Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Dry closets
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-10
2001-12-11
Eloshway, Charles R. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Dry closets
C052S079100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327719
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable restrooms. More specifically, the invention relates to portable restrooms with a multipurpose base design that can also be used as a fluid tank.
Many situations exist where portable restrooms are a beneficial and convenient fixture. For example, where special events are conducted and large amounts of people are temporarily going to be in certain locations, it is very beneficial to add a large number of portable restrooms which can be selectively placed at a location and then removed after the event. Additionally, in certain seasonal situations, it is beneficial to utilize portable restrooms which can then be used seasonally. For example, golf courses may typically include portable restrooms which can then be removed during the off seasons. Construction sites also provide another situation where portable restrooms are beneficial.
Portable restrooms can be classified in two categories: (1) flushing; and (2) non-flushing. Fresh Flushing portable restrooms require the addition of a fluid supply so that this flushing capability can be provided. In these situations, an additional fluid tank is added to the restroom as an external component. Also, pumps and fluid handling equipment are necessary to provide the flushing function. While very beneficial, the additional fluid tank is very cumbersome and subject to vandalism. Also, this additional component adds cost to the restroom. Further, this additional component extends from the basic structure of the restroom and makes transportation much more difficult.
In non-flushing models, no additional fluid is utilized. The restroom simply includes a waste holding tank which can be serviced as necessary.
As can be expected, portable restrooms are typically moved quite often. Also, these portable restrooms are typically placed directly on the ground and may often be slid around to appropriately position them. Consequently, a rugged support structure is required on the bottom portion of the portable restroom. This structure must be able to support the weight of the restroom while also withstanding wear caused by continuous movement and repositioning.
As is easily recognized, it is very undesirable to have the portable restrooms easily tip or fall over. As is well known, these portable restrooms are typically placed outdoors and must withstand high winds and other conditions. Consequently, it is beneficial to provide a considerable amount of weight in the bottom portion of the restroom in order to provide stability. This will help to keep the structure upright and avoid tipping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to provide a portable restroom design which provides a great number of advantages and meets many of the above-referenced requirements, a multipurpose base assembly is used. This base assembly includes two basic components—a supporting structure and a tank/floor member. The supporting structure is preferably molded, blow molded, or twin sheet formed using material which is preferably greater than 0.2 inches in thickness. In one version, the supporting structure includes two separate molded runners which are arranged in a substantially parallel configuration beneath the tank member. Additionally, the tank member includes an internal chamber capable of maintaining liquids. This internal chamber can then be utilized to provide flushing fluid in a flushing restroom. Alternatively, if the flushing capability is not desired, the tank feature is not utilized and this simply provides a support floor for the restroom.
In order to maintain the flushing capability and not puncture the internal tank, the tank member is designed with a number of attachment flanges to accommodate fasteners. Utilizing these attachment flanges, fasteners can be inserted through attachment points without puncturing or interfering with the internal chamber. Consequently, the internal chamber is maintained and can easily contain a liquid.
In addition to the fluid tank capabilities, the base assembly allows the support structure to be separately molded, utilizing a heavier design. More specifically, the support structure, or runners, can be molded utilizing thicker walled design thus increasing the weight of these components. This provides the additional benefit of adding weight to the bottom portion of the restroom. Also, this thicker plastic increases the durability of the support structure, thus better accommodating the typical handling of the restroom. In one version, the support structure includes a pair of runners which are attached at an outer portion of the assembly. These runners easily withstand the sliding of the restroom. Additionally, the runners are easily replaced should they become overly work or damaged.
In addition to the heavier weights, the runners of the present invention are provided with an interlocking configuration so that the tank member and runners can be connected in a more robust manner. More specifically, the runners are provided with tabs extending from one side thereof. Also, the tank member is provided with a number of recesses or openings specifically designed to accommodate these interlocking tabs. When mated together, the runners and tank member provide a snap fit or interlocking configuration. The rigidity and stability of the overall unit is then enhanced by adding fasteners, such as lag bolts, which more permanently attach the runners to the tank member. This snap fit or interlocking connection provides multiple advantages. First off, the runner and tank member will be held together to accommodate the placement of further fasteners. Obviously, this makes the assembly process much smoother and more efficient. Additionally, this interlocking feature provides longitudinal strength to the connection. Oftentimes, the restroom is pushed along the ground perpendicular to the direction of the runners. By having an interlocking connection between the tank member and the runners, the strength of the connection is enhanced. More specifically, the longitudinal forces are distributed between the interlocking tab members, rather than being directed exclusively to the connectors. Consequently, a more structurally sound, robust, and efficient connection is achieved by having this interlocking feature.
Occasionally, it is necessary to lift the restroom and place it at appropriate locations. This is typically done by utilizing an overhead crane or boom of some type which has a cable attached to an upper portion thereof. When lifted, the weight of the restroom is then carried at those connection points. By having the runners snap fit into the base unit, the weight of the runners is more evenly distributed throughout various portions of the base unit, and not simply carried by the fasteners themselves. This provides additional load handling and load distribution when the restroom is handled in this fashion.
The tank member is also a molded unit which includes both the internal chamber for maintaining liquid, and all necessary structural supporting members so that it can also operate as a restroom floor. That is, the tank member is designed with appropriate support members so that the weight of users and additional components can be handled. Machined within the tank member are appropriate openings to provide for fluid handling. Specifically, a filling opening is provided which can easily accommodate a standard garden hose. Consequently, this aids in the ability to fill the base unit tank with flushing fluid as necessary. Additionally, appropriate connection ports and openings are provided to allow a pump to be attached thereto and pump hoses to be inserted.
In order to accommodate easy filling and pumping of the base unit tank, a fluid handling structure is configured for attachment to the rear of the portable restroom. This fluid handling structure includes a bezel for both filling and pumping of base unit tank. The hose is configured to extend through a filling opening in base tank, and into the fluid supply area. The bezel structure is attached thereto, such that the insertion of a h
Eliasen Richard E.
Hilde Todd
Holmstadt Ronald J.
Koughan Daniel J.
Lobertmann Douglas E.
Eloshway Charles R.
Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP
Satellite Industries, Inc.
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