U.S. patent application number 15/135504 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-04 for smart portable toilet and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to TON DUC THANG UNIVERSITY. The applicant listed for this patent is TOAN VAN LUU. Invention is credited to TOAN VAN LUU.
Application Number | 20210059489 15/135504 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005399680 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210059489 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUU; TOAN VAN |
March 4, 2021 |
Smart Portable Toilet and Method
Abstract
A smart portable toilet bowl is disclosed including a bottom
tank releasably connected to a top tank, a hollow ball valve means
operative to open when the toilet seat is open and close when the
toilet seat is closed, and a controller operative to detecting when
a user starts to use said smart portable toilet, starting a
deodorizing fan to introduce antibacterial and deodorizing
materials into the top tank and at the same time start an extractor
fan to draw out odor, and when the user finishes using the toilet,
activating a spray nozzle to clean the user for a first
predetermined amount of time, drying up the user using drying fan
for a second predetermined amount of time, and cleaning the toilet
bowl using a flushing ring for a third predetermined amount of
time.
Inventors: |
LUU; TOAN VAN; (Ho Chi Minh
City, VN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LUU; TOAN VAN |
Ho Chi Minh City |
|
VN |
|
|
Assignee: |
TON DUC THANG UNIVERSITY
|
Family ID: |
1000005399680 |
Appl. No.: |
15/135504 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 17/00 20130101;
A47K 11/04 20130101; A47K 13/24 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 17/00 20060101
A47K017/00; A47K 11/04 20060101 A47K011/04; A47K 13/24 20060101
A47K013/24 |
Claims
1. A smart portable toilet bowl, comprising: a bottom tank; a top
tank releasably connected to said top tank; a toilet seat, hingedly
connected to said top tank at the back end, configured to open and
close vertically at the front end of said top tank; a toilet cover,
hingedly connected to the said toilet seat at the rear end,
configured to open and close vertically at the front end of said
top tank, wherein said top tank further comprises a front
compartment and a back compartment, said front compartment further
includes a funnel-shaped basin connected to a discharge conduit at
the bottom of said funnel-shaped basin, wherein said discharge
conduit further having a top opening and a bottom opening; a hollow
ball valve means comprising a spherical ball having solid side and
a hollow side, located underneath said lower opening of said
discharge conduit, in communication with said toilet seat so that
said solid side is rotated toward said top opening when said toilet
cover is closed down, and wherein said hollow side is rotated
toward said top opening when said toilet seat is open.
2. The smart portable toilet of claim 1 wherein said hollow ball
valve means further comprises a gear shaft, an actuating arm, a
rotating arm, an actuating arm connected to said spherical ball,
and wherein said toilet seat and said toilet cover are in
communication with said hollow ball valve by a spur gear, wherein
said spur gear is connected to said gear shaft, said actuating arm,
said rotating arm, and said actuating arm.
3. The smart portable toilet bowl of claim 1 wherein said bottom
tank comprises a hollow storage for containing water and waste
materials, said bottom tank further comprises a back side, a front
side, a left side, a right side, and a top side, wherein: said back
side further comprises a first wheel and a second wheel; said top
side further comprises a back lift handle and a sliding valve,
wherein said, sliding valve further comprises a rectangular cover
having a circular opening substantially the same size as and are
substantially aligned with said lower opening of said discharge
conduit; wherein said sliding vale further comprises a handle
operative to open and close said rectangular cover; said left side
further comprises a first quick release locking mechanism and said
right side further comprises a second quick release locking
mechanism for releasably connecting said bottom tank to said top
tank; said top side further comprises a front lift handle and a
retractable pull handle, said retractable pull handle configured to
retract into said lower section; and said back side further
comprises a waste evacuation opening with a cap located
substantially at the bottom of said back side operative to release
waste materials and used water from said bottom tank.
4. The smart portable toilet bowl of claim 1 wherein said back side
further comprises a first wheel recess configured to contain said
first wheel, a second wheel recess configured to contain said
second wheel.
5. The smart portable toilet bowl of claim 1 wherein said left side
further comprises a first bottom lock recess and a first locking
pin, said right side further comprises a second bottom lock recess
and a second locking pin.
