no source of electrical power in order to operate.
  • the discharge portion may include a riser portion and a falling portion. It is envisaged that waste material exiting the collection portion may first flow substantially upwardly in the riser portion before flowing substantially downwardly in the falling portion to exit the discharge portion (e.g. through the outlet).
  • the discharge portion may be formed substantially in an inverted U shape.
  • the riser portion and the falling portion may comprise pipes or similar conduits.
  • the riser portion of the discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the collection sump.
  • the pressure adjustment portion may comprise a constricted portion configured to create a lower outlet pressure to aid in the discharge of the waste material from the collection portion and/or collection sump.
  • the pressure adjustment portion may be configured as a Venturi device.
  • the constricted portion may be located in any suitable part of the discharge portion. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the constricted portion may be located in the riser portion of the discharge portion and/or in the bend of the inverted U shape discharge portion.
  • a Venturi device such as an eductor, aspirator or the like may be associated with the discharge portion in order to generate the low pressure required to create a siphon to draw fluid out of the collection portion and/or collection sump.
  • substantially all of the waste material may be discharged from the collection portion on actuation of the siphon. More preferably, a portion of the waste material may remain in the collection portion.
  • portion of the waste material remaining in the collection portion may be a relatively small portion of the waste material.
  • the outlet of the discharge portion may be positioned below the collection portion. In this way, movement of waste material from the collection portion to the outlet of the discharge portion may be aided by gravity.
  • the outlet of the discharge portion may be the outlet of the waste material collection device.
  • the outlet of the discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the waste material collection device.
  • the outlet of the discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the waste material collection device via one or more outlet conduits.
  • the discharge portion may be provided at any suitable location relative to the collection portion.
  • the discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion.
  • the discharge portion may be formed integrally with the collection portion or may be formed separately thereto and adapted for fixed or removable connection thereto.
  • the discharge portion may abut the collection portion.
  • the discharge portion may be located spaced apart from the collection portion.
  • the discharge portion and the collection portion may be in indirect contact with one another via the collection sump.
  • the discharge portion when the discharge portion is located external to the collection portion, the discharge portion may be positioned adjacent to, and/or in abutment with, any suitable part of the collection portion.
  • the discharge portion may be located at least partially within the collection portion. It is envisaged that this arrangement may be advantageous if, for instance, the waste material collection device is to be located in a relatively confined space. Thus, by locating the discharge portion at least partially within the collection portion, the footprint of the waste material collection device may be reduced in comparison to a device in which the discharge portion is located externally to the collection portion.
  • the discharge portion may be located entirely within the collection portion, it is more preferable that at least a portion of the discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion.
  • at least the outlet of the discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion (and preferably below the collection portion).
  • at least a portion of the bend portion of an inverted U-shaped discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion (and preferably above the collection portion).
  • at least the inlet of the discharge portion i.e. a portion of the riser portion
  • the waste material collection device may comprise one or more vents.
  • the one or more vents may be in any suitable location in the waste material collection device.
  • the one or more vents may be located in the collection portion. It is envisaged that the vents may be provided in order to minimise or eliminate the formation of an airlock during the ingress of waste material into the collection portion and/or the discharge of waste material from the collection portion.
  • the waste material collection device may be provided with a bypass portion.
  • Any suitable bypass portion may be provided, although it will be understood that the bypass portion may be configured to allow for the removal of waste material in the event of, for instance, a blockage in the discharge portion (for instance caused by the presence of foreign objects that have been flushed down the toilet).
  • the bypass may be of any suitable form.
  • the bypass may include a barrier between the collection portion and the outlet that may be moveable between a closed condition (in which case waste material is prevented from flowing through the bypass) and an open condition (in which case waste material may flow from the collection portion to the outlet via the bypass).
  • the barrier may be actuated manually or automatically.
  • the barrier may comprise a panel, gate, door or the like moveable between the closed condition and the open condition.
  • the barrier may comprise one or more valves.
  • the bypass may include an opening in the collection portion and/or collection sump in fluid communication with the outlet.
  • the opening may be positioned at a level at least partially above the level the collection portion at which the volume of waste material would be sufficient to generate the pressure differential required to start the siphon effect.
  • the waste material collection device may be provided with an inspection portion. It is envisaged that the inspection portion may be configured to allow a user to view and/or access the interior of the waste material collection device, and the collection portion in particular. This may be advantageous so that a user may check for the presence of (and/or fix or remove) blockages in the device, damage to the device or the presence of foreign objects that have been flushed down a toilet and cannot be removed from the waste material collection device through the discharge portion.
  • the inspection portion may be of any suitable form, and may, in its simplest form, be an opening in the device, and the collection portion in particular. More preferably, the inspection portion may include one or more inspection members (such as doors, panels, lids, covers or the like) that may be moved (for instance, by sliding, pivoting, hinged movement or the like), or temporarily removed (such as from frictional or screw-threaded connection to the device) to allow access to the interior of the device.
  • inspection members such as doors, panels, lids, covers or the like
  • temporarily removed such as from frictional or screw-threaded connection to the device
  • the waste material collection device may be adapted for connection to a source of a fluid other than the toilet.
  • the fluid may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid may be water.
  • the purpose of connecting the waste material collection device to a source of fluid may be to provide a fluid to assist in flushing or cleaning the waste material collection device in the event of waste material build-up or solidification.
