(13) United States Patent
`Pohler
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,430,757 B1
`Aug. 13, 2002
`
`US{JU64-3075 TB 1
`
`(54)
`
`SELF-CON'l"AlNI£D TOILET BASIN
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Donald M Pnhler, Rochester, NY (US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: Liberty Pumps lnc., Bergen, NY (US)
`
`Frey
`87199]
`5,038,418 A
`5,983,411 A * ll,-‘I999 Dernorel ...................... .. 4.363
`6,038,710 A *
`3,e’2f.|[JU Baron
`47321
`
`6.129.117 A " IILIIZUUU Ijriksson
`4732]
`()'l‘lIljR PUBl.I(_'/-\‘l'I()NS
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.('T.
`l54(l')) by U days.
`
`accessed May
`www.plumI’)irlg.com7sewagesystems.hlml,
`16, 2001, showing Liberty Pumps"‘IJowl-’ro Sewage Sys-
`tem” and Zoe]1er’s Qwik Jon, accessed May 16, 2001.*
`
`(31)
`
`Appl. No.: 09,553,786
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 21, 2000
`
`(51)
`(52
`(58)
`
`(55)
`
`E030 U00
`Int. Cl.7
`......................................................... .. 47321
`U.S. Cl.
`Field Of Search
`4,"32l—323; 2207254,
`2207367.]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,570,018 A *
`3,582,995 A "
`3_.39?,7e8 A *
`4,377,875 A
`4,653,128 A
`4,704,747 A
`4,947,491 A *
`
`37197] Sargenlel al.
`671971
`linenstein
`
`3.71971 woflord
`371983 Bruhalrken
`371987 Canalizo
`1171087 Brubakken et :1].
`871990 Parkinson et al.
`
`47.323
`4/321
`4.323
`
`4X32]
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`}’ri.mrrry Exrri.uiner—(fharles R. ljlttshway
`(74) Artr)rm'_v, Agent, or Finis Brian B. Shaw,
`Stephen B. Salai, Esq.; Harter, Secrest & Emery LLP
`
`lJ.sq.;
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A sell‘-contained bathroom waste collection and disposal
`unit, having an access cover free of electrical and plumbing
`lixtures is disclosed. The unit includes a reservoir having an
`inlet and a sump opening. The sump opening is sized to
`receive a pump and a float mechanism therethrough. The
`sump opening is closed by a primary cover having venting,
`plumbing and electrical ports and an access cover. The
`access cover can be removed to access the enclosed sump,
`without
`interrupting the venting, plumbing or electrical
`connections.
`
`11 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
`Exhibit 1022
`Exhibit 1022
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 1 M6
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 2 M6
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 4 M6
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`I34
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`I34
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`I8
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 13,2002
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`Sheet 5 0f6
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`U S Patent
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`Aug. 13, 2002
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`Sheet 6 offi
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`US 6,430,757 31
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`1
`SELF-CONTAINED TOILET BASIN
`
`I7Il£I..I) OI? TIIIJ INVIENTION
`
`The present invention relates to self-contained bathroom
`waste collection and disposal uniLs, and more particularly, to
`refuse tanks Ior such units.
`
`BACKGROUND OI‘ TIlI_-I INVENTION
`
`Sell‘-contained bathroom waste collection and disposal
`units have particular utility for constructing bathrooms in
`locations not originally outfitted for such bathrooms. For
`example, such units are often used in the construction of
`bathrooms in an existing basement or on a concrete slab.
`The refuse tanks must be made ol‘ a non-corrosive
`material, must be gas tight and water tight, and must be rigid
`enough to support the weight of a toilet and a person using
`it. Furthermore, the refuse tanks must include a reservoir for
`waste and a pump system to transfer the waste into a sewer
`or septic system.
`It is sometimes necessary to gain access to the reservoir
`for maintenance or repair. In some instances, a problem such
`as clogging, the sticking of a float mechanism or the failure
`of an electrical switch could be simply corrected if it were
`possible to gain access without disturbing plumbing and
`electrical connections.