6. The smart portable toilet of claim 1 wherein said top side
further comprises a back lift recess configured to contain said
back lift handle.
7. The smart portable toilet of claim 3 wherein said retractable
pull has handled further comprises a pair of telescopic arms.
8. The smart portable toilet of claim 1 wherein said top tank
further comprises a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom
side, a left side, and a right side, wherein said left side further
comprises a first top lock recess and said right side further
comprises a second top lock recess.
9. The smart portable toilet of claim 8 further comprises a first
locking plate having a first tab for coupling into said first
locking pin and a second locking plate having a second tab for
coupling into said right locking pin.
10. The smart portable toilet of claim 1 wherein said top tank
further comprises a front chamber and a back chamber, said front
chamber further comprising a flushing ring having a plurality of
apertures disposed around the periphery of said flushing ring for
discharging water into said funnel-shaped basin.
11. The smart portable toilet of claim 9 further comprises a spray
nozzle protruding from the back side of said funnel-shaped basin
for cleaning a user.
12. The smart portable toilet of claim 10 further comprises a
deodorizing fan and an extractor fan.
13. The smart portable toilet of claim 10 further comprises a water
pump connected to said, flushing ring and said spray nozzle.
14. The smart portable toilet of claim 12 further comprises: a
deodorizing chamber located on said top side of said top tank; a
deodorizing device, located in said deodorizing chamber, configured
to provide deodorizing and anti-bacteria materials to said top
tank; a lid configured to cover said deodorizing chamber; and a
plurality of deodorizing openings located at said back side of said
second segment, wherein upon activation by a user said controller
causes said deodorizing fan to introduce said deodorizing and
antibacterial materials into said top tank.
15. The smart portable toilet of claim 13 wherein said second
section further comprises a water inlet located at said top side of
said top tank and an evacuation cap.
16. The smart portable toilet of claim 14 further comprises: a
controller electrically coupled to control said water pump, said
deodorizing fan, and said extractor fan; and a plurality of sensors
operative to sense when a user starts and finishes to use said
smart portable toilet.
17. The smart portable toilet of claim 15 wherein said controller
is coupled to said plurality of sensors to detect when a user
starts to use said smart portable toilet and perform the following
steps: detecting when a user starts to use said smart portable
toilet, starting said deodorizing fan to introduce antibacterial
and deodorizing materials into said upper segment and at the same
time start said extractor fan to draw out odor; when the user
finishes using said toilet, activating said spray nozzle to clean
user for a first predetermined amount of time; drying up the user
using drying fan for a second predetermined amount of time; and
cleaning said funnel-shaped basin using said, flushing ring for a
third predetermined amount of time.
18. A method of using a smart portable toilet which comprises a
bottom tank releasably connected to an top tank, a toilet seat, a
cover connected to a hollow ball valve mechanism, a flushing ring,
a spray nozzle, an extractor fan, and a deodorizing fan,
comprising: opening said toilet seat for use; rotating said hollow
ball valve mechanism to open a discharge conduit located in said
top tank; beginning to use said toilet; start deodorizing fan to
introduce antibacterial and deodorizing materials into said top
tank and at the same time start said extractor fan to extract odor
from said top tank; when the user finishes using said toilet,
activating the spray nozzle to clean user for a first predetermined
amount of time; drying up the user using drying fan for a second
predetermined amount of time; cleaning said toilet bowl, using
flushing ring for a third predetermined amount of time; and upon
closing said cover, rotate said hollow ball valve mechanism to
close up said discharge conduit.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: examining whether
said bottom tank is filled up, if said bottom tank is filled up,
disassemble said bottom tank from said top tank by using a pair of
latching mechanism; and bringing said lower section to a known
toilet location, open an evacuation cap and empty the content of
said lower section.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising determining whether
said upper section has sufficient water to use, if said upper
section does not have sufficient water, refilling the water for
said upper section before use.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This is a patent related to a toilet bowl device. More
particularly, this patent relates to a portable and intelligent
toilet.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Toilet bowls are among the most important inventions that
improve human hygiene. Modern toilet bowls are usually placed in a
fixed location and have two ends: one end connected to a water
source and the other end connected to a waste tank. Because of such
fixation, patients in a hospital, especially post-surgery patients
or patients with muscular or bone diseases such as muscular
dystrophy or osteodystrophy will have tremendous difficulties going
to such fixed toilet rooms. These types of patients must need
assistance from loved ones or a team of nurses or medical
assistants. Therefore, mobile toilet bowls are born and used
everywhere. Mobile toilet bowls are either affixed to a wheelchair
or a patient bed to serve handicaps, osteodystrophy, and muscular
dystrophy patients. In addition, portable toilet bowls are useful
to outdoor people such as campers, tourists, amateur fishermen,
etc.
