Apparatus for collecting solid or liquid wastes

[57] ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting solid or liquid wastes, for example a closet or latrine, in which one end of a hose of thin, preferably tight, flexible material is passed down into a container, said hose end being sealed to form a hose bag structure adapted to receive the waste within the container, while the other end of the hose is passed over the upper edge of the container and stowed together with a considerable length of said hose in a storage space outside the container, to form a supply source from which the hose is fed successively into the container as the apparatus is used, and in which apparatus the container rests on a tubular support structure through which the hose is passed to a collecting vessel.

Claims, 14 Drawing Figures

PATEHTEDMAY 3 Ο 1972

SHEET 1 OF 5

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PATENTEDMAT30 1872

SHEET 2 OF 5

3,665,522

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ΡΑΪΒΙΤΕΟΜΑΥ30 1972

3,665,522

SHEET 3 GF 5

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PATENTED ΜΛϊ 30 1972

3,665,522

SHEET U OF 5

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PATENTED HAY 3 Ο 1972

3.665,522

SHEET 5 CF 5

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3,665,522

APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING SOLID OR LIQUID WASTES

The present invention provides an improved and simplified means for sealing and conveying the enclosed packet of waste passed down to the tubular support structure. These simplifications are obtained by providing the apparatus of the invention with a down-feeder means which, unobstructed by the bulky waste-filled hose bag structure is capable of feeding the same down through a given distance, and further providing a mechanism arranged immediately beneath, immediately above or integral with said down-feeder means the mechanism comprising means by which the hose is gripped and sealed at one or more positions. The hose may be sealed at two adjacent spaced apart positions, or at one position covering a relatively long portion of the hose.

The sealing mechanism may optionally be constructed so that the hose is parted between two such, adjacent hose sealing positions, or approximately in the center of the extended single sealing position.

The construction of the sealing means can be varied in many ways within the purview of the invention. For example, the sealing means may be adapted to turn the portion of the hose passed down into the container, so as to twist the hose at one or more positions in a manner wherein the waste passed 25 down through the hose is enclosed between said positions. Another conceivable form of the sealing means of the invention is one which wraps adhesive tape about the hose in a manner which encloses the waste fed down said hose between two sealed positions. The hose may also be sealed by means of 30 heat, or electrically or chemically, by applying hardeners or adhesives thereto. Sealing may also be effected by squeezing the hose together and then applying mechanical clamping or wrapping means at one or more positions there along. In this latter example, the sealing means may have the form of an iris 35 diaphragm, which encircles and clamps the hose at one or more positions along its length.

The hose, however, is preferably sealed by welding the same suitably immediately above the down-feeder means or by means of a welding device embodied in the down-feeder ⁴⁰means itself.

The down-feeder means employed in accordance with the invention comprises two rolls, which are preferably of equal size and which extend transversely of the feed direction of the hose, the hose being passed between the rolls and the rolls ⁴³urged towards each other and rotated in opposite directions at the same speed, the rolls being provided with ridge like portions around the circumference thereof, which, when sealing the hose within or immediately beneath the down-feeder means, substantially tightly abut each other axially in one or ⁵⁰more positions of rotation, while the remainder of the cylindrical surface of the rolls is recessed, thereby providing a much smaller radial extension axially along said rolls, to enable the waste enclosed in the hose to be carried between the rolls. The ₅$ rolls in this embodiment may be of such diameter that the ridge-like portions confront each other when the length of the hose fed down through the rolls corresponds to the distance from the lower portion of the container to its upper edge.

If a device for severing the hose is used, the severed portion gQ of the hose with the waste enclosed therein will fall down onto the underlying collecting vessel or conveying means.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically and in section an apparatus ¢5 of the invention in the form of a closet.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus in perspective and provided with a down-feed pedal.

FIG. 3 shows a part of the upper portion of the apparatus and the hose guide structure around the upper edge of the 70 container.

FIG. 4 shows in section another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention.

FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 show different embodiments of rollers used for down-feeding of the collecting hose. 75

FIG. 9 shows diagrammatically and in side view a third embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, in which the hose is sealed by welding.