  • the waste material collection device may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials.
  • the waste material collection vessel may be fabricated from metal, plastic, glass, fibreglass or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.
  • the waste material collection device may be fabricated from a polymeric material.
  • a polymeric material may be preferred as it may be less prone to corrosion than materials such as metal. Any suitable polymeric material may be used, such as, but not limited to Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS), polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.
  • the polymeric material may be UV-resistant, resistant to chemical attack, odour- resistant, stain-resistant and/or at least partially fabricated from a low-stick material (such as Polytetrafluoroethylene).
  • the invention resides broadly in an ultra-low flush toilet assembly, the ultra-low flush toilet assembly comprising an ultra-low flush toilet including a toilet outlet through which waste material is discharged, the toilet outlet being in fluid communication with a waste material collection device according to the first aspect.
  • the present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art devices. For instance, the present invention provides improved water efficiency of flushing a toilet, as well as the decreased occurrence of pipe blockages due to insufficient water to flush waste such as faeces into a sewer or septic tank.
  • the present invention includes no moving parts, and requires no electrical power source, in order to operate.
  • the present invention provides a relatively low-cost and low-maintenance device that is adapted to discharge a consistent volume of waste material that is sufficient to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of pipe blockages.
  • Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a waste material collection device
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a waste material collection device according to an embodiment of the invention when connected to a toilet.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated a waste material collection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the waste collection device includes an inlet conduit 1 1 adapted for connection to a toilet (not shown), either directly of via one or more further conduits (not shown) associated with the toilet.
  • the inlet conduit 1 1 introduces waste material from the toilet into the collection portion 12 through the inlet (obscured).
  • the collection portion 12 is essentially a receptacle in which waste material from the toilet (a slurry of water and human waste, such as faeces and urine, and other material such as toilet paper) is collected.
  • the collection portion 12 is associated with a collection sump 13, at least a portion of which is situated below the base wall 14 of the collection portion 12. And into which waste material flows from the collection portion 12.
  • the waste material collection device 10 further comprises a discharge portion 15 through which waste material in the collection portion 12 and collection sump 13 is removed and discharged to a sewer or septic tank (not shown).
  • the discharge portion 15 includes a section in the shape of an inverted U.
  • the discharge portion 15 includes a riser portion 16 and a falling portion (obscured) interconnected by a bend 17.
  • the riser portion 16 is in fluid communication with the collection sump 13 (and therefore also the collection portion 12) so that waste material exiting the collection portion 12 flows into the riser portion 16, around the bend 17 and through the falling portion (obscured). From the falling portion (obscured) the waste material is discharged from the waste material collection device 10 through an outlet 18.
  • the outlet 18 will be in fluid communication with a sewer or septic tank (not shown) either directly or via one or more conduits (not shown) connected to the outlet 18.
  • the riser portion 16 includes a constricted region 19.
  • the constricted region of the riser portion is of reduced diameter, such that the diameter of the riser portion 16 between the collection portion 12 and the constricted portion 19 is greater than the diameter of the riser portion 16 (and/or the bend 17 and/or the falling portion) between the constricted portion 19 and the outlet 18.
  • constricted portion 19 generates a region of relatively low pressure between the constricted portion 19 and the outlet 18 such that a pressure differential exists between the relatively low pressure at the outlet 18 and the relatively high pressure within the collection portion 12.
  • the discharge portion 15 forms a siphon, such that at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion 12 and the collection sump 13 is drawn into the discharge portion 15 and exits the waste material collection device 10 through the outlet 18.
  • the siphon effect ceases until such time as sufficient waste material is added to the collection portion 12 to create the pressure differential required between the collection portion 12 and the outlet 18 to re-start the siphon effect.
  • the siphon effect may remove all of the waste material from the collection portion 12. Alternatively, a portion of the waste material may remain in the collection portion and/or collection sump 13.
  • FIG 2 a cross-sectional view of the waste material collection device 10 of Figure 1 is illustrated.
  • the inlet conduit 1 1 introduces waste material into the collection portion 12 through the inlet 20.
  • the inlet 20 is formed as an opening in the upper wall 21 of the collection portion 12.
  • the collection sump 13 may be more clearly seen.
  • the collection sump 13 is in fluid communication with the collection portion 12 via an aperture 22 in the base wall 14 of the collection portion 12. In this way, it is envisaged that if there is any waste material in the collection portion 12, it will first enter the collection sump 13 prior to filling the collection portion 12.
  • the falling portion 23 of the discharge portion 15 is illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the falling portion 23 comprises a conduit having substantially the same diameter as the constructed portion (not shown in this Figure).
  • the falling portion 23 includes an outlet 24 through which waste material is discharged into an outlet conduit 25 in fluid communication with the outlet 18.
  • FIG 3 there is illustrated an isometric view of the waste material collection device 10 of Figures 1 and 2.
  • the discharge portion 15 comprises a riser portion 16 that includes a constricted region 19 located between the collection sump (obscured) and the bend portion 17.
  • the constricted region 19 generates a region of low pressure between the constricted portion 19 and the outlet 18 such that, when the pressure differential between the collection portion 12 and the region of low pressure reaches a predetermined level, waste material from the collection portion 12 is drawn into the riser portion 16, around the bend 17, along the falling portion 23 and is discharged from the discharge portion 15 through the outlet 18.