[0003] Today there are many different portable toilets bowls
available in the market. These apparatuses still use cleaned water
and retain waste materials such as feces for a certain number of
uses. Portable toilet bowls have two different storage tanks--an
upper tank and a lower tank. Cleaned water is introduced into the
upper tank for storage and for later use. Cleaned water can be
resupplied after many uses. Used water and waste materials are
channeled to the lower tank and stored there for one or more uses.
The combination of used water and waste materials is dumped into
other fixed toilet bowls or in designated public dumping areas.
[0004] However, some of the conventional portable toilets have
limited usability because they affixed to a wheelchair or a bed.
Other portable toilet bowls cannot be disassembled and they are
cumbersome, especially when they are filled up with waste
materials.
[0005] Yet in other conventional portable toilet bowls which can be
disassembled, they do not have sufficient valves to safely contain
feces and liquid waste materials. As a result, they tend to leak
when they are moving around.
[0006] In addition, conventional portable toilet bowls do not have
sufficient functions to meet user's demands. Users such as campers
and tourists still need comforts, even when used outdoors. These
conventional portable toilets bowls do not have automatic or fully
controlled flushing rings to clean the toilet basin, spray nozzle
to clean a user's posterior, and hot drying air after each water
cleaning, etc.
[0007] Users such as patients with osteodystrophy and muscular
dystrophy need a smart portable toilet. Conventional toilet bowls
cannot provide automatic or pre-programmed functions to serve the
needs of these types of users.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a simple, removable, safe and
leak free, and intelligent to meet demands of different types of
users such as patients, tourists, campers, fisherman.
[0009] The portable smart toilet of the present invention meets the
above requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to
provide a smart portable toilet bowl is disclosed including a lower
section releasably connected to a top tank, a hollow ball valve
means operative to open when the toilet seat is open and close when
the toilet seat is closed, and a controller operative to detecting
when a user starts to use said smart portable toilet, starting a
deodorizing fan to introduce antibacterial and deodorizing
materials into the top segment and at the same time start an
extractor fan to draw out odor, and when the user finishes using
the toilet, activating a spray nozzle to clean the user for a first
predetermined amount of time, drying up the user using drying fan
for a second predetermined amount of time, and cleaning the toilet
bowl using a flushing ring for a third predetermined amount of
time.
[0011] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide
a method of using a smart portable toilet including a bottom tank
releasably connected to a top tank, a toilet seat, a cover
connected to a hollow ball valve mechanism, a flushing ring, a
spray nozzle, a drying fan, a extractor fan, and a deodorizing fan;
the method comprising: opening the toilet seat for use, rotating a
hollow ball valve mechanism to open a discharge conduit located in
the top tank, beginning to use the toilet, start a deodorizing fan
to introduce antibacterial and deodorizing materials into the top
tank and at the same time start an extractor fan to extract odor,
when the user finishes using the toilet, activate a spray nozzle to
clean the user for a first predetermined amount of time, drying up
user using drying fan for a second predetermined amount of time,
and cleaning the toilet bowl using flushing ring for a third
predetermined amount of time; and upon closing a toilet lid rotate
the hollow ball valve mechanism to close up the discharge
conduit.
[0012] These and other advantages of the present invention will no
doubt become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after
having read the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, which are illustrated in the various drawings and
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
portable smart toilet including a bottom tank and a top tank in
accordance to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom tank of the smart
portable toilet of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a top view of the bottom tank in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view across AA axis of the
bottom tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top tank of the portable
smart toilet of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a top view of the top tank in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view across BB axis of the top
tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hollow ball valve means in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the components of the portable
smart toilet of FIG. 1 and component in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the rear view of the portable
smart toilet of FIG. 1 in in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing all the components of the top
tank of the portable smart toilet and a remote control in in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a
portable and a smart toilet in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description
of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present
invention.