FIG. 10 is a view of another device for sealing the hose by welding, seen from the long side.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the hose welding device illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a view of a welding jaw which forms part of the device illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the welding jaw illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows two coacting conveying means provided with radially and outwardly projecting ridges, which cooperate to clamp and weld a plastic hose.

FIG. 1 illustrates a container 1 in the form of a closet basin, into which a hose 2, preferably made of soft, tight, flexible plastic material, is passed from a store 3 located outside the toilet basin. The hose is fed down into the container by means of two rolls 4, 5, adapted to be driven by drive means (not shown) in opposite directions of rotation, to feed the hose therebetween. The rolls, which lie transversally of the downfeed direction of the hose, are adapted to be urged into contact with each other and the hose.

Arranged beneath the down-feeder means is a sealing device, which comprises two mechanisms which function according to the principle of an iris diaphragm. The mechanisms 6, 7 are arranged in spaced relationship and form part of a tubular support structure 8, on which the closet rests. Arranged between the mechanisms 6, 7 is a device 9 for severing the hose, so that the sealed, lower portion thereof is able to fall down to the lower portion of the tubular support structure. The sealing means and severing means may be operated mechanically or manually. In the exemplary embodiment, the operating means comprises a pedal or the like situated close to the floor, which, through the intermediary of suitable gearing 10, activates the two iris diaphragm mechanisms and the severing device. Consequently, when depressing the pedal, the hose is squeezed and sealed, optionally at two positions, and then cut between these two positions.

The hose can be sealed by application of any of the aforementioned expedients, none of which are shown in detail in the drawings.

If the down-feeder rolls are operated electrically or by a similar source of power, the arrangement must be such that it ensures that the rolls stop in a position in which they completely seal the hose therebetween. The rolls should suitably be so constructed that only small, sector-like portions thereof abut each other when the rolls are in rest position. Accordingly, the rolls should have a considerably reduced radial extension along a major portion of their axial length.

FIG. 2 shows the sealing mechanism operating pedal 11. The convolutions of the hose, stored in a storage space outside container 1, can be seen through a window position adjacent the pedal, thus enabling it to be seen when a new hose must be provided in the storage space.

To ensure that the hose can be passed unobstructed over the upper edge of the closet basin, there is provided a protecting strip 12 (FIG. 3), which covers the joint between the closet basin and the outer wall 13 of said closet. The strip 12 is attached to the outer wall and lies loosely over the upper edge of the basin. The hose is passed from beneath the strip from the storage space to the closet basin; a second purpose of the strip being to prevent objects from falling down into the hose storage space.

FIG. 4 illustrates a double-wall container 14, which is intended to serve as a closet support structure, the seat of the closet being indicated by numeral 15 and the lid by numeral 16. Arranged within the support structure is a container 1, which is open at both ends and tapers towards the bottom thereof. The support 14 has the form of an outer container which encloses the container 1. The outer container 14 presents at the bottom thereof an opening through which it communicates with a waste collecting container 17. The annu3,665,522 lar space between the walls of the outer container 14 is divided to form a storage space 3 for a folded hose 2 of relatively unrestricted length. The hose is passed over the upper edge of the container 1 and arranged so that it follows the contours of the inside of said container. The hose is fed out through the hole in the bottom of the container 1 and caused to pass in the peripheral space between two opposing rolls 4α, 5α, different embodiments of which are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The hose is passed from the double wall container 14, serving as the closet support structure, down into the collecting container 17. The diameter of the two rolls 4α, 5α is selected so that, subsequent to having been turned one revolution, e.g., by means of a hand crank or en electric motor, the length of hose passed down through the container corresponds to the amount of hose remaining in the space above the rolls after normal use.