  • bypass 26 is an opening that brings the collection portion 12 and/or collection sump (obscured) into fluid communication with the outlet conduit 25 so that waste material can flow from the collection portion 12 and/or collection sump
  • FIG 4 there is illustrated a waste material collection device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention when connected to an ultra-low flush toilet 27.
  • the outlet conduit 28 of the toilet 27 is connected to the inlet 20 of the waste material collection device 10, such that when the toilet 27 is flushed, waste material in the toilet bowl (not shown) passes through the outlet conduit 28 and enters the waste material collection device 10 through the inlet 20. More specifically, the waste material enters the collection portion 12 through the inlet 20.
  • the discharge portion 15 of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 is located partially within the collection portion 12. In this way, the footprint of the device 10 may be reduced in comparison to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3. This may be advantageous when limited space is available in which to locate the device 10, such as when the device 10 is positioned beneath a toilet 27.
  • the collection portion 12 is in fluid communication with a collection sump 13 that is positioned below the base wall 14 of the collection portion 12.
  • a pressure differential between the collection portion 12 and the outlet 18 of the discharge portion 15
  • the waste material will flow from the collection portion 12 into the collection sump 13 and then through the riser portion 16 of the discharge portion 15, around the bend 17 (a portion of which is positioned externally to the collection portion) and the down the falling portion 23 to the outlet 18.
  • the pressure differential is formed by providing the riser portion 16 with a constricted portion (obscured) that acts as a Venturi to form a lower pressure at the outlet 18 compared to within the collection portion, thereby forming a siphon.
  • Waste material leaving the discharge portion 15 through the outlet 18 enters a discharge conduit 29 in the form of a pipe.
  • the discharge conduit 29 directs the waste material to a sewer or septic tank (not shown).
  • the device 10 in which the device 10 is collected to a large number of toilets (such as in a sporting stadium, school, hospital, shopping centre, office building or the like) it is possible that the device 10 may discharge waste material continuously, or at least on a much more frequent basis, during peak times such as lunch breaks, breaks in play and so on.
  • the frequency with which waste material will be discharged from the device 10, therefore, is governed by the frequency with which waste material enters the device 10, as well as the volume of waste material that enters the device 10.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)

Abstract

A waste material collection device for use with one or more plumbing devices, the waste material collection device comprising at least one inlet in fluid communication with the one or more plumbing devices, a collection portion for receiving waste material from the one or more plumbing devices through the at least one inlet, and a discharge portion, the discharge portion including a pressure adjustment portion and at least one outlet through which at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion is discharged.

Description

A WASTE COLLECTION DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001 ] The present invention relates to a waste collection device. In particular, the present invention relates to a waste collection device for use with a toilet. More particularly, the present invention relates to a waste collection device for use with a low flush or ultra-low flush toilet.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] An ultra-low flush toilet is a type of flush toilet adapted to use significantly less water than a full flush or even low flush toilet (typically 2 litres half-flush and 3 litres full flush). Ultra-low flush toilets were developed from an awareness of the importance of water conservation.
[0003] Ultra-low flush toilets typically use a special design of the cistern and the toilet bowl in order to allow the removal of human waste in the form of faeces and urine with less water. Most often, they also include a dual flush system, with one flush being designed for urine only, using even less water than the other designed for faeces.
[0004] However the disadvantage with known ultra-low flush toilets is that a reduction in the amount of water used when flushing the toilet can lead to a build-up of waste material in sewer pipes through inefficient wash-down of the faeces. As a consequence, there is an increased occurrence of blockages in sewer pipes. This in turn can lead to corrosion in pipes and increased levels of noxious and flammable gases.
[0005] Further, the use of chemicals to unblock a blocked toilet can have an environmental impact and increase cost.
[0006] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide an ultra- low flush toilet system, or a device for use with an ultra-low flush toilet, that could reduce the incidence of pipe or sewer blockages without increasing water usage. [0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a waste collection device for use with a toilet which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a waste collection device for use with a low flush or ultra-low flush toilet to reduce or eliminate the build-up of human waste material in toilet pipes in order to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of blockages.
[0010] In a first aspect, the invention resides broadly in a waste material collection device for use with one or more plumbing devices, the waste material collection device comprising at least one inlet in fluid communication with the one or more plumbing devices, a collection portion for receiving waste material from the one or more plumbing devices through the at least one inlet, and a discharge portion, the discharge portion including a pressure adjustment portion and at least one outlet through which at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion is discharged.
[001 1 ] The one or more plumbing devices may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the one or more plumbing devices may comprise devices that discharge liquid or a combination of liquid and solids (in the form of solids suspended in liquid, solids carried by the liquid, a slurry and so on) therefrom. In embodiments of the invention in which one plumbing device is in communication with the waste material collection device, it is envisaged that the plumbing device may comprise a toilet. When two or more plumbing devices are in fluid communication with the waste material collection device, a first plumbing device may comprise a toilet while the other of the two or more plumbing devices may comprise one or more sinks, basins, bidets, showers, baths or toilets. [0012] It is envisaged that the waste material may be discharged from the one or more plumbing devices. The waste material may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste material may include human waste material, such as faeces and/or urine from the one or more toilets. It will be understood that the waste material may also include water. The water may be from flushing a toilet, or from a bidet, sink, basin, shower or bath. Other solid materials may be present in the waste material, such as toilet paper. It will be understood that other solid material may also be present in the waste material, such as other human waste products or bodily fluids, sanitary products, baby wipes, food scraps and so on. While it is generally not recommended that at least some of these items be introduced into a sewer system, it will be understood that the waste material collection device of the present invention may be adapted to deal with foreign objects of this type.