[0027] Now referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a portable
smart toilet 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In one preferred embodiment, portable
smart toilet 100 includes a bottom tank 101, a top tank 201
releasably connected to top tank 101, a toilet seat 301, and a
toilet lid 401. Both toilet seat 301 and toilet lid 401 are
hingedly connected to top tank 201. In a preferred embodiment,
bottom tank 101 includes a first wheel 102 (not shown in FIG. 1)
and a second wheel 103 on the back end. On top of the front end of
bottom tank 101 there are a lift handle 112 and a retractable pull
handle 111. On the right hand side of bottom tank 101, a waste
level monitor 108 is designed to determine whether bottom tank 101
is full of waste materials and needs to be emptied. A first quick
release locking mechanism 106 on the left hand side (not shown in
FIG. 1) and a second quick release locking mechanism 107 on the
right hand side of bottom tank 101 are used to reliably connect to
top tank 201.
[0028] Continuing with the description of FIG. 1, top tank 201
includes a spray nozzle 209 protruding from the back end designed
to clean a user after each use. With the embodiment described
above, portable smart toilet 100 is portable and easy to assemble
and disassemble for cleaning purposes. The detailed description of
portable smart toilet 100 is described in the following
figures.
[0029] Next, referring to FIG. 2, a perspective diagram 200 of
bottom tank 101 is illustrated. FIG. 2 describes bottom tank 101 in
more details. In one embodiment, bottom tank 101 is a hollow
container having a front side, back, side, left side, a right side,
and a bottom side. Bottom tank 101 is a storage which contains
waste water and waste materials (feces, etc.). On the back side, a
circular evacuation opening 104 with an evacuation cap 1041 are
located. Circular evacuation opening is used to empty the content
of bottom tank 101 when it is filled up. On the right hand side,
waste level monitor 108 is used to check the level of waste
materials in bottom tank 101. On the left hand side, first wheel
102 is located inside a first wheel recess 1021. On the right hand
side, second wheel 103 is located inside a second wheel recess
1031. On the top surface, a back lifting handle 105 is straddled
across a back lifting recess 1051. Back lifting handle 105 is used
to lift bottom tank 101 from the back end so that waste materials
are retreating from evacuation opening 104. Additionally, a hole
1090 is cut out on the top surface of bottom tank 101 toward the
front end so that waste materials and used water from top tank 201
are channeled through there. Also a sliding valve 109 is disposed
over hole 1090 to close bottom tank 101 when not in use or when in
motion. Sliding valve 109 further includes a rectangular cover 1091
having a circular opening 1092 which is aligned with hole 1090.
Sliding valve 109 also has a handle 110 connected to a sliding door
1102 by a connecting bar 1101. When a user holds handle 110 and
pulls outward, sliding door 1102 is slides in that direction,
exposing hole 1090. On the other hand, when the user pushes handle
110 onward, sliding door 1102 is pushed in that same direction to
cover up hole 1090.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 2, on the left side and on the right
side of bottom tank 101, first quick release locking mechanism 106
and second quick release locking mechanism 107 are located
respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, second quick release locking
mechanism 107 includes a second locking pin 1071 spanning across
the second bottom lock recess 1072. Similarly, first quick release
locking mechanism 106 includes a first locking pin 1061 (not shown)
spanning across first bottom lock recess 1062. The remaining
components of the first quick release locking mechanism 106 and
second quick release locking mechanism 107 will be shown and
discussed in later figures.
[0031] Next, referring now to FIG. 3A, a top view 300A of bottom
tank 101 discussed above in FIG. 2 is illustrated. In top view
300A, first bottom locking mechanism 106 is shown which include
first locking pin 1061 and first bottom lock recess 1062. Other
components of bottom tank 101 have already been discussed in FIG. 2
and need not repeat here.