FIG. 5 illustrates in section an embodiment of a roll adapted to feed down the hose 2, the roll presenting a narrow, sectorlike solid portion at the top, while the remainder of the roll presents at least two, in the exemplary embodiment three, flange-like portions which extend across the full diameter of the rolls, the portions lying between the flanges leaving free two grooves. The swollen portion of the hose containing the waste can be fed down between these grooves. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the main portion of the roll is identified by the numeral 18 and the three flanges by the numeral 19.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate two embodiments ofthe rolls 4α and 5a shown in FIG. 4. One or both of the rolls 4a, 5a are provided with movement transmission means in the form of a tooth or cam-like projection 20, which is intended to engage with the peripheral surface of a groove-like recess 21 in the opposing roll, to form a nip, so that subsequent to using the closet the content in the hose can be retained isolated from the ambient surroundings.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment in which both rolls 4a, 5a are provided with the movement transmission means, while FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which only one of said rolls is provided with the movement transmission means.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, means may be provided for sealing the hose at the roll nip. To facilitate sealing of the hose the inner surface thereof may be coated with an adhesive. It is also conceivable to twist the hose one turn, e.g., by means of the roll pair 4α, 5α, to form a knotted separating position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of rollers used for feeding down the hose 2. The roll illustrated in the Figure is provided with three recesses 22, which extend axially of the roll. The ends of the recesses fall short of the respective side surface of the roll, to form circular disc-shaped end sections ' on said rolls, these sections being intended to engage the hose during its passage through the rolls. Extending axially across the roll between each recess is a ridge member 23a, which cooperates with the peripheral surface of the opposing roll, , thereby clamping the hose to isolate the contents thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 there is shown the double wall container 14, the seat 15 and the lid 16. The container 14 provides a space 3 defined by a wall 24 and serving as a storage space for the hose 2. As with the embodiment described above, the hose is passed over the upper edge ofthe wall 24 and caused to follow the contours of the inner surface of the wall 24 when the closet is to be used. The seat 15 and the lid 16 rest against a firm support ring 25 connected to the container 14 and having a conical inlet portion 26.

Positioned at the bottom of the container are two rolls 4b, 5b of the type illustrated in FIG. 8, the purpose of the rolls being to draw the hose to the position shown in chain lines subsequent to using the closet, the ridge like portions of the rolls clamping the hose together at a hose constricting posi- 70 tion. Also arranged at the bottom of the container 14 are two welding jaws 27 and 28, each of which is provided at the end thereof with a welding device 29. The welding device 29 when in the position in which the jaws are pivoted to working position — also indicated by chain lines — presses the hose at the 75 position where it is constricted to weld the same, thereby isolating the contents from the outer atmosphere.

It has been discovered that a better result is obtained if the hose is welded subsequent to being drawn together by means of the cooperating ridges on the rolls.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a frame structure having two side pieces or plates 30, 31, and connecting cross pieces 32, 33. The side pieces 30,31 carry therebetween two hose conveying means 4b, 5b journalled for rotation in said side pieces. The two conveying means comprise respectively two side rolls, the side rolls in one member being indicated by numerals 34, 35 and the side rolls in the other member being indicated by numerals 36, 37. The rolls 34 and 36 and 35 and 37 respectively are in opposing and engaging relationship. Each roll is mounted for rotation on an associated shaft, the shaft of the rolls 34 and 35 being indicated by numeral 38 and the shaft of the rolls 36 and 37 being indicated by numeral 39. The rolls 34, 35 are connected in pairs with an intermediate member in the form of a bearing sleeve, the bearing sleeve in the roll pair 34,35 being indicated by numeral 40 and the bearing sleeve of roll pair 36, 37 being indicated by numeral 41. Projecting from the surface of each sleeve are three cams, spaced at an angle of 120° in relation to each other, the cams on the bearing sleeve 40 being indicated by numerals 42, 43, 44 and the cams on the bearing sleeve 41 being indicated by numerals 45, 46, 47. The cams 42, 43, 44 associated with each bearing sleeve 40 are made integral with the sleeve and with the corresponding rolls 34, 35; the same applying to the cams 45, 46, 47 and the corresponding bearing sleeve 41 and rolls 46,47.

As will be seen from the drawing, each conveying means is adapted to engage together with its opposing roller the hose passing from the storage space down through the container. The rolls 34 and 36 grip the hose on one side while the other side is gripped by rolls 35 and 37. The cams projecting from each bearing sleeve of the conveying means, said cams in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 projecting in between the space defined by two adjacent cams of the opposing conveying means, also contribute towards moving the hose.