[0013] As previously stated, at least one of the one or more plumbing devices may be a toilet. The toilet may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toilet may comprise an ultra-low flush toilet. It will be understood that the term“ultra-low flush toilet” refers to a toilet adapted to use significantly less water than a full flush or even a low flush toilet (typically 2 litres half flush and 3 litres full flush).
[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be associated with a single toilet. In other embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be associated with a plurality of toilets. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that a single waste material collection device may be located in fluid communication with a plurality of toilets, such as in an apartment building or office building or in a situation in which a bathroom contains a plurality of toilets (such as in public toilets, for instance those located in shopping centres, schools, sport and entertainment venues, bars and restaurants and so on).
[0015] The inlet may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the inlet allows the waste material to pass into the collection portion from the plumbing device. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the inlet may comprise one or more apertures in a surface of the collection portion. More preferably, however, the inlet includes an inlet conduit. The inlet conduit may be of any suitable type, although it is preferred that the conduit may be adapted for fluid connection to an outlet of the plumbing device. The inlet conduit may be adapted for fluid connection to the outlet of the plumbing device in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, frictional or screw-threaded connection to the outlet of the plumbing device. In any event, it is envisaged that the inlet conduit may be connected to the outlet of the plumbing device in such a manner that substantially all of the waste material that leaves the plumbing device via the outlet of the plumbing device may be transferred to the collection portion via the inlet (and inlet conduit, where present).
[0016] The plumbing device and the waste material collection device may be positioned any suitable distance from one another. Preferably, however, the plumbing device and the waste material collection device are positioned close enough to one another so as to minimise or eradicate the risk of waste material build up or blockages of waste material in the conduits connecting the plumbing device and the waste material collection device.
[0017] It will be understood that the distance between the plumbing device and the waste material collection device may vary depending on the number of plumbing devices in fluid communication with the waste material collection device, the frequency of use of the plumbing devices, the composition of the waste material and so on. In embodiments of the invention in which the plumbing device comprises a toilet, the horizontal distance between the toilet and the waste material collection device is preferably no more than 6 metres. More preferably, the horizontal distance between the toilet and the waste material collection device is no more than 4 metres. Most preferably, the horizontal distance between the toilet and the waste material collection device is no more than 3 metres.
[0018] It will be understood that the vertical distance between the plumbing device and the waste material collection device is not critical to the working of the invention. Typically, the waste material collection device will be located below ground level (or at least below floor level), and the plumbing device will be located at a location that is vertically above the location of the waste material collection device. However, the actual vertical distance between the plumbing device and the waste material collection device may vary depending on the number of storeys in a building and so on.
[0019] In other embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be located within a base portion (e.g. a pedestal) of a plumbing device, such as a toilet. Preferably, the waste material collection device may be located below the bowl of the toilet. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the waste material collection device may be positioned between the bowl of the toilet and a floor surface. This arrangement may be of particular advantage if, for instance, a toilet and in particular an ultra-low flush toilet is being installed to replace an existing toilet, or if the waste material collection device is being retrofitted to an existing toilet.
[0020] Preferably, the inlet, or each of the plurality of inlets may be in fluid communication with the collection portion of the waste material collection device, such that all of the waste material entering the waste material collection device is collected in the collection portion. The collection portion may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collection portion may be configured to periodically release a quantity of the waste material collected therein. More preferably, the quantity of material released may be sufficient to ensure that substantially all of the waste material released reaches a waste material disposal vessel (such as a sewer, septic tank or the like), thereby preventing a build-up of waste material in a discharge conduit or conduits
interconnecting the waste material collection device and the waste material disposal vessel. It will be understood that a build-up of waste material can lead to corrosion in the discharge conduit or conduits, can cause blockages in the discharge conduit or conduits.
[0021 ] It is envisaged that the collection portion may be housed substantially entirely within a housing defining the exterior of the waste material collection device. The collection portion may be formed integrally with the remainder of the waste material collection device or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or temporary connection thereto. [0022] Preferably, the collection portion may be positioned below the inlet. In this way, movement of waste material from the inlet to the collection portion is aided by gravity.
[0023] The collection portion may be rectangular or box shaped. However, a person skilled in the art would recognise that other shapes of collection portions could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the interior of the collection portion may include a sloped portion (such as a sloped base wall) to direct the flow of waste material in the collection portion towards the discharge portion.
[0024] In some embodiments of the invention, a collection sump may be formed in the collection portion. At least a portion of the collection sump may be located at a position below a base wall of the collection portion. In this way, the collection sump may form a low point of the collection portion such that waste material may collect in the collection sump. The collection sump may be of any suitable size or shape.