[0032] Next, referring to FIG. 3B, a lateral view 300B of bottom
tank 101 viewed from the cross section along AA axis of FIG. 3A is
illustrated. In cross sectional view 300B, bottom tank 101 is
mainly a hollow container. Circular opening 1092 is aligned with
hole 1090 so that waste materials and water are channeled into this
hollow container. At the bottom, a telescopic arm tube 1112 is
designed to store telescopic arms 1111 of retractable pull handle
111.
[0033] Now referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view 400 of top tank
201 described in FIG. 1 is illustrated. Top tank 201 is also
rectangular in shape which includes a front compartment 250 and a
back compartment 251. Front compartment 250 includes a front side,
a top side, a bottom side, a back side, a left side, and a right
side. On the top side, a toilet seat base (foundation) 2011 emerges
vertically from front compartment 250. Toilet seat 301 and toilet
lid (cover) 401 are hingedly connected on the back side of front
compartment 250. At the bottom of the right side, a second top lock
recess 1073 is disposed. Similarly, a first top lock recess 1063
(not shown) is disposed at the bottom of the left side of front
compartment 250.
[0034] Next, referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. FIG. 5A is a top
view 500A while FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view 500B along the
axis BB of top tank 201. As described above in FIG. 4, front
compartment 250 is a hollow container divided further into two
segments. The first segment includes a funnel-shaped basin 204
connected to a discharge conduit 205 located at the center of front
segment 250. First segment 250 is mainly a water storage
surrounding funnel-shaped basin 204 and discharge conduit 205. In a
preferred embodiment, toilet seat 301 and toilet lid 401 are
hingedly connected to a spur gear 2060 meshed with a gear shaft
2061, a connecting arm 2062, a rotating arm 2063, an actuating arm
2064, and a hollow ball 2065. As seen, second top lock recess 1073
is aligned with the second bottom lock recess 1072. Other
components of front compartment 250 will be described later in FIG.
9.
[0035] Now continuing with FIG. 5B, back compartment 251 is mainly
a gear box and a control center of portable smart toilet 100 of
FIG. 1. Back compartment 251 includes a controller 260 and other
components such as water pump 252. The detailed description of back
compartment 251 is described later in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view 600 of a hollow ball
valves means 206 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. Referring back to FIG. 5B, hollow ball
valve means 206 includes spur gear 2060 rotating around a gear axis
2060A (not shown), gear shaft 2061, connecting arm 2062, rotating
arm 2063, actuating arm 2064, and hollow ball 2065, all connected
together by joints and in communication with toilet seat 301 and
toilet cover 401. Hollow ball 2065 includes a solid face and a
hollow face. In operation, as a user lifts, toilet seat 301 and
toilet lid 401 for use, spur gear 2060 is rotated
counter-clockwise, lifting spur gears 2061. Connecting arm 2062
reciprocates by causing rotating arm 2063 to swing outward. As a
result, actuating arm 2064 rotates and hollow ball 2065 to turn its
hollow side upward lining up with discharge conduit 205. Thus,
portable smart toilet 100 is ready to use. On the other hand, after
the use, the user closes the toilet lid 401, spur gear 2060 is
rotated clockwise, lowering spur gears 2061. Connecting arm 2062
reciprocates causing rotating arm 2063 to swing inward. As a
result, actuating arm 2064 rotates and hollow ball 2065 to turn its
solid side upward lining up with discharge conduit 205. In this
situation, portable smart toilet 100 cannot be used.
[0037] Now referring to FIG. 7, a top view 700 of top tank 201 in
connection to bottom tank 101 and some components of back
compartment 251 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. First quick release locking mechanism 106 further
includes a first locking plate 2021 and second quick release
locking mechanism 107 further includes a second locking plate 2031.
As top tank 201 is placed on top of bottom tank 101, first top lock
recess 1603 (not shown in FIG. 7) Is aligned with first bottom lock
recess 1602 (not shown in FIG. 7). Similarly, second top lock
recess 1703 is aligned with the second bottom lock recess 1702. In
one embodiment, a first locking plate 2021 and a second locking
plate 2031 are used to releasably lock bottom tank 101 to top tank
201. First locking plate 2021 includes a first grasp 2032 at the
bottom and a first lock plate recess 2033 on the opposite side. As
first bottom lock recess 1602 is aligned with first top lock recess
1603, first tab 2022 grasps first locking pin 1061 and the top
portion of first locking plate 2021 is snapped onto the first top
lock recess 1603. On the right hand side, as second bottom lock
recess 1702 is aligned with second top lock recess 1703, second tap
2032 grasps second locking pin 1071 and the top portion of second
locking plate 2031 is snapped onto the second top lock recess 1703.