`
`In prior systems access to the reservoir is gained by
`removing a single cover having plumbing and electrical
`connections attached thereto. However, interrupting these
`connections is time consuming and hence costly.
`Therefol‘e, a need exists to provide a refuse tank for a
`bathroom waste collection and disposal unit with a cover
`which will preclude unnecessary disturbance of the plumb-
`ing and electrical connections. There is a further need for a
`disposal reservoir, wherein pumping components can be
`easily set
`into an operable position, yet mechanically
`retained in those positions to reduce stress on plumbing and
`electrical connections. There is finally a need for a disposal
`reservoir which is lightweight and mechanically strong, yet
`includes handling features so that it is easily transported and
`installed.
`
`SUMMARY OI? 'l'IILi INVL-'.NTI()N
`
`The invention includes a self-contained bathroom waste
`collection and disposal unit having a reservoir configured to
`operably retain a pump and a float—operated switch. The
`reservoir cooperates with a primary cover having plumbing
`and electrical access porLs, and a secondary cover free of
`connecting ports that is readily removed to pennit conve-
`nient access to the reservoir, including the switch (e.g., to
`replace the switch) and the pump inlet (e.g.,
`to remove
`clogs).
`The invention further includes integral, molded features
`for retaining the switch and pump in an operable position.
`For example, a boss on the cover prevents displacement of
`the pump, and molded-in torque stops prevent rotational
`movement of the pump; thereby absorbing the torque of the
`pump as it operates and correspondingly reducing stress on
`plumbing joints.
`The invention further includes molded-in strengthening
`collars and recesses sized to assist
`in transporting and
`installing the unit. A packaging box may be employed with
`reservoir wherein the box includes openings which align
`with the corresponding recesses in the reservoir.
`BRILTIV Dl3S(.'RIP'l'l()N O17 Tllli DRAWINGS
`
`I'll G. I is a perspective view of a self-contained bathroom
`waste collection and disposal unit.
`
`‘Ill
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`15
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`30
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`40
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`60
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`2
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`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reservoir
`FIG. 3 is an alternative perspective view of a reservoir
`whereon are placed a primary and a secondary cover.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the reservoir as seen from
`below.
`
`FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a portion of the reservoir.
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sump with the primary
`cover in place.
`IVIG. 7 shows a cross-section taken along 7—'?' of FIG. 6
`of a pump compartment of the sump.
`FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a package including the
`housing and a container.
`FIG. 9 is an exploded schematic of another embodiment
`showing the covers and a portion of the reservoir.
`FIG. 10 is an exploded schematic of yet another embodi-
`ment showing the covers and a portion of the reservoir.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`the invention pertains to a self-
`Referring to FIG. 1,
`contained toilet unit 10, for the collection and disposal of
`bathroom waste. Typically,
`the unit 10 is employed in a
`basement or other location where a conventional system
`which relies on gravity to provide drainage cannot function.
`The unit 10 includes a substantially L—shaped reservoir 12,
`which has an outside front 14 and an outside rear 16. The
`
`I.-shaped reservoir includes a generally horizontal portion
`and a vertical portion.
`As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a horizontal part of the L-shaped
`reservoir includes a platform area 20 which is covered
`except for an inlet 22, above which can be placed a toilet
`basin 30. The platform area 20 has a lloor 24 with a flat
`portion 26 which extends from directly beneath the inlet 22
`to a sump 40. The sump 40 has a sump floor 42 level with
`the fiat portion 26 of the inlet floor 24. To the front and rear
`of the inlet 22, the inlet fioor 24 has ramps 28 which slope
`downward on either side of the [lat portion 26 until they
`meet the sump floor 42, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown
`in FIG. 4, the platform area 20 has molded-in cylindrical
`reinforcing studs 32 which support the weight of the basin
`30 and a user.