[0025] Preferably, the collection portion may be in fluid communication with the discharge portion of the waste material collection device. It is envisaged that the discharge portion may include one or more outlets through which waste material may be discharged from the waste material collection device. Preferably, the one or more outlets are in fluid communication with the discharge conduit or conduits
interconnecting the waste material collection device and the waste material disposal vessel.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge portion may be adapted for the periodic discharge of waste material therefrom. The periodic discharge of waste material from the waste material collection device may be achieved using any suitable technique. For instance, the waste material collection device may be adapted to discharge the waste material at certain predetermined intervals of time. Alternatively, particularly if the volume of waste material received by the waste material collection device is not consistent over time, the waste material may be discharged periodically from the waste material collection device when the level of waste material collected in the collection portion reaches a predetermined level. In this way, a consistent volume of waste material is discharged from the waste material collection device every time waste material is released.
[0027] In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste material in the collection portion may be discharged when the volume of waste material in the collection portion reaches a predetermined level.
[0028] The pressure adjustment portion may be of any suitable form. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure adjustment portion may be configured to produce a low-pressure region within the discharge portion. The low- pressure region may be at any suitable pressure, although it is envisaged that the low-pressure region may be at a sufficiently low pressure to draw at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion into the discharge portion. More
accurately, it is envisaged that the pressure differential between the collection portion and the low-pressure region may be sufficient to draw at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion into the discharge portion. In some embodiments of the invention, a vacuum may be created by the pressure adjustment portion.
[0029] Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge portion comprises a siphon. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that, when the volume of waste material in the collection portion reaches a particular level, the pressure differential between the collection portion and the low pressure region will be sufficient to naturally create a siphon effect so as to discharge waste material from the collection portion. Thus, it is envisaged that the present invention will require no moving parts in order to function. In addition, it is envisaged that the present invention will require no source of electrical power in order to operate.
[0030] In embodiments of the invention in which the discharge portion comprises a siphon, it is envisaged that the discharge portion may include a riser portion and a falling portion. It is envisaged that waste material exiting the collection portion may first flow substantially upwardly in the riser portion before flowing substantially downwardly in the falling portion to exit the discharge portion (e.g. through the outlet). Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge portion may be formed substantially in an inverted U shape. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the riser portion and the falling portion may comprise pipes or similar conduits.
[0031 ] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the riser portion of the discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the collection sump.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure adjustment portion may comprise a constricted portion configured to create a lower outlet pressure to aid in the discharge of the waste material from the collection portion and/or collection sump. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the pressure adjustment portion may be configured as a Venturi device. The constricted portion may be located in any suitable part of the discharge portion. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the constricted portion may be located in the riser portion of the discharge portion and/or in the bend of the inverted U shape discharge portion.
[0033] In other embodiments of the invention, a Venturi device such as an eductor, aspirator or the like may be associated with the discharge portion in order to generate the low pressure required to create a siphon to draw fluid out of the collection portion and/or collection sump.
[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, substantially all of the waste material may be discharged from the collection portion on actuation of the siphon. More preferably, a portion of the waste material may remain in the collection portion.
It is envisaged that the portion of the waste material remaining in the collection portion may be a relatively small portion of the waste material.
[0035] Preferably, the outlet of the discharge portion may be positioned below the collection portion. In this way, movement of waste material from the collection portion to the outlet of the discharge portion may be aided by gravity.
[0036] The outlet of the discharge portion may be the outlet of the waste material collection device. Alternatively, the outlet of the discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the waste material collection device. In some embodiments of the invention, the outlet of the discharge portion may be in fluid communication with the outlet of the waste material collection device via one or more outlet conduits.
[0037] The discharge portion may be provided at any suitable location relative to the collection portion. For instance, the discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion. In this embodiment, the discharge portion may be formed integrally with the collection portion or may be formed separately thereto and adapted for fixed or removable connection thereto. In some embodiments of the invention, the discharge portion may abut the collection portion. Alternatively, the discharge portion may be located spaced apart from the collection portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the discharge portion and the collection portion may be in indirect contact with one another via the collection sump.
[0038] It is envisaged that, when the discharge portion is located external to the collection portion, the discharge portion may be positioned adjacent to, and/or in abutment with, any suitable part of the collection portion.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention, the discharge portion may be located at least partially within the collection portion. It is envisaged that this arrangement may be advantageous if, for instance, the waste material collection device is to be located in a relatively confined space. Thus, by locating the discharge portion at least partially within the collection portion, the footprint of the waste material collection device may be reduced in comparison to a device in which the discharge portion is located externally to the collection portion.
[0040] While it is envisaged that the discharge portion may be located entirely within the collection portion, it is more preferable that at least a portion of the discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that, in order to generate the pressure differential required to create a siphon, at least the outlet of the discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion (and preferably below the collection portion). Similarly, at least a portion of the bend portion of an inverted U-shaped discharge portion may be located externally to the collection portion (and preferably above the collection portion). In embodiments of the invention in which a collection sump is present, at least the inlet of the discharge portion (i.e. a portion of the riser portion) may be located externally to the collection portion (and preferably below the collection portion).
[0041 ] Preferably, the waste material collection device may comprise one or more vents. The one or more vents may be in any suitable location in the waste material collection device. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more vents may be located in the collection portion. It is envisaged that the vents may be provided in order to minimise or eliminate the formation of an airlock during the ingress of waste material into the collection portion and/or the discharge of waste material from the collection portion.
[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be provided with a bypass portion. Any suitable bypass portion may be provided, although it will be understood that the bypass portion may be configured to allow for the removal of waste material in the event of, for instance, a blockage in the discharge portion (for instance caused by the presence of foreign objects that have been flushed down the toilet).