To release, a user puts their fingers at first locking plate recess
2023 and second locking plate recess 2033 and pulls down. It is
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that other
quick release locking mechanisms can be used in the present
invention.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 7, in back compartment 251, a lid
2501 is used to cover all the components inside. In there, a
deodorizing/anti-bacterial box 254, a water pump 252, a battery 253
are placed inside back compartment 251. In a preferred embodiment,
a controller 260 is electrically connected to control battery 253
and water pump 252, and deodorizing/anti-bacterial box 254. A lid
255 is used to cover deodorizing/anti-bacterial box 254. A complete
description of all the components in back compartment 251 will be
described in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.
[0039] Now referring to FIG. 8, a rear view 800 of back compartment
251 is illustrated. In perspective view 800, top tank 201 locked
onto bottom tank 101 by first locking plate 2021 and second locking
plate 2031 snapped onto respective recesses 1062 aligned with 1063,
and 1072 aligned with 1073. A deodorizing/anti-bacterial fan 2511
is placed next to deodorizing/anti-bacterial box 254 to inject both
deodorizing and anti-bacterial materials into funnel-shaped basin
204 when portable smart toilet 100 is in use. During use, an
extractor fan 2512 is turned on to draw bad odor out of a
funnel-shaped basin 204. In one embodiment, the same extractor fan
2512 can be used to inject drying hot air after use by simply
rotate extractor fan 2512 in an opposite direction. In another
embodiment, a different hot air drying fan can be used. All of the
fans are controlled by controller 260.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view 900 of portable
smart toilet 900 is illustrated which further includes a remote
control 270 in communication with controller 260. All other
components have been described in details in previous FIG. 1-FIG. 8
and therefore are not repeated here again. In one embodiment,
remote control 270 includes a "done" button 271, a "dry" button
272, a "spray" button 273, an "anti" (in short for anti-bacteria)
button 274, and a stop button 275. All of these buttons 271-275 are
in communication with controller 260. "Done" button 271 is pressed
by a user after use to start a cleaning cycle. During the cleaning
cycle, the controller 260 causes spray nozzle 290 to spray water to
clean the user for a first predetermined amount of time, extractor
fan 2511 starts to blow drying hot air to dry the user for a second
predetermined amount of time, and finally flushing ring 2010 to
clean up funnel-shaped basin 204. In one embodiment of the present
invention, first predetermined amount of time and second
predetermined amount of time is set to 45 seconds, while the third
predetermined amount of time is set to 30 seconds. Controller 260
controls the operations of spray nozzle 209, water pump 252,
flushing ring 2010, deodorizing/anti-bacterial fan 2511, extractor
fan 2512 in the automatic mode (in cooperation with a plurality of
sensors).
[0041] Continuing with FIG. 9, in case the user wants to control
portable smart toilet 100, he or she can presses stop button 275 to
stop the cleaning cycle pre-programmed by controller 260. The user
may press the spray button 273 to clean during use or to lengthen
the cleaning time (greater than the preset first predetermined
amount of time) when he or she feels that the cleaning is not
complete. Similarly, dry button 272 is pressed when the user feels
that the second predetermined time is not long enough.
Anti(bacteria and odor) button 274 is pressed when the odor is too
strong and third predetermined amount of time is not long enough.
Finally, stop button 275 is pressed to stop all above buttons
271-274. In one embodiment, remote control 270 communicates
wirelessly to controller 260. In another embodiment, remote control
270 is electrically connected to controller 260 via an electrical
cord (not shown). Yet, in another embodiment, remote control 270
has been user's cell phone. An application dedicated to control
portable smart toilet 100 as described above can be loaded into the
user's cell phone. After downloading such application on the phone,
an icon appears on the screen. When the user presses to start that
icon, buttons 271-275 appears on the display screen of the cell
phone.