`
`The vertical part of the I.-shaped reservoir includes the
`sump 40 which has a pump compartment 44, a switch
`compartment 46, opposed sides 48 and a top perimeter 52.
`The sump 40 has a sump opening 54 sized to admit a pump
`80 and a switch 90, and configured to subsequently provide
`access thereto. Starting from the switch compartment 46 and
`extending part way along the sides 48, the perimeter 52 is
`level and includes; inclined portions 56 which slope down-
`ward to the pump compartment 44 where the perimeter is
`once again level.
`Optionally, a partition 34 is provided between the basin 30
`and the sump 40. The unit 10 may be built-in with the
`partition 34 [onning part of a building wall. Although the
`sump opening 54 and associated perimeter 52 are shown as
`lying in a plurality of planes,
`it
`is understood the sump
`opening may lie in a single plane.
`The sump 40 has various integrally moulded members, as
`will be individually described, which provide for easily
`locating and accommodating the pump 80 and the switch 90.
`The pump 80 includes a discharge port 82, and is sup-
`ported on three legs 84. Molded into the sump floor 42 are
`three recesses or torque stops 58 configured to receive the
`legs 84. The torque stops 58 absorb rotational forces created
`
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`during operation of the pump 80. Preferably, the torque stops
`58 are configured to be compatible with a standard pump.
`As seen in FIG. 6, the switch 90 is operably connected by
`a connecting rod 92 to a lloat 94- and is actuated thereby
`when the waste reaches a predetermined depth. The switch
`90 rests on a shelf 60 integrally molded into the reservoir 12,
`and is accommodated in a recess 62 that is bounded by a
`molded rib 64- and a stop 66. Aslot 70 is provided in the shelf
`60 to accommodate the connecting rod 92.
`The shelf 60 is contiguous with a curved wall 72 that faces
`the pump 80 and extends to merge with a horizontal
`strengthening flange 74, which is disposed around the inside
`of the pump compartment 44-, as indicated in FIG. 7. The
`curved wall 72 forms a bridge between the sides 48 of the
`sump 40, and does not impede fluid communication between
`the pump compartment 44 and the switch compartment 46.
`In the preferred embodiment, a primary cover 100 is sized
`to be removably attached at the reservoir 12 at the sump
`opening 54, including the inclined portions 56 thereof and
`the pump compartment 44, using fasteners such as screws
`102 which engage with primary fastening points 104. The
`primary cover 100 has a threaded discharge or plumbing port
`106, a threaded venting port 108 and an electrical port 110.
`The primary cover 100 also has a depending boss 112.
`Preferably, a tubular extension 114 concentric with the
`plumbing port 106 extends beneath the underside of the
`primary cover 100.
`A secondary cover 120 is sized to be removably attached
`to the reservoir 12 adjacent to the switch compartment 46,
`by fasteners such as screws 122 which engage with fastening
`points 124. When both covers are in place, ir1 a preferred
`configuration the secondary cover "120 overlaps a protruding
`portion 116 ofthe primary cover 100. The primary cover 100
`provides the electrical, plumbing and venting interface with
`the unit 10, while the secondary cover 120 is free of interface
`structures. The secondary cover 120 can thereby be readily
`removed from the reservoir 12 to provide access to the
`sump, the pump and the float switch without disconnecting
`electrical, plumbing or venting lines from the unit.
`The primary and secondary covers 100, 120 have been
`specified in terms of a particular spatial relationship with
`each other, but other configurations are possible. For
`example, the secondary cover 120 may be located at one
`corner of the switch compartment 46, with the primary cover
`100 occupying the remainder of the sump opening 54.
`Another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9,
`has the primary cover 100 covering the entire sump 40, and
`the secondary cover "120 placed over an access. opening 118
`which is entirely bounded by the primary cover 100. In yet
`another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the sump opening 54
`may be divided by a bridging member 76, the primary and
`secondary covers 100 and 120 being attached to the reser-
`voir 12 on opposite sides of the bridging member 76.