[0043] The bypass may be of any suitable form. For instance, the bypass may include a barrier between the collection portion and the outlet that may be moveable between a closed condition (in which case waste material is prevented from flowing through the bypass) and an open condition (in which case waste material may flow from the collection portion to the outlet via the bypass). It is envisaged that the barrier may be actuated manually or automatically. In some embodiments of the invention, the barrier may comprise a panel, gate, door or the like moveable between the closed condition and the open condition. Alternatively, the barrier may comprise one or more valves.
[0044] In other embodiments of the, the bypass may include an opening in the collection portion and/or collection sump in fluid communication with the outlet. In this embodiment of the invention, the opening may be positioned at a level at least partially above the level the collection portion at which the volume of waste material would be sufficient to generate the pressure differential required to start the siphon effect.
[0045] In some embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be provided with an inspection portion. It is envisaged that the inspection portion may be configured to allow a user to view and/or access the interior of the waste material collection device, and the collection portion in particular. This may be advantageous so that a user may check for the presence of (and/or fix or remove) blockages in the device, damage to the device or the presence of foreign objects that have been flushed down a toilet and cannot be removed from the waste material collection device through the discharge portion.
[0046] The inspection portion may be of any suitable form, and may, in its simplest form, be an opening in the device, and the collection portion in particular. More preferably, the inspection portion may include one or more inspection members (such as doors, panels, lids, covers or the like) that may be moved (for instance, by sliding, pivoting, hinged movement or the like), or temporarily removed (such as from frictional or screw-threaded connection to the device) to allow access to the interior of the device.
[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, the waste material collection device may be adapted for connection to a source of a fluid other than the toilet. The fluid may be of any suitable form, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid may be water. The purpose of connecting the waste material collection device to a source of fluid may be to provide a fluid to assist in flushing or cleaning the waste material collection device in the event of waste material build-up or solidification.
[0048] The waste material collection device may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials. For instance, the waste material collection vessel may be fabricated from metal, plastic, glass, fibreglass or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste material collection device may be fabricated from a polymeric material. A polymeric material may be preferred as it may be less prone to corrosion than materials such as metal. Any suitable polymeric material may be used, such as, but not limited to Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS), polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, the polymeric material may be UV-resistant, resistant to chemical attack, odour- resistant, stain-resistant and/or at least partially fabricated from a low-stick material (such as Polytetrafluoroethylene).
[0050] In a second aspect, the invention resides broadly in an ultra-low flush toilet assembly, the ultra-low flush toilet assembly comprising an ultra-low flush toilet including a toilet outlet through which waste material is discharged, the toilet outlet being in fluid communication with a waste material collection device according to the first aspect.
[0051 ] The present invention provides numerous advantages over prior art devices. For instance, the present invention provides improved water efficiency of flushing a toilet, as well as the decreased occurrence of pipe blockages due to insufficient water to flush waste such as faeces into a sewer or septic tank.
[0052] In addition, the present invention includes no moving parts, and requires no electrical power source, in order to operate. Thus, the present invention provides a relatively low-cost and low-maintenance device that is adapted to discharge a consistent volume of waste material that is sufficient to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of pipe blockages.
[0053] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
[0054] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0055] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed
Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:
[0056] Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of a waste material collection device;
[0057] Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 ; and
[0058] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1.
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a waste material collection device according to an embodiment of the invention when connected to a toilet.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0060] In Figure 1 there is illustrated a waste material collection device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The waste collection device includes an inlet conduit 1 1 adapted for connection to a toilet (not shown), either directly of via one or more further conduits (not shown) associated with the toilet.
[0061 ] The inlet conduit 1 1 introduces waste material from the toilet into the collection portion 12 through the inlet (obscured). The collection portion 12 is essentially a receptacle in which waste material from the toilet (a slurry of water and human waste, such as faeces and urine, and other material such as toilet paper) is collected. The collection portion 12 is associated with a collection sump 13, at least a portion of which is situated below the base wall 14 of the collection portion 12. And into which waste material flows from the collection portion 12. [0062] The waste material collection device 10 further comprises a discharge portion 15 through which waste material in the collection portion 12 and collection sump 13 is removed and discharged to a sewer or septic tank (not shown).
[0063] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the discharge portion 15 includes a section in the shape of an inverted U. The discharge portion 15 includes a riser portion 16 and a falling portion (obscured) interconnected by a bend 17.
[0064] The riser portion 16 is in fluid communication with the collection sump 13 (and therefore also the collection portion 12) so that waste material exiting the collection portion 12 flows into the riser portion 16, around the bend 17 and through the falling portion (obscured). From the falling portion (obscured) the waste material is discharged from the waste material collection device 10 through an outlet 18.
[0065] It is envisaged that the outlet 18 will be in fluid communication with a sewer or septic tank (not shown) either directly or via one or more conduits (not shown) connected to the outlet 18.
[0066] The riser portion 16 includes a constricted region 19. The constricted region of the riser portion is of reduced diameter, such that the diameter of the riser portion 16 between the collection portion 12 and the constricted portion 19 is greater than the diameter of the riser portion 16 (and/or the bend 17 and/or the falling portion) between the constricted portion 19 and the outlet 18.
[0067] The provision of the constricted portion 19 generates a region of relatively low pressure between the constricted portion 19 and the outlet 18 such that a pressure differential exists between the relatively low pressure at the outlet 18 and the relatively high pressure within the collection portion 12.