For the purpose of welding the hose advanced in the space between the conveying means, there are provided two coacting welding jaws 48, 49 (FIGS. 12 and 13). One ofthe welding jaws 48 is provided with two pivot arms 50, 51, the two working positions of which are shown in FIG. 10, the working position being shown by chain lines and the rest position shown by full lines. For the purpose of moving the welding jaw 48 to working position there are provided two corresponding movement arms 52, 53, each of which engages the upper end of its corresponding support arm 50 and 51, respectively. The movement arms 52, 53 are connected together by means of a cross member 54, which is actuated at the center thereof by another arm 55, the movement of which is controlled by a crank shaft 56 journalled in the side plates 30 and 31.

The stationary welding jaw 49 coacting with the welding jaw 48 is attached to two stationary arms 57, 58, which in turn are fixedly mounted in the side plates 30 and 31. The position taken by the movement arms 52, 53 when the welding jaws 48, 49 are moved to operating position is shown by chain lines, as is also the movement of the crank shaft 56 (FIG. 10).

Each welding jaw 48, 49 comprises a body member 59, a resilient pad 60 and a so-called impulse strip 61 (a strip of metal of low resistivity) having a narrow strip of silver soldered thereto (not shown), the latter strip being turned towards the opposing jaw, all the elements 59, 60, 61 being contained in a Teflon casing 62. A cable is provided in each end of the welding jaws for the purpose of conveying current to and from the strip 61, the cable to the left being indicated by numeral 63 and the one to the right by numeral 64. Each welding jaw is attached to its associating arm by means of screws 65. Secured by means of a sleeve 66 at each end of the welding jaw is a connecting device 67 adapted to connect the heat developing means of the welding jaw with a power source. The purpose of the narrow silver strip embodied in the impulse strip 61 is to concentrate the heat emitted by the jaw

3,665 5 to a localized narrow zone, thereby enabling a compact weld to be made on the clamped hose 2.

The distance of the crank pin from the crank shaft 56 is adapted so that the movable jaw 48, in its position of engagement with the opposing jaw 49, is urged against said jaw at a 5 certain pressure, simultaneously as the material is deformed in the pad. The hose 2 is, in this way, squeezed together to the necessary extent for obtaining an effective weld at the intended position by the heat emitted from the jaws 48,49. The arrangement with the two welding jaws, which in the position in which they effect a weld are urged together under pressure, is particularly advantageous if the hose is constricted at the place where it is to be welded.

FIG. 14 illustrates a modified form of the welding device. In this embodiment, the welding is incorporated in two coacting cams associated with different conveying means. More specifically, the drawing illustrates how a plastic hose 2 is passed between two conveying means 4c and 5c respectively. Each member is adapted to rotate about a shaft. The shaft of left hand member being indicated by numeral 68 and the one shaft ²⁰on the right hand member being indicated by numeral 69. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, each member comprises a sleeve 70 and 71, respectively. Projecting from each sleeve are three cams, which are spaced apart at an angle 25 of 120° to each other, the cams of each member being so orientated in relation to each other that they engage each other along a flat upper surface 72. On the upper surface of each cam is provided an impulse strip 73, and a resilient pad 74. The impulse strip and the silver strip (not shown) em- 30 bodied therein is covered by a Teflon protective casing 75. The two members, 4c, Sc, are so arranged in relation to each other that cooperating cams in the position of engagement with each other are urged against their respective confronting surfaces simultaneously as the pressure is taken up by the 35 pads, of which one is indicated by numeral 74. In this way conditions are created under which the heat emitter of the welding means, i.e., the impulse strip 73, can conduct heat, via the protective casing 75, to the welding position, to provide an effective, tight weld without adherence taking place by burning. 40

In order that the working position of the apparatus can be ,522 set to a satisfactory degree of accuracy, means can be provided which always stop the drive movement in one and the same distinct working position. This can be achieved by providing a movement transmitting sleeve 76 with cams 77 which actuate a microswitch 78 controlling the rotation of the motor. In this way, the motor can be de-energized and caused to stop always in the same working position.