`The reservoir 12 is handled and installed as follows. The
`
`reservoir 12 is typically received as part of a package 130
`which includes a packing container 132 with openings 134,
`as illustrated in FIG. 8. Preferably, the primary and second-
`ary covers 100 and 120 are included in the package 130.
`When the reservoir 12 is fully inserted into its container 132,
`two pairs of opposed recessed handles 18 in the outside front
`14 and the outside rear 16 of the reservoir 12 align with the
`container openings 134-, facilitating mechanical and manual
`handling. The reservoir 12 is removed from the packing
`container 132 and placed ir1 its desired location with appro-
`priate plumbing and electrical services available.
`The basin 30 is positioned, affixed and sealed above the
`inlet 22 in the same manner as a conventional installation is
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`secured to a floor, and connected to a water supply in the
`normal manner. The pump 80 is lowered into position so that
`each of its legs 34 is received by one of the torque stops 58.
`It is oriented so that the discharge port 82, which includes an
`upwardly directed discharge pipe 86,
`is aligned with the
`intended location of the discharge opening 106.
`The switch 90 is placed in the locating recess 62 so that
`it rests on the shelf 60, with the connecting rod 92 passing
`downward through a slot 70 and terminating at the float 94.
`An electrical connection 14-1} from the switch 90 and a
`second electrical connection 142 from the pump 80 are
`passed from the underside of the primary cover 100, through
`the electrical opening 110 to the outside, to be connected
`together and plugged in to an electrical supply. A grommet
`144- is provided which seals the electrical opening .110 and
`which also seals itself around the electrical connections 14-0
`and 142.
`
`At this point, the primary cover 100 can be removably
`instafled over the pump compartment 44, in the process of
`which the discharge pipe 86 is slidingly received into the
`extension 114 of the discharge ripening 106. The primary
`cover 100 is aflixed at
`the fastening points 104 to the
`perimeter 52 using the screws 102, following which the
`secondary cover is similarly put
`in place over the switch
`compartment 46, overlapping the protruding portion 116 of
`the primary cover 100.
`is now threadedly
`illustrated,
`Art outflow pipe, not
`engaged with the discharge plumbing port 106, to connect
`with a disposal means such as a sewer or septic system.
`Similarly, a vent pipe is lhreadedly engaged with the vent
`opening 108, to direct away fumes from the reservoir 12,
`which is now etfectively sealed ofl‘ from its immediate
`surroundings.
`The unit 10 can be used and flushed normally like a
`conventional installation. With each use the level of waste
`
`rises in reservoir 12 and in the sump 40 in particular, causing
`the float 94 to rise and urge the connecting rod 92 upward.
`At the predetermined depth of waste, the float 94 has risen
`sufliciently for the connecting rod 92 to actuate the switch
`90, powering the pump to eject the accumulated waste from
`the reservoir 12 through the discharge pipe 86, the outllow
`pipe 116, and finally into the disposal system. The switch 90
`actuates again to turn oil‘ the power when the float 94 has
`fallen in response to the waste having receded to a prede-
`termined minimum depth.
`The torque stops 58 preclude any tendency ofthe pump 80
`when operating to be displaced from its correct position.
`Vibration is inhibited by the engagement of the discharge
`pipe 36 with the extension 114 ofthe discharge opening 106,
`and also by the boss 112 which is configured to contact the
`pump 80 minimize any vertical movement.
`(flearance
`between the top of the switch 90 and the underside of the
`secondary cover 120 is minimized, so that
`the switch 90
`cannot move upward in response to the rising float 94.
`It has been noted that the inlet floor 24 has a flat portion
`26 and raised portions 28 which slope downwardly to meet
`the sump floor 42. The sloping portions 28 are intended to
`provide that under gravity, sediment
`in the waste will
`migrate to the sump floor 42. The flat portion 26 of the inlet
`Hour 24 is directly in the path of incoming waste, which is
`there fore effectively llushed towards the sump floor 42.