[0042] Finally, referring to FIG. 10, a flow chart illustrating a
method 1000 of using a portable smart toilet. In one embodiment,
method 1000 can be realized using portable smart toilet 1000
described above. However, method 1000 of the present invention is
not limited to the use of portable smart toilet 100. Any toilet
device using the steps of method 1000 described herein is within
the scope of the present invention. Method 1000 includes steps of
opening a toilet seat for use, rotating said hollow ball valve
mechanism to open a discharge conduit located in a top tank,
beginning to use the portable smart toilet, starting a deodorizing
fan to introduce antibacterial and deodorizing materials into the
top tank and at the same time start an extractor fan to extract
odor away from top tank, when the user finishes using the portable
smart toilet, activating the spray nozzle to clean the user for a
first predetermined amount of time, drying up user using a drying
fan for a second predetermined amount of time, cleaning a toilet
bowl using a flushing ring for a third predetermined amount of
time, and upon closing a cover rotate the hollow ball valve
mechanism to close the discharge conduit.
[0043] At step 1001, a user begins to use a portable smart toilet.
In one embodiment, the user may begin by assembling the portable
smart toilet or by checking the water level, or finally by opening
the toilet lid. In practice, portable smart toilet 100 can be used
to realize step 1001. A user can begin using portable smart toilet
100 by assembling the bottom tank 101 and top tank 201 together
using first quick release locking mechanism 160 and second quick
release locking mechanism 170. In another situation, a user may
check the water level in top tank 201 before use. Yet in another
situation, a user may begin, simply by opening toilet lid 401.
[0044] At step 1002, determining whether a toilet lid is opened or
closed. This step is important in the present invention because it
determines whether a toilet such as portable smart toilet 100 is
ready to use. This leads to the next step.
[0045] Next, at step 1003, rotating a hollow ball valve means so
that its hollow face is faced upward if the toilet lid is opened.
In one embodiment, step 1003 is realized by toilet lid 401
connected to the hollow ball valve means 260 described above. As a
user lifts, toilet seat 301 and toilet lid 401 for use, spur gear
2060 is rotated counter-clockwise, lifting spur gears 2061.
Connecting arm 2062 reciprocates causing rotating arm 2063 to swing
outward. As a result, actuating arm 2064 rotates and hollow ball
2065 to turn its hollow side upward lining up with discharge
conduit 205. Thus, portable smart toilet 100 is ready to use.
[0046] At step 1004, a user uses a toilet after the toilet is
opened up by a hollow ball valve means.
[0047] At step 1005, extractor fan and deodorizing/anti-bacterial
fan start to operate as soon as a user starts using the toilet.
Step 1005 is realized by deodorizing/anti-bacterial material box
254, fan 2511, and extractor fan 2512. The user may use remote
control 270 as described in FIG. 9 to actualize step 1005. In
another embodiment, a plurality of sensors (not shown) disposed on
the inner periphery of funnel-shaped basin 204 may start step 1005.
Plurality of sensors used in modern toilet is well known in the art
and therefore they are not discussed in details here.
[0048] At step 1007, determining whether a user has finished using
the toilet. Again, step 1007 can be realized by remote control 270
or by a plurality of sensors (not shown).
[0049] At step 1008, starting to clean a user. Step 1008 can be
realized by spray nozzle 209 for a first predetermined amount of
time using a plurality of sensors (not shown) or remote control
270.
[0050] At step 1008, starting to dry a user. Step 1009 can be
realized by extractor fan 1522 for a second predetermined amount of
time using either a plurality of sensors (not shown) or remote
control 270.
[0051] At step 1010, starting to clean the toilet. Step 1010 can be
realized by flushing ring 2010 for a third predetermined amount of
time using either a plurality of sensors (not shown) or remote
control 270.
[0052] At step 1011, closing the toilet if not in use. After use,
the user closes the toilet lid 401, spur gear 2060 reciprocates by
turning clockwise, lowering spur gear 2060. Connecting arm 2062
reciprocates causing rotating arm 2063 to swing inward. As a
result, actuating arm 2064 rotates and hollow ball 2065 to turn its
solid side upward lining up with discharge conduit 205. In this
situation, portable smart toilet 100 cannot be used.
