The present invention relates to portable toilet apparatus, and more particularly to such apparatus which is temporarily erectable and collapsible for convenient transport, for example, over a shoulder of a user for distance. So-called portable toilets are widely known and comprise a large rigid enclosed housing with a door for accommodating a user in privacy. A standard chemical toilet is typically provided in the housing, allowing a user to sit comfortably on a rigid bowl.

However, these kinds of toilet are only portable when using a truck or lorry with lifting apparatus. They cannot be transported by a single user. Often, a user will be in an isolated area, such as at a beach or in mountainous regions. He or she may be accompanied by younger family members. A toilet may well not be easily accessible at these times, and without a support toileting can be difficult and awkward.

Furthermore, even when toilets are available, they may not be in a suitable state for use, and/or there may be excessive queues. This is a common occurrence at festivals.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to the present invention, there is provided portable toilet apparatus comprising a hingably collapsible support frame, a pliantly flexible user support which is supportable by the support frame and which has a waste aperture, a pliantly flexible organic waste collection container which is removably receivable in the waste aperture, and aperture adjustment means for selectively adjusting an opening size of the waste aperture so as to accommodate user's of different sizes.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 36, inclusive. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of portable toilet apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a pliantly flexible organic waste collection container on a pliantly flexible user support of the apparatus; Figure 3 shows the apparatus with aperture adjustment means on the user support;

Figure 4 shows the apparatus in a collapsed condition for storage and transportation;

Figure 5 shows the apparatus erected and with a waste aperture cover for use when seating alone is required; and

Figure 6 shows the apparatus being transported.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown portable toilet apparatus 10 which comprises a support frame 12, a user support 14 having a waste aperture 16, an organic waste collection container 18, and aperture adjustment means 19 for selectively adjusting an opening size of the waste aperture 16.

The support frame 12 includes a plurality of elongate rigid rectilinear support members 20, typically being formed of tubular metal or plastics, which are pivotably interconnected partway and preferably midway between their ends 22, 24. A connector collar 26 is utilised for pivotably interconnecting the support members 20 in a common plane. The collar 26 is generally circular and includes three separate spaced generally ovoid apertures 28 which allow each support member 20 to pivot in a generally tangential direction from a position in which its longitudinal extent is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of the collar 26 to an acute included angle. In this way, the support members 20, in this case being three, can be arranged in parallel or substantially parallel with each other to a condition in which the ends 22, 24 are splayed apart. Protective end caps 30, which are preferably rubber or plastics, are provided on lower or distal ends 22 of the support members 20 to act as feet. Similar end caps 30 are preferably also provided on the upper or proximal ends 24. Support elements may be provided, and these may conveniently be part of the end caps 30 or may be separate. The support elements preferably include outwardly extending flange or disk-shaped portions to prevent or limit the respective support members from sinking into soft ground. Alternatively or additionally, the support element may include suction elements, such as suction cups, to provide releasable suction engagement with a smooth hard surface, such as the deck of a boat. The user support 14 is formed of a pliantly flexible material, such as a woven or non- woven fabric, like canvas. It is generally equilateral triangular shaped having a support member pocket 32 integrally formed on an under surface at each apex. The upper end 24 of each support member 20 is received in a respective pocket 32 and fastened therein, for example, using a screw-threaded fastener 34. The waste aperture 16 is provided preferably centrally in the triangular user support 14 and may include a reinforced rim 36.

The organic waste collection container 18 is disposable and is preferably formed from pliantly flexible plastics which may be transparent, translucent or opaque. The container 18 comprises a deep waste receptacle portion 38 and an integral overlying rim portion 40. The container 18 is received through the waste aperture 16 so that the waste receptacle portion 38 hangs down therefrom and towards the collar 26. The rim portion 40 extends from the waste aperture 16 in the opposite direction to the waste receptacle portion 38 so that it fully covers an upper surface of the user support 14.