[0068] When the pressure differential reaches a predetermined level (determined by the volume of waste material in the collection portion 12) the discharge portion 15 forms a siphon, such that at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion 12 and the collection sump 13 is drawn into the discharge portion 15 and exits the waste material collection device 10 through the outlet 18. [0069] When the pressure differential between the collection portion 12 and the outlet 18 is reduced due to the reduced volume of waste material in the collection portion 12, the siphon effect ceases until such time as sufficient waste material is added to the collection portion 12 to create the pressure differential required between the collection portion 12 and the outlet 18 to re-start the siphon effect.
[0070] The siphon effect may remove all of the waste material from the collection portion 12. Alternatively, a portion of the waste material may remain in the collection portion and/or collection sump 13.
[0071 ] In Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the waste material collection device 10 of Figure 1 is illustrated. In this Figure, it may be clearly seen that the inlet conduit 1 1 introduces waste material into the collection portion 12 through the inlet 20. The inlet 20 is formed as an opening in the upper wall 21 of the collection portion 12.
[0072] In this Figure, the collection sump 13 may be more clearly seen. The collection sump 13 is in fluid communication with the collection portion 12 via an aperture 22 in the base wall 14 of the collection portion 12. In this way, it is envisaged that if there is any waste material in the collection portion 12, it will first enter the collection sump 13 prior to filling the collection portion 12.
[0073] The falling portion 23 of the discharge portion 15 is illustrated in Figure 2. The falling portion 23 comprises a conduit having substantially the same diameter as the constructed portion (not shown in this Figure). The falling portion 23 includes an outlet 24 through which waste material is discharged into an outlet conduit 25 in fluid communication with the outlet 18.
[0074] In Figure 3 there is illustrated an isometric view of the waste material collection device 10 of Figures 1 and 2. In this Figure, the discharge portion 15 may be more clearly seen. The discharge portion 15 comprises a riser portion 16 that includes a constricted region 19 located between the collection sump (obscured) and the bend portion 17. The constricted region 19 generates a region of low pressure between the constricted portion 19 and the outlet 18 such that, when the pressure differential between the collection portion 12 and the region of low pressure reaches a predetermined level, waste material from the collection portion 12 is drawn into the riser portion 16, around the bend 17, along the falling portion 23 and is discharged from the discharge portion 15 through the outlet 18.
[0075] Also illustrated in Figure 3 is a bypass 26. In this embodiment of the invention, the bypass 26 is an opening that brings the collection portion 12 and/or collection sump (obscured) into fluid communication with the outlet conduit 25 so that waste material can flow from the collection portion 12 and/or collection sump
(obscured) into the outlet conduit 25 in the event that, for example, the discharge portion 15 becomes blocked. In this way, the incidence of waste material overflowing of the collection portion 12 (for instance flowing back up the inlet conduit 1 1 towards the toilet) may be reduced or eliminated.
[0076] In Figure 4 there is illustrated a waste material collection device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention when connected to an ultra-low flush toilet 27. In this Figure, the outlet conduit 28 of the toilet 27 is connected to the inlet 20 of the waste material collection device 10, such that when the toilet 27 is flushed, waste material in the toilet bowl (not shown) passes through the outlet conduit 28 and enters the waste material collection device 10 through the inlet 20. More specifically, the waste material enters the collection portion 12 through the inlet 20.
[0077] The discharge portion 15 of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 is located partially within the collection portion 12. In this way, the footprint of the device 10 may be reduced in comparison to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3. This may be advantageous when limited space is available in which to locate the device 10, such as when the device 10 is positioned beneath a toilet 27.
[0078] The collection portion 12 is in fluid communication with a collection sump 13 that is positioned below the base wall 14 of the collection portion 12. When sufficient waste material is in the collection portion 12 to form a pressure differential between the collection portion 12 and the outlet 18 of the discharge portion 15, the waste material will flow from the collection portion 12 into the collection sump 13 and then through the riser portion 16 of the discharge portion 15, around the bend 17 (a portion of which is positioned externally to the collection portion) and the down the falling portion 23 to the outlet 18. The pressure differential is formed by providing the riser portion 16 with a constricted portion (obscured) that acts as a Venturi to form a lower pressure at the outlet 18 compared to within the collection portion, thereby forming a siphon.
[0079] Waste material leaving the discharge portion 15 through the outlet 18 enters a discharge conduit 29 in the form of a pipe. The discharge conduit 29 directs the waste material to a sewer or septic tank (not shown).
[0080] It will be understood that the discharge of waste material from the collection portion 12 through the discharge portion 15 will only occur when the pressure differential between the collection portion 12 and the outlet 18 is sufficient to form a siphon. Thus, the discharge of waste material from the waste material collection device 10 is likely to be periodic, particularly when the device 10 is connected to a single toilet 27 or a small number of toilets. However, in
embodiments of the invention in which the device 10 is collected to a large number of toilets (such as in a sporting stadium, school, hospital, shopping centre, office building or the like) it is possible that the device 10 may discharge waste material continuously, or at least on a much more frequent basis, during peak times such as lunch breaks, breaks in play and so on. The frequency with which waste material will be discharged from the device 10, therefore, is governed by the frequency with which waste material enters the device 10, as well as the volume of waste material that enters the device 10.