[0053] At step 1012, optionally the toilet bowl is deodorized to
get rid of bad odor. Step 1012 is realized in the present invention
by deodorizing/anti-bacterial material box 254, fan 2511, and
extractor fan 2512. The user may use remote control 270 as
described in FIG. 9 to actualize step 1005.
[0054] In step 1013, lower section is checked if it is filled. Step
1013 is realized by waste level monitor 108 located at the bottom
of bottom tank 101.
[0055] If the lower section is not filled, then at step 1014, a
user may start step 1001.
[0056] If the lower section is filled, at step 1015, disassembling
a bottom tank from a top tank. A user can disassemble portable
smart toilet 100 by removing bottom tank 101 from top tank 201
using the first quick release locking mechanism 160 and second
quick release locking mechanism 170.
[0057] Finally, at step 1016, waste materials are emptied from a
bottom tank. Step 1016 is realized by using evacuation opening 104
located at the back end of bottom tank 101. More particularly, a
user may use retractable pull handle 111 to drag the bottom tank
101 on first wheel 102 and second 103 to a designated area nearby
to empty the content. Yet in another situation, the user may also
use the top lift handle 112 to carry bottom tank 101 to such
designated area. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
first predetermined amount of time and second predetermined amount
of time are set to 45 seconds, while the third predetermined amount
of time is set to 30 seconds.
[0058] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the
invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how
detailed the foregoing appears in the text, the invention can be
practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted
that the use of particular terminology when describing certain
features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply
that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to
including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects
of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The
scope of the invention should therefore be construed in accordance
with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS
[0059] 101 bottom tank [0060] 102 first wheel [0061] 1021 first
wheel recess [0062] 103 second wheel [0063] 1031 second wheel
recess [0064] 106 first quick release locking mechanism [0065] 1061
first locking pin [0066] 1062 first bottom lock recess [0067] 1063
first locking plate [0068] 1064 first grasping tab [0069] 1065
first locking plate recess [0070] 107 second quick release locking
mechanism [0071] 1071 second locking pin [0072] 1072 second bottom
lock recess [0073] 1073 second locking plate [0074] 1074 first
grasping tab [0075] 1075 second locking plate recess [0076] 108
waste level monitor [0077] 111 retractable lift handles [0078] 1111
telescopic arms [0079] 1112 telescopic arm tubes [0080] 112 front
lift handles [0081] 1121 front lift handles recess [0082] 104
evacuation opening [0083] 1041 evacuation cap (lid) [0084] 105 back
lifts handle [0085] 1051 back lifts recess [0086] 109 sliding valve
[0087] 1090 hole [0088] 1091 rectangular cover [0089] 1092 circular
opening [0090] 110 sliding valve handles [0091] 1101 connecting
shaft [0092] 1102 sliding door [0093] 201 top tank [0094] 2011
toilet seat base (foundation) [0095] 301 toilet seat [0096] 401
toilet lid (cover) [0097] 250 front compartment [0098] 251 back
compartment [0099] 1063 first top lock recess [0100] 1073 second
top lock recess [0101] 252 water pump [0102] 2510 Back compartment
lid [0103] 253 battery [0104] 260 controller [0105] 2060 spur gear
[0106] 2060A gear axis [0107] 2061 spur shaft [0108] 2062
connecting arm [0109] 2063 rotating arm [0110] 2064 actuating arm
[0111] 2065 hollow ball [0112] 254 Deodorizing/anti-bacterial box
[0113] 255 Deodorizing/anti-bacterial chamber lid [0114] 258 water
input opening [0115] 259 water input cap [0116] 207
Deodorizing/anti-bacterial chamber [0117] 2511
deodorizing/anti-bacterial fan [0118] 2512 extractor fan [0119] 257
Electrical box cover [0120] 209 spray nozzle [0121] 2010 flushing
ring [0122] 2021 first locking plate [0123] 2022 first tab [0124]
2023 first locking plate recess [0125] 2031 second locking plate
[0126] 2032 second tab [0127] 2033 second locking plate recess
[0128] 270 remote control [0129] 271 done button [0130] 272 dry
button [0131] 273 spray button [0132] 274 anti (bacteria/odor)
button [0133] 275 stop button
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