`When the unit 10 malfunctions, it is necessary to open the
`sump 40 for inspection. Sometimes, the malfunction may be
`caused for example by a blockage or by the float sticking,
`and it may be simply co1Tected. In existing systems, it is
`necessary to disturb or disconnect plumbing, venting and
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`US 6,430,757 B1
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`5
`electrical oonnections in order to remove a oover to allow the
`malfunction to be corrected. In the present invention, the
`secondary cover 120 is easily removable, it being necessary
`only to disengage the fasteners 122 from the fastening points
`124 without
`inte1Tupting plumbing, venting or electrical
`connections. If after inspection it
`is found necessary to
`remove the primary cover 100,
`it can be removed be
`disengaging the fasteners 102 from the fastening points 104,
`and the plumbing and electrical fixtures can be disengaged.
`However, if the malfunction is correctable alter removal of
`only the secondary cover 120, the time, labor and wear-and-
`tear involved in removing the primary cover 100 will have
`been avoided.
`
`The reservoir 12 is typically fabricated preferably from
`low density polyethylene, or alternatively from some other
`mouldable material such as fiberglass. The covers are prel-
`erably fabricated from polypropylene or other moldable
`material such as ABS.
`While the invention has been described in connection
`with certain embodimenLs, it is not intended to limit the
`scope of the invention to the particular form set liorth, but on
`the contrary,
`it
`is intended to cover such alternatives,
`modifications, and equivalents as may be included within
`the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
`appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A housing for bathroom waste, comprising:
`(a) a reservoir having a platform area including an inlet
`for receiving bathroom waste into the reservoir and a
`sump, the sump being open at
`its top and the sump
`opening being sized to receive a pump and a float
`mechanism therethrough;
`(b) a primary cover attachable to the reservoir and con-
`figured to occlude a portion of the sump opening, the
`primary cover including one of a plumbing port, a
`venting port or an electrical supply port; and
`(c) a secondary cover attachable to the reservoir and
`configured to occlude a remaining portion ol‘ the sump
`opening,
`(d) the reservoir having torque stops including raised
`bosses sized and positioned to restrict pump movement
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`during one of transportation of the housing and opera-
`tion of the pump.
`2. The housing of claim 1, wherein the primary cover
`includes an access port and the secondary cover is sized to
`occlude the access port.
`3. The housing of claim 1, further comprising a curved
`wall that faces the pump and forms a bridge extending across
`the sump.
`4. The housing of claim 1, wherein the primary cover
`includes a boss sized to contact the pump.
`5. The housing of claim 1, wherein the secondary cover is
`free of plumbing ports, venting ports and electrical ports.
`6. The housing of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is
`integrally molded.
`7. The housing of claim 6, wherein the reservoir includes
`locating members sized to contact the pump or the float
`mechanism, the locating members including a shelf, a rib
`and a stop.
`8. The housing of claim 6, wherein the reservoir includes
`strengthening studs beneath the platform area.
`9. A housing for bathroom wastes comprising:
`a) a reservoir having an inlet for bathroom wastes and a
`sump, the sump having an open top sizred to receive a
`pump and a lloat mechanism therethrough;
`b) a primary cover configured to occlude a portion of the
`sump open top, the primary cover including one of a
`plumbing port, a venting port or an electrical port;
`c) a secondary cover configured to occlude a remaining
`portion of the sump open top; and
`d) the primary cover including a boss sized to contact the
`pump.
`10. A housing for bathroom wastes as in claim 9 wherein
`the reservoir is integrally molded and has torque stops
`including raised bosses sired and positioned to restrict pump
`movement during one of transporting of the housing and
`operation of the pump.
`11. A housing for bathroom wastes as in claim 9 wherein
`the reservoir is integrally molded and includes locating
`members sized to contact the pump or the float mechanism,
`the locating members including a shelf, a rib and a stop.
`it
`is
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