[0081 ] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word‘comprising’ and its derivatives including‘comprises’ and‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
[0082] Reference throughout this specification to‘one embodiment’ or‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases‘in one embodiment’ or‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.
[0083] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A waste material collection device for use with one or more plumbing devices, the waste material collection device comprising at least one inlet in fluid
communication with the one or more plumbing devices, a collection portion for receiving waste material from the one or more plumbing devices through the at least one inlet, and a discharge portion, the discharge portion including a pressure adjustment portion and at least one outlet through which at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion is discharged.
2. A waste material collection device according to claim 1 wherein the one or more plumbing devices comprise a toilet.
3. A waste material collection device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one inlet includes an inlet conduit adapted for fluid connection to an outlet of the one or more plumbing devices.
4. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the collection portion is housed substantially entirely within a housing defining the exterior of the waste material collection device.
5. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the collection portion is positioned below the inlet.
6. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the collection portion includes a sloped section to direct the flow of the waste material in the collection portion towards the discharge portion.
7. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a collection sump is formed in the collection portion, at least a portion of the collection sump being located at a positioned below a base wall of the collection portion.
8. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one outlet is in fluid communication with a discharge conduit interconnecting the waste material collection device and a waste material disposal vessel.
9. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the waste material collection device is configured to periodically release a quantity of the waste material collected therein.
10. A waste material collection device according to claim 9 wherein the quantity of the waste material is discharged when the level of waste material collected in the collection portion reaches a predetermined level.
1 1. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pressure adjustment portion is configured to produce a low- pressure region within the discharge portion.
12. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a pressure differential between the collection portion and the low- pressure region is sufficient to draw at least a portion of the waste material in the collection portion into the discharge portion.
13. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the discharge portion comprises a siphon.
14. A waste material collection device according to claim 13 wherein the discharge portion comprises a riser portion and a falling portion, such that the discharge portion is formed substantially in an inverted U shape.
15. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pressure adjustment portion is configured as a Venturi device.
16. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outlet of the discharge portion is positioned below the collection portion.
17. A waste material device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the discharge portion is located externally to the collection portion.
18. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the collection portion comprises one or more vents configured to minimise or eliminate the formation of an airlock during the ingress of waste material into the collection portion and/or the discharge of waste material from the collection portion.
19. A waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the waste collection device is provided with a bypass potion configured to allow for the removal of waste material in the event of a blockage in the discharge portion.
20. A waste material collection portion according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the waste material collection portion is provided with an inspection portion configured to allow a user to view and/or access the interior of the waste material collection device.
21. An ultra-low flush toilet assembly, the ultra-low flush toilet assembly comprising an ultra-low flush toilet including a toilet outlet through which waste material is discharged, the toilet outlet being in fluid communication with a waste material collection device according to any one of the preceding claims.
PCT/AU2020/050193 2019-03-04 2020-03-03 A waste collection device WO2020176933A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2019900694A AU2019900694A0 (en) 2019-03-04 A Waste Collection Device
AU2019900694 2019-03-04

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WO2020176933A1 true WO2020176933A1 (en) 2020-09-10

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Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS493551B1 (en) * 1970-12-30 1974-01-26
US4180875A (en) * 1978-05-16 1980-01-01 Wilson Porter C Urine disposal bypass unit
JP2003268852A (en) * 2002-03-19 2003-09-25 Toto Ltd Stool with crushing and pressure feeding device
WO2007079522A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2007-07-19 Caroma Industries Limited Keeping sewer drainlines clear with low flush toilets or cisterns
JP2013024023A (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-02-04 Toshiyuki Shimote Excrement pulverization connection pipe
WO2014153594A1 (en) * 2013-03-25 2014-10-02 Azzurra Imports Pty Ltd Low flush toilet system
US20150135422A1 (en) * 2013-11-19 2015-05-21 Jongho Enterprise Co., Ltd. Water-saving type toilet stool including intermediate reservoir
US20160083950A1 (en) * 2013-07-17 2016-03-24 Shane Durkin Flush toilet with build-in one-way valve system for use in unclogging clogs and for efficient water-saving flush operations and related methods.
JP2018165442A (en) * 2017-03-28 2018-10-25 Toto株式会社 Pressure-feeding device and toilet device

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS493551B1 (en) * 1970-12-30 1974-01-26
US4180875A (en) * 1978-05-16 1980-01-01 Wilson Porter C Urine disposal bypass unit
JP2003268852A (en) * 2002-03-19 2003-09-25 Toto Ltd Stool with crushing and pressure feeding device
WO2007079522A1 (en) * 2006-01-12 2007-07-19 Caroma Industries Limited Keeping sewer drainlines clear with low flush toilets or cisterns
JP2013024023A (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-02-04 Toshiyuki Shimote Excrement pulverization connection pipe
WO2014153594A1 (en) * 2013-03-25 2014-10-02 Azzurra Imports Pty Ltd Low flush toilet system
US20160083950A1 (en) * 2013-07-17 2016-03-24 Shane Durkin Flush toilet with build-in one-way valve system for use in unclogging clogs and for efficient water-saving flush operations and related methods.
US20150135422A1 (en) * 2013-11-19 2015-05-21 Jongho Enterprise Co., Ltd. Water-saving type toilet stool including intermediate reservoir
JP2018165442A (en) * 2017-03-28 2018-10-25 Toto株式会社 Pressure-feeding device and toilet device

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