A perimeter edge 42 of the rim portion 40 includes engagement means in this case in the form of a drawstring 44. The perimeter edge 42 overhangs the entire perimeter edge 46 of the user support 14, and the drawstring 44 can be pulled tight to cinch the overlying rim portion 40 under the user support 14 and against the support frame 12, thereby holding the organic waste collection container 18 securely in place. Waste absorption means is preferably provided in the waste receptacle portion 38 for absorbing at least in part organic waste from a user. In this case, the waste absorption means may be polycrylate crystals, and/or an absorbent pad 48. Preferably, the waste absorption means 48 also includes means for absorbing noxious vapours. The aperture adjustment means 19, in this embodiment, is an adapter element 45 comprising a pliantly flexible cover 47 which is releasably attachable to the user support 14 at three edges, for example, via hook and loop fasteners. See Figure 3. The cover 47 has a further waste aperture 49 which has at least one dimension which is less than that of the waste aperture 16. Once the support frame 12 is erected, the user support 14 is reasonably taught on the splayed apart ends 24 of the support members 20, and it is decided whether the aperture adjustment means 19 should be utilised, the disposable organic waste collection container 18 is placed through the waste aperture 16 or adapted waste aperture 16, 49 and engaged around the perimeter edge 46 of the user support 14. Whilst seated, a user can then comfortably relieve themself. On completion, the engagement means 44 is released and the organic waste collection container 18 can be removed and disposed of.

As shown in Figure 5, once toileting is complete, the apparatus 10 can be used as a standard seat 50. A pliantly flexible removable waste aperture cover 52 is fastenable around the user support 14 to cover the waste aperture 16. The cover 52 is also generally triangular and the arm portions 54 are fastened to each other at or adjacent to their apexes under the user support 14, typically using a press-stud fastening device and/or hook and loop fastening, such as Velcro RTM.

The apparatus 10 includes a storage container 56 in this case in the form of an elongate shoulder bag as shown in Figure 6. Once the seat 50 is finished with, it can be quickly and easily collapsed and slid into the storage container 56. A user 58 can then conveniently carry it to a new location.

A plurality of the disposable organic waste collection containers are preferably provided for carrying in the storage container. To enable users of different heights to use the apparatus, the support members may be extendable, and conveniently telescopic. Additionally or alternatively, the splaying of the ends of the support members may be adjustably settable.

Although it is suggested that a drawstring is provided as or as part of the engagement means, any other suitable engagement means can be additionally or alternatively considered, such as an elasticated perimeter edge.

The adapter element of the aperture adjustment means may alternatively comprise a drawstring around the waste aperture to allow adjustment.

Furthermore, the cover of the adapter element may be permanently hinged at one edge to allow the cover to be folded over the user support as necessity dictates.

To aid support, especially for users requiring stability, an extension handle can be provided. The handle is either directly or indirectly connectable to the support frame, and extends above the user support to provide a grab element. The extension handle may conveniently be detachable from the support frame to act as a walking stick. Additionally, warning means may be provided for displaying or emitting an audible and/or visual warning signal when the apparatus is in use. This may be in the form of a warning sign which is spaced from the user support, or an alarm.

Furthermore, user covering means may be included for at least partially covering a user when using the apparatus. The user covering means can be a pliantly flexible cover, such as a poncho or cape, which is wearable by a user. The covering means in this case extends from a user's neck or shoulders to or substantially to the ground on which the support frame is erected.

Beneficially, the user covering means may be adaptable for use as the storage container for storing and transporting at least the support frame, user support and organic waste collection container. In this case, the user covering means would be foldable and interengagable with itself to form the storage container. An accessory container may be provided which is engagable with the user support and/or the support frame. This would allow hygienic accessories, such as wipes and hand wash, to be supported away from the ground, whilst also being isolated when in the storage container. The or another accessory container may also provide for the temporary storage of a mobile phone or other items, such as a book or spare underwear. These latter items would be particularly useful for a younger user, such as an infant.

As an option, a holder element can also be provided on the user support and/or support frame for holding an umbrella. In this case, a releasable clamp, tie or fastener would preferably be provided.

It is thus possible to provide portable toilet apparatus which can be conveniently carried and transported by a single person whilst carrying other items. The apparatus can be temporarily and easily erected and collapsed in almost any location.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.